16th Jun 2013

CR IP TI ON BS SU

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Kuwaiti jihadist Al-Bathali killed in Syria

Protesters defiant; Erdogan delivers ultimatum

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SHAABAN 7, 1434 AH

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25 die as militants storm Pakistan hospital

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www.kuwaittimes.net

Brazil defeats Japan in opener

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Kuwait democracy on the line, oppn warns Court ruling could determine future of Kuwait

Max 44º Min 32º High Tide 05:12 & 16:10 Low Tide 10:48 & 23:03

By B Izzak

Rohani wins Iran presidential vote Reformist-backed cleric trounces conservative rivals DUBAI: Moderate cleric Hassan Rohani won Iran’s presidential election yesterday, the interior ministry said, scoring a surprising landslide victory over conservative hardliners without the need for a second round run-off. The outcome will not soon transform Iran’s long tense relations with the West, resolve an international crisis over its pursuit of nuclear power or lessen its support of Syria’s president in the civil war there - matters of national security that remain the domain of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

But the president runs the economy and wields important influence in decision-making. Rohani’s resounding election mandate could provide latitude for a diplomatic thaw with the West and more social freedoms at home after eight years of belligerence and repression under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was legally barred from seeking a third consecutive term. Celebratory crowds assembled near Rohani’s headquarters in downtown Tehran a few hours before his victory was confirmed.

“Long live reform, long live Rohani,” chanted the throngs, according to witnesses at the scene. “Ahmadi, bye bye,” they added in reference to Ahmadinejad, another witness there said.

Continued on Page 15

TEHRAN: Iranians celebrate the victory of moderate presidential candidate Hassan Rohani (portrait) in the Islamic Republics presidential elections in downtown Tehran yesterday. Iranian Interior Minister Mohammad Mostafa Najjar said Rohani won outright with 18.6 million votes, or 50.68 percent. — AFP

KUWAIT: The Constitutional Court is scheduled today to issue its long-awaited verdict on the controversy over Amir powers under article 71 of the constitution to issue “emergency” legislation in the absence of the National Assembly in a ruling described as “historical” and could determine the future course of democracy in Kuwait.

The controversy began last October when His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah issued a decree to amend the electoral constituency law of 2006 under which the number of candidates a voter can pick up was reduced from a maximum of four to just one. The opposition said the amendment was illegal and breached the constitution because there was no urgency in the matter and the government could have waited until elections were held and then asked the new Assembly to change the law.

The opposition also said the amendment allows the government to control the outcome of the election and thus has the ability to elect an Assembly of loyalists because it changed the sensitive electoral system. The government meanwhile insisted that the Amir has the right to issue legislation under article 71 of the constitution in the absence of the National Assembly. The controversy has been raging over the legal interpretation of the article and accordingly the powers of the Amir as per Article 71.

Article 71 of the constitution states the following: “Should necessity arise for urgent measures to be taken while the National Assembly is not in Continued on Page 15

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

LOCAL

1,700 drivers face probe over forged licenses: Ali Documents fabricated to obtain licenses KUWAIT: The authorities have planned to summon more than 1,700 drivers for questioning in the near future, after traffic department investigations revealed that the drivers had obtained their driving licenses through forgery, a local daily reported yesterday, quoting a senior Ministry of Interior official.

“Investigations over the past two months uncovered that such applicants obtained licenses after forging documents, in which they claimed to be Kuwait University students or workers, so as to qualify to apply for a license,” Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs

Major General Abdulfattah Al-Ali told Al-Rai recently.

Foreigners living in Kuwait need to meet certain requirements in order to apply for a driver’s license, including having a valid work visa, a university degree and a minimum salary of KD400 a month. An exception is made for students of public and private universities, as well as stay-at-home mothers, under certain conditions, such as when the husband is works in remote locations. However, Maj Gen Al-Ali had recently announced that such licenses will now be cancelled if the life circumstances of their

holders have changed - for instance, if a student has found a job after obtaining the license. Maj Gen Al-Ali warned that the individuals summoned could face charges of “forgery of official documents.” “Coordination with universities, the Immigration General Department and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has enabled the General Traffic Department to identify the forgers,” he said in statements published yesterday. He added that traffic police plan to pursue “drivers hired by families to work without having a driver’s license,” as part of the ongoing traffic campaigns.

Gulf Bank sponsors GUST Marketing Club KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced yesterday a year-long sponsorship of the students’ Marketing Club at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). The offi-

cial opening of the club took place on June 9 2013 at GUST’s premises by Sheikh Talal Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, Kuwait Petroleum Company ’s (KPC) Managing

Director Government, Parliament, Public & Media Relations and Najla Al-Essa, Executive Manager, Products and Segments at Gulf Bank.

Najla Al-Essa, Executive Manager, Products & Segments at Gulf Bank said: “Gulf Bank’s sponsorship of GUST’s Marketing Club falls under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy which is committed to youth development by assisting bright and enthusiastic young students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills for them to succeed in their future careers. “ The Marketing Club is a newly established students club that focuses on helping marketing and management students in their studies by assisting them to improve their overall understanding of marketing. During this year, Gulf Bank will be present on the university campus, promoting its red(tm) youth program which caters to university and college students in Kuwait. Students who are aged 17 to 24 years can open a red(tm) account, which requires no deposit and is available for both current and savings accounts with monthly interest payments.

KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud yesterday received two youth delegations representing the ‘Together’ and ‘We’re With You’ projects. During the meeting, Al-Humoud stressed that the formation of a special ministry for youth was ordered by HH the Amir to take care of the issues and aspirations of the youth because PAYS was more concerned with sport competitions and activities.

Sheikha Jawaher passes away KUWAIT: The Amiri Diwan mourned the death of Sheikha Jawaher Al-Malik AlSabah, widow of Sheikh Al-Malik

Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah. Sheikh Jawaher died at the age of 69 years and will be laid to rest today morning, 09.00 am.—KUNA

KPC reshuffles boards of several subsidiaries KUWAIT: The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Board of Directors decided to reshuffle boards of several subsidiaries and to appoint two new deputies of managing directors for the parent company.

The decision was taken by KPC Board at a meeting here yesterday under the chairmanship of KPC Deputy Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nizar Al-Adsani.

In statements to KUNA, Chairman of Kuwait Oil Tanker Company and KPC Managing Director for Government, Parliamentary, Public Relations and Media Affairs Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-

Sabah said the boards reshuffle is meant to cope with the commercial companies law, raise efficiency of targeted boards and uphold the concept of good governance.

He unveiled that the KPC Board has approved the appointment of Khaled AlOjael as managing director for financial affairs and Bassem Al-Issa as managing director for training. Moreover, Ahmed Almudhaf will be moved to the Kuwait International Petroleum Company, Sheikh Talal stated. Sheikh Talal added that the KPC Board also merged a number of departments to avoid duplication.— KUNA

TEC, VIVA celebrate World Blood Donor Day KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company organized an event on Friday in cooperation with VIVA Telecom to celebrate the World Blood Donor Day at the 25 Voluntary Club of the Kuwait Organ Transplant Society.

“The World Blood Donor Day is an occasion celebrated by organizations around the world, including the World Health Organization, which motivated us to host the event at the square near the Kuwait Towers,” TEC Public Relations and Marketing Manager Huda Al-Saleh said. Al-Saleh added that the TEC “organized several successful blood donation campaigns at its facilities around Kuwait.”

Huda Al-Saleh

Govt urged to ‘correct democratic path’ KUWAIT: Former MP Marzouq Al-Ghanim urged the government to “take all necessary steps to apply the correctives to the democratic path in Kuwait.” The statement came a day before the Constitutional Court is set to pronounce its ruling on the constitutionality of the electoral law’s amendment decree.

Al-Ghanim was one of liberals who joined the Islamists and the tribal politicians in boycotting last December’s elections held after an Amiri decree reduced the number of votes a citizen was entitled to cast from four to one. “My colleagues and I suffered and were victimized after we challenged the single-vote system as we believed that it violated the public’s expression will. At the same time, our decision to avoid other means of protest such as demonstrations and instigating the tribes put us at odds with the opposition,” he said in a statement Friday.

Notably, Al-Ghanim called upon the government to “open the door for public participation regardless of the Constitutional Court’s ruling.”“It is important that we all return to national work, and give top priority to Kuwait’s interest, safety and security,” he said.

Today’s expected ruling, critical in many ways, could lead to the parliament’s dissolution if the court finds the decree unconstitutional and orders for reverting to the old electoral system. On the other hand, the opposition has

announced that its plans to boycott the election will remain on even if the electoral system is upheld by the court. In the meantime, many argued that work proceeded at a snail’s pace in the parliament last week due to the fact that MPs were busy anticipating the ruling.

“The ruling must be honored if we want Kuwait to remain a country run by law and constitution,” MP Abdullah Al-Ma’youf told the AlJarida newspaper on Friday. He announced the result will be acceptable to him “regardless of how they impact the parliament’s fate,” and expressed faith in “the impartiality of Kuwait’s judiciary.”

MP Abdullah Al-Tamimi, meanwhile, called the ruling “a crucial stage in Kuwait’s history,” and said that the court is likely to uphold the emergency decree. In the meantime, MP Khalil Abdullah argued that a majority of Kuwaitis “will honor the Constitutional Court’s verdict.”

In other news, MP Ahmad Lari defended the so-called ‘populist’ draft laws which the government reportedly plans to reject, saying that the bills to increase social security allowances were meant to “lift the living standards of Kuwaiti citizens.” “It is clear that the government lacks vision as it has failed to provide a vision to resolve a KD50 billion budget deficit it claims is imminent by 2030,” Lari told Al-Rai newspaper on Friday. — Al-Jarida & Al-Rai

KDD to sponsor Ramadan exhibition KUWAIT: The Kuwait Danish Dairy company announced that it will be sponsoring the Ramadan exhibition featuring foodstuff and kitchen wares. The exhibition is being held and organized by Kuwait International Fair Co at the fairgrounds in Mishref from June 27 to July 9.

A large number of companies and organizations, both local and international, will be participating. The CEO of KDD, Wael Abbod, said that the company is keen to participate in this annual exhibition, since it is one of the premier exhibitions that act as a platform for marketing the national products.

This month’s activities will be coinciding with the month of Ramadan when everyone is getting ready to receive the holy month. “During this exhibition, we try to showcase our special products ranging from food products and dairy items, juices and other materials,” he said, and appreciated the meticulous way in which such a large exhibition was being organized, and in which huge numbers were expected to participate.

Abbod said that the KDD, established in 1962, was one of the pioneers in Kuwait and celebrated its 50th anniversary in the country and the region. Currently, it is working towards excellence by paying special care to quality and innovation, which propels it to the top among the pioneering companies in the region. The name KDD is a name trusted by all. The activities of the

company have expanded to cover several markets out of Kuwait, including the GCC states and even up to India.

Abbod said, “Our aim in participating in this exhibition is to introduce our new products to the consumers and to stay in touch with our clients to see what new products they would prefer.”

He said the KDD has added several production lines of modern equipment for packaging and filling, and that has helped the company double its production and improve its quality to compete with foreign products. He said the KDD brand name was one of the largest regional trade marks when it comes to dairy products and juices. The company is proud to have a work force comprising efficient employees in all departments, and a well experienced marketing team. The company puts out promotional offers, particularly special ones for the month of Ramadan, for the benefit of consumers. These offers would be available through all sales outlets like cooperative societies and special markets. He said that the competition between the locally produced items and imported products only leads KDD to achieve ever higher standards and specifications which eventually benefit the consumer. He concluded by inviting the people to visit the company’s stall at the fairgrounds in Hall No 4 to see for themselves “the high quality of our products.”

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

LOCAL

Kuwaiti fighter killed in Syria A Manchester trip changed Bathali’s life KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti jihadist died in Syria on Thursday while fighting alongside rebel combatants against regime forces, local dailies reported yesterday, quoting his family members who confirmed the news.

News about the death of Badr AlBathali emerged after his family opened their house for condolences on Friday.

His brother, Amer, told Al-Rai daily that the family had been aware of his joining the Syrian rebels ever since he went to the war-torn countr y six months ago.

“Bader headed to Turkey on January 19, a fe w d a y s a f t e r h e re ve a l e d t h a t h e planned to go to Syria for jihad,” Amer said from his house in Al-Sulaibik hat area.

Al-Bathali, who had a vision problem and needed corrective eyeglasses to see properly, was reportedly 32 years of age at the time of his death. He worked as an accountant at the M inistr y of Public Works before choosing to join Al-Nusra Front against the wishes of his family, who tried to talk him into sending donations instead. “He said ‘money alone is not enough, fighting is necessary,’” Amer recalled. While Al-Bathali’s jihadist views were never a secret to his family, his brother revealed that his attitude had s i gn i f i c a n t l y c h a n g e d a f te r a t r i p to Manchester, England where he met a multicultural group that changed his life.

“Badr grew up as an ordinary young man who enrolled in the Kuwaiti militar y

briefly after high school, before heading to Egypt where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting”, Amer said. “He applied after that to the Civil Ser vice Commission for a government post, and was eventually appointed at the Ministry of Public Works,” he added. However, during the waiting period, Al-Bathali headed to the United Kingdom where he sought to study English in order to take a TOEFL test. After a two-year stay, Badr returned to Kuwait with a changed attitude. “We were surprised to see that he had grown his beard and become religious. He told us that he embraced some new views after meeting a group consisting of young men from Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Algeria,” Amer explained.

Al-Bathali never got married and never bought a car. Instead, he used his first ever paycheck to fund the trip that saw him take a one-month military training course at the Turkish border before he crossed into Syria and fought until he died in the Hamah countr yside. “Badr called us sporadically in the early days after reaching Syria, mostly to reassure us about his safety and urge us to send donations,” Amer said. Al-Bathali reportedly started calling his family more often during the period before his death and often complained about the lack of financial support, saying that most donations go to “untrustworthy destinations.”

Al-Bathali continued to make phone calls now and then, until a fateful night in

which his brother received a phone call from Saudi Arabia. “I answered a phone call at around 5 pm on Thursday night, and it was a young man who identified himself as Abu Ali. He started reciting verses from the Holy Quran, at which point I realized my brother has fallen as a martyr,” Amer recalled. Al-Bathali’s bedroom was spartan: it had no TV, no computer, and no fancy bed. Yet, it had a large bookshelf filled with various Islamic publications, including books on jihad and accounts of life in the Guantanamo Bay prison. According to Amer, the last book Al-Bathali read was on Abdul-Aziz bin Rushaid Al-Enizy, a leading member of the Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

S e p a r a te l y, fo r m e r M P Wa l e e d A l Tabtabaei reportedly told a local daily that he plans to fight alongside the Free Syria Army in Syria. The former Islamist l aw m a k e r ’s re m a r k s c a m e a f te r h e attended a meeting of Muslim scholars in Cairo, in which he told Al-Watan that he had decided to join the efforts to “prepare [ jihadists] convoys from outside Syria.”

Al-Tabtabaei also said that he planned to enrol in one of the military outfits, although he did not specify a date or provide further details. In September last year, Al-Tabtabaei had visited the Idlib province in Syria and was photographed i n m i l i t a r y u n i fo r m w h i l e h o l d i n g a machine gun and standing near FTZ fighters. —Al-Rai

Plan to delete parts of grilling motion

KUWAIT: To commemorate the Philippines’ 115th Independence Day, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait headed by CDA-Consul General Atty Raul Dado, held a diplomatic reception at the Al-Baraka Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel on June 12, 2013. The reception was attended by various ambassadors, head of missions including the US Ambassador to Kuwait Matthew Tueller. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

KUWAIT: Informed sources in the parliament revealed that legal and legislative committee intends to recommend that the grilling motion filed against the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud be either cancelled or certain sections of the motion be deleted that were of doubtful constitutional validity.

The sources added that the MPs Dr Yousuf Zalzalah and Safa Al-Hashem, who

had filed the grilling motions, have no objection to deletion of certain parts of the grilling motion.

In the meantime, MP Nawaf Al-Fazia said that he will file a grilling motion against State Minister for Planning Affairs Dr Rola Dashti at the beginning of the next session.

He said the grilling motion would be about the infringements of employees’ rights in the supreme council for planning, and asking them to remain patient till then. The

current term is drawing to an end within the next few days.

He added that the grilling motion will include queries about the fourth annual growth plan and that he had asked the minister about financial violations in the Ministry of Planning and about amounts paid to foreign employees, but the minister had refuted these claims. He emphasized that he was convinced that it would be best to use constitutionally provided tools.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

LOCAL

In my view

In my view

Anti-fanatics in Kuwait

Law enforcement

By Abdallah Bwair

By Labeed Abdal

local@kuwaittimes.net labeed@kuwaittimes.net

B

efore the recent zealousness to enforce the law, we lived in fear all the time, afraid of stepping into the street since reckless driving had left many dead or injured. I don’t understand why so many people have been complaining these days about enforcement of the law, despite the fact that it has helped reduce accidents and traffic jams.

The Interior Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs Major General Abdulfattah Al-Ali is credited for commendable efforts that have curbed lawless behavior on the streets. Traffic police officers are continuing to launch extensive campaigns all around the country that have so far resulted in the arrest of many who were driving without a license.

Meanwhile, seven committees for examining vehicles have been formed in order to detect cars that lacked safety conditions. These vehicles will be impounded on the spot if they are found wanting.

I felt great satisfaction after reading a news report about an incident in which Maj Gen Al-Ali refused all pressures to make an exception and instead insisted that the law must be enforced equally. In that incident, Maj Gen Al-Ali ordered the deportation of an Asian driver who was caught jumping the red traffic light, and it was later revealed that he had committed 24 serious violations. After learning about what had happened, the driver’s Kuwaiti employer headed to Maj Gen Al-Ali’s office and attempted to mediate to secure the man’s release. The senior official rejected such efforts and told the employer that deporting the driver was in the best interest of his family, his own and everyone else’s safety. The employer refused to cooperate in protest, which prompted Maj Gen Al-Ali to contact the embassy of the driver’s country and obtain necessary travel documents. The driver was deported at the ministry’s expense, and the employer was required to pay double the cost of the travel ticket while his name was added to the Immigration General Department’s blacklist so that he is unable to hire a new driver.

On behalf of all the Kuwaitis, I would like to express my gratitude for Maj Gen Abdulfattah Al-Ali for his efforts to restore order on the streets in cooperation with the traffic department. We hope to see that the traffic campaigns continue and the law is enforced without any exceptions.

K

kuwait digest

Court ruling or reconciliation?

By Dr Ghanim Al-Najjar

T

he political enthusiasm in anticipation of the after the verdict seems rather an exaggeration constitutional court ruling on June 16 is hard to because our historic problem is the inability of the understand. The verdict which is yet to be issued regime to co-exist amidst complete democracy. The is already being described as historic and crucial and it constitutional court’s verdict may be different, but not is being said that Kuwait’s new history will start thence new. The sociopolitical conflict may continue regardonward, regardless of whether is for or against the sin- less of the ruling. Therefore, it will not be the end of gle vote electoral system decree. anything, whatever what the verdict is. Waiting for However, the fact is that we Godot, a tragicomic play by have been experiencing this Samuel Beckett that was historic dilemma ever since we The constitutional court’s ver- classified as the most imporushered in our constitution in theatrical work in the dic t may be different, but not tant 1962. Constitutional and dem20th century, speaks about ocratic violations had been new. The sociopolitical conflict Valdimer and Estragon who even more severe when may continue regardless of the impatiently wait for the unconstitutional laws were of someone called ruling. Therefore, it will not be the arrival brought in 1965, historic forGodot who never arrives. gery in 1967, unconstitutional end of anything, whatever what They go through various dissolution in 1976, the issue the verdict is. peculiar events while waitof package of unconstitutional ing but Godot never arrives. laws like that applicable to ralIt’s the same here with the lies, limiting the electoral constituencies to 25, bring- constitutional court verdict that is not expected to ing in constitutional amendments in 1982, another bring solutions. What is needed to pull ourselves out unconstitutional dissolution in 1986, imposition of his- of this situation is reconciliation. Beckett is the pioneer toric national assembly elections in 1990 and other of the theatre of the absurd and, to tell you the truth, I historic violations. could not find a better description of what is happenHence, saying that political life would be different ing in Kuwait - it’s all a mere absurdity. —Al- Jarida

uwait’s move to praise the United Nations Human Rights Council for its efforts in fighting racial discrimination, fanaticism and ill-will towards Asian workers, low paid laborers or others was a very welcome move that showed how the country remains responsible when it comes to its humanitarian obligations. A steadfast stand against discrimination and prejudice is a vital element that reflects positively on our country and must be the unshakeable pillar of our policy, irrespective of any topical issues.

Violations of human rights, or incidents in which these are being infringed, are happening all over the globe, but Kuwaitis must always choose to say: Not here please! Acknowledging such a public policy stance must not remain limited to statements made in front of a UN organization or other international bodies.

At a time when the whole world is getting ready to address big challenges and critical difficulties on financial and social levels, it is sorely needed that we turn out to be practical and real provider of remedies, especially to those actually victimized.

Comprehensive awareness and educational programs must be aimed at the younger generations in schools and mosques, at home and everywhere, coupled with enforcement of strict laws against discrimination and violation of human rights.

A legal and moral framework for such ennobling principles is already well provided in our constitution as well as religion, but we need to manifest these values in our society. Thus, the issue must be strongly highlighted. The people must absorb these high principles as their way of life, and we must never allow a feeling of ennui to set in where they become tired of finding out any wrong happening in Kuwait. We must live by the high ideals we proclaim.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

LOCAL

Kuwaiti royal was to be taken to Syria: Report Inside story of a botched kidnap bid in Lebanon KUWAIT: Two Syrian nationals were planning to kidnap a Kuwaiti royal from Lebanon and then whisk him to their war-torn country for ransom, a local newspaper reported yesterday quoting sources privy to the Lebanese authorities’ investigations.

The Kuwait News Agency released a statement Friday announcing that the Lebanese authorities managed to thwart an attempt to kidnap a Kuwaiti citizen in Bhamdoun Town, 23 kilometers east of Beirut. In this regard, AlQabas reported yesterday that kidnappers were loyalists of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime and planned to abduct 70-year-old Sheikh Jaber Yousuf Salman Al-Sabah from outside his vacation house. “The suspects rented an apartment opposite Sheikh Yousef Salman’s house and followed his movements,” said the sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. According to the sources, the authorities began preparing for the arrest after

a Lebanese man called police to report two Syrian nationals indulging in seemingly suspicious activity. The duo approached him and offered to rent his van. “A set up was orchestrated in cooperation with the Lebanese man and resulted in stopping the suspects while they were on their way to kidnap the Kuwaiti man using the rented van,” the source explained. One of the suspects managed to escape, while investigations with the other revealed that the two had planned to smuggle Sheikh Al-Sabah to Syria and then demand a ransom for his release, the sources added.

State of shock Meanwhile, Al-Jarida newspaper was able to contact Sheikh Yousef Salman’s wife, identified in the report as ‘Um Yousef’, who explained that her husband was still ‘in a state of shock’ as he was unaware of the operation that happened while he was taking his usual walk towards a

nearby mosque. The report also quoted an unnamed security source who narrated a different version of the circumstances leading to the arrest, stating that the operation was foiled “after one of the kidnappers, a Lebanese citizen, backed off at the last moment and reported the case.” Al-Rai newspaper reported that the successful operation to foil the kidnapping was a result of “security surveillance of visitors and foreigners residing in Lebanon.” It quoted a Lebanese security insider who preferred to keep his identity anonymous.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry had released a statement on May 26 calling upon Kuwaitis to leave Lebanon for safety reasons. Last August, Kuwaiti citizen Essam Al-Houti was kidnapped and released safely less than 72 hours later, after senior Lebanese officials refused to yield to the kidnappers’ demands and threatened strict retaliation if the hostage was harmed.

—Al-Qabas, Al-Rai & Al-Jarida

Municipality team checks validity of food products

KUWAIT: The ambassador of the Russian Federation Alexey Solomatin held on Thursday a reception at the embassy’s premises on the occasion of the National Day of his country. It was attended by diplomats and other dignitaries.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra

KUWAIT: A team of Kuwait City Municipality has carried out field inspection examining food products at stores in several districts in the governorate ahead of upcoming fasting month of Ramadan.

Faleh Al-Shemmari, in charge of the capital municipal branch, said in a statement yesterday the inspectors were instructed to ensure that vendors and fish traders abide by relevant laws on safety of the products. The teams have toured the districts of Al-Mubarkia in downtown Kuwait, which includes a large vegetable market, popular restaurants, food stores and a fish market, as well as Al-Rai and the beachfront areas.

These teams are carrying out daily tours covering all the food markets located in the Governorate, he added. They have been taking samples for laboratory examination from food warehouses to check validity, said Nassar Bin Lami, the food supervisor of the municipal branch.

Up to four fish vendors at the fish market in Al-Mubarkia have been shut, he said, adding that this punitive measure was also taken against three stores in Al-Rai and AlSharq. Citizens and residents can report about relevant breaches of the relevant laws and specifications to the municipality KUWAIT: A team of Kuwait City Municipality carrying out field inspections examining food products at stores. on the hotline 139. — KUNA

Police officer run over by fleeing fugitive KUWAIT: A police officer was seriously wounded after a fugitive he was trying to arrest ran over him in Hawally. The incident happened during an ambush late Thursday night to arrest a stateless resident wanted in a rape case. The man hit a policeman and drove away. The officer was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Al-Razi Hospital with multiple bone frac tures.

Investigations were on in search of the suspect.

NBK holds health awareness program for its employees KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait has recently organized a visit of the department of Nutrition at Dar Al-Shifaa Clinic for all its employees. Dietitians and specialized doctors from Dar Al-Shifaa Clinic were available at NBK’s Head Office and Arraya building for two days offering NBK staff free checkups, in addition to providing consultations and advice in order to raise the employees’ awareness about their health.

The visit aimed to educate the employees about achieving the perfect weight for each employee and raising awareness about serious threats caused by being overweight. Dietitians offered employees a diet plan, regular medical checkups, regular blood pressure tests and regular weight checkup, in addition to providing consultations and advice on how to maintain the weight lost. This initiative comes as part of a comprehensive program aiming towards building up health awareness amongst NBK employees and avoids future health problems.

NBK goes far beyond banking to serve the community in myriad ways. This initiative demonstrates NBK’s lasting commitment to the community. NBK strongly supports health care awareness. Throughout the years, NBK also organized several social awareness programs including Blood Donation drives and Breast Cancer awareness campaigns.

KJA lauds coordination among Arab journalists KUWAIT: The level of cooperation amongst Arab journalistic organizations at the 28th International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Congress had led to significant impact on decisions taken during the event, said an official from Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) here Wednesday.

After returning from the IFJ Congress which was held Dublin, Ireland, head of KJA delegation to the meeting, Adnan Al-Rashed, told KUNA that coordination among Arab delegations led to the approval of several significant resolutions. He noted that the Congress, which witnessed the participation of 111 countries, saw the re-election of IFJ’s Jim Boumelha as President in addition to other Arab officials, a result of coordination amongst Arab, African, and Asian coordination efforts.

Despite the advent of a strong European coalition, said Al-Rashed, the Arab, African, Asian, and Southern American coordination helped in passing several resolutions aimed at amending the IFJ statute. Among such amendments was increasing the number of women representatives participating in journalistic delegations, said Al-Rashed. — KUNA

Armed brawl I nve s t i g a t i o n s a re o n i n s e a rc h o f s u s pects who engaged in an armed scuffle following a traffic dispute in Al-Wafra recently.

Police rushed to the scene after a shooting incident was reported, but the suspects had escaped by that time. According to eyewitnesses, the fight started when two vehicles were being driven reck lessly and collided

with each other. A case was filed.

Man stabbed A man was hospitalized after he was stabbed in a fight reported recently in Al-Oyoun. Police and paramedics rushed to the spot where a fight was reported happening. They found a man bleeding from a head wound and rushed him to the Jahra Hospital. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fight started when the victim confronted the driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) who was making rounds across his house.

The driver returned with other suspects and attacked the man using a cleaver. Investigations were on to trace the suspects.

Officer assaulted A policeman and his father assaulted a First Lieutenant who was looking into a molestation

case reported recently in Salmiya. The case was filed by a Kuwaiti man who accused an eightyear-old boy of molesting his seven-year-old son. Police contacted the father of the accused child and summoned them for investigations.

When the man arrived, First Lieutenant Abdullah Al-Fadhl invited him to his office where the complainant was waiting, and hoped to resolve the issue amicably. The negotiations did not go as planned, however, and soon enough a Lance Corporal came inside the office and identified himself as the older brother of the accused child.

An altercation ensued when the First Lieutenant tried to stop the Lance Corporal from escorting his brother out of the police station. The officer, along with his father, was arrested after they physically assaulted the First Lieutenant, whereas the accused boy was referred to the Juveniles Prosecution Department for investigations.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

LOCAL

Politics, media blamed for low-key municipal election Only 57 candidates in race for July 7 poll

VIVA bags 3 awards at Insights Middle East Call Center Awards KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing telecom operator, announced that it has been awarded the ‘Best Small Help Desk’, and ‘Call Centre Manager of The Year’ and ‘Best Call Center Photography’ at Insights Middle East Call Center 2013 Awards; the only Call Centre dedicated, Professional Services Organization in the Middle East. The awards ceremony was held on 4 June 2013 in Dubai.

The helpdesk staffs dedication to responding to and meeting customers’ needs and requests has been translated into excellence, that is worthy of the ‘Best Small Help Desk’ award. These teams are the front face of the company, and we are proud to be represented by each and every one of them.

The ‘Call Centre Manager of the Year’ award won by Munther Al-Saleh, VIVA’s Call Center

Manager, represents the team of professionals who are committed to guiding and directing VIVA customers, ensuring a complete and enjoyable service when in need. The award further reflects VIVA’s success through effective leadership and focused strategic planning. The ‘Best Call Center Photography’ award represents the company’s creativity in transforming its call center into a place where requests are happily met. Being the energetic and engaging company it is, VIVA is keen to maintain a creative eye even inside its premises and especially in its call centers.

Commenting on this occasion, Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Badran VIVA’s CEO said: “We are very proud to be presented with these honorable awards, which reflect the continuous and invaluable efforts made by each and every member of the VIVA family. This success is not traced back to an individual but to a team of experts who understand the importance of delivering a fulfilling service.It is an honor to have these efforts recognized regionally by such a renowned entity. I would like to congratulate the teams and VIVA on a job well done.”

The awards were presented by Dominick Keenaghan, CEO and President of Insights Middle East and received by Munther Al-Slaeh from VIVA telecommunications.

Rashidi vows to enforce law KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Thekra Al-Rashidi ordered that three charitable foundations be shut down for repeated violations, including one that reportedly collected donations to buy firearms for rebel fighters in Syria without permission, a local newspaper reported yesterday.

“I came to the ministry to enforce the law and will not allow (the law) to be breached,” AlRashidi told Al-Rai that sought her to confirm the reports. “Our procedures are meant to enforce the law against foundations that com-

mit serious violations or indulge in activities for which they are not licensed for,” she further explained. Meanwhile, a ministry insider revealed that one of the foundations affected by the decision belonged to a former lawmaker and another was “owned by a famous Muslim preacher.” “Minister Al-Rashidi signed the closure orders after examining inspection reports which revealed violations serious enough to require the minister’s intervention,” said the source who spoke to Al-Rai on the condition of anonymity. — Al-Rai

KUWAIT: Academics and citizens shared similar views that the Municipal Council’s elections had less of an allure when compared to National Assembly elec tions, attributing their viewpoints to reasons pertaining to politics and media treatment that swayed the normal citizens from really focusing on the council.

Speaking to KUNA on separate occasions, the academics and citizens said that the political dialogue and hype at parliament made more impact among normal Kuwaiti citizen that the technical rhetoric witnessed at the Municipal Council which is more concerned with providing advice on matters within infrastructure and planning.

Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University (KU) Dr Ayed Al-Mana said that the popularity of the National Assembly elections overshadowed the Municipal Council equivalent especially when considering the low turnout and lack of interest in candidacy at the 17-seat council, only 57 hopefuls are running for a seat during the election on July seventh. Al-Mana said that

statistics had shown that participation in the Municipal election had been low key compare to the National Assembly elections, noting that the average turnout was at 40 to 50 percent in previous Municipal elections. The Professor also indicated that the Municipal law of 2005 had also contributed to hindering the role of the Municipal Council, making it more of an “advisory” entity rather than a council with real presence on the ground. Similarly, Professor of media studies at KU Dr Mnawer Al-Rajeeh said that the media coverage of the Municipal elections was less prominent and almost like an “afterthought”.

The recent hectic political dialogue in the country also exhausted voters’ energy and for obvious reasons, any individual would be less enthusiastic to keep interest in “another election,” said Al-Rajeeh. Also commenting about the media lack of interest, employee at the Ministry of Public Works Jassem Al-Ranndi blamed the media for presenting the Municipal Council elections as inferior to its parliamentary counterpart.

Australian sheep industry hosts sheep meat seminar KUWAIT: The Australian sheep industry last week ran a training seminar highlighting best practice techniques including the role of government and quality assurance to ensure optimal meat quality and hygiene. The seminar, presented by Meat and Livestock Australia, provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about preparing and processing sheep meat, improving hygiene and abattoir procedures.

Australia is the world’s leading live sheep and sheep meat exporter and at this seminar a panel of expert speakers discussed systems and new technologies used in Australia to optimize meat quality whilst maintaining food hygiene and safety. Following these presentations the audience had the opportunity to select topics of interest from an exhaustive list of elective topics. Ambassador Robert Tyson welcomed participants in the seminar, and stressed the longstanding importance of the livestock and meat trade to

Australian farmers and Kuwaiti consumers. He praised the close and friendly cooperation between Kuwaiti and Australian industry colleagues around the table, commenting that their positive approach ensured positive outcomes.

Dr David Beatty, Livestock Services Manager-MENA, Meat & Livestock Australia, commented: “This was an important seminar in which our key speakers and myself were able to impart extensive knowledge and experience whilst updating delegates on new techniques. Through seminars such as these, and collaborating with our colleagues in the Middle East, we hope to develop a best practice approach to processing and preparing sheep meat which ultimately benefits the consumer.”

The seminar covered topics from Australian meat quality production systems and factors effecting meat quality through to research in processing, chilling and retailing meat.

“The Municipal Council’s responsibilities is no less that the National Assembly because the council is concerned with the state’s planning framework as well as infrastructure,” said Al-Ranndi.

Expressing frustration over the issue, bank ing sec tor employee M onira AlHumaidan said that Municipal Council elections around the globe garnered more interest from the public; however, the case is different in Kuwait. Al-Humaidan said that holding the election at a time when most people are vacationing also might have led to the decline in popularity in the upcoming elections.

Reflecting on the situation, College student Hadi Al-Ajmi blamed the 10 constituencies system for the lack of interest in Municipal Elections. The Municipal elections system did not develop in the last five decades which led people to be feel disinterested towards it, said Al-Ajmi who demanded change to the election system in order make it fair to woman and independent candidates to run for a seat.—KUNA

Water reserve ‘safe’ KUWAIT: Kuwait is confident about its ability to meet the increasing demand for water as temperatures are gradually increasing at the onset of summer. In this regard, a senior Ministry of Electricity and Water official reassured that the state’s strategic water reserve was “safe and secure” and the ministry would be able to to go ahead with its plans to address the summer’s challenges.

“Water level in the reserve fluctuates depending on a number of factors such as maintenance as well as production surplus,” Undersecretary Ahmad Al-Jassar said in a press statement. The ministry uses the strategic reserve to add to the daily production if and when consumption levels exceed production. In this regard, AlJassar explained that the amount withdrawn is compensated on days when production exceeds consumption. Meanwhile, Al-Jassar reiterated the importance of the North Zoor power plant project for the ministry’s future plans to meet electricity and water demand until 2030. “The project’s tender has been awarded as per correct standards, and it is important for the project to go forward in order to meet the expected increase in demand that is caused by structural expansion,” AlJassar added.

A parliamentary committee has recently recommended that the project’s contract be reconsidered due to alleged violations in the tendering process. — Al-Qabas

DUSHANBEH: President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon with visiting Kuwaiti media delegation.—KUNA

Tajikistan seeks to cement ties with Kuwait: Rahmon DUSHANBEH: President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has affirmed resolve to cement relations with the State of Kuwait at various levels particularly in the economic and commercial sectors.

Rahmon said during a meeting with a visiting Kuwaiti media delegation that he would seek, during his upcoming visit to Kuwait expected in the end of this month, to open new horizons for economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

Shedding some light on his country’s resources in which investment cooperation could be established with Kuwait, Rahmon noted that the country is particularly rich in drinking water, estimated at 60 percent of the potable water resources in Central Asia, in addition to agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables and livestock.

Tajikistan views Kuwait as a “partner for achieving progress and development,” the president said during his reception of the Kuwaiti delegation, expressing satisfaction at the level of the ties between the two friendly states.

Moreover setting as tangible indication of the close bilateral ties, Rahmon underlined recent reciprocal visits by Kuwaiti and Tajik economic and media figures to the two countries.

There are feasible prospected ventures in Tajikistan, namely in the fields of power, tourism, agriculture, he said, urging for Kuwaiti investment in these fields by Kuwaiti public or private authorities. The Government of Tajikistan furnishes foreign entrepreneurs with all needed facilities, providing them with an adequate business environment that ensures mutual interests, he added, in his

further encouragement for Kuwaiti businessmen.

In his lengthy talk about the lucrative business environment in his country, the president noted that there are four free trade zones in the Central Asian nationtwo operating. The country, since independence, has established a free economic-financial system designed to boost commerce and secure all possible facilities for exports and imports. Furthermore, the president noted that some of the elite ancestors had contributed to the Islamic civilization, with scholars namely Imam AlBukhari and Abu Hanifa. The Kuwaiti delegation, on a mission in the nation as prelude to the president forthcoming visit to Kuwait, includes representatives of the Ministry of Information, Kuwait News Agency and Kuwait Journalists Association. —KUNA

New law attracts KD2bn FDI KUWAIT: Kuwait received offers from foreign investors that reached over KD2 billion in total after the parliament passed a law to allow direct foreign investment in the Gulf state, a local daily reported yesterday quoting a government insider.

Speaking to Al-Qabas on the condition of anonymity, the source identified offers from Boeing and “an Indian steel company” among those forwarded in nearly a month since the law

was passed.

The law stipulates establishing an authority ‘with a legal personality’ and named the Direct Investment Encouragement Authority. It will have broader authorities and much clearer mechanisms to license projects for foreign investors as opposed to current procedures that have to go through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The main purpose of the law is to attract foreign investors by

eliminating or at least reducing bureaucratic steps needed for licensing and contract signing which often have to go through multiple state departments. It was seen as a necessary step to boost economic development and create an attractive environment for investment in a region where foreign investment is heavily found in places like Dubai and Qatar where investors can enjoy more friendly procedures. — Al-Qabas

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Turkish PM rails at ‘plot’ behind Istanbul protest

Attacks in Pakistan leave 25 dead

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65 Syrian officers, 6 generals defect Syria pounds rebels; Russia cautions against no-fly zone BEIRUT: Syrian artillery and warplanes pounded rebel areas in Damascus yesterday as President Bashar Al-Assad’s foes pleaded for advanced weapons from the United States, which has promised them unspecified militar y aid. Western powers have been reluctant in the past to arm Syrian insurgents, let alone give them sophisticated antiaircraft missiles that might fall into the hands of Sunni Islamist insurgents in rebel ranks who have pledged loyalty to Al-Qaeda. Free Syrian Army (FSA) commander Salim Idriss said that rebels, who have suffered setbacks at the hands of Assad’s forces in recent weeks, urgently needed anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles, as well as a protective no-fly zone.

“But our friends in United States, they haven’t told us yet that they are going to support us with weapons and ammunition,” he said after meeting US and European officials in Turkey. A source in the Middle East familiar with US dealings with the rebels has said planned arms supplies would include automatic weapons, light mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. Russia, an ally of Damascus and fierce opponent of outside military intervention, warned yesterday against any attempt to enforce a nofly zone over Syria using F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense missile systems from Jordan.

“You don’t have to be a great expert to understand that this will violate international law,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference with his Italian counterpart in Moscow. Western diplomats said on Friday the United States was considering a no-fly zone over Syria, but the White House said later that it would be far harder and costlier to set up one up there than it was in Libya, stressing that the United States had no national interest in pursuing that option.

Outgunned rebels have few ways to counter Assad’s air power. The pro-

opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said jets and artillery had attacked Jobar, a battered district where rebels operate on the edge of central Damascus yesterday. It said

gle mass desertion from Assad’s military in months. The United Nations says at least 93,000 people, including civilians and combatants, have died in the Syrian civil war, with the

White House said it had proof the Syrian military had used chemical weapons against opposition forces.

Abu Nidal, from the Islamist Ahrar AlSham rebel group, said US help was

Abu Nidal’s faction is not part of the more moderate FSA, Washington’s chosen channel for military aid, but he said the two groups fight alongside each other on the bat-

FALLUJAH: Masked Sunni protesters wave Islamist flags during an anti-government rally in Fallujah, Iraq. The leader of Al-Qaeda’s Iraq arm, Abu Bakr AlBaghdadi, defiantly rejected an order from the terror network’s global command to scrap a merger with the organization’s Syria affiliate, according to a message purporting to be from Al-Baghdadi that was posted online yesterday.— AP heavy ar tiller y was also shelling monthly death toll averaging 5,000 in welcome, but questioned how effec- tlefield. “We are not at odds with the tive it would be. “I doubt the influx of Free Syrian Army now. We fight in one opposition fighters in the provinces the past year.

On Thursday, a US official said weapons will significantly tip the bal- formation,” the Islamist fighter said. of Homs, Aleppo and Deir Al-Zor. A Turkish official said 71 Syrian army President Barack Obama had author- ance into our favor,” he said via Skype. Other opposition sources have also officers, including six generals, had ized sending US weapons to Syrian “They might help push back regime voiced skepticism over what type and quantity of arms the United States defected to Turkey, in the biggest sin- rebels for the first time, after the offensives of the last few days.”

Political turmoil at home, Obama heads to Europe WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama heads to next week’s summit of world leaders in Northern Ireland burdened by a messy domestic political landscape and distracting controversies. The latest one - about a leaked global surveillance program - has outraged people abroad and could cast a shadow on his trip. The question is whether the growing political battles will affect Obama’s standing at a G-8 summit of leading industrial countries, where he now will be dealing with reactions to his decision to arm Syrian rebel forces after a US finding that President Bashar Assad’s regime has used chemical weapons.

The decision should put Obama more in line with Europeans who made similar findings weeks ago. It also sharpens the differences with Russian President Vladimir Putin, an Assad supporter, who will also attend the summit.

Obama travels to Northern Ireland and later to Germany as he struggles on the domestic front. Despite his convincing victory in November, an improving economy and his stillrespectable popularity numbers, his second-term agenda has stalled. An effort at gun control failed in the Senate, and his bid for a grand bipartisan bargain to cut government spending without harming the neediest Americans seems dead. His last big hope for a big legislative win rides on an overhaul of immigration laws. Yet it’s hard to keep lawmakers focused on immigration or much else with Obama on the defensive over a series of controversies.

Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, have been denouncing the administration’s actions surrounding a terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, last year that killed the US ambassador and three other Americans. Beyond that, Obama’s Justice Department took the unusual step of subpoenaing phone records of The Associated Press without prior notification and obtaining a search warrant to secretly gather emails of a Fox News journalist. That prompted an uproar over what many critics saw as a violation of constitutional protections of press freedom.

Now comes the leaked information about the National Security Agency, the largest US spying organization, collecting the details of telephone records of Americans, and two NSA programs that purportedly target foreign messages including private emails, voice and other data transmissions sent through US Internet providers. The NSA operations on foreign communications traffic might cause trouble for one of Obama’s top goals at the G-8 summit. The president hoped the G-8 leaders could announce the start of negotiations on a sweeping free-trade agreement to eliminate tariffs on trade with the European Union. European Parliament members, elected representatives from the 27-nation EU, now want language on data protection written into any possible deal.

Hannes Swoboda, a Socialist leader in the European Parliament, said the surveillance showed that the US “is just doing what it wants.” At the same time, however, Germany’s interior minister, Hans-Peter Friedrich, confirmed that his government regularly receives tips from the United States on Islamic extremists - and he doesn’t expect the Americans to tell him where they got the information. —AP

would deliver.

The surface-to-air missiles that rebels say they need to ward off Assad’s air force are particularly worrisome for Western powers as they could be used against commercial jets. Since the anti-Assad revolt erupted in March 2011, Western nations have demanded the Syrian leader’s ouster, but have not used force as they did to back Libyans fighting Muammar Gaddafi. Inter vening against Assad is considered riskier because Syria has a stronger military, sits on the sectarian faultlines of the Middle East, and is supported by Iran and Russia, which has vetoed three UN Security Council resolutions on Syria.

Yet an apparent shift in the militar y momentum in Assad’s favor, especially with the arrival of thousands of fighters from Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, has made his swift removal look unlikely without outside inter vention.

However, Israel’s defense minister suggested the pendulum could still swing the other way, despite the capture this month of Qusair, a former rebel stronghold near the Lebanese border. “Bashar Al-Assad’s victory in Qusair was not a turning point in the Syrian civil war, and I do not believe that he has the momentum to win,” said Moshe Yaalon, who is visiting Washington.

“He controls just 40 percent of the territor y in Syria. Hezbollah is involved in the fighting in Syria and has suffered many casualties in the battles, and as far as we know, it is more than 1,000 casualties,” Yaalon said in a statement. “We should be prepared for a long civil war with ups and downs.” It was not immediately clear why the group had deserted.

Just hours ago, the United States said it would arm Syrian rebels, having obtained proof that Assad’s forces used chemical weapons against fighters tr ying to end the president ’s rule.—Reuters

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

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

Iran’s Rowhani pledges to engage with the world TEHRAN: Hassan Rowhani, the bearded cleric who is leading the pack in Iran’s presidential election, is a moderate who has pledged to engage more with world powers in hopes of easing crippling economic sanctions. Rowhani, who headed Iran’s nuclear negotiating team in the early 2000s under reformist president Mohammad Khatami, has been an outspoken critic of outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, accusing him of needlessly antagonizing the international community. The 64-year-old has said there will be “no surrender ” to Western demands in talks on Iran’s controversial nuclear program but has promised a more constructive, less adventurist approach.

The lone cleric among the six candidates approved to stand in Friday’s election, Rowhani benefited from the withdrawal from the race of the only other moderate in an original field of eightKhatami’s reformist first vice president Mohammad Reza Aref. That and endorsement by both Khatami and his moderate conservative predecessor Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani enabled Rowhani to win the votes of reformists and moderates alike even though he is a member of the conservative Association of Combatant Clergy.

While Rowhani has won the endorsement of key reformers, he has been careful throughout the campaign to keep his distance from the reformist standardbearers of the last presidential election in 2009, both of whom remain under house arrest after claims of fraud sparked months of mass protests. When pictures of one of them, former prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi, were displayed at one of his rallies and prompting several arrests, his campaign put out a statement condemning “any improper action” and asking everyone to respect the law.

A committed suppor ter of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, even before the 1979 revolution, Rowhani has held a succession of leading posts.

He served as a member of parliament from 1980 to 2000, when he became a member of the Assembly of Experts, the body that supervises the work of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. From 1989 to 2005, he served as secretary of the supreme national security council, Iran’s top security post, and remains a council member. He prides himself on maintaining good relations with Khamenei, who has the final say in all strategic

matters, including nuclear policy.

As nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005, Rowhani oversaw a moratorium on uranium enrichment, the process at the heart of Western concerns over Iran’s ambitions. That won him the respect of his European interlocutors and the monicker “diplomat sheikh”. But the policy, which was abandoned after he quit, earned him the derision of hardliners who accused him of “falling under the spell of the tie and after-shave” of then British foreign minister Jack Straw.”

Rowhani chose a key as his campaign symbol, telling a campaign rally: “This is the key to solving Iran’s problems.”

“I have come forward to save Iran’s economy and forge a constructive interaction with the world through a government of wisdom and hope,” he said when he announced his candidacy. “This administration made fun of sanctions, deriding them as scrap paper, while we could have avoided them or to some extent reduced them.” EU and US sanctions that have bitten over the past two years have sent the inflation rate soaring to more than 30 percent as the rial has lost nearly 70 percent of its value against the dollar.

Rowhani has vowed to restore diplomatic ties with arch-foe the United

States, which cut relations in the aftermath of the 1979 seizure of the US embassy by Islamist students. He has also pledged that “discrimination against women will not be tolerated” by his administration. Married with four

children, Rowhani holds a doctorate in law from Scotland’s Glasgow Caledonian University, according to his official CV. He was born in 1948 in the town of Sorkheh, near Semnan, southeast of Tehran. —AFP

TEHRAN: Iranian women cross a street a day after the presidential election in Tehran yesterday. —AP

Turkish PM rails at ‘plot’ behind Istanbul protest Protesters refuse to leave despite concession

SINCAN: Supporters waving Turkish flags listen to a speech by Turkish prime minister during a rally in Sincan yesterday. —AFP

SINCAN: Turkey ’s prime minister lashed out yesterday at what he called the “plot” behind the biggest street protests in his 10-year tenure, in a boisterous speech to tens of thousands of flag-waving party faithful.

Supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan converged in Sincan, a suburb of the capital Ankara that is a stronghold of his Justice and Development Party.

The rally came just hours after protesters in Istanbul’s Gezi Park defied Erdogan’s warning that they must leave, vowing to press on with a twoweek sit-in that has galvanized demonstrations around the country.

“Over the last 17 days, I know that in all corners of Turkey, millions and billions have prayed for us,” Erdogan said, as he moved about the stage.

“You saw the plot that was being carried out, the trap being set.” He said they represented the “silent masses.”

“You are here, and you are spoiling the treacherous plot, the treacherous attack!” he said, insisting unspecified groups both inside and outside Turkey had conspired to mount the protests centered on Istanbul - and that he had the documents to prove it.

The crowd chanted in response: “Stand straight, don’t bow, the people are with you!” A violent police crackdown on what began as an environmental protest over a redevelopment plan at Gezi Park has sparked a much broader expression of discontent about Erdogan’s government, and what many say is his increasingly authoritarian manner of governing.

Erdogan, who was elected with 50 percent of the vote for his third term in 2011, vehemently rejects the accusations. But the protests put some of the greatest political pressure on him in his 10-year tenure.

Erdogan has previously said that yesterday’s rally of supporters and another planned Sunday in Istanbul were not designed as “an alternative” to the demonstrations at Gezi Park, but part of early campaigning for local elections next March. In his speech, he focused on some protesters who have clashed with polices - at time by throwing stones and firebombs.

“There is no breaking and burning here, we are people of love,” Erdogan

said. “If people want to see the real Turkey, they should come here to Sincan.”

Erdogan already has offered to defer to a court ruling on the legality of the government’s contested park redevelopment plan, and floated the possibility of a referendum on it. But concessions over the park seem to no longer be enough. Earlier this week, Erdogan ordered the adjacent Taksim Square to be cleared of protesters.

Police moved past improvised barricades on Tuesday, firing tear gas and rubber bullets and using water cannons to fend off small groups of demonstrators throwing stones, bottles and firebombs. Tear gas was also fired through the trees into the park, although the protesters were not removed.

Taksim Square itself returned to normal right after the end of the police operation early Wednesday.

Traffic returned, the protest banners and flags were taken down, and cafes set up their chairs and tables outside again. At night, demonstrators still spill out from the park down the steps, while riot police keep watch from the edges. Tayfun Kahraman, a Taksim Solidarity member who met with Erdogan in last-ditch talks that lasted until the pre -dawn hours Friday, said the protesters had agreed to continue their sit-in at Gezi Park after holding a series of discussions about their response to the pledges made by Erdogan.

“We shall remain in the park until all of our democratic rights are recognized,” he told The Associated Press, insisting that four key demands laid out by protesters in the talks had not been met. The group has demanded that apart from the park being left intact, anyone responsible for excessive police force must resign or be fired, all activists detained in the protests should be released, and the police use of tear gas and other nonlethal weapons be banned.

“As of today, with the dynamism and strength that comes from the struggle that has spread to the whole country, and even the world, we shall continue the resistance against all kinds of injustice and victimization in

our country,” Taksim Solidarity said in a statement posted on its website and later read out in the park. The group didn’t say explicitly that it would remain in the park. As the statement was read out, many among the gathered crowd clapped and began shouting, “This is just the beginning - the struggle continues!”

Although the most prominent group to emerge from the protests, Taksim Solidarity doesn’t speak for everyone occupying Gezi. With many protesters saying they have no affiliation to any group or political party, many could make individual decisions on whether to stay or leave. But there were few signs of anyone intending to pack up yesterday afternoon, and the daily activity in what has become a tent city continued with little indication of change. Deliveries of bottles of water and food arrived, people lined up for servings of lunch, while others cleared garbage and swept the paths clean after the morning rain.

According to the government’s redevelopment plan for Taksim Square, the park would be replaced with a replica Ottoman-era barracks.

Under initial plans, the construction would have housed a shopping mall, though that has since been amended to the possibility of an opera house, a theater and a museum with cafes.

Protesters angered by the project began occupying the park last month, but the police crackdown on May 31 saw the demonstrations spread to dozens of cities across the country. In recent days they have concentrated on Istanbul and the capital, Ankara.

The anger has been fanned because riot police have at times used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse mostly peaceful protesters. Five people, including a police officer, have died and thousands of people have been injured, denting Erdogan’s international reputation. Earlier yesterday, President Abdullah Gul wrote on Twitter that “everyone should now return home,” insisting that “the channels for discussion and dialogue” have opened - an apparent reference to the talks between Erdogan and a small group of delegates from the protest.—AP

‘Deadly’ rocket attack on Iran exiles near Baghdad BAGHDAD: A deadly attack struck a camp near Baghdad housing Iranian exiles yesterday, the UN said, the second such assault on the group this year as its members await resettlement outside Iraq. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack involving at least half a dozen mortar rounds, which came as Iran tallied ballot papers from yesterday’s presidential election there.

“I can confirm that there was a deadly attack,” Eliana Nabaa, spokeswoman for the United Nations mission in Iraq said. “We don’t have the figures but yes, people were killed and injured.” A police colonel, speaking on condition of anonymity, put the toll at three dead and 11 wounded from six mortar blasts. Shahriar Kia, a spokesman for members of the People’s Mujahedeen Organization of Iran, or the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), at Camp Liber ty, said two

people were killed-one woman and one man.

More than a dozen “missiles” hit the camp, setting fire to multiple trailers, he said. Kia criticized the United Nations for not agreeing to move Liberty residents back to their original base at Camp Ashraf near the border with Iran. Yesterday’s attack was the second assault this year on Camp Liberty, which has some 3,000 residents. In February, dozens of mortar rounds and rockets fired at the camp killed six people, according to the US State Department. MEK members were moved to Camp Liberty late last year at Iraq’s insistence from Ashraf, their historic paramilitary camp of the 1980s.

Camp Ashraf was the base that now-executed dictator Saddam Hussein allowed the group to establish in Diyala province during Iraq’s eightyear war with Iran. The MEK was founded in the 1960s to oppose the shah of

Iran, and after the 1979 Islamic revolution that ousted him it took up arms against Iran’s clerical rulers. It says it has now laid down its arms and is working to overthrow the Islamic regime in Iran by peaceful means. Britain struck the group off its terror list in June 2008, followed by the European Union in 2009 and the United States in September last year.

The US State Department holds the group responsible, however, for the deaths of Iranians as well as US soldiers and civilians from the 1970s to 2001, and in its note about delisting the MEK it stressed it had not forgotten the group’s militant past. A senior US official said at the time that Washington does “not see the MEK as a viable opposition” within Iran. MEK members in Iraq are in the process of being resettled. Most recently, 14 left last month for Albania, which has offered to take in more than 200 people. —AFP

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

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

Reaction ‘cool’ to arms plan for rebels in Syria WASHINGTON: The Obama administration hopes its decision to give lethal aid to Syrian rebels will prompt other nations to increase assistance, now that the US has cited evidence that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its people. But the international reaction ranged from flatout disbelief of the US intelligence assessments to calls for negotiation before more weapons pour into the vicious civil war.

The administration says it has “high confidence” that President Bashar Assad’s forces have killed up to 150 people with sarin gas. Although that’s a tiny percentage of the approximately 93,000 killed in the civil war so far, the use of a chemical weapon crosses President Barack Obama’s “red line” for escalating US involvement in the conflict and prompted the decision to send arms and ammunition, not just humanitarian aid and defensive non-lethal help like armored vests and night goggles.

The administration’s plan heading into the Group of Eight meeting of industrialized nations beginning Monday is to use the chemical weapons announcement and Obama’s decision on arms to persuade Russia, Syria’s closest ally, to increase pressure on Assad to send a credible negotiating team to Geneva for talks with the opposition.

In addition, Obama is expected to use the G-8 meeting and discussions on the sidelines to further coordinate with the British, French and potentially others an increase of assistance - lethal, non-lethal and humanitarian - to the rebels, the political opposition and refugees. In a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, UN Ambassador Susan Rice on Friday said the United States has determined that sarin was used in a March 19 attack on the Aleppo suburb of Khan al-Assal and in an April 13 attack on the neighborhood of Shaykh Maqsud. She said unspecified chemicals, possibly including chemical warfare agents, were used May 14 in an attack on Qasr Abu Samrah and in a May 23 attack on Adra.

Ban, however, voiced opposition to the US decision to send arms to the Syrian rebels. The UN chief said no one can be certain chemical weapons were used without an on-the-ground investigation. Increasing the flow of arms to either side “would not be helpful,” he said. US officials have not disclosed any details about the weapons they intend to send to Syria or when and how they will be delivered. According to officials, the US is most likely to provide the rebel fighters with small arms, ammunition, assault rifles and a variety of anti-tank weaponry such as shoulder-fired rocketpropelled grenades and other missiles.

As of Friday, however, no final decisions had been made on the details or when it would reach the rebels, according to the officials, who insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal administration discussions with repor ters.

Obama has consistently said he will not put American troops in Syria, making it less likely the US will provide sophisticated arms or anti-aircraft weapons that would require large -scale training.

Administration officials are also worried about high-powered weapons ending up in the hands of terrorist groups.

Hezbollah fighters are among those backing Assad’s armed forces, and AlQaeda-linked extremists back the rebellion. The lethal aid will largely be coordinated by the CIA, but that effort will also be buttressed by an increased US military presence in Jordan. US officials say Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is about

to approve orders that would leave roughly a dozen F-16 fighter jets and a Patriot missile battery in Jordan after ongoing military exercises there end later next week.

That would result in several hundred more US troops staying in Jordan to support the fighters and missiles, in addition to the approximately 250 that have been there for some time. The added military troops and equipment are designed to increase stability in the region and are not part of the effort to train Syrian rebels or take part in any offensive operations in Syria, the US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about the details. The biggest hurdle for the US strategy remains Russia, a major weapons supplier to Assad.

President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said Friday that Moscow doesn’t believe the US finding on chemical weapons. “I wouldn’t like to draw parallels with the famous dossier of Secretary of State Colin Powell, but the facts, the information presented by the US didn’t look convincing,” he said. The comment indeed drew a parallel with Powell’s speech to the UN asserting pre-war Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, a claim that proved false. Ushakov also suggested that sending weapons to the opposition would diminish Moscow’s interest in negotiations in Geneva.

“If the Americans make and fulfill a decision to provide a greater assistance to the rebels, to the opposition, it’s not going to make the preparations for an international conference on Syria any easier,” he said. Obama’s deputy national security adviser, Ben Rhodes, acknowledged the differences that remain between US and Russia on the Syrian crisis. Despite their disagreement over chemical weapon use, the US will continue to talk to the Russians about ways to achieve a political settlement in Syria, considered the best option by all. “ We have no illusions that that ’s going to be easy,” Rhodes said, adding that Obama and Putin would meet next week. Getting Western allies to increase support for the rebels won’t necessarily be easy, either. British Prime Minister David Cameron has said he there is credible evidence of “multiple attacks” using chemical weapons by Assad’s fighters, but indicated that Al-Qaedalinked elements in the opposition movement had also attempted to acquire chemical weapons for probable use in Syria.

Still, he restated the government’s position that no decision had been taken to arm moderate rebels opposed to Assad. The Obama administration says it has no evidence the opposition has used chemical weapons. French President Francois Hollande told reporters Friday that the use of chemical weapons by Assad “confirms that we must exercise pressure on the regime.”

But Foreign Ministr y spokesman Philippe Lalliot would not say whether the US claim of chemical weapons adds momentum to arming rebels.

The US has so far provided $250 million in non-lethal military and political aid to the Syrian opposition. The Obama administration has already told Congress that $127 million of this aid is in the pipeline. State Depar tment spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Friday the administration now has notified Congress that the remaining $123 million in assistance, including body armor and other equipment such as nightvision goggles, is beginning to move to the Syrian rebels.— AP

Egypt military to deploy troops ahead of protest Morsi opponents want early presidential vote CAIRO: Egypt’s military will not allow violence during protests against President Mohamed Morsi that his opponents have planned for June 30, the first anniversary of the Islamist leader’s election, a state newspaper said yesterday. “Security forces from the armed forces and the military police will deploy on all main roads” on June 28 “to secure vital installations and public facilities”, Al Gomhuria said, quoting a military source.

“The armed forces will not allow any confrontations that could lead to violence or drive the country into a spiral of blood during the June 30 protests,” it said. “We are not with one side against another side.” Accusing Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood backers of seeking to dominate Egypt, the opposition is demanding early presidential polls to cut short his four-year term.

Islamist supporters of Morsi plan to hit the streets on Friday in what they have billed as a rally against violence. The street protests are expected to be Egypt’s biggest since the second anniversary of the uprising against Hosni Mubarak on Jan. 25, when anti-Morsi unrest turned into days of violence. Morsi’s most extreme critics have been urging the army to remove him from power, demanding the type of intervention that led to Mubarak’s downfall at the peak of the 2011 uprising. The army has signaled it intends to stay out of politics.

Last month, the head of the army, General Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, said: “No one is going to remove anybody,” adding that the army was not the solution to Egypt’s political problems. Citing the military source, Al Gomhuria said tools at the army’s disposal ranged from imposing a curfew to

martial law, “especially if matters slip out of control and red lines are crossed that threaten Egyptian national security”. The Egyptian army spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

The military deployed in January in cities near the Suez Canal during the second anniversary protests. The violence was exacerbated by a court ruling sentencing to death 21 soccer fans from Port Said over a soccer stadium disaster in 2012. The Republican Guards also deployed outside the presidential palace in December to separate protesters when violent, anti-Morsi protests erupted there.

The Islamists accuse the opposition of seeking to unseat an elected leader through undemocratic means. The opposition, made up mostly of liberal and leftist parties, says Morsi has betrayed promises to govern through consensus.— Reuters

UN peacekeeper killed as Sudan base bombed KHARTOUM: Shells hit a United Nations base in Sudan’s troubled South Kordofan state on Friday killing one Ethiopian peacekeeper and wounding two others, officials said.

Residents suspect stray fire hit the base and that anti-government rebels had targeted a football stadium to be used for a regional tournament starting on Tuesday.

Khartoum accuses neighboring South Sudan of backing the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) rebels in South Kordofan.

Tensions between the two have escalated this week, endangering a vital oil deal. “I condemn this shelling, which killed one peacekeeper and injured two others,” UN leader Ban Kimoon said, urging Khartoum and the SPLM-N to immediately cease hostilities and resume ceasefire negotiations. A UN Security Council statement “condemned in the strongest terms” the attack and called on the Sudanese government to “bring the perpetrators to justice.” The three Ethiopian victims are part of the UN’s

Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), a nearby area disputed by Sudan and South Sudan, the UN said.

UNISFA has a logistics base in Kadugli. Ban said two shells hit the office of a joint Sudan-South SudanUNISFA unit tasked with monitoring a border buffer zone.

Sudan last Sunday said it was freezing an oil deal, a buffer zone pact and seven other deals with South Sudan over alleged backing for rebels. The SPLM-N has been fighting Sudanese forces for two years in South Kordofan, which the UN says faces a major humanitarian crisis. The rebels could not be reached for comment on Friday but they have periodically shelled Kadugli since late last year, causing some fatalities. After the attack, about 20 staffers from various UN agencies in Kadugli sought protection at the World Food Program office, WFP spokeswoman Amor Almagro said.

Rebels last targeted Kadugli in late April when they fired on the airport area. “The funny thing is that this

was the safest area in Kadugli,” one resident told AFP, asking for anonymity. “I think they were targeting the stadium and the police base near the stadium.” Another resident said he heard heavy weapons fire at the same time as the shelling and the aim was to “disrupt” the CECAFA Club Cup tournament. Kenyan champions Tusker were scheduled to play in the opening day match in Kadugli but announced on June 6 that they were pulling out because of safety fears.

Kadugli is co-hosting the tournament with El Fasher in Sudan’s wartorn Darfur region. Tanzania’s government warned two teams from that country against travelling to Darfur for their matches. South Kordofan state governor Ahmed Haroun told worshippers at a Kadugli mosque on Friday that CECAFA “will continue”, said a resident who was at the mosque. Sudanese state security officers this week refused an AFP reporter permission to travel to Kadugli for the football matches.

Friday’s attack comes a day after

Sudan’s army blamed Darfur rebels allegedly backed by South Sudan for an explosion and fire in an Abyei oil pipeline. Both South Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) insurgents denied any involvement.

JEM accused the government itself of being behind the attack. The oil ministry on Friday said the line was already being reconstructed. JEM belongs to the Sudan Revolutionary Front rebel coalition with the SPLMN, which is also fighting in Blue Nile state. Analysts say the coalition humiliated authorities with recent attacks before Khartoum’s petroleum ministry on Tuesday formally told oil companies to block exports of South Sudanese crude within 60 days.

Under a peace deal which ended a 22-year civil war, South Sudan separated in 2011 with most of Sudan’s oil production. The export infrastructure remains under northern control.

Khartoum will not allow the South’s export revenue “to be used in support of rebels against Sudan”, President Omar Al-Bashir said.— AFP

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

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

Mandela in hospital ‘prison’, angry bodyguard laments JOHANNESBURG: Nelson Mandela is a very lonely man, one of his bodyguards said yesterday, accusing the ailing antiapartheid icon’s medical team of controlling visits like prison guards. As South Africa and the rest of the world held its breath a week after the revered 94-yearold was hospitalized, Shaun van Heerden spoke out against the team run by army Surgeon-General Vejay Ramlakan. “At times it felt like he was back in prison,” Van Heerden said.

The bodyguard said he was “given leave” by his employers over accusations he leaked the place where Mandela was being treated to the media. Before he was checked in last week to receive treatment for a recurring lung infection, in what appeared to be the most serious in a string of recent health scares, Mandela was receiving medical care from his Johannesburg home. Van Heerden charged the medical staff surrounding Mandela often curtailed the frail statesman’s freedom by imposing unnecessarily tough restrictions on visits.

“Even before he was admitted few people were allowed to see him. Some

of his old friends were denied access,” he alleged. Van Heerden also accused members of the medical team of being “starstruck” and overstepping their duties when around Madiba, often posing for pictures with him. “I have witnessed cases where some of them shoved copies of his book, The Long Walk to Freedom, into his hands for him to sign.” “That is amazing, and I did not like it,” he said.

Van Heerden who worked as Mandela’s bodyguard for nearly 10 years described him as a “gentleman who seriously cares about those around him”.

Security has been beefed up at the specialist private facility in Pretoria where Mandela was checked in on June 8, with police searching vehicles and people going in. Details about his exact condition have not been released, but officials say he is receiving “intensive care”. On Thursday President Jacob Zuma said Mandela’s health “continues to improve” but his “condition remains serious”, after visiting in hospital for the first time.

His eldest daughter, Zenani, who is South Africa’s ambassador to Argentina, as well as his daughter Makaziwe and his

ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and current wife Graca Machel have visited him almost daily. Van Heerden believes however that “Mandela is a very lonely man.” He said he would have loved to see some of his friends from the struggle days allowed access to him. “When he was at home he should have been allowed visits from old friends, but they were not allowed,” he said. “Surely, measures can be put in place if they fear that people from the outside might bring infections.”

Last week Zuma’s spokesman Mac Maharaj denied media reports that his family had issued an order limiting the flow of visitors at Mandela’s bedside, including leaders of the ruling ANC. Maharaj said authorities wanted “to create a conducive environment for his recovery”. It is Mandela’s fourth hospital stay since December, leading to a growing acceptance that the much-loved father of the “Rainbow Nation” may be nearing the end of his life. Although Mandela has long since left the political stage and has not been seen in public since 2010, he remains a towering symbol in South African public life. — AFP

QUNU: A view of the Mandela Gravesite from a hill above Qunu, where the burial of 97-year old Florence Mandela, a relative of former South African president Nelson Mandela, was taking place yesterday. Florence Mandela died on the June 1, 2013 a week before Nelson Mandela was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on June 8, with a recurring lung infection. One of Nelson Mandela’s bodyguards has accused his medical team of isolating the ailing icon. — AFP

Pope urges French MPs to shun legislative ‘fashions’ Pontiff taps trusted prelate to oversee Vatican bank

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama greets guests at a Father’s Day luncheon at the White House in Washington. — AFP

Obama wants reforms on child support laws Kids need dads’ presence WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is reflecting on the hole left in his life by the absence of his father, calling for reforms of child support laws for dads to be more present for their kids. “There will never be a substitute for the love and support and, most importantly, the presence of a parent in a child’s life. And in many ways, that’s uniquely true for fathers,” Obama said in his weekly address released Saturday.

He spoke ahead of Father’s Day, celebrated Sunday in the United States, and used the occasion to rekindle the national conversation on fatherhood he launched during his first term in 2009 that especially took aim at minority youths and men.

Children who grow up with an absent father-a particular problem in minority communities in inner cities-are said to be more likely to go to prison, drop out of school, have substance abuse problems or become teenage parents themselves. “I want to do what I can as president to encourage marriage and strong families,” Obama said.

“We should reform our child support laws to get more men working and engaged with their children. And my administration will continue to work with the faith and other community organiza-

tions, as well as businesses, on a campaign to encourage strong parenting and fatherhood.” Obama endured a childhood mostly with an absent Kenyan Dad, and in many ways launched his political career through his memoir “Dreams from My Father,” in which he traced his own ancestry and described his upbringing.

He often credits his mother-who died of cancer in 2008 — and his late grandmother and grandfather with key roles in his meteoric rise to the pinnacle of political life. “I still wish I had a dad who was not only around, but involved; another role model to teach me what my mom did her best to instill-values like hard work and integrity, responsibility and delayed gratification-all the things that give a child the foundation to envision a brighter future for themselves,” Obama said. He acknowledged that being a good parent isn’t easy, regardless of the circumstances. “To this day, I’m still figuring out how to be a better husband to my wife and father to my kids,” the president said. “If we can do our best to be a source of comfort and encouragement to our kids, if we can show them unconditional love and help them grow into the people they were meant to be, then we will have succeeded.” — AFP

Putin’s foe picked for Moscow mayor post MOSCOW: Russia’s top opposition figure Alexei Navalny faced the uphill battle of getting on the ballot for Moscow mayor yesterday after being nominated for the post by other leaders of the country’s nascent protest movement. The 37-year-old lawyer by training became the star of the street protests that erupted in Moscow more than a year ago by giving some of the most fervent speeches against President Vladimir Putin’s 13-year-rule. He drew everlarger crowds through charisma and simple slogans that branded the ruling elite as “the party of crooks and thieves”-a catchphrase that has even been mentioned on Kremlincontrolled television.

Navalny also won a strong Internet following by blogging about corruption and even starting a movement devoted to unearthing particularly startling examples of lavish state spending on lawmakers and ministers. His nomination for mayor came late Friday at a meeting of the RPR-Parnas party-a tiny group that includes former prime minister Mikhail Kasyanov. “Alexei Navalny has officially been nominated for Moscow mayor,” his spokeswoman Anna Veduta tweeted. “A total of 88 Parnas activists voted in favor of the candidacy.

There were eight against,” tweeted fellow protest leader Ilya Yashin.

Navalny now faces the tough task of collecting the 73,021 signatures necessary for registration on the September 8 ballot against Kremlin-backed Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Some 110 of these have to come from the 1,810 deputies serving various functions in Moscow district governments.

But Navalny’s chances are complicated to a

much greater extent by a series of criminal hearings that have been launched against him in recent months. Their total has reached about half a dozen and Navalny himself has jokingly said that he has lost count of how many years in jail he may potentially face.

The most serious-and the one on trial now-involves the alleged theft of a piece of forest that belonged to a regional Russian administration where Navalny once served as an informal adviser. There have already been 13 court hearings in the Kirov region that have forced Navalny and his team to travel outside Moscow and defend their case. Navalny faces up to 10 years in jail if convicted in that case. News of his candidacy exploded across the Russian social networks and even drawn support from the self-exiled Moscow economist Sergei Guriyev-residing in Paris since last month.

The prominent economist and former government adviser headed the prestigious Russian School of Economics until he decided to flee because of the constant hounding of investigators. Guriyev said he was being pressured for co-authoring a report on the jailed tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky that concluded that the famous Kremlin critic’s conviction on money laundering and embezzlement charges was unfair. Putin has called Guriyev’s selfexile his personal decision and denied that he was being persecuted for supporting Khodorkovsky in the highly controversial case. Guriyev said he and his wife Yekaterina Zhuravskaya-a fellow financial expert-planned to draft Navalny’s economic program. — AFP

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis urged French members of parliament to shun “fashions” in legislation, a day after the pontiff spoke out against gay marriage. “Your role... consists in proposing laws, amending them or even repealing them,” the pontiff told a delegation of MPs from France, adding that it is “necessary... to inject them with something more, a spirit, a soul which does not just reflect fashions and ideas of the time.” The laws should “provide the indispensable quality which raises and ennobles the human person,” the 76-year-old said.

On Friday, Francis praised the head of the Anglican Church, Justin Welby, for his stance against gay marriage. Francis urged Welby to continue proclaiming “the importance of the institution of the family built on marriage, a value that you yourself have had occasion to recall recently.” France, which celebrated its first official gay marriage at the end of May after months of sometimes violent protests, “is a nation towards which the eyes of the world often turn,” he told the lawmakers.

“The lay principle which governs relations between the French state and various religious faiths should not in itself mean a hostility to religious reality, or an exclusion of religions from the social arena and the debates which animate it,” the pontiff said. The Argentine said the Church “wants to make a specific contribution to the deep questions which lie behind a more

complete vision of the person and his destiny.” It hopes to make such a contribution not only on “anthropological or societal” issues but also “in political, economic and cultural domains,” he said.

In another development, Pope Francis took his first major step in reforming the troubled Vatican bank yesterday by tapping a trusted prelate to help oversee its management, in a sign he wants to know more about its activities.

Francis signed off on naming Monsignor Battista Mario Salvatore Ricca as interim prelate of the Institute for Religious Works. It’s a key job that has been left vacant since 2011: The prelate oversees the bank’s activities, attends its board meetings and, critically, has access to all its documentation.

The prelate reports to the commission of cardinals who run the bank and is currently headed by the Vatican No 2. That gives Ricca a virtually direct line to the pope. Ricca is currently director of the Vatican hotel where Francis lives and other Vatican-owned residential institutes for clergy.

They include the Domus Internationalis Paulus VI, the central Rome residence where the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio always stayed on visits to Rome and where he famously paid his bill and bid farewell to the staff the day after he was elected pope.

Technically the appointment was made by the commission of cardinals, headed by Cardinal

Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state. But the Vatican statement announcing the appointment made clear Francis had approved it, an indication that it was something Francis either initiated himself or strongly supported. Right before resigning, Benedict XVI named German aristocrat and financier Ernst von Freyberg as IOR president, filling a vacancy that had been left open for nine months following the remarkable ouster of Italian banker Ettore Gotti Tedeschi for alleged incompetence.

Von Freyberg has said the bank’s main problem is its reputation, not any operational shortcomings. The Council of Europe’s Moneyval committee, however, says otherwise. The committee, which helps member countries comply with international norms to fight money laundering and terrorist financing, gave the Vatican bank several poor or failing grades in its inaugural evaluation last year.

Cited were problems concerning conducting proper customer due diligence checks and reporting suspicious transactions. Vatican officials say six such transac tions were flagged last year and another seven so far in 2013. But the customer checks are only now getting underway, even though the Vatican pledged to Moneyval that they would be completed by December 2012. The Vatican must submit a progress report to Moneyval in November. — Agencies

Czech president adds to pressure on PM to quit LIDICE: Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas came under renewed pressure to quit yesterday over charges that a close aide abused her powers, after the country’s president - a political rival - said he believed the allegations were well-founded. The government has been in turmoil since prosecutors charged Prime Minister Petr Necas’s aide, Jana Nagyova, and seven other people as part of the biggest sweep against suspected political corruption in two decades.

When asked whether he thought the centre-right cabinet led by Necas should stay in office, President Milos Zeman said: “I consider the charges that have been brought to be very serious.” “After hearing from the chief of police and the supreme state attorney, I am coming to the conclusion that they are based on sufficient evidence,” he said in his first remarks since a series of police raids on government offices this week. “This is an indirect but clear answer to your question,” he said at a ceremony north of the capital to commemorate Czech victims of the Nazi occupation.

In a speech to lawmakers on Friday, the prime minister dismissed the allegations and said he would stay on.

He said he had done nothing dishonest and had no reason not to trust Nagyova. The centre-left opposition has called a no-confidence vote, possibly on Tuesday, and Necas’s fate now depends on whether the smaller parties in his coalition stand by him. The leader of one junior coalition partner told Reuters on Friday her confidence in Necas was “below freezing point”, but said she would take the weekend to consider the party’s options.

COURT HEARINGS A court in the eastern city of Ostrava was deciding whether Nagyova would be kept in custody. It ruled earlier yesterday that three of the eight defendants would remain in custody, and said it would decide on the others, including Nagyova, later. If the court decides to hold her, it will be an indication it believes the prosecutors at least have a credible case.

Prosecutors said Nagyova illegally asked military intelligence to follow three people and offered posts in state companies to parliamentary deputies in exchange for them abandoning a rebellion against the government.

Necas said on Friday the agreement with the political rivals was a standard political deal and should not be seen as anything criminal.

The Czech Republic emerged as a beacon of liberty after former dissident Vaclav Havel led the 1989 “Velvet Revolution” against Communist rule. But since then, successive governments have been mired in scandals and sleaze, while law enforcement has failed to bring any high-profile convictions. Czechs are confronted daily with evidence of what they believe is pervasive corruption, including well-connected businessmen living in plush villas, and a steady stream of media reports about kickbacks and padded government procurement deals.

The investigation into Nagyova and others was unusual because it showed a willingness by police and prosecutors to strike at well-connected people. — Reuters

KABANGA: Helen Sekalima holds her infant, Jessica, at the Kabanga Protectorate Center in Kabanga, Tanzania. Of Helen’s nine children, three have albinism. All three live in the center. — AP

Tanzania albinos cry for govt help KABANGA: As an infant in rural Tanzania, Angel Salvatory was unusual. Snow white skin, blond hair, and blue eyes set her apart from others in her village. Those unique looks have also made her a target. “Her father thought she was a gift from God,” says Salvatory’s mother, Bestida Simon. “One that he could use to get riches.” Since surviving an attack led by her father, Salvatory has spent the past four years living in the Kabanga Protectorate Center, a government safe house for people living with albinism.

“Angel’s father led a group to attack her.

He had wanted to attack her since she was 3 months old. He thought if they’d take Angel to a witch doctor as a sacrifice that they could get rich,” Simon said. Burning in the daylight and hunted in the shadows, having albinism is often a death sentence in East Africa. In Tanzania, one out of every 1,400 people has albinism, a genetic condition characterized by a lack of pigment in the body. That compares to a global average of one in 20,000 people according to Under the Same Sun, a Canada-based albinism advocacy group.

The group says that more than 100 people with albinism have been physically attacked in Tanzania since 2006, including 71 who died. Albinos are widely seen as a source of magic in Tanzania’s traditional communities. Long in danger and neglected in their own country, albinos in Tanzania now have a bit of hope for increased government assistance. In April members of

Parliament heard emotional testimony that moved some to suggest making sun screen tax free, and Parliament voted to donate part of their salary to the cause. Severin Edward, a program officer with the Tanzania Albino Society, noted that parliament promised to set aside funds for the special needs of people with albinism and that the country’s prime minister said the government has agreed to grant special priority to court cases involving albinos, to bring about justice faster.

“This is the good point to start,” Edward said by email last month. A government census done in 2012 could reveal the exact numbers of albinos in Tanzania. The portion of the census regarding people with disabilities, including albinos, is expected to be released in 2014. In Tanzania, albinos are often referred to as ghosts, or zero zero, which in Swahili signifies someone who is less than human. Legends here suggest that that even when an albinos is killed, he or she never really dies. Brutal attacks against albinos are often led by witch doctors who use albino body parts in potions they claim bring riches. In response, the government began placing children and adults with albinism into safe houses. Although they may be physically protected in the centers, many there feel imprisoned. In 2008 the government of Tanzania suffered a rash of negative stories by Western journalists about the killings of albinos, said Peter Ash, founder of Under The Same Sun. — AP

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

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

House votes to block Obama plan to close Guantanamo Defense bill sets $638 billion for Pentagon WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives passed a massive defense bill on Friday that includes measures to block President Barack Obama’s plans to close the Guantanamo Bay prison, underscoring the tough fight ahead for the White House as it seeks to shutter the controversial detention camp. The Republican-controlled House voted, 315-108, for the $638 billion National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes money for weapons, troops and the war in Afghanistan.

But it also addresses a range of policy matters, including this year’s efforts to combat sexual assault in the military and provisions intended to prevent the closure of the prison camp at the base in Cuba. Despite a hunger strike by at least 104 of the 166 prisoners and appeals from Obama that the prison is too expensive to maintain and a recruiting tool for anti-American militants, the House voted, 249-174, to defeat an amendment calling for its shutdown by the end of 2014.

Lawmakers also voted to prevent the transfer

to Yemen or the United States of any of the prisoners, captured in counterterrorism operations after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks, although more than half have been cleared for release during US military and intelligence reviews. Obama, who had pledged during his 2008 presidential campaign to shut down the Guantanamo prison, had his counterterrorism adviser, Lisa Monaco, call legislators this week in a last-ditch effort to build support for closing the base.

LESS RESISTANCE IN SENATE The House vote does not end Obama’s hopes of shutting down the prison. The Senate must still pass its version of the massive National Defense Authorization Act, and then the two will be reconciled before being submitted to Obama, who has threatened to veto the House version of the bill. There is less resistance to closing Guantanamo in the Senate, where Obama’s fellow Democrats hold a slim majority. A handful of Republicans, including Arizona’s influential Senator John McCain, also want it shut.

The Senate Armed Services Committee’s version of the bill - which still faces a vote in the full Senate - would give the defense department more flexibility to close the Guantanamo prison.

Lawmakers have been demanding changes in the way the military deals with sexual assaults after a spate of high-profile cases. A Pentagon study last month also showed that unwanted sexual contact, from groping to rape, jumped 37 percent in 2012, to 26,000 cases from 19,000 the previous year.

The bill passed by the House also included measures to change the way the military deals with sexual assault but stopped short of taking control of those cases away from the chain of command. Instead, it includes a range of provisions including one setting minimum sentences of two years’ imprisonment and dishonorable discharge for those convicted of such crimes, authorizing a study of how commanders deal with sexual assault cases and another barring commanders from overturning sex assault convictions. — Reuters

Ex-inmate tells of force-feeding GUANTANAMO: For more than three months, the US military has faced off with defiant prisoners on a hunger strike at Guantanamo Bay, strapping down as many as 43 each day to feed them a liquid nutrient mix through a nasal tube to prevent them from starving to death.

The standoff, which prompted President Barack Obama to renew his call to close the detention center, has grown to involve 104 of the 166 prisoners as of Friday, and may be nearing a crisis point.

Yet the experience of a former detainee demonstrates that a hunger strike at Guantanamo can be as indefinite as the open-ended detention that is at the heart of essentially every conflict at the military prison. The men undergoing forced-feeding aren’t permitted to speak to journalists, but Ahmed Zuhair knows what the experience is like. Until he was released from US custody in 2009, he and another prisoner had the distinction of staging the longest hunger strikes at the prison. Zuhair kept at it for four years in a showdown that at times turned violent. The military

acknowledges a “forced cell extraction team” was repeatedly used to move him when he refused to walk on his own to where striking detainees were fed. He says his nasal passages and back are permanently damaged from the way he was strapped down and fed through a nasogastric tube. Court papers show that Zuhair once racked up 80 disciplinary infractions in four months, refusing to be force-fed among them, and that he and fellow prisoners smeared themselves with their own feces for five days to keep guards at bay and protest rough treatment.

Zuhair, a former sheep merchant who was never charged with any crime during seven years at Guantanamo, stopped eating in June 2005, and kept up his protest until he was sent home to Saudi Arabia in 2009. “Not once did the thought occur to me to stop my hunger strike,” he says now. “Not once.” Zuhair spoke to The Associated Press in a telephone interview along with his lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, a law professor at City University of New York. The 47-

year-old Zuhair lives with his wife and children in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. He said he doesn’t get much news about Guantanamo in Saudi Arabia but that the world should not be surprised that prisoners are back on strike. “The men there today are going through the same experience and they are suffering just as much, and so they probably will not stop either,” he said. Since the prison opened in 2002, seven prisoners have committed suicide. It’s the policy of the US Department of Defense to try to keep strikers alive. The feeding procedure is considered safe and its use has been upheld by the courts, said Navy Capt Robert Durand, a spokesman for the detention center. The medical personnel who conduct the feedings lubricate the feeding tubes, offer anesthetics to the prisoners and have rules for nasal rest to prevent long-lasting damage, Durand said. “We think there are adequate safeguards in place to make it as pain-free and comfortable as possible,” he said.

“It’s not done to inflict pain and it’s not done as punishment. It’s done

to preserve life.”

Officials refer to the process by the medical term “enteral feeding” rather than “force feeding.” It involves restraining men with straps that resemble airplane seatbelts to a specially designed chair that looks like a piece of exercise equipment. Zuhair called it the “torture chair” and said he was left tied down for hours at a time, ostensibly so the liquid nutrient drink Ensure could be digested. It is difficult to confirm the accounts of either prisoners or military officials.

Journalists are not allowed to watch the feeding process or interview the men held behind the perimeter fences and coils of razor wire at this isolated US military base on the southeastern edge of the Cuban coast. Pardiss Kebriaei, a lawyer from New York-based Center for Constitutional Rights, recently returned from a visit with clients held at Guantanamo and said several of the men had trouble concentrating, which she attributed in part to being kept isolated in solid-walled cells for most of the day. — AP

COLORADO: Black Forest Fire evacuee Karen Hilborn covers her face from smoke while waiting for an El Paso County Sheriff’s escort in Colorado Springs. Authorities reported yesterday that 473 houses had been incinerated. — AFP

Rain helps firefighters tame deadly wildfire in Colorado COLORADO: Rain and calmer winds helped firefighters tame a deadly wildfire ranked as Colorado’s most destructive on record as authorities reported making significant headway on Friday in curtailing a blaze that has destroyed nearly 420 homes outside Colorado Springs. The fire has charred roughly 24 square miles of rolling, wooded terrain northeast of Colorado’s secondlargest city since it started on Tuesday, killing two people and forcing some 38,000 to flee their homes.

A firefighting force estimated to include some 800 personnel along with air tankers and water-dropping helicopters - had carved containment lines around 30 percent of the blaze’s perimeter, up from 5 percent on Thursday. Fire managers expect it will take nearly another week to fully corral the blaze, but the outlook improved as rain showers moved into the area at midday following an encouraging night on the fire lines that El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa called a “turning point.”

Overcast skies, cooler temperatures and the absence of strong, erratic winds that stoked the blaze during its first three days also were cited as factors in the subsiding fire. “We had a real good day without wind,” Maketa told a news conference as he announced that some evacuated areas were being reopened to residents. “The rain made a tremendous impact. “If you look at it as a fight, we got our tails kicked for a couple of days ... and I think today we delivered some blows.”

While officials cautioned that conditions could change again for the worse, Rich Harvey of the US Forest Service said there was “no significant progress by the fire in

any direction today.” Aerial photos of devastated areas showed large swaths of obliterated neighborhoods with bare, blackened trees and houses reduced to cinders and rubble. Governor John Hickenlooper said after touring the fire zone on Friday that he was struck by the “the randomness” of the destruction.

“There are places where few trees were left alone and the homes were burned to the ground. And then areas where the trees burned and the houses were fine,” he said.

The bulk of the destroyed homes were lost in the first 24 hours of the fire, Maketa said.

The remains of two people killed on Tuesday night, in the midst of an evacuation attempt as flames closed in, were pulled from the wreckage of their garage on Thursday. But the news was notably more upbeat a day later. Firefighters with bulldozers managed to clear a buffer between the western edge of the blaze and the city limits of Colorado Springs.

Officials also lifted evacuation orders for the northern tip of the city, comprising more than 1,000 homes, along with some adjacent communities on its outskirts where some 4,000 to 5,000 people had been forced to flee. Maketa said an investigation into the two fire-related deaths as possible homicides did not necessarily mean authorities suspect arson, although officials said the cause appears to be of human origin. “When I say, ‘homicide investigation,’ it’s because we have two deceased people (and) that means we investigate it as a crime until we prove otherwise,” he said. Although no additional structures burned overnight, the running tally of confirmed losses climbed by nearly 60 homes on Friday. — Reuters

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

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

Children ‘left behind’ as Chinese rush to cities ZHUANGSHUZUI: Six-year-old Keke looks silently from a bare living room at her closest companion: a grandmother who resents having to raise her. Keke is one of China’s 61 million “left-behind” children, whose parents have joined the mass migration to cities where they can earn higher

wages-but cannot afford to keep a family. Instead they have to leave their children’s upbringing and safety in the hands of elderly, sometimes inattentive careers, many of them with poor health and meager schooling. “I don’t really want to be raising her,” says Keke’s 60-year-old guardian,

who declined to give her name. “I have a lot of sicknesses and aches and pains but I still have to raise her.

Sometimes when I get sick my whole body hurts, and nobody cares.”

Keke goes to kindergarten and sometimes plays with neighbors in Zhuangshuzui, a village set among

ZHUANGSHUZUI: A boy whose family name is Tao, and whose parents are migrant workers, poses on his bicycle in the village of Zhuangshuzui, Hunan province. —AFP

rice paddies and low hills. But she has few toys at home, where a scattering of stools stand near concrete walls, scuffed and covered with scribbles. “It’s really frustrating,” says her grandmother, adding the child’s parents are in Beijing. “But there’s no other way.” Zhuangshuzui, in Hunan province, is part of a belt across central and southern China where large numbers of children, sometimes more than 50 percent of them, are “left behind”, defined as living apart from one or both parents.

Their plight was highlighted last year when five boys in Guizhou province four of them living with a frail grandmother-died of carbon monoxide poisoning after burning charcoal to try to keep warm in winter. In the widespread attention that followed, some criticized the lack of supervision but many offered sympathy. Parents working far from home typically send money but can only afford to visit once a year. “The children’s abnormal deaths reveal serious shortcomings in the world’s second-largest economy,” the official news agency Xinhua said at the time.

For more than 20 years China’s government has encouraged the rural poor to move to cities as a way to boost growth and lift living standards. The country now has 263 mil-

lion migrant workers, and new leaders who took office this year have renewed the drive to urbanize. But while city wages are higher, so are their costs of living, exacerbated by a “hukou” residency system that bars Chinese from receiving benefits such as healthcare and schooling outside their registered hometown.

Nearly half of left-behind children live with neither of their parents, the All-China Women’s Federation said in a report last month. Almost 70 percent of those stay with grandparents, the vast majority of whom have only a primary school education. A quarter have other guardians, and seven percent survive on their own.

“Because of their long-term separation from parents, familial affection is lacking and household education is weak,” the report said.

“The quality of life, mental and physical health and surroundings of left-behind children are all inferior to those whose parents are looking after them.” But many families feel the financial rewards offered by China’s economic boom means the price is worth paying. In Keke’s village, Xiong, who now works in property in Guangdong, laments the prime working years she spent raising her son and daughter at home as a lost opportunity. One set of grand-

parents were too frail to take them and another were already looking after others, she says.

“Raising them was so tiring. If the grandparents had been able to take care of my kids, then I would have gone out a lot sooner.” But grandparents say they feel hampered as caretakers by poor health, limited schooling and a lack of authority. A couple surnamed Ouyang-both 83, hard of hearing and too weak to shuffle far beyond their front doorhardly interact with the preteen granddaughter in their care.

Nobody cleans the house, the grandmother says, except when the elder sister visits from university once a month.

A sprightlier 86-year-old Wan Daizhen has more energy for the 14year-old grandson she has raised for 13 years, but worries the boy would be better behaved with his parents.

“He really misses them,” she says. “He doesn’t listen as much to what I say.”

For 72-year-old Zheng Futao, the schoolwork of the 12-year-old grandson he has raised since infancy has long surpassed his ability to help. “First, second, third, fourth grade were okay. But not after he got to middle school, with biology, English,” he says. “Of the 26 letters of the alphabet I only know ‘C’.”—AFP

Lost medieval city found in Cambodia Mahendraparvata thrived 1,200 years ago SYDNEY: A lost medieval city that thrived on a mist-shrouded Cambodian mountain 1,200 years ago has been discovered by archaeologists using revolutionary airborne laser technology, a report said yesterday. In what it called a world exclusive, the Sydney Morning Herald said the city, Mahendraparvata, included temples hidden by jungle for centuries, many of which have not been looted. A journalist and photographer from the newspaper accompanied the “Indiana Jonesstyle” expedition, led by a French-born archaeologist, through landmine-strewn jungle in the Siem Reap region where Angkor Wat, the largest Hindi temple complex in the world, is located.

The expedition used an instrument called Lidar — light detection and ranging data-which was strapped to a helicopter that criss-crossed a mountain north of Angkor Wat for seven days, providing data that matched years of ground research by archaeologists. It effectively peeled away the jungle canopy using billions of laser pulses, allowing archaeologists to see structures that were in perfect squares, completing a map of the city which years of painstaking ground research had been unable to achieve, the report said.

It helped reveal the city that reportedly founded the Angkor Empire in 802 AD, uncovering more than two dozen previously unrecorded temples and evidence of ancient canals, dykes and roads using satellite navigation coordinates gathered from the instrument’s data. JeanBaptiste Chevance, director of the Archaeology and Development Foundation in London who led the expedition, told the newspaper it was known from ancient scriptures that a great warrior, Jayavarman II, had a mountain capital, “but we didn’t know how all the dots fitted, exactly how it all came together”. “We now know from the new data the city was for sure connected by roads, canals and dykes,” he said.

The discovery is set to be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States. Damian Evans, director of the University of Sydney’s archaeological research centre in Cambodia, which played a key part in developing the Lidar technology, said there might be important implications for today’s society. “We see from the imagery that the landscape was completely devoid of vegetation,” Evans, a co-expedition leader, said.

“One theory we are looking at is that the severe environmental impact of deforestation and the dependence on water management led to the demise of the civilization ... perhaps it became too successful to the point of becoming unmanageable.” The Herald said the trek to the ruins involved traversing rutted goat tracks and knee-deep bogs after travelling high into the mountains on motorbikes. Everyone involved was sworn to secrecy until the findings were peer-reviewed. Evans said it was not known how large Mahendraparvata was because the search had so far only covered a limited area, with more funds needed to broaden it out.

“Maybe what we see was not the central part of the city, so there is a lot of work to be done to discover the extent of this civilization,” he said.

“We need to preserve the area because it’s the origin of our culture,” secretary of state at Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture, Chuch Phoeun said. Angkor Wat was at one time the largest pre-industrial city in the world, and is considered one of the ancient wonders of the world. It was constructed from the early to mid 1100s by King Suryavarman II at the height of the Khmer Empire’s political and military power. —AFP

Troops in Osama bin Laden raid ‘revealed’

PYONGYANG: A woman rests under an umbrella while a man walks past her near a statue known as the Monument to the Three Charters for National Reunification, which symbolizes the hope for eventual reunification of the two Koreas in Pyongyang yesterday. —AP

US sets bar higher for N Korean talks WASHINGTON: The United States said that North Korea’s recent actions have risen the bar for a resumption of dialogue as it called on Pyongyang to address concerns on weapons but also human rights.

North Korea engaged in some of its most fiery rhetoric in years after conducting its third nuclear test in February, but tensions have since eased with attempts-ultimately unsuccessful-to restart talks with South Korea. Glyn Davies, the US pointman on Nor th Korea polic y, said the United States was exasperated with Pyongyang after it snubbed attempts by President Barack Obama’s administration to reach out in 2009 and again in 2012. “ The United States will not accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. We will not reward the DPRK for the absence of bad behavior,” Davies said, using the North’s official name of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “Nor will we tolerate North Korea provoking its neighbors. These positions will not change,” he said in Washington at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a think tank. Davies repeated US calls on Nor th Korea to take steps to end its nuclear weapons program in line with previous agreements-and said that this year’s crisis increased Washington’s hesi-

tancy to engage again.

“We’ve long made clear that we are open to improved relations with the DPRK if it is willing to take concrete actions to live up to its international obligations and commitments-though given the events of this past year, the bar for a resumption of meaningful engagement is now certainly higher.” Satellite images analyzed by two private institutes have found that North Korea is pushing ahead with work on its nuclear program and could soon restart a reactor to produce plutonium. Davies also voiced concern over human rights.

Advocacy groups have long accused the United States and its allies of putting its focus solely on North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ignoring a totalitarian system often considered the world’s most draconian. “US-DPRK relations cannot fundamentally improve without sustained improvement in inter-Korean relations and human rights,” Davies said.

Frank Jannuzi, the head of Amnest y I n te r n a t i o n a l ’s Wa s h i n g to n o f f i ce, applauded Davies for taking a “more holistic approach” to North Korea. “The bottom line is that 20 years of diplomacy focused on plutonium have not gotten the results that the United States wants,” he said. —AFP

WASHINGTON: US special operations forces who participated in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden were in uniform and wearing nametags during a CIA award ceremony attended by the writer of the film “Zero Dark Thirty,” a Pentagon inspector general’s report said. The report, however, omits a number of revelations disclosed in an early draft that was made public more than a week ago, including that then-CIA Director Leon Panetta revealed the name of the raid commander during his speech at the agency’s June 2011 event. It also no longer includes revelations that the Pentagon’s top intelligence official, Michael Vickers, divulged the name of an individual involved in the bin Laden raid to the filmmakers. The report was triggered by questions from a congressional lawmaker about whether US officials leaked classified information to the filmmakers and whether they compromised military tactics and procedures.

But, in contrast to the draft, the final report focuses exclusively on questions of Pentagon involvement in the matter, and refers other concerns to investigators at other federal agencies - likely a reference to the CIA - and additional reviews by the Pentagon inspector general. The IG report concludes that it did not identify any instances when sensitive special operations tactics or techniques were provided to filmmakers. But it also found that commandos involved in the raid were readily identifiable during the CIA ceremony.

“We were unable to identify any precautionary measures that were taken to protect the identity of operators that attended this event,” the report said. It added that, according to a commander at the event, the commandos “were in the front row, front, left side, prominently on display for everybody.”The report found that although a CIA employee told a Pentagon staff member several days before the event that the film’s screenwriter, Mark Boal, could attend, the CIA hoped to prevent him from being there. When, on the day of the event, it turned out that Boal was able to attend, that information never got to Adm William McRaven, head of US Special Operations Command, or any other troops at the ceremony. McRaven told the IG that at the end of the ceremony he was introduced to Boal, and “I was admittedly a little surprised.”

Another military commander, who was not identified by the report, said McRaven was visibly shocked, and that the military forces at the event tried to stay away from Boal.

The final version of the report, however, was far less expansive that the unpublished draft report, which was first disclosed by the Project on Government Oversight and confirmed by Rep Peter King, R-NY, who asked for the investigation nearly two years ago.

It did not accuse Panetta of wrongdoing. But the draft cited two instances when administration officials divulged the names of individuals involved in the bin Laden operation to the filmmakers.

The Oscar-winning movie told the story of the decade-long hunt for the al-Qaida leader and the dark-of-night Navy SEALs raid in which he was killed.

The first instance was a July 15, 2011, interview of Vickers by Boal and the film’s director, Kathryn Bigelow. In that session Vickers gave them the name of a special operations planner whose identity was supposed to be protected from public release, the report draft said. The second instance was the ceremony at CIA headquarters in which Panetta identified the ground commander of the SEALs raid, with Boal in the audience. The draft report did not say whether Panetta knew Boal was present. —AP

HONG KONG: Protesters blow whistles as they march to the US consulate during a protest in support of Edward Snowden in Hong Kong yesterday. —AFP

Protesters rally in HK to support Snowden HONG KONG: Hundreds of protesters staged a rally in rain-hit Hong Kong yesterday to urge the city’s government not to extradite former spy Edward Snowden, and slam the United States for its surveillance programs. Snowden, 29, has gone to ground in the city after blowing the lid on the US’s vast electronic surveillance operation and has vowed to fight any extradition request.

The city’s first major demonstration on the issue saw protesters, including pro-democracy lawmakers, activists and a large number of expatriates march to the US consulate holding banners and shouting “Defend Free Speech”, “Protect Snowden”, “No Extradition” and “Respect Hong Kong Law”.

Many blew their whistles loudly and wore masks with Snowden’s face on it.

“Today we all blow the whistle,” shouted Tom Grundy, a British blogger and activist who lives in Hong Kong. One protester held a sign of US President Barack Obama’s famous ‘Hope’ poster, edited to show the leader as a spy wearing large headphones. Another sign read: “Betray Snowden, Betray freedom”.

The US has launched a criminal investigation after Snowden, a former CIA technical assistant, leaked details of Washington’s secret Internet and telephone surveillance programs. The protesters, made up of 27 civil society organizations, handed a letter over to the US consulate addressed to Consul General Steve Young, which said: “For many years, the US State Department has publicly supported the cause of Internet freedom and criticized other governments for conducting cyber attacks, surveillance and censorship.

“We now understand, through recent revelations, that the US government has been operating their own blanket surveillance systems and allegedly conducting cyber warfare against Hong Kong. “This is a violation of Human Rights of people of Hong Kong and around the world.” Snowden

told the South China Morning Post newspaper earlier this week that there have been more than 61,000 NSA hacking operations globally, targeting powerful “network backbones” that can yield access to hundreds of thousands of individual computers. There were hundreds of targets in mainland China and Hong Kong, Snowden was quoted as saying.

Hong Kong has a long-standing extradition treaty with the US, but Beijing has the potential to veto any ruling. “We are going to see a lot of political juggling between two of the biggest powers in the world in order to possibly extradite Mr. Snowden,” lawmaker and Hong Kong entrepreneur Charles Mok told protesters. “Who is losing? You and I, all the Internet users in the world. Why? Because we in Hong Kong know the best, we live outside of the Great Firewall of China,” Mok said.

And the rally comes amid increasing concern in the city over perceived mainland interference. Rally spokeswoman Oiwan Lam told AFP: “Snowden is now in Hong Kong and falls under our jurisdiction and we have to defend the fact that the city’s courts are in the position to deal with the situation.”

Maverick Hong Kong lawmaker “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung meanwhile called US President Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping “twin brothers” when it comes to Internet spying.

“The most important thing is in defending Mr Snowden. If he can be extradited and be punished, who will be the second whistleblower?” he told protesters. “There are a lot of Snowdens all over the world. It’s like an execution if they grab Snowden and extradite him,” Leung said. “They will condemn him to hell in a small cell for tens of years,” he said.

Following the rally, the city’s chief executive Leung Chun-ying said in a statement: “The Hong Kong...government will handle the case of Mr. Snowden in accordance with the laws and established procedures. —AFP

Threats made to figures at center of IRS controversy WASHINGTON: A current and a former top US tax official have been physically threatened in recent weeks as the scandal over Internal Revenue Service targeting of Tea Party and other conservative groups has gathered steam, people familiar with their situation say. Ousted IRS acting commissioner, Steven Miller, has received such threats, according to a source familiar with his situation. The source declined to elaborate on the nature or the source of the threats.

And the head of the tax-exempt unit at the agency, Lois Lerner, who has been put on administrative leave as investigations into the controversy continue, has had telephone and email messages from unknown sources that “threaten physical violence,” according to her attorney William Taylor. Lerner first disclosed the targeting of conservative groups last month, at a tax conference.

The threats have been referred to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), which is charged with IRS personnel protection, Taylor said. A TIGTA spokeswoman declined to comment. Miller and Lerner could not be reached for comment. The scandal has spawned multiple congressional probes and a Justice Department investigation.

It is still not clear exactly who specifically within the IRS was responsible for targeting Tea Party groups for intense scrutiny as they applied for tax-exempt status from 2010 through 2012, and

whether there was a political motivation.

Miller and Lerner live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington. On May 15, the day Miller was fired by President Barack Obama, local police stepped up patrols around Miller’s home when TV news crews had gathered outside, a law enforcement spokeswoman said. Miller, at the time, was getting security protection from federal agents, the spokeswoman said. It is unclear if he is still getting protection. Security has not been added for Lerner’s neighborhood, the spokeswoman said. Police in the area where Miller and Lerner live said they were not investigating any personal threat cases involving IRS employees. The IRS declined to comment on security procedures.

THREAT DATA Threats are nothing new for IRS workers. In their unpopular line of work, IRS agents face hundreds of threats annually, including death threats, TIGTA data shows. But it is unusual for senior IRS executives to get personal threats, said Steve Walsh, a former agent with TIGTA who worked on security for some former commissioners. He is now a licensed private investigator in Los Angeles. TIGTA provided armed escorts for IRS employees on 74 occasions in fiscal 2012 ended Sept. 30. In the six months from October 2012 through March 2013, TIGTA provided 36 armed escorts to IRS agents. —Reuters

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

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

Afghan forces to take over nationwide security KABUL: Afghan security forces will soon take over responsibility for the whole of the country, officials said yesterday, a major milestone as the NATO-led war effort winds down after 12 years of fighting. The handover of the last 95 districts from NATO to Afghan forces includes many of the most volatile areas of south and east Afghanistan where the Taleban have fought a bloody insurgency against the US-backed government since 2001.

NATO and Afghan officials, who declined to be named, said that President Hamid Karzai would attend a ceremony within days to mark a key point of the “transition process” to full Afghan sovereignty. The exact date and location of the handover has not yet been announced, but it will complete a program started in 2011 when relatively-peacefully areas inhabited by about 20 percent of the population were put under Afghan security.

“The event will be held shortly and 95 districts in 11 provinces are included in the fifth and final phase. Further details will be released later for security reasons,” an Afghan government official said. The last “tranche” of districts includes 13 in Kandahar province, the birthplace of the

Taleban, and 12 in each of Nangarhar, Khost and Paktika provinces-all hotbeds of insurgent activity along the border with Pakistan.

After the handover, 100,000 NATO forces will only play a supporting and training role as Afghan soldiers and police take the lead in the fight against the militants who were ousted from power after the 9/11 attacks. However doubts remain over the ability of the 350,000-strong Afghan forces to thwart the Taleban, and the NATO military coalition will retain an important role in logistics and air support as well as in combat when required.

The Afghan army has suffered a sharp rise in casualties as it has taken on more frontline fighting, and it is also undermined by a high desertion rate that means thousands of new recruits are needed each month to fill its ranks.

Completion of the security handover “is one of the very important issues for Afghanistan,” Masoom Stanikzai, head of the High Peace Council secretariat that is leading efforts to open talks with the Taleban, told reporters.

“One of the biggest excuses that enabled the Taleban and other groups to mobilize fighters was the notion that

Afghanistan was occupied by foreign forces who would stay forever.

“The inspiration for fighting is gradually changing to a roadmap for peace. It is a very gradual shift... but there are changes emerging in different parts of the country.” On Friday, NATO commander General Joseph Dunford expressed concern that progress made in Afghanistan since 2001 could be under threat if donor nations cut back support. “The gains that we have made to date are not going to be sustainable without continued international commitment,” he said.

Recent attacks have demonstrated the Taleban’s ability to strike at Kabul as the country prepares for next year’s presidential elections and the NATO withdrawal by the end of 2014.

A suicide car bomb on Tuesday killed 15 civilians outside the Supreme Court, an attack that came a day after gunmen fired grenades at the city airport, while an international aid group’s compound was targeted in a seven-hour battle late last month. Despite the attacks penetrating the capital’s defenses, the effective response of elite Afghan security forces has been widely hailed as a sign of increasing professionalism. — AFP

KABUL: Female soldiers of Afghan National Army observe a graduation ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday.— AP

25 die in Pakistan attacks Militants blow up bus carrying female students

KABUL: New soldiers of Afghan National Army dance during their graduation ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday. — AP

Back to basics as Afghan troops face testing times MAZAR-I-SHARIF: The guns may be wooden but learning how to conduct a security patrol is a deadly serious business for soldiers at the Camp Shaheen training school in north Afghanistan. The school teaches its recruits key basic skills such as how to search cars for explosives, man checkpoints, frisk suspects and set up guard posts-all routine duties designed to tackle a surge in Taleban violence.

Recent blasts in the capital Kabul, in particular a suicide attack that killed 15 civilians outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday, underline the huge challenge facing Afghan security forces. Routine procedure should have stopped Tuesday’s car bomber from getting past the “ring of steel” guard posts that surround the city centre.

When the US-led NATO combat mission ends next year, Afghan police and soldiers will be in sole charge despite a resilient Taleban insurgency.

At Camp Shaheen, outside the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, General Ahmadullah shows off how 4,200 soldiers who graduate each year from the military engineering school are taught how to counter such threats.”The basic security skills are very important for stopping attacks before they happen and for improving public confidence,” Ahmadullah, who only uses one name said. “For these jobs, you must concentrate and be professional, and that is one of the things we teach.” Teams of soldiers use metal-detectors to search for bombs as part of one training exercise, while others learn how to form foot patrols and perform guard duties.

“IEDs (improvised explosive devices) are the main cause of casualties, so this is our biggest focus. It is a very dangerous job, but we have no choice,” said Ahmadullah.

“We teach everything here from IED disposal to carpentry. ISAF (the NATO International Security Assistance Force) has done a lot, but now it is our turn.” The

atmosphere is professional and disciplined, but rifles made of wood are used at the school to minimize the risk of “insider attacks”-when Afghans shoot their NATO trainers. A week ago, an Afghan soldier shot dead two US soldiers and one US civilian working with the military in the eastern province of Paktika.

Despite the mistrust bred by such killings, foreign trainers at Camp Shaheen say Afghan recruits show potential as they prepare to take on the Taleban alone.”Many have little, if any, education, but they have excellent practical and hands-on abilities, and we see very good skills in difficult circumstances,” said Chris Snaith, chief instructor for the private Ronco mine clearance and security company. As he spoke, soldiers worked out how to safely remove a bomb from a car boot. “Rather than classroom work, we use real scenarios. The progress is clear and now Afghans are taking over the job of training,” said Snaith.

“Our one overwhelming priority is how they can learn to protect people’s lives.”

Many Afghans fear that the international pull-out next year will propel them back into the chaos of the 1992-96 civil war and the harsh rule of Taleban regime that followed. But donor countries have pledged to support Afghanistan in the long term and Germany has built a new $30-million military training school outside Mazar-iSharif which will house up to 800 cadets at a time. Afghanistan’s 350,000-strong security forces have already experienced a steep rise in attacks as the NATO-led combat mission winds down.

National police and army casualties have increased by 15-20 percent since 2011, officials say, and the Taleban are predicted to step up attacks through the summer and before elections, due early in 2014.

One sign of optimism has been the success of rapid-reaction forces when attacks have penetrated Kabul. — AFP

Guatemala reels as drug gangs hunt down police GUATEMALA CITY: Guatemalan authorities expressed concern about the power of organized drug gangs Friday after eight police officers were shot dead inside their station. On Thursday night, gunmen shot eight officers dead and kidnapped the chief of police in Salcaja, about 200 km from Guatemala City. According to national police Chief Gerson Olivia, investigators believe the officers were disarmed and could have been positioned face down on the ground before being riddled with bullets. “This event is lamentable and I think it is a direct affront to the state as an institution,” said Adolfo Alarcon, a security analyst at the Center for National and Economic Inquiry.

He said the killing was a message from traffickers “to the state and society that they do not fear them, that they will use all means necessary to cause chaos and reduce the population to a state of terror and defenselessness.” In a statement, President Otto Perez attributed the attack

to drug gangs operating in the area with possible links to Mexican cartels such as the Sinaloa or Los Zetas organizations.

According to Perez, twelve to thirteen people traveling in three vehicles were involved in the operation.

Perez said he had not ruled out the option of declaring a state of emergency in the Salcaja area. Jorge Santos of the International Center for Human Rights Research, set up to secure political rights after Guatemala’s civil war, said he hoped “this terror will not lead to greater levels of social control by the executive.” The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the killing “emphatically” and urged authorities to quickly shed light on the events. Guatemala is experiencing a wave of violence that claims 16 victims a day, one of the highest rates in Latin America. Authorities estimate that around 50 percent of violent deaths in Guatemala are linked to the drug trade and gang violence. — AFP

QUETTA: At least 25 people were killed in troubled southwest Pakistan yesterday when militants blew up a bus carrying women students and attacked a hospital treating survivors, officials said. A bomb attack on a bus in Quetta, capital of the restive Baluchistan province, killed 14 women students, and another 11 people died in a blast at a city hospital around 90 minutes later.

The second attack hit the emergency ward of the city’s Bolan Medical Complex where the wounded were taken and was followed by a gun battle with militants holed up inside the hospital. The siege lasted for several hours and ended when security forces stormed the building.

Quetta was the scene two of the bloodiest attacks in Pakistan this year, both targeting Shiite Muslims, and the student victims were members of a women’s university popular with the minority community. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said the bus bomb killed 14 students and wounded 19. “As casualties were being brought to the hospital terrorists had taken position inside the hospital building,” he told reporters. “They opened fire on administration and police officials who arrived at the hospital.

One suicide bomber blew himself up in the hospital.” Nisar said he was unable to give exact casualty figures for the hospital attack, but Abdul Wasey, spokesman for the paramilitary Frontier Corps earlier said 11 were killed and 17 wounded in the bombing. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks but Quetta is a focal point for sectarian violence between majority Sunni Muslims and minority Shiites, who account for 20 percent of Pakistan’s 180 million population. A giant bomb planted in a water tanker being towed by a tractor killed 90 Shiite Hazaras in February, while another suicide bombing at a snooker club in January killed 92 others. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a militant group officially banned by the government in 2002, claimed responsibility for both attacks. The bus targeted in yesterday’s attack was from Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, which is located close to a Shiite Hazara neighborhood in Quetta, and many Hazaras are students.

Baluchistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is rife with Islamist militancy and a

regional insurgency waged by separatists demanding political autonomy and a greater share of profits from the region’s natural resources.

Overnight, separatist militants blew up a historic building in Baluchistan linked to Pakistan’s founding father, razing its structure to the ground. The attackers armed with automatic weapons entered the 19th century wooden Ziarat Residency after midnight and planted several bombs, senior administration official Nadeem Tahir said. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the driving force behind the creation of the Pakistan, spent his last days in the building which was declared a national monument following his death, one year after the country’s independence in 1947.

The building is in Ziarat town, 80 kilometers southeast of Quetta. “They shot dead the guard

who resisted the intruders,” Tahir said. Police official Asghar Ali said militants planted several bombs and detonated them by remote control, completely gutting the building. At least four blasts were heard in the town, he said. The building caught fire and it took five hours to bring the blaze under control as Ziarat, a small hill station, has no fire brigade.

A separatist-group later claimed responsibility for the attack. “We blew up the Ziarat Residency,” Meerak Baluch, a spokesman for the Baluchistan Liberation Army said in a phone call from undisclosed location. “We don’t recognise any Pakistani monument.” Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed Baluch nationalist leaders as provincial governor and chief minister, raising hopes that some of the long-held grievances in the province about its treatment by the federal government could be addressed. — AFP

QUETTA: Pakistani paramilitary soldiers take position after militants attacked a hospital in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province yesterday. — AFP

Expect ‘more attacks’ on foreigners in Afghanistan KABUL: The international community in Afghanistan, recently hit by two high-profile attacks on aid organizations, should brace itself for more Taleban violence in the coming months, the deputy commander of foreign forces said. “I think we should expect (the Taleban) to attack international forces and internationals more generally,” Lt General Nick Carter, Britain’s top soldier in Afghanistan, said in an interview late on Friday, referring to the summer months.

Combat troops from NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) are preparing to leave Afghanistan by the end of next year, ending a costly and increasingly unpopular war launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks on US targets. “There’s definitely a sense that the Taleban would like to appear to compel the international community’s withdrawal, and certainly ISAF’s withdrawal,” said Carter, who leaves Afghanistan next month to become head of the British Army.

“That chimes with an obvious narrative.”

British troops in the first Anglo-Afghan war, in 1842, were slaughtered en masse as they withdrew in what is Britain’s biggest military defeat in history. Afghanistan has been beset by violence in recent weeks. A coordinated attack on the International Organization of Migration in Kabul killed at least three civilians and injured four foreign aid workers.

The Red Cross headquarters in the eastern city of Jalalabad also came under attack, the first such incident in the 26 years it has worked in the country. Several foreign organizations in the capital have received more targeted threats than usual over the past week, senior officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Violence aimed at non-military foreign organizations, especially those which help Afghans, came as a surprise to the international community.

The Taleban made no mention of such targets in its annual spring offensive announcement, vowing only to start a campaign of suicide

attacks on military bases and diplomatic areas.

Insurgents this week besieged Kabul’s main airport for four hours before being killed, and a Taleban suicide bomber detonated explosives in front of the Supreme Court, killing at least 17 people. Plans are still on track to hand over the remaining security responsibilities to the Afghan security forces “within the next week or so”, Carter said.

Afghan security forces lead in 89 percent of operations, with foreign forces still in combat

along much of the border with Pakistan and in pockets around the country, including Helmand province, a bastion of the Taleban. Once troops withdraw, NATO’s role will move to a support mission to strengthen the 352,000-strong Afghan security forces. Carter stressed that developing Afghanistan’s fledgling air force in the years following the withdrawal was crucial. “Horizons have to be tangible and I think it’s very reasonable to talk about the Afghan air force being fielded by 2018 or 2019,” he said. — Reuters

India launches second graft probe into AgustaWestland NEW DELHI: Investigators have launched a second corruption probe into defense firm AgustaWestland in connection with a deal to sell 197 army helicopters, authorities said yesterday, potentially dealing another blow to a company that India might blacklist. New Delhi is already investigating the firm, a division of Italian defense group Finmeccanica, for bribes allegedly paid to Indian officials in a separate 560 million euro ($747 million) helicopter deal.

AgustaWestland has denied any wrongdoing and has tried to prod the Indian government to pay for three helicopters it has already delivered as part of the deal, after the government froze payments in February.

“CBI has registered a preliminary inquiry,” said a spokesperson for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), an agency like the FBI in the United States. The spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the inquiry was being carried out following a request from India’s defense ministr y.

Finmeccanica declined to comment. A spokesman for AgustaWestland said the company had received no communication from Indian authorities concerning the probe.

A source in the Indian defense ministry said that the latest case is in connection with allegations that a brigadier in the Indian army offered to swing the deal for the sale of 197 helicopters for a bribe of $5 million. Those allegations first surfaced in documents sent by Italian investigators to their Indian counterparts, the source said.

The deal has been suspended without being awarded to any company.

AgustaWestland expressed surprise at press reports of an inquiry given the tender was suspended and the company had not made the shortlist for the deal.

Indian Defense Minister AK Antony may blacklist AgustaWestland from doing business in the country, a decision that could help the government clean up its image after a series of corruption scandals spanning defense to telecommunications. Antony, who has a corruption-free image that sets him apart from many politicians, is believed to favor blacklisting the firm. But he could be outvoted by cabinet colleagues who fret it could hamper defense purchases in the future, several government sources have said. — Reuters

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

ANALYSIS

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Issues

Looking Back-What do we know about young UK Muslims?

By Sughra Ahmed

F

ollowing the riots in several cities in the UK, some media reports focused on young British Muslims. They are mainly third generation immigrants growing up in a country that is often disillusioned when it comes to understanding its youth, viewing them as problematic and tiresome. However, we rarely hear from young British Muslims themselves and the more nuanced ways in which they view their identities.

According to UK census data, the average Muslim is 28 years old (which is 13 years below the national average), roughly half are below the age of 25 and one third is 16 or younger. We are used to hearing about young Muslims in the context of radicalization, but their lives are far more complex and in fact quite removed from debates about extremism. There is an untold story of intergenerational challenges, community leadership and alienation from institutions in wider society. So what are we not hearing? Where is it that young people are turning to address their own interests and needs? How are those needs being met?

According to the research reports from the Policy Research Centre, young Muslims feel strongly that society does not see them as they see themselves: as modern young people who are dealing with 21st century challenges. They stress that we should not regard them as living contradictions between their religious and national identities. One respondent said, “People challenge British Muslims, [saying that] that you’re either British or Muslim; why can’t we be both?”

Self-identification for young Muslims is not just about negotiating the world of politics and organised religion. There is a strong sense of localised identity in young adults, whose grandparents may have migrated, but who themselves have rooted lives. Scottish Muslims are expressly Scottish and proud. But this is also partly connected to acceptance. For example, a young Muslim Scot felt properly Scottish for the first time when confronted by football fans on a train who asked him about supporting Scotland. He responded, “Of course I do.” The questioner warmly responded, “I’ll buy you a flag, because you’re Scottish too.”

Identities are always in continuous negotiations, sometimes subconsciously, as they respond to discourses, experiences and pressures that seem to hound the complex lives of young people. Young British Muslims describe their modern life as surrounded by communication gaps, particularly when it comes to generational splits within their own communities. Several young women speak of having felt compelled to find out about Islam for themselves, but, in living out their new religious confidence, find the expectations of their parents’ generation difficult terrain.

Others, from both sexes, admit to being faced with two starkly different lives - one life inside and one outside the home - as a way to negotiate the inter-generational challenges. On the one hand they are encouraged to manifest signs of respect towards the family and/or the community by refraining from asking too many challenging questions and learning to accept how things have always been. Yet beyond these communities British Muslim youth are often negotiating their way around the world they inhabit by asking, learning, questioning and at times feeling the need to push boundaries. Although young people feel that their voices are not getting across to society, they clearly have a strong sense of patriotism and want to improve their lives as well as the lives of others.

From helping Britain’s homeless through Fasting not Feasting, a project designed to promote sharing food, and helping in the coordinated clean ups across England after the riots; to involvement in the preparation for the 2012 Olympics in Britain, we can see and hear, if we try, young British Muslims inspiring others to take pride in making Britain a better place for everyone.

How can the rest of us enable them to improve their lives and, in turn, their future? We simply need to get past the stereotypes, the identity politics, the fear of the “other”, and see them for who they are: as heirs of the future of their country and of our future. —CGNews

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.

US military aid to rebels unlikely to tip balance in Syria

By Nicolas Revise

S

ome 27 months into the conflict raging in Syria and with over 90,000 dead, the United States has vowed for the first time to send military aid to the rebels battling to oust President Bashar Al-Assad. But with the White House staying tight-lipped over what kind of weapons it might provide and lacking any public explanation of its strategy, analysts fear such support may be too little to turn the tide of the war.

Proof that Assad has crossed a “red line” by using chemical weapons and the growing involvement of Hezbollah and Iran, finally forced President Barack Obama’s hand despite his grave concerns about a deeper US involvement. And while Obama plans to have indepth discussions with allies at a G8 summit next week in Northern Ireland, US officials say they cannot divulge what military support will now go directly to the rebels’ Supreme Military Council.

One thing is clear though, there will be no American boots on the ground. “The administration has been dragged very reluctantly into a position of wanting to do more. Now, what do they want to do? They have not been clear,” said Hussein Ibish, senior fellow with the

American Task Force on Palestine. “But they are going to be providing more arms and encouraging their allies, especially in the Gulf, to provide arms to the less extreme rebels forces.”

Ibish said the administration may try “shipping weapons directly and making sure that over time they don’t fall into the wrong hands.” The US options for military assistance range from basic bullets and guns to more advanced anti-aircraft weaponry, or even more drastic intervention such as imposing a no-fly zone or carrying out air strikes against the regime. Deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes on Friday all but ruled out a no-fly zone saying it would be “more difficult and dangerous and costly in Syria” than the NATOled one imposed on Libya.

So for now, the most likely support will come in the form of AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition, said David Hartwell, an analyst at IHS Jane’s consulting. “Graduating up from that, perhaps rocket-propelled grenades and, at the most extreme end, initially some antitank weapons, unguided potentially,” he said.

Hartwell ruled out for the time being the supply of any guided weapons amid Washington’s fears of “proliferation to undesirables-Islamist extremists.” Israel is particularly

worried about advanced shoulder-launched anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons falling into the hands of Al-Qaeda-linked militants or Lebanon’s Shiite Hezbollah militia, he and other analysts said. According to the Wall Street Journal, Obama has ordered the CIA to coordinate secretly and closely with Gulf allies already sending arms to the rebels.

Weapons would include small arms and ammunition, including anti-tank weapons but not anti-aircraft weapons, The New York Times reported, citing unnamed American officials.

But some analysts feared such weapons would not be enough against Assad’s forces, who have been helped to victory in Qusayr, for example, by thousands of well-trained and armed Hezbollah militants. “Trying to remain half pregnant is not a strategy,” said Anthony Cordesman, an expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“There is no case for not quietly taking immediate action to provide far more mortars, light artillery, anti-aircraft guns, anti-tank weapons, and all the ammunition it takes,” he argued in a written commentary. Syrian activist Ammar Abdulhamid, director of the grassroots Tharwa Foundation, warned time was running out with Assad’s forces now training their sights on Aleppo, the country’s

second largest city. “When White House officials speak about needing a few more weeks before arms begin to be delivered, they seem to be completely cut off from current realities of the conflict,” he told AFP. “Iran, Hezbollah, Russia and Assad are busy creating new realities on the ground that will be hard to change in the future without tremendous human and material cost.” Others argued that even providing heavy weapons would be unlikely to change the balance of power with Assad newly emboldened by his victories. “A much more concerted effort is required for the Syrian rebels to regain momentum,” said Shadi Hamid, director of research at the Brookings Doha Center, arguing for surgical airstrikes and a no-fly zone.

“What is needed, at a bare minimum, is a robust program of training and equipping the opposition, coupled with significant support in the areas of strategic planning, intelligence, and logistics,” said Michael Doran, senior fellow at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy.

In the meantime, Washington is keeping F-16 fighter jets and Patriot anti-missile systems in Jordan after joint military exercises this month. The administration also plans to keep a unit of about 2,400 US Marines on amphibious ships off the coast. —AFP

Geopolitical Journey: Azerbaijan and America

By George Friedman

T

here is a point where three great powersRussia, Turkey and Persia-meet: the Caucasus.

At the moment they converge in a country called Azerbaijan. That fact makes Azerbaijan a battleground for these three great powers, which have competed with each other along various borders for centuries. Until 1991 Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union, as was the rest of the South Caucasus.

But as the Russian border moved north, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan were once more unveiled by history. Of the three, Azerbaijan won the geopolitical prize of bordering the three great regional powers.

It also emerged as a major energy producer. At the end of the 19th century, half of the oil in the world was produced in Azerbaijan, whose oil fields around the capital, Baku, were developed by the Nobel brothers, famed for dynamite and prizes. This is where they made their fortune. I had the pleasure of dining at their mansion a few years ago, a guest of government officials. Whatever others might have thought in that elegant house, I thought of Hitler urgently trying to reach Baku and its oil, and the fact that his disaster at Stalingrad was actually part of his attempt to seize Azerbaijan’s oil fields. Azerbaijan was once the prize of empire. It is now independent in a very dangerous place.

US: ADOLESCENT GLOBAL POWER I have visited Azerbaijan several times since 2008, when I published a book called The Next 100 Years, which identified Azerbaijan as geopolitically critical in the emerging global system. This brought with it an invitation to visit Azerbaijan and see the place on which my theory focused. Since I continue to regard Azerbaijan as critical both in the struggle emerging in the Caucasus and to the United States, I continue to visit and continue to enjoy dinners that never end and rounds of toasts that test my liver. But I never forget one thing: Hitler risked everything to get to Baku and its oil. He failed to reach it, and the history of our time turns on that fact.

My latest trip had to do with a conference on USAzerbaijani relations. There are a small number of people in the United States who care about Azerbaijan and most of them were there, along with some congressmen, state representatives and a large numbers of Azeris. Compared with my first encounter with Azerbaijan, the number of people interested in the country has risen dramatically.

Conferences on subjects like this are global. You can be in Washington, Singapore or Baku and it all looks the same. When you are in my business, you meet the same people several times a year.

Sometimes they have something new to say; sometimes I have something new to say. It is too infre-

quent. What is interesting is the people you don’t normally meet: the local academics, government officials, businessmen and others.

Over time you create a group of friends in the countries you visit. These are the ones from whom you learn the most. And in Azerbaijan, you listen to their desire to be friends with the United States and bewilderment at American indifference. This is a recurring theme in my travels. Everyone is unhappy with the United States either for doing something or not doing something. In either case, they feel let down by the United States, and I am somehow personally at fault.

In general I give as good as I get. But in the case of Azerbaijan, I’m on the defensive. They feel let down by the United States, and they are. This isn’t a question of sentiment. Nations don’t have friends and whatever my friendships in Azerbaijan-friendships that are real and important to me-the United States must pursue its interests. My problem in answering is that I believe that working with Azerbaijan is in the American interest and that holding back is taking unnecessary risks. I don’t like criticizing my country in another country, so I try to shift the discussion to something else. It rarely works.

My own interest in Azerbaijan requires greater explanation. In The Next 100 Years I forecast a number of events, beginning with the serious weakening of the European Union and the increase in relative power of Russia. Russia had its own problems, but between Europe’s dependence on Russian energy and the fact that Russia had cash available

to buy assets in Europe, the decline of Europe meant a more powerful Russia. The countries that would feel that power would be those bordering the former Soviet Union-a line from Poland to Turkey and then from Turkey to Azerbaijan, the eastern anchor of Europe on the Caspian Sea. I wrote that the United States, withdrawing from its wars in the Islamic world, would be increasingly cautious and uncertain. The United States would continue to be the dominant power in the world, economically the most viable and with the most powerful military, but an adolescent power without foresight or balance in its actions. I argued that the United States had not been the dominant global power until 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed.

Until then the United States had shared domination and competed with the Soviet Union in a Cold War that had been frequently hot and where it wasn’t clear that the United States would win. Between Korea, Vietnam and some other, less well-known engagements, nearly 100,000 Americans died in the “Cold” War-almost as many as died in World War I-a fact that most people don’t appreciate. And when we look back on Korea and Vietnam, it is hard to imagine this period as the American age.

The United States won the Cold War because the Soviets knocked themselves out. But a win is a win and the United States stood alone, really amazed to be where it was, talking about New World Orders, but truly clueless as to what it would do later. First it imagined that war had been abolished and that it was all about making money. Then

BAKU: A visitor walks in the Heydar Aliyev Museum in Baku. —AFP

it imagined that it would spend the next century with only Islamic terrorists on its mind. Now it seems to have decided that it will avoid involvement in the world-although how a country with nearly 25 percent of the world’s gross domestic product and control of the oceans avoids involvement is beyond me.

Specialists in US foreign policy divide into two camps. One camp is the realists, who argue that the United States should pursue its national self-interest. That seems reasonable until you ask them to define what the national interest is. Another camp consists of idealists, who want to use American power to do good, whether building democracy or stopping human rights abuses. It’s a good idea until you ask them how they intend to do it. Usually the answer is to intervene but only kill bad people. I assume they will wear signs.

The point is that the United States is the world’s global power but is lurching from conflict to conflict and from concept to concept. It takes awhile to understand how to use power. The British had to lose America before they started to get the idea.

The United States is fortunate. It is rich and isolated, and even if terrorists kill some of us, we will not be occupied like France or Poland. We have time to grow up. This makes the rest of the world very uncomfortable. Sometimes the United States does inexplicable things. Sometimes it fails to do necessary things. When the United States makes a mistake it is mostly other countries that suffer or are placed at risk. So some of the world wishes the United States would disappear. It won’t. Other parts of the world wish the United States take responsibility for their security. It won’t.

CRITICALITY OF AZERBAIJAN This brings us back to Azerbaijan. It is a country that borders both Russia and Iran. In Russia it borders Dagestan; in Iran it borders the Iranian Azeri region. The bulk of Azeris live in Iran, where they are the largest ethnic minority group in the country (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is an Azeri). Azerbaijan is a predominantly secular country. It feels threatened

by Iranian Shiite terrorism and by Sunni Islamic terrorism in the north.

Azerbaijan fought a war in the 1990s in which it lost an area called Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, which was backed by the Russians.

Russian troops are now based in Armenia. A government that appears to have close ties to Russia has replaced the formerly pro-American government of Georgia. Azerbaijan finds itself in a tough place, and the country’s position between Russia and Iran makes it critical. A secular Muslim state in this region hostile to both Iran and Russia is not all that common. —Stratfor

NEWS

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

BRASILIA: Artists representing Tahiti perform during the opening ceremony of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, held before the Group A football match between Brazil and Japan, at the National Stadium in Brasilia yesterday. — AFP (See Page 20)

Spanish flourishes in US as Latinos flex muscle WASHINGTON: There was a time when Latino immigrants in the United States hushed up their Spanish, trying to blend in. Now you hear it all over, as Latinos flex their growing political and media muscle. Indeed, the trilled R’s and staccato bursts of the language of Quixote liven up city streets from coast to coast, and even in the halls of power in Washington.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine made history last week by giving a speech to the chamber entirely in Spanish. He did so while defending an historic immigration bill that would create a path to citizenship for some 11 million undocumented aliens, mostly Latinos. That gesture was rich in symbolism, said Pilar Marrero, author of a book on Latinos in the US and a journalist for La Opinion, a Spanishlanguage paper in Los Angeles. “It is a way of establishing that it is OK to have more than one language spoken in this country and spoken in the corridors of power,” Marrero said.

Latinos are now the largest minority in the United States at 52 million people, 50 percent more than a decade ago, according to the Pew Research Hispanic Center.

Except for Mexico, that is more Spanish-speakers than in any country of Latin America, and projections are that the figure will triple by 2050, when one of every three people in the US will be of Latino origin. “In a matter of just four decades, we will decide everything from presidents to mayors, and we will have an enormous impact on the way this country eats, consumes, works, dances and speaks,” Mexican journalist Jorge Ramos wrote in El Nuevo Herald.

Although there is much talk of Spanish-speakers these days because of the immigration bill, the trend is really anchored in the growing heft of the Latin electorate. A record 12.5 million Hispanics voted in the November 2012 election in which Barack Obama won a second term. He

took 71 percent of the Latino vote. Two months later, a clergyman of Latino origin, the Reverend Luis Leon, spoke a few words in Spanish at Obama’s swearing in-a first at a US presidential inauguration. “The catalyst is the Latino vote,” said Marrero, and the American political class is simply adapting.

In Congress, many in the House of Representatives and the Senate either speak Spanish or have bilingual communications staffers, and some city halls, such as New York’s, publish information in Spanish on their web site. The federal government communicates with Latinos in Spanish, with advisory help from the North American Academy of the Spanish Language, said its director, Gerardo Pina-Rosales. A native Spaniard who has lived in the US for 40 years, he has spent the last 20 studying how Spanish is spoken here. He said that even if they know English, Latinos are extremely attached to their native tongue.

Take a walk along the streets of any major American city and you will hear Spanish. And there is a boom in classes for US-born Latinos who want to improve their Spanish.

Several of the most frequently watched TV programs in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Chicago and New York are in Spanish. In April, Univision, which broadcasts in Spanish, became the fourth highest rated free-to-air TV channel, overtaking venerable NBC. “Today it is cool to have an accent when you speak English,” Ramos said after that TV landmark. “The time when you had to hide it is past.” Spanish is also the most commonly studied foreign language in US universities, according to the Modern Language Association. But Pina-Rosales said he doubted the country would ever become bilingual.

And Marrero said that as Latino immigrants who started off speaking Spanish shift to English, they tend to stick with it, with Spanish remaining as a mother tongue and symbol of their cultural identity. — AFP

KUWAIT DEMOCRACY ON THE LINE, OPPN...

Continued from Page 1 session or is dissolved, the Amir may issue decrees in respect thereof which shall have the force of law, provided that they shall not be contrary to the Constitution or to the appropriations included in the budget law”.

“Such decrees shall be referred to the National Assembly within the fifteen days following their issue if the Assembly is in being. If it is dissolved or its legislative term has expired, such decrees shall be referred to the next Assembly at its first sitting. If they are not thus referred, they shall retrospectively cease to have the force of law, without the necessity of any decision to that effect. If they are referred and the Assembly does not confirm them, they shall retrospectively cease to have the force of law, unless the Assembly approves their validity for the preceding period or settles in some other way the effects arising there from”.

Necessity and urgency have been the two most used words at the heart of the controversy and highly conflicting interpretations of the issue were given by politicians, legal and constitutional experts and opposition groups. The Constitutional Court is expected to settle once and for all when the Amir can issue legislation in the absence of the Assembly and what is the meaning of necessity and urgency.

The court has received a total of 56 challenges against the elections held on December 1 amid a total boycott by opposition groups - 23 of the challenges or petitions are against the amendment to the electoral law under Article 71. The court, whose rulings are final, has at least four scenarios for the ruling as follows: FIRST: The court may simply say that tackling the issue is beyond its jurisdiction and accordingly it will not be able to say whether the amendment is constitutional or not. This means that the amendment stays as well as the National Assembly.

SECOND: The court may decide to reject the amendment and will accordingly order its cancellation and also order the National Assembly dissolved. This ruling may also explain when the Amir can issue emergency decrees under Article 71, effectively limiting such powers. This means the National

Assembly will be dissolved and fresh elections held under the old electoral law.

THIRD: The court may uphold the amendment and the Amir’s unrestricted powers under article 71. This means the Assembly will remain.

FOURTH: The court may also tackle the issue by ignoring article 71 and accepting petitions challenging procedural matters and under this scenario the court may order the national assembly dissolved but without cancelling the electoral law amendment.

Under another scenario, the court may decide to postpone its verdicts for another time, on the basis that it needs more time to prepare. The opposition has reiterated that if the court upholds or does not scrap the amendment of the electoral, its members will not participate in any future elections and warned of serious consequences for such decisions.

Opposition leader and former MP Mussallam Al-Barrak told a gathering Friday night outside the Palace of Justice in Kuwait City that if the court upholds the amendment it will encourage autocratic rule in Kuwait. Barrak warned that the amendment has effectively allowed the government to manipulate the formation of the National Assembly and if the Constitutional Court confirms the amendment, it will encourage the government to interfere in the composition of the Constitutional Court itself.

Other opposition figures warned the confirmation of the amendment could take Kuwait to the unknown and into a state of instability and chaos. They also warned that confirming the amendment means an end to the country’s liberal democratic system and boosting the government powers.

The opposition has called on its supporters to gather outside the Palace of Justice on Friday and yesterday night ahead of the crucial decision as the Interior Ministry warned that it will ban any procession or demonstration outside the Al-Erada Square opposite the National Assembly. Experts have said that the ruling is likely to shape the future of the democratic system in Kuwait and it could intensify the bitter political crisis or resolve it. The Amir has clearly said he will accept the verdict.

Christian college expels lesbian, charges tuition OMAHA: Danielle Powell was going through a hard time in the spring of 2011, just months away from graduating from a conservative Christian college in Nebraska. She had fallen in love with another woman, a strictly forbidden relationship at a school where even prolonged hugs are banned.

Powell said she was working at a civil rights foundation in Mississippi to finish her psychology degree when she was called back to Grace University in Omaha and confronted about the relationship. She was eventually expelled - then sent a bill for $6,000 to reimburse what the school said were federal loans and grants that needed to be repaid because she didn’t finish the semester.

Powell is now fighting the Omaha school, arguing that her tuition was covered by scholarships and that federal loans wouldn’t need to be repaid in that amount. She also notes she was kicked out even after undergoing months of counseling, spiritual training and mentoring insisted upon by the school following her initial suspension.

“I shouldn’t have this debt hanging over me from a school that clearly didn’t want me,” the 24 year-old said. The university insists that the $6,000 covers federal grants and loans that, by law, must be repaid to the federal government because Powell didn’t finish her final semester. School

officials declined to discuss specifics of Powell’s case, citing federal student privacy laws, but through a public relations agency said it would provide Powell official transcripts and transfer her credits.

Powell is skeptical. She noted that nine months after she was expelled in January 2012, the registrar’s office denied her request for her transcripts because of the $6,000 bill, though she eventually received student copies of her transcripts. Grace University’s code of conduct for its students is strict: No kissing, no prolonged hugs and certainly no premarital sex. The school even monitors students’ television habits, forbidding HBO, MTV, Comedy Central and several other channels “because of the values they promote.” The rules are laid out in a student handbook signed by students every year. “No one was more surprised than me,” Powell recalled of her relationship. “I had been very religious since I was a small child, and that did not fit in with what I thought I believed.” It’s not unusual to see gay and lesbian students disciplined or even expelled from private Bibleand faith-based colleges, but Powell’s case is unusual, said Ken Upton, an attorney at Lambda Legal. The national civil rights organization helps gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. — AP

Rohani wins Iran presidential vote Continued from Page 1 Others flashed the victory sign and chanted slogans in favour of Mirhossein Mousavi, who reformist supporters believe was robbed of the 2009 election by what they say was vote rigging to return Ahmadinejad to office.

“Mousavi, Mousavi, I got back your vote” and “Mousavi, Mousavi, congratulations on your victory,” the crowds shouted. “Many people are holding Rohani posters,” said one witness in Tehran. “Some are hugging and crying. We are all so happy here. We can’t believe there is finally a change.” Another eyewitness named Mina told Reuters tearfully by phone: “I haven’t been this happy in four years. I feel that we finally managed to achieve a part of what we have been fighting for since the past elections. They finally respected our vote. This is a victory for reforms and all of us as reformists.”

Rohani will take up the presidency, the highest elected office in Iran’s hybrid clerical-republican system, in August. Security forces crushed protests following the 2009 election several people were killed, hundreds were detained. Mousavi and his fellow reformist candidate are still being held under house arrest. Authorities say the election was free and fair.

Iranian authorities and the candidates themselves, including Rohani, discouraged large street rallies this time round to forestall any possible flare-up of violent instability in the sprawling OPEC member state of 75 million people. Though an establishment figure, Rohani is a former chief nuclear negotiator known for his nuanced, conciliatory approach. He has pledged to promote a policy of “constructive interaction with the world”, but no surrender to Western demands for a nuclear suspension, and enact a domestic “civil rights charter”. Rohani could act as a bridge-builder between hardliners around Khamenei who reject any accommodation with the West and reformers marginalized for the last four years who argue that the Islamic Republic needs to be more pragmatic in its relations with the world and modernize at home in order to survive. His wide margin of victory revealed a widespread reservoir of reform sentiment with many voters, undaunted by restrictions on candidate choice and campaign rallies, seizing the chance to rebuke the unelected power elite over Iran’s economic miseries, international isolation and crackdowns on secular lifestyles.

In an apparent move to convey political continuity to both domestic and foreign audiences, Khamenei congratulated both the people of Iran for the high turnout in the polls and Rohani for his electoral success. Rohani’s

nearest rival was conservative Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a long way behind with less than 16 percent. Other hardline candidates close to Khamenei, including current nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, scored even lower. Iran’s rial strengthened about 4 percent against the US dollar yesterday after partial vote tallies pointed to an easy Rohani victory, web sites tracking the currency said.

British former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who dealt with Rohani during nuclear negotiations between 2003 and 2005, called him a “very experienced diplomat and politician”. “What this huge vote of confidence in Doctor Rohani appears to show is a hunger by the Iranian people to break away from the arid and self-defeating approach of the past and for more constructive relations with the West,” he said before Rohani’s victory was declared.

“On a personal level I found him warm and engaging.

He is a strong Iranian patriot and he was tough, but fair to deal with and always on top of his brief.” Suzanne Maloney, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, speaking before the interior ministry announcement, said Iran “appears to be on the verge of shocking the world”.

Rohani’s campaign was endorsed by pragmatic former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani after the latter was barred from running by a state vetting body - out of concern, analysts said, that he could prove too powerful a rival to Khamenei. Rohani received another big lift when reformists led by ex-president Mohammad Khatami swung behind him after their own lackluster candidate, Mohammad Reza Aref, withdrew to help consolidate the non-conservative vote.

In contrast, several high-profile conservatives with close ties to powerful clergy and Revolutionary Guards chiefs failed to unite behind a single candidate, suffering what appeared to be a decisive split in their support base as a result. Rohani rose to international prominence as Iran’s nuclear negotiator in talks with Britain, France and Germany from 2003 to 2005 that saw Iran agree to suspend nuclear fuel enrichment-related activities, tamping down Western pressure on Tehran.

He left the post when Ahmadinejad came to office in 2005. Tehran defiantly relaunched and expanded uranium enrichment, and there has been no substantive progress in intermittent negotiations with six world powers since then. The upshot for the Islamic Republic has been a punishing expansion of United Nations, US and European Union sanctions, badly damaging its heavily oil-dependent economy and triggering a rise in inflation and unemployment. — Reuters

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

S P ORTS

Mourinho can help me be the best again — Torres MADRID: Spain forward Fernando Torres believes that under new Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho he will be able to rediscover the form that made him one of the world’s most feared strikers.

Mourinho has said Torres can still play an important role at the London club despite a disappointing run since he left Liverpool twoand-a-half years ago for a British record fee of 50 million pounds ($78.4 million).

Torres, who is with the Spain squad at the Confederations Cup in Brazil, told As sports daily he wanted to complete his Chelsea contract, which expires at the end of June 2016.

“I want to see out the contract I signed, carry on winning titles and I would like to be the best in my position again,” the 29-year-old said.

“There is no better place and better conditions than with Mourinho at Chelsea,” he added. “His words are a motivation for me.”—Reuters

First Ferrari winner Gonzalez dies at 90

Campbell-Brown fails dope test - sources

BUENOS AIRES: Jose Froilan Gonzalez, the ‘Pampas Bull’ who in 1951 became the first driver to win a Formula One world championship grand prix for Ferrari, has died in Buenos Aires at the age of 90, Argentine media reported yesterday.

Gonzalez beat compatriot and five-times world champion Juan Manuel Fangio to win the 1951 British Grand Prix at Silverstone after making his championship debut with Maserati in Monaco a year earlier. He also won the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race with Frenchman Maurice Trintignant in a works Ferrari in 1954.

The stocky Argentine’s Formula One career spanned a decade, taking in 26 grands prix. His last appearance for Ferrari came in his home grand prix in 1960.

His two wins were both at Silverstone for Ferrari, with the second coming in 1954 when he ended the season as runner-up - a mere half a point clear of Britain’s Mike Hawthorn - to Fangio who drove for both Maserati and Mercedes that year. The Argentine also finished second on seven occasions and was third six times in an era when driver fatalities were commonplace.—Reuters

KINGSTON: Jamaica’s 200 metres world champion Veronica Campbell-Brown has tested positive for a banned diuretic, sources close to Jamaican athletics told Reuters. The sources said the doping violation occurred at the Jamaica International Invitational meeting on May 4 in Kingston. Campbell-Brown, who won the Olympic 200 title in 2004 and 2008, is Jamaica’s most successful female athlete and the biggest name in track and field to fall foul of the drug testers since disgraced American sprinter Marion Jones.

Jones served a six-month prison sentence and was stripped of the five medals, including three gold, she won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs. Local media reports said Campbell-Brown had been present at the laboratory in Canada when her B sample was tested earlier this week. The finding comes after Jamaican 400 metres runner Dominique Blake received a six-year ban on Thursday for her second doping violation since 2006.—Reuters

Giants down Braves

BALTIMORE: Starting pitcher Ryan Dempster No. 46 of the Boston Red Sox works against the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh inning. —AFP

Orioles blank Red Sox BALTIMORE: Chris Tillman took a two-hitter into the seventh inning, Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 22nd home run and the Baltimore Orioles blanked the Boston Red Sox 2-0 Friday night in a duel between the top two teams in the AL East.

Manny Machado had three hits for the Orioles, who have won five of six - including the first two in this four-game series. Baltimore moved within 11/2 games of the division-leading Red Sox, the closest the Orioles have been to first place since May 13.

Tillman (7-2) allowed three hits and four walks in six-plus innings. Jim Johnson completed the three-hitter to earn his 24th save. Ryan Dempster (4-7) gave up two runs and five hits in 7 2-3 innings.

MARINERS 3, ATHLETICS 2 In Oakland, Mike Zunino hit his first career home run on a tiebreaking solo shot in the seventh inning and the Mariners held on for a win over the Athletics. Two days after making his big league debut, Zunino connected on a 1-1 pitch from Oakland starter Tommy Milone (6-6) and hit a towering shot to center field to help snap Oakland’s 11game home winning streak.

Raul Ibanez added two hits and an RBI for the Mariners, while Joe Saunders (5-6) allowed five hits over seven innings for his first road victory of the season.

Chris Young homered and had three hits but the A’s, coming off an 18-inning win against the New York Yankees, couldn’t get much else going.

BLUE JAYS 8, RANGERS 0 In Arlington, Mark Buehrle threw four-hit ball for seven innings, Colby Rasmus and JP Arencibia homered and the Blue Jays handed the Rangers their fourth straight loss.

Buehrle (3-4) improved to 13-5 against the Rangers. The left-hander equaled his season high with seven strikeouts to win his first road game of the year.

Rasmus hit a three-run shot in the fourth, and Arencibia capped the inning with a solo shot as the Blue Jays won for the sixth time in eight games.

Texas starter Justin Grimm (5-5) allowed 10 hits and seven runs in 7 2-3 innings. The rookie is 0-2 with an 11.66 ERA in his last three starts.

ROYALS 7, RAYS 2 In St. Petersburg, Luis Mendoza pitched six innings to win for the first time in six starts and Elliot Johnson had another big hit against his former team, leading Kansas City over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Mendoza (2-3) gave up two runs and six hits and three Royals relievers pitched three hitless innings as Kansas City held a 13th straight opponent to three runs or fewer.

Johnson had a tying triple among his two hits

and Billy Butler drove in three runs for the Royals, who have won nine of 10.

Tampa Bay starter Matt Moore (8-3) gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks in 5 1-3 innings with four strikeouts. He is 0-3 in five starts since winning his first eight starts of the season.

ASTROS 2, WHITE SOX 1 In Houston, Erik Bedard pitched six solid innings and Jose Altuve hit a go-ahead RBI single to give the Astros a win over the White Sox. Bedard (2-3) yielded three hits and one run with six strikeouts to bounce back from his previous outing when he allowed six runs in 4 2-3 innings.

Alexei Ramirez committed two errors in the fifth inning to help the Astros take the lead. The miscues ruined a great outing by Chris Sale (5-5), who allowed five hits and no earned runs with a seasonhigh 14 strikeouts in eight innings.

TIGERS 4, TWINS 0 In Minneapolis, Prince Fielder broke open a scoreless game with a two-run double in the sixth inning, the spark that Rick Porcello and the Tigers used to beat the Twins.

Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta followed Fielder’s soaring drive with RBI doubles of their own, ending the night for Twins starter Scott Diamond (4-6). Porcello (4-3) breezed through seven innings, allowing just two singles and one double without a walk.

ANGELS 5, YANKEES 2 In Anaheim, CJ Wilson outdid Andy Pettitte with seven effective innings, Albert Pujols and Mark Trumbo each had three hits and Chris Iannetta singled home the go-ahead run as the Angels handed the Yankees their fourht straight loss.

Wilson (5-5) allowed two runs and five hits, struck out four and walked three while winning for only the second time in his last eight starts. Pettitte (5-4) gave up four runs and 11 hits through seven innings on the eve of his 41st birthday.

INTERLEAGUE INDIANS 2, NATIONALS 1 In Cleveland, Jason Kipnis’ run-scoring fielder’s choice in the ninth inning lifted the Indians to a victory over the Nationals.

With runners on second and third and one out, Kipnis hit a hard groundball to the right side. First baseman Adam LaRoche made a diving backhanded stop and fired a throw to catcher Kurt Suzuki, but Drew Stubbs slid in with the winning run.

Stubbs’ one-out single off Fernando Abad (0-1) started the rally before the Indians executed a perfect hit-and-run play.

Joe Smith (3-0) retired the side in order in the ninth for the Indians, who have won three straight after losing eight in a row.—AP

ATLANTA: Madison Bumgarner allowed two hits in seven innings and combined with Sandy Rosario for a three-hit shutout in the San Francisco Giants’ 6-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Friday night.

Bumgarner (6-4) was dominant in earning his second straight win. The left-hander did not allow a baserunner for 4 2-3 innings before losing his bid for a perfect game in the fifth and shot at a no-hitter in the sixth.

Bumgarner matched his season high with 10 strikeouts while walking one.

Atlanta’s Kris Medlen (3-7) lasted six innings and gave up four runs on nine hits, including a homer by Gregor Blanco to lead off the game.

The Giants had five doubles off Medlen. Buster Posey had three doubles. Blanco had two hits, including a run-scoring single in the second.

PIRATES 3, DODGERS 0 In Pittsburgh, Jeff Locke allowed just two hits over seven innings and Pittsburgh sent Los Angeles to its fifth loss in six games.

Locke (6-1) struck out five and walked one to win his sixth straight decision while shaving his ERA to 2.19. Andrew McCutchen hit a tworun double in the third inning off Stephen Fife (1-2). Jason Grilli worked out of a two-on, no-out jam in the ninth for his National Leagueleading 24th save.

The Dodgers played without manager Don Mattingly, who served a one-game suspension for his role in the brawl with Arizona earlier in the week. Bench coach Trey Hillman filled in for Mattingly. Los Angeles has fallen a season-worst 10 games under .500 (28-38).

MARLINS 5, CARDINALS 4 In Miami, rookie Jose Fernandez outpitched a rusty Jake Westbrook, and the team with the worst record in the majors beat the team with the best record.

Fernandez had a career-high 10 strikeouts in seven innings, and Miami Marlins Westbrook’s return from an elbow injury by defeating the St. Louis.

The 20-year-old Fernandez (4-3) became the first pitcher under 21 to strike out 10 or more since Felix Hernandez with Seattle in 2007.

Relying heavily on breaking balls, he threw a career-high 107 pitches and

(5-2) retired the side in the 10th.

The teams combined for five errors - including a season-high three by Cincinnati. Bronson Arroyo hit Martin Maldonado with the bases loaded to force in a run, and

ATLANTA: Second baseman Tony Abreu No. 10 of the San Francisco Giants turns a double play while third baseman Chris Johnson No. 23 of the Atlanta Braves slides into second base during the game at Turner Field.—AFP allowed three runs, two earned.

Westbrook (2-2), who had been sidelined with elbow inflammation, went five innings in his first game since May 8. He allowed five runs, two of them unearned because of a misplayed grounder by second baseman Matt Carpenter, and his ERA rose to 2.05.

REDS 4, BREWERS 3 In Cincinnati, Jay Bruce homered off Burke Badenhop with one out in the 10th inning, rallying Cincinnati to victory over Milwaukee in a game full of errors and wasted chances.

It was Cincinnati’s second straight extra-inning game. The Reds fell 6-5 in 14 innings at Wrigley Field on Thursday, leaving their bullpen depleted.

Bruce connected on a 1-2 pitch from Badenhop (0-3) for his fifth game-ending homer. Alfredo Simon

Maldonado homered off him to tie it in the eighth.

CUBS 6, METS 3 In New York, David DeJesus hit a bases-loaded triple before injuring his shoulder when he crashed into the outfield wall, and Chicago beat New York behind resurgent starter Edwin Jackson.

Nate Schierholtz homered and Anthony Rizzo had three hits for Chicago in the opener of a threegame series between big-market teams trying to rebuild. Jackson (3-8) went six innings for his second consecutive win, allowing one run and five hits while striking out seven.

Mets starter Shaun Marcum (0-8) was hit hard early but retired 12 straight during one stretch and pitched into the sixth. It was his first outing since throwing eight innings of splendid relief in a hard-luck loss

to Miami on Saturday, when the Mets were beaten 2-1 in 20 innings.

PHILLIES 8, ROCKIES 7 In Denver, Freddy Galvis hit two 2-run triples and scored the goahead run on Humberto Quintero’s single, and Philadelphia rallied from a five-run deficit to beat Colorado.

The Phillies overcame home runs

by Carlos Gonzalez and Josh Rutledge, who was recalled from Triple A Colorado Springs to fill the roster spot left by the loss of slugging shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to a broken rib. Trailing 7-2 going into the sixth, the Phillies chased Rockies starter Juan Nicasio and pulled to within 7-5 on the first of Galvis’ triples and a run-scoring groundout

by Quintero.

They went ahead in a three-run seventh keyed by Galvis’ second triple and Quintero’s single. Jonathan Papelbon got his 13th save in as many chances and Michael Stutes (20) pitched a scoreless inning of relief for the win.

PADRES 2, DIAMONDBACKS 1 In San Diego, left-hander Eric Stults threw a career-best two-hitter and Logan Forsythe hit a basesloaded, two-run single with two outs in the sixth to give San Diego the victory against NL West-leading Arizona. Arizona’s Gerardo Parra doubled opening the game and scored on Cody Ross’ sacrifice fly. Stults didn’t give up another hit until Willie Bloomquist singled with one out in the ninth.

Stults (6-5) retired 16 of the last 17 batters for his third career complete game. He struck out three and walked one. He previously had thrown two four-hitters.

The fourth-place Padres pulled within four games of the Diamondbacks. San Diego has won four straight and seven of nine.

Bench coach Alan Trammell managed the Diamondbacks while Kirk Gibson served his one-game suspension stemming from Tuesday night’s brawl against the Los Angeles Dodgers.—AP

Peslier aims to end French Oaks jinx PARIS: French riding great Olivier Peslier can end years of frustration in the French Oaks by riding Silasol to victory at Chantilly today and complete the French Derby/Oaks double to boot.

The 40-year-old - who broke the century mark of Group One winners a couple of years ago - has failed to land the Oaks in 18 attempts, finishing runner-up on four occasions most recently in 2011 on Galikova for Silasol’s owners, the Wertheimer Brothers.

Peslier, who admits that despite all his big wins including four Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes he is more likely to be saluted in the street in Japan than in France, rode Silasol to victory in the influential Oaks prep race the Group One Prix Saint Alary last month.

Peslier, who teams up with Chantilly-based trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias for whom he rode last year’s shock Arc winner Solemia, believes that the filly has what it requires to end his Oaks agony.

“She is an all round type of performer as you can take her to the front or also opt to hold her in the back,” said Peslier. “She knows how to win from any position. She gallops along at her own pace

without overexerting herself.

“We know how classy she is and she also has the advantage of bearing the silks of the Wertheimers, whose horses have been in unbeatable form of late,” added Peslier, who has won three of the six Group Ones’ disputed in France this season.

One, though, that slipped through his grasp was the French 1000 Guineas which went to Flotilla, who on the form book is the greatest danger to Peslier in the Oaks.

Flotilla, trained by 2011 Melbourne Cup winning trainer Mikel Delzangles, won the 1000 Guineas on her first start of the season having ended the previous campaign in style landing a rare victory for the European stables at last year’s Breeders Cup meeting in California.

The only question mark over her being able to follow the likes of Golden Lilac, the incomparable Zarkava who went on to win the Arc, and Divine Proportions in completing the classic double is whether she will stay the 2100 metres (10 1/2 furlongs) which is 500 metres further than the Guineas. Her pedigree suggests she won’t but

Delzangles has aided her by putting in a pacemaker in the form of Sage Melody and the 42-year-old Frenchman is confident she will win if she stays.

“She had a hard winter which alarmed us a bit, but she won the Guineas in good style,” he said.

“She has so much class and is in great shape.” Her jockey Christophe Lemaire was also confident in her chances. “She has a devastating turn of foot and I am logically very confident,” he said.

“If she stays she will be the filly to beat,” added Lemaire, who has won the race three times. With no challengers from the heavyweight stables in England or Ireland the two favourites main opposition from the other eight participants will likely come from master trainer Andre Fabre, who has sent out four winners of the race.

Fabre, whose pronouncements on their chances are hard to come by as he maintains a steely silence with the French press, saddles the second and third from the Guineas in Esoterique and Tasaday respectively while Baltic Baroness represents the winning German owners Gestut Ammerland from the 20111 edition with Golden Lilac.—AFP

MLB results/standings

Pedrosa on pole in Spain

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

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

American League Eastern Division W L PCT 41 28 .594 39 29 .574 37 30 .552 35 32 .522 30 36 .455 Central Division 37 28 .569 33 33 .500 32 33 .492 29 35 .453 28 36 .438 Western Division 41 28 .594 38 29 .567 30 38 .441 29 38 .433 24 44 .353

GB 1.5 3 5 9.5

Atlanta Washington Philadelphia NY Mets Miami

4.5 5 7.5 8.5

St. Louis Cincinnati Pittsburgh Chicago Cubs Milwaukee

2 10.5 11 16.5

Arizona San Francisco Colorado San Diego LA Dodgers

National League Eastern Division 39 28 .582 33 33 .500 33 35 .485 24 38 .387 20 46 .303 Central Division 43 24 .642 41 27 .603 40 27 .597 27 38 .415 27 39 .409 Western Division 37 30 .552 35 31 .530 35 33 .515 33 34 .493 28 38 .424

5.5 6.5 12.5 18.5 2.5 3 15 15.5 1.5 2.5 4 8.5

SPAIN: Repsol Honda Team Spanish rider Dani Pedrosa celebrates after taking the pole position at the end the second MotoGP qualifying session of the Catalunya Grand Prix. —AFP

MONTMELO: Championship leader Dani Pedrosa grabbed pole position for today’s Catalunya grand prix when he recorded the fastest ever lap at Montmelo near Barcelona yesterday. Spaniard Pedrosa delighted the home fans thronging the circuit in sweltering heat with a blistering time of 1:40.893 on his Honda. Yamaha pilot Cal Crutchlow of Britain was second fastest, with Pedrosa’s compatriot, world champion Jorge Lorenzo, third quickest on another Yamaha. “It’s a difficult circuit, above all when it is so hot,” Pedrosa said in an interview with Spanish television broadcaster Cuatro.

“We got a good lap in but even more pleasing is that we have improved in terms of rhythm and that is the most important factor here,” added the 27-year-old. “I am happy to have set the record in front of all my fans.”

Pedrosa’s time beat the previous record of 1:41.186 set by former world champion Casey Stoner of Australia in 2008.

After five races, Pedrosa tops the standings on 103 points, with Lorenzo second on 91 and Pedrosa’s team mate, Spanish rookie Marc Marquez, third on 77. Marquez was sixth quickest yesterday, behind Alvaro Bautista in fourth and Nicky Hayden in fifth.—Reuters

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

S P ORTS

Golf and ‘Crime-Stoppers’ a dangerous mix ARDMORE: “Hello, Merion Golf Club. May I help you?” “Yes. Can I speak to a rules official from the U.S. Golf Association, please. I saw a twig move.” “Sir, thousands of twigs get tossed around here every day. It’s a golf course.” “Yeah, but this one was moved by Tiger Woods’ backswing, in a fairway bunker on No. 16.” “Excuse me, but how would you know that? There’s no place for fans to see anything on 16. There’s barely places to stand on that hole.”

“I’m not there. I’m in Phoenix, watching on an 80-inch high-def TV. “I’m sure it’s very nice, sir. But when did this allegedly happen?

“Thursday. And there’s no ‘allegedly’ about it. I just got home from an out-of-town wedding and started watching the DVR. I rewound it eight times, twice in super slo-mo.

And I’m on the rules committee at my club.

He broke Rule 13-4c - moving a loose impediment lying in a hazard.”

“But it’s Sunday, sir. And this is the US Open. Woods is on the verge of winning his

first major in five years. He’s on the last hole. “I know, but he should have been penalized and he needs to be disqualified. He signed an incorrect scorecard Thursday. A rule is a rule is a rule.” Someday soon, golf is going to regret letting people watching from home phone in rules violations. Consider what happened at this year’s Masters a dry run.

During the second round there, Woods hit a ball that ricocheted off the flagstick and into the pond at No. 15. Soon after, a viewer later revealed to be David Eger, a Champions Tour golfer who once ran the USGA’s rules committee - notified tournament officials that Woods had taken an improper drop before hitting his next shot. The next day, Masters officials reviewed the sequence a second time and penalized Woods two strokes, but quickly cited another rule to avoid disqualifying him for signing an incorrect scorecard.

At the US Open on Thursday, the claim by at least one viewer that Steve Stricker took an

illegal drop at No. 3 found its way to the USGA rules committee. Later the same day, as many as a half-dozen other viewers contended Adam Scott grounded his club in a hazard at No. 5. After reviewing both shots, the USGA decided no violation occurred.

So it may take a unique set of circumstances, but if they ever align, all this armchair officiating is going to test the notion that golfers are more honorable than their counterparts in the other pro sports, where the prevailing ethic could be summed up as “If you ain’t cheatin’ you ain’t tryin.’”

Imagine if the caller in the conversation above also happened to be a pal of a golfer chasing Woods down the stretch of a tournament on Sunday; even worse, what if he called in at the direction of Woods’ rival.

A handful of golfers asked that question Friday couldn’t imagine. “It’s just a different type of sport,” Jim Furyk said. “Every other sport I played, you were taught how to cheat, how to get away with things. In this sport,

you cheat once in your life, you get labeled. It sticks forever and you’re an outcast. You’re taught a totally different set of rules here. “No one,” he added, “wants to win when they do something wrong.” The rules of golf were first codified in 1744, and because of the sprawling field of play, the burden of calling fouls was placed on the players themselves. Let’s take the high road and assume they have ever since, and that the same ethic holds for another 250 years or so.

It seems as optimistic as the claim by most pro golfers that no competitor would dare use performance-enhancing drugs. It also contradicts everything we know about human nature, especially when huge sums of money are at stake, but it’s possible.

Yet even that doesn’t solve the problem.

In golf, it doesn’t matter whether a rule was violated intentionally. And a golfer can be penalized up until the final ball of the last golfer in the field finds the bottom of the cup and all the scorecards have been signed. Silly

as the conversation above sounds, there’s absolutely nothing that would prevent it from happening.

The same golfers who fielded questions about potential cheating said they could live with that scenario. “It’s part of the game,” Geoff Ogilvy said. “But I don’t think anybody likes it.”

“I don’t think it’s the best thing,” said Scott, who proposed having rules officials watch the coverage the way replay officials in sports like football, and to a lesser extent, baseball and hockey do. “It’s always been like that,” David Toms said. “If I break a rule, whether I meant to or not, I have no problem having it called.” Let’s hope so, since the players don’t have a choice at the moment. Among all of the game’s still-antiquated rules, none is more in need of a fix than the one mandating disqualification for signing a scorecard deemed incorrect because of something uncovered after the fact - especially as it applies to the majors. —AP

Mickelson, Horschel lead

ARDMORE: Amateur Pan Cheng-Tsung of Chinese Taipei hits his tee shot on the fourth hole during Round Three of the 113th US Open. —AFP

Pan and Kim put Asia on map at Merion US Open ARDMORE: Amateurs Pan Cheng-tsung of Taiwan and South Korea-born Michael Kim kept the flag flying high for Asia with stunning performances in difficult conditions at the US Open on Friday.

Pan birdied two of his first nine holes to lie joint third at level par midway through the weather-delayed second round while Kim was a further stroke back, after covering his first 11 holes in two under. Both players will aim to stay in contention for the year’s second major championship when they return to Merion Golf Club’s challenging East Course late yesterday.

“I’m really happy with my performance,” Pan, 21, told reporters after covering the outward nine in two-under during a round where the average score in the 155-strong field was almost five over par.

“Two under, that’s a good score for me and I’m very satisfied with my performance this afternoon. But it’s still early in the tournament.

Two more days, and I’ve got 45 holes to go.”

Asked if he felt any pressure challenging for the major widely regarded as the most gruelling to win, Pan replied: “Actually I’m very excited to see my name on the leaderboard. “The reason I don’t feel pressure is because the holes are hard and I am just trying every shot hard.”

Pan is making his second appearance in a U.S. Open, having missed the cut in last year’s championship at the brutally difficult Olympic Club outside San Francisco, and he relishes the major environment. “This atmosphere here is great,” said the Taiwanese, who at the age of 15

in 2007 became the youngest player to reach the quarter-finals of the US Amateur since Bobby Jones. “I came to the US Open 2011 and I just fell in love with this kind of atmosphere. I feel I belong to that kind of place.

“I’m not saying I’m good enough, but I love this kind of feeling and the competition is great.

I just want to be here always.”

Kim, who earned a US Open spot for the first time after making two birdies in his last three holes in sectional qualifying, made a promising start to Friday’s second round after teeing off at the par-four 11th. He offset a bogey at the parfour 14th with a birdie on 16 to cover Merion’s difficult closing stretch in level par, then edged up the leaderboard with further birdies at the first and second before play was suspended for the day in fading light.

“I got off to a pretty solid start, parred the first few holes and I definitely could have made birdie on all of them,” the 19-year-old said.

“And then I hit a poor drive on 14 and made a bogey. “But I made a really good birdie on 16, and kind of came back. I just tried to get through that 14-through-18 stretch in even par, because then you’re making up shots on the field.”

Asked what his expectations were heading into the weekend on a layout known for its thick rough and narrow fairways and now running faster and firmer, Kim replied: “I’m not sure.

“Trying not to think about it too much. Low expectations and whatever happens, happens tomorrow.”—Reuters

ARDMORE: Phil Mickelson and fellow American Billy Horschel retained their one-stroke lead at the US Open following yesterday morning’s conclusion of the suspended second round of the championship at Merion.

Four-times major winner Mickelson and 26-year-old Horschel, who won the Zurich Classic in April for his first PGA win, finished their second rounds on Friday and were tied at one-under-par 139 heading to the third round on a warm, sunny day in the leafy Philadelphia suburb.

One stroke back at level-par 140 were former world number one Luke Donald of England, who shot a secondround 72, compatriot Justin Rose (69) and American Steve Stricker (69), who all registered their rounds on Friday.

Donald was joining Mickelson and Horschel in the final third-round grouping at 2:40 p.m. (1840 GMT) as the 73 players to make the cut, set at eight over par, were going off in threesomes from the first and 11th holes.

Lurking well within range on three-over 143 were Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who will playing their third successive round together, joined by Gonzalo FernandezCastano of Spain. Sixty-eight players returned at 7:15 a.m.

(1115 GMT) to complete their rounds, suspended by failing light as the tournament continued to be backed up after losing more than four hours on Thursday’s opening day due to lightning and downpours.

Many contending players lost ground in yesterday’s resumption as lively breezes blew across the classic layout, although 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and five-time PGA Tour winner Hunter Mahan improved their position.

Schwartzel emulated Mickelson and Horschel with a birdie at the difficult par-four 18th, playing at 501 yards, to complete a 71 and move up to one-over-par 141 for the tournament.

Mahan, who had started his second round from the 11th, birdied his last hole, the 10th, and also improved by a stroke in posting 69 to join Schwartzel on 141. The pair will play together in the third round, along with Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts (72).

Englishman Ian Poulter, who had stood level par with four holes to play, bogeyed the par-four 16th Quarry Hole and the daunting par-four last for a 71 to slip to two over par. “I think 18 is probably the hardest hole in golf right now,” said Poulter. “I played a lovely three-wood and threeiron and it ran just off the back edge of the green and I didn’t get up and down.”

Amateurs Pan Cheng-tsung of Taiwan and South Koreaborn Michael Kim, both surprisingly in the top 10 when second-round play was suspended, also moved in the wrong direction on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Pan plunged from even par to four-over 144 in completing his last nine holes for 72 on Saturday, while the 19-year-old Kim lost two strokes to par over his final seven holes to dip to three-over-par 143.—Reuters

ARDMORE: Phil Mickelson of the United States hits his second shot on the sixth hole during Round Two of the 113th US Open at Merion Golf Club. —AFP

Chinese players under fire after Jakarta upset

BROOKLYN: Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet, and Paul Menard, driver of the No. 33 Menards/Rheem Chevrolet, lead the field past the green flag to start the NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 at Michigan International Speedway.—AFP

Edwards tops NASCAR qualifying BROOKLYN: Carl Edwards topped qualifying Friday for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway, with drivers enthusing about the speed of the track.

Edwards time of 202.452 mph (321 kph) came a year after Marcos Ambrose won the pole at MIS with a speed of 203.241 mph - and that was the first time since 1987 the 200 mph mark was broken during qualifying for NASCAR’s top series.

“The new track is super fun to race on,” Edwards said. “ The pavement seems like it has aged more in a year than a lot of new track surfaces have, and hopefully we can keep developing a Goodyear tire and keep making it softer and softer to where it becomes the old Michigan here in a year or two. That is going to be awesome.”

Edwards topped qualifying for the first time this season. He had the pole

in May at Talladega as well, but that was because qualifying was rained out and the field was set by practice speeds. He’s second in the Sprint Cup standings.

Kurt Busch was second in qualifying, followed by Kasey Kahne. Points leader Jimmie Johnson was 17th, one spot behind Keselowski.

Edwards started second last weekend at Pocono, but finished 18th.

Now, his No. 99 Ford looks capable of a big weekend.

“The engine is a big part of it, and today the engine group came through huge,” Edwards said. “You can’t hide a bad engine out there on that racetrack. That is a big racetrack where big power means something, and same thing with the aero program.

We have to keep moving forward but that is cool. There is not a faster car in the place than our car today and that is a big deal.” Dale Earnhardt

Jr., who won at MIS last June to snap a streak of 143 Cup races without a victory, qualified 12th. Busch is coming off a seventh-place showing at Pocono - his second top-10 finish in the last three races. He’ll start in the top two Sunday for the fourth time this year. “It’s just a good feeling - to be on the front row four times this year,” Busch said. “So we’re just going to keep rolling. To be second, that’s qualifying, now we’ve just got to step into the race, and that’s where we’ve got to close the deal.”

Thirteen drivers qualified with speeds of at least 200 mph, although nobody could eclipse the mark set by Ambrose.

“To come as close as Carl came today, Kurt was right there and then we were behind him - to come as close as those guys did to the qualifying record, that shows how fast the car is here,” Kahne said. “The race, the speeds will be up for sure.”—AP

INDONESIA: Chinese badminton is again under fire after world number three Du Pengyu’s shock loss to unranked Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka at the Indonesia Super Series event.

The sport’s governing body, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), has long been concerned about players withdrawing from “smaller” events and team mates pulling out of matches to avoid competing against each other.

The issue proved controversial at last year’s London Olympics, when four women’s doubles pairs from China, South Korea and Indonesia deliberately played to lose their matches in order to get a more favorable draw.

The BWF disqualified all four pairings and banned them after the farcical scenes sullied the sport’s reputation and sent shockwaves through the Olympic tournament.

In Jakarta, Du lost 21-15 15-21 21-9 to home favorite Rumbaka to leave China, the dominant force in world badminton and the winner of all five gold medals in London, without a player in the men’s singles or doubles.

While Du credited the impressive play of Rumbaka for the surprise defeat, more sceptical observers said Chinese shuttlers save themselves for bigger events and do not take the smaller tournaments, such as the $700,000 Indonesian event, seriously.

“I don’t want to take any credit away from Hayom but Pengyu hardly gave a fight in the rubber game,” Malaysia coach Rashid Sidek was quoted as saying by the Malaysian Star.

“Pengyu is the top seed in the Singapore Open next week but I won’t be surprised if he does not live up to the billing.

“These players are more concerned with the world meet and will not push themselves as they do not want to risk any injuries. So, if you ask me, their defeats should not be taken seriously.”

Du said people were reading too much into his defeat on Friday. “It is normal in every tournament, there are wins and losses. I did not play very well today while Hayom was outstanding out there with his strong smashes and defence,” the world number three told Indonesian media. Rumbaka said he had been expecting a tougher test. “I never expected to win this easily.

Compared to my two previous matches against him, it was pretty easy. I am glad with my performance today,” he said. Rumbaka will take on top seed and world number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in the last four on Saturday for a place in the final against the winner of the other semi between Germany’s Marc Zwiebler and Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia.

There were no such concerns regarding China’s women shuttlers,

with four Chinese pairings contesting the semi-finals of the doubles tournament.

Top-ranked duo Xiaoli Wang and Yang Yu beat fourth seeds Ma Jin and Tang Jinhua 21-18 21-16 on Saturday to set up a final against compatriots Bao Yixin and Cheng Shu, who downed fifth seeds Tian Qing and Zhao Yunlei 21-17 22-20. In mixed doubles, third seeds Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei of China ensured more heartbreak for compatriots Jin and her partner Xu Chen when they beat the top seeds 21-15 21-17 to set up a final against Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christinna Pedersen of Denmark.

Chinese world number one Li Xuerui lost the first set but came back well to beat Hong Kong’s Yip Pui Yin 17-21 21-11 21-11 for a place in today’s final against Germany’s Juliane Schenk.—Reuters

JAKARTA: China badminton players Yu Yang (left) and Wang Xiaoli (right) return the shuttlecock against Ma Jin and Tang Jinhua from China at Senayan sport center during the Indonesian Open Super Series semi-finals. —AFP

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

S P ORTS

Federer sets up Halle final against Youzhny HALLE: Roger Federer edged closer to his first title of the season when he came from a set down to beat defending champion Tommy Haas 3-6 6-3 6-4 and book a place in today’s Halle Open final against Mikhail Youzhny.

After a patchy start on Saturday the Swiss looked sharp on the grass as he prepares for his title defence at Wimbledon later this month.

Federer, five-times champion at Halle, will take on Russian Youzhny, who outclassed former Wimbledon semi-finalist Richard Gasquet of France 6-3 6-2.

“I felt good out there, and as I had predicted it was a tough match,” Federer, the world number three, said in a courtside interview.

“I have not won a title this year, twice I have lost here in the final in the past years. It will not be easy but I am really looking forward to it.”

Federer’s unusually erratic forehand earned 35-year-old Haas his first break points at 3-2, and another long crosscourt forehand by the Swiss gave the

Photo of the day

world number 11 a two-game cushion.

Haas, whose 2012 Halle final win over Federer was his first in 10 years against him, saved two break points at 5-2 to serve out the set when Federer pushed another forehand long.

The tables were turned in the second set, with Federer racing to a 3-0 lead after breaking Haas, whose injury-free season has seen him win in Munich and reach the French Open last eight.

After drawing level, Federer went 3-1 up in the decider when Haas doublefaulted twice in a row, and the 31-yearold clinched victory on his second match point.

Youzhny, who has lost all 14 past encounters against Federer, enjoyed a more comfortable afternoon, breaking Gasquet early on to race to a 4-1 lead in the first set.

Two quick breaks in the second took him away from the Frenchman, and the world number 29 wrapped it up in just under an hour for his first final appearance of the year.—Reuters

Alex Sorgente performs a backside flip indygrab at Elbo Skatepark in Bologna, Italy. www.redbullcontentpool.com

Lions demolish Waratahs

HALLE: Swiss tennis player Roger Federer returns a ball during the semifinal match against German Tommy Haas at the ATP Gerry Weber Open tennis tournament. —AFP

Samoa overpower Italy NELSPUIT: Samoa powered to a 39-10 win over Italy in the four-team tournament in South Africa yesterday, their third successive test win against Six Nations opposition.

Having won in Wales in November and beaten Scotland in Durban last week, the Samoans proved too strong for the Italians at the Mbombela Stadium in a scrappy game in which they outscored their opponents five tries to one.

The power of the Pacific islanders ground down Italian opposition in a match that started slowly with Samoa leading 10-3 at halftime but exploded with four more tries in the second half.

Samoa captain Paul Williams crossed for the opening try and added 13 more points with the boot. A burst from John Leota and good follow-up work from Tusiata Pisi allowed Williams to collect and scramble through for an easy touch down after 21 minutes to break the deadlock.

A clever kick towards the touchline from Williams straight after the break allowed Alapati Leiua to score his first international tr y in just his second appearance as the islanders extended their lead and took command of the game.

A strong break from Pisi set up the third as a bedraggled Italy missed key tackles and Leota added his name to the list of try-scorers in the 53rd minute after collecting an inside pass.

A similar break from a maul created an opportunity for number eight Taiasina Tuifua to finish off some clever handling down the left-hand touchline some. Italy were awarded a penalty try nine minutes from time as they attempted to drive over the line but it was a brief reprise as another searing break from substitute centre Seilala Mapusua set up a final try for fullback James So’oialo in the 74th minute. South Africa play Scotland later in Nelspruit.—Reuters

SYDNEY: Fullback Leigh Halfpenny scored 30 points as the British and Irish Lions romped to a record 47-17 win over the NSW Waratahs yesterday, a week before the first Test against Australia.

Five tries-including a brace to Halfpenny, who also enjoyed another golden night with the boot-kept the Lions unbeaten in five games this tour, and gave them their biggest win over the Waratahs in 125 years of visiting Australia.

Halfpenny’s haul was also the highest individual total against the Waratahs surpassing Jonny Wilkinson’s 19 in 2001 — and was boosted by kicking figures of eight from eight, putting him on 22 out of 23 so far on tour. But some of the gloss was removed from the big win when a possible hamstring injury forced Welsh centre Jamie Roberts from the field in the final 10 minutes, raising questions about his fitness for the start of the three-Test series.

The Lions, who have been looking for hard matches in Australia, got what they were looking for against the Waratahs, who gave a good account of themselves despite playing without 11 of their internationals. But the tourists got on with the job and after leading 23-10 at half-time, they scored 24 points in the second half with Jonathan Davies, Tom Croft and Halfpenny all outstanding.

“A tough match for us and we’re very pleased with the outcome and even at the end there when we were down to 14 men

(with Roberts injured) we controlled the game without being under too much pressure,” head coach Warren Gatland said.

“In fairness to the Waratahs they took it to us. I thought the guys responded magnificently. I thought the discipline was excellent, so I’m very pleased.”

Gatland was impressed with his team’s discipline with some provocation off the ball, particularly to the halves, Jonny Sexton and Mike Phillips. “The big key in this game was keeping our discipline and it would have been easy for someone taken late to lose their head and throw a punch, and that being picked up and leading to a citing,” Gatland said. “So from that point of view I think our discipline was absolutely fantastic.”

Gatland also paid tribute to centre Davies, who had an outstanding match. “I thought he was fantastic. Given the quality of our midfield and the pressure he was under to respond and that I thought it was one of the best games I have seen him play,” he said.

Irish winger Simon Zebo, who only arrived this week as injury cover, was over the try-line with his first touch of the ball in the opening minute but his foot clipped the touchline and the video referee ruled no try. But the tourists crossed again for their first try in the sixth minute when Davies put flyhalf Sexton over with a beautiful inside pass for a 10-0 lead.

The feisty Waratahs hit back when winger Peter Betham swept on to Bernard Foley’s crossfield kick and passed inside to centre

Tom Carter, who scored in the left corner.

However, Halfpenny was deadly accurate with his goal-kicking and two penalties gave the tourists a 16-7 lead after 27 minutes.

The Waratahs had their best period of the half as they ripped into the Lions with ferocious tackles and edged to within six points with a Brendan McKibbin penalty.

But the Lions finished the half strongly with Halfpenny crossing wide out on an overlap, after the Lions’ forwards had taken play to within metres of the home side’s try-line.

Halfpenny’s conversion gave them a 23-10 halftime lead.

After the break, the Lions picked up where they left off and Halfpenny scored his second try off a clever short pass from Davies to scoot over, and then added the conversion.

But the Waratahs quickly hit back when impressive big lock Will Skelton won the ball in a maul and found Carter for the centre’s second try of the match.

England flyhalf Owen Farrell came on for Sexton in the 49th minute as the Lions led 3017. Halfpenny kicked another penalty before Davies was quick off the defensive line and intercepted the ball, leading up to blindside flanker Croft storming over for his team’s third try and a 40-17 lead. Coach Gatland used the opportunity to bring all his remaining seven replacements off the bench and rest his potential Test stars for next week. Davies capped a great match when he scored his team’s fifth try with eight minutes left.—AFP

NZ blank France 30-0 CHRISTCHURCH: Tries to wingers Julian Savea and Ben Smith and replacement Beauden Barrett helped New Zealand to a comprehensive 30-0 victory over France in the second test yesterday and sealed the three-match series with a game to spare.

Flyhalf Aaron Cruden slotted 15 points with the boot as the All Blacks took nearly every scoring opportunity they had and played an intelligent game built around kicking behind the French line and keeping them pinned in their territory.

They were also brutally efficient in defence, repelling wave after wave of French attacks for 19 phases early in the second half before charging down an attempted drop kick by Frederic Michalak then sweeping downfield for Smith’s try.

“The game was in the balance before that period when we defended and then we got the opportunity to strike and we took it,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen told reporters of Smith’s 48th-minute converted try that extended their lead to 17-0.

“Defence wins games because it shows the attitude of the team. We have made a couple of little changes that I think have helped get our defence in the right places and they worked really hard for it.”

New Zealand won the first match 2313 at Eden Park in Auckland last week and with the victory in Christchurch they retained the Dave Gallaher Cup, which is contested between the two nations.

The final test is in New Plymouth next week, though Michalak will miss it with a shoulder injury, France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said, while number eight

Louis Picamoles was still having scans on a knee injury.

The All Blacks got on the board early when Ma’a Nonu produced a deft kick behind France’s flat defence and Savea scooped up the ball to record his 13th test try, which Cruden converted.

Flyhalf Michalak had two opportunities to get the visitors on the board but failed with a drop goal in the 18th minute and missed a penalty in the 20th.

Cruden extended the lead two minutes later when the French were penalised on their line after the All Blacks had swept down field following two surging runs by Read, playing his 50th test, and prop Wyatt Crockett.

The All Blacks went into the break at 10-0 but found themselves desperately defending for the first eight minutes of the second half.

After 19 phases, the French gave up on hammering at the line and swung the ball back to Michalak for a drop goal, only for Sam Cane to charge the ball down.

The All Blacks quickly moved onto attack with Savea coming from the left wing across to the right, where he drew the last defender and put Smith away to the roars of the crowd.

Cruden’s conversion knocked much of the spirit out of the French and the flyhalf added two further penalties before Barrett finished a length of the field try after some outstanding work by Israel Dagg, Rene Ranger and Conrad Smith.

“We had the opportunities to come back when it was 10-0 and we spent five minutes in the New Zealand 22,” Saint-Andre said. “They defended really well. We tried a drop goal and 80 metres (later) it’s 17-0 to New Zealand. Game over.”—Reuters

AUSTRALIA: Rob Horne (center) of Waratahs is tackled by British and Irish Lions Jonathan Davies (right) and James Heaslip during the tour match in Sydney. —AFP

Sagan takes sprint stage BAD RAGAZ: Slovakian rider Peter Sagan, of the Cannondale team, won a sprint finish to take the eighth stage of the Tour of Switzerland yesterday with home star Mathias Frank keeping the yellow jersey. Sagan, who had also won Monday’s

third stage, was the strongest over the last few metres of the 180.5km run from Zernez and Bad Ragaz.

He finished ahead of Italy’s Daniele Bennati and Philippe Gilbert of Belgium. Frank has a 13-second lead over Portugal’s

Rui Costa and 23-second advantage over Czech rider Roman Kreuziger ahead of today’s concluding time trial in the village of Flumserberg.

For Sagan, it was his eighth career stage win on the race with two coming in 2011 and

four last year. One of the day’s biggest losers was Australia’s Cameron Meyer who was forced to stop to change a wheel. The Orica GreenEdge rider slipped from eighth to 10th place in the overall standings with a 2 min 09 sec deficit.—AFP

19

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

SPORTS

In tied Finals, Wade says Game 5 could be best SAN ANTONIO: Dwyane Wade has never gone the distance in three previous NBA Finals trips. His first two appearances, a win and a loss, both went six games. The Miami Heat needed only five to finish off Oklahoma City last year, when LeBron James won his first title.

Wade talks now as if he expects this series with the San Antonio Spurs to reach a Game 7. “It’s going to be hard, the hardest thing we’re going to do as a group is to try to repeat,” Wade said. “And this team over here is not going to quit, no matter what. So we have to prepare for their best effort.” With the series tied at 2-2, the Heat are in the same position as two years ago. They lost that Game 5 to the Dallas Mavericks, who eliminated them in Game 6 in Miami.

It’s often the most pivotal game of the finals, with the Game 5 winner taking 20 of the previous 27 series that were tied at 2-2. The Heat blew out the Spurs on Thursday, but their best hasn’t been carrying over from game to game, not just in this series but for a while now. So it’s anybody’s

guess what happens Sunday in a finals that’s dead even, though the games haven’t been.

“I think Game 5 should be the best game of the series,” Wade said. “Both teams should come out knowing each other, knowing what each other want to do, and it should be a very good game.” Not the way this series has been going.

Game 1 was a thriller, neither team able to build a double-digit lead over four back-and-fourth quarters before Tony Parker’s clinching basket helped the Spurs pull out a 92-88 victory.

The teams haven’t delivered a classic since. The Heat won by 19, lost by 36 and cruised by 16. The last few minutes of each have looked more like an October exhibition than a midJune championship clash.

“You lose a game like we did in Game 2 and we come back and beat them in Game 3 and look like they looked last night, that’s what drives me crazy, because as coaches you try to prevent that,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Friday during a conference call. Neither team practiced.

“You like to be on a little bit more of an even keel and perform the same way each night, and the only thing I can tell myself after all these years is, you’re dealing with people, with emotions and not robots,” Popovich said.

“They come out and they all play hard, but there’s that little intangible, that little spark of intensity or back against the wall, or a little bit of fear that just seems to kick in when you’ve lost the previous game. And when you find teams that can get over that, those are the championship teams.”

It’s the most uneven stretch of the NBA Finals since 2005, according to STATS, when San Antonio and the Detroit Pistons swapped four straight games decided by 15 or more points to open the series.

Back then, the Spurs could depend on Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to get them righted.

But now Parker has a shaky hamstring, Ginobili’s shot and confidence are even shakier, and San Antonio might need a throwback performance from Duncan in what could be his last home game in a storied finals career.

“If they don’t get more from Tim Duncan, Sunday is the Spurs’ last stand,” Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said on NBA TV’s postgame show.

Duncan knows that what the Spurs really need is to take better care of the basketball. Their 17 turnovers led to 19 Miami points in Game 2, and they gave the Heat 23 points with their 19 turnovers Thursday. “That’s a big problem,” Duncan said. “When we lose, that’s the big deal right there.”

A healthy Parker would help. He started strong in Game 4 while playing with a strained right hamstring but couldn’t maintain it in the second half. He’s hoping the two-day break between games will boost his stamina.

“It’s going to be huge for me,” Parker said after the game.

“Obviously, definitely got fatigued in the second half. Those two days I’m going to make sure I do a lot of treatment and to get 100 percent. Tonight, I was not 100 percent. By Sunday, that’s my goal, to be good to go.”

The Spurs can only hope their Big Three look as good as Miami’s was on

Thursday. With 33 points and 11 rebounds from James, 32 points from Wade, and 20 points and 13 rebounds from Chris Bosh, the Heat rode the top-heavy balance that’s supposed to deliver multiple titles to Miami.

But the team that sustained its excellence for 27 straight victories during the regular season hasn’t even been able to do it for consecutive games lately. Double-digit victories in Games 3 and 5 of the Eastern Conference finals were followed by losses, as was their first victory in this series.

“Well, Game 5 is going to be a big game,” Bosh said. “I think we just have to stay in the place that we’re in.” As usual, that may depend on James.

After taking unusually long to get going in Games 2 and 3, he was out quick Thursday, making it clear the game was not going to be played on the Spurs’ terms.

“I gave it everything I had,” James said. “I was just playing as hard as I could until the tank was empty and that’s how it’s going to have to be for the rest of this series.”—AP

SCOREBOARD BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom: Full scoreboard of the Champions Trophy group B match between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston yesterday: Pakistan Nasir Jamshed c Raina b Kumar 2 Kamran Akmal c Kohli b Ashwin 21 Mohammad Hafeez c Dhoni b Kumar 27 Asad Shafiq c Dhoni b I. Sharma 41 Misbah-ul Haq b Jadeja 22 Shoaib Malik lbw b Jadeja 17 Umar Amin not out 27 Wahab Riaz b Ashwin 0 Saeed Ajmal c R. Sharma b I. Sharma 5 Junaid Khan run out 0 Mohammad Irfan run out 0 Extras: (lb1, w2) 3 Total (all out, 39.4 overs) 165 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Jamshed), 2-50 (Hafeez), 3-56 (Akmal), 4-110 (Misbah), 5-131 (Shafiq), 6-139 (Malik), 7-140 (Wahab), 8-159 (Ajmal), 9-159 (Junaid), 10-165 (Irfan)

Bowling: Kumar 8-2-19-2, Yadav 6.4-0-29-0, I. Sharma 7-0-40-2 (w1), Ashwin 8-0-35-2 (w1), Kohli 2-0-11-0, Jadeja 8-1-30-2.

India R. Sharma c Misbah b Ajmal 18 S. Dhawan c Jamshed b Wahab 48 V. Kohli not out 22 D. Karthik not out 11 Extras: (w3) 3 Total (for two wickets, 19.1 overs) 102 Fall of wickets: 1-58 (R. Sharma), 2-78 (Dhawan).

Bowling: Irfan 4-0-24-0 (w1), Junaid 4-0-21-0 (w1), Ajmal 5-0-29-1, Hafeez 2.1-0-8-0, Wahab 4-0-20-1 (w1) India won by eight wickets (Duckworth-Lewis method)

Int’l soccer gets goal-line technology RIO DE JANEIRO: FIFA will use goal-line technology in international games for the first time at the Confederations Cup, starting with Saturday’s opening match between Brazil and Japan. The Associated Press looks at why the technology has been introduced and how it will work: WHY NOW? FIFA President Sepp Blatter insisted for years that technology had no place in soccer, and that refereeing mistakes were part of the attraction of the game.

But Blatter’s long-standing opposition to giving referees high-tech aids evaporated after seeing match officials embarrassed at the 2010 World Cup when England midfielder Frank Lampard had a clear goal disallowed against Germany.

TESTING TECHNOLOGY After the 2010 World Cup, 10 systems put themselves forward to FIFA for testing in 2011, but they were deemed to not be accurate enough. After several systems were refined, the sport’s rulemaking body, the International Football Association Board, was satisfied they could work in matches and took the historic decision last year to allow computer-assisted decisions.

SELECTING A SYSTEM FIFA first tested technology at a tournament in December at the Club World Cup. GoalRef, which uses magnetic fields, was deployed at one stadium, and another venue used the camera-based Hawk-Eye. But both of those systems were rejected when FIFA came to decide which to use at the eight-nation

Confederations Cup and ultimately the World Cup back in Brazil next year. The little-known German system GoalControl-4D was selected.

HOW DOES GOALCONTROL WORK? Seven high-speed cameras are trained on each goalmouth. In the case of a disputed goal, a signal is transmitted to the referee’s watch within one second to indicate whether it should be awarded. The decision will also be displayed on big screens in stadiums. In tennis and cricket, anticipation of a decision provided by Hawk-Eye has become part of the in-game entertainment. But the referee retains the authority to make the final decision - and ignore what the computer says. FIFA director Thierry Weil says “the beauty is that it’s not changing anything for the referee, it’s just an additional support.” Mandatory pre-game tests on the cameras also give match officials the option to switch off the technology if they doubt its accuracy on that day.

THE COST GoalControl costs $267,000 per stadium to install, and $4,000 per match to operate. FIFA’s contract with GoalControl for the World Cup can be reviewed if there are problems at the 16match Confederations Cup across six stadiums.

WHAT NEXT? FIFA insists that technology will be restricted to rulings on disputed goals, with no plans to use it to determine offside situations or penalties.—AP

BLOEMFONTEIN: The June 27, 2010 file photo combo shows Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer looking at the ball that hit the bar to bounce over the line during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Germany and England at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.—AP

BIRMINGHAM: India’s Dinesh Karthik misses a catch during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and India at Edgbaston. —AFP

Power-packed India ease past Pakistan BIRMINGHAM: World Cup holders India continued their formidable Champions Trophy form with a rain-marred eight-wicket demolition of arch-rivals Pakistan yesterday.

The highly-anticipated encounter in front of 22,000 boisterous flag-waving supporters from both sides who packed the Edgbaston stands, was interrupted several times by bad weather over Birmingham.

In a match that was initially reduced to 40-overs-a-side, Pakistan were shot out for 165 in 39.4 overs after Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni elected to field in overcast conditions.

India were set a DuckworthLewis target of 168 in 40 overs, which was later revised to 157 off 36 overs, before another rain delay reduced it further to 102 in 22 overs.

India, who were 63-1 in 11.3 overs at that stage, easily scored the remaining runs with 17 balls to spare to end their group B engagements with an all-win record.

Shikhar Dhawan, centurymaker against both the West Indies and South Africa, hit a fluent 48 after sharing an opening stand of 58 with Rohit Sharma.

After both openers were dismissed, Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik saw India home in a match that held only academic interest for the tournament.

Pakistan, who had already been knocked out of the semifinal race after losing their previous two games, will return home with three successive defeats.

Dhoni’s men await the second-placed team from group Ato be determined after the last round of league matches on Sunday and Monday-in the semifinal in Cardiff on Thursday.

South Africa, runners-up to India in group B, will play the champion side from group A in the first semi-final at Oval, London, on Wednesday. Dhoni said he was not surprised by the huge Indian support at Edgbaston and said he was

delighted by the victory.

“We always get a lot of support from fans wherever we play in the world,” the Indian captain said. “It is satisfying that India is performing well in every department.

“We are the top fielding side in world cricket at the moment and need to play with the same intensity in the rest of the tournament.”

Dhoni’s said he was happy for seamer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, whose 2-19 from eight overs in Pakistan’s innings, earned him the man-of-the-match award.

“Its good to see him bowl well,” said Dhoni.

“Bhuvaneshwar bowls in very good areas and can swing the ball both ways. He is someone who invariably gives us early breaks.”

India put on a dazzling display in the field as Pakistan were shot out for fewer than 200 for the third successive time in the tournament. Four bowlers claimed two wickets each and the last two batsmen were run out.

Asad Shafiq top-scored with 41 and Umar Amin made 27 not out, but there was no respite for Pakistan’s batting woes.

Opener Nasir Jamshed, whose previous five innings against India included three centuries and a half-century, managed only two when he was snapped up in the slips off Kumar.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq, who was jeered during the presentation ceremony, said the stop-start kind of day contributed to his team’s poor batting.

“We disappointed again with the bat, but the weather also played a part,” said Misbah. “It is difficult when you have to take so many breaks. It ruins the concentration.

“In this tournament format, if you start badly it becomes very difficult to come back. Our bowling was okay, but they did not have enough runs to play with.”—AFP

BIRMINGHAM: India’s Shikhar Dhawan makes his ground and avoids being run out as the ball thuds into the wickets during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Pakistan. —AFP

Champions Trophy table Champions Trophy table after yesterday’s match between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston (played, won, lost, tied, no result, points, net run-rate): Group A New Zealand England Sri Lanka Australia

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 0

0 1 1 1

0 0 0 0

1 0 0 1

3 2 2 1

+1.05 +0.28 -0.51 -0.96

Group B India South Africa West Indies Pakistan

3 3 3 3

3 1 1 0

0 1 1 3

0 1 1 0

0 0 0 0

6 3 3 0

+0.94 - qualified for semi+0.33 - qualified for semi-0.07 -1.03

Semi-finals Jun 19, The Oval: A1 v South Africa Jun 20, Cardiff: A2 v India Final Jun 23, Edgbaston Note: Day matches start at 0930GMT, D/N (day/night matches) at 1200GMT

Pedrosa on pole in Spain

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

16

Power-packed India ease past Pakistan

19

Int’l soccer gets goal-line technology

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BRAZIL: Brazil's Jo scores his team's third goal past Japan's goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima during the opening match between Brazil and Japan in Group A of the soccer Confederations Cup at the National Stadium in Brasilia. — AP

Brazil defeats Japan in opener BRASILIA: Neymar inspired Brazil to a 3-0 win over Japan yesterday as the five-time world champions made a perfect start to their bid to clinch a third successive Confederations Cup title.

Brazil won the competition in 1997, as well as the 2005 and 2009 editions, although their ensuing World Cup performances left much to be desired.

With next year’s World Cup on home soil for the first time since 1950, this year’s vintage are bent on winning both tournaments, if only to send a message out to Pele, who said before yesterday’s game the current squad are not good enough.

Neymar, who has just in the past month switched to Pele’s famous but historically onerous number 10 shirt, lived entirely up to the hype as he scored a brilliant opening goal after just three minutes to end a 10-match drought.

Burkina Faso keep WCup hopes alive JOHANNESBURG: Africa Cup of Nations runners-up Burkina Faso won away for the second time in seven days yesterday to keep alive hopes of a first World Cup appearance.

A 38th-minute goal from Aristide Bance gave the ‘Stallions’ a 1-0 triumph in Pointe Noire over Congo Brazzaville, who have seen a six-point Group E lead at the start of June shrink to just a single point.

And third-place Gabon are also in the reckoning for top spot and a ticket to the play-offs after a PierreEmerick Aubameyang hat-trick helped crush Niger 4-1 in Franceville and move the ‘Panthers’ within three points of the leaders.

Congo have 10 points, Burkina Faso nine and Gabon seven while Niger, who featured at the last two Cup of Nations tournaments following decades in the doldrums, have just three and are doomed to finish last.

The Congolese visit Niger during the weekend of September 6-8 while Burkina Faso host Gabon, a team coached by Portugal-born former ‘Stallions’ boss Paulo Duarte.

Shock 2012 African champions Zambia-another team seeking to play at the World Cup for the first time-suffered a huge blow in Group D when held 1-1 by out-ofcontention Sudan in mining town Ndola. Although the ‘Chipolopolo’ (Copper Bullets) moved two points clear at the top of the table, they will be overtaken Sunday if Ghana triumph away to star-less minnows Lesotho.

Ghana, quarter-finalists at the 2010 World Cup after being the only side of six from the continent to get past the first round in South Africa, have home advantage over Zambia in the final round of mini-league fixtures.

Netherlands-based striker Jacob Mulenga followed up a brace against Lesotho last weekend by putting his country ahead on 70 minutes only for Mohamed Abdalla to level almost immediately.

Uganda also celebrated two wins in as many weeks under new Serb coach Milutin Sredojevic as they fought back to snatch a 2-1 victory over 2006 World Cup qualifiers Angola, and the Group J leadership. The ‘Cranes’ moved two points ahead of Senegal, who face Liberia in Monrovia Sunday, thanks to goals from Emmanuel Okwi and Tonny Mawejje during the final eight minutes of a Kampala thriller after Job opened the scoring. — AFP

He went on to lead the Japanese defence a merry dance before Paulinho and Jo made the points safe after the break.

A 67,400 crowd, who roundly booed FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff beforehand following protests at the amount of money being spent on sports events, were entranced after Neymar pulled out a stunning opener. The new Barcelona star hit a thunderbolt past Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima after Real Madrid defender Marcelo had crossed languidly from the left.

Bustling centre forward Fred chested down for Neymar to drill in from 20 metres into the top corner and leave the Asian champions stunned.

Buoyed by that, Brazil moved through the gears and started to boss the show against a Japanese side they had thrashed 40 in their last meeting, an October friendly in Poland.

Hulk, marauding in a three-pronged attack with Neymar

and Fred, almost made it 2-0 four minutes before the break but his shot found only the side netting.

Japan skipper Makoto Hasebe resorted to fouling Neymar to stop him wreaking further havoc in first-half injury-time, duly earning a booking from Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca. If Alberto Zaccheroni’s Japanese, who included in their ranks a raft of Europe-based talent including Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa and CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda, hoped they had weathered the storm in limiting the damage to one goal at the break they were to be soon disabused.

There were three minutes on the second-half clock when attacking full-back Dani Alves slung over a perfectly weighted pass for Paulinho to hit a low drive that Kawashima could only help into the roof of his net. Japan desperately sought to respond, Shinji Okazaki of Stuttgart firing wide before Zaccheroni made his first change on 50 minutes, sending on

Ryoichi Maeda in place of Hiroshi Kiyotake, moving Okazaki out to the right with Maeda in a more central role.

Maeda brought a smart stop from Julio Cesar in the Brazil goal on entering the fray. He then tried a left-footer which the Queens Park Rangers shot-stopper smothered well after Honda, who scored the penalty against Australia which saw Japan become the first country to seal World Cup qualification just prior to coming to Brazil, had a free-kick charged down.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari then decided Neymar had done sufficient work and withdrew the starlet with 20 minutes remaining for Paris Saint Germain winger Lucas and also withdrew Hulk for Lazio midfielder Hernanes.

There was still time for substitute Jo of Atletico Mineiro to hit the third through the keeper’s legs after running onto Oscar’s superb through ball in the third minute of injurytime. — AFP

Pomp and protests as Confed Cup kicks off BRASILIA: With a flamboyant opening ceremony, Brazil raised the curtain on the Confederations Cup yesterday, despite protests prior to kick-off at Brasilia’s newly-renovated Estadio Nacional which officials said brought 20 arrests and injured two dozen people. A celebration of Brazilian culture featuring 2,600 volunteers marked the start of the two-week tournament, which Brazil hopes will demonstrate its ability to meet the challenge of hosting a major sporting event.

Designed by artistic director Paulo Barros, a two-time awardwinner at the Rio de Janeiro carnival, the colorful 20-minute ceremony culminated in a match between life-size model footballers atop a swaying green forest. However, hours before hosts Brazil were due to face Japan in the opening match, riot police had to prevent a 1,000-strong crowd of demonstrators from reaching the stadium in the Brazilian capital. Angry at the allocation of funds towards the Confederations Cup and next year’s World Cup at a time of acute social inequality, young protestors chanted: “I renounce the Cup! I want more money in health and education!”

The march followed a demonstration by homeless activists in the same spot on Friday, while police made hundreds of arrests on Thursday when protests against rising mass-transit prices in Rio, Sao Paulo and Porto Alegre became violent.

Television pictures showed smashed windows and defaced public buildings, while authorities in Sao Paulo promised an investigation into allegations of police brutality.

Police colonel Adilson Antonio Evangelista told AFP 20 people were arrested while seven policemen and 23 demonstrators were hurt after police responded to participants’ attempts to enter the stadium with tear gas and the firing of plastic bullets.

In Belo Horizonte, meanwhile, an AFP photographer witnessed a demonstration, around 1,000-strong and mostly students, protesting over economic reforms In all, Brazil is set to shell out some $15 billion (11 billion euros) through to the World Cup in 2014. Rio then will host the 2016 summer Olympics, and the city has seen real estate and rental prices soar to exorbitant levels, with some observers predicting a corrective crash after the sporting caravan has moved on.

The Brazilian government drafted in 3,700 troops to bolster security in the capital for Saturday’s match, with as many military police also on hand in a billion-dollar operation covering the six venues as a whole. Brasilia governor Agnelo Queiroz told reporters that the implementation of the security plan “shows

that Brazil is fully able to host events on this scale”-although the scale of the World Cup will be vastly larger.

In a further headache for organisers, the tournament began with only seven of the eight competing teams present, with Nigeria’s arrival delayed until the early hours of Sunday morning due to a dispute over bonus payments.

Ahead of the opening game, Sepp Blatter, president of world football’s governing body FIFA, met with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. “It was a good opportunity (to discuss the event),” said Blatter. “This first match is a very important one and I’m sure it will be a great success.” Brazil’s O Globo newspaper said that “now is the moment of truth for Brazil,” whose footballers are bidding for a third consecutive triumph at the quadrennial event.

Japan apart, the hosts will meet Italy and Olympic champions Mexico in Group A, with world and European champions Spain headlining Group B alongside Uruguay, Nigeria and minnows Tahiti. Brazil’s strongest challenge is likely to come from Spain, who are bidding to complete the full set of senior international honors.

“We still haven’t won this tournament and we are here to do so,” striker Fernando Torres told Spanish newspaper AS. “That is why you are always desperate for the next tournament to arrive, to be able to win it and continue making history.” The eight teams are divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group reaching the semi-finals. “We need to beat Japan,” said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of the match.

“Losing the first game puts you in an very uncomfortable position. If you lose the first game at home it’s just horrible, horrible.” Brazil have beaten Japan seven times and drawn two other meetings in nine contests since 1989. Some 355,000 Brazilians and foreign tourists are expected to watch games in the six host cities: Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife, Rio and Salvador.

State tourism agency Embratur reported on Saturday that tourism revenue across the six venues is set to be 241 million reais ($110 million, 125 million euros).

FIFA said on the eve of the tournament that 739,176 tickets had been sold, with 120,111 still on sale, although Saturday’s opening match and the final are already sold out.

FIFA’s chief medical officer, Professor Jiri Dvorak, also revealed that all doping tests conducted prior to the tournament had come back negative. — AFP

Business

US economy improving but spending cuts a drag: IMF Page 22 Kuwait: Solid income growth supports spending and loans

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

France backs EU-US trade talks

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Renault Koleos, Caterham F1 Team Driver, Charles Pic in creative online ad campaign

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LONDON: (From left to right) President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, President of Senegal Macky Sall, President of Guinea Alpha Conde, President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete and British Prime Minister David Cameron talk at the G8 Open for Growth - Trade, Tax and Transparency conference at Lancaster House yesterday. — AFP

Cameron strikes ‘tax havens’ deal ahead of G8 G8 summit focusing on trade, tax, financial transparency LONDON: Britain yesterday struck a deal with its overseas territories clamping down on tax evasion, giving Prime Minister David Cameron a stronger hand as he prepares to host a G8 summit focusing on trade, tax and financial transparency. The two-day summit at a luxury resort in Northern Ireland, which starts tomorrow, will also centre on the Syria conflict. During pre-G8 talks at his Downing Street office, Cameron reached an agreement with territories such as the Cayman Islands and the crown dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, which are often seen as tax havens.

They agreed a series of actions aimed at promoting transparency and exchange of information between tax jurisdictions. “It is a very positive step forward and it means that Britain’s voice in the G8 and the campaigning on this issue around the world for proper taxes, proper companies and proper laws ... will be stronger,” Cameron said afterwards. “Let’s be clear why this tax issue

matters. If companies don’t pay their taxes or individuals don’t pay their taxes we all suffer as a result.” He said his programme for the Group of Eight world powers was about “proper companies, proper taxes and proper global rules ensuring that openness delivers the benefits it should for rich and poor countries alike.

“Aid is important but these things matter just as much. Now is the time. This is the agenda. The world should get behind it.”

There was progress late Friday towards what Cameron has admitted would be the biggest prize of the summit-the start of formal negotiations between the European Union and the United States on a free trade agreement.

EU trade ministers finally thrashed out an agreement on how to negotiate for a deal, after meeting a French demand to exclude the key audiovisual sector. But the Syrian conflict looks set to dominate the talks after Washington upped the ante by pledging military aid to rebels seeking to

oust President Bashar Al-Assad.

The White House said for the first time on Thursday that the regime had used chemical weapons, notably sarin gas, on multiple occasions against the oppositioncrossing what it has described as a red line.

The issue of Syria topped the agenda of an hour-long pre-summit videoconference on Friday between Obama and the leaders of France, Germany, Britain and Italy.

“They discussed the situation in Syria and how G8 countries should all agree to work on together a political transition to end the conflict,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said. Officials said Washington would increase military support to the rebels, a move welcomed by Britain and France who successfully pushed for a lifting of the EU arms embargo on Syria last month.

Damascus rejected the US accusations as “lies”, while Moscow, a key player due to its long-standing support for Assad, said they were “unconvincing” and hurt efforts

to make peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin was to meet Cameron in London for pre-summit talks today and then hold a bilateral meeting with Obama in Belfast on Monday.

The US and Russian leaders will kickstart the G8 discussions on Syria, which British officials hope will get all parties in the conflict closer to the negotiating table.

Moscow and Washington have jointly proposed a peace conference in Geneva, building on a similar meeting last year, but no date has yet been set. Cameron said he wanted G8 summits to “get back to a fireside chat” in which leaders sit together “without a lot of advisers and without a lot of communiques, addressing problems of the world that they want to do something about ”. “International gatherings are worthwhile, if they are done in the right way. The trouble is too many of them are about long communiques with endless textual arguments,” he told The Guardian newspaper. — AFP

Protesters confront tight security in Belfast G8 rally

BELFAST: More than 1,000 trade unionists, environmentalists and anti-poverty campaigners confronted heavy security in Belfast yesterday to voice their anger at G8 leaders who meet in Northern Ireland next week. Stilt-walkers, drummers and protesters in Halloween masks chanted slogans against everything from US foreign policy to local government cutbacks as they snaked their way through the city, flanked by hundreds of armed police.

The rally in Belfast was small and peaceful but revealed the concern of British authorities to protect the world’s most powerful leaders. “Corporations are running the world, not the people,” said Tom Wright, 55, a Belfast protester carrying a metre-tall model of an oil derrick painted with the slogan “No Fracking Way!” The G8, he said, represented “pure and total evil”.

The summit, which will include the first private, face-to-face meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for a year, will take place at a secluded hotel near Enniskillen. Top of the agenda will be Syria, with Obama facing tough talks with Putin, the government’s most power ful ally.

Leaders will also consider coordinated global action on tax avoidance and evasion.

The marchers came overwhelmingly from Ireland, north or south. Organisers said many protesters from abroad had been put off by the location of the summit and the reputation of Northern Irish police as among the most militarised in Europe.

“There used to be a large number of anticapitalists who travelled to these protests, but there isn’t the appetite now,” said John Molyneux, 64, a veteran of G8 protests from Dublin.

“Now people are more focused on the struggles in their own countries: Greece, Spain, Turkey,” he said. The next major protest is planned for tomorrow, the first day of G8 meetings, when activists plan to march to the boundary fence of the security zone outside the hotel near Enniskillen , 80 miles (130 km) west of Belfast.

The meeting will bring together the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States, as well as senior European Union officials. At least 100 armoured jeeps were parked in side streets along the protest route and officers took photographs and videos of the protesters. Police formed a human chain outside a city centre McDonalds, whose restaurants have been attacked at previous G8 meetings.

Some 3,600 police have been sent from the British mainland to reinforce 4,400 from Northern Ireland protecting the event.

Northern Ireland police regularly deal with sectarian rioting involving Catholic youths, who want Northern Ireland to unite with the Republic of Ireland to the south, and Protestants who want to remain part of the United Kingdom.

This year, dozens of police were injured during weeks of rioting after a decision to cut the number of days the British flag flies over Belfast city hall, with officers firing plastic bullets and water cannons. Around 50 people draped in Union flags yesterday held their weekly protest outside city hall calling for the flag to be flown all year round. As well as anti-globalists, police are protecting the venue against the threat of an attack by militants who do not accept the Irish Republican Army’s 1998 peace agreement with Britain, which ended three decades of violence. —Reuters

BELFAST: A woman blows a whistle as she holds up a placard as she joins trade unionists and others for a planned rally yesterday. — AFP

Egypt in final stages of verifying reforms with IMF ABU DHABI: Egypt’s government is in the late stages of verifying its economic reform programme with the International Monetary Fund before obtaining a $4.8 billion IMF loan, its central bank governor said yesterday.

The loan, needed to help stabilise Egypt’s balance of payments and state finances, has been under discussion for two years but agreement has repeatedly been postponed by political unrest in the country and the government’s reluctance to commit to austerity measures.

“The IMF is verifying numbers with the government regarding the programme and they are in late stages of verifying all the numbers,” central bank governor Hisham Ramez told reporters after a meeting of regional central bank chiefs in Abu Dhabi yesterday. There have been no changes to the plan or the amount of aid the country is seeking, he added.

“The programme is as it was planned by the Egyptian government. It is $4.8 billion that they have been talking to them about.” He said he could not offer any estimate for when the talks would finish, adding that as far as he knew, there were no talks underway with other countries for Egypt to obtain fresh financial aid in the form of deposits in its central bank.

Last month, the IMF’s Deputy Managing Director Nemat Shafik told Reuters that the Fund was ready to sign the loan agreement with Egypt before or after the next parliamentary elections, but it was up to the government to move forward. The IMF expects Egypt’s budget deficit to widen to 11.3 percent of gross domestic product in the fiscal year which ends in June, the largest gap since 2002, from 10.7 percent in the previous year, it said in a regional outlook published in May. Economy Egypt’s central bank foreign currency reserves stand at $16 billion, Ramez said, referring to the latest published number. The reserves rose for a second consecutive month in May, boosted by deposits from Qatar. “I’ll be happy only if the reserves grow by the economy and not deposits,” Ramez said when asked if he was comfortable with the level of reserves now. Qatar deposited $3 billion at the central bank on May 9, but the bank sold about $800 million two weeks later in a special foreign exchange auction to help importers pay for essential imports.

“Our direct intervention with exceptional auctions in April and May had a big effect on inflation,” Ramez said.

Asked whether it eased pressure on the central bank to tighten monetary policy, he said: “You can see from the numbers that it (inflation) is better than expected.” He declined to give any inflation forecasts.

Egyptian inflation edged up to 8.2 percent in the year to May, boosted by food prices and a weaker currency.

Asked about Morgan Stanley Capital International’s warning this week that Egypt could eventually be excluded from the MSCI Emerging Market Index used by many international fund managers, because of investors’ difficulties in repatriating money, Ramez said: “They were talking about the availability of foreign currency.

“From our side, we opened the Repatriation Fund in March for any funds coming into stocks or the fixed income side. So anything that comes can go out at any point, there’s no problem.” In March, the central bank opened a scheme giving foreign investors in the stock and government debt markets access to dollars despite severe shortages of foreign currency. Egypt’s bourse tumbled to an 11-month low on Wednesday after MSCI’s warning. — Reuters

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

BUSINESS

US economy improving but spending cuts a drag: IMF

Bayt.com report

12 stats every MENA jobseeker should know

Tax rise to shave 1.5% points from growth WASHINGTON: The US economy is on sounder footing than it was a year ago but is still being restrained by government spending cuts and tax increases, the International Monetary Fund said Friday. The IMF’s annual report on the US economy noted that the underlying fundamentals are gradually improving: Home prices and construction are rising, household finances have strengthened and employers are steadily adding jobs. The outlook was much more optimistic than IMF’s 2012 report.

“There are signs that the US recovery is gaining ground and becoming more durable,” Christine Lagarde, the IMF’s managing director, said in a written statement. Still, the IMF forecasts economic growth of just 1.9 percent this year, the same as its April forecast. That would be down from 2.2 percent in 2012. And it’s below many private economists’ expectations that the U.S. economy will grow more than 2 percent this year.

The IMF says the tax increases and spending cuts that kicked in this year will shave about 1.5

percentage points from growth. The international lending organization had opposed the steep federal spending cuts that began on March 1.

The reduction in the US budget deficit “has been excessively rapid and ill-designed,” the IMF’s report says.

Congress should cancel the $85 billion in spending cuts, the report urged, and replace them with longer-term reductions in entitlement programs, such as Social Security, that would weigh less on the economy. The IMF also expects the Federal Reserve will maintain its bond purchases through the end of the year and will “very gradually” reduce them next year. The bond purchases are intended to lower long-term interest rates and encourage more borrowing, investing and spending.

Some economists expect the Fed may begin to reduce its purchases as early as its September meeting. But Lagarde argued that “there is no need to rush,” given that unemployment is still high and inflation low. Fed policymakers will

I

n the current age of informational empowerment, where an average professional has access to data onthe-go, tactical and timely data can help make the right decisions when it comes to your career.

Bayt.com, the Middle East #1 job site, has gathered views from thousands of professionals from around the Middle East and North Africa region to give you a list of 12 stats which will help you plan your career progress for this year: 1. Attitude matters 28.8 percent of employers in the MENA look for ‘hunger, drive and ambition’ as the most important factors when making a hiring decision.

2. It’s all about your transferable skills 67.2 percent employers don’t mind hiring a candidate who has the relevant skills but no direct experience in the company’s field.

3. A shoddy CV won’t take you places The biggest mistake that jobseekers make, according to 21.3 percent of MENA employers, is having poor language on their CV. 4. Interview preparation is important 20 percent of MENA employers consider poor preparation prior to interviews to be the biggest turn-off in potential employees.

5. Having an online CV is essential 32.5 percent of MENA professionals found their last job online.

6. Senior level recruitment has also moved online 50.5 percent of MENA employers recruit senior executive talent online, 18.3 percent through networking and events, and 14 percent through traditional headhunters.

7. Having a professional online

meet June 18-19 and may provide some hint of their intentions. Chairman Ben Bernanke will also hold a press conference after the meeting concludes. Despite the drag from higher taxes and spending cuts, the IMF paints a much brighter picture of the US economy.

A year ago the IMF warned that the recovery was “tepid,” job growth was slow and US households were still cutting debts. Now, it sees consumers in better shape and the job market slowly strengthening. After the impact of the tax increases and spending cuts fade, growth should accelerate next year to 2.7 percent. That forecast also assumes that Congress and the White House agree to lift the government’s borrowing limit later this year. Still, the IMF expects unemployment will fall only gradually over the next two years. It forecasts unemployment will average 7.5 percent this year and fall to an average of 7.2 percent in 2014. The unemployment rate is currently 7.6 percent - 0.6 percentage points lower than a year ago. —AP

Wall St Week Ahead: Investors will look to Fed to ease volatility NEW YORK: Stock investors eager to hear from the Federal Reserve about its plans for continuing economic stimulus may get some soothing words from the US central bank next week. The Fed is unlikely to tip its hand about when it may begin to scale back its bond-buying program, but policymakers still may be inclined to try to tamp down recent volatility in financial markets with some mention of the issue.

The rally in stocks stumbled and Treasury bond yields rose to 14-month highs following Chairman Ben Bernanke’s comments that the Fed may decide to begin scaling back its quantitative easing in the next few policy meetings if the economy improves. As part of its quantitative easing policy, adopted more than four years ago, the Fed has been buying Treasury and other bonds each month to keep interest rates low and promote growth.

Interpreting Bernanke’s words and recent signs about the economy have roiled markets since then. The Dow industrials climbed 200 points in eight of the 17 sessions since Bernanke’s comments, and its daily average swing has been 191.5 points. “What (Bernanke) has done is create what I call an early summer market storm, not a huge one but enough to cause people to become a little nervous,” said Fred Dickson, chief market strategist at DA Davidson & Co in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Stocks ended a third negative week in four.

The Dow fell 1.2 percent, the S&P 500 slid 1 percent and the Nasdaq lost 1.3 percent. Next week might offer a bit more clarity, he said, but probably not the details many investors are hoping for.

Still, analysts said, the Fed may want to say something to remove some of the markets’ anxiety.

The markets have priced in a sea change and seem to think that rates are going up soon, said Stephen Massocca, managing director at Wedbush Equity Management LLC in San Francisco. But “I think the Fed is not going to want that to be the market’s impression,” he said.

The news may be that any change is going to be gradual, he added.

Comments from Fed policymakers in recent weeks have added fuel to the guessing game.

Views have ranged from favoring continuing the stimulus policies for some time to starting the process of winding down quantitative easing in the near term. But Bernanke’s views hold the most weight, so investors will likely be on edge

awaiting his comments. The Fed chairman is due to give a news conference at 2:30 pm (1830 GMT)on Wednesday shortly after the Fed’s policy committee ends a two-day meeting and issues a statement.

Rally eases Although earnings have taken a back seat to Fed talk, forecasts for second-quarter profits have come down in recent weeks. Growth is forecast at 3.2 percent, down from an April 1 forecast of 6.1 percent, and negative preannouncements have outnumbered positive ones by a ratio of 6.9 to 1, according to Thomson Reuters data. That would be the most negative ratio since at least 1996.

Investors worry speculation about the Fed’s course alone may have been enough to spark the long-feared pullback in stocks, which have rallied for most of this year. Even with recent losses, the S&P 500 is up 15 percent for the year to date. The benchmark index is down 2.5 per-

cent since May 21, but there have been shortlived rallies in that period.

Also the gains in bond yields since Bernanke’s comments caused investors to rotate out of highyielding dividend stocks. Dividend stocks had been among the market’s leaders as investors favored those shares over fixed-income securities in a low interest-rate environment. The Dow shot up 200 points and scored its best day since Jan 2 after the US employment report for May showed 175,000 jobs were created, a positive sign but not strong enough for the Fed to abandon stimulus efforts to aid the economy. “As we see mixed signals in terms of economic growth from across the globe, a marginal tapering can have significant effects,” said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama. “What would happen if the tapering is too soon, I think, is that it puts risk into financial assets, both equities and bonds.” Among next week’s economic reports, the Consumer Price Report for May is due on Tuesday along with data on housing starts. —Reuters

ATHENS: European Central Bank’s (ECB) Mission Chief for Greece Klaus Masuch (center) arrives at the Finance Ministry in Athens for a meeting with the Greek finance minister yesterday. European Commission and International Monetary Fund (IMF) returned to Athens for a new audit. —AFP

public profile is imperative 57 percent of MENA employers maintain that they “always” research candidates online before they hire them, and a further 27.9 percent do so “frequently”.

8. Patience is essential during the job search Only 34.2 percent of polled professionals say it can take 1 month or less to hire a senior executive. 34.1 percent maintain it takes between 1 and 3 months; 13.8 percent between 3 and 6 months; 7.6 percent maintain between 6 and 12 months; and 10.3 percent say it can take more than a year.

9. A large segment of MENA employers favor growing top ranks from within Bayt.com has found that 42.2 percent of employers say they “rarely hire new talent” at top levels and prefer promoting from within. However, 27 percent “very regularly hire new talent” for senior executive roles, and a further 31 percent maintain they “always” look outside the organization for executive roles.

10. Career changes are easier earlier on in one’s career 45.1 percent of MENA professionals maintain it becomes harder to change jobs as they rise up the career ranks.

11. The grass is not always greener when it comes to compensation 60.8 percent of MENA professionals feel they are not compensated enough.

12. It is possible to enjoy work!

49 percent of MENA professionals maintain they enjoy their job “on most days”, and a further 25 percent also maintain they enjoy their job but only “on some days”.

‘People more important’ than economic figures: Italian PM ROME: Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta said yesterday that the government was more interested in people than economic figures, but promised the European Union that Italy would stick to its commitments.

“Sometimes finance ministers are more interested in numbers, for us people are more important than numbers,” he told journalists following talks with European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso.

However, he said, “the measures which will be adopted in the coming weeks will all have their political and legal roots in the six recommendations from the European Union. It is an important political step, they will be the basis of the decisions we will take from now on.” The Commission issued recommendations to Italy to help it improve its economic performance, on issues such as public finances-keeping its deficit in line with the 3.0 percent of GDP threshold, for example-as well as employment schemes, the banking sector and the shadow economy.

Letta insisted yesterday that “Italy wants to keep the 3.0 percent as a reference point,” after a warning from the European Central Bank on Thursday that the recession-hit country may go back over the mark if it fails to boost growth soon. The eurozone’s third largest economy did worse than thought in the first quarter of this year, shrinking by 0.6 percent instead of by 0.5 percent estimated previously.

On Friday, Rome hosted talks between Italy, France, Germany and Spain on the problem of youth unemployment, following which the four called for the release of a six billion euros ($8 billion) fund earmarked for the battle against joblessness in the 2014-20 European Union budget.

“Today the fight against youth unemployment is the priority in the political European debate, it is now up to us” to tackle the problem, Letta said. Italy youth jobless rate stands at 40.5 percent, behind Portugal (42.5 percent), Spain (56.4 percent) and Greece (62.5 percent). —AFP

EXCHANGE RATES Malaysian ringgit Irani Riyal Irani Riyal

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 Philippine Peso Thai Baht

ASIAN COUNTRIES 2.901 4.870 2.886 2.231 3.049 226.790 36.693 3.652 6.590 9.227

.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

Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

94.271 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 75.990 78.290 740.160 756.880 77.605

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 284.850 Euro 379.140 Sterling Pound 445.220 Canadian dollar 280.640 Turkish lira 149.830 Swiss Franc 306.620 Australian Dollar 269.330 US Dollar Buying 283.650 GOLD 265.000 134.000 70.000

SELL DRAFT 275.75 283.56 311.19 381.15 283.85 448.70 3.00 3.660 4.875 2.220 3.148 2.880 77.35 755.40 39.90 403.98

Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

Selling Rate 283.750 280.895 445.920 380.130 300.705 751.230 77.230 77.885 75.630 399.990 39.942 2.223 4.857 2.877 3.643 6.561 696.050 4.000 9.785 4.055 3.325 95.150

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY

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

748.000 79.500 77.000

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.950 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.068 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.329 Tunisian Dinar 175.830 Jordanian Dinar 402.420 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.912 Syrian Lier 3.096 Morocco Dirham 34.444

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

738.19 78.33 75.82

SELL CASH 283.000 283.000 299.000 372.000 288.000 438.500 3.300 3.740 5.400 2.460 3.420 2.985 78.800 763.500 40.500 415.000

British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Scottish Pound Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar Uganda Shilling Canadian Dollar Colombian Peso US Dollars Bangladesh Taka Cape Vrde Escudo Chinese Yuan Eritrea-Nakfa

SELL CASH Europe 0.4385459 0.0067169 0.0467706 0.3737158 0.0457018 0.4341150 0.0400591 0.3034377 Australasia 0.2621097 0.2207648 0.0001113 America 0.2723886 0.0001443 0.2816500 Asia 0.0035991 0.0031476 0.0452909 0.0163867

SELLDRAFT 0.4475459 0.0187169 0.0517706 0.3812154 0.0509018 0.4416150 0.0450591 0.3104377 0.2741097 0.2307648 0.0001113 0.2813886 0.0001623 0.2838000 0.0036541 0.0033776 0.0502909 0.0194867

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 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

0.0000440 0.0340195 0.0048687 0.0000238 0.0028329 0.0029338 0.0032678 0.0863871 0.0029300 0.0028520 0.0061723 0.0000725 0.2230032 0.0021664 0.0089038 Arab 0.7463592 0.0379239 0.0127229 0.1442921 0.0000789 0.0001724 0.3947072 1.0000000 0.0001740 0.0223261 0.0012034 0.7261310 0.0772976 0.0751467 0.0461426 0.0027430 0.1740625 0.0758409 0.0012801

Al Mulla Exchange Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 283.400 381.000 447.350 281.200 3.050 4.925 39.930 2.205 3.642 6.615 2.878 754.650 77.200 75.700

0.0000500 0.0371195 0.0049337 0.0000289 0.0038329 0.0031138 0.0034978 0.0933871 0.0031300 0.0028920 0.0066423 0.0000755 0.2290032 0.0022084 0.0095038 0.7548592 0.0399539 0.0192229 0.1460821 0.0000794 0.0002324 0.4022072 1.0000000 0.0001940 0.0463261 0.0018384 0.7371310 0.0780806 0.0757867 0.0466926 0.0029630 0.1800625 0.0772909 0.0013801

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

BUSINESS

Kuwait: Solid income growth supports spending and loans NBK ECONOMIC UPDATE KUWAIT: The consumer sector remained strong in 2012 and the start of 2013. Household debt growth accelerated further during the first quarter and consumer spending saw a pickup in growth towards the end of last year. Job growth also picked up in 2012, though the recovery remained relatively weak compared to previous periods. Despite this, household income growth remained strong as a result of large pay hikes seen earlier in 2012.

NBK offers customers access to 16 markets globally KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) enjoys the largest international network of any Kuwaiti bank, offering its customers access to 16 markets in four continents around the world.

NBK’s international network comprises branches, subsidiaries and representative offices in 16 countries across the world’s leading financial centers, ten of which are in the Middle East. NBK’s international presence includes London, New York, Paris, Geneva and Singapore, as well as China (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional coverage extends to Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE.

NBK offers a wide range of cross border services that address customers’ needs overseas. NBK’s services and products around the world deliver convenience and reliability. NBK`s international network provides customers access to a wide range of markets and investment offerings as well as a reliable and secure platform for their accounts and transactions. NBK has a dedicated specialized unit in Ras AlSalmiya branch that assists customers with their overseas banking needs and coordinates with NBK’s overseas subsidiaries.

Experts are ready to assist customers with the services offered by NBK’s international branches.

World Bank and UN join hands in conflict zones When the heads of the World Bank and the United Nations flew into the violence-wracked African city of Goma on a cloudy day last month, it was the first time the giants of international development had joined forces in the struggle to help the world’s most fragile regions. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim and U.N. Secretary-General Ban KiMoon traveled to three countries in the Great Lakes region in East Africa to cement a new partnership, tying $1 billion in bank money to the UN peacekeeping efforts in the region.

They announced the funding in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), even as mortar shells were falling in the country’s eastern edge in Goma. But the men, both born in South Korea, pledged to continue their trip. “We’re going there because our belief is that peace, security and economic development are inter twined,” Kim said in Kinshasa.

“We’re going with a very specific purpose in mind: there must be a peace dividend.”

The organizations admit the effort to work together faces hurdles. Both have vast, unwieldy bureaucracies that have historically competed with each other, and the bank had been wary of loaning to fragile states with shaky governments and murky institutions. Further, development analysts warn that no one has yet figured out a surefire way to bring lasting development to countries caught in cycles of violence. But with half the world’s poorest people set to live in conflict-torn regions by 2018, the institutions can ill afford to do nothing, the World Bank and analysts say.

Competing for credit The organizations have already cooperated in some countries including Liberia and Bosnia. They even signed a framework agreement in 2008, vowing to work together in nations experiencing crises or just emerging from them.

But other efforts have fizzled, or been limited to one-off attempts in specific countries or situations, analysts say.

“There wasn’t any kind of systematic, organizational way for the two institutions to work together,” said Steven Radelet, a professor at Georgetown University. “Sometimes it has worked well, and sometimes there have been big gaps.” The United Nations and World Bank often have similar goals. But their approaches diverge and they use different vocabularies, with the bank focused on economics and the United Nations steeped in notions of security and human development.

Even on the trip to the Great Lakes, logistics officers grew frustrated trying to familiarize themselves with each other’s protocols. Competition over who gets credit for programs also has stymied efforts at cooperation. Aid agencies tend to jump in to help countries, duplicating efforts and complicating matters for governments that have limited capacity to deal with so many organizations, said Laurence Chandy, a fellow at the Brookings Institution think tank. “There’s a subtle but massive distinction ... between coordinating and cooperating,” he said. “The truth is, we really struggle even to coordinate.

“Cooperation is a whole new paradigm.”

Elephants cooperate The joint mission to Africa, which included visits to the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda, was meant to signal from the top that this time would be different, Kim said. “There’s this African saying, ‘When the elephant fights, the grass suffers,’” he said in an inter view in Entebbe, Uganda. “I’ve been the grass for most of my life, watching these

powerful organizations fight each other on the ground.” Kim has spent most of his career in public health, unlike the diplomats and bankers who preceded him as head of the bank.

His work at the World Health Organization, a UN agency, gave him an insider’s view of the United Nations’ strengths and foibles, said Raymond O ffenheiser, president of Oxfam America, a development group. The idea behind the Great Lakes campaign is that development cannot exist without security, and security cannot last without giving people incentives to keep the peace, which development projects can offer.

On his trip to the region, Kim announced $1 billion in new funds for infrastructure projects, cross-border trade, and health and education services. It will be contingent on all countries in the region abiding by a UN-brokered peace deal from late Februar y.

Researchers like Chris Blattman at Columbia University say there is evidence that large infrastructure projects like roads and power plants - a strength of the bank - can help stabilize a country and boost the economy.

But combating poverty in fragile states has been notoriously difficult.

Those countries lag behind the rest of the world in standard measures of health, education and infant mortality, and are vulnerable to relapse when conflict returns. Dealing with security is also a new thing for the World Bank, which in the past largely avoided fragile states.

“I’m not doing this just because I want to be the Kumbaya guy,” Kim said, in reference to working with the United Nations.

“I’m doing this because if we are to have any hope of ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity, there’s just no question we have to work with everybody.” “To me, not to work with the UN means that you’re admitting up front that you’re going to have low aspirations.”

As he approaches his one -year anniversary at the helm of the bank, Kim has made collaboration with development organizations, including the United Nations, a top priority. Kim and Ban have talked about doing another joint trip, this time to Africa’s Sahel.

Several factors have driven the bank’s shift in focus to countries in turmoil.

First, of the 82 countries qualifying for loans and grants from the bank’s fund for the poorest nations, 31 are classified as fragile states. The bank now proposes that about 20 percent of such funds go to those states, up from 8 percent in the late 1990s.

The nature of fragility has also changed. The number of conflicts around the world is falling, but they now tend to last longer, blurring the distinction between humanitarian aid that rushes in when a crisis erupts, and long-term development. Finally, the realities of population growth mean that half of the world’s poorest people will live in conflict-torn regions by 2018, and more than two-thirds by 2030, according to a Brookings Institution analysis.

That suggests the World Bank cannot achieve its goal of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 without focusing on conflict areas. The DRC, where violence has repeatedly displaced people and hampered programs, could prove to be a particularly tough test case. More than 70 percent of its 67 million people live below the poverty line, despite billions of dollars in development aid over the past decade. “It’s easy to write off the chances in these sorts of situations. But it’s really about what the alternative is,” Chandy said. “If the bank isn’t going to be there, who is?” —Reuters

Household debt saw solid accelerating growth Consumer and installment debt maintained a surprisingly strong pace of growth through the first quarter, ending the quarter at KD 7.3 billion.

While net new loans in February were the lowest in a year at KD 51 million, this likely reflected a shorter month. In 2013, debt growth should get an additional boost from the recently approved “family fund” which we estimate could help generate up to KD 550 million in new lending as a result of the waiving of interest payments and

maturity extensions. Consumer spending growth picked up towards the end of 2012, with salary hikes earlier in the year providing a strong boost. Growth in 2012 was weaker than 2011 due to a large cash grant paid during that year.

Spending growth in 2013 should reflect strengthening job growth and solid growth in household borrowing.

Job growth improved somewhat in 2012 Job growth among civilian Kuwaitis was slightly better than the year before, driven by stronger private sector hiring. Around 12,300 new civilian jobs were reported during the year (2011: 11,200). Total civilian Kuwaiti employment grew by 4.4 percent in 2012 (2011: 4.2 percent).

Growth was particularly strong in the private sector, with more than three times the number of new jobs compared to the previous year. This helped compensate for a decline in government sector hiring.

Skilled expat job growth also picked up, again with the private sector being the main

driving force, though the pickup remained relatively weak. Employed non-Kuwaitis with at least a secondary education rose by around 5,000 in 2012, growing by a relatively small 1.4 percent during the year.

Total skilled employment stood at 347,000 at the end of 2012. While growth in expat hiring was the best seen since 2009, it remained relatively weak when compared to jobs added between 2005 and 2008, which averaged around 23,000 annually. Hiring of unskilled expats saw stronger growth reaching 6 percent, reflecting the overall pick up in the private sector.

Household income growth remained solid As a result of the large hikes in salaries during 2012, Kuwaiti household wage income growth was strong during the year. According to our estimates, aggregate household income growth reached 10.7 percent during 2012, a figure comparable to growth the year before. This growth estimate captures both employment growth as well as increases in pay.

Launch of SME initiative - Forsa G8 Deauville Partnership opinion editorial

by Burt, Minister for the Middle East In Tunisia this week I launched a new initiative of the UK’s presidency of the G8 Deauville Partnership called “Forsa”. Forsa, which means “opportunity” in Arabic, is an SME mentoring initiative which will create mentoring relationships for at least 250 entrepreneurs. The initiative will focus on young and women leaders of small and medium size enterprises in Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Jordan and Yemen.

Forsa will match these entrepreneurs with mentors from leading companies from across the G8 and Middle East and North Africa to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create new jobs. The momentum for change in the transition countries has been driven both by unfulfilled economic promise, rising inequality and joblessness and the desire for greater participation and accountability in political decision making. I remain optimistic that the changes brought about by the Arab Spring will, in the longterm, provide the best chance for a secure and prosperous Middle East

and North Africa. In the short-term, however, the economic climate remains as challenging, if not more so, than it was in 2011.

At the World Economic Forum in Jordan in May, leaders called for urgent action in the Arab World to improve job prospects. Queen Rania of Jordan, in her capacity on the WEF foundation board, spoke about “A New Vision for Arab Employment”. In her concluding remarks Queen Rania painted a picture of the sought-for Arab World “where entrepreneurs teach and our teachers innovate, where students learn in the playground, and dream in the classroom, where our young people start-up companies, fail, get inspired by their failure, and create bigger and better ones...”

We hope that Forsa can play a small part in contributing to this vision. Forsa will provide support and guidance from established private sector business leaders from across G8 countries and the Middle East and North Africa. This will not only support economic growth and

job creation, but in the long-term also change attitudes to entrepreneurship. Mentoring will encourage and sustain creative thinking and problem solving, and help build self-reliance and confidence.

The mentoring support provided

by Forsa will start with an intensive 3-day workshop to explain to both entrepreneurs and mentors how the relationship will work, what they can expect from each other, and introduce entrepreneurs to others facing similar challenges. Entrepreneurs and mentors will then be matched based on their experience and aspirations and will work together for 12 months, providing sustained support to entrepreneurs to meet their business goals.

Forsa will be based on the established mentoring methodology of the Mowgli Foundation which already operates in Jordan, Algeria, Lebanon and the UK. At the launch of Forsa this week in Tunisia, I met Nadine Asinar who shared her first hand experience of mentoring and explained to me how mentoring

had supported her and her business. Nadine was one of the first Mowgli mentees, and is now one of the founding partners of the management consultancy “Beyond Reform and Development”. Having been inspired by her experience Nadine is now a mentor for Mowgli and a lead facilitator of Mowgli’s mentoring programs. Nadine explained that “many people are not always used to sharing information about the state of our businesses, but having someone to talk to and work with to plan your business and review your strategy can be really valuable”.

There are many more people like Nadine who can benefit from this kind of support. I encourage all experienced business men and women working in Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Jordan and Yemen to find out more about Forsa and how you can get involved and support young and female entrepreneurs to make a real difference and build their own futures.

—British Embassy Kuwait

Investor in Grand Canyon Skywalk dies LAS VEGAS: A Las Vegas businessman who developed the Grand Canyon Skywalk glass bridge in northwestern Arizona and later became entangled in legal battles about it has died in Los Angeles, a company representative said Friday. David Jin died Thursday at UCLA Medical Center after a four-year battle with cancer, Grand Canyon Skywalk Development spokesman David Weissman said. He was 51.

Jin’s death comes amid a continuing legal fight over his contractual rights to the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped, glass-bottomed walkway that has become the Hualapai Tribe’s premier tourist attraction. An attorney for the development company said Jin’s family will continue to pursue Skywalk legal rights. Jin, originally from Shanghai, moved to the U.S. in 1988 and operated Oriental Tours Inc. and YTravel LLC in Las Vegas.

He already was ferrying tourists 21/2 hours from Las Vegas to the west rim of the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai reservation when he approached the tribe with an idea to build the Skywalk. It opened in 2007.

The structure juts out 70 feet from the edge of the Grand Canyon’s sheer limestone walls, offering visi-

tors a unique view some 4,000 feet down to the Colorado River, which appears as a thin brown ribbon.

“Our thinking is that, if a human being could walk over the canyon, if they had the opportunity, even handicapped people, it’s just really, really, you know, something,” Jin told The Associated Press in 2006. Jin invested $30 million to build the Skywalk.

In exchange, the tribe agreed to split the profits from ticket sales with him over 25 years. But Jin’s relationship with the tribe soured in recent years, with the two sides wrangling over management fees and an unfinished visitor center.

The tribe enforced eminent domain over the contract last year, essentially writing Jin out of his management role. Jin challenged the jurisdiction of the Hualapai court overseeing that case. A threejudge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Jin had to exhaust the battle in tribal court before turning to the federal court. A request for rehearing by the full court was rejected last week.

The tribal business that succeeded Jin in managing the Skywalk filed for bankruptcy after an arbitra-

Immigrants fuel economy: Jeb Bush WASHINGTON: Former Florida Gov Jeb Bush told religious conservatives Friday that the future of the nation’s economy depends upon immigrants in part because they “are more fertile” and create more businesses than native-born Americans. Bush, thought to be weighing a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, said that immigrants are particularly important to helping create more taxpayers to fund the safety net for the retiring baby boomer generation.

“Immigrants are more fertile, and they love families,” Bush said and added, “Immigrants create far more businesses than native-born Americans over the last 20 years.”

Bush’s remark that immigrants are more fertile was met with silence by those attending his ballroom speech during the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s annual conference. Former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed created the group. A spokesman said that Bush meant that immigrants, Hispanics in particular, have larger families and more children. Bush, a brother of former President George W Bush, was among several potential 2016 GOP presidential candidates speaking this week at the conference. Following painful election losses last fall driven by the Hispanic vote, Republican leaders have called on the GOP to embrace immigration reform. However, some conservatives have branded the effort “amnesty” and called for rejection of efforts to give immigrants in the US illegally a pathway to citizenship.

Foreign-born mothers in the US typically have more children than women born in the United States. The National Center for Health Statistics found that the birth rate for foreign-born women was nearly 50 percent higher. Immigrants tend to be younger than the average American when they arrive in the US, helping to account for their higher birth rates. Higher birth rates among immigrants, particularly among Latinos, have been driving population increases in the US nonwhite population.

Before being granted legal status, Bush said, immigrants in the country illegally should pay a fine, learn English and be blocked from receiving welfare benefits. Bush, whose wife is Mexican, said the nation must allow more immigrants “to pursue their dreams in our country with a vengeance to create more opportunities for all of us.”“If we don’t do it, we will be in decline,” he said. “They bring a younger population,” Bush continued. “Immigrants create an engine of economic prosperity.” —AP

tor awarded Jin more than $28.5 million in the contract dispute. The judgment is being appealed. Jin also filed a federal defamation suit against tribal Chairwoman Sherry Counts, the tribe’s public relations firm and other tribal members.

On Friday, Counts issued a statement offering condolences and sympathy on behalf of the Hualapai people to Jin’s family. “Our thoughts are with Yvonne, Michael and Catherine at this very difficult time,” she said. Attorney Mark Tratos in Las Vegas represents Grand Canyon Skywalk Development.

Jin was not part of a recent dispute involving the Hualapai Tribe and a neighboring property owner over payments for access on the main road to the Skywalk. Jin’s wife and business partner, Yvonne Jin, will take over ownership responsibilities of Grand Canyon Skywalk Development, Oriental Tours and YTravel, Weissman said. Hualapai tribal member Ted Quasula, Jin’s longtime business associate, will continue to manage Grand Canyon Skywalk Development. “The Grand Canyon Skywalk will be David’s legacy for eternity,” Quasula said in the company statement. —AP

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

BUSINESS

Obama trade issue: Scant support from Democrats WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is aggressively pushing an ambitious agenda to liberalize global trading. But already political trade wars are forming, and they’re with fellow Democrats rather than with Republicans, his usual antagonists. Obama is promoting free-trade proposals with Europe and Asia that could affect up to two-thirds of all global trade. The ambitious deals would reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers. But there’s trouble ahead for both the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership - at the negotiating table and from Congress.

The deal with Europe will be a top item this coming week in Northern Ireland at the Group of Eight summit of major industrial democracies. The Asia pact was brought up pointedly by the new Chinese president, Xi Jinping, in his California meetings with Obama last weekend. Republicans historically have supported free-trade agreements far more than have Democrats, and a politically weakened Obama may not have enough second-term clout to successfully twist the arms of enough Democratic lawmakers.

Some Republicans who usually vote for easing trade barriers may vote “no” just because the agreements will bear Obama’s signature. Both deals generally have the support of US businesses. But labor unions and human rights and environmental groups core Democratic constituencies - have so far viewed them cynically.

These organizations, and Democrats in general, say that free-trade deals can cost American jobs and lead to environmental and workplace abuses that would not be tolerated in the US. “We certainly have concerns,” said Celeste Drake, a trade and policy specialist at the AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest labor federation. “I think Obama realizes this problem about Republicans always being the big supporters (on trade liberalization) and he would like to have our support. But overall we’re skeptical. We wish we’d see more.”

It’s not a new problem. President Bill Clinton powered the US-Mexico-Canada North American Free

Trade Agreement through Congress in 1993 only by heavily courting Republicans and overcoming stiff Democratic opposition, including from House Democratic leaders and unions. As he campaigned for president in 2008, Obama courted blue-collar votes by criticizing NAFTA. Since then, he’s changed his tune.

Obama worked to overcome Democratic resistance to win passage in 2011 of trade pacts with South Korea, Panama and Colombia, completing negotiations begun by his Republican predecessor, President George W Bush. The talks for a new Asia-Pacific freetrade zone came up in the Obama-Xi meetings last weekend.

At first, the deliberations involved the United States and 10 Pacific Rim nations: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. More recently, Japan has sought to join the talks, drawing the keen interest of the Chinese leader. Until now, China hasn’t been included in the process. “We have a half-a-trillion-dollar-a-year trade relationship with China,” said Tom Donilon, Obama’s national security adviser. “President Xi’s point ... was that the Chinese would like to be kept informed and have some transparency into the process.”

But the possible inclusion of Japan, the thirdlargest economy, after the US and China, generated heat from auto-state lawmakers, who criticized Japan’s efforts to restrict auto imports. Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow pledged to fight ratification if Japan won’t “stop blocking American companies from its markets.”

Michael Froman, a White House international economics adviser nominated to be the next US trade representative, said the auto industry concerns are “well-founded” and he suggested they would be addressed.

Backers of a sweeping US trade deal with the 27 European Union countries hoped to get an enthusiastic sendoff from the G-8 summit in Northern Ireland on Monday and Tuesday. British Prime Minister David Cameron, the host, has made trade liberalization a pri-

ority, and many European nations are hoping the promise of expanded trade will help reverse Europe’s spreading recessions.

“An EU-US trade deal could add tens of billions to our economies,” Cameron told reporters. “Everything is on the table, with no exception.” But there already are serious divisions in Europe. Despite Cameron’s and Obama’s assertions that everything should be on the table, the European Union Parliament bowed to strong French concerns and recently voted to exclude TV, movies and other cultural “audiovisual services” from the trade talks even before formal negotiations

begin next month.

France stuck to this “cultural exception” at a meeting of the EU members in Luxembourg on Friday. Also, some members of the European Parliament are urging that data protection provisions be made a key part of the negotiations - in response to recent disclosures of widespread snooping by the US intelligence community on telephone and Internet communications at home and abroad.

Other potential roadblocks include longstanding arguments over genetically engineered food and other agricultural issues, as well as “Buy American” provi-

sions in recent US legislation, climate change and a squabble over government subsidies involving plane makers Boeing in the US and Airbus in Europe.

“Both sides know that they need to work very hard,” said Philipp Rosler, vice chancellor of Germany and minister of economics and technology. “And only if the people understand that, and only if we don’t end up just having discussions on tiny details - like chickens - only then will we have the opportunity of not only negotiating, but also of concluding a good agreement,” Rosler told a conference at the Brookings Institution, a US think tank. —AP

Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive offers promotion on Chevrolet Tahoe, Silverado KUWAIT: Yusuf A.Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the exclusive dealer of Chevrolet vehicles in Kuwait launched the most anticipated promotion on the Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado offering KD 1,000 on top of their trade in value or KD 1,000 worth of accessories upon purchasing a new Tahoe or Silverado.

Youth and admirers of rugged vehicles will benefit from this special offer as both Tahoe and Silverado vehicles possess a strong performance on the road and comfortable spaciousness in their interiors making them both the ideal choice for desert trips and excursions for the youth.

There is no need to remind you of Kuwait’s most reliable and toughest SUV Tahoe which is in short “raw power, refined” . The Tahoe is equipped with a monstrous 5.3 L V8 engine, and a 6 speed automatic transmission with overdrive that reaches up to 320 hp. Nicknamed “The Muscle Car” by its youthful fan base due to its powerful performance on the road, the Tahoe is a car for all needs ,loaded with safety and security features which include 8 airbags,

ABS, Stabilitrack, cruise control and remote engine starter to make it the perfect SUV choice for on and off-road handling in Kuwait.

A beloved choice amongst the youth in Kuwait, the high-powered Silverado proves to be the ultimate answer for any terrain is it for rough rides in the desert or leisurely outings.

Available in two and four-wheel-drive configurations, the Silverado is powered by a 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0-liter V8 in 3 types: 1500, 2500 and the 3500.

The Silverado is also available in 4X2 or 4x4 wheel drive. And comes in regular, extended or crew cab versions, all of which merge smart technology that features an independent air conditioning unit and Stabilitrack.

Yusuf A. Alghanim & Sons Automotive adds the finishing touch to the ownership experience with high quality after-sales services. With the world’s biggest and most advanced automotive service center, customers need not worry about their service and maintenance needs. Visit any of Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Showrooms now and benefit from this great offer for a limited period only!

Kuwait bourse remains bearish BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week in the red zone. The price index ended last week with a decrease amounted to 1.21 percent, and the weighted index retreated by 2.29 percent compared to the closings of the week before. In addition KSX-15 index decreased by 2.95 percent.

Furthermore, last week’s average daily turnover decreased by 43.17 percent, compared to the preceding week, reaching KD 52.73 million, whereas trading volume average was 611.55 million shares, recording decrease of 43.85 percent.

Kuwait stock market indicators shed last week due to the extension of the selling trend on many listed stocks, included both large-cap and small-cap stocks, that the market has been witnessing since the beginning of the current month, amid unstable performance during this period in light of the quick speculations and profit collection operations performed by many traders, and especially after the inflation in many stocks prices as a result to the repetitive market increases during the previous months.

Moreover, the stock market began the week trades at losses to all its indicators, weighted index and KSX-15 index in particular, recording its minimum closing in more than a month, due to the sale operations that concentrated on blue chips and leading stocks, especially in banking sector.

Also, the price index dropped by 125 point, breaking down the 8,000 point level, affected by the decline of a number of small-cap stocks.

However, the stock market was able to improve supported by the return of the purchasing operations, included many traded stocks, which pushed the market to increase in two successive sessions, before it shed back in the last two sessions of the week, influenced by the return of the selling pressures. As a result, all market indices were negatively affected,

cent. The industrial sector was the least declining as its index closed at 1,211.33 points with a 0.10 percent decrease.

On the other hand, last week’s highest gainer was the insurance sector, achieving 2.53 percent growth rate as its index closed at 1,181.50 points. Whereas, in the second place, the Consumer Goods sector’s index closed at 1,200.59 points recording 0.35 percent increase.

thus closed in the red zone for the second consecutive week.

For the annual performance, the price index ended last week recording 33.65 percent annual gain compared to its closing in 2012, while the weighted index increased by 9.68 percent, and the KSX-15 recorded

5.58 percent increase.

By the end of the week, the price index closed at 7,931.09 points, down by 1.21 percent from the week before closing, whereas the weighted index registered a 2.29 percent weekly loss after closing at 458.09 points.

Moreover, the KSX-15 index closed at

1,065.43 points, decreasing by 2.95 percent.

Sectors’ indices Ten of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the red zone, while the other two recorded increases. The technology sector headed the losers list as its

index declined by 4.71 percent to end the week’s activity at 1,128.13 points.

The basic materials sector was second on the losers’ list, which index declined by 3.31 percent, closing at 1,167.99 points, followed by the banking sector, as its index closed at 1,101.18 points at a loss of 2.34 per-

Sectors’ activity The financial services sector dominated total trade volume during last week with 1.10 billion shares changing hands, representing 35.93 percent of the total market trading volume.

The Real Estate sector was second in terms of trading volume as the sector’s traded shares were 28.93 percent of last week’s total trading volume, with a total of 884.64 million shares.

On the other hand, the financial services sector’s stocks were the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of KD 75.98 million or 28.82 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 66.65 million represented 25.28 percent of the total market trading value.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

BUSINESS

VIVA is now open for mobile number portability KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing telecom operator, announced that it is now officially open and is ready to offer number porting services, based on the recent Mobile Number Portability (MNP) announcement made by the Ministry of Communications. Mobile users in Kuwait can now enjoy VIVA’s integrated services while retaining their current numbers through a smooth porting process that VIVA has readily prepared for. Booths have been setup in all malls in Kuwait, and that also includes Salhiya Mall, Sama Mall and Slayil Mall.

Commenting on this announcement, VIVA’s Chief Executive Officer Salman Al-Badran said,” Mobile Number Portability is a step towards offering mobile users the opportunity to experience a reliable service and the most advanced technologies while retaining the same number. VIVA’s customer centric approach allows it to provide the best and most up-to-date products and services from the technology world, through bespoke packages and bundles that cater to the customers’ different needs”.

Porting to VIVA is a simple process that entails a few steps, such as pay your current balance at any one of VIVA’s branches and fill in the application form with the required information. The number will be switched, free of charge, within 24 hours allowing the customer to enjoy VIVA’s services and products. VIVA provides communications solutions for individuals and corporates, through the most advanced fourth generation (4G LTE) network, resulting in superior coverage, performance and reliability.

France backs EU-US trade talks Accord ‘balanced overall and logical’: EU official LUXEMBOURG: EU trade ministers finally thrashed out a deal Friday on how to negotiate for a free trade deal with the United States, after meeting a French demand to exclude the key audiovisual sector. After some 13 hours of talks, ministers had reached what one EU source described as a “not in, not out” formula. Officials said the ministers would leave the audiovisual sector out of the mandate for initial talks over what would be the world’s biggest free trade deal, as Paris had insisted.

But the European Commission would still have the right to raise “any issue” during the negotiations if it saw fit. French Commerce Minister Nicole Bricq said she welcomed the outcome because it gave Paris “the exclusion of the audiovisual sector” since if the Commission asked for it to be included in the future, that would require a unanimous vote. “In that case, it would be the same pro-

cedure again-one would ask the French position and we would say ‘No’ again,” added. EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, who will lead the talks, stressed that the accord was “not a carve out.”

“I am going to listen to what my American friends say on this (and) then we can ... ask for additional mandates” if needed, De Gucht said. He could “live with” the agreed mandate, he said, adding that he found the French position “understandable” given that technological change was happening so fast in the sector. It was better to have the flexibility to come back to the issue as the situation developed, he added.

An EU official said the accord was “balanced overall” and “logical” in its treatment of the audiovisual sector, a key element in France’s prized “cultural exception” which it insists must be defended at all costs. “We kind of got what we wanted,” which was to

be expected in such political negotiations, the official said. Earlier Friday, Bricq had bluntly told her colleagues that Paris would “refuse any mandate which does not come with protection of the cultural sector and a clear and explicit exclusion of the audiovisual sector.”

Washington has said no areas should be excluded from the talks. EU officials have themselves repeatedly warned that any exceptions would only hand the US an early bargaining chip in what promise to be tough negotiations. Ministers were under intense pressure to agree the guidelines on which the European Commission will negotiate the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) so the talks could be formally launched at next week’s G8 meeting.

If the deal is done, it would be the world’s largest Free Trade Agreement: bilateral trade

Gulf Bank announces Al-Danah draw winners KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held its Al-Danah daily draws on June 9, 2013, announcing the names of its winners for the week of June 2-5. The Al-Danah daily draws include draws each working day for two prizes of KD 1,000 per winner.

The winners were: (Sunday 2/6): Jawad Ali AlMousa Al-Mohammad Ali, Ebtesam Abdulrazaq Al-Aroug; (Monday 3/6): Faisal Abdulaziz Al-Azmi, Teflah Nazaal Habash Al-Harbi; (Tuesday 4/6): Mitieb Abdullah Nasser Al-Kuhaili, Karma Ahmed Saeed; (Wednesday 5/6): Fatmah Abdullah Ali Al-Sayegh, Moushira Fathi Abdel Jawad Mohahmmad.

Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah 2013 draw lineup includes daily draws (2 winners per working day each receive KD1000), as well as three draw prizes per quarter. Al-Danah’s 2nd Quarterly draw will be held on 27 June (KD 250,000, KD 125,000, and KD 25,000), 3rd Quarter - 26 September (KD 500,000, KD 125,000, and KD 25,000) and the final draw held on January 9, 2014 announcing winners of KD 50,000, KD 250,000 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 Al-Danah 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.

Markaz: Retail market in GCC to reach $221 billion by 2015 KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” recently published their GCC retail report. In this research note, Markaz analyses the retail sector dynamics, identifies the current and potential market size for various subsegments. The report also discusses the key drivers of demand, identifies emerging trends and characterizes the challenges in retail sector.

Markaz estimates the retail market in GCC to reach $221 billion by 2015 registering an annualized growth of 7.9 percent for the period 2012-2015. Food, beverages and tobacco accounted for almost half of the market in 2012 and we expect the trend to continue.

Retail Industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the GCC region. Though the overall economic growth in the GCC region suffered a setback at the onset of the global financial crisis, the retail sector posted robust growth and continued its upward trajectory. The growing importance of retail in GCC can be gauged from the fact that the city of Dubai, along with London, shares the leading position for international retailers’ presence. American and European retailers, for their expansion of operations consider Kuwait City, Riyadh and Jeddah as their top choices outside their home turf.

The GCC consumer market is composed of two distinct categories, the growing nationals and increasing expatriates (especially in UAE and Qatar). Higher per capita income and younger demographic profile of the nationals has a positive implication for the demand of high value luxury goods and electronics goods while the working expatriate population supports the surging demand for consumer goods. Generous state subsidies in the form of grants, leads to increased disposable level of income aiding the retail industry.

Over the years, the retail landscape in the GCC has changed tremendously from traditional, small, independent, unorganized outlets in the form of souks to large, modern and organized retail chains in the form of malls. However, retail in the GCC is currently focused on very few retailing formats and is majorly skewed towards malls. The report expects the retail to evolve and accommodate other formats such as modern cash & carry, convenience stores and discount stores.

Luxury retailing is a thriving business in GCC region consisting of affluent locals, splurging expatriates and deep-pocketed tourists. Luxury retail growth in Dubai has surpassed the growth in other developed markets.

The attractiveness of the retail market has resulted in wide spread competition with the entry of many international players. Establishment of newer, swanky malls results in cannibalization of consumers. Polarization of rentals and vacancy levels are seen.

Stringent laws to tackle counterfeiting and copyright infringement are required to instill a sense of security and business confidence among international retailers. Local talent has to be developed to tide over workforce scarcity and adoption of best practices particularly in inventory management.

in goods last year were worth some 500 billion euros ($670 billion); another 280 billion euros in services and trillions in investment flows. The EU says it would add some 119 billion euros annually to the EU economy, and 95 billion euros for the United States.

But France jealously guards it cultural sector: French television stations are required to air at least 40-percent homeproduced content, with another 20 percent coming from Europe before American TV soap operas even get a look in.

Cinema-goers pay a levy on each ticket to help fund the French film industry, which many believe could not survive without such support in the face of Hollywood’s dominance. At the meeting, ministers also reviewed a series of trade disputes with China that have exposed deep differences within the EU-notably between Berlin and Paris. —AFP

MAG group launches ‘Art Centre’ in Dubai First and biggest shopping centre in UAE and region DUBAI: MAG Group yesterday launched its new project ‘Art Centre’, during a ceremony held at the Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa. Considered to be the first and biggest specialised shopping centre in the UAE and the region, Art Centre will specialise in indoor and outdoor building materials and requirements for housing and commercial sectors, including furniture, lighting, kitchens, floors, curtains, carpets, gifts, flowers, wallpaper, decoration, swimming pools, and other related materials. Construction work on the 300 million dirham project is projected to start within 3 months and estimated to take around 15 months to reach completion.

Centrally located next to Sheikh Zayed Road, Barsha in Dubai, Art Centre will offer easy accessibility to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and north emirates residents. The centre consists of 3 floors and basement with a total build-up area of 660,000 square feet, which includes leasable area of 350,000 square feet, facilities, halls and parking spaces.

In his speech for the event, Moufak Ahmad Al-Kaddah, the Chairman of MAG group said: “Over the past few

years, MAG group has written a great new chapter in its history filled with many achievements, praises be to Allah the Almighty. Today we realise a new achievement in which we have combined the world of shopping centres with that of industry - being inspired to do so by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai - May God protect him - and we shall continue to walk in the footsteps of our beloved Dubai in producing new and modern developments according to highest standards.”

“Art Centre is the first and biggest specialised shopping centre in the region. Specialising in the sale of furniture and building materials, Art Centre will be the shopping centre for all home and office needs and requirements. The aim of Art Centre is to raise the bar higher for the mechanism of marketing and sales in the furniture, and other building-related materials industry. Through Art Centre shopping will gain another meaning, because we provide a practical, entertaining and family-friendly atmos-

phere, which makes the shopping experience for your home or office a real pleasure.”

Mohammad Nimer, the CEO of MAG Property Development presented a brief about the Art Centre Project, to the members of the audience present at the launch ceremony, who were given the opportunity to apply for the allocated rental spaces.

The centre is expected to host many well-known national and international brands in the world of furniture and building related materials.

Al-Kaddah confirmed that Art Centre will be independently managed to guarantee renters the highest quality of service. He also emphasised that the centre will be always in touch with the people through social, cultural and entertainment activities, which will be held in the centre according to its marketing plan that aims at making Art Centre a shopping, entertainment and work destination, all in one.

It should be noted that Art Centre will have numerous facilities and services to meet visitor needs such as business centre, internet, a clinic, a children’s play area, and several other services, in addition to free parking.

Troubled Detroit defaults on debt CHICAGO: The troubled US city of Detroit defaulted on its debt payments Friday as it threatened to become the country’s largest-ever municipal bankruptcy. With the Motor City struggling to provide basic services to a shrinking population, its state-appointed emergency manager submitted a restructuring plan to holders of some $18.5 billion in IOUs. “Financial mismanagement, a shrinking population, a dwindling tax base and other factors over the past 45 years have brought Detroit to the brink of financial and operational ruin,” said Kevyn Orr, the bankruptcy expert appointed by Michigan’s governor to straighten out the city’s troubled finances.

“Detroit’s road to recovery begins today.” The city imposed a moratorium on some debt payments effective Friday in order to preserve the cash needed for essential services. It said it will work with its creditors to restructure its debts in order to “return Detroit to a sustainable financial foundation and to permit much-needed reinvestment in the city.”

“My team and I hope Detroit’s creditors and constituents recognize that compromise and shared sacrifice are required for a better, more sustainable future for Detroit and its citizens,” Orr said in a statement.

If creditors do not accept the plan, Detroit could be forced into what would be by far the largest ever bankruptcy by a US city. Orr told reporters there is a “50-50” chance that Detroit will declare bankruptcy and that a decision should happen in the next 30 days. The restructuring proposal addresses how it will meet its obligations on about $7 billion in secured debt and $11.5 billion in unsecured borrowings.

Unsecured creditors, including pension plans for city retirees, could end up with a fraction of what they are owed under the proposal. In the report, Orr described city conditions that would worsen if a deal on the debt cannot be reached. It said that due to police cutbacks Detroit’s crime rate became the worst among large US cities in 2012, five times the national average. —AFP

Mindshare holds management meeting for key stakeholders DUBAI: Mindshare, an agency dedicated to innovative brand development for its clients, organized a management meeting to review the agency’s performance and establish a strategic direction and business plan for the coming five years. The gathering was held at the Grand Hills Broumana, Lebanon from June 5-7 and drew in an array of distinguished attendees that included MDs, regional directors, and key directors from across the MENA region.

The assembly began with a detailed review of Mindshare MENA’s performance from 2008 to 2012, including in-depth scrutiny of products, initiatives, activities, and new additions to the agency’s spectrum of services. After a careful examination of the last five years at Mindshare MENA, participating attendees discussed a 5-year business strategy and planned to further strengthen Mindshare’s position as an agency.

“This landmark meeting was a great success. There were a lot of discussions before and during the meeting, and as a result, we came up with a strong plan on how to drive the company in the next five years. There will be lots of changes that will have a very positive impact on our brand,” Mindshare MENA CEO Samir Ayoub said. “Traditional planning and buying is history: it’s a must to evolve with the consumer while leveraging technology in order to continuously create a competitive advantage for our clients.”

RUSTENBURG: Striking workers of the Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) move from shaft to shaft to call on their colleagues to stop working in Rustenburg in this file photo.

Up to 4,000 mineworkers staged a sit-in strike at an Anglo American Platinum mine in South Africa’s restive platinum belt on June 14, 2013 over the suspension of four leaders, a union representative told AFP. —AFP

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

BUSINESS

Renault Koleos, Caterham F1 Team Driver, Charles Pic in creative online ad campaign

A

fter Mark Webber’s drive of the Renault Duster in the dunes of Oman last year, Renault is coming back with another original film starring Charles Pic, Caterham F1 team driver & Renault Koleos. Renault has been involved in Formula One since 1977. Since 2007, the carmaker is empowering four teams with its RS27, Red Bull Racing, Lotus F1 Team, Caterham F1 Team and Williams F1 Team.

Renault has teamed up with Charles Pic, driver for the Renault-powered Caterham F1 Team, to make an original ad film featuring the Renault Koleos, as part of an online promotional campaign launched from May 15.

The shooting of the film took place in Dubai at Al Qiyada showroom of Arabian Automobiles Renault, the exclusive Renault dealership in Dubai and the Northern emirates.

The plot of the film revolves around the Formula One driver’s expectations from a day-to-day vehicle, making a parallel between the Renault Koleos and his one seater F1 car. The storyboard highlights the strengths and features of the Renault Koleos in clean, uncluttered shots.

Chief among these qualities are the Renault Koleos reliability, with its power train of 2.5L engine, CVT transmission and 170 horse power issued from the Renault Nissan Alliance; added safety, with its six airbags; hill start assistance and hill slope control; ESP with Anti Slip Regulation; comfort, with its dual zone air-conditioning, leather interior and electric panoramic sunroof; advanced technology, with Bose sound system; digital media connectivity- USB and iPod docks; Bluetooth capabilities, Renault key-less smart card; navigation assistance; 4WD differential lock, and roominess, with a segment-topping cabin space.

Charles Pic said: “I enjoyed my time here in the UAE with Renault Middle East, participating in the shooting of the Renault Koleos video. It is great to be able to do more activities with Renault, who has often supported me in my career. I had a pleasant driving experience with the Renault Koleos, which in my opinion is a good SUV. It was pretty cool to drive it, both in the city or off-road.”

The Renault Koleos comes with a raft of driver-friendly highend features including hands-free entry and ignition, electronic parking brake, automatic headlight and windscreen-wiper , Xenon headlamps, and cruise control with speed limiter.

The Renault Koleos, which can be specified with either 4x2 or 4x4 transmission, is a genuinely versatile and modular vehicle, with its rear split gate and stylish “aircraft style picnic tables” for rear seats. It is comfortable and nimble in and about town. The Renault Koleos is designed by Renault and manufactured at the Renault Samsung Motors plant in Busan, South Korea.

Renault in Formula one Present in Formula One since 1977, Renault has won 11 Constructors’ World Titles and 10 Drivers’ World Titles, plus more than 200 pole positions and 150 wins.

The current power plant, the RS27 by Renault, is a 750bhp V8 engine, in use since 2007. The engine is supplied to four partner teams - Red Bull Racing; Lotus F1 Team, Caterham F1 Team and Williams F1 Team. In 2012, this quartet scored nine wins and a total of 839 points, with Red Bull Racing securing both, the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championship.

In the first four races of 2013, a Renault-engined car has finished on every podium so far, with three wins and two pole positions. Two Renault-engined teams are currently first and second in the constructors’ championship.

About Charles Pic Charles Pic, a 23-year-old French native, made his F1 race debut in 2012 with Marussia Virgin Racing before switching to the Renault-engined Caterham F1 Team for 2013. Charles started racing at age 13 in karting, before moving into single-seaters in 2006, when he finished third in the French Formula Campus championship. He then transitioned to Formula Renault 2.0, where he finished third in Eurocup as the leading rookie. Charles then raced for two years in Formula Renault 3.5, finishing as top rookie in the championship. Charles moved into GP2 for 2010 and once again tasted victory in his maiden season. He stayed on in GP2 for a second term in 2011, earning two more wins, three pole positions, and five podiums in 2011 before making his F1 debut last year. In 2013, Charles has finished every race so far, and achieved his highest-ever F1 starting position at the Bahrain Grand Prix on 28 April.

Al-Babtain unveils special offer on Renault Fluence KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz AlBabtain Co, the authorized dealer in Kuwait for Renault, offers free Samsung Galaxy S4 forRenault Fluence retail buyers during month of June, Renault Fluence starting price is KD 4,199. Renault Fluence is considered a symbol of uniqueness, elegance and enjoyable ride in its class, where it provides the driver with comfort inside, with an innovative chassis.

When it was first launched in July 2010, Renault Fluence got a huge demand in the global and GCC markets, by maintaining its roominess, cruise and strong performance. Moreover, it kept offering the best for those who like safe and confident driving experience through technology, interior and exterior design, which helped in maintaining its advanced position on the list of desirable cars in Kuwait. Renault Fluence is made available across the GCC with the new 1.6 16V 112HP CVT X-Tronic automatic gearbox and the 2.0 16V 143HP CVT X-Tronic Automatic Gearbox.

Rabaa Al-Hajri to represent Kuwait in 8th DSS Apprenticeship Program KUWAIT: The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an entity under the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the organiser of Dubai Summer Surprises, announced the names of the 14 talented students from across the Middle East and North Africa who have won a place as part of the hotly-contested DSS Apprenticeship Program.

Rabaa Al-Hajri from the Australian College of Kuwait will represent Kuwait in the eighth edition of the award-winning destination marketing internship, a highly coveted component of the iconic Dubai Summer Surprises festival. This year the program welcomes its largest-ever group of winners from 14 markets including the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Morocco and first-time participants from Iraq and Sudan.

Laila Suhail, CEO of DFRE said: “In her essay Rabaa Al-Hajri from the Australian College of Kuwait showed great maturity in thinking not just of a multi-pronged approach to marketing DSS but also of the cost implications of executing a multiplatform strategy economically. It’s no surprise that she finds herself among this year’s apprentices with her holistic strategy and we look forward to more innovative ideas from her when she joins us in Dubai shortly.”

The winners will each receive an all-expensepaid trip to Dubai, inclusive of return flights and a

two-week stay at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, one of the world’s leading hospitality business management schools, managed by Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding.

The winners will work closely with the marketing team responsible for successfully staging DSS, attend workshops, take part in visits to key DSS events and tourism landmarks and meet leading players responsible for building the Destination Dubai brand. Itineraries have in the past included winner interactions with Dubai-based entities that have helped build the city’s world-class tourism offering and global brand cachet, such as Emirates, Emaar Retail, MBC Group, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Economic Department and Dubai Cares and this year’s winners can look forward to a similarly impressive agenda of key visits.

Many of the interns who will be making their maiden visit to Dubai will also get the opportunity to experience first-hand the city’s iconic tourism landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, Ski Dubai, Wild Wadi and lots more. The selection process for this year’s apprenticeship program began with each participating university nominating its top six senior students from the marketing, business, administration and travel and tourism streams. Each student was asked to submit an essay on a topic chosen by the DSS Apprenticeship

Rabaa Al-Hajri Program team. This year the students were asked to submit an essay on the topic “How would you further market DSS in your respective local market if you were to become the Chief Marketing Officer for DSS?” A special jury comprising key DFRE Executives and other marketing professionals evaluated all the final submissions before selecting a winner for each country.

In her winning essay, Rabaa Al-Hajri said:

Kurt Viehmann and Mazen Al-Mhanna receive ‘President’s Award’ at Sheraton KUWAIT: Kurt Viehmann, Resident Manager/ In-charge of Food & Beverage and Mazen Al-Mhanna, Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait were proudly selected to receive the prestigious “President’s Award” for the year 2012. This annual award is presented by the President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the Europe, Africa & Middle East Division to recognize associate’s best achievements in their individual Starwood properties throughout the region.

The 2012 was a momentous year for the Sheraton Kuwait with the successful opening of new branches of our four specialties restaurants at the Grand Avenue, The Avenues where Kurt Viehmann and his team have showcased an exceptional performance, hard work and dedication to deliver the same five star service that the Sheraton Kuwait’s restaurants were long famed for

since it’s opening which was very much appreciated by our guests. In addition, the hotel has witnessed a growth in occupancy figures in the year 2012 and most of the credit for this achievement goes for hosting most of the big conferences and events that took place in Kuwait which Mazen Al-Mhanna and his Sales & Marketing team have done a tremendous effort in delivering firstclass service and luxurious comfort to the guests. Not to mention, the Sheraton Kuwait has been awarded ‘Kuwait’s Leading Hotel’ for the third consecutive year. On this special occasion, Fahed Abushaar, Area Director/General Manager of Sheraton Kuwait expressed his gratification on the outstanding performance of both winners congratulating them on the well deserved award and encouraging them to keep up on their commitment in delivering exceptional services which will reflect in the increase of the guests’ satisfaction.

“Working as its Chief Marketing Officer, I have reached, after careful study of the previous DSS editions as well as the market I am operating within, the decision to devise a cost-effective, holistic promotional plan. My plan is to implement a marketing campaign that will have three phases of which the first is called ‘Social Explosion’and targeted at the 18-27 year age group. With Kuwait’s youth being tech savvy, this phase comes with aggressive promotions via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Kik. The second phase will aim to get the attention of kids aged 5-10 years by using meet-and-greet sessions with Modhesh in malls and schools. The last phase focuses on business-to-business collaborations, targeting the 40+ age group by partnering with large travel agencies and companies that can come up with special packages to Dubai during DSS. This holistic approach hopes to target all relevant sectors that are essential segments, and would hope to ultimately double the number of visitors from Kuwait during the event period.”

Commenting on their student’s success in securing the coveted internship, Professor Jehad Yassin “Head of School of Business” said: “We would like to congratulate Rabaa Al-Hajri for being selected for the prestigious DSS Apprenticeship Program and thank the organizers in Dubai for giving students this great learning opportunity. The Australian College of Kuwait brings the best of global education to the country and, armed with

the skills and international outlook she has developed at our college, we are certain Rabaa will be a meaningful contributor to the program and make us proud.” The internship will offer students the opportunity to get hands-on experience working alongside the DSS team in a packed agenda of activities that will both enhance their theoretical understanding of their chosen field of study as well as its practical application, while building a valuable network of potential future employers and corporate mentors.

At the end of the two-week internship, the apprentices will be asked to work together as a team to present their fresh and creative ideas to senior management, based on their observations and experiences of the event. Over the past editions of the DSS Apprenticeship Program, participating students who have successfully completed the program and graduated from their respective universities have found rewarding jobs with prestigious organizations and multinationals in their home countries. Since it first began in 2006, the DSS Apprenticeship Program has grown successfully to include its current expansive list of more than 80 participating universities across 14 markets in the Middle East and North Africa. The 2013 edition is the first step in DFRE’s broader strategy to take the DSS Apprenticeship Program global by 2015, when the program will mark its 10th anniversary.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

technology

Google to beam Internet from balloons CHRISTCHURCH: Google revealed topsecret plans yesterday to send balloons to the edge of space with the lofty aim of bringing Internet to the two-thirds of the global population currently without web access. Scientists from the technology giant released up to 30 helium-filled test balloons flying 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) above Christchurch in New Zealand Saturday, carrying antennae linked to ground base stations.

While still in the early stages, Project Loon hopes eventually to launch thousands of balloons to provide Internet to remote parts of the world, allowing the more than four billion people with no access to get online.

It could also be used to help after natural disasters, when existing communication infrastructure is affected. “Project

Loon is an experimental technology for balloon-powered Internet access,” the company said on its latest project from its clandestine Google (x), “where we work on radical, sci-fi-sounding technology solutions to solve really big world problems”. “Balloons, carried by the wind at altitudes twice as high as commercial planes, can beam Internet access to the ground at speeds similar to today’s 3G networks or faster,” it added.

“It is very early days, but we think a ring of balloons, flying around the globe on the stratospheric winds, might be a way to provide affordable Internet access to rural, remote, and underserved areas down on earth below, or help after disasters, when existing communication infrastructure is affected.” It works by ground stations connecting to the local

Internet infrastructure and beaming signals to the balloons, which are self-powered by solar panels.

The balloons, which once in the stratosphere will be twice as high as commercial airliners and barely visible to the naked eye, are then able to communicate with each other, forming a mesh network in the sky. Users below have an Internet antennae they attach the side of their house which can send and receive data signals from the balloons passing overhead. Some 50 people were chosen to take part in the trial and were able to link to the Internet.

The first person to get Google Balloon Internet access was Charles Nimmo, a farmer and entrepreneur in the small town of Leeston who signed up for the experiment. He told the New Zealand

Herald he received Internet access for about 15 minutes before the transmitting balloon he was relying on floated out of range. “It’s been weird,” he told the newspaper. “But it’s been exciting to be part of something new.” Google’s ultimate goal is to have a ring of balloonseach the length of a small light aircraft when fully inflated-circling the Earth, ensuring there is no part of the globe that cannot access the web. But Richard DeVaul, chief technical architect at Google (x), cautioned that “it’s awfully too early to think about covering the entire planet”.

The next step might be to make a ring of balloons around the same latitude as New Zealand, he added, to extend coverage to countries such as Australia, South Africa and Argentina.

“ We think hundreds of balloons, maybe 300 or 400, might be necessary to complete that ring,” DeVaul said.

Google did not say how much it was investing in the project.

“The idea may sound a bit crazy - and that’s part of the reason we’re calling it Project Loon - but there’s solid science behind it,” Google said, but added: “This is still highly experimental technology and we have a long way to go.”

Project leader Mike Cassidy told reporters that if successful, the technology might allow countries to leapfrog the expense of installing fibre-optic cable.

“It’s a huge moonshot, a really big goal to go after,” he said. “The power of the Internet is probably one of the most transformative technologies of our time.” —AFP

Web companies begin releasing surveillance info after deal with US

LOS ANGELES: Show attendees watch a presentation on the video game “World of Warships” at the Wargaming.net booth during the Electronic Entertainment Expo. —AP

E3 launches the future of video games with a bang LOS ANGELES: Since the first battles over “Pong” machines in local arcades four decades ago, video gamers have loved good competition. And this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo - the industry’s largest annual gathering - presented more thrilling showdowns than ever. Microsoft vs. Sony.

Mobile vs. console games. “Titanfall” vs.

“Destiny.” So who won E3?

MICROSOFT VS. SONY: Both companies served up flashy presentations of the forthcoming next-generation consoles, the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4. Microsoft’s show came off bland and corporate, and did little to answer consumer disenchantment with the Xbox One’s requirement for regular Internet connections and Microsoft’s vague statements on the playability of used games. Sony came out swinging, promising it would not try to restrict used game sales and the PS4 would not require a persistent online connection.

Sony also scored by announcing a $399 price tag for the PS4, $100 less than the Xbox One. While the contest is far from decided (indeed, much of the whole usedgames issue rests in the hands of third-party publishers like Electronic Arts and Ubisoft), Sony assuredly won over some hearts. Winner: Sony.

“TITANFALL” VS. “DESTINY”: Two of the biggest debuts at E3 were first-person shooters from veterans of the genre.

Respawn’s “Titanfall,” shepherded by the masterminds behind the landmark “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare,” updates the formula with the addition of giant robots.

“Destiny,” from “Halo” creator Bungie, is more ambitious, promising vast open worlds that reward exploration more than the typical shooter. Winner: “Destiny.”

CONSOLE VS. MOBILE: Console game publishers have been fretting over the continued viability of the $60, disc-based game in the face of competition from 99-cent smartphone apps. But mobile games, tucked away in the corners of the Los Angeles Convention Center, barely made a peep amid the bombast of their big-budget brethren at E3. And some big companies are looking at mobile games as less of a threat and more of a gateway drug for large-screen play. Winner: Consoles.

INDIE VS. CORPORATE: Independent game development is blossoming, and the Indiecade area of the convention center displayed more creativity than most of the expensive corporate booths. (The most fun I had this week was playing “Tiny Brains,” a multiplayer puzzler from Spearhead Games, a small studio founded by EA and Ubisoft veterans.) But Sony, in particular, is aggressively wooing indies to create PS4 and Vita games, and the buzziest titles at its booth were idiosyncratic gems like “Hohokum,” “Octodad: Dadliest Catch” and “Secret

Ponchos.” Winner: Can’t we all just get along?

‘ELDER SCROLLS’ VS. ‘DRAGON AGE’: The two most popular American role-playing franchises hurled a few fireballs at each other. BioWare is looking to rebound from the divisive “Dragon Age II” with the more classically expansive “Dragon Age: Inquisition.” But Bethesda Softworks’ “The Elder Scrolls Online” is further along and looks more impressive each time I see it.

Meanwhile, sword-and-sorcery tales are thriving, with promising epics like “The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt,” “Dark Souls II” and “Blackguards” in the pipeline. And yes, “Final Fantasy XV” is coming. Winner: “The Elder Scrolls Online.”

NINTENDO VS. ITSELF: Nintendo has a stable of talented game designers with impressive resumes, but they’ve been relegated to uninspired projects for the Wii U. The team behind the stellar “Super Mario Galaxy” games is producing the multiplayer “Super Mario 3D World,” which plays an awful lot like last year’s “New Super Mario Bros. U.” Retro Studios, architect of last decade’s spectacular “Metroid” reboot, is bogged down with another “Donkey Kong Country” game. While Nintendo’s character roster is second to none, the company desperately needs an influx of fresh ideas.

Winner: Nobody.

“PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES”: Popcap Games’ flora were in full bloom at E3, with the long-awaited “Plants vs. Zombies 2” for mobile devices as well as “Plants vs.

Zombies: Garden Warfare,” a goofy 3D shooter for the Xbox. Still, zombies continue to run rampant, starring in “Dead Rising 3,” “The Evil Within,” “Dying Light,” “Ray’s The Dead” and the next episode of the “Walking Dead” saga, alongside about half a dozen other games. Winner: Zombies.

“CALL OF DUTY” DOG VS. CAT MARIO: In “Super Mario 3D World,” a cat costume enables Mario to scramble up walls and pounce on enemies. Activision’s “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” however, features a German shepherd named Riley who can sneak through bushes, jump through windows and rip the throats out of terrorists. Plus, he’s become an Internet sensation, and his Twitter account has over 26,000 followers.

Winner: Dog. OPTIMISM VS. DESPAIR: No doubt, these are anxious times in the video-game business. The Wii U has yet to gain traction, and no one has any idea about how enthusiastically consumers will embrace the Xbox One and PS4. And big questions remain about piracy, privacy and the sustainability of big-budget game development. Still, the E3 show floor was packed all week, and most of the industry veterans I spoke with agreed it was the most exciting show in years. Winner: Optimism. —AP

Microsoft brings Office to iPhone, but not tablets NEW YORK: Even as a pared-down version of Microsoft’s Office software package arrived on the iPhone, the company is holding out on extending that to the iPad and Android devices as it tries to boost sales of tablet computers running its own Windows system.

Microsoft also isn’t selling Office Mobile for iPhone separately. Instead, it comes as part of a $100-a-year Office 365 subscription, which also lets you use Office on up to five Mac and Windows computers.

Microsoft made the app available through Apple’s app store Friday.

Microsoft Corp. is treading a fine line as it tries to make its subscription more com-

pelling, without removing an advantage that tablet computers running Microsoft’s Windows system now have — the ability to run popular Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Microsoft has been pushing subscriptions as a way to get customers to keep paying for a product that has historically been sold in a single purchase. The company touts such benefits as the ability to run the package on multiple computers and get updates for free on a regular basis. A subscription can be more expensive than buying the package outright for just one or two computers, but those wanting the iPhone app won’t be able to avoid the recurring fees. — AP

SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook and Microsoft have struck agreements with the US government to release limited information about the number of surveillance requests they receive, a modest victory for the companies as they struggle with the fallout from disclosures about a secret government data-collection program.

Facebook on Friday became the first to release aggregate numbers of requests, saying in a blog post that it received between 9,000 and 10,000 US requests for user data in the second half of 2012, covering 18,000 to 19,000 of its users’ accounts. Facebook has more than 1.1 billion users worldwide.

The majority of those requests are routine police inquiries, a person familiar with the company said, but under the terms of the deal with Justice Department, Facebook is precluded from saying how many were secret orders issued under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Until now, all information about requests under FISA, including their existence, were deemed secret.

Microsoft said it had received requests of all types for information on about 31,000 consumer accounts in the second half of 2012. In a “transparency report” Microsoft published earlier this year without including national security matters, it said it had received criminal requests involving 24,565 accounts for all of 2012.

If half of those requests came in the second part of the year, the intelligence requests constitute the bulk of government inquiries. Microsoft did not dispute that conclusion.

Google said late Friday that it was negotiating with the government and that the sticking point was whether it could only publish a combined figure for all requests. It said that would be “a step back for users,” because it already breaks out criminal requests and National Security Letters, another type of intelligence inquiry.

Facebook, Google and Microsoft had all publicly urged the U.S. authorities to allow them to reveal the number and scope of the surveillance requests after documents leaked to the Washington Post and the Guardian suggested they had given the government “direct access” to their computers as part of a National Security Agency program called Prism.

The disclosures about Prism, and related revelations about broad-based collection of telephone records, have triggered widespread concern and congressional hearings about the scope and extent of the information-gathering.

The big Internet companies in particular have been torn by the need to obey U.S. laws that forbid virtually any discussion of foreign intelligence requests and the need to assuage customers.

“We hope this helps put into perspective the numbers involved and lays to rest some of the hyperbolic and false assertions in some recent press accounts about the frequency and scope of the data requests that we receive,” Facebook wrote on its site.

Facebook said it would continue to press to divulge more information. The person familiar with the company said that it at least partially complied with U.S. legal requests 79 percent of the time, and that it usually turned over just the user’s email address and Internet Protocol address and name, rather than the content of the person’s postings or messages.

It is believed that FISA requests typically seek much more information. But it remains unclear how broad the FISA orders might be.

Several companies have said they had never been asked to turn over everything from an entire country, for example. However, the intelligence agencies could ask for all correspondence by an account holder, or even all correspondence from the users’ contacts.

Among the other remaining questions are the nature of court-approved “minimization” procedures designed to limit use of information about US residents. The NSA is prohibited from specifically targeting them.

“If they are receiving large amounts of data that they are not actually authorized to look at, the question then becomes what are the procedures by which they determine what they can look at?” said Kevin Bankston, an attorney at the Center for Democracy & Technology. “Do they simply store that forever in case later they are authorized to look at it?”

In addition, some legal experts say that recent US laws allow for intelligence-gathering simply for the pursuit of foreign policy objectives, not just in hunting terrorists and spies.

Google, Facebook and Microsoft have already directly contradicted the Guardian and Washington Post reports about “direct access” to their servers.

Both newspapers have since backtracked, and it now appears that at least some of the companies allowed neither government-controlled equipment on their property nor direct searches without company employees vetting each inquiry. Google has been the most forth-

right on the technology issue, saying that it provides information only on request via an oldschool data-transfer protocol called FTP and that Google legal staff must approve each request.

Beyond that, it is now clear that many of the companies have objected, at times strenuously, to both individual requests and the broad sweep of the program. It remains unclear how successful they have been.

The initial reports about Prism included an internal NSA slide listing the dates that each of nine companies began allowing Prism data collection, starting with Microsoft in 2007 and Yahoo in 2008. The other companies include Apple, AOL and PalTalk as well as YouTube and Skype, which are owned by Google and Microsoft respectively.

Sources familiar with the conversations between the government and the Internet companies say there are frequent disagreements over how to handle specific requests.

Only one company, Yahoo, is known to have taken the highly unusual step of appealing an order from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The company argued in 2008 that the order violated the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

But US District Judge Bruce Selya, who headed the FISA court’s Court of Review, ruled the data collection program did not run afoul of the Bill of Rights. Selya’s ruling was published in redacted form, only the second time such a decision had ever been made public. A Justice Department spokesman said it was published at the court’s behest, but the executive branch would have had to approve the waiving of secrecy rules. Two days after that, according to the leaked NSA slides, Google joined the Prism datacollection effort. “When Yahoo lost that case, it dissuaded everyone else from going to court,” a person at another company told Reuters.

“A provider seeing that decision erases the doubt about whether a judge would approve this process,” said a former lawyer for Yahoo.

Twitter, which has positioned itself as a hardline defender of free speech and customer privacy, is still not participating in Prism. But people familiar with talks between the tech companies and the government said it will likely be forced to comply. In Twitter’s case, as in that of some other companies, the objections have ostensibly been about the technological difficulty in complying with orders and the format in which the information will be shared, people familiar with the situation say. — Reuters

Ideas for keeping your data safe from spying LONDON: Phone call logs, credit card records, emails, Skype chats, Facebook message, and more: The precise nature of the NSA’s sweeping surveillance apparatus has yet to be confirmed.

But given the revelations spilling out into the media recently, there hardly seems a single aspect of daily life that isn’t somehow subject to spying or surveillance by someone.

Experts say there are steps anyone can take to improve privacy, but they only go so far. Using anonymity services and encryption “simply make it harder, but not impossible,” said Ashkan Soltani, an independent privacy and security researcher.

“Someone can always find you __ just depends on how motivated they are.”

With that caveat, here are some basic tips to enhance your privacy: ENCRYPT YOUR EMAILS Emails sent across the Web are like postcards. In some cases, they’re readable by anyone standing between you and its recipient. That can include your webmail company, your Internet service provider and whoever is tapped into the fiber optic cable passing your message around the globe - not to mention a parallel set of observers on the recipient’s side of the world.

Experts recommend encryption, which scrambles messages in transit, so they’re unreadable to anyone trying to intercept them. Techniques vary, but a popular one is called PGP, short for “Pretty Good Privacy.” PGP is effective enough that the U.S. government tried to block its export in the mid-1990s, arguing that it was so powerful it should be classed as a weapon. Disadvantages: Encryption

can be clunky. And to work, both parties have to be using it.

USE TOR Like emails, your travels around the Internet can easily be tracked by anyone standing between you and the site you’re trying to reach. TOR, short for “The Onion Router,” helps make your traffic anonymous by bouncing it through a network of routers before spitting it back out on the other side. Each trip through a router provides another layer of protection, thus the onion reference.

Originally developed by the US military, TOR is believed to work pretty well if you want to hide your traffic from, let’s say, eavesdropping by your local Internet service provider. And criminals’ use of TOR has so frustrated Japanese police that experts there recently recommended restricting its use.

But it’s worth noting that TOR may be ineffective against governments equipped with the powers of global surveillance.

Disadvantages: Browsing the web with TOR can be painfully slow.

And some services - like file swapping protocols used by many Internet users to share videos and music - aren’t compatible.

DITCH THE PHONE Your everyday cellphone has all kinds of privacy problems. In Britain, cellphone safety was so poor that crooked journalists made a cottage industry out of eavesdropping on their victims’ voicemails. In general, proprietary software, lousy encryption, hard-to-delete data and other security issues make a cellphone a bad bet for storing information you’d rather not share.

An even bigger issue is that cell-

OKLAHOMA: In this undated photo made available by Google, hundreds of fans funnel hot air from the computer servers into a cooling unit to be recirculated at a Google data center. The green lights are the server status LEDs reflecting from the front of the servers. —AP

phones almost always follow their owners around, carefully logging the location of every call, something which could effectively give governments a daily digest of your everyday life. Security researcher Jacob Appelbaum has described cellphones as tracking devices that also happen to make phone calls. If you’re not happy with the idea of an intelligence agency following your footsteps across town, leave the phone at home.

Disadvantages: Not having a cellphone handy when you really need it. Other alternatives, like using “burner” phones paid for anonymously and discarded after use, rapidly become expensive.

CUT UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS The Wall Street Journal says the NSA is monitoring American credit card records in addition to phone calls. Some cybercriminals can use the same methods. So stick to cash, or, if you’re more adventurous, use electronic currencies to move your money around if you want total privacy.

Disadvantages: Credit cards are a mainstay of the world payment system, so washing your hands of plastic money is among the most difficult moves you can make. In any case, some cybercurrency systems offer only limited protection from government snooping and many carry significant risks. The value of Bitcoin, one of the better-known forms of electronic cash, has oscillated wildly, while users of another popular online currency, Liberty Reserve, were left out of pocket after the company behind it was busted by international law enforcement. — AP

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

Sonolith i-sys Extracorporeal Shock-wave Lithotripter Machine Over 50 cases in four months treated by the Urology Department with exceptional results in Non- Invasive procedures KUWAIT: Initiated by Dar Al Shifa Hospital for the first time in Kuwait, the recent arrival of the advanced extracorporeal shockwave lithotripter, Sonolith i-sys, confirms outstanding results on procedures performed since its operational start4 months ago.Developed by the European manufacturer EDAP TMS, Sonolith i-sys is used to ease the treatment of urinary stones in the kidney and ureters while allowing patients more comfort and ease during the treatment process.

Since first performed in 1983, Shock wave lithotripsy has witnessed many modifications starting with first spark gap, piezoelectric which is an effect that produces electricity via application of mechanical stress, electromagnetic and the latest innovation, electro conductive technology.Electro conductive Technology in extracorporeal lithotripsy is featured by narrower focal zone, inclusion of Automatic Ultrasound Positioning System (AUPS), in conjunction with an intu-

itive X-ray localization system “Stone Locking System”. In addition, i-sys exclusive shock-wave generator features a penetration depth up to 210mm so that obese patients can benefit from efficient ESWL. Considering every stone is different,

the physical features of the Sonolith i-sys Extracorporeal Shock-wave Lithotripter offer a great flexibility in the choice of therapeutic protocol.

Elaborating on his initial operational experience, Dr. Mohammed Abdullatif - Consultant and Head of

Urology Department at Dar Al Shifa Hospital said: “Since the successful establishment of Sonolith i-sys machine to our Urology department,we have treated stones sizes up to 2.5 cm,along with an outcome in high stone free rates, low retreatment rates, efficient for renal and ureteric stones, less X-ray exposure, lesser pain, fine fragmentation and less auxiliary procedures (double J stents).The use of the most advanced technology is continuously facilitating the overall process of providing our patients with comprehensive medical solutions that are of international standards.”

Moreover, Dr. Rani El Akoum, Dar Al Shifa Hospital’s Specialist of Urology and Andrology said: “Dar Al Shifa Hospital is the first hospital in Kuwait to use the Sonolithi-sys extracorporeal shockwave lithotripter machine.Urologists can now treat urinary stones on children as well as obese patients, bringing maximum power and efficiency with minimum pain and radiation to the patient.”

Cuba girding for climate change, reclaims coasts CAYO COCO: After Cuban scientists studied the effects of climate change on this island’s 3,500 miles of coastline, their discoveries were so alarming that officials didn’t share the results with the public to avoid causing panic. The scientists projected that rising sea levels would seriously damage 122 Cuban towns or even wipe them off the map. Beaches would be submerged, they found, while freshwater sources would be tainted and croplands rendered infertile. In all, seawater would penetrate up to 1.2 miles inland in low-lying areas, as oceans rose nearly three feet by 2100.

Climate change may be a matter of political debate on Capitol Hill, but for low-lying Cuba, those frightening calculations have spurred systemic action. Cuba’s government has changed course on decades of haphazard coastal development, which threatens sand dunes and mangrove swamps that provide the best natural protection against rising seas. In recent months, inspectors and demolition crews have begun fanning out across the island with plans to raze thousands of houses, restaurants, hotels and improvised docks in a race to restore much of the coast to something approaching its natural state.

“The government ... realized that for an island like Cuba, long and thin, protecting the coasts is a matter of national security,” said Jorge Alvarez, director of Cuba’s government-run Center for Environmental Control and Inspection. At the same time, Cuba has had to take into account the needs of families living in endangered homes and a $2.5 billion-a-year tourism industry that is its No. 1 source of foreign income.

It’s a predicament challenging the entire Caribbean, where resorts and private homes often have popped up in many places without any forethought. Enforcement of planning and environmental laws is also often spotty. With its coastal towns and cities, the Caribbean is one of the regions most at risk from a changing climate.

Hundreds of villages are threatened by rising seas, and more frequent and stronger hurricanes have devastated agriculture in Haiti and elsewhere.

In Cuba, the report predicted sea levels would rise nearly three feet by century’s end. “Different countries are vulnerable depending on a number of factors, the coastline and what coastal development looks like,” said Dan Whittle, Cuba program director for the New York-based nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund. He said the Cuban study’s numbers seem consistent with other scientists’ forecasts for the region. The Associated Press was given exclusive access to the report, but not permitted to keep a copy. Cuba’s preparations were on clear display on a recent morning tour of Guanabo, a popular getaway for Havana residents known for its soft sand and gentle waves 15 miles (25 kilometers) east of the capital.

Where a military barracks had been demolished, a reintroduced sand-stabilizing creeper vine known as beach morning glory is reasserting itself on the dunes, one lavender blossom at a

time. The demolition nearby of a former swimming school was halted due to the lack of planning, with the building’s rubble left as it lay. Now inspectors have to figure out how to fix the mess without doing further environmental damage.

Alvarez said the government has learned from such early mistakes and is proceeding more cautiously. Officials also are also considering engineering solutions, and even determining whether it would be better to simply leave some buildings alone. For three decades Guanabo resident Felix Rodriguez has lived the dream of any traveler to the Caribbean: waking up with waves softly lapping at the sand just steps away, a salty breeze blowing through the window and seagulls cawing as they glide through the crisp blue sky. Now that paradise may be no more. “The sea has been creeping ever closer,” said Rodriguez, a 63-year-old retiree, pointing to the water line

in recent months, as officials came armed with the risk assessment.

Some 10,000 sanctions and fines have been handed down for illegal development, according to Alvarez. Demolitions have so far been limited to vacation rentals, hotel annexes, social clubs, military installations and other public buildings rather than private homes. “Less strict measures have been taken with the people,” Alvarez said, acknowledging that relocating communities is tough in a country with a critical lack of adequate housing. One flashpoint is the powdery-whitesand resort of Varadero, a two-hour’s drive east of the capital, where lucrative hotels attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year from Canada, Europe and Latin America. Some 900 coastal structures have been contributing to an average of about 4 feet of annual coastline erosion, according to geologist Adan Zuniga of

ANTARCTICA: This handout photo provided by NASA shows the ice front of Venable Ice Shelf, West Antarctica. Ocean waters melting the undersides of Antarctic ice shelves are responsible for most of the continent’s ice shelf mass loss, a new study by NASA and university researchers has found. — AFP steps from his apartment building. “Thirty years ago it was 30 meters (33 yards) farther out.” “We’d all like to live next to the sea, but it’s dangerous ... very dangerous,” Rodriguez said. “When a hurricane comes, everyone here will just disappear.”

Cuban officials agree, and have notified him and 11 other families in the building that they will be relocated, though no date has been set.

Rodriguez and several other residents said they didn’t mind, given the danger.

Since 2000, Cuba has had a coastal protection law on the books that prohibits construction on top of sand and mandates a 130-foot-wide (40meter) buffer zone from dunes. Structures that predate the measure have been granted a stay of execution, but are not to be maintained and ultimately will be torn down once they’re uninhabitable. Serious enforcement only began in earnest

Cuba’s Center for Coastal Ecosystems Research, a government body. Building solid structures on top of dunes makes them more vulnerable to the waves. “These are violent processes of erosion,” Zuniga said about regional development. “In many places the beaches are receding 16 feet (5 meters) a year.”

Varadero symbolizes Cuba’s dilemma: Tearing down seaside restaurants, picturesque pools and air-conditioned hotels threatens millions of dollars in yearly tourism revenue, but allowing them to stay puts at risk the very beaches that were the draws in the first place. Cuban officials have tried to get around that choice by replenishing lost sand in Varadero, with plans to do the same next year at the Cayo Coco resort. But beach replenishment is an expensive remedy that Cuba can little afford to carry out nationwide. — AP

NEW YORK: This undated artist rendering provided by the NYC Mayor’s Office shows the proposed levee that would be installed at South Beach on the eastern shore of Staten Island as part of a sweeping blueprint unveiled by Mayor Michael Bloomberg for protecting New York from rising seas, storms and other extreme weather and climate threats. — AP

Climate talks: No consensus BONN: Debilitating row with Russia at UN climate talks last week exposed a fundamental flaw in how decisions are taken-the entire system balanced precariously on an ill-defined notion of consensus, observers say. While furious with Russia for allowing the issue to stop important work at a meeting in Bonn, negotiators agree the decision-making procedure must be clarified before any long-term damage is caused. By tradition, decisions in the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) are made on the basis of “consensus”-a term that implies common resolve by its 195 parties.

The principle is conceptually fuzzy and remains undefined in the organization’s rulebook, yet it was the tool that created the Kyoto Protocol and binds the community of nations to signing an ambitious new pact on carbon emissions in 2015.

“Consensus is considered important since this makes the likelihood of implementation or compliance with what has been agreed larger, and demonstrates respect for the principle of state sovereignty,” Louise van Schaik of the Clingendael Institute of International Relations in the Netherlands told AFP. But a bust-up at a low-key meeting in Germany this past week raised stark questions as to whether the practice-at least in its current form-can endure as the bill for climate change mounts and countries fight harder over how to apportion it. “Since the beginning we’ve been sailing along in a bit of a legal grey zone where things are done by consensus without anybody really knowing what consensus means,” one insider said.

“It is a question of the chairs and presidents (of meetings) capturing the political will and feeding it back to delegates.

Decisions are taken by acclamation-people stand up and clap and a decision is passed.

There are almost always at least one or two countries objecting.” What currently passes for consensus is traditionally achieved through frantic, late -night haggling.

Conference presidents often have to “gavel through” major deals-declaring a decision adopted even if a country is howling dissent.

What has brought matters to a head this time is Russia, which is incensed at the way the Qatari president of last December’s meeting in Doha gaveled through a decision to extend the Kyoto Protocol on curbing Earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Its approval hamstrung Russia’s planned sale of 5.8 billion tons of carbon credits amassed under the protocol’s first

round, which expired at the end of last year. Outraged-according to a well-placed source, Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote a furious letter to UN chief Ban Kimoon-the Kremlin is playing tough.

In the 12-day talks that finished in Bonn on Friday, Russia, backed by Ukraine and Belarus, blocked work in one of three negotiating groups-demanding a debate on how consensus is reached. “We have serious reasons to be concerned,” Russian negotiator Oleg Shamanov told negotiators. “If we fail to hold such a discussion on the procedural aspects of preparing and taking decisions, we may see in 2015 a situation where all efforts that have been made would be a failure.”

He did not spell out how the system should be changed, but stressed it must take account of the “sovereign equality of all countries... to express their view.”

Negotiators from other countries said Russia had a point and welcomed a debate on procedure. “Our system is sick,” agreed one European negotiator. “Maybe something good can come of this-a review of how the system works, and how it doesn’t.”

European Commission envoy Artur RungeMetzger said: “Maybe this is something that also need to be explored at the UN level.”

Veterans of the climate process say the problem has deep roots. At their very first executive meeting in 1995, parties failed to adopt the UNFCCC’s rules of procedure because they disagreed over Rule 42, which would allow for a vote when consensus fails. By mutual agreement, the parties have been applying the rules ever since, but not Rule 42. There’s an irony in all this, said climate analyst Bill Hare: “Russia is one of those countries that fought for 20 years to block the adoption of rules and procedure.”

Some delegates felt there was no time to wrangle over sovereign principles with just over two years left to finalize a deal that must save Earth from calamitous global warming-induced climate change. “It’s awkward and dangerous, because it could drag the plenary on, so it would impact the effectiveness of a process that already struggles to make decisions,” said an NGO source. But most agreed that, ultimately, procedural clarity would help the process as a whole. UN climate chief Christiana Figueres described the issue as a “challenge” but also “a fantastic opportunity to be creative and to increase the efficiency of the system”. It was, however, not clear in which forum, or when, the issue will be taken up. “Stay tuned for innovation,” she said as the Bonn talks closed. — AFP

The Cheetahs acceleration power ‘key to their success’ WASHINGTON: Everyone knows cheetahs are blazingly fast. Now new research illustrates how their acceleration and nimble zigzagging leave other animals in the dust and scientists in awe.

Researchers first determined that cheetahs can run twice as fast as Olympian Usain Bolt on a straightaway. Then they measured the energy a cheetah muscle produces compared to body size and calculated the same for Bolt, the sprinter.

They found the cheetah had four times the crucial kick power of the Olympian.

That power to rapidly accelerate - not just speed alone - is the key to the cheetah’s hunting success, said study lead author, Alan Wilson. He’s professor of locomotive biomechanics at the Royal

Veterinary College at the University of London. “Capturing prey seems to come down to maneuvering,” he said. “It’s all the zigzagging, ducking and diving.”

Wilson and colleagues put specialized GPS tracking collars on five of these animals in Botswana, Africa.

They clocked cheetahs topping out at 58 mph - slightly less than the 65 mph measured for a cheetah once in 1965.

Wilson said most hunts were done at more moderate speeds of 30 mph, but with amazing starts, stops and turns. The way cheetahs pivoted and turned while sprinting was amazing, he said. A cheetah can bank at a 50-degree angle in a high-speed turn, while a motorcycle can do maybe 45 degrees, Wilson said. — AP

China announces new measures to curb air pollution BEIJING: China’s Cabinet has announced measures to curb the country’s notorious air pollution, one of the many environmental challenges facing the country that are increasingly angering the public.

The broad measures approved by the State Council include putting strict controls in place for industries that produce large amounts of waste and pollution, but it will likely be up to local governments to work out the details.

In a meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang, the State Council approved 10 “tough measures to accomplish tough tasks,” the council said in a statement on its website late Friday. These include a target to reduce pollution emissions by at least 30 percent in heavy-polluting industries by the end of 2017 - a target that is more ambitious than any in the past.

Heavily polluting industries do already have emissions standards but they are not necessarily enforced and critics say they aren’t stringent enough anyway. China’s growing middle class has

become increasingly fed up with air, water and soil pollution that has resulted from development-at-all costs policies.

Members of the public have virtually no say on industrial projects, and often protest against factories or petrochemical plants they fear could affect their health.

In February, the environment ministry announced six heavily polluting industries, including iron, steel, petrochemicals and cement, would have to gradually comply with “special” emissions standards, but details were unclear. In its announcement of the new measures, the State Council said local governments should shoulder the general responsibilities for local air quality. During periods of heavy pollution, the local governments should enact emergency response measures, such as restricting traffic or enacting emissions limits for polluting industries, it said.

Strict controls will be put in place for industries that produce large amounts of waste and pollution and hope to expand,

while efforts to eliminate outdated technology in the steel and cement industries, among others, will be strengthened, it said. Construction projects that fail to pass environmental evaluations should not receive permission to go ahead. China’s new measures are intended to adjust the country’s energy structure, increase supplies of cleaner-burning fuels such as natural gas and methane, raise the quality of car fuel and phase out older, more polluting, cars.

Some cities including Beijing already have raised their car fuel standards, but there has been no national approach.

The Cabinet also expressed support for the country’s solar industry during its “production and operating difficulties.” It is wrestling with overcapacity and, earlier this month, the European Union hit Chinese exporters of solar panels with anti-dumping duties. The United States did the same thing last year.

Yesterday, pollution hung over Beijing’s central business district, blocking out much of the blue sky. While burn-

ing of coal for power plants is a major source of air pollution across China, vehicle emissions are a big source of tiny particulate matter known as PM2.5 in dense cities. In January, the air pollution in Beijing garnered unprecedented coverage by state media when PM2.5, which can enter deep into the lungs, went beyond 700 micrograms per cubic meter.

The World Health Organization considers a safe level to be 25 micrograms per cubic meter.

A Deutsche Bank report on air pollution in China released earlier this month called for significant policy changes to reduce the urban PM2.5 to a level of 30 by 2030. It said China should sharply reduce the growth in coal consumption and new cars and massively increase investment in cleaner energies - gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind and solar and in subways and railways. The measures approved by the state council talk about strengthening international cooperation in fostering a “new energy industry” but do not specifically mention solar,

wind, hydroelectric or nuclear energy.

Environmental campaigner Ma Jun said the measures show the central government is continuing to pay great attention to air pollution, “one of the major concerns of the public.” However, local governments pose a potential obstacle because they understand that their performance is judged by growth, said Ma, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs. “When it comes to the approval of new projects, the local governments often still pursue the highly energy- and pollution-intensive projects which can often generate higher GDP growth rate in the short term,” he said.

One measure says heavily polluting industries and companies will be required to publicize information about how their operations affect the environment. When such information is disclosed to the public, it will be harder for local governments to interfere, Ma said.

“This will be subject to public supervision. This is new and I think this is very important,” he said. — AP

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

“We are physicians from different specialties with a specific interest in public health advocacy and promotion. We, also, aim to increase awareness among the Kuwaiti public regarding a variety of diseases and conditions and to rectify the misconceptions they may have. Since our group consists of multiple physicians we decided to write under the pen name of L’hommeen Blanc.”

Joint Pain, What could it Mean?

The term rheumatoid arthritis is currently overused and misunderstood. A substantial portion of the population seem to self diagnose their joint pain as rheumatoid arthritis and have coined a term for it, “rheumatism”. This habit of self diagnosis usually leads to incorrect and/or delayed treatment which is very detrimental to the patient, and may aggravate his/her suffering. To try to combat this phenomenon I will try to give a basic explanation of what this condition means, its symptoms, and some of its treatment modalities.

The term “Arthritis” originates from Greek “arthro-” which means joint and “-itis” which means inflammation and the term “rheumatoid” originates from the Greek “rheuma-” which literally means “flowing”, based on the medical theory developed by the Greek physician Hippocrates that joint pain was caused by an increase in the “flow” of what he called the “watery humour” to the joints. This theory has long been discredited but as human nature goes, we tend to hold on of what bit of history we can.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease that affects the joints; this basically means that the immune system, which is designed to protect our health by attacking foreign bodies such as viruses and bacteria, instead attacks our body’s own tissues, specifically the synovium (a thin membrane that lines the joints). For this reason the main symptom of RA is joint pain and inflammation. However, the joint pain is very specific.

It gets better with activity but worse at rest, additionally it generally affects the small joints of the hands and feet and is symmetric (i.e.: if one joint is swollen and painful the same joint on the other side of the body is likely to be affected too). In addition, many patients with RA suffer from joint stiffness on waking that lasts more than 30 minutes. This disorder is multi-systemic, which means that it can affect organ systems other than the joints. Therefore, someone with RA will at times feel tired

and fatigued, experience weight loss, and may sometimes run a low grade fever. Other organs affected include, the lungs and kidneys. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, meaning it can’t be cured; however, many treatment modalities exist and can help patients remain symptom free. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain and inflammation and to put the disease in remission. Decreasing pain is achieved by non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – an example of that class of drugs is Brufentm - and corticosteroids.

Putting the disease in remission, which is the mainstay of treatment, is accomplished by disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or biologic agents. These two groups of drugs are usually started very early on in the course of the disease and are very effective in controlling symptoms. Some medications affect the immune system or have other side effects, making careful monitoring very important. In addition, treatment is usually tailored per patient requirement by the treating physician so drug regimens between people diagnosed with rheumatic arthritis are often different and should not be compared.

A person affected by RA is not completely helpless in the face of this disease; he/ she can engage in moderate physical activity on a regular basis, which helps decrease fatigue, strengthens muscles and bones, increases flexibility and stamina, and improves his/her general sense of well-being.

So, in summary, never jump to conclusions if you are suffering from joint pain, its cause may actually be simpler than you think. Also, always follow up with your physician if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms; they are trained to help you and are more than willing to do so. Stay healthy Kuwait!

L’Homme en Blanc

Probe indicates biotech wheat was ‘isolated incident’: USDA WASHINGTON: The unapproved genetically modified wheat that was discovered sprouting in Oregon appears to have been “a single isolated incident,” US agricultural officials said on Friday in their most detailed description yet of their ongoing investigation. The US Department of Agriculture said in a statement it had found no genetically modified seeds in any field it investigated beyond the original site, and “all information collected so far shows no indication” any biotech wheat was in the food chain.

Investigators are interviewing “approximately 200 area growers,” said USDA. It said investigators also interviewed the seed company that provided the seed. USDA said it gave skittish trading partners a test method on Thursday to identify the wheat, developed years ago by Monsanto Co, which is not approved for cultivation anywhere in the world. Importers of US wheat have been clamoring for a test and US farmers have pressed for an USDA explanation of how it was proceeding and assurance their crops are free of suspicion. The new US winter wheat crop is in the early stages of harvest. “As of today, USDA has neither found nor been informed of anything that would indicate that this incident amounts to more than a single isolated incident in a single field on a single farm,” said the statement. The United States exports about $9 billion in wheat per year, and two countries canceled orders after the genetically modified wheat was discovered in Oregon. The investigation started after the discovery of “a small number of volunteer wheat plants” on a field in northeast

Oregon that was being held fallow this year. The unwanted seedlings survived spraying with the widely used weedkiller glyphosate, often sold under the Monsanto brand Roundup. All seed and grain samples collected by investigators, aside from the initial, 123-acre field, have tested negative for the genetic modification by Monsanto that gives spring wheat a resistance to glyphosate, USDA said. It tested samples of wheat sold to the farm where the biotech wheat was discovered and to other farmers as well wheat harvested from the farm, including the 2012 crop. The Capital Press newspaper in Oregon reported on Wednesday that USDA took samples from a seed company in Walla Walla, Washington, and from some of the company’s customers. USDA has repeatedly said there is no public health risk from the wheat strain. Monsanto stopped work on glyphosate-tolerant wheat in 2005 in the face of worldwide opposition to biotech wheat. The last field trial in Oregon was in 2001.

Customers such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have shunned US white wheat, the dominant variety in the Pacific Northwest, since the announcement May 29 of the discovery. The European Union said it would test incoming shipments. To help trading partners make “science-based trade decisions,” USDA said it provided a validated DNA-based method to identify the Monsanto strain at a rate of one grain out of 200. Also on Friday, the EU Commission’s scientific body published a validated test for the Monsanto strain. — Reuters

W H AT ’ S O N

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

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

Announcement The Meat Co Kuwait launches weekly Jazz Nights he Meat Co Kuwait will be bringing more than outstanding steak to the table with the launch of their new weekly jazz nights. The Meat Co Jazz Nights will be treating its customers to the smooth sounds of the Kuwait Jazz Trio, who will be entertaining the crowd with their extensive repertoire of tunes, including the works of Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, Billy Strayhorn and George Gershwin. Kuwait’s premier jazz band will be performing every Wednesday from 8pm at The Meat Co, Kuwait - using the traditional jazz trio instruments of piano, bass and drums -thrilling the audience with the best of international jazz late into the evening.

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BLU advertising, LOWE MENA reach strategic partnership

Issue of online visa

by Indian embassy oreigners requiring visas for India need to apply it online from 16th June 2013. Applicants may log on to the Public portal at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in. After successful online submission, the hard copy, so generated, has to be signed by the applicant and submitted with supporting documents in accordance with the type of visa along with the applicable fee in cash at any of the two outsource centres at Sharq or Fahaheel. It is essential that applicants fill in their personal details as exactly available in their passports. Mismatch of any of the personal details would lead to non-acceptance of the application. Fees once paid are non-refundable.

All children would have to obtain separate visa on their respective passports.

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Indian Embassy sets up helpline he Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up helpline in order to assist Indian expatriates in registering any complaint regarding the government’s ongoing campaign to stamp out illegal residents from the country. The embassy said in press release yesterday that it amended its previous statement and stated if there is any complaint, the same could be conveyed at the following (as amended): Operations Department, Ministry of Interior, Kuwait. Fax: 22435580, Tel: 24768146/25200334. It said the embassy has been in regular contact with local authorities regarding the ongoing checking of expatriates. The embassy has also conveyed to them the concerns, fears and apprehensions of the community in this regard. The authorities in Kuwait have conveyed that strict instructions have been issued to ensure that there is no harassment or improper treatment of expatriates by those undertaking checking. “The embassy would like to request Indian expatriates to ensure that they abide by all local laws, rules and regulations regarding residency, traffic and other matters,” the release read. It would be prudent to always carry the Civil ID and other relevant documents such as driving license, etc. In case an Indian expatriate encounters any improper treatment during checking, it may be conveyed immediately with full details and contact particulars to the embassy at the following phone number 67623639.

These contact details are exclusively for the abovementioned purpose only.

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IMAX IMAX film program Sunday ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Tornado Alley 3D 10:30am, 6:30pm, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 11:30am, 8:30pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 12:30pm, 5:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 7:30pm Monday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30am, 8:30pm Tornado Alley 3D 11:30am, 5:30pm, 7:30pm To The Arctic 3D 12:30pm, 9:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 6:30pm Tuesday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Tornado Alley 3D 10:30am, 6:30pm, 8:30pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 11:30am, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 12:30pm, 7:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 5:30pm

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

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lu Advertising agency announced strengthening its presence and operations in the state of Kuwait during a ceremony celebrating its affiliation with LOWE MENA and the kick off of their business through the joint Kuwaiti advertising agency ‘BLULOWE’ (previously known as Blu-Grey).

Joining with BLU which will represent it in Kuwait, LOWE will be looking to keep up with all the changes in the advertising industry through the same creative spirit, expertise and a deep knowledge of Kuwait’s habits and complexions just as they showed during their presence in other markets of the region from UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria to Morocco.

In this context, Rabaa Faraj Founder and Managing Partner of BLU advertising said: “The affiliation with LOWE will be an important milestone and a turning point for our agency which was founded in the year 2000. We started working with LOWE few months back and experienced the benefits of the partnership with a regional network which combines the best Arab expertise & held responsible for many globally active advertising budgets in the MENA region.

Thus, we are confident this step will bring lots of benefits for our clients, agency and staff”.

She also said: “BLU was established to keep us with the fast paced development in the advertising field in Kuwait, our passion towards the creative field led us in the year 2000, me and my friend & partner Khalda Al Mulla to establish BLU advertising offering creative and innovative work.

She added: “Our ambition overcome the barrier of the State of Kuwait to cover the region through a partnership later came with Mr. Philippe Skaff, founder of “Grey” to continue the journey of our success and our ambition in the space of Advertising as Blu-Grey”.

She continued: “Today the company expanded to become one of the most specialized companies in the field of advertising, which is seen as a significant liaison between the companies from customers and the media which are our partners throughout this journey. On this day, we complete the success story through the partnership with LOWE MENA. She carried on: “after the year 2008, there was a great deviation in the communication world including advertising. Then, BLU started to look for an international agency that has the philosophy and vision to keep pace with the current and future changes, LOWE was the one. It’s an international advertising agency with the headquarters in London and its part of “IPG”, one of the top four holding companies in the

advertising world represented by “MCN” in the MENA region. LOWE is well known for winning numerous international awards in the field of advertising and for its ability to cope with the developing methods of work in the advertising world. “ On the other hand, the Managing Director at BLU advertising, Sami Hanna said: “like other companies operating in the same area, the company moved ups and down as a result of the crisis until the year 2011, where we had the ability of moving forward with our success triggered by Rabaa Faraj and the efforts of Khalda AlMulla to culminate our success today in the partnership with LOWE MENA, which in turn welcomed the partnership after successful negotiations”.

Hanna also pointed out that: “BLU Advertising is now having a wide portfolio of clients, covering all business sectors in Kuwait from the banking sector and investment, in addition to insurance, electronics, hospitality, communication, health sector and many others.

He added: “We meet today to inform you that our brand name starting now became BLU LOWE, we strive through it towards a better tomorrow, with your support, which represents the core part of our daily work”.

Hanna concluded: “Our first and foremost aim is providing a full range of communication services that support the marketing and PR with passion, personal attention and innovation, those elements that clients lacked recently in the Kuwaiti market. Explaining that the agency priority is developing a method to work with existing customers and expand through local, regional and global customers”.

On the other hand, Mounir Harfouche, LOWE MENA Chief Executive Officer, said: “LOWE MENA is part of MCN Holding, through our strategic partnership with BLU in the state of Kuwait we promise our clients with best service that meets their individual needs throughout all their advertising campaigns, especially that LOWE is considered the largest marketing group in the Middle East and the broader in the service of public relations and the digital world, production and research”.

Harfouche also pointed that Lowe Mena is one of the main pillars of Lowe & Partners Worldwide, a network of diverse agencies which has the expertise and diverse cultures in the Arab world. Providing services in Dubai, Manama, Casablanca, Beirut, Damascus, Riyadh and now in Kuwait through its partnership with Blu Advertising.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

Lu&Lu Hypermarket opens ‘Amazing Thailand’ festival

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-gcccom 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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u&Lu Hypermarket, the leading hypermarket chain in the region, launched a ten-day festival of Thai products labeled ‘Amazing Thailand’, at their Al-Qurain branch on Wednesday, 12 June, 2013. The ten-day festival was inaugurated by Surasak Chuasukonthip, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait.

On arriving at Lu&Lu Hypermarket, the ambassador was received by Lu&Lu officials and after inaugurating the festival by cutting a resplendent cake, the ambassador then toured the premises accompanied by the Hypermarket’s management.

The ambassador expressed his appreciation at the unique initiative by Lu&Lu Hypermarket in launching this special promotion of Thai products and expressed his hope that the festival, which will run till the 22th of June, will be a only one of its kind opportunity for

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people in Kuwait to acquaint themselves with the wide variety of products cultivated and produced in Thailand.

Besides being an exclusive opportunity to explore the rich product diversity of Thailand, the Amazing Thailand festival at the Lu&Lu Hypermarket is a oneoff opportunity to experience the delectable and diverse gastronomic fare of Thailand. The festival also makes available a veritable profusion of exotic fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as canned fruits and fruit juices. All the products are on offer at very special prices during the festival.

It is worth mentioning that all the Thai products displayed at the festival are delivered by Lu&Lu Hypermarket’s dedicated export unit based in Thailand, which handles export of Thai products to all the Lu&Lu outlets spread across the GCC. It is also noteworthy that the Hypermarket’s export unit won the ‘Best Friend’ award from the Thai government

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-im-enquiry@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

on several occasions for successfully exporting Thai products. The Amazing Thailand festival is part of Lu&Lu Hypermarket’s commitment to always

be an integral part of the community in Kuwait and underlines the hypermarket chain’s clear focus on consolidating its retail dominance in the region.

Al Mulla International Exchange opens 46th branch in Kuwait

l Mulla Exchange, the premier exchange company in Kuwait, inaugurated their 6th branch in Abbasiya area, and their 46th branch in the country, on Thursday, 6th June, 2013. A crowd of customers, well-wishers and Al Mulla Exchange officials were around to witness the opening of the new branch.

The opening of a sixth branch of Al Mulla Exchange in the Abbasiya area underlines the company’s commitment to making their money remittance services more easily accessible and increasing the convenience factor for their customers. The new branch also attests

to the growing demand from the public for the safe, secure and fast remittance services of Al Mulla Exchange.

The new branch, which is endowed with ten service counters for the added convenience of customers, is located on the main road in Building number 26 of Block 10 in Abbasiya, opposite Time Out restaurant.

Since its inception in 2001, Al Mulla Exchange has revolutionized the exchange industry in Kuwait through ongoing investments in technology and by offering innovative, customer-centric remittance solutions. As with other branches of Al Mulla Exchange, the new

branch in Abbasiya offers free insurance and loyalty points on every transaction, as well as SMS confirmation on delivery of remittances. Server to server transactions also ensures that the account of the beneficiary is credited within seconds in the most secure manner.

Besides making money transfer a quick, safe and relaxed experience for customers, Kuwait’s premier exchange also offers the facility to send money from the comfort of one’s home or office through their online service at www.amxremit.com.

ASSET celebrates 3 years in Kuwait with ICSK

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his year ASSET celebrates three years of its completion with three branches of ICSK and also with the board of trustees. ICSK did a commendable performance in last year’s summer round and got many outstanding, distinguished and creditable certificate holders. Karthik K Karvaje of class 10 from ICSK Senior stood among international toppers for his incredible performance in Social Studies.

All the three branches namely ICSK Junior, ICSK Khaitan and ICSK senior performed brilliantly.

Educational Initiatives who are the makers of ASSET exam celebrated three years with ICSK branch-wise by rewarding memen-

tos to the board of trustees namely Vijay Karayil — Secretary, Dr Kamlesh Kumari - Jt Secretary, inesh Kamath - Treasurer, Bobby Mathews - Member and Rajiv Menon - Member for all their encouragement and support they have provided for successful implementation of Asset in the Indian Community School for the last three years. EI also showed their gratitude towards Gayatri Ravindran - Principal in Charge of ICSK Junior Branch, Dr Mary Isaac Vice Principal ICSK Khaitan Branch and Dr Sam T Kuruvilla, Vice Principal ICSK Senior Branch for supporting Asset and implementing the Asset services extensively.

EMBASSY OF US Parents of Kuwaiti citizen children may drop off their sons’ and daughters’ visa applications - completely free of an interview or a trip inside the Embassy. The children must be under 14 years of age, and additional requirements do apply, but the service means parents will no longer have to schedule individual appointments for their children, nor come inside the Embassy (unless they are applying for themselves). The service is only available for children holding Kuwaiti passports. To take advantage, parents must drop off the following documents: Child Visa Drop-off cover sheet, available on the Embassy website (http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/child_visas.htm) - Child’s passport; The Child’s previous passport, if it contains a valid US visa; 5x5cm photo of child with eyes open (if uploaded into DS160, photos must be a .jpg between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, less than 240kb, and cannot be digitally altered); A completed DS160 form; Visa Fee Receipt from Burgan Bank; A copy of the valid visa of at least one parent. If one parent will not travel, provide a visa copy for the traveling parent, and a passport copy from the non-traveling parent with a letter stating no objection to the child’s travel. - For children of students (F2): a copy of the child’s I20.

Children born in the US (with very few exceptions) are US citizens and would not be eligible for a visa. Parents may drop off the application packet at Window 2 at the Embassy from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Monday to Wednesday, excluding holidays. More information is available on the U.S. Embassy website: kuwait.usembassy.gov/child_visas.html 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, AlQibla 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 VATICAN The Apostolic Nunciature Embassy of the Holy See, Vatican in Kuwait has moved to a new location in Kuwait City.

Please find below the new address: Yarmouk, Block 1, Street 2, Villa No: 1. P.O.Box 29724, Safat 13158, Kuwait. Tel: 965 25337767, Fax: 965 25342066.

Email: nuntiuskuwait@gmail.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

TV PROGRAMS

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Border Security Auction Hunters Auction Kings Fast N’ Loud Yukon Men Mythbusters Sons Of Guns How Does It Work How It’s Made Auction Hunters Storage Hunters Sons Of Guns Amish Mafia Hellriders Sons Of Guns Amish Mafia

Combat Countdown The Baby Mammoth HMS Ark Royal Mystery Cars Mystery Cars Hero Factor Hero Factor American Car Prospector Tattoo Hunter Out Of Egypt American Car Prospector Death Machines Most Evil Mystery Cars Mystery Cars American Car Prospector

Food Factory Food Factory Scrapheap Challenge Nextworld Robotica Race To Mars The Gadget Show The Tech Show Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger Finding Bigfoot Food Factory Food Factory Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger Colony Food Factory Food Factory How Do They Do It? Finding Bigfoot Colony

Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars WWII: Secret Army Pawn Stars Storage Wars Ancient Aliens Counting Cars Counting Cars American Restoration Pawn Stars Storage Wars Ancient Aliens Counting Cars

C.S.I. Kyle XY Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show C.S.I. Switched At Birth

Fairly Legal Suits The Hollow Crown Greek Kyle XY The Hollow Crown Switched At Birth

03:00 Ben And Kate 03:30 The Simpsons 04:00 Seinfeld 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Hope & Faith 06:00 All Of Us 06:30 Til Death 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Seinfeld 08:30 Hope & Faith 09:00 Ben And Kate 09:30 Modern Family 10:00 The Mindy Project 10:30 Til Death 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 All Of Us 12:30 Seinfeld 13:00 Two And A Half Men 13:30 Til Death 14:00 The Simpsons 14:30 The Mindy Project 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 All Of Us 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 New Girl 18:30 Family Tools 19:00 Community 19:30 Parks And Recreation 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The League 22:30 Entourage 23:00 The Ricky Gervais Show 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 The League 02:00 Entourage 02:30 The Ricky Gervais Show

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Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Prankstars Suite Life On Deck Shake It Up A.N.T Farm Jessie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Doc McStuffins Mickey Mouse Clubhouse A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Jessie Jessie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Shake It Up Austin And Ally A.N.T. Farm Jessie Shake It Up Suite Life On Deck Gravity Falls Good Luck Charlie Jessie Shake It Up A.N.T. Farm Austin And Ally Gravity Falls Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie That’s So Raven Austin And Ally Jessie Gravity Falls A.N.T. Farm

20:30 20:50 21:15 21:40 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:10 23:35 00:00 00:20 00:45 01:05 01:30 01:50 02:15 02:35

Good Luck Charlie Suite Life On Deck Austin And Ally That’s So Raven Shake It Up A.N.T. Farm Austin And Ally Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Hannah Montana Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School Replacements Replacements

14:30 Style Star 15:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 16:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 17:00 Ice Loves Coco 17:30 Ice Loves Coco 18:00 E! News 19:00 E!es 20:00 Kourtney And Kim Take Miami 21:00 Married To Jonas 21:30 Fashion Police 22:30 E! News 23:30 Chelsea Lately 00:00 Dirty Soap 00:55 Style Star 01:25 THS

03:05 Coastal Kitchen 03:30 Food Poker 04:15 Bargain Hunt 05:00 House Swap 05:45 Cash In The Attic 06:30 Coastal Kitchen 07:00 Food Poker 07:45 Planet Cake 08:15 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 09:05 Bargain Hunt 09:50 Antiques Roadshow 10:40 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 11:20 MasterChef Australia 11:45 Food & Drink 12:10 Come Dine With Me 13:00 Planet Cake 13:30 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 13:55 Bargain Hunt 14:40 Cash In The Attic 15:25 Antiques Roadshow 16:15 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 17:00 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 17:55 The Good Cook 18:25 The Roux Legacy 19:00 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 19:25 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 19:50 Come Dine With Me 20:35 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 21:20 Antiques Roadshow 22:15 Bargain Hunt 23:00 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 23:55 Food Poker 00:40 Come Dine With Me 01:30 MasterChef Australia 01:55 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 02:20 Cash In The Attic

03:00 03:25 03:50 04:15 04:40 05:30 06:10 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:15 08:40

Unique Sweets Food Wars Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Unique Eats Chopped Iron Chef America Food Network Challenge Guy’s Big Bite Guy’s Big Bite Andy Bates Street Feasts Unique Sweets United Tastes Of America

09:05 Barefoot Contessa 09:30 The Next Food Network Star 10:20 Extra Virgin 10:45 Kid In A Candy Store 11:10 Charly’s Cake Angels 11:35 Unique Sweets 12:00 Amazing Wedding Cakes 12:50 Have Cake, Will Travel 13:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 13:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 14:05 Food Wars 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 15:20 Guy’s Big Bite 15:45 Chopped 16:35 Barefoot Contessa 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 17:25 Food Wars 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:40 Charly’s Cake Angels 19:05 Unique Sweets 19:30 Amazing Wedding Cakes 20:20 Chopped 21:10 Chopped 22:00 Food Network Challenge 22:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:40 Food Wars 00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:55 Unwrapped 01:20 Unwrapped 01:45 Food Network Challenge

22:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 23:00 Inside The PGA Tour 23:30 Trans World Sport

03:45 Brave-PG 05:30 My Own Love Song-PG15 07:15 Underground: The Julian Assange Story-PG15 09:00 Moneyball-PG15 11:15 Once Brothers-PG15 13:00 Alpha And Omega-PG 14:45 Johnny English Reborn-PG15 16:45 Moneyball-PG15 19:00 Think Like A Man-PG15 21:00 The Darkest Hour-PG15 23:00 The Thing-18 01:00 Damsels In Distress-PG15

00:00 02:00 02:30 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 23:00

07:15 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 PG15 21:00 23:15 01:00

Beware The Gonzo-PG15 Ceremony-PG15 Mrs. Miracle-PG15 Twins Mission-PG15 Warbirds-PG15 Something Borrowed-PG15 The People vs George LucasJ. Edgar-18 Paranormal Activity 3-18 Something Borrowed-PG15

04:00 Mary & Martha-PG15 05:45 Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol-PG15 08:00 The Wild Girl-PG15 10:00 Mary & Martha-PG15 11:45 Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol-PG15 14:00 Deadly Hope-PG15 16:00 The Wild Girl-PG15 17:30 The Tree Of Life-PG15 20:00 My Week With Marilyn-PG15 22:00 What’s Your Number?-PG15 00:00 Monsters-PG15 02:00 The Tree Of Life-PG15

04:00 Go Fast-PG15 06:00 Secret Window-PG15 08:00 Legendary Assassin-PG15 09:45 Thor-PG15 12:00 Bending The Rules-PG15 13:45 Legendary Assassin-PG15 15:30 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part One-PG15 17:15 Bending The Rules-PG15 19:00 Covert One: The Hades FactorPG15 22:00 7 Below-18 23:45 Nowhere To Run-18 01:30 Covert One: The Hades FactorPG15

08:00 The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom-PG 10:00 My Dog’s Christmas MiraclePG15 12:00 Problem Child-PG 14:00 Kung Fu Panda 2-PG 16:00 My Dog’s Christmas MiraclePG15 18:00 The Naked Gun: From The Files Of Police Squad-PG 20:00 Goon-18 22:00 The Hangover 2-18 00:00 Hard Breakers-18 02:00 Goon-18

09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00 01:00

BRAVE ON OSN MOVIES HD

Love Takes Wing-PG15 Certain Prey-PG15 Yona Yona Penguin-PG Love Takes Wing-PG15 Black Forest-PG15 A Kiss At Midnight-PG15 The Beaver-PG15 Henry’s Crime-PG15 Shadows & Lies-18

01:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 02:00 Inside The PGA Tour 02:30 Trans World Sport 03:30 Champions Tour Highlights 04:30 PGA European Tour Highlights 05:30 AFL Highlights 06:30 NRL Full Time 07:00 Trans World Sport 08:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 08:30 Inside The PGA Tour 09:00 British & Irish Lions 11:00 PGA Tour Highlights 12:00 International Rugby Union 14:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 14:30 Live ATP Tennis 16:30 Live ATP Tennis 18:30 Live ATP Tennis 20:30 Live ATP Tennis

00:30 ATP Tennis 06:30 ICC Cricket 360 07:00 ATP Tennis 13:00 British and Irish Lions Tour 15:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 16:00 Inside The PGA Tour 16:30 Super Rugby Highlights 17:45 Live IRB Junior Championship 23:45 WWE NXT

02:30 IRB Junior World Championship 04:30 NRL Full Time 05:00 World Cup Of Pool 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Nations Cup 12:00 Total Rugby 12:30 UK Open Darts 16:30 PGA Tour Highlights 17:30 PGA European Tour Highlights 18:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 19:00 Inside The PGA Tour 19:45 Live IRB Junior World Championship 23:45 Total Rugby

NHL UIM Powerboat Champs UIM Aquabike Champs Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing NHL WWE Smackdown Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing NHL WWE Vintage Collection WWE Bottom Line European Le Mans Series Motor Sports 2013 UIM Powerboat Champs UIM Aquabike Champs UFC Countdown WWE NXT UFC NHL

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 ON OSN CINEMA

Parents at Play: Got anything else besides Pinocchio, Gepetto?

S

chool’s out for most kids, which means they’re probably going to be spending a bit more time with you than they do during the year.

We’re always on the lookout for activities that invite creativity, stimulate the imagination, and are fun enough that everyone in the family (including mom and dad) will want to come back and play again.

One category of such crowd-pleasers is puppets.

And this week we review some of our favorites.

Folkmanis Folkmanis makes some of the nicest puppets around. They’re the most lifelike, best quality, and come in a dizzying array of designs. Folkmanis range from the large, very articulated (meaning that they have lots of joints, not that they speak well) puppets that have mouths, wings, arms, legs, and so on, all the way to tiny puppets that fit over a single fingertip. And, as you might expect, they also come in a wide range of prices.

Starting at $8.50, you can bring home just about every species imaginable, and even some that aren’t imaginable at all (like monsters) and put on an amazing show. This year Folkmianis introduced nine new “Little Puppets,” or traditional hand puppets, including frogs, dragons, and unicorns. They’re small in size but huge in play value, and they all have working mouths and hands. The larger puppets are, of course, more expensive. Some of this year’s new entries are the Monkey in a Barrel ($22.00), Alpaca ($29.95), and the Sky Dragon ($44.95), whose moveable wings, arms, and mouth offer whoever is operating the puppet a great exercise in manual dexterity. There’s something for all ages. http://www.folkmanis.com Melissa and Doug Melissa and Doug make a classic puppet theater ($78.00) that is one of the cutest we’ve seen. Kids will love putting on shows behind the red curtains, and they can even write the name of their show and list guest stars on the included chalkboard.

There’s also a clock with moveable hands that shows the time of the next performance. My 5-year old son was feeling quite proud of his puppetry skills and performance abilities. We haven’t allowed him to take the theater out of the living room to his play room because he’s playing to a sold-out crowd of friends and neighbors almost every night.

Melissa and Doug also makes a line of puppets, from princes and princesses, to pirates and more.

The adorable dragon puppet has a silly forked tongue, big googly eyes, and a friendly, expressive face. He also comes with a removable stick in one arm that your budding puppet master can use to manipulate him (these range from $20.00 to $50.00) All ages, http://www.melissaanddoug.com Educational Insights For a different, less-traditional take on puppets, check out Educational Insights’ Puppets on a Stick.

The original group of three ($25.00 for the set) are oversized, and are meant to inspire dramatic play with silly faces, movable mouths, and those googly eyes everyone loves. They move their mouths by using a small, easy-to-operate child sized lever near the bottom of the stick. This year’s additions are The Sea Squad, which feature four different, brightly colored sea creatures, all sporting happy, goofy faces. Both the old and the new sets are cute, funny, interesting, and sure to bring a smile to any child or adult’s face. But keep an eye on them. They’re so adorable that in our house, they have a tendency to be “borrowed” by my son’s playmates (and their parents). — MCT

Classifieds SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

Kuwait

AVENUES-2 TATTAH (DIG) TATTAH (DIG) TATTAH (DIG) TATTAH (DIG) TATTAH (DIG)

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 11:00 PM

AVENUES-3 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) 360ยบ 1 AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) 360ยบ10(VIP-2) AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) SHARQIA-2 THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) TATTAH (DIG) THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) TATTAH (DIG) TATTAH (DIG) TATTAH (DIG)

12:30 PM 3:15 PM 6:00 PM 8:45 PM 11:45 PM

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

1:00 PM 2:45 PM 5:15 PM 7:15 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 AM

MUHALAB-1 EPIC (DIG) EPIC (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG)

1:30 PM 4:00 PM 6:45 PM 9:30 PM

MARINA-2 AFTER EARTH (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG)

1:30 PM 4:15 PM 6:45 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

AL-KOUT.3 FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG)

1:30 PM

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (13/06/2013 TO 19/06/2013) NOW YOU SEE ME (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) NOW YOU SEE ME (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG)

4:15 PM 6:45 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

BAIRAQ-1 THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) EPIC (DIG-3D) THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) FAST & FURIOUS 6 (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 8:30 PM 11:30 PM

BAIRAQ-3 DARK SKIES (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) DARK SKIES (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) DARK SKIES (DIG)

2:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 12:30 AM

FANAR-4 THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) TATTAH (DIG) TATTAH (DIG) TATTAH (DIG)

12:30 PM 3:15 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:45 PM 12:30 AM

SHARQIA-1 DARK SKIES (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) DARK SKIES (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) DARK SKIES (DIG) AFTER EARTH (DIG) DARK SKIES (DIG)

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

SHARQIA-2 THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) MAN OF STEEL (DIG-3D) THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) MAN OF STEEL (DIG-3D) NO THU MAN OF STEEL (DIG-3D) NO THU MAN OF STEEL (DIG-3D) NO THU+ SUN+ TUE+WED

CHANGE OF NAME I, Kamasani Damodaram holder of Indian passport No. E6147415 issued at Hyderabad on 26-08-2003, I wish to change my name Kamasani Damodar Reddy.

(C 4443) 15-6-2013

9:45 PM 12:30 AM

1889988 Fajr:

03:13

Inviting marriage proposal for Tamil Christian girl age 30, working in Kuwait, qualifications B.P.T + M Sc (UK).

Contact Email:

Shorook

04:49

Duhr:

11:49

Asr:

15:22

proposal.groom2013@gmail.com (C 4441)

Maghrib:

18:49

Isha:

20:21

12-6-2013

SHARQIA-3 TATTAH (DIG) NOW YOU SEE ME (DIG) TATTAH (DIG)

Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is

Prayer timings MATRIMONIAL

12:45 PM 2:30 PM 5:15 PM 7:00 PM

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM

112 Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Airlines JZR JZR RJA GFA THY KAC CLX DHX FDB JZR KAC KAC KAC FDB UAE ABY QTR FDB IRA ETD IRC MEA KAC KAC KAC GFA MEA UAE MSR THY QTR FDB IRC SVA KNE OMA RJA QTR ETD SYR JZR JZR JZR FDB KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR

Arrival Flights on Sunday 16/6/2013 Flt Route 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 642 AMMAN 211 BAHRAIN 770 ISTANBUL 544 CAIRO 792 LUXEMBOURG 170 BAHRAIN 69 DUBAI 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 53 DUBAI 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 6666 AHWAZ 406 BEIRUT 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 302 MUMBAI 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 871 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 766 ISTANBUL 140 DOHA 57 DUBAI 6507 SHIRAZ 500 JEDDAH 472 JEDDAH 645 MUSCAT 640 AMMAN 134 DOHA 303 ABU DHABI 341 DAMASCUS 165 DUBAI 561 SOHAG 535 CAIRO 8057 DUBAI 774 RIYADH 672 DUBAI 742 DAMMAM 787 RIYADH 257 BEIRUT

Time 00:20 00:40 01:10 01:55 04:35 04:10 04:55 05:10 05:50 06:20 06:15 07:25 07:30 07:45 08:25 08:50 09:00 09:15 09:20 09:30 10:10 09:45 07:55 08:05 07:50 10:40 10:55 12:45 13:00 13:10 13:45 13:50 14:10 14:30 14:35 14:40 15:55 16:15 16:35 16:45 11:35 12:00 16:10 14:50 13:45 13:40 13:30 16:15 14:30

UAE ABY UAL SVA GFA NIA QTR FDB GFA AXB MSR JAI AFG FDB OMA ABY MEA KLM ALK JZR JZR JZR UAE ETD QTR GFA QTR JAI FDB AIC UAL DLH JAI MSR PIA THY FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR JZR JZR

857 127 982 510 215 251 144 63 219 393 606 572 415 61 647 129 402 417 229 481 239 185 859 307 136 217 146 576 59 981 981 636 574 614 205 772 8053 562 786 514 166 618 102 542 502 172 674 135 177 777 189

DUBAI SHARJAH WASHINGTON DC DULLES RIYADH BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN KOZHIKODE LUXOR MUMBAI KABUL DUBAI MUSCAT SHARJAH BEIRUT AMSTERDAM COLOMBO SABIHA AMMAN DUBAI DUBAI ABU DHABI DOHA BAHRAIN DOHA COCHIN DUBAI CHENNAI BAHRAIN FRANKFURT MUMBAI CAIRO LAHORE ISTANBUL DUBAI AMMAN JEDDAH TEHRAN PARIS DOHA NEW YORK CAIRO BEIRUT FRANKFURT DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI JEDDAH DUBAI

16:55 17:10 17:15 17:20 17:20 18:00 18:25 18:55 19:05 19:15 19:30 19:35 19:45 20:00 20:00 20:05 20:15 21:05 21:10 20:10 22:30 22:40 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:45 22:00 22:05 22:20 22:25 22:40 23:10 23:20 23:30 23:40 23:45 21:30 20:45 18:30 20:50 18:40 19:10 19:35 18:15 18:50 21:15 19:25 23:00 17:30 17:50 20:10

Airlines AIC AXB UAL DLH MSR JZR FDB RJA GFA THY CLX FDB KAC KAC JZR KAC ABY UAE FDB QTR ETD IRA KAC KAC MEA IRC KAC GFA KAC MEA JZR KAC JZR JZR JZR MSR THY UAE FDB QTR KAC IRC KNE KAC FDB OMA KAC SVA

Departure Flights on Sunday 16/6/2013 Flt Route 976 GOA/CHENNAI 490 MANGALORE 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 637 FRANKFURT 615 CAIRO 560 SOHAG 70 DUBAI 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 792 GIALAM 54 DUBAI 171 FRANKFURT 117 NEW YORK 534 CAIRO 671 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 856 DUBAI 56 DUBAI 133 DOHA 302 ABU DHABI 602 SHIRAZ 773 RIYADH 741 DAMMAM 407 BEIRUT 6667 AHWAZ 501 BEIRUT 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 405 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 103 LONDON 480 ISTANBUL 786 RIYADH 176 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 767 ISTANBUL 872 DUBAI 58 DUBAI 141 DOHA 673 DUBAI 6508 SHIRAZ 473 JEDDAH 561 AMMAN 8058 DUBAI 646 MUSCAT 617 DOHA 503 MADINAH

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Time 00:05 00:15 00:25 00:30 00:30 05:35 06:30 06:35 07:00 07:10 08:15 08:25 08:55 09:05 09:10 09:25 09:30 09:50 09:55 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:20 10:30 10:45 11:10 11:10 11:25 11:30 11:55 12:25 12:30 12:30 12:50 13:20 14:00 14:10 14:15 14:30 14:55 15:05 15:10 15:30 15:30 15:35 15:40 15:45 15:45

JZR KAC RJA JZR QTR ETD JZR SYR ABY UAE SVA GFA UAL JZR JZR NIA QTR FDB GFA JZR KAC AXB MSR JAI FDB ABY AFG OMA MEA DHX KLM FDB ETD ALK UAE KAC QTR KAC GFA FDB KAC QTR JAI KAC JZR JZR KAC KAC JZR

188 513 641 238 135 304 538 342 128 858 511 216 982 184 266 252 145 64 220 134 283 394 619 571 62 120 415 648 403 171 417 8054 308 230 860 343 137 301 218 60 205 147 575 351 554 1540 411 415 528

DUBAI IMAM KHOMEINI AMMAN AMMAN DOHA ABU DHABI CAIRO LATAKIA SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DHAKA KOZHIKODE ALEXANDRIA MUMBAI DUBAI SHARJAH JEDDAH MUSCAT BEIRUT BAHRAIN DAMMAM DUBAI ABU DHABI COLOMBO DUBAI CHENNAI DOHA MUMBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI ISLAMABAD DOHA ABU DHABI KOCHI ALEXANDRIA CAIRO BANGKOK KUALA LUMPUR ASSIUT

16:00 16:20 16:55 17:05 17:20 17:20 17:40 17:45 17:50 18:15 18:20 18:20 18:30 18:30 18:40 19:00 19:25 19:35 19:50 20:05 20:15 20:15 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:45 20:45 20:55 21:15 21:50 22:05 22:10 22:15 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:05 23:10 23:20 23:25 23:40 23:50 23:55

34

stars CROSSWORD 222

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) There is a lot of energy and action today. You are up early accomplishing all you can in order to have your place or your own self looking great and totally together for the events that will take place later this evening. This may call for travel time or it may call for new clothes, etc. You make a concentrated effort to be patient with others that want your attention and you probably just want to run around getting more things accomplished. This evening, you feel focused and even a bit radiant. You are either entertaining company from out of town, or you are out of town yourself. You may feel that you are in touch and in harmony with others; the lines of communication are open. This evening is a Cinderella evening for a guy or gal!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in. You enjoy traveling to some nearby tourist attraction or entertaining others. You attract the attention of many when you speak or entertain. There is, at the very least, the gift of gab. Interactions in sports or games with others and communicating via the mind are indicated. You are a natural storyteller and you seem very much at home in the world of myths and dreams.

There could be plenty of discussions surrounding the subject of art today. You have excellent taste and could be an expert in all matters of art. You can always pick out the valuable and worthwhile. You value and appreciate all that is fine and beautiful. There seems to be an interest in older people tonight.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked).

4. Used especially of plants.

12. An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin).

15. A federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

16. An esoteric or occult matter that is traditionally secret.

17. The month following March and preceding May. 18. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

19. Italian Benedictine monk who was archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 to 1109.

20. The principles of right and wrong that are accepted by an individual or a social group.

22. A treeless grassy plain.

25. A toxic protein extracted from castor beans.

28. A form of tuberculosis characterized by swellings of the lymphatic glands.

31. (Greek mythology) The father of Odysseus.

35. The bivalent radical UO2 which forms salts with acids.

36. A member of an ancient people living east of Babylonia as early as 4000 BC. 37. A cap with a flat circular top and a visor.

38. Lower in esteem.

41. Being one more than seven.

42. A city in central New York.

44. Order by virtue of superior authority.

46. An outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down.

47. Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies.

48. Yellow-fever mosquitos.

49. The compass point that is midway between north and northeast.

52. An antiviral drug used in the treatment of AIDS. 55. The branch of engineering science that studies the uses of electricity and the equipment for power generation and distribution and the control of machines and communication.

56. United States biochemist (born in Germany) who studied the metabolism of muscles (18841951).

62. Large west African tree having large palmately lobed leaves and axillary cymose panicles of small white flowers and one-winged seeds.

63. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

65. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World.

68. Old World wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come.

69. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

71. Become less tense.

72. (prefix) In front of or before in space.

73. A peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

75. (archaic or Scottish) Faithful and true.

76. A stock exchange in New York.

77. Of or relating to or characteristic of Hades or Tartarus.

78. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

DOWN 1. A collection of objects laid on top of each other.

2. South American armadillo with three bands of bony plates.

3. God of death.

4. Puncture the skin, as, for example, in some African cultures.

5. The brightest star in the sky.

6. A descent down a nearly vertical surface by using a doubled rope that is coiled around the body and attached to some higher point.

7. The compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north.

8. (British) An open river valley (in a hilly area).

9. Any of various trees of the genus Ulmus.

10. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group.

11. A family of trees and shrubs of the order Parietales.

12. A member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska.

13. Type genus of the Apidae.

14. Predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin.

21. Relating to or associated with heat.

23. Humorously sarcastic or mocking.

24. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

26. A tranquilizer (trade name Navane) used to treat schizophrenia.

27. The wool of a sheep or similar animal.

29. The largest Greek island in the Mediterranean.

30. Done or occurring in a brief period of time.

32. Offspring of a male tiger and a female lion.

33. A colorless odorless gas used as fuel.

34. A long wooden bench with a back.

39. A game in which numbered balls are drawn and random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards.

40. Experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness.

43. The fourth month of the Hindu calendar.

45. A male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917).

50. A legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge).

51. Mostly black African weaverbird.

53. A Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria.

54. A major waterfall in southern Africa.

57. Very dark black.

58. Irish poet and dramatist (1865-1939).

59. The capacitance of a capacitor that has an equal and opposite charge of 1 coulomb on each plate and a voltage difference of 1 volt between the plates.

60. A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue separating or binding together muscles and organs etc.

61. Indigo bush.

64. A very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk.

66. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was formed by an explosion.

67. A shaft on which a wheel rotates.

70. A self-funded retirement plan that allows you to contribute a limited yearly sum toward your retirement.

74. An associate degree in nursing.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

You have little interest in the beliefs, styles and expressions rampant today.

You see through that and value the essential unity behind all religions. You could bring imagination and religious understanding to physical and scientific studies.

Opportunities to teach, guide and give advice will become available naturally. Planning work, volunteer activities and a multitude of ideas for the near future are specially made; it is easy to see which path is the one to take. Continued success on the career level may point to your abandoning one or two choices in home life. Think now about your options so that you will not have to give up your time with family or friends. Relaxing with friends in a totally effortless surrounding is for now.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) There is a desire for variety during this time. You are ready for a change. You want a change of view and a change in responsibility and perhaps a change in sex partners—careful! You find new words to increase your vocabulary today. A sociable, congenial and slightly frivolous orientation sets in today as well. Your ability to discriminate real breakthroughs and to spot new trends makes you able to work in areas at the very fringe of technology. You love all that is new and different and you are an expert at sharing your feelings with others. Electronics, computers, communications and in fact, everything electrical, are perfect for your attention today. You may find it easy to create an unusual environment for yourself; you do not lack in creativity.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Mental activity and the world of communication are open to you. This is the element that binds the rest of you together. Ideas, mental things, information exchange and the relating of all these are central to your outer makeup. You enjoy serving on committees and feel you can make a positive difference. Saying or writing with style comes natural. A city council meeting may be on your agenda soon and you could find yourself in the middle of research so that you can make a point at this next meeting with efficiency and wisdom. Later this afternoon, children or animals will be important to your life. You may be preparing to show or teach your animal tricks and in the process the children will learn to work with the animals as well.

Enjoy play this evening.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Friends, family and young people occupy most of your day. Being appreciated and admired for your gifts and talents are powerful needs. Taking chances can bring big rewards. You could receive help or advice in the form of a real drive towards realizing your inner self and your life ambitions. You are able to cut through much of what is superfluous and continue on with some real plans for the future. Helping out or joining in a gardening group will help you learn about the herbs that grow easily near you, the trees that need planting and the general variety of creatures in your area. With this knowledge, you either enjoy the information or you decide to write an article about the many ways to protect such a wonderful treasure in your city’s vicinity.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) Finally, you have time for family and friends. You may enjoy getting away from routine and doing something completely different with your loved ones today. Lovers, children and other people or things dear to your heart are emphasized. You are charming and always manage to enchant others with your words and manner. It is important for you to feel safe and you are very domestic with family, home and kids. Supportive and nurturing, you use your intuition and gut instinct over thought and deliberation. You may decide to tour the zoo with close friends and the attractions this weekend are a strong pull. You may be chosen to lead the younger people by telling fantastic stories about the animals and how they got to the zoo or where they came from.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Starting a diet today is a healthy move and all the energies are working in your favor to do just that. Remember that it took a while to gain the weight and your job with this endeavor would be to go slowly. Replace the things you tend to overdo, with lots of things you can eat that cause your hunger to be quieted. If you list these out when you grocery shop, you will find it a great help. There is so much to read on the subject, you might benefit from doing a bit of research at the library and homing in on the books that will be helpful for you. Today you will be pleased to find a friend or family member willing to take the step with you. A fun reward system can be created. This afternoon is as busy as usual and you may even need a power nap before tonight.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) The commonplace and the humdrum are not for you. You could not care less what others think and this independence is your passion, particularly as you try to tackle some neighborhood changes. There may be a chance to win over some votes to your way of doing things as you take a petition around to be signed this afternoon. Planning ahead for the holiday decorations is a fun gathering for the whole group. The lack of stress at this time of year helps to sort out your plans and set forth responsibilities for any future costs. A big garage sale will add to the funds for those that cannot do as much as another. Neighbors or siblings have a big impact on you and you make a big impression on others. Perhaps they have great ideas for that summer vacation this year.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) CAPRICORN You may be performing some important task for an older person this morning. It could be in transportation as well as shopping. You have a natural grasp for the political and for handling the public—you know how to get your way. Your drive in these areas amounts to a passion and those around you may feel that you are often too intense. You may express your creativity through writing articles to get your message across to others. You might also enjoy the art of comedy. It would be easy for you to write out a comedy act and perform at a nearby club. Considering the passive way in which you go about expressing yourself, it is surprising in how many people you touch. A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in now.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) The morning may already be taken up by your friends. You could be helping someone move or driving someone to the airport. Whatever the case, you are available to help someone or others are available to help you. Sympathy and understanding are emotional qualities that take on greater importance now. You may be planning a neighborhood get-together for this evening. The afternoon, however, may bring about a time to exercise with a friend by going to a gym, bicycling, swimming, etc. You are driven to excel in any form of physical or creative expression. There is an urge to express yourself, to speak out and be heard which propels you into many an interesting situation. Take advice from a mentor tonight.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) You are friendly and encouraging as you guide others, perhaps young people, in a learning situation. You somehow manage to find a creative environment or the creative in any environment so as to provide the most beneficial area in which to work or play. You have a built-in sense of what the public wants and can always come up with just the right image. You have a great imagination and find it easy to work with kids. You are big on animals, sports and the outdoors. You are an instant umbrella of warmth, friendship and self-expression. The rules for a ballgame are clear and you can teach them to the group around you this afternoon. The attitude around you is fun and you dive in with all of your joy and set the area up to play the game.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 2013

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Al-Madeena

22418714

Al-Shuhada

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Sabhan

24742838

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Al-Helaly

22434853

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Al-Faiha

22545051

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

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

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Hawally

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Al-Jahra

25610011

Khaldiya

24848075

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Omariya

24719048

N Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

lifestyle G o s s i p

Jackson’s ghost: My death was an accident

R

andy Phillips - AEG Live CEO and a close friend of the ‘All Night Long’ hitmaker’s former spouse Brenda - made the eerie claim to jurors at the ongoing wrongful death lawsuit his family have brought against the concert promoters. He told the court how the singer’s ex-wife claimed Dr Conrad Murray - who has been jailed for giving the ‘Thriller’ star a fatal sedative overdose in 2009 - was not at “fault” for Michael’s death. He revealed: “Brenda called me to tell me that she was in communications with Michael, either through a medium or directly. “She said Michael told her it wasn’t Dr Murray’s fault - that he had accidentally killed himself.” Although laughter filled the courtroom, judge Yvette Palazuelos let Randy’s testimony stand. He was being

T

he ‘Spring Breakers’ star’s mother Mandy Cornett welcomed her new daughter into the world and now the actress has taken to Twitter to make the announcement.

She wrote: “Momma, Brian, and me are all so grateful for all your well wishes. My lil sissy Gracie Elliot Teefey was born on June 12th. Luv you all XO.” Mandy - who divorced Selena’s father, Ricardo Gomez, when the ‘Love You Like A Love Song’ singer was five-years-old - before marrying Brian Teefey in 2006. Demi Lovato was quick to “congratulate” her life-long friend on becoming a “big sister” when she made the comment on her own Twitter account. She tweeted: “@selenagomez IS A BIG SISTER!!!!!! Everyone congratulate her and her family!!!!!! #CONGRATSSELENA!!!!” Speaking before Gracie’s birth, Selena admitted she would “spoil the baby” and wanted to be “more like a cool aunt” in the future. She previously said: “I want to be the best sister in the world. I’m really going to spoil the baby! I can’t wait ... There’s going to be a big age difference, so I think I’m going to be more like a cool aunt.”

questioned about an email sent to an AEG colleague in 2009. He had written: “I think I know what MJ died of and this would exonerate Conrad.” While a Jackson family lawyer objected - on the grounds it was triple hearsy because Phillips was telling of a conversation revealed to him by Brenda, who spoke to a medium who allegedly contacted the late singer - they were overruled. The case continues.

T

he ‘Candy’ hitmaker - currently on his ‘Take The Crown Stadium Tour’ - took aim at his on/off band mates and claimed his live experience is superior despite them “raising the bar”. He told The Sun newspaper: “Take That came along and spent a s**tload on production with massive effects ... People have come to expect something different from a show because of it. “My old mates raised the bar ... Because of watching Take That and then being part of it on ‘Progress’, I think my performance is better and my show is better. “I have loads to thank the lads for. They are a huge inspiration.” The outspoken star also revealed he has ambitions to be a life-long “ringmaster” and added he won’t be cheap when it comes to putting on a great stage show. He said: “‘I’m in this for the long haul. I want to be the ringmaster and I want to take our circus on tour. I want to do it for the rest of my life. “I want to be known for quality. I want the show to be the best on the earth at that particular moment with the funds and means available to us.”

T

he ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ actress is known for her quick-witted quips - such as joking that her dress meant to fall down when she suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January - and she says her dad always encouraged her to be funny. She told US magazine Popular Mechanics: “My dad always told me, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ And have a good sense of humour.” While the 22-year-old beauty’s father gave her life advice, ‘World War Z’ star Brad Pitt says his dad instilled a more practical skill in him - the art of fishing. In a feature celebrating Father’s Day - which takes place on Sunday (16.06.13) - he said: “My dad took my brother and me fishing all the time-seemed like we’d go every weekend. Dad taught me how to cast the rod.” Now a dad himself, the 49-year-old hunk will be looking forward to celebrating the special occasion with his six children Maddox, 11, Pax, nine, Zahara, eight, Shiloh, six, and four-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - with fiancee Angelina Jolie. The actor recently revealed he signed on to star in his upcoming zombie thriller ‘World War Z’ so he could share the movie with his sons Maddox, Pax and Knox. He said: “This whole thing started because I just wanted to do a film that my boys could see before they turned 18 - one that they would like, anyways. And they love a zombie. So we settled on this book, Max Brooks’ book, called ‘World War Z’.”

T

he 42-year-old actor has been confirmed as taking the leading role in the Shakespeare tragedy. The female lead playing Lady Macbeth has yet to be confirmed.

Ethan will reunite with director Jack O’Brien at Lincoln Center Theater, where he has previously starred productions of ‘The Coast of Utopia’ - earning him a Tony nomination in 2007 - and ‘Henry IV’. Ethan is also currently riding high as the star of ‘The Purge’ - which topped the US box office last weekend - as well as playing the lead in highly anticipated romantic drama ‘Before Midnight’, the sequel to ‘Before Sunrise’ and ‘Before Sunset’. The actor recently admitted he often questions his stardom and feels “guilty” as he thinks he deserves the attention he receives from fans.

He said: “You know in your heart of hearts that you’re special only like every human being is special, so you don’t know why you’re getting all this attention and you feel guilty about it. “What you feel guilty about is the feeling that some part of you thinks you deserve it ‘cos it feels good. And it’s a weird snake that’s eating its own tail.”

S

andra Bullock says becoming a mother has made her think twice about doing her own film stunts. ‘The Heat’ actress loves getting physical in her films, but isn’t as tempted to put herself at risk since adopting her three-year-old son Louis. Speaking at the UK gala screening of her new flick in London, she said: “I insist on doing my stunts all the time. But one thing that makes you reconsider doing your shot is having a child. You go, what if I should fall and die on this one? Would that be a smart move?” The 48-year-old star said there are some “dangerous” stunts in her new action-comedy film, in which she co-stars with Melissa McCarthy, but the actresses decided to leave them to the professionals. She quipped: “We didn’t have crazy stuff to do. There were a couple of dangerous things and Melissa and I were like, ‘Let the stunt people do it’, because the explosives were falling on them. We went and had coffee while people risked their lives.” The proud mum admits her career ambitions, including starring in a West End play or musical, have taken a backseat since she embraced motherhood, but she is blissfully “happy” being a normal parent who takes her son to school. She said: “The thing I like about my life is the school runs. I want to be there for every school project, every school run, and everything else. When you’re doing theatre, the commitment is so great. I say ‘never say never’, but right now I’m so happy in this world that I’m living in.” Sandra hasn’t ruled out becoming a stage star, however. She joked: “In the future when he hates me and doesn’t want me around, I might be coming to [London’s] West End [theatre district]!”

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

lifestyle G o s s i p

T

he 30-year-old star had to get into shape for his starring role as Superman in ‘Man of Steel’ and revealed the details of his awful “eating phase”. He said: “[There was] a horrible eating phase ... Where we really, really leaned down. It was exhausting. “They didn’t force me to give anything up. They just cut my calories right down to 2,500 [a day]. “And keep in mind, only a few months ago I’d been up to 5,000. So it was a big drop ... It was hard but it paid off ... [Once it was over] I had an apple pie, a tub of ice cream and a full pizza.” The actor admitted his training lasted almost five months and was a difficult process. He told People magazine: “It’s a very, very long

and involved process ... Five months before shooting there was varying stuff which ended up being mass building and then leaning down. “Throughout the shoot it was just waking up and making sure I got an hour in [of exercise] before I went to work.” Despite the tough work-out, Henry has spoken of his pride at landing the iconic role - but has admitted his brothers will make sure he doesn’t develop an ego. He recently said: “I’ve got four brothers who’ll kick my butt if I get involved in the glitz and glamour.”

T

he 32-year-old entrepreneur is very hands-on with her business interests - which include a perfume range and international clothing brand - but when she travels to consult with her business partners, she always finds time to do charity work. She told ET Online: “I feel like I have been so blessed my whole life and that’s why when I do travel to different countries I always try to go visit a children’s hospital or an orphanage, or do something to give back to the country, and that’s something that brings good karma to your life.” The socialite added she learned the importance of connecting with people from a young age, which has inspired her to help out wherever possible. She added: “I love travelling.

It’s one thing that’s really important to me, because of my fans. I really have a connection with all of them. We twitter each other, I just love them so much.” The reality TV star - known for her partyingloving lifestyle - added she does not like to publicise her charitable efforts, but did says she thinks many people would be surprised by how hard she works.

T

he 23-year-old singer is preparing to release her new scent ‘Taylor by Taylor Swift’ this month and insists she’s stepped away from the “romantic kind” of aroma, creating her third fragrance to represent her progression in life. Speaking to People magazine, she said: “For me, it’s sort of who I am and embodies my personality and my style. “There’s been sort of a progression between fantasy and reality, and I think this perfume just really follows that progression. It would take place in my day-to-day life if that makes sense.” The ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ hitmaker - who is currently on her ‘RED’ tour with Ed Sheeran - is also beginning to think about starting a new record, but is taking a few months off

from penning tracks to give her mind a break from the pressure.

Speaking to MTV News, she explained: “I’m getting ready to start thinking about it. “Because my record, it just came out and I’m trying to give my mind a second to like, ‘OK’, because when I write a record, I write until I cannot write anymore, I drive myself crazy and then finally the album comes out and I give myself a few months off, so I’m still in that time.”

T

he ‘Easy A’ actress lashed out at the ‘Best I Ever Had’ hitmaker last week but has now backtracked insisting she’s eager to “become friends”.

She wrote: “I’m sorry about the tweets I said about @drake I didn’t mean what I said. I hope to become friends with him instead of smashing him!” Her comments are a remarkable u-turn from her previous tweets in which she insulted the rapper in a series of verbal attacks. She had said: “Drake has the ugliest smile, ugly gums uneven teeth ugly eyes,” before deleting the tweet. However,

T

he 43-year-old actress answered a call from her agent while on air with Hot 99.5 in Washington DC and couldn’t contain her excitement when she found she has been given a part in a “small movie”. She said: “Really? Oh my God! Really? Holy... How’d that happen?” As the DJ tried to find out more about the news she continued talking to her agent, exclaiming: “Oh my God, thanks you guys! I’m so excited! I’m on the radio right now!” After putting the phone down, she explained: “I just got this movie that I wanted. It’s a great role and a lot of people wanted it.” She was reluctant to give any more details about the film - such as its title or director - but modestly claimed it was a “big deal” for a “little actress like me.” Jennifer also claimed she does not intend to return to ‘American Idol’, saying work on the new movie would interfere with judging the talent contest. The star’s last role was in ‘Parker’, a crime thriller released in America in January this year.

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he former ‘Gossip Girl’ actress and her fiance Shane Warne have revealed they want to give their Hertfordshire, UK home a makeover and bring it back to its former glory. In their planning application, the couple stated: “The interior works will consist of a sensitive refurbishment and redecoration. “In addition to general refurbishment and redecoration works, the overall ambition of the works is to undo a lot of the damage done over the last century with inappropriate design choices. “All our works to the property seek to either repair, restore or reinstate the historic fabric of the building, or if new, to be historically in keeping and appropriate in style to the building.” The 48-year-old star and the

cricketer - who have been engaged since 2011 - bought the property last year. While locals in the area don’t see a huge amount of the couple, one villager did reveal they hoped the application would be successful.

The insider told the Daily Mail newspaper: “It’s a beautiful old mansion but it needs a lot of money spending on it. “We don’t see a lot of Liz and Shane but maybe once the place is up to scratch they will be spending more time there. “I hope they get planning permission - I can’t see many people objecting to them restoring the place to its former glory.” — Bangshowbiz

she later took to her Twitter account and added: “I won’t deny calling @drake ugly.” The 26-year-old star isn’t the only recent victim of Amanda’s harsh remarks - his former fling Rihanna was also blasted with comments regarding ex-boyfriend Chris Brown’s assault of her in 2009. Amanda tweeted: “Chris Brown beat you because you’re not pretty enough,” before adding: “@Rihanna no one wants to be your lover so you call everyone and their mother that I almost named my new dog Rihanna.”

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

lifestyle

(From left to right) Chinese actress Xu Fan, Taiwanese singer and actor Jay Chou, and Chinese model and actress Li Xin An pose on the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the Shanghai InternationalFilm Festival yesterday.

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hanghai yesterday opened its annual film festival packed with star power in acknowledgement of China’s role as the second largest box office in the world. The government-backed Shanghai International Film Festival is mainland China’s premier event of its kind, though capital Beijing has tried to steal the show with its own film festival which marked its third year in April. American director Oliver Stone made a return appearance, after attending the first Shanghai film festival in 1993.

“You’re bigger and more exorbitant,” Stone said, referring to the changes. Local favourites like Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat and Taiwan’s Jay Chou, who played sidekick Kato in the movie version of “The Green Hornet” made appearances on the red carpet to promote upcoming films. “This is the only category one film festival in mainland China,” Teng Jimeng, professor of film at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told AFP. “The rise of the Chinese film market, absolutely, is why the Shanghai Film Festival is becoming increasingly popular and important in the eyes of film makers.” British director Tom

Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen (right) and Chinese actress Jing Tian walk the red carpet. — AFP photos

Hooper, whose films include “Les Miserables” and “The King’s Speech” is heading the jury for the festival’s main award. Actor Keanu Reeves is also due to attend during the nine-day festival to promote his directorial debut “Man of Tai Chi”.

China’s box office surged 36 percent annually to $2.7 billion in 2012, behind only North America with ticket sales of $10.8 billion, according to the Motion Picture Association of America.

But foreign films in China come under an annual quota and face censorship by cultural authorities who excise content deemed politically sensitive or obscene.

Imports of foreign films into China on a revenue-sharing basis are limited to just 34 annually, though last year the quota was raised from 20. In a recent case of censorship, Chinese theatres mysteriously yanked director Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” in April then resumed showing the film a month later, apparently with cuts to a scene showing star Jamie Foxx nude.

In the latest James Bond spy thriller “Skyfall”-partly shot in Shanghai authorities cut a scene showing prostitution in

Macau, a special administrative region of China, and a line in which Bond’s nemesis mentions being tortured by Chinese security agents. Such censorship is one of the reasons why Shanghai’s film festival lags behind others in the Asian region, which screen movies with more edgy content.

“They (Shanghai organisers) do encounter quite a lot of challenges in terms of picking the controversial, experimental stuff from the West. Hong Kong and Tokyo don’t seem to have that sort of obstacle,” said Teng of Beijing Foreign Studies University. Shanghai’s offerings include a collection of Oliver Stone films and a tribute to the early works of Alfred Hitchcock.

Asian films include a retrospective of the films of Hong Kong actor Leslie Cheung, who killed himself in 2003. — AFP

Chinese model and actress Pan Shuangshuang walks the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the Shanghai International Film Festival yesterday.

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Susana Casares poses for a portrait in the UCLA School of Film in front a clip from a movie she wrote, directed and produced called “Tryouts”. — MCT

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orty crew members were set up inside of Banco Popular building in downtown Los Angeles. Some angled the lights and cameras toward a staircase, preparing to film a character running out of the building after an altercation.

High walls of marble cast shadows inside the building as the crew began shooting a pilot episode of “D-Tec,” a TV crime drama set in the future. Producer Richard King hopes the series will get sold to a network or an online distributor.

But for now, “D-Tec” will serve as his final class project for the American Film Institute, where he is a student. King has worked on about 20 projects in his three years at AFI, which has given him invaluable experience, he said. “Working in LA has provided me with the knowledge of how to do things the right way, doing things by the book,” King said during a break from filming Tuesday morning.

Student film crews are an increasingly common sight on the streets of Los Angeles. Last year, 4,227 student projects were filmed in the city, up nearly 30 percent from 2011, according to FilmL.A. Inc, a nonprofit group that handles permits for the city and the county. In fact, in 2012 there was more student filming in LA than filming for TV dramas, according to FilmL.A. Last year, student films accounted for about 9 percent of total production in the city, an increase of about 2 percentage points from 2011. This year the number of student projects will probably be on par with 2012, said Philip Sokoloski, vice president of integrated communications for FilmL.A. “Looking at historical trends, we have reason to think student film production will continue to increase, provided local film schools maintain or increase their enrollment,” he said.

Los Angeles has four major film schools: USC, UCLA, the American Film Institute and the Los Angeles lcampus of the New York Film Academy. They all require students to work on their own productions for credit, with the New York Film Academy pulling most of the permits, Sokoloski said.

FilmL.A. offers discounted prices for student film permits, making it easier for students wanting to shoot in the city.

USC’s School of Cinematic Arts has a professor dedicated to helping students with the process of getting a permit and

finding good locations to shoot. USC students produce about 1,500 films a year, said Joe Wallenstein, director of physical production at USC, whose alumni include George Lucas.

Popular filming destinations for students include beaches such as Paradise Cove; Griffith Park and the Mojave Desert.

Wallenstein tries to emphasize to his students that they should look at filming locations in a creative way. “You don’t have to go to the desert to make it look like the desert,” he reminds them. Sometimes Wallenstein has to discourage students from venturing into L.A.’s less savory neighborhoods.

“Students are very focused on the end image,” he said.

“They want to go into the worst neighborhoods at night.”

Susana Casares, a recent graduate from UCLA’s film school, decided to use the city for her thesis project, a short film titled “Tryouts.” The film focuses on a Muslim American teenager trying to make it on the cheerleading team. In order to audition, she must remove her head scarf, which creates internal conflict for the teen.

Casares shot the movie this year at Joseph Le Conte Middle School in Hollywood. “Tryouts” received the first-place drama award at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences College TV Awards in April and will screen at the Palm Springs International ShortFest, which runs June 18 to 24. Casares, originally from Barcelona, found locations to her liking. LA “is so diverse and different,” she said. “It’s such a rich location. It has everything.”

AFI requires its students to shoot in the city. King said the Banco Popular building, with its marble walls, blue-patterned tile and chandelier, was the ideal location for his TV show about two detectives. “We were looking for something reminiscent of the ‘30s and ‘40s,” King said. “It has built-in character to it. It just looks old.” — MCT

immy Olsen is gone. Perry White is black.

Nobody ever mentions Kryptonite. But in “Man of Steel,” opening Friday, the biggest change to the Superman universe may be one of the smallest details: He is no longer wearing his famous red briefs. “It was very tricky,” says screenwriter David S. Goyer, who developed the story for “Man of Steel” while poring over his copy of Action Comics No. 1, which introduced Superman in June 1938. “You have no idea how many conversations we had just on whether or not we should get rid of the underpants. Or how many iterations of designs went into the new ‘S’ shield. It’s not something that you approach in a cavalier manner.”

Get ready for a new version of the world’s oldest superhero. Celebrating his 75th birthday this month, the man from Krypton predates Batman, Spider-Man and Iron Man, but has been overtaken by them at the box office. The last time Superman dominated movie screens _ as a squeaky-clean Christopher Reeve in 1978’s “Superman” and 1980’s “Superman II” - superheroes didn’t have dark sides.

Middling reactions to the 2006 reboot, “Superman Returns,” proved that the beloved icon wasn’t easy to update. Can “Man of Steel” transform this oldfashioned icon - once synonymous with truth, justice and the American way - into a relevant figure for 2013?

It was clear from the start that “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder (“300”), intended to shake things up. In early 2011, Warner Bros. announced that the title role was going to Henry Cavill, a British actor known mostly for the BBC series “The Tudors.”

The quintessential American superhero, played by a Brit? Tongues wagged briefly, but US audiences already had accepted Britons Christian Bale as Batman and Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man. What’s more, close watchers knew Cavill had already been up for the role in “Superman Returns.” Cavill obviously had the looks: dark hair, soulful eyes, a body begging to be wrapped in spandex. The general feeling seems to be that if Cavill can manage a convincing American accent, he’ll do.

Cavill says he worked with a voice coach to get rid of his softened R’s, but the real test of the actor was how he wore the costume. Snyder once said Cavill “exuded this kind of crazy-calm confidence” the first time he put it on. Cavill credits the clothes, not the man. The newly textured, slightly metallic suit “had a physical energy to it,” Cavill says. “It was very special, and people would treat me differently.

Even if they’d seen me moments before, they’d almost stand up straighter and look at me in a different way. It’s the energy that was put into it that somehow made it something else.”

Another sign that Superman was due for some changes was the involvement of Christopher Nolan, whose “Dark Knight” trilogy updated Batman for the post-9/11 era. Nolan and Goyer began working on the story in 2004, while collaborating on “Batman Begins.” “I think our biggest challenge was: Can we take this fantastical character and make him relatable?” says Goyer. “Can we make his hopes, his dreams, his challenges less cartoonish and get you to invest emotionally in the character?” The all-powerful, godlike Superman has only one weakness Kryptonite - which the writers refused to use. “We felt that was a cinematic crutch,” says Goyer. What they devised is a Superman torn between his Krypton race and his adopted, human one.

Superman’s Earth parents are played by Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, while Krypton is represented by General Zod (Michael Shannon, sporting a tyrannical Caesar haircut). Superman’s father, Jor-El (Russell Crowe), also appears prominently in the

film.

Superman’s inner conflict leads to a moment of violence that may not sit well with longtime fans.

“He’s forced to do something in the film that he doesn’t want to do,” Goyer says, carefully avoiding spoilers. “I love that moment, and I think it will be shocking for people. We talked about it with DC Comics, and they agreed that it was something important to do.” The Daily Planet also has changed since 1978. Editor Perry White is played by Laurence Fishburne, and reporters no longer smoke in the office as Margot Kidder did as Lois Lane. Amy Adams still plays Lois as a dogged reporter, but she and Superman meet and interact much differently.

“There’s not as much banter as in the previous films,” says Adams. “She’s not quite as dry as the Margot Kidder Lois Lane. But is anyone, really?”

Adams calls the new Lois-and-Clark team a “totally different imagining of the origin of their relationship. She’s after the truth, and I think the friendship she develops with Clark has a lot to do with that.

She has a great respect for Clark in this one.”

Perhaps to prepare fans for a new Superman, “Man of Steel” has teamed up with more than 100 global advertising partners, according to Ad Age magazine. Warby Parker is introducing Clark Kentstyle glasses, while Gillette has produced a video on how Superman shaves. An open question is whether next Halloween’s Superman costumes will do away with the red briefs. “He’s the king daddy of all superheroes, and my hope is that audiences do accept him,” says Snyder. “I just want him back where he belongs. It’s his crown, it’s his throne room. He just has to get it back.” — MCT

Henry Cavill as Superman in Warner Bros Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure, “Man of Steel,” a Warner Bros Pictures release. — MCT

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

lifestyle

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ho said fashion is all about the next new thing?

Author Lauren Weisberger revisits her overthe-top characters from “The Devil Wears Prada,” including top magazine editor and ice queen Miranda Priestly, 10 years later in her latest novel, “Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns.” It turns out, other than a few fleeting trends that clearly define the setting as 2013, things haven’t changed all that much.

Miranda, widely rumored to be based on Vogue’s Anna Wintour, for whom Weisberger once worked, isn’t really the main character, although she is the most fun to read about. The story belongs to Andy Sachs - or Ahn-dre-ah - as Miranda likes to call her. Andy quit Runway magazine at the end of the last book, taking pleasure in leaving Miranda high and dry in Paris without an assistant. Miranda isn’t kind to those who work for her, and her cold, calculating and cruel ways have haunted Andy for a decade. The story opens with a literal nightmare about Andy not delivering Miranda’s lunch on time.

Andy often calls her “inhumane.” But Miranda also is unpredictable: She trades her trim Prada dresses and Chanel suits for a maxi dress at one point! That’s jawdropping. Seriously. The primary driver of the plot is that Miranda wants to buy the wedding magazine created by Andy and her friend Emily, also a formerly tortured Runway employee. For Miranda to make small talk with these women - and even invite them into her home - in an attempt to court them to sell her an idea that she couldn’t take credit for is practically mind-boggling. Of course it doesn’t take her long to revert back to her normal self, but it’s fun to see her try so hard to be civil and gracious, and especially to see her flirt with tennis star Rafael Nadal. (Wintour is a famous fan of tennis and its top players.)

Andy, however, isn’t all that interesting. At times, the reader can appreciate her principles and even some of her insecurities. Sometimes they are a little too much. It seems hard to imagine that in the relatively small, insular world of fashion magazines and, taking into consideration Andy’s success, she still trembles at the mere mention of Miranda’s name. And, while she has a very high horse about honesty, she isn’t quite what you’d call forthcoming.

The book successfully sprinkles pop culture tidbits to keep up the breezy tone, but the mix of real and fictional references can be puzzling: Why use the real names of Nadal, designer Monique Lhuillier and hairstylist Oscar Blandi when the celebrities that seem so obviously fashioned on Beyonce and Jay-Z are called Harper Hallow and Clarence “Mack” Dexter? The of-the-moment shoutouts might also limit the shelf life of the book, but for this summer, it’s a pleasant, entertaining read in a tabloid magazine sort of way. — AP

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ritish singer Adele and “Blackadder” stars Rowan Atkinson and Tony Robinson were among those given awards in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours announced late Friday. Adele, 25, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), which she adds to an already bulging trophy cabinet of several Grammys and an Oscar for the James Bond song “Skyfall”. Atkinson, the star of the hugely popular British comedies “Blackadder” and the later “Mr Bean” series, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). The 58-year-old said the award, announced to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s official birthday, was a “genuine surprise and a great honour”.

He was upstaged however by Robinson, 66, who played his long-suffering side-kick Baldrick and who received a knighthood. Fittingly, the two men were honoured on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the first episode of “Blackadder” on June

Wu-Tang Clan performs on Day 2 of the 2013 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on Friday, June 14, 2013, in Manchester, Tenn.

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ven a former Beatle needs a moment standing on the main stage at Bonnaroo. A few songs into his transcendent first set at the massive Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Paul McCartney wrapped his arms around his signature Hofner bass and surveyed a crowd of 80,000 adoring fans.

“Hey, listen, I’m going to take a moment just to drink all this in for myself,” McCartney said. McCartney is one of the world’s most recognizable musicians and showed why as he led a massive 21/2-hour sing-a-long of three dozen songs that included two encores Friday night.

Playing for a crowd consisting mostly of fans who were born a decade or more after the Beatles broke up in 1971, he lavishly revisited the Beatles, Wings and his own solo catalog, laying down hit after hit and playing two Beatles cuts he only recently began playing live for the first time - “Lovely Rita” and “Mr Mustard.” McCartney, who turns 71 next week, acknowledged some cultural similarities between the generations, however.

“That’s some pretty good weed I can smell,” McCartney said as wispy puffs of smoke rose from hundreds of spots in the crowd. “What are you doing to me?” McCartney took the time to talk about several songs, explaining his Beatles classic “Blackbird” was written about the civil rights struggle in Arkansas.

He noted songs he wrote for his wives over the years, took a moment to express support for incarcerated Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot after playing “Back in the USSR” and told a humorous story about Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. He also paid tribute to late Beatles members John Lennon and George Harrison. Drummer Ringo Starr and McCartney are the only surviving members of the genre-defining British rock band.

McCartney kicked off Harrison’s biggest hit “Something” on the ukulele, playing in an unfamiliar time signature that gave the song new meaning, before strapping on a guitar to finish

Paul McCartney performs on Day 2 of the 2013 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on Friday, June 14, 2013 in Manchester, Tenn. — AP photos

Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir of the Band Of Monsters and Men performs on Day 2 of the 2013 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn.

the song. And he played “Here Today” for his old songwriting partner Lennon, a song he wrote after Lennon was shot to death in 1980. McCartney warned members of the crowd to never hold back their feelings, as he did with Lennon after the group broke up. “That’s it,” McCartney said after finishing the song on a baby grand piano. “If you wait to tell someone you love them, it’s too late.” The set only seemed to pick up speed as the night edged toward midnight. With the crowd yet to diminish, he played “Live and Let Die” accented by onstage pyrotechnics and fireworks.

The entire crowd joined in on “Hey, Jude” before McCartney

and his four-piece band left the stage. He returned waving a Tennessee state flag and played a three-song encore that included “Day Tripper” and “Get Back.” He returned for a second encore that included a rollicking version of “Helter Skelter.” A member of the crowd tossed McCartney a stuffed toy walrus, alluding to a cryptic nickname given to him by Lennon, and McCartney concluded his first show at Bonnaroo by singing “Carry That Weight” to the toy he placed atop his piano. — AP

15, 1983. Robinson, who went on to present a popular television series about archaeology, said he was “thrilled, flattered and a little gob-smacked” to get the honour.

“I also pledge that from this day on I’ll slaughter all unruly dragons and rescue any damsels in distress who request my help,” added the newly named knight of the realm. Among the 1,180 people who received awards this year were singer-songwriter PJ Harvey (MBE), sculptor Anish Kapoor (knighthood), author Joanne Harris (MBE) and artist Grayson Perry (CBE).

Mike Stratton, who played a leading role in the Human Genome Project, was knighted, while Stephen Myers, who worked on the Large Hadron Collider to help find the Higgs boson, was given an OBE. — AFP

Masked participants take part in a Christopher Street Day parade in Oldenburg, northern Germany yesterday. — AP

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In this file picture, British singer-songwriter Adele performs on stage at the BRIT Awards 2012 in London. — AFP

anye West’s new album “Yeezus” leaked online Friday, four days before its official release, but the US rapper appeared unconcerned as the Internet went crazy over his latest record. The much-anticipated album-due to be officially released Tuesday-immediately became a top Twitter trending subject, while instant reviews were largely positive.

It was not immediately clear if the leak was part of a marketing strategy or was a genuine non-deliberate release. The album includes contributions from French electro artists Daft Punk, Frank Ocean, Justin Vernon and Kid Cudi. The 36-yearold held a public listening session for media in New York on Monday for the new album recorded in Paris and Los Angeles, his sixth solo record, without preventing anyone from recording what they heard.

Pop culture and technology website Mashable said its representative was among 100 or so people at the session, and that West’s record company staff appeared to have no qualms about the music leaking. Mashable quoted the rapper himself as telling those present: “I have this new strategy. It’s called no strategy,” adding with expletive accompaniment:

“This album is all about giving.” Rolling Stone called the album “the darkest, most extreme music Kanye has ever cooked up, an extravagantly abrasive album full of grinding electro, pummeling minimalist hip-hop, drone-y wooz and industrial gear-grind.

“Every mad genius has to make a record like this at least once in his career,” the music bible added, giving the album 4.5 stars out of five. The New York Daily News gave it a five-star review, saying: “Everything about the album ups the ante of its advance press: It presents Kanye as nothing less than the Johnny Rotten of his generation.” “The entire disc rethinks industrial rock of the early ‘90s for both a new era and genre,” the newspaper’s critic added. In the past, West has taken extreme precautions to prevent pirating of his music, limiting the number of people involved to reduce the risk of files leaking by email or other means. — AFP

Paul McCartney carries the weight at Bonnaroo

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SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

By Susan Huston

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oday’s fashion lines are blurry, and it’s not my old 60-plus-year-old eyes that are the problem. No, I see the confusion among many of my fellow baby boomers when it comes to what fashion look is right for our age. Is the line between what is “too young to wear” fading? Have the rules that our moms once held about how to dress for our age group vanished? Are we mystified about how to dress when the media typically only shows fashion ideas more appropriate for a 20-year-old?

Yes to all.

Blame it on the Internet and Photoshopped models and movie stars gracing magazine covers.

The obsession with looking young has created a whole new problem: What does an over-50-yearold realistically look like today, and what trends can she wear?

As a stylist, fashion show coordinator and wardrobe consultant with more than 40 years of experience, my business is fashion. I visit hundreds of closets of women of all ages, but especially those of women over 50, who are frantically seeking assistance in finding a look that is contemporary yet age-appropriate. I’ve learned over the years that the key to the right look is balance: Don’t dress too old or too young. But what’s the trick to finding this balance?

Our model Irene, a busy mom of two, is just days from hitting the half-century mark but exemplifies how the “over-50” crowd can wear summer trends without having to reach for those reading glasses to find the just-right fashion look.

Be bold The trend: Neon colors, and mixing prints with patterns.

The body challenge: “Batwing” or out-of-shape arms; sallow, aging skin; heavy hips and legs; and hot flashes!

The fashion solution: Try a lightweight, neon sweater with three-quarter-length sleeves - great cover for arms, plus the neon adds a splash of

much-needed color. The capped-sleeve V-neck linen tee is breathable, cool and more edgy than a solid tee when coupled with the skirt. The stitcheddown pleated, printed skirt hides larger hips, while the hemline ends just below the knees in a flattering spot for thicker legs. The low-heel, patent linen wedge is a comfy, go-to choice. Geometric jewelry and layers of bracelets add summer fun to the outfit.

Shop the look: Sweater, $65, J.Crew; T-shirt, $39.60, Madewell; skirt, $89.50, Talbots; Arturo Chiang wedge shoes, $59.99, Dillard’s; Kendra Scott drop earring, $60, Lawrence’s; pearl and gold bracelet, $55, Lawrence’s; gold bangle bracelets, $98, Lawrence’s; L’Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Stick in “Fiery Veil” on lips, $9.99, CVS Pharmacy; OPI Nail Lacquer “Hot & Spicy” on nails and toenails, $9, Beauty Brands.

Graphic design The trend: Lace, black and white, capri pants, statement jewelry.

The body challenge: Large calf muscles, “cankles” (unsightly folds of skin on top of your ankles), petite and extra tall shapes, hefty lower body, thickening waistline, large upper arms and fuller neck The fashion solution: This lightweight sweater in stylish black-and-white print captures the trend while keeping you cool in Texas heat. The lace top has a cami beneath that smooths, while the lace lies flat across your waist and stomach. The slim, cropped capri pant hits at the perfect spot on our 5-foot-9-inch model’s legs. A standout statement necklace brings more attention where you want it: the face. A patent, wedge shoe with an open front further creates leg length. Remember, gladiator sandals and ankle straps cut across your ankle, making your legs appear shorter. The laser-cut leather bag is trendy yet roomy enough to hold summer essentials.

Shop the look: Sweater, $89, Chico’s; lace top, $58, Ann Taylor; cropped pant, $49.99, White House/Black Market; statement necklace and black flower pin, $99, and drop earrings, $29,

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WhatchamaCallit Fashions; Elaine Turner leather tote, $350, and Kate Spade patent wedge sandal, $328, Stanley Eisenman Fine Shoes; Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in “Fuchsia Flash” on lips, $5.54, Target; Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in “Bare Naked” on fingernails, $4.99, CVS Pharmacy; Essie “Secret Story” on toenails, $8.29, Target.

Bright beauty The trend: Bright lips, smoky eyes, nail art and wild colors.

The body challenge: Thinning lips, sallow skintone and disappearing eyes.

The fashion solution: Use bold lip colors to brighten your skintone. Also, try color that is infused with lip plumper. Forget the gloss; it slips into wrinkles and emphasizes unwanted lines. Use matte eye shadow to highlight eyes and mask the “hooded eye,” that pesky skin that gathers between your brow and eyelid. Avoid wrinkle-maximizing frosted shadows and heavy-handed shades combined with harsh eyeliner. Blend thoroughly to create softer, more forgiving shades.

Go for classic nail colors like red, coral and pink, or go nude. That means saying no to your daughter’s funky nail polish. Skip the artsy pastel shades, nail art enamel or darker teen tones. If you want something fun for summer, try brighter colors or coral and hot pink shades that work well with aging hands. — MCT

odels on the runway in Malawi sported dresses with bottle-tops and wearing hats made of chicken feathers, as the southern African country hosted its first-ever Fashion Week. More than a dozen designers took part in the event showcasing chic but affordable clothing in Malawi, a conservative country where women were banned from wearing pants and miniskirts until 1994.

“The goal is to progress the fashion industry that is booming in Africa,” says Dawa Loga-Lemberger, CEO of Elegant Resources, a company that is helped stage the event earlier this month. Malawi ranks among Africa’s poorest countries, though local designers were keen to show it doesn’t take expensive fabrics or highlypaid models to host a Fashion Week.

Designer Eva Gertrude Kapanda said she mostly made her clothes, earrings and shoes with locally available materials. “I usually design about Africa,” she says. “For example, I use chitenje (traditional printed cloth) which is cheap. I use plastics when I make earrings. I also use chicken feathers for the ear-rings. I make stuff from everything . wood, even bottle tops.”

Many of the designs on display last week mixed traditional African wax print fabrics with Western-style designs. “I use African material to make my garments but I do it in contemporary way, something that

1. Show less skin. Highlight your silhouette and shape more than showing skin. Remember, less is more.

2. Emphasize the best parts of your shape today, not the shape you had 30 years ago. Focus on your best features. Yes, you still have them.

3. If you have lost or gained weight, visit a bra specialist for a proper fitting.

As we age, we droop, but the correct bra can lift you in a way that will make you look like you just “lost” five pounds. And while you are at it, invest in a bra designed to be worn under T-shirts. It should be smooth with no show-through lace or “spillage.”

4. Think like the French: Wear basic clothing that fits well, then add accessories to update classic items each season.

5. Wear narrow pant legs. The rule: The older you are, the slimmer the pant leg. It narrows your silhouette so that you appear thinner.

6. Don’t sacrifice good looks for comfort. Say no to pants that are too loose, too tight or too bejeweled. And the unmentionable “mom jeans” _ don’t go there. There are jeans and pants that can be comfortable and fashionable on your body.

7. To wear or not to wear Spanx? If you feel more comfortable with some support underneath, look for lightweight shapewear. Today’s offerings breathe so you can, too.

8. Don’t try to keep past trends alive. Say no to crop tops, Peter Pan collars, glitzy nails, see-through and clinging fabrics, belly buttons on show, tattoos, piercing and writing on shirts (just to name a few don’ts).

9. Those fun-loving, cool-for-summer capri pants can make your legs look shorter instead of leaner. The style is sized for women at least 5-foot-9. If you are shorter, the pants will usually be too long. Hem them to the best place on your leg.

10. The best footwear choice is a platform, wedge, sandal or flat shoe for both comfort and style. Speaking of feet, put on those reading glasses and check your feet for hair. Yes, shaving those tootsies is a must.

an African and somebody who is not African can actually feel comfortable to wear,” says Patricia Ntambalika, a Malawian designer based in Windhoek, Namibia.

Ntambalika says fashion has a future in Malawi as attitudes toward clothing have changed.

“Malawian women never used to wear trousers or mini-skirts but nowadays people are free and they can wear whatever they want as long as it looks fashionable on them,” she says. Grace Khondi, who attended Malawi Fashion Week, said the designers had a lot to offer. “I’m impressed with what I saw,” she said. “We have lots of talent in Malawi.” Loga-Lemberger says the Malawi Fashion Week could mean big business not only for designers but also for local cotton growers. “We need the cotton grower to grow more cotton. We also know that for the designers to be appreciated we need excellent tailors. We also need shop owners to take our designs to the end users,” she says. — AP

In this photo, models pose in outfits featured during the country’s first-ever Fashion Week in Blantyre, Malawi.

— AP photos