16th Sep

CR IP TI ON BS SU

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

100 Philippine rebels killed or captured

No end in sight for plight of injured Indian

40 PAGES

NO: 15930

150 FILS

2

www.kuwaittimes.net

THULQADA 10, 1434 AH

Flydubai eyes fleet expansion

7

Masterful Mayweather defeats Alvarez

20

21

Russia doesn’t share US values in Syria: Obama Kerry says war threat remains real as Assad basks in glory

58 killed in wave of Iraq bombings

BASRA: Iraqi security forces inspect the site of a car bomb attack in Basra, 340 miles (550 kilometers) southeast of Baghdad yesterday. A new wave of insurgent attacks, mostly car bombs targeting Shiite-dominated cities in central and southern Iraq, killed and wounded scores of people, officials said. —AP

Saudi prince not to sell Twitter stake DUBAI: Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal says he will not sell any of his shares in microblogging site Twitter Inc when it goes public, and expects the firm’s IPO to hit the market later this year or in early 2014. The prince, a nephew of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah and owner of international investment firm Kingdom Holding , invested $300 million in the social media giant in late 2011. “Clearly the speed they’re moving with shows that they would like to IPO sooner than later. I believe it will happen either this year or early next year,” Alwaleed told Reuters in a telephone interview yesterday.

“Twitter is a very strategic investment for us. We believe that it is just beginning to touch the surface. We have invested $300 million in the company. We will be selling zero, nothing, at the IPO.” He did not say whether he might buy new shares in the offer. Alwaleed is a closely watched figure in international markets because of successful investments through Kingdom Holding in companies such as Citigroup and Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. Twitter has filed for an initial public offer of shares with U.S. regulators, the company said on Thursday, taking a first step toward what would be Silicon Valley’s most anticipated debut since Facebook Inc’s listing last year.

“With the 300 million customers they have and half a billion tweets a day, the growth potential is tremendous,” Alwaleed said. He said Chief Executive Dick Costolo was “very knowledgeable, very much trustworthy”. The market expects the company’s value once listed to be more than $10 billion; Alwaleed sees potential for a much higher valuation.

“We hear that the company is valued at

$14 billion-$15 billion but there have been trades above this valuation. We believe it might be worth more than that.”

Facebook’s rocky 2012 debut and subsequent share-price plunge chilled the consumer-dotcom IPO market for a year.

The stock clawed its way back to its $38 IPO price in July, however, and is now at a record high after touching $45 this week.

Alwaleed wouldn’t comment on whether Twitter would choose to list on the New York Stock Exchange in order to avoid Facebook’s disappointing experience on Nasdaq. But the prince said: “In my discussion with Mr Costolo and the management of Twitter, I cautioned them to be very careful and not to repeat the mistakes of Facebook.

“The lessons are not to brag too much, don’t be greedy - I mean price it right and be realistic.” He added, “There could be a good surprise for the market, where Twitter revenues coming from mobile compared to fixed devices are way ahead of what Facebook came with at the time of the IPO.” By transmitting news and opinion, social media such as Twitter played a big role in mass protests that have led to the ousting of Arab rulers in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen since 2011. Saudi Arabia, where Twitter use has been growing rapidly, has spent billions of dollars on welfare schemes to contain discontent and avoid unrest. Alwaleed said on Sunday, “There is no doubt that Twitter accelerated the process of disseminating news. It has to remain an open forum for everyone.”

He added, “I’m totally against anybody who tries to control or censor Twitter or any other social media, even if it is governments. It’s a losing war.” — Reuters

BAGHDAD: A wave of car bombings and other attacks in Iraq killed at least 58 people in mostly Shiite-majority cities yesterday, another bloody reminder of the government’s failure to stem the surge of violence that is feeding sectarian tensions.

Iraq is experiencing its deadliest bout of violence since 2008, raising fears the country is returning to a period of widespread killing such as that which pushed it to the brink of civil war following the 2003 US-led invasion. More than 4,000 people have been killed in attacks since the start of April, including 804 just in August, according to United Nations figures.

Yesterday’s deadliest attack was in the city of Hillah, 95 kilometers (60 miles) south of Baghdad, where a car bomb near an outdoor market killed nine civilians and wounded 15 others, a police officer said.

A few minutes later, another car bomb went off nearby, killing six civilians and wounding 14, he added.

In the nearby town of Iskandariyah, 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of the capital, another car bomb hit a parking lot, killing four civilians and wounding nine, police said.

Another car bomb went off in an industrial area of the Shiite city of Karbala, killing five and wounding 25, a police officer said. Karbala is 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Baghdad. In the aftermath, security officials inspected burnt-out cars in front of what appeared to be a smashed row of workshops.

Continued on Page 15

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama says a USRussian agreement offers a chance to destroy Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons and promises to end the threat they pose to Syrians and the world. But the two powers are divided over the fate of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Obama, speaking in a television interview taped before Saturday’s announcement of the chemical weapons deal, said Russian President Vladimir Putin is “protecting” Assad and doesn’t share American “values” in Syria.

“He has a different attitude about the Assad regime,” Obama told ABC’s “This Week.” “But what I’ve also said to him directly is that we both have an interest in preventing chaos, we both have an interest in preventing terrorism.

The situation in Syria right now is untenable.

Continued on Page 15

WASHINGTON: In this image from video pre-taped at the White House in Washington for yesterday morning’s ABC’s “This Week,” President Barack Obama answers questions.— AP

AL hails US-Russia deal Saudis to vie for Oscars first time RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, where cinemas are banned, is to compete for an Oscar for the first time next year with feminist film “Wadjda” directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour, a Saudi official announced yesterday. The movie tells of a young girl’s quest to own a bicycle in the ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom where women are deprived of many rights, among them driving. “Wadjda will represent Saudi Arabia at the Oscars, competing for the best foreign-language film, in a first for the kingdom,” Sultan al-Bazie, who heads the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, said. The decision follows “the success which the film and its director have achieved at several international festivals,” he said.

Directed by Saudi Arabia’s first female filmmaker and shot entirely in the Gulf state, the film won best Arabic feature award at the Dubai Film Festival last year and picked up an award in Cannes in March. “Wadjda” was co-produced by Germany’s Razor Film and several Saudi companies, including Rotana Studios which is linked to a member of the royal family. But the film, first released in France, will only be seen in the kingdom on DVD or on television. Mansour has said she was forced to direct what is her first feature film from a van with a walkie-talkie in some of the more conservative districts where she could not be seen in public together with male crew and cast members.

In certain areas, screaming local residents would obstruct shooting altogether. Women in Saudi Arabia cannot travel abroad or appear without a guardian in public places where males and females mix. The kingdom remains the only country where women are banned from driving. They must also cover from head to toe when in public, among other restrictions. In April, local media reported that religious authorities have allowed Saudi women to cycle on condition that a male relative or guardian is present with them while they ride. They must also wear a long traditional black abaya cloak. — AFP

Bahrain jails 3 Shiites for bid to kill police

MANAMA: A Bahraini man holds a portrait of Mohammed Abdul Jalil during a demonstration against his death in the village of Daih west of Manama yesterday. — AFP

Max 44º Min 24º High Tide 07:52 & 22:12 Low Tide 02:07 & 15:42

DUBAI: A Bahraini court jailed yesterday three Shiite Muslims for 10 years each after convicting them of attempting to kill police officers during anti-government protests, lawyers said.

The trio, Jaafar Ali, Hussain Mansur and Mustafa Abdulkarim, had been charged of attempting to kill three policemen “with premeditation” on February 16, in the Shiite village of Karzakan, southwest of Manama.

The public prosecution had also accused the men of “possessing homemade shotguns, as well as employing violence against police, and participating in an unauthorized protest.”

They opened fire on police as security forces were dispersing a protest in the Shiite village, the prosecution said.

Bahrain was rocked by Shiite-dominated demonstrations in February and March 2011.

Home to the US Fifth Fleet and strategically situated across the Gulf from Iran, Bahrain still sees sporadic Shiite-led demonstrations, mostly outside the capital Manama.

According to the International Federation for Human Rights, around 80 people have been killed in Bahrain since the violence first broke out in 2011. — AFP

CAIRO: Arab League chief Nabil Al-Arabi yesterday welcomed a US-Russian deal to remove Syria’s chemical weapons, calling it “a step closer to a political solution” to the conflict. In a statement, Arabi said the deal would “contribute to providing better conditions for the Geneva II conference and help achieve a political solution to the Syrian crisis”.

On Saturday, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced an agreement to eliminate Syria’s chemical arms stockpile, after three days of talks in Geneva. The deal has given fresh hope to the long-delayed Geneva II peace conference for Syria. The ambitious plan to dismantle and destroy Syria’s chemical arms stockpile one of the largest in the world-gives Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad a week to hand over details of his regime’s arsenal of the internation-

ally banned arms in order to avert unspecified sanctions and the threat of US-led military strikes. It also specifies there must be immediate access for arms control experts and that inspections of what the US says is some 45 sites linked to the Syrian chemical weapons program must be completed by November.

The Arab League, which suspended Syria and replaced it with the main opposition coalition, had slammed the Syrian regime’s alleged chemical attack as having crossed a “global red line”. Arabi called on “all parties of influence to take responsibility through the UN Security Council to ensure a comprehensive ceasefire” and allow access to humanitarian and medical aid, he said. The conflict in Syria has killed more than 110,000 people since it began in March 2011 with peaceful protests that led to an armed uprising. — AFP

ALEPPO: A tank is reflected on the sunglasses of a rebel fighter during a ceremony to mark an agreement to unite the forces Liwad Al-Tawid and Liwad Al- Fatah brigades at a former military academy north of Aleppo. — AFP

Two bystanders hurt in Manhattan firing NEW YORK: Two police officers fired on a man who was acting erratically and dodging cars on a busy Manhattan street Saturday night, wounding two bystanders and sending people running for cover, authorities said. Police said the man made movements suggesting he had a weapon, though he turned out to be unarmed. The officers’ shots missed him, and he was eventually brought down by a stun gun. Authorities identified the man as Glenn Broadnax, 35, of Brooklyn. He faces multiple counts including menacing, riot, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest. He

was in custody, and The Associated Press couldn’t locate a phone listing for his home.

The encounter happened just before 10 pm near the Port Authority Bus Terminal, a block away from Times Square. Officers saw a man on foot weaving through traffic and sometimes blocking vehicles.

“It appeared he wanted to be struck by cars,” Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said at an early morning news conference.

As officers approached, police said, the man reached into his pocket as if grabbing a weapon, and two officers fired a total of three shots. — AP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LOCAL

No end in sight for plight of injured Indian worker Nearly killed by Iraqi landmine Drug addiction, overdose deaths on the increase

KUWAIT: Jaishankar Patchaimutchu’s family members.

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Jaishankar Patchaimutchu arrived in Kuwait five years ago in search of work and a new life. But his dreams were shattered by a landmine which exploded while he was grazing his sheep in the desert on Feb 26, 2012, tearing off both legs and leaving him blind. It had been planted by the Iraqi forces who invaded Kuwait over two decades ago.

Jaishankar came to Kuwait hoping to support his wife and two children, who remained behind in Tamil Nadu, India, having been told by a recruiter that he could earn a comfortable salary working as a driver for a wealthy family: “I was hired in 2008 to work as family driver, but when I arrived here, they said I should look after the sheep in the desert.

They said they would allow me to drive when my license was transferred,” he recalls.

Having spent two years laboring in the desert, he returned to India hoping to give his family a new start with the small amount he had managed

to save. However, he was soon struck by a serious illness and was forced to spend his savings on treatment, leaving him with nothing.

“So I decided to contact my sponsor again,” he continues. “He brought me back to Kuwait. Upon arrival, I approached him straightaway and told him to secure my license because I just wanted to drive. He agreed, in return for cash. So when they gave me the license I asked for help from a friend to buy a small, old car. I had been driving it for some time when I was involved in an accident that left my car badly damaged. There was no way I could pay for repairs so once again I went to my sponsor, who agreed to help but in the meantime told me to help care for his farm. It was shortly after that when I stepped on the mine.”

Jaishankar was brought to hospital in a critical condition. “Later, the doctors said that they weren’t expecting me to survive. But here I am: this is my second life,” he tells Kuwait Times.

Speaking from his bed at the Physiotherapy and Mental Rehabilitation Hospital where he is under-

KUWAIT: Jaishankar Patchaimutchu in hospital bed. going treatment, Jaishankar seems in high spirits and is cautiously optimistic regarding his sight: “The doctor said that there’s a chance I might see again. Apparently there are very skilled surgeons in India. I just hope I have enough money to pay for an operation.”

When asked about the assistance provided by the Indian Embassy, Jaishankar replies: “They came straightaway and offered me a lawyer. They have filed the lawsuit now: we are suing the Iraqi government. I really hope it’s successful because I need money not just for the treatment but for my family too. I can’t work anymore but I am desperate for my children to have a better life. I hope that the United Nations will help me as well.”

However, the case now seems very much out of Jaishankar’s hands. The hospital have allowed him to stay until Sept 24, while the Indian Embassy told him to return to India while it represents him in court. Neither the Indian Embassy nor Jaishankar’s sponsor could be contacted for comments.

KUWAIT: The number of drug addicts in Kuwait has increased this year compared to 2012. The number of cases of overdosing and drug-related arrests have also gone up, a local daily reported yesterday quoting official statistics.

According to Dr Adel Al-Zaid, Director of the Kuwait Psychological Medicine Hospital, the number of addicts’ files reached is 15,000 so far while it was 13,000 last year. Dr Al-Zaid, who is the head of the addiction unit at the hospital, also told Al-Qabas daily that that almost 400 addicts are sent by court every year to rehabilitation centers. In addition to that, Al-Qabas reported that the average death rate as a result of drug overdoses increased from 60 to 80, while the average drugrelated arrests raised from 1.5 a day in 2012 to 3 a day this year.

Meanwhile, Al-Qabas spoke with a Customs General Department official who explained that heroin, cocaine and shabu (meth) is mostly smuggled to Kuwait through the airport whereas hashish and drug pills are smuggled more through land border check-

points. On the other hand, seaports usually see all kinds of drugs smuggled “because container transpor tation makes it easier to hide the drugs away from inspector’s eyes”, said an official who preferred to keep his identity anonymous.

In the meantime, a security source spoke about the ‘safest way’ for smugglers to smuggle drugs into Kuwait.

“The smuggler would drop the drugs into the sea to be picked up later by the drug trafficker from Kuwait, which basically helps smugglers avoid getting caught”, said the source who also requested anonymity. He also demanded further cooperation between the relevant state departments and families in Kuwait to fight the spread of drugs in the country which he said “is used by some traffickers as a transit station”. The report also mentioned prices for common drugs found in Kuwait, including Captagon that is sold at KD 2 per tablet, hashish which is sold at KD 25 per roll, Tramadol sold at KD 2 per tablet and crystal meth which can be obtained for KD 25 per gram.

Banks unify services description, fees KUWAIT: During its recent meeting, the Banks Union decided on unifying the names of various banking services as well as the fees collected for them, said informed banking sources.

The sources also revealed that local banks had agreed to nominate the Finance Ministry to speak on their behalf and discuss the latest developments on the American Tax Law and that this nomination

was referred to Kuwait Central Bank for further discussion.

Furthermore, the sources said that the meeting also discussed the family fund, especially since local banks were still awaiting the central bank’s response to 26 inquiries they made in this regard. The Banks Union also discussed the mechanism, automatically linking local banks to the social security establishment.

Cabinet discusses BOT, Family Fund amendments KUWAIT: The Cabinet’s work program is expected to highlight its weekly meeting today which according to government sources will include reviewing the technical and legal opinions regarding a project to amend the buy-operate-transfer (BOT) law in addition to amendments to the Family Fund law. The sources who spoke to Al-Rai daily on the condition of anonymity explained that the discussion will focus on “examining notes raised by MPs on the two subjects before taking a decision on whether to approve the amendments or not”.

Meanwhile, the sources also announced that Kuwait is yet to send oil derivatives or financial grants to Egypt “as it waits for the procedures to go through official and legal channels”. They added at the same time that a $2 billion deposit in Egypt’s Central Bank “only requires an executive decision”

which according to them is going to take place soon. The grant is part of a joint Gulf aid to the Egyptian government to help the republic’s struggling economy following the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi.

In addition to the $2 billion deposit, Kuwait is set to grant Egypt $1 billion “but only after receiving the parliament’s approval” according to the sources, as well as oil derivatives which the sources explained “will be given as per contracts and agreements signed by the two countries in that regard”.

In other news, Al-Anba daily reported yesterday that Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Sabah met with members of his Cabinet individually recently and demanded that each one of them identify the causes behind any delay in efforts to prepare their work programs in

time before the parliament resumes sessions on Oct 29. According to sources familiar with the subject, the premier also asked the minister to ‘hold accountable’ any state official responsible for delay in developmental projects.

Separately, Annahar daily reported yesterday that the Ministry of Health is “seriously considering” a decision to send cancer patients among the country’s community of stateless residents on paid trips abroad for treatment.

Sources with knowledge of the issue revealed that Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Minister of Health Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah gave orders to study the issue “in response to several parliamentary demands made in that regard”.

The step would help stateless residents receive treatment not available in public hospitals.

MPs demand radiation test for potential housing project site KUWAIT: After Kuwait announced plans to build a new residential area in Al-Mutlaa, MPs expressed concerns regarding potential radiation or pollution in the area, resulting from the Kuwait’s Liberation War in 1991. In general, the lawmakers demanded the government test the area’s atmosphere and soil before launching the project to avoid a similar problem to that of Um Al-Haiman which was allegedly constructed in a polluted area more than 10 years ago.

“It is the government’s duty to carry out tests for potential radiation or any harmful substances in Al-Mutlaa and northern areas in general”, said Dr Awdah Al-Ruwaiei in statements to Annahar daily. He further called for the tests to be carried out regardless of whether a residential area will be constructed “since northern areas are home to many army camps, farms and camping zones”.

On a separate issue, a local daily asked several MPs about a potential action to gather unlicensed weapons in Kuwait amid the increase in crime rates, including armed robberies.

Sparked by a recent move in which the Interior Ministry announced that patrol vehicles

will be deployed at wedding ceremonies to prevent celebratory gunshots, Al-Rai approached lawmakers on the probability of legislating a law which authorizes campaigns to gather unlicensed weapons.

MP Dr Khalil Al-Abdullah agreed that “there is a need for a law to collect firearms in a manner that does not violate personal property”, in order to protect the public, especially in light of regional situations.

The lawmaker further indicated that the parliament would “welcome” a proposed law to collect guns “which if presented should be discussed as a priority”. MP Rakan Al-Nisf urged the Interior Ministry to have “more control” on illegal firearm trade operations as well as weapon smuggling in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, MP Dr Hmoud Al-Hamdan called for “incentives” to help weapon holders cooperate with the ministry by paying them money which exceed a weapon’s market price, apart from issuing licenses for small firearms which can be used provided they adhere to strict restrictions. In other news, the parliament’s legislative

committee rejected a proposal to make an exception for Kuwaiti women married to nonKuwaiti men who later become naturalized, when they apply for housing welfare. The panel said in a report published by Al-Qabas yesterday that the proposal could “violate the constitutional principle of equality” by giving an advantage to naturalized citizens.

The committee also rejected a proposal to give non-Kuwaiti wives of Kuwaiti men the right to obtain Kuwaiti nationality even if they do not apply for citizenship. Under the current law, the wife must apply for citizenship after she stays in Kuwait for at least five years after marriage.

Separately, MP Maasouma Al-Mubarak sent questions to Minister of Planning and Development Dr Rola Al-Dashti inquiring about the number of companies owned by her or any of her relatives. The questions came following reports which indicated that a parliament member presented data which allege that the minister owns shares in a private airline, and that this issue is related to ‘efforts to hamper the Kuwait Airway’s privatization procedures’.

KUWAIT: Within the summer activities organized by the Police Officers Club for officers and their families, the club held its fifth recreational ceremony on Thursday. The party included various recreational and cultural competitions for all ages.

Kuwaiti Envoy presents credentials to IAEA chief VIENNA: Kuwait’s new ambassador to Austria and UN bodies in Vienna Sadeq Maarefi has presented his credentials to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano.

In a ceremony on this occasion, they discussed existing cooperation between the IAEA and the State of Kuwait and how to further reinforce and develop them in the future. Speaking to KUNA following the event, the Kuwaiti diplomat lauded the vital role played by the IAEA in the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and

efforts to create a non-nuclear Middle East region. He also hailed technical assistance by the IAEA to its member states in the technical cooperation program.

For his part, the IAEA chief spoke highly of Kuwait’s interest in promoting its relations with the nuclear watchdog, noting that the Gulf country amended the protocol of the agreement of the IAEA safeguard system.

Maarefi is expected to address the 57th session of the IAEA conference due here today. — KUNA

No right decisions on housing issue

By A Saleh KUWAIT: MP Adel Al-Kharafi said that governments were weak over the past few years and failed to take the right decisions regarding housing and other mega projects. “How long will all the land be controlled by the government with the excuse of defense and oil ministry requirements?”, he wondered, noting that in addition to ignoring infrastructure projects, this has been hindering developing and building new residential cities to help shorten citizens’ waiting time for getting houses.

MP Saadoun Hammad Al-Otaibi blamed the government for not delivering its agenda to the parliament so far and not carrying out the development plan. He also urged the PM to stick to the development plan as per HH the Amir’s instructions. “Some members in your Cabinet are delaying the plan, especially in major projects related to healthcare and hospitals”, he underlined, noting that former MPW minister Safar had approved

building four hospitals and the current minister stopped them despite their reasonable cost. “The minister has not responded to my inquiries in this regard so far”, he said, urging the PM to conduct a Cabinet reshuffle to exclude whom he described as unproductive ministers.

MP Safa Al-Hashem filed an inquiry to HH the PM about the number of governmental investigation committees formed since the beginning of 2012 and the reports they have submitted so far.

Al-Hashem also criticized the parliament’s secretariat general’s refusal to recruit a number of Kuwaiti law graduates who had already applied and passed admissions tests. “How come the NA’s secretary general claims that the tests were wrongly set while they were put by a fine group of Kuwait University professors?” she wondered, hinting at an investigation in that matter.

MP Oudah Al-Rowaie said that during the parliamentary education affairs committee’s meeting yesterday, he asked the minister of education and higher education about the admission problem in

PAAET. He also called for holding PAAET General Manager Dr Abdul Razzaq Al-Nafisi accountable for the problem. He stressed that the committee would visit the Shidadiya university construction site next Thursday and that MPs would be probably escorted by the speaker.

MP Rakan Al-Nisf said that housing was becoming a major problem for Kuwaiti families, namely middle class ones. “Housing problems contributed to increasing rent values by over 60 percent in five years”, he said, noting that rents have been consuming almost 50 percent of citizens’ salaries.

Al-Massaleh Real Estate Co announced that they will divest investments in Sidra Holding Offshore Limited - a corporate holding company registered in Jebel Ali Free Zone Area, Dubai. Al-Massaleh signed a contract on Sept 11, 2013, to sell all their shares amounting to 320,850 or 45 percent of the Dubai based company for KD 905.087, suffering KD 34,952 loss which will be recorded in the financial statements once the sale process is finalized before relevant authorities.

Early learning sector needs to be revamped KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Higher Educational Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf yesterday affirmed need to devote greater attention to educating citizens at early age and updating the early learning sector.

Al-Hajraf, speaking to journalists during a tour to kindergartens, affirmed the need for “optimum employment” of resources for developing the early learning sector “because this level of education is an important stage for the child growth.”

The Ministry of Education is currently coordinating with the Civil Service Commission to establish a new department for early learning.

He indicated that the ministry draft plans, envisaged in second phase of the 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 state development strategies, would be completed and submitted to the Ministry of Planning, pending inclusion in the government platform. The minister confirmed that the scholastic year (2013-2014) would begin next week, when schools of all levels would open. He advised incompetent teachers to seek other jobs of different nature, “for teaching is a message and the ministry must be clear in this respect.” He also cautioned against politicizing the sector. —KUNA

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LOCAL

Kuwait takes all steps to prevent organ trafficking KTS carries out rigorous checks

By Nawara Fattahova

NEW YORK: His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah received, at New York City Saturday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud AlFaisal bin Abdulaziz who delivered a letter from King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on latest developments at the regional and international levels. The letter from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Sheikh Sabah also deals with issues of mutual interest and relations between the two countries and people.

KUWAIT: A recent report by a leading Kuwaiti newspaper has highlighted a dramatic increase in street posters soliciting illegal donations of blood and organs. The posters are found in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area raisings fears that the campaign is designed to target the poor, a known strategy of illegal organ trafficking firms in Kuwait. However, the posters are exclusively in Arabic, which the majority of Asian expats in the area cannot read. Most non-Arab residents questioned by the newspaper had no knowledge of the posters.

Raed Aziz, PR and Administrator Director of the Kuwait Transplant Society, stressed on the illegal nature of such advertisements: “They

might call it a donation but the supposed ‘donor’ in fact receives a payment from the organ recipient. Such a practice is completely forbidden according to shariah rulings issued by leading scholars from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The only permissible instance is when the donor is clinically dead.” Aziz said that the Kuwait Transplant Society firmly abides by these rulings: “At KTS, we only accept organs from deceased patients. Those in need of a kidney transplant may register at the Hamid Al-Essa Organ Transplant Center. Our priority is the welfare of both the donor and the recipient.”

He added that KTS kidney transplants are performed in Kuwait, while liver transplants are subcontracted to specialists in Saudi Arabia. In

each case, the donor’s family receives compensation from the given country’s Ministry of Health.

Reiterating his concerns regarding illegal organ trafficking, Aziz continued: “A kidney transplant is a complex process. It is vital that the kidney is transplanted in sanitary, controlled conditions and ideally within 24 hours. Likewise, it is important to ensure a match between donor and recipient to minimize the possibility that the organ might be rejected.”

KTS carries out rigorous checks to ensure that organs are only removed with consent. Usually, donors will have a donor card. Aziz said that for those without donor cards, which generally means expats, KTS makes every effort to contact the donor’s family.

NA panel, finance minister discusses draft BOT law KUWAIT: Members of the parliamentary financial and economic affairs committee yesterday discussed with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Sheikh Salem AbdulAziz Al-Sabah a government-proposed BOT draft law, the committee rapporteur said.

Talks between the two sides dealt with details of the bill, namely its prospected feasibility and impact on national and public interests, said MP Faisal Al-Kanderi in a statement, adding that the minister would propose further modifications that had been presented by the government previously to pave way for its endorsement. He expressed optimism that

other draft laws, listed in the commission agenda, would be endorsed, due to direct role of the minister “who enjoys an excellent financial and economic mentality” and long experience in these sectors.

Sheikh Salem told the committee members that his planned amendments would serve the law and Kuwait, with the aim of boosting development, encouraging Kuwaiti and foreign investors as well as luring capitals and businesses to Kuwait. He disclosed an agreement between the commission and the government on forming a joint panel to thoroughly examine the bill. — KUNA

Newborn baby’s corpse found in dumpster

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Security officials are currently trying to identify a woman who recently dumped the corpse of a newborn baby in a garbage dumpster in Um Al-Haiman. Case papers indicate that a garbage collector reported finding the dead baby while emptying the dumpster into the truck.

Boy kidnapped A Danish with Arab origins, reported that a Kuwaiti and a Saudi kidnapped his 14-year-old son claiming to be state security agents. The man added that the kidnappers took his son to an apartment where they raped him and photographed him completely nude. He also accused the suspects of asking the boy to bring his sister along to spend a night with them in return for KD 300. When he refused to comply with them, they threatened to make the pictures public if he

reported them to the police. A case was filed and further investigations are in progress.

Drug abuse Three Egyptians were arrested for drug abuse, said security sources, noting that the trio appeared high at the checkpoint and on searching their vehicle, police found drugs.

Girl kidnapped A citizen reported that three people he knew broke into his house in Suliabiya and kidnapped his 13-year-old daughter. Security sources said that the man accused his wife’s relatives of kidnapping the girl.

Citizen insults police A traffic police officer filed a complaint against a female citizen, accusing her of insulting him for giving her a ticket when she violated the traffic rules.

Iraqi efforts to nullify Khor agreement KUWAIT: While the Free Iraq Alliance demanded the resignation of Foreign Minister Hoshiar Zaibari, after he insulted more than 80 MPs in Iraq’s parliament when they collected signatures to nullify Khor Abdallah Navigation agreement with Kuwait, Iraq’s Transportation Minister Hadi Al-Ameri denied that the Iraqi government gave up the rights in Khor Abdallah, accusing the former regime of “selling” Khor based on previous agreements it signed with international organizations.

Al-Ameri said during his visit to Basra that “the Security Council’s resolutions tied up Iraq, and the federal government exerted efforts to correct them,” adding that “the UN resolutions with regard to border demarca-

tion between Kuwait and Iraq said the water passway should be under joint administration, but the Kuwaiti side refused that and considered it sharing its sovereignty over Kuwaiti territory”.

Yet such assurances did not keep some Iraqi parties from rejecting this agreement, after popular and academic people in Basra rejected the agreement with Kuwait to regulate navigation in Khor Abdallah channel and asked the Iraqi government to pay money or oil to Kuwait as compensation for land and water, while specialists considered the signing of the agreement in the absence of the transportation ministry a grave mistake by Iraq’s diplomatic team.

KAC to pay debts KUWAIT: Sources said Kuwait Airways told the National Bank that it would pay its debts of KD 170 million which is the total value of loans KAC received from the bank.

Sources said this debt will be paid from KAC’s capital of KD 250 million.

Sources added that KAC gave Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) its account number to transfer the total value of its financial commitments to KAFCO, KASCO and the pilots fund at a total of KD 53.6 million, which is expected to be deposited in KAC’s account within two days including KD 34.8 million in fuel costs to KAFCO and KD 14.7 million to KASCO and KD 4 million to the pilots fund which was established in the eighties during the time when Jasim AlKharafi was finance minister.

The sources expected KOC to be free of debts during the current week, following the meeting of its board in August, which explained KAC’s financial needs, so KIA could transfer the required amounts.

300 Kuwaiti freshmen register at UAE universities DUBAI: Kuwait’s Cultural AttachÈ in Dubai Dr Osama Al-Yousef said here yesterday that the number of Kuwaiti freshmen for the new academic year reached nearly 300, bringing the total number of Kuwaiti students studying in the United Arab Emirates to 1,300.

This number increase is due to Kuwaiti students’ desire to study in the Emirates universities, known for high standards, as well as accepting the Kuwaiti students in new medical specialties for the first time this year, he added.

He also said that students studying on their own expense and got an unconditional acceptance in one of the medical specialties in an accredited university will be attached to the Ministry of Higher Education scholarship.

Al-Yousef congratulated the new students, wishing them success and urged them to communicate with the cultural office in regard with their studies. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Minister of Education Nayef Al-Hajraf touring the schools around the country as classes started at the kindergartens yesterday.

— Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Metro route blocked: Municipality KUWAIT: After two years of complete silence, engineering control manager at Kuwait Municipality, Nizar Al-Sayegh astonished everyone by revealing that the railway project had been “delayed and will never take place” because many obstacles blocked its route, like the newly-built ministerial and res-

idential buildings. He also called for more studies on adjusting the project’s route and allocating alternative locations for the concerned ministries and governmental establishments. Further, Al-Sayegh said that once opened in 2016, Al-Shidadiya University would create a big traffic problem.

“Though the university has been provided with 40,000 car parking spots for students, teaching staff members and administrative staff, the issue will arise when they have to get to the university”, he underlined, pointing out that the main road leading to the university was the Sixth Ring Road.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LOCAL

in my opinion

In my view

Al-Subahiya healthcare

The Arab situation

By Bakr Oweida

W

hether the US directs military strikes against specific facilities in Syria or not, whether Bashar Al-Assad turns over his chemical weapons stockpile or not, whether the Assad regime remains in power or not, perhaps it is time to acknowledge that we are beginning to see the emergence of the features of a new Middle East, with a new Middle East project well underway. Nail after nail is being hammered into the coffin of the Middle East, and the consequence of this “creative chaos” is not limited to the Mashriq, with the Maghreb to witness its share of the problems soon.

As se mb ly

By Mohamed Al-Sawagh

Al-Anbaa

Go ver nm ent

A

l-Subahiya residents have repeatedly demanded better health services in their area, but Health Ministry officials have so far turned a deaf ear to all their demands and complaints. However, the appointment of Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah AlSabah as Minister of Health gave hope to local residents given his reputation as a hard-working state official who listens to people’s needs. And as such, we hope that he pays attention to something that Al-Subahiya residents have been calling for for years: renovating the area’s western polyclinic to expand health services provided to local residents.

The current two-storey clinic is built over a nearly 20,000 square meter area, which means there is enough space to expand the facility and turn it into a specialized clinic or a ‘miniature hospital’. The need for a medical facility that provides local residents with comprehensive health services has gone up if we consider the fact that Ahmadi Governorate residents only have the Adan Hospital to go to while accident rates have risen on the governorate’s highways.

Al-Subahiya is one of Kuwait’s most populated areas and has a large number of residents compared to other areas. On the other hand, the area has one small polyclinic which closes at midnight.

When I previously approached the Health Ministry’s Undersecretary Khalid Al-Sehlawi about the issue, he promised to give priority to Al-Subahiya residents’ demands when he is promoted to his current post. That was when he was still an assistant undersecretary. And when I approached him again after he was promoted, Al-Sehlawi told me that the issue is out of their hands. I wonder if expanding a public medical facility is not in the Health Ministry’s hands, then whose hands is it in?

Meanwhile, residents continue to make their demands heard on media and social networks, but to no avail. Even local students are transferred to the dentist’s clinic at the Fahaheel polyclinic, creating even more pressure at Al-Fahaheel’s already overcrowded medical facility.

Land space is already available to renovate AlSubahiya’s polyclinic, and all that it needs is a decision that could solve many problems that the area’s residents face. Hopefully, all the appeals that the residents made to former ministers will finally be heard.

ng ecti Prot against t. ait Kuw rojec val p risks pro Ap

local@kuwaittimes.net

kuwait digest

War frenzy to hit Syria

By Dr Hassan Abdullah Jouhar

I

n view of its financial abundance, diplomatic power and international relations, GCC states have been and are still capable of adapting a successful initiative to get Syria out of this dilemma and is a better option than the Russians and the Chinese.

Those advocating for a new regional war through Syria have surely lost another battle, even if it was indefinite. The funny thing is how hysterical they seemed despite the Russian initiative that helped spare more innocent Syrian blood that had been fueling the three year-old feud so far.

If a crime against humanity ever took place in Syria, it should not be blamed on the regime alone.

Bombing cities by the regime’s army has been usually met with collective beheading, heart-eating and grave digging. If the Syrian regime opted for violence, killing and shelling its opposition after 30 years, the armed opposition and insurgents opted to kill, behead, carbomb public markets and demolish mosques and churches as a means to get power. So, just imagine what they would do if they come to power and control people’s lives!

Is this ugly scene, the dim image, the consequences of war (regardless of its causes) and its terrible impact

on the Syrian state and poor people worth all the Arab ‘begging’ to the US to strike Syria, namely from GCC states?

Isn’t it strange that GCC governments share this attitude together with nobody else in the world except for Israel, the French president who is unanimously opposed by his own people and the US president who has been let down by his allies, congress and people after he got himself involved in a game he wishes the Russians will help him get out of?

The majority of the GCC governments have opposed the Arab Spring’s public revolutions and defended dictators all the way including states that had strongly opposed toppling Saddam Hussein’s regime and considered Iraq as occupied by the US. Despite the sufferings of the Syrian people, none of these states even hosted a single Syrian family on its soil. So, why are they so frantic to strike Syria?

Some GCC states pay billions of dollars to repress religious movements in Arab countries from Jordan to Morocco and, at the same time supply the Syrian armed opposition with funds, equipment and political support though are very sure that they are dominated

by Al-Qaeda. —Al-Jarida

kuwait digest

Is unipolarity suitable now?

By Dr Hassan Abbas

T

he Syrian crisis has an additional dimension which is not commonly featured and this is whether unipolarity is suitable for this part of the world. When John Locke proposed his theory on political philosophy, he focused on making the public a partner in the political system to guarantee people’s rights and eliminate centralism and greed. It’s true that he built his theory on the absolute ideology of Thomas Hobbes, but he refined it in a beautiful way. He played a major role in separating church from state as his theories and vision became an inspiration for others like Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and most specifically Montesquieu who explained separation of authorities that is mostly followed today.

Among those who were influenced by Locke are the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, including Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and others. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence, was one of the most influenced among the Founding Fathers with Locke’s work, as he wrote “Bacon, Locke and Newton. I consider them the three greatest men that have ever lived, without any exception”. But has America stayed faithful to its teacher? The democratic and liberal thinking that Locke came with called for respecting human beings and limiting the authority’s greed, centralism and domination as mentioned above. But since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the United States of America became just that: a dominating and centralized force that manipulates and plays with the international community the way they desire.

We find that in a unipolar world, the United States violates the law the most. While the media and official statements talk about human rights and respecting international laws, the reality judging from America’s behavior indicate that it breaks the law more than any other country in the world.

Let us take the Syrian crisis for example. The international regulations indicate that weapons must be limited to official central governments, yet America has strongly defending arming the opposition. International regulations do not allow aggression against other countries unless in cases of threat and self defense, but the US has repeatedly broken that rule and would have almost done it again in Syria if Russia didn’t take a strong stand. The same thing goes for chemical weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

The US demands that Syria hand over its chemical arsenal and put it under international control. However, it fails to question its ally the United Kingdom who provided Syria with four tons of sodium and potassium chlorate used to manufacture Sarin gas between 2004 and 2010, according to the Guardian. Moreover, it fails to ask Israel about the weapons of mass destruction that it has owned for decades.

By the way, I never thought that a sole superpower can ever dominate the world, which is something that Paul Kennedy wrote in his book ‘The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers’. America is too weak to impose their dominance everywhere, and the proof is the fact that what broke its status was not the Soviet Union, but Al-Qaeda. A group that lives a primitive life and with limited techniques hijacked the aircraft on Sept 11. It was discovered that they had only learned how to steer the aircraft in air and didn’t know how to take off and definitely had no idea on how to touch down. —Al-Rai

Those who go to great lengths to convince themselves that the Arabs’ situation today is due to foreign intervention are simply deluding themselves. It is easy to consider placing complete responsibility for the Arab situation today on the post-Nakba (1948 Palestinian exodus) regimes. However, this is a form of prejudice tantamount to exploiting the indignities suffered by these regimes; we must also note that it was these same indignities that led these regimes to suppress their own people. The Baathist regime in Syria is one such regime.

Have I been infected, like others before me, by the conspiracy theory bug, blurring my vision and making it such that I am unable to see clearly? Even when I contemplate an issue as clear as the day, I find myself afflicted by paranoia and the belief that everything happening in our region is a dark plot conceived by our enemies.

More important than all this, however, is to try and understand why Arabs are on the verge of seeing their countries divided into entities reminiscent of the past, when the Arab world was comprised of sectarian states. Is this situation caused solely by foreign powers aspiring to secure a foothold in the Arab region that lies at the center of international trade routes, not to mention the region’s mineral and oil wealth?

This question has a simple and easy answer: No. Those who go to great lengths to convince themselves that the Arabs’ situation today is due to foreign intervention are simply deluding themselves. It is easy to consider placing complete responsibility for the Arab situation today on the postNakba (1948 Palestinian exodus) regimes. However, this is a form of prejudice tantamount to exploiting the indignities suffered by these regimes; we must also note that it was these same indignities that led these regimes to suppress their own people. The Baathist regime in Syria is one such regime.

This is a valid opinion and anyone can entertain it.

However, this does not deny the fact that the ultimate fates of such regimes have always remained tied to the Palestinian cause. There is no need here to give examples of leaders and regimes-some of whom are still in office-that oppressed their people in the name of Palestine.

As anyone who has enough life experience knows, speaking the truth is painful. Nothing can be said to justify the mistakes these regimes committed against their own people; neither can they be absolved from the blame for the fate of these countries, which seemed to be heading towards a bright future in the early 1960s.

No one denies the existence of conspiracies. In fact, there have been conspiracies since the time of Cain and Abel, and even sacred books make references to them. Conspiracies are nothing new. However, the fact that the Arabs are increasingly warning of plots hatched against them-whether out of self-interest or general ignorance-is tragicomic.

Having spent a long day following the Syrian crisis and the tempest surrounding it, as well as the repercussions of this on the ground, and having become almost convinced that the world is on the verge of World War III, I found myself watching an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. This version saw Helen Mirren playing the role of Prospera-a female version of the traditional Shakespearean character Prospero-who wants to take revenge on Antonio, the duke of Milan, in order to secure her daughter Miranda’s future. In order to achieve this, Prospera calls a tempest by means of her magical powers. While watching the movie I found myself wondering: Who stands in for Prospera and Antonio in the Arab world? The answer, of course, varies depending on one’s opinion and vision. But Miranda is the same for all Arab countries: Palestine. Some prefer to live within their capabilities, while others insist on indulging in the world of fantasy. Well, life has a place for everyone. But we have to expect a price, because nothing comes for free. The price of imagination is often more painful, especially when the person wakes up to the bitter reality.

In London’s Fleet Street, you could join protests condemning the US F-4 Phantom II bombing of children in Vietnam, and then continue walking into the West End to watch The Phantom of the Opera in order to relax and give a free reign to your imagination. You could do the same in Paris. You could find yourself engrossed in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wonderful story, without having to worry about the phantom over Vietnam, particularly when there is a Prospero or Prospera who can call a tempest and truly cause carnage. In any case, Putin has banished the specter of directing a strike against the Assad regime; Bashar Al-Assad has grabbed the lifeline that the Russian tsar has thrown to him. Everyone has gained some more time, while the killing continues and the earth can no longer accommodate all the corpses of those killed.

I do not object to those who claim that it is easy to write about this issue. I also acknowledge that I, like many others who enjoy freedom of movement, water to drink, and free air to breathe, have neither experienced the horrors of displacement nor been forced to flee my country. We have not grieved over burying members of our families, friends or neighbors. While I have not experienced any of this, I deeply feel the Syrian peoples’ anguish. I feel sorry for the children of Aleppo. I feel sorry for any bloodshed anywhere. It is only possible to say a few words which we hope will be consoling. I say this while hoping that Arabs will soon find themselves in a much better situation.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LOCAL

Crackdown leads to 995 traffic citations in one day Campaign to restore road discipline KUWAIT: Traffic police in the area of Hawalli have set a record by booking 995 drivers and motorcycle riders in a one-day campaign to fight chaos on the roads. “A large team of traffic policemen was deployed in the area to check the extent of discipline and compliance with the law on the roads,” security sources told local daily Al-Rai. “The policemen detained 20 people and impounded their cars. Among them, there were five people who did not have a driving licence, seven who were utterly reckless in their driving, three who staged a race and five who did not have licences to ride their motorcycles,” the sources said.

According to the figures he revealed, 23 cars and five motorbikes were impounded in the crackdown conducted on Friday.

Lesser violations included uninsured vehicles, tinted windows, not wearing seat belts and parking in areas for people with special needs, the sources said.

Traffic officers in Kuwait have been actively engaged in relentless campaigns to restore order in a sector plagued by a high toll of accident fatalities, reckless driving and non-compliance with administrative procedures.

Foreigners who repeatedly broke the law have been deported for endangering lives while citizens have

ABK sponsors Dashti’s retirement ceremony KUWAIT: As part of its corporate social responsibility involving support of youth and sports activities, and in accordance with the ongoing CSR Campaign “Our Society... Our Responsibility”, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait was pleased to support the retirement ceremony of Kuwait’s weight lifting national team player and Khaitan sporting club member Mohammed Dashti.

On the occasion Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait presented financial support, which was handed to Mohammed Dashti. Sahar Al-Therban, PR Manager at ABK stated: “ ABK is keen to support sports and athletes and encourage them even as they go about achieving greater accomplishments for Kuwait. Our sponsorship of Mohammed Dashti’s retirement ceremony comes in recognition of his excellent achievements in Kuwait’s weight lifting field.”

International retired player Mohammed Dashti thanked ABK for their kind patronage.

United steps against terrorist networks RIYADH: The GCC member states have reached full agreement on mechanisms to be taken against all terrorist organizations, a senior Kuwaiti security official said.

Speaking to KUNA following a just- concluded meeting of the undersecretaries of the GCC interior ministries, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry Ghazy AlOmar stressed the significance of

unifying security positions and policies and executive security plans and mechanisms by the GCC member states to handle regional events and changes. During the meeting, the GCC security officials came up with recommendations and suggestions aiming to ensure security and stability in the GCC member states, he said, adding that they would be presented to interior ministers at a meeting

in Bahrain for further discussions.

Such recommendations envisage measures by all the GCC member states to control terrorist organizations, the Kuwaiti security official pointed out.

He also called for necessary preventive moves to confront all potential risks and perils to the security and stability of the GCC member states.— KUNA

Kuwait keen on bolstering relationship with China NINGXIA, China: Kuwait is keen on developing ties with China especially within the economic, financial, and commercial domains, said Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh here yesterday.

Al-Saleh’s statement came at the China-Arab Expo which will last till Sept 19. Al-Saleh affirmed that the Chinese decision to choose Kuwait as the event’s “Guest of Honor”, reflected strong relations linking the two nations. He also stressed that Kuwait was keen on participating in international events that would help bolster relations amongst nations.

The Four decades of strong relations between China

and Kuwait mirrored both countries’ willingness to pursue other fields of cooperation that would boost ties, said the minister, adding that Chinese-Kuwaiti commercial exchange had reached $12.5 billion in 2012.

He also indicated that Kuwait Fund for Economic Development (KFAED) had provided loans worth $887 million to help fund 35 projects in China over the past 30 years. Al-Saleh also stressed that Kuwait was eager to receive Chinese investments.

Chinese companies are welcomed to invest in Kuwait especially in the ambitious development in the five upcoming years, said the minister, adding that around $120 billion was pumped to help develop Kuwait’s infrastructure.

Earlier, Al-Saleh reiterated that his country’s keenness to bolster cooperation with China in various domains.

“We welcome Chinese companies’ investments and activities in Kuwait,” Al-Saleh during a meeting with Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region people’s Congress Li Jianhua.

He went on to say that “Kuwait private sector is interested in enter into partnership with Chinese companies”.

“Kuwait also eyes cooperation with Chinese companies, particularly the foodstuff, oil and petrochemical ones,” the minister said.

He added that Kuwait also seeks to transfer the Chinese know-how in the field of technology.

Al-Saleh underlined that Kuwait will continue its finance of the charity projects in China, through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

For his part, Li Jianhua welcomed Al-Saleh’s visit and Kuwait participation in the China-Arab Expo which kicked off Saturday. He underscored Chinese companies’ interest in having a share in the development projects in Kuwait. Li Jianhua expressed gratitude for Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development’s finance of several charity and social projects in the Chinese Province of Ningxia. —KUNA

been deprived of their vehicles or licences.

Abdul Fattah Al Ali, assistant undersecretary for traffic and the force behind the campaigns, who had come under attack, mainly from the opposition, for his strong approach towards foreign drivers who commit several traffic offences, said that the trend to end the chaos and impose road discipline would continue.

“I am not an abusive person, but I do apply the law and assume my responsibilities to save lives and protect people from reckless drivers,” he said. “The expatriates who do not respect the law should be sent home. We will deport the irresponsible expatriates who do not respect the laws of the country,” he said. “We have also extended the vehicle impounding period from two to four months and drivers can now be held for 48 hours for the sake of the investigation and the normal procedures.”

The crackdown led the authorities to discover that 20,000 forged driving licences had been issued since 2010. “We have withdrawn 7,000 forged licences, and we are working on tracking down and cancelling all the others,” Al-Ali has said.

He added that expatriates summoned to the traffic directorate should come forth and hand their licences, assuring them that there would be “no questions asked”.

However, those who fail to show up to hand back the licences will face forgery charges and will be deported, he said.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LOCAL

Father of bride killed in traffic accident Illegal hunters caught in Jahra KUWAIT: A Gulf national died while eight family members were left injured in an accident which happened shortly after they drove from Kuwait on Saturday. According to a security source, the accident took place on Regaei Road hours after the car left Kuwait.

He added that the deceased man was planning to attend the wedding of his daughter who was critically wounded in the accident.

The new NBK branch at Al-Hamra Tower.

NBK opens branch in Al-Hamra Tower KUWAIT: The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) welcomes its Private Banking and Thahabi customers in its first-of-akind premium lounge in Al-Hamra Tower.

“NBK continually strives to provide its customers with exclusive and most sophisticated products and services,” said Mazin Al-Nahedh, NBK’s General Manager, Consumer Banking Group.

“NBK’s Hamra branch reflects our commitment to continuously develop our services and to maintain our leading position as the bank of choice for customers.”

“The Premium lounge is dedicated to serve NBK’s Private Banking and Thahabi customers and provide them with exclusive, top-notch services by dedicated personal bankers.” added AlNahedh.

Al-Nahedh stressed “NBK has been renowned for its unique and unrivaled banking solutions and we always want to ensure that our customers always receive unsurpassed level of service.”

NBK’s first premium banking lounge is designed to provide personalized banking services through relationship managers and personal banking officers. It is equipped with the latest communication gadgets coupled with luxurious and comfortable seating area to carry out all the banking activities for premium banking customers.

Mazin Al-Nahedh

Dedicated Premium Banking Teller services are also available at this premium lounge.

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

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

Illegal relationships A woman was charged after medical reports at Jahra Hospital revealed that she was pregnant out of wedlock. The Filipina was hospitalized after she suffered bleeding at her workplace, a market in Jahra. Medical staff informed the police the woman was not married after a pregnancy test showed positive. The woman said during investigations that she was involved in a romantic relationship with an Egyptian man and gave his information to police. Investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a woman filed a case at the Jahra police station accusing a man of sexually harassing her at a local grocery store. In her statements to police, the Filipina national said that a worker at the store close to a beauty salon where she works had touched her inappropriately while she was shopping there. She also told police that the Arab man had repeatedly tried to persuade her into having an illegal relationship with him.

Police are looking to summon the suspect for investigations.

Illegal hunters Dozens of drivers were arrested in Jahra after they were caught with 20 hunting rifles.

The arrests took place during campaigns on roads leading to Salmi, Subbiya and Abdali which are regularly targeted by people who practice illegal hunting. All detainees failed to produce licenses for their firearms and were referred to the proper authorities for further action.

Employee charged Investigations are ongoing in search of a company representative who reportedly disappeared with KD 2,300 he was supposed to hand over to another company. Officers at the Salhiya police station were approached by an employee from an import and export company who indicated that the suspect

KUWAIT: Narcotics officers yesterday arrested an Asian with 1.25kg of marijuana, following a tip off. He confessed the drugs were for sale. The suspect and drugs were sent to concerned authorities.

was not reachable after he failed to deliver the money as he was asked to do. A case was filed.

‘Camel killer’ A driver faces charges after he accidentally k illed a camel at the Erhayyah Road recently. Police arrived to the scene shortly after the incident was reported, and found out that the driver accidentally hit the camel when it crossed the road. The camel’s owner arrived soon afterwards after his shepherd called him. The Kuwaiti man pressed charges against the Egyptian driver at the nearest

police station where the two were taken for further questioning.

Forged passport A man was arrested at the Kuwait International Airport after he tried to use a forged passport to enter the country. The Asian man arrived from an Arab country when the passports counter officer suspected that his passport could be forged. The man was placed under arrest after passport identification officials confirmed that the passport was forged. He was referred to the proper authorities to face charges.

Wataniya invites everyone to watch ‘Kashkool’ KUWAIT: Wataniya Telecom has always taken a keen interest in the development of youth and is sponsoring a new and lively musical called Kashkool. This play revolves around the life of a student. Kashkool will be performed at the Kuwait International Fair - hall number 5 from Sept 19 to 21 at 8.30 pm by Backstage group and will star Buthaina Alraeesi and Mohammad Alhmaly.

Wataniya’s aim at sponsoring this show was to highlight the important issues faced by the youth today. The production covers health and education topics such as eating habits, traditions, conflict management and other concerns like dealing with violence and grief. Kashkool will be a 40 minute musical full of light moments, songs and dance which will take the audience through a day in a life of a student. Everyone can come and enjoy the performance for free. Wataniya will also be distributing gift vouchers at the shows which will include discounts on handsets and prepaid coupons.

Wataniya Telecom stated that, “We have always looked out for the welfare of the youth in Kuwait. We believe that

young people need all the motivation and guidance they can get since they are the future of our country. We sponsored Kashkool so that we can spread awareness about the concerns faced by the youth today in a friendly and fun manner.”

The Back-To-School themed exhibition is organized to prepare, protect and inspire children for the coming school year. The exhibition will feature shops, games, workshops and several activities tailored around the interests and needs of young people. The event is worth a visit because it offers a variety of items from basic stationery to school furniture. Students along with their parents can browse through a range of accessories and simultaneously enjoy several activities and events.

Wataniya Telecom has always been a pioneer at developing Corporate Social Responsibilities programs which are entertaining and inspiring at the same time. From musicals to trade fairs, Wataniya is always in the forefront providing the people of Kuwait with opportunities and vistas of engaging experiences.

Cloud computing poised for take-off in Gulf countries DUBAI: The oil-rich Gulf countries are mostly advanced in using big data solutions and cloud computing but more awareness is needed to unlock the technology’s true potential, industry experts told Xinhua.

Once regarded as a desert in state-ofthe-art information technology, the Gulf Arab region is moving rapidly into the new world of big data.

Speaking at a conference last Tuesday in Dubai, Patricia Florissi, vice president of US computer storage giant EMC Corporation said as companies in the Gulf countries mushroomed, demand for big data storage solutions soared in recent years.

Cloud computing, an outsourced data service, is used by many entities to avoid the expensive use and management of hard and softer ware at their own premises. According to US research firm Frost & Sullivan, the market for data centers in the Gulf region generated revenues of $231.7 million in 2012 and the number is poised to hit $706.3 million by 2018.

Gautam Jain, a senior official at British bank Standard Chartered that has ample presence here, said his bank started to use cloud computing based on Oracle software, adding “more awareness has to be promoted among market participants and customers that cloud computing is not insecure, but efficient and cost-effective.” According Vinod Viswanath, head of cloud services at Dubai- based CEM Business Solutions, said cloud computing was not only for big entities but also for small and medium enterprises (SME). “An outsourced storage solution ... can save a

Dubai-based SME trading firm up to 200,000 US dollars per year. It reduces IT vulnerability and can save one full-time employee.”

He said Dubai, home to tens of thousands of trading firms, is at the forefront of Arab cloud computing. His company CEM is based in Dubai Internet City, the Middle East’s biggest free zone for IT firms where blue chips like Microsoft, HP and Huawei run their Middle East headquarters. While EMC’s market share in the

Untied Arab Emirate grew from 37.7 percent in 2010 to 42.5 percent in 2012, other market participants such as China’s Huawei and United States’ Dell have also entered the Gulf region by offering cloud solutions and external data storage services. According to an EMC survey conducted in the Middle East, 87 percent of IT decision makers regard big data solutions as a tool to make better decisions, 45 percent regard it as essential to stay competitive.

Kuwait to chair session of UAE dialogue on labor affairs KUWAIT: Kuwait is chairing third session of “Abu Dhabi Dialogue Process” due to be held in November 2014, with aim of exchanging ideas and exper tise for bolstering “mutual cooperation and purposeful partnership,” said Social Affairs and Labor Undersecretary Abdul-Mohsen AlMutairi yesterday.

Al-Mutairi, speaking at a news conference with the visiting UAE Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs, Humaid Bin Dimas AlSuwaidi, said Kuwait’s assumption of the chairmanship post reflected confidence of the member states in Kuwait’s role at this level and its regional status.

Abu Dhabi Dialogue engages seven countries of labor destination, namely the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia in addition to Yemen; and eleven countries

of origin: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Japan, Singapore and Korea participate as observers.

Kuwait will host the forthcoming session of the Dialogue, in light of its keenness on pressing ahead with bolstering bonds of partnership with the other GCC states, as well ties with regional countries and nations of labor of origin and destination.

The gathering is a “free platform” where participants exchange ideas, expertise and hold dialogue aimed at boosting cooperation and purposeful partnership, he said.

For his part, Al-Suwaidi praised policies, legislations and initiatives of the Kuwaiti labor market, affirming the country’s effective role in the GCC labor sector. — KUNA

MONDAY, SEPTEMPER 16, 2013

French far-right targets local, EU election wins Page 10

Cambodian police clash with oppn supporters Page 12

ZAMBOANGA: Philippine soldiers aboard a humvee stand guard amidst smoke from burnt houses during clearing operations against Muslim rebels as the stand-off between military troops and the rebels enter a seventh day in Zamboanga City, on the southern island of Mindanao yesterday. — AFP

Philippine troops clear rebels Cut off escape routes ZAMBOANGA: Philippine troops took back ground from Muslim rebels yesterday, the military said, as they tried to end a week-long siege in the southern city of Zamboanga that has seen thousands flee and left more than 60 people dead.

Sporadic clashes continued as soldiers moved to clear Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) gunmen from coastal neighbourhoods and cut off escape routes after a ceasefire plan collapsed.

Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP a number of MNLF rebels had surrendered yesterday, and some had been captured while trying to escape in civilian clothes.

“We are gaining ground. We’ve taken back some of the areas from them. We are still moving forward,” he said. As troops moved through the Santa Barbara district, the extent of the damage from seven days of fighting came into full view.

Several buildings were reduced to smouldering heaps while others were pockmarked with bullet holes, an AFP reporter said. Soldiers recovered the bodies of two slain gunmen still clinging to their rifles, and several unexploded warheads for use in rocket propelled

grenades had been left behind by the fleeing rebels.

In the distance, black smoke billowed from another area that had just gone up in flames. And in a nearby district, a group of soldiers could be seen crouched on the street as sniper fire whizzed just above their heads, television footage showed.

Heavily armed MNLF forces entered the port city’s coastal neighbourhoods Monday and took dozens of hostages in a bid to scupper peace talks between another militant group and the government aimed at ending a decades-long rebellion in the south.

The fighting was now concentrated only in two coastal districts, while other areas were secure. Police said many hostages were either freed or escaped and the number was now down to only a few from as high as 200 in the early part of the crisis.

But the attack underscored the complexity of ending conflict in the southern third of the mostly Catholic Philippines, where there are several armed Muslim factions and which has seen a proliferation of unlicensed firearms.

Day and night operations by at least 3,000 elite government troops have now seen 51 MNLF rebels killed, as well as six soldiers, a policemen and four civilians.

Air and sea ports remained closed yesterday in a crisis that has paralysed the city of one million, seen entire neighbourhoods razed to the ground, and forced tens of thousands to flee. “This is really catastrophic, we’re not prepared for this,” Zamboanga chamber of commerce president Pedro Rufo Soliven told AFP. He said that based on initial estimates the economic losses to Zamboanga, home to a major sardine canning industry, could be as much as 50 billion pesos ($1.1 billion) a day. “Even if the fighting ends now, this will have a long-term impact because investors now will be wary of the fragile peace,” he said.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said the number of people who had fled to temporary shelters had risen to more than 69,000 by yesterday morning. “The number swelled yesterday because thousands more evacuated from areas the rebels were likely to use as escape routes,” she said.— AFP

gang-rape Lawyer may lose licence NEW DELHI: A lawyer for two men sentenced to death for the fatal gang-rape of an Indian student could lose his licence for remarks that “reek of misogyny”, a regulatory body said yesterday.

A. P. Singh, the counsel for Akshay Thakur and Vinay Sharma, has angered the Bar Council of Delhi with his outbursts after death sentences were passed Friday on four men for the assault on the 23-year-old woman in New Delhi last year.

Singh told a section of the local media that he would have “burned my daughter alive” if she was having “premarital sex and moving around at night with her boyfriend”.

He was apparently referring to the victim, who died of grievous internal injuries after being lured on to the private bus by a gang of six following a cinema trip with her male companion on December 16.

The only allegations against the character of the victim have been made by some of the defence lawyers, who have produced no evidence. — AFP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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

Obama says he and Iran’s Rowhani swapped letters US threats against Tehran are empty

RAFAH: Palestinian fishermen pull their boat on the beach near the Gaza Strip’s southern coastal city of Rafah yesterday. Egyptian naval forces opened fire on September 14 for the second time in recent weeks at Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza Strip’s southern coast and arrested two of them, the Islamist movement Hamas that rules the Palestinian enclave said. —AFP

Yemen jails Qaeda members for plot to kill president SANAA: A Yemeni court sentenced three al Qaeda members to jail on Sunday for plotting to kill President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and target foreign diplomats, including the US ambassador to Sanaa.

Yemen is battling one of the most active franchises of al Qaeda, known as al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which has carried out a number of foiled attempts to attack US targets, including airliners.

The Sanaa court of first instance sentenced Abdullah al-Kheishani to seven years in prison, Maher al-Ramim to five years and Omar al-Najjar to one year, state news agency Saba said. The public prosecution had accused Kheishani and Ramim of monitoring, planning and preparing for the assassination of Hadi outside his residence using booby-trapped vehicles, it said. Hadi was elected in February 2011 after his predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh was eased from power as part of a USbacked power transfer deal which came after months of popular protests that brought the country to the brink of civil war.

Saba said Kheishani and Najjar were also found guilty of planning and preparing to target military officers and the US ambassador to Sanaa. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula last year offered a reward of 3 kg of gold for the killing of the US ambassador in Sanaa or 5 million rials ($23,000) for an

WASHINGTON: Barack Obama has revealed an exchange of letters with Iran’s new President Hassan Rowhani but warned his reluctance to strike Syria should not devalue US threats of force to thwart an Iranian nuclear bomb.

The US president, in an interview aired yesterday, publicly confirmed the outreach to Rowhani for the first time, and said he believed the Syria chemical arms drama showed that diplomacy could work if backed by threats of military action.

The exchange of letters will add to the notion that the election of Rowhani offers a new opening to test the possibility of a diplomatic way out of the showdown over Tehran’s nuclear program.

But some analysts have questioned whether Obama’s decision to hold off on military action against Syria will lead the Islamic Republic’s leadership to conclude US threats against Tehran are empty.

In fact, Obama’s top aides used a variation of that argument themselves, warning to members of Congress that blocking military action in Syria could send Iran the wrong message. But in his interview, Obama said that the outcome of the Syrian deal offered Iran a “lesson” in the benefits of diplomacy. Obama was asked on the ABC News “This Week” program whether he had

reached out to Rowhani, a moderate conservative elected in June.

“I have. And he’s reached out to me. We haven’t spoken-directly,” Obama said. Asked by interviewer George Stephanopoulos whether the contact was via letters, Obama replied : “Yes.” The president was careful to draw a distinction between US behavior over Syria-which ended in a deal with Russia to secure Damascus’s chemical arms-and Washington’s approach to Iran as a nuclear showdown reaches a critical point.

“I think what the Iranians understand is thatthe nuclear issue-is a far larger issue for us than the chemical weapons issue,” Obama said. “The threat against ... Israel, that a nuclear Iran poses, is much closer to our core interests.

“A nuclear arms race in the region-is something that would be profoundly destabilizing.

“My suspicion is that the Iranians recognize they shouldn’t draw a lesson that we haven’t struck (Syria) — to think we won’t strike Iran.”

Obama said that on the other hand, the lesson from the showdown over Syria’s chemical weapons, should show that “there is the potential of resolving these issues diplomatically.”

Washington has repeatedly warned Iran that it has the option of military action, if diplomacy and crippling sanctions do not convince the

Islamic Republic to stop short of building nuclear weapons.

Iran denies that its nuclear program has a military use. Obama’s letter to Rowhani had been reported in the regional media though was not publicly confirmed by the White House. It has not previously been clear whether Rowhani had also written to Obama. Previous openings for US dialogue under Obama with Tehran foundered over domestic politics in both nations and tensions exacerbated by the rule of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Revelations about Iran-US contacts came after Rowhani on Friday urged Moscow to help solve Tehran’s nuclear crisis as he met President Vladimir Putin at a security summit in Kyrgzystan. Putin, who met Obama at the G20 summit in Russia earlier this month, was a key cog in the deal reached in Geneva on the Syria chemical arms crisis. Rowhani last week warned that Tehran will not give up “one iota” of its nuclear rights and said the time for negotiation was limited.

He spoke ahead of a meeting later this month between Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on restarting negotiations on the Islamic republic’s disputed nuclear ambitions. —AFP

British, Iranian diplomats to meet in NY this month SANAA: One of the four Al-Qaeda militants accused of manufacturing a car bomb to attack a convoy of Yemen’s President attends his sentence hearing at a court in the Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday. —AFP American soldier in Yemen. In Libya, US ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans were killed in Benghazi last year when dozens of Islamist gunmen attacked a US diplomatic compound and a nearby CIA annex. The Sanaa court ordered a fourth member of the militant network, accused of involvement in the plot, to be released because he had already served time in prison, Saba reported. —Reuters

LONDON: The British and Iranian foreign ministers will meet in New York later this month, the Foreign Office said yesterday, after both sides indicated they wanted to restore ties suspended after an attack on the British embassy in Tehran in 2011.

“They will be meeting but we have no further details at this stage,” a Foreign Office spokeswoman told AFP, adding that the talks would take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The meeting between British Foreign Secretary William Hague and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was requested by the British government following the election of new Iranian President Hassan Rowhani in June.

Hague tweeted earlier this month that he hoped for “meaningful talks” with Zarif on

Iran’s disputed nuclear programme as well as the Syrian conflict, and “reciprocal steps to improve relations”.

London suspended diplomatic relations with Iran after hardline demonstrators stormed its Tehran embassy in November 2011, in an attack Britain said appeared statesponsored. Both sides have indicated they are open to restoring ties, although the Iranians warned it would take time. “These issues need time and negotiations on an expert level,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi told reporters in August, adding that “it must be decided whether their (Britain’s) approach and behaviour have changed”.

The Islamist students who stormed the British embassy were demonstrating against new Western sanctions adopted against Tehran over its disputed nuclear drive.

Britain was one of the first European countries to adopt sanctions against the Iranian central bank to put pressure on Tehran over the programme.

For his part, British Prime Minister David Cameron said there were still concerns about Iran’s behaviour. “We have effectively reached out to the Iranian government after the recent elections. And I have written to President Rowhani, so we are prepared to start trying to have a relationship with them,” Cameron told lawmakers last Monday.

Asked about engaging with Iran to help resolve the Syrian conflict, he added: “There is a slight holdback on our behalf because we still really have not had proper redress for the fact that they smashed up our embassy and residence. “So we do have to enter these talks and discussions with a clear head.” —AFP

Egypt journalist faces military court over lies CAIRO: The military trial of an Egyptian journalist accused of spreading false information about the army’s counterinsurgency operations in the volatile Sinai Peninsula briefly opened behind closed doors on Sunday, only to be postponed for a few days for lawyers to review his case, a security official said.

The detention and trial of freelancer Ahmed Abu-Draa, a resident of Sinai, by military tribunal has caused an outcry among journalists in Egypt, which relies on local reporters to send news from the lawless northern Sinai.

Dozens of journalists protested Abu-Draa’s detention and trial outside the courtroom where he is being tried in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia.

Reporters Without Borders, the press watchdog, has called for his immediate release.

The court adjourned the session until Wednesday, the official who attended the session said on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

Abu-Draa’s detention comes as authorities extended emergency laws granting security forces greater powers to arrest citizens and censor the press

following a sharp rise in violence since last month. Local and international rights groups have called on Egyptian authorities to halt the harassment of journalists seeking to cover the ongoing political crisis in the country.

The Sinai-based journalist was detained 11 days ago after he wrote on Facebook that airstrikes ostensibly targeting militants had hit civilian areas and accused military officials of misinforming the public. Abu-Draa questioned the military’s statements about its operations against militant groups in Sinai.

Few journalists have direct access to what is happening in Sinai because of security restrictions and concerns, forcing many to rely on statements by officials. Abu-Draa, an award-winning reporter who has done investigation stories in Sinai, works for several Egyptian and foreign newspapers and television channels.

Egyptian military spokesman Col. Ahmed Ali told reporters Sunday that Abu-Draa’s fate is now in the hands of the military court, but that spreading false information as part of an “information war” is a national security

threat. The colonel said Abu-Draa is accused of lying about the army attacking mosques and relocating families in Sinai, spreading false reports locally and internationally about what is happening in Sinai and of being in a military-restricted area.

“The army respects very much the journalistic community in Egypt,” the army spokesman said. “But this is a war of information... which leads to strife and the destruction of nations.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a recent statement that through a series of arrests, prosecutions, assaults and censorship, the Egyptian government has made it clear that journalists operate at their own risk if they deviate from the official narrative.

Five journalists have been killed since the military ousted President Mohammed Morsi from office July 3 after nationwide protests against him.

Reporters Without Borders says another 80 have been arbitrarily detainedmost from outlets that authorities accuse of being pro-Islamist or sympathetic to Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood group. —AP

GAZA STRIP: Hamas security officers try to give order to a long line of Palestinians waiting to refuel their cars at a gas station, in the Gaza Strip, yesterday. The Egyptian military’s campaign to close smuggling tunnels along the Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip has caused fuel shortages at some gas stations. —AP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L Five-point plan boosts Brazil leader, social media push to come BRASILIA: When a Brazilian newspaper repor ted last month that President Dilma Rousseff had gone for a nighttime spin incognito around the capital on the back of an aide’s Harley-Davidson, her favorable mentions soared on social media. It was just what Rousseff needed after a bad couple of months: She had been booed at an international soccer match and at a gathering of mayors from around the country. Worse still, her popularity tanked following massive street protests against corruption, poor public services and the high cost of living. The unexpected outburst of anger was aimed at politicians of all stripes and targeted Congress. But it also shook Rousseff ’s administration to the core and clouded the prospects for next year ’s election, when she is widely expected to run for a second four-year term.

A technocrat with a distaste for the gladhanding of politics, Rousseff quickly gathered her closest advisers, led by her 2010 campaign adviser and pollster Jo„o Santana, and drew up a plan to connect more with the public through travel and the Internet, an aide said.

The president responded to the demonstrators’ main demands with a five-point plan to improve public transportation, health and education services, maintain fiscal discipline and reform Brazil’s political system to make it more accountable.

The president has increased the frequency of her trips around Brazil to two or three a week to inaugurate new schools, low-cost housing and infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading and expanding the overcrowded urban transit systems that sparked the first protests in June. “A government cannot be deaf,” Rousseff, 65, told a crowd on Wednesday in a working-class suburb of Rio de Janeiro where she announced plans to build a new metro line.

Donning a hardhat and orange overalls, she visited a shipyard that is building a production and storage platform to tap Brazil’s huge offshore oil reserves, praising a law she proposed - and Congress quick ly passed after the protests - to use royalties to fund education and health programs.

At each stop, Rousseff star ts by speaking to local radio stations, a trick borrowed from her charismatic predecessor and political mentor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who remains hugely popular almost three years after leaving office.

Santana “has told her that she has to get out there and beat the bush and expose herself to the people and

explain all the good things that she has been doing,” said David Fleischer, a professor of politics at the University of Brasilia.

The results are beginning to show.

Rousseff ’s approval rating sank from 73.7 percent before the protests to 49.3 percent in July. By last week it had climbed back to 58 percent.

The bump in the polls can partly be explained by the president’s efforts to improve public services in states with a large middle class, such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais - the same states that saw the biggest protests in June. In a nod to the power of the Internet - the protests were mostly organized on social media - Rousseff is also taking her campaign to cyberspace. Presidential aides said the government plans to revamp its official www.brasil.gov.br website to make it more attractive and user-friendly, providing everything from tax information to a winning lottery number, not just touting government deeds.

Rousseff ’s Facebook page will be redesigned, and the president will take to Twitter again, having stopped after winning the 2010 election, they said.

If her poll numbers keep creeping higher, political analysts say Rousseff will kick off the election year with a comfortable level of support and as odds-on favorite among a relatively weak field of potential rivals.

In a recent poll, the number of respondents who said they would vote for Rousseff rose by 3 percentage points from July to 36.4 percent, while support for Aecio Neves, the likely candidate of the main opposition party, PSDB, held steady at 15.2 percent.

Environmentalist Marina Silva, who placed third in 2010, was the only politician to gain ground from June’s protests because she was not identified with the political establishment. However, she is running out of time to register her new party, called the Sustainability Network,

by Oct. 5 to be able to run for president again next year.

Cristiano Noronha, a political analyst with consulting firm Arko Advice in Brasilia, said Rousseff’s opponents have failed to capitalize on the political crisis created by the street protests. Still, her reelection will hinge on what matters most, he said: economic performance.

Voters will want to see inflation and unemployment kept under control. The infrastructure concessions and oil contracts to be auctioned in coming weeks will also be crucial for the government to revive investment and confidence in Brazil’s sluggish economy. —Reuters

Biden to face anti-war Democrats at Iowa picnic Party remains cool at best to military strike DES MOINES: Vice President Joe Biden is heading into the belly of Democrats’ anti-war opposition, venturing into a politically influential heartland state for the first time since President Barack Obama publicly endorsed a possible military strike on Syria.

Biden is scheduled to headline a fundraiser in Iowa for Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin, an annual steak picnic for the senator who is popular with anti-war Democrats. Even if Biden sidesteps talk of Syria, the issue will be as much a part of the backdrop as the bales of hay and smoke from the grilling steaks, and in a place where he will have to plant his flag should he seek the presidency in 2016.

“That’s going to be a little sensitive,” said eastern Iowa Democrat Richard Machacek, an Obama delegate in 2008, referring to possible military action against Syria. “It flies in the face of what the president campaigned on here.”

Obama rode an anti-war wave to victory in Iowa’s 2008 presidential caucuses. He had proposed limited air strikes in Syria in response to a chemical weapons attack last month against more than 1,400 people in a Damascus suburb. The administration says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government was behind the attack.

On Saturday Secretary of State John Kerry announced that he and Russia’s foreign minister had reached an agreement to rid Syria of its chemical stockpile. Obama said in a statement the agreement was welcome news, but added that “if diplomacy fails, the United States remains prepared to act.”

His own party remains cool at best to a military strike. Obama has struggled to win support from members of Congress, including Democrats, whose constituents have endured more than a decade of war.

An Associated Press poll taken Sept. 6-8 showed 34 percent of Democrats said they wanted Congress to back military action.

And more than three-fourths of

Bus overturns in Ohio, 35 injured CINCINNATI: A Greyhound bus drove off an interstate highway in southwest Ohio early Saturday, struck a tree and a fence and flipped on its side before sliding to a stop in a cornfield, injuring at least 35 people.

None of the injuries was considered life-threatening, though several people were trapped and had to be extricated by firefighters and paramedics, the State Highway Patrol said in a statement.

Patrol Sgt. Pete Combs said an investigation was underway and he could not comment on a possible cause for the crash, which happened around 4 a.m. on Interstate 75 in Liberty Township, about 25 miles north of Cincinnati.

But passenger Christopher Link, of Michigan, told WCPO-TV in Cincinnati that he saw the driver slumped over.

Link said he heard a woman scream at the driver “Wake up! Wake up!” but that

he thinks the man might have had a medical problem.

Link told the station the bus rolled over at least twice after hitting the tree.

Jeff Galloway, director of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, said 35 people were taken to hospitals, six by helicopters and 29 by ambulance. The injuries ranged from minor to severe, officials said.

The bus, which left Cincinnati bound for Detroit, was carrying 51 passengers and the driver. Those passengers who were not injured and those who were treated and released from hospitals were transported back to Cincinnati, but none of them were at the bus station later Saturday morning.

At least nine people remained in hospitals Saturday night. Eleven of 13 people taken to Atrium Medical Center in Middletown and all but one of the 14

OHIO: An Ohio Highway State Patrol officer investigates an overturned Greyhound bus following a crash on Saturday, along interstate 75 in Liberty Township, Ohio. At least 35 people were injured in the accident.— AP

taken to West Chester Hospital had been released as of Saturday evening, according to officials at both hospitals. The conditions of those who remained hospitalized were not released.

One person was admitted to Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital in stable condition, according to spokeswoman Lauryn Moore. Two patients taken to Bethesda North in Cincinnati remained in fair condition there Saturday evening, hospital spokesman Michael Mattingly said. Terri Ann Fredette, a spokeswoman for University of Cincinnati Medical Center, said two people were taken there. One was released and the other was in stable condition.

Two of the four people taken by helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton were released and one was taken to surgery for a broken leg, spokeswoman Nancy Thickel said. The fourth was admitted for contusions and bruising. Link, who was not injured, told WCPO he saw some children on the bus and thought some passengers had broken arms and legs. He said that the bus driver seemed fine when he boarded the bus.

The driver, who has been with the company for almost 15 years, had been on duty for an hour and was fully rested, Kim Plaskett, a spokeswoman for Dallasbased Greyhound Lines Inc., told the Associated Press.

The driver was among the injured, but she said she could not release the person’s name or medical condition due to medical privacy laws.

Plaskett said she couldn’t discuss any details of the crash or the possible cause.

The company was cooperating with investigators and will talk to the driver and conduct an internal investigation to try to determine what happened, Plaskett said.—AP

Colorado rescuers urged some to leave flooded towns BOULDER: Rescue teams are warning people in some Colorado towns isolated by devastating flooding against remaining there, telling them that they could face weeks without basic supplies, including running water and electricity.

Helicopters and truck convoys of the National Guard carried the admonition Saturday into paralyzed canyon communities where thousands of stranded residents were eager to escape the Rocky Mountain foothills. But not everybody was willing to go. Dozens of people in hard hit Jamestown wanted to stay to watch over their homes.Authorities made clear that resi-

dents who chose not to leave might not get another chance for a while.

Rescuers won’t go back for people who insist on staying, Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said.

“We’re not trying to force anyone from their home. We’re not trying to be forceful, but we’re trying to be very factual and definitive about the consequences of their decision, and we hope that they will come down,” Pelle said.

Special education teacher Brian Shultz, 38, was torn about leaving his Jamestown home. “I was thinking about staying. I could have lasted at least a year. I have a lot of training in wilderness survival,” he said, adding

that he probably had enough beer to last the whole time. As he sat outside a makeshift shelter at a high school, Shultz floated the idea of walking back into the funky mountain town.”If we hike back, I would stay there and just live. I’d rather be at our own house than staying at some other people’s houses,” he said.

His wife, Meagan Harrington, gave him a wry smile. About 10 of their neighbors declined to evacuate, she said. “They said they wouldn’t force you, but it was strongly encouraged,” she said. Shultz teared up behind his sunglasses as he compared his situation to that of his neighbors.—AP

IOWA: In this Jan 3, 2008, file photo then-Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., talks to supporters during a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on the day of the Iowa caucus. Biden is heading to Iowa straight into the belly of Democratic anti-war opposition, the first steps by the vice president or the president outside Washington or the diplomatic bubble since President Barack Obama endorsed a possible military strike on Syria. — AP Democrats said they thought any said that he was leaning against dential caucuses.

Obama made a special appeal military action in Syria was at least suppor ting a militar y strike, somewhat likely to turn into a though a vote has been post- during Tuesday’s speech to “my long-term commitment of forces, poned to allow the diplomatic friends on the left,” asking them to including 44 percent who said it option to develop. “Harkin has consider the images of the hunalways been the anti-war candidate,” dreds of children who died in the was extremely likely.

The poll was taken before said longtime Iowa Democratic August 21 gas attack. “Sometimes Obama pledged not to deploy activist Paulee Lipsman. “His resolutions and statements of conground troops in Syria. Cedar Falls strongest supporters agree with demnation are simply not enough.

He may as well have been Democrat David Kabel, an early that position.”

While Harkin supported limited speaking directly to those Iowa and devout Obama supporter, is skeptical, even after Obama’s strikes in Kosovo in 1997 and Libya Democrats who were drawn to his speech. “I just don’t know that you in 2012 under Democratic presi- vocal opposition to the war in Iraq, can reel it in once you get started,” dents, Harkin has largely opposed a position that set him apart from recent wars under Republican chief rival Hillary Clinton and on he said.

The reaction to anything Biden presidents, endearing him to his the path to winning the White says about Syria will be closely party’s left. He voted against the House.

Harkin aides and supporters watched and noted. He is weigh- 1991 Gulf War resolution under ing another run for the White President George H. W. Bush. And play down any possible outward House in 2016, and the crowd he while he voted for the resolution hostility toward Biden, as he strolls mingles with Sunday-many of ahead of the 2003 Iraq war under the Warren County fairgrounds them familiar with the two-time President George W. Bush, he later south of Des Moines, flips a few presidential candidate-will have called the vote a mistake and steaks for the cameras and speaks the opening say during the cau- endorsed anti-war candidate Sunday afternoon. “People will be cuses. Including Harkin. Harkin has Howard Dean in Iowa’s 2004 presi- polite,” Lipsman said. — AP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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

Romanian protests join Balkans-wide wave BUCHAREST: A fortnight of protests in Romania against plans for Europe’s biggest open-cast gold mine have joined an unusual wave of grassroots opposition across the Balkans, analysts say.

The Romanian civic movement, unprecedented since the 1990s, follows protests by similarly young, educated, middle -class Slovenians, Bosnians, Bulgarians or Turks venting their anger at politicians accused of cronyism and incompetence.

“These demonstrations are quite different from organised political rallies or protests for better salaries or pensions. People gathering here are concerned about the future, they are not asking a pay rise but fight more out of idealism,” sociologist Mircea Kivu told AFP. “What you see this year, from Slovenia to Bulgaria, is a revolt of educated, middle-class people who grew up in political apathy. All started with a relatively minor controversy, but quickly turned into a general cry for change,” Joost van Egmond, a Dutch journalist who covered the various protest movements in the region, told AFP. Bulgaria, Romania and Bosnia are among the poor-

est nations in Europe. Artists, managers, engineers and students have all joined the rallies in Romania, which have seen many arriving on their bikes and mothers pushing their babies in prams. Most are aged between 18 and 35.

The protests are colourful, featuring peaceful sitins on the capital’s main boulevard, improvised concerts of plastic bottles filled with coins or pebbles and home-made banners.

“Arab Spring, Turkish summer, Romanian autumn”, read a banner in one of the Bucharest rallies held on University Square, where protests against dictator Nicolae Ceausescu erupted in 1989, leading to his downfall. “We are seeing an unprecedented phenomenon since the 1990s with a real opposition coagulating within civil society,” Victoria Stoiciu, an analyst at the Friedrich Egbert Foundation says.

It breaks the “suffocating civic apathy in Romania,” she said. A decision by the centre-left government to clear the way for Europe’s biggest open-cast gold mine in the Carpathian village of Rosia Montana was the trigger in Romania.

Canadian firm Gabriel Resources, through its 80 percent-owned subsidiary Rosia Montana Gold Corporation, plans to extract 300 tonnes of gold using 12,000 tonnes of cyanide a year.

After promising to block the mine during the electoral campaign, prime minister Victor Ponta’s ruling coalition approved a draft law making it easier for the company to expropriate private lands and circumvent existing environmental and urban planning regulations. “Rosia Montana has touched a sensitive point because it threatens values that young people believe in: ecology, transparency, the right to be consulted,” Codruta Cernea, a visual artist told AFP. Cernea, 34, had never taken part in street protests before. Disappointed by Romanian politics, she had chosen to focus on other subjects for years and even once thought of moving abroad. But she is now determined to stay in Romania.

“Politicians thought we would be indifferent and would not react but I think a new generation is starting to be aware of its voice,” she adds.

“We were used to remaining silent. These protests

show that we did not completely fall asleep, that we still believe in something,” Cristina Flutur, who shared the 2012 Cannes Best Actress Award for her role in the Romanian drama “Beyond the Hills”, told AFP at the protest. Social networks are the main tools used to mobilise and share information. “The traditional press has lost credibility because of its heavy reliance on advertising from the Gold Corporation,” said Emanuel, a 21-year old student. The Active Watch press monitoring agency has documented cases of what it called “censorship” and “bias”.

After a week of protests, one party of the ruling coalition said the project should be scrapped, while Ponta said the bill would be “rejected in parliament”.

But the vote is still pending. Ministers have been defending the project in recent days, prompting protesters to stay in the streets. A big rally was planned this evening. For Alina Mungiu Pippidi, a professor at The Berlin Hertie School of governance, protesters will “have to think what to do next”, hinting at a possible new party with “an environmentalist and good governance agenda”. — AFP

French far-right targets local, EU election wins Opinion polls show popularity growing

GROSSHELFENDORF: Persons in traditional Bavarian clothes wait to cast their vote in Grosshelfendorf, southern Germany yesterday. The last test for German politicians before next week’s parliamentary vote is the Bavaria state election yesterday, with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative allies hoping to provide momentum with a big win in the prosperous region. — AP

Merkel hopes for re-election boost from Bavarian vote MUNICH: Bavarians cast their ballots yesterday in an election that is expected to hand Angela Merkel’s allies nearly 50 percent of the vote, giving the German chancellor and her conservatives momentum a week before a federal election.

The Christian Social Union (CSU) - sister party of Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) - has governed the rich southern state for 56 years, styling itself the natural ruler of an area that is proud of its “laptop and lederhosen” economy and traditions.

Polls predict the CSU will get at least 47 percent, allowing it an absolute majority in the regional assembly in Munich and cheering conservatives nationwide. First exit polls are due at 6 p.m. (1600 GMT).

“Dear Angela, we’ll put the ball on the penalty spot, you just have to kick it in,” CSU leader Horst Seehofer said. Seehofer wants to put behind him the 2008 election, when the CSU scored its worst result in six decades with 43 percent. That forced it into an alliance with the Free Democrats (FDP), who are also Merkel’s coalition partners the national government. “Of course the CSU will get an absolute majority - we’re in Bavaria! We’re born conservative and we’ll also die conservative,” said Bodo Mueller, 66, as he left a polling station in Munich, where he is preparing to open his cafe at the Oktoberfest beer festival next week.

The combined CDU/CSU bloc has about 40 percent support nationwide, meaning that if they do win on Sept. 22 they will need a partner to form a government, be it the FDP or the Social Democrats (SPD) with which she ruled in a “grand coalition” from

2005 to 2009. “I think it’ll give them momentum for next week’s election, but I’d rather see a grand coalition as I’m not happy with the FDP’s work,” said Monica Gottlieb, a 51-year-old sales director. In Bavaria and in the Bundestag lower house of parliament, the FDP risks falling short of the 5 percent threshold for a seat in parliament, although their opinion poll results have improved in recent months.

A weak FDP showing in Bavaria might even scare conservatives elsewhere into giving their second vote to the FDP, potentially weakening the share of votes that go to Merkel’s CDU. Bavaria, home to 12.5 million of Germany’s 80.5 million people, is the only state with a regional party - the CSU in the federal parliament.

When other regional conservative parties joined to form the CDU, the CSU remained separate, reflecting Bavaria’s strong regional identity. CSU lawmakers make up nearly a quarter of Merkel’s conservative bloc.

If Bavaria, home to carmakers BMW and Audi, were a country, it would have the euro zone’s sixth largest population and economy, which allows it to exert pressure on national policy on issues ranging from energy and the family to the euro zone.

Bavarians consider themselves dedicated Europeans who have benefited from the single currency. Calls within the CSU for Greece to leave the euro zone or to pay its civil servants in drachmas have not prevented it from backing Merkel on bailouts which one leader likened to “watering flowers in the desert”. — Reuters

STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s Royal family from left, Prince Carl Philip, Princess Madeleine, King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel and Christopher O’Neill pose after attending a thanksgiving service in the palace chapel in Stockholm yesterday marking the 40th anniversary of the King’s accession to the throne on September 15, 1973. — AP

Sweden king celebrates 40 years on the throne STOCKHOLM: King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is celebrating 40 years on the throne by throwing a dance party in the Stockholm Palace courtyard.

The royal palace celebrated the king’s 40th anniversary yesterday by holding a service in the palace church, attended by the heads of state from neighboring Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

On Saturday, there was a dinner and a

jubilee concert.

Later Sunday the mayor of Stockholm, Sten Nordin, will toast the king, and there will be a party for the public, featuring dance rhythms such as salsa, waltz, lindy hop and foxtrot. In a Swedish radio interview, the 67-year-old monarch indicated he will stay on the throne for as long as he remains healthy and said his job is now “more exciting than ever.” — AP

MARSEILLE: France’s far-right National Front, buoyed by improving poll numbers, is aiming for big gains in municipal elections next year and the top spot in the European parliament ballot, its leaders said at the party’s annual convention.

The two 2014 elections, the first since the Socialists came to power in 2012, are set to dominate the political agenda in the euro zone’s second-largest country for the next nine months.

In a strategic shift for a party long content with winning protest votes in national polls, the National Front says it wants to rule the country one day and start building a local base in the March municipal ballot - ambitions that are a growing headache for mainstream parties.

“Our strategy is to win as many municipalities as possible and get hundreds of city councillors elected to be there for the long run. It’s a condition for winning at the national level and the presidency,” party leader Marine Le Pen told reporters at the weekend convention in Marseille.

“We have every reason to work with enthusiasm because we’ll be in power in the next ten years,” said the 45-year-old, who replaced her paratrooper father as party chief in 2011.

The party has a long way to go before it could be included in a government, but opinion polls show it is gaining ground as both the Socialists and the main conservative opposition UMP agonize over how to counter the far right and appeal to voters. More than a third of French voters say they are sympathetic to the ideas of the party, whose agenda focuses on immigration, Europe and security and on the failures of mainstream politicians, a survey showed earlier this week.

The UMP, already deeply divided since Nicolas Sarkozy lost the 2012 presidential election, is shaken by near-daily rows over whether to veer more towards the National Front’s agenda. A growing number of UMP supporters want to pursue alliances with the party on a municipal level, long considered a taboo move.

For the Socialists, who devoted part of their own summer convention last month to a debate over the role of the National Front, the popularity of its anti-austerity, anti-EU stance is a headache at a time when President Francois Hollande must rein in budget deficits. Hollande’s popularity is at record lows for this stage in his presidential term.

Some 16 percent of those surveyed in a CSA poll plan to vote for National Front candidates in the municipal polls, the survey showed on Friday, four points more than six months ago.

All in all, the National Front hopes to see 1,000

PREFAILLES: French socialist Prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault greets supporters yestertday in Prefailles, western France, during the “Fete de la Rose” (Rose Celebration), a traditionally socialist event. — AFP to 1,500 candidates elected to city councils, its secretary general Steeve Briois told Reuters.

Although the number is a small share of France’s more than 36,000 municipalities and the party is unlikely to win a majority in many city councils, it would be a big increase from the 60 won in the last municipal elections in 2008.

The party has even more ambitious plans for the May European Parliament elections.

Eurosceptic, nationalistic parties traditionally do well in the poll, a growing worry for mainstream parties throughout Europe as frustration over austerity mounts.

“We can be first in the European elections, I’m certain about that,” Briois told Reuters with a wide smile. “The issues discussed in this election are the ones we’ve always focused on,” he said, citing the impact of European integration on immigration, security and jobs.

French academic Sylvain Crepon, an expert on the National Front, says that while the party is aiming for incremental increases in municipal seats in order to progressively build credibility on the ground, it has a shot at an outright victory in the EU vote.

“It can play on the protest vote, in a context of doubt about the EU and the euro,” he said. “It could become, just for this election, symbolically, the first party of France, or the second. That would be a thunderbolt.”

Once famous for Jean-Marie Le Pen’s outbursts on immigration and anti-Semitic remarks, the party has worked to spruce up its image since his daughter took the helm. But despite the media-friendly, open attitude and the youth of many supporters who chat in the alleys around the convention site in Marseille, the party’s agenda remains essentially unchanged.

Briois and others said in Marseille they support ending subsidies to local NGOs which help the Roma people or serve halal meals, for instance. And Marine Le Pen’s platform for the 2012 presidential election included the idea of giving “national priority” for French citizens, code for giving benefits only to families who have at least one French parent.

Jean-Marie Le Pen got hundreds cheering and clapping with a speech on Saturday when he denounced immigration and Islamism as “fatal scourges” for France. — Reuters

Italian island readies for record-breaking ship salvage GIGLIO ISLAND: The tiny Italian island of Giglio made final preparations yesterday for an unprecedented attempt to raise the 114,500-ton Costa Concordia cruise ship from its watery grave. Salvage workers could be seen fixing the giant metal chains and cables that will hoist up the 290-metre (951foot) wreck, which is roughly the length of three football fields.

The head of the operation, Nick Sloane, has said it is now or never for the Costa Concordia because the hull is gradually weakening and might not survive another winter. The biggest rotation of a passenger ship ever attempted is due to begin at 6 am (0400 GMT) today, with a formal go-ahead based on the weather forecast due later yesterday.

The project so far has cost more than 600 million euros ($798 million) and one of the insurance companies picking up the tab estimates the bill could eventually run to $1.1 billion (830 million euros).

Once the Costa Concordia is upright, the plan is to stabilize it and then tow it away for scrapping early next year. The ship has been lying on its side just off Giglio ever since it hit rocks near the shore and keeled over with 4,229 people from 70 countries on board in January 2012.

The crash-allegedly caused by captain Francesco Schettino’s bravado-sparked a panicked night-time evacuation. Thirty-two people lost their lives in the disaster. Using giant cement sacks and a custommade metal platform, salvagers have so far secured the rusting hulk, which was threatening to slip from its resting place into deeper waters.

The plan is to drag it up using cables and pulleys-a complex operation that environmentalists warn could spill thousands of tons of toxic waste into the pristine waters. The hull could bend as it is being hoisted but the civil protection agency, which is overseeing the salvage, has ruled out the possibility of the ship splitting in two.

The operation is expected to take between 10 and 12 hours and all maritime traffic will be blocked in the area, one of Europe’s biggest marine sanctuaries, until it is over. The operation holds special significance for islanders whose lives were turned

GIGLIO: Workmen on a boat sail near the Costa Concordia ship as it lies on its side near the Tuscan Island of Giglio, Italy, yesterday. An international team of engineers is expected today to try a never-before attempted strategy to right the luxury liner, which capsized after striking a reef in 2012 killing 32 people. — AP upside-down by the tragedy and there was a spe- sons” onto the side of the ship that is currently under water. These will act as giant flotation devices cial prayer for the salvage during Sunday mass.

Sloane, the South African who will be at the con- to allow the vessel to be towed away to be dismantrols, said the ship will initially be dragged up for tled, probably early next year. The salvage operafour or five hours before gravity takes over and it tion has been delayed repeatedly, mainly because of difficulties of drilling into the granite seabed to begins to right itself on its own.

Giant metal tanks the size of 11-storey buildings install a metal structure to support the ship. The that have been fixed on the side currently exposed project is being financed by insurance for ship ownare planned to act as brakes to prevent it from flip- er Costa Crociere, Europe’s biggest cruise operator.

Four crew members and the head of Costa ping over too far.

The island’s economy depends hugely on Crociere’s crisis unit were handed short prison sentourism and locals say the presence of the wreck tences after negotiating plea bargains over their and the massive salvage operation involving 500 role in the crash. The ship’s captain, Schettino, is currently on trial accused of manslaughter and abanworkers has discouraged summer visitors.

Once the roll-over-known as a “parbuckling”-is doning the luxury liner before all its passengers had completed, workers will weld more tanks or “spon- been evacuated. — AFP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

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

New Australian FM firm on Indonesia refugee plans SYDNEY: Australia’s incoming foreign minister Julie Bishop said yesterday that the new conservative government would work with Indonesia “where we need to” but it was not seeking permission to implement controversial refugee policies.

Bishop, prime minister-elect Tony Abbott’s nominee for top diplomat, said Australia respected Indonesia’s sovereignty but it would forge ahead with sensitive plans to combat people-smuggling that were met with a cool response in the Southeast Asian nation during the election campaign.

Abbott plans to tow back asylum-

seeker boats from Indonesia in a military response codenamed Operation Sovereign Borders, while buying up fishing boats to keep them from the hands of people -smugglers, embedding Australian police in villages and paying locals for intelligence.

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said Jakarta would reject the plans as not in the spirit of partnership between the two countries last week, adding that the issue would be a top priority for talks with Abbott ahead of next month’s APEC summit.

But Bishop insisted that the policies would be implemented in a television

interview yesterday. “Over the next few days and weeks we will be working cooperatively with Indonesia. But I point out we’re not seeking Indonesia’s permission to implement our policies, we’re seeking their understanding,” Bishop told Meet the Press. “We will work cooperatively with Indonesia, where we need to,” she added. Bishop said Australia respected Indonesian sovereignty and defended on-the-ground intelligence operations and payment of bounties.

“The IOM (International Organisation for Migration) is already operating in Indonesia collecting intelligence. And the idea of financial rewards, for exam-

ple, for information, is hardly novel. The United States has been doing it for decades,” she said.

“We have policies that we wish to implement as soon as we’re sworn in, and we will be working with Indonesia through a series of bilateral meetings and broader meetings that will occur as soon as I’m sworn in,” added Bishop.

Abbott’s Liberal-National coalition ended six years of centre-left Labor rule with an emphatic election win last weekend. A “Stop the Boats” plan was a central plank of his campaign strategy.

Asylum-seekers arriving in Australia on unseaworthy, overcrowded vessels

from Indonesia are a sensitive political issue, despite their relatively small numbers by global standards, with both Abbott and Labor incumbent Kevin Rudd making hardline promises in a bid to win votes.

Along with his Indonesian activities Abbott plans to put all asylum-seekers arriving by boat-including those already in Australia awaiting processing-onto temporary three-year visas and strip them of appeal, family reunion or permanent residency rights as well as access to legal assistance. They will be forced onto work-for-welfare programmes.—AFP

Cambodian police clash with oppn supporters Opposition rally keeps heat on Hun Sen

KARO: Villagers wait for evacuation on a road covered by volcanic ash from an eruption of Mount Sinabung as they flee their homes in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia, yesterday. Thousands of people fled their homes after the volcano erupted early yesterday.— AP

Thousands flee as volcano erupts on Sumatra island JAKARTA: Thousands of villagers fled yesterday after a volcano erupted on Indonesia’s Sumatra island spewing rocks and red-hot ash onto surrounding villages, officials said.

Mount Sinabung in Karo district, North Sumatra province, erupted violently before dawn. “More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from areas within a three-kilometre (two-mile) radius of the volcano, and they are all safe,” Asren Nasution, the head of North Sumatra disaster agency, told AFP. Five halls normally used for traditional cultural ceremonies had been converted into shelters for those displaced. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, national disaster agency spokesman, said 3,710 people had so far

been evacuated. Nugroho said it was second recent eruption of Sinabung. The volcano was dormant for nearly 100 years before erupting in August and September 2010, forcing about 12,000 people to flee.

Indonesia has dozens of active volcanoes and straddles major tectonic fault lines known as the “Ring of Fire” between the Pacific and Indian oceans.

Last month five people were killed and hundreds evacuated when a volcano on a tiny island in East Nusa Tenggara province erupted.

The country ’s most active volcano, Mount Merapi in central Java, killed more than 350 people in a series of violent eruptions in 2010. — AFP

Pakistan announces troop withdrawal from Swat PESHAWAR: Pakistan is to start withdrawing troops from a troubled northwestern district where Taleban insurgents shot schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai in the head, local officials said yesterday. The army in 2009 sent 30,000 troops to battle Taleban fighters controlled by cleric Maulana Fazlullah, who since 2007 had taken control of the scenic Swat valley and waged a campaign of beheadings, other violence and attacks on girls’ schools.

By July 2009 the army declared the region back under control and said the rebels had all been killed, captured or fled. But more than 20,000 troops remained in Swat and adjacent districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Some security officials in Swat have voiced fears that Fazlullah and his loyalists, who escaped into eastern Afghanistan, could make a comeback in the event of a complete army pullout. The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pervez Khattak, late Saturday approved the phased withdrawal, his spokesman Shiraz Paracha said.

In the initial stage, troops will be withdrawn from neighbouring Buner and Shangla districts in October.

“Chief minister Pervez Khattak has approved gradual withdrawal of forces from

Swat and Malakand division. Forces will start leaving Shangla and Buner districts in the first phase from next month,” the spokesman told AFP. A military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the withdrawal next month of 300 soldiers from Buner and Shangla, but denied there would be a complete troop withdrawal from the Swat valley in coming months.

But the provincial government spokesman said Khattak “has signed relevant documents” and a “detailed plan of complete withdrawal will be finalised with law-enforcing agencies”.

The Swat operation was one of Pakistan’s most successful offensives against the homegrown insurgents who have bombed and killed thousands nationwide.

Under military control, Swat was largely peaceful. But in October last year schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, a campaigner for girls’ education, was shot in the head by the Taleban on a school bus-an attack that drew worldwide condemnation.

She was flown to Britain for surgery for her head injuries and returned to school in Birmingham in March. Malala, now 16, was this month awarded the 2013 International Children’s Peace Prize. — AFP

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian riot police clashed with opposition party supporters yesterday in the capital as a new wave of demonstrations against Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government kicked off with a vow that the protests would not stop until the nation’s post-election deadlock is resolved.

At least one policeman was injured in the violence. Most of Phnom Penh was calm, however, as around 20,000 people rallied at a city park earlier in the day to push for an independent investigation of results from the July election.

The opposition says that it should have won a majority of seats in parliament, but that the election was marred by irregularities.

The government had warned protesters to stay off the streets, but thousands of them marched across various parts of the city throughout the day.

At one riverside spot east of downtown, around 200 protesters faced off with police across a barricade of barbed wire and roadblocks that had been erected to keep them from strategic parts of Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace.

When the protesters refused to disperse and began jeering, police fired water cannons and then smoke grenades, prompting demonstrators to throw shoes and other objects back. One policeman was hit in the head with what appeared to be a piece of iron.

The mass rally comes one day after Cambodia’s king brought Hun Sen face to face with opposition chief Sam Rainsy for the first time in years, urging the two rivals to resolve their conflict over the election results peacefully for the sake of national stability. No agreement was reached, but the two are expected to meet again today.

Political analysts say the weekend protest is mostly aimed at appeasing angry supporters and

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia riot policeman, center, moves barbed wire set up to block a road as supporters of opposition parties gather for demonstrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, yesterday. Riot police in Cambodia’s capital fired smoke grenades and water cannons at rock-throwing opposition supporters yesterday as a new wave of demonstrations against Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government kicked off with a vow to protest until the nationís post-election deadlock is resolved. — AP strengthening the opposition’s hand in negotiations with Hun Sen. Although the rally is aimed at pushing for an independent investigation of the election results, the government has no legal means of meeting the request now that the results have been ratified.

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party says it should have won the vote. “Their ballots were stolen and they are asking for justice,” Sam Rainsy said of his supporters. He said yesterday’s protest, initially planned for three days, would continue until the opposition’s demands for justice are met.

The opposition plans to have its supporters camp overnight, setting up a possible confrontation with

riot police since authorities have requested that the rally end by nightfall.

Fears of violence have risen amid a visible increase of military forces in the capital since the election and the discovery Friday of explosives planted by unknown people near the park where the demonstration took place.

Official results announced last weekend gave Hun Sen’s party 68 seats in the National Assembly and Sam Rainsy’s party 55 - a dramatic opposition increase from the 29 seats it won in the previous election. On Saturday, King Norodom Sihamoni also urged lawmakers from both parties to attend the opening session of parliament Sept.

23. The opposition has said it would boycott the session and Sam Rainsy repeated that promise yesterday.

Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, said talks between the rivals this week could have focused on allotting the opposition several parliamentary leadership positions, reforming the electoral commission and allowing Sam Rainsy to take a seat in parliament.

Just before July’s disputed vote, the king pardoned the then-selfexiled Sam Rainsy at the request of Hun Sen - likely under international pressure. He returned to Cambodia before the election, but too late to register as a candidate himself. — AFP

Pakistani Taleban make demands before talks PESHAWAR: The Taleban demanded yesterday that the government release militant prisoners and begin withdrawing troops from the group’s tribal sanctuary before they will participate in peace talks, raising doubts about prospects for negotiations.

The Taleban’s leadership council decided on the need for confidence building measures while meeting to discuss the government’s offer to hold peace talks, said the group’s spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid.

Pakistan’s major political parties endorsed peace talks with the Taleban last week as the best way to end a decade-long insurgency that has killed thousands of people. But it’s unclear what steps the government is willing to take to convince the militants to sit down at the negotiating table.

It’s also unclear what would be acceptable to the army, which has lost thousands of soldiers fighting the Taleban and is considered the strongest institution in the country.

“The Taleban have been deceived in the past in the name of peace, so the government will have to take some steps before the start of talks to assure the Taleban that the government is serious about the peace process,” Shahid told The Associated Press by telephone from an undisclosed location. The government must release Pakistani Taleban militants it is holding prisoner and show that it is withdrawing soldiers from the tribal region along the border with Afghanistan, said Shahid. “If the government does not take these two steps, the peace process cannot go forward,” said Shahid. Intelligence officials and militant commanders said the Taleban and the army exchanged a small number of prisoners last week as a confidence building measure ahead of talks, but the army denied the swap.

The army has carried out scores of operations against the Taleban in the tribal region, but the militants have proven resilient and continue to carry out regular attacks. A roadside bomb killed one soldier and wounded another yesterday in the North Waziristan tribal region, the main sanctuary for Taleban and al-Qaeda militants in the country, said military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with military policy. On Saturday night, militants ambushed a group

of tribal policemen riding in a vehicle near the northwest town of Bannu, killing two of them and wounding four others, the officials said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Many observers are skeptical about peace talks with the Taleban since prior agreements with the militants have fallen apart.

Critics say the deals simply gave the militants time to regroup and continue their fight against the state.

It’s also unclear what room for compromise the Taleban and the government would find if they did sit down to negotiate. The militants have criticized Pakistan’s democratic system, demanded the imposition of Islamic law and stipulated the government must break off its alliance with the United States.

Even if the two sides could come to an agreement, it’s unclear how well the Taleban could enforce it on their side. There are dozens of militant groups based in the tribal

region with varying degrees of allegiance to the Taleban. The US is wary of a peace deal because it could give Afghan Taleban militants greater space to conduct cross-border attacks against US-led troops in Afghanistan.

But it could be hard for the US to push back against negotiations since it wants Pakistan’s help in striking a peace deal with the Afghan Taleban. The Afghan and Pakistani Taleban are allies but have focused on different targets.

The Afghan Taleban have fought coalition troops in Afghanistan, while the Pakistani Taleban have largely focused on battling the Pakistani state. The Pakistani Taleban indicated they were open to holding peace talks at the end of last year but withdrew that offer in May after the group’s deputy leader was killed in a US drone strike. Despite the Taleban’s reluctance, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has continued to push for negotiations since he took office in June. — AP

LUCKNOW: Indian devotees dance and throw colored powder as they prepare to immerse an idol of elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha in the Gomati River during Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrations in Lucknow, India, yesterday. The festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. — AP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher

YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief

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

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

Focus

South Sudan’s Salva Kiir faces growing dissent

By Ulf Laessing and Andrew Green

T

elsach Gad, a teacher in South Sudan, had high hopes for a better life when his country became independent in 2011 after decades of civil war with Khartoum. Two years later, he has lost all illusions. “The government hasn’t done anything to develop the country,” the unemployed Arabic instructor said, sitting with other jobless young men in a makeshift roadside cafe in the capital Juba. “We don’t have jobs, schools, hospitals.” Western donors and the UN have poured billions of dollars into South Sudan, which won independence after decades of war with northern rulers in Khartoum, becoming the world’s newest country and a large African oil producer in its own right.

Nobody ever thought it would be easy to transform one of the world’s least developed countries into a functional, prosperous state, but the performance of the former bush fighters as rulers has fallen short of even the most modest expectations. President Salva Kiir is facing growing dissent from the streets and from inside his ruling party. Critics say the newborn nation is facing the same ills that always plagued the old Sudan - corruption, a lack of public services and repression of government opponents and the media. Two weeks ago, small protests broke out in Juba against the deteriorating security situation. While nobody regrets secession, half the population feels South Sudan is heading in the wrong direction with poverty and crime rising, according to a poll by the International Republican Institute.

“People are upset. Everyone is upset,” said Deng Athuai, head of the South Sudan Civil Society Alliance, which promotes the rule of law. “Nothing is going right.” The absence of a real opposition party means widespread grievances find no outlet through the political system, but the calmness in Juba’s dusty streets is deceptive. Many are afraid of the powerful security services and people are reluctant to discuss corruption in detail. Instead of protesting, many flock to the churches to vent their anger. “People call all the time to set up counselling sessions,” said Caesar Ojja, pastor at the Pentecostal Church. Ojja said he heard more and more people talking about suicide due to unemployment and poverty. “People have problems and they don’t know how to solve it,” he said.

“People are afraid to take to the street.”

Responding to popular frustration, Kiir in July fired his cabinet, many of whose members had been accused of corruption and incompetence. He also removed Vice President Riek Machar and SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum, his main political rivals. Kiir consolidated power with the sackings but the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) will likely split as Machar and Amum have higher ambitions, said Nhial Bol, editor of the independent Citizen newspaper. Machar wants to challenge Kiir for president, while Amum has filed a lawsuit against being investigated on Kiir’s orders for “disloyalty”.Bol said things could turn violent if the government failed to hold elections in 2015 as planned. An understaffed election body is struggling to organize a census and register political parties. With only weak institutions in place, the country might break up along ethnic lines, as in the civil war when Kiir and Machar were opponents, according to a study by the Sudd Institute, a local think thank. “If the cracks take ethnic lines and violence ensues as a result, the state may become dysfunctional, giving way to a large-scale ethnic violence,” the report said. Signs of disintegration can be already seen in the central Jonglei state, where army abuses have fuelled a rebellion by a leader of the small Murle tribe. Soldiers have looted aid agencies and fighting has cut off tens of thousands of people from aid, according to the UN. Stability in South Sudan is vital for Asian buyers of its crude oil and for neighboring East African nations such as Kenya and Uganda, which became swamped with refugees during the civil war.

State collapse?

The government has earned more than $10 billion from oil sales since the 2005 peace deal with Khartoum but no power utility has been built with state money. About $5 billion was stolen, and Kiir had to write to 75 former and current officials last year, asking them to return the money. Diplomats said no significant amounts were repaid. While it was always clear it would take time to build hospitals, diplomats say time was wasted in passing basic legislation. Until recently there were no functioning immigration laws, which allowed the influx of thousands of unskilled workers from Kenya and Uganda competing with an army of unemployed locals.

Officials are working in new buildings with regular power supply but some ministries are not efficient, diplomats say. The electricity ministry - also known jokingly as the “ministry of darkness” - for example has only three trained staff - the minister, his undersecretary and a director general. The rest await training and guidance on what to do. The oil ministry only functions thanks to assistance from Norway, which is also helping to pay for the construction of the first power plant. Oslo also built the ministry complex. Western donors and Asian oil firms have helped avoid state collapse by giving grants during a 16-month oil shutdown with Sudan caused by a row over pipeline fees and border territory. —Reuters

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.

Bumpy road to weapons destruction

By Charles Onians

T

he US-Russian deal brokered Saturday to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons will be difficult if not impossible to implement, experts said, not least because of the quandary of their destruction. The landmark deal thrashed out in Geneva gives Syria a week to hand over details of his regime’s stockpile, which it aims to destroy by mid-2014 in order to avert US-led military strikes. But chemical weapons expert Jean Pascal Zanders said that timetable is irrelevant because decision-making now passes to the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Based in The Hague, the OPCW is charged with implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria asked to join amid growing calls for military action against Damascus. “The Executive Council has sovereign decision-making, and the US and Russia just have one vote each among the 41 mem-

bers, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t have consensus decision-making,” Zanders said. “All deadlines proposed in the bilateral document (in Geneva) will only start running once the (Executive Council) decision has been taken,” said Zanders, who runs a consultancy and blog dedicated to disarmament.

The OPCW’s Executive Council is currently set to meet on Wednesday, but a source close to the matter said that date might be pushed back to Thursday or Friday.

Even once inspectors are deployed and stockpiles are found, they face the practical problem of destruction, said Olivier Lepick of the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris.

“You have to build a factory that costs several hundreds of millions of dollars to then be able to destroy the chemical weapons,” Lepick said. In Iraq, weapons inspectors used innovative but problematic methods to destroy Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction, Zanders said. “Sometimes holes were dug in the desert, fuel was put in it and a cer-

tain type of detonation was created that equals the effect of a fuel air bomb as a result of which you had high temperature incineration, which was not necessarily contained or controlled.” Taking the weapons out of Syria would also be a problem. “The CWC (Chemical Weapons Convention) says chemical weapons and their ingredients cannot be transferred and no state party can under whatever circumstances acquire them in any way,” Zanders said. Syrian foe Israel is one of a handful of countries not to have ratified the CWC, and as it is the only one with a border with Syria, sending them there would “be the only option that’s not prohibited by the CWC,” he said.

“But I don’t know what Bibi’s (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) reaction would be to get them on Israeli territory.” For the same reason, taking the weapons to either the United States or Russia would also not be possible. “Even assuming the US or Russia would be willing to accept these weapons on their

soil, they have national laws prohibiting the transport of these weapons between states,” Zanders said. But, he added: “I do believe that people can be creative with the law.” Lepick said he thought it would be impossible for Syrian stockpiles to be destroyed by mid-2014, noting that the United States and Russia have still not destroyed their chemical weapons despite spending billions of dollars trying to do so since 1993. The mid-2014 deadline “seems to be a complete fantasy”, Lepick said.

“Given the civil war, I don’t think it can happen... In peacetime it would take years to dismantle Syria’s nuclear arsenal.” Former Iraq UN weapons inspector David Kay told CNN on Saturday that “doing this in the context of a civil war with a considerable amount of force used on both sides makes it very difficult.” It will also be difficult to find the right people for the job of inspection. “It will take time to assemble them. Quite frankly, with my experience in Iraq, some of the people will not want to go into a combat zone.” —AFP

High costs keep Japan focus on nuclear

By Elaine Kurtenbach

J

apan will once again be without atomic energy as its only operating nuclear reactor went offline yesterday for refueling and maintenance, and other plants remained closed for intensified safety checks following the 2011 meltdowns at the tsunami-stricken plant in Fukushima. But despite signs that the Fukushima crisis is worsening, Japan’s commitment to restarting many of its 50 idled reactors appears stronger than ever, a year after a previous government said it would begin to phase out nuclear power completely.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who took office in December, says nuclear power remains essential, even with a surge in generation capacity from solar, wind and other renewable sources, and that the world’s No 3 economy cannot afford the mounting costs from importing gas and oil.

Four nuclear plant operators have applied to restart a dozen reactors under revised safety guidelines, though the pace will be relatively slow, with the first expected to come online early next year at the earliest. Inspections take about six months for each reactor, and obtaining consent from local governments may also take time.

Only two reactors have been operating in Japan since July 2012, both at Ohi in the west. The No. 3 reactor went offline for maintenance on Sept 2, and the No 4 reactor is being shut down Sunday night. They are among the dozen that have applied to restart. The Ohi plant’s operator, Kansai Electric Power Co, began reducing the No 4 reactor’s output yesterday evening as planned, with its complete shutdown expected after midnight. The disaster at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant, the worst atomic accident since the 1986 Chernobyl explosion, prompted a rethink of plans to raise nuclear capacity from onethird to over half of total demand.

Even with little to no nuclear

power, Japan has managed to avoid power rationing and blackouts. Industries have moved aggressively to avoid disruptions by installing backup generators and shifting to new sources, such as solar power. Recent disclosures that the Fukushima plant is still leaking radiation and struggling to handle contaminated water used to cool its reactors have raised alarms over whether the situation is as fully under control as Abe says.

Still, the government appears certain to scuttle the commitment to end the use of nuclear power gradually that was made a year ago under a different administration.

While surveys indicate the public remains opposed to nuclear power, the demonstrations by hundreds of thousands after the Fukushima disaster have diminished, perhaps sapped by the pain to the pocketbooks of Tokyo households now paying 30 percent more for electricity than before, with more rate hikes

to come. The issue is cost, and to a lesser extent, concern over a resurgence in climate-changing carbon emissions due to increased use of coal and oil to generate power.

Clean energy still accounts for only 10 percent of total consumption most of it hydropower. Much of the new capacity approved has yet to come online. Reliance on imported oil and gas has surged from about 60 percent of energy consumption to about 85 percent. Japan posted a trade deficit in 2011 for the first time in 31 years, and another deficit of 8.2 trillion yen ($82.4 billion) in 2012.

About half of the increase stemmed from rising fuel costs, according to the trade minister, Toshimitsu Motegi. The recent weakening of the Japanese yen has added to the burden on the economy from oil and gas imports.

Abe and others in favor of resuming nuclear power contend that renewable energy is too expensive and unreliable - wind doesn’t

always blow, the sun doesn’t always shine. Apart from those issues, national security requires that Japan retain some self-sufficiency, and the only way to do that is by relying at least in the near term on nuclear energy, said Masamichi Adachi, an economist at JPMorgan in Tokyo.

While Japan’s suppliers of uranium tend to be stable industrial nations, most of its oil comes from the volatile Middle East. But the reasons for keeping the nuclear industry afloat extend beyond the imperatives of trade balances and balance sheets.

Having invested billions of dollars (trillions of yen) in nuclear plants and technology it is counting on selling to a burgeoning global industry, many of Japan’s business and political leaders appear reluctant to give it up. Local communities are divided: many have relied heavily on nuclear plants for jobs and tax revenues, but worry over potential risks.

OI, Japan: Kansai Electric Power Co (KEPCO) engineers checking the readings after Unit No 4 reactor reached maximum power at the company’s Oi nuclear power plant in the town of Oi, Fukui prefecture.

Japan began to switch off its last working nuclear reactor at Oi, Fukui prefecture yesterday. —AFP

Still, Abe has pledged to pursue renewable energy and backed reforms that would separate power generation and distribution, aimed at getting utilities to retool their electricity grids so they can absorb solar and wind power generated by households, companies and other independent sources. Other initiatives include improving the efficiency of thermal power plants, installing computerized “smart meters,” using more energy-efficient construction materials and design and expanding the use of energyefficient LED lighting. Over a year ago, the government set a new, higher feed-in tariff for renewable energy, and companies are investing heavily in wind and solar power, transforming defunct golf courses into solar farms and building offshore wind turbines.

Such companies include phone carrier Softbank, trading houses Mitsui & Co and Marubeni Corp, Toyota Motor Corp’s Toyota Turbine and Systems Inc. and Oji Paper, among others. Since April 2012, Japan has increased its generation capacity from renewable sources by 15 percent to about 3.4 million kilowatts. “Over the last two years, there’s been a realization among the big players - Toyota, Hitachi, shipbuilders - that there’s a huge opportunity in power,” said Andrew DeWit, a professor at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. “We’re also seeing radical efficiency gains.”

Even if Japan’s nuclear plants are allowed to restart, many will soon reach their 40-year operating limits, raising the issue of whether and how they will be replaced.

Meanwhile, the disposal and security of nuclear waste are issues yet to be resolved.

For now, however, it appears any phase-out of nuclear power will be very gradual. “In the long term if we can create new resources that are more efficient than the current oil-based system, then we can rely less on nuclear power, that’s quite possible,” Adachi said. “But it will take quite a long time.” —AP

NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Russia doesn’t share US values in Syria...

Continued from Page 1

RAFAH: Palestinian fishermen pull their boat on the beach near the Gaza Strip’s southern coastal city of Rafah yesterday. Egyptian naval forces opened fire for the second time in recent weeks at Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza Strip’s southern coast and arrested two of them, the Islamist movement Hamas that rules the Palestinian enclave said. — AFP

Mine collapse kills 28 in Afghanistan KABUL: Rescue teams in northern Afghanistan searched a collapsed mine for bodies yesterday after at least 28 miners were confirmed dead and officials said no more survivors were trapped underground. The coal mine in a remote area of Samangan province caved in after a gas explosion on Saturday, and emergency workers had earlier reported that 12 miners remained alive inside the mine.

“Today 24 bodies have been recovered and four that are still under the rubble have been pronounced dead,” Mohammad Sediq Azizi, Samangan’s provincial spokesman, said. “People are now holding funeral ceremonies for those who died. Around 100 other workers were taken to hospital, but discharged after brief treatment.” Azizi said the mine appeared to have collapsed after a massive gas explosion at the site in Ruyi Du Ab district. Mosadiqullah Muzafari, Samangan’s deputy security

chief, said four rescue workers were badly injured during the emergency operation.

President Hamid Karzai expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and ordered an investigation by the mines ministry. Conditions in Afghan coal mines can be dangerously primitive, with miners working with old equipment and little ventilation or safety gear.

The US conducted an aerial mining survey of Afghanistan in 2006, building on data from the Soviet occupation of the 1980s, and found evidence of $1 trillion of minerals deposits in the country.

There were strong results for copper and iron. Such potential wealth offers a glimmer of hope to a country ravaged by decades of war and facing further turmoil as 87,000 international troops fighting Taliban insurgents head home by the end of next year. The government is counting on commercial mining as a future source of much-needed income,

and a new mining law is due to be passed soon to regulate the industry and encourage investment.

But the legislation is stuck in parliament after long delays and disputes between competing ministries. More setbacks could push the bill beyond elections in April, when Karzai is due to step down after 12 years in power and Afghanistan looks set for a period of political uncertainty. Economic development is considered vital to stop the country from sinking back into civil war and to stem Islamist extremism.

Afghanistan is currently heavily dependent on foreign donors, but there are fears that once NATO-led troops withdraw, aid money will decline and investors will leave due to security concerns. Last year, a donors’ conference in Tokyo pledged $16 billion to Afghanistan on strict condition that progress is made to reform the country as NATO troops depart. -— AFP

58 killed in wave of Iraq bombings Continued from Page 1 In Kut, another Shiite-dominated city 160 kilometers (100 miles) southeast of Baghdad, a car bomb targeted construction workers and food stalls, killing two and wounding 14, another provincial police officer said.

Seven more civilians were killed and 31 others were wounded when four separate car bombs ripped through the towns of Suwayrah and Hafriyah outside Kut, police said.

In Baghdad’s northern Sunni-dominated Azamiyah neighborhood, a car bomb that exploded near the convoy of the head of Baghdad’s provincial council killed three and wounded eight, police say. The council head escaped unharmed. Two other car bombs hit the southern cities of Basra and Nasiriyah, killing eight civilians and wounding 26, two police officers said. And two more civilians were killed when a bomb hit a police patrol in Baghdad’s Sunni western suburb of Abu

Ghraib. Nine other people were wounded.

To the northeast of Baghdad, gunmen broke into a farm in the village of Abu Sayda and killed three Sunni farmers, police said. No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts, which targeted commercial areas and parking lots in seven cities. But systematically organized waves of bombings are often used by Al-Qaeda’s local branch, known as the Islamic State of Iraq, to undermine confidence in the Shiite -led government.

Sometimes insurgents launch multiple attacks for two or more days in a row. On Saturday, 27 people were killed in suicide attacks, bombings and shootings. In the afternoon, police found the bodies of four Sunni men killed with gunshots to the head. The men, all relatives, were kidnapped early yesterday by gunmen who stormed their house in Baghdad’s southern Youssifiyah suburb. Eleven medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All spoke anonymously as they weren’t authorized to release information. — AP

As long as Mr Assad’s in power, there is going to be some sort of conflict there.”

The threat of US military action against Syria remains “real”, Washington’s top diplomat said yesterday a day after striking a deal with Russia to destroy Damascus’s chemical weapons stockpile. “The threat of force remains, the threat is real,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said at a news conference in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“We cannot have hollow words in the conduct of international affairs.” Kerry’s remarks were made following a four-hour meeting with Netanyahu at which the two men discussed the US-Russian agreement on eradicating Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons, and also talked about the ongoing Middle East peace talks. “Make no mistake, we have taken no options off the table,” Kerry warned after news of the deal appeared to stave off the threat of a USled military strike on the Syrian regime after a chemical attack last month on a Damascus suburb.

“The fact of weapons of mass destruction having being used against the people of their own state-these are crimes against humanity and they cannot be tolerated,” he said.

Under terms of the breakthrough deal struck in Geneva on Saturday following three days of talks between Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad has a week to hand over details of the quantity and location of all the chemical agents in its possession.

Obama denied having been outfoxed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in accepting the deal. “I welcome him being involved. I welcome him saying, ‘I will take responsibility for pushing my client, the Assad regime, to deal with these chemical weapons,” Obama told ABC television. Kerry said the joint plan would be encapsulated in a Security Council resolution drawn up under Chapter Seven of the UN charter, which provides for enforcement through sanctions, including the possible use of military force.

A US-Russian plan to remove Syria’s chemical weapons is a “victory” that averts war, a Syrian minister said yesterday. “On one hand, it helps the Syrians emerge from the crisis and on the other it has allowed for averting war against Syria...,” Minister of State for National Reconciliation Ali Haidar told Russian news agency Ria Novosti. “It’s a victory for Syria that was achieved thanks to our Russian friends.”

His remarks came as US Secretary of State John Kerry met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to brief him on the plan to eradicate Syria’s chemical weapons.

The stockpile would then be turned over to international supervision and destroyed by mid-2014 in a deal which has won backing from China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council. The accord was hailed as heading off a possible US-led strike and unspecified sanctions. Kerry described the Geneva understandings as a “framework, not a final agreement”, but one which had “the full ability to be able to strip all the chemical weapons from Syria”. He described the agreement as “the most far-reaching chemical weapons removal effort” ever designed and one which stretched well beyond the scope of the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993.

But he acknowledged its full implementation was crucial. “This will only be as effective as its implementation will be.” “Just removing the chemical weapons doesn’t do the job, we understand that... but it is one step forward, and it eliminates that weapon from the arsenal of a man who has proven willing to do anything to his people to hold on to power.”

“If diplomacy has any chance to work it must be coupled with a credible military threat,” he said, referring directly to Iran and its nuclear program, which Israel and much of the West believes is a front for developing a weapons capability. “Iran must understand the consequences of its continual defiance of the international community by its pursuit of nuclear weapons. “What is true of...

Syria is true of Iran.”

“The threat of force remains, the threat is real,” he said at a joint news conference in Jerusalem with Netanyahu.

Washington is seeking to bolster international support for the agreement inked in Geneva on Saturday, which demands action from Damascus within days. The ambitious plan to dismantle and destroy Syria’s chemical arms stockpile one of the largest in the world-by mid-2014 was thrashed out over three days of talks in Geneva between Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. It gives Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad a week to hand over details of his regime’s arsenal of the internationally banned arms in order to avert unspecified sanctions and the threat of US-led military strikes. It also specifies there must be immediate access for arms control experts and that inspections of what the US says is some 45 sites linked to the Syrian chemical weapons program must be completed by November. A high-ranking official in Syria told AFP that the chemical deal could put Damascus back on the road to peace if it is coupled with an accord to cut off the supply of weapons to foreign-backed rebels.

“In parallel with the question of chemical arms, the whole world must work together to halt the influx of arms and mercenaries to Syria,” he said. The deal won the backing of China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, which like Russia has vetoed several UN resolutions on Syria.

“This agreement will enable tensions in Syria to be eased,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his visiting French counterpart Laurent Fabius who will meet Lavrov tomorrow in Moscow. The Syrian rebels fighting to oust Assad have rejected the deal, warning it would not halt the conflict. “Are we Syrians supposed to wait until mid-2014, to continue being killed every day and to accept (the deal) just because the chemical arms will be destroyed in 2014?” asked Free Syrian Army chief General Selim Idriss.

But in Damascus there was a flicker of hope the end of the devastating 30-month conflict may be in sight. “We have more hope now, after this agreement. We might be able to see an end to terrorism and the troubles that we’ve had no part in creating,” beauty salon owner Muna Ibo said.

Experts said the deal would be difficult-if not impossible-to implement. Olivier Lepick of the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris said he thought it would be impossible for Syrian stockpiles to be destroyed by mid-2014. The deadline “seems to be a complete fantasy,” he told AFP. “Given the civil war, I don’t think it can happen... In peacetime it would take years to dismantle Syria’s chemical arsenal.” Kerry was to fly on to Paris for today talks with Fabius, British Foreign Secretary William Hague, Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal and their Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu. France has so far been Washington’s closest ally as it has sought to build support to punish Syria for allegedly using chemical weapons. Also today, the United Nations is due to release its investigation of an August 21 attack near Damascus. Washington says Assad’s forces unleashed sarin gas on the suburb, killing some 1,400 people. UN chief Ban Ki-moon has accused Assad of multiple crimes against humanity and said the UN inspectors’ report would provide “overwhelming” confirmation chemical weapons were used.

In a written statement following the agreement, Obama said the world expects Syria to live up to its public commitments to hand over its chemical weapons stockpile.

Warning that the US was prepared to act if Syria falls short, he also cautioned that more work remains even after the progress the deal represents. The US and others blame Assad’s government for an Aug 21 gas attack in the suburbs of Damascus, the Syrian capital. Assad denies the charge, blaming Syrian rebels.

More than 1,400 people died, according to US estimates, the latest victims of Syria’s 21/2-year-old civil war.

Polls showed relatively little support among Americans for a military strike against Syria, even after the Obama administration’s efforts to argue that punishing the Assad government for violating international norms of warfare was in the security interests of the US. — Agencies

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

S P ORTS

Gomez suffers knee injury

Police smash match-fixing ring

Battle of distance greats

ITALY: Fiorentina’s Germany forward Mario Gomez suffered a knee injury after colliding with Cagliari’s goalkeeper Michael Agazzi during their Serie A game, the club said yesterday.

Gomez went off in the 49th minute of the 1-1 draw and Fiorentina said in a statement that he had suffered a “partial tear to the medial collateral ligament (MCL).”

The club said further tests would be carried out and did not predict a recovery time. Gomez has scored two goals in five games since joining Fiorentina from Bayern Munich for around 16 million euros in July. He scored 75 goals in 115 league appearances over four seasons for Bayern after becoming the Bundesliga’s most expensive signing when he moved from VfB Stuttgart.

However, he spent much of last season as a reserve for Mario Mandzukic as Bayern claimed a Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League treble.—Reuters

MELBOURNE: Australian police arrested 10 people, many of them British, across Melbourne early yesterday as part of an operation to smash a “multi-million dollar” matchfixing ring centred on the second tier Victorian Premier League.

Police said their investigation into matchfixing in the 12-team league started in August and had been prompted by information provided by the national governing body, Football Federation of Australia (FFA). “It is believed the players and staff involved are all affiliated with the one sporting club,” read a Victoria Police statement. “Many of the players arrested are from the United Kingdom and were playing in the Victorian league in their off-season.”

Those arrested could face sentences of up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of match-fixing. The FFA said they were nine players and a coach from the Southern Stars club and commended the action of the police in making the arrests. “The integrity of football is paramount,” FFA chief David Gallop said in a statement. “We provided information to Victoria Police within 24 hours of receiving an alert from our international betting integrity monitoring agents. “We’re determined to keep football clean. Alongside other sports bodies in Australia and globally, we must eradicate corrupt behavior from sport.”—Reuters

LONDON: Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele won the battle of the distance greats when he held off a late surge from world and Olympic 10,000 and 5,000 metres champion Mo Farah to win the Great North Run half marathon yesterday.

Bekele, the world record holder over 5,000 and 10,000, won in one hour nine seconds on his debut over the 21.08-km distance from Newcastle to South Shields, with Briton Farah one second behind in wet and windy conditions. Multiple world and Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia was third in 1:00:41, an over-40 world best, as the three athletes, who between them have won all the Olympic men’s 10,000 titles since 1996, raced together for the first time. Bekele attacked on a downhill section in the final 1.6 km to pull clear of Farah and Gebrselassie and although the Briton, renowned for his pace on the track, chased down his rival over the last 400 metres he found himself crossing the line in the unusual position of second.

“It was a great race and a great finish,” Farah, who will make his marathon debut in London next year, told BBC television. —Reuters

Giants romp past Dodgers

ARLINGTON: Elvis Andrus No. 1 of the Texas Rangers steals second base in front of Eric Sogard No. 28 of the Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark. —AFP

Rangers, Twins suffer defeat ARLINGTON: Bartolo Colon scattered seven hits over eight impressive innings for the AL West-leading Oakland Athletics, who stretched their division lead over Texas to 51/2 games with a 1-0 victory over the Rangers and Yu Darvish on Saturday.

The A’s won for the seventh time in eight games, and clinched the key division series by beating Texas twice in less than 24 hours.

Colon (16-6) struck out seven and lowered what is already his career-best ERA to 2.73.

Darvish (12-9) struck out 10 over seven innings in his fourth 1-0 loss of the season.

The right-hander from Japan has lost his last four starts, the last two by 1-0 scores, and is winless his last six.

Even though Darvish struck out the side in the first, Josh Donaldson drew a one-out walk and scored on a two-out double by Brandon Moss into the right field corner.

Chicago and third in a row overall.

Jimenez (12-9) scattered eight hits and struck out eight to win his third straight start.

Andre Rienzo (2-2) lasted just four innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks.

RED SOX 5, YANKEES 1 In Boston, Jon Lester pitched eight dominant innings, and the AL East-leading Red Sox dealt the Yankees’ wild-card hopes another blow. Mike Napoli, Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino each had two hits as the surging Red Sox won for the 16th time in 19 games and beat the Yankees for the fifth time in six meetings in just over a week.

New York is three games behind Tampa Bay for the second wild-card slot. Lester (148) allowed one run and three hits, striking out five and walking two for his fourth win in six starts. The Red Sox built a 5-1 lead against CC Sabathia (13-13) after five innings. Sabathia went six innings, allowing five runs on nine hits, walking four and striking out five.

RAYS 7, TWINS 0 In Minneapolis, Matt Moore and five relievers combined on a four-hitter and the Tampa Bay Rays held their wild-card lead, defeating Minnesota on a rainy night.

Desmond Jennings hit a pair of RBI doubles as the Rays stayed 11/2 games ahead of Cleveland for the second AL wild-card spot.

The Rays teamed to blank the Twins for the second straight day, and threw their 15th shutout of the season. Tampa Bay beat Minnesota for the 11th time in a row.

After first pitch was delayed by 7 minutes, Tampa Bay took a 4-0 lead before the game was delayed 2 hours, 4 minutes in the middle of the fourth inning. Moore struck out five over three innings and didn’t return after the delay. He has only allowed one earned run in 14 2-3 innings since coming off the disabled list earlier this month.

Brandon Gomes (1-1) pitched the fourth inning and got the win. Andrew Albers (2-3) allowed four runs in four innings.

BLUE JAYS 4, ORIOLES 3 In Toronto, Colby Rasmus hit a two-run home run, Jeremy Jefress won for the first time in more than two years and the Jays handed the slumping Orioles their fifth loss in seven games.

The Orioles are 31/2 games behind Tampa Bay for the second AL wild-card slot. Rasmus erased Baltimore’s 3-2 lead with a drive off the facing of the second deck against Chris Tillman (16-6) in the seventh inning. For Rasmus, it was his 20th homer of the season and second in two days.

Jeffress (1-0) pitched one scoreless inning of relief to win for the first time since April 5, 2011, when he beat the Chicago White Sox while pitching for Kansas City. Tillman allowed four runs and six hits in eight innings to lose for the first time since Aug. 19.

INDIANS 8, WHITE SOX 1 In Chicago, Ubaldo Jimenez pitched 8 1-3 strong innings and Asdrubal Cabrera and Lonnie Chisenhall homered to lead Cleveland to a victory over the White Sox on Saturday night that helped the Indians keep pace in the AL wild-card race.

The Indians trail Tampa Bay by 11/2 games for the last wild-card spot. Cabrera hit a tworun homer and Chisenhall added a three-run shot in a five-run fourth inning that powered the Indians to their 11th straight win against

ANGELS 6, ASTROS 2 In Houston, Jered Weaver pitched six solid innings, Chris Iannetta homered and the Angels stopped Houston’s four-game winning streak. Weaver (10-8) joined Nolan Ryan as the only Angels pitchers to reach double-digits in wins for eight straight seasons. Brett Wallace homered for Houston, which leads the majors with 97 losses. The Astros had their first fourgame winning string since mid-June. Rookie Brett Oberholtzer (4-3) allowed four runs and six hits in six innings.—AP

Champions League Twenty20 2013 live and exclusive on OSN DUBAI: This September, OSN will broadcast live and exclusive coverage of the Karbonn Smart Champions League Twenty20. Viewers will be able to watch all of the action on CricOne and in glorious high definition on OSN Sports 1 HD. Karbonn Smart Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) 2013, will be played in India from 17 September 2013 to 6 October 2013 and will follow a format similar to the two previous editions, with a Group Stage preceded by a Qualifier. A total of 29 matches will be played in the tournament by the best domestic T20 teams from around the world, for total prize money of US$6million.

The Qualifier, to be played from 17 September 2013 to 20 September 2013, will feature four teams: Q1 Otago Volts (New Zealand’s HRV Cup champions), Q2 - Sunrisers Hyderabad (Fourth-ranked team in the Pepsi IPL 2013), Q3 - Kandurata Maroons, the winner of Sri Lanka’s domestic T20 competition, and Q4 - Faisalabad Wolves (Pakistan’s domestic T20 Champions).

The teams will play each other once, with the top two advancing to the Group Stage. The Group Stage will commence with a clash between Mumbai Indians, the Pepsi IPL 2013 Champions and the Rajasthan Royals, the third-

ranked team in the Pepsi IPL 2013, at Jaipur on Saturday, 21 September 2013.

Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals apart, Group A will comprise Highveld Lions (winners of South Africa’s domestic T20 competition), Perth Scorchers (KFC T20 Big Bash League runner-up), and a team from the Qualifier.

Group B will comprise Brisbane Heat (KFC Big Bash League champions), Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean Premier league champions), Chennai Super Kings (runner-up in the Pepsi IPL 2013), Titans (South Africa’s domestic T20 runners-up), and a team from the Qualifier.

The top team from Group A will play the second-ranked team from Group B in the first semi-final at Jaipur, India on 4 October 2013. The top team from Group B will play the second-ranked team from Group A in the second semi-final at Delhi, India on 5 October 2013. The winners of the semis will play in the CLT20 2013 final on 6 October 2013. For the full schedule of the Karbonn Smart Champions League Twenty20 2013, please visit www.osn.com Cricket fans can also look forward to India v Australia from October 10th to November 2nd and India v West Indies from 6th to 27th November live and exclusive on OSN.

LOS ANGELES: Hunter Pence’s grand slam and career-high seven RBIs helped San Francisco romp past the Los Angeles Dodgers 19-3.

The 19 runs were the most Los Angeles has ever given up at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers’ magic number for clinching the NL West remained at four.

The last time the Los Angeles allowed 19 runs at home was on Sept. 12, 1961, when Philadelphia won 19-10 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in a game started by none other than Sandy Koufax.

Dodger Stadium opened the next season. Brandon Belt also homered and set career highs with five hits and six RBIs during the Giants’ 22-hit attack. Tim Lincecum (10-13) won his fourth consecutive decision. He also singled twice and scored two runs.

Ricky Nolasco (13-10) was charged with seven runs on seven hits and three walks in 1 1-3 innings.

DIAMONDBACKS 9, ROCKIES 2 In Phoenix, the Colorado Rockies announced after their loss to Arizona that longtime star Todd Helton plans to retire at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old Helton is a five-time All-Star. He doubled, scored a run and drove in one during the loss. Wade Miley took a shutout into the seventh inning, and Gerardo Parra doubled twice and drove in three runs. Aaron Hill had three hits and three RBIs and Miguel Montero had three hits and scored twice on his bobblehead night, helping Miley (1010) get his first win since Aug. 6. Roy Oswalt (0-6) gave up two runs and seven hits in 4 2-3 innings.

REDS 7, BREWERS 3 In Milwaukee, Joey Votto and Shin-Soo Choo each hit two-run homers, and the Cincinnati Reds kept pace in the NL Central race with a win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Homer Bailey (11-10) allowed three runs over seven innings in winning his career-best sixth straight decision. Votto had three RBIs, including the towering drive off the right field foul pole in the sixth. The Brewers loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth trailing by four, but All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman struck out pinch-hitter Jonathan Lucroy. Chapman tossed a scoreless ninth to finish off his 36th save. The Reds jumped on starter Johnny Hellweg (1-4) with four runs over the first two innings.

PIRATES 2, CUBS 1 In Pittsburgh, Gerrit Cole pitched seven strong innings and got home run help from Marlon Byrd and Jose Tabata, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Chicago Cubs.

The Pirates have won five of six and tied St. Louis for the NL Central lead. Cole (8-7) gave up one run and five hits. The rookie struck out seven and walked three. Tony Watson pitched the eighth and Mark Melancon worked the ninth to finish off the five-hitter for his 15th save. Byrd hit a solo home run off James Russell (1-6) in the seventh to put Pittsburgh ahead 2-1.

MARINERS 4, CARDINALS 1 In St. Louis, rookie James Paxton gave up two hits in six shutout innings and the Seattle Mariners ended a five-game losing streak, dropping St. Louis into a tie for the NL Central lead.

St. Louis and Pittsburgh share the division lead once again. The Pirates topped the Cubs 2-1. The Cardinals mustered only three hits, including Matt Carpenter’s league-leading 50th double.

Paxton (2-0) gave up a pair of singles. Danny Farquhar got his 14th save. Rookie Michael Wacha (3-1) had his scoreless streak at 23 2-3 innings.

BRAVES 2, PADRES 1 In Atlanta, Kris Medlen allowed four hits over 7 1-3 scoreless innings to win his fourth straight start,

LOS ANGELES: Center fielder Yasiel Puig No. 66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes a diving catch on a line drive with the bases loaded by Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning. —AFP leading the Atlanta Braves over San Diego.

The NL East-leading Braves led 2-0 before Chase Headley hit a ninth-inning homer off closer Craig Kimbrel, who then pitched around a two-out walk to Ronny Cedeno for his career-best 47th save.

Freddie Freeman had three hits, including a sixth-inning homer off Robbie Erlin (2-3), to help the Braves earn their first win of the season over the Padres. San Diego won the first four games of the season series.

PHILLIES 5, NATIONALS 4 In Washington, Carlos Ruiz had two doubles and three RBIs, John Mayberry homered and the Philadelphia Phillies ended Washington’s sevengame winning streak.

The Nationals fell 51/2 games behind Cincinnati for the second NL wild card. Cole Hamels (8-13) won his fourth straight decision. Jonathan Papelbon worked around a leadoff double in the ninth for his 27th save. Denard Span extended his hitting streak to 25 games. He got three hits and stole three bases for Washington. Gio Gonzalez (10-7), coming off a one-hitter against the Mets, allowed four runs on nine hits in six innings.

METS 3, MARLINS 1 In New York, Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed two

hits in seven innings for his first major league win in more than a year, and the New York Mets got backto-back homers from Daniel Murphy and Lucas Duda to beat the Miami Marlins for a doubleheader split. Matsuzaka (1-3) plunked Placido Polanco twice in the nightcap, but other than that the Japanese right-hander was in complete control. It was his first big league win since Aug. 27, 2012, with Boston against Kansas City. He entered 1-10 in his past 16 major league starts.

LaTroy Hawkins got three outs for his 10th save.

Murphy and Duda homered to start the third against Jacob Turner (3-7), who fell to 0-6 in his last 11 starts.

In the opener, Donovan Solano got some payback after he was hit by two pitches, launching a home run and making two terrific defensive plays that sent Henderson Alvarez and the Marlins past the Mets in the opener of a doubleheader.

Logan Morrison drove in two runs, one on a line drive off the right wrist of Frank Francisco that knocked the oft-injured reliever out of the game.

Alvarez (4-4) pitched four-hit ball over seven innings for his second win against the Mets this year. Carlos Torres (3-5) hit Solano with pitches in his first two plate appearances. Torres struck out a career-high eight in six innings and gave up only three hits.—AP

MLB results/standings Boston 5, NY Yankees 1; Cincinnati 7, Milwaukee 3; Oakland 1, Texas 0; Toronto 4, Baltimore 3; Miami 3, NY Mets 0; Philadelphia 5, Washington 4; Pittsburgh 2, Chicago Cubs 1; Kansas City 1, Detroit 0; NY Mets 3, Miami 1; Cleveland 8, Chicago White Sox 1; Tampa Bay 7, Minnesota 0; Atlanta 2, San Diego 1; LA Angels 6, Houston 2; Seattle 4, St. Louis 1; Arizona 9, Colorado 2; San Francisco 19, LA Dodgers 3.

American League Eastern Division W L PCT Boston 91 59 .607 Tampa Bay 81 66 .551 NY Yankees 79 70 .530 Baltimore 78 70 .527 Toronto 68 80 .459 Central Division Detroit 85 63 .574 Cleveland 80 68 .541 Kansas City 78 70 .527 Minnesota 63 84 .429 Chicago White Sox 58 90 .392 Western Division Oakland 87 61 .588 Texas 81 66 .551 LA Angels 71 77 .480 Seattle 66 82 .446 Houston 51 97 .345

GB 8.5 11.5 12 22

Atlanta Washington Philadelphia NY Mets Miami

5 7 21.5 27

Pittsburgh St. Louis Cincinnati Milwaukee Chicago Cubs

5.5 16 21 36

LA Dodgers Arizona Colorado San Francisco San Diego

National League Eastern Division 89 59 .601 78 70 .527 69 79 .466 66 82 .446 55 93 .372 Central Division 86 62 .581 86 62 .581 84 65 .564 64 83 .435 63 85 .426 Western Division 86 62 .581 74 73 .503 68 81 .456 68 81 .456 67 80 .456

11 20 23 34 2.5 21.5 23 11.5 18.5 18.5 18.5

Ogier wins Rally of Australia SYDNEY: Sebastien Ogier’s wait to replace former team mate Sebastien Loeb as world rally champion will go on for another three weeks despite his victory at the Rally of Australia yesterday.

The 29-year-old Frenchman’s sixth victory of the season for Volkswagen left him just one point shy of an unassailable lead over Ford’s Thierry Neuville in the drivers’ standings with three rounds of the championship remaining.

Belgian Neuville dramatically snatched second place overall from Citroen driver Mikko Hirvonen when the Finn suffered a puncture on yesterday’s final stage.

That was just enough to deprive Ogier of the chance to celebrate his first world title at the seaside resort of Coffs Harbor.

Ogier, who had an outside chance of clinching the title at last month’s German round only to come off the track and suffer a suspension problem, will now expect to be crowned world champion on home soil at next month’s Rally of France.

“We did the job and thought it

was okay,” Ogier, who won 18 of the rally’s 22 stages, said. “Immediately I thought I would miss one point because Mikko had a problem.

“When you do a perfect job like that you expect to make it. I just did my best. We mathematically miss one point, but it’s gonna happen soon. “Still another perfect rally and it’s really good for the team because we score a lot of points for the manufacturers championship as well.”

Loeb decided to contest only four rounds this season after securing his ninth successive title for Citroen in 2012, leaving the way clear for a different champion for the first time since Norway’s Petter Solberg in 2003. Ogier has grasped the opportunity with both hands in the pacy Volkswagen Polo and, with co-driver Julien Ingrassia, was again dominant on the dusty gravel tracks around the north central coast of New South Wales.

He finished one minute, 32.1 seconds clear of Neuville to win his 13th career rally. Hirvonen finished third ahead of Ogier’s Volkswagen team mate Jari-Matti Latvala. —Reuters

AUSTRALIA: Volkswagen driver Sebastien Ogier of France drives through a water crossing on the way to winning Rally Australia on the final day of the World Rally Championship (WRC) event in Coffs Harbor. —AFP

MANSOORI

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

S P ORTS

Furyk one ahead, Tiger four back LAKE FOREST: Jim Furyk, co-leader overnight with Brandt Snedeker, withstood strong runs from Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker to move one stroke in front after Saturday’s third round of the BMW Championship.

Fresh from his stunning 12-underpar 59 on Friday, American Furyk recorded three birdies after the turn before bogeying the last for a twounder 69 on a sunny, breezy day at Conway Farms Golf Club where the course firmed up during the afternoon.

In pursuit of his first victory since the 2010 Tour Championship, Furyk played mainly rock-steady golf to post a 13-under total of 200 in the third of the PGA Tour ’s four lucrative

FedExCup playoff events. The 43-yearold lipped out a long-range birdie attempt on the 18th green that would have put him three ahead of the chasing pack, then missed a par putt from five feet to card his second bogey of the day.

“I said yesterday leaving here that the goal was to go out and shoot a good number today, get myself in position to win this golf tournament,” Furyk, a 16-times champion on the PGA Tour, told reporters. “There was a putt here or there, a wedge shot here or there, didn’t feel like I got a lot out of the front nine, but shot even par and then played pretty well on the back nine.

“I dropped that shot at 18, which

LAKE FOREST: Jim Furyk hits a shot on the 18th hole during the Third Round of the BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club. —AFP

I’m disappointed about ... but I’ve got myself in good position, so rather than harp on the last hole, I’d probably tend to want to think about tomorrow and what I have to do to try to win a golf tournament.”

Stricker, who holed out with a sand wedge from the fairway to eagle the par-four 15th, was alone in second after shooting a 64, ahead of fellow Americans Snedeker (71), at 11 under, and Zach Johnson (69), at 10 under.

World number one Woods was a further shot back in fifth, having briefly got to within two of the lead with a storming run of six birdies in seven holes around the turn on the way to a 66.

Woods’ momentum stalled when he bogeyed the driveable 15th after dumping his tee shot into water but he birdied the last to end his round four strokes off the lead.

“I was caught between three-wood and five-wood and tried to hit a little soft cut three-wood and just hit a pullstraight ball right in the water,” Woods, seeking his sixth PGA Tour victory of the year, said of his tee shot on 15.

“But I had a nice little run to at least get myself in there where I have a chance tomorrow. I made a big bomb there at six, which was nice, and then I got hot from there.”

Woods, who was livid after being docked two strokes for a rules violation on his opening hole in Friday’s second round, launched his sizzling birdie run by draining a 30-footer at the par-three sixth.

Stricker, who is playing a limited schedule on the PGA Tour this season to spend more time with his family, was delighted to put himself in a good position to clinch his 13th victory on the U.S. circuit.

“Eight under (for the round) was kind of in the back of my mind, to try to get to 13 (under) for the tournament at the end of the day,” the 46year-old said.

“I thought that wouldn’t be too far away. Came up a little bit short, but all in all, a good day. I gave myself a lot of opportunities, made some nice putts, drove the ball nicely, and then holing the shot at 15 always helps things out.”

Snedeker, who had opened with a 63 in the penultimate FedExCup playoff event of the season, left himself with plenty of work to do after bogeying three of the first five holes on Saturday. “ Today was a struggle,” he said after mixing four birdies with four bogeys by the time he finished. “I hit it really poorly pretty much all day.

“From where I drove the ball today, it’s a miracle I shot what I shot, so I’m excited about that and get out of here with a chance tomorrow.”

Seventy players have qualified for the elite BMW Championship, the PGA Tour’s penultimate playoff event, and any improvement in the overall FedExCup points standings after Sunday’s final round could be crucial.

Of the 30 who advance to next week’s season-ending Tour Championship, any of the top five would automatically clinch FedExCup honours and a staggering $10 million bonus with victory in Atlanta. —Reuters

Thaworn wins record 16th Asian Tour title LINKOU: Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant clinched a record 16th Asian Tour title following overnight leader Chan Kim’s final round meltdown at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship yesterday. The 46-yearold Thai struggled with irons but still signed off with a fourunder-par 68 for a winning total of 13-under-par 275 at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.

Kim, who won the Tour’s qualifying school in January, looked set for victory but made three straight bogeys from the 15th hole for a two-under-par 70 to finish one shot behind the Thai stalwart.

“I’m very proud because I can still win at the age of 46,” said Thaworn. “I was really struggling with my irons but I chipped and putted so well. I honestly didn’t think that I could win,” said last season’s Order of Merit winner.

While Kim’s title hopes fizzled out on the back nine, Thaworn, who won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2010, played solid golf dropping his only shot of

the day on the second hole.

“Kim is such a powerful golfer and he had a lot of advantage on the par fives. I had to stay patient,” the Thai golfer said. “I didn’t think I could have won and I would have been satisfied with second place. But he started to drop shots and all of a sudden I was in the lead and I won.”

For the 23-year-old Kim, who started with an eagle on the first and gained three more shots before his late collapse, it was a learning experience.

“I got a little greedy. I tried to get my ball out further so I could get a shorter club into the green,” Kim said. “I think that’s something which I have to learn because all I had to do today was actually play a bit smarter.

“I will use this experience in my future tournaments.”

Angelo Que of the Philippines, a three-time winner on the Tour, shot a 66 to grab the third spot on 279 while local golfer Chan Shih-chang (67) finished on fourth, a further shot back.—Reuters

Saracens rout Gloucester LONDON: Saracens stormed to the top of the Premiership yesterday after the hosts took advantage of the early dismissal of England Saxons prop Nick Wood to rout Gloucester 44-12.

Wood received the second fastest red card in Premiership history after twice stamping on Namibia flanker Jacques Burger’s head with just 73 seconds on the clock.

The quickest sending off belongs to Mike Watson of London Scottish, who lasted just 42 seconds against Bath in 1999. The incident gave referee Wayne Barnes an easy decision to make and Wood trudged off to leave Gloucester with 14 men and an uphill task for virtually the entire game.

Their resistance lasted only until the third quarter when Saracens pulled clear. Tries from centre Joel Tomkins, South Africa hooker Schalk Brits and No.8 Billy Vunipola, as well as two from England wing David Strettle produced Saracens’ second bonuspoint victory in two matches, while Owen Farrell kicked 17 points.

Freddie Burns’s greater creativity saw him edge his England fly-half duel with Farrell, but the Gloucester playmaker was forced off with eight minutes remaining after receiving a heavy tackle from man of the match Burger.

Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Davies agreed with the official’s call

on the red card and revealed Wood had apologised to his team-mates for his behavior.

“It’s very difficult for Nick, he’s in bits in the changing room. I saw it on the big screen like everybody else and it didn’t look great,” Davies said.

“Nick is not a dirty player and never has been. He’s a good technician and a good rugby player. “We’ll look at the video and take it from there.

The red card, as it was seen by the referee, was fair.

“Nick’s apologised for what happened and has been big enough to do that. He’s a good guy and will come back stronger. Everybody makes mistakes.” —AFP

Photo of the day

Marcus Gustafsson of Sweden and Jason Paul of Germany perform on a rooftop during the final training session for "Red Bull Art of Motion" freerunning competition on Santorini Island, Greece.

—www.redbullcontentpool.com

Lorenzo bags San Marino GP ITALY: MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo won the San Marino Grand Prix for Yamaha yesterday but Honda’s Marc Marquez extended his overall lead to 34 points after finishing second.

Lorenzo’s second win in a row left the Spaniard level on points - but ahead on race wins - with Honda-riding compatriot Dani Pedrosa on 219.

Marquez, the 20-year-old Spanish rookie who had taken the season by storm, has 253.

Pedrosa finished third at the Misano Marco Simoncelli circuit in eastern Italy with local hero Valentino Rossi ending up fourth for Yamaha for the fourth race in a row.

“I started really convinced, really motivated, and tried to push from the first corner to the last” said Lorenzo, who passed pole-sitter Marquez at the start and streaked away to a comfortable 28th win in the top class.

“It is important to win because we don’t lose points but we have only recovered five...it doesn’t make a big difference to the championship.”

With five races remaining, Marquez does not need to win again and can clinch the title by finishing second in all of the remaining grands prix.

“Marc is very consistent. We’ve got five races to go and 34 deficit so if we keep going, we have a chance,” said Yamaha team boss Lin Jarvis.

Marquez, who crashed in the morning warm-up, had to fight back from fourth after losing ground to Pedrosa and Rossi and the scrap between him and Pedrosa for second provided most of the afternoon’s thrills.

Pedrosa passed Marquez again with six laps to go but the move was shortlived, with the championship leader taking back the position within seconds. “That second place is so impor-

tant,” said Marquez. “In the beginning I was struggling a lot...I went wide two times. But anyway we did a good race and took 20 more points for the championship.”

Germany’s Stefan Bradl, on the LCR Honda, took fifth place on the last lap from Britain’s Cal Crutchlow on the Tech3 Yamaha.

“At the end of the day I’m pleased.

We came here and were 13th and 14th, 10th in practice, useless all weekend, I was borderline crashing a lot and had no confidence during the race,” said Crutchlow.

In the Moto2 class, Spain’s Pol Espargaro won to deny Japan’s Takaaki Nakagami the first victory of his career after passing him on the penultimate lap. Britain’s Scott Redding finished sixth and saw his overall lead slashed to 23 points. The next race is at Aragon in Spain in two weeks’ time. —Reuters

ITALY: MotoGP rider Honda’s Marc Marquez (center) of Spain celebrates on the podium after winning the San Marino Moto Grand Prix. Jorge Lorenzo won ahead of riders Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa. —AFP

The trickle-down technology of the America’s Cup SAN FRANCISCO: Software titan Larry Ellison’s decision to race the 34th America’s Cup on high-speed 72-foot catamarans, which are harder to build and sail than keelboats, has been criticized for pushing the competition too far beyond traditional sailing and pricing out non-billionaires.

But this is the America’s Cup, Silicon Valley’s style - it’s all about technology, ideas and information - and advances made in preparation for the races are already being felt in television, aerospace and sporting gear.

“The America’s Cup has a long history of innovation on all kinds of levels,” said Gary Jobson, the tactician on Ted Turner’s 12-meter yacht Courageous when it won the Cup in 1977. “The boats have always had the leading edge of technology, whatever the technology has been.” Sailing shares with aeronautics the physics of lift and drag and high- and low-pressure airflow - picture a plane turned on its side in the water with one wing a “dagger board” protruding below the hull and the other a vertical mainsail.

This is even more true of Ellison’s huge dream cats, known as AC72s. Instead of a traditional mainsail, they are powered by 135foot-tall fixed “wings.” Forward, they usually carry just a small sailcloth jib to help turn their twin bows through the wind when coming about. With horizontal fins at the tip of each rudder and dagger board blade below the water’s surface, the radical yachts commissioned by Oracle Corp’s Ellison, who could define the parameters of this year’s Cup boats because he won the 2010 America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain, can “hydrofoil” atop the waves at speeds of more than 50 miles per hour.

The AC72 may represent the America’s Cup’s greatest innovation yet - a mostly carbon-fiber sailboat that borrows heavily from aviation technology.

Industries increasingly share techniques for using Space Age materials adopted early on by yacht builders. Carbon fiber and titanium are the favorites to reduce weight and cost, and add strength to hulls, airframes and components.

Boeing Co has been sharing information with America’s Cup boat designers and builders for years, according to America’s Cup sources. A Boeing spokesman said the company could not confirm or deny an America’s Cup connection.

Design innovations have trickled down in boating since Alan Bond - an Australian real estate and mining entrepreneur who

declared bankruptcy in 1992 and was later imprisoned for fraud revealed a winged keel that gave his Australia II syndicate the edge over Dennis Conner’s Liberty in the 1983 Cup. Today, many cruising sailboats have similar horizontal surfaces on the bottom of their keels to help them steer straighter and faster. Experts expect hydrofoiling designs to likewise end up on recreational sailboats very soon.

The tall AC72 wings have incorporated twistable flaps along their trailing edge that help maximize lift and keep the boat flat.

Aircraft may soon borrow this idea for wing-control surfaces to replace multiple flaps, according to Tom Speers, head of wing design at Oracle Team USA and a former Boeing engineer. “You could envision an airplane wing where you had full-span flaps that did a number of functions,” Speers said. “They would move together for both roll control and as landing flaps or for maneuver load alleviation and so forth.”

The giant AC72 weighs just 13,000 pounds (6.5 tons, or roughly the weight of two average sedans), thanks to the high strength-toweight ratio of carbon fiber. The boats are lifted out of the water each night, and the wings are removed for tuning, storage and to remove cameras.

When not sailing, the fragile AC72s are under repair - or are being rebuilt, as after Oracle’s AC72 capsized last October.

Unfortunately, the AC72 can be fatally fragile: In May the catamaran of Swedish challenger Aremis flipped and broke apart, killing British Olympic sailing champion Andrew Simpson.

“We all said, ‘Maybe we are too cavalier about this regarding construction,’” said Oracle’s lead designer, Dirk Kramer.

To save time, yacht builders have advanced methods for preimpregnating resins in carbon-fiber fabric to shorten and simplify the process of laying the fabric around a rigid honeycomb core and hardening the layers together in a mold. This cuts out the costly, time-consuming process of heating the composites in ovens.

There are many firsts this year aimed at widening the appeal of the Cup. The sailing is in sight of spectators on shore in Ellison’s home waters of San Francisco Bay. And you can download real-time race data and apps to watch the crews in action, thanks to remotecontrol cameras affixed to each AC72. The event was custom-made for television, with the scenic backdrop and close-quarters racing intended to make the Cup exciting to viewers at home.—AP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

S P ORTS

American Horner rolls back the years to win Vuelta MADRID: American Chris Horner became the oldest ever winner of a cycling grand tour as the 41-year-old rubber stamped his victory in the Tour of Spain in Madrid yesterday.

Australian Michael Matthews won the 21st stage of the race around the capital’s city centre in a bunch sprint ahead of American Tyler Farrar and German Nikias Arndt.

Horner finished 47th but maintained his 37 second advantage over Italian Vincenzo Nibali with Spain’s Alejandro Valverde tak ing third. “I knew how hard it was going to be for this team to win the Tour of Spain,” Horner told a press conference on Saturday.

“I have faced younger and great riders like Nibali, Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez. They have had a great tour so for me it is a legendary moment that may not be repeated.

“I know I am also the first North American to win the Tour of Spain and this makes me very proud of my work and above all that of my teammates.”

Horner’s bid for the title began in earnest on the third stage from Vigo to Villagarcia de Arosa, which he won to register his first ever stage victory in a grand tour and move ahead in the general classification.

He held the leader’s red jersey for just a day as 2010 champion Nibali regained the lead on stage four, but he took the lead once more with another

stage victory in the 10th stage from Torredelcampo to Guejar Sierra.

Nibali responded again and the Giro d’Italia winner seemed set for his sec-

ond Tour of Spain title as he headed into the final week of the race with a 50 second lead.

However, Horner made significant

strides into Nibali’s advantage in the 16th and 18th stages before finally moving ahead of the Italian on the climb up the Alto Naranco in Oviedo in

SPAIN: RadioShack’s US rider Chris Horner (center) celebrates on the podium with second-placed Astana Pro Team’s Italian rider Vincenzo Nibali after winning the ‘Vuelta’ Tour of Spain in Madrid. Chris Horner became the oldest ever winner of a cycling grand tour as the 41-year-old rubber stamped his victory in the Tour of Spain. —AFP

Friday’s 19th stage.

And the RadioShack rider all but sealed his triumph when he moved away from Nibali in the final few kilometres of Saturday’s dauting 12.2km climb to the top of the Alto de L’Angliru to open up his 37 second lead. Nibali was content with his tour overall but accepted he may have underestimated Horner in the climb to Formigal on the 16th stage which handed the American a lifeline.

“I think I have competed well from the first stage. It was a very difficult tour but I think I honoured the red jersey,” he said. “It is possible that on Formigal I underestimated Horner and he gained some seconds there.

“I can’t complain with how my year has gone. I won the Giro and I came here with the intention to win again in the Tour of Spain. I gave everything I had to wear the red jersey and defend it, but perhaps our strategy wasn’t correct.”

Horner also won the combined classification, whilst Valverde took the green jersey for the winner of the points classification.

Cofidis rider Nicholas Edet rounded off a generally successful tour for French riders as he was crowned king of the mountains and in their final grand tour before a revamp fronted by Formula One driver Fernando Alonso, Basque team Euskaltel-Euskadi won the team classification.—AFP

Alabama down Texas COLLEGE STATION: AJ McCarron threw four touchdown passes - one less than Johnny Manziel - and No. 1 Alabama beat No. 6 Texas A&M 49-42 on Saturday, paying back the Aggies for last season’s upset win. Vinnie Sunseri returned an interception 73 yards for a score - sidestepping Manziel on the way to the end zone - as the Crimson Tide (2-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) spotted the Aggies (2-1, 01) a 14-0 lead before scoring the next 35 points. McCarron tossed three touchdowns in the first half to put Alabama up 28-14. Sunseri’s score made it 35-14 less than 3 minutes into the third. Manziel threw for a careerbest 464 yards but a first-half interception in the end zone swung the game the Tide’s way, and his third-quarter pick and whiff on the tackle put A&M in a deep hole.

Alabama gained 568 yards and kept Manziel on the bench with a couple of long drives. Manziel found Mike Evans for a 95-yard pass and run that made it 42-35 with 8:04 left. Evans finished with 279 yards on seven catches. On third-and-goal from the 5, McCarron flipped to Jalston Fowler for the TD that made it 49-35 with 2:28 left.

Manziel threw one more TD with 15 seconds left, but Alabama grabbed the onside kick.

OREGON 59, TENNESSEE 14 In Eugene, Marcus Mariota threw for a career-high 456 yards and four touchdowns and Oregon handed Tennessee its worst varsity loss since a 48-0 defeat to Mississippi State in 1910.

Freshman Johnny Mundt, who replaced ailing tight end Colt Lyerla, had five catches for 121 yards and two TDs for the Ducks (3-0). Josh Huff added six catches for 125 yards and a score. Mariota, who completed 23 of 33 passes, was the first Oregon quarterback to throw for more than 400 yards in a game since Kellen Clemens in 2005.

Oregon’s sloppy play at the start four penalties for 35 yards in the first quarter - helped Tennessee (2-1) take an early lead, but it was fleeting and the Ducks led 38-7 at halftime. Justin Worley completed 13 of 25 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown for the Volunteers, who opened the season with easy home wins over Austin Peay and Western Kentucky.

OHIO ST. 52, CALIFORNIA 34 In Berkeley, Kenny Guiton threw three of his four touchdown passes in the first six minutes of his first career start and Ohio State rolled to its 15th straight victory with an easy victory over California.

Guiton, a fifth-year senior, got the start in place of injured Braxton Miller,

and there was no drop-off in performance for the Buckeyes (3-0). Guiton connected with Devin Smith on a 90yard pass on Ohio State’s second offensive play for the longest play from scrimmage in school history. He added a 47-yard touchdown to Smith and a 1yarder to Chris Fields on fourth-andgoal as Ohio State jumped out to a 210 lead over the Golden Bears (1-2) less than halfway through the first quarter.

Guiton completed 21 of 32 passes for 276 yards and added 92 yards rushing to lead the Buckeyes.

Conference play against Auburn next weekend. Mettenberger connected with Jarvis Landry on touchdown passes of 21 and 31 yards. His other scoring pass went for 5 yards to Odell Beckham Jr. Terrance Magee added a 12-yard scoring run. Kent State quarterback Colin Reardon completed 20 of 29 passes for 190 yards, ran for a short touchdown and was not intercepted.

However, the Golden Flashes (1-2) allowed at least 570 yards for a second straight week and never threatened after falling behind 21-0.

STANFORD 34, ARMY 20 In West Point, Kevin Hogan threw for three touchdowns and Tyler Gaffney had two touchdowns and 132 yards rushing to lead Stanford over Army. The Cardinal (2-0) entered the game as 30-point favorites but had their hands full from the opening kickoff, falling behind 6-0 as the smaller Black Knights (1-2) challenged at every turn. Hogan’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Gaffney after an Army turnover gave Stanford a 27-13 lead late in the third quarter and the Cardinal averted an embarrassing loss. Army has not defeated a ranked team since a 17-14 win over No. 15 Air Force on Nov. 4, 1972. Ty Montgomery had six catches for 130 yards and one score, while Hogan was 11 of 18 for 188 yards passing for Stanford. Terry Baggett led Army with 96 yards rushing on nine carries.

FLORIDA ST. 62, NEVADA 7 In Tallahassee, Jameis Winston accounted for three touchdowns, Florida State’s four tailbacks all scored and the Seminoles routed Nevada. FSU (2-0) looked just as good in its home opener as it did to start the season 12 days ago. The Seminoles thumped Pitt 41-13 on the road, a game in which Winston grabbed headlines with a nearly flawless performance. This time he shared the spotlight with his running backs. Devonta Freeman ran for 109 yards and a touchdown. James Wilder Jr. added 45 yards and a score.

Karlos Williams may have been the most impressive of the bunch. The former safety, who moved to offense after the opener, ran eight times for 110 yards and a score. His 65-yard scamper made it 31-7 early in the third quarter.

Nevada (1-2) turned Winston’s first career interception into a touchdown.

LOUISVILLE 27, KENTUCKY 13 In Lexington, Senorise Perry ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns, Teddy Bridgewater overcame a shaky start to pass for 250 yards and Louisville scored on four consecutive drives to pull away from rival Kentucky for the win.

The Cardinals’ defense forced three turnovers, including two in their territory to preserve a win that required more work after easy wins over Ohio and Eastern Kentucky.

Bridgewater connected with DeVante Parker for a 13-yard touchdown just before halftime that opened things up for Louisville (3-0). Perry followed with second-half TD runs of 1 and 36 yards sandwiched around John Wallace’s 21-yard field goal that provided a cushion. Alex Montgomery caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Whitlow and Joe Mansour kicked two field goals for Kentucky (1-2).

MICHIGAN 28, AKRON 24 In Ann Arbor, Fitzgerald Toussaint scored a go-ahead, two-yard touchdown with 2:49 left and Michigan made a desperately needed stop on the final play to hold against Akron.

College football’s winningest program avoided getting upset at home as it did against Appalachian State and Toledo - by a Mid-American Conference team that hasn’t won a road game in nearly five years and was expected to lose by more than five touchdowns. The Wolverines (3-0) trailed twice in the second half - including with 4:10 left when Kyle Pohl threw a one-yard TD - and allowed the Zips (1-2) to get to the Michigan 4 on the game’s final drive.

Pohl was pressured and hit by Brennen Beyer on the final play, leading to an incomplete pass in the end zone as time expired on fourth down.

Michigan won its 17th straight at home for the longest streak among BCS conference teams.

LSU 45, KENT ST. 13 In Baton Rouge, Zach Mettenberger passed for three touchdowns, Jeremy Hill ran for two and LSU easily defeated Kent State. Hill rushed 11 times for 117 yards, all in the first two quarters, as LSU (3-0) looked sound in its final tuneup before opening Southeastern

LINCOLN: Nebraska running back Terrell Newby (34) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Southern Mississippi defensive lineman Wil Freeman (46) and linebacker Alan Howze (37) in the second half of an NCAA college football game. —AP

OKLAHOMA ST. 59, LAMAR 3 In Stillwater, Jeremy Smith rushed for three first-half touchdowns and Josh Stewart returned a punt 67 yards for a score as Oklahoma State rolled over Lamar. The game capped a long week for the Cowboys, who were the subject of a Sports Illustrated series that detailed alleged misconduct in the football program dating to 2001. Oklahoma State officials have contacted the NCAA and launched their own investigation.

Caleb Berry led the offense for Lamar (12), throwing for 114 yards on 18 of 38 passing. Oklahoma State (3-0) has now scored a total of 115 points in its last two games as it heads into a bye week that precedes their Big 12 opener Sept.

28 at West Virginia. One week after a near-perfect performance in which he completed 24 of 27 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns, J.W. Walsh was 17 of 30 for 181 yards and one touchdown.

SOUTH CAROLINA 35, VANDERBILT 25 In Columbia, Connor Shaw passed for three scores, Jadeveon Clowney forced a fumble and South Carolina withstood Vanderbilt’s rally from a four-touchdown deficit.

The win was the 13th straight at

AUBURN: Mississippi State defensive back Jamerson Love takes down Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (15) in the first half of an NCAA college football game.—AP home for the Gamecocks (2-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference), who are tied with Georgia for the secondlongest active streak in the nation.

South Carolina appeared to have this one finished early, scoring on its first four possessions to lead 28-0. It still led 35-10 when it opened the second half with Shaw’s final TD pass, a 33-yarder to Brandon Wilds.

That’s when the Commodores (1-2, 0-2) threw a scare into the Gamecocks, aided by a fumbled kickoff and punt by South Carolina. Vanderbilt scored twice in a 13-second span of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 35-25. The Commodores reached the Gamecocks 5 after recovering a fumbled punt, but threw a goal-line interception.

OKLAHOMA 51, TULSA 20 In Norman, Blake Bell passed for 413 yards and four touchdowns in his first start as quarterback for Oklahoma to lead the Sooners past Tulsa. Sterling Shepard caught eight passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns - all career highs - and Jaz Reynolds had 109 yards receiving and one score for Oklahoma (3-0). The Sooners scored on their first five possessions against Tulsa (1-2) to continue their dominance in the series, having won 12 of the last 13 games between the in-state rivals. The Sooners are 13-0 against Tulsa as a ranked team and 7-0 against the Golden Hurricane since Bob Stoops became Oklahoma’s coach in 1999.

Oklahoma is 3-0 for the third time for four seasons, heading into a showdown in two weeks at No. 21 Notre Dame, which beat the Sooners last year in Norman.

UCLA 41, NEBRASKA 21 In Lincoln, Brett Hundley threw three touchdown passes and UCLA wiped out an 18-point deficit to beat Nebraska, stunning a record Memorial Stadium crowd of 91,471.

The win came six days after UCLA receiver Nick Pasquale was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while walking in his hometown and a day before coaches and teammates travel to San Clemente, Calif., for his memorial service. The Bruins (2-0) wore No. 36 patches on their jerseys in memory of Pasquale. The Huskers (2-1) wore No. 36 decals on their helmets, and there was a moment of silence held before the game. The 18 points marked the biggest deficit overcome by a Nebraska opponent in Lincoln since Washington State, according to the university yearbook, erased a 20-0 halftime deficit to win 21-20 in 1920.

Memorial Stadium opened in 1923.

NORTHWESTERN 38, W. MICHIGAN 17 In Evanston, Treyvon Green rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns, quarterback Kain Colter ran for 106 yards and a score and passed for another, and Northwestern beat Western Michigan.

Northwestern had 474 yards of total offense - including 335 on the ground to extend its winning streak in nonconference home games to 15. The Wildcats (3-0) averaged 46 points and better than 500 yards in their first two games against California and Syracuse.

Green, the No. 3 running back on the depth chart, took advantage of the absence of starter Venric Mark, who missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury.

Western Michigan (0-3) was led by quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen, who was 16 of 41 for 202 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

Northwestern scored 24 unanswered points in the second quarter to put the game out of reach.

WASHINGTON 34, ILLINOIS 24 In Chicago, Keith Price threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns, Bishop Sankey ran for a career-high 208 yards as Washington beat Illinois at Soldier Field. Josh Shirley added four sacks and the Huskies came out on top after dropping seven of nine away from home. They hadn’t won on the road outside the Pac-12 since beating Syracuse in 2007.

Washington (2-0) had a tougher time in this one after keeping highpowered Boise State without a touchdown in a 38-6 win two weeks ago. The Huskies built a 21-point lead in the third quarter and hung on, sending Illinois (2-1) to its sixth straight loss against ranked opponents.

The Illini cut it to 31-24 on Aaron Bailey’s 10-yard run with 9:10 remaining, but Washington’s Travis Coons kicked a 32-yard field goal with 4:44 left. Gregory Ducre then picked off a deep pass by Nathan Scheelhaase to seal the win.—AP

MOBILE: Western Kentucky running back Leon Allen (33) leaps as he is tackled by South Alabama defensive lineman Jerome McClain (98) and cornerback Qudarius Ford (22) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game. —AP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

S P ORT S

Four-goal Ahly send Champions League warning JOHANNESBURG: Title-holders Al-Ahly sounded a CAF Champions League warning yesterday by hammering Zamalek 4-2 in an Egyptian derby.

The emphatic triumph behind closed doors at sun-drenched Red Sea resort El-Gouna lifted the ‘Red Devils’ to the top of Group A in the premier African club competition.

Walid Soliman, Ahmed Abdul Zaher, Mohamed Abou Trika and Ahmed Fathy scored for Ahly after Omar Gaber gave the ‘White Knights’ a fourthminute lead.

Zamalek substitute Ahmed Hassan, whose 184 caps is an international record, completed the scoring eight minutes from time in an unusually highscoring derby.

Record seven-time champions Ahly have 10 points, Orlando Pirates of South Africa and AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville seven each and Zamalek four with one round left.

Pirates, beaten 1-0 at Leopards Saturday, host

Ahly and Leopards visit Zamalek next weekend in an intriguing climax with two semi-finals places at stake.

But while Group A remains in the melting pot and the head-to-head rule could come into play, Group B is done and dusted with Esperance finishing on top and Coton Sport second.

Tunis giants Esperance edged Angolan visitors Recreativo Libolo 3-2 Saturday while a dour 0-0 draw away to Sewe San Pedro of Ivory Coast Sunday took Coton of Cameroon through.

Esperance have 12 points, Coton eight, and Sewe and Libolo four each with fixtures involving the top two in Cameroon and the bottom two in Angola completing the schedule.

Ahly began a six-round mini-league campaign by drawing against Zamalek, then crumbled 3-0 at home to Pirates after missing a penalty and having a player red carded.

However, the champions rose from the floor to

edge 2012 CAF Confederation Cup winners Leopards home and away and the thrashing of Zamalek suggests they will be hard to depose.

A draw at Pirates would secure top place for Ahly and avoid a semi-finals showdown with experienced Esperance, the club they defeated 3-2 overall in the last final. Midfield magician Abou Trika, 34, scored the pick of the goals nine minutes after half-time to extend a 2-1 half-time lead in the empty 12,000-seat stadium.

Soliman acrobatically back heeled a cross into the path of the 100-cap Egypt star and he rifled the ball past fellow veteran Abdul Wahed El-Sayed.

Zamalek had entered the game full of hope after ending the unbeaten run of Pirates two weeks ago and made the perfect start with Gaber outpacing a defender to score.

But that was as good as it got for the five-time champions and they could have suffered a heavier loss had a curling Abdullah Al-Saied shot not struck

the woodwork.

Spectators were barred after a suspended twomatch ban on Ahly for crowd trouble was activated following fighting between ‘Red Devils’ supporters before the Leopards game.

After matching Leopards during the first half on a Dolisie pitch composed mainly of rock-hard clay, Pirates lost the initiative and fell to a Dimitri Bissiki thunderbolt on 72 minutes.

Goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, often the star for the Soweto club in Africa, failed to grasp a cross and when the ball ran loose outside the box, Bissiki made no mistake.

Giant Cameroonian Yannick N’Djeng opened and closed the scoring with Oussama Darragi also on target for two-time champions Esperance.

Portuguese Ruben Gouveia levelled twice early in the second half for Libolo, who have taken just one point from a possible 12 since shocking Esperance in Angola. — AFP

Volland fires up Hoffenheim

SPAIN: Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo arrives to speak with journalists after signing the renewal of his contract at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. —AFP

Ronaldo staying at Real MADRID: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo said he could end his career with the Spanish giants after signing a new contract with Madrid yesterday that will run until 2018.

The Portuguese international has scored a remarkable 203 goals in 203 games since joining for a then world record 94 million euros from Manchester United back in 2009. And he is hoping to continue that sensational form for the next five years. “It is a priviledge for me to continue with this club. It is just like my first day here,” he told a press conference.

“I am going to continue with the same spirit of sacrifice and give everything for the shirt. “It is a special day for me, I want to thank the president for making this happen and the fans who continue to support me.

“Maybe I will stay here until the end of my career. This club is the biggest in the world and I am extremely happy.”

With Ronaldo’s previous deal set to expire in 2015, there had been strong speculation linking the 28-year-old with a return to Old Trafford, but he said United are very much in the past and that a verbal agreement had been in place for a new contract since the end of last season.

“The president gave me his word at the end of the season and I did to him too. It is something that I always wanted and the president also showed his feelings that he wanted me to stay.

“I will be honest. I was in Manchester for six years and they gave me many things that I will never forget, but United is now in the past.

“Now I am at home, my family is here and I am happy. I respect all the other clubs but my objectives are here and to play until possibly the end of my career. “You never know what will happen in the future, but I

want to be here for five more years and win things.” Although Madrid did not give details of the contract extention, the deal is expected to make Ronaldo the world’s highest paid player with Spanish newspaper El Pais reporting that he will earn close to 20 million euros a season.

However, he claimed it was not money but the chance to lead Real to their 10th European Cup that was the decisive factor in his decision.

“Whether I am the best paid player in the world is not the most important thing.

Money is obviously important, I am not going to lie, but it is not the priority.

“The priority is to be with the best club in the world. The president always tries to sign the best players and I feel included in that. This club has the capability to win more Champions Leagues, leagues and cups. It was not just a question of money.”

The deal ends a series of drawn out negotiations that began back at the end of the 2011-12 season.

Speculation then mounted that Ronaldo could leave the Spanish capital after he said he was “sad” in September last year and was believed to be upset at the lack of support offered to him by the club in his quest to reclaim the Balon d’Or, which Barcelona rival Lionel Messi has won for the past four years.

Despite the rumors, Real president Florentino Perez was always confident that he would finally get his man and claimed it was a great day for the club to tie down who he sees as the best player in the world. “ Today is a magnificent day for Real Madrid,” he said.

“The best player in the world knows that this is his home forever. A home that demands the most of him, but also loves him the most.” — AFP

Djokovic and Tipsarevic send Serbia into Czech showdown PARIS: Novak Djokovic and Janko Tipsarevic led Serbia into a Davis Cup final clash with defending champions the Czech Republic yesterday after over-turning a 2-1 deficit to beat Canada 3-2 in the semi-finals. Serbia, the 2010 champions, will host the November 15-17 final against the Czechs who had already made sure of victory in their semi-final on Saturday when they opened up an unassailable 3-0 lead against Argentina in Prague.

World number one Djokovic kept Serbia alive in Belgrade by seeing off world number 11 Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/1), 6-2, 6-2.

Tipsarevic, the world number 24, then assured Serbia of a second final in four years by defeating Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (7/3), 6-2, 7-6 (8/6). But Pospisil went down fighting, coming back from 5-2 down in the third set and saving four match points in the ensuing tiebreaker.

“I’ve won a number of Grand Slams but nothing compares to sharing the joy of victory with your team mates, who are there for you and cheer on every shot you take on the court in the Davis Cup,” said Djokovic, who arrived in Belgrade having been defeated by Rafael Nadal in the US Open final in New York today.

Tipsarevic added: “This is one of the sweetest wins of my career and I wish to thank my team mates for their support.

“See you right here in the final against the Czechs.” November’s final will be the third meeting between Serbia and the Czech Republic in the last four seasons.

Serbia won the 2010 semi-final 3-2 before the Czechs got revenge with a 4-1 quarterfinal win last year. In Prague, Argentina won the two dead rubbers with Horacio Zeballos

beating Lukas Rosol 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 and Leonardo Mayer defeating Jiri Vesely 6-4, 64. Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych, who had won their singles on Friday, had wrapped up the tie for the Czech Republic on Saturday by beating Carlos Berlocq and Zeballos in the doubles, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

“For sure it is tough playing away,” said Czech captain Jaroslav Navratil. “In 2009 against Spain we lost very easily 5-0, but my guys are good and experienced enough to play finals away from home.”

Australia, the 28-time champions, returned to the World Group for the first time in six years with Bernard Tomic supplying the crucial third point against Poland with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 win over Lukasz Kubot in Warsaw.

The victory gave Pat Rafter’s team an unassailable 3-1 lead. “We want to make a stand again and feel like we should be part of it,” said Rafter.

Andy Murray secured Britain’s return to the World Group after a five-year absence when he defeated Croatia’s Ivan Dodig 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in Umag for a 3-1 advantage.

Wimbledon and Olympic champion Murray won his opening singles on Friday and teamed up with Colin Fleming to win the doubles on Saturday.

“I thought it was pretty good match. I didn’t give him a lot of opportunities on my serve,” said the world number three. World number 12 Kei Nishikori helped propel Japan back into the World Group with a 3-2 comeback victory over Colombia in Tokyo.

Nishikori overpowered Santiago Giraldo 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to level the tie before Go Soeda held his nerve to beat Alejandro Falla 4-6, 64, 6-3, 6-3. —AFP

BERLIN: Germany Under-21 captain Kevin Volland hit his fourth goal in as many Bundesliga games with the winner in Hoffenheim’s 2-1 home victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach yesterday.

Having scored in each of his last four league matches, Volland’s strike lifted his team to seventh in front of Germany assistant coach Hansi Flick at Hoffenheim’s Rhein-Neckar Arena.

Striker Anthony Modeste gave Hoffenheim the lead just before the break, then provided a superb through ball for Volland to pounce on, turn the defence and hit the bottom right-hand corner.

“It was a great pass from Anthony, things are going well for me, I worked hard in pre-season which gave me confidence,” said the Germany Under-21 skipper.

“I just want to have a good season with Hoffenheim and anything else would just be a bonus,” he added when asked about a possible call up to Joachim Loew’s senior Germany side.

Gladbach pulled a goal back when Swedish striker Branimir Hrgota powered through the Hoffenheim defence fifteen minutes from time, but the defeat left Lucien Favre’s side in midtable. Later, bottom side Eintracht Braunschweig picked up their first point of the season after four defeats with a 1-1 draw at Nuremberg, with the hosts also in the bottom three.

On Saturday, Borussia Dortmund picked up their fifth win to maintain their 100 percent record with a 6-2 romp at home to Hamburg to stay top of the league.

After Pep Guardiola’s Bayern had briefly claimed top spot with a 2-0 win over Hanover 96, Dortmund replied by routing Torsten Fink’s Hamburg in emphatic style.

New signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice, as did Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, as Champions League runners-up Dortmund pulled away after Hamburg had levelled at 2-2.

New signing Henrikh Mkhitar yan and Germany winger Marco Reus also scored as Dortmund took control after Hamburg’s defenders Zhi-Gin Lam and Heiko Westermann had put their side level.

All four Bundesliga teams-Dortmund, Bayern, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke warmed-up for their first Champions League matches in mid-

Kevin Volland celebrates in this file photo. week with comfortable wins over the weekend.

Bayer Leverkusen prepared for their Old Trafford trip to face Manchester United on Tuesday with a convincing 3-1 win over 10-man VfL Wolfsburg to stay third.

Germany winger Sidney Sam put the hosts ahead before Wolfsburg’s Croatia striker Ivica Olic levelled just before the break. Stefan Kiessling netted twice to give Leverkusen their fourth win from their opening five games, heading home on 65 minutes before slamming in his second in added time.

Wolfsburg were reduced to 10 men when exBayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo was sent off in the final 10 minutes, for the second time this season.

The Brazilian had only just returned from suspension after being dismissed in the 2-0 defeat at Mainz at the end of August.

Schalke 04, who host Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday, continued their revival by picking

up their second victory with a 1-0 win over Mainz.

New signing Kevin-Prince Boateng hit the first-half winner in only his second league match since arriving from AC Milan.

The victory lifts the Royal Blues up to ninth, while Mainz remain fifth. Werder Bremen crashed to their third straight defeat when they went down 3-0 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt after new signing Franco di Santo was sent off for kicking an opponent in the face.

Czech Republic striker Vaclav Kadlec scored two first-half goals before Austria defender Sebastian Proedl added a late own-goal to complete Bremen’s misery.

Augsburg needed a 90th-minute winner from midfielder Tobias Werner to seal a 2-1 win at home to Freiburg. On Friday VfB Stuttgart earned a 1-0 win in the capital against Hertha Berlin to pick up their second win under caretaker coach Thomas Schneider. — AFP

Monaco back on top after narrow victory PARIS: Monaco returned to the Ligue 1 summit following a patchy 1-0 win over Lorient yesterday. Having been displaced on Friday night by champions Paris Saint-Germain, and then passed too by Saint-Etienne on Saturday, Monaco needed a win in the Principality to take over top spot again.

And record signing Falcao was the matchwinner, slotting home cooly from the spot on six minutes after he himself had been brought down in the area by Lorient goalkeeper Fabien Audard.

It wasn’t an always convincing performance by the big-spending Russian-backed club, who were guilty several times of over-playing the ball and trying to walk it into the net.

And Monaco’s Italian coach Claudio Ranieri could not hide his displeasure. “I was a bit annoyed at the end of the match because the match was calm and we complicated matters at the end,” he said.

“It’s very important to know how to hold onto the ball when leading 1-0, you need to know how to wait for the right moment. “(But) we played well in the first half. We were motivated.” Their breakthrough came early on when Falcao tried to round Audard, who brought down the Colombia forward and earnt a booking for his troubles.

Lorient were not overawed by their opponents, despite finding possession hard to come by as Portugal international Moutinho ran the show in the middle of the park for the hosts.

Yet the visitors created several scoring opportunities, only for a wayward display by Guinean striker Abdoulaye Sadio Diallo, who was hauled off seven minutes before half-time, to cost them.

Sadio Diallo swiped wildly at thin air after dashing into the box before hurriedly going for goal, yet succeeding only in connecting with the ball with his planted foot, thus taking it out of range of his swinging one and falling flat on his back.

Up the other end, Falcao was inches away from doubling his and Monaco’s tally but he slid in a fraction too late onto a whipped delivery from the left by marauding full-back Layvin Kurzawa.

Lorient had the ball in the net on 26 minutes but it was justly chalked off as Sadio Diallo had strayed half a yard offside as he knocked home Maxime Barthelme’s pinpoint cross from the left.

Monaco went close again on 36 minutes as Lamine Kone bounded down the overlap and thrashed a shot against the upright.

Falcao wasted a fine opportunity 11 minutes

MONACO: Lorient’s French goalkeeper Fabien Audard (right) tries to stop Monaco’s Colombian forward Radamel Falcao from scoring during the French League football match. — AFP into the second period when one-on-one with Audard, but instead of shooting first time he tried to dribble the goalkeeper and was crowded out by backtracking defenders. Later yesterday, Nice continued their climb up the table with an impressive 2-0 success at Lille.

Argentine striker Dario Cvitanich bagged both goals in the first half with crisp right-footed finishes from similar positions.

Nice, who began the season with a 4-0 defeat at Lyon followed by two draws, moved up to sixth while Lille dropped to 11th. Saint-Etienne are second after their 3-1 win at Valenciennes on Saturday.

Benjamin Corgnet grabbed a brace either side of Romain Hamouma’s strike for Les Verts before Maor Melikson scored a consolation for the hosts from the penalty spot 10 minutes from time.

Blaise Matuidi and Lucas Moura were on target for PSG on Friday night in their 2-0 win at Bordeaux that leaves them in third, just ahead of Marseille, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Toulouse. Sochaux are rock bottom following their 1-0 reverse Saturday at Nantes. — AFP

Today’s matches on TV English Premier League Swansea v Liverpool Aljazeera Sport 1 HD Aljazeera Sport +9 Aljazeera Sport +10 Aljazeera Sport 6 HD

22:00

Italian Calcio League Parma v AS Roma Aljazeera Sport +7 Aljazeera Sport 3 HD

21:45

Spanish League Elche CF v Valladolid Aljazeera Sport +8 Aljazeera Sport 2 HD Bilbao v Celta Aljazeera Sport +8 Aljazeera Sport 2 HD

21:00

23:00

Ogier wins Rally of Australia

16

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

American Horner rolls back the years to win Vuelta

18

Four-goal Ahly send CAF Champions League warning

Page 19

LAS VEGAS: Floyd Mayweather Jr. lands a punch against Canelo Alvarez in the third round during a 152-pound title fight in Las Vegas. — AP

Masterful Mayweather defeats Alvarez LAS VEGAS: Pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather stretched his unbeaten string to 45 straight fights with a 12-round majority decision over Mexican champ Saul Alvarez on Saturday.

The 36-year-old, who earned the biggest purse in boxing history at $41 million, managed to win the showdown between the two undefeated fighters and wrest Alvarez’s World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association super welterweight belts.

“It is about skills,” Mayweather said. “I came out tonight and showed my skills. “I just took my time and took the opportunities when I got them. I can’t say this is my best performance.”

Mayweather fought a brilliant tactical fight against the younger and stronger Alvarez in front of the crowd of 16,746 at the MGM Grand Hotel’s Grand Garden Arena.

He used his jab and superior hand speed to

keep Alvarez at bay, but Mayweather still only managed to win on two of the three judge’s scorecards. Judge CJ Ross surprisingly scored it a draw, 114-114, while Craig Metcalfe had it 117-111 and Dave Moretti scored it 116-112 in favor of Mayweather.

“I’m not in control of what the judges do,” Mayweather scoffed. “I am in shock (by) whoever had it even.” This was just the second fight for Mayweather since he was released from prison after serving a sentence for assaulting the mother of his children.

Mayweather gave away 13 years in age and 15 pounds to the younger and stronger Alvarez, who moved down in weight for the showdown.

The seventh was one of Mayweather’s best rounds as he landed several combination punches early before backing Alvarez up into a corner and hitting him with a right uppercut

that snapped the Mexican’s head back.

Mayweather came into the fight at 150 pounds, just a couple pounds lighter than he was at Friday’s weigh in. Alvarez was first to step into the ring, followed by Mayweather, who walked slowly into the sold-out arena flanked by rap artist Lil Wayne and Canadian teen heartthrob Justin Bieber.

The Mexican fighter entered the fight at 165, 13 pounds heavier than he was at Friday’s weigh in. Alvarez, who turned pro at age of 15 in 2005, suffered the first loss of his career.

“Obviously I didn’t want to leave with a loss,” said Alvarez, who dropped to 42-1-1. “It happens and it hurts.” Alvarez said he thought Mayweather fought an Olympic style fight by impressing the judges with the volume of punches he landed not the quality.

“He is very fast and accurate. His punches weren’t that strong but he is making points and

very fast,” Alvarez said. Mayweather connected on three times as many jabs (139-44) as Alvarez and landed almost double the number of total punches, 232-117.

This was the second in Mayweather’s sixbout, 30-month contract with Showtime that could pay him more than $200 million.

Saturday’s fight marked the first time since 2007 that he has fought twice in a calendar year and Mayweather said he plans to repeat that schedule in 2014 by fighting in May and September.

Some questioned why Mayweather would choose to fight Alvarez instead of accepting even more money to fight Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, who Mayweather has been accused of dodging.

Mayweather said that Pacquiao is no longer on his radar. “I want to take my promotion to another level. I am not thinking about Manny

Pacquiao,” Mayweather said.

On the undercard, Danny Garcia kept his World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association super lightweight titles with a unanimous decision over challenger Lucas Matthysses.

Garcia knocked Matthysses down in the 11th round and then the two went toe-to-toe in the final seconds of the 12-round showdown with both looking to end the bout with a knockout.

“We had a game plan and we stuck to it,” Garcia said. “I stood focused and disciplined. “I faced adversity before and he hadn’t. I knew I would get this win.” Garcia improved to 27-0 but Argentina’s Matthysses made him work for it as he sent Garcia’s mouthpiece flying with a hard right hand in the 11th. Carlos Molina also won the International Boxing Federation’s junior middleweight title with a split-decision victory over Ishe Smith.—AFP

Saints held by Hammers

Sturridge fit, ready to take on Swansea

Southampton 0

West Ham 0

SOUTHAMPTON: Southampton were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw as West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen came to his side’s rescue at St Mary’s yesterday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team had the better of the few chances on offer, but Jaaskelainen made several fine saves to ensure a dour encounter ended in stalemate.

West Ham’s only real chance fell to James Collins in the closing minutes, but the Welsh defender shot high over the crossbar. The draw left both teams in mid-table in the Premier League with five points from their four matches.

“We could have won it at the end when James (Collins) had his chance — that was the best chance of the game. It was a bit unlucky that it fell to our centre half, but from that far out he should hit the target,” West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said.

“Overall, it was a decent per formance.

Defensively we showed how good we are but we can’t hit the back of the net. That’s my concern at the moment.”

West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame had an early sight of goal as he controlled a crossfield ball and tested Saints goalkeeper Artur Boruc. But Southampton should have taken the lead with their first chance of the afternoon.

Preview

LONDON: Southampton’s English striker Rickie Lambert heads the ball during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and West Ham United. — AFP Adam Lallana swung the ball in and Jay Rodriguez’s cutback from the byline found Dani Osvaldo unmarked, but the for- Lambert’s powerful header rattled the post, folward’s goalbound strike was blocked by lowed by hopeful calls for a handball against Collins when Wanyama attempted to strike Jaaskelainen.

The Finn then denied Rickie Lambert as home the rebound.

Jaaskelainen superbly turned a Morgan Southampton’s England striker tried to convert from close-range. West Ham captain Kevin Schneiderlin volley around the post, with the Nolan had the ball in the net before half-time veteran goalkeeper then brilliantly clawing away a curling Lambert effort. but his shot was ruled out for offside.

Collins lashed over as West Ham pushed a Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama forced Jaaskelainen to tip over from distance shortly for a late winner and Saints saw appeals for after the restart, with the opening goal almost handball against Nolan rejected, with Wanyama firing the final chance wide. — AFP coming from the resulting corner.

SWANSEA: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has backed in-form striker Daniel Sturridge to add to his rising reputation when his side play Swansea at the Liber ty Stadium today.

England striker Sturridge has hit 16 goals in 20 matches since the Reds bought him from Chelsea for £12 million ($19 million, 14.3 million euros) in January.

The 24-year-old’s goals have fired Liverpool to three wins from their first three matches and earned him the Player of the Month award for August.

The forward struggled to get in the starting line-up at Manchester City and Chelsea, but his new boss expects him to shine now he is getting game-time.

“You never know how it is going to go but I felt if you gave him an opportunity...I think he has shown in his career if he is given the opportunity he is a natural goalscorer,” said Rodgers.

“At this stage of his career, aged 24, he has all the things to his game to be a top striker. “Since coming here he has had the confidence he is going to play and we work on him on a daily basis-on and of the field-to make him the best he can be.

“Standards are set throughout European football now and if you want to be a top striker you have to get in the goals.” Sturridge missed England’s midweek World Cup qualifier against Ukraine due to a thigh strain, but has been declared fit for Monday’s game.

Rodgers stressed that Sturridge was disappointed to miss out on playing for England, but pointed out that “the medical experts made the decision, not Daniel Sturridge.

“He should not be held up, if he does play on Monday, as being someone who has turned down his country because that is not the case at all.”

But opposing manager Michael Laudrup, whose side beat West Brom 2-0 in their last league outing, expressed surprise at Sturridge’s quick recovery from injury.

“I was a little surprised,” the Swansea chief said. “When we talk about England and young players and the importance of the game (in Ukraine), I was surprised to read less than 48 hours after such a crucial game that he is fit to play against us.

“I thought there were some rules that if you were injured you couldn’t just play with your team three of four days later.” — AFP

MSM’s sharia-compliant index becomes effective

Business

Page 22 UK car industry roars

by European rivals Page 25

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Low wages, the flip-side to German economic miracle

Nokia introduces Nokia Lumia 925 in Kuwait Page 26

Page 23

KUWAIT:(Inset left)Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Flydubai, talking to the press after Flydubai’s landing at Sheikh Saad Terminal yesterday. (Inset right) Ghaith Al-Ghaith, Flydubai’s Chief Executive Officer, (right) and Fawaz Abdulaziz Al-Farah, President of Kuwait Civil Aviation, addressing the media yesterday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Flydubai lands at Sheikh Saad terminal Dubai-based low-cost carrier eyes fleet expansion

By Velina Nacheva KUWAIT: Flydubai, Dubai-based low-cost carrier, yesterday celebrated moving its eight daily flight operations from the main terminal at Kuwait International Airport to the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah General Aviation Terminal a move that is purported to lead to growth of passenger traffic between the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait and to make the airline’s product “more attractive”.

Talking to the press after the first flight landing at Sheikh Saad terminal yesterday, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Flydubai, said “Kuwait’s market is one of the most important markets for us and for Flydubai. We are very privileged to be able to operate from this airport.”

He further stressed, “We are grateful to the Kuwaiti authorities for their support of the move to Sheikh Saad Al-Abdallah General Aviation Terminal. The aviation links between Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have played a significant role in boosting the already strong relationship between our two nations. Flydubai will continue to play an important role in creating free flow of trade and tourism.”

Asked about a possible fleet expansion,

Sheikh Al-Maktoum noted that there will be an announcement about Flydubai’s fleet expansion at the Dubai Airshow (to be held in November).

In the words of Ghaith Al-Ghaith, Flydubai’s Chief Executive Officer, the airline is currently in the process of negotiating a deal to purchase aircraft as part of Flydubai’s next phase of expansion. He observed that there will be an announcement between now and the Aviation Airshow in Dubai in November.

“There is no fixed deal yet,” Al-Ghaith told the Kuwait Times yesterday.

Flying to and from the new terminal presents a good opportunity for traffic growth between Kuwait and the UAE. “This is a good opportunity to offer something special to people. Special things require more business,” AlGhaith told the Kuwait Times after a press conference that was held in Sheikh Saad Terminal yesterday. “We are delighted and honored that we have the opportunity to operate from this terminal,” he said. “This will encourage us to add more capacity in the future.”

In response to a question about the terms of the deal to shift Flydubai’s operations to Sheikh Saad Terminal, Al-Ghaith said, “We will operate in this terminal as long as we can and as long as we are allowed to. It is based on the availability of the terminal.”

Addressing a press conference held at the terminal yesterday, Fawaz Abdulaziz Al-Farah, President of Kuwait Civil Aviation, said, “We welcome Flydubai and are pleased to open the doors of Sheikh Saad Al-Abdallah General Aviation Terminal to passengers who will benefit from all the convenient facilities this terminal has to offer.”

Crowded skies Asked if Flydubai has a contingency plan in case of a military strike on Syria, Al-Ghaith said, “Safety is the number one priority for our airline. We will only operate where it is 100 percent safe. We almost completely avoid Syria’s air space.”

Asked if Gulf carriers are becoming casualty of their own growth in the crowded Gulf skies, Al-Ghaith pointed out: “Aviation will always grow. If you compare the number of flights between cities in the region versus the number of flights between cities in Europe, we lag behind. We are not even there. We are a long way from reaching a level where it is enough.

There is never enough.”

There is no cannibalization of legacy carriers’ routes. “There is demand and people’s expectations. As long as you adhere to the demand and produce the right product at the right time, you will be successful,” Al-Ghaith

observed.

Operating out of Dubai is a boon to Flydubai’s growth. “Our focus is to operate to and from Dubai. We have a long way to go to reach our potential and growth. The reason why we do not do this is because we still have big shoes to fill,” Al-Ghaith said, adding that at the start of the airline, Flydubai ordered 50 aircraft. “Hamdullilah we have been blessed that we are capable of operating out of the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai. That environment has enabled us to grow that fast.”

Optimism about the aviation industry in UAE and the Gulf is fuelled by a two-pillar approach: “First, there is a gap. There is not enough. Secondly, our economy is growing,” Al-Ghaith said, attributing the growing traffic numbers to the diverse resident population which regularly travels.

Sheikh Al-Maktoum led a delegation which included Jamal Al-Hai, ESVP for International Relations and Communications at Dubai Airports; Tariq Al-Hamed, Kuwaiti Consul General to Dubai; Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority together with Al-Ghaith; Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer and Kenneth Gile, Chief Operating Officer.

Flydubai’s newly introduced Business Class premium offering will be available on select

Obama warns against Budget tightening WASHINGTON: On the fifth anniversary of the Lehman Brothers collapse, President Barack Obama says the Republican focus on budget tightening could widen income disparities in the nation even as the economy climbs out of a debilitating recession.

Trying to lay claim to an economic turnaround, Obama acknowledged that despite progress, middle and low-income Americans have not benefited as much as the top 1 percent in the country. “We came in, stabilized the situation,” he told ABC’s “This Week” in an interview broadcast yesterday. He cited 42 months in a row of growth, 7 1/2 million jobs created and a revitalized auto industry. “The banking system works. It is giving loans to companies who can get credit. And so we have seen, I think undoubtedly, progress across the board,” he said.

Obama emphasized that when it comes to a crucial deadline to raise the nation’s borrowing limit next month, he would not negotiate with Republicans.

They want to use the debt ceiling as leverage to cut spending further and to delay Obama’s signature health care law. After weeks devoted to the Syrian crisis, Obama is using the Lehman anniversary to put an emphasis on the economy, kicking off a series of events with a Rose Garden speech today. His National Economic Council is set to release a report detailing the economic advances.

Lehman’s was the largest bankruptcy in US history, and its demise marked the beginning of the global financial crisis and was a major catalyst of the financial meltdown. For Obama, the anniversary is an opportunity to confront public skepticism about his stewardship of the economy and to put down his marker for budget clashes with Congress in the weeks ahead.

Obama can point to a growing economy, rising housing prices, 35 straight months of hiring, and a rebounding stock market. The financial sector has also recovered. Five years after the federal government stepped in and infused banks with $245 billion in taxpayer money to avert a financial meltdown, the government has been paid back nearly in full.

But the public is not convinced that the economy is on the mend. Only one-third say the economic system is more secure now than in 2008, and 52 percent say they disapprove of Obama’s handling of the economy, according to a Pew Research Center poll. There is still plenty of pain to justify their pessimism. Despite job growth, the unemployment rate remains high at 7.3 percent. Though the rate has fallen, one of the reasons is because some people have dropped out of the labor force and no longer are counted as job seekers.

The income gap between the very rich and the rest of the population is the biggest since 1928.

What’s more, some banks that received government aid because they were deemed “too big to fail” are now bigger than they were in 2008, but they are smaller as a share of the economy than the largest banks in other big economies. Three years after Obama signed a sweeping overhaul of lending and high-finance rules, execution of the law is behind schedule. This glass-half-empty-glass-half-full state of the economy has produced competing story lines about the role Obama’s administration has played in getting the country to this point. Did Obama’s approach validate the philosophy of spending your way out of crisis or did some of his policies actually slow the recovery?

In the ABC interview, Obama said globalization

and new technology have contributed to the income gap in the country, and it has been building since before the recession.

He argued that his proposals to increase spending on education and public works projects are designed to counter that trend, but face Republican opposition.

“There’s no serious economist out there that would suggest that, if you took the Republican agenda of slashing education further, slashing Medicare further, slashing research and development further, slashing investments in infrastructure further, that that would reverse some of these trends of inequality,” he said.

Much of the credit for the current recovery, tepid as it may be, goes to the Federal Reserve. It has held short-term interests rates near zero and has undertaken a massive bond purchase program that has supported spending, lifted stocks and kept home mortgage rates at near record lows.

“The Fed was the single biggest policy move in the crisis. No question about it,” said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office and top economic adviser to Republican Sen. John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign.

The question that defines the debate is not so much whether government steps helped, but whether it could have done more to accelerate the recovery. Many Democrats and liberal-leaning economists say the economy needed more stimulus. But Republicans, worried about skyrocketing deficits, cut back on spending instead. Now many say the economy needs long term measures that would reduce spending on entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security and that would overhaul and simplify the tax system. — AP

flights on the Kuwait route starting in October.

Together with the move to the dedicated terminal, this will provide a greater choice for passengers, who will have access to faster check-in services, shortened queuing time at the immigration desks and a more personalized flying experience.

Flydubai launched its operations to Kuwait in March 2010 with a double daily service.

Three years later, the carrier transported more than one million passengers between Dubai and Kuwait and increased its frequency to eight flights a day. The total number of flights to Kuwait increased by 62 percent after one year of operations, illustrating the strong demand for travel between Kuwait and the UAE. Some of the figures highlighting the remarkable growth of the Kuwait-Dubai route include: The overall market size has increased by 35 percent between 2009 and 2012, indicating Flydubai’s role in stimulating demand by encouraging travel.

Flydubai’s passenger numbers for Kuwait grew by 31 percent in 2012. Some 84 percent of Flydubai passengers travelling from Kuwait end their journey in Dubai while the remainder connects onwards to add number of destinations on Flydubai’s network, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, and Georgia.

UAE banks’ exposure to govt highest since 1970s: BofA DUBAI: United Arab Emirates banks’ exposure to government-related entities is at its highest level as a percentage of capital since the 1970s, and there is little chance of authorities enforcing strict exposure limits, analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch said.

The domestic banking sector has extended a whopping $42 billion in credit to the government and government-related enterprises (GREs) since the 2008 banking crisis. As a result, exposure to the government and non-financial public enterprises as a percentage of bank capital is at 104 percent, the highest ratio since the late 1970s, the researchers said in a note. The GREs relied heavily on local banks to support the restructuring process in the aftermath of the Dubai property crash, with foreign banks taking their money out of the region. “This fully compensated for the foreign outflows but increased the banking sector’s exposure as percentage of capital by 26 percentage points. The credit stock also suggests very roughly that about 50 percent of Dubai Inc debt is owned domestically,” BofA Merrill said.

The UAE government last year demonstrated its concern about this trend, and said it would implement a new “large exposure” rule that would set a cap on how much local banks could lend to GREs. But UAE authorities subsequently backed down in the face of fierce opposition, saying instead they would

consult with the financial industry before implementing the rule.

“We continue to see little chance of a timely implementation of the UAE central bank circular setting large exposure limits, and see this as a tool for coordination and consultation rather than to force a disorderly GRE deleveraging process,” the BofA Merrill analysts said. The UAE Banks Federation, a trade body for banks, has proposed that bonds and sukuk deals be excluded from the cap. The banking sector holds roughly 55 billion dirhams ($14.97 billion) in government and official entities’ bonds. This exclusion would bring total exposure down by about a fifth, leaving some breathing space, the researchers said.

The International Monetary Fund has also expressed concern about some banks’ exposure to the UAE public sector. In a report last month, it said the concentration of Emirates NBD’s loans to the government was high, raising corporate governance and risk management concerns; ENBD has said it is managing its loan book prudently. The UAE banking sector as the whole is in a better position than it was a few years ago, however: the loan-todeposit ratio stood at 92 percent in July compared to 112 percent in September 2008. The average capital adequacy ratio of 19 percent in the second quarter of 2013 is well up from 13 percent in the third quarter of 2008. — Reuters

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

BUSINESS

Sharp dip in gold, silver prices last week: Report KUWAIT: The price of gold “collapsed” by end of last week to hit bottom at $1,304 per ounce, down $83 from start of trade, a special report said yesterday. The Sabaek company report indicated the decline was over 6 percent, and an ounce of gold was trading for the least value after four weeks of gains, for reasons including easing tension over Syria as talk moved from military options to diplomatic mediation, thus dampening demand for gold as a sanctuary good.

The report also said investors’ anxiety over the US Federal Reserve decision as to stimulus policy also brought down demand amid expectations the bank would be tapering down quantitative easing, and even some predictions there would be total stop of stimulus measures.

Another factor weighing down the price of the yellow metal was US President Barack Obama’s intention to appoint Lawrence H. Summers as head of the reserve to succeed Ben Bernanke. “This gave investors the impression that the US economy is now in a stage of recovery and can rely upon the usual mechanism of supply and demand without extra or stimulus support.

“This in turn means there is no longer the need for safe sanctuary hedging.” The report pointed out that should quantitative easing continue, it is not unlikely that gold would again hit $1,400 per ounce and even end the year just shy of $1,500 per ounce. Other factors also contributed to the drop in prices, such as drop in demand for material goods from east Asia, particularly from India where last week showed the weakest figures in a long time. “Quick speculation and electronic trading also helped bring gold below the $1,350 benchmark.” The specialized report forecast some gains for next week as expected correction, and added current prices would induce many investors to buy again.

Silver dipped even more than gold, the report said, losing 9 percent of its value. Other precious metals were not as affected by the political atmosphere and showed lack-luster performance. In the local gold market, demand increased for pure gold and small items with 21 and 18 carat gold peaking in Thursday and Friday sales. —KUNA

Egypt’s Citadel Capital plans $528m capital hike DUBAI: Egyptian private equity firm Citadel Capital has won regulatory clearance to ask shareholders to approve a capital increase, it said yesterday, underlining a more confident mood on local markets. If the 3.64 billion Egyptian pound ($528 million) share issue goes ahead, it will be one of the biggest in Egypt since its 2011 revolution.

Citadel, which has struggled with losses over the past two years, originally requested regulatory approval for the share sale last year. But like many business plans during the chaotic administration of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, it did not go ahead because of bureaucratic obstacles and poor market conditions. Morsi was ousted by the army after popular protests in early July.

The company will now hold a shareholders’ meeting to propose issuing 182.1 million preferred shares and 546.3 million common shares at a par value of 5 Egyptian pounds, raising its total number of shares to 1.6 billion and paid-in capital to 8 billion pounds. The money raised would be used to boost Citadel’s ownership to between 51 and 100 percent in most of the major companies in which it invests, particularly in the energy, transport, agriculture, mining and cement sectors, it said.

Other investors and partners in these firms would be given a chance to become shareholders in Citadel.

Meanwhile, the company plans gradually to sell off its noncore investments over a period of at least three years.

Citadel, which says it controls investments worth $9.5 billion, posted a group net loss of 702.4 million Egyptian pounds in 2012, after a loss of 800.5 million pounds in 2011.

The company’s shares were trading up 0.9 percent at 3.30 Egyptian pounds around midday yesterday, down 13 percent since the end of last year. — Reuters

Americans still angry at Wall Street, five years after Lehman Summers chastised bankers for being out of touch

NEW YORK: A few years ago, Larry Summers, then the director of President Barack Obama’s National Economic Council, held a private meeting with some of Wall Street’s top bankers and executives. Although the worst of the financial crisis was over by then, Summers - now seen as a candidate to be the next chairman of the US Federal Reserve chastised bankers for being out of touch, saying they didn’t understand how angry average Americans were with them, according to a participant in the meeting. A spokeswoman for Summers said it sounded like something he might have said, though she did not provide more specific confirmation.

Five years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers and two years after the start of the Occupy Wall Street movement, Wall Street has drastically changed under an onslaught of new regulations and by some accounts become more conscious of its image on Main Street.

The anti-Wall Street sentiment bodes ill for the sector: It serves to pressure lawmakers and regulators into further restraining perceived excesses on Wall Street, threatening the long-term profitability of the industry.

‘NOTHING’S REALLY CHANGED’ The poll of more than 1,400 adults, representing a cross-section of the US population, shows that half of the respondents believe there has not been enough reform to prevent a future crisis. As many as 44 percent of those polled believe the government should not have bailed out financial institutions, while only 22 percent thought it was the right move. Fifty-three percent think not enough was done to prosecute bankers; 15 percent were satisfied with the effort. Henry Paulson, the former US Treasury Secretary who was the architect of the bailouts in 2008, said he believes the government botched its chance to portray them as a necessity for the financial stability of all Americans.

“I never was able to convince the average American that what we did with these rescues wasn’t for Wall Street but it was for them,” Paulson said in an interview. “To understand the financial system, it’s a little like plumbing in your house - you don’t know where the pipes are and you just realize it when the pipes get clogged and everything grinds to a halt.”

Among those polled, the concerns go deeper. “I can’t see any reforms they’ve done.

Nothing’s really changed,” said Judith Klatt, 67, a retiree from Wisconsin who responded to the survey. “I’m angry at the government and Wall Street. I think they’ve both, in plain language, screwed the public and are still doing so.”

A WORSE CRISIS FORESTALLED Many financial experts believe bailouts of financial institutions after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008 and subsequent actions by the U.S. government to prop up the economy helped stop the country’s spiral into what could have been a crisis even as dire as the Great Depression.

New regulations, including the Dodd-Frank finance reform law and Basel III capital rules, have also forced Wall Street to rein in risky behavior.

And while Wall Street gets poor scores on many questions, the results of the poll are not as damning as some polls about attitudes to Wall Street taken soon after the financial crisis. Lindsay Owens, a Stanford University doctoral student who has tracked American attitudes toward Wall Street, said animosity toward the financial sector reached its highest level in 40 years in 2010. When it declined slightly in 2012, the level was still higher than it had been in that period before the crisis, she said. (There is no direct previous comparison to the Reuters/Ipsos poll.)

The cost of the crisis has been severe. A paper from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas estimated that the financial crisis and the recession cost the US economy as much as $14 trillion, or about $120,000 for every household.The recovery has also been slow, and high levels of unemployment have persisted. In September 2011, a groundswell of rage led to the creation of the Occupy move-

polled said Wall Street bankers, traders and executives were still paid too much. More than half also want the government to do more to punish those responsible for the crisis.

“I haven’t seen anybody prosecuted and joining Bernie Madoff in jail as a cell mate,” said Francisco Ramos, 47, a Florida-based former land surveyor, in reference to the fraudster. Ramos, who was among those polled, said he wants to see bankers jailed “just to scare them so they don’t pull the same shenanigans again.” Barney Frank, who recently retired as the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, said past convictions were an unfair standard to use when considering the government’s success in reforming the financial sector.

“People don’t fully understand. One of the reasons we had to pass a lot of new laws is a lot of bad things weren’t illegal. It will be fair to judge going forward,” Frank said.

Kenneth Feinberg, the so-called pay czar who was charged by the US government with keeping bonuses in check at bailed-out firms after the crisis, agreed with the respondents that pay was still too high on Wall Street but said he didn’t believe it was the government’s job to regulate compensation.

“American history teaches us that there’s always been a wide chasm between Wall Street and Main Street,” Feinberg said. “I don’t think anything that Wall Street can do will bridge that divide.” —Reuters

ment and the concept of the 99 percent of people against the 1 percent of highest income earners, including bankers on Wall Street. “We have, on the one hand, the bankers and the lobbyists and the politicians that have been bought by those lobbyists and think that any regulation is too much regulation,” said Cathy O’Neil, a former quantitative hedge-fund analyst who is the organizer of the Occupy Wall Street alternativebank group, which wants to make the financial system more accountable and transparent. “On the other hand, we have the 99 percent who see it from a very different angle, and in particular don’t see why we had to bail out the banks or any improvement to the system since then,” said O’Neil.

LESS PAY, MORE PUNISHMENT The Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that as many as 30 percent of Americans believe Wall Street banks and traders do not help the economy grow and create jobs. (Twenty-six percent of those polled said they believed the financial services sector was good for the economy.)

Fifty-one percent believe Silicon Valley and the technology industry do better than the financial services industry at creating jobs and helping the US economy, while only 10 percent said they thought Wall Street did better. About one-third of those polled said breaking up the big banks will help the economy, nearly twice the number of people who thought it would hurt. A majority of those

MSM’s sharia-compliant index becomes effective MUSCAT: Muscat Securities Market (MSM) started yesterday working with the new sample of MSM sharia-complaint index, which includes 32 public joint stock companies listed on the market.

Head of the Indicators Section at the Operation Department in MSM Jameeal bint Ali Al-Hamhamiya said in a statement that this came after the approval of sample at the beginning of this month, pointing out that the sample will be reviewed every three months in order to add or delete companies according to the criteria commitment.

She added that the sharia index contains 32 joint stock companies listed on MSM whose activities and financial conduct comply with the requirements of the sharia, depending on the standards of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

Al-Hamhamiya also said that the index includes 19 companies from the industry sector, nine companies from the service sector and four companies from the financial sector. The sharia index helps to attract a new segment on investors as it meets their aspirations, and they prefer a reliable

contains Oman Chlorine, Oman Cement, Oman Education and Training, Oman Flour Mills, Oman Oil Marketing, Oman Refreshments, Oman Telecommunications Company, Oman Textile Holding, Port Services Corporation, Raysut Cement Company, Shell Oman Marketing, A’Saffa Foods, Oman Fisheries, Oman Sweets, Salalah Flour Mills and Voltamp Energy.

Criteria for compatibility with the Islamic law, according to the AAOIFI, cover two aspects, business and financial, and The Muscat Securities Market has provided more information on its website. — KUNA

reference to select investments that comply with requirements and provisions of the Islamic sharia. The index list comprises the following companies: Al-Anwar Ceramic Tiles, Al-Jazeera Services, Al-Izz Islamic Bank, Bank Nizwa, Construction Materials Industry, Dhofar Beverages and Food Stuff, Al-Batinah Development and Investment Holding, Dhofar Poultry, Gulf International Chemicals, Gulf Mushroom Products, Majan Glass, Muscat Gases, AlMaha Petroleum Products Marketing, National Real Estate Development and Nawras and Oman Chromite. The list also

EXCHANGE RATES Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal Irani Riyal

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

ASIAN COUNTRIES 2.867 4.477 2.713 2.153 2.784 225.710 36.736 3.657 6.490 8.959 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 75.990 78.299 740.160 756.880 77.605

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.200 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.845 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.329 Tunisian Dinar 172.850 Jordanian Dinar 402.330 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.912 Syrian Lier 30.962 Morocco Dirham 34.527 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 284.850 Euro 383.120 Sterling Pound 455.760 Canadian dollar 277.900 Turkish lira 140.600 Swiss Franc 308.950 Australian Dollar 265.480 US Dollar Buying 283.650

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

GOLD 251.000 127.000 66.000

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 Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

SELL DRAFT 265.33 276.98 306.57 377.70 285.35 448.23 2.92 3.681 4.316 2.141 2.741 2.725 77.62 758.15 41.24 405.40 740.79 78.66 76.09

SELL CASH 263.000 282.000 311.000 384.000 287.400 443.000 3.000 3.800 5.150 2.700 3.600 2.920 78.000 759.500 41.100 416.200 746.400 79.000 76.300

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 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 285.000 278.290 448.020 378.675 304.795 754.545 77.570 78.230 76.865 401.755 41.281 2.143 4.463 2.716 3.664 6.493 699.120 3.830 9.195 4.070 3.900 86.710

Bahrain Exchange Company CURRENCY Europe 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 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

BUY 0.4412516 0.0067435 0.0468125 0.3734515 0.0442288 0.4374753 0.0395092 0.3001475 Australasia 0.2549161 0.2214896 0.0001129 America 0.2685932 0.0001450 0.2829000 Asia 0.0036198 0.0031622 0.0457241 0.0164700 0.0000442 0.0342043 0.0043910 0.0000201 0.0028477 0.0027570 0.0031949 0.0822853 0.0026321 0.0026904 0.0060392 0.0000728 0.2207630 0.0021035 0.00854922

Arab

SELL 0.4502516 0.0187435 0.0518125 0.3809515 0.0494288 0.4449753 0.0445092 0.3071475

0.2669161 0.2314896 0.0001129

0.2775932 0.0001630 0.2850500

0.0036748 0.0033922 0.0507241 0.0195700 0.0000502 0.0373043 0.0044560 0.0000252 0.0038477 0.0029370 0.0034249 0.0892853 0.0028321 0.0027304 0.0065092 0.0000758 0.2267630 0.0021455 0.0090922

Bahraini Dinar

0.7496745

0.7581745

Egyptian Pound

0.0392690

0.0412840

Ethiopeanbirr

0.0126460

0.0191460

Ghanaian Cedi

0.1449331

0.1467231

Iranian Riyal

0.0000793

0.0000798

Iraqi Dinar

0.0001842

0.0002442

Jordanian Dinar

0.3964753

0.4039753

Kuwaiti Dinar

1.0000000

1.0000000

Lebanese Pound

0.0001748

0.0001948

Moroccan Dirhams

0.0223730

0.0463730

Nigerian Naira

0.0012114

0.0018464

Omani Riyal

0.7293790

0.7403790

Qatar Riyal

0.0776409

0.0784239

Saudi Riyal

0.0754800

0.0761200

Sudanese Pounds

0.0463475

0.0468975

Syrian Pound

0.0019425

0.0021625

Tunisian Dinar

0.1710367

0.1770367

UAE Dirhams

0.0761813

0.0776313

Yemeni Riyal

0.0012859

0.0013859

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

US Dollar

284.200

Euro

380.650

Pound Sterling

453.150

Canadian Dollar

276.700

Indian Rupee

4.476

Egyptian Pound

41.210

Sri Lankan Rupee

2.152

Bangladesh Taka

3.653

Philippines Peso

6.482

Pakistan Rupee

2.710

Bahraini Dinar

757.000

UAE Dirham

77.450

Saudi Riyal

76.000

*Rates are subject to change

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

BUSINESS

Progress in Mideast ignites risk-on trade NBK WEEKLY MONEY MARKETS REPORT KUWAIT: The US dollar dropped to twoweek lows against the major and commodity currencies amid progress in the Middle East political turmoil combined with growing doubts that the Federal Reserve will scale back stimulus in any significant way next week. Since disappointing US nonfarm payrolls data, markets appeared to have lowered their expectations for any aggressive moves by the Federal Reserve. The greenback gained some traction on Friday as news emerged that President Obama could name former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers as the next Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

The euro opened the week at 1.3168 and then surged to a high of 1.3325, as investors became skeptic over early tapering by the US Fed. The single currency has completely recovered from the previous week’s drop, which was sparked by dovish comments from the European Central Bank. The currency closed the week at 1.3296.

Similarly, sterling rose to an eight-month high against a basket of currencies on the view that a strengthening British economy will mean interest rates rising earlier than the central bank has projected. The pound gained after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said that the British economy was gaining momentum. He was interpreted by investors as making no attempt to temper the recent rise in short-term interest rates.

Cable opened the week at 1.5630 and reached a high of 1.5838 and finally closed the week at 1.5875. The Aussie started the week at 0.9197 and reached a high of 0.9353 amid stronger data from its biggest trade partner, China. On Thursday the Australian dollar fell from a three-month high after surprisingly soft local employment numbers suggested markets may have been prema-

ture in pricing out the risk of further rate cuts. The Australian dollar fell 0.6 percent to 0.9267, after data showed a surprise drop in Australia’s payrolls and a rise in the jobless rate to a four-year high. The Australian Dollar closed the week at 0.9302.

The Japanese Yen dropped dramatically against most of its major counterparts as the carry trades came back into play. Investors quickly dropped the safe-haven currency in search of higher return specifically amid progress in the Middle East political turmoil.

The USDJPY rose to a high of 100.48 as comments from President Barack Obama suggested that the possibility of military action in Syria might be derailed or even cancelled.

The Yen opened the week at 99.81 and reached a low of 100.48 only to recoup most of its losses as investors start to square their positions ahead of the US Fed meeting next week. Gold fell to a five-week low on Friday, heading for its worst week in two months on prospects the United States would curb its stimulus soon and as fears of a US-led military attack on Syria recede. Gold closed the week at 1328.21.

Jobless claims The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest level since April 2006 as work on computer systems in two states caused those employment agencies to report fewer applications. Claims fell by 31,000 to 292,000 versus expectations of 330,000. However, the decrease in filings does not signal a change in job-market conditions because most of it was due to computer-network conversions in the two states, according to a Labor Department representative. Nevertheless, the pace of job cuts has declined since the end of last year, setting

the stage for faster payroll and income growth that would help boost consumer spending.

Retail sales US Retail sales rose less than forecast in August as the biggest part of the economy struggled to gain momentum. The 0.2 percent increase was the smallest in four months and followed a revised 0.4 percent July gain that was bigger than previously estimated.

Producer Price Index US Producer Price Index for finished goods rose 0.3 percent in August, better than expectations at 0.2 percent. Prices for finished goods were unchanged in July and increased 0.8 percent in June. At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by producers of intermediate goods were unchanged in August. Over the last 12months, prices rose 1.4 percent.

Consumer Sentiment US consumer sentiment fell to a 5-month low in September, with Americans worried that higher interest rates would curb the housing market recovery and overall growth. University of Michigan’s preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment fell to 76.8 in September, the lowest since April. That was below August’s 82.1 and the 82.0 reading economists had expected this month.

Europe & UK Euro-Area industrial output drops Euro-area industrial output contracted more than economists forecast in July as manufacturers struggled to shake off the legacy of a record-long recession. Industrial

production fell 1.5 percent from June, when it gained 0.6 percent. That is more than the 0.3 percent contraction forecast by economists. Annually, output fell 2.1 percent.

Draghi speaks Draghi made the unprecedented vow in July, after the Federal Reserve’s signal that it may start withdrawing US stimulus pushed market rates higher globally. While European borrowing costs initially fell, they have since returned to levels the ECB head called “unwarranted.” That supports the view of some economists that the central bank cannot stop rates rising as the 17-nation currency bloc rebounds from it’s longest-ever recession. Last week, Draghi reiterated that money-market rates are “unwarranted,” while saying that the guidance has been “very successful” in reducing volatility. He also said that the ECB is “not running out of options,” indicating that the ECB still has room to further support the economic recovery in the area.

UK unemployment Britain’s unemployment rate fell unexpectedly in July to its lowest since late last year, adding to bets in financial markets that the Bank of England might raise interest rates earlier than it has suggested. The Office for National Statistics said on Wednesday the rate dipped to 7.7 percent in the three months ending in July from 7.8 percent previously. That was the lowest jobless rate since September-November 2012. In another sign of surprising strength in the labor market, the number of people claiming jobless benefits fell by 32,600 in August.

Economists had expected a drop of 22,000 from July. The jobs data has taken on a new significance since the BoE, keen to encour-

age spending and investment, pledged last month to keep benchmark borrowing costs low as long as the ILO unemployment rate remained above 7 percent. The central bank predicts that this key rate will fall sharply next year before easing more gently to stand just above 7 percent in the third quarter of 2016. However, investors reckon that joblessness will come down more quickly and are pricing in the first rise in interest rates in December 2014 fuelling expectations that the BoE might raise rates earlier than anticipated.

Australia Australian employers unexpectedly cut payrolls in August as weaker demand discouraged hiring, underscoring the challenge for Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott to boost the nation’s economy. The local currency declined. The number of people employed fell by 10,800 from the previous month, when it declined by a revised 11,400, the statistics bureau said in Sydney today.

That compares with the median estimate for a 10,000 increase in a Bloomberg News survey of 28 economists. The jobless rate rose to 5.8 percent from 5.7 percent.

China China’s exports rose 7.2 percent in August from a year earlier while imports advanced 7 percent, resulting in a $28.52 billion trade surplus, the General Administration of Customs said today in Beijing. Shipments abroad rose 5.1 percent from a year earlier.

Kuwait Kuwaiti dinar at 0.28400 The USDKWD opened at 0.28400 yesterday morning.

Low wages, the flip-side to German economic miracle Lowest jobless rate in Europe comes at a price

BEIJING: A hostess greets guests arriving for a gala event at a recently opened shopping mall in Beijing. China’s government said it is willing to accept slower economic growth as it makes structural reforms, including a shift to domestic consumption instead of government-led investment. — AFP

China to meet 7.5% growth target: World Bank chief SHANGHAI: China is likely to achieve its growth target of 7.5 percent this year despite planned structural reforms to rebalance the world’s second largest economy, the World Bank president said yesterday. Jim Yong Kim is making a fourday visit focusing on issues relating to carbon emission reductions and China’s urbanisation push. “We think the growth (for China this year) will be at about 7.5 percent,” Kim told a press conference in Shanghai on the first day of his visit. “The data from August suggests that China will reach its goal of 7.5 percent.” Earlier this month the government announced a series of better-than-expected indicators for August, including strong exports and industrial output, that pointed to a pick-up in the domestic economy.

China’s economy expanded 7.7 percent last year, its slowest growth since 1999.

Growth eased to 7.5 percent in AprilJune, from 7.7 percent in the first quarter of this year and 7.9 percent in the final

three months of 2012. Authorities have so far been reluctant to introduce largescale stimulus measures. But they have pledged to push forward structural reforms to shift the economy from dependence on big-ticket investments and more towards consumer demand as the key growth engine.

“The government is committed to financial-sector reforms and also fiscal policy reforms that we think will pave the way for meeting the long-term growth,” Kim told reporters in Shanghai.” We think this is the right path.” China is preparing an “experimental” free trade zone (FTZ) in its commercial hub Shanghai as it tries to promote economic reforms. Unfettered exchange of the yuan currency will be allowed within the proposed zone, according to a draft plan seen by AFP. “I think it’s a very positive development,” Kim said of the FTZ. “This free trade zone will allow China to become more competitive.” — AFP

Burgan Bank announces winners of Yawmi account KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the names of the five lucky winners of its Yawmi account draw, each taking home a prize of KD 5,000. The lucky winners for the daily draws took home a cash-prize of KD 5000 each, and they are: 1. Laila Ghareeb Ali Al-Hussain 2. Fahad Abdullah Abdulkareem Albader 3. Yousef Hammad Ayedh Owaimer Alazmi 4. Mohammed Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Al-Ateeqi 5. Sara Qassem Hasan Dashti With its new and enhanced features, the Yawmi Account has become more convenient, easier, and faster for customers to benefit from. Now, customers will be eligible to enter the draw after 48 hours only from opening the account. Customers are also required to deposit KD 100 or equivalent only to enter the daily draw, and the coupon value to enter the draw

stands at KD 10.

The newly designed Yawmi account has been launched to provide a highly innovative offering along with a higher frequency and incentive of winning for everyone. Today, the Yawmi account is a well understood product, where its popularity can be seen from the number of increasing account holders.

Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit to maximize their chances to becoming a daily winner. The more customers deposit, the higher the chances they receive of winning the draw.

Opening a Yawmi account is simple, customers are urged to visit their nearest Burgan Bank branch and receive all the details, or simply call the bank’s Call Center at 1804080 where customer service representatives will be delighted to assist with any questions on the Yawmi account or any of the bank’s products and services. Customers can also log on to Burgan Bank’s www.burgan.com for further information.

BERLIN: Chancellor Angela Merkel often boasts during the campaign for September 22 elections that Germany has one of Europe’s lowest jobless rates-at around 6.8 percent. But it comes at a price.

As many as three million people in Europe’s top economy earn less than six euros ($7.90) per hour, meaning Germany has one of the biggest shares of low wages in Europe, a fact that Merkel’s critics have jumped on in the campaign. “We’ve become a country of low wages,” sighs charity worker Renate Stark, who everyday confronts the struggle of workers paid too little to make ends meet, despite Germany’s booming economy.

From pizza deliverers earning an hourly six euros, to young journalists on less than 750 euros a month, the 55-year old social assistant for the Catholic Caritas organization in Berlin can reel off many such examples. One man Stark helps has been working as a packer at an online sales company in the German capital for four years on 3.50 euros an hour and can’t find another job despite dozens of applications.

Like hundreds of others, Stark said, he mostly scrapes by thanks to certain welfare benefits, but when that’s not enough, “when the washing machine breaks down or an electricity bill arrives unexpectedly”, he turns to charities. “I experience it here daily,” she told AFP. “I began this job 21 years ago and it wasn’t like that. The situation has become really serious in the past five or six years. It’s very clear.”

To be sure, many of those employed by Germany’s mighty industrial giants, for example in the automobile sector, enjoy enviable conditions. But unlike most of its European partners, Germany has no national minimum wage. According to figures compiled by the IAQ Institute for Work, Skills and Training, more than one in five employees, or nearly seven million people, earned less than 8.50 euros per hour in 2011. By comparison, the minimum wage in France is just under 9.50 euros per hour.

Furthermore, the boom in low-wage jobs has been accompanied by a corresponding rise in “precarious” work, such as part-time or temporary work. There are also so-called “minijobs” where employees are paid a maximum of 450 euros a month and are exempt from pay-

German Economy Minister and leader of Germany’s free democratic FDP party Philipp Roesler (center) is flanked by his party’s candidate for Chancellor Rainer Bruederle (left) and FDP secretary general Patrick Doering (right) during an election campaign event yesterday in Braunschweig, central Germany. — AFP

ing social or welfare contributions.

Nearly eight million people were in such low-pay or mini-job forms of employment in 2012, almost twice as many as 20 years ago, according to data by the federal statistics office Destatis.

“Germany is the EU country where the proportion of low-wage jobs is highest behind Hungary and the United Kingdom,” said the OECD’s German expert, Andreas Kappeler, pointing to a 2010 study.

“Between 1985 and 2008, the wage gap between high and low pay has widened in Germany much faster than in the other OECD countries,” he said. Women and all Germans in the much poorer have been the most affected by rising impoverishment since sweeping reforms were pushed through under the former Social Democrat (SPD) chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, between 2003 and 2005.

SPD chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrueck has acknowledged the flip-side to these poli-

Strike trouble for Greece ahead of creditor audit ATHENS: Debt-wracked Greece is bracing for a fresh series of strikes this week against a redeployment scheme affecting thousands of civil servants, as its creditors arrive to examine reforms carried out by Athens in exchange for new loans.

Greece has agreed to redeploy 12,500 civil servants by the end of September as part of a general restructuring of its public sector, in return for the next instalment of its EU-IMF rescue loans. In response, state school teachers will kick off a five-day strike on Monday that could be extended indefinitely, and civil servants have called a separate two-day strike starting Wednesday, backed by hospital doctors, social security staff, tax collectors and lawyers.

Universities are also opposing the cuts, which will affect administrative employees, claiming that they are already short-staffed. Civil servants have to accept new posts or spend eight months on reduced salaries as alternative posts are found, with the risk of losing their jobs altogether.

The government has already redeployed some 4,500 civil servants at the end of July, mostly teaching staff, as part of spending cuts. Overall, Greece is due to move or temporarily cut the salaries of a total of 25,000 civil servants and axe 4,000 state jobs by the end of the year.The reform was agreed with Greece’s so-called troika of international creditors-the European Union, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank-in exchange for crucial loans. —AFP

cies, known as Agenda 2010, whose aim was to make the economy more competitive, slash welfare payments and make it easier to hire and fire employees. Economists attribute Germany’s success in bringing down its jobless total from more than 5.0 million in 2005 to these reforms.

Steinbrueck has promised to introduce a general minimum wage of 8.50 euros as one of his first moves if he is elected chancellor. For her part, Merkel has said she wants to compel unions and employers to agree minimum wage deals by sector and region.

The process has already begun. Giant service sector union Verdi, for example, recently negotiated a minimum wage of 8.50 euros for hairdressers by 2015, the thirteenth such sector-wide agreement. While Merkel occasionally denounces some “unacceptable” salaries, she has rejected a nationwide minimum wage which, she sees as the root of Europe’s high levels of unemployment. — AFP

Al-Tijari announces winners of daily draw with Najma Account KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the Al-Najma Account daily draw on September 15, 2013. The draw was held under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry represented by Abdulaziz Al-Ashkanani and Saquer Al-Manaie The winners of the Najma daily draw are:• Mohammed Allam Jeer Bebary— KD 7000 • Ahmad Abdelmawla Al-Jahed— KD 7,000 • Rawan Bander Yousef Al-Mutairi— KD 7,000 • Sahar Bassam Abdul Khaleq AlNouri— KD 7,000 • Rajab Hamada Abdulmajeed Sayed— KD 7000.

The Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces the biggest daily draw in Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma account. Customers of the bank

can now enjoy a KD7,000 daily prize which is the highest in the country and another 4 mega prizes during the year worth KD100,000 each on different occasions: The National Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha and on the 19th of June which is the date of the bank’s establishment.

With a minimum balance of KD500, customers will be eligible for the daily draw provided that the money is in the account one week prior to the daily draw or 2 months prior to the mega draw. In addition, for each KD25 a customer can get one chance for winning instead of KD50.

Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this opportunity to congratulate all lucky winners and also extends appreciation to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their effective supervision of the draws which were conducted in an orderly and organized manner.

M

BUSINESS

Trading activity across GCC lowest in 7 y GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL REPORT KUWAIT: US crude oil futures settled lower as Syria accepted a Russian proposal to give up its chemical weapons, easing concerns about the potential for US military strikes against Damascus. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude oil settled at $108.21 a barrel, dropping by $2.32 for the week. In London, Brent crude, settled at $112.78, down by $3.34. NYMEX RBOB gasoline settled at $2.7696 a gallon, for the week, the contract dipped by 0.84 cents.

NYMX heating oil fell by $0.50 to settle at $3.1137. OPEC said the world oil market was well supplied despite a plunge in Libya’s output and forecast a further drop in its oil market share in 2014 due to rising supply from the United States and other countries outside the group. OPEC, Demand for OPEC crude in 2014 will average

29.61mn bpd, down 320,000 bpd from 2013.

OPEC left estimated growth in world demand next year at 1.04mn bpd, while increasing the non-OPEC supply forecast to 1.22mn bpd.

US crude oil inventories fell slightly last week while stockpiles at the Cushing, Oklahoma, declined for the 10th straight week, data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed. Total US crude inventories declined by 219,000 barrels in the week to September 6, well under analysts’ expectations for a 1.5mn barrel drawdown. Inventories at the Cushing, Oklahoma, hub dipped for a 10th straight week, down by nearly 640,000 barrels to 34.12mn barrels, the lowest level since February 2012. During the first nine weeks of draws, declines had averaged 1.65mn barrels per week. The crude draws

came as refinery utilization increased by 0.8 percentage points to 92.5 percent of capacity, and as imports of crude declined by 238,000 barrels per day to 7.96mn bpd. Product inventories rose during the week, with gasoline stockpiles up just under 1.7mn barrels compared with forecasts for a 1.3mn barrel decline. Distillate stockpiles rose by nearly 2.6mn barrels, against expectations for a 500,000 barrel build.

US natural gas prices ended higher backed by the week’s supportive inventory report and expectations for a light build next week, but the upside was limited by the milder weather expected next week which should slow demand. On the New York Mercantile Exchange settled higher at $3.677 per million British thermal units (mmbtu).

Some traders viewed Thursday’s 65 billion cubic

feet (bcf ) weekly inventory build as supportive for prices, noting it came in slightly below the Reuters poll estimate of 66 bcf after exceeding consensus expectations the previous two weeks.

EIA data on Thursday showed that total domestic gas inventories stood at 3.253 trillion cubic feet (tcf ) last week. Stockpiles are about 5 percent below last year’s record highs at that time, but 1.4 percent above the five-year average. Early injection estimates for next week’s report range from 55 bcf to 68 bcf. The US Dollar had its biggest weekly decline in six weeks as weaker-than-forecast economic data prompted investors to pare bets of an aggressive reduction in monetary stimulus at the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week. The British Pound strengthened for a second week against the Dollar as an unexpected decline in the unemployment rate and increase in house prices added to signs Britain’s economy is gaining momentum. The Pound reached the strongest since January against the dollar.

US US retail sales rose 0.2 percent last month as Americans bought automobiles and other longlasting goods like furniture and electronics and appliances. But those purchases appeared to draw spending power away from other areas and receipts for clothing, building materials and sporting goods all fell. Stripping out automobiles, gasoline and building materials, so-called core sales were up 0.2 percent after rising 0.5 percent in July. US wholesale inventories edged up 0.1 percent in July after falling 0.2 percent in June.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected wholesale inventories to rise 0.3 percent.

Excluding autos, wholesale stocks nudged up 0.1 percent in July. Economists expect the pace of inventory accumulation to slow a bit in the JulySeptember quarter after consumer spending moderated in the previous quarter. Wholesale inventories in July were held back by a 1.2 percent drop in professional equipment stocks. Sales at wholesalers nudged up 0.1 percent after rising 0.4 percent in June. US consumer sentiment fell to a five-month low in September, with Americans worried that higher interest rates will put a damper on the housing market and overall growth.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment fell to 76.8 in September, the lowest since April. That was below August’s 82.1 and the 82.0 reading economists had expected this month. A gauge of consumer expectations fell to an eight-month low of 67.2 from 73.7 in August, with only one in four households expecting to be better off financially in the year ahead.

The survey’s barometer of current economic conditions fell to a five-month low of 91.8 from 95.2 last month.

US producer price index increased 0.3 percent last month after being flat in July. In the 12 months through August, prices received by the nation’s farms, factories and refineries were up 1.4 percent after advancing 2.1 percent in the period through July. In the 12 months through August, the so-called core PPI increased 1.1 percent after rising 1.2 percent in July.

The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits appeared to drop to a near 7-1/2year low last week but the decline was driven by two states that had trouble processing filings.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 31,000 to a seasonally adjusted 292,000.

The department attributed much of the decline to computer problems in two states - one small and the other large. The number of people still receiving benefits under regular state programs after an initial week of aid tumbled 73,000 to 2.87mn in the week ended August 31.

Europe Euro-zone sentiment turned positive for the first time in more than two years in September as investors welcomed the end of the bloc’s recession and became increasingly upbeat about their current situation and outlook. Sentix research group said its index tracking investor sentiment in the euro-zone swung to +6.5 points, its highest level since May 2011, from -4.9 points in August.

The index on Germany climbed to its highest level since April 2011, reaching 28.4 points in September after 20.3 in August.

Industrial production in the 17 countries sharing the Euro fell 1.5 percent in July. That com-

pared with a 0.1 economists in a revised down its percent from an e In Germany indu in July from June Finland and France, Italy, Netherlands all their factories.

Germany’s con was confirmed u cent YoY. It also c sumer price inde and up 1.6 perce excluding fuels a YoY. In July, cons MoM and rose by Britain’s unem in July to its low dipped to 7.7 per in July from 7.8 p of people witho dropped by 24,00 surprising strengt ber of people c 32,600 in Augus Reuter’s poll had July. July’s fall wa 36,300 - the steep average weekly bonuses slowed months ending in lier. Excluding bo British constru 2.2 percent in Ju put rose 2.0 perc construction outp and rose 2.2 perc the construction in the April-June months, boosted new wind and s jump in four year in construction records began in

Japan’s econ April-June from t from a preliminar matched the m Thomson Reuters gross domestic p annualized 3.8 pe reading of 2.6 pe ket forecast for a consumer confid consecutive mon tious about wag vey’s sentiment which includes v 43.0, down from 4 Japan’s indus July. The figure c of a 3.2 percent in decline in June. rose 3.7 percent 99.3.

Em China’s annu percent in Augu tions and little month’s 2.7 perce fell 1.6 percent compared with a ous month. Econ expected consum factory-gate pri annual industria August, beating m sales rose 13.4 p rose 20.3 percen the same period Reuters had forec percent and retai asset investment was seen up 20.2

India’s trade August, helped b dise exports. Mer cent in August t Imports fell 0.68 p

‘Death trap’ Balkans need major overh BELGRADE: For years, Boban Petrovic has taken a train from Belgrade every three months to visit his family in Montenegro and each trip makes him shudder with fear for his life. “I usually lull myself to sleep with a glass or two of wine to survive the trip,” Petrovic, a 37-year old hairdresser, told AFP. The 475 kilometre (285 mile) ride between the Serbian capital and Montenegro’s southern port of Bar sometimes takes up to 16 hours.

Riding through idyllic countryside, both passenger and freight trains pass through dozens of tunnels piercing steep limestone mountains and cross long bridges over the deep gorges of Serbia and Montenegro. The journey was once seen as a pride of communist Yugoslavia, the Belgrade-Bar railroad was designed for speeds of up to 120 kilometres (70 miles) per hour when it was finished in 1976. Nowadays, trains can travel over some sections at only a tenth of that speed. The ailing infrastructure and decades-old trains do not inspire confidence among passengers. In 2006, a passenger train derailed and plunged into a canyon outside the Montenegrin capital Podgorica as it emerged from a tunnel, killing 47 people and injuring nearly 200.

Since the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, most railroads have been poorly maintained by the countries that emerged from the communist federation. “Except Croatia, where it is slightly better, railway networks are neglected and in a bad shape,” said Dejan Lasica, Serbia’s deputy transportation minister. In Serbia, at most 30 kilometres of track have been overhauled annually in the

past two decade necessary. The a metres per hour.

“The 2013 Tou higher average sp joked bitterly. Bu of track, or almos work in Serbia, th only 10 kilometre Even in Croa most, the averag 46 kilometres pe hour for freight l of delays that can fall in goods traffi percent. In 2011, transported by amount in 1990. gers travelled by while nowadays o a journey. Besid trains throughou older than 30 yea Complicated the former partn hours to rail tr Belgrade and Bos the 1980s, it was able train with a skiers and youn vibrant Bosnian c years, it finally re dilapidated train before the war n reach their destin tional borders. —

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

BUSINESS

If Europe retreats from Asia, others should take its place KCIC ASIA ECONOMIC REPORT

By Francisco Quintana KUWAIT: In the summer of 2012 one of the top 10 largest aluminum companies in the world, UAE’s Emal, was looking for money to start the construction of the second phase of the world’s biggest aluminum smelter in Abu Dhabi. The project required $4 billion, half of which was expected to come from commercial banks.

Emal had previously financed the $7.5 billion of its first smelter mostly with cheap loans from European banks in 2008. But that was no longer possible. The borrowing cost that Emal was expected to pay was three times higher than in 2008. In spite of the abundant liquidity injected by central banks into the economy, commercial banks were charging a 225 basis points (bps) interest rate, up from 70 bps four years earlier, according to Bloomberg. By the end of the 15 year lifespan of the loan, the price would go up to 300 bps, more than twice the 130 bps that they negotiated for in the first phase of the project. The reason behind this sharp increase in costs was that the situation of European banks had changed substantially between 2008 and 2012.

Following the financial collapse of 2008, global banking regulations tightened. The Basel III agreements forced banks to acknowledge the high level of risk associated with many of their assets. The European Central Bank imposed even tighter conditions on its banks, which resulted in a sharp reduction in loans, particularly to emerging markets. Retrenching European banks cut billions of funding to traders of agricultural commodities in Africa and South America.

But the most affected region was Asia, traditionally financed by French, Spanish and British banks, which were particularly affected by the new regulation. The graph shows how total European lending to Asia fell in the aftermath of the Lehman collapse, from a peak of

Has Japan learnt the lessons of its lost decade?

$926 billion at the beginning of 2008 to $765 billion one year later. US lending was not particularly impacted by Basel III, but its relevance as a source of financing for Asian companies is limited. In 2008 total American loans to the Asian private sector amounted to $273 billion, less than 30 percent of the size of European lending. Shortly after the global collapse, European banks resumed lending to Asia. The total stock of loans grew more than 20 percent every year in 2009 and 2010, reaching a total of more than $1,200

billion in the second quarter of 2011. However, with the new set of regulations approved that year by most of the world’s central banks, the trend was reversed.

New lending contracted 7 percent in less than a year and has been more or less frozen since then. This trend is likely to continue. Public, private and financial sectors in Europe, the US and Japan are saddled with vast amounts of debt. Deleveraging could take five to ten more years, and European banks will not be able to lend at the same pace as before, until that process is

completed. Firms in the Gulf and Asia did two things.

First, they started to issue bonds to replace part of the missing loans. According to the Financial Times, “emerging market companies are getting three times as much funding from the bond markets as they are from bank syndicates, the biggest gap in at least a decade”. Second, they turned to Asian and American commercial banks looking for alternative sources of money. US banks’ lending to Asia kept growing, and now amounts to 40 percent of European lending, up from 28 percent in 2008.

But the vacuum left by Europe has the potential to create a substantial investment opportunity for a region that enjoys a structural current account surplus, like the GCC. Trade finance showcases an area where GCC countries can benefit from the ensuing funding gap. Asian trade volumes are large in size. As the graph shows, exports in the 12 months ending in March 2013 totaled more than $3.3 trillion, an amount equivalent to Germany ’s GDP. Trade has also proven to be resilient. Asian exports were growing more than 20 percent every year in the two years prior to the crisis, and after four quarters of contraction in 2009, have been growing again at around 18 percent every year since 2010. In the same period in which European lending to Asia contracted by 5 percent, Asian exports grew by 18 percent.

This reduction in credit to a fast growing and stable sector provides a window of opportunity for investment and portfolio diversification of the Gulf’s savings.

In 1812, following Napoleon’s invasion, Russians retreated into the country leaving nothing but scorched earth behind them. Unlike them, in 2012 Europeans retreated leaving a fertile ground for business behind. —Francisco Quintana is Senior Economist from KCIC, an investment firm specializing in Emerging Asia investments.

UK car industry roars

by European rivals

By Hayder Tawfik

J

apanese politician are not as clever as their compatriot industrialist when it comes to sorting out the government’s finances. Bureaucracy, lobbyist and farmers have always been the obstacles to sorting out the finance problems once and for all. At present and a head of deadline for September decision on raising the sales tax or delaying, the debate is heating up among the ones who are for it and the ones who are against it. Same old debate that they had over the last two decades. But now the fiscal deficit is so big that a decision must be made soon.

Japan has a debt to GDP ratio of more than 150 per cent.

It is the highest in the world and it does threaten the system at any time. Some argue that this debt is a domestic one and Japan has no outstaying foreign debt. Also, they argue that Japan is still the biggest creditor nation in the world and it has huge assets overseas. The two arguments may be valid but it is not a healthy balance sheet for the third biggest economy in the world. It is essential that Mr. Abe the prime minister succeeds in raising taxes but at the same time make sure that the raised taxes do not affect consumption and result in an even deeper recession than in the past.

Tax hike I think the right solution is belt loosening and not raising taxes. What Japan needs just by the way like Germany is fewer savings and more consumption. The government should avoid at all costs taxing households and should focus on taxing the mountains of idle cash lying on Japan Inc.’s balance sheet and should come up with measures that encourage these cash rich companies to pay higher wages and higher dividends to shareholders. This is the stick and the carrot policy. Raising taxes on households may lead to a temporary recession but it is better to have a temporary one than a long slump and it will strengthen the public financing that is good for future economic growth.

Previous Japanese government raised taxes but it lead to a big fall in central government revenues, actually it fell by 20 per cent over the subsequent 15 years. Today’s fiscal deficit is the result of the wrong fiscal policies taken in the past.

Today’s government should have learned by now the lessons of the past. I sometimes wonder! Also, lessons should have been learned that a tighter or contractionory fiscal policy weakens the effect of the massive quantitative easing announced by the government.

The newly elected Japanese prime minister, Mr. Abe won by a landslide majority back in December. He should use this overwhelming mandate given to him by the public to push through measures he believes that will pull Japan out from a long lasting deflationary environment and hopefully into a reflationary one. There isn’t a perfect formula to pull an economy out of a deflation that lasted 15 years but a fine balancing act will give confidence to consumers, industries and investors. It will be a tragic if the new government misses this golden opportunity that the people of Japan presented to them. The message is very simple, when your economy has been experiencing years of deflation then your top priority should be tackling it head on and sending a clear message to the world that you are targeting inflation. —Hayder Tawfik Executive Vice President of Asset Management, at Dimah Capital- HT@dimah.com.kw

LAHORE: Pakistani cooks wait for the customers at a restaurant on a street in Lahore yesterday. Halal meat is one of the fastest growing markets in the world, contributing around 16 percent to the total world trade. — AFP

Investment flowing into Chinese, US markets LONDON: Britain is accelerating away from its European competitors in the car-making sector with investment flowing into the factories of Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover as Chinese and American demand drives sales.

Jaguar Land Rover said it was pumping £1.5 billion (1.8 billion euros, $2.4 billion) into its plant in Solihull near Birmingham, creating 1,700 jobs and giving a welcome fillip to industrial central England. The Solihull plant will make new lightweight Jaguar and Land Rover models made of aluminium.

In northeast England, Nissan has been granted permission to extend its already vast plant in Sunderland, securing jobs in an area where major employers are in short supply. The investment decision was announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show by JLR chief executive Ralf Speth, who said it was “further evidence of our commitment to advancing the capability of the UK automotive sector and its supply chain”. JLR now employs 11,000 people in Britain, with another 24,000 employed in its supply chain. Joe

Rundle, an analyst at ETX Capital, credited the British government with reviving an industry that once looked close to extinction.

“The UK automaking industry was considered a dying sector as car factories produced high volume motors by low-skilled manufacturing,” he said. “However, the UK government’s initiatives to kick-start manufacturing activity is turning the country’s auto making industry into one of premium niche manufacturing.” The government announced in March that it was pumping £500 million into the auto sector. Demand from China and the recovering US economy are credited with driving sales.

Top-of-the-range models Toyota, Nissan and BMW are among other carmakers injecting more and more money into top-of-the-range models made in Britain. Nissan was granted planning permission this month for a 25,000 m2 extension of its factory in Sunderland. The £250 million addition to the factory

extension will produce models for its luxury Infiniti division. In March, Nissan launched production of its fully-electric Leaf with £420 million of investment, creating an additional 500 jobs in the process, proving that the Sunderland factory is bouncing back with a vengeance-in 2009 Nissan cut a quarter of the 5,000 workers there. The rude health of the top-of-the-range sector is also underlined by the success of Rolls-Royce which last year set record-breaking sales figures for the third year running with 3,575 cars made by hand. Rolls-Royce too is expanding its factory, in Sussex in southeast England. It’s not all good news. Late last year, Ford closed down production of its Transit van at Southampton on the south coast with the loss of 1,500 jobs. And Japanese firm Honda shaved 800 jobs from the 3,500 workforce at its Swindon factory in southwest England, as Europe’s economic doldrums took their toll.

But while carmakers elsewhere in Europe are only just climbing out of the slump, Britain saw sales up 11 percent in August compared to a year earlier. — AFP

Paris property market bolstered by ME strife

NEW DELHI: A laborer from a guest house hangs sheets at an outside drying area near the highway in New Delhi yesterday. India, once billed as a driver of global growth, has seen a flurry of economic concerns in recent weeks as it faces a giant current account gap, a fiscal deficit, stubborn inflation and a weak currency. — AFP

Portugal faces another bailout review LISBON: International auditors arrive in Lisbon today to begin an eighth evaluation of Portugal’s economy under its 78-billion-euro bailout as government austerity measures get bogged down and borrowing costs soar. The experts from Portugal’s so-called “troika” of creditors-the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and the European Central Bank-will assess Lisbon’s progress in implementing reforms agreed to in exchange for the bailout granted in May 2011.

The evaluation-which will decide if the bailout’s next tranche of aid will be paid-had initially been due in midJuly but it was put off due a political crisis sparked by the resignation of two key ministers that pushed the centreright government of Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho to the verge of collapse. While the government managed to survive the political crisis, its attempts to overhaul the economy continue to be derailed by Portugal’s Constitutional Court which last month struck down a reform allowing civil servants to be laid off if they fail to requalify for a new job.

The ruling was the latest in a series of blows to Portugal’s efforts to fix its finances and it caused the yield on Portuguese government 10-year bonds to surge above 7.0 percent to levels near which it was forced to seek international aid two years ago.

“The Constitutional Court’s verdict contributed to the surge in the yield in a context of a generalised rise,” Filipe

Silva, public debt manager at Banco Carregosa, told AFP. Portugal remains the euro-zone’s second-most risky country after Greece but it posted higher-than-expected growth of 1.1 percent in the second quarter as exports soared, putting an end to more than two years of continuous contraction.

The government has announced fresh austerity measures, including an average 10 percent cut in the pensions of most government workers which has been loudly opposed by opposition parties and labour parties. “If the government imposes yet more austerity, Portugal will move closer to Greece, the recovery will be stifled and the deficit will slip,” Pedro Lains, an economic historian at the University of Lisbon and popular blogger, told AFP. The government needs to “loosen the clamp” on austerity but “the prime minister wants to continue to impose a very strict program that goes beyond the demands of the troika”, he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas, the leader of the Popular Party, the junior partner in Portugal’s ruling coalition which is more in favour of easing austerity than Passos Coelho, on Wednesday urged Portugal’s international lenders to ease its 2014 public deficit reduction target from 4.0 percent to 4.5 percent of GDP. The appeal got a cool response from Brussels, which is keen to reassure markets that Portugal will be able to return to the long-term bond market in 2014 as the bailout deal envisages. —AFP

PARIS: After several years in the doldrums, demand for upscale Paris properties is starting to pick up with an unlikely helping hand from upheaval in the Middle East. With the bloody Syrian civil war generating fears of instability across the region and Egypt teetering on the brink of chaos, wellheeled Arab investors are looking for boltholes and Paris is a perennial favourite destination for their funds, according to real estate professionals. Typifying the trend was the recent sale of a 2,600-square-metre (28,000-square-feet) townhouse in the plush 16th district of the French capital.

Specialist agents Daniel Feau revealed that the 19th-century building had been snapped up by a well-connected family from the Gulf at a downturn-defying 44 million euros ($58.5 million).

Upbeat players in the Parisian real estate business say the deal reflects a noticeable bounce in the market for residences starting at one million euros. Over the last year, such assets have fallen in price by around eight percent, Feau estimates, and that slide has helped to tempt buyers out of their shells.

Emile Garcin, another agency specializing in the top end of the market, says there has been a correction of some 15 percent over an 18-month period in which the French economy has been, at best, stagnating. “Many buyers, particularly Lebanese, are very concerned by the situation in Syria and they are following friends and family who have already moved to Paris, where there is already a large Lebanese expat community,” Charles Marie Jottras, the chairman of Daniel Feau, told AFP. A number of wealthy Syrians have also sought refuge in France from a conflict that has steadily intensified since March 2011. “Paris, like London, has a long tradition of welcoming people from the Middle East,” Jottras added. “The younger generation from the oil kingdoms may have preferred to go and study in the United States but that generation are coming back here now.”

The trend has also been noted by Emile Garcin’s Nathalie Garcin. “We have had a lot of Lebanese clients registering with us this week,” she said. “It’s mainly families who are worried, they don’t want to leave everything in their country and they are also investing in London. “It’s a taboo subject, they don’t really want to talk about it, but the anxiety is palpable. “We’ve also had a lot of buyers from Qatar.” While the interest from the Middle East appears to be influenced by a particular context, American and other international investors are also waking up to the fact that Paris is suddenly looking attractively priced. “There is a feeling that it is a good time to secure a bargain,” Jottras said, adding that concern over the fiscal plans of the Socialist government that took power in 2012 had receded. “The idea of France becoming a tax hell is fading: the Americans have realized that the vast majority of the new tax measures will not apply to them.” Russian and Chinese investors have also been active in the Paris market, but the buoyancy of the capital is not reflected in other desirable parts of France. Even in soughtafter locations such as the Riviera or the Luberon region famously celebrated in Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence”, prices for characterful properties continue to stagnate or decline as many current owners decide to cut back on second homes. — AFP

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

BUSINESS

AR Albisher and Z Alkazemi Co announces hot summer C-Class offer for Kuwait’s young go-getters New Mercedes-Benz C-Class from only KD10,300 KUWAIT: A R Albisher and Z Alkazemi Co, the exclusive general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Kuwait, is offering Kuwait’s young aspirational go-getting customers a red-hot opportunity to own a cool MercedesBenz C-Class this summer, offering the luxury German sedan at prices starting from just KD10,300.

Inviting Kuwait’s young students and professionals to take advantage of the sporty premium car’s limited time offer, ending 15 October 2013, Michael Ruehle, General Manager, Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co, said: “The new generation C-Class is a car that exudes confidence because of its unique position as a mid-sized luxury car with many distinctive Mercedes-Benz technologies, features and designs. That is why many people, especially young motivated professionals, aspire to own it. It is relatable, individualistic, commands an impressive leadership style, and with this special pricing, offers ownership with peace of mind too.”

Powerful and efficient engines include the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, ECO start/stop function on selected engines and a range of driving assistance systems. Dynamic, res-

olute and self-assured, the striking design of the CClass gives the car a commanding and road-hugging appearance, whilst inside, a sporty, high quality interior emphasizes the luxury saloon’s premium character. Nine new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, ensures the CClass reaches a new level in safety.

“The C-Class is a dynamic Mercedes-Benz that does not compromise on efficiency or luxury for great value. It offers the same comfort and safety as our larger luxury models and sets a completely new standard for other cars in its segment,” added Ruehle. “Our special C-Class promotion is the perfect opportunity to make a statement of refinement, distinction and sporty allure, for which the luxury German car with the sparkling three pointed star is known. The C-Class continues to be the highest-selling Mercedes-Benz model series worldwide.”

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available for viewing and test drives now at the A.R. Albisher and Z. Alkazemi Co Mercedes-Benz showroom in Shuwaikh.

Nokia introduces Nokia Lumia 925 in Kuwait KUWAIT: Nokia Middle East has yesterday announced the local availability of the Nokia Lumia 925 in Kuwait. The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces a metal design and showcases the latest PureView camera innovation, new features and third party applications coming to the Nokia Lumia range.

The Nokia Lumia 925 includes the most advanced lens technology and next generation imaging software to capture clearer, sharper pic-

X-cite by Alghanim Electronics holds Pro-evolution Soccer 2013 Tournament KUWAIT: Every year, Konami hosts a tournament to celebrate the upcoming release of its soccer game franchise, Pro Evolution Soccer. This time is no different, and leading up to the release of Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 is a tournament for PES 2013. This year, and for the first time ever in the Middle East, Konami is holding the world final tournament in Dubai.

As the ultimate destination for diehard gamers in Kuwait, it is no surprise that X-cite

by Alghanim Electronics, the largest electronics retailer in Kuwait, has exclusively held the Kuwait qualifications for the PES Tournament at the Avenues store on Friday September 13 and Saturday September 14, 2013. After many rounds of enthusiastic games across the two days of competition, the winner of the tournament, Mansour Salim Al-Faraj, will represent Kuwait at the annual PES Middle Eastern Qualifications that will be held in Dubai on September 26, 2013. Apart from winning a spot in the Middle Eastern Tournament, Mansour also took home a fully paid trip presented by Konami including flight and accommodation fees to participate in the regional event.

The winner of the Middle East tournament will qualify for the PES World Final that will be held in Dubai as well on September 28, 2013 with a grand prize of 10,000 Euros for 1st place and 5,000 Euros for the 2nd place.

About X-cite by Alghanim X-cite has the largest network of retail electronic stores in Kuwait and the Middle East. It offers a convenient, dynamic and modern shopping experience that aims to add joyous, entertaining moments to shoppers’ time spent in the store.

With its engaging and easy-to-use product display that encourages customers to get hands-on with the product of their choice, X-cite’s shopping experience is further enhanced with its Easy Credit program, a highly skilled and multi-lingual team of sales professionals and the latest and newest electronic devices and gadgets on the market.

X-cite by Alghanim Electronics has branches in 17 locations situated in strategic areas across Kuwait as well as an online store, www.x-cite.com, a website that parallels X-cite’s unmatched in-store experience as it provides customers with valuable offers on quality brands.

Customers can also enjoy many of X-cite’s convenient services including Easy Credit, shopping at any of X-cite’s select stores that are open 24-hours, extended warrantee programs, free delivery and installation services and X-cite’s bilingual online store, www.xcite.com, that enables customers to buy any electronic device or gadget they want at anytime and anyplace

McDonald’s wins CEO Middle East award DUBAI: Yousif Abdulghani, Managing Director of McDonald’s Middle East and Africa, was presented last Wednesday with a CEO Middle East Award at a gala dinner attended by more than 200 of the region’s most prominent businesspeople. Abdulghani was recognized for his commitment to the outstanding growth of the McDonald’s franchise across the Middle East and Africa over the past 20 years.

Commenting on the award, Anil Bhoyrul, Editorial Director, ITP, praised Abdulghani’s noteworthy contribution to the region’s franchising industry. He said: “Throughout his tenure, Abdulghani has exhibited exceptional insight into the rapidly evolving Middle East franchising industry. Contributing to the success of one of the world’s largest Quick Service Restaurant brands, Abdulghani has set the stage for

Yousif Abdulghani receives McDonald’s CEO Middle East Business Award for franchising

good business practice in the region, and raised the bar for the sector at large. This award reflects the passion, hard work and commitment he has put forth over the past two decades.”

Of his achievement, Abdulghani commented: “I am humbled by this recognition, which I truly believe is a testament to the great work and focus of all our stakeholders; namely our DL partners, our corporate staff, and our suppliers, who build the brand and allow us to grow organically. While global brands like McDonald’s may enter the market with a long history of successful operations on an international level, our ultimate success relies on local talent, and a solid understanding of what is taking place on the ground with local stakeholders.”

Abdulghani was singled out from peers across the franchising industry, and was recognized based on his outstanding success, innovation and ethics across Middle Eastern Business. The award also publicly acknowledges the vital contribution made by both Abdulghani and McDonald’s, to the vibrancy of business across the region. “ We opened our first restaurant in Riyadh in 1993, and are now well on track to opening our 1000th restaurant in the region later this year. From there, we are committed to more than doubling that number by 2020.It is a bold plan, and one that will rely heavily on the efforts and local knowledge of our committed partners and franchisees across the region,” he concluded.

McDonald’s operates more than 970restaurants in the Middle East, all of which are locally owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. McDonald’s is the world’s leading food service organization serving 69 million people each day at more than 34,000 restaurants in 119 countries.

Lumia 925

tures and video, including the best low light images. The Nokia Lumia 925 also introduces the new Nokia Smart Camera mode, coming as an update to all Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphones. Nokia Smart Camera offers an easy way to capture ten images at once and edit the pictures with options like Best Shot, Action Shot, and

Motion Focus for creating the perfect high quality image.

Nokia has also announced the availability of Hipstamatic’s new app, Oggl, allowing people to take and share high quality pictures with likeminded creatives and photography enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to sharing photos on Oggl, users can simultaneously share photos on social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Instagram, Tumblr and Flickr. “We keep innovating and we’re advancing experiences on the Nokia Lumia portfolio whether that means great new benefits for an existing Lumia owner, or bringing new showcase devices like the Nokia Lumia 925. The new Nokia Lumia 925 is a sleek and sophisticated smartphone delivering great performance and outstanding imaging and we look forward to offering the device across major retail stores in Kuwait,” said Istvan Jakab, Country Business Manager, Nokia Kuwait.

The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces metal for the

first time to the Nokia Lumia range, bringing appeal and unique benefits like increased robustness. The polycarbonate back comes in white, grey or black. A wireless charging cover can be clipped onto the back of the phone to take advantage of Nokia’s extensive wireless charging accessories and ecosystem. Covers, sold separately, come in white, black, yellow, and red. Leading Nokia services, such as the HERE suite of integrated location and navigation services and Nokia Music for unlimited streaming of free music playlists, add to the great proposition offered by Nokia’s latest smartphone.

Terry Myerson, corporate vice president, Microsoft Windows Phone Division, added: “Together with Nokia, we continue to change the way people think about smartphone cameras. The work Nokia has done with the Lumia 925 further enhances the imaging capabilities of the Lumia smartphones.”

The Nokia Lumia 925 is currently available at all major electronic retail outlets in Kuwait.

Nigeria’s property boom: Only for the brave ABUJA: On one of the most exclusive streets in Nigeria’s capital sits a crumbling mansion with an unwelcoming message painted at its entrance: “BEWARE! THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE”.

The warning refers to a popular property scam. In the most elaborate version, robbers break into your house while you are away, change the locks, and then produce multiple copies of fake title deeds. Posing as estate agents, they show buyers around your house and sell as many copies of the deeds as possible. When you get back, your house belongs to six people.

This sort of deception epitomizes the tricky nature of Nigeria’s real estate business, but despite the risks, there are huge returns to be had in a market where around 16 million homes are needed just to meet current demand. Navigating through opaque land laws, corruption, a lack of development expertise and financing, a dearth of mortgages and high building costs will take courage and influential local partners.

“There are sizeable challenges to overcome but in many ways Nigeria represents the perfect storm for real estate investment; huge population, rapid urbanization and a growing middleclass,” said Michael Chu’di Ejekam, Director of Nigerian Real Estate at Actis, a London-based private equity firm.

Actis has $5.2 billion under management, including two sub-Saharan Africa real estate equity funds totalling $434 million, which it says are attracting US and European investors. Nigeria’s population of nearly 170 million is bigger than Russia’s and its economy is growing at 6 percent, a combination which is producing a new wave of property buyers from bankers and airline staff to mobile phone and fast food shop owners.

“I see demand from the middle-class higher than ever before,” said Deolu Dara, Associate Vice President at Nigeria-based Avante Property Asset Management, which manages several multi-million dollar residential projects in Lagos. A successful real estate investment in Nigeria can earn an returns as high as 30-35 percent, while rental income yields in cities such as Lagos and Abuja can easily reach 10 percent, developers and estate agents say.

Middle class Property in Lagos, a heaving metropolis of around 20 million people, can be among the

most expensive in the world with two-bedroom flats costing more than $1 million in upmarket areas. However, the top-end range is dominated by well established players and developers should target middle-income workers in major cities, such Lagos, Abuja and the oil-hub Port Harcourt. The most popular units fall in a price bracket of 20-35 million naira ($123,000$214,100), developers and estate agents say.

Nigeria’s middle class make up around 23 percent of the population and earn around 80,000100,000 naira ($490-$610) per month, according to report by investment bank Renaissance Capital. In smaller cities and rural areas, a lack of information about land and regulation is offputting, while a violent Islamist insurgency has made the north of Nigeria unattractive, despite huge unmet demand in cities such as Kano and Kaduna.

The majority of Nigerians live in poverty in shanty towns or in basic concrete block and ironroofed houses they have built themselves, but building mass housing for the poor is not a popular investment. “If you know the market, the people, focus on middle class and cherry pick your deals, you can clean out,” added Dara, who said Africa’s biggest oil and gas industry is also driving demand. One foreign oil major bought 300 flats recently. Nigeria’s construction and real estate sectors are growing at more than 10 and 12 percent respectively, a boon for foreign and Nigerian construction firms, including UPDC, Cappa D’Alberto and Julius Berger. Yet, there is still not enough quality affordable housing because business is frustrated by widespread corruption, poor state infrastructure and a lack of expertise and financing. Constructing a block of flats costs three times as much in Nigeria than in South Africa, builders say, and many developments are abandoned when projects run out of money or become slums because they are poorly built.

London-based estate agent Jones Lang LaSalle ranks Nigeria 96th out of 97 on its transparency index, just in front of Sudan but behind six other African countries.

Having support from powerful politicians or business magnates will help to avoid terminal financial pitfalls.

Local partners “It’s a business that requires local partners and

local knowledge or you’ll run into problems,” Dara at Avante says. Avante’s chairman is Wale Tinubu, the head of oil and gas firm Oando and a close relative of former Lagos state governor Bola Tinubu, who still wields influence there.

London-based Actis has given directorships to Nigerian energy firm Seven Energy and local conglomerate UAC. Once the supply challenges have been overcome, there remains a problem with that huge latent demand. No mortgages. Unless you are willing to pay a 25 percent interest rate.

The mortgage debt-to-GDP ratio in Nigeria is under 0.5 percent, compared with 72 percent in the US and over 30 percent in Malaysia and South Africa, government figures show. “In places like America you seem to be able to buy property without a stress but it just isn’t like that here,” said Ike Ejekam, 31, who is about to buy a newly-built two-bedroom apartment for 20 million naira in a gated community in the popular Lekki district on the Lagos peninsula. Ejekam represents the new breed of buyers who expect well-built housing with all the modern conveniences. He works at a branch of a local bank and is using his life savings and funds borrowed from family members to buy his property outright.

“I don’t like to think about mortgages because it scares me when I see how difficult it is for my friends to get a loan.” Nigerian banks don’t like giving out mortgages because reliable information about buyers and land is scarce, while there is no secondary market to offset the risks.

Mortgage denied The government says it is trying to fix this by securing a $300 million loan from the World Bank to establish a mortgage refinancing company, which should free up some bank lending.

A Federal Mortgage Bank was also launched this year, which government hopes will help build 500,000 new homes. The bank plans to float a 200 billion naira mortgage bond, the proceeds from which can be handed over to home buyers with the state guaranteeing against default for five years. The government is also discussing passing legislation to create a secondary mortgage market and to improve land laws.

“With this sense of urgency we could have a significant improvement in the mortgage market by 2015,” United Bank for Africa CEO Phillips Oduoza told Reuters. — Reuters

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

technology

Court case renews debate on US ‘Open Internet’ rules Verizon challenges ‘Open Internet’ rule approved by FCC

COLUMBIA: Sammy Rhodes, who ministers to University of South Carolina students, discovered the dark side of Twitter fame. He is pictured at Immaculate Consumption on Main Street in Columbia, South Carolina, where he often spent time on Twitter. —MCT

Huge Twitter following no laughing matter COLUMBIA: Sammy Rhodes didn’t court Twitter fame. Maybe he flirted with it a little, but he only did it to make other people smile.

As the following grew for his 140-charactersor-fewer jokes posted under the handle @prodigalsam, Rhodes discovered the dark side of fame. Other Twitter comedians began to attack Rhodes for allegedly stealing jokes.

As is typical in Internet spats, it quickly turned personal and ugly. “The Internet has taught me two things: 1. People are the best. 2.

People are the worst,” Rhodes tweeted on May 29.

That was more serious than most of his tweets. It probably surprised those among the 130,000 followers who hadn’t been tuned in to the negative buzz, those who only read his tweets for the daily grins. Rhodes, a campus minister at the University of South Carolina, denies stealing jokes. “There are formulas that we all use,” he said of joke-writing between sips of coffee at Immaculate Consumption on Main Street. “Now I’m caught in the middle of being accused - I think falsely - of stealing jokes. ... It has made Twitter lose its fun.”

After saying for weeks in media interviews that he wasn’t going to let the uproar stop him, Rhodes used a series of tweets Friday night to announce the steady flow of jokes was stopping. “Some wise friends who love me well have asked me to step away from Twitter for a season, for the sake of my family, ministry, & own soul” ... “This isn’t a break-up, but a break. And it isn’t you, it’s me (pretty sure I stole that from someone) ... “ He offered his backers a chance to help by posting a link to a fundraising campaign for his campus ministry. Then he couldn’t resist two final jokes, both typical of his geekdriven humor with references to Star Wars and another, less joke-friendly, social networking site. “Hopefully this season away from Twitter is more like Luke’s in Empire Strikes Back, minus the sleeping inside of a Tauntaun part ... “ “In the meantime I plan on absolutely crushing it over on LinkedIn.” Rhodes’ contemplative responses to questions in a conversation seem more suited to his full-time job with the Presbyterian Church-affiliated Reformed University Fellowship. His comedy material seldom slips into his outreach to USC students. Few, if any, of the students show up to hear @prodigalsam. They come to hear a more important message.

“He’s not up there telling jokes. The Gospel is a serious thing,” said Robby Woodard, a friend of Rhodes’ and an elder at Columbia’s First Presbyterian Church. “But he can relate to (college students) well. “He’s not hiding (the @prodigalsam identity) from them.

Some might even say ‘Hey this is the Twitter guy. We can go learn about Christ from this guy.’“ Rhodes, 32, was preaching long before he became a Twitter star. He grew up in Sumter, graduated from USC in 2002 with a psychology degree and went on to Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte. He spent five years with Reformed University Fellowship at Georgia Southern University before moving back to Columbia in 2011.

Rhodes opened his Twitter account in 2009, mostly posting updates about how he was doing or about something related to his ministry. In 2011, his outlook on Twitter changed when he discovered “this community of people, comedians, just using Twitter to be funny,” he said.

About that time, his daughter Sadie, the youngest of his four children, was born with a rare brain malformation called DandyWalker Syndrome. People with DandyWalker can have a wide spectrum of disabilities. Sadie is on the healthier end of the spectrum, but she is behind the norm for developmental standards. After Sadie’s birth, “humor became a way of dealing with it,” Rhodes said. “It became a way to lighten the burden.”

To explain his outlook, Rhodes threw out the phrase, “Comedy is tragedy plus time.”

He said he heard it used by comedian Tig Notaro. Wiki Search attributes the phrase to the legendary comedian Carol Burnett. Pithy quotes, like most jokes, can be traced to common ancestors a generation or two earlier than you might think. One of Rhodes’ critics created a Tumblr site - borrowingsam.tumblr.com - detailing similarities between @prodigalsam jokes and earlier jokes posted on Twitter by others.

Rhodes insists he never intentionally stole a joke. He explained his approach in a blog post, then erased that after foes used his own words in blasting him. He tried again with an explanation last week in a Q&A with a reporter from Christianity Today.

“When I started trying to be funny on Twitter, I was like a kid getting his first acoustic guitar,” he said. “I tried to tell tweets in my own words that were definitely inspired by some of my favorite comedians

on Twitter. I definitely have been inspired by tweets, but have never intentionally stolen a tweet.

“At face value (some of the comparisons to prior tweets) look pretty bad unless you know that I took several of the tweets down immediately when someone pointed out that someone else had written something similar. Others of the tweets I supposedly ‘stole’ were from people I had never heard of or followed. There are maybe two tweets that were definitely remixes of a tweet that I loved that have since been taken down out of respect.

“The bottom line is I’m not the most original guy in the world, but I’m definitely not a joke thief. I can say that with a clear conscience.” Where do the jokes come from?

“Most of the time, it just pops into my head and I tweet it,” Rhodes said of his joke-writing process. “If tweets aren’t coming, I sit down and think, ‘What did I experience today that might be funny?’ “ The one-liner has been a mainstay of comedy for as long as people have laughed. Twitter, with its 140-character limit, is the ideal venue for one-liners. It also is a wide-open forum, allowing any personal style. Rhodes tweaks pop culture, makes fun of himself, uses the classic play-on-words format and avoids bad language.

“I like Twitter because it allows me to tell jokes in a medium that feels safe,” he said. “I can make people laugh, but I don’t have to be vulgar to do it. “The best jokes that I’ve written are honest and relatable. Good art captures what it feels like to live in this world, and it’s the same with jokes.” Once he started posting funny thoughts on Twitter in 2011, people started following him. The following grew as he gained more attention via Favstar, which ranks re-tweets passed along by readers. “It became a hobby for me, trying to tell jokes that rated high,” Rhodes said.

Favstar helped Rhodes hit 12,000 followers. A re-tweet by Huffington Post boosted the following to around 40,000. Then he was ranked in Paste magazine’s list of the top 75 Twitter accounts, and his following nearly doubled. A Huffington Post story and retweets by actor/comedian Rainn Wilson (“ The Office”) put the following over 100,000. As the joke-stealing allegations took off, Wilson took Rhodes’ side. Comedian Patton Oswalt (“Ratatouille,” “The King of Queens”) took the other side. Rhodes is amazed either of them would read his jokes.

Those who knew Rhodes well were amazed as his Twitter following rose. He never was the class clown or the life of the party.

“I’ve always been way more introverted,” Rhodes said. “People who have known me, who grew up with me or went to college with me, they follow me on Twitter and are surprised.” Some were less stunned than others. “He’s one of those quiet, witty guys where (the humor) kind of sneaks up on you,” Woodard said. “He might not seem funny in a group setting, but when you get in a conversation one-on-one he can be really funny.”

Jay Richardson, a friend since childhood, said their core group of friends always laughed at each others’ jokes. But who would have guessed thousands and thousands of people would someday laugh along with them? “Around his friends, he’s always been funny,” Richardson said. “When he’s around people he doesn’t know as well, he has an automatic reserve, a guard sort of goes up.” Twitter took away that guard. Now Richardson has seen Rhodes hit by a backlash that has hurt. “He doesn’t want to be a celebrity,” Richardson said. “He wants to be a genuine person.”

Rhodes chuckled at the idea he might be able to make money with his sense of humor. While there is a growing Christiancomedy niche, most of Rhodes’ tweets are secular. He has tried standup comedy only once, at an open mic night in Greenville a few months ago. He did a three-minute set, “and it was a blast.” But he doesn’t see a career in standup or in comedy writing. He is considering writing a book - not a compendium of jokes but a fun narrative that’s been bopping around in his head.

Two weeks ago, he pledged to keep posting one-liners on Twitter. Trying hard not to let the haters get him down, he cited GK Chesterton’s 1908 work “Orthodoxy.” “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”

But the online hate grew to be too much.

“The story has grown to a point where not only is it beyond my control, but it’s starting to affect my family, minister, colleagues in ministry, and the name of Christians in general,” Rhodes said Saturday via email. “It’s just gotten so out of control, the best thing I know to do is step away for awhile.” In last week’s email interview with salon.com, he hinted at the struggle that led to his Twitter hiatus. “It’s living in the tension of ‘Thou shalt not steal’ and ‘There’s nothing new under the sun,’“ he wrote. —MCT

WASHINGTON: Debate is back on in Washington on US regulations on “net neutrality” which bar Internet broadband providers from blocking or discriminating against services or content. A court case for which arguments were held this month brought

by Verizon, one of the largest Internet service providers, challenges the “Open Internet” rule approved in 2010 by the Federal Communications Commission. The seemingly arcane rule, or changes to it, could have an important impact: some say it may determine whether fixed broadband providers can control what services flow throw their networks.

“These rules provide an important safeguard both for innovation and investment on the Internet,” said David Sohn, an attorney with the Center for Democracy and Technology, which backs the FCC rules. Sohn said that if Verizon has its way, it and other providers like Comcast or AT&T could “play favorites,” by blocking or degrading services such as YouTube or Netflix to promote their own offerings or that of their partners. “Every user every day benefits from this rule for the services they use, whether it’s YouTube or Twitter or something else,” Sohn told AFP. But Verizon and its allies argue the FCC lacks authority to interfere with their business, and that Congress never decided these companies were regulated utilities or “common carriers.” “It is not up to the FCC to decide these issues on its own,” said Verizon lawyer Helgi Walker, arguing the case before the US Court of Appeals in Washington earlier this month. “It has no implied authority, no express authority and it’s highly unlikely that Congress would have delegated authority in such a convoluted way.”

The FCC, in a 3-2 majority decision December 2010, said it imposed the rules to ensure that the Internet “has no gatekeepers limiting innovation and communication through the network.” But participants at the appeals court hearing said two of the three judges appeared inclined to overturn the FCC rules, although the decision

could stem from either jurisdictional or fundamental legal arguments.

Whatever the appeals court decides, the debate is likely to continue. Either side could appeal to the US Supreme Court, and the issue could end up in Congress, which has been divided on the issue. Amid the US debate, the European Commission this month adopted a similar “net neutrality” provision barring any blocking or throttling of competing or data-heavy services. With the stakes high,

blank screens. But another Washington lawyer work works on tech issues, and who requested not to be cited because of clients he represents in the sector, said he did not believe service providers would try to dramatically reshape what flows through their networks. “It would be commercially infeasible to offer an Internet service if you couldn’t get to the big sites,” the lawyer said. More likely, the attorney said, would be deals mirroring what is taking place in the wireless space,

ket economics back to the Internet.

“Consumers would be able to pay less, not more for broadband, if consumers no longer were forced to shoulder the full broadband cost of Internet access by subsidizing the biggest edge companies like Netflix and Google-YouTube, which consume about half of the Internet’s peak traffic,” Cleland said on his blog.

But Jennifer Yeh at the advocacy group Free Press said in a blog post that the dangers are greater if

BERLIN: This file photo shows a Twitter icon on the display of a smartphone in Berlin. —AP Washington lobby groups on both sides have been ramping up their efforts.

“This affects most Americans who watch a move on Netflix or who make a phone call on Vonage,” said Pantelis Michalopoulos, lawyer for parties arguing in support of the FCC rules.

Michalopoulos said companies like Verizon “have the incentive and ability to discriminate” against service and could, for example, degrade Netflix to the point where viewers would see

which is not subject to the same rules, and where providers offer premium packages on an exclusive basis, such as NFL football games. Firms like Verizon fear that if the FCC has its way, the agency would be in a position to more tightly regulate broadband as a public utility, which might mean regulating prices as well.

Scott Cleland at the advocacy group NetCompetition, which backs Verizon in the case, said overturning the FCC rules would bring free-mar-

Verizon overturns the rules. “The FCC needs to restore its authority to ensure that network providers can’t block or discriminate against any online content. Otherwise, we run the risk of the Internet going the way of cable-where the providers determine what content we see, charge us different prices based on what content we get, and extract tolls from Internet companies for delivering that content to users,” she said. —AFP

In battle against cyberattacks, hackers wear the ‘white hats’

CAPITOL HILL: Adam Cecchetti, 31, one of the founders of Deja vu Security, which operates out of a loft on Capitol Hill, says that unlike hackers who are a menace to others, “I’m not in this business to harm people”. —MCT

Japan deep sea drilling boat casts off to find quakes SHIMIZU, Japan: A Japan-led team of seismologists set off yesterday on a mission to drill deep beneath the seabed in a search for the origin of earthquakes. The scientists weighed anchor on Japan’s deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu, heading for a spot in the ocean off the Kii peninsula, southwestern Japan, and a fracture in the Earth’s crust known as the Nankai Trough.

Experts have warned the trough, which marks the place where the Philippine Sea plate slides under the Eurasian plate, is the likely source of a monster earthquake sometime in the near future.

Japan’s government last year unveiled a worst-case scenario, warning a big quake in the area could kill more than 320,000 people, dwarfing the toll from the March 11, 2011, quake-tsunami disaster. In its four-month mission, the latest stage of a multiyear project that began in 2007, the team plans to drill 3,600 metres down and take samples from the crust. They will also be readying for another trip next year in which they hope to get 5,200 metres down, to the spot where the action actually happens.

“It would be unprecedented to drill directly into a seismogenic zone, the area believed to release great energy and cause crusts to slide along fault lines and trigger tsunamis,” said Tamano Omata, a researcher for the Japan Agency for MarineEarth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).

Scientists want to plant sensors-such as seismometers, deformation-measuring devices and thermometers-in the zone, which will form part of a system called Dense Oceanfloor Network System for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET), which is linked directly to onshore monitors. “We expect to become able to monitor how the crusts move immediately before a quake hits,” Omata said.

Shinichi Kuramoto, deputy director of JAMSTEC’s Center for Deep Earth Exploration, said recent research had shown mild earthquakes, in which the two crusts slip gently past each other, have occurred frequently over stretches of the Nankai Trough in the past five years. He said it was possible these were precursors to a mega-quake. “Directly drilling into and observing the place that may release a big quake would be a big step towards understanding the seismological mechanism,” he said. The 56,752-ton Chikyu-”Earth” in Japanese-has been anchored in central Shimizu port, and was open to foreign media this week ahead of the mission. The vessel, built in 2005 at a cost of $500 million, is equipped with a 121-metre (400-foot) drill tower that can descend 7,000 metres below the seabed, nearly three times as deep as its predecessors.

It depends on satellite location systems with pinpoint accuracy that allow its captain to know exactly where the ship is in relation to the Earth’s crust. —AFP

He’s 26, likes industrial and electronic music, has a bleached-blond Mohawk haircut and sometimes, Mikhail Davidov said, he starts his day “at the crack of noon.” The late hours are in front of a computer, working on reverse engineering, tearing apart computer programs to find their vulnerabilities. Sometimes he works 18 hours straight. “There are few hackers out there who are ‘morning people,’“ Davidov said.

These days, the front lines for security don’t only include soldiers carrying weapons. They include computer whiz kids like Davidov, who works for the Leviathan Security Group, a 20person firm that operates out of second-floor offices in a renovated 1918 building in Seattle.

Chad Thunberg, chief operating officer of Leviathan, said he can relate to Davidov, remembering his own younger days.

Thunberg, who is 35 and married with two children, said, “I’m considered a grandpa in my industry. There was a time when I was the Mikhail equivalent. You live and breathe security.”

Cyberattacks are costing corporations - and consumers - a lot. In a six-year span starting in 2005, data breaches in 33 countries, including the US, cost the firms involved more than $156 billion, according to the nonprofit Digital Forensics Association. Every second, in various parts of the world, there are 18 cybercrime victims - some 1.6 million a day - according to a 2012 Norton by Symantec study. On Friday, the Wenatchee World newspaper reported that a Leavenworth, Wash., hospital said hackers stole more than $1 million from the hospital’s electronic bank account. The Chelan County, Wash., treasurer said it had been able to retrieve about $133,000 by notifying recipient bank accounts, most in the Midwest and East Coast.

And the Associated Press reported that LivingSocial, an online deals site, said Friday that its website was hacked and the personal data of more than 50 million customers may have been affected - names, email addresses, date of birth of some users and encrypted passwords. Then there are the Chinese hackers, who blasted into the news in February when Mandiant, an Internet security firm, released a report saying that a group linked to the People’s Liberation Army had systemically stolen confidential data from at least 141 American firms.

In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama warned, “Now our enemies are also seeking the ability to sabotage our power grid, our financial institutions and our air traffic control systems.” That makes Internet security a booming industry, at an estimated nearly $1 billion a year in 2012, according to the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. Another “white hat” hacker is Adam Cecchetti, 31, who used to work at Leviathan and then in 2010 became one of the founders of Deja vu Security, which operates out of a secondfloor renovated loft in Seattle’s Capitol Hill.

Sometimes, he has colored his hair blue.

Davidov and Cecchetti are on the front lines of fighting off the “black hat” hackers.

Yes, that is how they describe their enemy.

The latter includes those sending out phishing emails that look like they came from a legitimate source but are fakes trying to get

your passwords and credit-card information.

Or maybe they are black hats trying to compromise a company’s website just so they can boast about it in hacker circles.

For the white hats, their unique skill at finding where a program is vulnerable and how to close the digital doors that the black hats use to penetrate a website is worth $120,000 to $130,000 a year, Thunberg said.

“Companies are being attacked by bad people, and if they want to defend themselves, they have to attract these scarce people,” he said. “There are maybe 1,000 individuals of this nature in the world. They have this unique hacker mind-set.” Their clients aren’t exactly keen to publicize that they seek Internet security, said Thunberg, and that’s often written into their contracts with Leviathan. Thunberg said his company’s average contract size is for around $70,000. Citing privacy, he said only that most are Fortune 1000 companies.

But one client that didn’t mind talking is a Washington, D.C.-based company called Silent Circle. For $20 a month, it offers a service that encrypts voice, text and video on a user’s smartphone, tablet or computer. Their customers, said Jon Callas, Silent Circle’s chief technical officer, include US businesses “doing work in China and Eastern Europe and other places where they don’t want their phone calls tapped.” His company, Callas said, hired Leviathan to evaluate the encrypting software for vulnerabilities and fix them.

“They helped us find problems before anybody else did,” said Callas.

At Deja vu Security, Cecchetti said, work that they’ve done includes posing as new employees at a financial institution, given the standard access to computers. Firms routinely give computer “administrative privileges” to only a handful of individuals. But, Cecchetti said, “within a couple of weeks, we had basically control of the entire organization and could access pretty much anything we wanted.” Deja vu put together “a very large report” on how to fix things, he said.

Hackers such as Davidov and Cecchetti have certain similarities. For one thing, they started tinkering with computers when they were kids, and that passion never stopped.

Cecchetti grew up in Greensburg, Pa. He helped start a computer club in high school and said that although he ran track and played soccer, “I was plenty nerdy.” As a teen in the 1990s, he was programming video games and went on to creating simple websites, before they had become ubiquitous.

Cecchetti earned a master’s from Carnegie Mellon University in electrical and computer engineering, and ended up in Seattle in 2005, working for Amazon to keep black hats from breaking in. Davidov is the son of Russian immigrants. His father worked at a tech firm in Moscow and got a visa to come to the US in 1995, moving the family to Woodinville, Wash.

But even in the old country, when he was 5, Davidov said, he was using a computer his father brought home, “playing little DOS games,” the early operating system. By his teen years, Davidov was hacking into video games so he could beat them. —MCT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

Healthcare in crisis-hit Greece under threat Major restructuring in the offing ATHENS: A new round of cuts in debt-hit Greece’s troubled health sector could cause irreversible damage to the country’s already struggling public healthcare, insiders warn. Under its EU-IMF deal, which is keeping its economy alive with bailout loans, Greece has pledged to redeploy 25,000 civil servants and axe 4,000 state jobs by the end of the year.

As part of this process, eight hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki are currently being downsized and turned into health centres, with 1,618 of their staff transferred elsewhere.

Public healthcare is free in Greece but the system has been mismanaged for decades, leading to chronic corruption and overspending on drugs and hospital supplies that is only gradually coming to light.

After the economic crisis erupted, authorities sought to get a better control over health spending.

Last year, the government introduced an online prescription system to control the costly malpractice of bogus handwritten prescriptions, which had enabled corrupt doctors and pharmacists to make money at the expense of healthcare funds for years.

Now, the health ministry says it wants to boost bigger hospitals that suffer from shortages by moving staff from smaller ones where demand did not justify the operational cost.

“We are carrying out a major restructuring of the health sector to provide better health services to the Greek people,” Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said at a press conference in August.

Georgiadis, a former far-right politician appointed to the post in June, promised there would be no job cuts.

But many healthcare staff still fear the overhaul will drastically reduce hospital beds and downgrade public healthcare in general.

Hospital doctors will join a two-day strike by civil servants this week in protest at the cuts.

“We already had staff shortages and the new employees we are supposed to receive are just a drop in the ocean compared to our needs,” said Ilias Sioras, a cardiologist at Evangelismos hospital in Athens, one of Greece’s biggest.

“How can they say health ser vices will improve when people can’t get treated?” asked Maria Ikonomaki, a lab worker in the Amalia Fleming hospital in northern Athens that is slated to become a rehabilitation centre instead.

“We treat one million people every year and last year another hospital in our area shut down,” she said.

“The way (these changes) are carried out shows (the government) is more concerned about redeploying staff than improving services,” another Amalia Fleming hospital doctor who preferred anonymity said.

Public health spending dropped by 25 percent between 2009 and 2012, after having increased by nearly 6 percent per year in real terms the previous decade.

Outlays on medicine alone were cut by onethird between 2010 and 2011 to 3.75 billion euros.

That pushed Greece to slightly below the average of 9.3 percent of gross domestic product spent on health care in the 34 advanced economies in the OECD in 2011, coming in at 9.1 percent.

The cost-cutting effort has increased out of pocket healthcare expenses for many Greeks, as certain drugs are no longer subsidised by staterun health insurance funds.

And if the state is indeed scaling back health services, the vacuum will be inevitably filled by private clinics at a much higher cost, doctors warn.

“There are needs to be covered and much demand for health services-when the state just leaves, what are we supposed to think?” said Haralambos Farantos, a surgeon at Patissia hospital, situated in a densely-populated central Athens neighbourhood.

“If you are to create one big hospital, you should at least place it in the same area where the small one used to be,” he argued.

Kyriakos Souliotis, an assistant professor of health policy at the University of the Peloponnese, warned that the cuts could destabilise Greece’s health system altogether at a time of high unemployment and rising poverty.

“Nobody can deny the past excesses in public health expenditure,” Souliotis told AFP. “But the current management is the extreme, exaggerated opposite-fiscal targets in the health sector are so tight now, that we are in danger of not being able to sufficiently meet certain expenses,” he said.

Greece is in its sixth year of continuous recession and has a staggering 27-percent unemployment rate.

With so many people out of work, the monthly insurance contributions that are the lifeblood of the public healthcare funds are also drying up.

“Structural reforms were necessary, but an economic crisis is a bad time for change,” Souliotis added.

Under pressure from its creditors, Greece has had to carry out reforms that other European countries implemented over a decade in just two years, he noted.

“According to the targets, pharmaceutical expenses, for instance, have to be covered by one percent of Greece’s GDP. Now that the GDP has shrunk by 25 percent, this is not enough,” Souliotis said. —AFP

Kanebo battles to rescue brand image

TAIPEI: This undated handout photograph released by the Taipei City Zoo yesterday shows giant panda Yuan Yuan holding her baby panda, Yuan Zai at the Taipei City Zoo. The cub, the first panda born in Taiwan, was delivered on July 7 following a series of artificial insemination sessions after her parents, Yuan Yuan and her partner Tuan Tuan, failed to conceive naturally. —AFP

NASA sends drones to track hurricanes’ secrets WALLOPS ISLAND: A pair of converted military drones are the US space agency’s newest tools for tracking hurricanes and tropical storms, with the aim of improving forecasters’ ability to predict them.

Originally built for military reconnaissance missions around the world, they are the size of large commercial jets and are flown remotely from a NASA base on the Virginia coast.

The drones are capable of flying for 30 hours at an altitude of 21,000 meters (69,000 feet), or twice the height of a passenger plane.

They can also cover large swaths of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in a single mission, according to Chris Naftel, head of the drone project at NASA’s Dryden center in California, the secondary drone base.

The two Global Hawks began operating as NASA drones in 2012, as part of a project that will last for three years. The drones operate in most active months-August and September-of the Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June to the end of November.

“It opens a window into a storm we did not have before,” said Scott Braun, a research meteorologist on the project called HS3, short for the Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel.

“Before we had short snap shots of individual storms at various times,” he said.

Until now, the old stand-bys for monitoring storms have been piloted weather planes and satellites, he said. “By being able to view a storm continuously over a 20 hour period, you have a longer window to capture it,” he added.

“This experiment will allow a better understanding of the processes that govern the intensification in the formation of storms.”

Even though scientists have been able to make great leaps in projecting the paths of hurricanes in recent years, their ability to predict the power and severity of storms has improved very little. Better forecasts would help authorities more swiftly make life and death decisions, like whether and when to evacuate people in the storm’s path. According to NASA, nearly 100 million Americans live within 80 kilometers (50 miles) of a coast and are therefore at risk of being in the path of a hurricane.

The drones have two chief scientific missions: to determine the role of thunderstorms and rain in the intensification of storms, and to study the influence of the Saharan Air Layer, in the intensity of tropical cyclones. This very dry and dusty air mass forms over the Sahara desert and moves into the tropical Atlantic from the end of springtime until the beginning of autumn. Scientists are divided about the air mass’s impact on the intensity of tropical cyclones. Some think that the dry air could weaken a storm by blocking the upward motion of air and wind, while others suggest that the phenomenon makes storms more potent.

NASA along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partners in the 30 million dollar program, and they hope that the information collected during three hurricane seasons in the Atlantic will provide some answers.

Each of the planes is equipped with different instruments, including a laser for studying the structure of the clouds, a microwave system to probe the heart of hurricanes, GPS systems and radar. The drones’ precision instruments measure temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure several times per second. —AFP

TOKYO: Japanese cosmetics giant Kanebo faces a tough battle repairing its brand image with consumer confidence at “rock bottom” after its products left ugly blotches on customers’ faces, observers say.

Japan’s second-largest cosmetics firm-more than a century old and with its reputation for quality now in tatterscan recover, they say, but it has to move swiftly and surely.

Kanebo’s travails are the latest in a long line of public relations disasters that have felled companies of all sizes.

Among the casualties are Boeing’s troubled Dreamliner jet and automaker Toyota, which was forced to recall millions of cars in recent years over safety issues. A tainted milk scandal in China that left six children dead and sickened more than 300,000 badly scarred the country’s dairy industry.

Key to surviving brand-damaging episodes is a quick response that is transparent and genuine, public relations experts say. “Don’t simply broadcast information-like many Japanese companies do-but promote two-way communication with all stakeholder groups” including customers, said Daniel Fath, vice president of Tokyo-based Total Communications System.

“Handled properly, a traumatic crisis becomes a valuable learning experience that ultimately strengthens a company’s relationships with its stakeholders.” In an effort to put a stop to a spiralling PR disaster, Kanebo’s president went before the cameras this week to apologise to customers. They included nearly 10,000 people left with uneven pigmentation after using its skin-whitening creams, which are popular among women across Asia in search of lighter tones.

The embattled executive pledged to overhaul safety controls at the company while temporarily cutting his salary and that of other senior executives. But his bid to defuse the situation came as a team of external experts appointed by the firm said it had been late in issuing the recall.

The decision to pull their products from shelves came months after officials had received warnings from doctors who suspected a link between patients suffering skin blotches and the firm’s products.

The company-whose brands include Blanchir Superior and Sensai-failed to take early measures and was “obsessed with the idea that the skin discolouration was a disease”, said Hideki Nakagome, a lawyer who is heading the probe. Kanebo’s image “has nose-dived to rock bottom”, said Yasuko Kono, secretary general of Consumers Japan.

Underscoring the challenges that lie ahead, 51-yearold Mikako Ando said she was relieved at her own brand choices. “I feel lucky that I don’t use Kanebo’s products,” she said as she strolled in Tokyo’s fashionable Ginza district.

Communicating through social media such as Twitter and Facebook is another important way to get the company’s message out as it works its way through a crisis, said Rachel Catanach, senior partner and managing director at FleishmanHillard Hong Kong. A poorly handled product recall can have a “significant long-term impact” on a brand, she added.

“Too often companies wait until they have full information, which is too late in a world of citizen journalists who can release their photo or tell their story via Twitter or other social channels within seconds of it happening,” Catanach added. “Every minute that goes by without an effective crisis response exponentially increases the risk to a company’s reputation.”

Toyota, now the world’s biggest automaker, “learned reputational lessons the hard way”, she said, after it took a huge hit following massive safety recalls in recent years. “Toyota went to great lengths to rebuild its reputation,” Catanach said. “Because of this, the Toyota brand has not sustained damage over the longer term.”

Kanebo, which counts Japan’s Shiseido among its rivals and sells its products in more than 50 countries, has seen retail sales plunge about 20 percent since the recall in July. Millions of affected products were removed from store shelves in Japan, Britain and 10 Asian markets including South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Kanebo’s parent company, Kao, said it would book a loss of about $56 million over compensation costs as its share price dived. Toshiyuki Kanayama, senior market analyst for Monex Securities, called on Kao to get more involved in the unit’s day-today operations to avoid a repeat. “Brand image is important for any business, but it’s all the more important in the cosmetics industry,” he said. —AFP

PARIS: Meurice restaurant’s new French chief Alain Ducasse poses in the kitchen of the Parisian palace. —AFP

Paris, capital of gastronomy, discovers gourmet junk food PARIS: Notorious for being hard to please when eating out, sniffy Parisians are embracing an unlikely culinary phenomenon: fast food. As in many places, burgers, kebabs and the like have a poor reputation in the French capital: fatty meat swimming in oil, wrapped in stale bread and dismissed as the food of choice for broke students spilling out of nightclubs in the northern Pigalle district.

But fast food is going upmarket in the City of Light. In one 30-minute lunchtime queue stretching around the block, smartly dressed businessmen in ties mingle with hipsters, as they all patiently line up for, yes, the humble kebab, costing 8.50 euros ($11).

This is no ordinary kebab. The meat is milkfed veal cut into fine slices, supplied by one of Paris’s most sought-after butchers, Hugo Desnoyer. The tomatoes are specially selected from south-west France, a lime-coloured variety known as “Green Zebra”.

Organic, artisanal bread and a dressing composed of rosemary, pink-hued Lautrec garlic and just a touch of Japanese sake complete this thoroughbred take on a previously humble snack-one often associated with a hangover prevention strategy.

Welcome to “Grille”, one of a new breed of high-class fast-food establishments springing up across Paris. And its cult status has even astonished the restaurant’s manager, Jerome Copentipy.

“We opened in July, which is normally a difficult period. The success has taken us completely by surprise,” Copentipy says.

French fries cost an extra three euros at Grille, taking the cost of a “full” meal to slightly more than 10 euros ($13), not much higher than your average McDonalds.

“We all have that memory of the 4 am kebab. But kebabs had a bad reputation because of the frozen ingredients and sometimes made from poor quality turkey meat. It was a guilty pleasure, whereas now we can allow ourselves to really enjoy it,” Copentipy adds.

The origins of Grille are more Michelin than late-night munchies. Frederic Peneau, formerly of Le Dauphin and Le Chateaubriand, two of

the finest addresses in the capital, is the investor who came up with the concept. In a similar vein, Britons Michael Greenwold and James Whelan are attempting what some might consider the impossible: selling fish and chips to Parisians and asking them to consider the homely British classic as real food.

They too opened their restaurant “The Sunken Chip” in July and it has been full ever since. Whelan is proud of raising the status of what many French consider the epitome of “inferior” British cuisine.

“All our fish comes from Finistere (Brittany), from a friend. It’s all line-caught, never on a huge industrial ship,” he explains.

For 14 euros ($18), customers can try fresh hake or monkfish scampi, served with “frites anglaises” and mushy peas. Their onions marinate for five weeks, according to an old recipe.

“We just do one thing, and that’s fish and chips, but of the very highest quality,” Whelan says.

Across the capital in a covered market, a former contender for TV’s Top Chef, Brice Morvent, has become famous for the gourmet hamburgers his customers eat in a fuss-free atmosphere while seated at a bar.

“The generation aged 20-40, we were born with junk food. The temptation is everywhere.

We crave it, even if we know it’s bad,” Morvent says.

Burgers and milk shake recipes feature in his book, “Junk food: 100 Percent Homemade with Fresh Ingredients,” published this year.

Morvent believes the organic movement revolutionised fast food, traditionally condemned for overusing processed ingredients with too much added sugar and salt, threatening entire populations with heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

“Organic happened... and it became a possibility to mix proper food with junk, except then it wasn’t really junk any more,” Morvent says. Whatever the cause, the barriers between fast food and gastronomy are tumbling down.

Even Jean-Francois Piege, one of France’s highprofile chefs, serves a “Big burger” in a paper wrapper at his celebrated Thoumieux brasserie in a chic district near the Eiffel Tower. —AFP

PARIS: Meurice restaurant’s new French chef Alain Ducasse.

Olive oil a real boon to the brain PHILADELPHIA: It was one of those crystalline moments when science and gastronomy came together and illuminated each other. Gary Beauchamp had just taken a swig of olive oil— not just any oil but a sampling from a small batch pressed nearby by a physicist and fellow participant at a conference on molecular gastronomy held in Erice, Sicily.

“It had a nice smell and nice mouthfeel,” Beauchamp recalls. But as he swallowed the oil, he felt a strong stinging sensation in his throat.

Perhaps only the world’s leading sensory scientist could have been prepared for that experience. Since time immemorial, pungency has been a distinguishing mark of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a substance that is commonly adulterated and widely mislabeled. But Beauchamp, director of the Monell Chemical Senses Center, “had an epiphany.” He had experienced that same stinging sensation once before. It was identical to that produced by the anti-inflammatory agent ibuprofen.

Beauchamp took a plastic Pepsi bottle filled with the Sicilian oil back with him to Philadelphia. “It was 1999, before we were prohibited from carrying liquids on planes.” But it took him five years to explain why it stimulated pain in the back of the throat. In the process, he identified a new polyphenol component of extra virgin olive oil, oleocanthal, and discovered that it shares the anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen. Like ibuprofen, Beauchamp and colleagues eventually reported in Nature, it inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes in the body.

And like ibuprofen, it may protect against various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, by virtue of its COX-inhibiting ability.

Beauchamp believes that oleocanthal is responsible for many of the health benefits of

the Mediterranean diet, including reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. He and others have also gathered evidence that oleocanthal is “both preventive and curative of the development of plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.” The findings are congruent with epidemiological evidence that the illness is less prevalent in Mediterranean countries than in other parts of the world.

In recent studies conducted by sensory biologist Paul Breslin at Monell, oleocanthal interrupted the binding of toxic proteins that compromise nerve cell function and destroy memory in Alzheimer’s disease. It actually changes the structure of the proteins so they cannot bind to and damage nerve cells. In addition, oleocanthal makes the toxic proteins more vulnerable to destruction and clearance by circulating antibodies.

“Throat irritation is a major characteristic of olive oil—and it’s a positive one,” says Beauchamp. Even if they didn’t know its source, Europeans have long prized the pungency of fresh olive oil. In fact, olive oil is the only food legally defined by a taste test. To be designated “extra virgin,” a premium grade commanding a premium price, every batch of olive oil has to pass a taste test conducted by a panel of experts in unanimous agreement.

The European Union defines extra virgin olive oil by three sensory properties. One is piquancy, a reflection of the many volatile polyphenols that underlie the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. It has to be low in acidity, a sign that it is fresh, not oxidized or adulterated with lesser grades of olive oil. And it has to produce throat irritation; tasters often refer to a sample as a “one-cough” or “two-cough” oil.

Two-cough is better. —MCT

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Looking for lessons in cancer ‘miracle’ responders

MANILA: An activist from environment group Greenpeace dressed in a polar bear costume rides at the head of the pack to mark “World Car Free Day” in Manila yesterday. Environmental activists from Greenpeace and the local group “Firefly Brigade” took to their bikes to pedal 14 km to join an “Ice Ride”, a global mass bike ride taking place in 110 cities in 36 countries aimed at saving the Arctic. World Car Free Day usually takes place in mid-September and is an annual celebration of cities and public life, free from the noise, stress and pollution of cars aimed at getting people to think about their car use and its impact on the environment, as well as promoting alternatives. —AFP

Taiwan sets up turtle sanctuary TAIPEI: Taiwan is to set up its first turtle sanctuary, officials said yesterday, after the second seizure within weeks of more than 2,000 of the protected creatures, bound for dinner plates in China.

Taiwan’s coastguard discovered on Saturday 2,439 Asian yellow pond and yellow-lined box turtles in a fishing boat in Tungkang, a port in the southern region of Pingtung. The skipper of the boat, bound for China, and three Indonesian crew were arrested. They could face jail terms of up to five years plus a fine of up to Tw$1.5 million ($50,300), according to Taiwan’s wildlife protection law.

The coastguard seized 2,626 rare turtles on board another boat last month as they were being taken off the island, in what the authorities said was their biggest ever seizure of smuggled turtles.

The reptiles were to be eaten by wealthy Chinese or used as an ingredient in China for traditional medicine, officials said.

The new sanctuary will open in October on the Feitsui reservoir outside the capital Taipei.

“The preservation of rare turtles in the (reservoir) area is already relatively better (than other areas of Taiwan),” Kuan Li-hao, an official of the forestry bureau, told AFP. “Once the sanctuary is set up, patrols will be stepped up there to deter poaching.

“As winter approaches, the demand for turtles in China, especially in the south, is rising,” Kuan said.

Because the number of wild turtles is in sharp decline in China, market prices have surged to about five times those of Taiwan, which is separated by a 200-kilometre (124mile) strait from the Chinese mainland.

The two types of turtles seized in the past three weeks are in the second tier of Taiwan’s national three-category wildlife protection list, meaning they are deemed rare and valuable. The first category is for endangered species.—AFP

NEW YORK: Nearly every oncologist can tell the story of cancer patients who beat the odds, responding so well to treatment that they continued to live many years disease-free, while most of their peers worsened and eventually died.

Dr David Solit decided to find out why. Solit, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, delved into the case of a woman with advanced bladder cancer who volunteered for a 45patient study of the Novartis drug Afinitor. He discovered that a combination of two gene mutations made her particularly receptive to the treatment.

“Every other patient died, but she’s without evidence of disease for more than three years now,” said Solit. Over the past century, such patients - sometimes called “outliers” or “super responders” - have stood out by staging remarkable recoveries, or long-term benefit, from cancer drugs that provide little or no help to others. Little heed has been paid to them because there was no way to know why they fared so well. In most cases, the drugs that helped them were abandoned because they helped too few patients.

Now, armed with huge advances in genetic sequencing technology and growing knowledge of the genetic underpinnings of cancer, a handful of top academic centers are taking a new look at outlier patients.

The research may lead to new uses for well-known treatments as it becomes clearer why particular patients respond so well, or even revive drugs left for dead if the right patient population for the treatment can be identified.

“These experiences have always been out there, where somebody’s grandmother was told she had two months to live and they tried something and she bounced back,” said Dr. Bill Hahn, an oncologist with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “But nobody ever understood why grandma responded in such a really amazing way.”

The Bethesda, Maryland-based National Cancer Institute (NCI) and academic researchers it sponsors have just launched “super responder” initiatives to match patients having little-known gene mutations to drugs already shown to help others with the same mutations, even if their tumors are for a variety of organs.

New York’s Sloan-Kettering, prompted largely by Solit’s research, aims to create an “outlier” clinic devoted to explaining exceptional responses. Other projects are underway at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center and Boston’s Dana-Farber.

Drugmakers are cautious, if only because they are sufficiently busy trying to develop new medicines against some 300 identified cancer gene mutations.

With the priority on developing drugs that will help large numbers of patients, they are reluctant, at least for now, to look backward to salvage failed drug studies.

“We’ve tried to develop our drugs very specifically so we actually develop the drug for the right population of patients” in the first place, said Sandra Horning, a senior oncology executive at Roche’s Genentech unit.

But Harold Varmus, director of the NCI, says drug-

makers stand to benefit hugely from outlier research. “(Drugmakers) are struggling now,” Varmus said.

“They know there’s a lot of genetic damage in tumors, but they don’t know which kind of genetic damage represents the best target for developing new drugs.”

Fueling the research is new technology that has brought the cost of sequencing the human genome down from tens of millions of dollars to about $5,000.

The cost of such analysis is expected to drop to as little as $1,000 in the next few years.

“It will be cheaper to do your whole genome sequencing than to get an MRI scan,” said Dr. Christopher Austin, director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. “When that happens, identifying whether a mutation is making you an exceptional responder will be much easier.”

Austin expects special-responder research will eventually link individual gene mutations to totally different ailments beyond cancer, allowing drugmakers to broaden the use of their medicines.

A tumor sample from Solit’s patient underwent whole genome sequencing - meaning all genes within it were analyzed for mutations, or variations, in the repeat stretches of compounds called bases that make up the genetic code.

“She had 17,000 mutations in her tumor that were not found in her normal cells,” Solit said. After months of analyzing 140 mutations that were considered suspects, two of them - genes named TSC1 and NF2 stood out.

“It was like, ‘Wow,’ that’s why the patient was unique, and why even though Afinitor was generally disappointing in the bladder cancer trial, it was the right drug for her,” Solit said. “It was the combination of both mutations that probably led to her complete response,” especially the TSC1 mutation.

Zeroing in on the two genes - among more than 20,000 human genes that make proteins - would not have been possible even five years ago, Solit said.

“Maybe we would have looked at one gene and if that didn’t show anything we’d look at another. Now we can sequence the entire genome and look at every gene, every needle in the haystack, at the same time.”

By linking the TSC1 mutation to bladder cancer, Solit has discovered a new “biomarker,” or suspected link, to the disease, while simultaneously identifying a possible appropriate drug for patients with any type of cancer who have that mutation.

The next step, he said, is to develop a diagnostic test for the TSC1 mutation and use it to screen patients being treated at his hospital for all varieties of cancer.

“We hope by year’s end to be routinely doing TSC1 testing on large numbers of patients,” Solit said. “The mutation could be important across tumor types.”

Once a small group of patients with the mutation is identified, they would all be treated with Afinitor which is now approved for cancers of the breast, kidney and pancreas - regardless of the type of cancer.

“If I was sitting in a pharmaceutical firm and I read about David Solit’s case, I would say, ‘Gee, this is a remarkable change: the mutations that can be found are reasonable targets for developing drugs,’” the NCI’s

Varmus said.

Hundreds of drugs have been abandoned over the years after failing clinical trials, although many had their own exceptional responders.

Some of those drugs could be resurrected, and newer ones could be saved, if the genetic links are established, Solit said. He sees Roche’s Avastin as a candidate for study for new, or more targeted, uses as well.

With annual sales of more than $6 billion, Avastin is approved to treat cancers of the colon, lung and kidney.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late 2011 withdrew its approval of Avastin for breast cancer, three years after clearing it for the condition. Subsequent research showed the drug was not effective enough to justify its risks, even though some women had strong responses to the medicine.

Philippe Bishop, a senior research executive at Roche’s Genentech unit, said exceptional responses have been seen in patients taking Avastin for breast cancer and other cancers, but no specific genetic reason has been identified.

To get a clearer picture, the company last year started an online study called Invite, in which patients who have taken Avastin are asked to donate a saliva sample for genetic analysis, and to complete a survey that can help assess whether they had an exceptional response to Avastin.

“We’re trying to correlate what makes them unique and maybe what part of their genetic makeup makes them do so well,” Bishop said, adding that exceptional response would be defined as being alive for a long time without their disease getting worse.

MD Anderson, meanwhile, is encouraging its doctors to submit tumor samples from exceptional responders in past drug trials for a detailed genetic analysis.

“We’re looking at data from several dozen trials in a variety of cancers,” said senior researcher Dr. Funda Meric-Bernstam.

She noted exceptional responders also include patients who fare exceptionally poorly in trials, in terms of side effects or development of drug resistance. “They are the flip side of the coin, so we want to know why their tumor outsmarted the drug.” That information could help in designing drugs that sidestep side effects and produce more-prolonged benefit.

Novartis, like Genentech and other drugmakers, designs its cancer studies around patients with a single pre-identified cancer-gene mutation.

But research chief Mark Fishman said the Swiss drugmaker has also begun routinely sequencing tumors of the patients for another 300 known cancergene mutations before they enter early-stage studies, an extra step that could help explain eventual exceptional responses to its drugs.

“In any given patient, if we analyze only one gene we may not have a complete enough picture of the cancer because sometimes you have a time bomb sitting in another gene,” Fishman said. Such interaction of cancer genes is a main reason drugs no longer work why the cancer recurs - after an initial period of effectiveness from a drug, he said. —Reuters

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

W

hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! Let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

Announcements A photowalk in Kuwait on Oct 5th photowalk is more like a social photography event where photographers gather in a spot, take photos for an hour or two then maybe meet up at a restaurant after that. Scott Kelby’s worldwide photowalk never took place in Kuwait until now. Kuwait’s photowalk will be held on October 5th at Souk Al-Mubarakiya at 10am.

There are some prizes to be won like a Canon 70D and Adobe Creative Cloud Membership. So far there are 700 registered photowalks with 8700+ photographers. The prizes are for the worldwide event, not just Kuwait. Kuwait Mapping Meet-Up will be held on September 2 at 5:30 pm in Coffee Bean (Mahboula, Coastal Road). The event is for anyone interested in maps, spatial analysis or surveying in Kuwait. For more information, contact Wil at 9722-5615.

A

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.

F

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 above-mentioned purpose only.

GUST MBA program welcomes students at Fall Orientation

T

Enjoy the taste of true Espresso at Vergnano Cafe at Olympia Complex

T

he superior quality of the blends comes from the meticulous selection of the best raw materials available, and from an extraordinary production process. Cafe Vergnano is the first to introduce an innovation that brings all the passion and pleasure of the perfect

espresso to everyday life at home.

Espresso is now available in Kuwait, through Al-Sanabel Al-Thahabiya Est. Tel: 22413795/98. Espresso Vergnano can be ordered through www.taw9eel.com Espresso Vergnano capsules are compatible with other espresso machines.

he Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) MBA program organized the Fall 2013 Orientation where students were welcomed by MBA Director Professor Issam Moughrabi. He explained the nature of the program, its objectives and the importance of sharing work experience among other colleagues to diversify the experience students will gain during their progress in the program.

Students were also welcomed by Dr Lee Caldwell, Dean of the College of Business Administration at GUST. “GUST is proud to have you here and you are the best part of the MBA program,” Dr Caldwell said, greeting the new students and later emphasized the importance of relating what students learn to their jobs in order to maximize their learning.

Students were also introduced to the online systems available at GUST, which provide them with easy online access to all student related information, registra-

tion, payments,as well as access to class material and assignments, all of which emphasize GUST’s steadfast approach to the utilization of IT and the automation of services.Students also got a glimpse of the process maker system; a ticketing system that provides MBA students with efficient service regarding any requests they require. Students were finally given a tour of the GUST Library where Ousmane Camara showed them the vast collection of library resources and the different study facilities available to students within the library. The students expressed great interest in the AACSB accreditation that GUST’s business school is in the process of obtaining and asked for advice on how to pursue their PhDs once they complete their MBA. For the university, this is the best part of every semester, welcoming new members in its family.

T

8th Expo Pakistan to commence in September he 8th Expo Pakistan will be held from September 26 to 29 in Karachi. Held annually, Expo Pakistan is the biggest trade fair in the country showcasing the largest collection of Pakistan’s export merchandise and services.

Foreign Exhibitors also use the event to launch their products. Expo Pakistan 2012 was visited by delegates from 52 countries and generated a business of over $ 518 million. A 16 member delegation from Kuwait including reputable companies like Al-Yasra Foods also took part in the last exhibition.

Expo Pakistan 2013 is being held under the auspices of the Trade Development Authority Pakistan. Details about the event can be viewed www.expopakisan.gov.pk. Further information and details of sponsorship can be obtained from the office of Commercial Secretary, Pakistan Embassy, Jabriya (25356594) during office hours.

Mesmerising ode to Indian cinema by Al-Mulla Exchange

A

s a tribute to Indian cinema aptly titled “Celebrating 10 Decades of Indian Cinema” Al-Mulla Exchange, the premier money remittance company in Kuwait, organized two evenings of entertainment for their customers on September 6 and 7. On the first day, SK Wadhawan, was the chief guest and on the second day Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Over a thousand people were serenaded on each day by the rich and expressive voices of two famous singers, Kaushik Deshpande, from Indian Idol fame and Pawni Pandey, who had sung melodiously and carved out her niche in the well-known reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. The event held over two days at the American International School in Maidan Hawally, was a smashing success.

The guests were carried away by the

tunes and music reminiscent of yesteryear with smash hits like Meri Mehaboob Qayamat from Mr. X in Bombay to the recent block buster song Lungi Dance in Chennai Express.

After the initial official proceedings, the stage was brilliantly lit by the star presence of the two main singers.

Kaushik Deshpande started off the program with a soulful medley of Hindi songs that encouraged the audience to

T

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Premier Goal Academy Season 2013-14

T

he Premier Goal Academy (PGA) in association with Everton FC, sponsored by Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Co, welcome you to their spacious sports arena in Bayan. Situated in Block 7 next to Abdullah Al-Rujaib High School and adjacent to the Fahaheel Expressway road 30 (Exit 302 for Bayan), the PGA now boasts a full size artificial floodlit football pitch, basketball, volleyball, handball courts, indoor sports hall and a walk track along with all the latest sports equipment supplied by equipment sponsors Sports Direct.

Facilities also include new changing rooms, bathrooms with showers and cafeteria. The new Premier Cricket Academy will also be launched in the coming months.

The PGA offers the most extensive football coaching and community sports programme, including the new Premier Basketball Academy,

Ladies Aerobics, Adult 7 a side/5 a side football, Volleyball and Handball. In addition to the regular football coaching and matchday program which runs seven days a week, the PGA is hosting the new Kuwait Academies Football Association (KAFA) League, Schools’ Leagues, the Expat 7 a side League, Embassy events, Girls and Ladies Football, Specialist Goalkeeper training and the Tiny Toffees fun sports club especially for the 3-7 year olds. Regular matches, competitions, tournaments and overseas trips are organized for the Centre of Excellence team players with tours to Dubai and Barcelona already planned for the coming season. The PGA offers the most comprehensive expat sporting program in Kuwait under the Patronage of the British Ambassador, with outstanding facilities everyone is welcome - come along, get active and enjoy the fun.

show enthusiasm. Pawni Pandey represented the emotional and inspiring aspect of Indian cinema. Her songs beautifully interpreted on the honeyed vocals of past singers that enriched the melody of the Indian cinema since its inception.

The two artistes voices came together in a duet for a mesmerizing and thrilling performance that brought smiles and nods of appreciation from everyone.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINE For the Argentinean citizens who had not already enlisted in the embassy’s electoral register, and taking in consideration the elections which was held on Sunday 11/08/2013, it is necessary to justify they no vote by presence at our embassy which located in (Mishref - Block 6 - Street 42 - Villa 57) and should present the DNI and/or the Argentinean Passport. The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the State of Kuwait avails itself of this opportunity to renew the assurances of its highest consideration. nnnnnnn

KNES chosen by UNESCO to represent Kuwait at ISESCO Forum in Morocco

S

heika Al-Tukhaim, a Year 8 student was chosen to represent Kuwait and Kuwait National English School at the ISESCO Forum in Rabat, Morocco, this summer. The topic was about issues faced currently by children in the Islamic World. Sheika chose to be

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Embassy of Australia has announced that Kuwait citizens can apply for and receive visit visas in 10 working days through www.immi.gov.au. All other processing of visas and Immigration matters are handled by the Australian Visa Application Centre located in Al Banwan Building, 4B, 1st Floor, Al Qibla Area, Ali Al Salem Street, Kuwait City. Visit. www.vfs-augcc.com for more info. The Embassy of Australia does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters is conducted by the Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: Info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VIS), immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office), Tel: +971 4 205 5900 (VFS), Fax: + 971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). Notary and passport services are available by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling the Embassy on 22322422. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA part of one of the five committees which chose to talk about medical care, special needs and environmental issues. She felt lucky that the issues faced by children in Kuwait were very minor compared to some other countries. Sheika was proud to talk about Kuwait and

her school, Kuwait National English School, which is highly involved in the protection of our environment and the care of all students.

The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visa and immigration matters including enquiries is conducted by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.goingtocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-imenquiry@international.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to 12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF GREECE The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has the pleasure to announce that visa applications must be submitted to Schengen Visa Application Centre (VFS office) located at 12th floor, Al-Naser Tower, Fahad Al-Salem Street, Al-Qibla area, Kuwait City, (Parking at Souk Watia). For information please call 22281046 from 08:30 to 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday). Working hours: Submission from 08:30 to 15:30. Passport collection from 16:00 to 17:00. For visa applications please visit the following website www.mfa.gr/kuwait. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE The Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait would like to inform that submission of the documents for tourist visa is temporary closed (from August 26 till September 26). Within the above-mentioned period, the visa will be issued only in the case of emergency. In the case of planning travel to Ukraine, please apply for visa before August 20. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF US

The US Embassy in Kuwait has new procedures for obtaining appointments and picking up passports after visa issuance.

Beginning August 9, 2013, we now provide an online visa appointment system, live call center, and in-person pick-up facilities in Kuwait.

Please monitor our website and social media for additional information. This new system offers more flexibility for travelers to the US and to meet the increase in demand for visa appointments.

The general application steps on the new visa appointment system are: 1. Go to www.ustraveldocs.com/kw (if this is the first time on ustraveldocs.com, you will need to create a profile to login).

2. Please complete your DS-160 Online Visa Application which is available at ceac.state.gov/genNIV. 3. Please print and take your deposit slip to any Burgan Bank location to pay your visa application fee.

4. Schedule an appointment for your visa interview online at www.ustraveldocs.com/kw or by phone through the Call Center (at +9652227-1673).

5. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please do so 24 hours beforehand, as a courtesy to other applicants. For more information, please visit the US Embassy website - kuwait.usembassy.gov - as it is the best source of information regarding these changes. 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.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

TV PROGRAMS

00:05 00:55 01:45 02:35 03:25 04:15 05:05 06:00 07:00 07:50 08:40 Junior 09:30 09:55 10:20 10:45 11:10 11:35 12:25 13:15 14:05 14:30 14:55 15:20 16:10 Junior 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 20:45 21:10 21:35 22:00 22:50 23:40

Border Security Auction Hunters Auction Kings How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Fast N’ Loud Fantom Works Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up Border Security Auction Hunters Auction Kings Ice Cold Gold American Chopper: Senior vs

00:05 00:30 01:00 01:50 02:45 03:35 04:25 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20 11:15 12:05 13:00 13:50 14:20 14:45 15:10 16:00 16:55 17:45 18:35 19:30 20:20 21:10 21:35 22:00 22:50 23:40

How Tech Works Food Factory Ecopolis Ecopolis Ecopolis Ecopolis Ecopolis The Gadget Show How Tech Works Superhuman Showdown Prototype This Nyc: Inside Out The Gadget Show How Tech Works Ecopolis Mighty Ships Scrapheap Challenge Moon Machines Nyc: Inside Out Food Factory The Gadget Show How Tech Works Prototype This Eco-Tech Engineered Scrapheap Challenge Moon Machines Prototype This Nyc: Inside Out The Gadget Show How Tech Works Prototype This Nyc: Inside Out The Gadget Show

00:30 00:55 01:20 02:10 02:35 03:00 03:45 04:30 04:55 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20

Aliens - The Definitive Guide Top Hooker Top Hooker Top Hooker Top Hooker Top Hooker Top Hooker Mythbusters Mythbusters Extreme Fishing American Chopper: Senior vs

Ultimate Survival Dirty Jobs Mythbusters Sons Of Guns Auction Hunters Auction Kings How Do They Do It? How It’s Made River Monsters Deadliest Catch Deadliest Catch

I Was Murdered I Was Murdered Dr G: Medical Examiner Dates From Hell Dates From Hell On The Case With Paula Zahn LA: City Of Demons I Was Murdered I Was Murdered Dr G: Medical Examiner Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth...

On The Case With Paula Zahn Solved

11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 15:20 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

Disappeared Solved Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Dr G: Medical Examiner Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill Deadly Devotion Blood Relatives I Almost Got Away With It

00:00 00:45 01:30 01:50 02:15 02:35 03:00 03:20 03:45 04:05 04:30 04:50 05:15 05:35 06:00 06:25 06:45 07:10 07:35 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:05 Pirates 09:30 10:15 11:05 12:15 13:00 13:25 13:45 14:10 Alex.

15:00 15:25 15:50 16:10 17:00 17:20 17:45 18:10 18:30 18:55 19:20 20:05 20:30 20:50 21:15 21:40 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:10 23:35

Stitch!

A Kind Of Magic Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School The Replacements The Replacements A Kind Of Magic A Kind Of Magic Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School The Replacements The Replacements A Kind Of Magic A Kind Of Magic Austin And Ally Suite Life On Deck Shake It Up A.N.T. Farm Jessie Good Luck Charlie Sofia The First Doc McStuffins Jake And The Neverland A.N.T. Farm Jessie Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Austin And Ally Austin And Ally Austin And Ally The Wizards Return: Alex vs.

That’s So Raven Gravity Falls Jessie Violetta A.N.T. Farm Austin And Ally Gravity Falls Shake It Up That’s So Raven A.N.T. Farm Violetta Jessie My Babysitter’s A Vampire Austin And Ally Austin And Ally That’s So Raven Jessie A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place

06:00 Kid vs Kat 06:10 Iron Man Armored Adventures 06:35 Kickin It 07:00 Max Steel 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 07:50 Slugterra 08:15 Pair Of Kings 08:40 Kickin It 09:30 Lab Rats 10:20 Pair Of Kings 10:45 Kick Buttowski 11:10 Mr. Young 11:35 Slugterra 12:00 Kickin It 12:25 Max Steel 12:50 I’m In The Band 13:15 Lab Rats 13:40 Almost Naked Animals 14:05 Phineas And Ferb 14:30 Kickin’ It 14:55 Randy Cunningham: 9th

Grade Ninja 15:20 Phineas And Ferb 15:30 Phineas And Ferb 15:45 Max Steel 16:10 Max Steel 16:35 Crash & Bernstein 17:00 Lab Rats 17:30 Kickin It 18:00 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja 18:25 Phineas And Ferb 18:35 Phineas And Ferb 18:50 Phineas And Ferb 19:15 Slugterra 19:40 Crash & Bernstein 20:05 Ultimate Spider-Man 20:30 Max Steel 20:55 Pair Of Kings 21:20 Rated A For Awesome 21:45 Kick Buttowski 22:10 Mr. Young 22:35 Scaredy Squirrel 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA

00:30 00:55 01:20 02:10 02:35 03:00 03:45 04:30 04:55 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:15 13:40 14:30 15:20 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

I Was Murdered I Was Murdered Dr G: Medical Examiner Dates From Hell Dates From Hell On The Case With Paula Zahn LA: City Of Demons I Was Murdered I Was Murdered Dr G: Medical Examiner Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth...

On The Case With Paula Zahn Solved Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

Disappeared Solved Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Dr G: Medical Examiner Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill Deadly Devotion Blood Relatives I Almost Got Away With It

00:00 00:30 01:00 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 Leno 05:30 06:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 Leno 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30

The Cleveland Show The Daily Show The Colbert Report South Park Weeds Two And A Half Men The Mindy Project Seinfeld The Tonight Show With Jay All Of Us The War At Home Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Seinfeld All Of Us The Mindy Project Hot In Cleveland The Tonight Show With Jay The War At Home Seinfeld All Of Us The Mindy Project The Mindy Project Hot In Cleveland The Daily Show The Colbert Report The War At Home Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Men At Work Men At Work Two And A Half Men Hot In Cleveland Parks And Recreation Wilfred

THE CORRUPTOR ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD

21:00 The Daily Show Global Edition 21:30 The Colbert Report Global Edition 22:00 Family Guy 22:30 South Park 23:00 Weeds 23:30 Parks And Recreation

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 23:00

24 Top Gear (UK) Defiance Smash Psych C.S.I. 24 Switched At Birth Necessary Roughness Psych Emmerdale Coronation Street Necessary Roughness 24 Emmerdale Coronation Street Fairly Legal Once Upon A Time Special Covert Affairs In Plain Sight Smash

00:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 09:00 10:00 10:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

House Of Cards Good Morning America Nip/Tuck American Horror Story Good Morning America Emmerdale Coronation Street Awake Emmerdale Coronation Street Drop Dead Diva House Of Cards Live Good Morning America Drop Dead Diva Awake House Of Cards C.S.I. Miami Awake House Of Cards American Horror Story Nip/Tuck

00:00 Taxi Driver 02:00 The Keeper 04:00 Striking Distance 06:00 And Soon The Darkness 08:00 Brake 10:00 Secret Window 12:00 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life 14:00 The New Daughter 16:00 Secret Window 18:00 Alien Tornado 20:00 The New Daughter 22:00 Covert One: The Hades Factor

00:00 The Keeper-18 02:00 Striking Distance-PG15 04:00 And Soon The DarknessPG15 06:00 Brake-PG15 08:00 Secret Window-PG15 10:00 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life-PG15 12:00 The New Daughter-PG15 14:00 Secret Window-PG15 16:00 Alien Tornado-PG15 18:00 The New Daughter-PG15 20:00 Covert One: The Hades Factor-PG15 23:00 The Corruptor-18

00:00 The Guru-18 02:00 Calendar Girls-PG15 04:00 Beware The Gonzo-PG15 06:00 Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer-PG 08:00 Toys-PG 10:00 Gabe The Cupid Dog-PG15 12:00 Beware The Gonzo-PG15 13:45 Tin Cup-PG15 16:00 Gabe The Cupid Dog-PG15 18:00 Blame It On The BellboyPG15 20:00 White Chicks-PG15 22:00 The Guru-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:30 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 PG15 16:45 19:00 21:00 23:00

A Better Life-PG15 Shadow Dancer-PG15 Catch Me If You Can-PG15 Love Finds A Home-PG15 A Better Life-PG15 Shadow Dancer-PG15 A View From Here-PG15 Love Will Keep Us TogetherTake Shelter-PG15 Will-PG Bel Ami-18 Hesher-18

00:45 03:00 05:15 07:15 09:15 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Phenomenon-PG The Game-18 Joyful Noise-PG15 Oscar-PG15 L’ Eleve Ducobu-PG15 Offline-PG15 The First Grader-PG15 A Dog Named Duke-PG15 Offline-PG15 The Artist-PG Philadelphia-PG15 Bird On A Wire-PG15

01:30 What’s Wrong With VirginiaPG15 03:30 Dead Lines-PG15 05:00 Puss In Boots-PG 06:30 Skyfall-PG15 09:00 Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked-PG 11:00 Alpha And Omega-PG 13:00 Drew Peterson: Untouchable-PG15 15:00 Crisis Point-PG15 17:00 Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked-PG

CALENDAR GIRLS ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 18:45 Battleship-PG15 21:00 Contagion-PG15 23:00 Melancholia-18

01:00 Barbie In The Pink Shoes 02:45 Arthur 3: And The War Of Two Worlds 04:30 The Adventures Of Scooter The Penguin 06:00 Barbie In The Pink Shoes 08:00 Dragon Hunters 10:00 The Ugly Duckling And Me 11:30 Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas 13:00 Arthur 3: And The War Of Two Worlds 14:45 In Search Of Santa 16:15 The Missing Lynx 18:00 The Ugly Duckling And Me 20:00 Twigson 22:00 In Search Of Santa 23:30 The Missing Lynx

06:30 Futbol Mundial 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Top 14 Highlights 08:30 World Cup of Pool 09:30 World Cup of Pool 10:30 AFL Premiership 13:00 Top 14 Highlights 13:30 Web.Com Tour 15:30 Golfing World 16:30 Futbol Mundial 17:00 Sailing America’s Highlights 18:00 NRL Premiership 20:00 World Cup of Pool

21:00 World Cup of Pool 22:00 Top 14 Highlights

Cup

22:30 00:00 01:00 02:00 02:30 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00

Rugby Union Currie Cup WWE Vintage Collection UFC The Ultimate Fighter Mobil 1 The Grid ITU World Triathlon Series Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing WWE Bottom Line WWE Experience

09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 17:30 18:30 19:00 20:00 22:00

Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing Mass Participation Triahlon UK UIM Powerboat Champs UIM Aquabike Champs Porsche GT 3 Cup Challenge Porsche GT 3 Cup Challenge WWE Smackdown WWE Experience Mobil 1 The Grid UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC Prelims UFC

‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ shuns scares for laughs

00:00 Arena-18 02:00 Deadly Hope-PG15 04:00 The Pirates! Band Of MisfitsPG 06:00 Stealing Paradise-PG15 08:00 Do No Harm-PG15 10:00 Mandie And The Secret Tunnel-PG 12:00 Outlaw Country-PG15 14:00 Vickery’s Wild Ride-PG 16:00 Do No Harm-PG15 18:00 The Girl-PG15 19:45 Rock Of Ages-PG15 22:00 The Watch-18

01:00 ICC Cricket 360 01:30 NRL Premiership 03:30 Trans World Sport 04:30 ITU World Triathlon Series 07:00 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 08:00 NRL Premiership 10:00 The Rugby Championship 12:00 The Rugby Championship 14:00 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 15:00 Futbol Mundial 15:30 ITU World Triathlon Series 18:00 PGA Tour Highlights 19:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 20:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 21:00 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 22:00 Super League

02:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 03:00 WWE Bottom Line 04:00 WWE SmackDown 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 PGA Tour 13:30 Futbol Mundial 14:00 NRL Premiership 16:00 AFL Premiership 18:30 Futbol Mundial 19:00 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 20:00 NFL 22:30 WWE This Week 23:00 PGA Tour Highlights

01:00 03:30 05:30 06:00

ITU World Triathlon Series Web.Com Tour Total Rugby ICC Cricket 360

The Lambert family, played by Barbara Hershey, from left, Patrick Wilson, Ty Simpkins and Rose Byrne, return in James Wan’s “Insidious: Chapter 2.” — MCT

M

ore silly than its sinister predecessor, “Insidious: Chapter 2” is entertaining for the contortions the script makes to incorporate both a brief prequel and highlights from the first film into a new 105-minute package. This is a Mobius strip of a movie, looping in on itself with ghosts from “The Further” and parallel existences interwoven into the lives of the lost Lamberts of sunny Somewhere, Calif.

Those “Saw” / “Insidious” guys James Wan (director) and Leigh Whannell (cowriter, co-star) throw their pretty good cast Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne and Barbara Hershey into a follow-up to the “Poltergeist”-ish tale of the gutsy, longhaunted dad, Josh (Wilson), who goes “to the other side” to fetch his kidnapped boy ( Ty Simpkins) from the demonic spirit that snatched him. And if the result isn’t nearly as hair-raising as the first film, at least they’ve set the table for more sequels, spinoffs a sort of “Lone Gunmen” TV series, even.

A 10-minute prologue tells us of how younger Josh was first visited by a spirit, and first “treated” by ghost buster Elise (Lindsay Seim as a younger version of Lin Shaye’s character). Back in the present, adult Josh and wife Renai (Byrne) have fled to grandma’s house after the harrowing events of “Insidious,” which ended with Elise dead. Renai doesn’t know for sure that

Josh didn’t kill the medium, and neither do the cops. It doesn’t help that Josh has a faintly demonic bent to his denials about the spooky apparitions, a piano that plays by itself, etc.

“You have to relax,” he purrs. “Ignore them and they will go away.” Of course, “they ” don’t. That ’s when granny Lorraine (Hershey) summons Elise’s old partner (Steve Coulter), along with her younger ghost hunters, Specs ( Whannell) and Tucker (Angus Sampson).

Then the joking begins. In white shirts and black ties, the ghost hunters have everything but the sunglasses and spor ts coats of the “Men in Black.”

They ’re credulous when all around them are incredulous. That’s the sly comfort in this “feel-good” horror franchise. Out there, in the Yellow Pages, there are “experts” who can help you deal with the supernatural. And even after death, a good ghost hunter is still on the clock.

The techno-props ranging from baby monitors (been there, heard that) to old found video, to tin-can telephones convey the ghostly voices from beyond.

The Ouija board substitute here is a Boggle bag of letter dice that pass on messages from the dead. The beastly things we see are nothing you wouldn’t recognize from “Mommie Dearest.” And everybody keeps a straight face. —MCT

Classifieds MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

CHANGE OF NAME

Kuwait SHARQIA-1 GETAWAY (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

SHARQIA-2 PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG) PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

SHARQIA-3 THE COLONY (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-1 THE SMURFS 2 (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) MUHALAB-2 GETAWAY (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) MUHALAB-3 PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) FANAR-1 WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-2 PLANES (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:45 PM

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:45 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 1:45 PM 3:45 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (12/09/2013 TO 18/09/2013) FANAR-3 THE SMURFS 2 (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 12:15 AM

FANAR-4 PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG) PLANES (DIG-3D) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

FANAR-5 GETAWAY GETAWAY GETAWAY GETAWAY GETAWAY GETAWAY

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 PM 11:30 PM

MARINA-1 GETAWAY (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

MARINA-2 THE SMURFS 2 (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 1:00 AM

MARINA-3 PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

AVENUES-1 ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

AVENUES-2 2 GUNS (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG)

2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM

YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG)

9:00 PM 11:15 PM

AVENUES-3 THE COLONY (DIG) ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG-3D) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

AVENUES-4 GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

360º 1 RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:15 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 12:45 AM

360º 2 ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) THE COLONY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 1:00 AM

360º 3 2 GUNS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG-3D) 2 GUNS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360º 4 TURBO (DIG-3D) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) TURBO (DIG-3D) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) 2 GUNS (DIG) AL-KOUT.1 PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG) PLANES (DIG-3D) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED AL-KOUT.2 THE SMURFS 2 (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

I, Anandharaj S/O Subbaiyan, holder of Indian Passport No: F4197628 residing in Kuwait hereby change my name to Abdul Rehman.

(C 4509) 16-9-2013 I, Murali Dhar Nair, I have embraced Islam so I have changed my name as Mohammad Yaseen. So please consider my new name. (C 4507) 14-9-2013 I, Shaik Shanwaz holder of Indian Passport No. E7171807 hereby correct my name to Shaikh Shanawaz. ( C 4504) 9-9-2013 I, Peter Mendonca, Passport No. J0365647, hereby change my name to Albert Peter Mendonca.

(C 4500)

FOR SALE Massive moving house hold sale, furniture, single beds, dining table, crockery, glass-ware, ladies clothing etc. Call: 67723993, 66118406, 25316866.

(C 4506) 12-9-29013

Prayer timings Fajr: Shorook Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

04:13 05:33 11:43 15:13 17:53 19:10

112

No: 15930

TUITION 2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 PM 11:30 PM

12:45 PM 3:00 PM

Learn holy Quran, in perfect way, private tuition available for elders and children by Hafiz-e -Quran.

Contact: 66725950.

(C 4502) 14-9-2013 SITUATION VACANT Required English speaking live-in nanny / maid. Please contact 99824597. (C 4508) 16-9-2013

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Airlines QTR JZR JZR FDB THY ETH GFA AFG UAE ETD THY FDB MSR QTR THY DHX FDB QTR BAW JZR KAC KAC JZR JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC FDB UAE ABY FDB QTR ETD GFA IRC MEA MSC SYR JZR JZR JZR KAC UAE MSR MSR THY KNE QTR FDB MPH KAC SVA

Arrival Flights on Monday 16/9/2013 Flt Route 148 DOHA 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 8063 DUBAI 764 SABIHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 416 JEDDAH 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI-INTL 768 ISTANBUL 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 69 DUBAI 6130 DOHA 157 LONDON 529 ASYUT 412 MANILA 206 ISLAMABAD 503 LUXOR 555 ALEXANDRIA 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 344 CHENNAI 302 MUMBAI 53 DUBAI 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 55 DUBAI 132 DOHA 301 ABU DHABI-INTL 213 BAHRAIN 6521 LAMERD 404 BEIRUT 403 ASYUT 341 DAMASCUS 561 SOHAG 165 DUBAI 241 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 1802 CAIRO 871 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 579 SOHAG 766 ISTANBUL 480 TAIF 140 DOHA 57 DUBAI 93 AMSTERDAM 546 ALEXANDRIA 500 JEDDAH

Time 00:05 00:20 00:40 01:10 01:40 01:45 01:55 02:15 02:25 02:30 02:50 03:10 03:15 03:30 04:35 05:10 05:50 06:05 06:30 06:40 06:15 07:25 07:40 06:20 09:55 08:15 09:35 07:50 07:45 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:25 09:30 10:40 10:50 10:55 11:35 12:05 12:00 11:35 12:35 13:40 12:45 13:00 13:05 13:10 13:20 13:45 13:50 13:55 14:15 14:30

KNE OMA KAC RJA JZR QTR ETD KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY SVA GFA JZR ZR NIA QTR RBG FDB GFA MSC JAI FDB OMA ABY MEA JZR MSR JZR JZR AXB KAC MSC ALK UAE QTR ETD GFA JAI FDB AIC TAR DLH PIA JAI MSR KLM THY

472 645 788 640 535 134 303 804 118 542 786 104 774 674 618 742 857 127 510 215 177 777 251 144 553 63 219 405 572 61 647 129 402 239 618 185 135 489 562 401 229 859 136 307 217 576 59 975 327 636 205 574 614 411 772

JEDDAH MUSCAT JEDDAH AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA CAIRO DOHA ABU DHABI-INTL CAIRO NEW YORK CAIRO JEDDAH LONDON RIYADH DUBAI DOHA DAMMAM DUBAI SHARJAH RIYADH BAHRAIN DUBAI JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA DOHA ALEXANDRIA DUBAI BAHRAIN SOHAG MUMBAI DUBAI MUSCAT SHARJAH BEIRUT AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA ALEXANDRIA DUBAI BAHRAIN COCHIN AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA ALEXANDRIA COLOMBO DUBAI DOHA ABU DHABI-INTL BAHRAIN COCHIN DUBAI CHENNAI TUNIS FRANKFURT LAHORE MUMBAI CAIRO AMSTERDAM ISTANBUL

14:35 14:40 15:00 15:55 16:10 16:15 16:35 16:40 16:00 18:15 18:30 18:45 19:25 19:25 19:10 19:30 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:30J 17:50 18:00 18:25 18:30 18:55 19:05 19:15 19:35 20:00 20:00 20:05 20:15 22:30 20:30 22:40 23:00 20:35 20:45 21:00 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:30 21:45 22:05 22:20 22:25 22:55 23:10 23:15 23:20 23:30 23:40 23:45

Airlines AIC JAI UAL DLH MSR JZR FDB THY THY ETH AFG THY UAE FDB MSR ETD QTR QTR JZR FDB GFA KAC JZR THY KAC JZR QTR BAW FDB JZR ABY KAC UAE FDB KAC ETD QTR GFA KAC KAC IRC MEA JZR KAC MSC KAC SYR JZR MSR MSR THY

Departure Flights on Monday 16/9/2013 Flt Route 982 AHMEDABAD 573 MUMBAI 981 WASHINGTON 637 FRANKFURT 615 CAIRO 502 LUXOR 8064 DUBAI 773 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 765 ISTANBUL-SABIHA 621 ADDIS ABABA 416 KABUL 769 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 613 CAIRO 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 70 DUBAI 212 BAHRAIN 1801 CAIRO 240 AMMAN 771 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 545 ALEXANDRIA 164 DUBAI 6131 DOHA 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 534 CAIRO 126 SHARJAH 787 JEDDAH 856 DUBAI 56 DUBAI 803 CAIRO 302 ABU DHABI 133 DOHA 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 6522 LAMERD 405 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 103 LONDON 406 SOHAG 785 JEDDAH 342 DAMASCUS 176 DUBAI 580 SOHAG 611 CAIRO 767 ISTANBUL-ATATURK

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Time 00:05 00:20 00:25 00:30 00:30 01:30 01:55 02:20 02:40 02:45 03:15 03:40 03:45 03:50 04:15 04:20 04:25 05:15 05:35 06:30 07:00 07:00 07:10 07:10 07:20 07:25 07:35 08:25 08:25 09:10 09:30 09:35 09:50 09:55 10:05 10:15 10:25 11:25 11:30 11:45 11:50 11:55 12:25 12:30 12:35 13:00 13:05 13:20 13:50 14:00 14:10

KNE UAE FDB QTR KAC MPH KNE KAC OMA SVA KAC KAC KAC RJA JZR QTR ETD JZR ABY UAE SVA GFA JZR JZR NIA RBG QTR FDB GFA JZR KAC MSC JAI FDB ABY KAC OMA KAC MEA MSR DHX MSC ETD ALK UAE QTR KAC GFA FDB KAC JAI JZR KAC TAR

481 872 58 141 673 93 473 561 646 501 617 773 741 641 238 135 304 538 128 858 511 216 184 266 252 554 145 64 220 134 283 404 571 62 120 331 648 351 403 619 171 402 308 230 860 137 301 218 60 205 575 554 411 328

TAIF DUBAI DUBAI DOHA DUBAI AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL JEDDAH AMMAN MUSCAT JEDDAH DOHA RIYADH DAMMAM AMMAN AMMAN DOHA ABU DHABI CAIRO SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH BAHRAIN DUBAI BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DHAKA ASYUT MUMBAI DUBAI SHARJAH TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT KOCHI BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA ABU DHABI COLOMBO DUBAI DOHA MUMBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI ISLAMABAD ABU DHABI ALEXANDRIA BANGKOK DUBAI

14:10 14:15 14:30 14:55 15:05 15:25 15:30 15:30 15:40 15:45 15:45 16:00 16:30 16:55 17:05 17:20 17:20 17:40 17:50 18:15 18:20 18:20 18:30 18:40 19:00 19:10 19:25 19:35 19:50 20:05 20:15 20:15 20:35 20:40 20:45 20:50 20:55 21:05 21:15 21:30 21:50 22:00 22:15 22:20 22:25 22:40 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:20 23:40 23:45

34

s ta rs CROSSWORD 312

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) ARIES It is easy to overdo today. Your energies are high—physically—you may feel that you can do anything. In other words, do not try to reroof the house in one day!

Set your priorities and pace yourself throughout the day. Your patience may be tested.

You may complain of never having any privacy or time to think. Your living pattern seems to throw you into contact with lots of people and the world outside of your family. Being an extrovert, you may have difficulty understanding reclusive types. You may find time with friends this evening the best way to relax. Your mind is ever on communication, how you present yourself and how you come across with others. There is plenty of room for a candlelight dinner and a little romance this evening.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This is a wonderful time to appreciate philosophy, religion and all that is mystical. Your value system and the way you care for others may shoot up a notch to a higher plane. There is a surge of independence—a need for freedom and an interest in trying new and different things. These things hold your attention. You may want to take a short trip or visit a new friend this afternoon. Circumstances may stimulate and enhance your enjoyment of life. You may decide to purchase the more expensive item when it comes to merchandise or good taste. Purchasing, selecting colors, etc., are at a high.

There is some concern about future financial affairs. Connecting with stable, trustworthy people is an important consideration as you make new friends this evening.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. Being six more than fifty.

4. Of or pertaining to Sabah or its people.

11. South African term for `boss'.

15. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States.

16. Genus of beetles whose grubs feed mainly on roots of plants.

17. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves.

18. Any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape.

20. A chisel of tempered steel with a sharp point.

21. South American armadillo with three bands of bony plates.

22. A genus of Ploceidae.

23. An awl for making small holes for brads or small screws.

25. Informal terms for a mother.

26. A blue dye obtained from plants or made synthetically.

28. Small deciduous Asiatic tree bearing large red or orange edible astringent fruit.

30. A crystalline amino acid that occurs in many proteins.

33. A state in the Rocky Mountains.

34. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet.

36. A person of Polish descent.

40. Water frozen in the solid state.

41. Battle in which the ruler of Afghanistan defeated the Mahrattas in 1761.

45. A public promotion of some product or service.

46. Any of various long-legged carrion-eating hawks of South and Central America.

49. Lacking in strength or firmness or resilience.

52. Having accompaniment or companions or escort.

53. An ancient jar with two handles and a narrow neck.

54. A chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints).

55. Of or related to the genital and urinary organs or their functions.

56. In an unfortunate way.

58. A large genus of dicotyledonous trees and shrubs of the family Aquifoliaceae that have small flowers and berries (including hollies).

60. The azimuth of a celestial body is the angle between the vertical plane containing it and the plane of the meridian.

62. Dearly loved.

67. Pasture grass of plains of South America and western North America.

70. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves.

73. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

74. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of intense vermilion velvet-textured blooms and yielding a yellow dye.

75. Vibrate, as of a swing before it comes to a total rest.

77. The basic unit of money in Iran.

78. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

79. A very attractive or seductive looking woman.

80. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

DOWN 1. An inhabitant of Lappland.

2. A sails-shaped constellation in the southern hemisphere near Carina.

3. Made agreeably cold (especially by ice).

4. Extremely evil or cruel.

5. An associate degree in nursing.

6. Make a mess of, destroy or ruin.

7. An Asian river between China and Russia.

8. (Japan) Ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword.

9. Surveying instrument consisting of the upper movable part of a theodolite including the telescope and its attachments.

10. Indian religious leader who founded Sikhism (1469-1538).

11. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

12. Any high mountain.

13. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World.

14. Any of various thermoplastic resins used to make things.

19. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River.

24. The act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information.

27. A block of absorbent material saturated with ink.

29. Hawaiian dish of taro root pounded to a paste and often allowed to ferment.

31. Discover the location of.

32. Very attentive or observant.

35. The unit of frequency.

37. Very lively and profitable.

38. The basic unit of money in Zaire.

39. Large antelope with lightly spiraled horns of desert regions of North Africa.

42. (Greek mythology) Greek god of war.

43. A quantity of no importance.

44. A territory in southwestern Germany formerly ruled by the counts palatine.

47. A high wave (often dangerous) caused by tidal flow (as by colliding tidal currents or in a narrow estuary).

48. King of Denmark and Norway who forced Edmund II to divide England with him.

50. (Greek mythology) Fire-breathing she-monster with a lion's head and a goat's body and a serpent's tail.

51. A republic in northwestern South America.

57. A native of ancient Troy.

59. A coffee cake flavored with orange rind and raisins and almonds.

61. Irritate or vex.

63. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause).

64. A native or inhabitant of Great Britain.

65. Fast-growing herbaceous evergreen tree of South America having a broad trunk with high water content and dark green oval leaves.

66. Earn on some commercial or business transaction.

68. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was formed by an explosion.

69. (usually followed by `to') Having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something.

71. Thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord.

72. Goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment.

76. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Go ahead . . . Volunteer to help out where you would usually not be a volunteer. This is one way of having a new understanding and gaining new insight. This day is frequently taken up with chores and routine tasks. Conditions at home are due a change for the better. Go slowly just now. There is a tendency to seek out the most exciting activities this afternoon and a rebellious mood might find you wanting to ignore responsibilities. Careful, something could break. You are able to relax and enjoy some delightful activity later today. Breathe deeply and relax. There is a renewed interest in exploring the realm of dreams tonight. There is a big discussion on the subject of dreams. Keep a journal of your dreams for more insight.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Family members adore you and appreciate your ease in making practical decisions. You seem to have matured with a fine ability to sense what others want and need at this time, particularly concerning the elderly. Clear decisions affecting others could be made now. Be truthful in laying out the options that are available so that decisions are acceptable and easy to choose. Others depend on your input. This may take some patience on your part. Your most essential quality has to do with the very real love and compassion you radiate. Your sense of value and sheer appreciation for life are communicated to all who come to know you. There is time this evening to enjoy a candlelit dinner with a loved one. Consider a walk under the stars.

Leo (July 23-August 22) A sense of belonging and nurturing are felt strongly at this time.

Anything from the birth of a child to the merging of a family will bring about that importance of togetherness and dependency on each other. Your family and social life is bright and active. You are propelled toward expansion and protection. This can mean a move is in the forecast or an addition can be planned for in your living arrangement. One action always creates another action and you are wise to keep this under consideration. No person can be prepared for everything but try to keep your expenses below the limit of the income. A loved one lives up to your expectations and you are happy to favor this relationship with all of your attention this evening.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Today is one of your best days—a great time to plan or carry through on your plans to refurbish or update your living surroundings. This may mean you put in a new showerhead or you rebuild or improve your living space. This afternoon has plenty of feel-good moments when you show off your hard work. You will also find yourself in a great social mood. You may see that others want to show their appreciation of you.

Perhaps a meal away from home with the group can be a source of great fun. Staying in touch and on top of the latest developments are the subjects that make up wonderful conversations. Brothers or sisters play a big role in supporting your ideas. Young people as a whole, figure more prominently in your life now.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) You have great insight into matters of personal freedom. You come up with brilliant ways to express, or act out things. New methods of lovemaking, raising kids and caring for animals are yours. You are outspoken, impressive and regal. You may enjoy a trip to the country this afternoon, perhaps a fruit or vegetable stand, perhaps a garage sale. You relax with children, sports, acting, singing and such this day. This evening you may enjoy your eccentric or unconventional friends—groups with some kind of humanitarian flavor will appeal. This could mean you and your friends have some involvement with a child care group, such as a religious group or work with an orphanage. You and your friends will work with you to make a difference.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) This is a day when recognition should be present from the public and from family and friends. A new project is at hand. Perhaps some monetary rewards are in the forecast for this project. Neighborhood news might consist of lost and found pets or construction sites that hinder traffic in and out of the neighborhood, school news, garage sales, etc. You could help organize the neighbors to create a positive change through city meetings. A nearby park could have signs that display the hours or drive slowly signs on the street where children play may present the answers that are needed. It won’t be long before the way your neighborhood handles community problems catches on with other neighborhoods. You could be awarded some prize this year.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) A cycle of nostalgia and domesticity begins now, emphasizing a need for security and a sense of roots. Family, home, relatives and real estate play a big part in your life. You express your appreciation of your loved ones today. You may decide to cook the meals, treat your loved ones to a meal out or take them to a play, a movie or a concert. Ideas and thoughts will have greater meaning and form just now.

Listening also becomes important today as you try to understand and have understanding for those around you. Self-sacrifice and an understanding attitude on your part could have far-reaching effects on your own life-path. Tonight is a good time to complete ongoing projects—cleaning, mending, sorting through clothes, cooking, etc.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Be ready for a change that brings new insight into how you can take better advantage of your current situation. You are more able to see what is worth saving. You may have breakthroughs that are a bit unconventional in health and diet. You are at your mental best with clear thoughts. This is an excellent time to make decisions and take care of mental work. Instant gratification is one of the temptations to which you may be subject now: you want things and you want them this instant. This is a practical and materialistic kind of focus, one that emphasizes the making and spending of money.

Learning what really counts is an important lesson that you keep trying not to have to learn the hard way—leave the credit cards at home this evening.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Getting your message across to others is at a high just now. Your timing should be perfect and those around you should find you most relaxed. Outer circumstances are favorable and it should be easy for you to push forward in projects that you may have been putting off lately. Things may seem almost magical in the way they work out in your favor. This is a great time to organize and get things accomplished. You may find some really good discounts while shopping for staples today—gas, food, etc. While you are buying things, pick up a card for a friend or relative you have not seen in a while.

Find ways to become more involved in the experience of living and loving. Attend a community function or youth activity with someone in the family.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) A strong need for nurturing others could be met when you involve yourself in a volunteer group or in a religious group that visits shut-ins or the handicapped.

You may have insights or breakthroughs with regard to your living situation. This could come about while using your imagination toward improvements or ways in which to beautify your environment. You may feel very idealistic about your friends, especially someone who is younger or who could use your help. Others value you for your independence and you can generate a good deal of support for whatever you want to accomplish. This is quite a busy day; however, there is still time to visit and be with elderly family members. You easily pass along positive energy to others.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 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

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

Al-Madeena

22418714

Al-Shuhada

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Faiha

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Al-Jahra

25610011

Khaldiya

24848075

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Omariya

24719048

N Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

36

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

John Legend weds model Chrissy Teigen in Italy

J

West charged with misdemeanors in scuffle

P

ohn Legend is officially off the market. The R&B crooner’s representative says Legend married model Chrissy Teigen on Saturday at the Villa Pizzo in Lake Como, Italy. Legend, 34, and Teigen, 27, were engaged in 2011. Legend has won nine Grammy Awards.

He released his fourth solo album, “Love In the Future,” last week. Teigen has modeled for Sports Illustrated and is the host of the Vh1 reality competition show, “Model Employee.” She also has a food blog. Legend will launch a US tour next month.

rosecutors have charged Kanye West with misdemeanor battery over a July scuffle with a celebrity photographer at Los Angeles International Airport. City attorney’s spokesman Frank Mateljan says West was also charged Friday with one count of attempted grand theft. The rapper’s arraignment has been set for Oct 10 but he is not required to appear if he has an attorney.

Photographer Daniel Ramos claims West punched him in an unprovoked attack and wrestled his camera to the ground during an incident at the airport on July 19. Prosecutors declined to file felony charges against West, but city prosecutors decided to pursue misdemeanor charges. Each carries a penalty of up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. An email sent to West’s record label for comment was not immediately returned.

Gomez spends night with Union J star

Horan and Goulding split

N

iall Horan and Ellie Goulding have split up. The One Direction heart throb is reportedly keen to“live it up”and enjoy his youth, leading to the couple’s decision to break up after only 27 days together. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday newspaper, a source said: “It’s all over between Niall and Ellie. “They’ve split up. There was obviously a real attraction - but Niall’s a young lad and wants to live it up.”The pair were first seen getting close at Virgin Media’s V Festival in the UK last month, and Ellie later refused to open up about their then-blossoming romance. She previously insisted:“I just can’t talk about Niall. I won’t ever talk about my love life any more because it’s always then gone wrong when I have in the past.”The 26-year-old singer also admitted she had received some “interesting” messages from the ‘Best Song Ever’ hitmaker’s loyal fans. She added: “I’ve definitely had some‘interesting’tweets since the story came out.“Thankfully I’m able to take it all with a pinch of salt because I’ve been told to be that way.“I genuinely mean this - I don’t hate on anyone, but at least One Direction fans are very passionate and my fans are very passionate too. I’d hate it if people didn’t care about what they thought.”

S

elena Gomez reportedly spent the night with George Shelley. The ‘Come and Get It’ singer partied with British boy band Union J after they performed with her at a recent show in Portugal, and it is said“things got very heated”between the pair. A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper:“She invited all the Union J boys and some other members of her entourage to her room and they had a great time drinking and dancing.“Selena and George were all over each other and things got very heated. “Everyone else left the room at 2am so they were able to spend the night together.”The 20-year-old singer missed the band’s flight back to London the next morning, but it is said the rest of the group were very understanding. The insider added: “Nobody was annoyed with George. After all, he’s being pursued by one of the biggest pop stars in the world - it’s any lad’s dream come true.” The pair’s meeting was arranged after Selena admitted she had a crush on George in a recent interview, and she then booked the band for her show.

Lohan

P

aris Hilton has had “more hits than fails”. The 32-year-old socialite - who shot to fame after starring in a sex tape - admits she has had a tough time growing up in the public eye, but feels that she has grown up and learned from her past mistakes. She told OK! magazine:“For me, the most important thing is that I’ve my life honestly. I’ve made mistakes but I’ve had more hits than fails, and I can say I’m happy and every day I’m working to achieve my dreams. There are always new surprises ... you just have to be prepared to deal with what life brings you.”The former reality TV star has previously dated stars including Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter, but she is insists she is content with her boyfriend of 14 months, male model River Viiperi, 22, and tries not to compare her relationship with past romances. She added:“Every relationship is different. I don’t compare them. I only know that my present exceeds my past.

River is a charming, handsome man and he is always happy - that makes me feel very special.”—Bang Showbiz

D

avid and Victoria Beckham have become friends with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. The celebrity couples were reportedly introduced to each other at New York Fashion Week by Vogue US editor Anna Wintour and it seems the stars “are really clicking”. An insider told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “The two couples look like they’d be n unlikely foursome but they are really clicking. “Anna introduced Victoria and Kanye as they are both huge figures in the fashion world. “David and Kanye both love Paris and have been talking about the best restaurants and hang-outs.”

Meanwhile, the‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’star has even been going on walks with Victoria as the pair join forces to keep fit and healthy. The source added: “Victoria and Kim talk all things fitness and have been on a few hikes together.”Kim will be pleased with the new friendship, having spoken in the past about her admiration for the way Victoria switched from pop star to fashion icon. She previously said: “I love Victoria and what she’s done with her clothing line, bags and glasses.”

L

my Winehouse could only be herself when she wore thick black eyeliner and her beehive.

The late ‘Body And Soul’ hitmaker had a unique style, which developed into her trademark look as she wore big backcombed quiffs in the ‘beehive’ style, distinctive eye make-up and 50s and 60s style dresses. Her stylist, Naomi Parry, said: “No matter what she’d have the thick black eyeliner on and the beehive pinned into place. She’d feel uncomfortable without it. Once it was on, she could be herself.” Although Amy contemplated changing her hair, these moments were short lived as she “wouldn’t have been Amy” without it. She explained to British Grazia magazine: “Before she died Amy had a moment where she was thinking of changing her hair. She was talking about getting a fringe - or a bob. It lasted about 10 seconds. She wouldn’t have been Amy without the beehive. I think she was aware of that.” Amy - who died of accidental alcohol poisoning in July 2011 - would have been celebrating her 30th birthday on September 14. In her memory the Amy Winehouse Foundation is hosting a number of events to mark the milestone.

KT Daily Paper layout.indd 4

make friends with West and Kardashian

indsay Lohan is reportedly trying to lose 20lb in 20 days. The 27-year-old actress, who recently left rehab after 90 days of court-ordered treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, is determined to get her movie career back on track and has turned to the drastic Master Cleanse diet in order to lose weight before hosting US comedy show ‘Saturday Night Live’ later this month. A source said: “It’s really extreme, she hasn’t even got 20lb to lose. But Lindsay won’t listen to anyone. She’s paranoid about having a double chin and is convinced that getting skinny again will mean more film roles.”The Master Cleanse only permits dieters to drink a concoction of lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup, and was thought to have been used by singer Beyonce Knowles in order to lose weight for her role in ‘Dreamgirls’. Friends of the ‘Mean Girls’ star are now worried the extreme weight loss plan could have a negative effect on Lindsay, who is still adjusting to her sober lifestyle. The source added to heat magazine:“They’re worried this diet is just another way for her to abuse herself. And when she’s low on energy, that’s when her defences are down, which is a problem for someone who’s only just come out of rehab.”

Winehouse needed beehive

A

T

he organizers of the Golden Globe Awards say they will honor Woody Allen for his contributions to filmmaking. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association said Friday that Allen will receive the 2014 Cecil B DeMille Award. A tribute to the 77-year-old actor, writer and director will be included in the 71st annual Golden Globe ceremony set for Jan 12. Morgan Freeman and Martin Scorsese are among the previous recipients. Allen’s much-honored films include “Annie Hall,” “Hannah and Her Sisters”and“Midnight in Paris,” which won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for its screenplay last year.

The Beckhams

trying to lose 20lb in 20 days

Hilton has plenty of hits

Golden Globes to honor Allen’s career

Vin Diesel ready for musicals

V

in Diesel has been flooded with offers to star in musicals since his version of a Rihanna song went viral. The ‘Riddick’ actor is best known for playing tough guys, but movie executives are now eager to cast him in singing roles after he posted a video of him singing a karaoke cover of the hit ballad ‘Stay’ in a bar online.

He explained: “Oh, my God! You know what that was? That was an alternative to sending a Valentine’s Day card. When my girlfriend saw it, she said, ‘You have to give that to your fans!’“I’d made other videos of me signing on my page before. It was no big deal. When I was singing ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire’ no one care. Then a studio called me and said they wanted me to do a musical!”The 46-year-old star - who appears in the macho ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise - has long lobbied to star in a movie adaptation of Broadway musical‘Guys and Dolls’ and hopes producers will cast him now they’ve heard his singing skills. He added to Nuts magazine: “You know how long I’ve been talking about ‘Guys and Dolls’? It’s got to happen. Isn’t it funny? I do a silly little video and all of a sudden people are like, ‘Vin, would you ever consider a musical?’ I’ve been asking to do this for the last 10 years, man!”

9/15/13 8:09 PM

37

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LIFESTYLE F e a t u r e s

Thousands of people attend the show of Brazil’s Capital Inicial band during Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.—AFP

Sound of The Clash saved for a new generation

T

hey’ve never reformed, despite lucrative offers to do so, and the surviving band members swear they never will now that front man Joe Strummer is no longer around. Which just might be why, 37 years after they played their first riffs, The Clash are still adored by a global army of fans as one of the greatest bands in the history of rock. In Paris this week to promote a new box set that involved guitarist Mick Jones salvaging the original master tapes for their five seminal albums, the three surviving members of the band were more keen to talk about how their music has been passed on to a new generation.

“I love it when fathers share our music with their kids,”said Jones.“Saying‘see, there was something good from my time.’

“It makes them both proud. The Clash is a force of its own, it’s bigger than us by far.” Jones, 58, bassist Paul Simonon, 57, and drummer Topper Headon, 58, don’t rule out playing music together but it will never be as The Clash, out of respect for the memory of iconic lead singer Strummer, who died of a heart attack 11 years ago. Instead, they are happy to concentrate on cultivating their legacy and enjoying the memories of their emergence from the British punk scene to conquer the world.

“We had everything,” recalls Headon. “The music is great, we were good looking, we were young and rebellious.

We had, we still have, a lot of integrity. Everywhere we go we have people coming to us and say ‘you changed my life. The Clash changed everything to me.’” When the idea of

putting together a comprehensive collection of The Clash’s recordings was first put to them by their record company three years ago, Jones and Simonon made the remastering of every track a condition of their involvement.

“From the beginning of the band, and to this day, we weThe Clash

Spikes Asia Creative Academy returns to nurture young advertising talents

S

pikes Asia is teaming up with Cheil Worldwide for a fifth consecutive year to run the Spikes Asia Creative Academy, offering a unique learning opportunity for a select group of students from across Asia Pacific. This year, 15 students from 11 countries are gathering to immerse themselves in an exclusive course including dedicated tutorials from renowned industry figures.

Aimed at nurturing young advertising talents, the Academy’s three-day program is tailored to the needs of its students, including exclusive lectures and master-classes from the region’s leaders. Students will also participate in the Spikes Asia official program, acquiring first-hand insight into the creative advertising and communications industry which they will take part in the future.

“Spikes Asia is very much committed to cultivating young talent by improving their knowledge and skills that will help them in their future careers. As such, we are delighted to team up with Cheil Worldwide again to provide such an outstanding learning platform – the Spikes Asia Creative Academy – where a group of students from around Asia Pacific can be immersed into the very heart of the

KT Daily Paper layout.indd 5

re always involved in the creative process of our work,”Simonon said. “It’s not like some bands who have no control on what comes out. This boxset is from us, we made it and it’s a big difference. It’s personal.”Designed by Simonon, the new collection is contained in packaging in the form of a ghetto

advertising and communications industry – a truly unmissable opportunity,” says Steve Latham, Director of Talent and Training for Spikes Asia.

Commenting on their Spikes Academy sponsorship, Daiki Lim, President and CEO of Cheil Worldwide says, “As a global player, Cheil Worldwide has been committed to nurturing regional young talents through the Spikes Asia Creative Academy over the past five years. In the advertising industry, talent is the best asset, so I am excited and committed to continuing this Creative Academy program”.

The students will be tutored by Noor Azhar, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication and Media Design at the Singapore Polytechnic Design School. Before lecturing, Noor practiced advertising as an art director at CreAds Advertising and Batey Ads and then went on to set up integrated brand communications agency Just Media (now JM Asia). Noor has tutored the Academy since its birth in 2009.

This year’s group of students who have earned a place on the 2013 Spikes Asia Creative Academy are: Lily Qian, Communication University Of China, China Qinwen Yu, Communication Uni-

versity Of China, China Melessa Chu, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Devonne Pei Ti Niam, Savannah College of Arts and Design, Hong Kong Bina Nurrifri, Binus School of Design, Indonesia Seonwoo Lim, Konkuk University, Korea Kwang-jin Kim, Chonnam National Univertisy, Korea Aaron Tan Jun Yuen, Saito College, Malaysia Anosha Nimra Shahab, Institute of Business Management, Pakistan Aaron Val P. Articulo, University of Asia and the Pacific, The Philippines Amanda Ler Liyun, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore Elijah Eugene Ng Jiajun, Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore Sahil Gunesekere, Northumbria University, Sri Lanka Jack Lee, Tamkang Univeristy, Taiwan Natcha Hiranburana, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

blaster—the now defunct radio-cassette players that were also known as boom boxes and became synonymous with a period Bob Marley celebrated as a punky-reggae party.

“We all had one box, always carrying it with us, always playing it everywhere we would go. So the box was the perfect thing to do. No empty space, every box inside is stuffed.

It’s a work of art,” said Simonon, who has spent much of his post-Clash time painting. “I took a photograph of my original cassette machine, that I stil have. I made a model with cardboard. I took it to a meeting with the record company and said: ‘this is the idea.’” Jones meanwhile was getting to work on the original tapes, a task that was to prove far more complicated than he initially envisaged.

“Lots of the tapes were getting so old. They were in different archives facilities around London, warehouses. But before you could play the tapes, you had to bake them in an oven, because of the oxide on the tapes. If you play it, it all falls off and that’s where the music lays. So you have to bake them and then you have may be one or two plays to get it. It’s a real restoration and it’s really important to us. The early tapes are 35 years old. These tapes are rotting, like an old film, so we’ve saved our music for the future. “It was a very interesting part of the process. It’s great music, and great music always lives up to it. I heard the songs like I never heard them before.”—AFP

Saudi Arabia’s largest production, ‘Al-Sultana’ to premiere exclusively on OSN Ya Hala HD

A

l-Sultana, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest drama productions, is set to make its premiere on OSN Ya Hala HD on September 21, 2013.

Featuring some of the Gulf’s most famous acting talent, including Ibrahim Al Harbi, Ahmed Saleh, Amira Mohamed, and Badr Al-Zidane, among others, Al-Sultana is being billed as one of the most powerful Saudi Arabian productions to date.

The series marks the first time a Saudi woman has been cast as a lead character in a primetime television show. The show tells the story of Sultana, played by Leila Salman, and her life as a woman beyond the norms, executing and delegating tasks that are dangerous and illegal.

Despite her power and professio-

nal obligations as a leader in the underworld, Sultana also depicts a hidden side – her role as a mother, and a woman with feelings and emotions, and loyalty towards her family. The show was filmed in several European and Arab cities, including Paris, Italy, Dubai, and Beirut.

On playing Sultana, Leila Salman said: “I had to put in a lot of effort and thought to ensure that I showcased the essence of this character to perfection. I am delighted to showcase my work through OSN, a network whose shows I have followed each year. I hope viewers enjoy our performance on OSN Ya Hala HD.” Khulud Abu Homos, SVP Programming at OSN added: “As promised, OSN Ya Hala HD will be the home of Gulf and Saudi dramas. The premiere

of Al Sultana is one of 10 gulf dramas that will be showcased first on OSN Ya Hala HD together with box sets of full seasons on OSN On Demand’ OSN’s Ya Hala HD showcases some of the Arab world’s critically acclaimed Khaleeji and Arab shows, underlining its commitment to provide exclusive, premium and fresh content for Arab viewers.

Al-Sultana will premiere exclusively on OSN Ya Hala HD on September 21, five days a week, from Saturday to Wednesday, at 20:00 KSA. Viewers can also catch the excitement of Al-Sultana, anytime, anywhere, on OSN Play – the region’s first online viewing platform.

9/15/13 8:30 PM

38

LIFESTYLE

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

F a s h i o n

London

Fashion Week

open

doors to public to boost business

T Models present creations by Preen during the 2014 Spring/ Summer London Fas h i o n We e k i n Lo n don.—AFP photos

he crowds at London Fashion Week are usually packed with magazine editors, department store buyers and celebrities but this season there is a new addition to the pack: the consumer. Ordinary shoppers have been welcomed into parts of London’s most exclusive fashion event to try to boost the value of the industry and raise Britain’s profile as a fashion destination. The move is part of the British Fashion Council’s plans to change the way the fashion industry, often seen as mysterious and elitist, is viewed - with the hope of stimulating growth and add to the estimated 816,000 jobs in the industry.

“This season we have taken fashion week to the streets of London and rallied support from the whole capital by making London Fashion Week much more inclusive,”Council Chairman Natalie Massenet said in an opening speech on Friday.“Anyone, all of us are free to come down and join.” Among the ideas to generate a buzz about London Fashion Week are lining the city’s main commercial artery, Oxford Street, with flags celebrating the designers; musical events and guest appearances; and a photobooth linked up to Facebook.

Fashion-hungry shoppers can also snap up items from designer collections, watch live streams of catwalk shows, and buy tickets for London Fashion Weekend, held for consumers by the British Fashion Council after the main shows. “It’s exciting to see all sorts of events celebrating fashion week and I do think London is just generally cooler than other cities. It’s got the young, hip vibe,”19-year-old student Julia Glove said outside Topshop clothes store on Oxford Street. However, not all consumers are convinced by the efforts to welcome the public into the fold. “I don’t know how they expect people to relate to an industry that is snobby and judgmental,” 32-year-old Kate Hutchins, who works in marketing, said standing un-

der London Fashion Week bunting.

Not a playground Despite a still struggling global economy, British fashion brands are hoping to cash in on evidence of a rebound in the luxury sector as solid demand in Japan and the United States combined with recovery in Europe offset China’s slowdown. Massenet hopes that the excitement generated on social media networks will help build on the fashion’s industry’s 21 billion pound ($33 billion) contribution to British economy.

But not everyone in the fashion industry is happy to share the catwalk and champagne world with consumers, as demonstrated by the International Herald Tribune’s fashion editor Suzy Menkes’ opinion piece highlighting the disdain for the public “peacocking” in their finery outside fashion shows.“There is a certain portion of the press that would prefer it to be kind of secretive but the consumer has shown that they are really interested,”said former fashion editor Navaz Batliwalla, who runs the fashion blog Disneyrollergirl.

“It’s going to be interesting going forward how much more they do because obviously you have the old school press that want to keep it just to a trade show and don’t really like the fact that it is open to the public.” Ken Downing, fashion director at US luxury department store Neiman Marcus, said it was important to remember that fashion was an industry and a business.

“It’s not a playground. This is what we do for work and whilst it’s fun that people want to be peacocks and be photographed but it should not be the overwhelming reason of fashion week,” Downing told Reuters.

“Hollywood does not let the mass public into a set when they’re filming a movie or making a television show. We need to make sure that the people who are experiencing fashion shows and fashion week are those in the industry, first and foremost, before we start letting in the world.” –Reuters

LA retailer Elyse Walker

L

os Angeles retailer extraordinaire Elyse Walker is launching her own line of shoes this month. Manufactured in Spain, Italy and Brazil, the collection ($375 to $995) includes classic shapes, sunny colors (turquoise, olive, coral, tan and more) and some fringe.

Specific styles include pony and suede espadrilles, suede booties with ankle fringe, the perfect pointy-toed flat and sling-back pump.

“I feel that there are never enough styles to choose from, especially in a lower heel height,” Walker says.“I am going to take all of these things I have learned throughout the years into consideration for my collection. My blood is pumping with ideas and colors and shoe lasts. I dream

shoes and have been for over three decades.”

Walker’s roots in the shoe business run deep.

Her father, Larry Feder, was a shoe manufacturer and her mother, Barbara Feder, a retailer who launched Capretto shoes in Scarsdale, NY. The Feders will handle the importing and shipping of the new collection, with Walker sourcing and designing. The line, called Elyse Walker Los Angeles, will launch at Elyse Walker’s Pacific Palisades, Calif, boutique, 15306 Antioch St, and www. forwardbyelysewalker.com. The line will also be sold at Neiman Marcus and select boutiques nationwide.—MCT

is launching a shoe line

Photo shows pony and suede espadrilles.

Photo shows sling-back pumps. –MCT photos

KT Daily Paper layout.indd 1

Photo shows suede booties with ankle fringe.

9/15/13 6:49 PM

39

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LIFESTYLE F e a t u r e s

World’s oldest man dies in NY at

age 112

G

This photo provided

by G u i n n e s s Wo rl d Records shows 112 year-old Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez.—AP

uinness World Records says the former musician and coal miner certified as the world’s oldest man has died. Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez (sah-luh-stee-AH’-noh SAHN’-chez BLAHZ’-kehz) was 112. Guinness consultant Robert Young says Sanchez-Blazquez died Friday at a nursing home in Grand Island, NY. Nicknamed“Shorty,”Sanchez-Blazquez became the world’s oldest man when Jiroemon Kimura died in June at age 116.

Sanchez-Blazquez was born June 8, 1901, in the village of El Tejado de Bejar, Spain. He moved to Cuba at 17, then to the United States in 1920 where he worked the coal mines of Lynch, Ky. He eventually moved to the Niagara Falls area. He had two children, seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. MJ Colucci & Son Funeral Chapel says the funeral will be private.—AP

Trendy Warsaw square

shows Poland’s change

Guinness: World’s smallest dog is in Puerto Rico

P

uerto Rico can now boast it is home to the world’s smallest dog — at least when it comes to height. The brown Chihuahua named Miracle Milly is shorter than a soup can, standing at 3.8 inches (9.65 centimeters) tall when measured from backbone to paw, Guinness World Records announced Thursday. She is nearly 2 years old, weighs roughly 1 pound (half a kilogram) and is known for often sticking out her tiny tongue when someone takes her picture.

“She knows how to pose,” owner Vanesa Semler told The Associated Press. Miracle Milly dethroned Boo Boo, a long-haired Chihuahua from Kentucky that stands 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) tall. Guinness also has a second category for world’s smallest dog when measured by length.

That title is held by Heaven Sent Brandy, a Chihuahua in Largo, Florida, that measures 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) long.

When she was born, Miracle Milly weighed less than an ounce and fit in a teaspoon, Semler said. Her mouth was too tiny to nurse from her mother, so Semler gave her milk every two hours through an eyedropper. She slept in a doll’s crib next to Semler’s bed, growing stronger as the months passed. The Chihuahua now sleeps in a baby’s crib and will eat nothing but food cooked by humans.“She really likes salmon and chicken,” Semler said, noting that she eats four times a day. Miracle Milly is close to her two sisters, both which are of normal size, but she prefers the company of people. “She does not understand that she is a dog,” Semler said.

“She thinks she’s a kid.”

She doesn’t bark and likes playing with the plants in Semler’s backyard.

If there are birds to chase, even better. If she’s playing inside, she gravitates toward Paco, a yellow Chihuahua plush toy twice her size. The stuffed animal is among dozens lining her crib. “We give her a new toy almost every week,” Semler said. “She likes to cuddle with them.” Miracle Milly is one of 10 Chihuahuas that Semler owns, and is easily the most popular. “People are amazed when they see her because she is so small,” Semler said. “And she has a big personality. People love her.”—AP

I

t was rebuilt from ruins after World War II, but still hides a German bunker. And while this square in central Warsaw is named for a Catholic church, it’s also famous for a pro-gay rainbow structure that’s repeatedly been set on fire. Plac Zbawiciela — Place of the Savior, or Savior Square — encompasses Poland’s past and present in a nutshell, with all its conflicts and contradictions. Once gray and grim, the square is now a colorful place full of trendy cafes, reflecting the economic and cultural changes the country has undergone since toppling communism in 1989 and joining the European Union. Sometimes called Hipster Square, Plac Zbawiciela has become a magnet for tourists, students and professionals alike.

On a recent sunny morning, actress and model Kamila Beres was enjoying a salad and a coffee with her mother In this 1940s photo, the at an outdoor table at a bread and wine place calruins of Marszalkowska led Charlotte. “I like this place very much,” she said. street, leading into Sa- “It’s like a small enclave with very special atmosphevior Square are shown re. It attracts nice and interesting people, artistia f t e r Wo r l d Wa r I I i n cally minded.”

Her mother, Janina Beres, said she remembeWarsaw, Poland.

People gather in Savior Square in Warsaw, Poland. red the area from the time when it was “dormant,” adding that she appreciates the stylish way it has been revived. Despite its contemporary vibe, the square — built on a star design, like many squares in Paris — manages to retain its quaintness. The idea for the square originated in the 18th century as part of a road linking royal residencies under the reign of Poland’s last king, Stanislaw August Poniatowski. The first buildings, a few inns, appeared a century later and were linked to the city by a horse-drawn tram in 1882.

The Church of the Holiest Savior, a Renaissance- and Baroquestyle building with twin towers, was completed in 1927 after 26 years of construction delayed by World War I. Today the square’s many businesses cater to various tastes and purses. There’s a florist, a sushi bar, a shot bar, an Italian cafeteria, and a gay-friendly French eatery.“We are very happy that people engage in creating File photo shows a florist carries flowers in trensuch captivating places that build the city’s positive atmosphedy Savior Square in Warsaw, Poland.—AP photos re,” said Bartosz Milczarczyk, spokesman for the City Hall. “They have our full support.”

But that does not include financial support: A traditional Polish restaurant on the square modestly hides in a crumbling prewar building that awaits renovation. Every evening, but especially on weekends, the square is filled with the sound of laughter and clinking wine glasses. Many in the crowd are students from the highly esteemed Methodist English Language College. The school, established in 1921, was closed during World War II but survived during communism thanks to its popularity and protection from some communist officials who were students there.

The school’s 38-meter-high (125-foot-high) building was Warsaw’s tallest when it was completed in 1910. It’s now one of just three buildings in the square that predate World War II, along with the church and the building with the Polish restaurant. During World War II, occupying Nazi Germans turned the A man offers a rose to a woman in the capital elegant square into a district for their officers. Then in 1944, they city’s trendy Savior Square. bombed it and burned it down during fights with insurgents and in retaliation for the city’s rebellion, in which some 200,000 residents were killed.

Reconstruction was done in the 1950s in the so-called socialist realism style, which is known for pompous, oversize structures, but here resulted in a well-proportioned colonnade that fit the scale of the square. Still, the area’s charm remained hidden under the era’s general gloom and denial. People visited the church A d o g a c c o m p a - for Sunday Mass, or to check what the fish shop and lamp shop nies its owner at had to offer. In times of shortages, locals could get some supplian outdoor table es from illegal vendors who hid under the arcades and were ofof a cafe in the ca- ten fined by the militia.

The bleakness began to dissipate when the communists were pital city’s trendy S avior Square in ousted in 1989 and a market economy was ushered in. The changes accelerated after Poland joined the EU, when open borders Warsaw.

KT Daily Paper layout.indd 2

This handout photo released by Guinness World Records, shows Miracle Milly, a brown female Chihuahua who is the smallest dog living, in terms of height, measuring 3.8 inches (9.65 centimeters) tall when measured from backbone to paw, on Feb. 21, 2013.--AP

People gather in the capital city’s trendy Savior Square. allowed young Poles to travel and bring back ideas and fashions from elsewhere. Gradually, the uninspiring shops ceded room to stylish eateries, and even the untended central green was replaced with beds of colorful flowers.

But not all the changes have been celebrated: A 2006 movie named for the square and partly filmed there showed a merciless side to Poland’s new capitalism that many did not expect. And the rainbow in the center of the square, 9 meters (30 feet) high, has repeatedly been damaged by arson. Churchgoers, who have a strong say in this predominantly Catholic nation, object to its perceived pro-gay symbolism. The city pledges to restore the rainbow — a metal structure covered in colorful fabric — with fireproof materials.—AP In this 1940s photo, the ruins of the Church of the Holiest Savior in Warsaw, Poland are seen, after World War II. The Renaissance -and-Baroque style church was completed in 1927 and then severely damaged during the war.

9/15/13 6:49 PM

World’s oldest man dies in NY at age 112

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

Bubble trouble hits A pendant made from jade from Myanmar on display at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair.

A vendor at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair holding an ornament made from Myanmar jade up to a light to show off its natural color.

A vendor fixing an attachment to a piece of jade jewellery at the historic Jade Market near Temple Street in Kowloon.

A woman tending to her stall selling jade jewellery, trinkets and charms at the historic Jade Market near Temple Street in Kowloon.

KT Daily Paper layout.indd 3

39

Hong Kong jade sales

P

rized as a magical imperial stone, jade is a status symbol of the super rich in Asia, but rocketing prices in the top-end of the market have left traders in Hong Kong struggling to find buyers. With the cost of high-quality raw jade and jade products surging repeatedly in the past eight years, prices tags are now becoming prohibitive and experts predict the bubble must soon burst as buyers are stepping back. Driven up by the appetite of wealthy Chinese, the rising cost of jade is also being fuelled by fears of a shortage in supply from Myanmar, the key source.

“Consumers cannot accept the current high prices, therefore, no deal is reached,” Hong Kong jade dealer Li Kwong-kei told AFP at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair Friday. Li, who has participated in the fair for more than 10 years, said it was quieter than in 2011 and 2012.“We are forced to raise prices—it is increasingly hard to get high-quality raw jade from Myanmar. If you do not pay more, the good raw materials will be owned by the others,”Li added, holding a green jadeite bangle with a price of HK$2 million (US$260,000).

“I have decided to wait for the prices of high- and mid-end jade to drop,” said Judy Chen, a Taiwanese buyer at the fair. “It appears to me that their prices are kind of at the peak.”Small businesses have also been affected—stallholders at Hong Kong’s famous outdoor jade market while away hours chatting with their neighbors, as customers remain sparse.“I have seen some of my peers quit their businesses,” said 54-year-old stall owner Wong Fung-ying. “The prices are high while the market is quiet.” Jade holds mythical properties in China, where it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring better health. With no international pricing system, values have been increasing since 2005 as the newly-rich in China have bought up jade products. Seen as a classier option than gold, it has become a status symbol.

Dealers are now worried that quality raw jade from Myanmar is dwindling as the country plans to process and sell its own jade products. Myanmar keeps its cards close to its chest in a famously murky trade, and rumors are rife among dealers about its plans as the country opens up economically. Jade dealer Liang Jianhui, based in southern China’s Guangdong province and one of 7,000 buyers at the gem auction in Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw in June, told AFP that he could no longer afford to buy high-quality jade. One bidder told AFP the auction had been less busy in the past two years than previously, with high prices putting dealers off.

“I set aside more than two million euros for the auction, only to find that I am too poor to win a bid for one single piece of top-end jade,”said Liang.“If a piece of raw jade sold for 100,000 euros in the past, people would make an offer of 500,000 euros for the same one this year.”One dealer said Chinese buyers had backed out of collecting their jade after having second thoughts about the high prices, while another said Chinese bidders had gone in high purposely to put the raw jade out

of reach of their rivals. Up to 90 percent of the world’s jadeite—the most sought-after type of jade—is mined in the northern Myanmar town of Hpakant and hundreds of tones are transported to state gem auctions, which have until now been held at least twice a year.

But in 2013 there was only one major auction, which saw the number of jade lots down by 38 percent compared with the previous auction in March 2012, according to local media quoting official figures, although it was still reported to have reaped $2.4 billion in sales. “What they want now is not only to export raw materials, but also to process jade domestically and sell it to China,”said Li Lianju, a deputy director of Yunnan Land and Resource Department, who oversees the jade trade between Myanmar and China’s Yunnan province, a major commercial hub for the gemstone.

“The value of raw jade rises more than twentyfold after being carved and turned into rings, bangles or necklaces,” said Zu Engdong, head of Gemology at Kunming University of Science and Technology in Yunnan.“So it makes full sense for the Myanmarese to process jade themselves.”Some fear Myanmar will close the jade mines altogether or slow down production to protect jade sources. Fighting in Kachin state may also have affected jade mining.

What is certain is that prices for those buying raw high-grade jade are astronomical, trickling down to merchants who are upping prices to maintain their profit margin. Yunnan’s Li says prices of lower-grade jade are already dipping. “The bubble of low to middle end jade has burst first given the little fear of raw material shortage,” he said. While prices of high-end jade are likely to jump after the raw material from the June auction is processed, Li predicts such surges cannot continue in the face of lack of trade. “By the end of the year, the prices will start to drop from the sky,” Li said.—AFP

This photo taken on September 5, 2013 shows jade bracelets for sale at the historic Jade Market near Temple Street in Kowloon, Hong Kong.—AFP photos

A vendor talking with a customer about a piece of jade at his stall selling jade jewellery, trinkets and charms at the historic Jade Market near Temple Street.

A woman sleeping on her stall selling jade jewellery, trinkets and charms at the historic Jade Market near Temple Street in Kowloon.

Vendors waiting for customers at the historic Jade Market near Temple Street i n Ko w l o o n , H o n g Kong.

9/15/13 7:48 PM