14 Apr 2013

CR IP TI ON BS SU

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

First human H7N9 bird flu case in Beijing

‘Gentleman’ Psy unveils hip-swinging music video

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Queen Beatrix reopens Rijksmuseum after revamp

Woods gets reprieve, two-shot penalty

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Retrial of Mubarak collapses in chaos Judge steps aside, passes case to appeal court conspiracy theories

Shackle me!

Muzzle me!

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

K

uwait. One step forward and fifty steps back, unfortunately. These steps cannot be found in any dance. Is it a joke what I read about the Ministry of Information’s draft “unified media law”?

Are you serious? Can you muzzle us in this age and in this era? This is the age of Internet and instant online communication. If anything happens anywhere in the world, even in the North Pole, in less than a second it is spread across the world. Who is behind this law? Is he for real? Who are you going to control? Are you for real that Twitter and Internet could be controlled? Just imagine how many employees you would need to work around the clock to monitor communication. Leave alone the newspapers and mainstream media. It is easier to monitor. You just employ a handful of censors. But monitoring Twitter, emails is impossible.

Unless the government is taking the Kuwaitization law seriously and is trying to employ every single person in the monitoring field. This will upset the plan of the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Thekra Rasheedi to kick out 100,000 expats a year. If you are going to monitor, you will need at least half of the nation to be involved.

Leave jokes aside, it is sad to learn that the Ministry of Information has come up with this. We have been boasting that Kuwait is a pioneer in the Middle East in democracy and freedom of speech. The whole Arab world looked up on our newspapers as they were candid and free and could criticize anybody in the government. We had real free press. I think Lebanon and Kuwait were the pioneers in this field. We were the envy of other countries. In 2013, instead of advancing, we are retreating 50 years. There came a time when we were asking the ministry of information to be closed down. Instead we got the “unified media law.”

I have a suggestion. Instead of upsetting the nation and yourself with this law, order all media to be closed and you, Dear Government, open media outlets and run them the way you like, print what you want and broadcast what you deem is of interest to the Kuwaiti nation. In all fairness, to monitor things which could harm the security of the country, I agree with any law you introduce. Also, you will not find two people disputing the punishment for blaspheming Almighty God. Of course, nobody agrees with insulting the head of the state. That is obvious.

The rest of the draft law has harsh and unrealistic proposals. This law should not be prepared by two or three men from the ministry. Intellectuals, journalists, editors-in-chiefs, lawyers and people from all strata should give their thoughts on it. This is not a law for the elite. Discuss it with them. You do not have to implement this law within a month. Countries take years to change constitutions. Then only you can pass it through parliament.

Thank you while I can still write and say my opinion!

CAIRO: Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak waves to his supporters from behind bars as he attends a hearing in his retrial yesterday. — AP

CAIRO: The judge in ousted president Hosni Mubarak’s retrial stepped aside yesterday, in a chaotic opening hearing that lasted just seconds and saw a proud and combative Mubarak smile and wave in the dock. Head judge Mostafa Hassan Abdallah told the court he would recuse himself and send the case to the Court of Appeal, which will then refer the trial to a new circuit, sending the case of the ex-strongman back to square one. As the judges filed out of the courtroom, uproar erupted with people shouting and waving their arms.

Civil society lawyers attending the trial chanted: “The people want the execution of the president.”

In October, the same judge had acquitted defendants in the infamous “Battle of the Camels” trial, who were accused of sending men on camels and horses to break up a protest during the 2011 uprising that toppled Mubarak. “This judge and this circuit acquitted all the defendants in the battle of the camels and there is a lot of doubt over their position. This prevents him from conducting this trial,” said Amir Salem, a lawyer for the families of victims.

Mubarak, his former interior minister Habib Al-Adly and six security chiefs were in the dock - albeit briefly for their alleged complicity in the murder and attempted murder of hundreds of peaceful protesters on Jan 25-31, 2011. The former president and Adly had both received life sentences in a first trial in June, but all six of the security chiefs were acquitted, sparking outraged protests across the country. Months of rumours that Mubarak was too weak to attend his retrial were put to rest yesterday when the former leader seemed healthy as he sat up in a stretcher in the defendants’ cage, smiling and waving to supporters. “We love you, big man!” a handful of his supporters yelled at him.

His sons Alaa and Gamal, who are also facing a new trial for corruption, appeared to be in good spirits as they smiled and chatted with their father. Earlier yesterday, television footage showed Mubarak wheeled out of an ambulance on a stretcher and taken into the Police Academy in a Cairo suburb for the hearing. A handful of supporters outside the courthouse held up posters of Continued on Page 13

Jet crashes into sea in Bali Girl with swollen head needs ‘miracle’ JIRANIA KHOLA, India: A desperate Indian father whose young child suffers from a condition that caused her head to swell up to an enormous size said yesterday he is praying for a “miracle” to save her life. Eighteen-month-old Roona Begum was diagnosed with

hydrocephalus, in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, just weeks after her birth in a government-run hospital in remote Tripura state in northeast India. The potentially fatal illness has caused Roona’s head to swell Continued on Page 13

JIRANIA, India: Fatima Khatun 25, kisses the head of her 18-month-old daughter Roona Begum, suffering from hydrocephalus, in their hut in this village on the outskirts of Agartala, the capital of the northeastern state of Tripura yesterday. — AFP

Palestinian PM Fayyad resigns RAMALLAH: Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad formally presented his resignation to president Mahmud Abbas yesterday, a Palestinian official said. “Fayyad met Abbas for half an hour in the president’s headquarters in Ramallah in the West Bank and officially handed him his written resignation,” the official told AFP. Abbas and Fayyad have been at loggerheads as criticism of the prime minister’s economic policies has mounted in the Continued on Page 13

Max 33º Min 20º High Tide 02:48 & 13:31 Low Tide 08:55 & 20:16

Salam Fayyad

DENPASAR, Indonesia: A Lion Air Boeing 737 is submerged in water after missing the runaway during landing at Bali’s international airport yesterday. — AFP DENPASAR, Indonesia: An Indonesian tially submerged not far from the end of plane carrying 101 passengers and seven the runway, with inflatable slides crew broke in two after missing the run- deployed from the front exits and a gapway at Bali airport yesterday and landing ing crack in the fuselage towards the in the sea, leaving dozens injured but no rear. Passengers in life jackets could be fatalities. The new Boeing 737-800 was seen in the water as police in rubber operated by budget airline Lion Air, a dinghies rowed out from the shore. “The rapidly expanding carrier which recently plane plunged into the sea at high sealed blockbuster orders for hundreds speed,” said passenger Ignatius Juan of new planes but which is banned from Sinduk, 45, from his hospital bed in US and European airspace over safety Denpasar where he was being treated for concerns. The domestic flight ended with breathing difficulties after his chest was passengers screaming in terror as the air- injured in the crash. “Everybody craft hit the water after missing the run- screamed and water suddenly surged way at the popular resort island’s into the plane. Passengers panicked and Denpasar airport, despite fine weather. scrambled for life jackets. Some passenThe plane, which was delivered to gers fell, some ran into others, it was Lion Air just last month, came to rest parContinued on Page 13

Maradona visits Chavez tomb CARACAS: Argentine football icon Diego Maradona visited the tomb of his friend Hugo Chavez on Friday and urged Venezuelans to elect the late leftist leader’s designated successor in this weekend’s presidential election. Wearing a white shirt and donning diamonds in each ear, Maradona called on Venezuelans to vote for acting President Nicolas Maduro Today to continue the socialist leader’s legacy. “Continue the struggle,” Maradona said on staterun television after visiting the marble tomb in an old military barracks perched in a hillside Caracas neighborhood. “He’s no longer here physically but we will continue with Nicolas, we will continue the legacy of not letting ourselves be trampled by anybody,” he said. “In the ballot box on Sunday, people must reaffirm Chavez’s ideas through Nicolas.”

The 1986 World Cup winner signed autographs to people outside the barracks and joined the crowd

in chanting “Chavez lives! The struggle goes on!”

Maradona attended Maduro’s final campaign rally in Caracas late Thursday, signing footballs and kicking them to the crowd. Wearing a red shirt with his trademark number 10, he kissed Maduro in the cheek. Maduro faces opposition leader Henrique Capriles in the election, one month after Chavez lost his battle with cancer.

“Speaking with Diego was very emotional because comandante Chavez also loved him very much,” Maduro said after they visited the tomb and a photo exhibition in the “Mountain Barracks” where Chavez plotted a failed coup in 1992. His appearance alongside Maradona and other programs on state-run television VTV throughout the day drew complaints from the opposition, which noted that official campaigning ended late Thursday.

Continued on Page 13

CARACAS: Argentina’s football legend Diego Maradona visits the tomb of late President Hugo Chavez at an old military barracks on Friday. — AFP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

LOCAL

Ministry plans to announce deportation strategy soon Steps to support national labor forces KUWAIT: Kuwait plans to soon announce the government’s strategy to deport 100,000 foreign workers annually in a bid to address the Gulf state’s demographic imbalance, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Thekra Al-Rashidi said in a recent statement. The plan, which aims to drive one million expatriate labor forces out of Kuwait within a decade, drew mixed reactions ever since Al-Rashidi announced it last month following a meeting with a governmental committee tasked with finding ways to organize the country’s expatriate population.

“Reforming the labor market is among the top priorities along with steps to support national labor forces in the private sector,” Al-Rashidi was quoted as saying by

Al-Jarida newspaper yesterday. She further reiterated that the ministry was “determined” to implement the plan in coordination with the concerned state departments.

Kuwait is home to more than 3.8 million people, more than 2.6 million of whom are expatriates, according to official statistics.

Other statistics indicated that foreign workers form nearly 91 percent of the workforce in the private sector. Minister Al-Rashidi did not specify a date by when the ministry planned to explain the mechanism by which the deportation plan will work.

The issue elicited mixed reactions, both in public and from MPs. Some lawmakers reportedly voiced their support for the plan as being ‘necessary’ to address the demographic imbalance which many blame for

causing pressure on public services in a state where health and education have been suffering, traffic jams and energy shortages were routine even though the state recorded financial surpluses over the past number of years. On the other hand, there are opinions against the law which deem it ‘inapplicable’, especially given its nature that suggests that ‘human right violations’ could be involved.

There has been speculation that the law will mostly affect ‘marginal labor forces’ or workers who usually accept to do menial labor and often live without valid visas.

Such workers are often the victim of visa traffickers who exploit loopholes in the ministry’s system to release work permits in the name of fake companies or non-exis-

tent job openings, and then sell them to unskilled labor forces looking for a chance to work in the oil-rich Gulf region. The system is based on the kafala (sponsorship of foreign workers) program which is often criticized by international organizations for human right violations recorded in Kuwait and the entire region.

Al-Rashidi’s announcement of the deportation plan came simultaneously with a decision that went into effect on April 1st, and which stipulates suspension of all transactions regarding transfer of commercial visas to work permits in the private sector. The decision was reportedly announced as being part of “efforts to regulate the expatriate labor forces and address the demographic imbalance.”

Sadeem Model School graduates second batch

News

in brief

Strategic alternative KUWAIT: Union members differed about the strategic alternative prepared by Civil Service Commission instead of the system of cadres to achieve job justice. The union head of port workers, Ali Al-Sakoni, emphasized that the workers were all set to go on a full blown strike if their allowances were reduced. Treasurer Saleh Al Aslawi said that Civil Service Commission cannot recommend a slash in their wages. He said the commission has proved to be a complete failure in handling the issue politically. He said it must periodically review the employees’ salaries and approves suitable increments, keeping in view inflation and the standard of living.

Ireland allocates more seats Well-informed sources said that Kuwait’s cultural office in Ireland has suggested increasing by 40, the number of seats allocated for Kuwaiti medicine students for the academic year 2013-2014.

In this regard, office manager Dr. Waleed Bakr Shu’aib said that he had already managed to convince two medicine colleges in Ireland to accept an additional 40 students from Kuwait in the Irish national University.

School director, Al-Shaheen presenting a trophy to Al-Haim.

One of the students’ performances

By Hassan A. Bari KUWAIT: The Sadeem Model School recently celebrated as its second batch of fourth grade pupils with special needs graduated. The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Educational Area director, Talaq Al-Haim, was present on the occasion. The achievement was being credited to the patronage of the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Nayef Al-Hajraf.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Al-Haim disclosed that complementing the two existing primary schools, four more

The Math teaching aids exhibition

Al-Haim and Al-Shaheen touring the exhibition model schools would be opened for students with special needs in both the intermediate and secondary stages. “ These schools are important to help educate slow-learners or those who need special care,” said Al-Haim, noting the experiment would be extended to include all education stages in Mubarak Al-Kabeer area and would be later on extended to include even other educational areas.

“Some of the first batch graduates from Sadeem school joined normal public education at intermediate schools along with their peers where they achieved better

Oil Ministry to fulfil Media Forum guidelines KUWAIT: The Kuwait’s Ministry of Oil has vowed to full commitment to the recommendations of the recently Kuwait-hosted First GCC Petroleum Media Forum.

In a press statement, the Ministry said it has already started to put into effect some the recommendations detailed in the final statement of the forum, held in Kuwait on March 25-26, 2013. Head of the Petroleum Media Control Department at the Kuwait Oil Ministry Mudahi Al-Shemari said that the Ministry is compiling a book about the GCC Petroleum Media Forum’s deliberations and outcome. The Ministry is producing a documentary movie about the role of petroleum media in defending GCC oil strategy, policies

Illegal workers arrested In continuation of its work, the tri-partite committee comprising representatives of the ministries of interior, social affairs and commerce, launched a wide scale inspection campaign at Mubarakiya to track down illegal expatriate laborers. In this regard, head of the inspection team, Jalal Al-Kout, stressed that the team’s job was to track down and arrest all illegal residents in a bid to gain more control over local labor markets. He added that the campaign resulted in arrest of 13 illegal residents including some runaway domestic workers who were working for people other than their sponsors. “The arrested workers will be deported and the companies sponsoring them will be suspended for the violation,” he stressed, pointing out that further inspection campaigns would be launched in various governorates.

and interests and in highlighting the oil sector’s role in achieving stability in the international oil markets. The forum, held under the banner of “GCC Petroleum Media - Reality and Aspirations”, has come up with the following recommendations: Prepare publications and media documents related to the oil industry at the Council Countries in Arabic and English and distribute them inside and outside the Council Countries. * Regulate media campaigns in cooperation with international oil organizations to face the transmission of some international media means against the oil interests of the producing countries.—KUNA

results and were found capable of catching up and coping with them,” explained AlHaim. He said that if it was not for the care and attention received from Sadeem school administration and teaching staff, these students would have dropped out since they had been facing learning difficulties.

On her part, school director Khaleda AlShaheen stressed that the success of this experiment resulted in 42 of the 92 students registered in the second batch of pupils graduating from the school this year.

“The total number of graduates from

Sadeem school who managed to prove that the human mind was capable of achieving a lot if properly nurtured has now reached 60,” she underlined, noting that thanks to the simplified teaching methods and special needs’ teachers, Sadeem graduates who joined other intermediate schools have achieved 75-85 per cent grades. Notably, the ceremony was attended by Math supervisors, teachers and other MOE officials. The event also witnessed a special Math teaching aids exhibition and some performances put up by students with special needs.

New media law under fire KUWAIT: Several MPs have attacked the proposed “Unified Media Law”, describing it as a “communist law” that is “dark” and one that “limits freedom”. They said they would be very strict during the Parliamentary discussion on the draft law. The MPs pointed out that it was necessar y to seek the opinions of the nation’s editors-in-chief and others who were conversant with law. They said the penalties stipulated in the proposal were not logical, adding that more freedom of expression should be allowed.

Rejecting the government’s proposed law on grounds that it limited freedom of expression, MP Nawaf Al-Fuzaie stated that “the assembly will take a stand against this communist law”.

He said the law was bad and militated against freedom of expression indirectly by stipulating that opinions expressed on printed or broadcasted material, as well as to those published online, must be presented before a supervisory department for approval before publication.

Meanwhile, MP Saad Al-Boos said Kuwait was in dire need of a unified media law to regulate the chaotic situation in the media world, adding that the law should not compromise the freedom of media. He said the media should not be left alone without regulations that guarantee its freedom and regulate its per formance. Al-Boos asked the Parliamentary education committee to seek the opinions of all those who had specialized knowledge on the subject under discussion — including editors-inchief and those in charge of media websites — in order to guarantee a law that reflects all points of view.

MP Khalil Al-Saleh said: “We are for raising the ceiling of freedom, but in a way that is in line with our tradition.

Everything that is realistic should be accepted, but the penalties and fines are not realistic, as one of the fines is to the tune of KD 300,000, which is too high.”

The “Justice and Peace” gathering criticized the proposed unified media proposal, saying that it constitutes unprecedented danger for freedom of opinion and expression, and is a way to muzzle

public opinion. One of the leaders there said: “What the government is doing are failed attempts to take Kuwait back to the dark ages and pre-constitutional era.

MPs must take a stand against this proposal as this is a true test to preserve articles of the constitution which guarantee freedom of expression, opinion and creativity.” Meanwhile, Information Minister and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah denied that the goal behind the unified media law was to reduce freedom of expression or muzzle public opinion in Kuwait. He pointed out that the proposal had a provision that there would be “no punishment unless through the court”, and therefore, there would not be administrative media punishments. He said the law was meant to safeguard relations with friendly countries, because Kuwait was known for its good relations with various countries around the globe.

Al-Humoud insisted that the law would be a positive addition to the media world in general and expressed hope that it would foster the development of responsible media. Therefore, he added that he hoped to gain MPs’ support on the issue.

He said Kuwait was known for being a champion of freedom and as a pioneer of democracy, pointing out that the proposal was a result of sincere efforts by a team of legal experts and workers at the information ministry. On his part, MP Nabil AlFadhl said: “We have not read the unified media law proposal, but we have told the information minister that a six-month jail term is better than KD 300,000 in fines!”

He noted that the imprisonment would be served by the person who violated the law, but high fines would have be paid by the whole family - for instance, when the violators find themselves compelled to sell their homes in order to pay the fines.

MP Faisal Al-Kandari said the unified media law was in line with the requirements of the current period to keep strife at bay, adding that the law could be amended later. He stated that he would support the information minister on the issue.

New Interior study The Ministry of Interior is conducting a study on the NA council’s recommendations regarding accepting the children of Kuwaiti women from bedoun and GCC citizens into the police corps, in order to examine how those recommendations could be implemented in the 21st century.

Undersecretary General Ghazi Al Omar had ordered to conduct the study. He asked the training department of the ministry to explore the possibility of accepting the children of widowed or divorced Kuwaiti women and Kuwaiti soldiers in order to increase the number of police personnel. Security sources said the study would be based on the police department’s past experiences relating to accepting the children of Kuwaiti women, GCC citizens, soldiers who are bedoun. The study will also involve examining how to implement such actions in accordance with ministry regulations. The results of study are expected to be out by the end of this month, so that the recommendations could be implemented within the next two months.

New labor shelter opened in Jleeb KUWAIT: The assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor for labor sector affairs, Jamal AlDoussary, said that the ministry has operationalized a new domestic and expatriate labor shelter in Jleeb on an experimental basis.

Al-Doussary added that 42 female inmates were transferred from a temporary shelter in Khaitan to the new shelter pending full operationalisation of the shelter when it will run to its capacity.

“The new shelter will host 700 male and female domestic and expatriate workers,” he explained, noting that the facility was equipped with all care services and will be manned by representatives of concerned local ministries such as MSAL, MOH, MOI, Justice and FM to make sure that the expatriate labor force’s human rights were fully protected.

Addressing a different concern, Al-Doussary denied that MSAL has asked the expatriates to show endorsed copies of their degrees while renewing their residency visas. “Such certificates are only needed for those working in leading positions and only initially or at the time of visa transfer to other sponsors,” he explained.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

LOCAL

United efforts to prevent youth from becoming drug victims LOYAC signs agreement with Mentor Arabia, Ghiras

KUWAIT: Queen Silvia talking to volunteers at LOYAC.

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Under the auspices of H is Highness the Amir Sheik h Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and in the presence of Queen Silvia of Sweden, President of Mentor International, and Prince Turki Bin Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, President of Mentor Arabia, LOYAC held a press conference yesterday morning at Qibliya School and signed an agreement of cooperation with Mentor Arabia and Ghiras, the National Anti Drugs Media Project.

The guests also attended a gala dinner hosted by Mohammed Abdulaziz AlShaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. AlShaya Company, who is a member of the board at Mentor Arabia and a trustee at Mentor International - at the Avenues Mall.

The dinner was also be attended by a number of royalties, board members from Mentor Arabia and Mentor International, as well as business people, NGOs, parents, experts, youth and media representatives.

“We have to prevent the misery and hurt that drug abuse can cause both to the user and to their friends, families and communities,” the Queen of Sweden declared during the conference yesterday.

Mentor International aims to prevent children and youth from becoming victims of drugs, “Things are different today than what it was in the past. Today, young people have the choice to take drugs, so prevention of this bad habit is the key and it’s very important. I’m happy to be here in Kuwait and see how the anti-drugs prevention programs work on the ground, as I

KUWAIT: Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah (center).

—Photos by Joseph Shagra

heard and read a lot about it. I know you have a big responsibility in Kuwait to help the youth,” stressed Queen Silvia.

“We envision a drug-free Arab world where children and youth are given the opportunities to lead healthy lives. This is the vision of Mentor Arabia, a non-governmental organization which is an advocate of drug prevention and raises awareness of the issue among children and youth,” stressed Prince Turki Bin Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

“Through this prestigious event, Mentor Arabia hopes to raise more awareness about the dangers of drug use and widen its strategic partnership in Kuwait, in order to implement the numerous projects and programs it is currently engaged in,” he added.

Like many other NGOs in the field, Mentor Arabia faces a monumental task in trying to halt the spread of this fast growing and deadly phenomenon in the Arab region. “ This task cannot be achieved alone; it requires the help and cooperation of various parties, such as governmental and non- governmental institutions, experts, educators, parents, religious leaders, businesses, media and others. But most importantly it requires strategic policies, capable and committed human resources, co-ordination among different stakeholders, and funding,” Prince Turki further said.

On the occasion, Farea Al-Saqaf from LOYAC welcomed Queen Silvia and Prince Turki Bin Talal to Kuwait. “I would like to thank Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, the Minister of

Education, Minister of Information and youth affairs Sheikh Salman Al Sabah, Mohammad Abdulaziz Al-Shaya, and Dr. Ahmd Al-Shatti, the CEO of Ghiras, for their support and their presence today,” she pointed out.

“Margaret Mead once said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it’s the only thing that ever has’. LOYAC has been built on this thought, when seven committed Kuwaiti citizens came together to establish an organization with the vision of empowering the youth to spread peace and prosperity in the Middle East. It is very fitting that our theme today is ‘Let’s Hope Together’; 11 years since our inception, the only thing that has brought us this far is the spirit of collaboration. It is our honour to mark today, Saturday, April 13, as the beginning of yet another collaboration for LOYAC, with the highly esteemed and highly effective Mentor Arabia,” Farea Al-Saqaf further said.

LOYAC hopes to implement the program Y Peers in partnership with Mentor Arabia, which is a program that will focus on training youth to encourage their peers to stay away from drugs and instead spend their time productively.

“Mentor Arabia and LOYAC are perfectly matched partners as our values are clearly in line with each other. LOYAC centres its values on love, awareness, empowerment and integrity, to name a few, and Mentor Arabia similarly centres its programs around love, giving back, and understanding. This indicates that we are likely to

MPs adamant against fees increase KUWAIT: Recent reports suggesting that the government could unilaterally decide to increase fees levied on usage of public services and facilities have elicited strong criticism in the parliament, with one lawmaker going as far as threatening to resign if that happens.

“If the parliament approves a government’s request for an authorization to release future decisions to increase the fees, then I would not be honored to continue being a member of an assembly that targets the people - and therefore will resign immediately,” MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan said on Friday.

The lawmaker explained that he is not against any decision taken by the state to diversify the income sources, but said that such steps must be coupled with plans to improve the quality of services. “I am in agreement with increasing taxes or fees, but with the condition that people must then be able to enjoy services free of bureaucratic rigmaroles, just as people in Europe do,” Al-Duwaisan told Al-Jarida newspaper.

“I reject plans to enforce an increase in taxes or fees on the pretext of improving the state’s budget but without improving the services.”

MP Abdullah Al-Tamimi also voiced his rejection about “giving the government the authority to approve

increase in fees without coordinating with the parliament.” He added that any plans to increase these fees “must be examined by MPs based on which they can either approve or reject it.”

Meanwhile, Al-Tamimi was asked about his Future Bloc’s escalated rhetoric against Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah over a major ammunition theft that was reported last week. “The theft took place at a Ministry of Interior warehouse, which is an unprecedented and serious issue that cannot be ignored,” Al-Tamimi told Al-Jarida.

MP Safa Al-Hashim, in the meantime, released a statement urging AlHmoud, who is also the state’s First Deputy Prime Minister, to resign “or be held accountable before the Kuwaiti people objectively and with clear evidence.” MP Yousuf Al-Zalzalah had also indicated during a televised interview on Thursday night that he would support a grilling motion filed against the interior minister; something that the lawmaker said is practically “imminent” and only “the minister’s resignation” can avoid such a fate. Al-Zalzalah also revealed that MPs currently have a list in mind for a number of ministers to be quizzed, but did not give specific names.

In other news, the parliament’s financial committee is set to discuss a proposal to adopt early retirement

Second power cut in four days KUWAIT: A power cut was reported on Friday in Sulaibiya, less than a week after a two-hour blackout plunged Sabah Al-Salem into darkness, further reigniting fears about the government’s ability to meet the increasing demand on electricity and water during the summer.

Speaking to Al-Qabas on the condition of anonymity, a Ministry of Electricity and Water official confirmed that an outage hit a number of houses in block six of Sulaibiya, adding that emergency personnel were able to fix the problem and restore power within two hours. The blackout was reportedly caused by a malfunction which hit a main transformer that fed the affected houses.

Despite repeated assurances by MEW officials about having enough daily capacity in terms of power and water production to meet the projected demand, there have been concerns that unexpected cuts could hit, mainly due to the delay in executing the South Zoor plant, a major project crucial to the ministry’s energy security plans. Meanwhile, Al-Jarida newspaper reported yesterday that the MEW allocated KD9.4 million to install optical fibers at main transformers even as it looks for alternative solutions to face the increasing electricity load. Sources quoted anonymously in the report further indicated that the ministry has put into place a ‘power factor program’ to rationalize electricity usage, and has already started implementing it in local factories.

plans during its meeting tomorrow (Monday), panel member Ahmad Lari announced. “[The proposed program] calls for eliminating the retirement age while only taking into account the years of service; with a minimum of 15 years for women and 20 years for men after which a state employee can file for retirement,” he told Al-Rai. Lari further revealed that a proposal was under consideration “to establish a fund for early retirement which, for example, requires subscribers to pay a fixed fee.” Also on Monday, the parliament’s interior and defense committees will study recommendations to naturalize children of martyrs registered with the Martyrs’ Office.

Separately, the Kuwait Investment Authority criticized a draft law approved by the parliament’s legislative committee, which reportedly allows more debtors to benefit from a bailout approved in 1993 in a regulation dubbed the ‘hard debts law’.

The KIA basically warned that the proposal “violates the constitutional principles of justice and equality,” and expressed concern that it might “leave the door wide open for lawsuits against the KIA, the Finance Ministry and the government in general as well as burdening the state’s budget by paying for clients who previously committed to repay their dues that they owed to the state.”

Fire dept hails achievements

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Protection sector at the fire fighting department has issued statistics for the year 2012 which also depicted several achievements made last year.

Deputy Director for protection, Brig Khalid Al Zaid, said the statistics would help focus on the significant role of protection department in implementing the safety norms to ensure that the buildings and their inhabitants remain safe. He also said the data would greatly benefit researchers and academics.

He explained that the protection sector issued 20,177 licenses to a number of commercial, residential and other kinds of buildings. The sector also licensed 1,085 fuel tankers, 263 fuel storage facilities, and accorded 2,119 different approvals for power connections, reconnections etc.

Al Zaid added that the inspection committee issued 85,600 warnings to different commercial utilities and handed out 1,620 citations. Tent and temporary halls committee issued 908 licenses for holding a number of conferences and for election locations and other activities, while the protection team participated in 199 fire fighting operations along with firefighters and gave 69 lectures besides putting up 88 exhibitions in coordination with public relations.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Ahmed Al-Shatti, Farea Al-Saqaf, Queen Silvia, Prince Turki Bin Talal Al-Saud and Mohammed Al-Shaya during the confer-

KUWAIT: Group of LOYAC volunteers.

achieve a high rate of success in this collaboration and will be able to together make a positive change to the future of our country,” Al-Saqaf noted.

Mentor Arabia is a regional non-governmental foundation, which is an advocate of drug prevention among Arab children and youth. The Foundation is a regional branch of Mentor International, which was founded in 1994 and is presided by Queen Silvia of Sweden.

Mentor Arabia was established in response to the recommendations of an Arab and international scientific forum

that took place in Dubai in 2004. The forum hosted a significant number of government and civil institutions, representatives from the United Nations, as well as representatives of youth, parents, educators, media and academics, all of whom called for the establishment of an Arab institution that would contribute to supporting and strengthening efforts aimed at repelling the spread of drugs. Poverty, unemployment, war, domestic violence and migration, among others, are all essential justifications behind the establishment of Mentor Arabia.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

LOCAL

Local Spotlight

In my view

Dangerous media law

Protection of nurses’ rights

By Labeed Abdal

By Muna Al-Fuzai

local@kuwaittimes.net

muna@kuwaittimes.net

T

he move by the Minister of Public Health to meet the demands of over 120 nurses - men and women - working at the Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital is highly appreciated. Those workers who were hired by any private company have the right to work in

These employees and thousands of others in public or private sector left their home country and beloved ones behind to make a better living and to be able to support their families, their education and housing needs and to pay off their debts. peace and expect that their hard work will be appreciated. As some companies do delay monthly pay or annual leave, they indeed must be issued a notice not to repeat such actions, especially when it might negatively affect the flow of services in a vital organization providing public medical and health services. The active role of the Indian Embassy to meet with those striking employees, whose number could reach up to 600, and to attend the meeting between the employer and workers, also reflects the crucial cooperation and assistance extended to these people and the fact that their claims are justified. These employees and thousands of others in public or private sector left their home country and beloved ones behind to make a better living and to be able to support their families, their education and housing needs and to pay off their debts.

These workers deserve genuine help from all officials to enable them to continue living and working in peace and to contribute more. The personal move by the minister will definitely prove to be an important signal to all other employers and human resource managers to protect the rights of their employees and accord priority to the issue. For the workers, accessing their rights vis-a-vis their employers should not be a matter of a roll of a dice.

All ministries that work with contractors must take a strict position on the issue that they will stand up for the rights of all those employees working under the shelter of Kuwaiti’s labour laws.

A

kuwait digest

Narcissism of Parliament

By Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Duaij

I

f we go by the theory that our democratic system is tilting towards becoming more like a presidential system than a parliamentary one, then how can we ensure that the Kuwaiti constitution’s parliamentary side of the political system becomes stronger so that the entire system becomes more democratic?

The idea of having an elected Cabinet is being pitched a lot these days, and ostensibly it means calling for a cabinet either elected by the parliament or comprising members of parliament. This approach contains a major flaw, because a majority of members of parliament are afflicted by ‘narcissism’, particularly those who have been in public life since the 1960s. As a result, they have imbued the parliament itself with narcissistic trait, turning it into an alternative to the people and the entire democratic system, instead of making it an integral part of the democratic system. If we deeply study Kuwaiti politics since independence, we find that it has focused around the parliament and the idea of protecting the constitution.

Meanwhile, protecting the constitution

actually means protecting the parliament and its authorities from any attempts by the government to restrict them. The crisis over the single-vote decree was actually a crisis for the parliament, and should have been a problem of MPs who thought (and still think) that the decree took away the parliament’s authority to legislate the electoral law.

However, public freedoms and rights, which are the backbone of any democratic system, did not receive any attention of the political activists.

Instead, some political groups often helped the government in curbing freedoms or violating the constitutional rights of individuals and groups.

Meanwhile, having an elected cabinet or parliamentary system of governance is definitely not the answer. In fact, we have an example in the 1965 parliament which handpicked the members of the fourth cabinet in Kuwait’s history. It was the same government that later worked with the majority in the same parliament to restrict the freedoms and confiscate the political right to free expression and assembly. This

action had then led the national opposition to resign from the parliament to avoid becoming involved in restricting political rights and violating the constitution. The true guarantees for the popularity of the ruling system are mentioned in the constitution. The explanatory memorandum stipulates that public opinion supported by individual and public freedoms are the true protector of the constitution and democratic system. Without an aware and democratic public opinion, we will continue to become victims of an antidemocratic majority that was first elected in 1963 and later appeared more strongly in 2012. Democracy means freedom, justice and equality. Meanwhile, it is the people who are the protectors of these principles. The parliament, just like any other authority, that seeks to expand its reach and reinforce its position.

Therefore, the parliament should not be relied upon to protect the freedoms. For that matter, no other authority should be relied upon either, except the people themselves, since they are the only true protectors of freedom, justice and equality. — Al-Qabas

gain, possibly for the hundredth time, this issue has come into focus of the Kuwaiti society and hit media headlines last week end. After all, it is no trivial matter and the cabinet minister seems pretty serious about passing a new law to regulate and control the way media works and expresses itself.

Now, no sensible person would disagree that any government is entitled to formulate laws to help any field of business or people to improve their performance and upgrade their standard but are they supposed to do it in a certain style and at the right time? Are not they supposed to study their options and the timing when they can push such a law? I would assume they should consider all these elements before tossing this new unified media law which is basically a ticking bomb. This law contains 99 articles divided into several parts. Some of these one could not argue much with, as these are related to how much money one can hold as capital in a TV channel or a newspaper.

There are other regulations regarding chief editors and how they should be completely full time staffers. I do not know why such regulations are necessary what business it is of the Ministry of Information?

I think the problem is that in Kuwait, people who draft such laws have no experience about running private businesses. The media is private business and not part of the government sector.

This law will not be passed, at least not in the shape in which it is being formulated by the Cabinet now. I very much doubt that.

Another thing is that the law claims that it will not send people to jail but it proposes an alternative of slapping punitive penalties reaching up to half a million KD. Only if a convicted person failed to pay will he or she go to jail. This clearly means that the law would tend to penalize not just the person but his entire family.

This law is dangerous for the social structure of the Kuwaiti society. I would have agreed if the law had provisions for reasonable penalties with other options like community service on military camps, for instance, or to bar the person from overseas travel for a certain period.

Ever since it was approved by the cabinet minister and forwarded to the National Assembly, the law has only led to more arguments in the public.

If the law was to be passed, God forbid, it would be a dark period in Kuwaiti history and it would surely lead to even more public opposition. I pray that such a day does not come.

kuwait digest

The shameful media law

By Jassem Budai

W

e patiently waited for it with hopes that it will help move Kuwait forward on the path of development, but it came to push Kuwait many steps back into darkness. We anticipated it to launch Kuwait on to a path of more freedoms and democracy, but it came to return Kuwait back to the pre-constitution era.

It is the new media draft law that the Cabinet ceremonially approved to be debated in the parliament. It is a shame for Kuwait that certain outdated articles in the proposed draft fail to even reflect the level that Kuwait’s media has already reached.

The main point of objection to the proposed law is the articles which stipulate prior monitoring of publications and artistic works.

Article 16 says that “a publisher is required to submit a written notice to the (information) ministry with a copy of the project to be published attached. The ministry will then decide whether to approve or reject the request for publication, and printing will only happen after the ministry’s approval is granted. Meanwhile, article 46 mentions the same conditions with regards to material to be published in the media and media production companies, and further stipulates that the ministry’s decision will be made available a month after the intended material is forwarded for review.

Back in the 1960s, censorship in Kuwait used to be post facto, that is after the publication. Now in 2013, the government wants to make it on a prior basis. Does the person who put this article even know what he or she is doing? Do they realize that the world has become a small village where people can access whatever knowledge or material they want with a simple tap on their cell phone’s screen? Do they know that Kuwait was the destination back in the sixties and fifties for anyone in the Gulf and Arab regions who wanted to publish something?

Prior censorship not only reflects narrow-mindedness of those who plan to enforce it, but also reflects a lack of respect for the people in the media, including authors and intellectuals, as they suggest that they lack responsibility or awareness of the law. This is one of the worst traits that is often found as a defining characteristic of dictators.

The law stipulates under ‘chapter four’, which pertains to multimedia channels, that any channel must broadcast programs with national character at least for four hours a month. This is a very strange stipulation that is heavily founded in a dictatorial mindset. Does it perhaps imply that the patriotism of a television or radio channel can be questioned? Does it mean that the owner will become more patriotic by broadcasting national stuff for four hours a month, and would become a traitor if he doesn’t?

What can be described as a program with ‘national charac-

ter’? In many people’s opinions, broadcasting a program that exposes corruption, mismanagement, violations and lawbreaking would be the most patriotic thing a channel could broadcast. But according to the aforementioned article, it would be considered an offense.

National character is no longer about patriotic songs, portraits and clapping hands, neither is it about depicting things that are basic duties of the government as if these were achievements. And who said that ‘national character’ needs to be enforced by law that decides the number of hours that must be allocated for it? Is the government trying to question the patriotism of media personnel, intellectuals and artists?

Then there is a very sensitive point which talks about the ‘prohibited issues and penalties’, according to the title of an entire chapter dedicated in the proposed law for them. Many things are listed under this chapter including religious figures, the personal lives of public employees, as well as senior government officials, members of the judiciary, the state’s constitution and economy, etc. The law protects the person of HH the Amir from criticism, which is a non-debatable issue as per the constitution. However, the law adds something new by providing similar immunity to HH the Crown Prince. When the founding fathers immunized the person of HH the Amir exclusively in the constitution, they had taken into account constitutional, political and social issues. Moreover, it was based on the notion that everyone was engaged equally in public work under a certain umbrella. With all due respect to HH the Crown Prince, who enjoys an undeniable love and appreciation of the people of Kuwait, the constitution restricted the immunity to HH the Amir only. ‘Breaking’ this exclusivity could later be used to give immunity at a later stage to the prime minister, his deputies, or ruling family members.

These are only some of the many questionable stipulations mentioned under the ‘prohibited issues and penalties’ chapter, which are things that people in the press do not like to deal with generally because they are subjective in nature. We are talking for example about religious issues that were open for debate during the time of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) but now are considered taboos. We are talking about things like discrimination, hate, national unity, harming relations with other countries, public indecency and others. Believe me, all these are relative things that can be used by the government as a sword to silence people whenever it deems necessary.

Members of the fourth authority will never approve of this draft law. They will not take part in assassinating freedoms. They will not dig a grave for democracy with their own hands. —Al-Rai

The main point of objection to the proposed law is the articles which stipulate prior monitoring of publications and artistic works. Article 16 says that “a publisher is required to submit a written notice to the (information) ministry with a copy of the project to be published attached. The ministry will then decide whether to approve or reject the request for publication, and printing will only happen after the ministry’s approval is granted.

LOCAL

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

Australia woos Kuwaiti investors, immigrants Bilateral relations strong

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Australian Ambassador to Kuwait Robert Tyson reiterated his country’s commitment to the Gulf countries and close ties with Kuwait at a press conference yesterday organized by the Kuwait Journalists’ Association (KJA) under the theme ‘Study, Immigrate, and Investing in Australia.’ Tyson stated certain facts about the relations between the two countries. “Australia has a great commitment across the Gulf. We constructed schools, hospitals and sports stadiums besides infrastructure such as bridges, roads, etc. We can help carry out various kinds of tasks here. I hope that with the

times, the waiting period for an application reached 13 months, and sometimes even 18 months. Also, there are different categories of immigrants. The period of application varies according to the applicants’ situation, such as their health condition, age or other such factors.

Immigration is possible on a points based system, and eligibility criterion today stands pegged at a minimum of 60 points,” he explained.

There are certain other conditions. “The immigrant should be a university graduate to get points.

The age also matters as someone aged 25 years will be eligible for a number of points different from what a 45-year-old will get.

KUWAIT: Fawzy Soliman JP and Robert Tyson during the press conference held at the KJA. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat cooperation we have received, we will expand even more. Thanks to the mutually beneficial experiences over the last 20 years, particularly after the liberation of Kuwait, we have shared a very close political relationship with Kuwait,” he pointed out.

Attorney Fawz y Soliman JP, Managing Director of Ametco International Pty Limited, consultant for immigration affairs and study prospects in Australia, spoke about this matter at the conference held at the premises of the KJA. “Immigration to Australia has been possible for a long time and was never closed, but with time, the conditions or circumstances have been changing as per the evolving political situation of the country. At

Knowledge of English language is essential. Experience is important, and at least three years of it is a must. The application has to be submitted through the Australian Embassy or through an accredited office. People can access the website - https://www.mara.gov.au/ check out all the offices dealing with the Australian Immigration Ministry.

I advise those who are not applying through an office to attest their certifications as being equivalent to the Australian certificates. It costs about AU 300 and takes about three weeks,” stressed Fawzy.

“We focus on the language. The universities in Australia evaluate the level of the applicants’ knowledge of the English language. The reputation is also important, and any appli-

cant’s criminal record should be clean. While an applicant may possibly have a misdemeanor but there should be no crime in his record.

Also, the state of the applicant’s health matters. Diseases such as diabetes or hypertension do not matter, but certain diseases such as AIDS etc make it difficult for the applicant to be accepted for immigration,” he added.

“When only one of the parents is applying for immigration, the other parent should give permission for him to take along the children, or should submit a written cession to the immigrating parent. Children under the age of 24 can be included in one application, but those above 24 will be considered as new individuals. The visa is valid for one year.

They can go separately or all together,” he further said.

The nationality can be gained by investing, studying, or working in Australia. “The applicant for naturalization has to obtain the residency first through a legal visa.

Businessmen can apply for the nationality after living for three years in Australia, while the students can apply after five years. Many bedoons from Kuwait are interested in immigrating to Australia, and they have the opportunity to make an investment of about KD 100,000, but they have to have a travel document,” noted Fawzy.

“If the immigrant had AU 1 million, the conditions would not apply to him, and he can freely immigrate and will receive a very special treatment. He will be exempted from all conditions. In general, they can invest in different fields, including agriculture and others. They can also put the amount as a fixed deposit in a bank guaranteed by the Australian government and can even avail of a loan based on this deposit,” he stated. Regarding the tourist visa, he said, “Kuwaitis and citizens of the GCC countries can always apply online for tourist visa to Australia and get it as fast as in about 10 minutes. The maximum time takes in such a case is five days.

It will be an electronic visa and the applicant will not need to visit the embassy here. He will get the visa at the airport. Also, any foreigner living here can also receive a visa within the same time. People of some nationalities must mention the reason for their visit and have cash or a relative there,” concluded Fawzy.

Kuwaiti inventor wins golden medal GENEVA: Kuwaiti inventor Adel Jumah Al-Abdeen won the golden medal, presented by Saudi Umm AlQura University for his innovation of a safe runway for aircraft landing during emergencies at the 41st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.

Saudi Ambassador to Switzerland Hazem Karkatli presented Al-Abdeen with the golden medal, congratulating him and the state of Kuwait for this achievement.

“I dedicate this achievement to HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and to all Kuwaitis,” the inventor said.

He praised the role of HH the Prime Minister in supporting this invention, which reflects Sheikh Jaber’s interest and care of Kuwaiti inventors and creativity and all that benefits Kuwait and its people.

He also praised the role of Sabah Al-Ahmad Center

for Giftedness and Creativity in supporting the inventors, and for their part in designing the invention model, in addition to licensing and certificating it.

He expressed his hope that his invention would reach the International Organization of Civil Aviation, in cooperation with Kuwait International Airport in order for his achievement to be implemented, especially that there are official bodies, belonging to the organization, which are seeking developments in the field of aviation. The invention consists of a runway for aircrafts experiencing difficulties in landing either because of a fire or the inability to roll out the wheels while landing as it links the runway’s devices with a tower for firefighters with the flight deck and the airport control tower without affecting any of the communication equipment of the aircraft.

The 41st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva will conclude on April 14, in which 725 inventors from 45 countries are competing with a thousand inventions in varying fields. — KUNA

Al-Khurainej affirms necessity of Lebanon’s stability

Faisal Al-Qanaei

AIPS meeting KUWAIT: AIPS Asia President Faisal Al-Qanaei and the head of Kuwait’s delegation, Adnan Al-Saied, will be leaving for Sochi, Russia this morning to attend the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) meeting scheduled to begin tomorrow and last through April 19. Al-Qanaei is also expected to chair a meeting of AIPS Asia that is scheduled to take place as part of the event.

BEIRUT: Visiting Deputy Speaker of Kuwait’s National Assembly (parliament) Mubarak Al-Khurainej yesterday affirmed necessity of stability in Lebanon expressing hope local leaders would form a new government soon.

Emerging from a meeting with the new premier, Tammam Salam, the deputy speaker said he congratulated the new premier on his assignment and the “valuable confidence accorded in him by members of the parliament.”

Al-Khurainj said he relayed greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Speaker of the National Assembly Ali Al-Rashed, expressing wishes to Tammam in his mission.

He expressed hope current efforts by the local leaders would result in “forming a new government soon for sake of interests of Lebanon.”

Answering a question whether he invited Salam to visit Kuwait, Al-Khurainej said, “We hope that Salam visit Kuwait soon, in response to formal or informal invitation, for Kuwait welcomes all Lebanese of various levels.”

The meeting between the deputy speaker of the Kuwaiti parliament and the Lebanese premier was attended by the counsellor of the Kuwaiti embassy, Jassem AlNajem.

Al-Khurainej arrived in Beirut Friday on an official visit for talks with Lebanese officials, namely the recentlyassigned premier. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The chemical weapons unit, the explosives unit, and the defensive inspection unit of the Kuwait National Guards carried out a joint field training exercise at the Sumoud Camp recently. The event was attended by senior National Guards officials.

UNESCO to honor first Kuwaiti education minister PARIS: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has tentatively agreed to list name of the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in its list of renowned global personality with impact on humanity.

In a statement, ambassador Dr. Ali Al-Tarrah, Kuwait’s permanent delegate to the UNESCO, stated that he had received a message from Eric Falt, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Public Information, stating that the relevant special commission had accepted referring file of the late Abdullah Al-Jaber to the executive council-in session since two days ago-pending submission to the general assembly of the organization, in November, for endorsement.

UNESCO is registering the 50th anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah’s assumption of the post as the first minister of

education in Kuwait in 1962, as part of the its anniversaries for honoring personalities of significant impact on history of mankind and development.

“Today we are very proud because memory of the world will take note that the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber AlSabah played a major role in the development of education in the State of Kuwait.”

The international cultural and educational organization will mark this anniversary through coordination with the permanent mission of Kuwait and other relevant authorities of the country.

UNESCO, since 1956, has been holding celebrations in honor of renowned personalities that contributed to progress of nations and enrichment of cultures. In 2008, it listed the Kuwaiti magazine Al-Arabi in its records as the most distributed magazine in the world. — KUNA

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

LOCAL

Three in police custody for ammunition theft Man stabbed after eye contact KUWAIT: Three men including a police officer were taken into custody for investigations after suspicions that they could be involved in a major ammunition theft that happened at a Saad Al-Abdullah Police Academy warehouse last week. According to sources with knowledge of the ongoing investigations, the three were held for investigations after their footprints matched those found at the scene where police found some of the stolen 35,000 rounds of ammunition a few days ago. One of the suspects reportedly lives near the place located between Taima and Al-Naeem, something that led to his arrest along with the other two. The sources further indicated that an alert was issued at the border checkpoints to thwart any potential ammunition smuggling.

Jahra stabbing A young man was hospitalized with a stab wound following a fight reported in Jahra recently. According to his statements to police, the victim had engaged in a verbal altercation with someone he accidently made an eye contact with. The attacker was reportedly offended by the ‘offensive’ way he was allegedly gazed at, and that sparked the fight. The suspect reportedly escaped by the time police and paramedics

arrived outside a supermarket where the incident was reported. Investigations are on in search of the suspect.

Suicide attempt A woman was hospitalized in a critical condition after reportedly taking an overdose of medication in an apparent suicide attempt. The 21-year-old was rushed to the Amiri Hospital after she was found unconscious inside her family’s house in Al-Faiha with empty medication bottles nearby. A case was filed for investigations and police are waiting for the woman to be discharged from the intensive care unit in order to be questioned.

Armed driver A motorist was arrested at the Wafra Road recently for being in possession of a firearm and some alcoholic drinks. The Kuwaiti man was first pulled over for swer ving before a search revealed a rifle and three liquor bottles inside his car. The man denied any knowledge about the contraband in the vehicle. He was taken into custody for questioning.

Wedding shooting Three people were arrested for firing celebra-

tory gunshots during a wedding in Abu Hlaifa recently. The Kuwaiti men were taken into custody for investigations after they were caught for possessing an AK47 and some ammunition.

Several patrol vehicles had surrounded the suspects’ vehicle to prevent their escape after they arrived at the scene following multiple ‘wedding shooting’ reports.

Pen-shaped gun A man was held at the Nuwaiseeb border checkpoint (south) for being in possession of a pen-shaped air rifle that was found in his car.

The Kuwaiti man was returning to Kuwait on Friday when customs officers decided to search his vehicle extensively. It was then that they noticed that he was betraying nervous behaviour. They found a suspicious looking pen at first, and after examining it, found that it contained a chamber that can be loaded with one bullet and also has a trigger. Further examination revealed that the pen was actually an air gun, not an actual gun as was being initially suspected. The man denied any knowledge that the pen was actually a weapon, after which he was taken to the police office in Al-Nuwaiseeb.

He was later discharged after the weapon was confiscated.

Kuwait, Malta ink agreement

Kuwait, Istanbul municipalities eye fraternity agreement KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality Council Chairman Zaid Ayesh Al-Azmi and Deputy Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Ahmed Salamat have agreed on the need to sign a fraternity agreement between two municipalities.

In a press statement, Kuwait Municipality said that two sides have agreed also on taking all required measures to foster bilateral cooperation. Al-Azmi, currently leading a delegation vising Istanbul, has invited Metropolitan Municipality officials to visit Kuwait shortly.

A Kuwaiti Municipality Council delega-

tion has started an official visit to Istanbul over a week ago to get a glimpse of vital projects being executed in the Turkish city.

The delegation was briefed on land, sea, water and sanitation projects that have been completed in addition to the city’s process manufacturing industries.

They were also briefed on environmental projects the city is undertaking - as part of an ambitious plan until 2070 - including recycling facilities, among other initiatives aimed at maintaining the quality of the water, air and environment of the city, which holds a 15-million population. —KUNA

NBK opens new branch in Abu Dhabi KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait and the Republic of Malta signed yesterday a bilateral agreement to organize air transportation services and a Memo of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries’ civil aviation authorities.

The signed agreement with civil aviation authorities comes to enhance bilateral cooperation in air transportation field of Kuwait and the friendly nation, Kuwait’s Director of Public Administration in Civil Aviation Fawaz AlFarah said in a telephone call from Malta.

Al-Farah expressed hope that such agreements would bolster cooperation in other fields and for the interests of the people of both countries.

In a ceremony, the two directors of civil aviation authorities signed the agreement, Al-Farah added. —KUNA

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announced the opening of its new branch in Abu Dhabi, the second in the United Arab Emirates. NBK-Abu Dhabi comes as part of the Bank’s expansion strategy in the UAE which started with its first branch in Dubai in 2008.

NBK-UAE provides its customers with complete banking solutions including Murabaha deposits, corporate FX hedging solutions and mortgage services.

NBK has the widest banking presence with more than 170 branches worldwide. NBK’s international presence spans many of the world’s leading financial centers including London, Paris, Geneva, New York and Singapore, as well as

China (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional coverage extends to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey.

NBK continues to collectively enjoy the highest ratings among all banks in the Middle East from the three international rating agencies; Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor’s.

The Bank’s ratings are supported by its high capitalization, prudent lending policies, and its disciplined approach to risk management, in addition to its highly recognized and very stable management team. In 2012, NBK was also named among Global Finance’s list of the 50 safest banks in the world for the seventh consecutive time.

More efforts needed for marine environment KUWAIT: Greater attention and care must be devoted for safeguarding the Gulf marine environment and living creatures including the coral reefs, according to recommendations issued by a recently-held meeting of diving teams from GCC countries. The three-day meeting underlined necessity of dedicating greater care for the marine life and its creatures as well as protecting the corals, said Waleed Al-Fadhel, the Head of the Kuwaiti Diving Team of the Environmental Voluntary Group (Almabara), yesterday. Gulf Forum for Environmental Diving Team also called for more regulations and planning for establishment and work of diving groups, encouraging private initiatives, protecting and re-habilitating the sea environment, said Al-Fadhel, shedding further light on the advises by the leading figures in the field, made at the end of the gathering.

The conferees also urged for enhancing online expertise exchange and greater effort for establishment of more natural reserves in the states of the Arab Gulf, Al-Fadhel added.

Participants, during the meeting, displayed their activities, such as retrieval of sunken vessels from the sea bed, plans and activities related to mangrown reefs, planting buoys and lifting other items that pose danger to the environment such as entangled fishing nets. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Members of the Kuwait Diving Team in action recently.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

6.3-magnitude quake rocks western Japan

Russia hits 18 US officials with tit-for-tat entry ban Page 9

Page 12

Pope takes first ‘major decision’ Pontiff sets up an advisory board of cardinals

VATICAN CITY: This combo pictures show the eight cardinals named by Pope Francis to help advise him in running the church (from left) Cardinal Francisco Javier E Ossa, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya and Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley. Others include (below -from left) Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, Cardinal George Pell, Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga and Cardinal Oswald Gracias. — AP VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, in his first ‘major decision’ yesterday set up an advisory board of cardinals from around the world to help him govern the Catholic Church and reform its troubled central administration. The eight cardinals will help him put into place changes in an administration which has been held responsible for some of the mishaps and scandals that plagued the eight-year reign of Pope Benedict before he resigned in February.

A Vatican statement said the group would “advise him in the governing of the universal Church” as well as in making administrative changes, a sign that Francis wants to consult more widely than Benedict did before making decisions. The eight prelates come from Italy, Chile, India, Germany, Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States, Australia, and Honduras, indicating that Francis intends to take seriously calls by bishops from around the world to have more say in Vatican decisions that affect their areas.

An Italian archbishop will act as secretary of the group, which will hold its first formal meeting in October in Rome. Francis, who was elected exactly one month ago, has already been in contact with each of them, the statement said. The group will also study changes to a constitution by the late Pope John Paul II called “Pastor Bonus”, which gave the Curia, the name by which the various departments that run the Church is known, its current structure in 1988. The last major reform of the Curia was carried out by Pope Paul VI in 1967.

Francis inherited a Church struggling to deal with

priests’ sexual abuse of children, the alleged corruption and infighting in the central administration, and conflict over the running of the Vatican’s scandal-ridden bank. Benedict left a secret report for Francis on the problems in the administration, which came to light when sensitive documents were stolen from the pope’s desk and leaked by his butler in what became know as the “Vatileaks” scandal.

BASIC FAILINGS The basic failings of the Curia were aired, sometimes passionately, at closed-door meetings of cardinals before they retired into the conclave that elect-

ed Francis. The Vatican statement said Francis set up the group to respond to specific suggestions during those meetings. Cardinals suggested changes to the Curia to made it a model of good governance, including introducing term limits on Vatican bureaucrats to prevent an atmosphere of “careerism” that critics said led to some of the infighting and scandals. Anger at the mostly Italian prelates who run the Curia was one of the reasons that cardinals chose the first non-European pope for 1,300 years and quashed the chances of one of the front-runners, Milan Archbishop Angelo Scola.

Benedict’s butler, Paolo Gabriele, was arrested and sentenced by a Vatican court to 18 months in prison last year but Benedict pardoned him and he was freed just before Christmas. Benedict’s Secretary of State, Italian Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone, has been widely blamed for the failings of the Curia to govern the 1.2 billion-member Church properly. Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, the current governor of Vatican City who is now also a member of the new advisory board, has been tipped to succeed Bertone as the Vatican’s number two.

The person Francis chooses to succeed Bertone -

who is still in his post - will be among his most important decisions because he will be instrumental in helping the new pope set the tone for a humbler Church following a period of scandals. Besides Bertello, the other cardinals on the advisory board are Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa of Santiago, Chile, Oswald Gracias of Bombay, Reinhard Marx of Munich, Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, Sean Patrick O’Malley of Boston, George Pell of Sydney, and Oscar Andres Rodriquez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano, Italy, will serve as secretary. — Reuters

in the

news

Bomb kills 8 passengers PESHAWAR: A bomb planted in a bus killed at least eight passengers and wounded seven others in northwestern Pakistan yesterday, police said. The explosion happened when the bus was passing through a crowded bazar on its way from Peshawar to a nearby town, police official Fazal Wahid Khan said. He said the dead and injured included women and children, and authorities had transported them to a government hospital.

Bus driver Jehanghir Khan, who was not hurt, told reporters that the device had been planted under a seat.

“I didn’t see any suspicious person. I don’t know who planted this bomb. I was passing through the bazar of Matni when I suddenly heard the blast,” he said.

Hamas arrests ‘collaborators’ GAZA: Security forces in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip have started arresting suspected “collaborators” with Israel after a month-long amnesty ended, a Hamas official said yesterday.

“Since Friday, we arrested several collaborators with the Israeli occupation,” interior ministry spokesman Islam Shahwan said, declining to give a number.On March 12, Hamas announced a month-long grace period for collaborators to turn themselves in in return for leniency. Shahwan said that some people had surrendered during the amnesty but did not give details on their likely treatment. Under Palestinian law, collaboration with Israel is punishable by death. All executions must be approved by the Palestinian president before they can be carried out, but Hamas no longer recognises the legitimacy of incumbent Mahmud Abbas, whose four-year term ended in 2009.

Kidnappers free Lebanese BAALBEK: A Lebanese man kidnapped in the border area with Syria was freed yesterday, prompting the release of 11 other people who had been held in a string of retaliatory kidnaps. Hussein Kamel Jaafar, a Shiite resident of an area near the northern Lebanese town of Arsal, was kidnapped last month and reportedly taken into Syria. In response, members of his family took captive several local Sunnis, whose families also carried out retaliatory kidnappings. “A delegation of Arsal residents returned from Syria at dawn this morning after receiving Hussein Kamel Jaafar,” a security source said. “They paid a ransom of $150,000 to secure Jaafar’s release,” the source said.

26 dead in Peru bus crash LIMA: At least 26 people died and seven others were injured yesterday after a bus plunged 200 meters down a ravine in northern Peru, police said. The bus veered off a mountain road near the town of Otuzco some 570 kilometers north of Lima. ìSo far, weíve recovered 26 bodies, and seven people have been hurt,î said Asto Moreno, an official with Otuzcoís police force. Authorities blamed the regionís treacherous, winding roads, the poor condition of the vehicle and driver error for the accident. Road accidents are common in the Peruvian Andes due to poorly maintained roads, inconsistent vehicle maintenance, and the propensity of overworked bus drivers to speed. In 2011, 1,124 people were killed and 2,583 injured in 1,108 highway accidents, according to the latest official figures.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

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Libya boils as bill targets ex-Gaddafi officials TRIPOLI: A bill banning associates of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi from politics risks inflaming tensions in Libya and could see top officials including the premier and the assembly chief removed from their posts. The bill, first proposed in December, will target those who worked in 36 job categories during Gaddafi’s four decades in power.

Supporters of the new law say that it has popular backing “out of respect for the sacrifices made by the country’s martyrs” who were killed fighting the former regime in the 2011 uprising.

In its current draft, the bill could remove many of the country’s new leaders from their posts, including Mohammed Megaryef, president of the

General National Congress (GNC) and Libya’s highest political authority, his deputy Jumaa Attiga and Prime Minister Ali Zeidan. Observers said that the bill moved one step closer to ratification on Wednesday, when the assembly made a change to the interim constitutional declaration making it impossible to appeal the law before it is passed.

In January, heated debates about the bill created a climate of tension in a country which is already unstable because of the weakness of the country’s security organisations. These tensions reached their peak in March, when Megaryef’s car was raked by gunfire in Tripoli as he left a meeting hall besieged by demonstrators. However, the GNC has

said that it is determined to see the bill through to the statute books. “The law will be passed with a majority of 100 votes plus one out of 200 members of the assembly, while previously approval would have required a majority of 120 votes,” GNC spokesman Omar Hmeidan said.

Hmeidan added that the assembly had cleared another hurdle in the interim constitutional declaration which says that “Libyans are equal before the law and in the civil and political rights they enjoy.” It did so by introducing a new article “authorising the temporary exclusion of some Libyans from political life.”

“The immunisation (protection against any potential legal challenges) of the

political exclusion law is the first stage in successfully creating a law based on fair, impartial and objective criteria,” former political prisoner Sami Al-Saadi said.

“Political isolation is not punishment or proof of a crime, but a temporary precaution to ensure the construction of a new Libya free from corruption and disorder,” he said. Saadi said he was aware that the law “could affect honest patriots,” but said that the bill needs to be passed to avoid exceptions that could put an end to the law on the grounds that it targets one political movement or party over another.

The law’s critics say it was “tailormade” to isolate Mahmud Jibril, head of the liberal National Forces Alliance, who

won legislative elections in July 2012 ahead of Islamists.

Libya’s mufti, Sheikh Sadeq AlGhariani, called on citizens to come out in their thousands to support the passing of the bill. The National Transitional Council, the former political wing of Libya’s anti-Gaddafi rebels, had already set up the Higher Commission of Integrity and Patriotism, responsible for vetting officials or candidates for public posts to see if they worked for the former regime.

To date, the commission has excluded 350 people, some of whom have brought and won appeals against their dismissal at administrative tribunals. — AFP

Morsi, Egypt’s military close ranks against abuse charges ‘I swear, by God, troops did not kill nor order killings’

GAZA: A Palestinian Hamas supporter buys food during a Hamas rally to celebrate the opening of a memorial center in the building that used to house an Israeli prison during its occupation of Gaza. Israel has evacuated its settlements and army posts in the Gaza Strip in 2005. — AFP

Gaza’s farmers burn tons of basil, mint after border shut GAZA: Palestinian farmers in Gaza began destroying three tonnes of herbs yesterday, saying a prolonged closure of the crossing into Israel meant the plants were no longer fit for export to Europe. Last October, Israel lifted a five -year ban on the lucrative export of Gazan herbs and spices, imposed after the Islamist Hamas group seized control of the coastal enclave, and farmers had hoped to cash in with their latest crop of mint and basil. But Israel shut its sole commercial crossing into the isolated Palestinian territor y last Monday in response to a rocket salvo fired out of Gaza, allowing only a brief reopening on Friday to enable the import of certain goods.

Farmers said the closure came just as they were preparing to harvest two tonnes of mint and a tonne of basil, adding that the herbs were now past their prime for the European market. “It was too late and we regret that we have had to throw away the farmers’ harvest,” Jamal Abu Naja, director of Gaza’s communal agriculture association, told Reuters. “Repeated closures are threatening this hopeful project.”

The Palestinian economy is bound closely to Israel’s through infrastructure and has few foreign trading partners.

Israel’s security cordon around Gaza and its security restrictions in the occupied West Bank limit Palestinians’ ability to compete in export markets and contribute to an unemployment rate of almost 25 percent, the World Bank said last month. Israel and Hamas, which rejects the Jewish state’s right to exist, fought an eight-day war last November that ended with an Egyptian-

brokered ceasefire.

After three months of quiet, militants fired a rocket into Israel at the end of February, with very occasional salvos following in subsequent weeks. Israel has responded each time by closing the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing. Abu Naja urged farmers to take advantage of the decision to lift the curb last year, pointing to high demand in Europe for spices and herbs, with traders paying $26 a kilo for the Palestinian produce against $0.27 on the home market.

Some 15 tonnes of spices have been exported since January, but the latest crop was mowed down on Saturday and will be burnt after it has dried in the sun, farmers said. “It took a month to grow this mint and if you don’t export it at the right time, you have to burn it because there is very little local consumption,” Abu Naja said. To date, some 30 dunam have been turned over to herbs, including 20 inside the former Israeli settlement of Gush Katif, from which Israel pulled settlers and soldiers in 2005.

Some 40 Palestinian men and women who used to work in the settlements were the backbone of the current planting teams. “We chose 40 people, including seven women, who had good experience in order to assure success.

Settlers had mainly depended on planting spices when they were here,” Abu Naja said. Unlike other produce that Israel allows to be exported to Europe, such as strawberries, cherry tomatoes and flowers, spices can be planted and exported the year round. — Reuters

Iraqi soldiers cast ballots ahead of provincial polls BAGHDAD: Iraqi soldiers and policemen cast their ballots for provincial elections yesterday, a week ahead of the main vote that comes amid an uptick in violence and a long-running political crisis. The credibility of the elections, the first since March 2010 parliamentary polls, has been drawn into question following deadly attacks on candidates and a government decision to partly postpone voting that means only 12 of Iraq’s 18 provinces will take part. At least a dozen election hopefuls have been killed while others have been wounded or kidnapped in the run-up to the polls and, although security has markedly improved since the height of Iraq’s confessional conflict, March was still the deadliest month since August, according to AFP figures.

More than 8,000 candidates are standing in the elections, with 378 seats on provincial councils up for grabs. An estimated 16.2 million Iraqis are eligible to vote, among them about 650,000 members of the security forces. “We have done our

duty, and now we hope that they (candidates) will do their duty also,” said federal police Colonel Abbas Kadhim, who cast his ballot in west Baghdad. “We wish that they will fulfil the hopes of the Iraqi people.”

Voters persistently complain about poor basic services such as electricity and sewerage, rampant corruption and high unemployment.

The latest elections come with the country mired in a political crisis that has pitted Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki against several of his erstwhile national unity cabinet partners, and amid more than three months of anti-government protests by the country’s Sunni Arab minority. The polls are seen as a key barometer of Maliki’s popularity ahead of parliamentary elections next year. The premier has battled allegations from his opponents of monopolising power, and little in the way of landmark legislation has been passed by parliament, but Maliki insists he is attempting to make the most out of an unruly coalition. — AFP

BASRA: Iraqi security forces queue to vote at a polling center during the early voting for security forces in the country’s provincial elections in Basra, Iraq’s second-largest city yesterday. — AP

CAIRO: Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi and the military have closed ranks to deny charges that soldiers had killed and tortured protesters, following leaks of an inquiry report implicating officers. Defence Minister Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, who is also army chief, denied in a televised statement aired Friday that the military had committed abuses, after talks with Morsi, who named the fact-finding inquiry last year. “I swear,

by God, the armed forces did not kill nor order killings; it did not act treacherously, nor did it order treachery,” said Sissi, standing next to Morsi.

Morsi in turn praised the armed forces for “protecting Egypt when it started its march on January 25,” referring to the 2011 uprising that overthrew president Hosni Mubarak and ushered in interim military rule. The Egyptian press and Britain’s Guardian newspaper have published leaks from the report by the fact-finding panel, named shortly after Morsi took office in June, implicating the military in killings, torture and disappearances.

According to a Guardian report, the inquiry found that army officers ordered doctors to treat wounded demonstrators without anaesthesia after they clashed with soldiers during protests against military rule in 2012. The inquiry also

reportedly documented cases of soldiers committing killings and torture during the 18-day uprising that overthrew Mubarak in early 2011, after he had deployed the military to try to quash the unrest. In early January, the committee submitted its report to Morsi, who referred it to a “revolutionary prosecution” he created to investigate crimes during the revolt and under military rule.

It was not immediately clear whether the leaked sections were from drafts or the final report. The US State Department urged Morsi to release the report, which he had ordered at a time of tensions with the military in 2012. “For the sake of transparency, we do believe it should be made public, and we urge the government of Egypt to credibly and independently investigate all claims of violence and wrongdoing and promptly bring the perpetrators to justice,” said deputy spokesman Patrick Ventrell.

He stressed that US officials have not yet seen the report. The New York-based lobby group Human Rights Watch stressed that “releasing the fact-finding report would be the Egyptian government’s first acknowledgment of two years’ worth of police and military abuses.” Despite reports in January that the inquiry would be published shortly, the document has been

shrouded in secrecy, prompting some to accuse the government of suppressing the findings. A presidential aide told AFP that the report detailed “16 new incidents, which have been assigned to 16 prosecutors to investigate.”

The presidency’s responsibility over the inquiry ended when he referred the findings to the prosecution. “The presidency created the committee and assisted its work, but now it’s in the prosecution’s hands,” the aide added. On Thursday, Morsi promoted three army commanders in a show of support for the military during the meeting with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took charge after Mubarak’s overthrow and before Morsi’s election.

“I declare this to the entire world, I greatly appreciate the role of the military,” said Morsi, flanked by generals, in the televised statement after the meeting. Morsi took office with his powers circumscribed by the military, then led

by Mubarak’s former defence minister Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi. Egypt’s first civilian leader sacked Tantawi after an August militant attack killed 16 soldiers at a border post, seizing on discontent within the military to purge commanders whose loyalties were in doubt, an aide said at the time. — AFP

Mubarak: Egypt’s modern pharaoh CAIRO: Hosni Mubarak, whose brief retrial was adjourned yesterday and sent back to Egypt’s Court of Appeal after he won a previous appeal against a life sentence for involvement in the deaths of protesters, enjoyed near absolute power for three decades. The 84-year-old’s spectacular fall from grace in a popular revolt sent shock waves across the Middle East and beyond when he announced his resignation on February 11, 2011 after an 18-day popular revolt.

The spectacle of the man who had dominated Egypt for so long appearing in the dock on a stretcher in his original trial gripped the nation. He was convicted for his role in the deaths of more than 800 protesters during the revolt and could have received the death penalty when the court handed down sentence last June 2. In the event, he escaped the gallows and to the fury of many Egyptians, nearly all his lieutenants escaped conviction.

Until anti-government protests erupted on January 25, 2011 Mubarak had seemed untouchable as president of the most populous nation in the Arab world, backed by the United States and the military, from whose ranks he had emerged. He had survived 10 attempts on his life, most of them by Islamist militants, but in the end, it was the people who brought down Egypt’s latter-day pharaoh. It was a blow he found hard to accept.

Two months after his overthrow, Mubarak told pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya that he and his family were the victims of “false claims that

seek to ruin my reputation and challenge my integrity.”

After his life sentence, his health collapsed and the state news agency MENA even reported him clinically dead at one point as he lapsed into a coma. He recovered but was reportedly deeply depressed by the election of Mohamed Morsi, the candidate of his long-time foe the Muslim Brotherhood, as president later the

same month. Mubarak himself rose to power unexpectedly, when then president Anwar Sadat, who made history by signing a peace deal with Israel, was gunned down by Islamist militants on October 6, 1981 at a military parade. He took office a week later and ruled without interruption until his overthrow. Islamist militant groups were responsible for most of the attempts to kill Mubarak, includ-

ing a failed bid to fire rockets at his plush Cairo residence and a plot to car-bomb the presidential motorcade.

In 1995, militants opened fire on his motorcade in Addis Ababa. With his jet black hair and aquiline nose, Mubarak had a reputation for vigour and was once known to play squash almost daily. But that image suffered in 2003 when he fainted while addressing parliament. — AFP

CAIRO: An anti-Hosni Mubarak protester holds dummies of the ousted president, his wife Suzanne, his Interior Minister Habib Al-Adly, and his two sons Gamal and Alaa, outside a courtroom in Cairo yesterday.

The Arabic writing reads ‘second time.’ An upbeat and alert-looking Hosni Mubarak waved to his supporters after he was wheeled into a Cairo courtroom yesterday for the first session of his retrial on charges of complicity in the killing of demonstrators during the 2011 revolt that led to his ouster. — AP

Syrian airstrike kills 18 BEIRUT: A Syrian government airstrike on a town in the country’s northwest killed at least 18 people yesterday, shattering store fronts, setting cars ablaze and sending a giant plume of black and gray smoke over the horizon.

President Bashar Assad’s air force has been one of his biggest assets in the 2-year-old civil war and he has used warplanes and helicopters to try to check rebel advances, although the regime also frequently hits civilian areas.

A Human Rights Watch report this week accused the Syrian government of committing war crimes by using indiscriminate and sometimes deliberate airstrikes against civilians, killing at least 4,300 people since the summer.

Yesterday’s air raid struck the town of Saraqeb in Idlib province, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights activist group. The Observatory said four of the 18 people killed in the attack were members of the same family. Many others were wounded and the death toll was expected to rise, the Observatory said.

Amateur videos posted online showed a giant plume of black smoke, and people in cars and on motorbikes racing to help the wounded. A group of men could be seen carrying a wounded man covered in gray dust. Another man in the video rushes with a bucket of water

to help extinguish cars in flames. Rubble and twisted metal litter the street.

The video appeared genuine and corresponded to other reporting by The Associated Press of the events depicted. Rebels have wrested much of the countryside of Idlib and other provinces in northern Syria from regime forces, although government troops still control many military bases in the region from which they launch attacks - including airstrikes - on opposition-held areas. South of Saraqeb, Syrian government troops trying to relieve a besieged military base ambushed a rebel checkpoint, killing at least 12 opposition fighters. The Observatory said the government forces surprised the rebel fighters on the outskirts of the village of Baboulein. The Observatory, which relies on a network of local activists on the ground, said many opposition fighters were also wounded in the attack.

Observatory director Rami Abdul-Rahman said the assault was part of government efforts to resupply the embattled military base at Wadi Deif outside of the town of Maaret Al-Numan, which is just north of Baboulein on the Damascus-Aleppo highway.

Rebels have been trying for months to capture the large base at Wadi Deif, from which regime troops regularly pound the now largely

abandoned town of Maaret Al-Numan with artillery fire. The regime must push convoys through rebel-held territory to prevent the base from running short of troops and supplies. On Thursday, activists said rebels shot down a helicopter carrying food and supplies to the base, killing the pilot and three other soldiers.

In the northern city of Aleppo, a government air raid on the disputed Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood killed at least four people and wounded more than a dozen others, the Observatory said. It added that doctors treating the wounded said many showed symptoms of inhaling toxic gas, such as severe vomiting and irritation to the nose and eyes. Both sides in the Syrian civil war have accused the other of using chemical weapons. Syria has asked the UN to investigate an alleged chemical weapons attack by rebels in March on the village of Khan Al-Assal outside of Aleppo. The rebels blame regime forces. Britain and France want the UN to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use in Khan Al-Assal and another village, Ataybah, on March 19, as well as the central city of Homs on Dec 23. Syria has rejected UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s push to expand the UN probe to include those other villages. — AFP

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Russia hits 18 US officials with tit-for-tat entry ban Washington bars 18 Russians over human rights abuses MOSCOW: Russia yesterday published its own blacklist of US officials banned from entering the country in retaliation for Washington blocking 18 Russians over alleged human rights abuses. “The war of lists is not our choice, but we cannot ignore outright blackmail,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement, which includes a list of 18 US officials “implicated in human rights violations.”

domestic affairs” and “delivers a strong blow to bilateral relations.”

“Unlike the American list, which is formed arbitrarily, our list primarily includes those who are implicated in legalisation of torture and perpetual detentions in Guantanamo prison, to the arrests and kidnapping of Russian citizens,” the ministry said. “It’s time for Washington politicians to finally understand that there are no

MOSCOW: Nataliya Magnitskaya holds a portrait of her son, Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer who died in jail, as she speaks with The Associated Press in Moscow, Russia. — AP On Friday the US Treasury released prospects in building relations with a a list barring 16 Russians allegedly country like Russia with the spirit of linked to the death of jailed human mentoring and undisguised dictating,” rights lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, as well it said.

The list names four people allegedas two Chechens tied to other alleged rights abuses, from travelling to the ly implicated in Guantanamo abuses, US or holding assets there under the including David Spears Addington, 2012 Sergei Magnitsky Act. The meas- who served as chief of staff under forure has infuriated Moscow, which had mer vice president Dick Cheney. vowed to retaliate with a similar Fourteen more people are named as measure. The foreign ministry yester- having violated the rights of Russian day called the Magnitsky Act an citizens abroad, including US district “absurd” law that “intervenes in our judge Jed Rakoff and several prosecu-

tors from his district in the state of New York, as well as several Drug Enforcement Administration officers and FBI agent Gregory Coleman.

Senior lawmaker Alexei Pushkov, who chairs the Russian Duma lower house foreign affairs committee, announced a “visa war” on his Twitter blog. “The reset is dead,” he wrote minutes after the ministry announcement, referring to the US-Russia policy of resetting relations launched in 2009. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Itar-TASS news agency that the Russian blacklist also includes a secret section which has more names, similar to the list of more highly placed Russian officials compiled by Washington. “The list ... also has a closed section,” Ryabkov said.

“The Americans know about its existence.”

Sergei Magnitsky died in pre-trial detention in 2009 at the age of 37 after being arrested and charged by the very same officials he had accused of organising a $230-million fraud scheme. The case has come to symbolise the Kremlin’s failure to crack down on corruption and has prompted a crisis in US-Russia ties. Moscow reacted with anger when the Magnitsky Act was passed last year under which scores of Russians-whose names have not been released publically-were hit with sanctions and blacklisted from receiving a visa to the United States.

In retaliation Russia passed a law which punishes alleged US rights abusers, but also includes a clause banning adoption of Russian children

by Americans. President Vladimir Putin justified the legislation by the need to respond to a “purely political, unfriendly act” which has “sacrificed Russian-American relations.” The law, and the adoption ban, went into effect on January 1 despite massive protests in Russia and international criticism. — AFP

US gun law - Newtown mom makes heart-wrenching plea WASHINGTON: Francine Wheeler blinked past her tears, looked straight into the camera and asked Americans to push for tougher gun laws, drawing on courage she said comes from the memory of her 6-year-old son, Ben, murdered in his first-grade classroom in Newtown, Connecticut. “His boundless energy kept him running across the soccer field long after the game was over,” said Wheeler, describing her son during what is usually President Barack Obama’s weekly Saturday address to the nation.

WASHINGTON: David (right) and Francine Wheeler (center) walk through the US Capitol while visiting members of Congress and urging them into passing tougher gun laws on Capitol Hill. — AFP

“He couldn’t wait to get to school every morning,” she said, her voice breaking, her husband David beside her, sighing and swallowing hard. The address was the culmination of a week of emotional pleas in Washington from families of the 26 people killed by a gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec 14. “To us, it feels as if it happened just yesterday,” Wheeler said, recounting the horror of waiting at the firehouse after the shooting “for the boy who would never come home.”

The massacre has spurred Obama to propose new restrictions on guns - politically difficult measures in a country where constitutional rights to own guns are defended by powerful lobby groups like the National Rifle Association. Obama brought the Newtown families to Washington on Monday aboard Air Force One after he gave a speech in Connecticut urging action on his plans.

Obama’s proposals to ban more types of military-style assault weapons like the one used in Connecticut and to limit the capacity of ammunition magazines appear to have a slim chance of clearing the Senate. Even proposals widely supported by Americans - more background checks for gun sales and tougher penalties for gun trafficking were at risk of faltering.

This week the Wheelers and other families of victims met with senators to urge them to support new laws. On Wednesday Senator Joe Manchin, a conservative Democrat and strong supporter of gun rights, was moved to tears by their stories.

“I feel Ben’s presence filling me with courage for what I have to do - for him and all the others taken from us so violently and too soon,” Wheeler said in the address, which was broadcast on radio stations and streamed on the Internet.

There were signs of progress this week, she said. Two conservative senators crafted a breakthrough deal to expand background checks, and others backed away from trying to block any debate on the measures.

“But that’s only the start,” Wheeler said. “They haven’t yet passed any bills that will help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. And a lot of people are fighting to make sure they never do.” Next week the Senate will begin what is expected to be weeks of debate on gun legislation. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is waiting to see what the Senate approves before it begins work on the issue. — Reuters

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

French gangster in spectacular jailbreak SEQUEDIN: One of France’s most dangerous gangsters, known for brazen attacks on cash-in-transit vehicles yesterday blasted his way out of jail after taking several wardens hostage, officials said. Redoine Faid, who risked a heavy sentence over the 2010 death of a policewoman, used explosives to blast through five prison doors and break free in the northern town of Sequedin. Police and helicopters were trying to track the 40-year-old, who set fire to his getaway car in the south of the city of Lille before getting into a second vehicle. State Prosecutor Frederic Fevre said Faid, who had already been France’s most wanted a few years ago, was a “particularly dangerous prisoner” and was still armed and in possession of explosives.

Fevre said Faid had four hostages with him during the jailbreak. One was released just outside the prison, another a few hundred metres away and then the final two were left along a highway. Wardens unions described the prison break as “an act of war” and also argued that the Sedequin jail was inadequate for such dangerous convicts. “This escape and hostage-taking were methodically prepared,” the CGT union said, complaining that searches on detainees were not thorough enough.

A woman who was visiting her imprisoned son described the chaos caused by Faid’s spectacular escape. “I thought my last hour had come. Suddenly, everything started blowing up. The walls started shaking, as did the windows and the doors. I was really scared,” Rose Lafont said. Prison union leader

Etienne Dobremetz said Faid had received a visit from his wife earlier yesterday morning. Contacted by AFP, her lawyer vehemently denied any suspicion of involvement in her husband’s escape. “It happened very quickly, it was clearly very well organised, we are still busy putting the facts together,” a local administrative official said.

Faid is also known for co-authoring a book in 2010 upon his release on parole after a decade in prison for robbery, about his delinquent youth and rise as a criminal in Paris’ impoverished crime-ridden suburbs.

He said his life of crime was inspired by American films such as ‘Scarface’ and ‘Heat’-in which actor Robert de Niro carries out an armoured car heist.

After his first robbery, Faid, of Algerian extraction, fled to Israel where he wore the Jewish skullcap and picked up Hebrew to blend in.

Despite vowing he had turned his back on crime Faid was in 2010 suspected of being the mastermind of an armed robbery in which a young policewoman was killed in a shootout.

Faid, nicknamed Doc, landed back in prison in 2011 for failing to comply with his parole conditions and was due to serve the remaining eight years of his original sentence. He faced 30 more years over the policewoman’s death however. “I wasn’t surprised when I heard about his escape although there were no signs that anything was in the works,” his lawyer Jean-Louis Pelletier said. He described his client as an extremely intelligent and well connected person. — AFP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

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In Venezuela, militants form revolution’s frontline CARACAS: Trucks packed with Hugo Chavez loyalists in green camouflage paraded through the streets of a poor Caracas neighborhood, chanting “Chavez lives, the struggle goes on!” ahead of Sunday’s presidential election.

The hillside “January 23” barrio is where Chavez was laid to rest. It is also home to several militant groups, some armed, that stand in the frontline of the late leftist leader’s socialist revolution, vowing to defend it at any cost. Riding on roaring motorcycles and the back of trucks, they rallied for their hero’s handpicked successor, acting President Nicolas Maduro, and railed against the opposition led by Henrique Capriles.

“We are ready to respond with every available means if the empire tries to attack us,” Alexi Barnique, a burly 45year-old security guard wearing a black shirt printed with Chavez’s eyes, said before hopping on his motorcycle. “We are the soldiers of this revolution,” said Barnique, a member of the Antonio Jose de Sucre Association. Chavez, and now Maduro, repeatedly warned of threats from the “empire”-their term for the United States-and the domestic “right-wing,” with the short-lived coup against the late president in April 2002 still fresh in Chavistas’ minds.

“ The revolution will always be threatened by the interests of the bourgeoisie and the interests of the gringos,” said Frank Leon, 49, a radio host for the community radio run by Coordinadora Simon Bolivar.

Many of these militant groups, k nown as “colectivos,” were born decades ago in the “23 de Enero” barrio, acting as urban guerrillas before Chavez rose to power in the 1998 election. They now oversee their own slices of turf, assisting the government’s oil-funded social programs, from free health care centers manned by Cuban doctors to education projects and sports activities.

The walls of Coordinadora Simon Bolivar’s compound are covered with murals of Chavez pointing an AK-47 and Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara.

Inside, women and men offer art lessons to children, activities for the elderly and reading classes. In a nation plagued by South America’s highest murder rate, with 16,000 killed last year, the groups also conduct their own security, with closed-circuit cameras hanging on lampposts and residential buildings. But critics say the colectivos are often involved in acts of provocation in the politically polarized nation.

“We clean up our barrios first with

education. The second way is more repressive,” said Yarithza Mota, a primary school teacher who is also a member of the La Libertad colectivo.

“For this you need an armed component.” Mota was certain that Maduro would win on Sunday, but if Capriles pulls an upset, she gave the opposition leader “eight months until the people get rid of him.” Neri Lacruz, a member of La Libertad wearing an armband in Venezuela’s yellow, blue and red colors, said the colectivos managed to reduce violent crime in the barrio although drug trafficking remains rampant.

“We used to have three to four murders a week,” he said in a bustling street surrounded by run-down apartment buildings with laundry hanging from the windows. “We still have to fight against crime. We do surveillance and when things get ugly we call each other with radios,” he said. “ We won’t let people freely take lives. If things escalates, we respond like they respond.” Up a hill on January 23, the convoy of Chavez suppor ters honked its horns as it passed by the gated headquarters of one of the most notorious colectivos, “La Piedrita,” or “Little Rock.”

A man carrying an assault rifle was

CARACAS: People gather inside the 23 de Enero neighborhood campaign command center for the ruling party United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) in Caracas. — AP visible behind the red metal gate. A signed read: “With Chavez, everything.

Without Chavez, bullets.” A young man with a radio said the colectivo’s boss, Valentin Santana, was unavailable for interviews because he was busy preparing for Sunday’s election. “ They are

combatants of the street, they defend the revolution on the street,” said a barrio resident, Numan Garcia, 37, who works at a school. “With them, we don’t need the police.” But some of the colectivos, he lamented, “commit abuses and are more violent.” — AFP

Enigmatic N Korea poses tough target for US spies Virtually impossible to run human spy in North

CARACAS: Opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles plays a basketball game with friends in Caracas yesterday. Capriles is running against ruling party candidate Nicolas Maduro in today’s presidential election. — AP

Lead narrows for Chavez’s heir amid crime, shortages CARACAS: Nicolas Maduro hopes to ride a tide of grief into Venezuela’s special presidential election today and win voters’ endorsement to succeed the late Hugo Chavez, the adored larger-than-life leader who chose him to carry on the messy, unfinished Chavista revolution. That will mean inheriting multiple problems left behind by Chavez, troubles that have been harped on by opposition challenger Henrique Capriles.

Although he’s still favored, Maduro’s early big lead in opinion polls sharply narrowed in the past week as Venezuelans grappled with a litany of woes many blame on Chavez’s mismanagement of the economy and infrastructure: chronic power outages, double-digit inflation, food and medicine shortages. Add to that rampant crime Venezuela has among the world’s highest homicide and kidnapping rates.

Maduro, a former union activist with close ties to Cuba’s leaders who was Chavez’s longtime foreign minister, hinted at feeling overwhelmed during his closing campaign speech to hundreds of thousands of red-shirted faithful Thursday. “I need your support. This job that Chavez left me is very difficult,” said Maduro, who became acting president after Chavez succumbed to cancer March 5. “This business of being president and leader of a revolution is a pain in the neck.”

Capriles, a 40-year-old state governor who lost to Chavez in October’s regular presidential election, hammered away at the ruling socialists’ record of unfulfilled promises as he crisscrossed Venezuela. His campaign libretto included reading aloud a list of unfinished road, bridge and rail projects before asking what goods were scarce on store shelves. Maduro, 50, hewed to a simple message, a theme of the October presidential campaign: “I am Chavez. We are all Chavez.” He promised to expand a myriad of anti-poverty programs created by the man he called the “Jesus Christ of Latin America” and funded by $1 trillion in oil revenues during Chavez’s 14-year rule.

His campaign mobilized a state bureaucracy of nearly 2.7 million workers that was built up by Chavez while he cemented a near-monopoly on power, using loyalists in the judiciary to intimidate and diminish the opposition, particularly its broadcast media. There are no easy answers for the troubles besetting Venezuela even though the country has the world’s largest oil reserves. Many factories in the heartland operate at half capacity because strict currency controls leave them short of the hard currency needed to pay for imports.

Business leaders say some companies are on the verge of bankruptcy, unable to extend lines of credit with suppliers abroad. Chavez imposed currency controls a decade ago to stem capital flight as he expropriated large land parcels and dozens of private businesses. But the restrictions have backfired. In a roaring black market, dollars sell at three times the official exchange rate and Maduro has already devalued Venezuela’s currency, the bolivar,

twice this year.

The government blames shortages of milk, butter, corn flour and other staples on hoarding. The opposition points at the price controls imposed by Chavez in an attempt to cool double-digit inflation.

“Chavez is unique in having survived with high popularity through years of stagflation,” said Siobhan Morden, head of Latin American strategy for Jefferies LLC. But Maduro’s “sympathy votes will fade” eventually, Morden said. “Can he survive a sixyear term with stagflation? If he feels he has to grow the economy, what will he do given the ideological constraints?”

Capriles said he will reverse land expropriations, which he said have ruined some farms and turned Venezuela into a net importer of food, including beef and coffee.

But even Capriles said currency and price controls cannot be immediately scrapped without triggering a disastrous run on the bolivar. As a way of immediately injecting dollars into the economy, he proposes ending the shipment of cut-rate oil to Cuba.

He said he would also re-establish close ties with the United States, which Chavez has vilified since a 2002 coup attempt that Washington initially endorsed. Maduro made his campaign a paean to Chavez. He followed his mentor’s playbook of blaming many of Venezuela’s woes on sabotage and subter fuge by “the extreme right,” Colombian paramilitaries, US putschists and other shadowy forces. Hard evidence is never provided. “Captured” suspects are never identified.

The government’s media machine, meanwhile, provides a pervasive message aimed at keeping Chavistas on board.

Yadaira Nunez, a 43-year-old grandmother married to a volunteer firefighter, lives with three generations in a wooden shack in a squatters settlement outside the central city of Valencia, but she doesn’t blame the government for worsening blackouts and food shortages. “Well, that’s also sabotage.

You can’t close your eyes to reality,” she said. “What’s the proof? That as elections near there’s no flour. Look, my granddaughter doesn’t have milk because we can’t find milk anywhere.” And for many Venezuelans, it’s enough that Chavez told them to elect Maduro - at least for now. “To not vote for Maduro would be to betray him,” Nunez said of Chavez. And if Maduro proves a failure? “We’ll get rid of him. We’ll get rid of him immediately.”

The election winner will have the aid of the historically high oil prices that Chavez enjoyed during most of this rule. The windfall let Chavez spend $500 billion on social programs and trim the poverty rate from 50 percent to about 30 percent. That came with a steep price, though. State oil company PDVSA’s debt reached $40 billion last year as Chavez ordered the company into food distribution and bankrolling social programs. Critics say the government failed to reinvest in the oil industry, causing production and refining to slump. Oil revenues dropped from $5.6 billion five years ago to $3.8 billion in 2012. — AP

WASHINGTON: Conflicting accounts from US intelligence about the status of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program underscore just how difficult it is for American spy agencies to penetrate the inscrutable regime in Pyongyang, officials and experts said. The world’s most powerful intelligence apparatus is often left to guesswork when it comes to tracking a regime that has cut off its population from the outside world. “I also have to say that North Korea, of course, is now and always has been one of the, if not the, toughest intelligence targets,” National Intelligence Director James Clapper told lawmakers at a hearing Thursday.

The spy chief acknowledged that North Korea’s young, untested leader Kim Jong-Un remained a mystery figure whose motives and mindset were largely unknown. “There’s no telling how he’s going to behave,” Clapper said.

The United States gleans most of its intelligence from satellites tracking North Korean military movements, as Western spies cannot effectively operate in such a tightly-controlled dictatorship. “It is virtually impossible to run a human spy in the north and penetrate the Korean state,” Bruce Riedel, a former CIA officer and fellow at the Brookings Institution said.

The vexing challenge posed by North Korea was driven home when a Defense Intelligence Agency report came to light Thursday that seemed to paint a more dangerous picture of the country’s nuclear weapons, unlike previous accounts from US officials. The DIA report,

revealed by a lawmaker from Colorado with a keen interest in missile defense funding, concluded Pyongyang likely had succeeded in miniaturizing a nuclear warhead that could be fit onto a ballistic missile.

Senior US officials, caught off guard by the report, played down the document as a “lowlevel” assessment and insisted North Korea did not have nuclear-armed missiles ready to fire and that war on the Korean peninsula remained a remote possibility. North Korea has “pieces” of a nuclear program “but they haven’t shown the ability to deploy nuclear weapons,” said a US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

This message was reinforced Friday by White House spokesman Jay Carney, who insisted that it was “our assessment that North Korea has not demonstrated the capability to deploy a nuclear-armed missile.” But officials admitted that what North Korea has or has not developed is uncertain. And the United States and its allies must now wait for Pyongyang’s next move, amid intense speculation it will launch medium-range missiles in coming days in a show of military might.

I n other countries, US spies would be scooping up “chatter” at a moment of crisis. But hermetically sealed North Korea, with little Internet access and a restricted number of mobile phones, renders American eavesdropping tools less useful. Mobile phones, however, have come to the more privileged capital

US Navy panel urges ouster of officer who faked death GROTON: A newly appointed nuclear attack submarine commander who went to extreme lengths to end an extramarital affair thought the issue was behind him until the family of his ex-girlfriend got in touch with the Navy. Now the military career of Cmdr Michael P Ward II, who faked his death to end the eight-month affair, appears to be over. A panel of officers recommended Friday that Ward be ousted from the Navy with an honorable discharge.

Ward apologized during the hearing to the Navy, his sailors and his wife in the hearing at Naval Submarine Base and said he took full responsibility for his actions, including the email he sent to his mistress posing as a fictitious co-worker named Bob and saying Ward had died unexpectedly. “The reason I did it was to sever the relationship,” he said, “but the choice was ridiculous.”

Ward, who was relieved of his duties aboard the USS Pittsburgh in August only a week after taking command, already has received a letter of reprimand for adultery and other military violations. The three-officer board of inquiry recommended he retain his rank upon being discharged. Its decision goes to the secretary of the Navy for approval within 90 days.

Ward asked to remain in the service during the hearing, and his lawyers argued that despite his mistakes, the case came down to personal misconduct that should not destroy what had been a highly distinguished career. But attorneys for the government countered that Ward discredited the Navy and that his removal put a strain on the fleet because officers had to be shuffled around to cover his removal.

“This is not a case of lapsed judgment, this is case of no judgment,” said Navy Lt Griffin Farris, acting as prosecutor at the hearing. Wearing dress blues and surrounded by his military lawyers on either side, Ward said in an unsworn statement he would regret his mistakes his life, adding that he was grateful to his wife for standing by him. “I want to apologize directly to my wife for the hurt and harm and humiliation I have caused her,” he said as she sat in the front row, her eyes red. Still, the Navy shouldn’t throw away his talent and training, said highranking officers with whom Ward has served. They said he made an awful mistake and that he was a fast-rising, hard-working officer. Before moving to Connecticut Ward served the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he used his nuclear expertise to provide daily briefings to the chairman as the Fukushima disaster unfolded following the earthquake in Japan. Navy Capt Lawrence Vincent, who worked with Ward in Washington, said he would serve with again and the handling of the affair struck him as out of character. “With Mike Ward, it was a true shock,” Vincent said. Ward’s girlfriend, a younger woman in Virginia, discovered that he had not died and had actually moved to Connecticut to take command of a submarine when she visited the house his family used to occupy in Virginia. — AP

Pyongyang, where about a million cell phones are in use, providing an opening to foreign intelligence, said David Maxwell, a retired US Army colonel who served with Special Forces units in Asia. Nevertheless, he said trying to discern the leadership’s plans and internal rivalries was beyond the reach of the US spy agencies.

“We can collect a lot of information from satellites and from other means on capabilities, but intentions are really key. The way the system is designed, they are able to protect elite decision-making and the elite apparatus,” said Maxwell, associate director at Georgetown University’s Center for Security Studies. No high-level official has defected from North Korea since 1997, he said. “I just don’t think anyone, not the Chinese, not the Russians, is able to penetrate the inner circle to be able to determine with any amount of certainty what their intentions are.” And while the North Korean regime’s clumsy propaganda is often fodder for ridicule, the regime has proved adept at fooling Western spies while hiding sensitive weaponswork underground. “The North Koreans are masterful at deception,” he said. In 1999, US officials grew alarmed over what appeared to be a nuclear facility, but after an inspection was arranged following laborious negotiations, the site turned out to be nothing more than a large hole in the ground. “When we do see things, it’s because they want us to see them. They know we’re watching.” — AFP

On arms, legs, and breasts, Chavez ‘lives for eternity’ CARACAS: The body of Hugo Chavez may not have been embalmed and put on display for eternity but on the arms, legs and breasts of devoted Venezuelans, “el Comandante” will live on forever. As Venezuela prepares to elect Chavez’s successor on Sunday, the booming personality cult surrounding the late former president is best reflected in the roaring trade of the country’s tattoo parlors. Tattoo artists throughout Caracas are reporting a surge in requests for Chavez-related body-art, ranging from copies of the former president’s signature to more detailed portraits of his face.

One group of artists set up stalls throughout the Venezuelan capital shortly after Chavez’s death on March 5, offering free tattoos for those wanting a permanent reminder of “el Comandante.” “We thought there would be a few people, but on the first day we got more than 200,” said Uncas Montilla, a 39-year-old tattoo artist.

Montilla’s group offers free tattoos of Chavez’s signature, a symbol that can be seen adorning the facades of public buildings throughout Caracas.

“The signature of ‘el Comandante’ carries a symbolic value, because he used that to sign into law all of the programs which helped the poor,” Montilla explained to AFP. The offer of a free tattoo honoring the charismatic Venezuelan strongman was too good to pass up for one student. Yusdeigris Mercado, a petite 21-year-old, opted to have Chavez’s autograph inked above her left breast, where it runs up to her shoulder.

“I think of Chavez as a father,” Mercado explained. “I wanted to see his signature on me,” she added, proudly showing off her inky memento.

Housewife Yereth Zunigo had never been tattooed before but was similarly determined to opt for Chavez body art.

“The day Chavez died, I told myself I would get a tattoo,” Zunigo recalled, admitting she had surprised even herself by her decision.

“I never thought I’d get a tattoo of him. I remember the day when my husband came home with tattoos on his arms-I started to cry. But I’m extremely motivatedChavez is not only on my skin but in my heart.” Zunigo’s husband, 26-year-old musician Kleyver Escobar, already had the names of his children stamped on his forearms and has now added Chavez. “A tattoo should have great meaning because it is for

life,” he said. “Chavez is a leader, a one-off.”

Would he consider getting a tattoo of Nicolas Maduro, Chavez’s anointed successor, who is running against opposition leader Henrique Capriles, in Sunday’s election? “No,” Escobar laughed. “He still has a long way to go!”

The craze for Chavez tattoos has left veterans of the Venezuelan body art industry shaking their heads in disbelief. John Etnico, 30, who works at the upmarket Mythos Tattoos shop in the commercial heart of Caracas, reported a surge in demand. “Since the death of Chavez it’s been crazy,” he said. Many potential customers are deterred by the higher prices of tattoos at shops like Mythos-averaging between 2,000 and 3,000 bolivars ($317 and $476) and simply choose the cheaper option of a roadside tattoo artist, Etnico said. But Gabriela Tejo refused to be put off by the price tag. In the Mythos workshop, Tejo, a 31-year-old who works in advertising, proudly displayed a left thigh bearing a large picture of Chavez. “His face will age and wrinkle at the same time as me.

Chavez has left his mark on Latin America and I’m leaving his mark on my body,” said Tejo, the niece of a former Venezuelan guerrilla. — AFP

CARACAS: Venezuelan Gabriela Tejero shows her leg where she had the face of late President Hugo Chavez tattooed yesterday. — AFP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

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

Divisions renewed in Australia’s fractured ruling party SYDNEY: An ex-Australian minister behind last month’s failed coup against Julia Gillard accused the Prime Minister of being divisive and media-driven in an interview yesterday, reviving ruling party tensions. Former arts minister Simon Crean, a veteran and past leader of the Labor party, condemned Gillard as having a “real tin ear” on political strategy in a damning break with earlier vows of unity following the March machinations.

Crean was instrumental in last month’s

leadership challenge, demanding that Gillard put the prime ministership to a party vote and encouraging former PM Kevin Rudd to stand against her. Rudd-deposed by Gillard in a ruthless ouster ahead of the 2010 election refused to run and the episode fizzled out, further damaging Labor’s alreadytarnished brand with voters just months away from the September polls. Crean fell in behind Gillard after the botched vote despite being sacked for disloyalty, but he broke with calls for unity Saturday in a

scathing assessment of the prime minister. “(Rudd) was just arrogant but she’s got a tin ear. She sits there and listens but it doesn’t translate,” Crean told Fairfax newspapers. “Because somewhere along the way she gets the word that here’s the angle on how you get tomorrow’s headline.” The conservative opposition condemned the remarks as further evidence of “anarchy” within centre-left Labor’s ranks. “The country cannot go on like this, it has to turn around,” said conservative Senator Barnaby Joyce.

“We must get the show back on the rails.”

Crean accused Gillard of “class warfare” in her policies on immigration and said she was deliberately divisive, including on gender issues. “It’s easier to relate with one side against the other rather than get out there and try and cohere around a message that seeks to persuade in the national interest,” he said. Gillard shot to global fame last year with a speech accusing conservative leader Tony Abbott of misogyny and sexism, video of which went viral online.

Trade Minister Craig Emerson, a Gillard ally, said Crean had voiced such views in the past and “we’re talking about the future... and I’m quite sure that that’s what the Australian people want to discuss.”“My interest and the interest of the government is in the future,” Emerson told reporters. Gillard’s Labor will be chasing a third term when Australia goes to the polls on September 14.

Opinion surveys suggest a win is increasingly out of reach, with both the prime minister and her party deeply unpopular. —AFP

US girl saw details online of sex assault Case underscores callous use of tech by youths

JAFFNA: Fires burn on a printer at the Uthayan printing press in Jaffna, 400 kilometres north of Colombo yesterday. Gunmen opened fire and torched the office of the main Tamil newspaper in northern Sri Lanka yesterday. —AFP

Gunmen attack Tamil newspaper COLOMBO: Gunmen opened fire and torched the office of the main Tamil newspaper in northern Sri Lanka yesterday, police said, the latest in a string of attacks on the nation’s privately owned media.

Three men staged the pre-dawn arson attack on the Uthayan newspaper’s office and printing press in Jaffna, the main city in Sri Lanka’s former civil war zone in the north of the country, owner Eswarapatham Saravanapavan said.

“Employees preparing to deliver the morning newspaper fled as the gunmen stormed in,” he said by telephone, adding there were no injuries but the printing press was destroyed. Police said a senior officer was heading an investigation into the attack on the newspaper in Jaffna, 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of Colombo, which occurred on the eve of the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

“The attackers opened fire and carried out the arson attack,” police spokesman Buddhika Siriwardena said. The newspaper owner said it was the second attack on the publication in a week and added the assailants had to be from “either the government or para-militaries”. “Who else can carry firearms freely in Jaffna?” he asked. Sri Lanka lifted emergency rule in 2011 after the military crushed Tamil separatists two years earlier following a decades-long ethnic civil war in the island nation of 20 million people.

But troops are still deployed in Jaffna and other parts of the country to support the police. There was no immediate com-

ment from the government but the main opposition United National Party condemned the assault and said in a statement the government “must take full responsibility for this attack”. “There must be freedom of expression in any civilised society,” it added. Another office of the Uthayan in Kilinochchi, in the island’s north, was torched last week and “we asked for security from police”, Saravanapavan said.

The United States, which moved a censure motion against Sri Lanka at last month’s United Nations Human Rights Council over alleged rights abuses, said it was concerned by the attacks on the paper.

“We call upon the authorities to protect freedom of the media and conduct a credible investigation” to find the culprits, a US embassy spokesman said. Some 17 journalists and media employees have been killed in Sri Lanka in the past decade and no-one has been brought to justice. There is no formal censorship but rights groups say journalists practice self-censorship to avoid attack.

Uthayan’s owner, who is an opposition Tamil National Alliance legislator, said five of his employees had died in attacks on the paper in the last eight years. In February, a journalist for a privately owned weekly in the capital was shot and wounded by an unidentified gunman. Saravanapavan said he now will make other printing arrangements for his paper serving Jaffna, which was once the cultural capital of the island’s ethnic Tamil minority and run as a de-facto separate state by the Tamil rebels. —AFP

Newtown mom pleads for gun control at White House WASHINGTON: The mother of a 6-yearold boy killed in the Newtown, Connecticut, school shooting made a deeply personal plea from the White House for action to combat gun violence, choking back tears almost from the start of her speech. Francine Wheeler, whose 6-year-old son, Ben, was killed in the Dec 14 attack inside Sandy Hook Elementary School, stepped in for President Barack Obama to deliver the president’s weekly radio and Internet address. She is the first person to deliver the address other than Obama or Vice President Joe Biden since the two took office in 2009. “Thousands of other families across the United States are also drowning in our grief,” Wheeler said in the address. “Please help us do something before our tragedy becomes your tragedy.”

Her husband, David Wheeler, sat silently next to her as she made the recording in the White House Library.

Both wore the small green pins that have become a symbol of the schoolhouse shooting that killed 20 first-graders and six adults. Obama asked Wheeler to deliver this week’s address, which was taped Friday and released yesterday. The White House said Wheeler and her husband wrote the remarks themselves.

“Sometimes, I close my eyes and all I can remember is that awful day waiting at the Sandy Hook Volunteer Firehouse for the boy who would never come home - the same firehouse that was home to Ben’s Tiger Scout Den 6,” Francine Wheeler said.

“But other times, I feel Ben’s presence filling me with courage for what I have to do, for him and all the others taken from us so violently and too soon.”

Some of the Sandy Hook families, with Obama’s blessing, have launched a

stepped-up effort to push a gun control bill through Congress. As the fate of the legislation appeared uncertain last week, Obama traveled to Hartford, Connecticut - about an hour’s drive from Newtown to make his case for the legislation. On the return trip to Washington, he brought back 12 of the victims’ family members, who have been meeting with senators.

The Senate is considering a Democratic bill backed by Obama that would expand background checks, strengthen laws against illegal gun trafficking and slightly increase school security aid. The bill passed its first hurdle on Thursday, and senators will vote on amendments to the bill next week. Its fate in the Republicancontrolled House is uncertain.

Shortly after the vote on Thursday, White House spokesman Jay Carney said the voices of the Newtown families may have been the decisive factor. The bill before the Senate stops well short of Obama’s call to ban assault rifles and the high capacity magazines that leave shooters able to fire large bursts of ammunition without having to reload. It would subject almost all gun buyers to background checks, stiffen federal laws barring illicit firearms sales and provide slightly more money for school safety measures. Background checks are aimed at preventing criminals and mentally ill people from getting weapons, and gun control advocates consider broadening the system to be the most effective step available to lawmakers. Opponents including the National Rifle Association, a gun rights lobbying group, say the measures would infringe on the constitutional right to bear arms and inconvenience law-abiding citizens while being easy for criminals to evade. —AP

SARATOGA, California: The parents of a 15-year-old California girl who took her own life after she was allegedly sexually abused and an explicit photo of the assault circulated among her classmates want the three boys who have been arrested in the case prosecuted as adults, a lawyer for the family says. Together with two other episodes recently in the news - a suicide in Canada and a rape in Steubenville, Ohio - the case underscored the seeming callousness with which some young people use technology.

Authorities in Saratoga, California, arrested the three 16-year-olds on suspicion of sexual battery against Audrie Pott, a Saratoga High School sophomore who hanged herself in September. The arrests this week shocked many in this prosperous Silicon Valley suburb of 30,000 as new details of the case emerged.

“We’re talking about, other than murdering someone, the highest degree of a crime you could possibly do, which is to violate them in the worst of ways ... and then to effectively rub her face in it afterwards,” Robert Allard, the attorney representing the teenager’s mother, father and step-mother, said Friday.

But lawyers for the three boys, whose names have not been released because they are minors, released a statement Friday asking the public to withhold judgment until their clients can give their side of the story, the San Jose Mercury News reported. “Much of what has been reported over the last several days is inaccurate. Most disturbing is the attempt to link (Audrie’s) suicide to the specific actions of these three boys,” the statement from San Jose attorneys Eric Geffon, Alan Lagod and Benjamin Williams reads. “We are hopeful that everyone understands that these boys, none of whom have ever been in trouble with the law, are to be regarded as innocent.”

Allard said the trouble started over the Labor Day holiday weekend last September while Audrie was on a sleepover at a friend’s house where the parents were gone and the unaccompanied teens got into the liquor. “Audrie, by all accounts, consumed some of that alcohol and eventually went upstairs to go to sleep and woke up to the worst nightmare imaginable,” concluding that she had been molested, he said.

She soon found an abundance of material online about that night, including a picture and emails. She also discovered that her attackers were three boys she considered

friends - young men in whom she had confided, the lawyer said. On Facebook, Audrie wrote that the whole school knew what happened, and she complained that her life was ruined, Allard said. Eight days after the party, she hanged herself.

“She was being consoled by other friends and they were concerned about her,” the lawyer said. “One day she apparently felt that she couldn’t cope with it anymore and poor

episodes recently in the news - a suicide in Canada and a rape in Steubenville, Ohio - the case underscored the seeming callousness with which some young people use technology. In Canada, meanwhile, police said Friday they have received new information and are reopening their investigation in the case of 17year-old suicide victim Rehtaeh Parsons. Parsons was photographed while being sexually assaulted in

up in the girl’s name. It didn’t provide further details on what type of evidence might have been targeted by the suspects. However, it asked any students with information to come forward. “That was one thing that really bothered the parents,” Allard said. “For the past seven months they’ve been living their lives as if nothing happened, attending school as normal sophomores, while they’re suffering indescribably for

SARATOGA, California: Saratoga resident Jamie Perez speaks to reporters on Friday about a 15-year-old girl Audrie Pott (inset) who committed suicide after she was sexually assaulted by three of her friends and a photo surfaced online. —AP Audrie was traumatized to the point where she ended her life.” Her parents did not learn about the assault until after her death, when Audrie’s friends approached them, Allard said.

Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith told the Mercury News that investigators for her department started looking into the circumstances surrounding Audrie’s Sept 10 suicide in the days immediately following it. A deputy assigned to Saratoga High heard rumors about the sexual assault and possible photographic evidence, and detectives spent months interviewing students and subpoenaing cell phone records, Smith said. “We still have more interviews to do. We have more phones to get,” the sheriff said.

“We have good evidence to justify the criminal charges even though the investigation is ongoing.”

Together with two other

2011 and was then bullied after the photo was shared on the Web, authorities said. Police initially concluded there were no grounds to charge anyone.

In Steubenville, Ohio, two high school football players were convicted last month of raping a drunken 16-year-old girl in a crime that was recorded on cellphones by students and gossiped about online. The victim herself realized she had been attacked after seeing text messages, a photo of herself naked and a video that mocked her. “The problem with digital technologies is they can expand the harm that people suffer greatly,” said Nancy Willard, an Oregon-based cyberbullying expert and creator of a prevention program for schools.

Audrie’s family has alleged her attackers tried to destroy evidence.

That claim was posted on a Facebook page for a foundation set

the loss of their daughter.”

Allard, who hired two former San Jose police officers to investigate what happened, said Thursday’s arrests “reopened a wound” for the girl’s family members, and they have gone into seclusion. But they want to see action taken again those who passed the photo around. Her mother, father and step-mother have scheduled a Monday news conference where they plan to discuss how they found out about the attack. —AP

Myanmar democracy hero visits Japan after 27 years

TOKYO: Myanmar’s democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi greets spectators at the end of her meeting with Myanmar residents in Japan at a hall in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP

TOKYO: Myanmar’s democracy hero Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in Japan yesterday, her first visit to the country where she spent time as a university researcher nearly three decades ago. A group of well-wishers including Burmese gathered at Tokyo’s Narita airport to greet the Suu Kyi, now her country’s opposition leader, but were denied the chance to meet her as she left through a backdoor. “I respect her like my mother,” one of Burmese women said in an interview with public broadcaster NHK. “I want to tell her that I support her strongly.”

During her six-day trip, the Nobel laureate is expected to have meetings with some of the approximately 10,000 Burmese who live in Japan, as well as with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. It is Suu Kyi’s first visit to Japan since spending time as a researcher at Kyoto University in 1985-86.

But a leader of about 200 of Myanmar’s Muslim minority Rohingya in Japan has expressed disappointment after being told his community was not wanted at events welcoming Suu Kyi. The Rohingya have been described by

the UN as one of the world’s most persecuted minorities. The apparent tensions between groupings within the expatriate Myanmar community underline growing problems between Muslims and Buddhists at home that have cast a shadow over much-vaunted political reforms of recent years. Activists have expressed disappointment that Suu Kyi, a 67-year-old Nobel laureate who was locked up for 15 years by the former junta, has remained largely silent about several episodes of communal bloodshed.

Suu Kyi’s connection to Japan stems from her father, General Aung San, who led the independence movement in the country then known as Burma against British colonial rule. From late 1940 he spent several months in Japan, whose Imperial Army-then involved in a brutal campaign of conquest across Asia-had offered succour, including cash, weaponry and manpower. Two years later he established a Japanese-backed government, but by 1945 had enlisted the help of the British to liberate Burma from Tokyo’s colonial rule.—AFP

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

6.3-magnitude quake hits western Japan TOKYO: A strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit western Japan yesterday, injuring at least 24 people and destroying some houses, officials and reports said.

Japan’s meteorological agency, which earlier reported the quake was measured at magnitude 6.0, revised the seismic reading to magnitude 6.3. There was no risk of a tsunami, it said. The quake struck at 5:33 am near Awaji Island in the Seto Inland Sea southwest of the city of Kobe, the agency said, also revising the depth of the focus at 15 kilometres.

The US Geological Survey also measured the tremor at 6.0 but at an even shallower depth of five kilometres. It was the biggest earthquake to hit western Hyogo prefecture since 1995, when a 7.2-magnitude quake destroyed its port city of Kobe and killed more than 6,000 people. But the damage was limited yesterday, the National Police Agency said, although at least 24 people were injured.

An 82-year-old woman in Fukui prefec-

ture suffered a broken leg after she fell to the ground, while another woman, 74, in Hyogo prefecture broke her hip bone, a police agency official said.

Japan’s public broadcaster NHK showed footage of flattened brick walls and one house where all the roof tiles had collapsed to the ground. Local train ser vices were suspended for safety checks, while Kansai airport in Osaka Bay was temporarily closed, NHK said. Kansai Electric Power said there was nothing untoward at its Oi nuclear power plant, currently the only one in Japan with reactors online.

“Our operation has continued as we haven’t monitored any abnormality, but we are still checking if there is any damage to the facilities,” a plant official said.

Japan is regularly hit by powerful earthquakes and has largely adapted its infrastructure to tremors that can cause widespread damage in other, less developed countries. But in January 1995, a

Looking for the logic in N Korea’s nuclear threats SEOUL: To the outside world, the talk often appears to border on the lunatic, with the poor, hungry and electricity-starved nation threatening to lay waste to America’s cities in an atomic firestorm, or to overrun South Korea in a lightning attack.Enemy capitals, North Korea said, will be turned “into a sea of fire.” North Korea’s first strikes will be “a signal flare marking the start of a holy war.”

Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal is “mounted on launch pads, aimed at the windpipe of our enemies.”

And it’s not all talk. The profoundly isolated, totalitarian nation has launched two rockets over the past year. A February nuclear test resulted in still more UN sanctions. Another missile test may be in the planning stages. But there is also a logic behind North Korea’s behavior, a logic steeped in internal politics, one family’s fear of losing control and the ways that a weak, poverty-wracked nation can extract concessions from some of the world’s most fearsome military powers. It’s also steeped in another important fact: It works.

At various points over the past two decades, North Korea’s cycles of threats and belligerence have pressured the international community into providing billions of dollars in aid and, for a time, helped push South Korea’s government into improving ties. Most importantly to Pyongyang, it has helped the Kim family remain in power decades after the fall of its patron, the Soviet Union, and long after North Korea had become an international pariah.

Now the third generation of Kims, the babyfaced Kim Jong Un, is warning the world that it may soon face the wrath of Pyongyang. If the virulence of Kim Jong Un’s threats have come as a surprise, he appears largely to be following in his father’s diplomatic footsteps. “You keep playing the game as long as it works,” said Christopher Voss, a longtime FBI hostage negotiator and now the CEO of the Black Swan Group, a strategic advisory firm focusing on negotiation.

“From their perspective, why should they evolve out of this? If it ain’t broke, don’t’ fix it.” Like hostage-takers, the North Koreans find themselves backed into a corner of their own creation, surrounded by heavily armed foes and driven by beliefs that seem completely illogical to everyone else. “From the outside, it makes no sense,” said Voss. “From the inside it makes all the sense in the world.” But the North Koreans also have repeatedly and purposefully backed themselves into those corners, terrifying the world with missile launches and nuclear tests that often end with North Korea getting more international assistance.

Take the early 1990s, when Pyongyang backed away from a nuclear weapons program in exchange for promises of $5 billion in fuel and two nuclear reactors. Or the late 1990s, when North Korea launched a suspected missile over Japan and dispatched a submarine into South Korean waters, but by 2000 the leaders of both Koreas were sitting down for a historic summit in Pyongyang. Then, in 2006, North Korea terrified the world with a nuclear weapons test, but a year later ratcheted back its nuclear program in exchange for aid and political concessions. The predictability of

the pattern is an important sign to scholars that at least part of what is going on has been carefully considered, and that Pyongyang has clear goals in mind. In other words: No matter how irrational the situation looks, North Korea’s leadership is not crazy.

Instead, many observers believe, North Korea simply wants the world to believe they are crazy, leveraging the international community’s fear of unpredictability to magnify their power. The result is obvious.

“How many countries have been overrun since the end of the Cold War? How many dictators have been deposed?” asked Rodger Baker, an analyst for Stratfor, a geopolitical intelligence firm. “And where is North Korea: It’s still there.”

The North Korean leadership also retains, as far as is known, the support of its people. Their lives are often miserable, hunger is widespread and indoor toilets are a luxury to many. But other than a few whispered rumors of minor military rebellions, there has been no sign of revolt. To many North Korean exiles, the recent round of threats are really about retaining that internal support “Kim Jong Un is so young,” said Nam-su Han, who fled North Korea as a young man after his father, a military officer, was executed, and who now runs a Seoul-based activist group.

“He needs to gather the support of his citizens ... and he’s using this (belligerence) to make the people come together.” Fear of outsiders, and pride in their own resilience, has long helped unify the people of North Korea. The country was pulverized during the Korean War, when more than 1 million North Koreans are believed to have died. In the mid-1990s, hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have died as famine swept the country.

Through it all, North Koreans have been fed an unrelenting stream of propaganda that the Kims are watching over them as parents, and are bravely standing up to the aggressive foreign powers - South Korea and the United States - who are said to be preparing to attack. Now it is Kim Jong Un - “the great, brilliant commander ... leading the world’s most powerful country” - who is standing up to the aggressors.

Kim is under immense pressure, not just because he is a new ruler, but because a new generation of North Korean military and civilian leaders will rise to prominence in coming years, anxious to live in a more developed nation, said Peter Hayes, head of the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability, an Asia-focused think tank.

More exposed to the outside world than their predecessors, Hayes believes they will be far more likely to turn on their ruler if he doesn’t come through.

“If he doesn’t deliver an economy worth living in, he’s toast,” said Hayes. Kim Jong Un has to try to cement his popular support, ensure the backing of this key elite, and negotiate his way through the complex waters of international diplomacy, a juggling trick that may explain why the threats, and the volume of those threats, are more bellicose than normal. “Maybe he’s more risk-taking ... Maybe he’s trying to create his own brand,” said Hayes. “But he’s playing many different games at many different levels at the same time.” — AP

PYONGYANG: People bow down to statues of North Korea’s late leaders Kim Il Sung (left) and Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea yesterday. — AP

huge 7.2-magnitude quake hit the western port city of Kobe, burying residents in flattened buildings and uprooting highway overpasses and train tracks while fires raged through collapsed timber houses.

Hikaru Doi, a 36-year-old employee of a taxi company on Awaji Island, told Jiji Press: “I was scared to death. I thought a big quake hit again.”

In March 2011, Japan suffered a massive undersea quake with a magnitude of 9.0, which sent a towering tsunami into the northeast of the country, devastating coastal communities and killing nearly 19,000 people.

It also sparked the world’s worst atomic accident in a generation when waves knocked out cooling systems at the Fukushima nuclear plant. Japan turned off its 50 reactors in the wake of the Fukushima disaster but the two at the Oi plant resumed operations due to fears of a power shortage. — AFP

AWAJI: A concrete wall has collapsed at Awaji city in Hyogo prefecture, western Japan yesterday after a strong earthquake. A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit western Japan, injuring at least 15 people and destroying some houses. — AFP

Seeking calm in Koreas, US looks again to China Kerry urges Chinese leaders to rein in North Korea BEIJING: US Secretary of State John Kerry met China’s top leaders yesterday in a bid to persuade them to exert pressure on North Korea to scale back its belligerent rhetoric and, eventually, return to nuclear talks. Travelling to Beijing for the first time as secretary of state, Kerry made no secret of his desire to see China take a more activist stance towards North Korea, which in recent weeks has threatened nuclear war against the United States and South Korea.

As the North’s main trading partner, financial backer and the closest thing it has to a diplomatic ally, China has a unique ability to use its leverage against the impoverished, isolated state, Kerry said in the South Korean capital, Seoul, on Friday before leaving for Beijing. “Mr President, this is obviously a critical time with some very challenging issues - issues on the Korean peninsula, the challenge of Iran and nuclear weapons, Syria and the Middle East, and economies around the world that are in need of a boost,” Kerry told Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People.

Kerry said after the meeting that his talks with Xi were “constructive and forward-leaning”, though he did not elaborate. Chinese state television quoted Premier Li Keqiang as telling Kerry that rising tensions on the Korean peninsula were in nobody’s interests. Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for peace, dialogue and denuclearization of the peninsula, the official Xinhua news agency reported. “All sides must bear responsibility for maintaining regional peace and stability and be responsible for the consequences,” the television report paraphrased Li as saying. “Disturbances and provocation on the peninsula and regionally will harm the interests of all sides, which is like lifting a rock only to drop it on one’s feet.” China had a testy relationship with Kerry’s predecessor, Hillary Clinton, believing her to be too abrasive in their disagreements over everything from human rights to territorial disputes like the South China Sea. “Clinton added fuel to the mistrust during her four-year term. We hope Kerry can pull it in the other direction,” China’s widely read and influential Global Times tabloid said in an editorial.

Kerry’s visit to Asia, which will include a stop in Tokyo today, takes place after weeks of shrill North Korean threats of war since the imposition of new UN sanctions in response to its third nuclear test in February. North Korea has repeatedly said it will not abandon nuclear weapons which it said on Friday were its “treasured” guarantor of security. North Korean television yesterday made no mention of Kerry’s visit and devoted most of its reports to preparations for Monday’s celebrations marking the birth date of state founder Kim Il-Sung. These included a numerous floral tributes and grandiose flower show, foreign visitors seeing the sights of the

capital ahead of the festivities and the unveiling of a monument in a provincial town. But Rodong Sinmun, the ruling Workers’ Party’s newspaper, issued a fresh denunciation of joint US-South Korean military exercises, saying: “The outbreak of nuclear war has now become a fait accompli, owing to the US and the South Korean puppet forces.

“If the enemies dare provoke (North Korea) while going reckless, it will immediately blow them up with an annihilating strike with the use of powerful nuclear means.” However, South

Xinhua said in a commentary that Washington had itself been “fanning the flames” on the Korean peninsula with its shows of force. “It keeps sending more fighters, bombers and missile-defence ships to the waters of East Asia and carrying out massive military drills with Asian allies in a dramatic display of preemptive power,” it said.

However, US officials believe China’s rhetoric on North Korea has begun to shift, pointing to a recent speech by China’s Xi in which - without referring explicitly to Pyongyang - he said no

BEJING: US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping before their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. — AFP Korea’s Yonhap news agency, quoting a government source, said North Korea had not moved any of its mobile missile launchers for the past two days after media reports that as many as five missiles had been moved into place on the country’s east coast. Yonhap said there had been no signs of any movement by the mobile launchers since Thursday “or that missile launches are imminent”.

HUGE MISTAKE Beijing, which sided with North Korea in the 1950-53 civil war against the US-backed South, has been reluctant to apply pressure on Pyongyang, fearing the instability that could result if the North were to implode and send floods of refugees into China. It has looked askance at US military drills in South Korea.

country “should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gain”. Kerry told reporters in Seoul that if North Korea’s 30-year-old leader went ahead with the launch of a medium-range missile, he would be making “a huge mistake.”

At a news conference in Seoul on Friday and in a US-South Korean joint statement issued yesterday, Kerry signalled the US preference for diplomacy to end the tension, but stressed North Korea must take “meaningful” steps on denuclearization. The United States and its allies believe the North violated the a 2005 aid-fordenuclearization deal by conducting a nuclear test in 2006 and pursuing a uranium enrichment programme that would give it a second path to a nuclear weapon in addition to its plutoniumbased programme. — Reuters

Political risks to watch in Taiwan TAIPEI: A year after elections returned the Nationalist government to power, significantly reducing the chance of the Taiwan Strait becoming a global flashpoint, the focus is firmly on how the export-dependent economy can navigate a worsening global environment. It expects economic growth of 3.59 percent in 2013, up from an earlier forecast of 3.53 percent. The following is a summary of key risks to watch in Taiwan: VULNERABLE ECONOMY Taiwan is one of the most open of Asia’s exporters, with an exports-to-GDP ratio of 74 percent. Around half of its exports are hi-tech products, making it particularly vulnerable to falls in external demand. Orders for Taiwan’s exports in February shrank 14.5 percent from a year earlier, far worse than expected, as orders from China, Europe and the United States all fell, but the government said it saw significant improvement in March. The first quarter is traditionally the weakest for both Taiwan and China, analysts said.

At its most recent quarterly meeting in March, the central bank left its benchmark discount rate unchanged at 1.875 percent, the seventh straight quarter the policy meeting kept the rate on hold.

For the latest poll of forecasts for GDP, inflation and interest rates, see. In the face of the global downturn, the government has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at increasing investment into Taiwan by foreign companies and encouraging domestic firms to invest more at home. Taiwan also faces pressure from free trade agreements being negotiated among its neighbours, which could put its exporters at a disadvantage. It has started trade talks with New Zealand and Singapore, and with South Korea on an investment protection pact. It is also set to restart talks

with the United States on expanding economic ties. The government has had a rough spell since winning re-election last January. A series of policy flip-flops plus rises in state-controlled fuel and power prices having brought street protests and created the impression that the administration lacks direction. China claims Taiwan as its own and has not renounced the use of force to recover the island, even as it pursues a policy of pushing economic integration through incentives that it

hopes will lead to a full political union. The Chairman of China’s Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) Guo Shuqing visited Taiwan in late January for an unprecedented meeting with the island’s top financial regulator. The CSRC said it will allot investment quotas of up to 100 billion yuan ($16 billion) for Taiwanese who want to put money into China’s financial markets under the Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (RQFII) programme. — Reuters

Catholic Church urges Filipinos to shun pro-choice candidates MANILA: The Philippines’ powerful Catholic Church is to ask Filipinos to vote candidates who support birth control out of office in the May elections, a Church official said yesterday.

The guidelines, to be read at Sunday masses across the country, are seen as an attack on President Benigno Aquino’s allies who pushed for a controversial birth control law that was passed last year. Archbishop Socrates Villegas, vice president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said in a copy of the pastoral letter sent to AFP: “Pro-choice is anti-life.”

He added: “We advise you not to vote for the candidate if the candidate cannot declare a categorical and clear ‘no’ to divorce, abortion, euthanasia, total birth control and homosexual marriages or death issues.” The law requires state health centres to hand out free condoms and birth control pills and mandates that sex education be taught in schools. However, the

Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the law as it resolves at least six legal challenges filed by the church’s allies.

The Philippines is to hold mid-term elections on May 13 for the House of Representatives, half the 24-seat Senate, and thousands of local government posts. About 80 percent of the Philippines’ 100 million people are Catholic, a legacy of Spanish colonial rule that ended in the late 1800s. The Church remains one of the nation’s most powerful institutions, helping ensure that the Philippines remains one of the few places on earth where both abortion as well as divorce remain illegal. Reacting to the pastoral letter, Aquino spokesman Ricky Carandang said: “We trust in the wisdom of the Filipino voter.” The document also urges Catholics to shun candidates who are “antagonistic to church teachings and practices”, philanderers, drug dealers, and those who destroy the environment, buy votes or engage in terrorism. — AFP

NEWS

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

AMSTERDAM: Netherlands’ Queen Beatrix and museum director Wim Pijbes watch fireworks during the official opening of the renovated Rijksmuseum yesterday. — AP

Queen Beatrix reopens Rijksmuseum after revamp AMSTERDAM: Fireworks and fanfare accompanied Dutch Queen Beatrix as she yesterday reopened Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum treasure trove of Golden Age masterpieces after a 10year renovation. The reopening is Beatrix’s last major public appearance before she abdicates in favour of her son Willem-Alexander on April 30, and performers from around the Netherlands and its overseas territories took part in the ceremony. After the queen turned a key in a symbolic lock on a vast orange carpet at midday, a long queue immediately formed of people wanting to visit the worldfamous museum, open for free until midnight.

The museum, built in 1885 for 200,000 annual visitors, now hopes to double the one million people that it was hosting prior to the renovation. After the ceremony, watched by thousands and accompanied by huge puffs of red, white, blue and orange smoke, Queen

Beatrix, 75, was given a tour of the renewed museum by director Wim Pijbes. The €375million ($480-million) revamp, masterminded

by Spanish architects Cruz y Ortiz, has run over time and over budget but has been hailed by observers.

Architects and artisans have restored much of the original styling of the GothicRenaissance building, designed by Pierre Cuypers, but with extensive modern touches.

“It was very impressive, we waited two hours but it was worth it,” said visiting Swedish student Kuba Koltowski. “It’s grandiose,” said Amsterdammer Margalith van Huiden-ten Brink, 57, who remembers the museum as it used to be.

The museum covers 800 years of Dutch history through 8,000 objects, distributed through 80 rooms. A one mile walk around the galleries will take you “from the Middle

Ages to Mondrian,” the Dutch painter and one of the pioneers of the De Stijl movement in the first half of the 20th century. But at the heart of the museum’s physical and artistic identity is Rembrandt’s vast masterpiece of militia intimidation, The Night Watch. The painting, flanked by works by the likes of Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals, symbolises the Golden Age, roughly spanning the 17th century, when the Dutch dominated much of world trade and, as a result, art.

Spectacular newfound bourgeois wealth meant that millions of paintings were commissioned, often portraits or landscapes, rather than the romanticised Biblical imagery that had dominated the Italian Renaissance.

The Protestant Dutch spent the first half of the Golden Age fighting for liberation from the Catholic Spanish, and it is not without irony that Spanish architects have now reno-

Palestinian PM Fayyad resigns Continued from Page 1 ruling Fatah movement, but Washington has lobbied hard for the US-educated economist to remain in post.

Late on Friday, US Secretary of State John Kerry telephoned Abbas to press him to find common ground with his prime minister, Palestinian officials said.

Rumours that Fayyad would either resign or be told to step down by Abbas have been rife in recent weeks after longstanding differences between the two men came to a head over the finance portfolio. Finance minister Nabil Qassis announced on March 2 that he was standing down. Fayyad agreed to the resignation but Abbas, who was abroad at the time, rejected it. Fayyad held the finance portfolio as well as the premiership before Qassis’ appointment in May 2012.

A planned meeting Thursday at which a senior Fatah

official had said Fayyad intended to hand in his resignation was postponed after Washington insisted that to the best of its knowledge the prime minister was “sticking around”. Last week, the Fatah Revolutionary Council for the first time openly criticised the Fayyad government’s economic policy. Abbas’ Palestinian Authority is in serious financial crisis, partly as a result of non-disbursement of promised foreign funding, although the US Congress quietly unblocked $500 million in aid last month.

The international community credits Fayyad with building a sound institutional framework for the Palestinian Authority in the areas of the occupied West Bank under its control. His resignation could hamper implementation of an agreement with Israel which Kerry announced this week to “promote economic development in the West Bank”. — AFP

Maradona visits Chavez tomb Continued from Page 1 “VTV shamelessly violating the electoral rules,” Capriles wrote on Twitter, urging National Electoral Council president Tibisay Lucena to enforce the law. Maradona, who gave Maduro a jersey of the Argentine national team, said he apologized to the Chavez family for missing the late president’s funeral in March.

“He gave me friendship and incredible political wisdom,” the football legend said. “Hugo Chavez changed the way Latin Americans thought, because we were almost surrendered to

the United States our entire lives. He put inside our heads that we could walk on our own,” he said. “That’s why he was loved and respected, and for me this was a big loss,” he said.

Maduro received support from another Latin American celebrity, Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho, who gave him two signed books, “Aleph” and “The Manuscript Found in Accra”. “I received a beautiful gift from Paulo Coelho,” Maduro said after meeting with a delegation from a South American observer mission.” “For Nicolas Maduro, may God bless you and guide you,” Coelho wrote in one of the books. — AFP

vated the world’s foremost Golden Age treasure trove. While previously a museum such as the Rijksmuseum would have a room for paintings, a room for furniture and a room for ceramics, that has now changed.

Instead, Rembrandt’s paintings now hang alongside furniture made by Herman Doomer, a cabinetmaker friend of his, or a portrait of Golden Age poet Constantijn Huygens, who wrote about Rembrandt. “We worked hard for 10 years go make a completely new museum,” said the museum’s head of marketing, Erik van Ginkel. “We’ve made it beautiful, but also so that you can feel time pass between the different eras,” he said, referring to the museum’s chronological layout.

One particularly Dutch headache has been a bicycle path running through a tunnel in the middle of the building. The museum

Jet crashes into sea in Bali Continued from Page 1 chaos. I managed to grab one (a lifejacket) and slowly swam out of the plane and to the shore.”

Dewa Made Indra, local head of the national disaster agency, said that 52 people were taken to hospitals after the crash. Forty-four had since been discharged and eight remained in four different hospitals on the island, he said. A hospital doctor said one female passenger had suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage.

Worried relatives gathered at the head office of Lion Air in Jakarta.

They included Masriyah, who like many Indonesians goes by one name and whose 19-year-old daughter was a stewardess on the plane. “I called her hundreds of times but she didn’t answer her phone. I need to know whether she is okay,” she said, with tears running down her cheeks.

Bali is a hugely popular holiday destination, welcoming millions of foreign tourists from around the

world every year. Three foreigners were on board the Lion Air flight when it crashed at around 3:00 pm (0700 GMT ) - a Frenchman, a Singaporean woman and a Singaporean man, according to the airport’s head of communications.

Transport ministry official Herry Bhakti initially said the plane overshot the runway, but later clarified his comments to say it landed straight in the water. Officials said they were still determining exactly why it ditched.

Lion Air’s general affairs director, Edward Sirait, said the aircraft was arriving from the city of Bandung in West Java province with 101 passengers - 95 adults, five children and a baby - and seven crew members on board. “The plane broke into two pieces,” he said. He said the plane was delivered to Lion Air in Indonesia on March 18, adding it had come “straight from the factory” and started operations a week later. The pilot had flown for Lion Air for six years and was fit to fly, Sirait added. The air-

Continued from Page 1

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to a circumference of 91-cm, putting pressure on her brain. Her father, Abdul Rahman, 18, who lives in a mud hut with his family in the village of Jirania Khola, told AFP he prays for “a miracle” that will save his only child.

“Day by day, I saw her head growing too big after she was born,” said the illiterate labourer who works in a brick-making factory. Doctors told him to go to a specialist hospital in a big city such as Kolkata in eastern India to get medical help but Rahman, who earns 150 rupees ($2.75) a day working in the brick plant, said he does not have the money to take her. “It’s very difficult to watch her in pain. I pray several times a day for a miracle - for something to make my child better,” he said.

The US government’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates about one in every 500 children suffers from hydrocephalus. The most common treatment involves the surgical insertion of a shunt system to drain cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain and towards another part of the body where it can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Cases like Roona’s, where the head has doubled in size in a rela-

their former leader, chanting: “Where are the days of Mubarak?” but they were outnumbered by security personnel. Mubarak was flown to the academy that was once named after him by helicopter from the Cairo military hospital where he is being treated, the official MENA news agency said. He left the compound the same way.

The prosecution has demanded that Mubarak undergo a medical evaluation to assess whether he could be transferred back to prison, MENA reported. Mubarak, who turns 85 in May, has suffered several health scares and MENA even reported him clinically dead at one point as he slipped into a coma. His

won elections on the Muslim Brotherhood’s ticket the month of the initial verdict, had pledged new trials for former regime officials including Mubarak.

But until yesterday’s courtroom turmoil, the fate of the ousted strongman has been largely eclipsed by often violent political unrest and economic woes currently gripping Egypt. However, there is still widespread anger over no one yet being held accountable for nearly 900 deaths during the 18-day uprising in 2011. Mubarak’s epic fall, from dictatorial head of the Arab world’s most populous nation to a defendant behind bars, was for many a promising sign the revolution which toppled him was on the right track. — AFP

line has been randomly drug testing its crews since several pilots were arrested in recent years for possession and consumption of crystal meth.

The little-known carrier launched 13 years ago with just one plane but has in recent times struck two of the world’s largest aircraft orders in a staggering $46 billion bet on Indonesia’s air transport boom.

France announced last month that Indonesia’s fastest-growing airline had agreed to buy 234 medium-haul A320 jets worth $23.8 billion from European aerospace giant Airbus.

That came after Lion Air astounded the industry with a $22.4 billion deal for 230 Boeing 737 airliners, inked in 2011 during a visit to Indonesia by US President Barack Obama. But experts have raised concerns that the airline’s rapid growth could put safety at risk, with some pointing out that there is a lack of qualified pilots in Indonesia to fly the fast-increasing number of planes. — AFP

Girl with swollen head needs ‘miracle’

Retrial of Mubarak collapses in chaos original trial in Aug 2011 was a major moment for both Egypt and the region, being the first time an Arab leader deposed by his people had appeared in court in person.

Gamal and Alaa Mubarak, once symbols of Egyptian power and wealth, also faced retrial on corruption charges. Another defendant, business tycoon Hussein Salem, was to be tried in absentia.

In January, Egypt’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, ordered the retrial after accepting an appeal against Mubarak’s life sentence, citing procedural failings. Legal experts said the original case verged on the farcical, with patchwork evidence and prosecution witnesses exonerating the defendants.

President Mohamed Morsi, who

didn’t want the tunnel used as a bike path because of its proximity to the entrance, but the city authorities decided to let the bikes through and monitor the situation. The Rijksmuseum shares the Museumplein in south-central Amsterdam with the formidable cultural ensemble of the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Modern Art Museum, both also world famous in their own right. The Stedelijk reopened late last year after a nine-year renovation and the construction of a new wing resembling a giant bathtub, and the Van Gogh Museum is to reopen next month after its own renovations, bolstering Amsterdam’s credentials as a top art destination. The museum trio hopes to work together to retake the grassy park of the Museumplein they share, an area currently often used as a party ground for football fans.— AFP

tively short span of time, are extremely rare, according to leading Indian neurosurgeon Sandeep Vaishya. “It’s difficult to assess the situation without seeing the patient, but a surgery, even at this late stage, would give her brain the best chance it has to grow and develop normally,” Vaishya told AFP. Vaishya, who is the head of neurosurgery at the privately run Fortis flagship hospital in Gurgaon, a satellite city of the national capital Delhi, said that surgeries to treat hydrocephalus cases are “not particularly risky”.

Although the cost differs from case to case, he estimated that a complex surgery like this one would cost about 125,000 rupees ($2,300) and require a three-day hospital stay.

Roona now is confined to her bed and unable to move her head but she is a playful child, quick to smile and giggle and is able to move her limbs, according to her father. She has outlived an initial prognosis by doctors that she would survive only two months. But her mother, Fatema Khatun, 25, says the little girl’s health is getting worse and that she urgently needs help.”She is deteriorating. She eats less and less, vomits often and I can see that she is getting thinner,” Khatun said. — AFP

14

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

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Washington Watch

US attitudes toward Egypt have soured

By Dr James J Zogby merican public opinion has soured on Egypt, with one-half of all American voters now holding an unfavorable view of that country and its leadership. This was not always the case. My brother John Zogby and I have been measuring American attitudes toward the Arab World for two decades. For much of that time, Egypt had the highest ratings of any country in the region. In fact, in most years from 1993 until 2010 around 60 percent of Americans rated Egypt positively. However, in our most recent poll, conducted in March of 2013, only 36 percent of Americans report having a favorable rating of Egypt, while 48 percent have an unfavorable view.

This dramatic shift in US opinion is a function of two main factors: concern about the role being played by the Muslim Brotherhood and the American public’s general lack of awareness about Egypt’s contemporary history. While modern Egypt has been known in the Arab World for its cinema, its comedy and music, and its political and intellectual leadership, the image of the country was never established in the United States. As a result, positive attitudes were “soft” and/or derivative of other factors.

Back when Egypt’s ratings were high, in response to the openended question “what is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear Egypt?” the overwhelming majority of answers recalled the “pyramids”, “the Sphinx”, and the other “glories of ancient Egypt”. There were also respondents who mentioned the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and the Camp David Accords. In the early months of the Arab Spring the images of peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators called to mind for many Americans their own civil rights movement or Eastern Europe’s fall of the “Iron Curtain”. After an initial drop in ratings in early 2011, by mid-2011 Egypt’s favorable ratings were back up to 60 percent.

That support has since evaporated. But in the March 2013 poll when we asked for respondent’s “first thought when they hear Egypt”, “pyramids” was still the most frequently mentioned term, now followed closely by “trouble”, “unrest” and the “Muslim Brotherhood”.

In January of 2012, we asked Americans whether or not they were hopeful that the Arab Spring would bring about positive change. By more than two to one they answered in the affirmative. But in the tumultuous year and a half that has followed, Americans have lost that hope. Today, the number of American voters who say they are disappointed with “how the Arab Spring has played out in Egypt” is three times greater than those who say they are still hopeful that positive change will come.

As much as “soft” attitudes are to blame, concern with the Muslim Brotherhood is also a factor in the new negative opinion toward Egypt. Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi, a leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, is only viewed favorably by 14 percent of Americans, while over one half have an unfavorable view of Morsi.

And by almost three to one Americans rate former President Hosni Mubarak as having been more of a friend and ally of the U.S. than Morsi, the current president.

It is important to note that it is not anti-Muslim animus that drives these numbers, since strong negative views of the Muslim Brotherhood and President Morsi exist even among those Americans who hold a favorable view of Muslims. There are consequences that result from this change in attitudes. Many Americans now question whether or not the US government can work with a Muslim Brotherhood-led Egypt. They also question whether the US should provide military and civilian aid to Egypt.

A majority of Americans also say they worry about the Muslim Brotherhood taking over in other countries, and say that they support actions by other Arab governments to “limit the activity of Muslim Brotherhood branches operating in their countries”.

Another by-product of this negative turn and the general disappointment with the trajectory of the “Arab Spring” has been the public’s embrace of an interesting combination of principles they feel should guide American foreign policy. For example, when asked whether the US “should support governments, whether they are elected or not, if they work closely with us to promote regional stability and protect our interests” or whether we “should only support democratically elected governments, even if those governments might pursue policies that are hostile to our interests”, by a wide margin of 72 percent to 17 percent American voters chose the first approach.

And when asked to choose between providing support “for any government that is democratically elected, even if it is pursuing policies that compromise the rights of minorities in their countries” or “as a condition for US support, we should require that any government, whether it has been elected or not, protect the rights of all their citizens”, by an 85 percent to 10 percent margin voters chose the second approach.

Two years ago, I compared Egypt to Broadway, noting that it didn’t matter so much how events played out on other stages across the Arab World because the world would judge the Arab Spring by how it played out in Egypt. We are now two and onehalf years into the Arab Spring and the “blush is off the rose”.

American’s are disappointed, attitudes toward Egypt have soured, and the public has adopted a less romantic, more “realist” approach to our relations across the Arab World.

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NOTE: Dr James J Zogby is the President of the Arab American Institute.

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

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

The bubble bursts on e-currency Bitcoin

By Anne Renaut any saw it coming, but that didn’t stop the Bitcoin bubble from bursting: after rising to dizzying heights, the digital currency suffered its first true crash this week.

The price of the virtual “geek” currency had soared through the stratosphere in recent weeks, trading for a high of $266 on Wednesday - only to come hurtling back to Earth in just three days. By Friday, a single Bitcoin was worth just $54, according to the Mt Gox platform, which manages 80 percent of the Bitcoin transactions and had to briefly shut down trading Thursday.

“There was a LOT of short-term speculation happening” from people who wanted to earn a buck from the soaring prices and cash out before the fall, Bitcoin Foundation chief scientist Gavin Andresen told AFP. “Wild price swings are not good for Bitcoin.” But Andresen predicted the crash would not spell the end of the Internet-era currency, which was created in 2009 in the wake of the global financial crisis

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by an anonymous programmer who wanted a currency independent of any central bank or financial institution.

“We believe that as the value of Bitcoin grows, and the infrastructure around it grows and matures, the price relative to other currencies will get more stable,” he said. “That will take a few years,” he cautioned, “and I expect continued chaos and drama in the meantime.”

Some analysts have said the volatility of Bitcoin might have been fueled by Cypriots and Russians seeking to invest their euros elsewhere during Cyprus’s banking crisis. But economics professor Steve Hanke of Johns Hopk ins University said the Bitcoin bubble burst under pressure from investors, most of whom are American. Either way, he said, Bitcoin remains “a very uncertain, speculative venture”, because it is not backed by a commodity.

As far back as Aug 2011, James Surowiecki was pointing to the risks of investing in Bitcoin, in a Massachusetts Institute of Technology review. “With ordinary currencies, there is a limit to how far down the spiral can go, since people still need to eat, pay their bills,”

and other wise spend money, Surowiecki explained. “But these things aren’t true of Bitcoins: you can get along per fec tly well without ever spending them.”

The system is also very complex. A form of “e-money”, Bitcoin is made of strings of dazzlingly complex code created by raw computing power - a process called “mining” that can in theory be carried out by anyone with a computer. The software is written in such a way that it becomes increasingly difficult to generate new Bitcoins, with the number in circulation designed to eventually top out at 21 million. Once mined, Bitcoins are stored on a user’s hard drive in a virtual wallet, and can be sent direc tly to another person, bypassing banks and remaining largely anonymous.

In addition to the risks, made evident this week after the crash, this “high degree of anonymity” could lead Bitcoin to become a “monetary alternative for drug dealing and money laundering”, warned the European Central Bank, in a report published in October.

The central bank also highlighted the

risk of a so-called Ponzi scheme, in which early investors earn returns paid by the later investors. Indeed, Bitcoin users can only cash out their money if other people want to buy their Bitcoins. Also worrying, the central bank noted, is that the virtual currency has been vulnerable to cyber attacks, including in June 2011, when hackers targeted vir tual wallets and wiped some people’s accounts clean.

But that risk has failed to sway many.

For one, Hanke was not entirely convinced by the European Central Bank’s critiques. “If private money starts to become a threat for governments, they come up with many reasons why this is a bad idea,” he said. And the currency appeared to have at least two high-level champions: the Winklevoss brothers, known in part for accusing Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg of having stolen the idea for the social network from them. On Thursday, they told The New York Times that they had bought $11 million worth of Bitcoins - that value assessed before the crash - praising it as a mathematical system “free of politics and human error”. — AFP

Nusra pledge to Qaeda boosts Syria regime

By Karim Abou-Merhi he public pledge of allegiance to Al-Qaeda by Syria’s fiercest rebel group, Al-Nusra Front, serves the interests of President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, analysts say. “It’s a point in the regime’s favour because it reinforces the official narrative that claims (the army faces) terrorist groups backed by foreign forces,” said Damascus Centre for Strategic Studies head Bassam Abu Abdallah. “The opposition’s stance is weakened before Syrian and international public opinion,” he said. Al-Nusra Front’s chief Abu Mohammed Al-Jawlani pledged allegiance on Wednesday to AlQaeda head Ayman Al-Zawahiri, who is calling for an Islamic state in Syria and the “restoration of an Islamic caliphate”.

“The Syrian opposition cannot justify to the Europeans the jihadist presence in Syria. What will it do after this announcement? It’s embarrassing for the West which is calling for democratic change in Syria,” said Abu Abdallah. The insurgency is composed of four main elements: The mainstream Free Syrian Army, which says it is fighting to establish a democratic state, the Syrian Islamic Liberation Front, the more hardline Syrian Islamic Front, and Al-Nusra Front. Experts say the Free Syrian Army comprises some 140,000 fighters, while Islamists number around 8,000. But the Islamists are better equipped and have impressed the population.

Al-Nusra’s pledge to Zawahiri, and claims of ties between the group and Al-Qaeda’s Iraqi branch the Islamic State of Iraq, were not well-received by some rebel brigades. “Liwa al-Islam’s command believes that this announcement will be an excuse for the tyrant Bashar Al-Assad and his cronies... to commit more massacres against Syrians, under the pretext of fighting Al-Qaeda,” the group said in a statement.

After Al-Nusra’s pledge of allegiance, Abu Abdallah believes the regime will now go all-out on the battlefield. “It’s a green light for the authorities,” he said.

“The situation has become clearer. We are going to see major change on the

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ground, and intensified military operations to finish this group off,” he added.

In combat zones across Syria, troops and rebels appear to have reached a stalemate, except in the south where insurgents are advancing. The regime still holds the coastal areas and major cities - barring Raqa in the north and large parts of Aleppo - while insurgents control large swathes of northern and eastern Syria.

But Al-Nusra’s pledge is mainly seen as damaging to international public opinion. “It certainly puts Western states who oppose Assad’s rule in a sticky situation,” said Charles Lister, an analyst at

IHS Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre. “The West has suspected... AlNusra of having Al-Qaeda ties for a long time, and that may well be a key reason for not wanting to arm any rebel group.”

Despite the difficulties, rebels may have a tough time cutting Al-Nusra out of the picture.

“Al-Nusra fighters have acquired a reputation inside the wider insurgency for military prowess and impressive bravery.

They ’ve been involved in nearly every single major rebel success in Syria since August or September last year,” Lister added. For Thomas Pierret, an

Islamic expert, “all one needs to do is look at the Western media frenzy” to realise the resonance of Al-Nusra’s announcement.

“Assad can logically conclude that his opponents’ ideological excesses are more worrying to the West than the tons of explosives he is pouring each day on his population,” said Pierrot, a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.

Rather than embarrass the West, the announcement has only given it “a new, comfortable pretext to justify their inaction. Despite what they say, somewhat unconvincingly, they don’t really want to help the opposition,” he said. — AFP

A Syrian rebel sniper observes the movement of Syrian government forces near Al-Kendi hospital in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on April 10, 2013. — AFP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

S P ORTS

Djokovic gambles on ankle

Two Pakistan umpires banned

MONTE CARLO: Novak Djokovic tested his damaged right ankle yesterday with a quick exhibition hit with Andy Murray in front of the famed Monte Carlo Casino before deciding to take a chance and play in the ATP Masters 1000 starting today.

The Serb world number one rolled his ankle last weekend as he led his nation into the Davis Cup semi-finals over the USA, then flew back to his Monte Carlo base for intensive rehab and treatment after a scan showed no ligament damage.

Djokovic takes the top seeding at the most picturesque venue in the sport as he heads the field with Murray second. Missing from the non-obligatory event will be number three Roger Federer (pre-planned training break) and Spain’s David Ferrer (thigh injury).

Multiple champion and king of clay Rafael Nadal will be bidding for an unprecedented ninth straight title in the principality where he continually dominates. The Spaniard ranked fifth and seeded third flew in after a three-week rest in the wake of his Indian Wells title last month, the climax to his comeback to tennis after a seven-month pause for knee injuries. —AFP

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned umpires Nadeem Ghouri and Anis Siddiqui for four and three years respectively after they were found guilty of being willing to compromise their integrity in discharge of their professional duties.

Ghouri a former test spinner who has umpired test and one-day internationals in his 13 years as an umpire, was banned after the PCB integrity committee found him guilty of agreeing to extend undue favours for material gains during a sting operation carried out by the Indian television channel “India TV”. “Anis Siddiqui who is a domestic umpire with lesser experience of eight years appeared to initially resist the offers in the sting operation but later he also succumbed to material gains and is banned for three years,” said a PCB statement yesterday.

The pair, along with umpires from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, were involved in a sting operation carried out by the channel last October in which reporters posing as agents offered them bribes to give undue favor in matches. “The PCB has a zero tolerance policy for corruption or indiscipline. We are committed to creating awareness amongst our players and officials with regards to the possible pitfalls,” PCB Chairman, Zaka Ashraf said. “We are determined to adopt all vigilance and security parameters, which are in line with the laid out procedures of the ICC. Today’s decision reiterates the commitment of the PCB to keep our great sport free of all corrupt practices.”—Reuters

Lin hangs on to lead MANILA: Taiwan’s Lin Wen-tang clung to the Solaire Open lead despite dropping two shots in his final three holes of the third round at the inaugural $300,000 Asian Tour event yesterday.

A five-times Asian Tour winner, Lin was in cruise control before he bogeyed the 16th and 17th holes, but finished his round in two-under 70 for a one-shot advantage at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. Thai veteran Thammanoon Sriroj, one of four joint leaders after the halfway stage, mixed five birdies with four bogeys for a 71 to drop one shot behind.

Compatriot Pawin Ingkhapradit, who birdied three of his closing four holes, and local favourite Elmer Salvador carded matching 71s to lie a further shot back on 214. Lin, who sank two birdies in each nine, stumbled when trying to chip out from thick rough on the 16th and 17th. “I don’t know if I can still win tomorrow because it has been a long time since I last won,” said Lin, who beat Rory McIlroy at the 2008 Hong Kong Open in a dramatic playoff.—Reuters

Braves rally to sink Nationals MLB results/standings Chicago Cubs 4, San Francisco 3; Cleveland 1, Chicago White Sox 0; NY Yankees 5, Baltimore 2; Atlanta 6, Washington 4 (10 innings); Pittsburgh 6, Cincinnati 5; Philadelphia 3, Miami 1 (10 innings); Toronto 8, Kansas City 4; NY Mets 16, Minnesota 5; St. Louis 2, Milwaukee 0; Arizona 3, LA Dodgers 0; Houston 5, LA Angels 0; Oakland 4, Detroit 3 (12 innings); Seattle 3, Texas 1; Colorado 7, San Diego 5.

LA Angels

American League Eastern Division W L PCT 5 4 .556 5 4 .556 5 5 .500 4 5 .444 4 6 .400 Central Division Kansas City 6 4 .600 Detroit 5 5 .500 Cleveland 4 5 .444 Chicago W Sox 4 6 .400 Minnesota 4 6 .400 Western Division Oakland 9 2 .818 Texas 7 4 .636 Seattle 5 7 .417 Houston 4 6 .400 Boston NY Yankees Baltimore Tampa Bay Toronto

GB 0.5 1 1.5 1 1.5 2 2 2 4.5 4.5

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

2 8 .200 National League Eastern Division 9 1 .900 7 3 .700 6 4 .600 5 5 .500 1 9 .100 Central Division 6 4 .600 5 5 .500 4 6 .400 4 6 .400 2 7 .222 Western Division 7 3 .700 7 4 .636 6 4 .600 6 4 .600 2 8 .200

6.5 2 3 4 8 1 2 2 3.5 0.5 1 1 5

Yankees flay Orioles NEW YORK: The Yankees turned a triple play at home for the first time in 45 years and Adam Jones dropped Vernon Wells’ fly ball while blowing a bubble for a tiebreaking three-run error as New York beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-2 Friday for its fourth straight win.

CC Sabathia (2-1) allowed two runs - one earned - and eight hits with nine strikeouts and no walks. Mariano Rivera finished for his second save as New York (5-4) moved over .500 for the first time this year. Jones - a Gold Glove center fielder - ranged back for Wells’ fly ball and closed his glove too early. Then in the eighth, Manny Machado hit a sharp low liner that second baseman Robinson Cano picked up on a hop, starting New York’s first triple play in the Bronx since June 3, 1968, against Minnesota.

Miguel Gonzalez (1-1) was the loser.

ATHLETICS 4, TIGERS 3 In Oakland, Josh Donaldson homered with one out in the 12th inning to lift Oakland past Detroit for its ninth straight victory.

Donaldson’s opposite-field drive to right off Brayan Villarreal (0-2) was his first career gameending hit.

Prince Fielder homered and had four hits for

NEW YORK: Yankees’ Vernon Wells hits a fly ball to center which was dropped for an error by Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones during the seventh inning of a baseball game. —AP the Tigers, who beat Oakland in the Major League playoffs last season on their way to the World Series. Ramon Santiago hit a two-out triple in the top of the 12th before Chris Resop (1-0) retired Austin Jackson on a fly to center.

The A’s improved to an American Leaguebest 9-2, just the third time in Oakland history the club has opened at least 9-2. Only the Atlanta Braves at 9-1 have a better record than Oakland. Fielder hit a three-run shot and Max Scherzer struck out 11, but the Tigers didn’t get enough from the bottom of their batting order.

The last five hitters went a combined 2 for 25.

INDIANS 1, WHITE SOX 0 In Cleveland, Justin Masterson (3-0) pitched a five-hitter for the first complete game in the AL this year, and Nick Swishe hit a two-out RBI single in the ninth off Jesse Crain (0-1).

Masterson, who has three of Cleveland’s four wins, extended his consecutive scoreless innings streak to a career-high 19.

BLUE JAYS 8, ROYALS 4 In Kansas City, Toronto’s Jose Reyes drove in a pair of runs before getting carted off in the sixth inning with a sprained left ankle.

Reyes was attempting to steal second when he started his slide late. The four-time MLB AllStar’s left ankle twisted awkwardly beneath him as he slid over the bag, and trainers from both teams ran out to help as Reyes screamed in pain on the infield dirt. He was carted off the field and taken to a hospital for an MRI. The results were not immediately known. JA Happ (2-0), Toronto’s only starter to win this year, gave up three runs on 41 pitches in the first inning, but survived through five innings. Luis Mendoza (01) allowed eight runs - seven earned - seven hits and three walks in 5 2-3 innings.

MARINERS 3, RANGERS 1 In Seattle, Kyle Seager had a two-run double and Hisashi Iwakuma made it stand with 6 2-3 strong innings as Seattle beat Texas to end a three-game losing streak.

Iwakuma (2-0) got the better of Japanese countryman Yu Darvish in the seventh pitching matchup between the two, both in Japan and the majors. Darvish (2-1) holds a 4-3 advantage when they face each other on the mound. Raul Ibanez hit an RBI single in a three-run first for the Mariners. Iwakuma kept the Rangers’ bats silent until the fourth inning when Ian Kinsler led off with a homer. That proved to be the extent of the Rangers’ offense as Iwakuma and three relievers combined to shut down Texas. Tom Wilhelmsen pitched the ninth for his fourth save.

ASTROS 5, ANGELS 0 In Anaheim, Bud Norris pitched three-hit ball over seven innings and Rick Ankiel drove in three runs as Houston defeated Los Angeles in their first meeting as AL West rivals.

Justin Maxwell hit his first home run of the season, helping the Astros win their third in a row after six straight losses. Norris (2-1) struck out five and walked two.

Rookie manager Bo Porter used three relievers in the ninth to clinch the combined four-hitter. The Angels are off to a 2-8 start, matching the worst in franchise history. The inaugural 1961 club also lost eight of its first 10. Tommy Hanson (1-1) threw 108 pitches through five innings, giving up five runs, eight hits and two walks.

INTERLEAGUE METS 16, TWINS 5 In Minneapolis, John Buck kept up his powerful start with a grand slam, his fourth home run in the last four games, as New York beat Minnesota with snowflakes falling at Target Field. Buck became only the fourth Major League player in at least 92 years to reach 19 RBIs in the first 10 games of a season, according to STATS research dating to 1921. Chris Davis did it for Baltimore this year, Manny Ramirez for Cleveland in 1999 and Lou Gehrig for the Yankees in 1927.

In his first two weeks with the Mets after being traded twice during the offseason, Buck already has six homers. His career high is 20.

Jonathon Niese (2-0) lasted only five innings in frigid weather, ending his streak of 22 consecutive starts of six or more that dated to last June.

That was the longest current run in the majors.

He threw 101 pitches, giving up five hits, five runs (four earned) and four walks. Twins starter Vance Worley (0-2) got three outs and gave up nine runs.—AP

WASHINGTON: Ramiro Pena hit a two-run homer off Craig Stammen with two outs in the 10th inning as the Atlanta Braves came back to beat the Washington Nationals 6-4 Friday, stretching their winning streak to seven games.

Pena, who reached on a bunt as a pinch hitter in the eighth, helped Atlanta win a game it trailed 4-0 after two innings and 4-2 entering the ninth.

Bryce Harper hit a two-run, opposite-field shot in the first for his fifth homer, and Denard Span and Jayson Werth tacked on RBI singles in the second for the Nationals. Eric O’Flaherty (2-0) pitched a 12-3 ninth for the win, and Craig Kimbrel retired the heart of Washington’s order for his fifth save in five chances. With one out in the 10th, Stammen (2-1) walked Dan Uggla. After a flyout, Pena hit his first homer of the season. The Braves, a major leagueleading 9-1, handed Washington its first loss in seven home games.

CUBS 4, GIANTS 3 In Chicago, Starlin Castro’s ninth-inning double off the center-field wall gave Chicago a wild win over San Francisco.

The Cubs led 2-0 heading into the top of the ninth, but closer Kyuji Fujikawa (1-0) allowed a one-out RBI single to Pablo Sandoval and hit Buster Posey with a pitch before Brandon Belt’s two-run double with two outs put the Giants ahead.

Pinch-hitter Dioner Navarro tied the game with a leadoff homer in the bottom half against closer Sergio Romo (0-1). David DeJesus singled with two outs and scored the winning run on Castro’s double. It was Romo’s first blown save in seven chances this season. Giants ace Matt Cain made his first start since giving up nine earned runs in 3 2-3 innings during a 14-3 loss to St. Louis last Sunday.

This time, Cain allowed only solo homers to DeJesus and Castro in seven solid innings. Chicago starter Carlos Villanueva gave up three hits in 7 1-3 shutout innings.

Kyle Lohse’s first start as a visitor since 2007.

David Freese had an RBI single and Yadier Molina hit his second homer for the Cardinals, who have allowed one run during a three-game winning streak. Lohse (0-1), a 16-game winner last season whom the Cardinals did not attempt to re-sign, allowed two runs in seven innings while throwing 82 pitches - 31 fewer than Miller needed. Lohse received a nice ovation before his first at-bat.

Miller (2-0) had a career-best eight strikeouts in his third career start, one more than he had in his debut against the Reds in the 2012 regular-season finale. He retired his final 17 batters.

ROCKIES 7, PADRES 5 In San Diego, Dexter Fowler’s second home run of the game and sixth this season, a solo shot off Huston Street in the ninth inning, sent Colorado to a victory over San Diego.

Padres slugger Carlos Quentin was in the cleanup spot after appealing an eight-game suspension for his role in a wild fight with the Los Angeles Dodgers the previous night. Quentin, also fined $3,000, went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts.

Todd Helton had three hits for the Rockies, who stopped a three-game slide. Yonder Alonso hit a two-run homer for the Padres (2-8), who have lost three straight.

Fowler, who hit a solo drive in the fifth, connected off Street (0-1) in the ninth. Josh Rutledge followed with his first home run, and the back-toback shots made a winner of reliever Rex Brothers (1-0). Rafael Betancourt worked the ninth for his fourth save in five opportunities. Colorado tied it at 5 with a pair of unearned runs off reliever Luke Gregerson in the eighth after an error by rookie Jedd Gyorko at third base.

PHILLIES 3, MARLINS 1 In Miami, Chase Utley hit a go-ahead triple in the 10th inning off Jon Rauch, and Philadelphia handed Miami its ninth loss in 10 games this season. Miami is off to the poorest start by a big league team since Baltimore and Houston lost nine of their first 10 games in 2010, according to STATS. The Marlins, held to four singles by John Lannan and four relievers, are batting .209 with two home runs and 15 extra-base hits. Ben Revere singled with one out in the 10th against Rauch (0-1), and Utley tripled into the right-field corner. Michael Young drove in another run with an infield single.

Phillippe Aumont (1-0) pitched a scoreless ninth and Jonathan Papelbon finished for his second save. Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton was a late scratch with a sore left shoulder.

DIAMONDBACKS 3, DODGERS 0 In Phoenix, Patrick Corbin gave up three hits in six innings as Arizona beat Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw (2-1) struck out nine, leaving him one shy of 1,000 for his career, but left trailing 1-0 after the Diamondbacks loaded the bases with one out in the eighth inning. Shawn Tolleson walked both batters he faced to bring in two runs.

Corbin (2-0) struck out four, walked three and hit a batter with a pitch. Brad Ziegler and David Hernandez each pitched a scoreless inning before J.J. Putz finished for his second save.

Arizona took a 1-0 lead in the fourth, the first run allowed by Kershaw in 20 innings to start the season. The Dodgers dropped the series opener a night after their bench-clearing brawl in San Diego resulted in an injury that will sideline pitcher Zack Greinke (broken collarbone) for eight weeks.—AP

PIRATES 6, REDS 5 In Pittsburgh, Andrew McCutchen hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh inning and drove in three runs to lead Pittsburgh past Cincinnati.

McCutchen’s leadoff shot to left field off J.J. Hoover (0-3) snapped a 5-all tie.

The Reds had just tied the score in the top of the seventh on Brandon Phillips’ second home run of the game, a two-run drive to center off Tony Watson (1-0).

Phillips struck out to end the game with runners on first and second as Jason Grilli pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.

Neil Walker and McCutchen hit consecutive two-run singles in the second to give the Pirates a 5-1 lead. Pittsburgh has won three of four overall after starting the season 1-5.

CARDINALS 2, BREWERS 0 In St. Louis, Cardinals rookie Shelby Miller allowed one hit in seven innings, a single by Norichika Aoki to open the game, and St. Louis did just enough on offense against Milwaukee to spoil

WASHINGTON: Ramiro Pena No. 14 of the Atlanta Braves beats the throw to first baseman Adam LaRoche No. 25 of the Washington Nationals for a hit in the ninth inning of the Braves 6-4 win at Nationals Park.—AFP

Black Caviar claims 25th straight win SYDNEY: Australian champion thoroughbred Black Caviar banished any remaining doubts of her place as the world’s top female sprinter with a storming finish to claim her 25th win in as many races in the TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick yesterday.

Roared on by a sell-out crowd of 25,000 Sydneysiders, the six-year-old mare also confirmed her status as one of Australia’s greatest horses alongside 1930 Melbourne Cup winner Phar Lap and triple Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva.

The victory yesterday gave Black Caviar the Australian record for Group One race wins with 15, eclipsing the mark held by Kingston Town since his last outing in 1982.

“She’s a marvellous horse, what can you say?” trainer Peter Moody told reporters at trackside.

“Twenty-five straight, 15 Group Ones.

“I’m just really proud of her, putting on a great show for Sydney. Sydney hasn’t seen her as much as other places. “Let’s hope we see her run again a few more times.”

This was Australian Derby day at Royal Randwick but there was no doubting who was the star of the show. Black Caviar’s colours of salmon pink with black spots were ubiquitous on everything from baseball caps to ties, expensive millinery to miniature flags.

There had been some doubt earlier in the week whether she would run, Moody saying he would not risk her in heavy conditions, but bril-

SYDNEY: Black Caviar, ridden by Luke Nolen, crosses the finishing post to win the TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick in Sydney. —AP

liant Autumn sunshine erased those fears.

She got under way comfortably enough from the inside stall, taking the fence for the first 200 metres of the 1.2 km race before jockey Luke Nolen moved her outside in search of a bit more room. Some rival trainers had suggested racing in New South Wales would be more difficult than in her home state of Victoria. There, they suggested, Black Caviar had been deferred to in some races. There was certainly no deference in Sydney, but once Black Caviar got a clear line there was no stopping her and she stormed down the straight to victory by three lengths from Epaulette.

No one was going to win a fortune backing her - a $1 bet returned $1.10 - but there could not have been a more popular winner as the crowd savoured a small moment of history.

“She’s still pretty unbelievable but she had to earn it,” Nolen told reporters. “If there’s still any knockers out there after this, they can come and see me and I’ll sort them out.

“They didn’t protect her in Sydney but she still kicked their (backsides).” It was the second time she had won the race after 2011 and Moody said postponing her retirement long enough to return to the A$1 million ($1.05 million) race next year would be a “dream”.

That might also mean another trip to Britain and Royal Ascot, where she won the Diamond Jubilee last year, but Moody said they would take their time deciding on future plans. “We’ll get her home and have a chat with the team and see where we go from there,” he said.

And if there was any lingering doubt about whether Sydney would embrace Black Caviar as much as her home city of Melbourne, the loud cheers as she made her way back to the grandstand swept them away. “The whole of Australia are behind her,” said part-owner Neil Werrett.

“She’s a national horse.” —Reuters

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

S P ORTS

Lakers defeat Warriors

TOKYO: First place US team (center), second place Canada team (left), and third place Japan team (right) attend the awards ceremony at the World Team Trophy figure skating competition.—AFP

US lift Team Trophy TOKYO: Americans Ashley Wagner and Gracie Gold bowed to Japan’s veteran Akiko Suzuki in the women’s singles but powered their country to overall victory in the World Team Trophy in Tokyo yesterday. Suzuki, 28, second in Thursday’s short programme, gave all she had to score her personal best of 133.02 points and top the free skate table to win overall with 199.58, also her personal record.

Wagner, the US national champion, finished second overall on 188.60 and her home rival, 17-year-old Gold, third on 188.03.

“I feel relieved after I skated with all I had.

There was nothing left but just my willpower in the end,” said Suzuki, the runner-up to compatriot Mao Asada at the Four Continents championships in February. Skating to the music of “O” from Cirque du Soleil, Suzuki opened her programme with a triple-doubledouble combination, followed up by six triple jumps, two of them combined with doubles.

The 2012 world bronze medallist also hit a maximum level-four in three spins, a step sequence and a choreo sequence.

Asada, the 2008 and 2010 world gold medallist who settled for the bronze this year, again failed to hit her top form. She finished fifth overall as she did in both the short and free programmes.

Russia’s newly crowned world champions Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov won the pairs event, topping the free skating table with 136.06 points for a two-day total of 210.47.

The Canadian duo of Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford finished second on 191.15 and China’s Peng Cheng and Zhang Hao third on 174.40.

The United States, who won the inaugural World Team Trophy in 2009 but finished run-

ners-up to Japan last year, topped the team standings on 57 points with Canada second on 51 and Japan third on 49 points.

The event, with $1 million in prize money, has brought together skaters from the six countries that scored the highest combined points at major senior and junior competitions during the season.

Each nation can field two entries in both the men’s and women’s singles and one each in the pairs and ice dance. First place in each category was awarded 12 points with fewer points given to lower finishes-one point less by one place.

“I’m so proud of my team. I think every one skated pretty well and were supportive of each other. That made it so easy and in the end we were able to win,” said Wagner, fifth at the world championships four weeks ago.

The World Team Trophy was launched in 2009 as a two-yearly event with a similar team competition due to make its Olympic debut in Sochi next year.

Tokyo has hosted all three editions with the 2011 event postponed by a year due to a massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

On Friday, Grand Prix Final winner Daisuke Takashi of Japan took the men’s singles, beating Canada’s three-time world champion Patrick Chan into second spot.

The ice dance title went to the US couple of Madison Chock and Evan Bates with Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Canada second. “At the Olympics, hopefully, I won’t skate as how I did yesterday,” said Chan, who fell twice in jumps and once in a change-foot spin in his free skate. He said he wanted to “have a good old time with the team in a positive manner” in the team event at the Sochi Games.—AFP

LOS ANGELES: Kobe Bryant scored 34 points while playing much of the second half in obvious pain with an injured left leg and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied in the final minutes without him to stay in the NBA playoff race with a 118-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday.

Immediately after the game, the Lakers announced Bryant probably had a torn tendon. He will have an MRI exam Saturday, but Bryant knows the injury is likely to end his season.

The fifth-leading scorer in NBA history stayed in the game until 3:06 remaining in the fourth quarter despite injuring his leg early in the second half.

Bryant apparently hyperextended his knee before tearing his tendon later in the half.

Stephen Curry scored 47 points in a dynamic performance for the Warriors, but Los Angeles played just enough late defense to hang on for a crucial win.

Los Angeles stayed one game ahead of Utah for the eighth playoff spot in the NBA Western Conference with two games to go. The Jazz hold the tiebreaker.

HEAT 109, CELTICS 101 In Miami, LeBron James scored 20 points in 29 minutes and Rashard Lewis added 19 as Miami topped Boston to match the franchise record for home wins in a season.

Dwyane Wade, back after missing six games with bone bruises around his right kneecap, scored 11 in 34 minutes for Miami, which won its 35th home game to match the standard set in 2004-05. The Heat erased an early 13-point deficit with a 41-point second quarter, shooting 16 for 19 in the period. Miami also made 12 3-pointers to push its season total to 686, another team record.

Jeff Green scored 25 for Boston, which played without Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. The Celtics’ bench was outscored 52-14.

JAZZ 107, TIMBERWOLVES 100 In Salt Lake City, Al Jefferson tied a career high with 40 points, including a clutch jumper with 39 seconds left, to power Utah past Minnesota.

Jefferson scored 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting in the third to turn a seven-point deficit into an 8281 lead entering the fourth. His 14-footer as the shot clock expired gave Utah a 101-98 lead with 39 seconds remaining. JJ Barea scored a season-high 23 points off the bench for Minnesota.

rebounds as Memphis ended a 13-game losing streak in Houston. Zach Randolph scored 15 points and Jerryd Bayless had 13 for the Grizzlies, who won in Houston for the first time since April 2006.

James Harden scored 30 points, but missed a potential game-tying jumper from near the top of the key just before the buzzer. Memphis has won seven of eight games, while the Rockets lost for the third time in 11 home games.

MAVERICKS 108, NUGGETS, 105, OT In Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 points and O.J. Mayo hit tiebreaking 3-pointers late in regulation and overtime as Dallas denied Denver a franchise record in wins. Mayo’s shot in regulation could have won the game, but his turnover in the final seconds led to a tying layup by Corey Brewer.

Mayo then put Dallas ahead 104-101, and the Mavericks held on in a frantic final minute of overtime to deny the Nuggets their 55th win.

Mayo finished with 20, while Vince Carter had 22 points and 12 rebounds. Wilson Chandler and Andre Iguodala joined Brewer with 18 for the Nuggets, and Kenneth Faried had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

THUNDER 106, TRAIL BLAZERS 90 In Portland, Russell Westbrook scored 33 points, including 17 in the third quarter, as Oklahoma City beat short-handed Portland. Earlier in the evening, the Thunder clinched their third straight NBA Northwest Division title when Dallas defeated Denver 108-105 in overtime. Oklahoma City also remained a half-game up on San Antonio for the top seed in the Western Conference.

Portland, missing the playoffs for the second straight season, lost its 10th straight, the most since an 11-game slide in the 2005-06 season.

RAPTORS 97, BULLS 88 In Toronto, Amir Johnson had 24 points and nine rebounds and Rudy Gay scored 23 points as Toronto earned its second straight win over Chicago. Kyle Lowry had 13 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan scored 19 points for the Raptors, who were coming off a 10198 win in Chicago on Tuesday night.

Quincy Acy had 10 points and nine rebounds as Toronto won for the fourth time in five games.

Chicago’s Carlos Boozer fouled out with 19 points

and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes, his 11th doubledouble in the past 13 games.

Nate Robinson scored 17 points, Nazr Mohammed had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Luol Deng added 10 points as the Bulls lost for the third time in four games and lost any hope of earning home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

CLIPPERS 96, HORNETS 93 In New Orleans, Blake Griffin scored 20 points and Chris Paul made clutch plays on both ends of the floor in the final minute as Los Angeles overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat New Orleans. Matt Barnes finished with 16 points, scoring three times during a critical stretch for the Clippers, who would have seen their hopes of remaining a top-four playoff seed in the Western Conference take a hit with a loss.

Instead, the Clippers won their fourth straight in large part thanks to Paul, who had 14 assists and finished with 17 points - including eight in the final minute. Eric Gordon scored 25 points for New Orleans, which has lost three straight.

76ERS 97, WIZARDS 86 In Washington, Jrue Holiday scored 22 points as Philadelphia found enough motivation to put Washington’s pursuit of ninth place in the Eastern Conference to rest for good.

Thaddeus Young added 18 points and 13 points for the 76ers, who have already been eliminated from the playoffs. John Wall scored 24 points for the Wizards, who have lost four straight and trail the 76ers by 31/2 games with two to play. The Wizards had made catching Philadelphia a very public goal to make up for their 4-28 start.

PISTONS 113, BOBCATS 93 In Auburn Hills, Jonas Jerebko scored 17 of his 21 points in the first half as Detroit routed Charlotte behind terrific outside shooting.

Detroit went 12 of 18 from 3-point range, with Brandon Knight making all three of his attempts en route to scoring 19 points. Kemba Walker scored 24 in the first half for the Bobcats but finished with only 28. Detroit has won three in a row for only the second time all season. The Pistons had a fourgame winning streak ended by Charlotte in January.—AP

NETS 117, PACERS 109 In Indianapolis, Deron Williams had 33 points and 14 assists as Brooklyn defeated Indiana to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson each had 24 points for the Nets, who have won four of their last five games. David West had 26 points and nine rebounds and Paul George had 21 for the Pacers, who have lost three of four. The Nets are guaranteed the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference and pulled within two games of the Pacers for No. 3.

KNICKS 101, CAVALIERS 91 In Cleveland, Carmelo Anthony had 31 points and 14 rebounds in just three quarters as New York bounced back after having its winning streak stopped at 13 games one night earlier.

Anthony’s streak of scoring at least 35 points ended at six games as New York coach Mike Woodson chose to rest the All-Star forward the entire fourth quarter.

JR Smith also scored 31 - 13 in the fourth while Anthony watched - for New York, which is trying to hold off Indiana for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Knicks have a three-game lead over the Pacers heading into their matchup Sunday at Madison Square Garden. Kyrie Irving scored 31 for the Cavs, who are 4-17 since March 1.

Irving attempted a career-high 27 shots.

AUGUSTA: Brian Gay of the United States hits out of the bunker on the second hole during the third round of the 2013 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. —AFP

Tiger docked, Day leads Masters AUGUSTA: Tiger Woods was hit with a twostroke penalty in a dramatic start to the third day of the Masters at Augusta National yesterday.

The world number one had reached the halfway stage three shots behind leader Australian Jason Day and firmly in contention for a 15th major title and fifth green jacket.

But a review of the drop he took at the 15th hole on Friday after his ball had hit the pin and spun back into a water hazard, showed that he had inadvertedly broken the rules and he was sanctioned with a two-stroke penalty.

That turned what could have been a birdie four into a triple-bogey eight and left him mired back in the chasing pack, trailing by five shots with the second half of the tournament about to get underway.

Day, seeking to become the first Australian to win the Masters, shot a day’s best 68 on Friday to take the lead with 1992 champion Fred Couples and another Australian, Marc Leishman, tied for second place on five under.

Argentina’s 2009 Masters winner Angel Cabrera, US veteran Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker shared fourth place a further stroke back and there were 27 players at or under par within six strokes of the lead.

Day, who tied for second at Augusta National two years ago on his debut, said that he needed to stay in the moment and not let the pressure of leading the Masters get in the way.

“Obviously there’s a lot of pressure on my shoulders, being from Australia and no Australian has ever won the event,” he said.

“They have been very, very close, but I’ve just got to try to get that out of my mind and just plug away.” Yesterday, Day

will partner 53-year-old Couples, a huge favorite with US golf fans and a regular contender at the Masters, placing in the top 15 for the last three years.

“Just an amazing guy,” Day said of the American. “A guy, I’m not too sure how old he is, he’s in his 50s, but the guy can still move the ball a long, long way, can still hit great shots.

“It’s just great to see him up on the leaderboard. He’s such a great guy, and you know, I’m hoping that he plays well.”

Couples said he simply did not know whether he would stay the course mentally and physically over the weekend’s 36 holes.

“Am I good enough to play four good rounds in a row on a course like this? It didn’t happen last year,” he said.

“I was four over pretty fast yesterday, which was a real bummer. And then on Sunday, you know, I played well enough to finish in a good spot.

“But you know, when I get to be a certain age and I don’t start driving it where on the last hole I have a four- or five-iron in there, it’s going to be impossible for me to play well here, physically impossible.”

A total of 61 players made it through to the weekend and by far the most surprising was 14-year-old Chinese schoolboy Guan Tianlang, the youngest player by far in Masters history.

Guan was controversially hit with a onestroke penalty for slow play when he was on the 17th hole on Friday and he was left hanging for several hours uncertain whether he would become the first player from China to make the cut.

Eventually, he squeezed in to the weekend as he was within 10 strokes of the lead and will partner Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen.—AFP

HAWKS 109, BUCKS 104 In Atlanta, Jeff Teague and Josh Smith each scored 24 points and Atlanta used a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead after trailing by 19 early in the second half and beat Milwaukee.

Atlanta moved a half-game ahead of Chicago for fifth place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

Monta Ellis led Milwaukee with 27 points and 17 assists, and Ersan Ilyasova scored 25 points while shooting 6 for 8 on 3-pointers. Devin Harris scored 19 points for Atlanta.

SPURS 108, KINGS 101 In san Antonio, Tony Parker had 22 points and 10 assists as San Antonio beat Sacramento despite losing two key players.

Tim Duncan added 18 points, Kawhi Leonard had 15 points and Tiago Splitter and Danny Green had 12 apiece as seven players scored in double figures for San Antonio.

DeMarcus Cousins had 19 points and 12 rebounds, Jason Thompson added 18 points, Toney Douglas had 15 and Jimmer Fredette had 14 for Sacramento, which lost its sixth straight to San Antonio. The Spurs waived forward Stephen Jackson on Friday, ending his second stint with the team. Hours earlier, the Spurs lost reserve forward Boris Diaw, who will miss three to four weeks after having surgery to have a synovial cyst removed from his lumbar spine.

GRIZZLIES 82, ROCKETS 78 In Houston, Marc Gasol had 15 points and 12

LOS ANGELES: Stephen Curry No. 30 of the Golden State Warriors drives around Steve Blake No. 5 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Staples Center.—AFP

NBA results/standings Toronto 97, Chicago 88; Philadelphia 97, Washington 86; Brooklyn 117, Indiana 109; Atlanta 109, Milwaukee 104; Miami 109, Boston 101; Detroit 113, Charlotte 93; NY Knicks 101, Cleveland 91; La Clippers 96, New Orleans 93; Memphis 82, Houston 78; Dallas 108, Denver 105 (OT); San Antonio 108, Sacramento 101; Utah 107, Minnesota 100; Oklahoma City 106, Portland 90; LA Lakers 118, Golden State 116.

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

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT GB 52 27 .658 47 32 .595 5 40 39 .506 12 32 47 .405 20 31 48 .392 21 Central Division 49 30 .620 43 36 .544 6 37 42 .468 12 28 52 .350 21.5 24 55 .304 25 Southeast Division 63 16 .797 44 36 .550 19.5 29 51 .363 34.5 20 59 .253 43 18 61 .228 45

Western Conference Northwest Division Oklahoma City 59 21 .738 Denver 54 25 .684 4.5 Utah 42 38 .525 17 Portland 33 46 .418 25.5 Minnesota 29 50 .367 29.5 Pacific Division LA Clippers 53 26 .671 Golden State 45 35 .563 8.5 LA Lakers 43 37 .538 10.5 Sacramento 28 51 .354 25 Phoenix 24 55 .304 29 Southwest Division San Antonio 58 21 .734 Memphis 54 25 .684 4 Houston 44 35 .557 14 Dallas 39 40 .494 19 New Orleans 27 53 .338 31.5

Schleck hoping Classic heralds return to form THE HAGUE: Former Tour de France winner Andy Schleck will be hoping to use the Ardennes classics this month to complete his return to the top. Schleck will line up today at the Amstel Gold race, the first of three Spring Classics in the hilly Ardennes region that will be followed by the Fleche Wallonne and then LiegeBastogne-Liege.

And although Schleck may still be some way from the best he showed in winning the Tour in 2010 (after Alberto Contador was stripped of his original victory for doping), he is hoping the rugged, lumpy terrain of the Ardennes will help him rediscover his legs.

But he admits there may yet be some way to go. “Things are progressing slowly,” he told

Luxembourger magazine Le Quotidien. “I’ve had the wind in my face, as we say in cycling, but that will change. “I think I’m on the right track.”

It’s been a tough last 12 months for Schleck, who also twice finished second on the Tour and won LiegeBastogne-Liege in 2009. He broke his sacrum - a triangular bone at the base of the spine - in a crash at the Criterium du Dauphine last year, forcing him out of the Tour.

Ever since he has been unable to recapture anything like his previous form. “I don’t know when I will be well, I don’t know if it will be this year or next year,” he admitted.

“I now realise that it wasn’t possible to go from almost nothing to top level in just six months because with

an injury it’s not like being able to keep training.”

Schleck is not expecting to challenge for victory in the Ardennes classics but he does want to prove he is coming back into form. And it is part of the training programme that will prepare him for another assault on the Tour in July.

The changed course at the Amstel Gold should suit Schleck, though, as the finish has been altered. The number of short punishing climbs have been increased from 32 to 34 and the finish comes just after the iconic Cauberg climb rather than on the flat in Maastricht.

It is the same finish that was used at last year’s World Championships, where twice former winner Philippe Gilbert held off a disorganised chase

to triumph. However, the unpredictability of the new course should keep everyone guessing, according to Simon Gerrans, the Milan-San Remo winner last year and one of the favourites. “It’s hard to predict how the finish can and will change the way the race unfolds,” he said in an Orica-GreenEDGE team release.

“Typically, this is a race of attrition.

It gets harder and harder and faster and faster as the day goes on. “With each new difficulty, the front group becomes more and more select. The strongest guys on the day are left to contest the win.” Last year’s winner Enrico Gasparotto should challenge again but most eyes will be on Peter Sagan, who finished second at MilanSan Remo but won GentWevelgem.—AFP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

S P ORTS

SHANGHAI: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the practice session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix in Shanghai.—AP

Hamilton takes pole at Chinese GP SHANGHAI: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix after a cagey qualifying session yesterday that set the stage for an intriguing start to today’s race.

Hamilton’s best time at the Shanghai International Circuit was 1 minute, 34.484 seconds, qualifying him a quarter of a second ahead of Lotus’ Kimi Raikkonen. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso will start third.

It was Hamilton’s first pole with his new team after crossing over from McLaren in the off-season, and he felt it was a statement to those who said he should not have made the move.

“It’s an incredible feeling, so happy to have our first pole for some time,” Hamilton said. “I’m just ecstatic really, the lap was

great.” “I can’t answer (critics) with one result but bit by bit, as we progress and improve, they will have to stand corrected.”

“I am so grateful because it could have gone the other way. It was such a big choice for me and a big step for me but I made the right call.”

A cat-and-mouse qualifying session saw all runners restrict their time on the track to save sets of tires for the race, with all of the top 10 having only one flying lap in the final stage of qualifying.

McLaren’s Jenson Button and Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel both elected to do their flying lap on the harder of the two tire compounds, sacrificing grid position so they can have a longer stint at the beginning of the race. Button qualified eighth and Vettel ninth. Of the top three runners, Hamilton is

likely going to have to pit first, as the Mercedes has quickly degraded the soft tire throughout the race weekend, and his times are likely to start dropping after as few as two or three laps.

He was putting faith in his team in the decision to start on the softs and not follow the example of championship leader Vettel in choosing a lower grid spot but longer first stint on Sunday.

“I have really good strategists and I just trust them and their decisions and stand by it,” Hamilton said. “No matter what strategy you are on, everyone will struggle on the option tire whether it’s high or low fuel.” Red Bull’s Mark Webber had a fuel pressure failure in the second sector of qualifying, coasting to a stop out on the circuit. He qualified 14th but was later relegated to back of the

grid because the car did not have enough fuel in the tank to provide the requisite liter to race stewards.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, last year’s winner, qualified in fourth, ahead of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and Lotus’ Romain Grosjean.

Daniel Ricciardo of Toro Rosso was surprisingly strong in qualifying seventh - one position off his career best - while Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg was tenth. Raikkonen came up just short of his first pole position in five years, set when he was with Ferrari. “Second is not too bad. It’s the best I’ve achieved with the team. I would rather be in first place but we don’t have the speed,” Raikkonen said.

The Finn won the season’s opening grand prix in Australia by having one less pitstop than his rivals, and if he can nurse his tires well again on Sunday, he will be hard to

beat. Raikkonen, however, was uncertain that could be achieved again.

“It’s a big question mark because we were pretty happy (Friday), but the car is not the same as then,” Raikkonen said.

“Hopefully it will turn out to be good tomorrow but it will be pretty close and whoever gets it exactly right will make a difference.

Alonso edged Massa by about a tenth of a second to avoid being out-qualified by a teammate for a fifth straight time, which has never happened in his career.

“The car has been competitive from Friday and this morning we made changes and the car responded well,” Alonso said.

“We have a good set up for the race, which is the most important thing. Tomorrow, if everything goes well, we should fight for the podium with both cars.”—AP

Blues smash Hurricanes

NEWARK: Andre Benoit No. 61 of the Ottawa Senators plays the puck against Steve Sullivan No. 15 of the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.—AFP

Senators shut out Devils NEWARK: Craig Anderson made 33 saves in his third shutout of the season as the Ottawa Senators sent the sliding New Jersey Devils to their ninth straight loss with a 2-0 victory on Friday. JeanGabriel Pageau and Milan Michalek scored secondperiod goals for the Senators, who won for the second straight night to boost their playoff chances.

Ottawa, in sixth place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, leads ninth-place Winnipeg by four points. New Jersey is 10th, eight points behind Ottawa and four behind the New York Rangers and the postseason cutoff with seven games to play.

The defending Eastern Conference champion Devils dropped to 0-5-4 without injured star forward Ilya Kovalchuk. The slide is one game shy of the franchise mark, set in the 1983-84 season.

Despite outshooting the Senators 23-9 in the opening 40 minutes and getting an early two-man advantage, the Devils trailed 2-0 heading into the third period.

BLACKHAWKS 3, RED WINGS 2 In Chicago, Brandon Saad scored in the fifth round of the shootout after Jonathan Toews tied the game late in regulation as Chicago clinched the NHL Central Division title with a victory over Detroit.

With St. Louis losing to Columbus earlier Friday, the Blackhawks wrapped up the Central race for the first time since 2010 when they won the Stanley Cup. Chicago also increased its lead over Anaheim for the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs to seven points.

The shootout was level at 1-1 when Saad beat Jimmy Howard with a backhand shot. Corey Crawford then stopped Johan Franzen, sealing the win and giving the Blackhawks a four-game season sweep over Detroit. Two quick goals by Franzen and Cory Emmerton late in the second period gave Detroit a 2-1 lead, but the Blackhawks answered down the stretch.

BLUE JACKETS 4, BLUES 1 In Columbus, Cam Atkinson had a goal and an assist and Sergei Bobrovsky made 31 saves as Columbus ended St. Louis’ season-high, six-game winning streak.

Artem Anisimov, Ryan Johansen and Marian Gaborik also had goals for Columbus, which continued its climb from the bottom of the table to playoff contention. The Blue Jackets, 11-1-3 in their last 15 home games, were last in the NHL after a 5-12-2 start but have earned points in 18 of 22 games since. Kevin Shattenkirk made it 1-0 for the Blues, who went with rookie Jake Allen in goal instead of Brian Elliott, who has posted three shutouts in a row. The Blue Jackets are 10th in the Western Conference with 43 points, two behind eighthplace Detroit for the final playoff spot. The Blues are sixth with 48 points. Bobrovsky improved to 11-3-5 with a 1.68 goals-against average at home this season.

STARS 5, PREDATORS 2 In Nashville, rookie Alex Chiasson scored two goals as Dallas beat Nashville for its fourth straight win.

Ray Whitney had a power-play goal and an assist, and Erik Cole and Tom Wandell had a goal apiece. Vern Fiddler also had two assists for the Stars, who are ninth place in the Western Conference - two points behind eighth-place Detroit and the postseason cutoff. Dallas is level with Phoenix and Columbus in points.

Richard Bachman stopped 26 shots and improved to 5-3. He started in place of Kari Lehtonen, who was scratched because of a lower body injury. Taylor Beck and Bobby Butler scored for Nashville, which has lost five straight and eight of nine.

FLAMES 3, COYOTES 2 In Calgary, Mark Giordano scored the winning goal 4:36 into overtime as Calgary ended a threegame home losing streak with a victory over Phoenix.

Curtis Glencross and Mikael Backlund combined to set up Giordano just inside the blue line.

While goalie Mike Smith was screened, Giordano put a shot just inside the goal post. Jiri Hudler and Lee Stempniak also scored for Calgary, which had lost six of seven. Antoine Vermette and Keith Yandle scored for Phoenix, which earned three of six points on a three-game trip.—AP

NHL results/standings Ottawa 2, New Jersey 0; Columbus 4, St. Louis 1; Dallas 5, Nashville 2; Chicago 3, Detroit 2 (SO); Calgary 3, Phoenix 2 (OT).

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W Pittsburgh 31 NY Islanders21 NY Rangers 20 New Jersey 15 Philadelphia17 Montreal Boston Toronto Ottawa Buffalo

26 26 22 21 16

Washington 22 Winnipeg 21 Tampa Bay 17 Carolina 16 Florida 13

L OTL GF GA PTS 10 0 138 101 62 16 4 119 121 46 16 4 99 96 44 16 10 96 113 40 20 3 108 125 37 Northeast Division 9 5 127 95 57 10 4 114 87 56 13 5 123 112 49 14 6 101 89 48 19 6 107 127 38 Southeast Division 17 2 123 113 46 19 2 109 123 44 21 2 127 122 36 22 2 103 129 34 21 6 98 139 32

Western Conference Central Division Chicago 31 5 4 132 85 66 St. Louis 23 15 2 110 102 48 Detroit 19 15 7 103 107 45 Columbus 18 16 7 99 105 43 Nashville 15 19 8 98 115 38 Northwest Division Vancouver 23 11 6 109 96 52 Minnesota 22 16 2 103 100 46 Edmonton 16 17 7 102 111 39 Calgary 15 21 4 106 140 34 Colorado 13 22 6 96 128 32 Pacific Division Anaheim 27 9 5 124 103 59 Los Angeles 23 14 4 118 103 50 San Jose 21 12 7 101 100 49 Dallas 20 17 3 114 120 43 Phoenix 18 16 7 110 110 43 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not

EDEN PARK: The Auckland Blues turned in a powerhouse performance to humble the Wellington Hurricanes 28-6 in their Super Rugby match at Eden Park yesterday.

The Blues were well served by their forwards, with blindside flanker Steven Luatua in inspirational form, sealing a bonus point with their fourth try with 20 minutes to spare and keeping their opponents try-less. The Hurricanes, beaten at home 34-20 in the teams’ first encounter of the season, were dominated on all fronts and kept scoreless for the entire second half, denied repeatedly by desperate Blues defence on the last line. The Blues’ emphatic win kept them in touch with the New Zealand conference-leading Waikato Chiefs, who were upset by the Queensland Reds in Hamilton, as the season nears the halfway mark. Winger Frank Halai put the

Blues on the board in the 13th minute, cantering under the posts after some sharp work upfield from scrumhalf Piri Weepu, fullback Charles Piutau and flyhalf Chris Noakes.

Noakes converted and the Blues kept the Hurricanes scoreless for nearly half an hour until Samoan international flyhalf Tusi Pisi marked his first start for the Super Rugby side with a poised drop goal against the run of play.

Beauden Barrett, shifted from flyhalf to fullback, brought the Hurricanes back within a point with a penalty but the Blues ramped up the pressure towards the end of the half.

Flanker Luatua barged through four tackles and charged for the line but was held up by Hurricanes scrumhalf TJ Perenara.

It was a brief reprieve, however, as fullback Charles Piutau swooped to plant the ball over

the line on the stroke of halftime after receiving from the five-metre scrum.

Hooker James Parsons added to the Hurricanes’ pain by thundering over near the left corner a few minutes after the break after taking a perfectly-weighted inside pass from Noakes to pad the score to 19-6. Piutau squandered a gilt-edged chance for a second try in the 57th minute when he fumbled a dribbled ball when diving over the line but prop Tom McCartney made up for it with the Blues’ fourth a few minutes later, burrowing under the Wellington defence for a try under the posts. The Blues defended stoutly for the remaining 20 minutes, with Luatua capping a barnstorming game by holding up replacement back Reynold Lee -lo to keep the Hurricanes scoreless and improve his chances of All Blacks selection.—Reuters

Kings march past Rebels MELBOURNE: Demetri Catrakilis slotted a drop goal after the siren to hand the Southern Kings a last-gasp 30-27 win over the Melbourne Rebels in their Super Rugby match yesterday.

The Rebels dominated possession and held a seven-point lead in the final minutes but squandered their chance to close out victory with a series of bumbling errors at Melbourne’s AAMI Park stadium.

Rebels’ substitute Jordy Reid was sent off for collapsing a maul five minutes before the whistle and the Kings capitalised moments later with another fierce rolling maul that put flanker Wimpie van der Walt over the line.

Catrakilis slotted the conversion to level the score at 27-27 with three minutes to play and Rebels fans groaned as winger Jason Woodward booted the ball into touch on the restart to hand the Kings the scrum at the halfway line. With the terraces at ‘The Stockade’ roaring, Catrakilis found space and coolly slotted the drop goal from short range to secure his side their second win of their debut season in the southern hemisphere competition. “Just character, I think the boys showed a lot of fight today,” Kings captain Andries Strauss said in a pitchside interview.

“We knew that if we got our hands on the ball we could score and win the game. All credit to the boys, they fought hard and they deserve this one.”

Catrakilis boot prolonged the Rebels’ winless record against South Africa sides since joining the southern hemisphere competition in 2011 and all but put paid to their playoff hopes.

The Rebels dominated territory and led 27-17 with less than half an hour to play when outside centre Mitch Inman scored their third try but they were unable to find a killer blow and struggled with handling errors throughout.

The Kings, who stunned the competition-leading ACT Brumbies with a last-gasp try to snatch a draw in Canberra last week, shocked the Rebels with two tries in the opening 15 minutes to march out to 14-0 lead.

Winger Ronnie Cooke crossed in the left corner after nine minutes and scrumhalf Shaun Venter had the Kings’ second when he bamboozled a pair of Rebels defenders on a long sprint to the right corner six minutes later.

The Rebels dragged themselves back in the match through tries to hooker Ged Robinson and replacement back Angus Rober ts, with flyhalf James O’Connor slotting a tight conversion kick on the halftime siren to put his team level at 17-17.

Inman crossed for the Rebels in the corner after a sustained bout of pressure, but O’Connor’s conversion in the 53rd minute was to be the hosts’ final score.

Catrakilis missed a regulation penalty goal with 10 minutes left to put his side within a try of victory but brilliantly made amends by nervelessly slotting his last two kicks to get his team over the line.—Reuters

MELBOURNE: James O’Connor (right) of the Melbourne Rebels is tackled by Waylon Murray (left) and Cornell du Preez of the Southern Kings during their Super 15 round nine rugby union match. —AFP

Force upset Crusaders PERTH: The Western Force defended brilliantly in the face of a fierce comeback by the Canterbury Crusaders to secure an unlikely 16-14 victory in their Super Rugby match in Perth yesterday.

The Perth-based strugglers carried a 16-8 lead into the break and kept the seven-times champions scoreless for the final 23 minutes to capture only their third win in 18 matches.

The Crusaders’s defeat, following a tough tour of South Africa, was their fourth this season and leaves them with work to do to put their campaign back on track as the halfway mark approaches.

Flyhalf Tyler Bleyendaal, deputising for the injured Dan Carter, slotted two penalties after halftime to bring the Crusaders back within two points but that was as good as it got for the New Zealanders who struggled with handling errors on a muggy night at NIB stadium.

“That’s a great feeling. We knew we could do it,” Force captain Matt Hodgson said in a pitchside interview after his team notched their second win of the season. “We’ve always had the belief. It’s not only good for us, it’s good for the whole of Perth.”

Despite being dominated in terms of territory and possession, the Force made the most of their limited chances and stunned the Crusaders with a try

in the third minute.

Capitalising on a mistake deep in defence, flyhalf Sam Norton-Knight burst past a clutch of players behind the 22-metre line and planted the ball under the posts. Hooker Corey Flynn hit back for the visitors in the 20th minute with a barnstorming run down the left wing that set up lock Luke Romano who touched down in the corner. Romano also grabbed the ball out of a ruck and lunged over a few minutes before halftime but was cruelly denied a second try by a television replay that showed fullback Israel Dagg had thrown a forward pass earlier in the move.

The Crusaders ramped up the pressure after the break and trailed by only two points when Bleyendaal slotted his third penalty in the 58th minute. All signs pointed to the visitors marching to victory but the Force stood firm and rode their luck as the Crusaders repeatedly coughed up possession during a series of promising drives.

With the crowd of 16,000 reaching fever pitch, a small number of spectators invaded the playing surface in the frenetic final minutes and play was briefly halted. The Force then made sure of victory by ripping the ball away from the opposition in a hotly-contested ruck to spark thunderous cheers from the home crowd.—Reuters

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

S P ORTS

FA Cup glory in sight for Chelsea and City LONDON: Manchester City and holders Chelsea will both seek to transform underwhelming domestic seasons when the two Premier League heavyweights clash in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium today.

The pair have failed to keep pace with Manchester United in the league, and although Chelsea have also reached the last four in the Europa League, the FA Cup represents City’s only realistic chance of ending the season with some silverware.

As an added incentive, the other semi-final features second-tier Millwall and perennial Premier League relegation candidates Wigan Athletic, so whoever emerges victorious will be overwhelming favorites to lift the trophy.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez and his City counterpart Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, would each dearly love to end difficult seasons by winning the FA Cup for a second time.

City won 2-0 when the sides last met, at the Etihad Stadium in late

February, but Benitez says he has learnt his lessons from that encounter.

“We know it’ll be difficult, but it’s a semi-final in a massive competition,” said the Spaniard, an FA Cup-winner with Liverpool in 2006. “We know what we did wrong against them in the league and we’ll make sure we don’t make the same mistakes. “ They ’re a good team, with a strong squad. They have a manager with experience and they have confidence at the moment. We know we’ll have to do our best if we want to progress.”

City go into the game buoyed by their 2-1 victory at derby rivals United in the Premier League on Monday, although the leaders’ advantage remains an imposing 12 points.

That inability to remain in United’s slipstream has put pressure on Mancini, but his side are still on course to collect a major trophy for the third season in succession.

City’s victory over Stoke City in the 2011 FA Cup final ended a 35-year trophy drought and Mancini is looking forward to returning to the scene of

Rafael Benitez

Matches on TV (Local Timings) England FA Cup Chelsea v Man City..................................18:00 Aljazeera Sport +5 English Premier League Newcastle v Sunderland.........................14:00 Abu Dhabi Sports HD Stoke City v Man United.........................16:05 Abu Dhabi Sports HD

Spanish League Valeecano v Sociedad.............................13:00 Aljazeera Sport +2 Atletico v Granada..................................18:00 Aljazeera Sport +2 Zaragoza v Barcelona..............................20:00 Aljazeera Sport +2 Bilbao v Real Madrid...............................22:00 Aljazeera Sport +2 Italian League Palermo v Bologna..................................13:30 Aljazeera Sport +1 Cagliari v Internazionale.........................16:00 Aljazeera Sport +1 Chiev Verona v Catania............................16:00 Aljazeera Sport +9 Genoa v Sampdoria..................................16:00 Aljazeera Sport +8 Parma v Udinese .....................................16:00 Aljazeera Sport +7 Torino v AS Roma.......................................16:00 Aljazeera Sport +10 AC Milan v Napoli......................................21:45 Aljazeera Sport +1 German League Vfb Stuttgart v Borussia...........................16:30 Dubai Sports FC Augsburg v Eintracht...........................18:30 Dubai Sports French League Nice v FC Sochaux.....................................16:00 Aljazeera Sport +4 Lyonnais v Toulouse..................................18:00 Aljazeera Sport +4 Lille OSC v Marseille..................................22:00 Aljazeera Sport +4

that watershed success. “I think to play at Wembley is fantastic. For all the supporters there is a magic moment,” he said. “Every trophy is important for every team. For us, more so, because we have this chance to go to the final and win the second FA Cup in three years.”

Mancini says he will give David Silva until the day of the game to prove his fitness, after the Spanish midfielder sustained a hamstring injury in Monday’s win at United.

“We will decide, I think, today,” said the Italian. “We don’t know if it is possible and if there is a risk, he will not play, but if there is not, then maybe.”

Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score a memorable winning goal at Old Trafford, and if Silva is ruled out, the wily Argentine could be the man to benefit.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres took his tally for the season to 20 goals with a deft lob in his side’s Europa League game away to Rubin Kazan in Moscow on Thursday.

However, the Spaniard may not hold onto his starting position after Demba Ba was passed fit to play despite sustaining an ankle problem in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Sunderland.

England international defenders Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill remain sidelined through injury, while Cole’s most likely deputy, Ryan Bertrand, is a slight doubt due to illness.

Improbably, today’s game represents the first encounter between the teams in the FA Cup since 1971, when City prevailed 3-0 in a fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will be defending a formidable record at the stadium, having won all seven of the games they have played in the competition beneath the Wembley arch since the stadium re-opened in 2007.

City, though, are yet to let in a goal in the competition and are bidding to become the first team to reach the final without conceding since Everton in 1966.—AFP

Celtic out to end Hampden hoodoo GLASGOW: Emilio Izaguirre admits Celtic are determined to end their Hampden hoodoo when they face Dundee United in their Scottish Cup semi-final today.

The Hoops have suffered heartbreak in their past three trips to the national stadium and the Celtic defender says his team-mates have all the motivation they need to end this dismal run.

Neil Lennon’s side lost 3-2 St Mirren on their last visit to the national stadium in the League Cup semi-finals in January, and suffered a similar fate there against Kilmarnock, in the League Cup final, and Hearts, in the Scottish Cup semis, last season.

But, far from dreading today’s appearance at the same venue, the Honduran international insists the players are relishing making a return to finally banish the hurt that has been festering since St Mirren denied them a shot at a domestic treble.

“We treat every game as a final anyway but we really want to win this one as we haven’t won in the last three games at Hampden, so this is a real incentive for all the players,” Izaguirre said.

“This is football, sometimes it happens, but it just makes us more determined to win this one so hopefully it will be a positive for us. “We have to go with a mentality that we are going to win and trust God that it will happen.”

The Hoops are just one point away from clinching the Scottish Premier League title and a win against Jackie McNamara’s side would take them a step closer to securing a first double for manager Lennon.

“We really want to win the double,” Izaguirre continued. “It’s really important for us and that’s why I have faith in God that we will do it.

“Obviously, we want to win everything at the start of the season, which is the three trophies. We now only have two to win and we really want to win them both, and this is our mentality.

“It is the mindset of every player at Celtic, especially as we are a big club and want to win every competition we enter.” United, who won the Scottish Cup in 2010, are on a high after Rory Boulding’s last-gasp strike against Aberdeen last weekend clinched them a place in the top six of the SPL. And the striker is hoping to continue his goal-scoring form against the Parkhead side today. “Hopefully I can get a few more for United, starting today. If I get on the pitch I will definitely be looking to find the back of the net,” Englishman Boulding said.

“I am sure there will be a big crowd and a fantastic atmosphere. “The pitch is big and the playing surface looks amazing so I am just looking forward to getting there.”

In yesterday’s semi-final, First Division Falkirk, who only appointed Gary Holt as manager last week, take on SPL side Hibernian.

Hibs will be at Hampden for the first time since last season’s 5-1 thrashing at the hands of fierce rivals Hearts in last season’s Scottish Cup final.

But captain James McPake has warned his teammates to put that result to the back of their minds as they bid to end the club’s 111-year wait for a Scottish Cup win.

“That’s in the past. We can’t think about that game or we will struggle,” the defender said. “It was a hard one for everyone, there is no hiding from that. No-one is going to say it didn’t bother us.

“But we have to focus completely on Falkirk and not look to the final. “The main aim is to change everything.

Making up for last year is the small part of it. The bigger part is going on to win this Cup for the club, as it’s been so long.”—AFP

Photo of the day

David Lama climbs a mountain at Chamonix. www.redbullcontentpool.com

We won’t take Stoke for granted — Fergie STOKE-ON-TRENT: Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players not to expect an easy ride when they face Premier League strugglers Stoke today.

With Manchester City in FA Cup semi-final action against Chelsea, league leaders United will move a step closer to regaining the title by moving 15 points clear at the top if they win at the Britannia Stadium.

On paper Stoke appear to pose little threat. They have slumped into the relegation dogfight after losing five of their last six matches and have never beaten United in the Premier League.

But, with Monday’s derby defeat against City still fresh in the memory, Ferguson knows United have been below their best in recent weeks and the Scot is keen to guard against complacency as he looks to close out the title race.

“Stoke will be hard game and that’s never going to change, but we always have to stand up to the mark in these games,” Ferguson said. “It’s still a difficult game and difficult place to go to. If you ask any player or manager if they go to Stoke you know you are going to have to earn your corn. We know we are going to have to perform to get a result.

“They always present a challenge for you - the set-pieces are good, they are physically strong and the throwins are legendary. We have to deal with these situations.

“There are all different types of games and opponents in the Premier League. It gives it that variety of football that no other league has.”

With only seven games remaining, United still have a substantial cushion at the top of the table despite their 2-1 defeat against City at Old Trafford.

And Ferguson urged his squad to

end the campaign with a flourish rather than simply coast over the finish line. “We have a job to do, and the incentives are for ourselves us in the sense of the position we are in with seven games left,” said Ferguson.

“I think we have some nice games to look forward to and it’s a nice time of the season for us. “We are no different and Manchester City are no different, they will be looking at their remaining games and seeing where they can get the points. “The important thing is the confidence and trust of the players. Which is absolute 100 per cent for me. They have shown great resilience this season by coming back from a goal down time and time again.”

Meanwhile, Stoke manager Tony Pulis admits he owes it to chairman Peter Coates to turn things around at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke have just one win in 2013 and Pulis is desperate to avoid relegation for the club’s owner, who has developed a strong bond with the

boss during their seven years together. “Peter’s been more concerned about me than anything else,” Pulis said. “ This week he popped down to the training ground. He doesn’t usually do that.

But he’s come and had a cup of tea and a bite to eat with all the players and everything else.

“He’s been very good. But I accept that if you don’t get results in this job you will always be under pressure. “It’s more pressure for me because Peter is a friend. He doesn’t just pay my wages.

“In adversity, that’s when you show your strength of character.

“Over the past five or six years we’ve built up expectations and the greater you achieve, the more people want. “Maybe if we’d have finished three of the last four seasons needing to stay up the pressure wouldn’t be that great. “But we’ve been to Europe, playing teams this club could never have imagined playing against like Valencia, and got to Wembley.”—AFP

Alex Ferguson

Arfa eager for derby return NEWCASTLE: Hatem Ben Arfa said he is ready to take a season of frustration out on Sunderland, as Newcastle United gear up for the Tyne-Wear derby with both clubs desperately in need of vital pointsand bragging rights in the northeast.

The France international is pushing for only his second start in four months at St James’ Park today, after a season dogged by persistent hamstring problems.

At one point earlier this year, it was feared the 26-year-old midfielder’s season was over but he avoided having to undergo surgery and made a cameo appearance in the midweek Europa League exit to Portuguese side Benfica.

Ben Ar fa’s injury woes have restricted him to just 16 appearances this season, starting with a horrific broken leg that kept him out for 11 months shortly after a £5 million move from Marseille in 2010. He insisted, though, that his fitness worries are behind him and he was fully focused on increasing the pressure on Newcastle’s relegation-threatened near neighbors, who make the 13-mile (21-kilometre) journey from the Stadium of Light.

Ben Arfa said: “I’ve felt pretty much okay for a while now but sometimes when you’re coming back, you have little difficulties

along the way but I’m looking forward to playing for what’s left of the season.” The player has been linked with a move to Liverpool in a swap deal for ex-Newcastle forward Andy Carroll but he insisted: “I want to stay here. People might talk about it but my agent and I haven’t. I’m 100 per cent focused on Newcastle.”

His impressive second-half substitute appearance failed to prevent Newcastle sliding to a 4-2 aggregate defeat by Benfica.

Ben Ar fa said he was determined to help Alan Pardew’s side bounce back by earning the three points that would all-but secure another season of Premier League football.

The Newcastle manager is likely to err on the side of caution by keeping his talisman in reserve on the bench but Ben Arfa said he would be happy to play to reward fans for their loyalty.

“I hope to repay everything they have given me and Sunday is a good opportunity to do that,” he added. “It’s up to the manager to decide whether I start the game but if he wants me to, I can because I feel good.”

The match will be the second in charge for new Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio, who succeeded Martin O’Neill at the end of March, and his maiden Tyne-Wear derby.

The Wearside club have won just once in 16 attempts against their near neighbours, their most recent three-points on Tyneside arriving almost 13 years ago.

“It’s a record we have to change.” Di Canio said. The Italian is confident that he can lead the club to safety in their final six games, with the club sitting precariously above the relegation zone, separated from the bottom three only on goal difference and a recent record of nine games without a win. “The players have prepared well and they are ready for a game of this importance. It might only be another three points but we know to the fans it’s a game that’s worth 2,000 other matches and if we win it’ll be a result that’s fondly remembered for years,” he said.

Sunderland are without skipper Lee Cattermole and 11-goal top scorer Steven Fletcher, who join veteran defender Wes Brown in missing the remainder of the season through injury. Midfielder Craig Gardner starts a two-match suspension. Newcastle will be without defenders Fabricio Coloccini, Davide Santon and Ryan Taylor. Steven Taylor (knee), Cheick Tiote (knee) and Mathieu Debuchy (hamstring) all hope to be fit while Yoan Gouffran is available after being cup-tied against Benfica.-AFP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

S P ORT S

Wigan sink Millwall to reach first FA Cup final

GERMANY: Fuerth’s Stephan Fuerstner (left) challenges for the ball with Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski during the German First Division Bundesliga soccer match. —AP

Bayern, Dortmund run riot BERLIN: Champions League semi-finalists Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund registered huge wins, hitting 10 goals between them, as they returned to Bundesliga duty in sensational style yesterday.

Having drawn Barcelona in the last four of the Champions League, German champions Bayern crushed Nuremberg 4-0 at Munich’s Allianz Arena despite resting nine of the team which won 2-0 at Juventus on Wednesday.

“The game showed my players have a very professional attitude at this stage of the season,” said Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes.

“It’s good that I was able to make nine changes, we still have a lot of games ahead of us and I wouldn’t have made the changes if I hadn’t felt this team would win.”

Dortmund hammered bottom side Greuther Fuerth 6-1 with Jose Mourinho, coach of their Champions League semifinal opponents Real Madrid, in Franconia watching from the stands.

“It could have been a hairy situation, but it wasn’t because of my team’s high level of concentration,” quipped Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp, after it emerged in the German media on Friday that he has had a hair transplant.

Having already been confirmed Bundesliga champions the week before, Bayern extended their unbeaten run in the German league to 20 matches since losing to Bayer Leverkusen last October-their only league defeat this season.

Nuremberg came to Munich unbeaten in their previous nine games and chasing their first win at Bayern in 21 years, but it took just five minutes to dismiss any notion of an upset.

Even without nine first-choice players, Bayern were 3-0 up inside 25 minutes.

Germany defender Jerome Boateng volleyed home the first with just five minutes gone before the centre-back provided the final pass for Mario Gomez to make it 20 on 17 minutes.

Brazil defender Rafinha, in at right-back for Lahm, scored the third on 24 minutes with France wing Franck Ribery captaining the team for the first time since he joined them back in 2007.

Nuremberg’s luck did not improve after the break when Belgium midfielder Timmy Simons’ penalty was saved by Bayern’s stand-in goalkeeper Tom Starke, albeit with his head when the ball went through his gloves.

Swiss wing Xherdan Shaqiri grabbed Bayern’s fourth on 56 minutes after a final pass from Riber y, while coach Jupp Heynckes gave a league debut to 17-yearold Danish midfielder Pierre Hojbjerg for the final 20 minutes.

The win leaves Bayern on 78 points, 20 clear of second-placed Dortmund, with five games left and just three short of Borussia’s record of 81 points in a Bundesliga season, set last year.

After their dramatic 3-2 Champions League win over Malaga in midweek, Dortmund ran riot at Fuerth with both Germany midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Mario Goetze scoring twice early as it finished 5-0 at the break.

Fuerth are now just two matches short of becoming the first Bundesliga team to lose all of their home matches in a season.

The hosts pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left, but Robert Lewandowski netted Dortmund’s sixth with ten minutes left to extend his own record having scored in all of his last 11 league games.

He is five short of Gerd Mueller ’s Bundesliga record. Late yesterday Schalke, fourth, host third-placed Leverkusen in the battle for the league’s third automatic Champions League place for next season.

Hamburg ended their three-match losing streak with a 2-1 win at Mainz with South Korea striker Son Heung-Min scoring twice, while Bremen were held to a 2-2 draw at Fortuna Duesseldorf. Hoffenheim drew 2-2 at Wolfsburg to move up to 16th, while strugglers Werder Bremen drew 2-2 at Fortuna Duesseldorf, with both teams just above the relegation zones.—AFP

LONDON: Wigan Athletic overcame second-tier Millwall 2-0 at a rain-soaked Wembley Stadium yesterday to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in the club’s 81-year history.

A modest crowd of below 63,000 saw Scottish attacking midfielder Shaun Maloney claim the opening goal with a composed volley mid-way through the first half.

Initially cowed by Wigan’s authoritative passing game, Millwall rallied in the second period, but Callum McManaman capped a fine individual performance with his side’s second goal 12 minutes from time.

Wigan now await the winners of Sunday’s other semi-final between Manchester City and holders Chelsea, as they look forward to a second major domestic final after a one-sided loss to Manchester United in the 2006 League Cup. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez unexpectedly handed goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi a first start since March 2, but it was his opposite number, David Forde, who was the focus of activity in the first half.

Wigan’s first sight of goal arrived in the second minute, but Mark Beevers slid in well to block after space opened up in front of Spanish midfielder Jordi Gomez.

James Henry dragged a shot wide for Millwall

and Danny Shittu thundered an ambitious freekick well over the bar, but Wigan were soon back on the attack.

Forde raced out to save at the feet of Arouna Kone, before springing to his right to repel McManaman’s crisp drive with a two-handed parry. There was a sense of inevitability about the breakthrough, which arrived in the 25th minute.

Kone was the architect, brilliantly chesting down a high ball and spinning away from a clutch of defenders before crossing for the unmarked Maloney to steer an assured volley beneath Forde.

Forde had to collect an acrobatic volley from Paul Scharner and although Millwall briefly threatened to come back into the game, the half ended with Wigan on the front foot once again.

McManaman lofted a shot over the bar from the edge of the box after another probing incursion from Kone, while Gomez tested Forde with a first-time shot from 18 yards.

Wigan were playing with the same poise that had seen them stun Everton 3-0 in the quarterfinals and despite Millwall packing their midfield, Maloney, McManaman and Kone were finding plenty of space.

McManaman was at it again early in the sec-

ond half, worming his way to the byline on the left and then leaving two defenders on the turf as he cut inside, only to curl his shot over the bar.

Belatedly, Millwall came to life, and after Henr y swept a free -kick just over the bar, Scharner had to produce a crucial block to thwart Andy Keogh.

Moments later, Wigan were given a huge fright when Beevers’ downward header hit Scharner and fortuitously bounced over the crossbar.

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett sought to capitalise on the momentum by introducing striker Rob Hulse. Keogh thought he should have had a penalty when his cross struck Scharner’s arm, but referee Michael Oliver, who had a good view of the incident, was unmoved.

McManaman continued to provide a threat whenever he picked up the ball wide on the Wigan left, however, and in the 74th minute he teed up Gomez for a shot into the side-netting.

Four minutes later McManaman put the result beyond doubt, darting onto Gomez’s through pass before rounding Forde and sliding the ball home. Forde denied Kone a third Wigan goal, but by then the damage had already been done.—AFP

Everton push QPR closer to relegation Everton 2

QPR 0

LONDON: Goals either side of half-time from Darron Gibson and Victor Anichebe gave Everton a 20 win over relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers and lifted David Moyes’ side within three points of the top four and a Champions League spot.

The West Londoners desperately needed a result to keep their flickering hopes of avoiding the drop alive but were undone by two pieces of clinical finishing.

Everton now stand sixth on 55 points with Arsenal, who won 3-1 at home to Norwich, on 59 and idle Tottenham on 58 points with six matches to play.

QPR, meanwhile, are seven points from safety with just five matches left. Everton took the lead five minutes before the break when Irish international midfielder Gibson fired home past Brazilian ‘keeper Julio Cesar after being set up by Belgian forward Kevin Mirallas.

Anichebe then gave Harr y Redknapp’s side a monumental task to salvage something from the match with a close range finish on 56 minutes that extended the home side’s unbeaten run to

LONDON: Everton’s Sylvain Distin (left) fights for the ball against Queens Park Rangers’ Loic Remy during their English Premier League soccer match at Goodison Park Stadium. —AP five games. QPR came into the match with just four wins all season and likely needing to win four of their last six matches to have a chance of avoiding the drop.

Everton meanwhile were riding a four match unbeaten run and victorious in their last three at Goodison Park as they welcomed back South African playmaker Steven Pienaar and Belgian international Marouane Fellaini follow-

ing suspension. Their previous meeting this season finished 1-1 at Loftus Road with a pair of owngoals and Ever ton pick ing up maximum points against the Londoners on only two of their last 11 encounters.

Everton had the bulk of first half possession but QPR created the better scoring opportunities with French striker Loic Remy their danger man in a tight open-

ing 45 minutes. The home side then drew first blood with Gibson’s goal just before the inter val and when Anichebe added some insurance 11 minutes after the restar t, the outcome became inevitable.

Ever ton now travel to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for a crunch clash against Arsenal while QPR are next in action at home to Stoke on Saturday.—AFP

Villa remain in trouble after Fulham draw

FRANCE: Paris Saint-Germain’s French midfielder Blaise Matuidi (right) is tackled during the French League football match against Troyes. —AFP

PSG continue march towards French title PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain recovered from their midweek Champions League heartbreak as they continued their march towards a first Ligue 1 crown in 19 years with a 1-0 win at basement side Troyes yesterday. Blaise Matuidi broke the deadlock at Stade de l’Aube on 65 minutes with the game’s only goal as PSG opened up a provisional 10-point gap over Marseille, who travel to in-form Lille on Sunday, at the top of Ligue 1 with just seven games remaining.

The possibility of a European hangover loomed large following Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Barcelona at Camp Nou that saw the Parisian outfit bow out of the quarterfinals on away goals, especially with the absence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic, without whom PSG had failed to record a league victory this term.

Kevin Gameiro, making a rare start in place of Ibrahimovic, squandered an excellent chance to put the visitors ahead inside five minutes as he was thwarted by Troyes goalkeeper Yohan Thuram after escaping the last defender. The hosts almost

grabbed an unlikely lead shortly after through Stephane Darbion as his angled attempt struck the frame of the PSG goal before Salvatore Sirigu was forced into a pair of smart saves to repel both Fabien Camus and Benjamin Nivet.

Thuram then had to be alert to deny Ezequiel Lavezzi just after the restart, while Gameiro’s day was brought to an abrupt end on 64 minutes as he was hauled off with Thiago Motta taking his place. A visibly frustrated Gameiro made his displeasure known, muttering: “It’s always the same thing, always the same thing,” after blanking Ancelotti on his return to the dugout.

His uncharacteristic outburst could not have proved more ill-timed though as Matuidi, who missed the second leg in Barcelona through suspension, put PSG ahead barely 60 seconds later.

Gregory van der Wiel’s hopeful cross eluded the home defence, allowing Matuidi to sneak in at the far post and slot beyond a helpless Thuram for his fourth goal of the campaign - and the second this season against his former club.—AFP

BIRMINGHAM: Aston Villa were Aston Villa 1 forced to settle for just a point in their battle against relegation as they were Fulham 1 held to a 1-1 draw at home to Fulham yesterday.

Charles N’Zogbia handed Villa the lead 10 minutes after half-time only for Fabian Delph to put through his own net on 66 minutes as the hosts’ defensive frailties saw their run without a clean sheet extended to 21 outings.

The result left Villa in 16th place, three points above the drop zone with fellow strugglers Sunderland set to face Newcastle in today’s Tyne-Wear derby.

Wigan, in 18th spot, are on FA Cup duty against Millwall later on Saturday, leaving Roberto Martinez’s men with two games in hand.

N’Zogbia was the only change from Paul Lambert’s side that won 3-1 at Stoke last weekend, as he was drafted in to replace the injured Gabriel Agbonlahor, and the Frenchman made his presence felt by forcing Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer into two fine firsthalf saves.

Christian Benteke and Dimitar Berbatov were guilty of spurning opportunities at either end in the opening period, with the latter then coming within inches of putting Fulham ahead five minutes after half-time.

The Bulgarian striker latched onto a Bryan Ruiz pass before shooting against the outside of the post despite suspicions of offside.

Villa capitalised on their good fortune five minutes later as N’Zogbia pounced on Andreas Weimann’s halfcleared cross to curl past the despairing Schwarzer for just his second goal of the campaign. The hosts’ advantage proved to be short-lived though as the unfortunate Delph inadvertently steered a Ruiz corner beyond Brad Guzan to hand Fulham an equaliser on 66 minutes.

Mladen Petric fired wide as the visitors went in search of a winning goal, while Benteke missed a late chance to snatch all three points for Villa as he fired into the sidenetting when well positioned.—AFP

LONDON: Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke (left) and Fulham’s Brede Hangeland battle for the ball during the English Premier League match at Villa Park. —AP

We won’t take Stoke for granted — Fergie

Lakers defeat Warriors

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

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16

Hamilton takes pole at Chinese GP

Page 17

LONDON: Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, fights for the ball in front of Norwich City’s Michael Turner during their English Premier League soccer match at Emirates Stadium. — AP

Controversial penalty inspires Arsenal win Arsenal 3

Norwich 1

LONDON: A controversial penalty sparked an Arsenal revival that saw them move above Chelsea and Tottenham and into third place in the Premier League table.

Norwich, who remain worried about the prospect of relegation, were leading thanks to Michael Turner’s 56th minute opener when referee Mike Jones award-

ed Arsenal a penalty, ruling on the advice of a linesman that Kei Kamara had fouled Olivier Giroud.

With just five minutes remaining, Mikel Arteta converted that to set the stage for even later goals from Giroud and substitute Lukas Podolski, who had earlier hit the bar. The three points lifted Arsenal above their London rivals for a Champions League place, and the Gunners will now play twice before Tottenham are next in Premier League action.

They have a Tuesday’s home game with Everton and then the short trip across London to take on Fulham on Saturday.

The visitors defended in numbers and restricted Arsenal to only a few

crosses in the opening 20 minutes but City goalkeeper Mark Bunn had to be both brave and alert to deny Aaron Ramsey a few minutes later.

Wilshere helped on Giroud’s flick as Ramsey burst through the Canaries back-line and Bunn had to rush out to get to the ball before the Wales midfielder.

The Giroud saw his header from Bacary Sagna’s cross from the right loop over Bunn but bounce off the top of the crossbar and over. Arsenal continued to attack but Bunn pulled off a reflex stop at his near post to deny Giroud, with Sagna again the supplier.

Sagna was then booked for hauling Robert Snodgrass down but, after Cazorla had fired straight at Bunn from

Reading stay rock-bottom despite McCarthy heroics Reading 0

Liverpool 0

LONDON: Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy reminded England boss Roy Hodgson of his international credentials as he shut out Liverpool in a 0-0 draw at the Madejski Stadium yesterday.

But the result did neither side any favors with Reading remaining rockbottom, seven points adrift with just five games left. Liverpool are seventh, eight points behind fifth-placed Tottenham who currently occupy the Europa League qualifying place.

Former Reading player and boss Brendan Rodgers was making only his third return to Berkshire with an opposition side and his first with a top-flight outfit.

And he would have been frustrated by the finishing of Luis Suarez, Phillipe Coutinho, Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge who were all out-performed

by England candidate McCarthy who was making his first performance in five months.

All four would have been licking their lips going into this fixture against

the rock-bottom side who had lost their previous eight in all competitions and had the worst defence in the Premier League.

Former Chelsea striker Sturridge was recalled to the Liverpool starting XI in the place of Stewart Downing, who dropped to the bench.

Reading were forced to change their goalkeeper for the third time in as many games after first choice Adam Federici suffered an ankle injury in training.

That meant that McCarthy came in for his first game in 2013 having just come back from shoulder surgery.

Flares were set off in the away end after both sets of supporters remembered the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy 24 years ago on Monday.

On the pitch the fireworks took longer to ignite. It wasn’t until the 13th minute that the first goal-scoring chance came. Coutinho spotted a gap in the Royals defence and Sturridge left his pass for Suarez whose clever chip beat McCarthy, but not right-back Chris Gunter who was back to head it away from off the line.

Then Brazil international Coutinho struck a low shot from the edge of the box that the 23-year-old keeper just about got a finger-tip to. Reading’s reply was one of intent, but little quality. A number of corners were easily collected by Liverpool keeper Pepe

Reina as Adkins’ side failed to threaten the Spaniard’s net in the opening 45 minutes.

When Gunter gave the ball away cheaply just inside his own half to Sturridge, the former Chelsea man’s pass to Suarez was perfect for the Uruguayan to run on to, but he shot straight at McCarthy who made another impressive save.

Playing out of his skin, McCarthy was winning the plaudits of his players again on the stroke of half-time as he got down to block an instinctive Sturridge shot from close range with his legs.

McCarthy was beaten four minutes into the second-half, but Steven Gerrard’s clever ball flicked in by Coutinho was ruled out for offside.

Reading took longer to click into gear, but when they did in the 65th minute they went agonisingly close through Noel Hunt. Russia international Pavel Pogrebnyk’s shot was met

by Hunt on the edge of the six-yard box only for Reina to come off his line and intervene. McCarthy then made his best saves of the match five minutes from time to somehow deny Gerrard and then Suarez.

For the second game running, Liverpool failed to hit the back of the net, but for Reading, they claimed only their third clean sheet of the season.— AFP

outside the box, referee Mike Jones decided not to caution Norwich defender Russell Martin for a late challenge on the Spain midfielder.

The half ended with Whittaker heading away Giroud’s goal-bound effort after the Frenchman had met another corner with his head.

Arsenal came out in the second half with a barrage of pressure that Norwich somehow withstood, with Jack Wilshere seeing his shot blocked by Turner.

The ball hit the Norwich defender on an arm but referee Jones refused the inevitable appeals for a penalty. Turner was immediately in the spotlight again at the other end when he lost his marker to head home Snodgrass’s free-kick from the right-hand corner of the box,

EPL results/standings Aston Villa 1 (N’Zogbia 55) Fulham 1 (Delph 66-og); Arsenal 3 (Arteta 85pen, Bassong 88-og, Podolski 90) Norwich 1 (Turner 56); Everton 2 (Gibson 40, Anichebe 56) QPR 0; Reading 0 Liverpool 0; Southampton 1 (Ramirez 59) West Ham 1 (Carroll 66).

Playing today Newcastle v Sunderland, Stoke v Manchester Utd. English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Man Utd 31 25 2 4 71 33 77 Man City 31 19 8 4 57 27 65 Arsenal 32 17 8 7 64 35 59 Chelsea 31 17 7 7 61 33 58 Tottenham 32 17 7 8 55 40 58 Everton 32 14 13 5 51 37 55 Liverpool 33 13 11 9 59 40 50 West Brom 32 13 5 14 42 43 44 Swansea 32 10 11 11 43 42 41 Fulham 32 10 10 12 44 48 40 Southampton 33 9 11 13 47 54 38 West Ham 32 10 8 14 36 45 38 Newcastle 32 10 6 16 42 56 36 Norwich 33 7 14 12 31 52 35 Stoke 32 7 13 12 28 39 34 Aston Villa 33 8 10 15 36 60 34 Sunderland 32 7 10 15 34 45 31 Wigan 31 8 7 16 37 57 31 QPR 33 4 12 17 29 54 24 Reading 33 5 9 19 36 63 24 Note: Top four clubs qualify for Champions League and bottom three teams relegated

with Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal, rooted to the spot as it went in.

Wenger made an immediate double change with Gervinho and Wilshere replaced by Theo Walcott and Podolski.

Walcott soon went down in the box as Whittaker challenged but again play continued.

Norwich were forced to replace the injured Bradley Johnson with David Fox but could have doubled their lead through a counter-attack that saw Bassong set up Martin for an shot that was straight at Fabianski. Norwich’s luck finally ran out when referee Jones ruled that Kamara, defending a corner, had pulled Giroud down by the shirt and awarded a penalty, which was dispatched by Arteta with just five minutes

remaining.

Norwich protested bitterly beforehand and were unhappy with the award of the corner as well, as Snodgrass did not appear to have made contact before the ball went out of play.

Arsenal threw everything at the visitors in the hope of three points and were rewarded when Alex OxladeChamberlain, another substitute, played a one-two with Podolski and squared the ball across the Norwich goalmouth, where Giroud, arriving simultaneously with defender Bassong, turned it into the net. Fabianski then had to make a save to stop Jonny Howson making it 22 but the points were Arsenal’s when Podolski turned to fire a low left-footer past Bunn in stoppage time. —AFP

West Ham hold Southampton Southampton 1

West Ham 1

SOUTHAMPTON: Andy Carroll celebrated his return to the West Ham United team with a second-half goal to earn his side a 1-1 draw at in-form Southampton in the Premier League yesterday.

With both sides well clear of the relegation places, the encounter at a soggy St Mary’s offered little more than an opportunity to move closer to the 40point mark.

Gaston Ramirez’s goal just before the hour put the home side on their way, only for Carroll to equalise seven minutes later. The draw left both sides on 38 points, with Southampton a place above their opponents in 11th position on goal difference.

Southampton’s squad was hit by illness in the build-up to the game, with Jay Rodriguez and Jason Puncheon dropping to the bench and left-back Luke Shaw ruled out altogether.

West Ham, meanwhile, restored loanee Carroll to their starting XI after he missed last weekend’s 0-0 draw against

his parent club, Liverpool.

The home side created the first chance when captain Adam Lallana ran onto Steven Davis’ pass, only for James Tomkins to intervene just as he was about to shoot.

In response, Kevin Nolan drew a good save from Artur Boruc with a low effort, before Ricardo Vaz Te hoisted a shot narrowly over the crossbar from 25 yards.

However, the visitors’ momentum quickly faded and in the 18th minute, Lallana’s square ball across goal narrowly eluded the onrushing Jack Cork after a neat passage of play. Only a fine save from Jussi Jaaskelainen stopped the hosts breaking the deadlock seven minutes before half-time, the West Ham goalkeeper brilliantly clawing away an effort from the stretching Rickie Lambert. Tempers flared shortly before the break, with referee Mike Dean obliged to step in after Lallana took exception to a strong challenge from Nolan on Morgan Schneiderlin.

The breakthrough arrived in the 59th minute and saw Ramirez coolly roll the ball past the advancing Jaaskelainen after his initial attempt had been blocked by Tomkins. The lead lasted just seven minutes, however, as Carroll beat Boruc with a free-kick that took deflections off both Lallana and Davis to give Sam Allardyce’s man a share of the spoils. — AFP

Business

India minister heads to US, Canada to woo investors Page 22 Why mobile money services are vital Page 25

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

Kuwait travelers push occupancy rate high at Jumeirah properties

Gulf Bank sponsors ME East Partnership Initiative Program Page 26 Page 23

DUBLIN: Anti-austerity protesters hold up red cards as they march towards Dublin Castle yesterday where the Informal Meeting of ECOFIN Ministers was taking place. —AP

EU big guns gain ground in tax battle Euro-zone okays tricky Cyprus bailout DUBLIN: Europe’s biggest countries gained ground yesterday in their bid to recover some of the one trillion euros lost each year to tax fraud and money laundering, despite holdout Austria railing against government “snooping” into bank accounts.

After a first day of talks among finance ministers focused on euro-zone bailout issues, European Union Tax Commissioner Algirdas Semeta said he expected a breakthrough on the automatic sharing of customer bank data across borders “within weeks.”

Cash-strapped governments want to claw back much-needed revenues at a time of recession and high unemployment, with the issue to top a May 22 summit of EU leaders.

Semeta said the first fruits should be agreement on a legal update covering savings taxation that has been stalled since 2008, plus a mandate to negotiate with Switzerland and other third parties on the exchange of bank account information. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble echoed those remarks after the talks ended, stressing his belief that “all member states will participate in the automatic exchange of information” before too long.

Schaeuble had appeared late Friday alongside his counterparts from Britain, France,

Italy, Poland and Spain, each arguing that citizens demand “fairness” when it comes to tax, especially in tough times.

The EU has been tightening up on tax evasion and money laundering since the 2008 global financial crisis highlighted the problem alongside the reckless speculative fever that drove banks and countries into a ditch.

Luxembourg had held out with Austria, repeatedly blocking legislative changes, but last week it indicated a readiness to lift some barriers in 2015.

Austrian Finance Minister Maria Fekter insisted in Dublin that individual privacy is paramount, although her chancellor, a political rival ahead of September polls, took a softer stance earlier in the week to suggest there was at least some room for negotiation.

Changing tax law across the EU requires all member states to give their approval, without exception. Fekter said the drive was simply governments “snooping,” arguing that the automatic exchange of information with EU peers was “not necessary” because of a withholding tax Austria implements and which is subject to tax treaty controls with dozens of countries including the EU’s biggest.

Meanwhile, the euro-zone finance ministers formally approved on Friday the terms of

a problematic Cyprus debt rescue that will cost Nicosia far more than first thought, with the government seeking additional help. With the Cyprus crisis driving fresh concerns over the euro’s future, EU finance ministers meeting in Dublin welcomed progress by bailedout Ireland and Portugal, giving them both another seven years to repay their rescue loans.

Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who heads the Eurogroup of 17 finance ministers, said they wanted to ease the pressure on both countries. The move was then approved together with their 10 noneuro counterparts. Dijsselbloem said ministers formally approved the March 25 rescue accord between Cyprus and its international creditors- the International Monetary Fund, European Commission and European Central Bank.

It had appeared earlier on Friday, amid some confusion, that Cyprus wanted more bailout aid after leaked documents indicated a sharp increase in the overall amount needed to 23 billion euros ($30 bn) from the 17 billion euros agreed last month.EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn said however there was no need for confusion because the lower figure was net, and the higher, was gross

financing needs with “additional financial buffers...to allow for unexpected fiscal developments and banking sector needs.”

“People have been comparing apples with pears and coming up with oranges,” Rehn told a press conference following the agreement.

Rehn said regular EU structural funds, used to boost the economy and planned seven years at a time, could be brought forward and redirected to help Cyprus. He also warned that accurately forecasting the depth of the recession in Cyprus was impossible, with the economy possibly shrinking by up to 15 percent this year alone.

Vienna passes taxes taken at source on to foreign governments-although anonymouslywhich Fekter argued, delivers “more money, and faster.” She vowed: “We will fight (to retain) banking secrecy. I owe that to the Austrians.” Backers of the plan, wanting to match the United States, said they aim to push the cause next week at meetings of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Group of 20 major economies. “ This fight, this is not only national, a European fight-but a fight at the global level,” French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said late Friday. “Our message to those who try to

Gold drops 4%, lowest since July 2011 LONDON: Gold dropped more than 4 percent to its lowest since July 2011, breaking below $1,500 per ounce as bearish factors including a draft plan for Cyprus to sell bullion forced prices to capitulate.

Gold hit a low of $1,493.35. The metal was heading for a 5.3 percent decline this week, its third such drop in a row and biggest since December 2011. Gold is now some 22 percent below the record peak hit in September 2011 at $1,920.30.

US gold futures also hit their lowest since July 2011, with gold for June delivery falling to a low of $1,491.40 an ounce before recovering to $1,500.40, down 4.3 percent.

“The scale of the decline has been absolutely breathtaking. We tried to rally and that just didn’t get anywhere... there hasn’t been any downside support, it’s like a knife through butter,” Societe Generale analyst Robin Bhar said.

Precious metals sold off across the board with silver the biggest faller, down 5.1 percent. Other commodities also came under pressure, with Brent crude oil hitting an eight-month low.

An unexpected contraction in US retail sales pushed stock markets lower, with European shares down 1 percent and Wall Street down at the open. The dollar rose, meanwhile, climbing 0.1percent against the euro. “We’ve broken the key support level (around $1,535-40 per ounce) - that’s 20 percent below the $1,923 Comex all time peak - so we’re

now into a bear market,” Bhar said. A European Commission assessment of what Cyprus needs to do as part of its European Union/International Monetary Fund bailout showed earlier this week it is set to sell its excess gold reserves to raise around 400 million euros ($525 million). While Cyprus’ gold sale in itself is small, heavily indebted euro-zone nations such as Italy and Portugal could find themselves under increasing pressure to put their bullion reserves to work as a result of its plan. “The news on Cyprus’ possible gold sale puts the focus back on the fact that many central banks in the developed world have been selling gold in the past few decades and they are still not so keen to hold gold as they used to be,” Danske Bank analyst Christin Tuxen said.

Gold’s losses accelerated sharply when it fell through key support at $1,521 an ounce, its December 2011 low.

That formed the base of the broad sideways trend channel it has held within since its drop from record highs in September 2011. A fall below this key area of support could signal further losses are on the way, according to analysts who study past price patterns for clues on the future direction of trade.

Commerzbank said in a weekly technicals report that a break through this level was “medium term bearish” and could lead to the 200-week moving average at $1,434.15 being eyed.

Wary investors continued to cut expo-

evade taxes is this: places where you can hide are getting smaller and smaller,” his British counterpart George Osborne said. “We know that behind these (money) flows, lie mafia networks,” said EU Markets Commissioner Michel Barnier at the talks’ closing press conference yesterday.

France has threatened to blacklist Austria but Vienna in turn pointed an accusing finger at British-dependent territories like the Channel Islands or the Cayman Islands. In response, a British official said that the Crown Dependencies in Europe offshore tax havens in Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar-each exchange more tax records with the UK than Austria. Arms-length Overseas Territories such as the Cayman or Virgin Islands have refused to sign up to the same regime but the British official said the authorities were trying to get them to agree.

Irish Finance Minister Michael Noonan, in the EU chair until end-June, said he wanted “action at an early date.” Noonan rejected any idea that the sudden impetus for the push had come from an ongoing tax fraud scandal in France which forced the resignation of budget minister Jerome Cahuzac after he disclosed, following repeated denials, that he held a bank account overseas. — AFP

Russian billionaire’s daughter buys Onassis island Skorpios

MUMBAI: Buyers at a gold jewelry shop in Mumbai.

sure to gold, with total holdings at the world’s major bullion gold-backed exchange-traded-funds (ETFs) falling to their lowest since early 2012.

Holdings of the largest fund, New York’s SPDR Gold Trust fell a further 2.1 tons, or 67,710 ounces on Thursday, after a 17-tonne outflow on Wednesday.

“Investors are still cautious and you see that looking at the continued ETFs out-

flows,” Standard Chartered analyst Daniel Smith said.

Financial market watchers are awaiting the outcome of a two-day meeting in Dublin beginning on Friday. Euro zone finance ministers there said the necessary elements are now in place to launch national procedures to endorse a 10 billion euro bailout fund loan for Cyprus. — Reuters

MOSCOW: The daughter of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev has bought the Greek resort island where shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis famously married Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960s, Rybolovlev’s investment office said.

The sale price was not disclosed. Greek media’s report yesterday placed the value of Skorpios island at over $100 million and said Ekaterina Rybolovlev, 24, wanted it not only for leisure but also business purposes. She purchased Skorpios, in the Ionian Sea off western Greece, from Onassis 28-year-old granddaughter, Athena Onassis Roussel, the only surviving descendant of the shipping magnate.

“Ekaterina is delighted that the trust has negotiated this purchase,” a representative of Rybolovlev’s family investment office said on condition of anonymity. “She regards the acquisition as a long-term financial investment.”She also acquired the small neighboring island Sparti. Dmitry Rybolovlev, owner of the AS Monaco Football Club and co-founder of the Russian potash producer Uralkali, has a history of snapping up trophy properties. Aristotle Onassis purchased Skorpios in 1963 and turned the barren island into a luxury resort by planting thousands of trees and importing sand. In 1968 he married Jacqueline Kennedy, widow of the assassinated US president John F Kennedy. After Aristotle Onassis’s death in 1975, Skorpios passed to his daughter Christina, who died of a heart attack at 37 in the late 1980s after a history of drug abuse, weight issues and four failed marriages.

Onassis, his son Alexander, who was killed in an airplane crash aged 25, and Christina were buried on Skorpios. Athena Onassis Roussel was three when her mother died. The mayor of the nearby island of Meganisi, Efstathios Zavitsanos, who is administratively responsible for Skorpios, said the deal was likely to be a long-term lease since, according to some lawyers, Aristotle Onassis’s will stated that Skorpios could not be sold or leave the family.

“We have lived with the Onassis legend and it will never fade,” he said. “You see, Aristotle was close to the local society, the fishermen and the residents. He was not just a rich man, he was truly loved.—Reuters

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

BUSINESS

India minister heads to US, Canada to woo investors

Bayt.com weekly report

Twelve useful stats every MENA employer should know

Investment roadshow to kick off in Toronto

NEW DELHI: India’s finance minister heads to Canada and the United States this weekend to seek investment to plug a gaping hole in public finances and raise money to overhaul the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. The investment roadshows, which kick off in Toronto tomorrow, are the final leg of Finance Minister P Chidambaram’s tour which began in January of major global financial hubs that included Japan, Hong Hong, Germany and Singapore.

Chidambaram-a veteran politician mentioned as a potential prime minister if the embattled ruling Congress party wins the 2014 elections-is being accompanied by top finance ministry and central bank officials. “This is a very important trip to attract investment,” a senior government official, who did not wish to be named, told AFP yesterday.

“He will interact with top business leaders, pension, insurance and sovereign wealth funds and his government counterparts, talking about what India is doing to increase investment and speed up infrastructure projects,” the official said. Chidambaram, reappointed to the finance job last year to revive India’s stumbling economy, was slated to leave today on his tour that will also take him to Ottawa, New York and Boston, a finance ministry statement late yesterday said.

India’s finance minister P Chidambaram

His trip comes as Asia’s third-largest economy faces the biggest fall in direct foreign investment (FDI) in over a decade amid waning global risk appetite and domestic growth at a decadelow level that makes India a tough sell. The FDI slide leaves India dependent on volatile foreign flows into stocks and bonds, that are far more prone to dry up in the event of economic crisis,

to fund a record current account deficit.

“The (deterioration in the) quality of flows is concerning,” Nomura economist Sonal Varma said in an investors’ note. India’s current account deficit hit $32.6 billion in the December quarter or 6.7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), due to high gold and oil imports and weak exports-far above the central bank’s comfort level of 2.5 percent of GDP. The public finances crunch has prompted the government to move more aggressively to seek foreign investment. Chidambaram, who will finish his trip in Washington where he will attend IMF-World Bank meetings, recently loosened debt market rules to draw more overseas investment to fund the current account deficit and to finance a planned $1 trillion in projects to overhaul shabby roads, ports and other infrastructure.

Last September, the government also initiated a string of liberalization measures to widen foreign investor access to sectors such as retail, insurance and aviation. There are now reports the government may also hike foreign investments caps in telecoms and defense production and Chidambaram has promised a “next generation” of reforms to further pry open the still heavily regulated economy. — AFP

Japan, US agree on Tokyo joining Trans-Pacific trade talks TOKYO/WASHINGTON: Japan and the United States on Friday agreed on a deal paving the way for Tokyo to join talks on an Asia-Pacific free trade agreement, increasing the economic weight of the proposed pact and triggering a loud protest from US automakers. The deal brings Japan closer to entering talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Australia and New Zealand hope to finish this year. “I think Japan’s national interests are protected under this U.S.Japan agreement,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters on Friday after a meeting with Cabinet ministers.

Abe, who took office in December, is making the regional free trade pact a keystone of his strategy to open Japan’s economy and spur long-sought growth. He is pursuing the agreement, despite fierce opposition from Japan’s politically powerful farm lobby, as part of a “third arrow” in his “Abenomics” policy triad, after fiscal spending and drastic monetary policy easing. President Barack Obama’s administration sees the TPP as part of US economic rebalancing toward Asia.

“Having Japan in TPP and contributing to the high standards of TPP is good for the US, it’s good for the Trans-Pacific Partnership as a whole and its very good for the multilateral trading system itself,” Mike Froman, White House international economic affairs adviser, told reporters in Washington.

With the entry of Japan, the world’s third-largest economy and fourth-largest US trading partner, the final TPP pact is expected to cover nearly 40 percent of global economic output and one-third of all world trade, Froman said. The United States also plans to launch free-trade talks with the 27-nation European Union in coming months. With world trade talks dead in the water, regional initiatives have become the main forum for trade liberalization. The TPP talks have been under way for three years and Japan hopes to participate in the negotiations beginning in July. But that requires a formal decision by all 11 countries currently taking part in

the talks. The US-Japan agreement was applauded by the US Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable, but it got a chilly reaction from Detroitbased automakers that have lost substantial market share to Japanese competitors over decades.

Ford Motor Co has fought hard to keep Japan out of the pact, arguing the US ally has repeatedly failed to follow through on promises to import more cars, and that the Japanese government has been driving down the value of the yen to help its automakers export more cars. “It is stunning that the US government would endorse a trade policy that puts the industry at a competitive disadvantage and comes at the cost of American auto jobs,” Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, said in a statement on the US-Japan deal. “We urge the administration to reconsider its position.”

The United Auto Workers said it was concerned that US government efforts that helped the US auto industry recover in recent years “could be threatened by Japan’s entry into Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.”

“Despite decades of efforts by Japan’s trading partners to open the Japanese market to imported automobiles, Japan remains the most closed automotive market in the world, with import penetration of less than 6 percent, despite a Japanese automotive import tariff that is already at zero percent,” the union group said. Powerful US lawmakers from Michigan, the traditional heart of the US auto sector, also expressed concern. Representative Dave Camp, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, said he would not support Japan’s entry into TPP without “airtight assurances” it will address longstanding barriers to US auto, insurance and agricultural exports.

Representative Sandy Levin, the top Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, who is also from Michigan, said the deal announced on Friday “does not provide an adequate basis for Japan’s entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership.”

Levin vowed to use the next several months to

push for tougher preconditions for Japan to join the talks. US trade officials said Tokyo agreed to a separate set of negotiations, in parallel with the TPP talks, focused on a number of regulatory and non-tariff barriers believed to keep US autos out of the Japanese market. “For the first time ever, we have the opportunity to negotiate a resolution of these issues in a way that is subject to binding and enforceable dispute settlement,” Acting US Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis said.

Japan also agreed the United States could phase out its auto tariffs, which are 2.5 percent on cars and 25 percent on trucks, over the longest period possible in the future TPP deal. Levin criticized the commitment in that area, saying any phase-out of the US tariffs should be linked to measurable improvement in sales of US cars in Japan.

The Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association welcomed Friday’s announcement, but said the protracted process for eliminating US tariffs was “regrettable.” “We look forward to the Japanese government’s entering the TPP negotiations on a sure footing of promoting national interests and taking into account the views of our industry,” said Akio Toyoda, the group’s chairman.

Tokyo also pledged to expand its “preferential handling procedure” for imports, a simpler and faster certification method used by US auto manufacturers to export to Japan. That would allow US companies to export up to 5,000 vehicles of each type of vehicle under the program, compared with the current annual ceiling of 2,000 for each vehicle type. The White House still needs to give Congress 90-days notice before formally beginning talks with Japan. Marantis said it was premature to say when that would happen since some other TPP countries still have outstanding issues with Japan. New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser said last month the TPP member nations could formally decide whether to allow Japan into the talks when trade officials gather in Indonesia on April 20-21 for the annual meeting of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. — Reuters

7. To keep your best team, make them feel more secure An overwhelming 86.1% of MENA professionals say that if companies offered reasonable job security, it can positively influence retention from ‘some’ to a ‘very large extent’.

The HR experts from Bayt.com, the Middle East’s #1 Jobsite, have been listening to and learning from thousands of Middle Eastern professionals for over 13 years.. Here are 12 useful stats to help you ensure that your HR policies for this year are in-line with what professionals in the region really need:

8. To find your talent match, post your vacancies where these talents are looking 32.5% of MENA professionals say that they found their last job through online job portals. By posting your vacancies on these mediums such as Bayt.com, you can ensure that your positions get the maximum exposure among the right audience. The landscape is just as encouraging in the case of senior professionals, 50.5% of MENA professionals say that they recruit senior executive talent online. With over 11 million jobseekers covering all industry spectrums and all career levels, Bayt.com has what you’re looking for.

1. It’s possible to alleviate employee stress by understanding its sources Stress at work is never a good thing.

It decreases productivity, harms loyalty, and generally fills the office with bad vibes. To combat stress, you need to know what the primary sources of stress are for Middle Eastern professionals: poor pay (16.1%), poor management (15.6%), poor work environment (15%) and poor work/life balance (14.5%).

Designing HR policies that target these ‘stressors’ can improve the overall wellbeing for your employees.

9. It’s essential to design and share a clear career path for your talent 39.2% of MENA professionals say that there are no clear opportunities for advancement and promotion in their company. That’s not a good thing, because that drives down feelings of security, and like we already mentioned, an overwhelming 86.1% of MENA professionals say that if companies offered reasonable job security, it can positively influence retention from ‘some’ to a ‘very large extent’.

2. Flexibility is at a premium Did you know how highly valued flexi-time is? 22.7% of MENA employees would favor a flexi-time arrangement with the same hours over any other arrangement, such as workfrom-home (10.4%), a flexi-time arrangement with less hours (7.3%), a year-long sabbatical (6.1%), a few weeks of unpaid leave (4.4%) or a part-time work arrangement (0.7%).

3.

Poor work-life balance results in unhappy, unhealthy employees 27% of MENA employees maintain that their mental health and happiness has suffered most from their current work-life balance. That can’t be a good thing, because employees that are happy produce better work..

10. What professionals like most about their job is...

What do professionals like most about their jobs, and are you providing that? 14% of professionals say it’s their work responsibilities, 13.5% say it’s the company’s work culture, 12.8% say it’s the work-life balance and 12.8% say it’s the management.

4. Work-life balance can tip the scale 88.3% of MENA professionals would consider changing their job for a better work-life balance. Does your company work hard to ensure work-life balance?

11. Reduced absenteeism = improved productivity It is no secret that absenteeism is very crippling to an organization: 58.2% of MENA professionals agree it is very harmful and only 47% of MENA respondents think the absenteeism level in their company is low.

Low job satisfaction (23%), lack of responsibility (23%), de-motivation (12%) and bad employee/manager relations (9%) are cited as the top reasons for absenteeism

5. Most MENA professionals enjoy their jobs This is good news: 49.1% of MENA professionals say they enjoy their jobs “on most days” and a further 24.8% say they enjoy their job “but only on some days”.

6. You can retain your best talent Everyone wants to retain their top performers. After all, high retention levels are linked to more productivity, more profit, and less costs. So, to keep those retention levels high, here are some of factors that influence employee-retention: 26.6% of MENA professionals say that a “competitive salary and benefits package” is #1 on the list. Performance recognition (17.7%) and good manageremployee relationship (17.6%) come second/third on the list.

12. To find top talent, train the recruiters to identify it Interview training is not provided to all those involved in the recruitment process, according to 41.9% of MENA professionals. This vital training is important in helping direct managers and those involved in the recruitment process spot the real stars in the candidate pool. Are your recruiters trained? If not, train them.

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 .4310000 .3680000 .3020000 .2780000 .2940000 .0040000 .0020000 .0771240 .7513970 .3930000 .0720000 .7366120 .0370000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2841000 .4338920 .3707360 .3043390 .2795430 .0497330 .0443660 .2963730 .0365940 .2291130 .0029600 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0773800 .7538810 .0000000 .0757800 .7382100 .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka

ASIAN COUNTRIES 2.902 5.230 2.900 2.273 3.281 232.740 36.776 3.646

.2880000 .4470000 .3760000 .3170000 .2920000 .3020000 .0069000 .0035000 .0778990 .7589480 .4110000 .0770000 .7440150 .0440000

.2862000 .4370990 .3734770 .3065880 .2816100 .0501010 .0446940 .2985640 .0368650 .2308060 .0028810 .0052870 .0022880 .0029190 .0036810 .0779520 .7594530 .4048090 .0763400 .7436660 .0069870

Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani riyal - transfer Irani riyal - cash

6.909 9.847 0.271 0.273

Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal/for 1000 Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira/for 1000 Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham

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

ARAB COUNTRIES 39.500 41.045 1.332 180.660 403.260 1.916 3.102 34.186

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 285.450 Euro 377.650 Sterling Pound 441.450 Canadian dollar 284.600 Turkish lira 159.060 Swiss Franc 311.290 US Dollar Buying 284.250

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

SELL DRAFT 302.36 284.88 307.74 375.47 284.90 438.81 2.99 3.665 5.223 2.271 3.282 2.899 77.64 758.58 41.22 405.87

Selling Rate 285.250 283.775 438.880 372.030 305.970 755.205 77.640 78.300 76.030 402.105 41.260 2.271 5.240 2.895 3.628 6.904 699.735 3.870 9.935 4.030 3.375 93.600

Bahrain Exchange Company

GOLD 298.000 150.000 77.500

CURRENCY

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

740.000 78.500 76.500

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

741.47 78.67 76.17

SELL CASH 308.000 283.500 307.000 369.000 286.000 437.000 3.300 3.740 5.400 2.450 3.450 2.975 78.300 757.850 41.300 413.000

BUY Europe 0.4280890 0.0061692 0.0458774 0.3670342 0.0457902 0.4250480 0.0405000 0.3005754

0.4370890 0.0181692 0.0508774 0.3745342 0.0509902 0.4325480 0.0455000 0.3075794

Australasia 0.2874736 0.2342224 0.0001117

0.2994736 0.2442224 0.0001117

Canadian Dollar Colombian Peso US Dollars

America 0.2735911 0.0001466 0.2831500

0.2825911 0.0001666 0.2853000

Bangladesh Taka Cape Vrde Escudo

Asia 0.0036089 0.0031651

0.0036639 0.0033951

British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Scottish Pound Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar Uganda Shilling

SELL

Chinese Yuan Eritrea-Nakfa Guinea Franc Hg 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

0.0448615 0.0164867 0.0000443 0.0342129 0.0051782 0.0000243 0.0028506 0.0027910 0.0033109 0.0888385 0.0031262 0.0028717 0.0064542 0.0000729 0.2259556 0.0019711 0.0094615

0.0498615 0.0195867 0.0000503 0.0373129 0.0052422 0.0000294 0.0038506 0.0029710 0.0035409 0.0958386 0.0033262 0.0029117 0.0069242 0.0000759 0.2319556 0.0022731 0.0100615

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

Arab 0.7503375 0.0392156 0.0129513 0.1485113 0.0000793 0.0001736 0.3968289 1.0000000 0.0001750 0.0218387 0.0012130 0.7300286 0.0777095 0.0755467 0.0479712 0.0031836 0.1778254 0.0762494 0.0012871

0.7588375 0.0412456 0.0194513 0.1503013 0.0000798 0.0002336 0.4043289 1.0000000 0.0001950 0.0458367 0.0018480 0.7410286 0.0784925 O.0761867 0.0485212 0.0034036 0.1838254 0.0776994 0.0013871

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

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 284.900 374.300 436.800 282.400 2.890 5.235 41.170 2.270 3.643 6.910 2.896 758.650 77.640 76.130

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

BUSINESS

Protest in Greece against Canadian goldmine project ATHENS: Thousands of Greek protesters yesterday rallied against a Canadian gold mining project under way in the northeastern region of Halkidiki, which locals say will cause irreversible damage to the environment. About 2,000 people took part in the march in Athens and another 1,500 in Greece’s second-largest city Thessaloniki, according to AFP journalists.

Carrying banners against the project run by Hellenic Gold, a subsidiary of Canadian firm Eldorado Gold, the demon-

strators chanted: “We want forests, land and water, not a grave made out of gold.”

“Fields full of cyanide and arsenic, that is what remains from gold” was another slogan.

They also called for the release of two people who were arrested earlier this week in connection with a sabotage attack carried out on the mining worksite two months ago.

Citizens’ groups have been trying to halt the project since 2011, when the Greek

government gave Hellenic Gold permission to dig in the region. While the investment is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the recession-hit country-where the unemployment rate has topped 27 percent-opponents say it will drain and contaminate local water reserves and fill the air with hazardous chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury.

Frequent marches have taken place in recent months, with protesters enjoying the backing of main opposition radical left-

ist party Syriza, the second-largest in parliament.

In the February attack, dozens of hooded activists firebombed Hellenic Gold’s worksite, injuring a guard and damaging equipment. Earlier this week, angry locals trashed the police station of the nearby Ierissos village over claims that officers had used excessive force in the pre-dawn arrest of the pair suspected to be linked to the sabotage attack.

Public Order Minister Nikos Dendias

accused the local community of Ierissos of wanting “to impose its own law and operate like a Gaulish village,” in a reference to the Asterix comic books.

Despite the opposition, the Canadian firm announced earlier this month that it intends to remain in Greece and create thousands of jobs over the next two years.

Halkidiki, a picturesque and forested peninsula, is a popular destination for tourists, especially from Russia and the neighboring Balkan states. —AFP

Obama budget plan limits his bargaining capacity Grand deficit reduction deal looms WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s budget overtures to Republicans may limit his bargaining power if the GOP ever returns to the negotiating table on a grand deficit-reduction deal.

In essence, Obama’s spending blueprint is a final offer, a nobudge budget whose central elements have failed to persuade Republicans in the past. By voluntarily putting entitlement cuts on the table, particularly a proposal to slow the rise of Social Security benefits, Obama has no other gambit to win tax increases from Republicans.

With many Democrats balking at what he’s already offering, it’s not politically feasible for him to offer the GOP anything more.

Puzzled Democrats maintain that Obama not only has given away his leverage, he also has threatened the very identity of his party and the legacy of President Franklin D Roosevelt, who signed the Social Security Act of 1935.

“If he’s trying to do it to show he is forthcoming as a negotiator, then why doesn’t he wait until he gets to the negotiating table?” said Rep Rush Holt, D-NJ. “There’s a lot of talk about the fact that politically this is not a winner. Our brand is the party that brought you Social Security.”

What’s irked Democrats the most is Obama’s decision to include a significant shift in policy in his $3.8 trillion budget that would alter the government’s calculation of inflation, or the Consumer Price Index. If adopted, this new “chained CPI” would change the way the government measures

inflation and would slow the rise in Social Security benefits and other programs.

In exchange, Obama is insisting on $580 billion in tax increases on wealthier taxpayers. It’s a demand that Republicans flatly reject.

The president has offered the benefit cut to Republicans before as part of broad deficit reduction negotiations, and only in exchange for tax increases the GOP stringently opposes. The White House says the same quid pro quo applies to Obama’s current offer, and chained CPI can’t take effect as a solo measure. “You can’t decide to only pick out the concessions the president has made and not include the concessions that are from the Republican side, that need to be part of a bipartisan deal that could pass both houses,” said Gene Sperling, the top White House economist.

Faced with the withering criticism from Democratic and liberal allies, the White House has argued that the inflation proposal in the budget is a response to specific Republican demands during budget talks last year. “This is a Republican proposal,” White House spokesman Jay Carney insisted.

But the idea has been part of the thinking in Obama’s inner economic circle for two years, one the president put on the table during debt ceiling talks with the GOP in the summer of 2011.

Obama aides say the president had to include the Social Security change in the budget or risk being accused by Republicans of walking away from his previous offers.

They say giving Republicans some of the entitlement cuts they seek means the GOP has one less reason to say no to the president’s proposals. “The ball is now the Republican’s court,” said Dan Pfeiffer, Obama’s senior adviser.

“Are they as serious about reducing the deficit as they claim to be?”

But placing the plan on a negotiating document is quite different from including the inflation proposal in the president’s budget, a document that turns his proposals from bargaining positions into actual policy proposals.

The White House tried to take the sting from the backlash by excluding from the new inflation formula those programs that are targeted to lower income people.

Acknowledging that health care for older people increases at a higher rate than inflation, the proposal gives a bigger annual adjustment to older retirees. Meeting with a dozen Republican senators for dinner this past week, Obama acknowledged the difficulties he would have selling Democrats on his proposal, according to participants.

Several senators said in interviews that Obama made a point of drawing attention to the criticism he was getting from his allies over the inclusion of the inflation measure in his budget.

“He did indicate a desire to work with us,” said Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, one of the guests.

“But he also indicated that it’s very tough for him because of his side and their particular approach to things.” Obama did win about

$600 billion in tax increases in January, about half the total he was seeking.

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, another dinner guest, said Obama’s budget shows that the president’s answer to lowering deficits remains taxes. “Of course, Republicans feel like the tax issue has been settled,” he said. “In the end, in order to get something, the president is going to have to be willing to take on some of his constituencies and some of the groups that are in his ear all of the time. That’s going to be really hard.” Jared Bernstein, former chief economist for Vice President Joe Biden, says the chained CPI inflation measure is a better gauge of inflation for the general population. But he has advocated for a separate formula for the elderly that takes into account faster growth in the cost of health care.

He doesn’t quarrel with the policy, but says it was risky for the White House to place it in the budget.

“Strictly as a bargaining tactic, I would have held it until I needed it,” he said. “This only works as a tactic if the White House absolutely sticks to its position that this is not a menu, otherwise it’s pretty terrible.”

Addressing that concern, Carney said that when it comes to Obama’s proposal, “the whole approach has to be embraced.” “It is not a starting point,” he said. “It is a sticking point.” Many Democrats remained unconvinced. “I don’t think this is a negotiating strategy,” said Rep. Louise Slaughter. Asked what she thought it was, she replied: “I have no idea.” —AP

Nigeria’s forgotten railroad history LAGOS: Train horns now sound again across Nigeria’s lush south and the encroaching desert of its north, but the history of the nation’s 100-year-old railroad still sits rusting away.

Old steam locomotives and railway cars that hold special places in the story of Nigeria sit in large storage barns at the Nigerian Railway Corp headquarters, a huge compound inside the megacity of Lagos.

One car once carried Queen Elizabeth II during her 1956 visit to Nigeria when it was still a British colony, historian John Godwin said.

Another nearby transported Nigeria’s first and only prime minister, the assassinated leader Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, through the country’s northeast, Godwin said.

Today, though, much of the legacy of the railroad continues to rot away, including large locomotives bearing the names of Nigeria’s military rulers, including the feared dictator Sani Abacha, whose death while in power ushered in a return to democracy for the nation in 1999.

Some, like Godwin and the historical preservation society Legacy1995, have made preserving the railroad’s past a priority. Working with the state-run railway company, they have remodeled a colonial-era building to house a museum. Talks continue about how to save the other memorabilia and huge train cars and locomotives hidden in the tall grasses and barns at the railway’s headquarters. —AP

Obama’s income fell in election year WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama paid an effective federal tax rate of 18.4 percent in 2012 and saw income from his best-selling books drop as he ran for reelection, according to his tax returns released by the White House on Friday.

Obama and his wife Michelle had adjusted gross income of $608,611 last year, down from $789,674 in 2011, and paid $112,214 in total taxes, compared to $162,074 in 2011. Their total income came in at $662,076 - down almost 22 percent from $844,585 the previous year. As president, Obama is entitled to a $400,000 annual salary. He reported salary income in 2011 and 2012 of $394,800, however, after deducting pre-tax amounts he paid for his health insurance premium, according to a White House official. The Obamas’ outside business income fell sharply as the president’s book sales declined. In 2012, the couple had business income of $258,772, down from $441,369 in 2011.

Book sales have declined dramatically since the early days of his presidency. In 2009, his business income from book sales came in around $5.2 million.

“Dreams From My Father,” an autobiographical look at his early life, was published in 1995, and “The Audacity of Hope,” which sketched out his policy vision, was published in 2006.

The Obamas reported giving $150,034 to charities, representing roughly 25 percent of their adjusted gross income. The largest gift was $103,871 to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that provides housing for military families near

MEPI members during the debate workshop.

Khaled Al-Otaibi, Assistant Manager at Gulf Bank, along with the panel of judges during the debate.

LAGOS: A locomotive passes by a train yard in Lagos yesterday. The Nigerian Railway Corp, while recently restarting service from Lagos to the northern city of Kano, still has relics from the past littering the grounds of its headquarters in Lagos. —AP

military hospitals. Michelle Obama has made supporting the military one of her top public causes as first lady.

The couple also gave $1,000 to the Palm Beach County Law Enforcement Foundation. One of its police officers was killed in September 2012 while working in the presidential motorcade.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, reported adjusted gross income of $385,072 and paid $87,851 in total federal taxes last year. Their charitable contributions amounted to $7,190, including some $2,000 in donated clothing and other items.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which tracks the non-profit world, Americans on average give about 4.7 percent of their income to charity.

Those who make more than $200,000 annually give about 4.2 percent of their income away.

Obama has pressed for wealthy people like himself to pay a greater share in taxes.

The issue was a sticking point in his campaign against Republican Mitt Romney, a wealthy former private equity executive who had an effective tax rate of 14.1 percent in 2011.

“Under the president’s own tax proposals, including limitations on the value of tax preferences for high-income households, he would pay more in taxes while ensuring we cut taxes for the middle class and those trying to get in it,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement.

The president’s effective tax rate in 2011 was 20.5 percent. —Reuters

MEPI members during their visit to NBK’s children hospital.

Gulf Bank sponsors Middle East Partnership Initiative Program Bank’s strategy to support youth initiatives in Kuwait KUWAIT: Gulf Bank recently sponsored the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) program; a regional program that assists youth in the Middle East to create a more engaging and participatory society while developing skill sets that aid their professional growth. The Bank’s sponsorship of the MEPI program supports its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy of encouraging initiatives that complement the development of Kuwait’s youth.

The MEPI program comprised of three activities in Kuwait, a Media Advocacy debate, which

was concluded with the selection of three debate winners: Faisal Al-Fuhaid, Abrar AlShammeri, and Muna Al-Buloushi. The second activity was a field trip to the NBK Children’s Cancer Hospital, where 35 children were entertained throughout the day, giving away prizes and presents.

The third activity was a workshop entitled ‘Goals setting’ at the Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation Institute in Salmiya. The workshop was conducted by Dr Khadeja Moussa; the Lead Clinical Psychologist at the Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation

Institute and a PHD holder from the Wright institute in USA. Dr Moussa highlighted importance of setting goals, discussed ways to implement goals, role of motivation, function of procrastination, and time-management. The workshop also included a group exercise which focused on setting SMART goals.

Gulf Bank’s partnership with Injaz this year reiterates the banks support for initiatives that focus on the development of youth’s skills in all areas such as education, sports, business awareness and more.

DECKER: Bruce Jones, general manager of the Spring Creek coal mine near Decker, Montana, explains work underway at the mine’s repair shop. From the time coal is blasted from strip mines in remote southeastern Montana to the point where it reaches customers in Asia, the fuel’s price gets marked up by five times or more, offering a lucrative emerging market for the companies that ship it overseas. —AP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

BUSINESS

KSE Price Index up as confidence rises BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week in the green zone. The price index ended last week with an increase amounted to 2.35 percent, and the weighted index advanced by 1.09 percent compared to the closings of the week before. In addition KSX-15 index increased by 1.02 percent. Fur thermore, last week ’s average daily turnover decreased by 0.03 percent, compared to the preceding week, reaching KD54.61 million, whereas trading volume average was 737.33 million shares, recording increase of 31.09 percent.

Kuwait Stock Exchange ended last week’s trading with variant gains to its three indices, in light of the purchasing power and speculations which included many of the listed stocks in different sectors, both large-cap and small-cap stocks, especially in Banking and Real Estate and Financial Services sectors. As a result, the market general index was able to get very close to break the 7,000 point psychological level, and reach its highest close level in more than two years, specifically since January 2011.

This market performance came due to the optimistic state that traders are living after the first quarter financial results announced by the listed companies, and especially after the positive performance the market is witnessing since the beginning of the year.

On the other hand, the market witnessed partial profit-taking operations, led to fluctuating performance in many cases, and negatively reflected on the performance of its three indicators, mostly the Weighted and KSX-15 indices, where they declined in some daily sessions following such operations, however the purchasing operations activity eventually led all the market indices to close in the green zone by the end of the week.

index closed at 1,015.86 points with a 0.09 percent increase.

On the other hand, the Oil & Gas sector headed the losers list as its index declined by 2.44 percent to end the week’s activity at 1,190.82 points.

The Technology sector was second on the losers’ list, which index declined by 0.50 percent, closing at 1,022.92 points.

For the annual performance, the price index ended last week recording 17.58 percent annual gain compared to its closing in 2012, while the weighted index increased by 5.99 percent, and the KSX-15 recorded 4.41 percent increase.

By the end of the week, the price

index closed at 6,977.73 points, up by 2.35 percent from the week before closing, whereas the weighted index registered a 1.09 percent weekly gain after closing at 442.66 points.

Moreover, the KSX-15 index closed at 1,053.61 points, increasing with 1.02 percent.

Bayt.com launches ‘HIRE’ program to encourage hiring in Middle East DUBAI: Bayt.com, the Middle East’s number one job site, has announced the launch of its hire Program, the world’s first initiative encourage hiring by rewarding employers for every new hire they make. The compensation scheme is in line with Bayt.com’s mission of empowering people, fueled by the jobsite’s desire to empower employers who are committed to hiring in the region. The HIRE Program encourages more companies to play a part in tackling unemployment across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The loyalty program is the first of its kind, gifting active employers free job postings that can then be used to hire even more people. In addition to that, they will be recognized for their contribution to solving unemployment in the region, with a special badge on the company’s profile on Bayt.com.

“This program is our thank you to employers who create employment opportunities, a thank you to them for hiring people and for making the region and the world a better place.

The HIRE Program was created to give employers the credit that they deserve.

They are the most important people in

the region today; they create jobs and guarantee livelihoods, and we felt it was time to recognize their efforts through this unique program,” said Suhail Masri, Vice President of Sales, Bayt.com. “Bayt.com is dedicated to empowering people with the tools and knowledge that they need to build the lifestyles of their choice.

Through the HIRE Program, we are facilitating this more than ever, by driving employment opportunities amongst MENA communities.”

Bayt.com is proud to be on the forefront of technology in the recruitment sphere, offering employers and employees alike some of the most advanced online tools available. The site measures its success by the extent to which it can help individuals to lead better lives, by empowering them with the ability to lead the life of their choosing through matching them with the jobs that matter most to them.

To date 11 million professionals and over 40,000 employers have registered on the Middle East’s #1 jobsite spanning the entire regional demographic and industry spectrum. On an average day over 11,000 jobs are advertised on

leading jobsite at all career levels from entry level to senior executive. At the same time, for employers who prefer not to advertise roles, hundreds if not thousands of other vacancies are filled through the Jobsite’s state-of-the-art Search functionality which allows employers to search, screen and contact directly relevant professionals across recruitment requirements. The jobsite which prides itself on its highly sophisticated search tools and constant innovations has also recently had much success with its Public Profiles platform which allows professionals to create and maintain a unique personal brand and professional presence on the web. Over a million public profiles have been created since the platform’s recent launch.

“HIRE is a natural extension of the great successes we’ve had over the past 13 years in matching between talents and companies,” said Masri. “Now, our goal is to up the ante by increasing hiring activity in the region itself. We know it’s a challenging goal, but when combined with our JobsLite product which offers SMEs in the Middle East 100% free job postings, we’re very, very excited about the potential.“

Sectors’ Indices Ten of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the green zone, while the other two recorded declines. Last week’s highest gainer was the Real Estate sector, achieving 5.64 percent growth rate as its index closed at 1,228.11 points. Whereas, in the sec-

ond place, the Financial Services sector’s index closed at 1,021.24 points recording 2.84 percent increase. The Telecommunications sector came in third place as its index achieved 2.20 percent growth, ending the week at 907.08 points. The Consumer Services sector was the least growing as its

Sectors’ Activity The Real Estate sector dominated total trade volume during last week with 1.40 billion shares changing hands, representing 37.91 percent of the total market trading volume. The Financial Services sector was second in terms of trading volume as the sector’s traded shares were 35.19 percent of last week’s total trading volume, with a total of 1.30 billion shares.

On the other hand, the Financial Ser vices sector ’s stocks were the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of KD 84.61 million or 30.99 percent of last week’s total market trading value. The Real Estate sector took the second place as the sector’s last week turnover of KD 78.09 million represented 28.60 percent of the total market trading value.

— Prepared by the Studies & Research Department, Bayan Investment Co.

Soaring US stocks shrug off bad news NEW YORK: There has been plenty of recent ammunition to feed skepticism in the bull market of 2013. Yet stocks continued to float higher, racking up solid gains for the week. Markets dipped on Friday after the release of weak retail sales data and middling earnings reports from banking giants JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. But it wasn’t enough to dent the overall gains for the week, which were considerable. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 14,865.06, up 299.8 points (2.1 percent). The broad-based S&P 500 finished at 1,588.85, up 35.57 (2.3 percent), while the Nasdaq Composite Index ended at 3,294.95, an increase of 91.09 points (2.8 percent).

Even so, the market’s unswerving zeal in the face of less-than-stellar economic reports has started to unnerve some market participants, who sense an emerging bubble that could pop painfully. “The reality is we are in a very dangerous phase of the market,” said Mace Blicksilver, director of Marblehead Asset Management.

“Good news is good news, bad news is good news.”

“This is a market that is built on Fed easing and Bank of Japan easing,” Blicksilver added. “It’s not built on fantastic earnings or employment getting better. Just on the availability of lots of money that is being funneled

into the stock markets.”

Until recently, data on jobs, housing and other economic performance in early 2013 had been increasingly favorable. But there have been some high-profile disappointments in the last two weeks. The biggest blemish came April 5 when the Department of Labor reported that employers added a measly 88,000 jobs in March.

The sequel to that came this Friday when the Department of Commerce reported that retail sales fell 0.4 percent in March from February, suggesting that federal tax increases and spending cuts could now be weighing on rank-and-file consumers.

“We are seeing a lot of ups and downs in the data but this one needs to be watched, because there are reasons to think the consumer is not going to be able to sustain strong spending,” said Joel Naroff of Naroff Economic Advisors. “Job growth has been mediocre, wage gains remain largely nonexistent and the cumulative impact of the tax increases and ultimately government worker furloughs and spending cuts should slow income growth,” Naroff said.

Both JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo reported earnings that bested analyst expectations, yet the numbers suggested reason for concern.

Both companies were hit by weak

profits on lending. In addition, JPMorgan said results were negatively affected by the reluctance of small businesses to invest, while Wells Fargo reported that its pipeline of new mortgages slowed. “We did get relatively disappointing earnings results from the large banks,” said Jack Ablin of Harris Private Bank.

“It seems investors are willing to shrug off a lot of seemingly downbeat news and push stocks higher.”

Analysts generally attributed the market’s resilience to the Federal Reserve’s stay-the-course policy of promoting economic stimulus with aggressive bond-buying.

The Fed this week reaffirmed the measures once again. Minutes released of Fed policy makers showed that the Fed might pair back the program-but only if the jobs market improves significantly.

This week the government releases new data on housing starts, the consumer price index and industrial production. The Federal Reserve will also release its Beige Book, which describes regional economic conditions in the US. Also headlining will be earnings reports Goldman Sachs and Bank of America, and from technology giants Google and Intel. Other companies to report include McDonalds, Coke and Johnson and Johnson. —AFP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

BUSINESS

Why mobile money services are vital ERNST & YOUNG REPORT

By Nadeem Shafi

A

LISBON: Portugal’s Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho looks on during a swearing-in ceremony of new members of the Portuguese government at the Belem presidential palace in Lisbon yesterday. Officials of the European Central Bank, European Commission and the International Monetary Fund will arrive in Portugal on Monday to evaluate the austerity program linked to a bailout. —AP

s the telecommunications sector turns to a new growth agenda, mobile money services are becoming more important than ever. The acceleration of mobile remittance services alongside new mobile payment scenarios highlights the range of opportunities for the mobile phone to redefine the movement of money by lowering costs, increasing convenience and reducing fraud.

Recession-weary Portugal tests limits of austerity COSTA DA CAPARICA: Back in 2008, the 500 or so slum dwellers of Terras do Lelo were finally looking forward to a better life.

The authorities had decided where they would relocate the mainly Portuguesespeaking immigrants and Roma from their plywood and corrugated iron shacks that disfigure the fringes of one of south Lisbon’s smartest beach resorts.

And then the financial crisis struck. Five years on, as Portugal slashes its budget to please international lenders that provided a 78 billion euro bailout in 2011, there are no longer any public funds to erase the scar of shanties that would not look out of place in Mumbai or Soweto.

“Right now the state has no money to move people from here, but they should at least provide us with minimum conditions,” said Euclides Fernandes, 33. The slums have no legal electricity, no sewerage and no running water. “ The emergency in the neighborhood is water,” said Fernandes, who lost his construction job when the sector slumped. “With unemployment everything gets worse. We’re feeling it. Families who were paying rent and now don’t have an income are coming back here.”

The poverty of Terras do Lelo may be extreme, but the one-two punch of budget austerity and recession is being felt across Portugal, a nation of 10.6 million.

Tiago Saraiva with the Lisbon architectural practice Ateliermob, which is working to improve conditions in the slums, says teachers at his daughter’s school have to pay out of their own pockets to photocopy exam papers.

More cuts are baked in the cake: the government is scrambling to come up with 1.3 billion euros in savings, amounting to 0.8 percent of GDP, after the constitutional court last week rejected plans to reduce public workers’ benefits. The finance ministry responded with a freeze on nonessential spending, generating front-page headlines on Thursday that everything from school lunches to police patrols and health inspections were being curtailed.

Under orders from its troika of lenders the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and the European Central Bank - Portugal has to make 4 billion euros in permanent savings between 2013 and 2015. What was already a huge task for Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho is now even more complicated due to the court’s ruling that measures singling out civil servants are unfair.

“The cuts have to be done. It will not be easy. The job will have to be thorough and well thought-out,” said Rui Constantino, an economist at Santander in Lisbon.

The public sector wage bill and pensions make up 60 percent of state spending, but analysts expect the government to find cuts that pass muster with the court by taking the axe to areas such as health and education. The question for the government - and for financial markets, which have so far taken the court ruling in their stride - is how the next slug of spending cuts will be judged in the court of public opinion. Hundreds of thousands of

Portuguese have taken part in two antiausterity protests in recent months. The demonstrations were peaceful but the message was clear: people are getting fed up with ever-rising unemployment - 16.9 percent last quarter - and never-ending cutbacks.

“The country is in chaos. It has hit rock bottom. There is little the people can do,” said pensioner Manuela Ferreira, 67.

The consensus among political analysts in Lisbon is that Coelho, who survived a noconfidence motion last week, will soldier on. But his room for manouevre is shrinking. Jose Augusto Silva, 64, head of a neighborhood association in northeast Lisbon, wishes his countrymen had more of a “culture of action” rather than passively accepting their fate.

“The situation is very hard. There are many pensioners on 200-odd euros a month here and now their children and grandchildren are unemployed and come and ask their grandparents for money,” he said.

Like many people in bailed-out countries on the euro zone periphery, Silva is critical of euro zone paymaster Germany for the harsh terms of Portugal’s bailout.

“Germany ended up beating us not by war but by the force of money,” Silva said.

At a meeting in Dublin starting on Friday, euro zone finance ministers are likely to agree in principle to give Portugal and Ireland - more time to repay loans from Europe’s bail-out funds. Stretching out loan repayments will help in the medium term but will not address the immediate imperative of growth.

The economy shrank 3.2 percent in 2012 and the troika has pencilled in a further contraction of 2.3 percent this year.

Portugal hopes to regain full bond market access this year. But the unarticulated fear is that, without a return to vigorous growth, investors will baulk at the prospect that Portugal’s debt, already 123 percent of GDP, will fail to stabilize.

Investment has fallen about 40 percent from its pre-crisis peak, while banks and households are paying down debt. With the public sector shrinking, the only bright spot has been exports.

Companies have done better than expected to diversify away from their home market, but exports need to be an everbigger driver of the economy, said Kathrin Muehlbronner, who covers Portugal for Moody’s Investors Service.

Yet here too, Portugal is not master of its own fate. “The export sector has to be the anchor to start a recovery, but for that you need a recovery in the wider euro zone and the global economy. That’s very clear,” she said.

Back in the waterless slums of Terras do Lelo, things are not looking up for Miguel Bemba da Silva. “We don’t have work. Life is bad,” the 43-year-old Zairean said.

Except da Silva does have work of sorts.

He earns a few euros for hauling plastic jerrycans of water from a public fountain half a kilometre away. “Water is what we miss,” he said. “It’s better to do this than going around thieving.” —Reuters

CEO Horton’s payout set in AMR-US Airways merger WASHINGTON: A judge has rejected a proposed severance package of nearly $20 million for Thomas Horton, the chairman and chief executive officer of American Airlines parent AMR Corp, saying the payout was not allowed under federal bankruptcy law. US Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane in Manhattan issued his decision on Thursday, after having approved at a March 27 hearing AMR’s planned $11 billion merger with US Airways Group Inc. Horton’s $19.9 million severance had been part of the merger agreement and was to consist of equal amounts of cash and shares of the combined company. Lane had suggested at the hearing that severance might be better addressed in AMR’s reorganization plan, which the company has yet to submit and which requires creditor approval.

US Trustee Tracy Hope Davis, a Department of Justice monitor for the bankruptcy, also opposed Horton’s severance. “It’s American Airlines’ current intention to address Horton’s compensation arrangement in the plan of reorganization,” said Mike Trevino, a spokesman for the carrier.

The combined company would be run by

US Airways CEO Doug Parker, with Horton as nonexecutive chairman. Parker would become chairman after the first annual shareholder meeting, probably in the spring of 2014.

The plan of reorganization will address how creditors will get paid back.

Shareholders of AMR may end up with a stake of at 3.5 percent in the combined company, which an attorney for AMR’s creditor’s committee has said could be valued at between $350 million and $400 million.

Horton first joined AMR in 1985, left in 2002 for a four-year stint at AT&T Corp and then returned. He became CEO of AMR when it filed for bankruptcy in November 2011.

AMR at first opposed merging while still in bankruptcy, but reversed itself under pressure from creditors. The merger would create the world’s largest airline, and AMR and US Airways hope to save more than $1 billion of annual costs by 2015.

Davis had called Horton’s proposed payout too large relative to severance for nonmanagement workers, and improper because it was not part of a program for fulltime workers in general. —Reuters

To date, many of the most successful services worldwide have originated in developed Asia where mobile contactless services are well established alongside money transfer services in emerging markets such as the Philippines and Kenya.

Operator-led money transfer services have gained traction due to factors such as the high penetration of handsets compared to bank accounts and benign regulatory environments.

However, opportunities have yet to be exploited in many developed markets, where financial inclusion is higher and where there is a greater diversity of existing payments channels. In these countries, the mobile channel is more closely connected with the development of electronic payments, while the disparity in coverage levels between banking and mobile infrastructure in emerging countries gives the mobile channel a more singularly transformational role.

Moving beyond a cash-based society One of the most important considerations for mobile and electronic payments is their role in the long-term move away from a cashbased society. In Europe, cash accounts for four-fifths of total payment transaction volume. While end users perceive cash as free, it is actually a cumbersome payment instrument, involving costs of handling, transport and security.

The advantages of a better-established electronic payment system including mobile are clear, in terms of convenience. Cash transactions last 34 seconds, compared with 27 seconds for card-based PIN payments and 12.5 seconds in a contactless scenario. The mobile handset has additional advantages in terms of convenience and functionality due to high population penetration and integration with the online world. While the mix of payments instruments continues to change, the internet is redefining the very notion of money. Social networking sites and online gaming are witnessing a surge in payments driven by virtual currency. In addition, micropayment functionality represents a hitherto untapped area for online payment platforms.

Mobile payments in focus Broadening momentum Mobile payments can refer to a wide range of services. Basic mobile banking services have existed for a decade, while many established mobile remittance services began life as peerto-peer airtime transfer services. At the same time, early mobile web and Wireless Application Protocol ( WAP) interfaces for mobile payment have progressed to include payment on mobile application storefronts and online wallets on the handset.

Looking ahead, the mobile handset is seen playing a key role in services that combine payment with related customer data around purchasing preferences and identification, such as customer loyalty programs and event ticketing. Examples of innovative mobile payment applications include transportation payment services in France, hotel key services in Sweden and a home health care initiative under way in the Netherlands. Transport and ticketing are areas where contactless payments represent a strong value-add in terms of speed and convenience.

Newcomers are driving change Smartphone penetration allied with a more mature e-commerce market is producing a new wave of innovation in handset payments.

For POS payments, start-ups are driving solutions that bypass the need for handsets with built-in NFC capability. For example, US-based Device Fidelity has launched an iPhone cover that features an NFC-enabled micro Secure Digital (microSD) card which supports Visa’s PayWave service. Meanwhile, a mobile application called FaceCash includes features that allow users to split their restaurant bills, an activity that takes place 1.2 billion times a year in the US.12 Other innovations at the device level include Square, which allows smartphones to read card readers using the headphone jack on the handset. The plastic card reader is given away free of charge to interested parties and 2.75% is levied on the person processing the credit card. Beyond this, there are various solu-

tions that promote the use of contactless stickers on handsets.

The role of credit card issuers remains fluid as they look to boost acceptance rates in developing markets and offer additional valueadded services. While participating in NFC trials, they are also exploring new approaches involving microSD cards. Meanwhile, large web and technology players are also looking for opportunities in the payment market, and are filing patents for mobile payments. Even payment hardware providers are getting involved, with VeriFone launching a smartphone card reader.

Regardless of their sector origins, many players are positioning themselves for shopping using the mobile. Taking their lesson from the e-commerce revolution, no one wants to be left behind: as much as half of in-store shopping is influenced by the web and there are many different players who want to leverage this new type of customer experience.

Online applications are also catalyzing mobile transactions. SMS-based payments are being used for micro-transactions in online gaming: the lack of marginal cost for virtual goods means that high transaction fees have been tolerated.

As innovation increases, so do risks As smartphones and mobile applications spread, widening the options for a mobile payment experience, they also carry with them the threat of reduced data integrity.

The poorly configured apps represent one security issue, the threat of mobile software malware is an ongoing concern. Although a market landscape of five separate mobile operating systems can help limit the spread of malware, there is still plenty of anxiety in the industry. Yet solutions are appearing, such as protection apps for Android, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones. However, mobile technology players also need to educate the customer, making clear what data can be accessed by downloaded apps.

End users require assurances that new services are useful and that their data is secure.

Customer transaction histories can be repurposed in new ways, as part of advertising and loyalty programs, for example, but operators and technology players will need to treat customer data with care.

In emerging markets, the risk profile for mobile money services is exacerbated by the issue of financial inclusion. The availability of mobile money to users without bank accounts could over whelm the ability of ser vice providers and regulators to address consumer protection adequately. Moreover, increased know your customer (KYC) requirements could complicate accepted approaches to customer acquisition in the mobile market Improving the mobile money ecosystem The importance of state backing Given the different entities, contrasting motivations and unique technological issues involved, government support will play a vital role in establishing new mobile payment channels.

In Singapore, a market with a strong track record of innovation in telecoms, a tender has been issued to build a nationwide NFC mobile payment platform backed by a trusted service manager. Attached to the tender are commitments - such as the offer to host at least four different payment service providers 20 months from launch - designed to create an open and scalable environment.

Instances of direct funding can help build scale credentials into NFC services, since many trials so far have been local. The market is also encouraged by the public sector, as it is a leading customer of mobile contactless solutions.

Articulating service benefits to end users is also an area where government support can add credibility.

State backing can play a role in incentivizing different parts of the value chain.

Governments may have to address such merchant concerns otherwise, take-up of mobile payment could be hindered if high debit card charging regimes are translated into emerging contactless payment solutions.

Retailers need greater incentives and consumers need new types of protection. In the US, Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, has called on the Government to tackle the risk of fraud. It has highlighted the fragmented nature of existing safeguards and has suggested that mobile payment providers give voluntary “zero liability” assurance to consumers without loopholes. In the UK, the Government has been working with mobile operators and card issuers on a set of guidelines that aims to prevent criminal activity in NFC. They include ensuring contactless payment functions and phones are disabled as soon as a phone is reported lost or stolen, plus extra levels of verification for transactions above a certain amount.

In emerging markets, overseas government agencies also have a role to play, with both the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) directly funding mobile money projects in recent years.

Long-term success requires regulatory certainty Many early successes in mobile money transfer services have occurred due to an absence of regulation. However, clear policy roadmaps are complicated by competing regulatory concerns. Following the financial crisis, greater stability is an imperative for banking regulators, yet a fast-growing mobile channel for remittances in countries with a lack of banking infrastructure brings challenges in

terms of customer protection and regulatory oversight. In this light, demands for greater financial stability and greater financial inclusion could work against each other.

The need for openness to allow mobile payment to flourish must be balanced against security for payment providers and end users.

One key task for regulators will be to apply the principle of proportionality. This would mean that single-function products such as gift tokens would be exempt from the levels of oversight required of banks. E-money will occupy the space between exemption and the full regulatory burden placed on banks.

In this light, regulatory issues are likely to become complex. For example, telecoms regulators usually mandate that operators ensure competing networks are interconnected, but this is not the case for payment systems regulators. Virtual currency represents a unique challenge all of its own. As virtual currency issuers allow users to redeem it with third-party vendors and offer full cash redemption in short, becoming an accepted proxy for realworld money so the regulatory burden can be expected to rise. For example, the gaming origins of virtual currency could also see more sophisticated use cases fall foul of lottery and gambling laws.

The role of standards in innovation Given that scalability is crucial to success in mobile payments, industry-wide standards have a key role to play. Pre-existing standards in the payments world can be repurposed for mobile money EMV-compliant stickers for mobile phones, for example. In other areas, such as mobile contactless payments, standards such as the Single Wire Protocol (SWP) can accelerate adoption rates by the mobile industry Cross-border conundrums Cross-border payments lag behind in-market payments in terms of costs, convenience and security. However, progress has not been painless, with countries disputing the regulatory requirements to be imposed on nonbanks, and many missing the first deadline for implementation. Such disagreements show the difficulties in translating national payments approaches into workable regional policy. At the same time, consumer groups are concerned that new EU payment rules could put end users at greater risk of fraud.

Increased collaboration within and between sectors Although business models for payment services remain fluid, the overall level of cooperation between the banking and telecommunications sectors is increasing. In China, an alliance has been struck between 18 Chinese banks, card association China UnionPay, China Telecom, China Unicom and device vendors, with a view to creating a single, open platform for mobile payments. In the Netherlands, the top three retail banks have formed a joint venture company with the country’s three mobile network owners. Such high levels of participation translate into wider coverage of both mobile subscribers and bank customers, boosting the addressable market for mobile payment.

Mobile money - the road ahead Mobile money will help drive the transformation of the payments landscape, accounting for a growing share of non-cash payments in years to come. The reach of mobile infrastructure coupled with the appeal of smartphones will help ensure that mobile can meet a range of customer needs, as innovation takes place on multiple fronts.

Technology cycles are shortening as payment solutions that transcend SMS appear: operators have to define the areas where they can add value, whether directly to the end user or as an intermediary elsewhere in the value chain.

For mobile payments to realize their potential, policy-makers have to take a range of steps. Facilitating service implementation and interoperability has to be prized as different payment systems continue to coexist. This is particularly vital because of mobile’s dual status as both stand-alone and complementary payment channel.

As mobile payment scenarios expand and industry inter-relationships become more complex, shared challenges present themselves. The economics of the mobile payment business model require close attention from all parties - mobile operators, banks, card issuers and technology players - if scalable solutions are to gain traction. Energizing embryonic value chains while reassuring end users will require greater levels of collaboration between operators themselves as well as with partners in different sectors and geographies.

Engagement with a range of policy-makers - governments, central banks and regulators can foster the right conditions for coordinated investment. Ultimately, flexibility - in terms of policy approach, customer proposition and stakeholder management - should be top of mind for all players as the handset catalyses a more efficient customer payments experience, and one that brings with it greater advantages in terms of information richness and location sensitivity.

Mobile money remains one of the most significant trends for the telecommunications sector of the coming years. It is now delivering many new benefits for users around the world, and is shaking up the telecommunications, technology and financial services industries. All this is set to continue. I wish you a great week!

— Nadeem Shafi is Partner Assurance at Ernst & Young Training Center.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

BUSINESS

Citadel Capital MD discusses investment challenges

Kuwait travelers push occupancy rate at Jumeirah Group properties

KUWAIT: Citadel Capital Managing Director and veteran investment banker Marwan Elaraby participated in a panel discussion with global turnaround guru Wilbur Ross, sharing views on the current investment climate in Africa and Egypt.

“African markets will be the long-term engines of growth for Citadel Capital,” said Marwan Elaraby, Managing Director of Citadel Capital, the leading investment company in Africa and the Middle East with investments of $9.5 billion and 10 focus platforms in five core industries: energy, transportation and logistics, agriculture and consumer foods, mining, and cement and construction. “We will continue to focus our investments on North and East Africa as we staunchly believe that there are tremendous investment opportunities in those

Luxury hospitality in spotlight at annual GCC roadshow KUWAIT: Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, will highlight its 20 luxury hotels, resorts and residences across 11 destinations worldwide during a GCC roadshow aimed to signify the importance of guests from Kuwait staying in their properties. The road show stops over in five cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Doha and Abu Dhabi) from 27 April to 1 May 2013.

Jumeirah representatives will address top travel trade, tour operators, travel agencies and clients in Kuwait City on 29 April 2013 at the new Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa.

The Group reported an 11.3 percent increase in occupancy rates to 71.3 percent for the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. Kuwait contributes significantly to the revenue growth of the GCC market business into each region which is up 41.2 percent on last year.

Thanks to Jumeirah doubling the number of hotels it operates around the world, the hospitality group has witnessed impressive revenue growth from its core markets in the first quarter of 2013.

Revenue from the GCC market for hotels in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) grew by 20.3 percent, while in

Asia Pacific it soared an impressive 474.3 percent and in Europe experienced an increase of 108.6 percent.

“We are experiencing fantastic occupancy rates on a global level, which is contributing to the growing hospitality and tourism sectors, especially in the GCC,” said Christian Pertl, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Jumeirah Group in MEASA region. “Our hotels’ successful performance can be attributed to the thoughtful and generous service offered to our guests, as well as the quality of our hotels in each destination.”

Jumeirah Group will also showcase its

brand promise - STAY DIFFERENTTM - and its full range of luxurious and innovative offerings for business and leisure guests.

Representatives from Jumeirah Group properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Istanbul, London, Rome, Frankfurt, the Maldives and Baku will meet with regional travel trade partners to share exclusive insights and network with major corporate and leisure agencies.

The hospitality group continues to expand globally and regionally, Jumeirah expects to open Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel in Kuwait and Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel in late Spring 2013.

URC sponsors INJAZ-Kuwait’s entrepreneurship initiative Event to begin today at Marina Mall KUWAIT: United Real Estate Company (URC), the Middle East’s leading real estate development company announced yesterday that it will be sponsoring INJAZ-Kuwait’s entrepreneurship initiative in Marina Mall, Kuwait. The initiative is part of INJAZKuwait’s Company Program that extends

ions made out of recycled material, design prints for t-shirts and decorative items. The students will be split into groups of 14 with 20 to 25 students in each group. Two days will be allocated per group, providing them

appreciate this great opportunity URC has given us and the students to be able to partake in expanding entreprenurial, communication and leadership skills. Being able to sell their products and services allows the

with the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services to the public, from 10 am to 10 pm.

INJAZ-Kuwait’s CEO, Rana Abdullah AlNibari commented on this, saying, “We

students to understand the concept of interacting and dealing with customers. We have had great experiences with URC in the past, and look forward to seeing the outcome this year.”

Renimah Ali Al-Mattar entrepreneurship and leadership learning for high school students. The initiative will take place at URC’s Marina Mall in Salmiya starting today (April 14, 2013) for 40 days where approximately 400 students will be participating. The students will have access to sell their own innovative products and services which include designs such as cush-

British Airways welcomes summer with cool fares KUWAIT: In anticipation of the holiday season, British Airways is giving travellers from Kuwait an incentive to beat the heat with its latest SpringSummer special fares. By marking this year’s high season with low fares, British Airways is making it easy for its customers to plan their holiday getaways.

Paolo De Renzis, area commercial manager, Middle East and Central Asia, said the special fares are being offered in anticipation of the strong demand from the Middle East, at a time when people are starting to organize their holidays for the year. “The winter season was very busy for our Middle East flights this year, and we expect the summer season to be even busier. We are now operating more flights than ever from the region, and we want to help our customers to make the most of their summer by offering them competi-

tive prices and an easy, convenient way to fly.”

With great fares available to all British Airways destinations in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada, travellers can explore cities such as London, Paris, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver simply by booking from 09 April through 30 April, for travel anytime during 09 April through 31 October.

Fares start from just KD204 in World Traveller, KD361 in World Traveller Plus, KD923 in Club World and KD1,523 in First from Kuwait to the UK and Europe. Flights to the North Atlantic will cost from KD341 in World Traveller KD571 in World Traveller Plus, KD1,086 in Club World and KD2,586 in First. A full timetable of British Airways’ flights to London and beyond is available online at ba.com, where customers can book, pay and check-in online for their flights.

Gulf Bank announces winners of Al-Danah daily draws KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held its Al-Danah daily draws on April 7, 2013, announcing the names of its winners for the week of March 31 to April 4. The Al-Danah daily draws include draws each working day for two prizes of KD1000 per winner.

The Al-Danah daily winners are: (Sunday 31/3): Ali Hussain Habeeb Hussain, Taiba Bader Yaseen Al-Safwan (Monday 1/4): Aisha Mohammed Abdullah Al-Robah, Ali Yawer Hajji Abdulmohammed (Tuesday 2/4): Farhan Nouri Mohammed Mutlaq, Fadi Anwar Suhail Al-Jabi (Wednesday 3/4): Hana Hassan Abou Alalla, Esraa Abdulredha Hussein Buhamad (Thursday 4/4): Mohammed Gulzar Nawab Khan, Aqila Fadhil Nasralla.

Gulf Bank’s new Al-Danah 2013 draw lineup includes daily draws (2 winners per working day each receive KD1000), as well as two additional prizes per quarter. Al-Danah’s 2nd Quarterly draw will be held on 27 June (KD250,000, KD125,000, and KD25,000), 3rd

Quarter - 26 September (KD500,000, KD125,000, and KD25,000) and the final draw held on 9 January, 2014 announcing winners of KD50,000, KD250,000 and the Al-Danah millionaire.

Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah allows customers to win cash prizes and simultaneously encourages them to save money. Chances increase the more money is deposited and the longer it is kept in the account. Al-Danah also offers a number of unique services including the AlDanah Deposit Only ATM card which helps account holders deposit their money at their convenience; as well as the Al-Danah calculator to help customers calculate their chances of becoming an Al-Danah winner.

To be part of the Al-Danah draws, customers can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 branches, transfer on line, or call the Customer Contact Center on 1805805 for assistance and guidance.

INJAZ-Kuwait’s Company Program started in 2005 with 305 students and has grown to reach 2,957 students since. INJAZ-Kuwait embarked on the US version of the program and has since localized it in Kuwait. Marina Mall has provided a platform for INJAZKuwait’s initiative since 2006 where the initiative enjoyed tremendous success. The students’ skills and customer interaction are enhanced via the exposure provided by Marina Mall’s support. One of the many students that participated in this initiative are currently working for the Green Target Company that specializes in the recycling business in Kuwait and won a regional competition in 2007.

Executive Vice President of URC, Renimah Ali Al-Mattar said, “URC is proud to continue to sponsor this growing youth program. This initiative addresses two of URC’s key CSR values, including education and career development for youth. URC will continue to support a program that educates today’s students about their roles as future business leaders and helps develop a more diverse generation of future entrepreneurs” URC’s collaboration for this initiative is unique in that it combines both educational and career support with assisting organizations in making a positive difference. By encouraging community involvement, URC identifies and supports organizations that strive to promote hands on education and work experience.

Burgan Bank’s Riyal X-Change Card: Satisfying your needs during Umra

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank’s multi-currency X-Change cardholders travelling for Umra can now enjoy a comfortable travel experience. Umra travelers can choose their card in Saudi Riyal and purchase it at the best rate for the ease and convenience of their transactions.

The card will retain the same value of the exchange rate at which it was purchased to protect customers from currency fluctuation. The card can be purchased online through the bank’s website and can be also reloaded online. To find out more about Burgan Bank’s latest X-Change card and MyUS.com facilities, or any of its products and services, customers are urged to visit any of the bank’s branches, or contact the call center on 1804080.

Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the youngest commercial Bank and third largest by assets in Kuwait, with a significant focus on the corporate and financial institutions sectors, as well as having a growing retail and private bank customer base.

Burgan Bank has five majority owned subsidiaries, which include Gulf Bank Algeria - AGB (Algeria), Bank of Baghdad - BOB (Iraq & Lebanon), Jordan Kuwait Bank - JKB (Jordan) Tunis International Bank - TIB (Tunisia), and fully owned Burgan Bank - Turkey, (collectively known as the “Burgan Bank Group”).

The Bank has continuously

improved its performance over the years through an expanded revenue structure, diversified funding sources, and a strong capital base. The adoption of state-of-the-art services and technology has positioned it as a trendsetter in the domestic market and within the MENA region.

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

Excellence is one of the Bank’s four key values and Burgan Bank continually strives to maintain the highest standards in the industry. The Bank was recertified in 2010 with the ISO 9001:2008 certification in all its banking businesses, making it the first bank in the GCC, and the only bank in Kuwait to receive such accreditation.

The Bank also has to its credit the distinction of being the only Bank in Kuwait to have won the JP Morgan Chase Quality Recognition Award for twelve consecutive years.

Marwan Elaraby markets. Our investments are concentrated on high-growth industries that offer broad exposure to the region’s compelling macro fundamentals such as energy deregulation, demand for infrastructure and population growth,” said Elaraby.

Elaraby participated in a panel discussion entitled “Investing: a View From the Top” with global turnaround guru Wilbur Ross at the Bloomberg Doha Conference held on April 8-9.

The two-day event brought together CEOs, asset managers, investors and notable regional decision makers to examine the biggest challenges that face asset managers as they globalize.

Asked to comment on whether or not Citadel Capital faces competition from the large number of Chinese firms currently operating in Africa, Elaraby said, “Since we don’t have investments in large oil and gas projects, we don’t really compete with the Chinese. In fact, the Chinese companies operating in Africa are actually opening up new avenues for our investments such as Rift Valley Railways (RVR), the national railway of Kenya and Uganda, which is now facilitating the movement of incoming and outgoing freight from the Port of Mombasa.”

RVR links the Indian Ocean Port of Mombasa to the interiors of Kenya and Uganda, including the Ugandan capital of Kampala. As the operator of the century-old railway, Citadel Capital is helping move cargo and consumer goods at much lower costs.

Commenting on the tense political situation in Egypt and the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, Elaraby noted that “the devaluation has not had any serious implications on our portfolio companies. On the contrary, we have generally benefited from a weaker pound. Our investments have traditionally focused on export sectors, dollar-denominated revenue businesses, industries that stand to benefit from energy deregulation, as well as regional opportunities outside Egypt.

“We are however facing some difficulty in light of the government’s new capital controls. For example, the foreign exchange regulations in Egypt have made it difficult to wire funds to finance seed imports for our agriculture business in South Sudan,” he added.

“The environment in Egypt will continue to be challenging for the foreseeable future. We expect rising unemployment, additional pressure on the currency, and inflation will remain high,” said Elaraby. Despite the challenges, Elaraby still sees business opportunities within the current scenario.

“The rise in energy prices presents us with new market opportunity for our river transport business, for example. As fuel becomes more expensive, manufacturers will be seeking alternative means of transporting goods. There has never been a better time to start moving cargo via river barges which are a more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly means of transport relative to trucking.”

Over the last few years Nile Logistics, Citadel Capital’s Platform Company in the logistics, river transport and port management sector has been constructing and refurbishing river barges. Thus far the company’s fleet of river barges includes 45 vessels. Elaraby noted that Citadel Capital is currently in the process of transforming its business model to create long-term value for its shareholders by focusing on a smaller number of high potential, unique platform companies operating in five core industries that are underpinned by outstanding macroeconomic fundamentals.

“As we transition from a private equity business model to become an investment company, we will divest non-core investments in an orderly manner over the coming three or more years while seeking majority ownership of our 10 unique platform companies,” Elaraby concluded.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

technology

Local police grapple with response to cybercrimes WASHINGTON: If a purse with $900 is stolen, the victim probably would call the police. If a computer hacker steals $900 from that same person’s bank account, what then? Call the police? Could they even help?

As it is now, local police don’t have widespread know-how to investigate cybercrimes. They rely heavily on the expertise of the federal government, which focuses on large, often international cybercrimes.

What’s missing is the first response role, typically the preserve of local police departments that respond to calls for help from individuals and communities.

Obama administration officials have said that cyberterrorism is the leading worldwide threat to national security. So far, the discussion about such threats and security has focused on breaking classified foreign government codes, monitoring overseas communications and protecting the U.S. from devastating attacks that could jeopardize massive amounts of data and valuable corporate trade secrets.

It’s been about businesses protecting their networks and individuals using the Internet safely, for instance, by choosing smart passwords. But when one person hacks into someone else’s computer to access a bank account, credit cards or even email, the crime fighting path is uncertain.

“I am not sure who owns cybercrime at the local level. And that is a problem,” said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum. Local police departments are looking to boost their expertise so they can respond to cybercrimes and cyberthreats that are expected to only get worse.

The hypothetical victim who had $900 stolen from the bank account should call the police, and the police should document

the theft in a report, said Darrel Stephens, executive director of the Major City Chiefs Association, which represents police chiefs in major US metropolitan areas.

“What they can do after that gets very complicated,” Stephens said. For instance, police departments work within jurisdictions, but cybercrime knows no boundaries. “The victim may live in one place, their bank is in another jurisdiction and the person that committed the theft could be anywhere in the world,” Stephens said.

Then there’s the matter of determining who the victim is. Most banks and credit card companies typically replace the accountholder’s stolen funds, he said, which makes the banks and credit companies the victims of the theft. “Most local police do not have the capacity to investigate these cases even if they have jurisdiction,” Stephens said.

Further complicating the issue is that the response to a cyberoffense is not the same as the response to a physical offense such as a burglary. When someone’s home is burglarized, the homeowner doesn’t usually repair the broken window, clean up the crime scene and then call the police. But in cases such as network intrusions, the victim’s first goal typically is intended to get the network restored and working again. In doing this, initial crime scene evidence may be sacrificed, complicating an investigation down the road. “Police will need to become more equipped to deal with cybercrime in the future,” Stephens said. “Most major cities have a limited capability, but more will be required.” Bart Johnson, executive director of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, said police need to have a better understanding of what a cyberthreat is and how to address it. Johnson said his organization has been working with the FBI and Homeland Security Department since

December to confront these issues.

“The unfortunate thing is that law enforcement at a state and local level are not fully apprised of the threat, who the actors are,” said Johnson. The FBI and Secret Service have the capabilities to address this, he said, but more expertise is needed at the

provide, he said.

Some local police officers may participate on some task forces with the FBI, Secret Service and other federal agencies, but the cases typically are those with international components and involve millions of dollars. Mike Sena, president of the

NEW YORK: Students at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly), sitting near a poster from an earlier lecture about cyber crime, come together for a Wednesday evening Hack Night in the Information Systems and Internet Security (ISIS) lab at the university in New York. —AP local level.

The Secret Service has trained some 1,400 state and local law enforcement officers on cybercrimes since the agency started the education program in 2008, said Hugh Dunleavy, deputy assistant director of the Secret Service, which specializes in investigating such crimes. But the demand for training is greater than the agency can

National Fusion Center Association, an organization that represents state and local intelligence centers around the country, recalled a case in which a California business was the victim of a cybercrime and lost $40,000. Sena said the theft wasn’t great enough for the federal government to take up the investigation, and there was confusion about where to turn at the local level.

“The FBI and Secret Service are looking at just large amounts of thefts. Who takes care of that lower tier,” Sena said. Several current task forces coordinate with local law enforcement on cyberissues, and the federal government offers some guidance for where to turn, depending on the incident and depending on who is asked.

According to the Justice Department, if a computer is hacked, you can call your local FBI office or the Secret Service or the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which is run by the FBI and the nonprofit National White Collar Crime Center.

For Internet fraud and spam, you can call your local FBI office, the Secret Service, or file an online complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or the Securities and Exchange Commission. There are also Secret Service-led Electronic Crimes Task Forces in 29 cities, and they regularly work with state and local law enforcement.

But figuring out which task force or which federal investigative agency to turn to can be a challenge. Not everyone will have the expertise to know what time of crime occurred so that the right agency can be contacted, said Shawn Henry, former top cybercop at the FBI and currently president of CrowdStrike Services, a security technology company.

That leaves few options for a victim of a cybercrime whose loss would be considered small by the federal government but crippling to the individual or small business.

“Right now there’s such a level of confusion on where to push the information,” Sena said. Dunleavy said he is confident that local law enforcement at least knows who to call, but there is a need for more training.

“The general public is going to call who they know the best,” Dunleavy said. “They’re going to call the police officer that they see on a daily basis for response.” —AP

Facebook’s Zuckerberg launches political group US immigration policy to get a boost NEW YORK: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other Silicon Valley leaders have formally launched a political group aimed at revamping immigration policy, boosting education and encouraging investment in scientific research.

Zuckerberg announced the formation of

Zuckerberg, whose great-grandparents were immigrants, said he wants “comprehensive immigration reform that begins with effective border security, allows a path to citizenship and lets us attract the most talented and hardestworking people, no matter where they were

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, California. —AP file photo Fwd.us (pronounced “forward us”) in an op-ed article in The Washington Post late Wednesday night. In it, he said the US needs a new approach to these issues if it is to get ahead economically.

This includes offering a path to citizenship for the 11 million or so immigrants who now live in the US illegally.

“We have a strange immigration policy for a nation of immigrants,” Zuckerberg wrote. “And it’s a policy unfit for today’s world.”

born.” The move comes at an opportune time.

Zuckerberg’s goals echo a sweeping immigration bill that a bipartisan Senate group is expected to roll out in the coming days.

Companies such as Microsoft and Google, along with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have been pushing to make it easier for highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs to work in the US. Although Fwd.us supports increasing the number of visas available to these

workers, its goals are broader. Zuckerberg also called for higher standards and accountability in schools and increased focus on learning about science, technology, engineering and math.

Today’s knowledge and ideas-based economy, the 28-year-old Harvard dropout wrote, is very different from the economy of the 20th century that was based on natural resources, industrial machines and labor.

Fwd.us, he said, was created to “to build the knowledge economy the United States needs to ensure more jobs, innovation and investment.”

Also backing the group are tech leaders such as LinkedIn Corp. CEO Reid Hoffman and venture capitalists John Doerr and Jim Breyer, as well as Ruchi Sanghvi of Dropbox, who was Facebook Inc.’s first female engineer. Joe Green, founder of Causes.com, a social network for community organizing, serves as the group’s president and founder.

Major financial contributors include Google Inc. Chairman Eric Schmidt, Netflix Inc. CEO Reed Hastings, Yahoo Inc. CEO Marissa Mayer, SpaceX and Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk, Zynga Inc. CEO Mark Pincus and former Groupon Inc. CEO Andrew Mason.

Fwd.us declined to disclose how much money Zuckerberg and other supporters have contributed to the group. Last year, Zuckerberg donated 18 million Facebook shares, worth close to $500 million at the time, to a Silicon Valley charity with the aim of funding health and education issues. And he pledged $100 million in Facebook stock to Newark, NJ, public schools in 2010, before his company went public in May 2012. Zuckerberg is not the only high-ranking Facebook executive to use his role to advance social causes. Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg launched LeanIn.org, a nonprofit aimed at arming women with the tools and guidance they need to keep moving forward in the workforce.

The formation of Zuckerberg’s group was reported by The Associated Press and other outlets last month.

Donald Graham, chairman of The Washington Post Co, is a member of Menlo Park, Calif.-based Facebook’s board of directors.—AP

Investors dump Microsoft, PC stocks on bleak news SAN FRANCISCO: If fewer people are interested in buying a new personal computer, then fewer investors want to own stakes in companies whose fortunes are tied to the sales of laptop and desktop machines.

That logic ruled Thursday as Wall Street reacted to fresh evidence that PCs are turning into a dying breed of technology as consumers and businesses embrace smartphones and tablet computers as their preferred computing devices.

The stocks of PC software maker Microsoft Corp. and PC maker HewlettPackard Co. absorbed significant hits on the news that PCs suffered an unprecedented sales decline during the first three months of the year. Other companies connected to the PC industry, such as Intel Corp., also were affected, although not to the same degree as the industry bellwethers.

Microsoft’s stock fell $1.35, or 4.4 percent, to close at $28.93, while HP’s shed $1.44, or 6.5 percent to finish at $20.88.

Intel shares decreased 43 cents, or nearly 2 percent, to $21.83.

First-quarter shipments of PCs plummeted by 11 percent to 14 percent from a year earlier, according to separate estimates issued late Wednesday by Gartner

Inc and International Data Corp.

By either measure, it was biggest decrease recorded by either research firm since they began tracking PCs sales. For IDC, the data goes back to 1994 - just before Microsoft released a revamped PC operating system called Windows 95, which played a major role in triggering a sales boom that turned laptop and desktop machines into a household staple.

Microsoft hoped to revive PC demand last year with the debut of the most dramatic makeover of Windows since the 1995 redesign. The changes imbued Windows with some of the qualities of mobile software, including touch-screen controls and a display of applications in a mosaic of interactive tiles.

Although Microsoft says it’s happy with the more than 60 million copies of Windows 8 that have been sold since its October release, analysts have been disappointed.

In its report, IDC blamed Windows 8 for accelerating the sales decline by confusing too many people who had become accustomed to using the old operating system. Another problem: The PCs designed to run on Windows 8 are coming in a befuddling array of styles and are demanding significantly higher prices than older models, at a time when the ini-

tial out-of-pocket expense for a smartphone is as low as $99 and tablet computers go for less than $200. In a sign of how sensitive consumers have become to prices, Amazon.com Inc.’s top-selling laptop is a $249 Samsung laptop running a new operating system based on Google’s Chrome Web browser.

Count Sterne Agee’s Shaw Wu among the analysts worried about the future of Microsoft and its partners in the PC industry. “We frankly believe (Microsoft’s) strategy of forcing user interface changes that nobody wants has proven to be a disaster,” Wu wrote in a Thursday research note.

Nomura Securities analyst Rick Sherlund also took a dimmer view of Microsoft’s future prospect as he lowered his recommendation on the company’s stock from a “buy” to “neutral.” In a Thursday note, Sherlund asserted that about half of all consumers now see little reason to buy a PC or any other device running on Windows.-AP Microsoft may try to lure back consumers by offering less expensive devices. The company, which is based in Redmond, Wash., is now developing a smaller version of its Surface tablet to compete with similar-sized devices made

by Apple Inc., Google Inc. and

Amazon.com Inc., according to a report in The Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous people familiar with the matter. A Surface tablet with a 7-inch screen could hit the market this year, the Journal said. Microsoft declined to comment on Thursday. Analysts say sales of the Surface with a 10.6-inch screen have been sluggish, despite an expensive marketing campaign.

Sherlund questioned whether Microsoft will ever pose a serious threat to Apple’s iPad, Google’s Nexus, Amazon’s Kindle Fire and a variety of other tablets running on Google’s Android software. “If the need is just for a tablet, Microsoft is not the first or second choice in the market and Windows 8 does not change that dynamic,” Sherlund wrote.

HP, the world’s largest PC maker, has been suffering sales declines with the rest of the market. Its PC shipments plunged by 24 percent in the first quarter. The company, which is based in Palo Alto, Calif., had been hoping to bounce back with the release of Windows 8. With those hopes dashed, HP is now making a laptop that runs on the Chrome operating system. CEO Meg Whitman is also trying to expand the company’s more profitable businesses, such as business software, data analysis and consulting. —AP

Google, EU near deal on search probe BRUSSELS: US Internet giant Google is preparing changes to its dominant search system to satisfy EU anti-trust authorities, the Financial Times said yesterday. In a fiveyear accord with Brussels, Google has promised to make users “clearly aware” when promoting its own search services in specialized areas such as restaurants, finance and shopping, the FT said, citing people familiar with the deal.

It will also highlight links to rival specialized search services.

EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia told the New York Times on Tuesday that Google had to clearly differentiate its services from others but stressed that the company would not have to change the key underlying algorithms which drive the product. Almunia spokesman Antoine Colombani declined to comment directly on the report but noted that Google had submitted a list of detailed remedies in Januar y. “ The European Commission recently completed a preliminary review formally setting out its concerns and on this basis, Google then submitted its own formal proposals,” Colombani said.

The EU launched its investigation of Google in November 2010 following a complaint by several companies, including US software giant Microsoft.

In February, Brussels said it had received proposals aimed at ending the probe and was examining them with a view to announcing its decision by the middle of the year.

Earlier, the US Federal Trade Commission dropped a similar investigation, saying it lacked a legal basis to bring a case against Google. Critics say Google controls about 70 percent of the Internet search market and the advertising that goes along with it.

The search probe is one of a series of regulatory problems facing Google. This week, a group of major companies, including Microsoft and Oracle, complained to the European Commission over Google’s offerings for its Android-powered mobile phones.

Last week, six European countries, including France and Britain, launched joint action against Google to get it to scale back new monitoring powers that watchdogs believe violate EU privacy protection rules. —AFP

Coding boot camps promise to launch tech careers SAN FRANCISCO: Looking for a career change, Ken Shimizu decided he wanted to be a software developer, but he didn’t want to go back to college to study computer science.

Instead, he quit his job and spent his savings to enroll at Dev Bootcamp, a new San Francisco school that teaches students how to write software in nine weeks. The $11,000 gamble paid off: A week after he finished the program last summer, he landed an engineering job that paid more than twice his previous salary.

“It’s the best decision I’ve made in my life,” said Shimizu, 24, who worked in marketing and public relations after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 2010. “I was really worried about getting a job, and it just happened like that.”

Dev Bootcamp, which calls itself an “apprenticeship on steroids,” is one of a new breed of computer-programming school that’s proliferating in San Francisco and other US tech hubs. These “hacker boot camps” promise to teach students how to write code in two or three months and help them get hired as web developers, with starting salaries between $80,000 and $100,000, often within days or weeks of graduation.

“We’re focused on extreme employa-

bility,” said Shereef Bishay, who co-founded Dev Bootcamp 15 months ago. “Every single skill you learn here you’ll apply on your first day on the job.”

These intensive training programs are not cheap ,charges are $10,000 to $15,000 for programs running nine to 12 weeks and they’re highly selective, typically only admitting 10 to 20 percent of applicants.

And they’re called boot camps for a reason. Students can expect to work 80 to 100 hours a week, mostly writing code in teams under the guidance of experienced software developers.

“It’s quite grueling. They push you very hard,” said Eno Compton, 31, who finished Dev Bootcamp in late March. Compton is finishing his doctorate in Japanese literature at Princeton University, but decided he wants to be a software engineer instead of a professor.

“For people who are looking to get involved in software in a big way and don’t want to set aside four years for a computer-science degree, this nine-week program is a terrific alternative,” Compton said.

One San Francisco school called App Academy doesn’t charge tuition. Instead, it asks for a 15 percent cut of the student’s first-year salary. Graduates who can’t find jobs don’t have to pay, but so far nearly all of them have. —AP

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

Flu outbreak spreads First human H7N9 bird flu case in Beijing

N E B R A S K A : Fi l e p h o t o s h o w s d r o u g h t - d a m a g e d c o r n i n a f i e l d n e a r Nickerson. —AP

Global warming ‘didn’t cause big US drought’ WASHINGTON: Last year’s huge drought was a freak of nature that wasn’t caused by man-made global warming, a new federal science study finds. Scientists say the lack of moisture usually pushed up from the Gulf of Mexico was the main reason for the drought in the nation’s midsection.

Thursday’s report by dozens of scientists from five different federal agencies looked into why forecasters didn’t see the drought coming.

The researchers concluded that it was so unusual and unpredictable that it couldn’t have been forecast. “This is one of those events that comes along once every couple hundreds of years,” said lead author Martin Hoerling, a research meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Climate change was not a significant part, if any, of the event.”

Researchers focused on six states Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri and Iowa - but the drought spread much farther and eventually included nearly two-thirds of the Lower 48 states. For the six states, the drought was the worst fourmonth period for lack of rainfall since records started being kept in 1895, Hoerling said. He said the jet stream that draws moisture north from the Gulf was stuck unusually north in Canada.

Other scientists have linked recent changes in the jet stream to shrinking Arctic sea ice, but Hoerling and study co-author Richard Seager of Columbia University said those global warming connections are not valid. Hoerling used computer simulations to see if he could replicate the drought

using man-made global warming conditions. He couldn’t. So that means it was a random event, he said. Using similar methods, Hoerling has been able to attribute increasing droughts in the Mediterranean Sea region to climate change and found that greenhouse gases could be linked to a small portion of the 2011 Texas heat wave.

Another scientist though, blasted the report. Kevin Trenberth, climate analysis chief at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a federally funded university-run research center, said the report didn’t take into account the lack of snowfall in the Rockies the previous winter and how that affected overall moisture in the air. Nor did the study look at the how global warming exacerbated the high pressure system that kept the jet stream north and the rainfall away, he said. “This was natural variability exacerbated by global warming,” Trenberth said in an email. “That is true of all such events from the Russian heat wave of 2010, to the drought and heat waves in Australia.”

Hoerling noted that in the past 20 years, the world is seeing more La Ninas, the occasional cooling of the central Pacific Ocean that is the flip side of El Nino. Hoerling said that factor, not part of global warming but part of a natural cycle, increases the chances of such droughts. Some regions should see more droughts as the world warms because of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, he said. But the six state area isn’t expected to get an increase of droughts from global warming - unlike parts of the Southwest - Hoerling said. — AP

New technology speeding progress on bird flu vaccine CHICAGO: Even as US officials this week awaited the arrival of a sample of the new bird flu virus from China - typically the first step in making a flu vaccine - governmentbacked researchers had already begun testing a “seed” strain of the virus made from the genetic code posted on the Internet.

This new, faster approach is the result of a collaboration among the US government, vaccine maker Novartis and a unit of the J Craig Venter Institute, which is using synthetic biology - in which scientists take the genetic code of the virus and use it as a recipe to build the virus from scratch. It was an idea born in the aftermath of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, in which production delays and poor-quality seed strain slowed delivery of the vaccine until October, late enough that people were already sick with swine flu. The new method has shaved two weeks off the vaccine-making process. It will take five to six months to ramp up production, but even weeks could make a difference in the case of a potentially deadly flu pandemic, said Robin Robinson, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority or BARDA. “We’ll take it,” said Robinson, whose agency handles pandemic preparedness as part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. “If the virus turns out to be a tough one, that could be very important.”

At least 33 people have been infected and 10 have died from the strain of bird flu known as avian influenza A (H7N9) first found in humans last month. So far, the strain does not appear capable of being passed from person to person. But Chinese researchers, in a report published online on Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine, warned that the sudden emergence of this strain of flu “may pose a serious human health risk” and said “appropriate counter measures were urgently required.”

Soul searching An especially deadly strain of bird flu in 2003 known as H5N1 had already raised the threat of a global pandemic, spurring more than $2 billion in government contracts to shore up US flu vaccine manufacturing capabilities. After the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, US health agencies gathered to do some soul searching. Representatives from BARDA, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health looked for ways to expedite the process of making flu vaccines, Robinson said. These advances would need to apply to all vaccine makers, whether they used the traditional method

of growing the virus in live chicken eggs, or the newer methods of growing it in cells or vaccines made from genetically engineered proteins.

Robinson, who formerly headed the vaccines division at Novavax Inc, had seen firsthand the speed at which a vaccine could be made using synthetic biology during the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS, when companies and governments rushed to make a vaccine. So, in 2010, BARDA tapped Novartis, one of its vaccine partners, along with a company owned by Dr J Craig Venter, the flamboyant scientist who took part in the race to map the human genome and caused a stir in 2010 when he used synthetic genes to create a custom microbe and bring it life.

Test drive As a test drive for the new flu technology, in 2011 the government gave its partners the genetic sequence for a North American strain of H7N9, a similar virus to the one making people sick in China. “It was just a coincidence,” Robinson recalls. In less than two weeks, Novartis and Venter’s group were ready to make virus seed. The next year, they sequenced an H5N1 virus and produced a synthetic virus in six days.

Then came a live test. The United States asked its partners to make a real vaccine for a variant of swine flu known as H3N2 that had been infecting children in the US Midwest last year. Once again, they produced virus seed in less than a week.

So, when Chinese health authorities released the genetic sequence for the H7N9 bird flu on March 30, US health officials decided to try the new technique.

Novartis and Venter’s company, Synthetic Genomics Vaccines Inc, went to work and

by April 4, they had synthetic DNA ready and had started to grow the virus in cells, long before samples of the actual virus arrived from China on April 11. Normally, getting a sample would be the starting point for making a seed virus, which would then be grown and tested to ensure it would grow well in chicken eggs or cells.

That involves a certain amount of guesswork, however. The new process of building the virus based on its genetic code allows “almost guaranteed success,” said Mike Shaw, who directs the influenza laboratory for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “That is because you’re creating a virus that is almost tailormade,” he said. Shaw said the CDC plans to take a vaccine candidate at least to the stage of human safety trials, a process that will take several months. — Reuters

BEIJING: A seven-year-old girl is Beijing’s first human case of H7N9 bird flu, local authorities said yesterday as China’s outbreak of the disease spread to the capital. The girl, whose parents are poultry traders, was in a stable condition in hospital, the Beijing health bureau said. Her mother and father had been quarantined for observation but had shown no symptoms so far, it added. She developed a fever, sore throat and headache on Thursday, it said, and her parents took her to hospital. Samples from her tested positive for H7N9 the following day, and the national disease control centre confirmed the results yesterday.

Chinese officials announced nearly two weeks ago that they had found the H7N9 strain in humans for the first time, and the number of confirmed infections rose to 49 yesterday, 11 of whom have died. Until the girl’s illness, all previous cases in the outbreak had been confined to eastern China, hundreds of kilometres (miles) from the capital. Experts fear the prospect of such viruses mutating into a form easily transmissible between humans, which would have the potential to trigger a pandemic.

But the World Health Organization (WHO) said this week that there was as yet no evidence of human-to-human transmission of H7N9.

Health authorities in China say they do not know exactly how the virus is spreading, but it is believed to be crossing to humans from birds, triggering mass poultry culls in several cities. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FA0) has said H7N9 shows “affinity” to humans while causing “very mild or no disease” in infected poultry, making finding the source of transmission more difficult.

Cheng Jun, vice-director of Ditan hospital, where the girl was being treated, told state broadcaster CCTV: “Ever since the outbreak started in Shanghai we have been making preparations.” Beijing, which has a population of more than 20 million, has already banned live poultry trading and pigeon releases, the health bureau said. More than 500 birds were culled in the area where the family live in northeastern Beijing but samples tested negative for H7N9, the state-run Xinhua news agency added, citing officials.

It said the city drug administration had been ordered to stock up, including enough Tamiflu, the medicine most commonly used to treat bird flu in humans, for two million people. Users of China’s hugely popular Twitter-like weibos expressed concern. One urged people to “take more rest and go out less”. “This is the first case in Beijing. It appeared in northern China. This is a

bad sign,” posted another. Shanghai has had 21 confirmed cases so far and was the first place to halt live poultry trading and cull birds last week, followed by other cities in eastern China.

In 2003 Chinese authorities were accused of trying to cover up the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which went on to kill about 800 people globally. But China has been praised for transparency over H7N9, with the WHO saying it was pleased with the level of information sharing and US scientists congratulating it for “the apparent speed with which the H7N9 virus was identified” in a New England Journal of Medicine article. China has said it expects to have a vaccine ready in seven months but in the article the US experts said developing one could take “many months”.

US fast food giant KFC, already hit by an earlier scandal in China over antibiotics in chicken, saw March sales in the country plunge 16 percent, with parent Yum! Brands saying bird flu publicity had “a significant, negative impact”.

Japan has given itself new powers aimed at curbing outbreaks of infectious diseases in people as it watches the outbreak spread in its giant neighbor, and Hong Kong has stepped up H7N9 testing in live poultry imported from mainland China. —AFP

Ancient creature mixed human, apelike traits NEW YORK: Scientists have gained new insights into an extinct South African creature with an intriguing mix of human and apelike traits, and apparently an unusual way of walking. But they still haven’t pinned down where it fits on our evolutionary family tree. It will take more fossil discoveries to sort that out. The human branch of the evolutionary tree, called Homo, is thought to have arisen from a group of ancient species called australopithecines. The newly studied species is a member of this group, and so its similarities to humans are enticing for tackling the riddle of how Homo appeared.

It’s called Australopithecus sediba (aw-STRAL-oh-PITH-uh-kus seDEE-bah), which means “southern ape, wellspring.” It lived some 2 million years ago, and it both climbed in trees and walked upright. Its remains were discovered in 2008 when the 9-year-old son of a paleoanthropologist accidently came across a bone in South Africa. A 2011 analysis of some of A. sediba’s bones showed a combination of human and more apelike traits, like a snapshot of evolution in action.

That theme continues in six papers published online Thursday by the journal Science, which complete the initial examination of two partial skeletons and an isolated shinbone.

Jeremy DeSilva of Boston University, lead author of one of the papers, said the fossils reveal an unexpected “mosaic of anatomies.”

“I didn’t think you could have this combination, that hand with that pelvis with that foot... And yet, there it is,” he said. DeSilva said he has no idea how A. sediba is related to humans, noting that the different traits argue for different conclusions. Among the new analyses, the ribs show the creature’s upper trunk resembled an ape’s, while the lower par t looked more like a human’s. Arm bones other than the hand and wrist look primitive, reflecting climbing ability, while earlier analysis of the hand had shown mixed traits.

NEW YORK: A reconstructed skull and jaw of Australopithecus sediba.

The teeth also show a mix of human and primitive features, and provide new evidence that A sediba is closely related to early humans, said Debbie Guatelli-Steinberg of Ohio State University, a co-author of a dental analysis. It and an older South African species, A. africanus, appear more closely related to early humans than other australopithecines like the famous “Lucy” are, she said.

But she said the analysis can’t determine which of the two species is the closer relative, nor whether A sediba is a direct ancestor of humans. Another study found a mix of human and apelike traits in leg bones, and concluded that A sediba walked like no other known animal.

Its heel was narrow like an ape’s, which would seem to prevent walking upright, but the more humanlike knee, pelvis and hip show A. sediba did just that, DeSilva said.

When people walk, they strike the ground with the heel first. But that would be disastrous from A. sediba’s narrow heel bone, so instead the creature struck the ground first with the outside of the foot, DeSilva and co-authors propose.

The foot would react by rolling inward, which is called pronation. In people, chronic pronation can cause pain in the foot, knees, hip and back, said DeSilva, who tried

NEW YORK: This undated image provided by Lee R Berger and the University of the Witwatersrand shows a reconstruction of the skeleton of Australopithecus sediba, center, next to a small-bodied modern human female, left, and a male chimpanzee. —AP out the ancient creature’s gait. “I’ve been walking around campus this way, and it hurts,” he said. But the bones of A. sediba show features that evidently prevented those pain

problems, he said. The creature apparently adopted this gait as a kind of compromise for a body that had to climb trees proficiently as well as walk upright, he said. — AP

US top court to hear case on gene patents WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court will hear arguments tomorrow on whether to allow private entities to patent genes they have isolated and identified, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for genetic research. The nine justices will review a 2012 appeals court decision that allowed a biotechnology company, Myriad Genetics Inc, to patent two genes it found had links to breast and ovarian cancer.

But the ruling has drawn protest from a broad group, including associations representing some 150,000 researchers, doctors and patients, who are now asking the nation’s top court to overturn it.

“Our legal challenge is based on 150 years Supreme court doctrine that says, under the patent act, products and laws of nature are not patentable,” said lawyer Sandra Park of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is leading the judicial battle along with the Patent Policy Framework. According to Park, extracting a gene from a cell to isolate it does not constitute an invention by itself. “Myriad did not invent either of those qualities, just as a doctor that removes a kidney from the body for transplant does not somehow invent that kidney,” she said.

‘Obstacle’ to research For Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel laureate in economics who teaches at Columbia University in New York, Myriad’s two patents obtained in the 1990s create a “lack of access to testing but also a lack of access for further development of basic research.” Park explained that “because of Myriad’s patent of the gene, no other scientists can look at these genes.” The “very broad” patent “precludes any laboratory or scientists from doing clinical or research work with theses genes because isolation

is fundamental to doing anything with them,” she emphasized. As a result, the researchers are unable to develop competing tests that may potentially be more effective than Myriad’s to determine if a women is a carrier of the mutations that predispose her to breast or ovarian cancer.

That’s a crucial problem, said Ellen Matloff, director of cancer genetic counseling at the Yale Cancer Center, because Myriad’s test falls short and fails to detect the mutated genes in some women. “No one else can do testing, no one else can offer a more comprehensive test and unfortunately as a result of that, that will cost lives,” Matloff lamented.

Moreover, with its monopoly, Myriad can bill more than $3,000 for an analysis that, Matloff said, should cost a tenth as much. But Myriad defends its patents and denies they cover mere products of nature. “Myriad created synthetic molecules of

DNA in the laboratory that are used to test patients for increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer,” the company said in a statement.

“Those synthetic molecules are different from what is found in nature or the human body,” it emphasized. It maintained, as well, that the discovery of the two genes, the product of research that typically requires years of effort and large investments, ought to be protected.

Nearly 20 percent of the approximately 24,000 human genes are currently under patent, some of which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease or other cancers. These patents are sometimes owned by private companies but also by universities and research institutes concerned with keeping them in the public domain to prevent companies from seizing them. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected in June. —AFP

Turkish womb transplant patient is pregnant ISTANBUL: The first woman to have a successful womb transplant from a dead donor is pregnant, a hospital in southern Turkey said.

Derya Sert, 22, who was born without a womb, had been receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment after the transplant in August 2011.

“Early test results are consistent with pregnancy. The patient is in good health at the moment. We will continue to update on developments in the coming period,” Akdeniz

University Hospital in Turkey’s Mediterranean city of Antalya said in a statement late on Friday.

One in every 5,000 women globally is born without a womb, while thousands more have the organ removed due to cancer or other diseases, leaving them unable to get pregnant. In September, doctors in Sweden performed the world’s first mother-to-daughter womb transplants on two Swedish women, both in their 30s. —Reuters

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

Swiss BelHotel Plaza holds gala dinner 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

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uwait Times staff mambers congratulate Joseph Shagra and his family as they celebrate their new born baby girl Catherine.

May the Almighty God guide you (Catherine) as you grow to be a blessing to your family Amen.

wiss BelHotel Plaza - Kuwait held yesterday gala dinner on the occasion of renovating all of its rooms and suites. The dinner was attended by an elite of ambassadors, businessmen and mass media figures. The renovation process was launched early 2011.

On this occasion, The Vice president -hospitality of the owning company, Ahmed AlEnjibar, who was representing the Owner, Dr Hamad AlTuwaijari, delivered a speech in which he thanked the guests for accepting the invitation, assuring that Swiss BelHotel Plaza Kuwait has always worked hard to stand up to the Hotel’s name along 28 years since inception.

“Swiss BelHotel Plaza was one of the first hotels that survived the destruction left behind the brutal aggression on this peaceful and secure country to prove its vitality and flexibility,” he said. Al Enjibar added that the latest renovation process is the first in the history of the Hotel, assuring that renovation and creativity have been a the Hotel’s strategy to cope up with the latest beauty and technological novelties, and to meet the ever increasing demand for hotel rooms along with the growth of the economic cycle as well.

“A new qualitative shift was necessary in the devel-

opment of Hotel facilities and renovation of guest rooms at the best standards,” he noted. On his part, Gavin Faull, chairman and president of Swiss BelHotels International, uncovered the addition of executive rooms to cope up with the requirements of businessmen, families, and all segments of customers including economic delegations, sports teams, GCC citizens and other groups.

“After a strong year of operation in 2012, we feel the upbeat on prospects for 2013 following a major refurbishment in Swiss BelHotel plaza Kuwait,” he said, noting that the renovation process which took place over summer has seen rooms and suits take a modern and friendly look. “That is a vivid example of how caring Swiss BelHotel is to excel in serving the community,” he concluded. In his turn, Swiss BelHotel Plaza General Manager, Ali Haddad, explained about the services the Hotel offers including 24-hour room service, airport transfers, laundry service and dry cleaning, meeting facilities, and Wedding packages.

“Our Executive Lounge is specially designed for our executive guests to enjoy daily refreshment’s complimentary, as well as an area for individual meetings,

relaxation or work purposes,’ he said, assuring the complete readiness to offer personal assistance by the Hotel’s dedicated team for more comfort and flexibility.

Haddad concluded by extending thanks to all the guests who came to celebrate with Swiss BelHotel plaza their remodeling of the rooms, assuring that the Hotel will save no efforts to offer the best services in style for the guests of both Swiss BelHotel and Kuwait.

English Premier League football arrived in Kuwait at the weekend when Everton played Arsenal at Bayan. The Premier Goal Academy in association with Everton FC played matches against the Arsenal Academy at Under 11 and Under 12 age groups. Almost fifty players participated in a total of twelve matches, played in a real sporting and competitive spirit with goals and near misses, spectacular saves, determined challenges and free flowing passing football a credit to the players and coaches. The PGA Everton, under the patronage of the British Ambassador, is sponsored by Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company.

IMAX IMAX film program Effective from 31st March 2013 ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Tornado Alley 3D10:30am, 6:30pm, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 11:30am, 8:30pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 12:30pm, 5:30pm Born to be Wild 3D7:30pm Monday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30am, 8:30pm Tornado Alley 3D11:30am, 5:30pm, 7:30pm To The Arctic 3D 12:30pm, 9:30pm Born to be Wild 3D6:30pm Tuesday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Tornado Alley 3D10:30am, 6:30pm, 8:30pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 11:30am, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 12:30pm, 7:30pm Born to be Wild 3D5:30pm Wednesday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups To The Arctic 3D 10:30am Tornado Alley 3D11:30am, 6:30pm, 9:30pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 12:30pm, 7:30pm Journey to Mecca 5:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 8:30pm

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

ESF students head to the French Alps

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ver 30 Upper School and Sixth Form students from the English School Fahaheel recently headed to Les Menuiren in the French alps for the school’s annual skiing trip. The group stayed in the fantastic Club Hotel Piolet which was located only 10 metres from the ski slope for each day’s skiing. Everyday commenced with a vigorous four hours skiing tuition from expert instructors from the world-renowned …cole Du Ski FranÁais ski school. During the week all of the group significantly improved their skiing and gradually progressed onto harder slopes. Each skier was awarded a certificate and badge at the end of the week acknowledging their level of skiing achieved in the lessons. The ESF ski trip was a huge success. All students dramatically improved their skiing, had a lot of fun, learned about French culture and made some life-long International friends.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

An evening to remember at Al Baraka Grand Ballroom -Crowne Plaza

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. nnnnnnn

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he Management of Crowne Plaza Hotel Kuwait hosted an evening at the newly opened Al Baraka Grand ballroom on Saturday, 6th April 2013.

The saxophone concert by the Swedish quartet “Rollin Phones” an ensemble that is one of Europe’s best known saxophone quartets, the ensemble was formed in 1986 and since that time has risen to become one of Europe’s best known and most awarded saxophone quartets.

The quartet has recorded seven CD’s

in their own right so far and has also travelled as “cultural ambassadors” to different countries accompanying His Majesty, King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden and Queen Silva on several different occasions. The saxophone concert by the Swedish saxophone quartet- “Rollin Phones” enthralled everyone with their enchanting music was followed by an exquisite sit down dinner.

The concert held at the ballroom is the first of its kind to happen in Kuwait and was attended by many dignitaries

and local businessmen including Ambassadors. They were warmly welcomed by the management of Crowne Plaza Kuwait lead by General Manager Ramy Haykal. Recently opened Al Baraka Grand Ballroom is one of the country’s biggest ballroom and introduces an era of luxury. Crowne Plaza Kuwait, one of the country’s most popular five star hotels and Al Baraka commit themselves in creating a unique hospitality experience for their guests.

The endless compliments shared by

the guests attending the concert are a testament of this commitment.

Thanking the guests during the event Ramy, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel said “It is great to see our guests tonight, celebrating our friendship, with Crowne Plaza Kuwait continuing to be the destination of choice, whether business or pleasure”. The evening ended with many great comments from the guests and a promise from the management to continue hosting such unique and memorable events.

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

AAW seeks to grow supply chain operations with Kuwaiti talents

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li Abdulwahab Al Mutawa Commercial Co (AAW) one of the largest distributors of fast moving consumer goods in Kuwait, gave students a rare look into its supply-chain facilities in a move to inspire and attract more Kuwaitis to pursue careers in supply chain management and logistics operations. Kuwait imported almost $200 billion worth of merchandise since 2003 according to The World Bank. In 2011, Kuwait imported $25.3 billion worth of merchandise. 2012 figures are expected to have a single digit growth in line with the growth seen since 2009. Actual 2012 statistics are not yet available.

The visiting students received an overview of AAW’s distribution infrastructure by AAW Supply Network Operations Manager, KhaledAl-Kirdasi, who emphasized that the new business frontier for the Middle East is supply chain management, and why Kuwait is well-positioned to produce and grow the talents for this frontier.

Al-Kirdasi said: “In Kuwait, AAW moves over 200,000 products a day, every day of the year. These are products we distribute and retail in Kuwait on behalf of our worldwide partners from across six continents. Kuwait, and the Gulf as well, have the highest share of imported goods in the world due to known demographic challenges. This has created a need to import products that answer an ever-growing demand for both necessities and luxuries. The operation behind this ongoing flow of products is massive and can only be sustained on the long-run through local expertise and talents.” The visiting students toured AAW’s logistics facilities and

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, first-time applicants will have to appear in person when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints. For subsequent applications within 5 years the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS. The Cypriot Presidency would like to assure the people of Kuwait and all its permanent citizens that the Member States and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, have taken all necessary technical measures to facilitate the rapid examination and the efficient processing of visa applications and to ensure a quick and discreet procedure for the implementation of the new VIS. nnnnnnn

received a first-hand knowledge of the intricate operation behind the delivery of products to the shelves, accessing the 250,000 cubic meter warehouse.

AAW has 100-year track record in supply chain management and logistics operations, and currently leads in this distribution for more than 40 international brands

across eight retail sectors. With a commitment to community work, AAW supports sports, health and educational initiatives across Kuwait including other studentdriven programs like cross-country Pin2 business plan challenge for highschool students, job shadowing day, and entrepreneurship Masterclass.

Kottayam association Gramolsav

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On Tuesday 9th April 2013 ten of Asia’s key Ambassadors assembled at The Regency for a special lunch at Silk Road to welcome His Excellency Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Singapore’s visiting Ambassador to Kuwait.

General Manager, Aurelio Giraudo was there to greet them.

ottayam Association, Kuwait is conducting Malayalam Arts competitions ñ Gramolsaví 2013 on May 10, 2013 at United Indian School at 4:00pm onwards.

Kottayam Association welcomes the growing buds of Malayali community in Kuwait from various disciplines to test their talents and competency in the field of arts. These competitions are aimed to encourage the children to study their mother tongue and be accustomed with the nostalgic arts of Kerala.

The competitions are for Solo nadan pattu (folksong), poetry recitation and kathaprasamgam. The competitions are meant for children as well as adults. The group is divided as Sub-Junior, Junior, senior and Super Senior where as Kathaprasamgam is only for Junior and Senior groups. The closing date of receiving entry forms is May 4, 2013. Entry forms are available at Hi Tech Computers, Family Super Market and Al-Watan Restaurant, Abbassiya. The winners of this prestigious competition will be awarded with trophies and medals.

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform the Kenyan community residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that the Embassy has acquired new office telephone numbers as follows: 25353982, 25353985 - Consular’s enquiries 25353987 - Fax Our Email address: info@kenyaembkuwait.com. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF 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). nnnnnnn

EMBASSY GREECE The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has the pleasure to announce that visa applications must be submitted to Schengen Visa Application Centre (VFS office) located at 12th floor, Al-Naser Tower, Fahad Al-Salem Street, Al-Qibla area, Kuwait City, (Parking at Souk Watia). For information please call 22281046 from 08:30 to 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday).

Working hours: Submission from 08:30 to 15:30. Passport collection from 16:00 to 17:00. For visa applications please visit the following website www.mfa.gr/kuwait. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF ALBANIA The Embassy of the Republic of Albania to the State of Kuwait would like to inform that on 03.04.2013, the new Albanian Ambassador, Kujtim Morina presented credential letters to His Highness, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah. The address of the embassy is the same: Al - Zahra, Block 8, Street 802, Villa 169, Kuwait,P.O.BOX 3090, Safat 13131. The ebassy offers consular services as well. Working hours are from 9:00 to 14:00, Sunday through Thursday.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 Great White: The Impossible Shot 01:35 Animal Airport 02:00 Animal Airport 02:25 Wildest Africa 03:15 My Cat From Hell 04:05 Baboons With Bill Bailey 04:30 Baboons With Bill Bailey 04:55 Animal Airport 05:20 Animal Airport 05:45 Wildest Africa 06:35 Wildlife SOS International 07:00 Meerkat Manor 07:25 Dogs 101 08:15 Crocodile Hunter 09:10 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 10:05 Monkey Life 10:30 Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild 11:00 Bondi Vet 11:25 The Really Wild Show 11:55 Wildest Africa 12:50 Speed Of Life 13:45 Speed Of Life 14:40 Shamwari: A Wild Life 15:05 Shamwari: A Wild Life 15:35 Bondi Vet 16:00 Bondi Vet 16:30 Bad Dog 17:25 My Cat From Hell 18:20 Gator Boys 19:15 Wild Things With Dominic Monaghan 20:10 In Search Of The King Cobra 21:05 Wildest Africa 22:00 Wild Hawaii 22:55 Into The Pride 23:50 Untamed & Uncut

00:20 Homes Under The Hammer 01:15 Homes Under The Hammer 02:05 Homes Under The Hammer 03:00 Homes Under The Hammer 03:50 Homes Under The Hammer 04:45 Perfect Day 05:10 The Good Cook 05:35 French Food At Home 06:00 French Food At Home 06:20 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 06:45 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 07:10 Glamour Puds 07:35 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Specials 08:50 Cash In The Attic 09:20 Cash In The Attic 09:45 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 10:30 Perfect Day 10:55 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 11:10 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 11:35 The Good Cook 12:05 French Food At Home 12:25 French Food At Home 12:45 Glamour Puds 13:10 Come Dine With Me: Supersize 14:40 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 15:25 Antiques Roadshow 16:15 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Specials 17:35 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Specials 19:00 Come Dine With Me: Supersize 20:30 Gok’s Fashion Fix 21:20 Antiques Roadshow 22:15 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 23:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Specials

00:00 00:10 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:10 02:30 03:00 03:10 03:30 04:00 04:30 05:00 05:10

BBC World News BBC World News BBC World News BBC World News BBC World News World Features Middle East Business Report BBC World News World Features BBC World News BBC World News Dateline London BBC World News BBC World News

06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:10 10:30 11:00 11:10 11:30 12:00 12:10 13:00 13:10 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:10 15:30 16:00 16:15 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:10 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:15 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:10 23:30

BBC World News Click BBC World News Newsnight BBC World News India Business Report BBC World News Fast Track BBC World News World Features BBC World News BBC World News World Features Dateline London BBC World News BBC World News BBC World News World Features BBC World News BBC World News Newsnight BBC World News World Features BBC World News BBC World News Sport Today Click BBC World News Horizons BBC World News BBC World News BBC World News India Business Report BBC World News Our World BBC World News Sport Today BBC World News BBC World News BBC World News BBC World News World Features Horizons

00:15 00:45 01:30 01:55 02:20 02:45 03:00 03:20 03:45 04:10 04:35 05:00 05:25 06:00 06:25 06:50 07:15 07:40 08:05 08:30 08:55 09:20 09:45 10:10 10:35 11:00 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:40 13:00 13:50 14:40 15:30 15:55 16:20 16:45 17:10 18:00 18:50 19:40 20:30 20:55 21:20 21:45 22:10 22:35 23:00 23:50

Duck Dodgers Wacky Races What’s New Scooby-Doo? What’s New Scooby-Doo? The Flintstones Tom & Jerry Tales What’s New Scooby-Doo? Taz-Mania The Looney Tunes Show Tom & Jerry Tales Johnny Bravo Bananas In Pyjamas Jelly Jamm Ha Ha Hairies Baby Looney Tunes Cartoonito Tales Krypto: The Super Dog Lazytown Gerald McBoing Boing Bananas In Pyjamas Jelly Jamm Ha Ha Hairies Baby Looney Tunes Cartoonito Tales Krypto: The Super Dog Lazytown Bananas In Pyjamas Gerald McBoing Boing Baby Looney Tunes Jelly Jamm The Looney Tunes Show Taz-Mania Tom & Jerry Tales The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Dexter’s Laboratory Moomins The Looney Tunes Show Taz-Mania The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Moomins Duck Dodgers

00:30 Grim Adventures Of...

01:20 Johnny Test

02:10 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 02:35 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 03:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 03:25 Regular Show 03:50 Ben 10: Omniverse 04:15 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 04:40 Powerpuff Girls 05:05 Evil Con Carne 05:30 Cow & Chicken 06:00 Casper’s Scare School 06:30 Angelo Rules 07:00 Thundercats 07:25 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 07:50 Young Justice 08:15 Hero 108 08:40 Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated 09:35 Ben 10: Omniverse 10:00 Dreamworks Dragons Riders Of Berk 10:25 The Amazing World Of Gumball 11:15 Evil Con Carne 12:05 Adventure Time 12:55 Regular Show 13:45 Angelo Rules 14:10 Ben 10: Omniverse 14:35 Dreamworks Dragons Riders Of Berk 15:00 Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated 15:50 The Amazing World Of Gumball 16:40 Adventure Time 17:05 Regular Show 17:30 Ben 10 17:55 Hero 108 18:20 Young Justice 18:45 Total Drama Action 19:10 Total Drama Action 19:35 Total Drama Action 20:00 Total Drama Action 20:25 Total Drama World Tour 20:50 Starwars: The Clone Wars 21:40 Evil Con Carne 22:00 Ben 10 22:25 Ben 10 22:50 Mucha Lucha !

23:15 Mucha Lucha !

23:40 Powerpuff Girls

00:00 00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:15 03:30 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:15 08:30 09:00 09:15 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:15 18:30 18:45 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

Mainsail World Sport World Report Talk Asia World Report Amanpour CNN Marketplace Europe CNN Marketplace Africa The Brief CNN Presents CNN Newsroom Business Traveller Inside Africa World Sport Inside The Middle East World Report CNN Marketplace Middle East Talk Asia World Report CNN Marketplace Europe Eco Solutions World Sport Living Golf African Voices The Brief World Report News Special CNN Presents Fareed Zakaria GPS World Report Cnngo State Of The Union International Desk Backstory Global Exchange CNN Marketplace Africa Global Exchange CNN Marketplace Middle East World Sport Mainsail International Desk African Voices International Desk Inside The Middle East Fareed Zakaria GPS

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS ON OSN ACTION HD

23:00 World Report 23:30 World Sport

00:15 00:40 01:10 01:35 02:05 02:30 03:00 03:25 03:55 04:20 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:05 06:30 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:30 11:25 12:20 12:45 13:15 13:40 14:10 14:35 15:05 15:30 16:00 16:25 16:55 17:20 17:50 18:15 18:45 19:10 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:55 Story 22:50 23:45

Auction Kings Auction Kings Auction Kings Auction Kings How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? How It’s Made How It’s Made How It’s Made How It’s Made How It’s Made How It’s Made Crash Course Crash Course Overhaulin’ 2012 Dirty Great Machines Gold Rush Jungle Gold One Car Too Far How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? Baggage Battles Baggage Battles Baggage Battles Baggage Battles Baggage Battles Border Security Border Security Border Security Border Security Border Security Soul Food Family Magic Of Science Magic Of Science You Have Been Warned Costa Concordia: The Whole Building Sea City Jesse James: Outlaw Garage

00:05 00:30 01:00 01:50 02:45 03:35 04:25 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:25 11:20 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:20 14:45 15:10 15:35 16:00 16:25 16:55 17:45 18:35 19:30 20:20 21:10 21:35 22:00 22:50 23:40

The Tech Show Weird Connections Smash Lab Smash Lab Smash Lab Smash Lab Smash Lab Gadget Show - World Tour The Tech Show X-Machines Storm Chasers X-Machines Gadget Show - World Tour The Tech Show Meteorite Men Meteorite Men Meteorite Men Meteorite Men Moon Machines Weird Connections Gadget Show - World Tour The Tech Show Food Factory Food Factory Things That Move Things That Move Prototype This NASA’s Greatest Missions Building The Future Storm Chasers X-Machines Gadget Show - World Tour The Tech Show Storm Chasers Dark Matters: Twisted But True Gadget Show - World Tour

00:10 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:30 03:55 04:20 04:45 05:10 05:35 06:00 06:25 06:40 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:10 09:35 10:00 10:25 10:50 11:15 12:45 12:55 13:20 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:15 17:00 18:25 18:34 18:45 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:25 20:50 21:15 21:40 22:05 22:30 22:55 23:20 23:45

Stitch A Kind Of Magic A Kind Of Magic Replacements Replacements Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School A Kind Of Magic A Kind Of Magic Replacements Replacements Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School A Kind Of Magic Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Suite Life On Deck A.N.T Farm Cory In The House Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Jessie Austin And Ally A.N.T. Farm A.N.T Farm Avalon High Prank Stars Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie That’s So Raven A.N.T. Farm Hannah Montana Shake It Up Austin And Ally Sofia The First Princess Protection Program Prank Stars Prank Stars Good Luck Charlie Jessie Shake It Up Austin And Ally Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Jessie Jessie Jonas Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Stitch

00:00 00:55 01:25 02:20 04:10 05:05 05:30

Opening Act Style Star E! Investigates THS E!es Extreme Close-Up Extreme Close-Up

06:00 07:50 08:20 09:15 09:45 10:15 11:10 12:05 13:05 13:35 14:05 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30 23:30

THS Style Star E! News Extreme Close-Up Extreme Close-Up THS Opening Act E! News Married To Jonas Married To Jonas Chasing The Saturdays Chasing The Saturdays Chasing The Saturdays Chasing The Saturdays Kourtney And Kim Take Miami Kourtney And Kim Take Miami E! News Kourtney And Kim Take Miami Kourtney And Kim Take Miami Kourtney And Kim Take Miami Chasing The Saturdays Opening Act Opening Act

00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:30 Heat Seekers 00:55 Outrageous Food 01:20 Unwrapped 01:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 02:10 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 02:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:25 Unique Eats 03:50 Food Crafters 04:15 United Tastes Of America 04:40 Chopped 05:30 Ultimate Recipe Showdown 06:10 Unwrapped 06:35 Unwrapped 07:00 Everyday Italian 07:25 Everyday Italian 07:50 Everyday Italian 08:15 Everyday Italian 08:40 Extra Virgin 09:05 Extra Virgin 09:30 Extra Virgin 09:55 Extra Virgin 10:45 Symon’s Suppers 11:10 Symon’s Suppers 11:35 Symon’s Suppers 12:00 Chef Hunter 12:50 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 13:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 13:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 14:05 Reza’s African Kitchen 14:30 Reza’s African Kitchen 14:55 Reza’s African Kitchen 15:20 Reza’s African Kitchen 15:45 Chopped 16:35 Kid In A Candy Store 17:00 Kid In A Candy Store 17:25 Kid In A Candy Store 17:50 Kid In A Candy Store 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:30 Chopped 20:20 Chopped 21:10 Iron Chef America 22:00 Iron Chef America 22:50 Iron Chef America 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

00:30 01:20 02:05 02:55 03:20 03:45 04:30 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:05 09:30 Jones 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:15 13:40 14:30 Jones 15:20 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 Jones 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:40

The Haunted Dr G: Medical Examiner Deadly Affairs Stalked: Someone’s Watching Stalked: Someone’s Watching On The Case With Paula Zahn The Haunted Dr G: Medical Examiner Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

True Crime With Aphrodite Murder Shift Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Forensic Detectives True Crime With Aphrodite Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

Disappeared Murder Shift Forensic Detectives True Crime With Aphrodite Disappeared Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill Who On Earth...

Who On Earth...

Couples Who Kill Scorned: Crimes Of Passion

00:15 Lagos 00:45 Bolivia 01:10 Brazil 01:40 Africa Island Hop 02:05 Pyramids Or Bust 02:35 Kicked Out of Gansu 03:30 The Pork Chronicles 03:55 The Street Food Chronicles 04:25 Jamaica 04:50 Bluelist Australia, 2 05:20 Singapore 05:45 Taipei, Taiwan 06:15 Greece - Athens 06:40 Spain - Barcelona 07:10 07:35 08:05 Nomads of The Steppes 09:00 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita, 3 09:25 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita, 4 09:55 Delhi 10:20 Dhaka 10:50 China 11:15 Colombia 11:45 Kuala Lumpur 12:10 Lisbon 12:40 Beijing Boom 13:35 The Kimchi Chronicles Conclude 14:00 Turks & Caicos Part 1 14:30 Mexico 14:55 Bluelist Australia, 3 15:25 Amazon Labyrinth 16:20 Nomads of The Steppes 17:15 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita, 3 17:40 My Sri Lanka With Peter

THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES ON OSN CINEMA Kuruvita, 4 18:10 Delhi 18:35 Dhaka 19:05 Singapore 19:30 Taipei, Taiwan 20:00 Greece - Athens 20:30 Spain - Barcelona 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:55 Northumberland 23:20 Tennessee 23:50 Pinotage South Africa’s Gift To The Wine World

00:00 Paintball-18 02:00 Imago Mortis-PG15 04:00 Battle: Los Angeles-PG15 06:00 Transformers: Dark Of The Moon-PG15 08:45 Rage Of The Yeti-PG15 10:15 Constantine-PG15 12:30 Go Fast-PG15 14:15 Rage Of The Yeti-PG15 16:00 Green Lantern-PG15 18:00 Go Fast-PG15 20:00 Fright Night-PG15 22:00 The Killing Room-18 23:45 The Silence Of The Lambs-18

01:00 And Soon The Darkness-PG15 03:00 Espions-PG15 05:00 The Marc Pease ExperiencePG15 07:00 Second Chances-PG15 09:00 And Soon The Darkness-PG15 11:00 Sammy’s Adventure: The Secret Passage-FAM 13:00 The National Tree-PG15 15:00 The Game Of Their Lives-PG15 17:00 Ties That Bind-PG15 19:00 Safe House-PG15 21:00 The Inbetweeners-18 23:00 Best Laid Plans-PG15

03:00 03:30 04:30 Leno 05:30 07:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 11:00 Leno 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 23:30

Parks And Recreation Happy Endings The Tonight Show With Jay

Hope & Faith Happy Endings The Office The Neighbors Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Hot In Cleveland 1600 Penn Two And A Half Men The Office Whitney The Cleveland Show Whitney

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Supernatural Sons Of Anarchy The Mob Doctor Greek The Glades Criminal Minds Supernatural Emmerdale Coronation Street White Collar Criminal Minds The Mob Doctor The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show White Collar Supernatural Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Closer Necessary Roughness Burn Notice Grimm Scandal Greek

Hope & Faith Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Hope & Faith Parks And Recreation The Neighbors The Office The Tonight Show With Jay

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 Moon 10:45 12:15 14:30 16:15 18:00 20:00 22:00

Road To Perdition Paintball Imago Mortis Battle: Los Angeles Transformers: Dark Of The Rage Of The Yeti Constantine Go Fast Rage Of The Yeti Green Lantern Go Fast Fright Night

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Tucker And Dale vs Evil-18 Extract-PG15 Scrooged-PG15 Sleepless In Seattle-PG Cheaper By The Dozen 2-PG Hey Arnold! The Movie-PG Scrooged-PG15 The Tooth Fairy 2-PG Hey Arnold! The Movie-PG Below The Beltway-PG15 Take Me Home Tonight-18 Tucker And Dale vs Evil-18

01:30 The Roommate-PG15 03:00 Catch Me If You Can-PG15 05:30 Route Irish-PG15 07:30 Mutum-PG15 09:00 Lorenzo’s Oil-PG15 11:15 Separate Lies-PG15 12:45 Bound By A Secret-PG15 14:30 Lorenzo’s Oil-PG15 16:45 13-PG15 18:30 Seabiscuit-PG15 21:00 In The Land Of Blood And Honey-R 23:15 Mr. Nobody-PG15

00:00 03:00 05:00 07:15 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Marley-PG15 Page Eight-PG15 The Conspirator-PG15 Battle For Terra-PG According To Greta-PG15 Tower Heist-PG15 Happy Feet Two-PG Water For Elephants-PG15 According To Greta-PG15 The Darkest Hour-PG15 A Little Bit Of Heaven-18 The Big Bang-18

01:00 Twigson 02:45 Teo: The Intergalactic Hunter 04:30 Quest For A Heart 06:00 Twigson 08:00 The Adventures Of Scooter The Penguin 10:00 Valentina 11:30 Quest For A Heart 13:00 Cats Don’t Dance 14:30 Twigson 16:00 Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas 18:00 Valentina 20:00 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs.

Evil 22:00 Cats Don’t Dance 23:30 The Adventures Of Scooter The Penguin

01:00 ABC World News Now With David Muir 01:30 Live NBC Nightly News (SatSun) 02:00 ABC World News Now With David Muir 02:30 Live NBC Nightly News (SatSun) 03:00 Live NBC Saturday Today Show 05:00 Live ABC 20/20 06:00 ABC World News Now With David Muir 06:30 Live NBC Nightly News (SatSun) 07:00 ABC World News Now With David Muir 07:30 Live NBC Nightly News (SatSun)

08:00 MSNBC Investigates 09:00 ABC World News Now With David Muir 09:30 Live NBC Nightly News (SatSun) 10:00 MSNBC Martin Bashir 11:00 MSNBC Hardball With Chris Matthews 12:00 MSNBC The Ed Show 13:00 Witness 15:00 Live NBC Sunday Today Show 16:00 Live NBC Meet The Press 17:00 ABC This Week With G Stephanopoulos 18:00 MSNBC Melissa Harris-Perry 19:00 Live NBC Meet The Press 20:00 ABC This Week With G Stephanopoulos 21:00 MSNBC Weekends With Alex Witt Sunday 22:00 MSNBC News

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Waiting For Forever-PG15 Prime Mover-PG15 The Borrowers-PG Treasure Buddies-PG Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax-PG Perfect Plan-PG15 Prime Mover-PG15 Crisis Point-PG15 Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax-PG Chronicle-PG15 Gone-PG15 The Samaritan-18

01:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 16:30 20:30 22:30

Trans World Sport Super Rugby NRL Premiership Trans World Sport Live NRL Premiership Super Rugby Super Rugby Premier League Darts NRL Premiership Super Rugby AFL Premiership

00:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 02:00 Live UFC The Ultimate Fighter Finale Prelims 04:00 Live UFC The Ultimate Fighter Finale 07:00 Futbol Mundial 07:30 ICC Cricket 360 08:00 Live NRL Premiership 10:00 Super League 11:30 Top 14 13:30 Trans World Sport 14:30 AFL Premiership 17:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 18:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter finale prelims 20:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter finale 23:00 NHL

00:00 02:00 04:30 05:00 07:00 08:00 11:00 11:30 15:30 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 22:30

Super Rugby AFL Premiership Total Rugby PRO 12 Trans World Sport Live AFL Premiership Total Rugby NRL Premiership Trans World Sport ICC Cricket 360 Inside The PGA Tour European Tour Weekly Asian Tour Golf Super League

00:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:30 13:30 14:00 16:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

NHL WWE Bottom Line WWE SmackDown NHL WWE Bottom Line WWE Experience WWE This Week Live Asian Tour Golf Mobil 1 The Grid NHL WWE SmackDown WWE Bottom Line UAE National Race Day Series NHL Triahlon UK Adventure Challenge

Classifieds SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (11/04/2013 TO 17/04/2013) SHARQIA-1 GET LUCKY (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) SHARQIA-2 SKY FORCE (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) SKY FORCE (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) SHARQIA-3 OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) MUHALAB-1 DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) MUHALAB-2 OBLIVION (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) FANAR-1 OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) FANAR-2 DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) MARINA-1 GET LUCKY (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) MARINA-2 OBLIVION (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) OBLIVION (DIG) AVENUES-1 THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) AVENUES-2 GET LUCKY (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG)

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM 1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 12:45 AM 12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 AM 1:45 PM 4:30 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM 12:05 AM 12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM 12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 AM 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM 12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM

GET LUCKY (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) 360º- 1 G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) 360º- 2 THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) AL-KOUT.1 SKY FORCE (DIG-3D) SKY FORCE (DIG-3D) SKY FORCE (DIG-3D) JURASSIC PARK (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) AL-KOUT.2 DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) KON-TIKI (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) BAIRAQ-1 SKY FORCE (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) SKY FORCE (DIG-3D) SKY FORCE (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG-3D) NO SUN+ TUE+WED BAIRAQ-2 DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (DIG) GET LUCKY (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) PLAZA BAADSHAH (DIG) (Telugu) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) DEAD MAN DOWN (DIG) LAILA OBLIVION (DIG) THU+FRI+SAT+SUN OBLIVION (DIG) THU+FRI+SAT+SUN G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (DIG) THU+FRI+SAT+SUN AJIAL.1 BAADSHAH (DIG) (Telugu) BAADSHAH (DIG) (Telugu) AJIAL.2 NAUTANKI SAALA (DIG) (HINDI) NAUTANKI SAALA (DIG) (HINDI) NAUTANKI SAALA (DIG) (HINDI) METRO-1 BAADSHAH (DIG) (Telugu) FRI+SAT BAADSHAH (DIG) (Telugu) BAADSHAH (DIG) (Telugu) METRO-2 AMEN (DIG) (MALAYALAM) FRI+SAT AMEN (DIG) (MALAYALAM) NO FRI BAADSHAH (DIG) (Telugu)

10:45 PM 12:45 AM 1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:15 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM 2:15 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM 1:15 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM 12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM 5:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 5:45 PM 8:15 PM 10:45 PM 6:30 PM 9:45 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 10:30 PM 3:30 PM 6:45 PM 10:00 PM 3:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM

CHANGE OF NAME I, Moises Joao Gomes, holder of Indian Passport No: E9556439, hereby change my name to MOISES GOMES, Address: Bathiem Cuncolim Salcette, Goa, India. (C 4376) 14-4-2013 I, ABUL HASANSA DULI RAHMATH ALI, holder of Indian Passport No: G3925520, issued at Kuwait, on 13.11.2007 permanent resident of 3/81 A, middle street, SP Pattinam (Post), Ramnad dist., Tamil Nadu and presently working at Sharq - Kuwait, do hereby change my name from ABUL HASANSA DULI RAHMATH ALI to ABUL HASAN RAHMATH ALI with immediate effect. (C 4375) 11-4-2013

SITUATION WANTED Female, MBA with over 11 years experience in all functions of HR/Admin.

Transferable Visa 18, can join immediately.

Knowledge of English, Hindi & Arabic. Please contact: 94062123. (C 4374) 14-3-2013

Prayer timings Fajr:

04:01

Shorook

05:24

Duhr:

11:48

Asr:

15:23

Maghrib:

18:14

Isha:

19:34

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines BBC QTR JZR JZR RJA THY ETH GFA UAE ETD FDB MSR QTR KAC THY CLX DHX FDB KAC JZR BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR FDB IRA ETD IRC GFA MEA JZR JZR KAC UAE MSR KAC KAC KAC FDB MSR IRC SVA KNE RJA

Arrival Flights on Sunday 14/4/2013 Flt Route 43 DHAKA 148 DOHA 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 642 AMMAN 764 SABIHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 544 CAIRO 770 ISTANBUL 792 LUXEMBOURG 170 BAHRAIN 69 DUBAI 412 MANILA 555 ALEXANDRIA 157 LONDON 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 53 DUBAI 302 MUMBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 6666 AHWAZ 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 561 SOHAG 284 DHAKA 871 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 742 DAMMAM 672 DUBAI 774 RIYADH 57 DUBAI 575 CAIRO 6507 SHIRAZ 500 JEDDAH 472 JEDDAH 640 AMMAN

Time 00:05 00:15 00:20 00:40 01:25 01:40 01:45 01:55 02:25 02:30 03:10 03:15 03:30 04:10 04:35 04:55 05:10 05:50 06:15 06:20 06:30 07:25 07:30 07:45 07:50 07:55 08:05 08:25 08:50 09:00 09:15 09:20 09:30 10:10 10:40 10:55 11:35 12:00 12:05 12:45 13:00 13:30 13:40 13:45 13:50 14:15 14:25 14:30 14:35 15:55

QTR JZR ETD SYR FDB UAE ABY SVA GFA UAL JZR JZR KAC KAC QTR KAC KAC FDB GFA KAC AXB KAC MSR JAI KAC AFG OMA FDB ABY JZR MEA KAC KAC KLM ALK UAE KAC ETD QTR GFA QTR DHX QTR FDB AIC JZR UAL JZR JZR DLH JAI PIA THY

134 787 303 341 71 857 127 510 215 982 177 777 502 542 144 786 166 63 219 618 393 674 606 572 102 415 647 61 129 481 402 562 514 417 229 859 172 307 136 217 6130 372 146 59 981 239 981 185 135 636 574 205 772

DOHA RIYADH ABU DHABI DAMASCUS DUBAI DUBAI SHARJAH RIYADH BAHRAIN WASHINGTON DC DULLES DUBAI JEDDAH BEIRUT CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH PARIS DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA KOZHIKODE DUBAI LUXOR MUMBAI NEW YORK KABUL MUSCAT DUBAI SHARJAH SABIHA BEIRUT AMMAN TEHRAN AMSTERDAM COLOMBO DUBAI FRANKFURT ABU DHABI DOHA BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN DOHA DUBAI CHENNAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN FRANKFURT MUMBAI LAHORE ISTANBUL

16:15 16:15 16:35 16:45 16:50 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:25 17:30 17:50 18:00 18:15 18:25 18:30 18:40 18:55 19:05 19:10 19:15 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:35 19:45 20:00 20:00 20:05 20:10 20:15 20:45 20:50 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:45 21:45 22:00 22:00 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:40 22:40 23:00 23:10 23:20 23:40 23:45

Airlines AIC AXB JAI UAL DLH BBC THY THY ETH UAE FDB MSR ETD QTR QTR JZR FDB RJA GFA THY JZR CLX BAW FDB KAC KAC ABY UAE FDB QTR KAC ETD IRA KAC KAC IRC GFA KAC MEA KAC JZR JZR KAC JZR KAC JZR MSR UAE FDB MSR

Departure Flights on Sunday 14/4/2013 Flt Route 976 GOA 490 MANGALORE 573 MUMBAI 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 637 FRANKFURT 44 CHITTAGONG 773 ISTANBUL 765 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 613 CAIRO 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 70 DUBAI 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 164 DUBAI 792 GIALAM 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 171 FRANKFURT 671 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 856 DUBAI 56 DUBAI 133 DOHA 117 NEW YORK 302 ABU DHABI 602 SHIRAZ 773 RIYADH 741 DAMMAM 6667 AHWAZ 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 405 BEIRUT 501 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 480 ISTANBUL 103 LONDON 786 RIYADH 785 JEDDAH 176 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 872 DUBAI 58 DUBAI 576 SHARM EL SHEIKH

Time 00:05 00:15 00:20 00:25 00:30 01:30 02:20 02:40 02:45 03:45 03:50 04:15 04:20 04:25 05:15 05:35 06:30 06:35 07:00 07:10 07:25 08:15 08:25 08:25 08:55 09:25 09:30 09:50 09:55 10:00 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:20 10:30 11:10 11:25 11:30 11:55 12:00 12:25 12:30 12:30 12:50 13:00 13:20 14:00 14:15 14:30 15:00

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

KAC IRC KNE KAC SVA KAC KAC RJA JZR QTR ETD FDB JZR SYR ABY UAE SVA GFA JZR JZR UAL QTR FDB GFA JZR AXB MSR JAI FDB ABY AFG OMA MEA DHX KLM ETD ALK UAE KAC QTR KAC GFA FDB DHX KAC QTR KAC QTR KAC KAC KAC

673 6508 473 561 503 617 513 641 238 135 304 72 538 342 128 858 511 216 184 266 982 145 64 220 134 394 619 571 62 120 415 648 403 171 417 308 230 860 343 137 301 218 60 373 205 147 351 6131 411 283 415

DUBAI SHIRAZ JEDDAH AMMAN MADINAH DOHA TEHRAN AMMAN AMMAN DOHA ABU DHABI DUBAI CAIRO LATAKIA SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH BAHRAIN DUBAI BEIRUT BAHRAIN DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN KOZHIKODE ALEXANDRIA MUMBAI DUBAI SHARJAH JEDDAH MUSCAT BEIRUT BAHRAIN DAMMAM ABU DHABI COLOMBO DUBAI CHENNAI DOHA MUMBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN ISLAMABAD DOHA KOCHI DOHA BANGKOK DHAKA KUALA LUMPUR

15:05 15:25 15:30 15:30 15:45 15:45 16:20 16:55 17:05 17:15 17:20 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:50 18:15 18:20 18:20 18:30 18:40 18:40 19:25 19:35 19:50 20:05 20:15 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:45 20:45 20:55 21:15 21:50 22:05 22:15 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:15 23:40 23:45 23:50

34

stars CROSSWORD 159

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a time to get others’ opinions and feedback about yourself and what you are doing. Relationships of all types are activated now and cooperation, compromise, and adjustments to others’ viewpoints are key issues that require your attention.

You may come into contact with a person who is especially creative or influential in your life. Don’t question moments of inspiration in your relationships right now, trying to pin them down will mean simply losing it altogether. Enjoy and savor the feelings brought out in the process. Make a long lasting memory by writing down your day or even taking a few pictures.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You could be hypersensitive and emotionally vulnerable to others today.

You’re likely to absorb energy like a sponge which could result in some sort of unpleasant feelings. It is best to avoid those tensions with negative or unhappy people by not associating with them. If you see someone negative moving towards you on the horizon, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Intimacy may be a bit difficult to maintain at the moment due to outside influences beyond your control. Your time is likely to be taken up solving problems that have little or nothing to do with your personal relationships, but are so pressing that they siphon off much of your emotional energy. The key to getting through this period as quickly as possible is to address these external challenges directly until they are resolved.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. (computer science) A computer that is running software that allows users to leave messages and access information of general interest.

4. Increase in size, volume or significance.

11. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC).

15. Consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree.

16. Leaf bugs.

17. Avatar of Vishnu.

18. A painter who stipples (creates a stippled effect).

20. Surrealist Spanish painter (1904-1989).

21. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

22. Engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring).

23. (law) A comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy.

25. United States newspaper publisher (18581935).

27. A member of the South American Indian people living in Brazil and Paraguay.

29. Of or relating to Poland or its people or culture.

32. Type genus of the Cuculidae.

35. Passing or able to pass air in and out of the lungs normally.

38. Gone by.

40. The capital and largest city of Japan.

41. (New Testament) The sages who visited Jesus and Mary and Joseph shortly after Jesus was born.

42. A form of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain that registers blood flow to functioning areas of the brain.

46. A communist state in Indochina on the South China Sea. 48. With the mouth wide open as in wonder or awe.

50. The eighth month of the civil year.

51. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

52. United States songwriter noted for his protest songs (born in 1941).

53. A hard gray lustrous metallic element that is highly corrosion-resistant.

54. Relating to or located near the organ that produces tears.

57. Worn until no longer useful.

60. An edilbe seaweed with a mild flavor.

61. A benevolent aspect of Devi.

62. A pauper who lives by begging.

65. A river that rises in central Germany and flows north to join the Elbe River.

68. A bachelor's degree in naval science.

71. Resembling or characteristic of or appropriate to an elegy.

73. Having relatively few calories.

74. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects.

75. A formation of people or things one beside another.

76. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

79. Praise, glorify, or honor.

80. A port city in southwestern Iran.

81. In bed.

DOWN 1. Greenish-yellow pear.

2. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake

Chad.

3. Used of milk and milk products from which the cream has been removed.

4. A small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle).

5. A unit of length equal to one thousandth of an inch.

6. A sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory.

7. The basic unit of money on Malta.

8. A state in the Rocky Mountains.

9. A slow or gradual disappearance.

10. An affirmative.

11. (music) A short recitative that is melodic but is not an aria.

12. (astronomy) The angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing.

13. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone else.

14. Gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden bars supported on uprights.

19. Any of numerous tropical herbs having fluted funnel-shaped flowers.

24. Unique or specific to a person or thing or category.

26. (informal) Of very poor quality.

28. A radioactive transuranic element that is similar to uranium.

30. A long-playing phonograph record.

31. A ruler of the Inca Empire (or a member of his family).

33. A landlocked republic in eastern Africa.

34. High quality grape brandy distilled in the Cognac district of France.

36. Form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case.

37. English novelist (born in Poland) noted for sea stories and for his narrative technique (1857-1924).

39. A sock knitted or woven with a diamondshaped pattern.

43. A woman of refinement.

44. The battle in 1806 in which Napoleon decisively defeated the Prussians.

45. Mild form of diabetes mellitus that develops gradually in adults.

47. The 3 goddesses of fate or destiny.

49. A river in northeastern Brazil that flows generally northward to the Atlantic Ocean.

55. Being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn.

56. 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.

58. Two items of the same kind.

59. 1 species.

63. English essayist (1775-1834).

64. Hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella.

66. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

67. Lacking excess flesh.

69. A language unit by which a person or thing is known.

70. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae.

72. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

77. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

78. An official prosecutor for a judicial district.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

A good chance today for a momentary boost to ego and confidence, a brief reminder of how good you can be when you’re right on the mark. All observations now will let apply this energy to future ones as well, but remember how you did it so it becomes a habit. Socializing and having a good time with others is the energy you may feel now. You may meet people of that will have importance or influence in your domestic life. So if you get invited to socialize, party or just spend some quiet time with someone then you might make the effort to find the time and say yes.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) One dream at a time, small hopes compounding to become great expectations, that’s the energy for you to put out today if you really want to manifest your dreams. All consuming fantasies have their place, but building possible dreams now can make the impossible happen sooner than later. Resist the temptation to fly off the handle if things take an unexpected turn or your current effort is suddenly derailed in your love life. Change and negotiation will get things back on track, but blowups are harder to heal, so avoid them. Things said in the heat of passion should be about passion itself, so keep it that way.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Small aberrations and wanderings from the main highway will get you everything. Explore those byways, there may be gold in them thar’ hills. Just off the wellbeaten path you’ll find the scenic route where you can stake your claim ahead of the pack. In short, it’s time to cash in on the mildly unusual — tune in. Your ability to communicate in a warm, understanding manner during this time period is especially strong. You have a knack for picking up on others’ concerns and interests and effectively sharing helpful advice and a compassionate understanding of others’ needs. A lover or partner will appreciate this more than you might realize.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You put extra energy into thinking about and organizing your work and professional life. Decisions you make now are likely to work out well, as you are clear and objective. Gathering information regarding your career or long-range goals is also favored. Sexual needs are just one of the life issues emphasized for you at this time. Sex, power, and money are all compelling aphrodisiacs. Learning what makes others tick turns you on. Your orientation at this time is about getting to the bottom of issues and starting over if you need to in your relationships.

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Libra (September 23-October 22) It’s ideas that count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns, and you may have little tolerance for people who do not operate at this level. A sense of emotional coolness or detachment at the personal level, combined with an emphasis on idealism. This is the theme of the cycle you are now entering. Not a great day to make plans or decisions. It could be hard to figure out the right move, especially with that special some one. You may feel frustrated as to where you are headed in life just now. Have some self control and remember tomorrows another day and a new perspective.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You directly confront something that has been hidden, forgotten, or ignored for a long time. Unresolved issues in personal relationships are stirred up and the underlying causes for a painful or problematic aspect of a relationship may be brought to light. Your home life should get the bulk of your attention at this time.

Now is an excellent time to resolve any lingering conflicts with your personal relationships. Expressing your emotional and physical needs clearly to your mate should lead to a fulfilling affirmation of your love for one another and strengthen your sense of being a part of something special.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) A need to be the center of attention takes hold in your life now - a craving to give and to be appreciated for your gifts. This can be an expansive, creative, and even romantic phase, a time you’ll look back on with pride and fondness. A greater appreciation for things of value (and the idea of value itself) is in order now. Ideas for rearranging and tightening up issues at home can save you the headache of repeating old problems. Home is where the heart is only when you put your head into heart into it, so brainstorm some new approaches and operating rules that can make life more comfortable for all.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You could be the recipient or invitation or gift today. You can respectfully attempt to decline but bear in mind that a refusal is tantamount to an insult. Be gracious at what is given, and remember that people often feel a sense of self worth through their generosity. A love for the unusual and a distaste the same old daily routine is the energy today. You may have feelings that you’re above the petty dramas and nonsense.

Unconventional romantic and social connections are also likely to occur. Just be careful of getting in over your head just because it feels exciting.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) A good time to wind up projects, particularly emotional ones right now, this point of completion can be the start of new beginnings and allows you to re gear to start things up with a fresh start. Look ahead at the next few days to see how quickly to reengage or just take a break. You may be highly attracted to someone new, simply because of the novelty and possibilities for adventure. Also, your friends or love partner may behave in unexpected ways, before jumping to a wrong conclusion, enjoy it if it feels good or ask if you find this upsetting. You are impulsively affectionate and flirtatious at this time, and you feel quite restless if you are in a stable, predictable relationship that offers little excitement.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) Some things are better done in company. So, to the extent you can be a team player, despite your eccentricities, do so for the moment. You may find that like stones in a jeweler’s polishing barrel, knocking yourself up against others smoothes your rough edges down and reveals a shining jewel. Emotional self control and feelings of distance and aloneness could overwhelm you today. You are coolly objective about your friends and loved ones, and their shortcomings as friends or lovers. You are probably being a bit too critical and hard on them right now so try to loosen up and realize we are all in this journey together.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

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Yesterday’s Solution

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

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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

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22418714

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22545171

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24810598

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22545171

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24742838

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22434853

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22545051

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24711433

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24316983

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23927002

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24316983

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23980088

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23711183

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23262845

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25716707

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22517733

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22517144

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25610011

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24848075

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25616368

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24849807

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24848913

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24814507

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22549134

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22526804

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24814764

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22515088

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22532265

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22531908

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22518752

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22459381

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22451082

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22456536

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22465401

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25746401

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25316254

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25623444

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25388462

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25381200

W Hawally

22630786

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24810221

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24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

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24775066

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24775992

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24311795

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24884079

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24892674

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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

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Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

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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

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25710444

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22621099

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25713514

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23713100

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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

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22641071/2

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25739272

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22562226

22618787

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22561444

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22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

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25653755

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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

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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

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25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

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25322030

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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

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

T

yga is set to perform at Harvard University despite opposition from critics who’ve signed a petition seeking to keep him away over what they call his “violently misogynistic lyrics.” The Grammy-nominated rapper is scheduled to perform at America’s oldest university for the Yardfest concert yesterday. The Harvard Concert Commission and College Events Board announced Monday they’d retain Tyga despite a petition bearing more than 2,000 signatures. The

O

ne of Bollywood’s most famous villains, Pran, will receive the highest award in Indian cinema to honour the actor whose career has spanned about 350 films over nearly 60 years, the government said on Friday. Actor Pran Krishan Sikand, 93, who is known just by his first name, will be awarded the 2012 Dadasaheb Phalke award that was set up in the name of the man who made India’s first feature film a century ago to reward a lifetime of contribution to film. Pran was Bollywood’s leading villain from the 1950s to the 1980s although he also took roles in comedies and dramas, playing a hapless father turned to crime in “Amar Akbar Anthony” in 1977 and an affable gangster in “Zanjeer” in 1973. “His impressive performances have bestowed an entirely unique new dimension to the negative and character roles in Hindi cinema,” the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement. Pran, who was born into a wealthy Delhi-

petition had prompted university administrators to urge organizers to reconsider letting the rapper headline the event. The Boston Globe reports (http://bo.st/Xx88Yn ) organizers have apologized for failing to put on an inclusive event.

Tyga is signed to Lil Wayne’s Cash Money Records. He just released his third album, “Hotel California.” His hits include the Grammy-nominated “Deuces,” with Chris Brown.

based family, first starred in a Punjabi movie “Yamla Jat” in 1940 as a villain. But in 1948 he re-located to Bombay and launched his Bollywood debut in “Ziddi” acting alongside the hero Dev Anand. Over the decades he became known as the archetypal bad guy and earned the unofficial title “villain of the Millennium” while appearing in some of the Indian movie industry’s most famous films. In 2010, he was listed by CNN as one of the top 25 Asian actors of all time. Pran has been unwell for a while and may not be able to attend the 60th National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for May 3 but he was said to be delighted with the award. “He watched all the news bulletins and he was very happy.

He knows it’s a big honor,” his daughter Pinky Bhalla said. “The whole world has been calling.”

R

eality show star Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries are getting another chance to settle their divorce case, and this time a judge wants the professional basketball player to attend. Humphries did not appear for settlement talks Friday, and a Superior Court judge set another hearing for April 19 in Los Angeles. The judge also set a hearing for whether Humphries should be fined for not appearing at the mandatory settlement hearing. Humphries’ lawyers said no settlement was reached and that a trial is still scheduled for May 6. Humphries wants the marriage annulled based on his allegations that it was fraudulent. Kardashian wants a traditional divorce, which would be her second. She filed for divorce in October 2011 after 72 days of marriage. Humphries has not yet laid out the specifics to support his fraud claim, but his former attorney has said Humphries wants an annulment because of his belief that Kardashian only married him because of her reality show. Kardashian and her lawyer have denied the accusation. The “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” star was flanked by law enforcement as she left the courthouse shortly around noon. “I always wanted to be a juror,” she joked before taking her seat.

Kardashian is expecting a child with boyfriend Kanye West later this year.

She was not accompanied by West or any members of her famous family.

T

he ‘Thor’ hunk was so overcome with emotion when India, 11 months, finally said “Papa” that he couldn’t contain his tears.

Chris’ wife Elsa Pataky told People: “He was almost crying. He was [screaming for joy]. “She’d been trying and I would see Chris saying ‘Papa’ to her all the time. We say it in Spanish because I speak Spanish to her.” While India will turn one on May 11, the low key couple are not planning a big bash but will instead have a quiet family celebration.

Elsa explained: “We hate to plan things, actually, so no plans yet. It will not be a big thing, just for us. We don’t even know where we are going to be.” As for balancing busy Hollywood schedules with family life, Pataky says she and Hemsworth put togetherness at the top of their priorities.” While Chris and ‘Fast and Furious 6’ star Elsa try to juggle their busy careers with raising India, Elsa insists their family will always come first. She said: “You have to make an effort and try to stay together as much as you can. If we start splitting and doing other things it’s not going to last. “It’s difficult because you have to give up some things because you want to keep the family together. We try and keep it as normal as much as we can - like a typical family.”

T

he rapper-turned-reggae artist will produce and perform the theme song for production company Prospect Park’s revival of the legendary soap and will appear as himself on the show. Jeff Kwatinetz, chairman and CEO of Prospect Park said: “We’re thrilled to have the support of such an iconic artist, like Snoop Lion. To have him write and produce the theme song for this series and to have the amazingly talented Iza Lach on board, is just incredible. We are extremely grateful and excited for fans to hear the new theme song and of course catch Snoop Lion in upcoming episodes.” Other stars set to appear in the revamped show include ‘Jersey Shore’s Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley and ‘High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu, who was thrilled to work with Snoop. He tweeted: “Fantastic day yesterday on the set of @onelifetolive with @snooplion #coolestguyever #OLTLPremiers 4/29 on @hulu (sic).”

Snoop, 41, recently claimed he is having a midlife crisis in reverse and thinks it is natural he has curbed his partying at a time in his life when other men develop a renewed desire to enjoy wild nights. He said: “When you

J

ulianne Moore has “compassion” for Sarah Palin. The 52-year-old actress portrayed the former vice presidential candidate in ‘Game Change’ and although Sarah has many critics for her controversial and right wing views, Julianne admitted she couldn’t help but feel slightly sorry for her. She told T magazine: “I think whatever you do, you have to have a real amount of compassion for your character as a human being. She was in a completely untenable situation. She had an incredible natural charisma [and a] crazy innate confidence.” Julianne also stars in the remake of ‘Carrie’, as Margaret White, the abusive, mentally ill, fanatically religious mother of Carrie White (Chloe Moretz) and enjoyed working on the controversial movie. Speaking about her character, she said: “The only family she has is this child, so when she starts to move away from her and into the world it’s incredibly threatening. All she ever does is warn Carrie about the outside world ‘They’re going to laugh at you, they’re going to hurt you,’ cause that’s been her experience. The horrible thing is she’s right!”

reach the pinnacle, you finally wake up, put aside childish ways and want to do something positive. “You can affect people. You have kids and you understand what life is about. “At 40, most men decide to live wild and crazy because they’ve been so conservative all along. Me, I’ve been living wild and crazy my whole life.”

T

he ‘Star Trek’ actor prefers to be known for his acting roles rather than his personal life and is happy that he seems to blend in with everyone else. He told the Spring 2013 issue of C for Men: “”I’m just Waspy enough. A six-foot-tall white man, you kind of blend in, and that’s fine with me. “It helps I don’t really seek anything out. Hopefully, I put the vibe out of ‘not looking for it.’ “I’m very clear about my relationship to ‘it’ and I don’t like ‘it. I find ‘it’ very invasive, though I’m trying to welcome ‘it’ more in an effort to be more zen and not-angsty. But on the totem pole of people giving care about me, I’m pretty much in the middle, which is great.” Chris also revealed he is paranoid about any spoilers for ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’ in which he plays Captain Kirk.

He said: “The responsibility you have is to the genre, but that’s a whole different challenge. “I have such Christian guilt syndrome that I’d have to email J.J. Abrams right away and confess.” — Agencies

S

andra Bullock’s son Louis is a “tough cookie”. The three-year-old tot became close friends with Melissa McCarthy’s daughters Vivian, five and Georgette, three, when Sandra and Melissa worked together on Paul Feig’s ‘The Heat’ and Melissa and Paul insisted protective Louis is not to be missed with. Melissa told E! News: “Louis was my Georgie’s first friend her own age. And all three of our kids, my two kids and her boy, they still play together. They have a special relationship.” Paul joked: “Louis’ really protective of her too. He punched out two paparazzi during filming.” Melissa added: “Very! Very protective of both girls. He literally does the straight arm and pushes you away and puts his hands up and backs the girls up. You’re not going to want to mess with Louis. He’s a tough cookie.” While the kids became close on set, so did their mothers and Melissa is now a huge fan of Sandra after working with her. She said: “We literally had never met before. We talked to each other on the phone. “The first time I talked to her on the phone, I thought, I kind of love her, like I hope this isn’t going to take a weird change...We had a weird thing where no matter what I said to her, I knew she didn’t take it personally and she’d throw it back.”

37

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

LIFESTYLE M u s i c

&

M o v i e s

“Gangnam Style” star Psy performs during his concert “Happening” in Seoul yesterday. — AP photos.

“G

angnam Style” star Psy said he and 50,000 fans would give a “shout out” to the people of North Korea at his concert yesterday when he unveils the all-important dance video for his new single “Gentleman”.

At a press conference before the concert, the 35-year-old

Psy poses at a press conference before his concert.

South Korean rapper also acknowledged the “enormous pressure” of following a global phenomenon like “Gangnam Style, but argued he had been singing too long to be called a one-hit wonder.

Some 50,000 fans packed Seoul’s World Cup stadium for the concert, which comes at a time of soaring military tensions with North Korea, and with South Korea’s armed forces on heightened alert for an expected missile test. Describing the division of the Korean peninsula as a “tragedy”, Psy said he wanted North Koreans to share in the “fun and happiness” of his music. “Tonight me and 50,000 Korean people... we are going to sing out loud. We are going to shout out loud and

B

reaking out of a famous parent’s shadow can be daunting, but Brandon Cronenberg, son of Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg, is rising to the challenge with his first feature film, the sciencefiction “Antiviral.” Opening in US movie theaters on Friday, “Antiviral” was written and directed by the 33-year-old Cronenberg and satirizes society’s obsession with celebrity with a horrific twist. The film stars Caleb Landry Jones as Syd March, an employee at a clinic that harvests viruses from sick celebrities and sells the injections to obsessed fans. When Syd becomes infected with a virus that killed a popular starlet, he has to solve the mystery of her death to save his own life.

Critics are comparing “Antiviral” to David Cronenberg’s early work, which

Brandon Cronenberg included such classic sci-fi horror films as “Videodrome,”“The Fly” and “Dead Ringers.” While Brandon Cronenberg acknowledges the connection, he says some of it “is very legitimate and some of it is kind of overstated. “This film has horror science fiction elements, technology elements, bodily elements so I get why people make those comparisons,” he said. However, he noted that his father’s filmography also includes the crime thrillers “The

we are really close to them, so they can hear,” he said.

“Hopefully with my ‘Gangnam style’, ‘Gentleman’, and my music video, choreography... hopefully they might enjoy it too,” he added.

“Gentleman”, the long-awaited follow-up to “Gangnam Style”, hit online stores Friday in a midnight rolling release across 119 nations. In a move that surprised some industry experts and frustrated a lot of fans, it was released without the music video which had been the main focus of anticipation and speculation. It was the video of “Gangnam Style”, and in particular Psy’s signature horse-riding dance, that pushed him to global stardom last year after it was posted on YouTube and turned into a viral sensation.

A satire on the luxury lifestyle of Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, it has become the most-watched YouTube video of all time, registering more than 1.5 billion views since it debuted last July. The “Gentleman” music video was expected to be posted on YouTube at 9:00pm (1200 GMT) after Psy debuts the song’s dance moves at yesterday’s concert. “Gangnam Style” was always going to be a hard act to follow, and “Gentleman” has had a mixed reception as Psy acknowledged, although he was happy with its initial chart showing.

“Many expressed disappointment, saying I made too many calculations and I should have remade some of the songs I did in the past. But this is the best song, best work and the best choice I could possibly do,” he said. “I made the song feeling enormous pressure,” he added. “Gentleman” went straight into the top five of the iTunes charts in South Korea and other Asian markets like Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, but could only manage 90th spot in the crucial US equivalent. In Britain, it rose quickly to number 25, but elements of the British music press were scathing in their assessment.

“Like a seven-year-old on a Casio,” was the judgment of the Times newspaper, while the underwhelmed Guardian critic called it “a fairly standard issue, pop-dance single”. The song-a satire of a self-proclaimed “gentleman” trying to woo women at a party-contains more English lyrics than “Gangnam Style” in a clear nod to the singer’s newfound global audience. “Let me tell you about myself. I’m such a charmer with guts, vigour and humor,” Psy sings in Korean

before launching into the song’s English catch-line: “I’m a mother-father gentleman.”

“Gonna make you sweat. Gonna make you wet. You know who I am? Wet Psy!” he sings in English. Already an established artist in South Korea with six albums under his belt, Psy has been building and polishing his own style of quirky, explosive music and his flamboyant stage persona since his debut in 2001. “I’ve been doing this for 12 years. Would it be fair to call me a one-hit wonder just because my next song falls flat?” Psy said yesterday. “I gained international fame almost by accident but that does not mean that I will make desperate efforts to maintain that global popularity. “I will just continue to do what I have been doing for all these years.

If it satisfies people’s appetite it will. If not, it won’t.” — AFP

History of Violence” and “Eastern Promises” and the biographical “A Dangerous Method,” which are not in the sci-fi genre at all. “My dad has had a very broad varied career and it would be very hard for me to make a film that didn’t touch on anything that he hasn’t touched on,” Cronenberg said.

Celebrity obsession The concept for “Antiviral” came to Cronenberg while he was studying film at university and caught the flu. “I was obsessing over the fact that I had this thing physically in my body that had come from someone else’s body and how that was a weirdly intimate thing,” the filmmaker said. Cronenberg wondered if a fan obsessed with Angelina Jolie would want the actress’s cold “as a way of physically feeling connected to her.” He said he thought it would make “an interesting metaphor for discussing the (celebrity-obsessed) culture” fueled by 24/7 websites such as TMZ.com and magazines like Us Weekly.

Chuck Wilson from The Village Voice wrote that with “Antiviral,” the younger Cronenberg “proves to be just as hide-your-eyes yucky” as his father was in early films. Kevin Jagernauth, a critic at Indiewire.com’s movie blog The Playlist, called the film “exactly the oddball and crooked tale you’d want and expect from a Cronenberg with all the gratuitous blood, pus, bone and multiple close ups of needles piercing skin you could ask for.” Brandon Cronenberg decided to pursue film in his early twenties after trying his hand at writing fiction, the visual arts and playing in bands.

While in film school, he made a number of shorts, making a conscious effort to “ignore as much as possible (my father’s) career and to just do what was interesting to me.” He said he’s not trying to “embrace deliberately or avoid deliberately” topics that his father might do. —Reuters

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US actress who sued the owners of the IMDb film industry online database for revealing her real age vowed Friday to appeal, after her lawsuit was rejected. Huong Hoang, who goes by the professional name Junie Hoang, said it was “hurtful” to have her age revealed to every prospective employer in Hollywood, where she said ageism was widespread. The 41-year-old, who was initially referred to only as “Jane Doe” in the legal action, launched the suit for

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damages and interests in 2011 against online retail giant Amazon, which owns the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). The Vietnam-born actress alleged fraud, breach of contract and violation of her private life, as well as her consumer rights. But on Thursday the court in Seattle ruled against the actress, whose IMDB profile shows her in regular work since the late 1990s with credits including “Ungirlfriendable” and “Gingerdeadman 3: Saturday Night Cleaver.”—AFP

omedian Jonathan Winters, whose manic, improvisational genius never seemed to take a rest, has died at the age of 87 after a more than 50-year career in stand-up comedy, on television and in film. The burly, moon-faced Winters, a major influence on contemporary comedians like Robin Williams and Steve Martin, died on Thursday of natural causes at his Montecito, California home, surrounded by family and friends, said long time family friend Joe Petro III. Winters had standout roles in 1960s comedy films “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming.”

He also made regular appearances on “The Tonight Show” with hosts Jack Paar and then Johnny Carson, “The Andy Williams Show” and his own TV variety shows, “The Jonathan Winters Show” and “The Wacky World of Jonathan Winters,” in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Winters’ outlandish riffing style and repertoire of madcap characters made him a leading stand-up performer in the late 1950s but the pressure of being on the road led to a mental breakdown in 1959. He spent time in mental hospitals and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Dancers perform during the concert “Happening” by “Gangnam Style” star Psy.

moment of movie history: Perhaps the greatest spoof film of all time was 1980’s”Airplane!” which mocked a trope of a previous decade (1970s disaster movies) by parodying a 23-year-old movie (1957’s “Zero Hour!”). By contrast, “Scary Movie V” goofs on “Mama,” which was released 12 weeks ago. And the remake of “Evil Dead” which came out last week. Thirty-three years later, we’re still quoting “Airplane!” whereas almost no one is going to remember “Scary Movie V” after, oh, Monday.

Given the steady decline of the sequels, it’s easy to forget that the first “Scary Movie,” released in 2000, was a mostly funny parody of “Scream” mixed in with lots of outrageous sight gags and random spoofy moments. This fifth entry, however, reeks of desperation, with anything and everything thrown at the wall and almost none of it sticking.

It’s a movie where stop-motion vacuum cleaners and model train tunnels get the few big laughs there are to be had, but these objects, sadly, take second billing to the human cast.

“Scary Movie V” opens with Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan; in happier times, these performers got laughs by earning them rather than exploiting their own personal tragedies for no comic payoff.

Charlie’s missing children turn out to be living in a cabin in the woods as feral creatures, leading to their adoption by Charlie’s brother Dan (Simon Rex) and his wife Jody (Ashley Tisdale), and they... Seriously, do you even care? The movie exists as a framework on which to hang obvious jokes about “Mama,” “Evil Dead,” “Paranormal Activity 4,” “Black Swan,” “The Help,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Inception,” “Fifty Shades of Grey,” and so on, ad infinitum.—Reuters

Winters was a comedian who rebelled against telling jokes and entertained in a stream-of-consciousness style that could veer into the surreal. “I love improvisation,” he told Reuters in an interview nearly 13 years ago. “You can’t blame it on the writers. You can’t blame it on direction. You can’t blame it on the camera guy. ... It’s you. You’re on. You’ve got to do it, and you either sink or swim with what you’ve got.”

Actor Robert Morse, who starred with Winters in the 1965 movie “The Loved One,” marveled at the agility with which Winters could transform an ordinary object into an instrument of rapid-fire gags. “”Most of us see things three-dimensionally,” Morse once mused in The New York Times. “”I think Jonny sees things 59-dimensionally. Give me a hairbrush and I see a hairbrush. Give Jonny a hairbrush and it will be a dozen funny things.” Steve Martin paid tribute on Twitter on Friday: “Goodbye, Jonathan Winters. You were not only one of the greats, but one of the great greats.” —Reuters

Jonathan Winters

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

lifestyle F a s h i o n

Models wear jewelries by Peru’s ILARIA during Lima Fashion Week in Lima, Peru. — AP photos

Inca, regional motifs inspire Lima Fashion Week

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lothes inspired by the Incas and other pre-Hispanic cultures and the distinct patterns of Peru’s regions have dominated the runways at Lima’s fashion week. The shows are highlighting the work of 16 Peruvian designers of clothes, jewelry and accessories as well as the collection of Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, who was invited as a special participant.

One dress presented by designer Sitka Semsh gave a contemporary spin to an Inca princess, while Ani Alvarez Calderon showed designs based on styles from the Puno and Lake Titicaca region. Amaro Casanova showed off a designed playing on the celebration of the Feast of Candlemas in the same area. Ruiz de la Prada, meanwhile, flooded the catwalks with bold color and patterns. — AP

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Singer Karen O of the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs performs. — AFP photos

KUWAIT: Tiffany & Co yesterday celebrated the opening of its flagship boutique in Kuwait’s most prestigious mall, The Avenues. Occupying 2,410square-feet in the Prestige district, the new boutique is the second-largest store for Tiffany & Co in the Middle List and the third location to be opened by the luxury jeweler in Kuwait. The flagship boutique will be operated by luxury retail group AlBisher & Al-Kazemi Company, Tiffany’s business partner in Kuwait since 1996.

“The opening of our flagship boutique in the Prestige district of The Avenues Mall marks a new era for Tiffany & Co in Kuwait and underscores the importance of the market to our regional growth strategy. With the legendary heritage of Tiffany & Co reflected in the new store design and the extensive collections of fine and statement jewelry now available, we are introducing an enriched Tiffany experience to our Kuwaiti customers,” said Laurent Cathala, Tiffany’s Vice President of Emerging Markets.

“We are very proud to open our doors in

ritish bands kicked off Southern California’s annual Coachella music festival on Friday, with Blur and The Stone Roses taking to the stage, while a surprise video from French duo Daft Punk had fans abuzz. Blur, who led a new wave of rock-infused Britpop in the 1990s and recently reunited after a six-year hiatus, brought their trademark nofrills style to the Coachella main stage on Friday evening. Lead singer Damon Albarn, who last performed at Coachella with animated music group Gorillaz in 2010, quipped about the sunny desert climate weather, saying: “A lot of our songs have been informed by our bad weather ... it’s very nice to enjoy your sunshine.”

The reunited band, formed by Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree, performed some of their best known hits including “Girls & Boys”, “Beetlebum”, “Coffee & TV” and the rabble-rousing “Parklife” and “Song 2”. Albarn also slowed the tempo with tracks such as “Out of Time” and “Tender”.

Blur were followed by The Stone Roses - comprising Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani and Reni - who kept the show going until past midnight at the festival, with hits including “I Wanna Be Adored” and a long rendition of “Fools Gold”. Known for springing surprises on the unsuspecting audience, Coachella has often produced moments in past festivals that captured media attention, such as a hologram of late rapper Tupac appearing on stage and performing last year.

Eager to keep the tradition of surprises alive, a teaser music video by Daft Punk shown prior to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ set on Friday had audiences excited for an appearance from the French duo, who were not on the Coachella line-up this year. The two-minute video showed R&B artist Pharrell Williams singing a new song by Daft Punk called “Get Lucky”, from their highly anticipated upcoming album “Random Access Memories”.

Teaser Daft Punk, formed by French musicians Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, last performed at

Kuwait’s most luxurious mall, and to celebrate this latest example of our successful partnership with Tiffany & Co,” said George Kalaydjian of Al-Bisher & Al-Kazemi Company. “Here customers will find the best of Tiffany design and craftsmanship in an environment created for their maximum comfort.”

Tiffany’s design heritage that sparkles in the world’s most beautiful jewels is reflected in a store environment of carved glass and marble, stainless steel and the glow of Tiffany Blue. Steeped in history and instantly recognized by its many facets of elegance and tradition, the boutique’s interiors are inspired by Tiffany’s iconic New York Fifth Avenue store and feature original motifs from the Tiffany Archives. Each design element is a tribute to ‘tiffany’s legacy of exquisite craftsmanship which spans more than 175 years.

This tradition is brilliantly revealed in diamond engagement rings that echo Tiffany’s reputation as the premier diamond authority. The jeweler outshines all others with the sheer charisma of its diamonds, patented cuts and exclusive settings found

Damon Albarn of Blur performs as part of the 2013 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Field yesterday in Indio, California.

Coachella in 2006 and in the United States in 2010, as a surprise guest for French band Phoenix’s show at Madison Square Gardens in New York.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs were one of the most-talked about bands on Friday as lead singer Karen O fronted a lively, dynamic and electric set, featuring their hits “Sacrilege”, “Maps” and “Gold Lion”. Earlier in the day, British artists such as James McCartney, son of former Beatle Paul McCartney, indierock quartet Alt-J, indie-folk singer-songwriter Jake Bugg and BBC Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong fronted Coachella’s many outdoor stages.

Other highlights included Modest Mouse, Passion Pit,

in the designs of the Tiffany Setting, Lucida and Legacy. Diamonds are also set in jewels of ultimate glamour and fashion, many in combination with vibrant and colorful gemstones.

In addition to its lustrous array of diamond jewelry in platinum and 18-karat gold settings, customers will discover the collections of exclusive Tiffany designers Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso, and Jean Schlumberger. Fine and statement jewelry also sparkle in the Tiffany showcases like the Victoria Collection in which marquise and round brilliant diamonds bloom like exquisite flowers.

Wrapped in the famous Tiffany Blue Box, an international symbol of excellence, these coveted creations honor a great legacy that has made Tiffany the premier destination for gifts, as well as jewels of legendary beauty and objects of desire that epitomize a life lived well.

Icelandic folk group Of Monsters and Men, Trent Reznor’s newest venture How to Destroy Angels and Canadian sister duo Tegan & Sara. The Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival is an annual three-day music event held in the desert of Southern California, and has become a launch pad for up-andcoming bands.—Reuters

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

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File photograph taken with a long exposure, Romanian Catholic worshipers attend a Palm Sunday religious service at the St Joseph cathedral.

This July 8, 2009 photo shows Romanian Orthodox nuns waiting outside the Stavropoleos church, built in 1724, in Bucharest, Romania. — AP photos

The Russian Church in Bucharest, Romania.

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t was founded by a shepherd, according to local legend, and was later nicknamed the Paris of the East. But Bucharest’s idyllic roots and elegant reputation eventually gave way to a series of 20th century calamities: war, invasions, earthquakes and communism. Today the Romanian capital is home to 2 million people, with a cityscape that ranges from rundown grandeur to communist monstrosities and sleek modernism.

Old villas, some dilapidated, from the pre-communist aristocracy, sit next to multirise office blocks and modern new villas many of which are empty due to recent economic troubles. But while Bucharest is messy, overcrowded and shabby in parts, it also hums with a cozy, vibrant and seductive Byzantine charm. Here are some places, all of them free, that help tell the city’s stories.

Revolution square If you want the drama of history, there is no better place to start than Revolution Square, where the final showdown between the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and the people took place. Ceausescu gave his last speech here in the final hours of his 25-year rule and was booed and jeered for the first time. Afraid of the angry crowds and his own army, which had begun to desert him, he fled the square from the roof of a Communist Party building by helicopter, the last time he ever saw Bucharest.

On Christmas Day, 1989, he and his wife Elena were summarily executed in the nearby city of Targoviste after a 55-minute trial.

Revolution Square saw some of the fiercest fighting as Ceausescu loyalists fired on unarmed demonstrators, and the building that housed the dreaded Securitate Communist secret police has been preserved. Prior to World War II, Romania was a monarchy. The royal palace (now the national art museum), where officials announced that Romania had switched sides from the Nazis to the Allies in 1944, is also in the square, as is the Athenee Palace, a legendary hotel that inspired a book about spies, diplomats, journalists during World War II, and the Cina restaurant, a top place for the latest gossip during World War II. For more cultural pursuits, there is the Atheneum, a neoclassical concert hall built in the late 19th century with a grand columned entryway and domed roof, considered one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.

Bellu cemetery Bellu is the city’s grandest and probably most overcrowded cemetery in a country where funerals and burials can be elaborate and very public affairs. The cemetery is also considered one of Europe’s most valuable, because its immense collection of sculptures constitutes a vast outdoor museum. Every Romanian academic, writer, scientist and musician of note is buried here. The cemetery is just south of the Heroes’ Cemetery, the final resting place for the 564 people who died in the 1989 revolution. Also buried here are national poet Mihai Eminescu, national playwright Ion Luca Caragiale, and the inventor and airplane builder Aurel Vlaicu.

Cismigiu gardens Bucharesters traditionally seek refuge in the city’s parks during the scorching summer months. Cismigiu is one of the city’s oldest gardens and a traditional meeting place for students, lovers and chess players. It boasts an artificial lake, a skating rink in winter, winding paths, a panoply of trees and shrubs and a memorial commemorating French soldiers killed in the city during

A statue at the Bellu cemetery in Bucharest.

World War I. It also appears in short stories written by Caragiale.

Churches Bucharest enjoys a rich multi-faith tradition, revived since 1989, with synagogues, mosques, and Romanian Orthodox churches in every neighborhood. There are also other Christian churches such as the Armenian Church, the Lutheran Church and the redbricked Anglican Church of the Resurrection, which turns 100 this year. Especially worth visiting are the Roman Catholic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, possibly the city’s grandest church, the 18th-century Stavropoleos Monastery, which has the largest collection of Byzantine music books in Romania, and the Russian Church, with seven gold domes, funded by Russia’s last czar, Emperor Nicholas II. A woman passing by the memorial for those killed in the 1989 anti The old city Once a rundown area, the old city or communist uprising in the Revolution Square in Bucharest.

Centru Vechi, which is basically all that remains of pre-WWII Bucharest, has in recent years become a vibrant quarter for entertainment and tourists, boasting antique shops, theaters, boutique hotels, restaurants, and bars, some of which stay open around the clock in the summer. You can see the neoclassical National Bank of Romania, Hanul lui Manuc, built in 1808, which is both a hotel and traditional Romanian restaurant, and the Caru cu Bere, surely Bucharest’s most famous and popular restaurant, with a spectacular interior that’s virtually identical to when it was built in 1875.

A final note: Getting around Bucharest is not free, but it’s cheap. One good thing Ceausescu did was build the subway, which transports passengers cheaply and efficiently around the capital. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, starting at 1.39 lei (40 cents ) a kiloPeople walking by the National Bank of Romania in the old part of meter (0.6 miles). — AP

A child in the Cismigiu gardens in Bucharest, Romania.

People walking in a passage in the old part of Bucharest.

Bucharest.

A woman taking pictures of the Stavropoleos monastery built in 1724, in the old part of Bucharest.

A statue at a grave at the Bellu cemetery in Bucharest.

Psy vows concert ‘shout out’ to North Koreans Page

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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013

Hong Kong actress Dada Chan holds the trophy for Best Supporting Actess in the movie ‘Vulgaria’ during the 32nd Hong Kong Film Awards yesterday. The annual awards are the Hong Kong equivalent to the Oscars and the British BAFTAS. — AFP/AP photos

Hong Kong actor Alex Tsui holds the trophy for Best New Performer in the movie ‘Cold War’.

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ounded in 1982, the Hong Kong Film Awards is one of the most well acclaimed awards in the Chinese film industry. There is, of course, the long-held tradition of putting a photo album prior to the awards, and for this the award nominees were invited for the photo shoot.

Hong Kong actor Chapman To (second left) and his wife Kristal (left), director Pang Ho Cheung (right) and Hong Kong actress Susan Shaw pose for photographers on the red carpet.

Hong Kong actors Sammi Cheng and Sean Lau pose with their trophy for being the best dressed on the evening.

Chinese actress Zhang Lanxin poses with Hong Kong actor Hong Kong actress Carina Lau and actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai Jackie Chan.

Chinese actress Joyce Feng

A total of 21 awards were presented at the 32nd Hong Kong film Awards, which took place yesterday at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Chinese actors Zhang Guo-li, right, and Xu Fan pose after winning the Best Film From Mainland And Taiwan award for their movie ‘Back To 1942’.

Hong Kong actress Deanie Ip