24th Sep 2013

CR IP TI ON BS SU

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Alghanim grabs ‘Businessman of the Year’ award

Kenya launches assault to end mall bloodbath

NO: 15938

150 FILS

7 40 PAGES

THULQADA 18, 1434 AH

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Microsoft unveils Surface tablets at NYC event

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www.kuwaittimes.net

Panthers hand Giants’ Coughlin his worst defeat

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Kuwait’s Housing chief quits over ‘corruption’ Al-Mullah slams minister, ‘politicization of housing crisis’

KUWAIT: In an unusual step for a senior government official in Kuwait, General Director of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare Subhi Al-Mullah announced his resignation on Sunday citing corruption by officials, including the Minister of Housing himself.

During a press conference where he announced plans to officially submit his resignation, Al-Mullah accused minister Salem AlOthaina of violating the law by transcending over his authorities to hire managers at the PAHW, forming a committee outside the PAHW to handle some of its jobs, and canceling the allocation and distribution commitSubhi Al-Mullah tees in the PAHW illegally.

While he warned of “politicization of the housing crisis” and “compromises made at its expense”, Al-Mullah revealed secrets from his time at the authority, including his claim that the Khairan Project which includes 32,000 housing units was put on hold because a minister - who he didn’t name - had ordered for it to be suspended.

Continued on Page 13

conspiracy theories

House me!

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

I

wrote about the state of education in Kuwait in my article yesterday - namely, that we are always late in taking decisions about serious matters only until a disaster occurs or until something serious happens.

Today, I would like to discuss the same delay in decision-making but in another equally important field: Housing.

We did not need Subhi Al-Mullah, General Director of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare to resign this week in order to figure out that there is something wrong in the field of housing. For many years we have been looking at the increasing prices of houses and plots of land and have been thinking that we live on the moon. What are the exaggerated prices of real estate here for?

Many writers, including me, have discussed the issue many times. As usual, our concerns have been met with deaf years. Why are the prices of real estate in Kuwait so high and why do they keep on increasing?

Why aren’t they at a certain level?

Even the price of rentals has escalated in a mad way.

Who is in control of these sky-high prices? For instance, a flat that used to cost KD150 to KD180 suddenly jumped to KD350 and more. Mind you, in addition to the high prices, there are no rules for maintenance. If something breaks in your house or you need a plumber, you have to pay for it. Houses that would be rented for KD500 now cost KD1000 or KD2000. Are we living in Japan?

On top of it all, the government is not commenting on the housing prices at all. It seems this does not concern them. Where are our legislators who are shouting threats over trivial matters day and night in the Abdullah Salem dome? Why don’t we hear their voices in this field too? Or is it that they are alert and vigilant over other matters which concern their interests and pockets but housing that concerns the whole nation is not that important?

A 400-square meter plot costs nearly KD300,000 without any construction on it. Where is the cost of a plot of land this high anywhere in the world? Even in the heart of London, you cannot find such prices of land. Let’s talk about a well-paid Kuwaiti employee who earns KD3000 a month. Can he afford to pay as much for such plot of land? Or if he wants to rent a house, could he afford to spend half of his salary on rent?

Mind you, I am excluding here the lower-paid earners. I leave that calculation to your imagination. All this shows that there are loads of corruption in the housing system - one of the reasons behind the resignation of Al-Mullah. I think that housing in Kuwait will become like Kuwait Airways - just an enigma and no solution.

Let’s wait, see and remain hopeful that when the parliament convenes next month this trivial housing issue will be on their agenda. Otherwise we can all come to demonstrate in front of the parliament carrying placards demanding: “Please, house me!”

Have a good evening!

Egypt crushes Brotherhood

RIYADH: Saudi girls wave their national flag during celebrations marking the 83rd Saudi Arabian National Day in the desert kingdom’s capital Riyadh yesterday. — AFP

‘October 26 Driving’ Saudi women challenge driving ban DUBAI: A group of Saudi activists has begun another campaign for the lifting of a ban on women driving, urging women to get behind the wheel on Oct 26 in

American ‘trapped’

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: William Bowers, a former US military officer has been caught in a litigation case in Kuwait for years and hasn’t been able to pay his bills - which Continued on Page13

Snake grounds Qantas flight SYDNEY: A tiny snake as slender as a pen forced the grounding of a Japan-bound Qantas flight in the Australian city of Sydney overnight, stranding hundreds of passengers. The non-venomous reptile, about eight inches long, was found near the doorway of a Boeing 747-400 bound for Tok yo on Sunday night, a Qantas spokeswoman said. “ The snake was taken to quarantine to determine where it came from,” she said. The plane had been on the tarmac in Sydney for most of Sunday after completing a flight from Singapore, and the snake was found by air crew before any passengers boarded. It was uncertain where the reptile had come from but the Department of Agriculture has identified it as a Mandarin ratsnake which is mainly found in Asia.

All 370 passengers were booked into hotels

Max 41º Min 26º High Tide 01:55 & 15:23 Low Tide 09:01 & 21:03

overnight and a replacement flight left Sydney on Monday morning. It was the second snake incident for Qantas this year. A three-meter python hitched a ride from the tropical Australian city of Cairns to Papua New Guinea’s Por t M oresby in Januar y. The python had been tucked into the plane’s wing before takeoff, and amazed passengers watched from the window as it engaged in a life-or-death struggle to maintain its grip in fierce winds and zero temperatures.

It was still on the aircraft when it landed in PNG but had died during the journey.

A freight pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in northern Australia in April 2012 after a snake slithered from the dashboard of his plane. Australia is home to 20 of the world’s 25 most venomous snakes, including the entire top ten, according to the University of Melbourne’s Australia Venom Research Unit. — AFP

defiance, according to its website. The “October 26 Driving” campaign says it has gathered 8,700 signatures Continued on Page 13

CAIRO: An Egyptian court yesterday banned the Muslim Brotherhood from operating and ordered its assets seized, in the latest blow to the Islamist movement of deposed president Mohamed Morsi. The court also banned “any institution branching out from or belonging to the Brotherhood,” the official MENA news agency reported, possibly restricting the movement’s political arm the Freedom and Justice Party.

The ruling ratchets up an intensifying crackdown on the Brotherhood since the army’s July 3 overthrow of Morsi. Last month, security forces stormed two Cairo protest camps, sparking clashes in which hundreds of Islamist demonstrators were killed. The operation drew criticism of the military-installed interim authorities from foreign governments and human rights groups.

A judicial source said the court ruled that a government committee should be created to manage the Brotherhood’s seized assets. The Cairo court “ruled to ban all activities by the Muslim Brotherhood organization, the group emanating from it and its non-governmental organization,” MENA reported.

The ruling may be appealed and overturned by a higher court. Formed in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood was banned for decades before a popular uprising overthrew its arch foe president Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

Continued on Page 13

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

LOCAL

Violations in Al-Zoor power plant contract Al-Sane calls for investigation

By A Saleh KUWAIT: MP Yaqoub Al-Sane called for forming a committee to investigate the procedures followed by the Ministry of Electricity and Water to build the first phase of the Al-Zoor northern power plant and its legal aspects. He added that according to a report filed by a committee formed by the last annulled parliament, there were many violations in the contract.

Further, Al-Sane announced his intention to request holding a special session to discuss the strategy followed by the government and Kuwait municipality pertaining to the situation in Jleeb and Khaitan. He added that many buildings which violated the laws could neither be demolished by the municipality nor could MEW

disconnect the electricity because of some corrupt people’s wasta. He added that before evicting around 250,000 expatriate bachelors living there, the government must find alternative residences for them. He also stressed that Jleeb sewage pipelines were discharged directly into the sea without going through any treatment plants first.

Military bedoons MP Askar Al-Enezi highly commended the decision taken by the Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah on allowing military bedoons join the army martial music band’s moral guidance. He also wished the interior minister would follow the same steps because bedoons were “wholeheartedly Kuwaitis”.

Burma massacre Kuwait Human Rights Society (KHRS) urged the international community to take serious measures to stop massacres committed in Burma. In this regard, KHRS’s treasurer and manager of the development and training center, lawyer Mohammed Thaar Al-Otaibi announced his intention to hold a conference under the title “Rohengya, International Conscious Crisis” at KHRS headquarters next Wednesday to expose the bloody massacres committed against Muslims in Burma without a response from the international community and concerned human right organizations. He added that the conference would be dedicated to discussing the human side of the problem and showing photographs of the massacres.

UNITED NATIONS: Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the latter’s office in the UN Headquarters on Sunday. During the meeting, Ban expressed content over relations between Kuwait and Iraq in light of positive outcomes of HH Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak’s recent visit to Iraq. The meeting was attended by Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and official delegation accompanying HH the Premier.

Kuwait placed last in GCC tourism, 101 worldwide: Al-Anjeri

KUWAIT: The Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia Fadey Chochaghlyan hosted a reception at Salwa Al-Sabah Hall in Marina World on the occasion of the National Day of his country. A large number of high-ranking officials, diplomats and media personnels attended the reception.

—Photos by Joseph Shagraa

Steps to ward off any spillover of possible regional problems KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh on Sunday evening represented the Kuwaiti government at the celebration of Armenia Embassy to mark the country’s 22nd National Day, highlighting development of bilateral ties and cooperation.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the celebration, Al-Saleh said his ministry developed plans to ward off any spillover of possible regional economic problems on the citizens and expatriates in Kuwait.

“The government offers subsidy to staples for citizens but in case of any eventuality the government will be responsible for ensuring the minimum needs of both citizens and expatriates alike,” he made clear.

The minister was commenting on recent press reports that the government mulls issuing ration cards for non-Kuwaitis.

Asked about the reported contamination of

vegetables and fruits in Syria, the minister said: “Kuwait Municipality’s committee on food safety and the Environment Public Authority work closely to implement the ban on food imports from Syria.” On the bilateral ties with Armena, AlSaleh said the two countries maintain constantly growing relations in such areas as economy and commerce.

The trade exchanges grew slightly in the farm and food sectors in the recent years, he noted.

On his part, Armenia Ambassador to Kuwait Fadey Charchoghlyan commended Kuwait’s “limitless relief effort” for the Syrian refugees in his country.

The State of Kuwait was one of the first countries which responded promptly to the humanitarian needs of the Syrian refugees in Armenia, he said. The Armenian-Kuwaiti ties are growing steadily in all political, economic, cultural, social, commercial and educational fields thanks to the

supports of leaders of both countries, he pointed out.

Charchoghlyan noted that the exchanged visits on all levels help promote the bilateral ties.

He appreciated the roles of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) in promoting the joint investments.

He voiced hope for signing an agreement with Kuwait on educational cooperation, and academic and student exchanges, noting that Yerevan University launched a college for Arabic teaching and Islamic sciences.

The Armenian diplomat also expressed hope for pushing the level of relations of his country with GCC and other Arab countries to the level of the relations with Kuwait.

Armenia has a 6,000-strong community in Kuwait who enjoy security and welfare, he added. —KUNA

Kuwait going to jump on the shale bandwagon?

KUWAIT: Despite its extensive natural gas reserves - estimated to be around 1.8trn cu metres - Kuwait is a net importer of the hydrocarbon. This is due in part to growing demand for electricity, which rises by about 6-8% each year, according to the Ministry of Electricity and Water. Planned industrial expansion, including in the gas-hungr y downstream petrochemicals sector, will add to the draw upon resources, Global Arab Network reports according to OBG. A report prepared by online sectoral publisher Oilprice.com in mid-April said Kuwait’s shale gas potential had only recently come into focus, due to the past concentration on conventional oil reserves. Although the report noted that data on the extent of the shale gas reserves were limited at best, it cited geologists as saying initial studies indicated substantial resources both on- and offshore.

In March 2013, Sami Al-Rushaid, chairman and managing director of the state-owned Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), announced that the firm had identified a commercially viable shale gas deposit. KOC will soon be moving to develop the resource, Al Rushaid told a conference in Bahrain on March 10, but he did not give details as to the extent of the field, or when development work would begin.

Al Rushaid’s comments were further reinforced by remarks made by a senior Kuwaiti oil official in April to news agency Reuters.

The official indicated that proposals to

extract shale gas from fields in the north of the countr y were being reviewed. The extraction process will likely be difficult due to the complexity of the reservoir, but the use of advanced technology could allow daily production of 4.25m-5.6m cu metres of gas.

If the production level referred to in the Reuters article can be achieved, it could eliminate the need to import gas to feed Kuwait’s electricity sector. By converting more of its power plants to gas, and using domestically sourced product, the country could free up much of the 300,000 barrels of oil per day it uses to fire its power plants. This could, in turn, generate around $11bn in new revenue at current prices, as well as potentially prolonging the life of the oilfields.

To unlock this potential, and the reserves of shale gas, Kuwait would likely have to partner with foreign operators. The country does not have the experience or the technology to develop its shale gas fields, independent energy analyst Kamil Al Harami told Bloomberg news agency in March. Kuwait will also have to set a time table for its unconventional gas programme and keep to it if it wants to benefit from its resources, Al Harami said.

“If the Kuwaitis don’t specify a deadline for the project and don’t seek help from international companies, then their plans to develop the shale and sour gas deposits are just daydreams,” he said.

While the plans to develop Kuwait’s shale

gas deposits hold promise for the economy, there is also a potential downside, as there are concerns over the technology required to tap these reserves. Most shale gas is extracted by hydraulic fracking, which involves pumping large amounts of water, combined with sand and at times explosives, underground at high pressure. Although effective, the process can damage underground aquifers, putting domestic water supplies at risk, a very real concern for country with limited water resources, such as Kuwait. If salt water were used in the process, the potential for contamination of aquifers would be high, while using fresh water, possibly generated from desalination plants, could make extraction financially unviable.

Newer technology, such as using gelled propane instead of water, or nitrogen foam mixed with the fracking fluid, is being tested and could reduce the amount of water required for the process, but it will likely be some time before such options are available, if proven successful and environmentally safe.

Kuwait has time to weigh its options, and many of its conventional gas fields have yet to be fully developed. In the meantime, Kuwait can afford to wait until shale gas extraction and processing technology becomes cheaper, as economies of scale bring down the price. This will also allow time for the country to more accurately assess reserves and plan how best to use the new resource.—Al-Bawaba

KUWAIT: “Kuwait is not as interested as other GCC states in the tourism sector”, said Nabila Al-Anjeri, General Manager of Leaders Group Company for Consultancy and Development (Leaders Group), pointing out that tourism was responsible for 28 percent of the world’s services revenues and 11 percent of the world’s economic output. “All other GCC states have achieved progress in terms of their ranking in world tourism while Kuwait is retreating every year”, she underlined.

In the company’s monthly report, AlAnjeri added that according to the Travel And Tourism Competitiveness Indicator for 2013, Kuwait came last amongst GCC states and 101 out of 140 countries worldwide.

She added that according to the Conde Nast Travel Magazine, USA, unlike Dubai, Kuwait does not have the infrastructure needed to attract tourists. In its 2013 report on non-attractive countries for tourism such as Pakistan, Angola and Togo, the magazine placed Kuwait fifth in the world pointing that, except for restaurants and shopping malls, it lacks recreational facilities.

Al-Anjeri also pointed that the strength of Kuwait’s currency compared to dollar was one of the many obstacles tourists may face as they would have to exchange $3.5 per Kuwaiti dinar. She added that there were six points to be taken into consideration on the world’s tourism competiveness scales: Laws and regulations that would attract visitors and foreigners Qualified infrastructure like airports, their capacity, hotels, transport grids and recreational sites Commercial environment and shopping sites Human resources Cultural diversity Country’s nature and climate LG’s report stressed that Kuwait lacks most of the above and that Kuwaiti legislations including strict rules for issuing visit and entry visas for foreigners repelled foreign investors. The report also noted that the current airport was always congested during busy seasons with little avenues to expand it while other GCC state airports meet international standards.

The report also laid emphasis that GCC states were preparing to spend $380 billion

Nabilah Al-Anjari on regional touristic projects like building developed touristic centers and facilities capable of attracting tourists till 2018. The report wondered where Kuwait is placed here and whether it will build and develop such touristic projects in the future.

Kuwaitis spend over $5 billion annually on foreign tourism because of lack of local tourism and recreational projects which would meet citizens’ needs for recreation.

The report added that 60 percent of Kuwaitis expenditure on tourism, around KD 962 million, was spent on recreation (with a 6 percent increase) while 40 percent (KD 616 million) was spent on business tourism (with 7.8 percent increase) in 2012.

This means that Kuwaitis spent KD 2.4 billion on flight tickets and hotels alone.

The report also quoted the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s tourism sector remarks, according to international tourism industry indicators, that Kuwaiti tourists spent the highest on touristic journeys which was $1,500 per journey - twice of what European tourists would spend.

The ministry’s statistics also showed that Kuwait had 6,972 hotel rooms including 3,002 in five-star hotels, 1,376 in four-star hotels, 1,297 in three-star hotels, 226 in two-star hotels, 54 in one-star hotels and 972 unclassified rooms.

‘Win Your Dream Car With Al-Tijari’ KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait announced that its campaign “Win Your Dream Car With Al-Tijari” designated for its credit and prepaid card holders is continued with great success. This campaign provides credit and prepaid card holders the chance to win one of Audi’s three luxurious cars, namely Audi A5, Audi A7 and Audi R8 throughout the period of campaign launched by the Bank on June 2 and it will continue until the end of November 2013.

When using their credit cards in or outside Kuwait, customers become eligible to enter the draw as every 10 KD spent by customers in Kuwait through their credit or prepaid cards will give them one chance to enter the draw and this chance will be doubled when customers use their cards outside Kuwait.

This campaign saw great success and

attained customers’ satisfaction and this was clearly manifested when the Bank announced the first winner of Audi A5 through “Diwaniya Program” on Marina FM radio under the sponsorship of the Bank.

The second winner of Audi A7 luxurious car will be announced in the draw that will be held on Oct 6. As such, CBK Credit and prepaid card holders still have the chance up to Sept 30 to qualify and enter this draw by using their credit and prepaid cards.

Commercial Bank of Kuwait’s marketing and promotional campaigns targeting the various customer segments and launched on perpetual basis come within the Bank’s ongoing endeavors to reward its customers and provide them with the best offers, and chances to win valuable prizes.

Al-Hajraf urges speed up of special needs projects KUWAIT: Education Minister Nayef AlHajraf yesterday urged Ministry of Public Works to quickly put up for tender and execution special needs educational complexes in Jahra, Mangaf and Hawally Areas to address shortage of such kind of educational institutions.

“We believe that there are no disable children, but there is a disable society if it failed to understand the needs of those children,” Al-Hajraf, also Minister of Higher Education, told reporters following a tour to a number of special needs schools.

“These schools serve an important seg-

ment of the society whose needs much be completely heeded.”

Al-Hajraf also revealed that the Education Ministry is embarking on a plan to form an advisory council for special needs education.

The council will include ministry’s officials, educational experts, civil society organizations and representatives of the families of children with special needs.

The Minister also expressed appreciation of the efforts and high performance of the teachers and staff of the special needs schools. — KUNA

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

LOCAL

Politics, lack of planning delaying govt projects Infrastructure project development in Kuwait continues

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Politics, lack of centralized planning and private lobbying are just three main reasons for the continuing delays of various development projects being undertaken by the government, according to an expert. Speaking at the seminar organized by KPMG, a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services, Asad Khair, KPMG Director Global Infrastructure noted that if these three major obstacles are handled, development projects will get moving in no time.

The event hosted by KPMG, Safi Al-Mutawa & Partners and Ashurst was produced by the International Project Finance Association (IPFA) held at KPMG’s new office at the Al-Hamra Tower, Kuwait City.

“Money is not a problem, but these three major obstacles are causing delays. In fact, these are the biggest challenges we are facing right now,” he mentioned at his presentation.

There are projects underway; but many are under review, suspended or cancelled. Some of these development projects include Airport Services, Metro, Heavy Rail, Telecoms, Postal Service, Failaka Islands and Rehabilitations of Hospitals. Projects under development right now include Kabd Municipal Solid Waste, Abdaliyah Power, School Projects, Az-Zour North Phase II, and Kheran IWPP. Projects under

Asad Khair

Joss Dare

tender are Az-Zour North IWPP and Umm AlHayman WWTP. The seminar was provided for its members and selected guests who eagerly wanted to share their expertise and know-how.

The seminar offered various opportunities for government agencies, project developers, investors, lenders and advisers involved with infrastructure development from around the world to meet and discuss the need for new and more developed infrastructure in Kuwait.

Among the speakers were Dr Mohasheed Mohamed Al-Qenae, Managing Partner, KPMG

Kuwait, Joss Dare, Head of Ashurst Middle East, Managing Partner Dubai, Layth Irani, Joint General Manager, Head of Infrastructure (Transport and Islamic Finance, Ark Pang, Chief Development Officer, Kharafi National and Tom Lind, Head of Corporate Finance (Gulf Bank).

The seminar was moderated by Darryl Murphy, Partner, Global Infrastructure. IPFA is an international, independent, non-profit association, established in 1998 that is dedicated to promoting and representing the interests of private sector companies and public sector organ-

Grand Theft Auto V: How is the banned game available in Kuwait?

KUWAIT: Grand Theft Auto V has officially raced and been declared the winner. But not everyone is in a celebratory mood. In Kuwait, parents disapprove of the game and blame the stores selling video-games, which according to them are responsible for the increased brutality and aggression between kids and adolescents. They demand banning the sale of these games that teach their children aggressive behavior and encourage them to fight with others.

Grand Theft Auto V is a video-game which was recently launched in the

general standards which are suitable for all users no matter what the age,” stressed an official at the Ministry of Communication who wished to stay anonymous.

The Customs Department is the first gate for any goods entering the country. “The customs officials are the first to check imported goods and they have a list of banned products including video-games. For the new items that they are not familiar with, they should not let it enter as they are not in charge of evaluating it. They should send it to the Ministr y of Information, the Censorship Department who will decide either to

video-games market. It’s an open world action-adventure video-game which was released on Sept 17, 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. It is the 15th title in the Grand Theft Auto series, and the first main entry since Grand Theft Auto IV was released in 2008. As one of the last titles to release exclusively during the seventh generation of video-game consoles, Grand Theft Auto V was highly anticipated before its release.

This game has been banned in Kuwait for five years but that hasn’t stopped stores from selling it illegally.

“Despite Grand Theft Auto being banned, many people have managed to get it in the black market. This game is absolutely forbidden and not for kids. It’s true that it has a label which states that it’s for players above 18 years of age but in Kuwait, we don’t apply this like in the US for instance. We only apply it for cinemas and not for video-games. We have

approve it or ban it. If it was approved, the whole quantity will be given to its owner who will have the license to sell it and distribute it and if it is banned, it will be confiscated,” he told the Kuwait Times.

Ali, a 25-year-old, criticizes officials for controlling and censoring such games in the market. “My nine-yearold brother demanded that I buy him the Grand Theft Auto V, but I know that such a game is not suitable for him, so I bought him another one instead. He tried it out at his friend’s house. He told me that his friend bought this game at a mall in Hawally and that’s where he gets most of his games. He also said that the salesman downloaded the game for him on a flash drive. I wonder who is inspecting such stores,” he said.

Inspectors at the Ministry of Commerce, who usually inspect and check the stores and shops said they are not responsible for inspecting the

By Nawara Fattahova

content of video-games. They can only check the cover or box of the game if it includes immoral pictures but the officials at the Ministry of Information are in charge of specifying the banned products.

The Ministry of Information is putting a lot of effort to fight the spread and sale of illegal video-games. “We have many inspectors working in groups in different governorates on a daily basis. They are divided into two shifts: morning and evening. They even watch the vendors or salesmen who secretly sell these games in the parking lots of Al-Rihab Complex in Hawally. The inspectors daily confiscate forbidden video-games and movies. There is no consensus in this matter as the violation is directly transferred to the general prosecutor to be investigated and transferred to the court. The investigation will decide who is responsible for the violation; whether it is the owner, the salesman or both. We have many court cases registered against people selling or distributing Grand Theft Auto specifically,” explained the inspector.

Grand Theft Auto V is played from a third-person perspective and combines driving and action game-play in an open world environment, allowing the player to interact with the gaming world at their leisure. The game is set within the fictional state of San Andreas (based on Southern California) and affords the player the ability to freely roam the world’s countryside and the fictional city of Los Santos (based on Los Angeles). The single-player story is told through three player-controlled protagonists whom the player switches between, and it follows their efforts to plan and execute six large heists to accrue wealth for themselves. An online multi-player mode is included with the game, allowing up to 16 players to engage in both co-operative and competitive game-play in a recreation of the single-player setting.

A commercial success, Grand Theft Auto V broke industry sales records by earning $800 million in the first 24 hours of its release, and $1 billion within its first three days, making it the fastest selling entertainment product in history.

Traffic fines payment necessary for Civil ID renewal KUWAIT: Expatriates in Kuwait are required to pay pending traffic fines before they are able to renew their Civil IDs, a local daily reported yesterday quoting Interior Ministry sources with knowledge of an agreement reached between the ministry ’s traffic and civil information departments on that regard.

Speaking to Al-Rai on the condition of anonymity, the sources indicated that the decision is “one of many” to be announced soon in which the General Traffic Department looks to force delayed fines by connecting their payments with issuance of transactions at other state departments including the Ministry of Electricity and Water, Ministr y of Communications and Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

In other news, the same sources revealed that the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Electricity and Water launched joint procedures to help prevent theft of high voltage cables from transformers around the country. The procedures include making it obligatory for contractors to hire supervisors whose job is to watch over main transformers, in addition to monitoring copper exports in cooperation with the Customs General Department. MEW officials blamed ‘organized thefts’ for blackouts recorded this summer around Kuwait, which spoiled an otherwise successful campaign that the ministry prepared for by improving the daily electricity production to 14,000 megawatts.

Court lifts travel ban on Twitter activist KUWAIT: The Appeals Court approved a request on Sunday made by Twitter activists Saqr Al-Hashash to lift a travel ban imposed against him as he is set for trial on State Security charges, a local daily reported yesterday.

The court also set Sept 30 as the date for the next hearing in the case in which AlHashash is accused of offending His Highness the Amir, AlQabas wrote on the front page of its issue yesterday.

The same report also indicated that the Appeals Court set Oct 28 for the next hearing in a case in which the Twitter activist is charged with offending God Almighty, the Prophet’s (PBUH) wives and companions, as well as rulers of Arabian Gulf states.

Meanwhile, Al-Jarida daily reported that the Public Prosecutions released subpoenas against 17 Kuwaiti nationals accused of repeating an infamous speech for leading oppositionist and former MP Musallam Al-Barrak, which contained statements found offensive to HH the Amir. The State Security Ser vice is tasked with the duty to arrest the accused individuals who will be questioned and officially charged.

They join 20 other nationals who were summoned for questioning on the same charges last week, while more are expected to be summoned in the future as the Public Prosecution has names of 56 citizens who reportedly repeated the same speech.

KUWAIT: Infrastructure development project seminar in progress at new KPMG offices at the Al Hamra Tower. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat izations involved in Project Finance and Public Takeovers, Private Equity, Joint Ventures/Alliances, Private Partnerships (PPPs) throughout the Projects Advisory Structures/Leveraged Financing. world. IPFA aims to raise awareness and under- Ashurst is a leading global law firm that advises standing about project finance and PPPs and corporate, financial institutions and governments. their crucial role in infrastructure and economic Its core businesses are in corporate, finance, enerdevelopment. KPMG, on the other hand, has gy, resources and infrastructure. Ashurst has 25 more than 152,000 outstanding professionals offices in 14 countries as well as associated working together to deliver value in 156 coun- offices in Jakarta and Jeddah. With over 400 partners and 1,700 lawyers in total, Ashurst tries worldwide.

Their corporate finance services includes: offers the international insight of a global netDisposals, Valuations, Mergers, Acquisitions & work combined with local market knowledge.

Kuwaiti art collections to be displayed in Belgium BRUSSELS: The Dar Al Athar AlIslamiya museum in Kuwait will be lending two of its collections from ancient times for an arts festival on India, to be held in Belgium in October.

“Europalia” is a major international arts festival organized by Belgium every two years to celebrate one invited country’s cultural heritage. The organizers in a press conference in Brussels yesterday said this year’s Europalia festival will focus on India.

The Europalia festival starts on October 4 and continues for four month sending on Jan 26, 2014 and will feature India’s culture in every form of artistic expression, both historical and contemporary, through hundreds of events in Brussels and in other Belgian cities, said Kristine De Mulder, director general of Europalia.

The festival will kick off on Oct 4 by the Indian President Pranab

Mukherjee and King Philippe I of Belgium in Brussels. There are nearly 55 lenders to the exhibition.

“Dar Al Athar Al Islamiya in Kuwait is one of our main lenders of this exhibition who are lending two really extraordinary subjects coming from Kuwait for this exhibition” Naman Ahuja, associate professor of Indian art and architecture at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, said in an interview.

Ahuja, who is also the curator for the exhibition titled “Body in Indian Art” which will show how the common Indian man thinks about the human body, noted that one Kuwaiti relic is a pure silver mask made during the Gupta period (350 BC) which was found in the region of Peshawar. The other Kuwaiti relic is an ivory statue that is dated back to 300 BC. He referred to the comparison of the human body in Islam and

Hinduism, pointing out that “not only can there be a comparison but It has been a very enriching experience as a scholar to go into different kinds of real literature of the history of Islam and comparing it with Hindu and Buddhist traditions.”

“The greatest contribution in the history of the world on the thought of not worshipping the physical body and the idea that we should not be worshipping images has come from Islam” added Ahuja. “In the same way ancient Buddhists did not allow for image worshipping. The early Buddhists had no image worship. Vedic India has no image worship. This came later,” he explained, adding that these are very solid common comparisons.

Also, he noted that the Vedic period was a period in Indian history during which the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, were composed estimated around 1700 BC. —KUNA

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

LOCAL kuwait digest

Local Spotlight

Campaign to fight cancer

Warning bell on education

By Muna Al-Fuzai

Al-Anbaa

By Dr Khalid Ahmad Al-Saleh local@kuwaittimes.net

muna@kuwaittimes.net

H

e asked for permission to see me at the clinic, and as soon as I let him in, he walked in with a big smile, shook my hand and thanked me warmly. I recognized him because he is one of the major columnists in Kuwait. Once he settled in, he told me his story.

He was flying to Switzerland where he usually spends his vacation at the start of summer, and at the airport, he saw volunteers from Cancer Aware Nation (CAN), the national campaign to fight cancer under the patronage of HH the Amir. The role of volunteers was to distribute booklets on cancer. They were looking for places where people usually gather, like markets, airports and parks, to distribute their awareness booklets so that people would know the symptoms and importance of early detection.

One of the young men gave him a booklet, and the man smiled and kept the booklet in his pocket. On the flight, he relaxed and began reading the booklet. The booklet was all about prostate cancer which affects men. It explained the preliminary symptoms, and how its treatment is easy, provided it is detected early. As he read the symptoms and they seemed familiar, he felt worried and then decided to get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible to carry out the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.

As soon as he arrived in Geneva, he visited his doctor and got himself tested. It turned out that his PSA levels were high and specialists were certain about the presence of early prostate cancer and he was treated and cured soon. Before returning to Kuwait, the doctor asked him how he learnt of the name of the test and the symptoms. When the man showed him the booklet, the doctor told him to meet one of the volunteers of the campaign and thank them for saving his life.

This is a story I write today as the last statistics of Kuwait Center for Fighting Cancer showed that cases of prostate cancer in Kuwaiti men have become number one. CAN’s campaign to educate people about this cancer began two days ago, and I will be one of the happiest people if this story is repeated again and again as today, awareness is the only weapon against cancer.

Men over 50 years of age should pay attention especially as the PSA test is a simple blood test available at every health center. You can also smile like that man who beat this era’s disease.

I

kuwait digest

Turning point in Syrian crisis

By Dr Hassan Abbas

T

he last two weeks can be considered a new turning point in the Syrian crisis, as it is clear that things are going almost 180 degrees compared to what it was a couple of years ago.

Syria remains the only country affected by the Arab Spring where the regime still stands but the fact remains that not only has the regime resisted efforts to topple it, but also managed to regain worldwide recognition. The majority of talks with the Syrian regime revolve now around handing over chemical weapons, and nothing else.

International reports indicate that major players have agreed on this resolution, and are advising the opposition to stop ‘rebelling’ and instead accept the new international wish.

Do you know what this information and negotiation means? I am not sure if Arab regimes - especially those which led the Syrian crisis to reach this bloody level - know the answer. It means that the death of more than 100,000 Syrian people, including innocent civilians, children, women, and military men, in addition to double that number in injured people and million others who were displaced, mean nothing to the international community.

Instead, the only thing that matters to the international community is the hundreds of casualties who fell victim to chemical weapon attacks in Al-Goutah.

This could mean that if the war continues for decades, the international community might never

even shed a single tear. Human rights mean nothing; the same is the case with those who lost everything including the opportunity to have a good future. What is important is the destruction of the Syrian state, the elimination of the chemical weapon threat and subsequent protection of Israel.

Israeli officials who for decades have wondered how Syria’s chemical weapons could be eliminated, now have their wish come true because of the Arab stupidity.

It means that all the Arab planning to prevent Iranian expansion is in vain. Planning which costs billions of dollars during the first Gulf War (with Saddam Hussein against Iran), or in arms deals which according to IDEX reached $500 billion between 2002 and 2012 (including $200 billion during the Syrian crisis between 2011 and 2012), as well as funds given to the Free Syria Army - all these are in vain.

Do you know why? Because international recognition of the Syrian regime has become a reality these days (after Arabs handed embassies to the opposition’s representatives) and because Iran has become a main factor in resolving the Syrian crisis, and the Iranian president plans to meet the biggest oppositionists to the Syrian regime: America and France. In other words, we know nothing about diplomacy, whereas the only logic we understand is that of force. — Al-Rai

kuwait digest

In my view

In the meantime, nothing happens

Depoliticizing Islamic finance

By Alsir Sidahmed

I

n July, the Tunisian parliament passed a law allowing the government to issue sukuk, enabling the finance ministry to raise $700 million later in 2013 and help close more than $3 billion of the budget deficit. In the same month, Muhammad Morsi was ousted following a popular uprising against him in Egypt that was supported by the army.

During his troubled one year in office, Morsi tried to further the cause of Islamic finance by speeding up policies and procedures to allow the issuance of sukuk, enable Islamic finance companies to raise funds and reform Islamic endowments or funds.

For the time being it seems these issues are no longer a priority for the new economic and finance team as they clearly put it.

According to Finance Minister Ahmed Galal, the interim government had no problem in principle with using sukuk, but would not make them its principal instrument. However, some analysts think that with the ouster of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood, the political backing for Islamic finance will no longer be there to boost support for various Islamic finance products to take roots.

This approach is wrong on at least two accounts: First, it links Islamic finance and for that matter the whole of Islam, with a specific political group.

Second, it assumes that the fact that Muslim Brothers are no longer in power will impact negatively on Islamic finance.

Regardless of the presence of the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic finance is continuing its existence on its own out of sheer necessity and its ability to attract millions of depositors, who were keen to follow the principles of their religion in day-to-day life. This is underlined by the fact that the volume of Islamic finance is estimated to be in the range of $1.3 trillion.

To add value, this massive amount of money is an available source of finance that is interest free. And because of this lucrative market many typical conventional Western financial institutions like Citibank, HSBC and Chase Manhattan have all Islamic finance windows to cater for the needs of some valuable customers and are able to tap a large pool of savings for a growing number of depositors who do not want to deal with conventional finance.

This demand led an explosion of Islamic finance institutions which, according to some estimates, are believed to have topped more than 2,000 from typical Islamic banking, insurance (Takaful), Islamic funds, mudaraba and sukuk. That is why Egypt will continue to consider issuing sukuk as planned to raise some money even if not the $10 billion targeted by Mursi’s government.

The stalled talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the much talked about the $4.8 billion will press toward tapping other possible sources of finance. Moreover, there is still some room for Islamic finance in Egypt as its share is estimated to be in the range of 5 percent of the fiscal

activity against 25 percent in the more mature Gulf markets.

Also with some 85 million population, between 10-15 percent of them using some kind of banking service, potential growth remains good both in Islamic and conventional finance.

Depoliticization of Islamic finance will help address serious issues related to the actual practice and whether these practices really honor the ultimate goal of the Shariah. For instance, microfinance has been adopted as a tool to enable the poor make a breakthrough and change their lives for the better.

According to Finance Minister Ahmed Galal, the interim government had no problem in principle with using sukuk, but would not make them its principal instrument.

However, some analysts think that with the ouster of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood, the political backing for Islamic finance will no longer be there to boost support for various Islamic finance products to take roots.

Available figures show that only between $800 million to $1 billion out of a $1.3 trillion volume of the Islamic finance industry as a whole is directed for microfinance. And that amount is serving only 1.3 million people out of the global Muslim population of more than 1.6 billion. In other words, only around 1 percent of available financial resources are going to only less than 1 percent beneficiaries in the whole Muslim world.

Does this mean that Islamic finance in its present format favors the rich at the expense of the poor and to what extent other modes of finance like murabaha and mudaraba are really serving the ultimate goal of Islam. That can only be answered in a less politicized environment when criticism against a political force like the Muslim Brotherhood is not taken as criticism against Islam itself.

believe in an educational system that focuses on human development. I believe in the importance of a good education and its significance as an investment opportunity in every country. About 30 years ago in Kuwait, we used to get good teachers from Egypt and Palestine. Even though Kuwait was poor and didn’t have the luxury that it enjoys today, the students were keen to learn and were passionate about academics and the future.

Today, this theory seems old and outdated as most of the young Kuwaitis think that education is useless and unfortunately, even parents fuel this idea in this minds leading to laziness and the belief that education will not help them get anywhere in life. But, let’s examine the idea of education in a country like Kuwait where money isn’t the problem. We have two types of schools here in Kuwait: the government and the private.

The private schools are also divided into several categories: English, Arabic and other foreign schools. I need to mention here that I know some think private schools are supposed to be better than public schools, but that’s not true all the time. Some private schools fail in terms of managing a large number of students and some of them lose their best teachers over teacher-management conflicts. These are different factors that affect both the teachers and students.

Both teachers and students are to be blamed for the state government schools are in now.

Some students think that the teachers are their maids and have to keep their mouths shut and serve them no matter how rude or disrespectful they are. This attitude is something that they would have learnt at home watching their parents. Expat teachers have to balance dealing with spoiled kids and the pressures of being an expatriate teacher.

Kuwaiti teachers on the other hand have it relatively easier and have the power to change the curriculum but don’t have the interest to do so. It takes two to tango and there is no way we can dream of a better tomorrow without showing a serious desire to change the present. Last week, two schools witnessed unfortunate incidents among teachers and students and this should ring a warning bell that education is moving in one direction: backward.

By Dr Ibtihal Al-Khateeb

I

n this country, educational scandals continue to pile up. Between individual behavior and others that seem more systematic, all scandals take place over lack of order, indifference, and extreme reliance on ‘wasta’ (unlawful mediation) to get people out of trouble. On the contrary, we continue to hear stories about teachers who allow students to cheat, and teachers who mock young students who cry on the first day of school. In this country, everyone knows about what happens academically in some artistic institutes, and what does not happen at the construction site of the new public university in Shaddadiya. In the meantime, nothing happens.

In this country, our valuable time is lost on merciless roads that are overcrowded. A 15-minute drive to work takes an hour-and-a-half, during which, time crawls very slowly and you have to struggle to avoid falling asleep from extreme boredom. In this country, you almost never reach anywhere, and if you reach your destination, you almost never depart your car. And even when you come out of your car, you almost never find a way to get your car back on the road again. Years are taken away from your life being stuck inside your car, and years are taken away from your car’s life when it suffers on merciless roads. In the meantime, nothing happens.

In this country, the average university student never heard of the prehistoric man, and has to go through a painful dilemma when they attend a class about cave paintings in prehistoric times, for example. “What about Adam? He was the first man and no human being has ever lived before him”, they think. In this country, high school graduates are never taught anything about the prehistoric man, or Darwin’s theory of evolution which provides the basis for modern science of anthropology.

Even in the case of science students, they were made to read two pages explaining Darwin’s theory, and four others that refute it. After that, they come out believing that they have fully understood

the subject and yet go through the same inner struggle once they attend a prehistory class. In the meantime, nothing happens.

In this country, we have so much money but so little things to be happy about. An activist is usually someone who is very ‘active’ on Twitter. Social relations determine how we do our business, get promoted, get elected, get quick hospital appointment, or finalize a transaction faster than how long it normally takes. In the meantime, nothing happens.

In this country, a main state department like the Central Apparatus for Illegal Residents responds to remarks made by the United Nation’s Committee on the Rights of the Child, addressing Kuwait’s children report. The remarks are unrivaled in... I don’t know... being optimistic? I am trying to avoid using a more painful word, because if I hadn’t lived here and seen with my own eyes the lives of stateless residents, I would have believed that they lived in paradise, and that Group 29 has a habit of fabricating when it reports their daily struggle. In the meantime, nothing happens.

If you wanted to see with your own eyes, you can read Group 29th report on children’s rights, then compare it with Al-Nasser’s statement that was published last week, and after that read the Group’s response which was published last Saturday. There is nothing wrong in attempting to enhance the government’s image; after all this is something expec ted from the government.

However, what was unexpected to see was this denial and a show of arrogance against activists and civil society institutions in Kuwait. But we all know that no matter how much we read and verify facts, even if we dragged every stateless resident to showcase their miserable lives to the government, even if we take Kuwaitis on tours to Sulaibiya and Jahra ruins where stateless residents live and even if we present thousands of documents and pictures, you know what will happen? Absolutely nothing. — Al-Jarida

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

LOCAL

Kuwait signs nuke science agreements with IAEA Vienna meeting ‘a big success’ VIENNA: Kuwait has signed with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during its 57th general conference, a number of agreements on nuclear power matters and discussed enhancing planning of technical cooperation by setting up projects directed to support national development goals.

Before heading back to Kuwait at the conclusion of the IAEA’s meeting Friday, Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) Dr. Naji Al-Mutairi said that the meeting was “a big success” and that Kuwait’s participation was productive in discussing training in the fields of nuclear sciences and technologies, especially in sustainable food and water resources.

He noted that KISR pays utmost attention to building qualified national manpower in order to import peaceful uses of nuclear technologies to help in the country’s development plan.

Therefore, it is important to fully cooperate with IAEA in implementing and following up on programs and projects that fall under the Agency ’s technical cooperation ( TC) programme; this programme is the main mecha-

nism through which the IAEA delivers services to its Member States.

Through the programme, the IAEA helps Member States to build, strengthen and maintain capacities in the safe, peaceful and secure use of nuclear technology in support of sustainable socioeconomic development, he noted.

TC projects provide expertise in fields where nuclear techniques offer advantages over other approaches, or where nuclear techniques can usefully supplement conventional means.

Kuwait has, so far, implemented 85 percent of a 1,130,000-euro projects that are concerned with monitoring nuclear effects on sea, air and land, Al-Mutairi noted. He also added that setting up projects during the years 2014-2019 was also discussed with the Agency.

On his part, Executive Commissioner for International Cooperation at IAEA Dr Nader AlAwadi said that KISR discussed developing national manpower in Kuwait’s various government sectors such as General Administration of Customs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health especially the nuclear prevention department and department of civil defense.

KUWAIT: VIVA’s Public Relations Director, Abdulrazzaq Al-Essa with Laila Baron, Abdulaziz Al-Duwaisan and Areej Al-Kharafi.

He noted that a number of agreements were signed regarding nuclear securities and development of the country’s infrastructure to face any nuclear radiations. Hosting workshops and field training during the upcoming year were also agreed upon.

KISR also signed another pact with the organizing committee of the Comprehensive NuclearTest-Ban Treaty that aims at monitoring air, land and sea nuclear experiments and the detection of any nuclear explosions that might occur during the experiments, he added.

The 57th annual session of the IAEA’s General Conference which was held from September 1620, in Vienna, was attended by more than 3,000 delegates from 159 IAEA Member States, international organizations, NGO’s and the media.

The Kuwaiti delegation at the event included Kuwaiti ambassador to Austria Sadiq Marafi, KISR’s chief Dr Naji Al-Mutairi, Kuwait’s Executive commissioner at IAEA Dr Nader Al-Awadi, IAEA’s coordinator Dr Anwar Al-Yahya, Kuwaiti Embassy Consul Talal Al-Fassam, First Secretary Khalid AlZi’abi and members of the diplomatic corps at the Embassy. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Abdulaziz Al-Duwaisan with a group of Shigardy youth.

VIVA holds ‘Success Gathering’ workshop KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing telecom operator, held a workshop entitled “Success Gathering” for the Shigardy trainees, marking the conclusion of their visit to the company’s facilities and the successful ending of the fourth “Shigardy 2013” summer program. The event took place on Wednesday, Sept 18, at Jumeirah Hotel and was attended by VIVA’s Public Relations employees and senior executives.

The workshop took place in the presence of the Shigardy guests, TV presenter Laila Baron, and photographer Abdulaziz Al Duwaisan. The guests, whose presence had a huge impact on the participants, shared their media and production experience during this gathering, the lessons they learned along the way, and their success stories. In addition, entrepreneur and owner of Fortune Cookie boutique, Areej Al-Kharafi, told her success story in the world of fashion and accessories, giving a boost of confidence to candidates and inspiring their sense of creativity and leadership.

Sheikh Mubarak tours KUNA office GENEVA: Chairman of the Board and Director General of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Sheikh Mubarak AlDuaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah yesterday inspected the agency’s office in the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, as part of his tour to become acquainted with the performance of overseas offices.

Sheikh Mubarak was briefed by the agency’s correspondent here on the functioning and work mechanism of KUNA’s office here as well as its interaction with the United Nations organizations, the Permanent Delegation of Kuwait to the United Nations and international bodies as well as the Kuwaiti embassy in the Swiss capital, Bern.

Sheikh Mubarak stressed the importance of communication with the United Nations organizations and follow up their activities, especially those related to events in the Middle East and the Islamic world as well as their activities in various countries around the world to enrich the material broadcast by the news agency commensurate with its regional and international position.

He stressed the need to adhere to professional standards and credibility that characterize the performance of the agency in dealing with world events at the political, economic and social levels as well as focusing on scientific news from Switzerland.— KUNA

The Shigardy guests hailed the success of the summer program and were delighted to meet with the participants, where they interacted with them and answered all their questions and queries. They also expressed their appreciation to the Shigardy organizing group and various sponsors for their participation and support. They extended special thanks to VIVA for believing in the youth’s potential to fulfill their dreams and create true opportunities for themselves, and for their support through the lectures and workshops that helped achieve the program goals. Furthermore, the Shigardy guests reaffirmed that the Kuwaiti youth is the hope of Kuwait, and with their education, commitment and creativity they have contributed to the huge success of the program, wishing them the best of luck in their professional life and career.

VIVA’s sponsorship of this event comes in line with its strategy which focuses on supporting all youth activities. It also stems from its unwavering belief in the importance of developing the skills of

youth and encouraging them to be productive by creating a learning environment, expanding their knowledge horizons, and providing them with the training they need to enter the workplace in the future.

VIVA continues to seek unique opportunities that contribute to the welfare of society and serve the best interest of youth as part of its continued corporate social commitment and support to various educational and youth initiatives that benefit the youth as well as the society of Kuwait. Guests and participants engaged in several competitions where they worked as a team, inspiring a great sense of collaboration and responsibility to enhance the trainees’ skills and abilities and maximize their role in society. The Shigardy youth appreciated VIVA’s support of the program, and its commitment to helping them acquire hands-on experience and providing them with the opportunity to express their opinions, and encourage them to volunteer in various activities and programs.

Boubyan Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait KUWAIT: Boubyan Bank (The Best Up-AndComing Islamic Bank in the World) realized a new achievement added to its recent achievements by winning the Award of Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait from Arabian Business Magazine for the fourth year in a row.

The most widely circulated Magazine in the Arab World stated that the Bank’s achievements over the last years prove its clear vision and objectives to provide distinguished products and services to customers and acquiring a significant share in the Islamic banking and financial services market, which witnesses increasing growth in Kuwait. The Magazine added that the reasons for granting the Award to Boubyan Bank also include its successful shifting from loss to profitability and regaining the trust of shareholders and customers within a short period, noting that, 9 years after inception, the Bank has developed a clear vision and strategy set by the current Board of Directors in a professional manner, and in the meantime, all the Bank’s departments continuously work to implement the same in a way that realizes all sought objectives. In addition, in the context of stating the reasons for the award, Arabian Business pointed out that, after years spent away from the actual banking field due to the directions of the previous management towards focusing on the investment aspects; especially outside Kuwait, the Bank strongly came back to the banking business through diversification of its services to individuals, corporate and high net worth individuals in such a professional way that asserts its directions by focusing on the local market.

The Magazine referred to the Bank’s success in realizing many of the objectives of its strategy set for the period from 2010 to 2014, which is based on expanding the business base and focusing on banking activities including products, services and finance solutions catering to all retail and corporate needs, while ensuring preservation of asset quality, effectiveness of credit risk management policy and continuing to adopt the conservative policy in taking provisions. Deputy CEO, Abdullah Al-Najran Al-Tuwaijri received the Award in the presence and participation of a number of

the Bank’s executives. Boubyan Bank reported a Net Profit of KD 6.3 million for the first half of 2013 growing by 20% compared to the same period of last year, at Earnings Per Share of 3.4 Fils. The Bank’s Assets exceeded KD 2 billion for first time in its history; growing by 18% compared to the same period of last year. Financing Income increased to around KD 28.8 million; growing by 19%, in addition to the increase of Customers’ Deposits to KD 1.6 billion; boosting by 20%. Total Shareholders’ equity increased to KD 261 million compared to KD 250 million; giving rise to a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 23%, and Financing Portfolio increased to KD 1.4 billion; boosting by 18% in addition to the continuous increase of the Bank’s customer base.

Noteworthy is that during this year, Boubyan Bank managed to win ten awards aside from this last award; the most important of which is “The Best Up-And-Coming Islamic Bank in the World” from Global Finance, which was granted to the Bank based on the developments it witnessed and its outlook in the Islamic financial services market. In addition, the Bank preserved a number of distinguished awards including Service Hero Award won for the third year in a row due to the increasing service quality as well as the Best Islamic Bank for two years in succession from World Finance.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

LOCAL

Saudi Arabia commemorates 83 years of achievements Growth-oriented economic policies KUWAIT: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated its 83rd national day yesterday, an occasion to bring to the fore a lot of achievements made by the country since the unification by late King Abdulaziz Al Saud on Sept 23, 1932. The march of progress and economic development gained momentum through the coronation of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz in 2005.

The growth-oriented economic policies, adopted by King Abdullah, drew the praise from international observers and helped accelerate the development and implementation of mega projects.

The development projects featured a

balance between commitment to the noble values of the Islamic faith, on one hand, and the economic and social dimensions, on the other.

These projects aimed to back up the urban development and meet the needs of the population while ensuring diversification of sources of national income and curbing overreliance on oil.

The International Monetary Fund rated the Saudi economy as the world’s seventh biggest overseas investor in 2011 with the volume of investments amounting to $583.7 billion. Japan came first, followed by China, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The economic strength of Saudi Arabia was further recognized internationally with the country’s accession to the G-20 and its participation in the Group’s summits in Washington in 2008, London 2009, and Toronto 2010.

Regarding the foreign policy, King Abdullah managed to assert the Kingdom’s influence as a regional and international power and strengthen the country’s presence at the world’s decision-making forums.

He used the influence of the Kingdom to spotlight the issue of the Arab and Muslim world at the agendas of international conferences. As for industrializa-

tion, the Saudi Industrial Property Authority has recently reported that the number of operating factories at the industrial cities topped 4,718 with total investments of $300 billion; these employ over 250,000 workers.

The ratio of the industrial contribution to the GDP grew from 5.7 percent in 2007 to 14 percent in the following year.

The educational sector also saw a great boost under King Abdullah with the number of university growing from eight to 30 besides laying the foundation stones of 16 university cities at a cost of 18.5 billion riyals. The Saudi leadership also attaches importance to the develop-

ment of the youth and sports sector with the numbers of sporting clubs amounting to 156 and the sports federations to 22. In addition, 21 youth centers, four 17 cultural centers and 13 sports citis have been launched. The kingdom spent over 70 billion riyals on the project to expand Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Holy Mosque) in Makkah and Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah in the recent years.

The UN acknowledged the Saudi efforts to promote the culture of human rights and tolerance through the election of the kingdom to the membership of the UN Human Right Council for two successive terms. —KUNA

Traffic chief denies ‘infant death’ reports KUWAIT: Kuwait’s top traffic official refuted rumors that spread recently that an infant died while waiting for an ambulance that became stuck in traffic jams on Sunday.

“Emergency operators at the Interior Ministry did not receive a report about the case on the day of the alleged incident”, said Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs Maj Gen Abdulfattah Al-Ali. The rumors had spread quickly on Twitter and other social networks Sunday in which people held the traffic department responsible for the infant death, but the senior official told Al-Rai daily that the rumors were “baseless”.

Meanwhile, Maj Gen Al-Ali commented on traffic congestions which made a heavy return as middle and high school students returned to their classes on Sunday. “There are certain locations that featured traffic jams despite the restless efforts that the traffic department’s men are exerting to regulate traffic”, he said.

He added that jam locations were marked “especially in Jabriya and

Rumaithiya, while vehicles’ entrance and exit have been regulated to prevent congestions at highways”.

State departments traded blames on Sunday after Kuwait’s main streets became heavily overcrowded during rush hours. Officials from the interior and education ministries in addition to the Civil Service Commission held coordinative meetings before the beginning of the school year but failed to reach an agreement to rearrange school timings in a bid to prevent congestions.

The Interior Ministry, whose records confirm that the number of registered vehicles in Kuwait outgrow the state’s total capacity of roads, launched extensive campaigns in the past months against traffic irregularities in a bid to cut the number of vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works often responds to allegations of stalling road projects by insisting that they are an ‘executive’ body that carries out projects the government approves in its development plans.

Zain awarded Best Telecom Operator in Kuwait

by Arabian Business KUWAIT: Zain Kuwait, the leading telecommunications provider in Kuwait, was awarded the best telecom operator for 2013 by the region’s leading business, ‘Arabian Business’ at a ceremony held at the Marriott Courtyard on Sunday night, which also witnessed the awarding of trophies to many other corporate entities in Kuwait, a recognition of all their achievements in operational excellence, community support and customer service.

This award is a culmination of a special year for Zain Kuwait as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and comes one year after the launch of its nationwide state-of-the-art 4G LTE network. Zain Kuwait is also one the Zain Group’s most efficient operations leading in many key financial indicators. On the global stage, the company has one of the highest proportions of data usage ratios among all operators.

Commenting on this award, Zain Kuwait CEO Omar Saud Al-Omar said, “this award recognizes the intensive efforts of all our people who are dedicated to bringing appealing telecommunications services to our customers. We also recognize and thank our 2.4 million customers for their trust in us and we promise to continue to provide them the best technologies and customer service available in the country.”

It is noteworthy that Zain Kuwait has the highest number of branches with 80 branches as well as the largest distributor network in the country. Recently the company revamped and updated its website to satisfy all customer needs.

The company also has a wide ranging community programs supporting many segments of the community, ranging from sport, social and charitable entities.

Recognized employees with the top management.

Warba honors top performers KUWAIT: Warba Bank honored its outstanding staff members who participated in the internal competition entitled “Our Sales ... Our Secret of Success” held throughout the Retail Banking Group (RBG); branches and Call Center. The honoring comes in recognition of the staff members’ achievements and professional contribution as a working team to the growth in the volume of sales.

The honoring ceremony was attended by RBG’s officials; Adnan Al-Salem - Chief Retail Banking Officer; Iyad Al-Busairi - Branches Department Manager; and Ahmed Al-Bukhari Call Center Manager.

Commenting on this event Iyad said: “We usually seek to implement Warba’sstrategy aiming to attain optimal performance and provide state of the art banking services to our valued customers.

Warba’s executive management is always keen to closelymonitor the bank’s various divisionsand branches to assess and develop customer service levels. Based on the effective monitoring of the bank’s various divisions, top performers were selected on the basis of theirsignificant achievements as well as the volume of sales they record.”

“We take great pride in our working team being the cornerstone of our success and excellence. As we deploy the highest standards of Islamic banking services, we keep ourselves familiar with the latest technological banking services and solutions to meet the various needs and requirements of our customersin a timely manner. Furthermore, we have formed a research and development team to constantly promote the level of such services, so as to usually provide our customers with up-to-date services and products,” added Al-Busairi.

The honoring included several employees from the bank’s various departments. Top three performers at the level of Public Relations Officers / Senior Officers were Hassan Al Bahar -

Narrow escape A Kuwaiti family in Jahra narrowly escaped death after their house partially collapsed on Sunday. Firefighters and police rushed to the house located in the Al-Ayoun district of Jahra after the incident was reported, and they successfully evacuated the house without any injuries recorded. Investigations revealed that the house owner built a third floor on top of his twostorey house, violating building regulations. The extra weight was believed to cause the house to collapse.

Illegal hunting Nine people were arrested for illegal hunting during a Jahra police raid on Salmi Road on Sunday. The Kuwaiti men were

pulled up for questioning after they were found with rifles used for illegal bird hunting. In the meanwhile, eight vehicles were impounded and 93 traffic tickets were issued during the operation.

Fugitive nabbed A fugitive was arrested in Salmiya on Sunday after he attempted to escape on seeing a patrol approaching. The officers noticed that the man was nervous on being pulled over, and an identity check revealed that he is wanted for failing to pay a total of KD 25,000 to multiple car rental offices. He was taken to the relevant authorities.

Brothel busted A total of 11 people including 10 women face prostitution charges after they were arrested in a police raid on a brothel in Mahboulah recently. The operation took place after Ahmadi police received a tip-off on an apartment in Mahboulah being used as a brothel. Police arrested an Asian man who operated the place in addition to 10 Asian prostitutes, and the detainees were taken to the proper authorities for further action.

Wife beater held A woman was hospitalized late Saturday with multiple concussions and her husband was arrested for domestic violence.

An ambulance accompanied by police arrived at a building in Al-Agailah where a heated dispute between a couple was reported. The 28-year-old Egyptian woman was taken to the Adan Hospital for medical attention after receiving first aid at the scene. Meanwhile, her Egyptian husband was taken into custody for questioning to understand why he beat her up.

but also to promote the spirit of enthusiasm among our staff members.

This was evident from the team working as well as positive initiatives and solutions aiming to achieve increased volume of sales and, more importantly, build strong relationships with our valued customers. We encourage everybody to follow suit their top performer colleagues. We would like to thank our staff working throughout the bank’s various divisions and branches for their positive attitude recognized and lauded by our customers.

Finally, we promise our customers to continue developing our services to keep pace with modern banking solutions so that they can get the most out of their bank accounts and various banking transactions.”

Al-Busairi and Al-Salem honroing Mubarak Boujarwah.

Asian couple busted with drugs

Five gangsters in police custody KUWAIT: Jahra police arrested three people responsible for multiple automobile thefts reported around the governorate.

The arrests took place on Sunday. Three stateless residents were caught red-handed, trying to break into a car that was parked in a public parking space. Upon probe, they accepted responsibility for the reported thefts and were referred to the proper authorities to face charges.

Meanwhile, two brothers were arrested for nine cases of mugging reported in AlMangaf and Abu Halifa. The two were in a black American-made vehicle which patrol officers went after when they spotted them stopping a pedestrian on a street. The pedestrian, an Asian man, told police that the two asked for his identity after identifying themselves as police investigators. The two Kuwaiti nationals were arrested after a car chase and admitted during investigations that they targeted expatriates to steal money and used it to buy drugs. They are currently behind bars.

ranking first; Saud AlHadbah - ranking second; and Dhuha Al Shamroukh - ranking third, while top performers at the level of Customer Service Officers and other branch staff members were Mubarak Bujarwah - ranking first; Dawod AlWoqayan - ranking second; and Nawaf Al Rubaiaan- ranking third.

At the level of Call Center Officers/Senior Officers; the top two performers were Abdulaziz Al Duaij - ranking first; and Shereen Ahmadranking second. At the level of branch managers, Farwaniyabranch was ranked first and Hawallibranchwas ranked second.

“We applaud the efforts exerted by our employees during the campaign which has achieved the targeted objectives. Our goal was not only to achieve an increased volume of sales,

KUWAIT: The Asian couple pictured with the drugs after their arrest yesterday.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

were also sent for questioning.

KUWAIT: Narcotics officers arrested an Asian and his wife with 250 grams of pure heroin and 600 narcotic tablets. Information was given that the couple does not sell the drugs directly but rather place it in certain areas after receiving the money somewhere else. Following the prosecutors’ warrant, their home was stormed and the drugs were discovered.

Jahra building robbed A government building in Jahra was broken into and three stamp machines along with a safe were robbed. The machines contained highly valuable stamps. The building inside Jahra exchange belongs to the communications ministry.

Crying sisters Education and Higher Education Minister Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf received the father of the little girl who was videotaped crying during the first day of school. The minister apologized to her father on behalf of the teacher.

Two other teachers who filmed two sisters crying and posted the video on social media

Natural gas leak A natural gas leak was noticed from the ventilation at Al-Zour station. Zour, Mubarak AlKabeer and hazardous material centers rushed to the scene and controlled the leak. The gas is used to operate the turbines of power generators at the station. The leak took place when a vehicle backed into the valve of the main line coming from KOC.

Praise for Kuwaiti envoy in Spain MADRID: The Council of Arab Ambassadors in Spain held a ceremony to Kuwait’s outgoing ambassador in Madrid Adel Hamad Al-Ayyar on the occasion of ending his tenure here.

Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, Algerian ambassador to Spain Mohammed Hanash praised in a statement the tireless efforts made by the Kuwaiti Ambassador in strengthening Kuwait’s

bilateral relations with Spain in various fields and at all levels.

Hanash added that Al-Ayyar had played a major role in highlighting the leading efforts of the State of Kuwait, adding that the Arab ambassadors in Madrid would lose a successful diplomat with a strong presence, wishing him success in his new duties. He stressed that Al-Ayyar had

contributed significantly to the consolidation of bilateral diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Spain, and sought to promote them to new levels by stimulating high-level visits between the two countries while playing a major role in deepening mutual understanding and the development of bilateral cooperation in other areas, including economic, cultural and sports. — KUNA

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Syria to cast shadow over UN meeting amid Iran hopes

Jailed member of Russiaís punk band on hunger strike

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Kenya battles to end mall bloodbath ‘Terrorists are running and hiding in some stores’ NAIROBI: Kenyan security forces were locked in a fierce final battle with Islamist gunmen inside an upmarket Nairobi shopping mall yesterday after huge explosions and heavy gunfire echoed from the complex.

Thick black smoke billowed from the Westgate mall as Kenyan officials said the more than two-day-long siege — in which the gunmen have massacred at least 62 people and taken dozens more hostage-was close to being resolved.

“We think the operation will come to an end soon,” Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku told reporters camped outside the vast part Israeli-owned complex, which was popular with wealthy Kenyans and expatriates.

“We are in control of all the floors,” he said. “The terrorists are running and hiding in some stores... There is no room for escape.” Lenku said most hostages had been freed, without giving specific numbers. At least 11 Kenyan troops were wounded in yesterday’s gun battles, the army said. Plumes of smoke continued to dominate Nairobi’s skyline as night fell on the third day, although the interior ministry said the fire was under control.

The Kenyan Red Cross said at least 63 people were recorded missing, thought to include hostages as well as those possibly killed or still hiding. Around 200 people were wounded, officials said.

Three gunmen were also killed in the fighting and several wounded, while police said they had arrested more than 10 people for questioning.

Somalia’s Al Qaeda-linked Shebab insurgents have claimed the attack, which began midday on Saturday, when the gunmen marched into the complex, firing grenades and automatic weapons and sending panicked shoppers fleeing.

Kenyan army chief Julius Karangi said the gunmen were of different nationalities. Many foreign fighters, including Somalis with dual nationalities, are members of the Shebab force.

“They are from different countries. We have sufficient intelligence this is global terrorism,” Karangi said. Lenku denied that any of the insurgents were women. “All the terrorists are men,” he said, noting: “Some of them had dressed like women.”

Shebab spokesman Ali Mohamud Rage warned that the hostages would “bear the brunt of any force directed against

the mujahedeen”-signalling that hostages were being used as human shields. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, whose nephew was killed along with his fiancee, has vowed that the attackers will “not get away with their despicable and beastly acts.” A Kenyan security source and a Western intelligence official said Israeli forces were also involved in the operation, along with British and US agents.

The Shebab rebels said the carnage was in retaliation for Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia, where African Union troops are battling the Islamists.

“If you want Kenya in peace, it will not happen as long as your boys are in our lands,” rebel spokesman Ali Mohamud Rage said in a statement posted on an Islamist website.

Shocked witnesses said the gunmen tried to weed out nonMuslims for execution by interrogating people on their religion or asking them to recite the Shahada, the Muslim profession of faith. The dead include four Britons including a BritishAustralian, two French women, two Canadians including a diplomat, a Chinese woman, two Indians, a South Korean, a South African and a Dutch woman, according to their governments. Also killed was Ghanaian poet and former UN envoy Kofi Awoonor, 78, while his son was injured. Mall worker Zipporah Wanjiru survived by hiding under a table with five other colleagues. “They were shooting indiscriminately, it was like a movie seeing people sprayed with bullets like that,” she said, bursting into tears.

Security camera footage seen by Kenya’s The Standard newspaper showed gunmen raking toilet cubicles with a barrage of gunfire, apparently after learning that people were hiding inside.

Cafe waiter Titus Alede, who leapt from the first floor of the mall to avoid being killed, said it was a “miracle from God” that he managed to escape the approaching gunmen. “I remember them saying ‘you killed our people in Somalia, it is our time to pay you back’,” he said.

Other survivors said they played dead to avoid being killed.

While the rest of Nairobi has largely been business as usual, deeply shocked Kenyans turned out in their hundreds to give blood, as well as raising more than $400,000 (300,000 euros) to support the families affected.

NAIROBI: Kenyan security personnel and journalists duck behind a vehicle as heavy gunfire erupts from the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya yesterday. Multiple large blasts have rocked the mall where a hostage siege is in its third day. Associated Press reporters on the scene heard multiple blasts and a barrage of gunfire. — AP Israeli interests in Kenya have come under attack before, and the Westgate mall-popular with well-to-do Kenyans, diplomats, UN workers and other expatriates-has long been seen as a potential target. World powers condemned the chilling attack, the worst in Nairobi since an Al-Qaeda bombing at the US embassy killed more than 200 people in 1998.

US President Barack Obama called Kenyatta offering support “to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice”, while

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said the violence was “totally reprehensible”. Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said the attackers were “brainwashed into destroying innocent lives, theirs included”. Yesterday, the International Criminal Court excused Kenyan Vice President William Ruto from his trial on charges of crimes against humanity over deadly 2007-08 postelection violence for a week so he can deal with the attack.

Ruto’s lawyer Karim Khan called the siege “Kenya’s 9/11”. —AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

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

US faces tough challenges to deliver aid in Syria WASHINGTON: As the Syrian crisis rages and debate heats up over Syria’s chemical weapons, U.S. officials are fighting a quieter battle: The delivery of nearly $1.3 billion in assistance in a war zone so chaotic that ambulances are used for target practice and aid is halted by armed men at random checkpoints.

The humanitarian needs in Syria are staggering. An estimated 6.8 million Syrians require assistance. Of that number, about 2 million have fled to neighboring countries. Even more - somewhere between 4 and 5 million - are displaced from their homes inside Syria.

The UN says more than 100,000 people have died in the two years that opposition forces have fought to topple President Bashar Assad, who is accused of launching a chemical weapons attack last month that killed more than 1,400 people. While Assad has denied orchestrating the attack, he has agreed to a US-Russia plan to give up his chemical arms. That plan will dominate talk about Syria at this week’s UN General Assembly, where there also will be renewed pleas to deliver more international aid - a job as daunting as the overwhelming need.

Shipments are being stolen or diverted by armed groups filling the power vacuum in areas no longer controlled by the Assad regime. Border crossings are open, then closed. In rebel-controlled regions, the conflict has been complicated by an influx of Islamic extremists who have mixed in with the US-backed opposition forces trying to oust Assad.

“People ask me all the time ‘Why aren’t we doing

more humanitarian assistance?’” said 57-year-old Mark Ward, the State Department’s point man on the nearly $1.3 billion in US aid flowing into the country.

“I can’t really comment on the regime-controlled parts of the country - whether they are getting enough. But in the liberated areas, it’s not a question of money. It’s a question of access. If we had access, we could find money,” Ward said in a telephone interview Saturday from the region.

“But you’re not going to give a non-governmental agency more money than they can usefully spend.

The last thing you want to do in a very dangerous environment is pre-position a bunch of stuff in a warehouse and have the warehouse stuff go missing. ... You have to do less pre-positioning and more regular deliveries, which is more dangerous.”

Many opposition-held territories have largely descended into chaos as a multitude of rebel brigades and factions compete over resources and aid and its distribution. Some rebel groups use aid they get through unofficial channels and charities as leverage to win support from the local population. Residents accuse some Free Syrian Army brigades of being corrupt, spending the money they get on luxuries instead of channeling it to the people.

The security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent months, with an uptick in robberies, killings and kidnapping for ransom, making it all the more challenging to get aid to the right people.

“We haven’t had any of our deliveries hijacked yet,”

said Ward, who leads a two-dozen member team that works from sites - he won’t name them for security reasons - near the Syrian border in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

“So we have done well so far, but honestly, I think it’s a question of time.” The US assistance to the crisis flows from three spigots. The first $1 billion goes for humanitarian needs. Half is for Syrians now crowded in camps or communities in neighboring Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt or Iraq. The other half is for Syrians who are displaced from their homes, but still live inside Syria. The UN can work in regime-controlled areas, but not in ones held by the opposition unless the government approves. So far Assad has said no. The opposition areas, therefore, rely on the work of NGOs - many supported by US tax dollars.

The second spigot of money - $26 million so far - is non-lethal assistance the US is providing to the Free Syrian Army. That has paid for more than 350,000 meals given to opposition fighters as a test to see if they ended up in the wrong hands. They didn’t and now the US is sending the army bigger items like trucks, large radios and medical equipment. The third spigot - some $250 million - is given to local councils springing up in areas no longer controlled by the government. The money pays for training - a kind of Governance 101 - for Syrians trying to get services turned back on in the middle of a war. It also provides small cash grants to the councils and heavy equipment, such as fire trucks, ambulances, generators,

water tanks and garbage trucks.

Kenan Rahmani, who works for the Syrian American Council in Washington, was in Syria this summer working to help connect local councils to resources. Rahmani, who helped set up three bakeries to produce bread to feed about 30,000 families a day, says such aid is costly because of a shortage of electricity. “The cost that goes into diesel to run these bakeries is unbelievable,” he said. “This is a big challenge so we have been asking different agencies within the State Department and other donor nations to help fix the electricity grids damaged by air strikes so that we can put the diesel money to actual aid.”

In addition to the non-lethal aid, the CIA has been delivering light machine guns and other small arms to Syrian rebels in recent months, following President Barack Obama’s decision to arm the rebels. The agency has also arranged for the Syrian opposition to receive anti-tank weaponry like rocket-propelled grenades through a third party.

Another issue complicating the delivery of aid is a widespread disregard for international humanitarian law, according to FranÁois Stamm, head of the International Committee for the Red Cross’ delegation to the United States. He said combatants have occupied health facilities, turning them into targets, searched medical centers, interrupted medical treatments and killed enemy patients. “We took for granted that you don’t shoot on the ambulances and regrettably, we were wrong,” he said. — AP

Syria to cast shadow over UN meeting amid Iran hopes Sudan’s Bashir, wanted by ICC, says to speak at UN

HAIFA: Israeli soldiers mourn during the funeral of Staff Sergeant Gabriel Koby at the military cemetery in Haifa, Israel, yesterday. Koby, 20, was shot and killed by an unknown gunman in the biblical city of Hebron in the West Bank on Sunday, and troops are searching for the shooter, the military said. — AP

Manhunt after Israeli soldier shot dead JERUSALEM: Israeli troops yesterday hunted for a suspected Palestinian gunman who shot a soldier dead in Hebron, days after another Palestinian killed a soldier in a separate incident. The killings have cast a pall over peace talks relaunched last month after a three-year hiatus, with Israeli ministers calling on the government to reconsider its decision to negotiate with the Palestinians.

The United States condemned both attacks, which it said “undermine efforts to establish the positive atmosphere the parties need to progress in peace negotiation.”

The Israeli military on Sunday said a soldier died in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, later identifying him as 20-year-old Sergeant Gabriel Koby from Tirat Hacarmel in northern Israel.

Israeli police said earlier the soldier had been shot, “probably by terrorists,” although the gunman had fled the scene. A military spokeswoman told AFP on Monday that most of the roadblocks used to seal off the city the previous night were removed by morning and the army was searching in a “more specific” manner.

She said the army had apprehended two Palestinians for holding hunting rifles, but that they were not connected to Sunday’s incident.

The shooting took place close to the volatile Cave of the Patriarchs-sacred to both Jews and Muslims-during the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which began on Thursday and has seen thousands of Jewish visitors to the biblical city.

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the resettlement of the disputed Machpela house, a Hebron structure near the Cave of the Patriarchs from which he had removed 15 Jewish settlers last year. “Whoever tries to uproot us from the city of our patriarchs will achieve the opposite,” he said in a statement. “We will continue to fight terror and strike at its perpetrators with one

hand, while strengthening the settlements with the other.”

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki on Monday accused Israel of unfairly “holding the Palestinian leadership responsible for what happens in the West Bank” in an interview with Voice of Palestine.

The settlers, who claimed to have bought the Hebron building from its Palestinian owners, inhabited the structure briefly before being removed in April 2012, with the defence ministry saying they did not have the necessary permits to finalise the purchase.

Noam Arnon, spokesman for the Jewish settlement in Hebron, told AFP a military court had recently ruled the purchase legal and said all that was needed to finalise the deal was the approval of Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon.

But an official involved in the process told AFP the purchase was still facing “legal bureaucracy” issues, and would not say when these might be resolved.

On Saturday, Israel discovered the body of Tomer Hazan, a 20-year-old soldier who had been lured to a village in the northern West Bank on Friday and killed by a Palestinian man with whom he had worked in a seaside town near Tel Aviv.

Army spokesman Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai ruled out a link between the two killings and rebuffed suggestions they indicated a deterioration in Israel’s security situation.

“We see these as isolated incidents,” Mordechai said in a statement, “not as a new trend.”

Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon announced he would be holding consultations Monday with members of the security establishment.

Senior cabinet minister Naftali Bennett said the two attacks should push Israel to reconsider its involvement in peace talks with the Palestinians.

“Under the auspices of negotiation celebrations, Sukkot has turned into a festival of bloodshed and harm to Israeli soldiers,” he said in a letter sent to Netanyahu. —AFP

ARBIL: Iraqi Kurdish supporters of Massoud Barzani (portrait-bottom), president of Kurdistan and leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), wave the KDP party flag during celebrations in the streets of Arbil, late on September 22, 2013, as the count was underway in Iraqi Kurdistan’s first election in four years. — AFP

UNITED NATIONS: A slew of international crises will take center stage this week as the UN General Assembly gathers in New York - Syria’s bloody civil war, the possible appearance of Sudan’s president despite an arrest warrant for alleged genocide, and outrage over a massive US cyberspying program.

There are also some hopes for good news. Many of the 193 UN member states are looking for signs of a thaw in relations between arch-enemies Iran and the United States.

US officials say a meeting is possible between President Barack Obama and Iran’s newly elected centrist President Hassan Rouhani, and if it happens, it would be the first meeting of US and Iranian government heads since before the 1979 revolution. That would mark a big change from the annual rants in recent years against Israel and the United States by Iran’s former president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the top agenda item will be Syria’s 2-1/2-year civil war, which the United Nations says has killed more than 100,000 people and displaced millions, who have been forced to flee the country.

No one expects a breakthrough in the crisis this week, though there may be approval of a UN resolution backing a US-Russian plan to rid Syria of chemical arms. “Syria is the biggest peace, security and humanitarian challenge we face,” Ban told reporters last week.

“Let us be clear - the use of chemical weapons in Syria is only the tip of the iceberg.”

“The suffering in Syria must end,” he said.

The resolution to be considered by the UN Security Council would back the US-Russian plan to remove Syria’s chemical weapons by June 2014 to avoid US air strikes. That plan was agreed to as UN inspectors confirmed sarin nerve gas was used in an Aug. 21 attack near Damascus that killed over 1,400 people, many of them children, according to US estimates.

Syria’s ally Russia and the United States continue to disagree sharply on how to end the war, with Moscow blaming the rebels for chemical attacks and blocking peace talks, and Western powers blaming Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Washington is still struggling to persuade Moscow not to veto another Syria resolution amid Russian objections to any threat of force against Assad’s government.

In his fifth General Assembly speech, Obama will today touch on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, including Syria, the White House has said.

Two years ago, the fragile Israeli-Palestinian peace process was the focus of the General Assembly.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas received a standing ovation as he waved his application for full UN membership, doomed due to US opposition, for an independent Palestinian state.

The White House said Obama plans to meet with Abbas in New York. He will also meet in Washington on Sept. 30 with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is listed as the last General Assembly speaker on Oct. 1.

Netanyahu’s speech last year, in which he held up a cartoonish picture of a bomb to illustrate how close Iran is to acquiring nuclear arms, was the high point of the 2012 General Assembly. He illustrated a “red line” that Tehran will not be permitted to cross without invoking Israeli military action - sufficient mediumenriched uranium for a single atomic bomb.

Israel is suspicious of Rouhani’s overtures to the United States and Europe and worries that some Western countries may be eager to relax the crippling sanctions they have imposed on Iran for refusing to halt uranium enrichment. Netanyahu, UN diplomats say, intends to offer new warnings about Iran this year.

The General Assembly, which according to Ban will be attended by at least 131 heads of state or government and around 60 foreign ministers, will meet in a temporary container-like building due to the renovation of its iconic hall. The narrow hallways and cramped rooms at the UN North Lawn Building could facilitate a spontaneous meeting between Obama and Rouhani.

Rouhani has cast himself as a peacemaker who shuns confrontation, a sharp contrast to his predecessor Ahmadinejad. For the last eight years, Ahmadinejad was the main draw at the General Assembly, grabbing headlines as he doubted the Holocaust, suggested Israel should not exist and hinted that the US government orchestrated the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff is the first leader to take the podium when the annual General Debate opens on Tuesday. Her speech comes a week after she canceled a state visit to the United States because of revelations that Washington spied on her personal communications and those of other Brazilians.

“I don’t think Rousseff is going to pull her punches

when she opens the General Assembly,” a European UN ambassador told Reuters. “And she’s not alone in being angry about the NSA (National Security Agency) spying program.”

It is not clear if Obama, who is the second speaker, will respond to any criticism from Rousseff. With Ahmadinejad absent, the most controversial figure to appear may be Sudan’s President Omar Hassan alBashir, who is wanted by The Hague-based International Criminal Court for suspected genocide and other alleged crimes against humanity in Sudan’s Darfur region. Bashir said on Sunday he planned to attend and had already booked a hotel in New York.

He is slated to speak on Thursday afternoon.

Samantha Power, US ambassador to the UN, has described Bashir’s visa request as “deplorable.”

However, the United States is not a member of the ICC,

so US authorities are not legally bound to arrest Bashir.

The United States also has a 1947 agreement with the UN allowing leaders of all member states - friend or foe - to attend UN events.

It would not be the first time a controversial figure disliked by the US government appeared. Along with Ahmadinejad, former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi proved controversial with his rambling 1-1/2hour speech against the West in 2009. Venezuela’s late President Hugo Chavez called President George W. Bush “the devil” in 2006.

In 1974, Yasser Arafat, head of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, wore a holster as he stood at the podium and denounced Zionism. Cuban leader Fidel Castro blasted US imperialism in a four-hour speech in 1960, the longest General Assembly address to date. — Reuters

TEHRAN: A handout picture released by the Iranian presidency shows the Islamic Republic’s President Hassan Rowhani waving before entering an airplane upon his departure to the United States to attend the UN General Assembly, at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, yesterday. — AFP

Iran takes control of Bushehr nuclear reactor TEHRAN: Iran yesterday was finally taking control of its civilian nuclear reactor at Bushehr, a project begun 37 years ago by West Germany, wracked by setbacks, and finished by Russia.

The Islamic republic’s atomic agency chief Ali Akbar Salehi confirmed Russia was handing over the 1,000-megawatt plant but said its experts would remain in Bushehr as part of a guarantee scheme for the operation.

“A team of Iranian engineers will take control of the Bushehr power plant beginning today,” he told state television, ahead of the handover ceremony in the southern city located east across Gulf waters from southern Kuwait.

Construction of the facility-championed by Tehran as an illustration of its peaceful nuclear intentions-began in 1975 with the help of West German company Siemens, which quit the project after the 1979 Islamic revolution over concerns about nuclear proliferation.

Work was hampered during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, until Russia agreed in mid-90s to take up the construction baton due originally for completion in 1999. It is not clear how much the plant has finally cost Iran.

Finally finished more than a decade late and inaugurated in 2010, Bushehr did not come into service until 2011 because of repeated technical problems. And since then, difficulties have stopped its operation periodically. “There will be a two-year warranty period, during which Russian experts will be present at the Bushehr plant ...

Should any problem arise the Russian contractor is responsible for removing it,” Salehi said yesterday.

He added that after that period Iran will be “fully responsible” for the plant’s operation.

Moscow has also agreed to provide its fuel for 10 years, with the supply deal committing Tehran to returning the spent fuel, amid Western concerns over its controversial uranium enrichment programme. Tehran’s nuclear ambitions have been at the heart of its troubled relations with world powers for years. Western powers and Israel suspect that Iran’s declared peaceful programme of uranium enrichment masks a covert weapons

drive, a charge vehemently denied by the Iranian leadership. Some Iranian officials accuse Russia of foot-dragging in Bushehr under pressure from the United States, which had sought in vain to prevent the project from reaching fruition.

Construction of the Bushehr facility has sparked concern among Gulf Arab states, but both Iran and Russia say it is subject to safeguards of United Nations watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Foreign experts say Tehran attaches great importance to Monday’s handover, as it illustrates its self-sufficiency in harnessing civilian nuclear power, no longer dependent on outside help. But neighbouring nations and the West have concerns about Bushehr, given its location in an earthquake-prone zone on the Gulf, especially since Japan’s Fukushima disaster of 2011. As the crow flies, the plant is far closer to Iran’s neighbours than it is to its own capital, one foreign diplomat pointed out, adding: “The prevailing winds go towards Dubai, and marine currents towards Kuwait.”

Iran sits astride several major fault lines and is prone to frequent earthquakes, some of which have been devastating. On April 9, a 6.1-magnitude quake rocked the south, with an epicentre around 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Bushehr.

However, a spokesman for Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom-which finished the plant-at the time said “they did not even feel the tremors” in Bushehr. Western concerns also include Iranian engineers’ ability to run a power plant constructed of components from three different sources-German, Russian and domestic.

Iran has said it wants to produce 20,000 megawatts of electricity from nuclear power, which would necessitate building 20 1,000megawatt reactors. According to Iranian officials, negotiations with Russia are underway for cooperation on future plants.

Salehi said Sunday he expected work to start soon on a second plant upon completion of talks with Moscow, saying: “Negotiations are continuing and are well-advanced.” “Work will start soon,” he added, without specifying a date. — AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

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

Obama opens UN talks with diplomatic opportunities To address developments in Iran, Syria and ME peace

SYDNEY: Australian Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison speaks on the new federal government’s Operation Sovereign Borders policy during a press conference in Sydney yesterday promising a tougher approach on asylum-seekers arriving by sea as part of the government’s promise to “stop the boats”. — AFP

Australia to restrict boatpeople information SYDNEY: Australia said yesterday it will not reveal operational details about the turn around of asylum-seeker boats, saying it did not want to be a “shipping news service for people smugglers”.

Scott Morrison, sworn in as immigration minister last week after conservative leader Tony Abbott swept to victory in national polls, vowed that the new military-led response to repel boatpeople -called Operation Sovereign Borders-would be a tougher approach to tackle the growing influx of asylum-seekers.

“Our resolve to implement what we have promised the Australian people-to stop the boats-is absolute,” he told a press conference in Sydney.

Morrison said tactical or operational information about the turnback of boats-a central plank of the government’s election campaign-would not be revealed, and details of boat arrivals would be limited to a weekly press briefing.

The previous Labor government led by Kevin Rudd issued media alerts every time a new vessel with boatpeople arrived.

“The previous government ran a shipping news service for people smugglers, that’s not what this government is going to do,” Morrison said at the press conference with Lieutenant General Angus Campbell who will head the military operation.

“Operational matters that put at risk current or prospective matters will not be the subject of public commentary.”

The issue of turning boats back to Indonesia, from where many originate, has been received coolly in Jakarta but Morrison said Australia would deal directly with “our good friends in Indonesia”.

The minister said that those arriving on unauthorised boats would be quickly shipped to camps in the Pacific islands of Papua New Guinea and Nauru after basic health checks were completed.

“We have also established a 48-hour target turnaround for any person arriving illegally by boat in Australia,” Morrison said. “If people are fit to get on a boat they will quickly be deemed fit to fly,” he said. “And issues relating to health and other matters will be progressed increasingly at the other end.”

Morrison also said Australia’s spartan Pacific camps holding asylum-seekers permanently offshore-which have condemned by human rights groups including Amnesty International-would be expanded.

Lieutenant General Campbell said that eight boats had arrived since the September 7 election, carrying a total of more than 500 people.

He said he recognised the public’s need for information, but that this needed to be balanced against sending a message to people smugglers about “how we intend to conduct our business”. “I am now turning my mind to the development of a campaign plan approach to realise the border security operation,” he said. — AFP

Money for town with anti-discrimination ordinance VICCO: Eight months after this tiny Appalachian town took a stand against gaybased discrimination, it’s basking in a flurry of attention and even an infusion of much-needed cash. All that hoopla has its openly gay mayor dreaming of reviving a place that had long seemed past its prime.

Out-of-towners occasionally venture well off the interstate to make the trek to Vicco, a fading coal town of about 330 residents where an aging row of buildings lines one side of the block-long owntown. Railroad tracks run along the other side, though trains rarely pass by anymore.

Visitors pose for pictures in front of the Mayberry-like city hall or shake hands with Mayor Johnny Cummings, 51, a chain-smoking hair salon operator who grew up in the town, spent some time living on both coasts, and then returned home.

“I thought the 15 minutes of fame would have been over a long time ago,” Cummings said. Not even close. The town may even become the setting for a reality-based television show. Cummings said he expects to review a contract proposal soon from a production company, but doesn’t know which network might be interested.

He said he wants the show to focus on revitalizing the town. “I don’t see us being that entertaining, but somebody else seems to think we’re a little unusual,” he said. Vicco was singled out, and drew applause, last week when University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto described Kentucky as a place “deep in values that show up in unexpected ways and in unexpected places.” The event featured Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan on UK’s campus.

Perhaps even more welcome since passing the ordinance: a potential financial windfall for the cash-strapped town that has seen its population steadily decline. The town, about 130 miles southeast of Lexington, made national headlines when three of four commissioners voted in January to pass the ordinance, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. City leaders said at the time they simply thought it was the right thing to do, and today marvel at the attention that has followed.

“All this hoopla, we’re enjoying it,” said Tony Vaughn, the town’s police chief and friend of the mayor. “But our main focus is still getting a small town back to having jobs and revitalizing the area.” After passage, letters of support poured in from across the country, along with a handful of letters condemning the ordinance, the mayor said.

Money was tucked into some of the supportive letters, mostly in the range of $25 donations. A pastor from New England sent $40 to buy a round of beers for locals who appeared in a segment about Vicco by Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”

A few other supporters are digging much deeper to show appreciation for the town’s action. A mother and son in California pledged to buy all the new playground equipment for a city park, a project that could reach $90,000, Cummings said. He declined to identify them, but said the gift would greatly expand what

was going to be a modest new playground.

The town had scraped together enough money to buy a couple of swing sets and a see-saw, he said.

The town is applying for an $80,000 grant from a private, out-of-state company that encouraged the application, he said. A company representative reached out to town leaders after hearing about the ordinance, Cummings said. The money would be used to rehab buildings and the sidewalks in the downtown area.

A man who runs an out of-state website company is donating his time to create a website for the town. And an Iraqi-born artist who lives in Louisville plans to paint a mural on an outside wall at Vicco city hall to showcase diversity.

All together, the pledges and grant applications amount to more than $200,000, approaching Vicco’s annual budget of about $300,000, Cummings said. Still, the town has only a tiny fraction of that money in hand.

Cummings has ideas on how to spend it. The town is cleaning up the weed- and trashinfested banks along the North Fork of the Kentucky River, which flows through town. The mayor wants to build a walking path and fishing piers along the river. Now, people have to fish off a bridge as traffic goes by.

“They need a safer place to fish,” he said.

“We’re a little short on that budget, so we’re working on that.” He hopes to renovate downtown storefronts and put in new sidewalks. A more modest update will be a new downtown bench, paid for with a $1,000 donation from another Californian, he said.

Vicco City Commissioner Jimmy Slone, who voted for the ordinance, said he hopes the attention restores some vitality to the town. “It was a dead town, but it’s looking up,” he said.

That isn’t to say the ordinance has been welcomed by all. Area resident Kim Sturgill said it’s divisive. She’s heard some residents talk about moving away because of the ordinance, but Sturgill said she’s staying put, despite her objections.

“My thoughts were, they should have kept it in the closet,” she said. “What people do is their own business, but that really messes with the town.” Vicco is by far the smallest of the five cities in socially conservative Kentucky to adopt ordinances protecting gays and lesbians from discrimination. The others are Louisville, Lexington, Covington and Frankfort. None appear to have gotten the amount of attention that Vicco has.

Two other Appalachian communities, Morehead and Berea, are discussing the issue, and grassroots efforts are under way in nearly a dozen other community across the state, said Chris Hartman, director of the Louisville-based Fairness Campaign, a gay-advocacy group.

Hartman calls Vicco a “modern-day civil rights leader.” He said Vicco’s ordinance “helped quash many stereotypes about Appalachia and how rural Kentucky and, really, rural America, feels about” gay-rights issues. So far, no cases have come up to trigger enforcement of Vicco’s ordinance, the mayor said. One landlord worried the ordinance would prevent her from evicting people who fail to pay rent.

Cummings said he reassured her that she could evict them. —AP

NEW YORK: President Barack Obama opens meetings at the United Nations with diplomatic opportunities on three vexing issues: Iran’s disputed nuclear program, Syria’s chemical weapons use, and elusive peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

All three pathways are fraught with potential pitfalls and hinge on cooperation from often unreliable nations. Obama also risks being branded as naive and misguided if the efforts fail, particularly in Syria, where he’s used the prospect of diplomacy to put off a military strike in retaliation for a chemical weapons attack.

Still, the recent developments mark a significant shift on a trio of issues that have long proved problematic for Obama at the United Nations. His former Iranian counterpart used the annual UN General Assembly meetings as a venue for fiery, antiAmerican speeches. Failed Middle East peace talks led the Palestinians to seek statehood recognition at the UN despite staunch American objections.

And the Obama administration has been stymied on Syria at the UN Security Council due to intractable Russian opposition.

But this year, Iran has a new leader who is making friendly overtures toward Obama, raising the prospect of a meeting at the United Nations. USbrokered peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians have resumed - though on an uncertain course. And Russia has joined with the US on a diplomatic deal to strip Syria of its chemical weapons. Joel Rubin, a former State Department official who now works at the nonproliferation organization Ploughshares, said the confluence of events underscores an often frustrating aspect of diplomacy.

“You never know when it’s going to break,” said Rubin. He said Obama’s biggest test now is to recognize if opportunities morph into stalling tactics.

Obama’s advisers cast the sudden signs of progress as an outgrowth of the president’s long standing preference for resolving disputes through diplomacy and, in the case of Iran and Syria, with pressure built up through economic sanctions and the threat of military action.

“He said we’d be open to diplomacy, we’d pursue engagement, but that there would be pressure if Iran failed to take that opportunity,” said Ben Rhodes, Obama’s deputy national security adviser.

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama make their way to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday in Washington, DC. Obama was headed to New York City to attend the United Nations General Assembly. —AFP And on Syria, Rhodes said it was the credible threat and Iranian leaders in more than 30 years. A meetof a US military strike “that opened the door for this ing could also be a precursor to renewed talks on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program - though bridgdiplomacy.”

Obama was due to arrive in New York this after- ing differences over Iran’s right to enrich uranium noon. He will address the UN today, a speech aides and maintain those stockpiles will be a far tougher say will touch on developments in Iran, Syria and task than arranging a handshake.

The election of Rouhani, a moderate cleric, sigMiddle East peace. The issues will also be at the forefront of some of the president’s bilateral meet- naled frustration among many Iranians with their ings with world leaders, including a sit-down with country’s international isolation and the crippling Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas impact of Western sanctions. Obama and Rouhani and Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, whose have already exchanged letters. And the new country is burdened by the flow of refugees from Iranian president’s rhetoric has so far been more palatable to the US than former leader Mahmoud neighboring Syria.

But Obama’s most closely watched meeting may Ahmadinejad, who would threaten Israel as well as end up being with Iranian President Hasan Rouhani. lambast the US in his annual remarks at the UN. Trita Parsi, the president of the National Iranian No encounter is scheduled, but US officials have left open the possibility the two men might talk on the American Council, said Rouhani shares with Obama a need to prove to a domestic audience that diplosidelines of the international gathering.

If they do, it would mark the first meeting of US macy can produce concrete results. —AP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

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

Snowden ‘wears disguise, in danger’: Lawyer MOSCOW: US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden is living under guard at a secret address in Russia and sometimes emerges in disguise, although he remains in such danger that even a family visit could jeopardise his security, his lawyer said yesterday.

Snowden has avoided all contact with media since arriving in Russia on a flight from Hong Kong in June and his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena has become his unofficial spokesman. “I am his only link with the outside world at the moment. Even his contacts with his parents are carried out through me,” Kucherena said in an interview published in Itogi weekly magazine.

Kucherena gave few details of how Snowden occupies his time, but said he is able to go out in disguise.

“He would walk past you and you wouldn’t recognise him,” he told Itogi. “It’s a question of clothes and small alterations to his appearance... He really does walk freely around on the streets.”

Snowden has also made quick progress in learning

Russian, his lawyer said. “He is an extremely fast learner as far as the Russian language is concerned,” Kucherena said in another interview that will air yesterday on Kremlin-funded RT television.

“He only needs a few hours or days to learn the ropes and start speaking,” the lawyer said in comments dubbed into English. Snowden spent more than a month in transit in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport before slipping out and has not made any public appearance.

The 30-year-old former CIA security analyst is wanted by the United States after revealing details of massive surveillance by the National Security Agency to the media. While describing an isolated existence, Kucherena said Snowden did not regret his decision to give up his life in the United States.

“He’s not disappointed. He believes he did everything right,” he told RT. Russian President Vladimir Putin this month called Snowden a “strange guy” in a

television interview, saying he had “condemned himself to a rather difficult life.”

Kucherena, a high-profile lawyer who is an advisor to Putin, said he is working for free, as Snowden’s personal money is running low. He said that his acquaintances also helped find Snowden a place to live.

Snowden’s father is expected to come, at which stage “the question of his future activities will be discussed at a family council,” Kucherena told RT. “I can’t give you certain dates but soon he will come to Russia and meet with his son. There will be him and his mother and probably one of his grandparents.”

“Only after this meeting will things become clear about Edward’s future work and his life plans as a whole,” the lawyer told Itogi. ‘The danger level is very high’ He warned however that a family visit could threaten Snowden’s safety, since US intelligence could stalk his relatives to find his hideout.

“Snowden’s former colleagues could try to use the

arrival of the parents to track down his location. I have definite information, which I can’t reveal now, which suggests the danger level is very high,” he told Itogi.

He was apparently referring to Snowden’s colleagues at the National Security Agency (NSA) where he worked as an IT contractor.

Asked if that included a threat to Snowden’s life, he told Itogi: “That, too. Of course it’s hard to say what could happen, but as long as the US side retains its grievances against Snowden, nothing can be ruled out.” “I don’t think he will be freely moving around any time soon,” he told RT. “Of course he can go to a restaurant or a coffee shop, but he has to assess the risks every time.”

Snowden has been paying his bodyguards from a private security firm, but that money is now running low, Kucherena said, and Snowden is now considering opening a bank account in order to use the funds collected by international wellwishers. — AFP

Triumphant Merkel starts tough task Grand coalition would please Germany’s euro partners

THESSALONIKI: A woman takes a photograph of the cruise ship Costa Pacifica, at the port of Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, yesterday. Trade associations have reported a sharp rise in cruise ship traffic at Greek ports this summer, during what is expected to be a record year for tourism arrivals in the crisis-hit country. — AP

Wrecked ship captain blames helmsman GROSSETO: The captain of the wrecked Costa Concordia, now on trial over the deadly disaster, blamed his helmsman yesterday for botching a last-minute corrective maneuver that he contends could have prevented the massive cruise ship’s collision with a reef off an Italian island.

Capt Francesco Schettino is charged with manslaughter, causing the shipwreck and abandoning ship before the luxury cruise liner’s 4,200 passengers and crew could be evacuated on Jan 13, 2012. Thirtytwo people died that night. Last week, the capsized ship was raised upright in a major salvage operation.

Critics have depicted Schettino as a negligent coward. But Schettino insists he is being made a scapegoat and that errors by other Costa Crociere SpA crew and mechanical problems exacerbated the tragedy that occurred near the Tuscan island of Giglio.

The Concordia crashed into a reef, took on water and capsized when Schettino steered it dangerously close to Giglio. It was an off-route maneuver that the captain is alleged to have taken in part because he wanted to impress his passengers with a close-up view of the island’s twinkling lights. Schettino told the court that as the Concordia came perilously close to Giglio’s rocky coastline, he ordered his helmsman to steer the rudder to the left, but the crewman reacted too slowly and shifted to the right instead. The jagged reef sliced a 70meter (230-foot) gash in the ship’s hull.

“If it weren’t for the helmsman’s error, to not position the rudder to the left ... the swerve (toward the reef ) and the collision wouldn’t have happened,” said Schettino, who risks 20 years in prison if convicted.

Schettino also has said the reef wasn’t on his charts, and that the company should shoulder some blame.

Investigators have said language prob-

lems between the Italian captain and the Indonesian-born helmsman may have played a role in the botched maneuver. A maritime expert, however, told the court that although the helmsman was slow to react and had indeed erred, in the end it didn’t matter. “The helmsman was 13 seconds late in executing the maneuver, but the crash would have happened anyway,” Italian naval Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said yesterday. The helmsman, Jacob Rusli Bin, is one of five Costa Crociere SpA employees who were granted plea bargains in return for mild sentences in a separate proceeding. He was sentenced to one year and 8 months, but because of a law to reduce prison overcrowding, none of the five defendants is likely to serve time behind bars. Those upset by the relatively light punishments had cause for optimism Monday. A Florence based prosecutor lodged a formal challenge to the plea bargain deals, and Italy’s highest criminal court will have to rule on it at a later date.

The ship, now resting upright on a manmade platform on the seabed, is expected to be towed away next year and broken up for scrap. In the meantime, Schettino’s defense team wants experts to go inside it to determine why water pumps and an emergency generator failed to function, among other alleged mechanical problems.

“The power generator - as are the other devices - are fundamental to understanding what happened that night,” Schettino lawyer Francesco Pepe said on his way into court. “We want to understand why they didn’t work.” Lawyers for the plaintiffs also are pressing for answers to the ship’s reported mechanical failures. “It is unfair that we have only one defendant,” said Michelina Suriano, a lawyer representing injured parties. “He should be together with many others.” — AP

Police shake-up in Greece after neo-Nazi murder ATHENS: Greek police yesterday announced a broad shake-up following last week’s murder of an anti-fascist musician by an alleged member of neoNazi party Golden Dawn, axing senior officers and announcing an internal probe. The police said two regional supervisors for southern and central Greece had stepped down as an inquiry was under way into possible links between the police department and Golden Dawn.

The police also said a number of senior officers on the island of Evia were suspended after failing to investigate a Golden Dawn office near a local police station where weapons were allegedly kept. The department’s internal affairs division was also tasked with determining whether officers had participated in illegal Golden Dawn activities.

And nearly a dozen other senior officers switched posts, including the heads of the anti-terrorist squad, the organised crime squad and the guns and explosives squad, police said. The fatal stabbing of 34-year-old hip hop artist Pavlos Fyssas on September 18 has sparked street protests and prompted authorities to take a harder stance against Golden Dawn, which had already been linked with migrant assaults that it officially denies. Several of its lawmakers have also been involved in violent incidents and have yet to face justice. Capitalising on a

rise in social tension in the debt-stricken country, Golden Dawn was first elected to parliament last year with nearly seven percent of the vote and 18 seats out of an overall 300.

The government is now trying to find a way to deal with the neo-Nazi party, which so far has benefitted from a law granting elected MPs immunity from prosecution. Golden Dawn’s popularity has appeared to suffer a blow following Fyssas’s murder. A Monday poll in progovernment daily Eleftheros Typos showed its approval ratings had dropped to 5.8 percent, compared to 8.3 percent before last week’s murder.

Prior to the assassination, various polls indicated that Golden Dawn’s popularity had climbed as high as 13 percent.

Even now it remains the country’s third most popular party. The musician’s killer, 45-year-old truck driver George Roupakias, has confessed to the crime but claims he was acting in self-defence.

He has been charged with voluntary manslaughter and illegal possession of a weapon. Fyssas, who wrote music under the nickname Killah P, was fatally stabbed outside a cafe in the working-class Athens district of Keratsini. Golden Dawn quickly denied links with the alleged killer, but pictures soon surfaced of Roupakias participating in party activities and members of his family reportedly worked for the organisation. — AFP

BERLIN: Germany’s Angela Merkel began trying to persuade her centre-left rivals to keep her in power yesterday after her conservatives notched up their best election result in more than two decades but fell short of an absolute majority.

Even the chancellor’s political foes acknowledged she was the big winner of the first German vote since the euro crisis began in 2010, which thrust the pastor’s daughter from East Germany into the role of Europe’s dominant leader.

But despite leading her conservatives to their best result since 1990, with 41.5 percent of votes putting them five seats short of the first absolute majority in parliament in over half a century, 59year-old Merkel had little time to celebrate.

“We are, of course, open for talks and I have already had initial contact with the SPD (Social Democratic Party) chairman, who said the SPD must first hold a meeting of its leaders on Friday,” Merkel told a news conference, adding that she did not rule out talks with other potential coalition partners.

Her SPD arch-rivals were plainly preparing to play hardball in any talks on repeating the ‘grand coalition’ led by Merkel from 2005-2009, which worked well for Merkel in her first term but cost the SPD millions of leftist votes.

“It will be an extremely long road,” said Ralf Stegner, head of the left wing of the SPD which has major reservations about becoming junior partners again to Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and her Bavarian the Christian Social Union (CSU) allies.

The 150-year-old SPD may have finished a poor second with their second-worst post-war result, but they know Merkel has to come knocking after her current centre-right coalition partners, the Free Democrats (FDP), failed to get back into parliament.

One SPD leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, half-joked that it would have been better if Merkel had got her own slim majority: “That would have been the worst punishment for her - to bear responsibility for everything on her own.” But in German politics, where only one post-war chancellor has won an absolute majority - conservative patriarch Konrad Adenauer, in 1957 - complex coalition-building is par for the course and few politicians build consensus better than Merkel. Her calm leadership through the euro crisis has reinforced her status as “Mutti” (mother) of the nation, but she counted on the SPD and Greens’ support on all the euro zone bailout votes. Polls show a majority of German voters would like another ‘grand coalition’, as do many of Germany’s partners in the euro currency area, who expect the SPD to soften Merkel’s austerity-focused approach to struggling euro zone states like Greece. The euro inched up and German government bond futures rose early

BERLIN: Combo pictures show German Chancellor Angela Merkel as she gives a press conference a day after the German general elections. Merkel clinched a third term in German elections. — AFP yesterday as investors anticipated continuity in Berlin’s cautious approach to the crisis. But continuity may come at a high price for Merkel, in terms of cabinet posts and policies.

In the campaign, the SPD argued for a legal minimum wage and higher taxes on the rich. It may demand the finance ministry, pushing out respected 71-year-old incumbent Wolfgang Schaeuble, or insist on key posts like the foreign or labour ministries.

“There will be no quick formation of a government,” said an SPD insider. “The party will try to drive up the price.” After an election that gave a slim numerical majority to the leftist opposition, the SPD and Greens may even feel pressure to review a historical taboo against allying with the Left Party, heirs to the communists who built the Berlin Wall and still inspire distrust beyond their steady 8.5 percent of votes.

If Merkel and SPD chairman Sigmar Gabriel fail to agree on a coalition - and there is no love lost between them since the SPD chairman leaked a confidential text message from Merkel to the media - she could switch her focus to the Greens. Many progressive CDU supporters favour a so-called “Black-Green” (black is the CDU’s official colour) alliance and think Katrin Goering-Eckardt, a 47-year-old Greens leader from east Germany who is close to the Lutheran church, is a snug fit. But the CDU’s conservative

wing, embodied by tough-talking parliamentary leader Volker Kauder, dislike the pacifist and ecologist party which campaigned for tax hikes on the wealthy.

“The tax orgy that the Greens have proposed makes it very difficult with them,” said Kauder.

“It’s not the first time that we are heading for a ‘grand coalition’,” he said.

The Greens, disappointed with their 8.4 percent result, may be wary of forming an alliance with a chancellor who bestows the kiss of death on her coalition allies.

In 2009, the SPD’s reward for collaboration was their worst post-war election result. The Free Democrats replaced them in government only to crash out of parliament four years later.

“Maybe we won’t find anyone who wants to do anything with us,” said Merkel with a smile on Sunday night. That would force her to form a minority government - ver y unlikely - or President Joachim Gauck would have to call a new election. No post-war government ever had to do that straight after winning, especially one with such a strong mandate.

For now, Merkel is one of few European leaders to survive the debt crisis, which has seen 19 of her peers lose their jobs. She also saw off a challenge from the Alternative for Germany, a new eurosceptic party that had threatened to break into parliament. — Reuters

Jailed member of Russia’s punk band on hunger strike MOSCOW: A jailed member of Russia’s Pussy Riot punk band said she was starting a hunger strike yesterday to protest against “slave labour” in her penal colony and said she had received a death threat from a senior prison official.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova was sentenced to two years in jail in August 2012 after performing what the band called a “punk prayer” in a Moscow cathedral in a protest against President Vladimir Putin that came amid street protests against his rule.

“Beginning September 23, I am going on hunger strike and refusing to participate in colony slave labour,” Tolokonnikova wrote in a letter circulated by her husband Pyotr Verzilov.

“I will do this until the administration starts obeying the law and stops treating incarcerated women like cattle,” she wrote. Tolokonnikova is in Penal Colony No.14 in the Mordovia region, southeast of Moscow, where she said inmates were forced to work up to 17 hours a day sewing police uniforms.

She said workers got no more than four hours sleep a night and said prison officials used senior inmates to enforce order in a system reminiscent of Soviet-era Gulag forced labour camps.

She said collective punishment, increasing production quotas and cases of violence against those who failed to deliver were common in the penal colony where she said living conditions failed to meet human rights standards and Russian law.

“Your hands are pierced with needles and covered in scratches, your blood is all over the work table, but still you keep sewing,” she wrote.

Tolokonnikova said she had also asked the regional arm of the federal Investigative Committee to investigate a senior prison official whom she quoted as saying after a complaint about conditions: “You will surely never feel bad again because it is

never bad in the other world.”

Penal colony administrators declined to comment on her accusations and the Mordovia region’s prison authorities could not immediately be reached for comment. Critics say the sentencing of Tolonnikova and two other band members is part of a crackdown on dissent since Putin returned to the Kremlin for a third term in May 2012.

The Pussy Riot protest offended many in the mostly Russian Orthodox country but their treatment has also won them high-profile support in

the West with celebrities including Madonna and ex-Beatle Paul McCartney speaking up for them.

Tolokonnikova is due for release in March, as is fellow band member Maria Alyokhina. A third band member had her sentence changed to a suspended one. Alyokhina went on hunger strike in the summer after officials prevented her from attending a parole hearing. She was hospitalised in late May and ended her protest days after prison authorities agreed to her demands, Verzilov said. — Reuters

SARANSK: In this Friday, July 26, 2013 file photo Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, foreground right, a member of the feminist punk band, Pussy Riot, is escorted into a courtroom at a district court in Saransk. Nadezhda Tolokonnikova says she is beginning a hunger strike to protest harsh working conditions and threats to her life. — AP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

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

Pakistani Christians protest over bloody church bombing Death toll from blasts rise to 82

DHAKA: Bangladeshi garment workers beat a factory staff member during a protest in Dhaka yesterday. Angry Bangladeshi garment workers blocked roads, set factories alight and clashed with police for a third day as protests demanding a minimum monthly wage of $100 spread outside the capital Dhaka. — AFP

India ‘It’s my fault’ rape video goes viral NEW DELHI: A video by a group of comedians that lampoons controversial comments by public figures after the gang-rape of a student in New Delhi last December has gone viral.

The satirical video features Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin and television host Juhi Pandey explaining why women must take the blame for the rising number of rapes in India.

“Scientific studies suggest that women who wear skirts are the leading cause of rape. Do you know why?

Because men have eyes,” Koechlin says at the start of the video, which runs for almost four minutes. Koechlin goes on to show examples of “provocative” clothing, including a woman covered in a black burqa and a spacesuit complete with a helmet. The video called “It’s your fault” has been viewed more than 800,000 times and received more than 4,000 comments since it was published on YouTube on September 19, and has gone viral on Indian networking sites.

Politicians and one of the country’s leading gurus made a series of comments in reaction to the gang-rape last December, in which everything from mobile phones to short skirts and noodles were blamed for violence against women.

The attack on the student triggered angry street protests as well as a nation-

al debate over the way India treats its women and who was responsible for the rising levels of violence.

The video was made by four stand-up comedians who wanted to change the “massive misconception” that women invite rapes.” These are deep-rooted patriarchal biases. It happens everywhere in the world and in India especially so,” Tanmay Bhat, one of the comedians, told AFP yesterday.

“We often see families disowning rape victims. We wanted to contribute positively to the conversation about the subject.” The video also takes a swipe at police who are largely seen as insensitive to victims of sexual crimes.

Last month, Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Singh sparked anger by suggesting that city residents need to choose between a “promiscuous culture” that allows public kissing, or a city made safe by “moral policing”. He made the comments after a 22-year-old photographer was gang-raped while on assignment for a magazine in central Mumbai with a male colleague. On the video, a smiling Koechlin says: “If you are tired of being humiliated by rape, you can always go to the cops and be humiliated by them instead.” The video ends with a series of women of different ages and backgrounds saying “it’s my fault” to the camera. — AFP

Xi stamps authority on party with Bo verdict BEIJING: With ousted senior politician Bo Xilai jailed for life, Chinese President Xi Jinping has stamped his authority on the Communist Party by effectively warning he will not tolerate dissent as he seeks to push through tough economic reforms.

Bo was sentenced on Sunday after being found guilty on charges of corruption, taking bribes and abuse of power. Since all courts are controlled by the party the verdict was likely pre-ordained although a source with direct knowledge of the case told Reuters on Monday that Bo had filed an appeal.

“It’s (like) killing one to warn a hundred,” a source with ties to the leadership told Reuters.

The ideological fractures exposed last year by Bo’s fall from grace had hobbled Xi, forcing him to row back on an ambitious plan to rebalance the world’s second largest economy, sources close to China’s leadership have told Reuters. The party’s fear had been that Bo’s supporters, who lauded him for the old-school leftist social welfare policies he championed as boss of the city of Chongqing, could remain a brake on reforms that favour private businesses and a greater reliance on market forces. Xi needed the Bo affair settled because the next

few weeks are critical for his government, which took office in March. At a closed-door party plenum in November, Xi will push for more economic reforms and he needs unstinting support from the party’s elite 200-member Central Committee.

The reforms Xi wants include opening up the banking sector to let in private players and interest rate reform and introducing more competition in key industries dominated by state-owned giants, such as in the energy and telecommunications sectors, sources say.

Leftists are deeply suspicious of private enterprise and market reforms, believing they have led to the income inequality and the anythinggoes economic growth that China grapples with today. “For other senior officials, I think this is intimidating because the plenum is coming up,” said Zhang Lifan, a Beijing-based political commentator and historian. Bo had been expected to rise to the top of the party until his career unravelled last year following a murder scandal in which his wife, Gu Kailai, was convicted of poisoning a British businessman, Neil Heywood, who had been a family friend. She was given a suspended death sentence. —Reuters

S Lanka hardliners warn of ‘new war’ after vote COLOMBO: Sinhalese hardliners yesterday urged Sri Lanka’s president to reduce powers of a regional council won by Tamils in an election hailed internationally as a step towards ethnic reconciliation after decades of war.

The National Heritage Party (JHU) said the first semi-autonomous body won by the minority Tamil National Alliance (TNA) could eventually lead to the division of the island on ethnic lines.

The opposition TNA won 30 out of 38 seats in polls for a provincial council in Jaffna established 26 years ago, but ruled directly by the president until elections Saturday in an area scarred by ethnic strife.

“The real war has just begun,” said Udaya Gammanpila, a leader of the JHU which is a coalition partner of President Mahinda Rajapakse’s government.

“The TNA will revive the separatists’ campaign through the provincial council.” In theory, the country’s nine provincial councils have powers over police and land. Until now, none of the councils have actually exercised those powers but the TNA is pressing a claim to have both under its control.

“We are entering a new phase of the war. It is not a war that will be fought with guns and bombs,” Gammanpila told AFP. He said the JHU had told the government it was not too late too trim the powers of the council and prevent the start of a new political conflict that could be internationalised.

Rajapakse came to power in 2005 on a strong nationalist platform, supported by the JHU, a party initially formed with a band of influential Buddhist monks who oppose power-sharing with Tamils.

Rajapakse has strengthened his hold on power after crushing Tamil rebels in May 2009 and declaring an end to 37 years of ethnic bloodshed in which at least 100,000 people were killed, according to UN estimates.

During a bitterly fought election campaign, the president had accused the TNA of raising expectations of a separate state. However, after the results were announced Sunday, TNA’s chief ministerelect C.V. Wigneswaran told reporters in Jaffna that he was willing to work with Colombo. He said there was mistrust between Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils, but he had “great faith in humanity” to resolve differences.

“There is a fear of separation, but all we are asking for is a federal state which exists within the boundaries of Sri Lanka,” he said.

The United States, which has raised war crimes allegations against Colombo, said it welcomed the election as a first step in reconciliation. “These elections provided a starting point for that process,” the US embassy said in a statement. “Democracy is not simply about elections, however, and more must be done to ensure that Sri Lankans of all communities can live in the peace and dignity that they deserve. — AFP

PESHAWAR: Angry Christians protested across Pakistan yesterday to demand better protection after a devastating double suicide bombing at a church killed more than 80 people.

The attack on All Saints church in the northwestern city of Peshawar after a service on Sunday is believed to be the deadliest ever to target Pakistan’s small Christian minority. Christians demonstrated in towns and cities around Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar to protest against the violence and demand the authorities do more to protect them.

More than 600 protesters blocked a major highway in Islamabad for several hours during the Monday morning rush hour, burning tyres and causing long tailbacks, an AFP photographer said.

Later around 2,000 people gathered to protest outside parliament.

In Peshawar, around 200 demonstrators took to the streets, smashing windows at the main Lady Reading hospital, where many of the victims were treated, and blocking the main Grand Trunk road.

In front of All Saints church, more than 100 people chanted slogans demanding justice and attacking the national government for failing to protect Christians.And they had harsh words for cricketerturned-politician Imran Khan, whose Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party runs the provincial government in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Protesters shouted abusive slogans against the cricketer turned politician, including chants of “Imran is a dog”.

“Imran Khan and his senior deputy have failed to protect Christians at their praying centres,” Khalid Shahzad, who lost five family members in the attack, told AFP. “The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Imran Khan are just making slogans, there is nothing practical (to protect us). They do not have any sympathy for minorities.”

Protesters in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, blocked roads around the press club with rocks and burning tyres, while Lahore saw more than a dozen demonstrations. The death toll from the blasts rose to 82 yesterday, according to medics, with around 130 in total wounded.

Senior Peshawar police official Najeeb-urRehman said security around churches in the city would be stepped up, but survivors of the bomb-

LAHORE: Pakistani Christian nuns shout slogans as they take part in a protest in Lahore yesterday, against the suicide bombing of a church in the north-western city of Peshawar. The death toll from a double suicide bombing on a church in Pakistan rose to 82, as Christians protested across the country to demand better protection for their community. — AFP ing spoke of their fears of further violence.

“We had very good relations with the Muslimsthere was no tension before that blast, but we fear that this is the beginning of a wave of violence against the Christians,” Danish Yunas, a Christian driver wounded in the blast, told AFP. The small and largely impoverished Christian community suffers discrimination in the overwhelmingly Muslim-majority nation but bombings against them are extremely rare.

The 400 or so worshippers were exchanging greetings after the service when the bombers struck, littering the church with blood, body parts and pages from the Bible. The walls were pockmarked with ball bearings that had been packed into the bombs to cause maximum carnage in the busy church. Sectarian violence between majority Sunni and minority Shiite Muslims is on the rise in Pakistan but Sunday’s bombings will fuel fears the already beleaguered Christian community could be increasingly targeted.

A faction linked to the Pakistani Taleban on Sunday claimed the attack, saying it was to avenge US drone strikes on Taleban and Al-Qaeda operatives in the country’s tribal areas along the Afghan border. But yesterday the main spokesman for the umbrella Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group said they were not responsible.

“We haven’t done this nor do we attack innocent people,” Shahidullah Shahid, the main TTP spokesman told AFP by telephone from an undisclosed location. “Whenever we carry out an attack we claim it, but the Taleban are not involved in this attack. It was an attempt to sabotage the atmosphere of the proposed peace talks.”

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called several times for peace talks with the Taleban and two weeks ago won backing from the country’s main political parties. But speaking in London late on Sunday he said the government was “unable to proceed further” with talks in the wake of the church attack. —AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

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

New Muslim rebel attack in southern Philippines ZAMBOANGA: Muslim rebels clashed with troops and took hostages in a fresh outbreak of violence in the strife-torn southern Philippines yesterday, officials said.

The fighting in the centre of Mindanao island came as a standoff with another Muslim armed group elsewhere in Mindanao entered its third week.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked pro-government volunteers in the town of Midsayap before dawn but retreated when military reinforcements arrived, said regional army spokesman Colonel Dickson Hermoso.

Four soldiers were killed while residents reported seeing four dead BIFF guerillas being carried away by

their comrades, the colonel added. The rebels then took 15 schoolteachers and farmers to use as human shields against pursuit although all of them were later freed, Hermoso said.

Both Hermoso and BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama said the latest fighting was not related to the conflict with another Muslim band in Zamboanga City, 273 kilometres (170 miles) from Midsayap.

“This has nothing to do with the Zamboanga incident. That is different. Our enemies are the military.

We want them out,” Mama told radio station DXMS. In Zamboanga City MG-520 attack helicopters were seen firing rockets and machineguns at the remaining members of the Moro National Liberation

Front (MNLF) still hiding in the city.

Soldiers also raked the area with machinegun fire as smoke from burning houses obscured the MNLF positions. About 200 MNLF members entered Zamboanga, a major trading centre with one million residents, on September 9 in the most serious armed challenge to the Philippine government in recent years. Despite the deaths of 102 rebels and the capture or surrender of over a hundred others, almost 50 MNLF fighters still remain and are holding 20 hostages, said police regional spokesman Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca. Fifteen soldiers and police have been killed in the fighting, which has seen the rebels burn hundreds of houses. “Troops are cau-

tiously moving in because of rebel snipers,” said Huesca, adding he could not say when the crisis might end. Both the MNLF faction of rebel chief Nur Misuari and the BIFF oppose ongoing government peace talks with the largest Muslim rebel group, the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Muslim rebels have been fighting since the 1970s for an independent or autonomous homeland in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines. An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict.

Misuari fears his MNLF would be sidelined by an impending autonomy deal with the MILF, while the BIFF broke away from the MILF and continues to demand independence for the region. — AFP

25 dead as typhoon hits China, flight chaos in HK Strongest typhoon for years

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian police stand guard at a park during the first parliament meeting at the National Assembly building in Phnom Penh yesterday. Cambodia’s parliament convened, despite a boycott by the opposition, as the country is gripped by political crisis following disputed elections that led to mass protests and violence. — AFP

Cambodian opposition boycotts parliament PHNOM PENH: Opposition lawmakers boycotted the opening of Cambodia’s parliament yesterday, threatening a constitutional crisis, after the authorities refused to hold an independent inquiry into alleged vote-rigging by the party of Prime Minister Hun Sen. King Norodom Sihamoni issued a decree reappointing Hun Sen, giving the royal seal of approval to the results of July’s general election, and the long-serving premier is expected to outline his new government’s policies to parliament today.

Security at the National Assembly and elsewhere in the capital, Phnom Penh, was tight, with many roads blocked off after opposition protests last week in which one man died.

“Our goal still stands. We are boycotting today’s meeting because the truth has not been uncovered and there has been no breakthrough,” Yim Sovann, a lawmaker for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), told Reuters.

“This meeting is a violation of the constitution.” The National Election Committee (NEC) says Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won 68 seats in the July 28 election to the CNRP’s 55. That was already a big setback for Hun Sen, but the CNRP claimed victory, saying it was cheated out of 2.3 million votes.

The opposition and some political analysts say a quorum of 120 lawmakers is needed to open parliament. Hun Sen has ignored that, saying the rules stipulate a new government can be formed if 63 of the 123 lawmakers vote in favour.

“The positive mood that was witnessed during the campaign period and the hope inspired by the election outcome, which signalled that Cambodia was on a sure path to a fully functioning democracy, are now fading,” said Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights.

But he thought the opposition would continue to press for concessions. “They can also look for signs of division and breakdown within the ruling party as I think their ultimate goal at this stage is to see Hun Sen, not the CPP, out of power.”

Hun Sen and CNRP leader Sam Rainsy held talks last week and agreed to look at how future elections are held plus possible

reforms to national institutions. However, the premier has refused to accept any further investigation into the July poll.

A U.S. embassy statement issued after parliament opened called for “a transparent review of irregularities”, to help address flaws in the electoral process.

It called on the two parties to follow up on a statement last week agreeing to further dialogue. “We believe that a functioning National Assembly requires the participation of both major political parties.”

The European Union urged both sides to work to reform the electoral process. But the National Assembly, it said in a statement, “cannot serve its purpose without the participation of all elected political parties”. Independent analyst Chea Vannath said that while the CNRP had the right to demand an independent inquiry, the investigation could go ahead at some time in the future.

“The king has already issued a message and things can’t go back ... The CNRP should start the hard work that will be needed over the next five years,” she added.

King Sihamoni had turned down a request from the CNRP to delay the start of parliament, saying he was constitutionally required to preside over the opening within 60 days of the poll.

In his address to the house, the king said newly elected members of parliament had to put the national interest first. “ The Cambodian nation must stand united and show the highest national solidarity based on the implementation of the principles of democracy and rule of law that we have been practising since 1993,” he said. That year Cambodia held its first elections, under United Nations supervision, since before the ultra-maoist Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970s and the civil war that followed. Hun Sen, 61, has been in power for 28 years and has said he will rule Cambodia into his seventies.

He portrays himself as the man who saved Cambodia from the terror and chaos of the Khmer Rouge years. But his authoritarian rule, along with widespread corruption, alienated many young people who did not live through that era and who turned to the newly merged opposition CNRP in the election. — Reuters

Aung Suu Kyi firm on constitutional change SINGAPORE: Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged yesterday to push ahead with efforts to amend her country’s constitution before the next election in 2015.

Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy considers the current constitution undemocratic because it gives the military a substantial percentage of parliamentary seats and disqualifies Suu Kyi from running for president.

“This constitution has to be changed if we are ready to make the transition to democracy,” Suu Kyi told a news conference during a visit to Singapore. “I will continue with efforts to have the constitution amended,” she said, adding there will be problems if it is not done by 2015.

Suu Kyi said it was “a bit premature” to say what would happen if the constitution isn’t amended. Myanmar’s parliament established a committee in July to review the constitution. The 109member committee includes lawmakers from all parties in parliament, including Suu Kyi’s party and President Thein Sein’s ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, along with the mil-

itary’s allotted representatives.

Possible changes might allow ethnic minorities increased self-rule, including allowing ethnic minority parties to elect their own chief ministers in their regions, rather than have them appointed.

The current constitution was drawn up under the previous military regime to ensure its continuing influence in government. Since coming to office in 2011, Thein Sein has instituted a series of political and economic reforms after almost five decades of repressive army rule. A major achievement was persuading Suu Kyi’s party to rejoin the electoral process after decades of government repression, and her party won 43 of 44 seats it contested in by-elections last year.

“I will challenge you to show me another party in Burma that is as capable as the NLD,” Suu Kyi said in Singapore.

“This is the only party to date that has been constructed democratically. ...

I am confident of the capacity of my party to carry our people with us, and that is what is important.” — AP

HONG KONG: Typhoon Usagi killed at least 25 people after crashing ashore in southern China, throwing the region’s transport systems into chaos and leaving tens of thousands of airline passengers stranded in Hong Kong yesterday.

Schools and businesses were shut as activity in the normally teeming financial hub slowed to a crawl after Usagi-the world’s most powerful storm this year-battered a long swathe of coastline with torrential rain and winds of up to 165 kilometres (103 miles) per hour during the night.

The deaths were reported by Chinese state media after Usagi made landfall near Shanwei city in Guangdong province northeast of Hong Kong on Sunday evening, prompting the highest-level alert from the National Meteorological Center.

The reports by Xinhua news agency did not say how the 25 were killed but said all the deaths were in Guangdong after the typhoon brought down trees and damaged roads.

Dozens more were injured in accidents, it added.

Bullet trains from Guangzhou city to Beijing were suspended and Xinhua said winds were strong enough near Shanwei to blow cars off the road. More than 47,000 fishing boats were in harbour and schools were closed in 14 coastal cities. China’s civil affairs ministry said 226,000 people were relocated due to the storm and more than 7,100 houses collapsed or were badly damaged. The typhoon cost the province 3.24 billion yuan ($529.5 million dollars) in direct economic losses, it said in a statement.

Usagi had previously killed two people in the Philippines and unleashed landslides and power outages across southern Taiwan at the weekend as it ploughed through the Luzon Strait with ferocious winds and heavy downpours.

Monsoon rains worsened by Usagi brought flooding on Monday to the Philippine capital Manila and nearby provinces. As the typhoon bore down on Hong Kong, operators shut down one of the world’s busiest sea ports and nearly 450 flights were either cancelled or delayed on Sunday as Cathay Pacific and other airlines imposed preemptive suspensions.

Hong Kong’s Observatory said it was the strongest typhoon to brush the city since 1979.

Tens of thousands of people had their travel plans upended with ferries and trains also disrupted, while Cathay resumed flights only from noon (0400 GMT) yesterday.

Many passengers were forced to stay overnight at the airport, sleeping on the floor or spending the night playing card games. Many

HONG KONG: Passengers whose travel plans were affected by Typhoon Usagi wait at airline counters at Hong Kong’s international airport yesterday. The year’s most powerful typhoon slammed into southern China, forcing hundreds of flight cancellations, shutting down shipping and train lines and killing nearly two dozen people. — AP milled around the departure hall hoping to rebook their flights.

But handwritten signs warned them that there was little chance of getting standby seats on flights out Monday and to check back later.

“We’ve waited for so long... and we still can’t leave. Who would not be unhappy?” Iris Ouyang, an irate 26-year-old marketing officer from Beijing told AFP, after waiting more than 12 hours for her China Southern flight.

“Before we had good feelings towards Hong Kong, but not anymore.” Lau Ka-Wing, a passenger from Hong Kong, was equally frustrated. “I tried to contact them (airline) and no one picked up the phone. The only way I can do is come over to the airport but no one served me,” he complained.

Airlines scrambled to clear the backlog of passengers by regrouping passengers and arranging extra flights as more than 1,000 passengers waited in the check-in area.

But airport authorities foresaw a second day

of flight disruptions, with more than 480 scheduled flights being cancelled or delayed on Monday. Officials in Hong Kong, which is well versed in typhoon preparations, said 13 people were injured during the storm, while more than 60 trees had fallen.

Major thoroughfares were empty and signboards swayed in the wind early yesterday, but some residents ignored official warnings and headed out to the coast to brave the wind. The city’s stock market opened at 1pm yesterday after all storm warning signals were lowered.

On its way towards southern China, Usagi had forced the evacuation of 3,400 people in southern Taiwan. Twelve people were injured in Kinmen, a Taiwan-controlled island off China’s Fujian province, after they were hit by falling trees. Prior to hitting Taiwan, Usagi brushed the far north of the Philippines where a man and a woman drowned on Friday when their boat capsized in high seas. Another three people remain missing. — AFP

Heavy rains leave 18 dead in Philippines OLONGAPO CITY: Monsoon rains worsened

by Typhoon Usagi pounded the Philippines for the third day yesterday, causing floods and landslides that left 18 people dead and others stranded on rooftops, officials said.

The most severely affected area was the province of Zambales, about 80 kilometres (51 miles) northwest of Manila where heavy rains caused rain-soaked soil to cascade down, killing 17 people in different parts of the province, said assistant civil defence director Nigel Lontoc. “They were surprised by the rain. It happened before dawn so they might have been asleep at the time,” he told AFP. “This is mountainous area and there are many houses on the slopes. The rain must have really weakened the soil,” he added.

A 67-year-old woman drowned when her home was submerged by a flood in Olongapo City, also in Zambales, he added. The mayor of Subic town, Jay Khonghun, where the majority of victims died, said the heavy rains and chest-deep floods had isolated the town of 160,000.

Although many people were rescued, about a hundred remained trapped on their rooftops by the rising waters, he said.

Government employee Cristina Humbert, 35, said the ground floor of her two-storey home had been flooded but she managed to evacuate with her 63-year-old mother to higher ground. “Many are on the rooftops, waiting for help. They are marooned, and are getting hungry and cold. We have no power, no electricity,” she told AFP. Khonghun said four rivers that pass through Subic were heavily silted and had overflowed, causing the floods. He called on the national government to come to the town’s aid. “We are appealing for rescuers, equipment, diggers, we need relief goods. We need help from the national government, please send in inflatable boats,” he said.

Classes were called off throughout the Philippine capital and surrounding areas due to flooding that reached more than five feet (1.5 metres) in some places, said Myrna Puzon,

an officer at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

In the city Olongapo, neighbouring Subic, local officials put up ropes across flooded streets so people could hold on to them to keep from being swept away by strong currents, eyewitnesses said.

People there carried their shivering children as they waded through the floodwaters amid submerged cars, an AFP reporter at the scene said. Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino asked US ambassador Harry Thomas

to send some of the US Marines now in the Philippines for joint war games, to help in relief efforts, his spokesman said.

About 2,300 US and Philippine marines are taking part in three-week long joint exercises, many of them to be conducted in Zambales.

Typhoon Usagi passed the northern Philippines this weekend and has moved away from the country but it continues to exacerbate monsoon rains. Two people were killed and three are still missing from the storm’s onslaught. — AFP

MANILA: Rescuers pulling a wooden boat with a rescued resident on board wade through chest-deep floodwaters along a street in Manila yesterday, after torrential rains pounded Luzon island worsened by Typhoon Usagi. Monsoon rains worsened by Typhoon Usagi pounded the Philippines for the third day, causing floods and landslides that left six people dead and others stranded on rooftops, officials said. — AFP

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

BEIRUT: A Syrian refugee girl sits with her father as they beg on a sidewalk in Beirut. Thousands of Syrian children who have fled the country’s conflict now find themselves working to try to make ends meet. — AFP

In Lebanon, refugee kids work to survive BEIRUT: Fifteen-year-old Haitham, a Syrian refugee in the Lebanese capital, starts his day at 7:00 am, but instead of carting school books, he is stocking the shelves of a supermarket. He is one of thousands of Syrian children who have fled the country ’s conflict and now find themselves working to make ends meet. Young boys shine shoes for a few dollars, while little girls beg from passers-by and sell chewing gum or roses.

There are no firm figures on the number of Syrian children working in Lebanon, but many tell stories of exploitation and abuse. Haitham, a confident boy who looks younger than his age, works around 10 hours a day but has no fixed salary.

He survives off the tips that shoppers give him to carry their bags. In earshot of his boss, he describes his working life as happy. But away from him, the complaints spill out.

“Working here is terrible, we are humiliated and insulted,” he said.

“The manager hits us, the other workers hit us... but what can we do? We have to accept it so we can continue work ing.” Haitham arrived in Lebanon three months

ago, leaving behind a family desperate for money in Syria’s northeastern Hasakeh province. He lives with nine cousins in a single room in a partly abandoned building that is crammed with other refugee families.

His story is familiar to Abir Abi Khalil, a child protection officer with UNICEF. More than half of the Syrian refugees registered in Lebanon are children-some 350,000 people.

There are an estimated 150,000 additional unregistered children who are refugees in Lebanon, all of them even more vulnerable than their parents. “In terms of impact on their psychological well-being, and social well-being, the effect is considerable,” she said. “They can be severely, severely traumatized.”

Along with partner organizations, UNICEF has commissioned a study to work out how many child refugees are working in Lebanon and why, as well as how best to help them.

“Whatever the reason is, if you have children under a certain age, they should not be involved in child labor... and being in the streets is one of the worst forms of child

labor,” she said. Children working on the streets face physical and sexual abuse, and many were too afraid to discuss their experiences with journalists. One of UNICEF’s local partners, Mouvement Social, offers daily classes to Syrian refugee children, including those who are working. At their centre in Beirut’s impoverished Burj Hammud neighborhood, children learn “life skills” such as hygiene but also take remedial lessons that could pave their way back into the school system.

The simple building is adorned with drawings including flowers with each petal containing a children’s right. “I have the right to learn,” reads one. “I have the right to play,” reads another. Inside one classroom, a teacher calls children up to the board to practice their English handwriting. “I miss Syria,” one girl writes. The centre caters to around 600 children a week, both Lebanese and Syrian refugees. Rim, a pretty 15-year-old in a layered black and green headscarf, comes from Syria’s northern Aleppo province.

She spent three months working at Beirut clothes shops, dealing with

‘October 26 Driving’ Continued from Page 1 for a petition it published on Sept 21. “If the state refuses to lift this (driving) ban on women, we call on it to offer citizens its justifications for the ban,” reads the petition posted on the website.

“The state is not a father or a mother and the citizens are not children.” While no laws explicitly ban Saudi women from driving, citizens must use locally issued licenses. These are not issued to women, making it in effect illegal for them to drive. At least two similar campaigns in the past two years have failed to bring change, with the authorities detaining several women and making them sign pledges not to drive again.

Nevertheless, King Abdullah has pushed some modest reforms to advance women’s rights during the same period. In January, he appointed 30 women to the Shoura Council, which advises the government on new legislation. He had said in late 2011 that women would be able to vote or run for office in the next municipal elections, Saudi Arabia’s only public polls.

The “October 26 Driving” campaign urges people to put its logo on their cars on that day. It also urges women to learn to drive and asks family members to support women’s right to drive. In a video posted on the campaign’s website, a woman who wore no headcover-

ing asked Saudi women to drive on Oct 26. “I hope that a huge number of girls participate this time so that we can end this crisis,” she said. “Neither Sharia nor law prohibit us from doing this (driving)”.

Saudi Arabia is a conservative monarchy backed by religious scholars. It upholds an austere form of Sunni Islam and gives wide powers to clerics who dominate the judicial system and run their own police squad to enforce religious morals. In 2011, after pro-democracy protests swept the Arab world, dozens of Saudi women responded to a “Women 2 Drive” campaign, posting pictures and videos of themselves driving on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Some were briefly detained and two faced charges, including that of “challenging the monarch”. One was freed after signing a pledge not to drive again. The other was sentenced to 10 lashes, although it was not clear if the sentence was carried out. A Saudi princess tweeted that it had been revoked.

On Thursday, Sheikh Abdulatif Al Al-Sheikh, the head of the morality police said there was no text in the documents making up Sharia law which bars women from driving. But he said he did not set Saudi policy and denied a report in local media that he had recently instructed the morality police not to pursue or stop women drivers. — Reuters

Kuwait’s Housing chief quits over...

Continued from Page 1 In the meantime, a source close to minister AlOthaina responded quickly to Al-Mullah’s and accused him of being “unable to comprehend [the challenges of] the upcoming period or handle its requirements”. He further told Al-Qabas daily while speaking on the condition of anonymity that Al-Mullah was given a time period of eight months with full autonomy “but failed to present a clear work plan, prompting minister Al-Othaina to step in and save the PAHW from further decline”.

The news was expected to add to the complexity of Kuwait’s housing crisis which MPs plan to address as top priority when the parliament resumes sessions on October 29. The topic came before vital issues including the need to improve medical and health services as well as living standards in a public poll organized by the parliament, whose results were announced during a press conference a couple of weeks ago.

Under the Kuwaiti Constitution, the government is required to provide a house for a Kuwaiti family within five years after the application is submitted. Despite that, many families have been waiting for a government house for more than a decade as pending applications have reached around 110,000, according to official estimates. Residential areas are said to be built over 10 percent of the country’s total area, and the majority of the desert area remains the property of state departments, including the ministries of oil and defense. Lack of housing projects caused land prices in Kuwait to reach worldwide-high records, with the average price for a house in Sabah Al-Salem (approximately 17 kilometers south of Kuwait City) reaching KD220,000. The crisis also reflected on apartments’ rents which continue to increase gradually, sometimes on an annual basis, as the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Salmiya (approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Kuwait City) is KD 300 a month today. — Agencies

employers who refused to pay her wages or sexually harassed her. In one job, “the boss accused me of being a thief, saying I had stolen and he wouldn’t pay me. “The owner of another shop would come to me and say ‘I want to marry you’,” she said, trembling as she described the experience. She no longer works, coming to the centre each day instead, where teachers tread a fine line when trying to convince families that their children should be learning, not working.

“We listen to the family and listen

to their needs. We want to find a solution together,” Mouvement Social director Feyrouz Salameh said. They explain the dangers that children might face in the workplace and on the streets, though in some cases the children already know all too well. “We asked the children about the dangers of the street and they surprised us with their answer, saying ‘do you mean the street at night, or the street during the day?’” she said.

“The children are aware of what happens in the streets.” Haitham,

like many other children working in Lebanon, says he misses school and dreams of going back. “I wish I could go to school, but to go to school you need to be free... so I have to forget about school for now,” he said. He isn’t sure what he wants to be when he grows up, but he does have a goal. “My dream is that one day people will be working for me, that I won’t be working for them, that I will be better than them, not being told all the time what to do,” he said. “I want to be my own master.” — AFP

American ‘trapped’ Continued from Page 1 resulted in a travel ban that has left him stranded in Kuwait. Bowers sued the Kuwait Ministry of Defense for a car accident (dated October 7, 2006) he had while driving a military vehicle (M88-Recovery Vehicle) which suffered brake failure at the time of accident.

Medical reports indicated that Bowers suffered a 10 percent knee disability because of the accident. He sought compensation from his employer but didn’t get it.

Bowers hired a well-known Kuwait-based firm to represent him in court and help him claim compensation.

However, after a few hearings and legal proceedings, Kuwait court ruled that Bowers had no compelling evidence to demand compensation from the Ministry of Defense. He felt this ruling was unsatisfactory and went on to hire another law firm to represent him in the Court of Appeals which ruled in his favor.

Owing to some logistics issues, Bowers said that the compensation claim was not granted. According to him, compensations should be filed within a year and since he filed after a year, he experienced technical difficulties.

Bowers accuses the first law firm he hired for negligence and holds them responsible for injustice. He also brought the matter to the attention of the Kuwait’s Lawyers Association, which found nothing irregular with the proceedings of the law firm.

“I am suing the law firm because they were supposed to be responsible for crafting my compensation claim when I hired them. They knew I have a knee injury but that was not included in my list of demands,” he said.

Showing a court paper, Bowers says “Although I won the case, the court here had already ruled that they cannot compel the Ministry of Defense to pay because the oneyear grace period for filing the compensation claim had expired”. He also demanded the first company pay his

compensation over their negligence. “It was their sole responsibility to do it at that time but they missed out,” Bowers said.

A US serviceman with a rank of government inspector GS14, Bowers said he wants the local law firm to pay him KD 185,000 which covers his entire expenses during the court battle, inclusive of medical bills, car payments, house rentals, attorney’s fees and living allowances. He also wants to be compensated and paid medical compensation for life (future medical expenses), 10 percent disability fees from Kuwait Medical Board and a sum that can compensate for his mental anguish, pain and the suffering he underwent during the court battle. Bowers was also seeking compensation for violating his human and labor rights.

Speaking with the Kuwait Times, the owner of the law firm said: “Mr Bowers is crazy. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. What I knew is that everything was okay and he agreed to the conditions of the first compensation claim until his wife came into the country. Then he changed his position”, said the head of the law firm on the condition of anonymity. “Mr Bowers was asking for an outrageously high amount of money from us. We are not going to provide that amount. The court here has already decided that we are not responsible for his mistakes,” the lawyer said.

He further explained that Bowers’ claim that he has a permanent disability “is false”. “He only has 10 percent disability and the court has already ordered to give what is due and fair to him. We are not afraid and we’ll see what the court here rules about his case. His case was closed,” the owner said. Bowers is currently in Kuwait and is awaiting the ruling for the case filed against the law firm. In response to information about Bowers’ case, the US Embassy in Kuwait said: “The US embassy does not comment on cases involving private US citizens.”

Egypt crushes Brotherhood Continued from Page 1 It swept subsequent parliamentary elections and successfully fielded Morsi in last year’s presidential election.

The new military-installed government now accuses the Brotherhood of “terrorism”, and police have arrested at least 2,000 of its members, including nearly all of its top leaders. In the past three years, the movement set up headquarters in a multi-storey building in Cairo and opened offices across the country for its Freedom and Justice Party.

All these buildings are likely to be seized under the court order. If upheld, the ruling would also criminalize Brotherhood membership. A government committee is to manage the confiscated assets until criminal courts deliver their verdicts in cases brought against jailed Brotherhood leaders. The Muslim Brotherhood “used the pure religion of Islam as a cover for activities that contradict true Islam and violate the law,” the court ruled.

The decision further reduces the already remote chances of reconciliation between the interim authorities and the influential movement, which still has a loyal grass-roots base. “A ban represents a blunt approach in which there is no space for the Brotherhood in political and social life,” said Michael Hanna, an Egypt specialist with the New York-based New Century think tank.

Senior Brotherhood members had said the movement was willing to concede its core demand for Morsi’s reinstatement, but wanted guarantees its imprisoned members would be released and its leaders would be allowed to operate freely. But the interim government feels little incentive to make a deal with the Brotherhood that would alter its roadmap for a new constitution and then elections by mid-2014, analysts say.

The government says it is for the courts to decide whether to release the Brotherhood members currently in custody, who face charges including incitement to murder. More than 100 policemen have been killed in clashes with Morsi’s supporters since his overthrow.

Dozens of churches and Christian-owned properties have also been torched by Islamists angry at the support given to the coup by the leadership of the Coptic Church.

Under Morsi, the Brotherhood had tried to legalize its status by registering an NGO in its name. “There were issues of transparency that needed to be addressed in a legal fashion. It should have been allowed to re-register to clarify its funding stream,” Hanna said. The Brotherhood registered the NGO amid a court case examining the movement’s legality. But the registration, under a government minister belonging to the movement, was opaque and rushed, Hanna said. — AFP

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

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Issues

Kenya attack a shift for Somalia militia?

By Kimberly Dozier he White House is under pressure to ramp up counterterrorism action against Al-Shabab in Somalia following the Al-Qaeda-linked group’s deadly attack on an upscale Kenyan shopping mall that has killed and injured dozens, including Americans. Republican lawmakers Sunday said the attack showed Al-Qaeda is growing in size and strength, belying the Obama administration’s claims that it has grown weaker.

“They’re not on the decline,” said Sen Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, the ranking Republican on the Homeland Security Committee, on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “They’re on the rise, as you can see from Nairobi.” Al-Shabab militants launched their assault on Saturday, storming the mall with grenades and gunfire. Kenyan security forces launched a “major” assault late Sunday on the mall, where the militants were still holding an unknown number of hostages, trying to end the two-day standoff that had already killed at least 68 people.

The Kenya Defense Forces said their troops had rescued “most” hostages and taken control of most of the mall in Nairobi. State Department spokesman Marie Harf said five US citizens were among the more than 175 injured, but no Americans were among those reported killed. Harf said US law enforcement, military and civilian personnel in Nairobi are providing advice and assistance as requested by the Kenyan authorities.

US counterterrorism officials throughout the Obama administration have debated whether to target the Somaliabased rebel group more directly, especially after it merged with Al-Qaeda in early 2012. But US action has been limited to the occasional drone strike or raid when a particularly high-value Al-Qaeda target comes into view, while relying primarily on assisting Somali and African peacekeeping forces to carry out the day-to-day fight.

That decision was partly driven by the fear that directly targeting Al-Shabab would spur the group to expand its own target list, striking at US diplomatic posts overseas and calling on members of the Somali diaspora inside the US to carry out attacks, according to multiple current and former US counterterrorism officials. They all spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss publicly internal policy decisions.

A White House official said Sunday that the administration had taken a “balanced approach.” “It’s not a question of either direct action or playing a supporting role,” National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Lalley said by email Sunday. “Our approach has been to work to enable and support African partners,” as well as prosecuting some Al-Shabab members and supporters, he said.

“The US military has also taken direct action in Somalia against members of Al-Qaeda - some of them members of Al-Shabab - engaged in efforts to carry out terrorist attacks against the United States and US interests,” Lalley said. But that effort in Somalia pales next to, say, the hundreds of US drone strikes against militants in Yemen and Pakistan during the Obama administration. The Somali rebel group has similarly limited its own target list to Somali officials or troops, and African Union peacekeeping troops, to avoid drawing the US counterterrorism machine into a full fledged fight, the US officials say.

Though headed by hard-core Islamist militants, AlShabab’s more moderate membership has successfully argued to keep the group focused on overthrowing the USbacked Somali government, rather than taking on the mantle of Al-Qaeda’s larger war with the west. The group did claim responsibility for twin suicide bombings in Uganda in 2010 that killed more than 70 people, but that was seen as a reaction to Uganda providing the bulk of African peacekeeping forces in Somalia.

Similarly, Al-Shabab said this weekend’s attack was in retribution for Kenyan forces’ 2011 push into Somalia. “You reach the population who says the cost we’re bearing for this operation in Somalia is too much,” said Al-Shabab expert Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, of the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “From Shabab’s calculus, they may well think it’s worth inflicting a heavy cost on Kenya,” even if it draws US ire.

But the scale and technical sophistication of the Nairobi attack could signal a change in Al-Shabab’s aspirations, according to Rep Peter King, R-NY, possibly increasing the group’s direct threat to the United States. King said the State Department had not initially wanted to declare Al-Shabab a terrorist organization because it saw the group focusing on tribal issues within Somalia. It was declared a terror organization in 2008.

“Now, we see, by attacking into Kenya they certainly have an international dimension to them,” King said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “We’re talking about very significant terrorist groups here which are showing a capacity to attack outside of their borders and actually recruit people from here in the United States,” said King, who serves on the House Intelligence Committee. — AP

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Despite thaw, Iran nuke - a huge challenge

By Myra MacDonald he diplomatic thaw between the West and Iran could quickly chill again if the two sides are unable to master the many moving parts of Tehran’s disputed nuclear program under the weight of more than three decades of distrust. The dispute is not only about the West stopping Iran building a bomb, but also about preventing it expanding its capabilities to the point where it could make a dash for nuclear weapons - known as “breakout” - if it chose to.

Many different conditions need to be met even for an interim agreement to slow Iran’s nuclear program and stop it reaching a point - expected by some nuclear experts by the middle of next year - when the United States and Israel could be drawn into military action to prevent it advancing further. “The debate is more about breakout,” said Shashank Joshi at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London.

Unlike India and Pakistan, which developed nuclear weapons in secret before publicly testing in 1998, Iran is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), subjecting it to international inspections. As a result, the outside world would know fairly quickly if it made a break for a nuclear bomb.

But Iran is advancing its nuclear capabilities including the ability to enrich uranium - at such a rate that it has narrowed the time it would need for breakout, meaning it could build a bomb before the West had time to detect and stop it.

“In as much as they have the ability to indigenously develop a nuclear bomb, they already have a nuclear-weapons capability,” said Joshi. “Now the issue that is looming is enrichment capacity. By the middle of next year, capacity will be so high that some fear that it would be at that dangerous level of undetectable breakout.” Iran has insisted it is not seeking nuclear weapons - an assertion reiterated last week by President Hassan Rouhani, whose diplomatic overtures to the West have raised hopes of progress in the long-running nuclear dispute.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has

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ultimate authority over the nuclear program, has issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, against nuclear weapons, saying these are against Islam. Western nuclear experts believe that holds, for now. But Khamenei’s fatwa could change, said Mehdi Khalaji, a trained Shiite theologian and Iran scholar at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, for example if Iranian rulers faced what they believed to be an existential threat.

“In Shiite jurisprudence we believe that we don’t have access to the truth, so it is in a way very relativistic.” Decision-making in Iran, he said, is also driven by “the principle of expediency of the regime ... Therefore, the logic of the decision-making is more pragmatism and survivalism rather than the Islamic legal system.” Moreover, the fatwa covers only nuclear bombs. “He never said that nuclear capability is against Islamic law; he never said that militarizing the nuclear program is against Islamic law. Everything he says is about the actual bomb.”

PARALLEL TRACKS With Iran insisting on its sovereign right to enrichment for peaceful purposes, any resolution of the dispute would have to find some kind of balance between Tehran’s desire to maintain its capabilities and the West’s determination to restrict them. Any agreement could be an interim deal in return for a partial lifting of sanctions, a longer-term nuclear settlement, or a “grand bargain” between Washington and Tehran resolving differences dating back to the 1979 Iranian revolution.

Some analysts have suggested a combination of processes, whereby U.S.-Iran talks on non-nuclear security issues, including Syria, would build trust, underpinning progress in nuclear negotiations between the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany (the P5 +1) and Iran.

But if managing the moving parts of parallel negotiating tracks would be hard, agreeing even basic conditions for an interim deal could be even harder.

That is partly because the speed of breakout depends on multiple factors, including the size of Iran’s stocks of enriched uranium,

its technological progress, the extent of international inspections and whether it has any previously undisclosed enrichment sites. Over the last year, much attention focused on Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 20 percent, a level that can quickly be enriched to 90 percent weapons-grade, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not allow Tehran to acquire enough enriched uranium to produce one nuclear bomb.

Israel, the only country in the Middle East with a presumed nuclear arsenal, sees Iran as an existential threat. Experts estimate that enough uranium for one bomb would correspond to 25 kg of weapons-grade uranium, or roughly 250 kg enriched to 20 percent.

Netanyahu’s “red line” appears to have partially worked. Iran has kept below the threshold by converting some of its stockpiles of 20 percent enriched uranium into reactor fuel.

According to an August report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), its stockpile had increased since May by just 3.8 kg to 185.8 kg, largely due to fuel conversions. Yet at the same time it has developed advanced centrifuges used to enrich uranium, thereby improving the efficiency and speed of enrichment and narrowing the potential breakout time. So while suspension of enrichment to 20 percent is seen as essential for any interim deal, probably followed by its eventual cessation in any lasting settlement, that alone is not sufficient to allay Western fears.

In a paper published in July by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), authors David Albright and Christina Walrond argued that centrifuge development meant Iran would reach a “critical capability” - the ability to produce enough weapons-grade uranium from its stocks for a nuclear explosive without being detected - in mid 2014. “Preventing Iran from reaching critical capability will require a broad set of responses, but the most important is limiting the number and type of centrifuges Iran builds,” it said.

Along with curbs on stocks of enriched uranium and limits on centrifuges, western countries are worried about Iran’s Fordow enrichment facility. Because its enrichment

halls are buried 91 metres underground they are harder to bomb, should the West or Israel ever decide they needed to take military action. Among the conditions for an interim deal would therefore likely be continuous monitoring at Fordow, including using remotely controlled cameras.

WIDER INTERNATIONAL INSPECTIONS With the primary concern for now being the speed of breakout, the West has also been pushing for greater access by IAEA inspectors so they could detect any shift to a weapons program before it was too late to stop it. That would include at a minimum Iran signing the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which gives IAEA inspectors greater access and information and enhances its ability to detect undeclared nuclear activities, including at any so far undiscovered sites.

Even then, concerns remain about other parts of Iran’s nuclear program, including its Arak nuclear reactor, expected to come onstream by mid- to late next year. While there is nothing in the NPT to prevent Iran building the reactor for electricity, it could theoretically yield plutonium for nuclear bombs. As a result, both the United States and Israel are watching it warily, largely because once it does become operational it would be impossible to bomb it without causing huge environmental damage. Any interim deal could try to convince Iran to postpone operations at Arak until the nuclear dispute is resolved.

Finally, even if an interim agreement were reached to slow or suspend Iran’s nuclear program, the process would have a long way to go before a final settlement, including clearing up lingering Western anxieties about Iranian weapons research. Although a 2007 US intelligence assessment said Iran had likely suspended what it said was its weapons program in 2003, an IAEA report in late 2011 suggested that some weapons-related research activities may have continued after 2003 up until 2009. Among other details sought by the West is information on past nuclear weapons research, including access to scientists. — Reuters

Merkel: pastor’s daughter to most powerful woman

By Deborah Cole ngela Merkel, an unflappable pastor’s daughter, cemented her title as the world’s most powerful woman Sunday, triumphantly romping home to a third term as German chancellor. Her position going into the election had already been so strong that she often seemed to transcend politics, simply ignoring her opponent Peer Steinbrueck along the way.

But her historic victory in Sunday’s vote was a personal triumph, bringing home the conservatives’ top score since reunification in 1990 and nearly capturing an absolute majority. She becomes only the third postwar chancellor to secure a third term, alongside fellow conservatives Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl, the father of national unity. This month a giant billboard went up at Berlin’s main train station featuring only a picture of the 59-year-old chancellor’s hands folded in her trademark diamond-shape gesture. Quite simply, the mighty Merkel was the message.

After eight years at the helm of the top European economy, and three as the go-to leader in the eurozone crisis, Merkel was rewarded for navigating the country through the turmoil and leaving it stronger than before. But abroad, angry protesters have marched through the streets of Athens, Lisbon and Madrid blaming her for national budget cuts they say are choking off desperately needed economic growth, some even brandishing caricatures of Merkel in Nazi garb. “I am determined to see Europe emerge stronger from the crisis,” she intones regularly. “Germany can only be strong with a strong Europe”.

During a widely criticized campaign virtually devoid of real substance, observers complained that Merkel

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lulled the prosperous country into a false sense of security 23 years after its joyful reunification. “Merkel perfectly embodies the sensibilities of the Germans in the early 21st century,” the publisher of the influential weekly Die Zeit, Josef Joffe, wrote last month. “You don’t have to expect any threatening new tacks from her, no tough decisions for or against. She is perfectly predictable in her flexibility and the risk-averse electorate loves it.

Merkel is us, and we are Merkel.”

Her late biographer Gerd Langguth found a “sphinxlike quality” in her, allowing Merkel to quietly triumph in the most unlikely circumstances. Merkel dispensed with rivals in her conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) despite being a misfit in a party of mainly Roman Catholic family men from the wealthy southwest. A twice-married childless Protestant raised in communist East Germany, she has become the unchallenged conservative leader of her generation.

SWABIAN HOUSEWIFE The girl born Angela Kasner in 1954 left Hamburg in then West Germany a few weeks after her birth when her Protestant preacher father decided to tend to the flock in the East. Locals remember her fierce intellect and discretion as a Christian in a totalitarian state. She earned a physics doctorate, married and divorced fellow student Ulrich Merkel, and stayed out of politics until the Berlin Wall fell in 1989.

In 1990 she joined the CDU and won her first parliamentary seat. Then chancellor Kohl made her minister for women’s issues and later environmental affairs, and bestowed on her the fond but patronizing nickname “the girl”. But in 2000, the frumpy newcomer rose to the head of the CDU when she alone had the courage to tell

Kohl to quit as party chairman over a slush fund scandal. In 2005 she unseated Social Democratic (SPD) chancellor Gerhard Schroeder after seven years in power, becoming Germany’s first female chancellor as well as its youngest. She is also the only woman to lead a major European power since Margaret Thatcher of Britain.

During her first term, Merkel presided over a loveless “grand coalition” between the conservatives and their traditional rivals, the SPD. Her decisive victory in the 2009 vote allowed her to drop the SPD in favor of the smaller, pro-business Free Democrats, but her junior ally crashed out Sunday sending Merkel back to a right-left tie-up.

Forbes magazine has named her the world’s most powerful woman for seven out of the last eight years.

Critics say her science background leads her to scrutinize the minutiae and at times dither, which in the euro crisis has left ailing European partners to twist in the wind. Rivals also find her chameleon-like qualities exasperating. Merkel was a staunch defender of nuclear power until Japan’s Fukushima disaster in 2011, prompting a dizzying about-face that has seen her pledge to phase out all of Germany’s nuclear power reactors by 2022. A lover of German opera, French red wine and walking holidays in the Italian mountains, Merkel has repeatedly pointed to the iconic Swabian housewife-a paragon of thrift and self-control-as her model. She shuns the trappings of power, wearing boxy trouser suits, spending precious free weekends in her spartan dacha north of Berlin, and doing her own shopping at a discount supermarket. She remarried in 1998. Her chemist husband Joachim Sauer so rarely appears in public that he is nicknamed “The Phantom of the Opera”. — AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

S P ORTS

Wenger to recall Bendtner

Suarez ‘chomping at the bit’

Player breaks three teeth

LONDON: Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is set to play his first competitive game for Arsenal in over two years tomorrow as Arsene Wenger rotates his squad for the Capital One Cup. The Dane last played for the Gunners in their 2-0 Premier League defeat by Liverpool in August 2011 but is likely to make his 100th league appearance for the side he joined eight years ago in the third-round match at West Bromwich Albion.

“We have a Capital One Cup game at West Bromwich Albion tomorrow and I will rotate the team, of course.

Nicklas Bendtner has a chance to be involved,” Wenger said in an email to Arsenal fans yesterday. Bendtner, who has spent loan spells at Sunderland and Italian champions Juventus since last appearing for Arsenal, has not scored for the Gunners since bagging a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient 30 months ago.

Wenger also confirmed that midfielder Jack Wilshere will be rested for the match at the Hawthorns to help him recover for Saturday’s league game at Swansea City. “Jack Wilshere will not play. Normally I would have rested him on Sunday and I decided to take him off because he was a bit exhausted towards the end,” said Wenger.—Reuters

LONDON: Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez is ‘chomping at the bit’ to return for Liverpool this week after the expiry of a 10-match ban for biting, manager Brendan Rodgers said yesterday.

Suarez is available for tomorrow’s Capital One (League) Cup tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford after being suspended for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April.

“It has been a really difficult time for him not playing games,” Rodgers told reporters yesterday. “How he has prepared himself over the last number of weeks has been fantastic. He’s really chomping at the bit to help the team,” added the manager.

“Everyone knows the depth of his quality and his attitude. Once he gets back on the field again he will show what he has shown since he’s been here.”

Rodgers did not confirm Suarez would start although he is expected to partner on-form striker Daniel Sturridge against United.

“The two of them will be a very strong partnership. I’m sure Suarez will be ready to be thrown back in,” defender Kolo Toure told the Liverpool Echo.

“He has been very difficult to defend against in training. He is a winner. He’s always working hard and fighting. You want those kind of players.” —Reuters

BUENOS AIRES: Argentinos Juniors midfielder Gaspar Iniguez broke three teeth when he prevented Cristian Erbes of Boca Juniors from launching a counterattack by beating him to the ball with his head.

Iniguez dived to head the ball when it was barely a few centimetres off the ground believing he could get there before Erbes two minutes from the end of the 0-0 draw in the Argentine “Inicial” championship on Sunday.

“In a gesture of impressive bravery...(Iniguez) dived head first to cut out a counter-attack...He crashed into (Erbes’) boot and suffered three broken teeth,” the club said yesterday on their website (www.argentinosjuniors.com.ar).

They said he would have surgery on his teeth late yesterday. Erbes went to kick the ball as Iniguez made his dive and the incident also caused the Boca Juniors player a minor leg injury, local media said. Both sides were trying to keep pace with leaders Newell’s Old Boys. The draw left Argentinos in joint third place three points behind Newell’s and Boca a point further back after eight matches. — Reuters

Woods ‘very satisfied’ with five-win of season ATLANTA: Tiger Woods ended his 2013 PGA Tour campaign with an unimpressive tie for 22nd at the Tour Championship on Sunday but, in all likelihood, will earn Player of the Year honors which are to be announced late next week. Though he has not been at his best in the last three FedExCup playoff events, the world number one has piled up five victories on the US circuit this season, three more than anyone else.

“Very satisfied,” Woods said of his golfing year after closing with a three-under-par 67 for a level-par total of 280 in the PGA Tour’s season finale at East Lake Golf Club. “I had a number of chances to win some tournaments. I won five, which is, I think, a pretty good year. I’ve done that a few times over the course of my career. “I wish I would have been a little more consistent in some of the events, but overall, to add to the win total for the year, it’s always a good thing,” said the American, who failed to contend at East Lake after opening with scores of 73 and 71.

Asked to assess his own credentials in the PGA Player of the Year race, Woods replied bluntly: “Well, look at the fact that I had five wins this year, so I think that’s a pretty good year.”

His main challengers for that accolade are Masters champion Adam Scott and British Open winner Phil Mickelson, who have both triumphed twice on the 2013 PGA Tour, but Woods is widely expected to secure the players’ vote for an 11th time.

Woods, who has not won a major title since the 2008 US Open, conceded he had fared badly in some of the biggest tournaments of the year, especially over the weekends.

“I’m always looking to improve and become more consistent day-in and day-out,” the 14-times major champion said.

“There’s certainly some weeks where I was just off. “I always wish I could play a little bit more consistent and have a chance each and every time I tee it up. That’s the intent. It doesn’t always work out that way. But overall ... I think it’s been a really good year.” Woods teed off in the final round at East Lake a distant 14 strokes off the lead, his sole objective being to shoot the lowest score possible and then see where that took him.Wearing his trademark red shirt for the last day of a tournament, he was fortunate to par the opening hole after he pulled his approach way left and watched his ball hit tree branches to drop straight down into a greenside bunker.—Reuters

Stenson wins Tour Championship ATLANTA: Henrik Stenson held his nerve to fend off a lastday charge by Jordan Spieth and win the season-ending Tour Championship by three shots on Sunday, along with FedExCup honours and the mind-boggling $10 million bonus.

Four strokes in front overnight in the fourth and final playoff event, Stenson saw his lead briefly cut to one on the back nine before he birdied the 15th on the way to his fourth title on the US circuit, and his second of the year.

The Swede, one of five players who came into this week knowing that victory would automatically secure him the playoff crown, signed off with a two-under-par 68 on a sunsplashed day at East Lake Golf Club for a 13-under total of 267. PGA Tour rookie sensation Spieth, seeking his second victory of the year, closed with an eight-birdie 64 to finish in a tie for second at 10 under with fellow American Steve Stricker (65).

“Wow, it’s been a great week and obviously a great playoffs for me,” a beaming Stenson said after being presented with both trophies following his wire-to-wire victory. He also won the Deutsche Bank Championship earlier this month. “It’s been a great season, a great summer. This is going to sink in over the coming days. What better way to go into a month-long break than this?”

Stenson, the first European player to win either trophy up for grabs at East Lake, will earn a combined $11.44 million for his week as the Tour Championship purse amounts to $1.44 million. “That’s a fair amount,” the 37-year-old Swede told reporters, after a brief pause to reflect on the numbers. “But it’s definitely the second thing to me right now. “Having these two trophies, with my fourth time (to win) on the PGA Tour and then to be the FedExCup champion, that means a whole lot more to me than the money.”

American Webb Simpson carded a best-of-the-day 63 to secure fourth place in the elite 30-player field at nine under, a stroke better than compatriot Dustin Johnson (69).

FedExCup points leader Tiger Woods, a distant 14 strokes off the pace overnight, ended his 2013 PGA Tour campaign with a three-under 67 in a tie for 22nd at level-par 280.

The final round all boiled down to Stenson and whether his nerve and overnight lead would hold up as he chased the biggest payday of his career.

He safely parred the first, despite ending up in the right rough off the tee, but his lead was cut to three when playing partner Johnson sank a slick, 15-foot birdie putt at the parfour third. Though Johnson bogeyed the fifth and sixth to slide back, Spieth began to apply pressure on Stenson with

three successive birdies from the seventh.

However the Swede struck a superb approach to three feet at the seventh to pick up his first shot of the day, then parred the next two holes to hold a commanding five-stroke advantage at the turn.

Stenson also birded the 11th, draining a 10-footer, but Spieth continued to charge with a sizzling run of four consecutive birdies from the par-four 13th to move two shots off the pace. The Swede was certainly feeling the pressure and he bogeyed the 14th after finding rough off the tee, overshooting the green with his approach and missing a 25footer for his lead to be cut to one.

But Spieth stumbled with a bogey at the 17th after hit-

ting his approach into a plugged lie in a greenside bunker and Stenson regained a three-stroke cushion with a birdie at the par-five 15th, where he got up and down from behind the green. Stenson almost holed his bunker shot for an unexpected birdie at the par-four 16th, his ball finishing inches from the cup, then parred the last two holes to end his PGA Tour campaign on a lucrative high note.

“I’m just really happy with the way I stuck in there because it didn’t feel the best today by far,” said the Swede, a seven-times winner on the European Tour who will rise to fourth in the world rankings yesterday. “To go out there and still shoot two under around a tough golf course is still a good score and a good accomplishment.”— Reuters

ATLANTA: Henrik Stenson of Sweden celebrates with the FedExCup on the 18th green after winning the Tour Championship. — AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

S P ORTS

Athletics overpower Twins OAKLAND: Coco Crisp hit a three-run homer, and Daric Barton and Jed Lowrie each had solo shots as the Oakland Athletics wrapped up their second straight AL West title while overpowering the Minnesota Twins 11-7 Sunday.

The A’s, who had MLB’s fourth-lowest opening day payroll at about $65 million, clinched their 16th division crown and 25th postseason appearance when Texas lost 4-0 at Kansas City earlier.

Sonny Gray (4-3) gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings. Oswaldo Arcia homered and drove in six runs for Minnesota. Cole De Vries (01) was the loser.

CHICAGO: Shortstop Andrelton Simmons No. 19 of the Atlanta Braves (right) throws to first base to turn a double play on a ground ball hit by Darwin Barney No. 15 of the Chicago Cubs after forcing out Brian Bogusevic No. 47 at second base during the seventh inning. —AFP

Braves clinch NL East title CHICAGO: The Atlanta Braves clinched their first NL East title since 2005, then rode two homers by Andrelton Simmons to a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs that touched off a wild party in the cramped visitors’ clubhouse at Wrigley Field.

The game was in the sixth when Washington lost 4-2 to Miami in a doubleheader opener, giving the Braves the division championship. There were a few highfives in Atlanta’s dugout when the Marlins won, and a couple of Braves fans did the tomahawk chop in the stands.

Simmons hit a solo drive in the fourth and a two-run shot in the eighth, giving him 17 homers on the year. Julio Teheran (13-8) struck out seven over six innings of one-run ball. Edwin Jackson (8-17), who leads the major leagues in losses, allowed three runs and eight hits in six-plus innings.

BREWERS 6, CARDINALS 4 In Milwaukee, Norichika Aoki scored three times and doubled home a run as Milwaukee beat sloppy St. Louis hours after the Cardinals clinched a playoff berth.

Wily Peralta (11-15) gave up five hits and walked five in five-plus innings for the Brewers. The Cardinals put the go-ahead run at the plate with two outs in the ninth, but closer Jim Henderson got slugger Matt Adams to strike out to end the game and earn his 26th save.

St. Louis learned earlier it was assured of at least an NL wild card after Washington lost its doubleheader opener against Miami.

However, the Cardinals weren’t sharp on the field. Starter Joe Kelly (9-5) had one of two errors in the Brewers’ two-run second.

REDS 11, PIRATES 3 In Pittsburgh, rookie Billy Hamilton got three hits and stole two more bases as Cincinnati tied Pittsburgh for the NL wildcard lead at 89-67.

Jay Bruce hit a three-run double and Todd Frazier followed with a homer that capped a five-run burst in the first against Jeff Locke (10-7). Bronson Arroyo (14-11) allowed three runs and five hits in five innings to win for the first time since Aug. 24.

MARLINS 4, NATIONALS 2 In Washington, Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich homered for the Marlins in a doubleheader opener after the Nationals honored retiring manager Davey Johnson with a 15-minute pregame celebration.

Tom Koehler (4-10) allowed two runs and three hits in six innings, and Steve Cishek pitched a perfect ninth to tie a team record by converting his 27th consecutive save chance.

Dan Haren (9-14) lost to Miami for the third time this year, giving up three runs and eight hits in six innings. Wilson Ramos’ ninth-inning grounder bounced off a leg of

third baseman Chris Coghlan for a gameending error that allowed pinch-runner Eury Perez to score from third for Washington. The Nationals earned a split in the doubleheader that left them five games back in the NL wild-card race with six games left.

Rafael Soriano (3-3) pitched a scoreless ninth inning to win Washington’s regularseason home finale, and Denard Span drove in three runs. Jayson Werth off Sam Dyson (0-2) leading off the ninth, and Perez pinch ran and stole third with one out.

Coming back from right forearm tightness, Stephen Strasburg allowed three runs and six hits in six innings and left with a 4-3 lead. Stanton hit a tying double off Tyler Clippard in the eighth.

METS 4, PHILLIES 3 In Philadelphia, Wilfredo Tovar hit a tworun, seventh-inning single in his major league debut, putting the Mets ahead for good at 3-2.

LaTroy Hawkins earned his 100th career save and 12th this season by striking out Jimmy Rollins to end it. Trying to stop a streak of four straight fourth-place finishes in the NL East, the Mets completed a threegame sweep and tied the Phillies for third.

Carlos Torres (4-5) allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings to beat Cliff Lee (14-7), who gave up three runs - two earned - and eight hits in seven innings.

Before the game, the Phillies said they were removing the interim tag on manager Ryne Sandberg.

DODGERS 1, PADRES 0 In San Diego, Adrian Gonzalez scored an unearned run and Zack Greinke combined with three relievers on a two-hitter for the NL West champions.

Andrew Cashner (10-9) had a two-hitter into the seventh when Gonzalez singled with one out, Matt Kemp struck out and Michael Young doubled off the right-field wall. Will Venable bobbled the ball, and Gonzalez came home after initially being held by third base coach Tim Wallach.

JP Howell (4-1) pitched a perfect sixth, and Kenley Jensen struck out the side in the ninth for his 27th save. Los Angeles leads the major leagues with 21 shutouts.

DIAMONDBACKS 13, ROCKIES 9 In Denver, Matt Davidson hit a three-run homer for the second straight day as Arizona hung on after opening leads of 7-1 in the third and 13-5 in the ninth.

Colorado’s Michael Cuddyer was 3 for 5, raising his league-leading average to .334.

Todd Helton, who is retiring at the end of the season, had four RBIs to raise his total to 1,402. Each team had 19 hits.

Will Harris (4-1) got the final two outs of the fifth. Juan Nicasio (8-9) gave up seven runs, seven hits and two walks in 2 1-3 innings.—AP

RAYS 3, ORIOLES 1 In St. Petersburg, Enny Romero combined with five relievers on a three-hitter in his major league debut, two days watching Tampa Bay’s 18-inning win at home in the Dominican Republic and tweeting he was ready to pitch the following afternoon.

The 22-year-old left-hander allowed one hit and four walks in 4 2-3 shutout innings. Brandon Gomes (3-1) followed and struck out Manny Machado with a runner on second.

Tampa Bay remained a half-game ahead of Cleveland in the AL wild-card race, and Texas dropped 11/2 games behind the Indians for the second berth, with Kansas City trailing the Indians by 31/2, the Yankees by four and Baltimore by 41/2 entering the final week. Scott Feldman (5-5) gave up three runs and six hits in 6 1-3 innings.

INDIANS 9, ASTROS 2 In Cleveland, Michael Brantley and Michael Bourn had two RBIs apiece as Cleveland became the first team since the 1961 Yankees to sweep six four-game series in the same season.

Carlos Santana homered for the Indians and Corey Kluber (10-5) dodged trouble throughout 5 1-3 innings. Houston lost its season-high ninth straight and fell to a major league-worst 51-105.

Erik Bedard (4-12) lost for the ninth time in 10 decisions.

ROYALS 4, RANGERS 0 In Kansas City, Justin Maxwell ended Kansas City’s home season with a two-out grand slam in the 10th off former Royals All-Star closer Joakim Soria. Eric Hosmer hit a two-strike double leading off the 10th against Neal Cotts (5-3). Soria intentionally walked Billy Butler, and an infield single by Salvador Perez loaded the bases. Tim Collins (3-6) pitched a perfect 10th.

GIANTS 2, YANKEES 1 In New York, after honoring Mariano Rivera in a pregame ceremony and celebrating Andy Pettitte’s last regular-season home start, the Yankees saw their AL wild-card hopes dim.

But Ehire Adrianza tied the score in the sixth with his first career home run. Leaving to standing ovations and a curtain call after Pedro Sandoval’s leadoff double in the eighth, Pettitte (10-11) watched Tony Abreu hit a go-ahead double off David Robertson.

New York is danger of missing the playoffs for just the second time in 19 years. Javier Lopez (42) relieved Yusmeiro Petit with two on and one out in the seventh and struck out two, and Sergio Romo pitched a hitless ninth for his 36th save.

WHITE SOX 6, TIGERS 3 In Detroit, the Tigers fell short in their effort to clinch the AL Central during their final homestand, as their magic number for the division title

OAKLAND: Daric Barton No. 10 of the Oakland Athletics stretches to force out Brian Dozier (not pictured) of the Minnesota Twins at first base during the seventh inning. —AFP remained at two. Erik Johnson (2-2) allowed two runs and nine hits in 6 2-3 innings in his fourth career start, and the White Sox held on a day after blowing a six-run, ninth-inning lead in a 7-6 loss in 12. Anibal Sanchez (14-8) yielded four runs and eight hits in five innings, his first defeat since July 19.

Prince Fielder homered for the Tigers. Detroit was without slugger Miguel Cabrera, who has been bothered by groin soreness.

MARINERS 3, ANGELS 2 In Anaheim, Justin Smoak hit a tiebreaking two-run homer and Felix Hernandez had 10 strikeouts in a four-inning start - a game delayed twice by bees.

Both teams retreated to their dugouts during a 23-minute delay in the third inning when a

RED SOX 5, BLUE JAYS 2 In Boston, David Ortiz and Jackie Bradley Jr. homered and Felix Doubront (11-6) gave up two runs and four hits over seven innings in his last start before moving to the bullpen for the playoffs. RA Dickey (13-13) pitched a six-hitter with a season-high 11 strikeouts in his third complete game this year.—AP

MLB results/standings Cleveland 9, Houston 2; San Francisco 2, NY Yankees 1; Chicago White Sox 6, Detroit 3; NY Mets 4, Philadelphia 3; Boston 5, Toronto 2; Miami 4, Washington 2; Cincinnati 11, Pittsburgh 3; Tampa Bay 3, Baltimore 1; Kansas City 4, Texas 0 (10 innings); Atlanta 5, Chicago Cubs 2; Seattle 3, LA Angels 2; Oakland 11, Minnesota 7; La Dodgers 1, San Diego 0; Arizona 13, Colorado 9; Washington 5, Miami 4; Milwaukee 6, St. Louis 4.

American League Eastern Division W L Boston 95 62 Tampa Bay 86 69 NY Yankees 82 74 Baltimore 81 74 Toronto 71 84 Central Division Detroit 91 65 Cleveland 86 70 Kansas City 82 73 Minnesota 65 90 Chicago White Sox 61 94 Western Division Oakland 93 63 Texas 84 71 LA Angels 76 79 Seattle 68 88 Houston 51 105

PCT .605 .555 .526 .523 .458

GB 8 12.5 13 23

.583 .551 .529 .419 .394

5 8.5 25.5 29.5

.596 .542 .490 .436 .327

8.5 16.5 25 42

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

National League Eastern Division 92 63 84 72 71 84 71 84 57 99 Central Division 91 65 89 67 89 67 69 86 65 91 Western Division 90 66 79 76 72 83 72 84 71 86

.594 .538 .458 .458 .365

8.5 21 21 35.5

.583 .571 .571 .445 .417

2 2 21.5 26

.577 .510 .465 .462 .452

10.5 17.5 18 19.5

Meyer: S. Africa must focus on win CAPE TOWN: South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has told his players to ignore the need to get a bonus point in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with Australia at Newlands and simply concentrate on winning the game.

The Springboks trail leaders New Zealand by four points going into the final two games and will want to match their result in Argentina at the weekend ahead of a potential title decider against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Oct. 5.

“I have told the players to focus on the basics and forget about the bonus point,” Meyer told a news conference yesterday. “We can’t look past this game, if we don’t at least win it then we are out of the championship.

“There are a lot of scenarios but if you try to work them all out, add and subtract bonus

points, then you lose focus on what is important which is working hard on our own game.”

South Africa scored a record away victory in Australia earlier this month when they triumphed 38-12 in Brisbane and the expectation from fans is that bonus-point win will be matched on Saturday.

Meyer praised the Wallabies backline and pack of forwards but also promised an attackminded approach that has helped his team become the leading point-scorers in this year’s competition. “We will play positive, attack and hopefully score tries. I have been very proud of our attacking level this season,” he added.

“We have scored the most tries and recently recorded our highest winning margins against Argentina and Australia away and that speaks

Fever, Lynx advance to WNBA conference finals INDIANAPOLIS: The Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx Advanced to their WNBA conference finals after sweeping their respective three-game semifinals series.

Tamika Catchings had 18 points and 12 rebounds as the Indiana Fever advanced with a 79-57 victory over the Chicago Sky in the Eastern Conference on Sunday.

Erlana Larkins added 14 points and Shavonte Zellous scored 10. The Fever will play at either Atlanta or Washington in Game 1 of the conference finals on Thursday.

The defending champion Fever were the only WNBA team to reach the playoffs with a losing record. But Indiana took advantage of Chicago’s poor shooting to defeat the Sky for the fifth straight time.

Sylvia Fowles led the Sky with 14 points. Epiphanny Prince scored 10 points, and WNBA Rookie of the Year Elena Delle Donne added 10 points, but was scoreless in the second half.

At Tacoma, Washington, Seimone Augustus hit a 15foot jump shot with 21.1 seconds left as Minnesota held off Seattle 58-55 in the Western Conference.

Maya Moore scored 22 points and Rebekkah Brunson had 15 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota, which won the WNBA title in 2011 and lost to Indiana in last year’s finals.

Tina Thompson had 13 points and nine rebounds for Seattle in the final game of her 17-year career. The 38year-old is the WNBA’s career scoring leader and won four league titles with Houston.

Minnesota opens the Western Conference finals against the winner of the Los Angeles-Phoenix series, which will be decided late yesterday.—AP

swarm of bees invaded the outfield at the Big A, hovering over right-centerfield near the wall.

Bees briefly delayed the game again in the fourth inning before they dispersed.

CJ Wilson (17-7) pitched eight-hit ball into the ninth inning but lost for the first time since July 5 against Boston, ending a streak that saw him go 9-0 over 13 starts. Oliver Perez (3-3) struck out the side in the fifth after relieving Hernandez.

for itself.” What could scupper the Springboks’s bonus-point effort on Saturday is the unusually wet September in Cape Town that could make the ground soft and the ball slippery in the hand. “It is not something I am worried about,” said Meyer. “The 2015 World Cup [in England] will probably be wet so in the back of your mind you also think it might actually be good to plan for that.”

The coach added South Africa might make one or two changes from the side that lost to New Zealand in controversial circumstances last time out.

Lock Flip van der Merwe, centre JJ Englebrecht and prop Gujthro Steenkamp need fitness tests later this week to determine if they will be fit.—Reuters

UCI presidency duel to cast shadow over the rainbow

ROSEMONT: Indiana Fever guard Briann January (left) fouls Chicago Sky forward Swin Cash during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal series. —AP

FLORENCE: The battle for cycling’s prestigious rainbow jersey could be overshadowed at the world road championships this week by a duel between the men bidding to lead the sport into a new, doping-free era.

A little over a year after the Lance Armstrong affair left cycling in tatters, incumbent International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid’s bid for a third mandate faces a stiff challenge. McQuaid and the UCI have been in the firing line since Armstrong was handed a lifetime ban from the sport, in August 2012, after being charged with using illicit, performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career.

McQuaid succeeded Dutchman Hein Verbruggen in 2005 and although he is credited with boosting the sport’s fight against doping, the Irishman has fallen out of favour with the sport’s stakeholders in recent months. British cycling federation president Brian Cookson has emerged to challenge him and, after months of nasty politicking by both parties, the Englishman is expected to be voted the UCI’s next man in charge on Friday.

Before then, men and women from the junior to elite categories will compete in road races and time trials with the first elite event the men’s time trial tomorrow.

Germany’s Tony Martin has won the past two editions and, after helping his professional team Omega-Pharma to the team title on Sunday, is confident of making it a hat-trick

on the same 57.9 km course from Montecatini Terme to Florence. “I’m pretty optimistic for tomorrow’s race now. This win is good for my morale,” said Martin. “I’ve got the experience to do well and want to do well.”

Notably standing in Martin’s way is Olympic time trial champion Bradley Wiggins, who has yet to win a world title in the event.

Wiggins, the 2012 Tour de France champion, warmed up with overall victory in the Tour of Britain on Sunday while former fourtime champion Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland and American Taylor Phinney are also in the mix. While organisers have set mainly flat courses for the time trials, the road races are held on undulating courses which begin in different cities in the region but which all end in Florence.

On paper, the courses suit the peloton’s ‘punchers’-strong all-rounders who are particularly impressive on hilly courses with uphill finishes. With a total 2,800 metres of elevation gain on the 272.26 km men’s course on Sunday, hosts Italy are putting all their efforts behind 2013 Giro d’Italia champion Vincenzo Nibali.

“It’s a hard course, but not too hard,” said Italy team manager and former classics specialist Paolo Bettini. Although Gilbert, Britain’s Chris Froome and Spaniard Joaquim Rodriguez will be gunning for road race gold on Sunday, one name perhaps stands out from the rest: Peter Sagan.—AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

S P ORTS

Smith true winner of ‘dirtiest race’ in history LONDON: If anti-doping regulations had been strictly enforced, Calvin Smith, a gifted American sprinter with a distinctive upright style, would have left the 1988 Seoul Games as the Olympic 100 metres champion and world-record holder.

On the day that changed the face of the Olympics and his sport forever, Smith finished fourth behind Ben Johnson, Carl Lewis and Linford Christie. Today he is the only man among the first five finishers in Seoul untouched by a drugs scandal.

“I should have been the gold medallist,” Smith has said of a race that has been variously described as the dirtiest and most corrupt in history.

“Throughout the last five or 10 years of my career, I knew I was being denied the chance to show that I was the best clean runner,” he told journalists. “I knew I was competing against athletes who were on drugs.”

Canadian Johnson was infamously hustled out of Seoul after testing positive for the steroid stanozolol following his victory in a world-record 9.79 seconds.

Lewis, who clocked 9.92 seconds, was promoted to the gold medal ahead of Britain’s Christie who then took the silver in front of Smith. Lewis’s time was eventually recognised as the official world record when Johnson’s mark of 9.83 seconds, set at the 1987 Rome world championships, was also erased.

Johnson’s time in Rome was an astonishing tenth of a second faster than Smith’s then world record of 9.93 seconds set at altitude in 1983. Smith won consecutive world 200 metres titles but never a global 100 gold.

In the popular mythology of the time Lewis, a glorious sprinter and long jumper who won four gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, was the clean-cut hero and Johnson a scowling villain.

It was an image Lewis was keen to foster.

“In the old Westerns they had the guy in the white hat and the black hat,” Lewis said years later. “I felt like the clean guy going out and trying to win, I was the guy in the white hat, trying to beat this evil guy.”

Not everybody warmed to Lewis and his incessant self-promotion coupled with a holier-than-thou attitude to drugs offenders. The sceptics felt vindicated when it was revealed in 2003 that Lewis had failed three drugs tests for stimulants during the 1988 Olympic trials.

Under the rules of the time he should have been banned from the Games but the results were covered up by the US Olympic Committee after it accepted his plea that he had innocently taken a herbal supplement.

Christie failed a test for the stimulant pseudoephedrine after the final but was cleared on a split decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) medical commission when he argued that he had taken it inadvertently in ginseng tea.

If Lewis had been banned from the Games and Christie disqualified, Smith would have been next in line for the gold medal and his world record would have stood once Johnson’s times were scrubbed from the books. The noise and furore at Seoul airport when Lewis and Johnson arrived for the Olympics resembled the frenzy associated with a world heavyweight prize fight featur-

ing Muhammad Ali. At the opening media conferences, Lewis was as articulate as always. Johnson, whose natural shyness was exacerbated by a stutter and an accent showing traces of both his native Jamaica and his adopted homeland, said little.

Johnson’s coach, the intense and ambitious Charlie Francis, was both fluent and relaxed while continuing to conceal an explosive back story which shocked the world when he revealed all to a Canadian government inquiry in the following year.

During the 1976 Montreal Games, Francis realised drugs were a vital ingredient in the East German success story and, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, formerly secret documents showed he was right. Francis also knew that drugs, which allowed athletes to train harder and longer, were only one element in a sophisticated programme but at the elite level, as he explained to Johnson, a one percent difference in performance meant a one-metre advantage in the 100 metres.

“Steroids could not replace talent, or training, or a well-planned competitive programme,” Francis said. “They could not transform a plodder into a champion. But they had become an essential ingredient within a complex recipe.”

In Seoul there were those who thought a bigger cheat than Johnson had gone unscathed. Florence Griffith-Joyner, who died 10 years after the Games at the age of 38, had been a glamorous and successful sprinter in the years leading up to Seoul but had always finished among the minor medals.

In 1988, her physique noticeably altered and her voice deepened dramatically, both signs of possible steroid abuse. “She sounds like Louis Armstrong,” exclaimed one journalist at her news conference in Seoul.

Of more enduring significance were the times she set in that unreal year. No woman, even 2000 Sydney Olympics triple champion Marion Jones who eventually confessed to years of systematic doping, has even come close to Griffith-Joyner’s times of 10.49 and 21.34 seconds for the 100 and 200 metres respectively. Griffith-Joyner announced her retirement in 1989, the year mandatory random drugs test were introduced. Eleven women’s world records in Olympic events remain unchanged since the 1980s.

Since Seoul, athletics, in general, and the sprints, in particular, have been battered by drugs scandals and the central sport of the Olympic Games has suffered increasingly in credibility as a result.

At the 2004 Athens Games, Justin Gatlin won the 100-200 double for the United States after serving a one-year ban following a positive test for amphetamines. The sentence had been halved when the world governing body accepted he had taken a prescribed medicine for attention deficit disorder. Two years later he again tested positive, this time for excessive levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, and was banned for eight years, later reduced to four. Gatlin worked with Trevor Graham, the coach who initiated a drugs scandal equivalent to the Johnson furore when he sent a syringe containing an undetectable steroid called THG to the U.S. AntiDoping Agency.—Reuters

SINGAPORE: Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany powers his car during the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix in this file photo. —AFP

Give Vettel his dues, not boos LONDON: To boo or not to boo? That was the question facing Formula One fans after Sebastian Vettel’s runaway Singapore Grand Prix victory was greeted with jeers as well as cheers. For the third race weekend in a row, Red Bull’s triple champion heard rejection as well as acclaim as he stood sweaty and triumphant on the podium ready to spray the winner’s champagne.

Why the fans were booing, and whether they should be condoned or condemned for doing so, triggered debate after the race but paddock insiders agreed the German was not being given his dues.

Singapore showed the world a champion and a team at their most dominant, working as one and to the best of their abilities in a sport that has always mixed fierce rivalry with mutual respect.

Former grand prix racer Martin Brundle, who carried out the post-race podium interviews and turned to the crowd to quieten them when he heard the booing, felt Vettel had suffered an injustice.

“I was really amazed to hear some of that booing going on, it has become the default (setting) and it’s wrong because the guy has just put in a stunning sporting performance,” the Briton told Sky Sports television.

Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 champion who has suffered boos and racist abuse in the past, agreed: “He’s on his way to his fourth world championship and he needs all the credit he deserves”, he told reporters.

Vettel and team principal Christian Horner blamed Ferrari fans who had also booed the driver on the Monza podium two weeks earlier and had wanted to see the Italian team’s Fernando Alonso in first place. That may have been the case but there were other explanations.

“Different people have got different issues

but the feedback I’m getting is they don’t like seeing one driver dominating. They see Michael Schumacher II going on,” said Brundle.

“But what can you do? He’s just absolutely in a groove, in a class of his own. We should be celebrating that brilliance and hoping somebody else can start to match it.

“It’s about excellence and delivering something of the highest level in sport. That’s why people travel across the world to come and see this race...they’re looking for excellence and he’s giving that to us. What he’s not getting is any competition,” added Brundle.

Vettel has won the last three world championships and, still only 26 years old, looks certain to become the youngest driver to win four - probably as early as next month.

His dominance, in a car that is the pick of the field, has been crushing since the end of the European summer break and he has now won seven of the 13 races.

For some it is too much, a return to the days when seven-times champion Schumacher set record after record and racked up five titles in a row for Ferrari between 2000 and 2004.

German Schumacher was also subjected to booing during his career, most notably in Austria in 2002 and Indianapolis in 2005, but on both those occasions the fans felt cheated of a real race thanks to team orders or a mass boycott.

There may be those who cannot forgive Vettel for ignoring team orders in Malaysia and depriving Australian team mate Mark Webber of what might well have been his last F1 victory. It could equally be that, at new destinations lacking an established motor racing culture, Formula One is drawing a crowd more familiar with football and its tribal allegiances.—Reuters

Photo of the day

Competitor performs at Red Bull Ger Get It in Kazbegi mountain area.— Georgia www.redbull.com

Photographer won Johnson’s trust before Seoul Olympics NEW YORK: Standing shirtless on the training track, Ben Johnson looked at me, then dropped his running shorts. He stared at me, apparently willing me to take a picture and prove I was just another paparazzo desperate to get a sensational shot of the world’s most famous athlete ahead of the Seoul Olympics. I stared back but did not put my camera to my face. Training over, Johnson told me everything was fine and I could come back and watch him train as often as I liked. I had, it seemed, passed the test and won his trust.

Johnson, who generally distrusted the media, completely opened up that July, telling me what time he would train each day, showing up on time and taking me inside his private world, to the weight room and massage room.

Toronto, where I was working, was also Johnson’s home. Knowing that pictures of him, the world champion and world-record holder, would be published the world over I had set out to try to get exclusive time with him while he prepared for Seoul. With the help of sports journalist Mary Jollimore, who had been writing about Johnson for a number of years, I was able to spend time at the Toronto Track and Field training centre with him and his fellow sprinters Desai Williams, Mark McKoy and Angela Taylor.

By the time Johnson arrived in Seoul in September the interest in the men’s 100 metres, and his clash with American Carl Lewis, had attracted the level of attention usually reserved for a heavyweight title fight.

In the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Lewis had won the gold medal with Johnson taking the bronze. At the 1987 world championships in Rome, Johnson won the 100 with a world-record time of 9.83 seconds while Lewis placed second. The stage was set for their South Korean showdown.

Johnson’s arrival at Seoul airport was fitting for a rock star and the media horde was one of the largest I have ever seen. The crowd encircled him and followed him to his waiting car. I somehow ended up on the hood of his car with my face pressed against the windscreen as he clearly laughed at me. For the first three days in Seoul, Johnson trained at a secret location that he had told me about. It was another great opportunity to have him to myself. The world’s media eventually found him and he switched his training sessions to the practice track adjacent to the athletes’ village so everyone could easily watch his workouts.

The first week of the Games is something of a blur to me and I remember little other than American diver Greg Louganis hitting his head on the springboard, I was focused so much on Sept.

24, the day the 100 metres final was to take place.

While trying to stay impartial I believed that my fellow Canadian was going to win in a spectacular way. Williams also made it to the final so I was doubly happy.

The race, the first Olympic 100 metres final I would cover, was set for 1.30 p.m. on a Saturday.

For photographers, the day began at about 6 a.m. when the stadium opened to us. Quite simply, if you did not get to the stadium then, you would not get to photograph the race from the spot you wanted.

Ben Johnson in action in this file photo.

Our Reuters crew was small, with only five photographers compared to the 12 we had covering Usain Bolt at the London Olympics last year.

We placed one photographer at the start, one at the side of the finish line, two head-on to the finish line and one on the elevated platform looking straight down lanes 4 and 5, perfectly centred between Johnson in lane 6 and Lewis in lane 3.

Looking back, photographing a 100 metres final in 1988 seems so simple compared to what we do now. As we were using film, there no special technology involved. The cameras we used were slow compared to today’s ones which shoot 14 pictures a second. In 1988, each photographer used one camera and one roll of film that contained 36 pictures, giving the editor a maximum of 180 pictures to select from.

In London, we had 12 photographers shooting the race along with another 12 remote cameras producing thousands of images all because of the advancement of digital cameras and networking technology. After hours of waiting and photographing the morning athletics session in Seoul, the time came for the final. Eight sprinters lined up in the starting blocks to see who the fastest man in the world was going to be.

I was positioned on the side of the finish line.

My job was to produce a picture showing how far the winner won the race by.

I pre-focused my camera on lane six, Johnson’s lane. There was no auto focus in 1988 so in order to ensure I had a picture of him in focus, I set my camera to a spot and waited for him to run through it.

The gun went off and about nine seconds later Johnson was in my viewfinder. What was unexpected was that I saw him but not anyone else. How could a runner in a 100 metres race be so far

ahead? In the moment of shooting it seemed like Johnson ran through my viewfinder and then the rest of the field did. In reality, the photo that I captured had Johnson on the right side of the frame with Lewis, Linford Christie and Calvin Smith on the left edge and a lot of empty track between them. A quick look at the clock showed a time of 9.79 seconds. Johnson was the first person to run a sub 9.80 race. The celebrations that followed were short-lived. By early Monday, the Canadian Olympic Association was dealing with a positive drug test on Johnson’s ‘A’ sample. When my phone rang in the early hours, I knew before I answered it that there was only one reason for such a call Johnson had been caught doping.

Johnson left Seoul pursued by a media horde even larger than the one when he arrived.I have always referred to the second week of the Seoul Olympics as my lost Olympic week. I do not remember anything that happened. I continued to cover the athletics but in reality the story of the Games had moved to Toronto where Johnson returned home.

Pictures of Johnson washing his Ferrari Testarossa car with the license plate 9.83 for his world-record time set in Rome were what the world’s media were publishing on their front pages, not the competition at the Olympics.

I returned home and sought out Johnson, finding him back at the training facility in Toronto doing what he did best, running.

The race will stay with me forever. It was an event that lived up to its hype, excited the world and produced an extraordinary world record, if only for 48 hours, and it still stands out as one of the most exciting events I have photographed in 35 years of covering sport.—Reuters

Oracle refuses to surrender America’s Cup, Kiwis struggle SAN FRANCISCO: A formidable Oracle Team USA is making an America’s Cup comeback against Emirates Team New Zealand that

last week looked all but impossible.

The team owned by software billionaire Larr y Ellison won Sunday’s two scheduled races on

SAN FRANCISCO: Emirates Team New Zealand competes against Oracle Team USA during the 34th America’s Cup. —AFP

San Francisco Bay, refusing to give up the one final victory that the Kiwis need to take the Cup home.

With momentum clearly on its side, Oracle now needs to win another four races against New Zealand, which has lost four in a row since its last victor y on Wednesday.

In Sunday’s first race, Oracle had the edge at the starting gun, then pushed New Zealand toward the course boundary line before rounding the first mark. It used this advantageous position to open a lead that the Kiwis were unable to close, despite closing to within a boat length on the third leg.

With both teams struggling to find wind on San Francisco Bay, Oracle finished 23 second ahead in the relatively slow race. In the day’s second matchup, New Zealand continued to struggle to outmaneuver the increasingly agile Oracle team.

New Zealand dominated the early matches of the final, which began Sept. 7, and appeared poised to easily reclaim the trophy they lost in 2003. But Oracle has made changes to its boat and improved its teamwork, and now the two teams now appear remarkably even.

“We are going to get more out of the old girl,” said Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill. “We worked very, very hard last night and found some extra wheels.”

New Zealand’s point advantage over Oracle has fallen to 8-5 in the best-of-17 series. Last Wednesday, Oracle had just one point. Racing is scheduled to continue on Monday and every day until there is a winner. Uncooperative weather conditions on the bay wreaked havoc on the race schedule last week and most recently forced the postponement of two races scheduled for Saturday. —Reuters

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

S P ORTS

Kenseth bags 2nd Chase race LOUDON: Matt Kenseth just might win a championship with a touch of dominance, not dullness. Kenseth has firmly defended the style of his 2003 championship, stating his one-win season in the final year before NASCAR made the move to the playoff-style Chase format was as meaningful as all the titles collected by Jimmie Johnson or Tony Stewart.

He probably won’t have to justify anything about his Cup run this season. There are plenty of checkered flags. Kenseth made it 2 for 2 in the Chase, holding off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch to win Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

He followed his win in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship opener at Chicagoland with his series-high seventh victory of the season. Kenseth made his 500th career start and built a 14-point lead over Busch before the series shifts to Dover. One win or seven, Kenseth will take a title any way he can. “If you’re fortunate enough to win a championship, or another championship, I don’t think there’s a bad way to win it,” he said. “I know it still gets brought up because it was the last year without the Chase and we won once race. But I was real proud of what we did that year. It was tough to accomplish.”

Kenseth was paired with owner Jack Roush for more than a decade and won 22 races, a pair of Daytona 500s and the 2003 championship. He’s having a career year in his first season at JGR, obliterating his previous season best for wins - 5 in 2002.

“I don’t feel like I’m necessarily a better driver than what I was last year,” he said.

“Certainly, things are different.” Just a little bit.

His gamble to change teams has been a success, and Kenseth’s eyes glistened as tears rolled down his cheeks in Victory Lane. He reached for a big white towel to wipe them away. Neither side could have expected this kind of run.

“We’ve known Matt for a long time but, in all reality, we wouldn’t have guessed seven wins,” team President J.D. Gibbs said.

Kenseth was anxious heading into New Hampshire because it had long been one of his worst tracks. He might have calmed down had he checked this season’s results from some of the other tracks where he traditionally struggled: Four of his seven wins in 2013 are at tracks where he was winless.

Kenseth and Busch made it a 1-2 finish for Joe Gibbs Racing and helped the organization win for the fifth time in the last seven races dating to Busch’s win at Watkins Glen in August. Kenseth won at Bristol, Busch took Atlanta and Kenseth won the last two.

Kenseth joins Greg Biffle (2008) and Tony Stewart (2011) as the only drivers to win the first two Chase races. Stewart went on to win the title.

Kenseth moves on in the No. 20 Toyota to Dover, where he’s a two-time winner. He led 29 laps there earlier this year before an engine failure ended his day.

“For me to win at Loudon, it’s more than a stretch, more than a dream,” Kenseth said.

“This is probably one of my worst places. This just shows you how good this team is.”

Chase drivers filled six of the top 10 spots.

Biffle was third and Johnson fourth. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sixth and Carl Edwards ninth. Jamie McMurray was the highest nonChase finisher in fifth place.

JGR, with Busch, in the past has dominated the regular season, but dropped off considerably once the Chase began. Now they’ve carried their success into the Chase and are a credible 1-2 threat to give Toyota its first Sprint Cup title.

Busch is nipping at Kenseth and said the 20 “lucked into one” last weekend. He blamed a poor restart for losing at New Hampshire.

“That’s good that we’re both up there like that,” Busch said. “We’re pushing each other hard and we’re pushing the competition, too.”

While NASCAR has been smacked with scandal, Kenseth has quietly gone under the radar doing what he does best: winning races.

He has 31 wins in 500 starts.

He joined Richard Petty as the only NASCAR driver to win in his 500th career start. It was easy to spot Kenseth’s No. 20 Toyota - and not just because it was the only car in Victory Lane. JGR slapped an oversized “500th Start” logo on the front of the hood.

Chase drivers took spots 13-17: Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman and Clint Bowyer. Kevin Harvick was 20th and Kasey Kahne slammed the inside wall with 48 laps left and was 37th.

Kenseth took the lead from Bowyer with 92 laps left. Martin Truex Jr., whose future is in limbo after NAPA dropped its sponsorship of Michael Waltrip Racing in the wake of the NASCAR scandal at Richmond, led 98 laps and was 10th Johnson, a five-time champion, is 18 points behind Kenseth. Edwards, Biffle and Harvick are all within 39 points of the leader.

Johnson has seven wins at Dover and could use an eighth to stay a contender for a sixth championship.

Johnson had some fun with Kenseth on Twitter, writing, “Congrats @mattkenseth.

Careful though, you keep winning like this and they’ll start booing you.” Odds are Kenseth will take it. — AP

LOUDON: Matt Kenseth, driver of the No. 20 Home Depot / Husky Toyota, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sylvania 300. — AFP

England will go after Aussies with bounce, says Hussain LONDON: Australia’s batsmen could be fed a diet of bouncers after England named Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett and Boyd Rankin in their Ashes squad yesterday, said former test player Nasser Hussain.

The tall quartet of pacemen are all capable of bowling at speeds in excess of 90-mph and will find the hard wickets to their liking when the test series starts in Brisbane in November. “ We have seen some of the Australian players, their captain Michael Clarke in particular, not play the short ball that well. So they want to go after them with bouncy bowlers,” former England skipper Hussain told Sky Sports television.

“That’s why they have selected this side. It’s full of bounce. You have got Broad, you have got Finn, you have got Rankin, you have got Tremlett.”

Hussain, who now works as a Sky commentator, said he would have preferred some variety in the selection with the inclusion of swing bowler Graham Onions. “I personally would have liked to have seen Onions,” the 45-year-old explained. “Just a different type of bowler, just in case you do need a line and length bowler in case Jimmy Anderson gets injured.”

The returning Tremlett, who played his last test against Pakistan in January 2012, tormented the home batsmen by snapping up 19 wickets when England last toured Australia.

The selectors caused a minor surprise by choosing Michael Carberry, who played his only test in Bangladesh in 2010, as the reserve opening batsman instead of Nick Compton.

The 30-year-old Compton hit two centuries in New Zealand in March before briefly losing form and missing out on the five-match Ashes series England won 3-0 at home.

“Congrats to all selected for Ashes.

Disappointed to miss out. Honoured to have been a part of a successful year for England cricket,” said the Somerset batsman on his Twitter feed.

Hussain, who played 96 tests for England, agreed Compton was unlucky not to be chosen as backup to captain Alastair Cook and Joe Root. “Compton will be sitting there today shaking his head saying, ‘ What have I done wrong?’,” said Hussain.

“He’s done nothing wrong really.

He’s got a couple of hundreds when he played and he’s gone away and got runs since. “I think they think Compton puts a little bit too much pressure on Cook. When those two bat together it’s a bit too rigid, a bit too one-paced.

“Compton blocking it puts pressure on Cook so they have gone for more of a dynamic one -day style player.

Carberry doesn’t block it ... he goes after it.” Hussain believes it will be difficult for Compton to get back in the squad in the future. “Never say ‘never’ but he’s gone away and got runs and that’s not been good enough,” he said.

“All he’s got to do next year is get even more runs. “There is still a small question mark about Root at the top of the order.” England, who named wicketkeeper Matt Prior as their vice-captain despite having Twenty20 skipper Broad in the squad, will play three warm-up games before the first test starts on Nov. 21. — Reuters

SLOVENIA: French players celebrate on the podium after winning the EuroBasket championships basketball final match between France and Lithuania. — AFP

France wins first major title LJUBLJANA: An inspired France won their maiden basketball title in any major competition after overwhelming Lithuania 80-66 in an enthralling European championship final on Sunday.

Thriving on long-range shooting and effervescent performances by the tournament’s most valuable player Tony Parker, Portland Trailblazers guard Nicolas Batum and forward Boris Diaw, the French finally touched the pinnacle after finishing as runners-up in 1949 and 2011.

“It’s very emotional as I’ve been chasing this for ten years,” 31-year old Parker, who marshalled his team with the authority of a treble NBA champion, told the France 2 television channel.

“We have made history because the first title is always the most beautiful. I received so many messages of support this morning and I didn’t want to disappoint people. The great (semifinal) victory over Spain boosted our confidence for this match.” Although the San

Antonio Spurs playmaker at times struggled with mid-range jump shots, he carved out the supply routes with incisive passing, while Batum nailed one perimeter shot after another and forward Boris Diaw did the damage in the paint on both ends of the court. A fired-up Batum, who endured a patchy tournament and averaged only 11 points per game up to the final, found his range and sank 17 in the first half as France turned a 22-19 first-quarter deficit into a 50-34 halftime lead.

Forward Linas Kleiza carried the Lithuanians with 16 points early in the game but lack of support from back-court players pegged back the 2003 winners as they also got muscled off the boards by an athletic French outfit who picked up 17 rebounds more than their rivals.

France built a 76-56 lead with three minutes left and set the tone for celebrations in the Stozice Arena, with Parker netting a pair of auda-

cious lay-ups in the closing stages to put the icing on the cake and throw the French fans into raptures.

He finished the game with 12 points, Diaw chipped in with 15 and six rebounds while Batum could take the foot off the gas pedal as the rest of the French team joined the party, with 10 of their 12 players getting on the scoresheet. “What we’ve just done is amazing,” Batum, who finished with 17 points and six rebounds, said in a courtside interview.

“We fought, we never gave up. French basketball needed that and it’s pure rapture.” Diaw added: “This is what we managed to achieve after a decade of building and hard work. We never doubted our ability and always had the confidence we could go all the way.” Earlier on Sunday, 2011 winners Spain, who will host next year’s World Cup, strolled to the bronze medal with a 92-66 rout of Croatia. — Reuters

Berdych, Gasquet eye Thailand title BANGKOK: Defending champion Richard Gasquet and world number six Tomas Berdych will attempt to make the most of Andy Murray’s absence from this week’s Thailand Open as the battle to reach the season-ending Tour finale heats up. The withdrawal of the Wimbledon champion, who undergoes back surgery later yesterday, is a major blow for tournament organisers but a golden opportunity for a clutch of players seeking points to reach November’s ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Czech player Berdych is fifth in the race to London-which features the season’s top eight players-while Gasquet is in ninth place. Canada’s Milos Raonic is also in the mix as the tour starts its Asian swing. In the course of a breakneck few weeks, there are also events in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai, before the players return to Europe for the final stages of the season.

Frenchman Gasquet, 27, returns to Bangkok where he lifted the trophy in 2012, sweeping aside compatriot Gilles Simon in the final.

The second seed will hope to carry the momentum to Thailand from a run to the US Open semi-finals, where he lost to eventual champion Rafael Nadal. Raonic, ranked 11, who reached the quarters in Bangkok last year, will be hoping Murray’s absence opens the way for a genuine title shot to add to his solitary singles win this season in San Jose. The Canadian third seed changed coaches in the spring, taking on Croatia’s former top-five player Ivan Ljubicic, who has urged his new charge to improve his allround game, which is often overly reliant on his ferocious serve. Since making the change, Raonic has made the final of the Montreal Masters, reached the second week of the US Open and this month played a major role in unfancied Canada’s narrow Davis Cup semi-final loss to Serbia.

“I think I’ve improved a lot of things, I’m playing quite a different way,” said the 22-year-old.

“That’s the way I need to keep playing if I want to achieve what I want to achieve.”

Fresh from helping his country swat away Argentina in the Davis Cup semi-finals, Berdych, 28, is playing in Bangkok for the first time since 2008, when he lost a semi-final to Novak Djokovic. He arrives as the highest-ranked player and top seed. The top four seeds all receive byes into the second round. — AFP

JAPAN: Angelique Kerber of Germany returns a shot against Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor of Spain during their second round match in the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament. —AFP

Kerber advances at Pan Pacific Open TOKYO: Angelique Kerber of Germany advanced to the third round of the Pan Pacific Open by beating Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor 6-0, 61 yesterday. The fifth-seeded Kerber took advantage of five double-faults to defeat TorroFlor at Ariake Colosseum.

In other second-round matches, seventhseeded Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic beat Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 7-5, 6-4, and Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic defeated eighth-seeded Roberta Vinci of Italy 7-5, 6-4.

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia advanced to the second round with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Annika Beck of

Germany. The No. 11-seeded Ivanovic lost the first game of each set but bounced back with six straight games to beat Beck.

Ayumi Morita was one of three Japanese players to advance to the second round.

Morita had six aces in a 7-6 (4), 6-3 win over Laura Robson. Also, Misaki Doi rallied from 5-3 down in the third set to beat Varvara Lepchenko 6-7 (3), 6-0, 7-5 and Kimiko DateKrumm defeated Australian qualifier Anastasia Rodionova, who retired due to an abdominal injury in the second set with Date-Krumm leading 6-2, 4-1. — AP

England recall Panesar for return Ashes Tests LONDON: England recalled troubled left-arm spinner Monty Panesar yesterday and named three uncapped players in a 17-man squad for the return Ashes test series in Australia that starts in November. Panesar, fined by police in August for urinating in public, has been England’s back-up slow bowler in recent years but has been overlooked since winning his 48th test cap against New Zealand in March.

Lancashire left-armer Simon Kerrigan was picked alongside Graeme Swann for the fifth and final Ashes test at the Oval last month.

“There is a very strong management in that side to help all aspects of it. He (Panesar) appreciates he has made errors and he is very sure those errors are behind him,” national selector Geoff Miller told reporters. “He is very prepared to let his bowling to do the talking for himself. I am prepared to accept that.” Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance, Warwickshire pace bowler Boyd Rankin and Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes, yet to play in the longer format, were also selected on Monday.

Monty Panesar Surrey pace bowler Chris Tremlett, who tormented Australia the last time England toured Down Under, and opening batsman Michael Carberry, who played his only test in Bangladesh in 2010, were included. Opener Nick Compton, who hit two centuries in New Zealand in March before losing form, failed to even make the

England performance squad that will be based in Australia during the Ashes and provide extra backup to the main squad if required.

Paceman Graham Onions, who was part of the squad during the home tests, missed out as the selectors preferred Steven Finn, Tremlett and Rankin. England, who won the last Ashes series 3-0, will play three warm-up games before the first test in Brisbane starting on Nov. 21.

All-rounder Tim Bresnan, still recovering from a stress fracture of his lower back, is to travel to Australia and the England coaches will monitor his fitness progress. “He will go out with the squad... when the time is right Andy (Flower) will look at that and decide whether he can stay with the squad if necessary or transfer into the Performance Programme,” Miller said. Squad: Alastair Cook (captain), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Monty Panesar, Gary Ballance, Michael Carberry, Boyd Rankin, Steven Finn, Ben Stokes, Chris Tremlett. — Reuters

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

S P ORT S

Interpol lauds capture of match-fixing mastermind SINGAPORE: Law enforcement agency Interpol lauded the work of Singapore authorities yesterday for arresting the ‘mastermind’ of the world’s largest soccer match-fixing syndicate thought to be worth millions of dollars. Interpol secretary general Ron Noble did not reveal the identity of the ringleader arrested by Singapore’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) last Tuesday but it is believed to be Singaporean Tan Seet Eng. Italian prosecutors have accused Tan, also known as Dan Tan, of heading an organisation to fix soccer matches worldwide and Italian police issued an arrest warrant for him earlier this year.

“I’m confident that Singapore law enforcement authorities have arrested the mastermind and leader of the world’s most notorious match-fixing syndicate,” Noble told reporters in Singapore.

“It is significant because this syndicate is considered the worlds largest and most aggressive matchfixing syndicate with tentacles reaching every continent and the mastermind was someone many believed was untouchable.” The ‘mastermind’ was

one of 14 people arrested, 12 men and two women, and investigated under the Prevention of Corruption Act on suspicion of being part of an organised crime group involved with match-fixing. Yesterday, the ministry of Home Affairs said nine of the 14 had been released on bail while the other five were still being questioned.

The five, who could not be named, can be held for a maximum of 16 days from arrest, according to section 44 of the Criminal law ( Temporary Provisions) Act. European police shone a spotlight on Southeast Asia in February when they announced a Singapore-based syndicate had directed match-fixing for at least 380 soccer games in Europe alone, making at least eight million euros ($10.81 million).

A further 300 suspicious matches were identified in Africa, Asia and Latin America including qualifying games for the World Cup and European Championships, and the Champions League for top European club sides. Singapore was criticised for failing to hand over Tan to Italian prosecutors earlier this year but the Southeast Asian citystate does not

hold an extradition treaty with Italy.

Noble defended Singapore, which jailed three Lebanese match officials for attempting to fix a regional match in June, and cited the need for lengthy communications and translations for the delay. “I was very, very proud of Singapore because for so many years Singapore has been criticised for not investigating when in fact the evidence wasn’t sure with Singapore because of the ongoing criminal investigations in Europe,” he said.

“I was really proud that Singapore conducted this investigation on its soil, using its own laws and resources and we were able to bring some of the people to justice.”

Last week’s arrests came a day after another match-fixing scandal hit the world’s most popular sport, with Australian police smashing a multi-million dollar fixing ring centred on a second tier domestic league. Australian police charged six men and said the operation, which embroiled the head coach and a number of players at Victoria Premier League team Southern Stars, had links with syndicates in Malaysia and Hungary.

Elsewhere, El Salvador banned 14 internationals for life for match-fixing on Saturday, including some of their best known and most experienced players.

“There isn’t a country or region that is immune from it,” Noble said. “You are seeing more and more investigations being broken around the world and I believe what we are going to do is we are going to find out that other people talked about this syndicate being important, was important, we will be taking on other syndicates around the world.

“Syndicates that are doing business to the tune of $1 or 2 billion a year in terms of illegal betting and or match-fixing.” Noble, who was in Singapore to check on progress of the building of the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore which will be completed next year, said the work of smashing these multi-million dollar syndicates was never ending. “I believe that fighting match-fixing and corruption in sports is a life long battle and just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t going on,” he said. “It is the kind of crime that if you don’t investigate it all of the time it will just blow up in your face and it is never going to go away.” — Reuters

Barcelona to host struggling Sociedad

Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo may be losing untouchable status ITALY: There is likely to be a certain amount of suspense in the air when the Juventus bench raise the substitution board during tomorrow’s Serie A visit to Chievo.

In each of the last two league matches, coach Antonio Conte has done the unthinkable and removed playmaker, leader and all-round team inspiration Andrea Pirlo from the field.

He was taken off with 25 minutes of Sunday’s game still to go and with the outcome anything but settled as Juventus led Hellas Verona 2-1, which turned out to be the final score.

Having been substituted only once during the whole of last season’s triumphant campaign, another early exit tomorrow could indicate that, at 34, Pirlo might be starting to lose his untouchable status.

Pirlo, whose beard gives him a startling resemblance to American actor Chuck Norris, has enjoyed a second wind since moving to Juventus two years ago from AC Milan, masterminding two successive Serie A title-winning campaigns.

During that time, he has pulled all the strings in midfield, nonchalantly spraying passes around the field and dictating the rhythm of the team from his favoured position just in front of the Juventus defence.

He has also played a part in Italy’s revival under Cesare Prandelli and in June received the ultimate accolade when he had his name chanted by the fickle and notoriously hard-to-impress Maracana crowd during the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

But now there are signs that, with Juventus again battling on two fronts in Serie A and the Champions League, Pirlo might find himself being rotated like every-

one else.

Juventus have plenty of alternatives in midfield with Claudio Marchisio back from injury, Frenchman Paul Pogba rapidly improving and irrepressible Chilean Arturo Vidal.

There have even been instances of Pirlo getting caught in possession and giving the ball away. Pirlo’s reactions will also be under scrutiny after he went straight down the player’s tunnel after his substitution on Sunday, earning a black mark from Conte.

“I will tell Andrea that when he leaves the field after being substituted, he must remain on the bench and wait for his team mates,” Conte said after the game. “The good thing is that he has rested for 25 minutes and will be ready for Verona.”

Juventus, one of five unbeaten teams after four games of the new season, are level on 10 points with Fiorentina and Inter Milan and two behind leading pair AS Roma and Napoli.

Rafael Benitez’s Napoli should make it five wins out of five when they host Serie A debutants Sassuolo, who have yet to collect a point and were thrashed 7-0 at home

by Inter on Sunday. Roma, also with a perfect record from four games, visit Sampdoria, who have two points.

Inter, a different team from the one which finished ninth last term, host Fiorentina in the most attractive of tomorrow’s games.

“The players seem to be proud wearing this shirt. When you win you feel you’re part of an ideal,” said club president Massimo Moratti. “We’ve spent intelligently, bringing in lots of youngsters who have come in for criticism but are showing how talented they are.”—Reuters

Monaco out to extend stay at top PARIS: Ligue 1 pace-setters Monaco will aim to build on Sunday’s battling 1-1 draw at defending champions Paris Saint-Germain when they host Bastia tomorrow.

Monaco were second best at the Parc des Princes but came away with a point in the first meeting between France’s two biggest spenders, to open up a two-point lead at the top of the table. Claudio Ranieri’s side welcome 10th-place Bastia to the Stade Louis II as part of a full programme of midweek fixtures in France, leaving Monaco just three days to recover from Sunday’s trip to the capital. “It’s a very good point to pick up. It was a difficult match against an excellent Paris team,” said Monaco midfielder Mounir Obbadi of the draw in the capital.

“Now, we have to recover very quickly because we play again (on Wednesday) against Bastia, another very difficult match,” added the Moroccan.

Monaco are one of the league’s two remaining unbeaten sides, along with PSG, and 60-million-euro ($81 million) striker Radamel Falcao has adapted well to life in Ligue 1, having netted five goals in six matches, including the equaliser on Sunday.

“Both teams tried to win and had their chances. In the end it was a draw. The most important thing for us is that the result keeps us top of the standings,” said Falcao.

“We’re making strides as a team.

Personally, I’m especially happy to have scored because we stay first,” added the Colombian. PSG, who climbed a spot to sec-

ond after surpassing Saint-Etienne on goal difference, travel to lowly Valenciennes, who have lost five in a row following their lone victory on the opening weekend of the season. France midfielder Blaise Matuidi praised Monaco’s display on Sunday but conceded the Parisians felt they should have won and vowed that PSG would bounce back at the Stade du Hainaut. “Monaco showed they have a good team, even if I thought we were better than them (on Sunday). We’ll hope to return to winning ways with a victory at Valenciennes on Wednesday,” said Matuidi.

Despite netting a fifth-minute opener, Zlatan Ibrahimovic endured a difficult evening against Monaco, spurning several chances to add to his haul, and echoed Matuidi’s sense of regret.

“We’re disappointed because we should have won the match. We played at home and we had a lot of chances. We scored but made an error for their equaliser and we paid for it,” said the Swede, whose goal was just his second of the campaign.

“This season there’s more pressure on us.

We’re the champions and everyone wants to beat us.” Ibrahimovic’s partnership with club record signing Edinson Cavani again failed to sparkle, but the former stressed the need for patience. “My understanding with Cavani? It’s coming, it’s coming,” said Ibrahimovic. PSG will be without captain Thiago Silva, who could be out for several weeks, after the Brazilian defender sustained a thigh injury at the weekend. —AFP

MADRID: Two of Spain’s four Champions League participants go head-to-head for the first time this season when Barcelona host Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou today.

The Basques have had an unhappy time since securing qualification to the Champions League for the first time in a decade with an impressive 4-0 aggregate victory over Lyon.

Jagoba Arrasate’s men have taken just two points from three league games against Levante, Atletico Madrid and Malaga since and were also beaten at home Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League opener. However, captain Xabi Prieto is confident that despite going to arguably the toughest venue in Spain, they can turn things around quickly. “We can’t always score four goals.

Indeed, we have had clean sheets in five of the eight games we have played and this in the longterm in a good thing,” he told the club’s website.

“We are making chances and if we continue to do so then the goals will arrive. “After five games we have six points, it is not a crisis situation, but it is obvious that we would like to have more points and we believe we can do more. “Now we have to concentrate on Barcelona who are a fantastic team and even more so in their own stadium, but we go there believing we can achieve something.”

By contrast, Barcelona have started the league season with five straight wins and started to show signs of their best form with consecutive 4-0 victories over Ajax and Rayo Vallecano in the past week.

Gerardo Martino’s men could be further boosted by the return of club captain Carles Puyol for the first time this season after he took a full part in training on Sunday. Sergio Busquets will definitely return after being rested for Saturday’s stroll against Rayo, whilst Andres Iniesta and Dani Alves should reclaim their place in the side having started that match on the bench. Pedro Rodriguez is expected to retain his place in the front three alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar after scoring a hat-trick at the weekend. Neymar is somewhat surprisingly still looking for his first league goal in Spanish football, but Martino insisted the young Brazilian is not fazed by that stat as he showed by unselfishly squaring for Pedro to complete his hat-trick against Rayo.

“He is very intelligent, he knows how to recognise what is best for the team,” he said. “For Pedro’s third goal he could have scored himself but he had the necessary vision to give him the ball.”

With Barca playing 24 hours ahead of Real Madrid, the Catalans could be five points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s men who travel to face Elche tomorrow. Gareth Bale is a major doubt for Real having missed out on his home debut in the 4-1

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi win over Getafe on Sunday after picking up a slight muscular problem in the warm-up.

Sergio Ramos should be fit to take his place in the Real side after being rested at the weekend, whilst Iker Casillas is also expected to take his place on the bench after suffering a bruised rib in the 6-1 thrashing of Galatasaray last week.

Real trail not only Barcelona by two points, but also city rivals Atletico Madrid as they have made a fantastic start to life without Radamel Falcao. And Los Rojiblancos can ensure they go into Saturday’s Madrid derby at the Bernabeu with victory over struggling Osasuna at the Vicente Calderon today.—AFP

Internacional fans taunt Dunga during home defeat BRAZIL: Internacional coach Dunga was told his job was safe despite being taunted by his team’s own supporters during a 1-0 home defeat by Portuguesa in the Brazilian championship.

The former Brazil coach had to endure chants of “Goodbye Dunga” as his side, playing almost the entire second half with 10 men, lost for the second time in four days.

In other matches on Sunday, former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho inspired South American champions Atletico Mineiro to a 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama while Sao Paulo were beaten by a freak goal at Goias.

Internacional, fifth with 34 points from 23 games, left themselves an uphill struggle after defender Indio was sent off in the 48th minute for clashing with an opponent.

They managed to hold out until the 85th minute when Wanderson scored a breakaway goal to give relegation-threatened Portuguesa their first away win of the championship.

“We will stay together until the end of the year, the team staff will be maintained,” club president Giovanni Luigi told Radio Bandeirantes, saying there was no question of Dunga being fired. “It was our worst game of the year and we know that,” Dunga told reporters. Dunga was insulted with chants of “donkey, donkey” during a previous home game but shrugged it off by praising donkeys as “hard-working animals.”

Ronaldinho set Mineiro on their way with a back-heeled pass for Fernandinho to open the scoring in the second minute before his free kick was deflected into his own net by Rafael Vaz in the 18th. Dakson pulled one back for Vasco in the 73rd minute with a shot which went through the legs of Mineiro goalkeeper Victor.

Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni was left cursing his luck when a 30 metre free kick from Rodrigo struck the post, hit him on the back and flew into the goal to give Goias a 1-0 win.

Leaders Cruzeiro (50 points) drew 0-0 at Corinthians and moved eight points clear of second-placed Botafogo, who lost 2-1 at home to Bahia. — Reuters

Internacional coach Dunga Today’s matches on TV Italian Calcio League Udinese v Genoa Aljazeera Sport HD 3

21:45

Spanish League

Atletico v Osasuna Aljazeera Sport HD 2

23:00

Malaga v Almeria Aljazeera Sport +4

23:00

French League

Levante v Valladolid Aljazeera Sport +4

21:00

Lille v Gaillard Aljazeera Sport HD 4

20:00

Barcelona v Sociedad Aljazeera Sport HD 2

21:00

Marseille v Etienne Aljazeera Sport HD 5

22:00

France wins first major title

Stenson wins Tour Championship

18

15

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Smith true winner of ‘dirtiest race’ in history

Page 17

MIAMI GARDENS: Miami Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carroll (28) tackles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game. —AP

Panthers maul Giants, Colts win CHARLOTTE: Cam Newton threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, and Carolina sacked Eli Manning seven times as the Panthers handed Tom Coughlin his worst defeat as coach of the New York Giants, 38-0 Sunday. It was the largest margin of victory in Panthers history.

The Panthers (1-2) allowed Newton to run out of the read option, which helped open up an offense that had been mostly stagnant this season.

Newton had 223 yards passing and threw two touchdown passes to Brandon LaFell and one to Ted Ginn Jr. He ran for 45 yards and his first TD of the season.

The Giants are in trouble: Of the 161 teams that have started the season 0-3 since 1978, only five made the NFL playoffs, according to STATS LLC. The Giants came in with only 73 yards rushing in their first two games and managed just 60 yards on the ground. Manning, under pressure all day long, finished 12 of 23 for 119 yards with two interceptions.

COLTS 27, 49ERS 7 In San Francisco, Andrew Luck threw for 164 yards and ran for a 6-yard touchdown while facing college coach Jim Harbaugh for the first time as Indianapolis defeated San Francisco.

Trent Richardson scored a 1-yard touchdown on his first carry in his Colts debut after being acquired on Wednesday from the Browns. He was drafted two spots behind Luck at No. 3 last year.

Ahmad Bradshaw added a 1-yard TD run in the final minutes, and Adam Vinatieri kicked a pair of field goals before missing a 51-yarder early in the fourth. But Luck came through again to give Indianapolis (2-1) more opportunities. It was Colin Kaepernick’s his first home loss at Candlestick Park as a starter.

Frank Gore ran for 82 yards after going for 60 total in his first two games, but there were few bright spots for Kaepernick as San Francisco (1-2) struggled to establish a passing game with tight end Vernon Davis sidelined by a hamstring injury.

BEARS 40, STEELERS 23 In Pittsburgh, Chicago’s defense forced five turnovers and scored twice, and the Bears beat Pittsburgh to remain unbeaten.

Major Wright returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, and Julius Peppers picked up Ben Roethlisberger’s fumble and raced 42 yards for a score in the

fourth quarter as the Bears (3-0) held off a late rally.

Roethlisberger completed 26 of 41 passes for 406 yards, and threw two touchdowns to Antonio Brown, but the Steelers fell to 0-3 for the first time since 2000 thanks to an avalanche of mistakes. Jay Cutler passed for 159 yards and threw a 17-yard touchdown strike to Earl Bennett with just under 6 minutes remaining to give the Bears breathing room after the Steelers trimmed a 21-point deficit to four.

PATRIOTS 23, BUCCANEERS 3 In Foxborough, Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes to Kenbrell Thompkins to lead New England to a one-sided win over Tampa Bay. Thompkins, an undrafted free agent, scored on plays of 16 and 5 yards in the first half. Aaron Dobson, a second-round draft pick, finished with seven catches for 52 yards. In their first two games, the rookies combined for just nine receptions.

The Patriots led 17-3 at halftime as the Buccaneers (0-3) wasted several opportunities. They turned the ball over twice on downs, Rian Lindell missed a 38-yard field goal attempt before making a 30-yarder, and Josh Freeman threw an interception to former Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib with 11 seconds left in the first half. The Patriots (3-0) have allowed just 34 points this season.

Freeman, who entered the game with a completion rate of 45.3 percent,

the worst in the NFL, completed only 19 of 41 passes for 236 yards. The Patriots held Doug Martin, who rushed for 144 yards a week earlier, to 88 yards on 20 carries.

BENGALS 34, PACKERS 30 In Cincinnati, Terence Newman returned a fumble 58 yards for a touchdown with 3:47 left, rallying Cincinnati past Green Bay in a game of wild momentum swings set up by nonstop turnovers.

Each team gave it away four times.

Each team returned a fumble for a touchdown - M.D. Jennings ran one back for Green Bay (1-2). The Bengals blew a 14-point lead, and the Packers let a 16-point lead get away in the second half. The Bengals (2-1) finished it off when Michael Johnson batted down Aaron Rodgers’ fourth-down pass at the Cincinnati 20-yard line with 1:21 left, ending a subpar showing for the quarterback.

The Bengals defense made the difference as Rodgers was 26 of 43 for 244 yards with a touchdown, but was sacked four times and threw two interceptions. Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton was 20 of 28 for 235 yards with two touchdowns, an interception and a fumble that Jennings returned 24 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, sparking Green Bay’s comeback. Dalton threw touchdown passes of 20 yards to A.J. Green and 11 yards to Marvin Jones, cutting the deficit to 30-28.

SAINTS 31, CARDINALS 7 In New Orleans, Drew Brees passed for three scores and scrambled for New Orleans’ first touchdown rushing of the season in a victory over Arizona.

The Saints quarterback was 29 of 46 for 342 yards, with two TD strikes to tight end Jimmy Graham and the other to Robert Meachem.

Brees was intercepted once by New Orleans native and former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu. That play ended a scoring threat, but only delayed the inevitable on a day when Arizona’s short-handed defense was little match for the prolific passing attack of the Saints (3-0). Arizona (1-2) had no answer for the 6-foot-7 Graham, who caught nine passes for 134 yards. Meanwhile, the Saints’ rejuvenated defense produced four sacks and two interceptions of Carson Palmer. The Saints hadn’t opened a season with three straight victories since 2009, when they went on to win the franchise’s only Super Bowl.

COWBOYS 31, RAMS 7 In Arlington, DeMarco Murray ran for 175 yards and a touchdown two years after torching St. Louis with a franchise record as a rookie, and Tony Romo threw for three scores in Dallas’ rout.

Murray had his first 100-yard game in more than a year.

The Cowboys (2-1) sacked Sam Bradford four times in the first half and had six overall after St. Louis (1-2) hadn’t allowed a sack in four games, dating to

NFL results/standings Baltimore 30, Houston 9; Carolina 38, NY Giants 0; Detroit 27, Washington 20; Tennessee 20, San Diego 17; New Orleans 31, Arizona 7; New England 23, Tampa Bay 3; Cincinnati 34, Green Bay 30; Dallas 31, St. Louis 7; Cleveland 31, Minnesota 27; Miami 27, Atlanta 23; NY Jets 27, Buffalo 20; Indianapolis 27, San Francisco 7; Seattle 45, Jacksonville 17; Chicago 40, Pittsburgh 23.

New England Miami NY Jets Buffalo Cincinnati Baltimore Cleveland Pittsburgh Houston Tennessee Indianapolis Jacksonville Kansas City Denver Oakland San Diego

American Football Conference AFC East W L T OTL PF 3 0 0 0 59 3 0 0 0 74 2 1 0 0 55 1 2 0 0 65 AFC North 2 1 0 0 75 2 1 0 0 71 1 2 0 0 47 0 3 0 0 42 AFC South 2 1 0 0 70 2 1 0 1 60 2 1 0 0 68 0 3 0 0 28 AFC West 3 0 0 0 71 2 0 0 0 90 1 1 0 0 36 1 2 0 0 78

PA PCT 341.000 531.000 50 .667 73 .333 64 .667 64 .667 64 .333 76 0

Dallas Philadelphia NY Giants Washington Chicago Detroit Green Bay Minnesota

82 .667 56 .667 48 .667 92 0

New Orleans Atlanta Carolina Tampa Bay

341.000 501.000 30 .500 81 .333

Seattle San Francisco St. Louis Arizona

National Football Conference NFC East 2 1 0 0 83 55 .667 1 2 0 0 79 86 .333 0 3 0 0 54 115 0 0 3 0 0 67 98 0 NFC North 3 0 0 0 95 741.000 2 1 0 0 82 69 .667 1 2 0 0 96 88 .333 0 3 0 0 81 96 0 NFC South 3 0 0 0 70 381.000 1 2 0 0 71 74 .333 1 2 0 0 68 36 .333 0 3 0 0 34 57 0 NFC West 3 0 0 0 86 271.000 1 2 0 0 44 84 .333 1 2 0 0 58 86 .333 1 2 0 0 56 79 .333

last season. It was the Rams’ longest streak since John Hadl was under center for a division champion in 1973.

Bradford went 29 for 48 and wasn’t intercepted. DeMarcus Ware had two sacks and broke Harvey Martin’s 30year-old franchise record of 114. The Rams had just 18 total yards in the first half compared to 96 for Murray. The Cowboys had 202 yards before halftime.

Romo, who had 217 yards passing, went 2 yards to Dez Bryant for the first Dallas score. He had a pair of 24-yarders in the second half to rookie tight end Gavin Escobar and Dwayne Harris. St. Louis avoided the shutout on Bradford’s 4-yard pass to Austin Pettis on fourth down late in the third quarter.

RAVENS 30, TEXANS 9 In Baltimore, Daryl Smith had a 37yard interception return for a TD, Tandon Doss took a punt 82 yards for another score, and Baltimore smothered Houston’s high-powered offense.

The Ravens (2-1) won despite playing without Ray Rice for the first time since 2008. The three-time Pro Bowl running back was replaced by Bernard Pierce, who ran for 65 yards and a touchdown. Houston (2-1) led 6-3 before Smith picked off Matt Schaub’s pass and took it into the end zone with 2:39 left in the first half. Less than two minutes later, Doss had his first punt return for a touchdown.

The Ravens haven’t allowed a touchdown in eight quarters since their season-opening 49-27 defeat in Denver.

Schaub went 25 for 35 for 194 yards and an interception. He played much of the second half without wide receiver Andre Johnson, who appeared to have an ankle or foot injury. Joe Flacco completed 16 of 24 passes for 171 yards for the Ravens.

LIONS 27, REDSKINS 20 In Landover, Matthew Stafford completed 25 of 42 passes for 385 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, and Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson both had 100 yards receiving for Detroit, which beat Washington on the road for the first time. The Lions (21) ended a 21-game streak against the Redskins, the second-longest in NFL history. Detroit’s last win away from home in the series came in 1935 against the Boston Redskins, two years before the move to Washington. Robert Griffin III and the defending NFC East champion Redskins fell to 0-3. The Lions got their insurance touchdown with 3:56 remaining on Stafford’s 11-yard pass to

Johnson. Washington pulled within seven with a field goal with 1:40 to play, but a desperation pass on the game’s final play fell incomplete.

Griffin completed 32 of 50 passes for 326 yards and had his fourth interception of the season, one shy of his 2012 total. The Redskins scored an offensive touchdown for the first time this season.

TITANS 20, CHARGERS 17 In Nashville, Jake Locker helped Tennessee end a skid against the San Diego that spanned two states and two decades. Locker threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to rookie Justin Hunter with 15 seconds left and the Titans rallied to beat the Chargers.

It was their first win over the Chargers for the franchise since 1992 when the team was in Houston and Titans coach Mike Munchak still was playing for the then-Oilers. The Titans (2-1) had lost nine straight to San Diego.

Locker ended the slide by completing seven passes to six receivers for 94 yards on the game-winning drive. He finished with 299 yards passing and ran for 68 yards. San Diego (1-2) led most of the game despite having four starters out because of injuries and lost a fifth to an injured foot in the first half.

The Titans outgained San Diego 452277 yards with Nate Washington catching eight passes for 131 yards. Chris Johnson ran 19 times for 90 yards.

DOLPHINS 27, FALCONS 23 In Miami Gardens, Ryan Tannehill lobbed a 1-yard touchdown pass to rookie Dion Sims with 38 seconds left, and unbeaten Miami rallied past Atlanta. The score capped a 13-play, 75yard drive after Atlanta’s Matt Bryant missed a 35-yard field goal attempt with 4:46 left. Jimmy Wilson intercepted Matt Ryan to seal the victory.

Miami fell behind 10-0 and 20-10 and trailed much of the game, but nonetheless improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2002. The injury-plagued Falcons, who were one play from the Super Bowl last season, fell to 1-2.

Tannehill finished 24 for 35 for 236 yards and two scores. He shook off two turnovers and five sacks, and was at his best at the end of each half. On the final drive, Tannehill went 8 for 11 for 69 yards and had two passes dropped.

Atlanta lost despite advantages of 24-16 in first downs, 377-285 in yards and 5-0 in sacks. Ryan threw for 231 yards, and in the absence of Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling combined for 139 yards rushing.—AP

Business TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Rules, low demand hinder Malaysian Basel III sukuk Page 22 Bumper orders in China, Europe signal recovery Page 23 CFC recognized as ‘Best Financing Company 2013’

New WTO chief makes his mark Page 25

Page 26

ATHENS: An elderly woman walks by a hearse during a mock funeral procession of the municipal police service, abolished by the government in Athens yesterday. The banner on the wreath reads ‘today we bury municipal police’. — AFP

Omar Alghanim named Businessman of the Year Arabian Business Magazine award KUWAIT: Omar Kutayba Alghanim, Chairman of Gulf Bank and CEO of Alghanim Industries, has won Arabian Business magazine’s ‘Businessman of the Year’ award. Alghanim received the award at a prestigious ceremony that took place at a gala dinner in the Arraya Ballroom - Courtyard Marriott, on Sunday, 22 September 2013. On receiving the award, Alghanim said: “I am very honored to receive this award tonight. This past year has been one of continued development. Gulf Bank is on a sound footing and well positioned for growth, and we are continuing to expand our interests at Alghanim Industries, notably with the sole partnership agreement with Honda announced in June, and our agreement with TOTO, which was announced last week. We have also been planning for the future, and through the work of INJAZ, I am sure that the young people of Kuwait and the region are better prepared to grasp the business opportunities that lie ahead of them.

“But none of this happens by itself, it depends on great advice and commitment from many people, and I have been fortunate to have exceptional management teams and advisors who are both knowledgeable and driven to ensure that the companies we run are world-class in the sectors in which they operate.”

Alghanim received the award in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer for his outstanding role in successfully building the Alghanim Industries brand into one of the region’s most

recognizable companies.

Originally founded in 1932, the company has developed into a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, employing over 14,000 employees in 30 businesses, and operating in over 40 countries across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Alghanim Industries is a market leader in almost every major sector of its operations, including engineering, retail, automotive sales and service, manufacture of insulation and pre-engineered building structures, logistics and warehousing, FMCG, office automation, advertising, insurance, consumer credit and travel. Alghanim is also Chairman of Gulf Bank, having been elected in March 2013, after serving as a Member of the Board since 2009. The Bank was recognized as ‘Bank of the Year’ by Arabian Business at the same ceremony. Gulf Bank, Kuwait’s second largest commercial bank, is known for its dedication and commitment to customer services and products, as well as its highly successful ongoing ‘We Promise’ campaign, which promises customers the best and fastest retail banking services in Kuwait.

Outside his core business responsibilities, Alghanim is also Chairman of the INJAZ MENA regional Board, and Chairman of INJAZ Kuwait, a major charitable organization which is committed to developing the skills and knowledge of young people in the region. Alghanim holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from New York University Stern School of Business and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS

Omar Alghanim, ‘Businessman of the Year’

Gulf bond market braces for deals DUBAI: The Gulf’s bond market is set to emerge from five months of near-inactivity after last week’s decision by the US Federal Reserve to maintain its monetary stimulus created a window for banks and corporations to raise cash. A total of $16.6 billion was raised on global bond markets last Thursday, a four-fold rise from the day before. The Gulf market’s reaction to the Fed will not be as dramatic, partly because - thanks to strong economic growth - most potential issuers in the region are liquid and do not need money urgently. Nevertheless, within hours of the Fed’s announcement two prospective Gulf issuers announced plans for investor roadshows, a sign they feel enough stability has returned to the market for deals to move ahead.

“After what the Fed said last week, it will give respite to the market and you should expect to see borrowers coming back and raising money in the coming weeks,” said Sebastien Henin, portfolio manager at The National Investor.

“We should have a very strong finish to the year.”

Selling in the Gulf’s secondary market for bonds over the last few months has created a good entry point into a market which is backed by healthy local economies and strong bidding by local investors, said Mohieddine Kronful, chief investment officer for global sukuk and regional fixed income at Franklin Templeton.

The companies which have announced roadshows, Saudi Basic Industries Corp and Abu Dhabi’s Al-Hilal Bank, are expected to attract a lot of interest among investors for particular reasons. Al-Hilal, which began marketing its debut offer on Sunday, benefits from its 100-percent government ownership and its choice of a

sukuk structure, since appetite for Islamic bonds among cash-rich Gulf investors still appears to outweigh supply.

SABIC’s conventional bond will offer rare US dollar exposure to Saudi Arabia, should it print later this week.

“Every time we see a new issue out of Saudi, we get a bit excited, as if the prospect of that market’s development has just taken one step forward,” said Kronful.

Other potential candidates for deals before the end of the year include Qatar’s Al-Khaliji Commercial Bank, Emirates Aluminium (Emal), and Dubai Investments, according to bankers. Meanwhile, much speculation has centred on whether Abu Dhabi state-linked entities could return to the debt market after a long absence the maturity in May 2014 of a $1.25 billion bond previously issued by state-owned fund Mubadala has bankers hoping the conglomerate could print in coming months.

The Gulf ’s issuance calendar is complicated by the approach of Eid Al-Adha, which is expected to effectively close the market for a week-long holiday period starting in mid-October.

The timing of Eid will reduce Gulf issuers’ room for maneouvre ahead of the US Federal reserve’s next policy meeting at the end of October; James Bullard, president of the St Louis Federal Reserve, told Bloomberg Television last week that the Fed might still scale back its stimulus at the October meeting. “At the moment, the market is pricing in tapering to start from December onwards.

Nevertheless, the decision will be data-driven, hence we can see some volatility in the market. Already, Bullard’s remarks on timing triggered some pressure following the initial rally,” said Ali Soner Guney, fixed income fund man-

Retail investors boost Gulf; Egypt edges up

ager at National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

The result may be that a few Gulf issuers who are already fully prepared to go to market - perhaps only SABIC and Al Hilal - issue before mid-October, while the rest are forced to wait until after next month’s Fed meeting. “Everyone knows that rates are on their way up so this is just a temporary reprieve. What I’m telling my clients is they should come now if they can,” said a Gulfbased debt capital markets banker.

The window created by last week’s Fed meeting may not be large enough for the more exotic structures that were issued in the Gulf earlier this year, such as Tier 1 and 2 capital-boosting bonds, given the widening of spreads which has taken place since some of them were sold.

Emirates NBD’s Tier 1 perpetual bond , priced in May with a coupon of 5.75 percent, has widened since then to trade at a yield of 6.30 percent bid. So names such as Dubai’s Majid Al-Futtaim, Commercial Bank of Qatar and Ahli United Bank, which bankers believe were all considering hybrid bond transactions earlier this year, are unlikely to be part of any rush to issue. “All these guys would have got board approvals for pricing at a certain level and these are now a long way away,” said the Gulfbased DCM banker.

Majid Al Futtaim was looking to raise money to support its buyout of Carrefour’s stake in a joint venture.

But the mall operator raised additional funds when it was refinancing a $1 billion loan facility this month, giving it extra resources should it require them, so it may have no further need to issue bonds. MAF declined to comment. — Reuters

DUBAI: Active trading by retail investors boosted Gulf stock markets yesterday while Egypt rose after a court banned the Muslim Brotherhood from carrying out any activities in the country. Saudi Arabia was closed for a national holiday but across much of the Gulf, individual investors speculated actively ahead of third-quarter earnings announcements expected next month.

“Retail investors are very active in the market, targeting the penny stocks and the highly liquid names,” Sebastien Henin, portfolio manager at The National Investor, said of Dubai. Dubai’s index climbed 1.0 percent to 2,709 points in some of the heaviest trade this year, leaving it close to its August peak of 2,762 points, which many analysts consider strong technical resistance.

The most active stock was Gulf Navigation, which soared 10.1 percent after the firm, which made a loss last year because of tough conditions in the oil shipping market, said it planned to sell some ships and might get a cash injection.

In a statement to the bourse, it said the board of directors would ask shareholders for approval to sell its two very large crude carriers, and had conducted “positive communications with major shareholders to inject cash into GNH”. It did not elaborate on the size or timing of any cash injection.

Small-capital property stocks Deyaar and Union Properties also traded heavily, as did Dubai builder Arabtec, which climbed 2.0 percent. The overall Abu Dhabi market was barely changed but Dana Gas rose 1.6 percent to close at 0.64 dirham, off a high of 0.68 dirham, possibly because of bets it may soon recover at least some of the $230 million in overdue payments for gas supplies which it is owed by Egypt.

Egypt is close to agreeing a schedule for repaying $6 billion in outstanding debt to foreign oil companies, the country’s prime minister said this month. RAK Properties, the most active Abu Dhabi stock, gained 2.9 percent. Qatar’s market climbed 0.1 percent, stabilizing after a 0.9 percent drop on Sunday that was caused by investors selling stocks to prepare for an initial public offer by a Qatar Petroleum unit that could come by the end of this year. Qatar Petroleum has picked two banks to help it arrange a public share sale for one of its units, in an offer which could be worth around 3.2 billion riyals ($880 million), two banking sources said.

In Egypt, the index gained 1.1 percent to 5,648 points after a court banned the Muslim Brotherhood from carrying out any activities in the country and ordered the seizure of the group’s funds, strengthening a campaign to debilitate the Islamist movement of deposed President Mohammed Morsi.

Although some foreign investors think such steps could widen political divisions in the country and store up trouble for the future, many Egyptian investors welcome signs that the army-backed government is taking a tough line against the Brotherhood, which is blamed for much of Egypt’s economic difficulties. Egyptian investors were net buyers of stocks yesterday while foreigners were net sellers, continuing a pattern that has prevailed in recent days, according to bourse data.

The index is now close to strong technical resistance at 5,682, its August peak. — Reuters

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

BUSINESS

Rules, low demand hinder Malaysian Basel III sukuk Gulf banks forge ahead to meet sukuk standards

YANGON: A Myanmar worker cleans a walk way in downtown Yangon yesterday. Soaring rents in Myanmar’s commercial capital Yangon have seen hundreds of poor families shunted from their homes, forcing them to turn to charity as their last buffer from life on the streets. — AFP

Iraq’s southern oil output rises LONDON/BASRA: Iraq has boosted oil output from its southern oilfields after repairing a leaking pipeline, two oil officials said yesterday, although planned work was continuing to keep a lid on exports from OPEC’s No 2 producer. Iraq’s oil revival, which got under way in 2010, has slowed this year due to infrastructure and security problems, keeping production below targets and sometimes even below last year’s levels of 3 million barrels per day (bpd).

The leaking pipeline had prompted output at the Rumaila oilfield to be cut back, temporarily adding to the impact of planned work at the Basrah Oil Terminal which has reduced the export capacity in the south - Iraq’s main outlet.

Two oil officials said yesterday Iraq had restored normal output from the southern oilfields on Sunday after repairing the leak to an ageing pipeline buried three metres underground due to corrosion. “We are planning to pump higher crude shipments for the rest of September to compensate for the reduced exports due to the pipeline leak,” a senior oil said.

In light of the recent leak, Iraq has decided to evaluate all its key oil pipelines in the south to avoid future dis-

ruption from technical problems, an Iraqi oil ministry official said. “We reached a decision to push ahead with building new key pipelines in the south to make sure we have plan B for any possible disruption to crude flow,” the official said Production from Rumaila, the workhorse of Iraq’s oil industry, had climbed to around 1.35 million bpd on Sunday after the pipeline leak cut output last week to 870,000 bpd, oil officials close to Rumaila operations said.

Oil was flowing to the southern terminals at 2.33 million bpd yesterday, shipping data seen by Reuters showed, up from 1.92 million bpd on Sunday.

Iraq exported 2.3 million bpd from its southern ports in August. Export capacity remains reduced as two of the terminal’s four berths are shut for planned work, which is limiting southern export capacity to around 1.7 million bpd according to trade sources. Iraq has sent mixed messages about the impact of the port work on supplies. An official from Iraq’s Southern Oil Company said it would cut shipments by up to 500,000 bpd, although other Iraqi sources such as the State Oil Marketing Organization have said the drop would be less. — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is in many ways one of the world’s leading Islamic financial markets, but regulatory issues and comfortable balance sheets are causing it to lag behind the Gulf in one innovation: capital-boosting sukuk. Since last year, Gulf banks have been developing sukuk designed to increase their capital, in order to meet new Basel III banking standards due to be phased in around the world over the next several years.

In November 2012 Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank issued a hybrid sukuk, one with equity-like characteristics, to boost its Tier 1 capital. Dubai Islamic Bank sold a similar $1 billion instrument in March 2013. There have also been subordinated sukuk issues to raise Tier 2 capital, including a 1.4 billion riyal ($373 million) sale by Saudi Hollandi Bank last November. Saudi British Bank , which issued a Tier 2 sukuk in March 2012, aims to sell another one by the end of this year.

Within Malaysia, conventional banks have been among the first institutions in Asia to move to issue Basel III bonds; CIMB Group Holdings sold one this month, raising 750 million ringgit ($238 million) of Tier 2 capital. Public Bank and RHB Investment Bank have prepared similar bond programs.

But so far no Islamic bank in Malaysia has established a program to issue capital-boosting sukuk - partly because they see no strong need, bankers say. “You find that in Malaysia most of the banks are fairly comfortable, with some banks more capitalized than others,” said Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, chief executive of CIMB Islamic Bank,

the sharia-compliant unit of southeast Asia’s fifthlargest lender by assets.

“At the earliest you will probably see - perhaps next year - some banks going to market, but most will not really be in the market because they are well-capitalized.”

Although subordinated debt is more expensive for issuers than secured debt, strong demand among local investors in the Gulf has allowed banks there to sell Tier 1 and Tier 2 sukuk at prices they find favorable. Regulation is one factor encouraging such issuance. Although national financial regulators in the Gulf have not yet fully clarified how they will apply Basel III standards, bankers in the region expect local versions of Basel III will not include a loss absorption feature allowing regulators to convert debt into equity if an issuer faces insolvency.

This is particularly true in the United Arab Emirates. Because of their large state budget surpluses and lack of broad-based income taxes, Gulf governments do not see that much of a need to protect taxpayers from bank crises with lossabsorption clauses.

Malaysia’s version of Basel III does require loss absorption, however, which could raise costs for the issuer of a subordinated sukuk. Islamic banks in Malaysia are still studying how to include the clauses, so the timing of the first Basel III sukuk remains uncertain, said Leon Koay, head of global markets and co-head of wholesale banking at Standard Chartered Malaysia.

“There are a lot of challenges of dealing with

the point of non-viability. There’s an evolution there of how they want to get the structure right.”

Even with loss absorption, Malaysia’s sukuk market is deep and liquid market enough for banks to manage any additional premium required by investors, said CIMB’s Abdul Ghani.

“Margins in Malaysia are very tight, so I don’t think it will really influence much in regards to cost.” But for now at least, Malaysia’s Islamic banks see little urgency to raise capital. The central bank requires all banks to have a core equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5 percent of assets, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6 percent and a total capital ratio of 8 percent of risk-weighted assets by January 2015.

Malaysian banks in general are so well capitalized that they could sustain a 300 percent rise in non-performing loans without Tier 1 common equity falling below 7 percent, Moody’s Investors Service estimated in a report earlier this year.

Islamic banks are especially comfortable.

In the meantime, several Islamic banks in Malaysia are exploring the possibility of using alternative means to sukuk issues to handle their Basel III capital needs, said a banker who declined to be named as the matter is not yet public. The alternatives could include the issuance of sukuk or other financial instruments by government entities; these instruments would be purchased

by Islamic banks and, if they were governmentguaranteed or structured to have very low or even zero risk-weightings, could improve the banks’ capital ratios, the banker said. — Reuters

HSBC names Samer Deghaili as Middle East equity head DUBAI: HSBC Holdings has named Samer Deghaili to head its equity capital markets business in the Middle East and North Africa, a spokesman said yesterday, as activity picks up in the region.

Deghaili replaces Michael Bevan, who will head coverage of Asian sovereign wealth funds in HSBC’s Hong Kong headquarters, said two sources with knowledge of the appointments.

Deghaili’s move was later confirmed by the bank. Equity capital markets activity in the Gulf Arab region is showing signs of recovery as financial markets and valuations pick up after years of sluggish activity. Bankers in the region say more companies have been making initial enquiries about IPOs and secondary share offerings.

Dubai is among the best performing equity markets this year with its benchmark index up 65 percent year-to-date. HSBC revamped its global investment banking operations in July, separating responsibilities for products and client coverage in a bid to drive business growth.

The lender named Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri as chief executive of the Middle East and North

Africa, replacing Simon Cooper, who was appointed head of the bank’s commercial banking arm.

In his new role, Deghaili who joined the bank in 2010, will report to Adrian Lewis, head of EMEA equity capital markets, and regionally to Georges Elhedery, head of markets and capital financing for MENA region. His appointment was effective early September, according to the two sources.

Middle Eastern companies raised $3.2 billion from 12 capital market operations during the first half of 2013, a 15 percent decline from the same period in 2012 ($3.7 billion), according to Thomson Reuters data. Among companies to express interest in capital raising recently, DAMAC Properties, a privately held Dubai property developer, hired Deutsche Bank and Citigroup Inc to advise on an initial public offering of shares in London, two sources with knowledge of the matter said earlier this month.

Separately, Abu Dhabi private equity firm Gulf Capital appointed Rothschild as a financial advisor for a potential IPO of its majorityowned unit, Gulf Marine Services. — Reuters

Simon Vaughan Johnson

HSBC financial adviser to Kuwait’s ISCC solar plant KUWAIT: A Consortium led by HSBC yesterday announced that it has been appointed as a transaction adviser to the Kuwait Government’s Partnerships Technical Bureau for the development of one of the first solar thermal power plants in Kuwait. This is the second assignment of its kind after the PTB mandated HSBC as financial adviser on the Umm Al-Hayman Waste Water Project in April 2011.

Simon Vaughan Johnson, CEO of HSBC in Kuwait said: “The Al-Abdaliyah ISCC Solar Project is another important milestone for Kuwait’s National Development Plan and supports the Government’s ambitious program to develop quality infrastructure and services for Kuwaiti citizens. HSBC is delighted and honored to have been appointed by the Partnerships Technical Bureau as a lead and financial adviser on the Project and remains committed to supporting such strategic initiatives in Kuwait’s infrastructure sector”. He added: “HSBC recognizes and supports the move to a low-carbon global economy, which will help reduce climate change and benefit communities in the long term.”

The Abdaliya ISCC Project is one of the first of its kind in Kuwait and will drive fuel savings as well as the reduction in carbon emissions over the medium and long term.

Dubai names bourse CEO as head of financial centre DUBAI: Dubai has appointed Essa Kazim, currently chief executive of bourse operator Dubai Financial Market (DFM), as the new governor of the emirate’s tax-free financial zone, state news agency WAM reported.

Kazim, whose appointment is effective next Jan. 1, will replace current governor Abdullah Mohammed Saleh as head of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Saleh was named to the post in July 2011. “ This step comes in the context of Dubai’s keenness to continue to inject new blood into the veins (of government-linked organizations), to guarantee their continued growth

through giving opportunities to distinguished national talents who have proved their efficiency and success in carrying out responsibilities,” WAM quoted an official statement as saying.

The DIFC, opened in 2004 and now the Gulf’s top financial centre, is one of the United Arab Emirates’ “free zones”, offering foreign investors 100 percent ownership of their ventures and business-friendly regulation. The DIFC aims to double the number of companies in the zone over five years by serving as a base for business with China, south Asia and Africa, Chief Executive Jeffrey Singer said in February. The

number of registered firms operating in the DIFC rose 7 percent last year to 912, while workers at those firms increased 16 percent to 14,000.

DFM, the only listed bourse operator in the Gulf, is one of the best-performing exchanges globally this year; the benchmark market index has risen 65 percent year-to-date on the back of an economic recovery in the emirate. DFM shares have risen more than 90 percent so far this year.

Kazim is also chief executive of Borse Dubai, the holding company for DFM and the emirate’s other stock market, Nasdaq Dubai. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal Irani Riyal

2.859 4.567 2.682 2.145 2.855 227.670 36.620 3.645 6.598 9.175 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

75.737 78.037 737.690 754.350 77.346

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 273.84 282.18 315.86 387.27 283.10 460.86 2.93 3.658 4.571 2.142 2.876 2.696 77.15 753.49 41.07 402.92 736.24 78.18 76.62

SELL CASH 263.000 282.000 293.000 384.000 287.400 443.000 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

Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

3.850 8.925 4.050 3.715 86.520

Bahrain Exchange Company CURRENCY

BUY Europe 0.007360 0.448028 0.006674 0.047491 0.378453 0.044000 0.081919 0.008148 0.040739 0.305723 0.142731

0.008380 0.457026 0.018674 0.052491 0.385953 0.049200 0.81919 0.018148 0.045739 0.315223 0.149731

Australasia 0.258774 0.231888

0.270274 0.241388

Canadian Dollar US Dollars US Dollars Mint

America 0.270352 0.279800 0.280300

0.278852 0.284150 0.284150

Bangladesh Taka Chinese Yuan Hong Kong Dollar Indian Rupee Indonesian Rupiah Japanese Yen Kenyan Shilling Korean Won Malaysian Ringgit Nepalese Rupee Pakistan Rupee Philippine Peso

Asia 0.003111 0.045041 0.034530 0.004401 0.000020 0.002773 0.003325 0.000253 0.085906 0.002942 0.002545 0.006413

0.003711 0.048541 0.037280 0.004802 0.000026 0.002953 0.003325 0.000268 0.091905 0.003112 0.002825 0.006693

Belgian Franc British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Romanian Leu Slovakia Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Turkish Lira

SELL

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal/for 1000 Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira/for 1000 Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham

40.950 40.730 1.325 174.440 401.070 1.905 3.085 34.920

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 283.900 Euro 387.240 Sterling Pound 458.500 Canadian dollar 278.330 Turkish lira 146.230 Swiss Franc 312.840 Australian Dollar 268.570 US Dollar Buying 282.700 GOLD 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

250.000 127.000 66.000

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

Selling Rate 283.650 278.600 456.100 384.530 312.010 750.965 77.205 77.860 76.505 399.850 41.099 2.141 4.556 2.681 3.647 6.577 695.800

Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar

Sierra Leone Singapore Dollar South African Rand Sri Lankan Rupee Taiwan Thai Baht

0.000069 0.224928 0.022810 0.001890 0.009500 0.008747

Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Iranian Riyal Iraqi Dinar Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Lebanese Pound Moroccan Dirhams Nigerian Naira Omani Riyal Qatar Riyal Saudi Riyal Syrian Pound Tunisian Dinar Turkish Lira UAE Dirhams Yemeni Riyal

Arab 0.746594 0.038148 0.000079 0.000183 0.396209 1.0000000 0.000139 0.022748 0.001203 0.731371 0.077270 0.075070 0.001933 0.169815 0.142731 0.076314 0.001290

0.000075 0.230928 0.031310 0.002470 0.009680 0.009297 0.754594 0.041248 0.000080 0.000243 0.403709 1.0000000 0.000239 0.046748 0.001838 0.737051 0.078483 0.075770 0.002153 0.177815 0.149731 0.077463 0.001370

Al Mulla Exchange Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 283.400 384.450 455.550 277.500 4.535 41.085 2.143 3.638 6.575 2.685 754.500 77.200 75.700 *Rates are subject to change

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

BUSINESS

Greece adopts bill to cut 15,000 civil servant jobs SINGAPORE: Singapore will require many companies operating in the city-state to consider Singaporeans for skilled job vacancies before turning to candidates from abroad, bowing to public pressure over a surge in foreigners over the past decade.

“The measures might mean more hassle and paperwork for companies, and it might even lower the long-term economic growth rate,” said Michael Wan, an economist with Credit Suisse in Singapore.

“But I don’t think this will necessarily lower Singapore’s attractiveness to companies because there are other factors that they take into accountsuch as tax incentives, political stability and access to the ASEAN region.” Starting next August, firms with more than 25 employees must advertise a vacancy for professional or managerial jobs paying less than S$12,000 ($9,600) a month on a new jobs bank administered by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency for at least 14 days, the

Ministry of Manpower said in a statement.

Only after that period can the company apply for an employment pass to bring in a foreign national. Singapore will also raise the qualifying salaries for employment pass holders to at least S$3,300 a month, up from the current S$3,000, starting in January 2014, reducing the competition for entry-level jobs that typically require tertiary education.

Singapore, a global financial centre and the Asian base for many banks and multinationals, is one of the world’s most open economies.

Foreigners account for about 40 percent of the island’s 5.3 million population and take up many senior and mid-level positions as well as most of the low-paying jobs that locals shun.

The Association of Banks in Singapore, which represents financial institutions operating in the city-state, said banks will need to adjust their hiring processes to comply with the new rules.

Weekly Commodity Update

Metals up and oil down as Fed surprises most

By Ole Hansen KUWAIT: The key event this week was without a doubt the long-awaited US central bank meeting where the Federal Open Market Committee was generally expected to begin scaling back its massive asset purchase program. Swayed by recent economic data, which had been weaker than expected, the Federal Reserve managed to wrong foot almost everyone by keeping its monthly asset purchases unchanged at $85 billion per month. The announcement triggered an immediate and dramatic increase in investors’ risk appetite with stocks and bonds rallying while the US dollar was sold, thereby lifting the general investment outlook for commodities.

Growth-dependent commodities, especially industrial metals but also crude oil received a boost from this news and the resultant initial expectation that maintaining the wall of money in the system the economy will recover faster and thereby so too will demand. Precious metals however witnessed the biggest gains as negative sentiment and short selling ahead of the announcement caused a dramatic rally, not least lead by the drop in government bond yields and the weaker dollar.

By the end of this eventful week some of the excitement in commodities had already begun to wear off with the precious metals’ advance slowing and crude oil going into reverse, not least driven by news about increased supply and reduced geo-political tensions. The agriculture sector did not feel much of an impact from the non-taper decision with focus more directed on product specific fundamentals, such as focus on the US harvest of key crops and ample supply of coffee from key growing nations such as Brazil, Columbia and Vietnam.

Relief rally in gold and silver but will it last?

From a position of weakness both metals jumped on the surprise news from the US Federal Reserve, not least helped by the biggest 10-year government bond rally in almost two years and a weaker dollar. The initial rally was most likely driven by short covering with hedge funds having been seen as sellers in the days leading up to the announcement. The amount of short futures positions held by hedge funds reached the lowest level in seven months during the week ending September 10.

Furthermore, the renewed attempts by hedge funds to rebuild some of these short positions were firmly quashed and the question now remains whether the delayed tapering will be enough to support a continued rally from here.

This hinges very much on the strength or weakness of upcoming US economic data. This means the FOMC could delay its decision once, twice or potentially not act at all if the recent weakness in economic data continues. The near-term focus now switches to the US government where President Obama and Congress once again are fighting over the need to raise the US debt ceiling. If an agreement to raise the ceiling is not reached before October 1 then US government operations will grind to a halt and a debt default could follow some weeks later. During this time of uncertainty gold may, just as witnessed last year, become the asset of choice for many, thereby lending support.

Lower US real yields US real yields have moved lower, especially since yesterday, bringing them more in line with the current gold price as seen on the chart below. As we move towards December, tapering talk will re-emerge,

unless economic data continues to deteriorate and this should once again lead to some price pressure into the new year. For now though the most likely range over the coming month looks like $1,275/ounce to $1,488/ounce which if reached would represent a 50 percent retracement of the October 2012 to June 28 sell-off.

Negative investment flows out of Exchange Traded Products, both before and more importantly after the Fed announcement, represent a somewhat worrying sign, especially for the those looking for the rally to continue. During the past week investment flows have been negative by 18 tons.

This indicates the continuation of subdued interest for gold ETPs during the past couple of months, despite the price recovering from the June lows. The attitude of institutional investors towards gold as an asset class is key as investment demand is needed to support the already known demand from the physical gold market.

Crude oil losing momentum Both Brent and WTI Crude oil futures were lower for a second week as Syrian tensions continued to ease, together with news that Libya had begun to restart some of its production following a month-long period marred by strikes and disruptions. The prospect of returning supply at a time of a seasonal slowdown in demand ensured that the risk-on rally following the FOMC announcement ended up being short-lived.

Market speculation concerning the situation in Iran has increased due to several media reports that Iran has offered to shut down its Fordo uranium enrichment facility in exchange for an easing of international sanctions. A meeting could take place at the UN in New York next week between President Obama and President Rouhani.

This would be the first meeting between leaders from the two countries since the 1979 revolution in Iran.

Oil production from Iran and Libya give an indication of what impact a solution to these two issues would have on global supply. From a recent combined peak production level of 4.7 million barrels per day last July, the combination of Iranian sanctions and the Libyan strike has seen the countries’ combined production drop by 1.6 million barrels per day to 3.1 million bpd last month. During the same time, total US oil production has increased by 1.4 million bpd, which together with increased Saudi Arabian production goes a long way to explaining why oil prices have remained relatively stable during this time of disruptions.

Just how much has the US oil market changed?

Just how fast and by how much the US oil market has changed in a relatively short period of time was highlighted by the American Petroleum Institute which reported the following observations related to the month of August compared with a year ago: • US oil production increased by 20 percent to 7.59 million barrels per day (mbpd) to a 25-year high • Total fuel and crude oil imports were down by 10 percent to 9.8 mbpd, an 18year low for August • Fuel exports rose 16 percent to 3.5 mbpd, the highest ever This also helps to explain why the current reduction in US crude oil inventories has not translated into higher prices. It is a result of increased refinery output going towards exports combined with reduced imports. As a result it leaves a greater amount of both crude oil and products available for the global market which helps maintain a healthy balance between supply and demand.

Rising supply It is still very early days to be speculating about the return of Iranian oil but if the momentum towards dialogue continues then the world could see a near-term future where supplies rise faster than demand. This will begin to apply downside pressure to prices, once global inventories have been rebuilt following the supply outages this summer.

Saudi Arabia favors an oil price of around $100/barrel and if approached it may begin to reduce its production from current record levels. Such a decrease in production will raise the kingdom’s level of spare capacity, thereby further reducing the future risk of price spikes. — By Ole Hansen is Head of Commodity Strategy, Saxo Bank

“We need to assess the impact these rules will have,” a spokesman for the association added.

Singapore, Asia’s main centre for private banking as well as commodities trading, has seen a sharp increase in foreigners over the past decade, triggering a backlash from Singaporeans unhappy about congestion on roads and trains as well as competition for jobs.

There have also been complaints about foreign managers who prefer to hire their fellow countrymen rather than employ Singaporeans. Earlier this year, several banks admitted to “hot spots” within their organizations “where clusters of employees from the same country appeared to have developed over time”, according to advertisements taken up by an organization backed by the manpower ministry. The ministry said it will scrutinize all companies, including smaller firms, for signs of discriminatory hiring practices. Firms that fall into this category include those that “have a disproportionate-

ly low concentration of Singaporeans” in professional or management positions compared with others in the industry.

“Even as we remain open to foreign manpower to complement our local workforce, all firms must make an effort to consider Singaporeans fairly,” Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan Jin said in a statement. “Singaporeans must still prove themselves able and competitive to take on the higher jobs that they aspire to,” Tan added, as officials took pains to stress that the new framework is not aimed at forcing firms to hire Singaporeans first.

Singapore has already been making it harder for employers to recruit cheap workers from abroad in a bid to push up the pay of lowincome Singaporeans. The measures include lowering the ratio of foreigners a firm can hire relative to the number of local employees and raising the levy firms must pay to hire lesserskilled foreigners. — Reuters

Bumper orders in China, Europe signal recovery Global economy gathers momentum: Economist LONDON: A flood of new orders gave a boost to European and Chinese firms in September, according to a clutch of surveys which added to evidence that the global economy is healing.

Yesterday’s upbeat purchasing managers’ indexes, surveying thousands of companies across the globe, come ahead of figures for the US factory sector which are expected to show the world’s largest economy is also continuing to recover.

“The global economy is gathering momentum ... growth is strengthening. Euro-zone economies are gradually emerging into a recovery that is sustainable,” said Philip Shaw at Investec. “(And) it’s fairly clear from its performance so far in 2013 that the US recovery has gained some traction in the face of some fairly heavy fiscal challenges.” The US Federal Reserve surprised markets last week by postponing a reduction of its massive stimulus program, while downgrading its growth forecasts.

Conflicting views from policymakers of when the wind-down will come has left markets uneasy, while the threat of another fight on Capitol Hill over how much the United States can borrow loomed large.

The uncertainty emanating from Washington took the shine off a German election triumph for Angela Merkel which confirmed she would remain Europe’s dominant leader as the continent tries to put its debt crisis to bed. Still, the bloc should be able to take on its continuing challenges from a position of improving economic growth. Survey firm Markit’s Euro-zone Flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) jumped to 52.1 from last month’s 51.5, its highest since June 2011 and beating expectations for a reading of 51.9. A reading above 50 indicates growth. The pace of expansion in the bloc’s dominant services sector also beat all forecasts in a Reuters poll and the surveys suggested the recovery was becoming more broad-based.

Business at firms in Germany, Europe’s largest economy, expanded at a faster pace than last month and in France, the second biggest, activity increased - albeit marginally - for the first time in 19 months. Markit said the composite PMI, which surveys both manufacturing and service sector companies across the region and is seen as a good

guide to economic growth, pointed to a 0.2 percent expansion this quarter, matching a Reuters poll taken earlier this month. “Today’s PMI figures support the view that the euro-zone recovery is gradually becoming more entrenched and, as such, further reduce the odds that the ECB will follow up its forward guidance rhetoric with action,” said Martin van Vliet at ING. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said earlier this

lar story in China where new export orders jumped to a 10-month peak. Encouragingly, domestic demand also showed resilience, with new orders rising to a five-month high. The Chinese flash HSBC PMI climbed to 51.2 this month from August’s 50.1, hitting a high not seen since March. A breakdown of the data showed ten of 11 sub-indices rose in September.

“Today’s figure adds to the raft of recent better-

SHANGHAI: A salesman on a motorcycle sells packing material for goods outside a market in Shanghai yesterday. China’s manufacturing activity expanded in September to a six-month high, HSBC said. — AFP month monetary policy would remain accommodative for as long as necessary, and that interest rates would remain at present or lower levels for an extended period of time.

However, some analysts had speculated the bank make take solid action to keep a lid on rising loan rates which could inhibit the recovery. New business in the bloc increased again this month, boding well for October activity, and it was a simi-

than-expected Chinese data, indicating that the growth slowdown has already run its course and industrial activity is gaining traction,” said Nikolaus Keis at UniCredit. In July and August there were concerns that growth could be slower than the government’s target of 7.5 percent, which would already be the slowest growth in more than two decades. Most analysts now say the 2013 target will be met. — Reuters

Ryanair unveils strategy, ‘be nice to customers’

NEW DELHI: Stephan Winkelmann the President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini speaks during the inauguration of a luxury car dealership for Lamborghini in New Delhi yesterday. Two models of Lamborghini were on display at the dealership at a cost of about 30 million Indian rupees ( $480,000), the cost for the top line of model sold in India will have a price of about 60 million Indian Rupees ( $958,000). — AFP

Lamborghini bullish on US, India potential NEW DELHI: Italian car maker Lamborghini will struggle to find another China as sales of its super sports cars in the world’s biggest auto market have hit the skids due to a government campaign against conspicuous spending.

Automobili Lamborghini SpA, owned by Germany’s Volkswagen AG , however, sees longterm potential in the nascent Indian market and hopes better-than-expected sales in the United States, its biggest market, will offset the China sales slowdown, Chief Executive Stephan Winkelmann said.

“Unfortunately, there are not so many Chinas around the corner. And China for us is a challenge right now,” Winkelmann told reporters in New Delhi. “Still it’s a big market, it’s our number-two market. But I think, you know, as much as I know about the local policies, and what the government is doing, for the time being it is a little difficult to buy these type of goods.” Lamborghini sales in China grew steadily in recent years to about 230 cars last year, making the country the ‘fighting bull’ brand’s second biggest market after the United States.

Sales of the car are expected to be around 200 this year, said Winkelmann, who was in the Indian capital to launch Lamborghini’s second

dealership in the country. The China slowdown is due in part to the new political leadership’s campaign against lavish spending and graft.

Super luxury brands, such as Lamborghini, are seen as especially vulnerable to the crackdown on lavish spending as pricey sports cars have come to symbolize corruption in China. “It was an incredibly rising market for three years when out of nowhere it came to number two market. To answer very clearly, there is no other market which, in this period of time, can grow in this sense,” Winkelmann said.

Global luxury carmakers are piling into India, Asia’s third-largest economy, and recent highprofile launches include the Jaguar F-Type, whose price starts at about 14 million rupees ($226,000). But high import duties, with tax on some luxury cars exceeding 100 percent, as well as potholed and congested roads in major cities are a challenge for luxury car makers like Lamborghini, which expects to sell more than 20 cars in India this year, up from 17 in 2012.

The base model Lamborghini in India starts at $370,000. Annual sales of luxury cars in India stand at just about 1 percent of the total car market, compared with around 7 percent in China.—Reuters

DUBLIN: Ryanair, Europe’s biggest budget airline, has promised to transform its “abrupt culture” in a bid to win customers from costlier rivals, admitting for the first time that a reputation for treating its passengers badly might have become a problem. The Irish firm, this week voted the worst of the 100 biggest brands serving the British market by readers of consumer magazine Which?, said on Friday it would become more lenient on fining customers over bag sizes and overhaul the way it communicates.

“We should try to eliminate things that unnecessarily piss people off,” Chief Executive Michael O’Leary told the company’s annual general meeting, after several shareholders complained about the impact of customer service on sales. He said the company would overhaul its web site, set up a new team to respond to emails and stop fining customers whose carry-on baggage exceeds minimum sizes by a matter of millimetres.

“A lot of those customer services elements don’t cost a lot of money ... It’s something we are committed to addressing over the coming year,” O’Leary said. While Ryanair’s obsessive focus on cost cutting has enabled it to become one of the world’s largest airlines, flying more scheduled international passengers last year than any other airline, shareholders complained that the company’s reputation for poor customer service was limiting its room for growth.

“I have seen people crying at boarding gates,” said private shareholder Owen O’Reilly. “There is simply something wrong there that needs to be addressed.” O’Leary, who for years has scoffed at complaints about customer service, citing statistics about revenue growth and on-time departures, nodded sheepishly as other shareholders chimed in with anecdotes about family members refusing to fly Ryanair and verbal attacks they had suffered at dinner parties.

“I am very happy to take the blame or responsibility if we have a macho or abrupt culture. Some of that may well be my own personal character deformities,” O’Leary said. He said no significant management changes were planned during the roll-out of the new customer service model and he had no intention of stepping down after shareholders pinned much of the blame on him for the company’s abrupt style.

O’Leary said he was personally irritated by the fact that some Ryanair staff fined customers when their carry-on baggage was slightly above the maximum size, which along with charges for not printing out boarding passes, is one of the biggest bugbears cited by many customers. He said management would now be encouraging staff to be more lenient with customers on bag size.—Reuters

24

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

BUSINESS

Oil holds above $109 on China, EU surveys LONDON: Crude oil stayed above $109 a barrel yesterday as upbeat business surveys in China and Europe pointed to stronger oil demand while a possible thaw in US-Iran relations underpinned easing supply concerns. Brent crude for November deliver y was up 1 cent to $109.23 a barrel by 1120 GMT, off a low of $108.97 hit earlier in the session. US crude for November rose 17 cents to $104.92 a barrel.

China’s flash HSBC Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) hit a six-month

high, putting to rest investors’ worries of a sharp slowdown at the world’s second largest economy. In the euro-zone, China’s largest business partner, the Markit Flash Composite PMI showed business activity has grown faster than expec ted this month as new orders flood in at their fastest pace in over two years.

The US PMI survey will also be released later yesterday. The robust economic data was nevertheless balanced by bearish sentiment over a possible groundbreaking meeting between the leaders of the

United States and Iran on the sidelines of the United Nations gathering this week.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is expected to pursue a charm offensive in New York this week aimed at setting the right tone for further nuclear talks with world powers which he hopes will bring relief from sanctions, according to diplomats and analysts.

Exports from Iran, one of the largest crude producers, have more than halved in recent years to around 1 million barrels per day in 2012 due to tightening sanc-

tions. “We have to watch the Iranian ball.

Rouhani’s visit to New York is going to be the key thing to watch because he wants to start the nuclear discussions on new grounds,” said Olivier Jakob, analyst at Petromatrix.

“The process of removing the sanctions is still a little far but at least it pushes back the scenario of an attack on Iran,” Jakob said. The United Nations will also discuss this week a plan to disarm Syria of its chemical weapons as fears of unrest in the Middle East subside. Concerns over sup-

plies from the Middle East, which accounts for one third of global supplies, continued to ease after output from Libya started to recover last week.

Iraq has restored normal output from the southern oilfields on Sunday after completing repair work on a pipeline leak that reduced oil production, officials said. More oil is also coming from South Sudan as it raised output to the highest level since it resumed exports through Sudan following a thaw in their relations. — Reuters

JAMMU: An Indian laborer stitches sacks of onions at a wholesale market on the outskirts of Jammu yesterday. Onion prices both in wholesale and retail markets in most parts of the country have seen a sharp increase since July. —AP

Asian shares flat despite buoyant China survey SYDNEY: Most Asian markets slipped yesterday as a soft lead from Wall Street and renewed concerns about the Federal Reserve’s policy stance took the shine off an upbeat survey on China’s manufacturing sector. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan , up early in the day, was off 0.1 percent. European stocks were seen mixed, with German equities set to gain ground following the re-election of Chancellor Angela Merkel. Financial spread-betters expect Britain’s FTSE 100 to open around 15 points lower, or down 0.2 percent, Germany’s DAX to open 7 points higher, or up 0.1 percent, and France’s CAC 40 to open 8 points lower, or down 0.2 percent. US stock futures pointed to a slightly firmer open on Wall Street.

Some Asian markets had significant gains, thanks to a survey that showed a promising pick up in Chinese export orders, another sign of stabilization in the world’s second biggest economy. The preliminary HSBC Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for China climbed to 51.2 in September, from August 50.1, with 10 out of 11 sub-indices up in the month. Dealers had looked for a reading of around 50.9. New export orders jumped to a 10-month peak of 50.8, the first time in six months that exports have grown. Readings on manufacturing across Europe were due later.

Shares in Shanghai gained 1.0 percent and Taiwan’s main index was up 0.9 percent. South Korea firmed initially, but then was off 0.1 percent flat. Australian shares were down 0.5 percent and Japanese markets were closed for a holiday. The upbeat China survey sent the Australian dollar a quarter of a US cent higher to $0.9422.

China alone takes around one-third of all Australia’s exports, chiefly commodities such as iron ore. Earlier, the euro had only the briefest of lifts from Chancellor Angela Merkel’s victory in Germany’s general election since she would still need a new coalition partner to rule. Having initially gained a quarter of a US cent to $1.3555 , it quickly faded to $1.3530. Against the yen, the common currency eased to 134.10, from an early 134.56.

That left the dollar index little changed at 80.382, not far from a seven-month trough of 80.060 plumbed last week. While Merkel won by a landslide, her conservatives appeared just short of the votes needed to rule on their own.

That left open the possibility of a “grand coalition” with the centre -left Social Democrats (SPD), who came a distant sec-

ond. In the past, establishing a coalition accord has taken between four and eight weeks. “The formation of a grand coalition could be a positive outcome for the euro zone,” said Peter Dragicevich, a currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

“The SPD is in favor of further euro-zone integration. As such, a grand coalition may be more willing to work with the ECB and euro-zone governments to find a sustainable solution to the issues plaguing the euro zone periphery.”

He noted one of the SPD’s 2013 election policy proposals was the creation of a European debt redemption fund funded by euro-zone bonds.

The Dow Jones industrial average finished Friday with a loss of 1.2 percent, while the S&P 500 Index eased 0.7 percent.

Some of Friday’s dip was attributed to comments from St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank President James Bullard who said that a start to winding down the stimulus program was possible in October, depending on coming economic data.

That was a surprise to most analysts who had thought there would not be enough fresh economic news by the Oct. 29-30 meeting to swing the Fed from its dovish course.

“We do not expect the economy to look much different in the coming months and, in fact, some of the data on housing could look softer,” said Michelle Girard, chief economist at RBS. Girard thought it more likely the taper would begin in either December or March next year. “We think the hurdle for tightening in December is somewhat high, and thus believe that the time frame for tapering has most likely been pushed back all the way to March,” she said. If it is March, then the Fed could continue buying debt for much of 2014.

That in turn would further push back the day when it might finally start raising interest rates. Some clarity might come later since no less than three Fed officials are speaking, headlined by New York Fed President William Dudley. He is thought to be close to Chairman Ben Bernanke and to speak for the dovish majority of voting members. Even the thought the Fed might start tapering in October jolted commodity markets, leaving gold down at $1,321.81 an ounce, from Thursday ’s peak of $1,374.54. Copper futures were off 1.2 percent. Brent crude oil was steady at $109.20 a barrel, while US crude was also flat at $104.79. — Reuters

Gold drops on fresh stimulus worries SINGAPORE: Gold fell yesterday after sharp losses in the previous session on renewed fears that the US Federal Reserve will begin tapering its bullion-friendly stimulus measures later this year. Weak buying from major consumer China, which was back from the mid-autumn festival holiday, also weighed on prices. After a surprise decision by the Fed last week to stick to its bond-buying stimulus, St Louis Fed President James Bullard said on Friday that the US central bank could still scale back the stimulus at an October meeting should data point to a stronger economy.

Gold, often seen as an inflation-hedge and a safe-haven investment, is highly sensitive to the fate of the stimulus which propelled it to record highs in 2011.

A Reuters poll of economists showed that many expected the Fed to taper bond purchases only in December. Forty-two of 61 economists said the Fed would now taper in December, the last chance for policymakers to follow through on Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s earlier guidance. “The Fed will not reduce immediately considering they downgraded their views about the economy in the

(September)meeting,” said Chen Min, precious metals analyst at Jinrui Futures in Shenzhen. “The next possible window is in December.” “Because of the risk that has increased recently, investors in the gold markets should focus on holdings in exchange traded funds and speculative holdings to understand market thinking.”

Spot gold was down 0.3 percent to $1,321.56 an ounce at 0253 GMT, after a near 3 percent drop on Friday. US gold futures fell as much as 1.4 percent, while silver futures dropped 2.9 percent. Traders said silver fell sharply due to technical selling. Strong China PMI data, which usually provides some support for the metal used for industrial purposes, failed to lift prices.

Hedge funds and money managers slashed bullish bets in futures and options of US gold and silver markets, a weekly report by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission showed on Friday. Holdings in SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest goldbacked exchange-traded fund, fell 0.2 percent, or 1.81 tons, to 910.19 tons on Friday not too far from its four-year low. —Reuters

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

BUSINESS

NBK to hold seminar on residential property market in London KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is holding a seminar to discuss the latest developments in the residential real estate market in London and recent changes to the UK tax residence rules titled “London Residential Property and the new UK Statutory Residence Test”.

The seminar will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel.

Fawzi Al-Dajani, NBK London General Manager, said that the seminar will provide NBK customers attending with an insight on these important topics. He advised that the seminar will be of particular interest to customers who visit the UK regularly.

The presentation on the residential property market in London will be made

by Liam Baily, Global Head of Residential Research at Knight Frank one of the world leading firms in this field.

Robert Blower, a partner at the leading London Law Firm Charles Russel LLP will present an overview of the recent changes in UK tax rules which are used

Fawzi Al-Dajani, NBK London General Manager to determine whether a person is resident in the UK. There will be an open session at the end of the seminar to enable customers

to ask the expert speakers questions on the topics covered. NBK London’s real estate services assist customers with identifying and purchasing properties suited to their requirements, including financing, and can assist with guidance on the best ownership options for them.

With its largest international network, provides customers with the best investment opportunities and services. NBK continues to enjoy the widest banking presence with an international network reaching 170 branches worldwide. NBK’s international presence spans many of the world’s leading financial centers including London, Paris, Geneva, New York and Singapore, as well as China (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional coverage extends to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey.

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

London real estate Ratings and Standard and Poor’s. NBK was also named among Global Finance’s

list of the 50 safest banks in the world for the eighth consecutive time.

Exceptional customer service remains key to Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive A wild week ahead as Senate confronts shutdown deadline WASHINGTON: The US Congress begins a wild and potentially chaotic week yesterday that may or may not end with a government shutdown on Oct 1 but will surely do nothing to improve its low standing with American voters. With action to fund the government required in both the US Senate and then once again in the House of Representatives, a down-to-the wire battle through next weekend is almost guaranteed.

And when members are finished with that, they will confront an even more volatile clash over increasing the government’s borrowing authority, with its credit rating and possible default on the line.

The long Republican war against “Obamacare,” President Barack Obama’s healthcare signature law set for launch on Oct 1, is at the heart of the clashes ahead. Republicans are using both the threat of a shutdown as well as the debt ceiling in an effort to scuttle or delay the law.

Yet the only certainty is that when the dust settles, Obamacare will still be standing. Neither the Democratic Senate nor Obama will agree to a bill delaying the program, signed into law by the president in March, 2010 to provide health coverage for millions of uninsured Americans. The clash is a potentially defining moment for Republicans, who are badly divided over the anti-Obamacare tactic being pursued by the House. Influential conservatives, including senior Republicans in the Senate, strategist Karl Rove and Fox News broadcaster Bill O’Reilly have called it futile, warning that a shutdown could seriously damage Republicans on the eve of the 2014 elections.

O’Reilly last week described the effort as “fanaticism on the right,” which is “harming the country. There’s no way Obamacare is going to be defunded....

So why bother alienating independent Americans by embracing a futile exercise,” he said on Fox. Congressional authorization for the government to spend money runs out at the end of the fiscal year on Sept 30.

Whipped on by activists of the Tea Party movement, born in reaction to Obamacare when it was before

Congress in 2009 and increasingly powerful in Republican election contests, Republicans in the House voted on Friday to make the measure conditional on defunding Obamacare.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has made it clear that he will work this week to delete the House Republicans’ provision defunding Obamacare. The first important vote on the Housepassed Obamacare spending bill could come on Tuesday when Reid might stage a vote on a “motion to proceed,” which basically asks the Senate’s permission to debate a bill.

Sixty votes in the 100-member Senate likely will be required to approve this procedural move.

Democrats control 54 votes -including those of two independents-versus 46 for Republicans.

An easy vote had been anticipated because it was thought that Republicans would surely vote to begin debate on a bill that aims to kill the healthcare law that they hate. But US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas could make a filibuster stand at that point, slowing down the process, if nothing else.

Cruz, and to some extent his ally, Senator Mike Lee of Utah, have “gone rogue” on the Republican establishment in the Senate, with Cruz in particular the subject of bitter attack from some of his colleagues for traveling around the country urging a “no surrender” strategy on Obamacare. If the “motion to proceed” passes, the Senate would then move to the bill itself with a Democratic amendment to strike the Obamacare provision. Cruz could try again to slow or block the process by filibustering. Again, 60 votes would be needed move forward.

Winning that second procedural vote would open the door for Reid to then easily destroy the Obamacare provision, leaving the government funding part of the bill alive. From there, Reid could push to pass the bill, again relying on just the 54 Democratic votes he controls, and then send the bill back to the House. A somewhat less theatrical turn could see Democrats introduce and approve a straight-forward, sixweek extension of spending at the current level and send that over to the House. — Reuters

Sudan doubles fuel, gas prices in economic crisis KHARTOUM: Sudan almost doubled prices for fuel and cooking gas yesterday, struggling to bring its budget under control in an economic crisis that is stirring widespread discontent. President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir went on television for two hours to announce the plan.

He has avoided an “Arab spring” uprising of the sort that has unseated other rulers in the region but many in Sudan complain about soaring food prices, corruption, violent conflicts and high unemployment.

“We’ve been just notified of the prices increases,” said a petrol station worker, asking not to be named “It’s huge leap and we worry that people will be angry.”

The Arab African country lost threequarters of its oil reserves - its main source of revenues and of dollars for food impor ts - when South Sudan became independent in 2011. Petrol stations in the capital Khartoum raised the price of a gallon (3.8 litres) of petrol yesterday to 21 pounds (almost $3 based on black market prices), from 12 pounds.

“The government ... has no idea of what people are going through. I am ready to join any protest against the lifting,” said 41-year old Ahmed Iassan, an unemployed worker. The government

started reducing some fuel subsidies in July 2012. Several weeks of small protests ended with a security crackdown. It had hoped to sustain the remaining support by boosting gold exports to replace oil revenues, but was thwarted by the recent fall in global gold prices.

A gallon of gasoline now costs 14 pounds, up from 8.5 pounds, petrol station staff said. The prices for a cylinder of cooking gas rose to 25 pounds from 15 pounds.

In a televised news conference, Bashir said late on Sunday Sudan was no longer able to afford the subsidies which he said cost the treasury $15.5 billion every year based on the official exchange rate. Sudan produces too little to feed its 32 million people. Even basic food imports arrive by ship in Port Sudan, before they get trucked for days across the vast country, spurring food price inflation. The Sudanese pound is worth barely a third of its value against the dollar on the black market at the time of the south’s succession. Opposition activists have criticized the move to cut fuel subsidies but the weak opposition has yet to stir mass protest. —Reuters

KUWAIT: Building on its continued success, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the BMW Group importer in Kuwait, seeks to further enhance and develop its customer ser vice with a stronger focus on aftersales.

Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive prides itself in employing 100 highly skilled technicians and service engineers across their dealerships.

As a result of extensive staff training in line with BMW Group international standards, the Kuwaiti importer is able to service a vehicle in the fastest time possible. With the goal to improve on their efficiency in their aftersales processes, the importer has also introduced a dual shift work schedule. This schedule provides staff with a greater flexibility, which directly impacts the customer as they have added levels of convenience to repair and maintain their vehicles at Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive.

Emphasizing the importer’s ongoing investment into the BMW Group brands, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive is planning to increase the service department staffing numbers by 18 per cent to 142 full time members. Not only will this allow the importer to be even more efficient, but it will also improve the customers ownership experience.

The staff increase is rounded off with the promotion of Gavin Varnham, as Group Aftersales Manager who brings 19 years of automotive experience to his new role, having previously worked as an International Development Consultant and Regional Technical Manager for Jaguar-Land Rover and also per formed the function of Aftersales Manager of Land Rover Kuwait since 2008.

“Aftersales helps Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive stand out from competitor importers. It demonstrates to our customers that we are not only interested in them purchasing the vehicle, but rather committed to ensure that their post purchase experience is just as satisfying,” said Yousef Al-Qatami, General Manager, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive. “With the appointment of Gavin Varnham as the Group Aftersales Manager as well as the planned staff increases, we ensure that customers are consistently satisfied with the purchase of their BMW vehicle in and efficient and effective manner. Gavin’s mandate is very clear - deliver on the promise of unpar-

alleled customer service to BMW Group customers. We are confident that with his 19 years of automotive experience he will add value to the aftersales experience for all of our customers.” Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive consistently showcases the premium experience of its after sales engineers with quality and successful service and repair projects year on year. The BMW Group importer consistently ensures that the right investments are made in

Still 168m locked in child labor: UN GENEVA: The number of child laborers worldwide has dropped by a third since 2000, the UN labor agency said yesterday, but warned that progress was not being made fast enough.

The number of child laborers fell to 168 million last year from 246 million in 2000, said an International Labor Organization (ILO) report released ahead of a Global Child Labor conference in Brasilia next month. It hailed particular progress in cutting the number of youngsters doing hazardous work, “likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children,” which had fallen to 85 million from 171 million in 2000.

“We are moving in the right direction, but progress is still too slow,” said ILO director-general Guy Ryder. “If we are serious about ending the scourge of child labor in the foreseeable future, then we need a substantial stepping-up of efforts at all levels. There are 168 million good reasons to do so,” he said in a statement.

While the numbers have fallen substantially, 11 percent of the world’s children are still working instead of attending school-half of them doing hazardous work, stressed Constance Thomas, who heads the ILO’s International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC).

The organization has set a 2016 target of ridding the world of hazardous child labor, which includes dangerous work within a wide range of sectors including agriculture, mining and construction. But “we’re probably not going to reach that target at this pace,” Thomas told reporters in Geneva.

To further reduce child labor, she stressed that countries needed to forge ahead with more policies promoting education, social protection measures and poverty reduction, as well as creating decent jobs for adults to remove the need of sending children to work.

Most child laborers are found in the Asia-Pacific region, which counts 78 million of them, down from 113.6 million in 2000. Thomas said Cambodia especially had seen a “fairly dramatic decrease” in child labour, which now affects 12 percent of its children, compared to 26 percent in 2000.

But Mongolia, which until recently was on track to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, has suffered a significant setback, with figures rising nearly two percent from 2007 after a harsh winter storm ruined the livelihoods of many families, she said.—AFP

their staff. This includes providing them with the most up to date training on procedures and equipment as well as ensuring they have the latest and best technologies at their disposal to successfully complete their tasks.

Building on a relationship forged with the BMW Group in 1986, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive continues to grow from strength to strength and deliver quality vehicles and best-in-class services to its customers.

New WTO chief makes his mark GENEVA: Just three weeks into the job, new World Trade Organization chief Roberto Azevedo hinted yesterday at the beginning of a more dynamic era for the body long hampered by deadlocked global trade talks. “I see that there is a different mood at the WTO today. The dynamic is different,” said Azevedo, a Brazilian career diplomat who took the reins of the global trade organization from Frenchman Pascal Lamy on September 1.

An energy boost will surely be needed as the organization that sets the rules for global commerce strives to reach consensus on a long range of issues ahead of a summit in Bali in December.

The summit is seen as perhaps the last chance to revive the so-called “Doha Round” of talks, launched in 2001 to craft a global accord on opening markets and removing trade barriers, in order to harness international commerce to develop poorer economies. Differences over the give and take needed have fuelled clashes notably between China, the European Union, India and the United States, and left the talks stalled for years, leading many countries to shift focus to bilateral and regional deals.

The Bali conference “is a priority for us,” Azevedo told reporters in Geneva, stressing that pre-Bali negotiations need to have made significant progress by the end of next month.

With this aim in mind, the WTO was hosting “meetings with business-like objectives, they start on time, and the interventions are limited to 60 seconds,” he said. Azevedo stressed that he was not only very insistent that country ambassadors to the WTO attended meetings, but that he was making a point of personally taking part and co-hosting the sessions.

His presence and the high attendance had already made it possible to unblock a number of sticky issues of contention between the WTO’s 159 member states in their negotiations leading up to Bali, he said. His comments could be seen as an implicit criticism of his predecessor Lamy,

who travelled extensively during his eight years at the helm of the WTO and rarely spent long periods of time at the organization’s Geneva headquar ters. The Frenchman has said he logged some 450,000 kilometres (280,000 miles) of travel on average each year that he headed the WTO-equivalent to 10 trips around the world-in his bid to bring the world’s decision makers to the table and unlock stalled global trade talks.

According to an EU diplomatic source, it is clear that the WTO has changed gears since the arrival of Azevedo. While the Brazilian was obviously benefitting from a “honeymoon” effect, “the member states were also eager for new WTO leadership after two Lamy mandates,” he added, requesting anonymity.

Azevedo, who before his appointment as WTO chief spent five years as his country ’s ambassador to the organization, enjoys a reputation as a consensus-builder who knows the WTO system inside out.

He stressed yesterday that strict discipline was needed as negotiations address several sticky issue in parallel. “The rule of 60 seconds (speaking time) is a bit of shock treatment,” he ack nowledged, describing other school-style discipline measures as well.

When a meeting is scheduled for 10:00 am, he said, “It starts at 10 and the doors are closed, even if there are only two member states (present). Next time, everybody will be on time.”

He will need to loosen his grip slightly during a pending trip to take part in a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. He was quick to point out yesterday that the trip to Asia would be with the aim “to meet decision makers,” and to help pave a road to success in Bali. “I do not travel to make speeches,” he said in another apparent veiled jab at Lamy. While stressing the importance of Bali, Azevedo meanwhile insisted that the summit “is not an endpoint”. “There will be work after Bali,” he said. —AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

BUSINESS

The New Chevrolet Traverse: A car for every family Enjoy your first 3 installments for free from Alghanim Automotive KUWAIT: When it comes to the back to school season, transportation is one of the key elements that parents have in mind. Out of all the crossovers in the market, the Chevrolet Traverse offers class-leading space for both people and cargo, with enhanced style, refinement, connectivity and safety.

Rethought, reshaped and redesigned, the New Chevrolet Traverse has a new exterior design and impressive engineering developments. While its lean, sculpted lines and dramatic accents reveal a more artistic and smooth exterior, the new Traverse’s interior is richer and provides a wide range of technological and entertainment features. The New Traverse is powered by a 3.6-liter, direct-injected V6 engine and standard 6-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth shifting and effortless, quiet acceleration while contributing to impressive highway fuel economy.

Space is the hallmark of the Traverse’s interior, with its class-leading spaciousness, comfortable and flexible seating for up to eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment with an incredible 116.3 cubic feet of space. The split-folding rear seats provide even more

versatile cargo options and provide the perfect amount of convenience. The Traverse also has a large amount of space behind the third row, so one will always be comfortable to find room and space for any trip.

The interior of the Traverse is equipped with a rear DVD

system and Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system that provides 6.5 inches of touch screen interface for all entertainment needs. Apart from allowing one to access MP3 files, iPods, iPads and more, the MyLink system seamlessly integrates a smartphone’s capabilities into the vehicle via USB or

Bluetooth.

The exciting new Traverse maintains a 360 safety package with standard-setting safety features, a factor that makes it the ideal choice for any family. From the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System, to the standard air bags for all 3 rows the Chevrolet Traverse has covered every area when it comes to providing a safe journey on every road and in every type of terrain.

Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive and Chevrolet are committed to deliver a world-class shopping, buying and ownership experience by offering exceptional products, services and facilities and putting the customer at the heart of everything they do by offering them a commitment with the Chevrolet Care program: the brand’s promise to give customers best-in-industry cost of service, greater transparency, a prompt and reliable service and unrivalled customer service experience.

Drop by Yusuf AAlghanim & Sons Automotive’s Showrooms to test-drive the All-New Traverse and experience the joy of driving a spacious, technological and advanced crossover.

CFC recognized as ‘Best Financing Company 2013’ Arabian Business Achievement Awards

Lufthansa winter sale offers discounts of up to 20% KUWAIT: Lufthansa’s 2013 Winter Promotion has arrived, offering customers fantastic prices on fares for travel to Europe and North America this autumn and winter - including journeys taken right through Eid, Christmas and New Year holidays, and beyond. Customers booking tickets online from September 24 to October 23, 2013 will be able to take advantage of generous discounts of up to 20 per cent on standard fares in Economy as well as Business Class to Europe and North America. The winter promotion is applicable for all flights taken before March 31, 2014 and with 50 European cities on offer, it celebrates the 50th anniversary of Lufthansa flying to Kuwait.

As part of the Lufthansa 2013 Winter Promotion which aims to offer travelers from the region the lowest possible fares, return tickets for economy class travel to European destinations from Kuwait start from as little as KD180 and include all taxes and fees. For passengers wanting to take advantage of Lufthansa’s enviable connections to destinations across North America, return economy class fares to the USA and Canada start from just KD281.

Peter Pollak, General Manager, UAE and Director Gulf, Afghanistan & Iraq for Lufthansa, says: “Our latest winter promotion offers prices

which are even lower than they were last year and shows the extraordinary efforts we’ve made to pass on savings to our customers. As well as the appeal of low fares, there is the certainty of Lufthansa’s commitment to the highest standards - our customers will enjoy flying with us thanks to our on-board entertainment and service, the ergonomically-designed European cabin and FlyNet, the most advanced on-board broadband internet hotspot there is.”

Economy Class travel is on offer to 50 European destinations such as Munich at KD193, London at KD217, Paris at KD187, Amsterdam at KD196, Barcelona at KD192 and Geneva at KD181. North Atlantic economy fares start from KD281 to Boston and to New York KD311 to Houston, KD342 to Washington and KD 347 to Toronto.

Business Class travel to Europe starts from KD706 to Frankfurt, all inclusive. Lisbon costs KD738, Geneva KD740, Barcelona KD741, Zurich KD746 and Paris KD760. North Atlantic Business Class prices start from KD1,354 to Toronto, are KD1,388 to Boston, Washington and to New York and are KD1,719 to Houston. Lufthansa’s 2013 Winter Promotion prices apply to return tickets and include all taxes and fees for bookings made online at www.lufthansa.com.

KUWAIT: Commercial Facilities Company (CFC) has been named “Best Financing Company 2013” at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards, an annual event organized by Arabian Business magazine and evaluated by a panel from publishing house ITP. The award was received by Naser A Al-Mannai - Assistant Managing Director of Marketing, CFC, during a ceremony held on September 22, 2013 at Marriott Courtyard in Kuwait, in the presence of senior CFC management and business leaders and officials from a range of commercial and finance sectors in the region.

Al-Mannai expressed CFC’s pride in winning the “Best Financing Company 2013” award, stating: “CFC has succeeded in its strive to achieve positive results by pursuing the principle of continuous hard work and commitment towards our valued customers.”

He added: “We will continue our efforts in maintaining this leading position and status as one of the principal companies in Kuwait’s financial sector. This will be achieved through instilling confidence within our customers, providing them with unparalleled customer services and innovative marketing campaigns to further enhance the company’s contribution towards continued economic growth in Kuwait.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts and hard work of the management and employees who always pursue the strategy of ‘one team’, to achieve our objectives and take the company to new heights of excellence and success,” concluded Al-Mannai.

“CFC” has received praise for a number of its campaigns in the past couple of years, including its “Tayahna Wahda” and “Askatna Al-Khamsa” campaigns, which were met with great demand and interest. This was

followed by the launch of a fast track service for retired citizens, as a gesture from CFC towards its customers, in addition to various business dealings, offered by CFC, such as cash, commercial, and installment loans, which provide customers with easyto-choose solutions, suited to their requirements.

Established in 1977, CFC is the first financing company in the GCC and has maintained its leading position in the financing sector in Kuwait for more than three decades. CFC has

DC Aviation Al-Futtaim JV set to take off

Cargo terminal work of Emirates SkyCargo in DWC on schedule DUBAI: Dubai World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, has revealed that construction of Emirates SkyCargo’s new terminal at DWC’s AlMaktoum International Airport (AMIA) is progressing as scheduled; with phase one of the construction of the terminal on track for completion in December 2013.

Upon completion of the first phase, followed by the installation of the cargo handling system and the fitment of the interior

by April next year and full completion by midSeptember, the terminal will be equipped to handle 700,000 tons of cargo and can be further expanded by an additional 300,000 tons in the second phase.

The state-of-the-art cargo terminal will feature a fully automated ULD handling and storage system, offices; workstation areas; building service facilities; modern communication and security systems; canteens; and other amenities. The infrastructure will also include 46 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces, in addition to 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal.

Khalifa Al-Zaffin, Executive Chairman,

Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “Dubai World Central including the several specialized districts and Al-Maktoum International Airport provide a genuinely conducive environment for major regional and global airlines and air cargo companies to accelerate their growth strategies and consolidate their market position. With DWC set to become the home of Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter operations from next year, the company can expect to benefit significantly from the state-of-theart infrastructure and unique strategic advantages offered by DWC.” Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo, said: “The development of our new freighter cargo terminal is progressing well. Once complete, it will be a modern and efficient cargo facility that can be expanded to meet our future growth requirements. The relocation of our freighter fleet to Dubai World Central Al-Maktoum International Airport is an investment in our future, as the logistics and cargo development at the airport is set to become a major global cargo hub once complete, with worldclass facilities and infrastructure.”

DUBAI: DC Aviation Al-Futtaim LLC, (DCAF), has completed its purpose-built integrated hangar facility with lounge and office areas at Dubai World Central’s (DWC) Aviation District, bringing it a step closer to operational readiness. The joint venture between Dubai-headquartered Al-Futtaim group and Germany’s DC Aviation, one of the leading European business jet operators, is the only integrated business aviation player at DWC. From its Dubai hub that includes a 5,700 square metre state-of-the-art hangar and a 1,300 square metres plush lounge area designed to host VVIP customers, DCAF will be providing aircraft management, fixedbase operations (FBO), aircraft maintenance services and business jet chartering to local, regional and international clients. The facility includes three large passenger lounges offering high levels of comfort and privacy, shower areas, a roomy conference room, ample covered parking and boasts exquisite 5-star finishing. Customers will benefit from a dedicated ramp parking area spanning 7,700 square metres, on-site security processing facilities and minimal distance between drop-off and the aircraft steps.

“Our decision to invest in DWC stems from our confidence in the significant role this new airport will play in complementing and enhancing the success of Dubai’s aviation industry,” said Holger Ostheimer, General Manager, DC Aviation Al-Futtaim.

“Being the first business aviation player to set up its facility at DWC is a major milestone for us and we feel privileged to become a partner in the continuous progress of the UAE’s expanding aviation industry. As we are inching closer to launching our operations,

we take enormous pride in knowing that DCAF is the owner of the only integrated business aviation facility at DWC,” said Ostheimer. “Through our unique facilities, our clients will benefit from our comprehensive suite of services across aircraft management, FBO, maintenance and business jet charter,” he added.

Through DCAF’s line maintenance capabilities, catering to different executive jet types, aircraft owners and operators will receive a diverse range of maintenance, repair and overhaul services, from spare parts supply, procurement and storage, to maintenance and airworthiness certification.

Under its Aircraft Management division, DCAF will help business jet owners optimize their aircraft assets, offering, among others, substantial cost saving potential on insurance, fuel purchasing and crew deployment.

DCAF’s business jet charter clients will benefit from the operator’s fleet size and variety ranging from efficiently sized Learjet 40 to the 46-seater Airbus 319 Corporate jet and a 24/7 operation designed to provide immediate response to requests.

strengthened its market position due to its high level of customer service, quick transaction processing and convenience. Today, the company has five branches in strategic locations, as well as representative offices located in all major car dealerships across Kuwait.

The Arabian Business Achievements Awards are one of the most prestigious annual events, falling within the business agenda of the Arab world. In previous years, the ceremony has been graced with the presence of Dignitaries including King Abdullah II of Jordan, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Prince Al-Waleed and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and many others. The Arabian Business Achievement Awards honors outstanding achievements for the following categories: Bank of the Year, Islamic Bank of the Year, Retail Bank of the Year, Investment Bank of the Year, Insurance Company of the Year, Retail Company of the year, Hospitality and Tourism Company of the Year, Technology Company of the year, Telecoms Company of the year, Construction company for the year, Logistic company for the year, Best Residential Developer, Industrial Company of the year, Fast Growing Company of the year, Special CSR Award, Businessman of the Year and Lifetime Achievement.

Burgan Bank announces winners of daily Yawmi account draw KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the names of the five lucky winners of its Yawmi account draw, each taking home a prize of KD5,000.

The lucky winners for the daily draws took home a cashprize of KD 5000 each, and they are: 1. Mohammad Naser Mansour Alsaffar 2. Mohammad Adel Ahmad Damerli 3. Sanju Raj Tolas Raj Sekran 4. Yaseen Gafoor Jojilkar 5. Hussein Ahmed Abdul-rahman & or Soead Mohammed Zaman 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 KD100 or equivalent only to enter the daily draw, and the coupon value to enter the draw stands at KD10.

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.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

technology

New Surface expected from Microsoft at NYC event NEW YORK: Microsoft Corp. is expected to announce new Surface tablet computers, including a version with a smaller screen to compete with Google’s Nexus 7 and Apple’s iPad Mini. It comes about a month before Microsoft releases an update to its Windows 8 operating system on Oct 17. Among other things, Windows 8.1 will be usable on smaller touch screens, which have become popular because they are cheaper and easier to carry. The previous version of Windows 8 was limited to tablets with 10-inch to 12-inch screens. The new Surface tablets could also get

lighter and thinner thanks to a processing chip that uses less energy and doesn’t require a fan.

Known as Haswell, the chip is already used in laptops from Apple, Samsung, Dell and other companies. Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air with Haswell gets up to 12 hours of use, compared with seven hours before.

Microsoft began selling Surface tablets last October, but sales have been slow. The company shipped about a million tablets in the first three months of 2013, according to research firm IDC. That includes about 260,000 of the slimmed-down

RT version of Surface and 750,000 of the Pro version, which is compatible with older Windows programs. The shipments gave Microsoft a meager 2 percent share of the tablet market in the first quarter. By the second quarter, Microsoft tablets dropped out of IDC’s Top 5.

Microsoft, which is based in Redmond, Wash., absorbed a $900 million charge in the April-June period to account for its expected losses from the Surface RT after it slashed prices to stimulate demand. The $150 cut brought the price of the Surface RT with 32 gigabytes of memory to $349.

The Surface has a 10.1-inch screen measured diagonally. The RT version is 1.5 pounds. The Pro version is 2 pounds and starts at $799, $100 less than it was at launch.

Microsoft has manufactured devices before, such as its Xbox gaming console. In selling the Surface, the company became a competitor to its many manufacturing partners, which rely on its Windows operating system to power their machines. Microsoft is trying hard to succeed in tablets because personal computer sales are falling. — AP

BlackBerry’s move away from consumers won’t stem decline BlackBerry in ‘a death spiral’?

OBERHAUSEN: First customers of the Apple store in Oberhausen are all smile with their new iPhones in hand as they leave the store after the start of the new iPhone sale in Germany. — AP

New smartphones sized up against each other Apple started selling the iPhone 5S and 5C on Friday in the US and several other markets. As is typical with other Apple product launches, eager customers lined up outside Apple stores and other retail stores to become one of the first to own one. The iPhones follow a slew of Android smartphones from the company’s competitors, including Samsung, Motorola and HTC. Having trouble deciding which to buy?

Here’s a summary of recent phone reviews

by The Associated Press.

IOS DEVICES: IPHONE 5S, APPLE INC. It’s the first time Apple is releasing two different iPhone models at once. The pricier one, at $199 with a two-year contract, sports a fingerprint sensor, a better camera and a faster processor. The fingerprint sensor alone is worth the $100 more you’ll pay over an iPhone 5C. It encourages you to keep phones secure. Instead of typing in a four-digit passcode, you can just tap your finger on the home button most of the time. If there’s a match with the finger you scanned in earlier, the phone will unlock.

The improved camera, meanwhile, offers better shots in low light, thanks to larger individual pixels and a wider shutter, even though the resolution remains at 8 megapixels.

IPHONE 5C, APPLE INC. The 5C model is largely last year ’s iPhone 5 with a few extras. The most noticeable is the choice of five colors green, blue, yellow, pink or white. The housing is made of plastic instead of aluminum and glass. The plastic doesn’t feel cheap and offers the slippery feel of a shiny ceramic tile. The 5C has a better front-facing camera than the 5, but it has the same A6 processor and the same rear camera lacking the 5S’s improvements in low light.

The 5C does come with a newer operating system, iOS 7, but older phones including the iPhone 5 can get the upgrade for free.

The 5C costs $99. Unless you really want the colors, paying another $100 for the 5S is worth the investment.

HTC ONE, HTC CORP. The One is a phone that can match Apple’s standards of feel and finish. Plastic and metal are joined together so well that you can’t tell by feel where one ends and the other starts. The 4.7-inch screen is also

quite a sight, its 468 pixels per inch among the best. Two front-facing speakers give you real stereo sound when turned sideways to watch a movie. HTC’s camera has a lower resolution than most. Promises of better low-light shots from its larger sensors only partly delivered. Like other Android phone makers, HTC adds confusion by customizing the interface. There are four different “home” screens from which to launch apps, for instance. The One is worth checking out as an alternative to the Galaxy S4 from Samsung, which also adds complication with its custom features.

MOTO X, GOOGLE INC.’S MOTOROLA MOBILITY What’s really special about the Moto X has nothing to do with making calls, checking Facebook or holding it in your hands.

Rather, it breaks from the pack by allowing for a lot of customization. You can choose everything from the color of the power button to a personalized message on the back cover. To make those special orders possible, Motorola is assembling the Moto X in Texas, making it the first smartphone to be put together in the U.S. The Moto X also offers the ability to get directions, seek trivia answers or set the alarm without ever touching the phone. There’s good hardware, too, including a body fits well in the grip of your hands. The Moto X is the first phone designed with Google as Motorola’s new owner. It could make Motorola, the inventor of the cellphone, a contender again.

XPERIA Z, SONY CORP. The Xperia Z mostly catches up with offerings from Samsung and HTC, but one feature stands out: Its water-resistant shell means you can submerge the phone at least 3 feet deep for up to 30 minutes.

Making water resistance a standard feature is something more phone makers should adopt as phones become companions to our active lives. Sony also enhances Google’s Android system, without overly cluttering the phone.

Enhancements include battery-saving features. The Xperia also brings a lot of features from Sony’s stand-alone Cyber-shot cameras, while letting you highlight only the ones you actually need. Sony’s new phone offering is impressive for a company better known for T Vs, cameras and game machines.—AP

Employee missteps among top causes of data theft DUBAI: Employee error is one of the main causes of internal IT security incidents which lead to the leakage of confidential corporate data, according to the findings of the Global Corporate IT Security Risks 2013 survey conducted by B2B International in collaboration with Kaspersky Lab in 2013.

Although vulnerabilities in software used by company staff in their daily duties is one of the top reasons behind internal IT security incidents (with 39 percent of companies reporting this issue), the volume of different types of incidents taking place due to staff errors is equally high. Four out of five types of internal IT security incidents that took place at companies were closely related to erroneous employee actions.

Approximately 32 percent of respondents reported leaks that took place as a result of employee mistakes. A slightly lower number of companies - 30 percent - reported incidents involving the loss or theft of mobile devices at the fault of an employee.

Intentional leaks were committed by employees at 19 percent of the companies participating in the survey. Incidents were caused by incorrect use of mobile devices (via mobile email clients or text messaging) at 18 percent of the companies surveyed.

At the same time, an average of 7 percent

of respondents reported that employee actions were the cause of leakages of critically confidential information pertaining to company operations. Most often, leakages of critically sensitive data occurred when employees were at fault over the loss or theft of mobile devices - 9 percent of respondents reported these types of incidents.

A comprehensive approach to a complex problem These types of incidents can be eliminated - or at least the risk can be minimized - by taking a set of measures, including educating employees about IT threats, and developing, putting into place, and overseeing the enforcement of appropriate security policies within the company. Another key step is the use of specialized security solutions, such as Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business. As a top-quality security platform, this Kaspersky Lab product includes a component that protects both desktop computers and mobile devices, and also offers the ability to effectively manage them. The possibilities offered by this platform provide not only a top level of security for a corporation’s IT infrastructure, it will also help enforce a company’s IT security policies, and even compensate for them in the event that no such policies are in place.

TORONTO: BlackBerry Ltd’s plan to retreat from the consumer market in favor of its traditional strength serving businesses and governments is widely seen as a desperate move that industry watchers warn will only accelerate its downward spiral. The strategic shift and dramatic restructuring are fueling fears about BlackBerry’s long-term viability. The uncertainty created could easily push more of its telecom partners, business customers and consumers to abandon the platform.

“Perception is nine tenths of reality and if customer and supplier confidence continues to fall it doesn’t matter how much cash they have on the balance sheet. Things could get worse,” said GMP Securities analyst Deepak Kaushal. At least nine brokerages slashed their price targets on the company’s stock, to as low as $5.

BlackBerry’s shares, which fell 17 percent on the Nasdaq on Friday, fell another 5.6 percent to $8.23 before the bell on Monday.

The Canadian smartphone maker, once the leader in wireless email, announced the change in focus on Friday afternoon when it also said it will report a quarterly loss of close to $1 billion and slash more than a third of its workforce. “We have been steadfast in our position that BlackBerry should downsize and focus on the enterprise, a strategy the company will now pursue. Our view now is that any recovery is very unlikely,” National Bank Financial analysts wrote in a research note, who cut their share price target to $5 from $8.

Bring your own device In response to queries about its future sales strategy BlackBerry said on Sunday it would provide more detail when it announces quarterly earnings on Sept 27. On Friday, Chief Executive Thorsten Heins said the strategic shift to focus on so-called enterprise customers would play to the company’s strengths in security and reliability.

“Security matters and enterprises know the gold standard in enterprise mobility is BlackBerry,” he said in a statement. BlackBerry still has a substantial subscriber base - 72 million users globally at the end of June, though that did decline from 76 million three months earlier. The company has struggled ever since Apple Inc’s iPhone and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd’s Galaxy phones, using Google’s Android software, grew to dominate a market that was previously BlackBerry’s and had once made it highly profitable. BlackBerry bet heavily that its Z10 touch-screen smartphone the first powered by its new BlackBerry 10 operating system would help it recoup some of the luster it enjoyed when users of these devices were mostly lawyers, bankers and politicians.

The bet has not paid off. GMP’s Kaushal estimates as many as 3 million of the latest BlackBerry 10 phones are gathering dust with distributors who have been unable to sell them.

For the second quarter, the company said it expects to have sold about 3.7 million BlackBerry smartphones to end users. Ross Healy, a portfolio manager with MacNicol & Associates, whose clients own BlackBerry shares, said he didn’t understand why BlackBerry thought it should pursue the consumer, given the fact that Apple and Samsung were so strong in that area.

A shift back to corporate customers is no clear fix. Many big organizations are already handling rival devices on their internal networks and employees are increasingly allowed to choose their preferred device, blurring the boundary between business and consumer markets. For example, Credit Suisse is not supporting the Blackberry 10 and is helping employees globally to switch to iPhone and Android-run devices.

“We don’t support BlackBerry 10 because of the added cost to our servers,” said Credit Suisse US-based spokeswoman Marcy Frank. The bank still supported older BlackBerry

devices because there were plenty of staff who continued to use them, she said, but added: “We’re driving people toward bring your own device (BYOD) ... we encourage people to give up their BlackBerry.”

The head of technology procurement at a major North American bank, who declined to be named because he is not authorized to speak to media, said that while email and security are features in BlackBerry’s favor, employees were increasingly turning to Apple and Android. “We will purchase a limited number of BB10 but our inventory of BlackBerry devices will definitely and drastically reduce as we implement a broader BYOD implementation over the next 18 months,” he said.

BlackBerry was losing support at companies even before Friday’s warning, said Phillip Redman, vice president of mobile solutions and strategy for Citrix Systems Inc, which provides software that helps companies manage mobile devices. Redman said he had met with technology staff at 60 companies in various industries and none had a strategy of adding more BlackBerrys to their mobile device fleets. Redman’s own company has limited capacity to handle Blackberry devices. “The writing is on the wall,” he said.

Carrier jitters BlackBerry’s shift away from consumers will also change the dynamic with network operators, who have already been burned by the poor showing of the Z10 and a string of previously delayed product launches.

The company on Friday wrote off almost $1 billion, mostly on a ballooning stockpile of Z10s it must discount sharply, even as it launched a fresh flagship device - the larger-screen Z30.

Poor sales of the Z10 made it difficult to get carriers to commit to the Z30, according to a source at BlackBerr y, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the situation. “Many carriers will now pull much if not all of the BlackBerr ys from the shelves because shelf space is valuable and coveted and there are many other handset vendors who would eagerly invest a lot to displace BlackBerry,” said a former senior BlackBerry executive who used to negotiate directly with carriers.

A spokesman for US operator Sprint Corp said questions about any change in how BlackBerry devices are sold should be directed towards the company. A Verizon Wireless spokeswoman also declined to comment specifically on BlackBerry but said it would support its customers.

Highlighting the problems that have come to define BlackBerry in recent years, the company suspended the launch of its popular BlackBerry Messenger instant chat application for iPhones and Android devices scheduled for this weekend.

The next Nortel?

Many industry analysts are now drawing parallels between BlackBerry and Nortel Networks Corp, the nowdefunct Canadian telecom equipment giant. Both companies, at their peaks, were the largest publicly listed names on the Toronto Stock Exchange. But as Nortel’s revenue collapsed, it dumped employees in repeated restructurings and was eventually broken up and sold in parts. BlackBerry has already hired advisers to look at finding a buyer for all or some of the company.

Given the dismal picture, Morningstar analyst Brian Colello said BlackBerry is likely to quickly attempt to go private or sell off some, or all, of its business units. But he said he was no longer confident that a private equity buyer, who would shield management from the scrutiny of being a listed company, could turn the company around. “We see no hope for BlackBerry at this point,” Colello stressed in a note to clients following the warning on Friday. He said, in his view, BlackBerry was in “a death spiral.” — Reuters

WASHINGTON: A technology representative demonstrates the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone using BlackBerry 10 operating system in this April 16, 2013 file photo in Washington, DC. — AFP

New iPhones are less durable than iPhone 5 NEW YORK: As Apple pitches its newest smartphones, users may find something lacking compared with last year’s model: They could break more easily. SquareTrade, a provider of protection plans for gadgets, tested five smartphones, including Apple’s new iPhones, to see if they could withstand drops, dunks and other common hazards. Its finding: The latest models aren’t as durable as last year’s iPhone 5. The biggest loser, however, was Samsung’s Galaxy S4, which failed to work after being submerged in water and being dropped 5 feet (1.5 meters) off the ground, according to San Francisco-based SquareTrade.

The phone that withstood SquareTrade’s torture test best was Google Inc.’s Moto X. The Moto X is the first phone designed with the Internet company as Motorola’s new owner.

Released in August, the Moto X is also the first smartphone assembled in the US. “We were expecting that at least one of the new iPhone models would up its game, but surprisingly, it was the Moto X that proved most forgiving of accidents,” said Ty Shay, chief

marketing officer at SquareTrade.

Officials from Apple Inc, Samsung Electronics Co. and Google Inc. didn’t immediately return email messages for comment.

Apple started selling two new iPhones on Friday. The iPhone 5S sports a fingerprint sensor, a better camera and a faster processor. A less expensive version, the iPhone 5C, offers consumers a wider choice of colors and has a better front-facing camera than the iPhone 5. With every upgrade Apple has made, the latest model has usually been more durable than the previous one, based on drop tests SquareTrade has done over the past few years, Shay said. But that wasn’t the case this time.

SquareTrade reviewed each device based on eight factors, including the materials of the device’s front and back panels, its size and its weight. It also tested the device’s ability to withstand drops from 5 feet (1.5 meters) and being dunked in water for 10 seconds. SquareTrade says it uses robots to do the testing to ensure consistency.—AP

TOKYO: A man demonstrates a power assisted device “Kai-R” for bending and stretching of his knees, developed by Japan’s Yamanashi University professor Hidetsugu Terada at the annual International Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition. The device was developed for the rehabilitation of the patients after they received surgeries on their knees. — AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

Kids’ race may play a role in ER treatment for pain NEW YORK: Black children who are brought to the emergency room for stomach pain and cramps are less likely than white children to be given painkillers, a new study suggests. Using records from more than 2,000 ER visits, researchers found that white children and teenagers more often received painkillers available over the counter, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen ( Tylenol), or more powerful opioids, including oxycodone. The difference remained after the severity of children’s conditions and various hospital-related factors were taken into account.

Dr Robert Fortuna, a health services researcher from the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, said it was “especially concerning” to see that pattern show up among kids.

Fortuna’s own work and other studies have found similar racial disparities in painkiller prescribing with adult patients.

“Moving forward, we need to better

understand why these disparities exist and work to correct them,” he told Reuters Health, noting that blaming the differences on doctors’ racial biases would be an “oversimplified response.”

“I don’t believe the vast majority of physicians knowingly or consciously treat patients differently,” he said. But, “The bottom line is that minority children in this study were less likely to receive pain medications, and that’s concerning.” Oxycodone and other powerful painkillers have been in the spotlight recently as deaths from overdoses rise and more drugs end up in the hands of people taking them for non-medical purposes.

Dr Tiffani Johnson from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and her colleagues said the stressful environment of an ER and lack of an established doctorpatient relationship, combined with the subjective nature of stomach pain, may lead doctors to use mental shortcuts

including racial stereotypes when making treatment decisions.

The researchers used data from a national study that surveys hospitals about their ambulatory care and scales up the results to reflect the general US population. Their report included information on 2,298 patients age 21 and under who visited an ER in 2006 to 2009 with stomach pain, cramps or spasms, representing 8.1 million such visits across the country.

Among children in severe pain defined as a rating of seven or higher on a 10-point scale - 27 percent of white kids were given some type of painkiller, compared to 16 percent of black children and 19 percent of Hispanic children.

Across the board, black children were 39 percent less likely than white children to receive any painkillers and 62 percent less likely to be given a narcotic in particular. Differences between white and Hispanic youth were small enough that

they could have been due to chance, according to findings published yesterday in Pediatrics. There were no racial or ethnic disparities in the number of diagnostic tests doctors ordered or in how many children were admitted to the hospital, the researchers found.

However, both black and Hispanic youth were 60 to 70 percent more likely to spend over six hours in the ER, compared to their white counterparts. For the most part, the researchers could not distinguish between different underlying diagnoses that contributed to stomach pain and may have influenced the results.

Emergency departments are stressful settings, Johnson and her colleagues point out, and research on adults has found that when doctors are under pressure and have little information about a patient, they are “more likely to be influenced by stereotypes and bias.” Parents’ preferences regarding medication could

be playing a role as well, though the study did not examine that question.

Future research should also look into “system-level factors,” including the availability of primary care doctors, specialists, interpreters and pediatric formulations of painkillers in hospitals serving different populations, the authors write.

Johnson’s team said their findings can be used to develop and test interventions to target treatment differences. Until then, doctors should be aware of these disparities and “make efforts to address pain control that may be suboptimal among minority children.” Parents know their children best, Fortuna said, and need to be their advocates. He encouraged all parents to have a conversation with the doctor about their child’s treatment in the ER. “Until we can better understand where the system is breaking down, the best way to fight against this bias is to have open and honest communication,” he said.—Reuters

Chinese government sees its own reflection in water crisis Industrialization, not climate, to blame for shortages

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BEIJING: For China, global warming has become something of a convenient truth. Beijing blames climate change for wreaking havoc on scarcewater resources, but critics say the country’s headlong drive to build its industrial prowess and huge hydro projects are just as responsible. On the eve of a global climate change conference in Stockholm, a UN climate body says shrinking glaciers in central Asia and the Himalayas would affect water resources in downstream river catchments, which include China. “Some regions are already near the critical temperature threshold,” the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said in a draft summary report obtained by Reuters.

“In parts of Asia, increases in flood and drought will exacerbate rural poverty, due to negative impacts on rice crops and increases in food prices and costs of living.” Rising temperatures are likely to speed icecap melting in the Himalayas, which could bring first floods and then severe drought, with diminished seasonal melts unable to replenish China’s rivers, including the mighty Yangtze.

This year, China published a national “water census” showing that as many as 28,000 rivers logged in a government database had vanished since the 1990s, leaving just under 23,000.

The census gave no reason for the disappearance, but China’s weather bureau said several major rivers, including the Yellow River, a massive northern waterway linking nine provinces, had been dwindling since 1970 and the trend was likely to continue. “We have witnessed major fluctuations in precipitation in different parts of China,” said Ma Jun, a water expert and director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE), which monitors China’s rivers.

“One thing in the mind of policymakers and researchers is that climate change will add to uncertainties-in some areas, the water supply situation is already quite tense.” But rising temperatures are only part of China’s problems, many of which have resulted from overpopulation, aggressive industrialization and a huge reliance on elaborate engineering schemes to irrigate crops and

harness scarce supplies.

“China’s water shortages stem more from problematic urbanization and water resource management, rather than the scapegoat of climate change,” said Zhou Lei, a fellow at Nanjing University who studies how industry affects the environment. “In my home town in Jiangxi, the water system consisted of underground springs, ponds, wetlands, brooks, streams, and seasonal rivulets, but all these have been totally ruined in the last 20 years due to a catastrophic urbanization plan, a construction mania and transport megaprojects,” he said.

Wringing China dry China has vowed to spend trillions of yuan to boost supplies, clean rivers and protect water tables. But even if supplies remain steady, water resources per person, now at 2,100 cubic meters or 28 percent of the global average, are expected to decline further as the population grows. At the same time, Beijing still needs to feed its growing food, energy and industrial demand. Hundreds of rivers have already vanished in northwestern Gansu, one of the country’s driest regions.

In the town of Minqin, residents said the problem was not new, with the nearby Shiyang river disappearing not because of temperature rises, but because a vast upstream reservoir built two decades ago to irrigate a large farm cut off their supply. China has long sought to wring as much water as it can from its parched earth, but is approaching the limits of what it can retrieve.

Projections expect total annual demand to reach 700 billion to 800 billion cubic metres by 2030, only slightly lower than total available supplies.

“In the last 50 years we have mainly focused on expanding water supplies, but at this moment I think we have in many areas reached our limit and we need to shift our focus to conservation,” said Ma. The reliance on megaprojects to solve shortages has created a vicious circle, channeling water to state-owned farms, giant industrial plants or hydropower stations, diverting natural flows and leaving surrounding areas more parched than

before. Some regions desperate for growth have been forced to choose between water and energy.

Gansu plans to build several giant hydro plants in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, defying warnings that this could restrict downstream water supplies. Elsewhere, green groups say scarce water resources are being diverted from agriculture to profitable coal-fired power plants, with China building thirsty “coal production bases” in dry areas such as Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Shaanxi.

But even flood-prone southwestern provinces have suffered from droughts once regarded as unthinkable. In Yunnan, dozens of rivers have been dammed to generate power, and complex canal systems built to improve irrigation. Water diversion has made shortages more likely. Several rivers in the province have dried up over the last decade, and drought has been common. In April, hundreds of wells and streams dried up, creating a crisis for thousands of farmers. “China is looking always at megaprojects rather than addressing the root causes,” said Zhou.

“They experiment with technologies to treat the problem, like the water transfer projects being done right now, but they are draining resources in a very wrong way.” China has put its faith in elaborate engineering and technological solutions such as giant dams and diversion channels, besides cloud seeding and desalination.

Its biggest megaproject of all is a vast system of canals known as the South-North Water Diversion project. Opponents say the project, designed to connect the flood-prone Yangtze with the drought-hit Yellow river through three crosscountry canals, including one in the far west, where the two rivers originate, could worsen shortages. “The negative impact of these big engineering projects could be quite serious and some of the problems could be transferred to other areas, especially in the west,” said Ma. “We spent our resources mainly on engineering and on technologies to drill deeper, build dams and work on water diversion projects, but we need to work on conservation.”—Reuters

Ga autism project looks to early detection ATLANTA: In a small room similar to a doctor’s office, Marlaina Dreher broke into applause as her 5-year-old son, Brandon, grabbed a red plastic spoon filled with pureed lasagna and fed himself. “Good job taking a bite, buddy,” she said, joining in as her son banged his hands on a nearby table. “Good job putting your spoon back.”

Brandon is autistic, and he’s come a long way in his seven weeks in the pediatric feeding disorder program at the Marcus Autism Center. He used to eat only crackers and McDonald’s fries, but meal time is no longer a constant battle.

“I couldn’t have imagined being here seven weeks ago,” Dreher said. “My husband, Sean, and I have said, ‘What if we had come here two years ago? Where would we be now?’”

That’s the heart of a partnership between the center and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

It aims to train a small group of state and contract employees to work with day care operators and pre-K providers throughout Georgia to identify the early warning signs of autism and support parents.

Those involved in the effort point to research that shows that symptoms of the autism spectrum disorder, which

affects some 1 in 88 children nationwide, can be detected as early as the first two years of life and that early intervention is key. “Today, if I get a phone call and someone says they’ve got an 8-year-old who is unable to speak and is in need of our help, I know we can help that child.

But we cannot help that child nearly as much as we could have if we got that same phone call when that child was 2,” said Don Mueller, executive director of the Marcus Autism Center.

“The associated disabilities of autism are not inevitable. They don’t have to happen in many kids. We can intervene and change the course.” Marcus Autism Center, which operates under the umbrella of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, is one of three institutions designated as an Autism Center of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health. The center’s effort with the state Department of Early Care and Learning is part of a broader goal to enhance community outreach and build community resources for children with autism and their families.

Center officials hope to eventually expand the partnership to other states and are working with federal officials to bring their work to Head Start programs nationwide. Recently, a group of 15 state

ATLANTA: Clinical specialist Catey Funaiock, left, observes from behind a one-way mirror as Marlaina Dreher, left, plays with her 5-year-old son Brandon after he fed himself during a session.

ATLANTA: Clinical specialist Catey Funaiock sits with 5-year-old Brandon Dreher before their session in the pediatric feeding disorder program at the Marcus Autism Center. and contract employees who work with engagement.” At the core of autism are child care and pre-K providers gathered developmental disabilities that affect at the autism center to begin a yearlong the ability to communicate, understand training course. Another group began language, play and relate to others. training in August. To start, each partici- Research has identified a number of pant will identify at least two day care or genes associated with the disorder, but diagnosis is based on behavioral evaluapre-K programs to work with.

They’ll work with teachers on how to tions - no medical test is available.

That’s part of why the Georgia prodetect red flags, share concerns with parents and develop lesson plans tai- gram focuses on warning signs. In the lored to a child’s needs. “We don’t want recent training, Stapel-Wax presented to see a whole generation of children videos of two children, each about 16 coming to the Marcus Autism Center,” Dr months old. One demonstrated normal Jennifer Stapel-Wax, the center’s director social development, the other early of infant and toddler clinical research signs of autism. In the first video, the child interacted with the clinician, operations, said during the training.

Research has shown intervention has looked frequently at his mother, pointed the greatest impact if it begins before to bubbles being blown in the air and the age of 3, and experts estimate that a set aside the bottle after trying to twist child with autism needs at least 25 hours off the top. The second child looked at per week of intensive work on behav- his mother but then ignored her and the clinician, becoming fixated on the bottle ioral issues. And treatment can be costly.

Jennie Couture, who oversees the and flipping it over. Researchers say chiltraining program for the Georgia dren with autism can tend to focus more Department of Early Care and Learning, on objects than people.

“Children who can’t make eye consaid treatment goes beyond therapists: “It’s families, the community, teachers, tact, who spin or twirl or rock, and who the other folks the child comes into con- can’t make their needs known - that is tact with. When you start with a very ear- why some people feel that having ly diagnosis and identification, you can autism is a death sentence because it’s get all those folks up to speed to sup- so devastating,” Stapel-Wax said in an port that child for all those hours of interview. “But we’re saying that is not

ATLANTA: Marlaina Dreher, left, looks away while waiting to see if her 5year-old son Brandon will feed himself during a session in the pediatric feeding disorder program at the Marcus Autism Center.—AP the case. If you intervene early, you can Smith said. “I feel like it will give us more make a difference.” Mandy Smith, an tools to educate them to be better able inclusion coordinator with Quality Care to work with our children and to practice for Children, said the training will go a early intervention.” The Georgia early long way to helping her and her coun- learning program is being funded in part terparts across Georgia supports pre-K with $199,500 in federal grant money.

Commissioner Bobby Cagle, who overteachers and day care providers.

“A lot of child care providers don’t sees the Department of Early Care and have a lot of education and background Learning, said it’s a good investment in working with children with autism,” the community.—AP

ATLANTA: Marlaina Dreher, left, plays with her 5-year-old son Brandon.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

Growing evidence of warming: UN panel STOCKHOLM: The UN’s climate panel warned yesterday that evidence was mounting each year of changes to Earth’s weather system as it began talks on a new global warming report. The world’s paramount authority on the greenhouse effect, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will on Friday release the first volume of a comprehensive report on climate change, its impacts and ways to cope with the challenge.

The IPCC, co-winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, gathers an army of specialists in physical science, agronomics, biology, economies and sociology. They have written four previous overviews in the panel’s 25-year history. “The scientific evidence of... climate change has strengthened year after year, leaving few uncertainties apart from the serious consequences,” the panel’s chairman Rajendra Pachauri said at the start of a gathering leading up to the report’s release.

The panel on Friday will issue a main text on the physical science for climate change, plus a far smaller summary for policymakers, which is vetted by governments.”I’m looking forward to working with you in the next four days to deliber-

ate and approve (this summary) line by line,” said Pachauri.

The volume is expected to paint a bleak picture of climate change in the coming decades. The worst-case scenario, based on relentless emissions of heat-trapping fossil-fuel gases, predicts warming of more than triple the target set by vulnerable small-island states.”Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time,” said Thomas Stocker, co-chairman of the working group that has written the volume.

“Because this change threatens our primary resources, land and water-in short, because it threatens our only home-we must face this challenge.” He said the report was based on millions of measurements in the atmosphere, in the ocean, on land, in ice, and from space. “I know of no document that has undergone this scrutiny and that has involved so many critical people who offered their insight and advice. This is what makes this report so unique,” he said.

A draft document seen by AFP strengthens the IPCC’s conviction in 2007 — from 90 to 95 percent-that humans

are to blame for climate change. The draft attributes an observed slowing in warming from 1998 to 2012 — a phenomenon cited by skeptics as evidence

tem and lower-than-expected solar activity. Lena Ek, Sweden’s environment minister, yesterday praised “more than a thousand scientists working together,

SWEDEN: Swedish Environment Minister Lena Ek and Thomas Stocker, CoChairman of the IPCC working group attend a meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Stockholm yesterday.—AFP that warming is not man-made-to a temporary cooling cycle in the weather sys-

volunteering, to bring the world one scientific message on climate change, and

also how it can tackle it.”

Climate change had been sliding down the global agenda in recent years, partly as a result of the near-fiasco of the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, and partly because the global financial crisis has caused a reordering of priorities in many nations. Non-governmental organisations pleaded with governments to revive the sense of urgency. “This report demonstrates the urgent action needed to stop climate change in its tracks by committing to rapidly reducing global carbon emissions,” said Alison Doig of Christian Aid, an international development charity. “There is still time to prevent the worst effects, but our window of opportunity is closing rapidly and it’s the world’s poorest people who will suffer the most from our inaction.”

Greenpeace climate change campaigner Stephanie Tunmore blamed lobbying by the energy sector for preventing tougher action against carbon emissions. “It’s like being in a car hurtling in the wrong direction with governments arguing about the seating arrangements and the fossil-fuel industry jamming the throttle open,” she said.—AFP

‘Disgustologist’ digs deep into science of revulsion Disgust response dictates our lives, says hygiene expert LONDON: Valerie Curtis is fascinated by faeces. And by vomit, pus, urine, maggots and putrid flesh. It is not the oozing, reeking substances themselves that play on her mind, but our response to them and what it can teach us. The doctor of anthropology and expert on hygiene and behavior says disgust governs our lives - dictating what we eat, wear, buy, and even how we vote and who we desire. In science, disgust has languished unstudied - it was once dubbed the “forgotten emotion of psychiatry” - while emotions like fear, love and anger took the limelight.

But Curtis, who refers to herself half-jokingly as a “disgustologist”, is among a growing group of scientists seeking to change that by establishing the importance of the science of revulsion in everything from sex and

society to survival. “People are disgusted by things without even realizing it. It influences our lives in so many subtle ways, and it’s really important that we understand how great that influence is,” she told Reuters in an interview.

Parasite avoidance theory Curtis’s somewhat revolting interests stem from her many years of work in public health, seeking to improve hygiene and reduce unnecessary death and disease around the world. As a director at the internationally respected London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, she has conducted research into hygiene behaviour in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, China, India, Uganda, Vietnam, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan.

In 2002, she founded a global public-private partnership involving

the UN children’s fund UNICEF, the World Bank and the household product multinational Procter & Gamble to promote hand-washing.

“I’ve been trying to understand disgust for 30 years, and what I’ve found is that people the world over are all disgusted by similar things: body products, food that has gone off, sexual fluids - which, with a few exceptions, we don’t tend share with other people - bad manners and immoral behaviour,” she said.

In a book to be published this month entitled “Don’t Look, Don’t Touch”, Curtis argues that while revulsion at rape and disgust of dog poo seem at first glance to be very different things, they have common roots in what she calls a “parasite avoidance theory” of disgust, or PAT for short. It looks at disgust from an evolutionary perspective, arguing

that our most repulsed ancestors were aided in the “survival of the fittest” race by their disgust instinct avoiding disease, deformity and death - and thereby living longer, having more relationships and producing offspring with a sense of “healthy squeamishness”.

Cur tis compares the disgust response with fear and its flight or fight response - which makes us instinctively run away from or avoid things that might eat us. “Even more importantly for our evolution was disease,” she said. “Disease is something that will eat us up from inside and what’s important is that disgust keeps you away from them. “Disgust is an organ - like an eye or an ear. It has a purpose, it’s there for a reason,” she said. “Just like a leg gets you from A to B, disgust tells you which things you are safe to pick up and

which things you shouldn’t touch.”

Microbes to morality Avoiding dirt and disease also requires us to avoid each other, to a certain extent, Curtis says, which is how disgust also drives manners and socially acceptable behavior.

“Every time we come into contact with other people we do a sort of disgust dance - where we want to get close to people and have social interaction with them, but at the same time we are also terribly careful not to disgust them.” And so, she argues, evolved manners and social behavior. “With disgust, you start with microbes, go on to manners and then on to morality,” she says.

“It’s an emotion that teaches you how to behave. It helps build the moral framework of society.” It’s this all-encompassing reach, according

to Curtis, that makes disgust so fascinating - and that has brought it in from the cold as far as serious academic research is concerned. While 10 years ago, there were probably fewer than a handful of research papers on disgust or revulsion published in scientific journals, now there is a vast scientific literature and many books dedicated to picking them apart.

“It’s actually now become a bit of a plaything of scientists,” says Curtis.

In the lab, she adds, where scientists seek to observe and analyze causes and effects of human emotions, it is difficult and dangerous to generate real fear, and nigh on impossible to induce genuine love, but disgust is far easier to create. “Disgust is fascinating because it’s a model emotion,” she said. “It tells us a lot about how all the emotions work.”—Reuters

W H AT ’ S O N

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Bulgarian school starts new academic year SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

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hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! Let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

Greetings

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he Bulgarian school ‘St Kiril and Methodius’ was established in February 2007. The school is adjacent to the embassy of Bulgaria in Kuwait and is financed by the Bulgarian state. The school is a member of the Association of the Bulgarian schools abroad since

the organization’s inception. Professor Ani Epitropova is the head of the school in Kuwait. A total of 29 children are attending classes at the school during the current academic year. The students in the school are from different age groups. Guided by qualified professional

teachers, the students study Bulgarian language and Bulgarian history. The children find music and Bulgarian folklore dances classes to be the most favourite part of the curriculum.

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appy birthday dear Shannon Coelho who is celebrating her birthday today. May God bless you and may all your wishes come true. Best wishes to you from your sister Nicole, your parents, uncles, aunts, relatives and your friends here in Kuwait.

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.

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Indian Embassy sets up helpline he Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up helpline in order to assist Indian expatriates in registering any complaint regarding the government’s ongoing campaign to stamp out illegal residents from the country. The embassy said in press release yesterday that it amended its previous statement and stated if there is any complaint, the same could be conveyed at the following (as amended): Operations Department, Ministry of Interior, Kuwait. Fax: 22435580, Tel: 24768146/25200334. It said the embassy has been in regular contact with local authorities regarding the ongoing checking of expatriates. The embassy has also conveyed to them the concerns, fears and apprehensions of the community in this regard.

The authorities in Kuwait have conveyed that strict instructions have been issued to ensure that there is no harassment or improper treatment of expatriates by those undertaking checking. “The embassy would like to request Indian expatriates to ensure that they abide by all local laws, rules and regulations regarding residency, traffic and other matters,” the release read. It would be prudent to always carry the Civil ID and other relevant documents such as driving license, etc. In case an Indian expatriate encounters any improper treatment during checking, it may be conveyed immediately with full details and contact particulars to the embassy at the following phone number 67623639. These contact details are exclusively for the above-mentioned purpose only.

Focus International Kuwait holds Open Canvas against food wastage

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Adoor NRI Forum holds general meeting door NRI Forum- Kuwait Chapter is the sole body of Adoor NRIs in Kuwait, conducting the grand general meeting on September 27, Friday at 6:30 pm. The venue will be United Indian School Auditorium, Abbassiya. The non-resident Indians in Kuwait from the jurisdiction of Adoor municipality and panchayats of Pallickal, Erathu, Kadampanadu, Ezhamkulam, Enadimangalam and Enathu of Kerala are eligible to be members of Adoor NRI Forum - Kuwait Chapter. The organizers are whole heartedly welcoming those working in Kuwait from the above mentioned municipality and panchayaths to the General meeting. Transport arrangements are made from different parts of Kuwait.

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Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

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s a part of the ongoing two-month campaign against food wastage, ‘La Thusrifu,’ Focus International Kuwait held a Paint on Canvas program inviting various artists from different parts of Kuwait.The paintings were on the subject of food wastage and saving the planet by reducing our global food print. The program is recognized by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), as part of their ongoing ‘Think Eat Save campaign’. This program illus-

trates the thoughtful theme of reducing food wastage and food print through commercial videos and statistics on wastage in different developed nations.

At the event, the Director of the IPC, Abdul Azeez Al Duwaij, stressed on the importance of the subject in the modern world and appreciated the efforts taken by the youth organization .The event was inaugurated by PARTS Kuwait President Sunil Pookode. The campaign, ‘La thusrifu ‘was officially inaugurated at Grand Mosque

KALPAK celebrates Onam

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ALPAK celebrated Onam with a variety of cultural programs at the United Indian School, Abbassiya on Friday. The programs got off to a glittering start with the arrival of ‘King Mahabali’. General Secretary Prasad K Mathews welcomed the gathering while President Kumar Thrithala delivered the presidential speech. KALPAK advisor John Thomas inaugurated the programs. Felicitation speeches were given by NORKA Welfare Board member Varghese Puthukulangara, UAE Exchange Country Head Pancily Varkey, media persons Thomas Mathew Kadavil, Sajeev K Peter and Malayil Moosa Koya. KALPAK Vice-president Babu Chakola proposed a vote of thanks.

Program Committee Convener Shajahan Kodungallur led the cultural programs that included dance items, ‘kaikottikali’ and music.

As part of the Onam celebration, KALPAK conducted ‘pookkalam’ (floral decoration) competition in which prominent Malayalee associations participated.

Ernakulam Association won the first place in the competition while Al-Arabi Company team and Sumaleshan and Team bagged the second and third prize respectively. ëRosy Open Chakola Memorial Trophy’ and cash award sponsored

by Babu Chakola were distributed during the valedictory function by Adv John Thomas, NORKA Welfare Board director Sharafuddin Kanneth and Thomas Mathew Kadavil. Kumar Thrithala proposed a vote of thanks.

in Kuwait on September 6, 2013 by Abdul Azeez AlDuwaij. The campaign duration is two months which will end in the first week of November with a youth summit. The next public awareness program against food wastage is scheduled to conduct at Geant Hypermarket, 360 Mall on Friday 27, 2013. An eco-senate, door to door campaign, left-over food recipe contest and drawing competition for school students are the remaining programs of this campaign.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

NPIS Hawally brings forth aspiring IGCSE 2013 result

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINE

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PIS Hawally has been making its mark in educational arena by producing envious results in IGCSE examinations. Like every year, the IGCSE 2013 result is praise

worthy as a number of students has brought credit to this prestigious institution by getting A* and A grades in different subjects. The industrious students achieved 85A*grades, 110

A grades, 131 B grades and 102 C grades. Inspiring efforts and superior guidance of Anita Bukharey, the Director of NPIS, Hawally, is the hallmark of this auspicious success.

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.

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Fady Maher

Mariam Emad

AyaIhab

Ahmed Ashraf

Mohamed Hisham

Fadi Aiman

Merna Mohamed

Shaimaa Hassan

HishamYahia

HeshamSherif

Ahmed Mohammed

Shadiy Sherif

Fahhad Ahmed

Hania Hassan

Ghada Ahmed

Kamal Monir

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.

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EMBASSY OF CANADA

Ghada Khalid

Khadiga Nasr

Hiba Haider

Nada Ashraf

Amira Osama

Mazen Adham

Ehab Said

Bassema Saeed

Yazan Zahir

Mohammed Salah

Amira Fawaz

Mayar Ahmed

Adham Ahmed

Jayariya Munawar

Reeem Haidar

Rana Ibrahim

The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visa and immigration matters including enquiries is conducted by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.goingtocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-imenquiry@international.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to 12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday.

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EMBASSY OF GREECE

Talal Saleh

Mohammed Abdel Fattah

Manar Hisham

Omar Maher

Noor Atef

Marawan Essam

Khaled Tarek

Sultan Ali

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.

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Alisar Walid

Dana Ahmad

Fatima Ali

Abdullah Abdol

Sorraya Antoine

Dana Mhd

Sajjad Ali

Kareem Mohammed

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.

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EMBASSY OF US

Ibrahim Mtanious

Arwa Sarhouh

Nancy Haisam

Hussain Mostafa

Nadin Ashraf

Khaled Gamal

Zainab Hamza

Mohammed Ashraf

Abdul Rahman

Bassant Khaled

Ali Chaalan

Ahmed Hamdi

Mohd Hisyam

Benyamin Victor

Samalhab

Fawzy Ahmed

Youssef Tamer

Farah Moneir

Roua Amer

Hatim Ashraf

Abeer Amer

Nourhan Ossama

Minyar Salama

Toqa Ashraf

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.

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Sareh Abdol Mone

Nour Khaid

Fatemeh Ali

Sarah Nasser

Mohammad Abdol Satar

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.

Abdullah Midhat

Shahd Mohammed

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

TV PROGRAMS

00:30 River Monsters 01:20 Deadliest Catch 02:10 Deadliest Catch 03:00 Mythbusters 03:50 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 04:15 Auction Hunters 04:40 Auction Kings 05:05 How Do They Do It? 05:30 How It’s Made 06:00 Sons Of Guns 07:00 Mythbusters 07:50 Ice Cold Gold 08:40 American Chopper: Senior vs Junior 09:30 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 09:55 Auction Hunters 10:20 Auction Kings 10:45 How Do They Do It? 11:10 How It’s Made 11:35 River Monsters 12:25 Deadliest Catch 13:15 Deadliest Catch 14:05 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 14:30 Auction Hunters 14:55 Auction Kings 15:20 Yukon Men 16:10 American Chopper: Senior vs Junior 17:00 Ultimate Survival 17:50 Dirty Jobs 18:40 Mythbusters 19:30 Sons Of Guns 20:20 Auction Hunters 20:45 Auction Kings 21:10 How Do They Do It? 21:35 How It’s Made 22:00 Hillbilly Handfishin’ 22:50 Top Hooker 23:40 River Monsters: Untold Stories

00:05 00:30 01:00 01:50 02:45 03:35 04:25 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20 11:15 12:05 13:00 13:25 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

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:45 04:30 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:15

Tech Toys 360 Sci-Fi Science NASA’s Greatest Missions Scrapheap Challenge Prototype This Nyc: Inside Out Engineered The Gadget Show Tech Toys 360 NASA’s Greatest Missions Scrapheap Challenge Junk Men Junk Men The Gadget Show Tech Toys 360 Eco-Tech Engineered Scrapheap Challenge NASA’s Greatest Missions Junk Men Junk Men Sci-Fi Science The Gadget Show Tech Toys 360 Scrapheap Challenge Finding Bigfoot Engineered Scrapheap Challenge NASA’s Greatest Missions Scrapheap Challenge Unchained Reaction The Gadget Show Tech Toys 360 Scrapheap Challenge Unchained Reaction The Gadget Show

Dr G: Medical Examiner Psychic Witness Deadly Devotion Blood Relatives I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner Psychic Witness Nightmare Next Door Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol

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 22:25 22:50 23:40

Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

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 Dates From Hell Dates From Hell Deadly Women I Almost Got Away With It

00:00 00:20 00:45 01:05 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 09:55 10:15 10:40 11:05 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:35 13:00 13:25 13:45 14:10 14:35 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

Hannah Montana Forever Hannah Montana Forever Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School The Replacements The Replacements Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School The Replacements The Replacements Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Austin And Ally Austin And Ally A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Jessie Good Luck Charlie Sofia The First Doc McStuffins Jake And The Neverland A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Jessie Jessie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Shake It Up Austin And Ally Austin And Ally Austin And Ally Shake It Up My Babysitter’s A Vampire Wolfblood 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 09:05 Kickin It

09:30 Lab Rats 09:55 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 Slugterra 15:45 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja 16:10 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja 16:35 Crash & Bernstein 17:00 Lab Rats 17:30 Kickin It 18:00 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja 18:25 Phineas And Ferb 18:50 Phineas And Ferb 19:00 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 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:45 04:30 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 22:25 22:50 23:40

Dr G: Medical Examiner Psychic Witness Deadly Devotion Blood Relatives I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner Psychic Witness Nightmare Next Door Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

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 Dates From Hell Dates From Hell Deadly Women I Almost Got Away With It

00:00 Wilfred 00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 01:30 Family Guy 02:00 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 02:30 The League 03:00 Two And A Half Men 04:00 Seinfeld 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 All Of Us 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Seinfeld 08:30 All Of Us 09:30 Two And A Half Men 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Seinfeld 13:00 All Of Us

14:30 Two And A Half Men 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Raising Hope 19:00 Two And A Half Men 19:30 Arrested Development 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Louie 22:30 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 23:00 The League 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 02:00 03:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 12:30 14:00 15:00 16:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

24 In Plain Sight The Americans 24 Switched At Birth Fairly Legal In Plain Sight Coronation Street Fairly Legal 24 Coronation Street Fairly Legal Once Upon A Time Grey’s Anatomy Homeland Breaking Bad The Americans

00:00 01:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 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 Treme Good Morning America Emmerdale Coronation Street Body Of Proof Emmerdale Coronation Street Drop Dead Diva House Of Cards Live Good Morning America Drop Dead Diva Body Of Proof House Of Cards Drop Dead Diva Body Of Proof House Of Cards Treme Nip/Tuck

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 13:45 16:00 17:45 20:00 22:15

Gangs Of Brooklyn Final Destination 5 7 Below The Rescue Nick Of Time Ice Road Terror Nitro Circus: The Movie Courageous Ice Road Terror Jurassic Park Courageous Silent House

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 11:45 14:00 15:45 18:00 20:15 22:00 23:45

Final Destination 5-18 7 Below-18 The Rescue-PG15 Nick Of Time-PG15 Ice Road Terror-PG15 Nitro Circus: The Movie-PG15 Courageous-PG15 Ice Road Terror-PG15 Jurassic Park-PG15 Courageous-PG15 Silent House-PG15 Special Ops-PG15 Bunraku-18

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

The Angel’s Share-PG15 The Ringer-PG15 I Think I Do-PG15 Falling Star-PG15 Norbit-PG15 Ernest Scared Stupid-PG15 I Think I Do-PG15 Today’s Special-PG15 Ernest Scared Stupid-PG15 Love Birds-PG15 Stakeout-PG15 The Angel’s Share-PG15

01:00 PG15 03:00 05:15 06:45 09:00 PG15 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:30

Encounter With DangerLorenzo’s Oil-PG15 One Angry Juror-PG15 Dreamgirls-PG15 Encounter With DangerReign Over Me-PG15 Dead Lines-PG15 Arbitrage-PG15 My Own Love Song-PG15 Hideaways-PG15 Margaret-18 Cleanskin-18

00:45 Incendies-PG15 03:00 The Daughter-18 04:30 The Flowers Of War-PG15 07:00 Here-PG15 09:15 The Hand That Rocks The Cradle-PG15 11:15 What’s Wrong With VirginiaPG15 13:15 Love Finds A Home-PG15 15:00 Frozen-PG15 17:00 What’s Wrong With VirginiaPG15 19:00 Freedom Writers-PG15 21:00 Little Birds-PG15 23:00 True Love-PG15

COURAGEOUS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION

01:00 03:00 PG 05:00 07:00

Ceremony-PG15 Zathura: A Space AdventureA Mother’s Choice-PG15 Ceremony-PG15

LOVE BIRDS ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 09:00 The Girl-PG15 11:00 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows-PG15 13:15 Ring Of Deceit-PG15 15:00 Five-PG15 17:00 The Girl-PG15 19:00 Joyful Noise-PG15 21:00 The Five Year Engagement18 23:15 Savages-18

01:00 Cher Ami 02:45 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 04:30 The Land Before Time 06:00 Snowmen 08:00 Back To The Sea 10:00 Tony Hawk: Boom Boom Sabotage 11:30 The Apple & The Worm 13:00 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 14:45 Flicka 3 16:15 Everyone’s Hero 18:00 Tony Hawk: Boom Boom Sabotage 20:00 Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 22:00 Flicka 3 23:30 Back To The Sea

00:00 Chernobyl Diaries-18 01:45 Phil Spector-PG15 03:30 The Odd Life Of Timothy Green-PG 05:30 The Avengers-PG15 08:00 Frankenweenie-PG 10:00 Valentina-FAM 11:30 The Avengers-PG15 14:00 Thunderstruck-PG 16:00 Frankenweenie-PG 18:00 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey-PG 21:00 Total Recall-18 23:00 Goon-18

02:30 AFL Premiership Highlights 03:30 Trans World Sport 04:30 Super League 06:30 Futbol Mundial 07:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 08:00 PGA Tour Highlights 09:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 10:00 NRL Premiership 12:00 Trans World Sport 13:00 ICC Cricket 360 13:30 Live Cricket Champions League Twenty20 16:30 Trans World Sport 17:30 Live Cricket Champions League Twenty20 20:30 ICC Cricket 360 21:00 NRL Full Time 21:30 Futbol Mundial 22:00 European Challenge Tour Golf Highlights 23:00 Trans World Sport

00:00 Rugby Union Currie Cup 02:00 PGA Tour Highlights 03:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 04:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 05:00 Rugby Union Currie Cup 07:00 Cricket Champions League Twenty20

10:00 Cricket Champions League Twenty20 13:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 14:00 Futbol Mundial 14:30 Rugby Union Currie Cup 16:30 Champions Tour 18:30 WWE This Week 19:00 Trans World Sport 20:00 NFL 22:30 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 23:30 UFC Unleashed

00:30 Futbol Mundial 01:00 ITU World Triathlon Series 03:30 Top 14 Highlights

04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 12:30 13:30 14:00 16:30 17:00 19:30 20:30 21:30 22:00 23:00

World Cup of Pool World Cup of Pool Golfing World Golfing World Futbol Mundial World Cup of Pool World Cup of Pool Rugby Union Currie Cup Golfing World Top 14 Highlights AFL Premiership ICC Cricket 360 ITU World Triathlon Series Trans World Sport Golfing World Top 14 Highlights World Cup of Pool World Cup of Pool

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UFC The Ultimate Fighter Triahlon UK NHL WWE NXT WWE Bottom Line Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing NHL European Le Mans Series European Le Mans Series Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing Porsche GT 3 Cup Challenge UIM Powerboat Champs Mobil 1 The Grid NHL UFC

CBS Film may have sleeper hit in low-budget horror movie ‘Afflicted’

C

BS Films may have the next low-budget horror hit on its hands with “Afflicted,” judging by early reactions from mainstream and genre press at the Toronto International Film Festival and Austin-based Fantastic Fest. The only Canadian movie in Toronto’s Midnight Madness lineup, “Afflicted” is a low-budget indie film written and directed by Clif Prowse and Derek Lee, who also star as themselves.

The duo spent several years making the film with longtime collaborators Zach Lipovsky and Chris Ferguson, who met in elementary school and produced “Afflicted.”

Though Lipovsky is a director at heart (he recently wrapped “Leprechaun: Origins”), the “Afflicted” producer remembered it was his job to help Prowse and Lee achieve their vision. “I wanted to do whatever I could to help them make the best film they wanted to make,” Lipovsky told TheWrap. “We worked closely and collaboratively, almost like Pixar. I just wanted to provide them with the tools they needed without watering down their vision.”

To hear him describe it, “Afflicted” is an action-packed genre film shot documentarystyle that follows two best friends, one of whom starts to get “sick” in a foreign country.

But the nature of his disease - which gives him incredible strength and power - is a mystery. “Clif and Derek had the idea to make an action movie, but it was way too expensive.

So Clif decided to come up with something really small that felt really big, and one of those ideas was a documentary about vampires. We wanted to treat the story in a grounded way that allowed us to still do action, gore and the typical genre beats while practicing our craft.”

The four filmmakers and their 10-person crew told curious bystanders that “Afflicted” was a documentary while shooting in Paris, Italy and Spain. With only one light pack, their director of photography was forced to rely on “the natural beauty of the film’s European locations,” according to Lipovsky. “It blurs the lines of a documentary, since Clif and Derek’s friends and family play themselves in the film.

The two of them starring really came out of necessity. Not only did it keep the budget low, but it was more practical, because we

could do reshoots whenever we needed to since they owned the camera,” said Lipovsky.

Shot on a budget of several hundredthousand dollars in 2010, “Afflicted” was backed by Telefilm Canada, with the help of the filmmakers’ friends and families. The filmmakers cut together a trailer and, in a complete coincidence, shopped the project the same weekend that 20th Century Fox opened “Chronicle,” a found-footage movie about super-powered teens that also hailed from a first-time filmmaker. “It wasn’t planned. We actually shot before ‘Chronicle’ came out, but ended up taking out some shots that were too similar to that movie. It was pure coincidence,” said Lipovsky, who cites the Spanish horror film “REC” as an inspiration.

Verve handled the sale, as agent Adam Levine represents Prowse, Lee and Lipovsky.

Producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones saw something special in “Afflicted” and quickly snapped up the rights in a deal rumored to be in the low six-figure range. “Brian insisted we put a chase scene in Italy back into the movie, and he really helped us tighten the script to bring out the most commercial elements,” Lipovsky said. “Action scenes replaced some dialogue-heavy scenes. I mean, it wasn’t quite mumblecore, but there were more character-driven scenes. You care about the characters a lot more than you expect.”

Eventually, the movie was screened for distributors, with industry heavyweights shaking in their boots next to regular audience members. FilmDistrict aggressively chased the title, but in the end, CBS Films came away with it in a deal that insiders say was in the low-seven figure range, including some production budget to properly finish the film.

“It’s a Cinderella story,” Lipovsky said. “CBS really believed in it and wanted to push it theatrically. They wanted to make it bigger while retaining the heart of the film and its indie horror spirit. With their help, we did a bunch of reshooting in order to really go for it. It was about a month of additional shooting, and that helped it go from a small, indie film to a bigger, more commercial movie, while keeping what was so cool about it in the first place.”—Reuters

Classifieds TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

CHANGE OF NAME

Kuwait SHARQIA-1 PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED SHARQIA-2 PLANES (DIG-3D) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) SHARQIA-3 MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM 10:00 PM 1:00 AM

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:30 PM

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

MUHALAB-1 MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG)

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 PM

MUHALAB-2 BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG)

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 6:15 PM 9:15 PM

MUHALAB-3 PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG)

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM

FANAR-1 BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

FANAR-2 PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:15 PM 5:15 PM 8:15 PM 11:15 PM

FANAR-3 2 GUNS (DIG)

12:45 PM

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (19/09/2013 TO 25/09/2013)

TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) THE COLONY (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) 2 GUNS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

MARINA-1 PRISONERS (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) THE COLONY (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED MARINA-2 PRISONERS (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED MARINA-3 BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-1 THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) WISH YOU WERE HERE (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

1:45 PM 4:45 PM 7:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AVENUES-2 2 GUNS (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG)

2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM

AVENUES-3 BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

360º- 1 MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 12:45 PM MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 3:00 PM MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 5:15 PM

MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 7:30 PM MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 9:45 PM MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 12:05 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 360º- 2 THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

360º- 3 2 GUNS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US 2 GUNS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AL-KOUT.1 PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

AL-KOUT.2 THE COLONY (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) THE COLONY (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

AL-KOUT.3 PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:30 PM 5:30 PM 8:30 PM 11:30 PM

AL-KOUT.4 BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) RIDDICK (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

BAIRAQ-1 PLANES (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG-3D) PLANES (DIG-3D) GETAWAY (DIG)

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM

GETAWAY (DIG) GETAWAY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

10:45 PM 12:45 AM

BAIRAQ-2 THE SMURFS 2 (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM 12:30 AM

BAIRAQ-3 BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) BATTLE OF THE YEAR (DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:15 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:30 PM

PLAZA GETAWAY (DIG) 5:30 PM PHATA POSTER NIKLA HERO (DIG) (HINDI) 7:30 PM MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 10:30 PM LAILA MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 6:00 PM GETAWAY (DIG) 8:15 PM PRISONERS (DIG) 10:15 PM AJIAL.1 PHATA POSTER NIKLA HERO (DIG) (HINDI) 6:30 PM PHATA POSTER NIKLA HERO (DIG) (HINDI) 9:30 PM AJIAL.2 YA YA (DIG) (TAMIL) YA YA (DIG) (TAMIL)

I, Zainamol Noordeen Mytheen Kunju, holder of Indian Passport No. K2085439, hereby change my name to Zaina Nooruddin Mohiddin Kunju. (C 4516) 24-9-2013 I, Ameer Shahib Hassip Sheriph S/O Amir Sharif, date of brith 15.06.1969, Passport No: H0114576, hereby change my name to Asif Sharif Amir Sharif.

(C 4512) 22-9-2013 SITUATION WANTED English and Arabic speaking Indian housemaid available for work in Salwa / Mishref. Contact: 67780245.

(C 4514) 23-9-2013

with her parents in Houston and working in a Doctors Clinic. Looking for professionally qualified, nondrinking, non-smoking, God fearing, family oriented, loving and caring boy, who is willing to relocate/settle in USA. If interested please forward your complete bio data with photograph to email: b e j o n i m a @ y a h o o. c o m , varghesegeorge12@hotmail.com

24-9-2013 Proposals are invited for a Christian, 28 years old, 154cm, fair, B.Sc nurse, working in Kerala from parents of suitable boys. Contact: anitkoshy@gmail.com (C 4510) Inviting marriage proposals for RCSC girl, 27 years old, B.E. working in Kuwait as Engineer, invites proposals from RCSC boys, Engineers/ C.A. working in Kuwait/GCC are preferred. Email: sunnythengummoottil@gmail.com (C 4513) 22-9-2013

lost Original policy document No. 633002905-3 of Sajjad Haider Chohan of State Life Insurance Cooperation of Pakistan Gulf Zone is reported to have been lost.

Anyone find the same or claiming any interest in it should communicate with Manager Kuwait State Life Office. Tel: 22452208.

(C 4515) 23-9-2013

MATRIMONIAL

Prayer timings Orthodox Christian parents from Mavelikara/ Aleppey Dist, settled in USA seek suitable alliance for their daughter, 29 years/165 cm, born and brought up in Kuwait and did MBBS in India. She is very humble, loving, God fearing, family oriented, currently living

6:45 PM 9:45 PM

Fajr:

04:18

Shorook

05:37

Duhr:

11:40

Asr:

15:07

Maghrib:

17:43

Isha:

19:00

No: 15938

AJIAL.3 PULLIPULIKALUM AATTINKUTTIYUM (DIG) 6:15 PM CHENNAI EXPRESS (DIG) 9:15 PM AJIAL.4 PRISONERS (DIG) PRISONERS (DIG)

7:00 PM 10:00 PM

METRO-1 MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 5:30 PM CHENNAI EXPRESS (DIG) (HINDI) 7:45 PM MALAVITA (THE FAMILY)(DIG) 10:45 PM METRO-2 YA YA (DIG) (TAMIL) 6:30 PM PULLIPULIKALUM AATTINKUTTIYUM 9:30 PM

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Airlines BBC QTR PIA JZR JZR FDB THY ETH GFA UAE ETD THY RJA FDB MSR OMA QTR THY DHX BAW DHX KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR FDB UAE ABY FDB IRA QTR ETD GFA MEA TMA UAE MSR THY KNE QTR FDB SVA KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR UAE

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 24/9/2013 Flt Route 043 DHAKA 148 DOHA 239 SIALKOT 539 CAIRO 267 BEIRUT 8063 DUBAI 764 SABIHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI-INTL 768 ISTANBUL 642 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 067 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 643 MUSCAT 138 DOHA 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 157 LONDON 870 BAHRAIN 206 ISLAMABAD 412 MANILA 416 JAKARTA 555 ALEXANDRIA 503 LUXOR 053 DUBAI 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 055 DUBAI 605 ISFAHAN 132 DOHA 301 ABU DHABI-INTL 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 213 BEIRUT 871 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 766 ISTANBUL 480 TAIF 140 DOHA 057 DUBAI 500 JEDDAH 352 COCHIN 332 TRIVANDRUM 514 TEHRAN 284 DHAKA 546 ALEXANDRIA 302 MUMBAI 165 DUBAI 561 SOHAG 859 DUBAI

Time 00: 05 00: 05 01: 05 00: 40 00: 20 01: 10 01: 40 01: 45 01: 55 02: 25 02: 30 02: 50 03: 10 03: 10 03: 15 03: 20 03: 30 04: 35 05: 10 06: 30 04: 30 07: 25 06: 15 06: 35 06: 20 07: 40 07: 45 08: 25 08: 50 09: 15 09: 20 09: 25 09: 30 10: 40 10: 55 12: 00 12: 45 13: 00 13: 10 13: 20 13: 45 13: 50 14: 30 08: 05 07: 55 13: 40 08: 15 14: 15 07: 50 11: 35 12: 00 21: 15

ETD KNE SYR RJA QTR ETD UAE ABY UAL SVA GFA QTR FDB GFA AXB JAI FDB OMA ABY MEA IRA MSR KLM ALK QTR GFA JAI FDB AIC UAL DLH JAI MSR THY TMA KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR JZR JZR JZR JZR JZR

307 47 341 640 134 303 857 127 982 510 215 144 063 219 393 572 061 647 129 402 619 618 415 229 136 217 576 059 981 981 636 574 614 772 213A 618 786 542 166 562 104 678 1802 788 674 774 742 177 535 325 557 185 135 239

ABU DHABI-INTL JEDDAH LATAKIA AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA DOHA ABU DHABI-INTL DUBAI SHARJAH WASHINGTON DC DULLES RIYADH BAHRAIN DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN KOZHIKODE MUMBAI DUBAI MUSCAT SHARJAH BEIRUT LAR ALEXANDRIA AMSTERDAM COLOMBO DOHA BAHRAIN COCHIN DUBAI CHENNAI BAHRAIN FRANKFURT MUMBAI CAIRO ISTANBUL BEIRUT DOHA JEDDAH CAIRO PARIS AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA LONDON MUSCAT CAIRO JEDDAH DUBAI RIYADH DAMMAM DUBAI CAIRO NAJAF ALEXANDRIA DUBAI BAHRAIN AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA

21: 30 14: 35 15: 15 15: 55 16: 15 16: 35 16: 55 17: 10 17: 15 17: 20 17: 20 18: 25 18: 55 19: 05 19: 15 19: 35 20: 00 20: 00 20: 05 20: 15 20: 20 20: 30 21: 05 21: 10 21: 30 21: 45 22: 05 22: 20 22: 25 22: 40 23: 10 23: 20 23: 30 23: 45 16: 00 19: 10 18: 30 18: 15 18: 40 14: 40 18: 45 19: 35 16: 40 15: 00 19: 25 21: 05 19: 30 17: 30 16: 10 16: 15 19: 10 22: 40 23: 00 22: 30

Airlines AIC AXB PIA JAI MSR DLH KLM BBC JZR FDB THY PIA THY ETH THY UAE FDB MSR OMA ETD QTR QTR JZR DHX RJA GFA THY KAC JZR KAC BAW FDB JZR KAC KAC ABY KAC UAE FDB KAC ETD IRA QTR KAC GFA KAC KAC MEA JZR JZR KAC KAC JZR TMA

Departure Flights on Tuesday 24/9/2013 Flt Route 976 GOA 490 MANGALORE 206 LAHORE 573 MUMBAI 615 CAIRO 637 FRANKFURT 411 AMSTERDAM 044 DHAKA 502 LUXOR 8064 DUBAI 773 ISTANBUL 240 SIALKOT 765 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 769 ISTANBUL 854 DUBAI 068 DUBAI 613 CAIRO 644 MUSCAT 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 52 BAGRAM 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 545 ALEXANDRIA 164 DUBAI 411D BANGKOK 156 LONDON 054 DUBAI 534 CAIRO 513 IMAM KHOMEINI 561 AMMAN 126 SHARJAH 787 JEDDAH 856 DUBA 056 DUBAI 1801 CAIRO 302 ABU DHABI 604 ISFAHAN 133 DOHA 101 LONDON 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 405 BEIRUT 556 ALEXANDRIA 324 AL NAJAF 677 MUSCAT 785 JEDDAH 176 DUBAI 223 DUBA

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Time 00: 05 00: 15 00: 15 00: 20 00: 30 00: 30 00: 55 01: 30 01: 30 01: 55 02: 20 02: 20 02: 40 02: 45 03: 40 03: 45 03: 50 04: 15 04: 20 04: 20 04: 25 05: 15 05: 35 06: 00 06: 35 07: 00 07: 10 07: 20 07: 25 07: 40 08: 25 08: 25 09: 10 09: 15 09: 25 09: 30 09: 35 09: 50 09: 55 10: 05 10: 15 10: 20 10: 25 10: 25 11: 25 11: 30 11: 45 11: 55 12: 10 13: 00 13: 00 13: 00 13: 20 13: 45

MSR THY KNE UAE FDB QTR KAC KNE SVA KAC SYR KAC KAC RJA JZR QTR ETD JZR KAC ABY UAE SVA GFA UAL JZR JZR QTR FDB GFA JZR KAC AXB JAI FDB ABY OMA KAC KAC MEA IRA MSR DHX KLM ETD ALK UAE KAC QTR KAC GFA FDB KAC JAI KAC JZR TMA

611 767 481 872 058 141 673 473 501 617 342 503 741 641 238 135 304 538 773 128 858 511 216 982 184 266 145 064 220 134 283 394 571 062 120 648 343 351 40 618 607 171 415 308 230 860 381 137 301 218 060 205 575 411 528 214

CAIRO ISTANBUL TAIF DUBAI DUBAI DOHA DUBAI JEDDAH JEDDAH DOHA LATAKIA BEIRUT DAMMAM AMMAN AMMAN DOHA ABU DHABI CAIRO RIYADH SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI BEIRUT DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DHAKA KOZHIKODE MUMBAI DUBA SHARJAH MUSCAT CHENNAI KOCHI BEIRUT LAR LUXOR BAHRAIN DAMMAM ABU DHABI COLOMBO DUBAI DELHI DOHA MUMBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI ISLAMABAD ABU DHABI BANGKOK ASYUT BEIRUT

14: 00 14: 10 14: 10 14: 15 14: 30 14: 55 15: 05 15: 30 15: 45 15: 45 16: 15 16: 30 16: 30 16: 55 17: 05 17: 20 17: 20 17: 40 17: 40 17: 50 18: 15 18: 20 18: 20 18: 30 18: 30 18: 40 19: 25 19: 35 19: 50 20: 05 20: 15 20: 15 20: 35 20: 40 20: 45 20: 55 20: 55 21: 05 21: 15 21: 20 21: 30 21: 50 22: 05 22: 15 22: 20 22: 25 22: 30 22: 40 22: 40 22: 45 23: 00 23: 00 23: 05 23: 40 23: 55 23: 55

34

s ta rs CROSSWORD 320

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) ARIES An anonymous writer once wrote that if we do not take care of our bodies, we would have a problem finding a place to live. This is your attitude now as you strive to maintain good health. Exercise is important. Have fun with it—you will encourage others.

You could be most persuasive with others and the feeling today lends itself to your particular ideas. This afternoon a shopping expedition shows off your excellent taste. You could be an expert in all matters of art and discrimination. You can always pick out the valuable and worthwhile. You appreciate all that is fine and beautiful. You will charm an older person this evening with your fascinating stories and theories. Later this evening there is a chance to have some special time with a lover.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Outer circumstances are favorable and it should be easy for you to push forward with projects in the workplace as well as in your personal life. Magical things happen in your favor today. You have the opportunity to help a new co-worker learn and develop his or her work skills. Something as simple as the hiccups can create havoc in most offices. In your office, however, some wise person comes up with a remedy that saves the afternoon; there is much laughter. You may realize that it is good to have these breaks from time to time and perhaps regular break time can be utilized in ways that cause laughter and chatter and friendliness to occur. You enjoy time with a volunteer group this evening and may wonder where the time has flown.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. A form of address for a married woman.

4. A sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet.

12. A master's degree in library science.

15. An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions.

16. Italian architect (1508-1580).

17. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States.

18. Water frozen in the solid state.

19. Herbs or shrubs or small trees.

20. A nucleic acid that transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm.

21. A drawing intended to explain how something works.

23. Pertaining to or resembling Utopia.

25. Unwind from or as if from a reel.

28. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

29. Dense growth of hairs covering the body or parts of it (as on the human head).

30. Goddess of spring and wife of Bragi.

34. Of or relating to Oman or its people.

38. An expression of open-mouthed astonishment.

39. Any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse.

40. Hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve endings in the hypothalamus.

41. The wood of an African obeche tree.

43. An independent ruler or chieftain (especially in Africa or Arabia).

46. An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

47. Payment due by the recipient on delivery.

48. Discrimination in favor of the able-bodied.

51. A collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn.

52. An adherent of any branch of Taoism.

55. A doctor's degree in religion.

56. Forced to turn and face attackers.

58. A public promotion of some product or service.

59. The syllable naming the fourth (subdominant) note of the diatonic scale in solmization.

61. A shop where a variety of goods are sold.

64. Supplied with (especially a dower or dowry).

68. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

69. A genus of Fringillidae.

72. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

73. A defensive missile designed to shoot down incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles.

74. A slang term for a jail.

75. Being one more than six.

76. A unit of length of thread or yarn.

77. Hold spellbound.

78. The sign language used in the United States.

DOWN 1. A member of a North American Indian people living east of the Sacramento river in California.

2. A toxic protein extracted from castor beans.

3. Slanderous defamation.

4. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat trimmed off.

5. An esoteric or occult matter that is traditionally secret.

6. A white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum.

7. Sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce.

8. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Dali region of Yunnan.

9. 1 species.

10. Troublemaker who participates in a violent disturbance of the peace.

11. Person who makes a gift of property.

12. A member of a rural Finnish people living in eastern Russia.

13. A Russian river.

14. The act of scanning.

22. Wild or seedling sweet cherry used as stock for grafting.

24. United States baseball player.

26. Of or relating to or characteristic of the Republic of Chad or its people or language.

27. A city in western Germany near the Dutch and Belgian borders.

31. The capital and largest city of Bangladesh.

32. Keep or maintain in unaltered condition.

33. Necessary for relief or supply.

35. Arboreal snake of central and southern Africa whose bite is often fatal.

36. Departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal.

37. Chiefly tropical trees and shrubs and vines usually having a tall columnar trunk bearing a crown of very large leaves.

42. A signal transmitted along a narrow path.

44. A long noosed rope used to catch animals.

45. The craniometric point at the junction of the lamboid suture and the occipitomastoid suture and the parietomastoid suture.

49. A beta-adrenergic blocking agent (trade name Corgard) that is used to treat hypertension and angina.

50. Free from risk or danger.

53. Somewhat strange.

54. A lake in northwestern Russia north of St. Petersburg.

57. A ridge that forms a seam between two parts.

60. An anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally.

62. A French abbot.

63. The battle in 202 BC in which Scipio decisively defeated Hannibal at the end of the second Punic War. 65. Make high-pitched, whiney noises.

66. Armor plate that protects the chest.

67. The lower house of the parliament of the Republic of Ireland.

70. Negation of a word or group of words.

71. An emotional response that has been acquired by conditioning.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

There is an instinctive urge to get serious about taking care of you. You may have tried a multitude of methods to get your body into the shape you desire. Now, it is time to settle on one method and stick to it. Any method will work for you—the secret to your success is consistency. Give yourself three days of hard work to learn about a routine and each day in the future will become as though it is automatic.

You will be on your way to better health and you will be helping others learn as well. This is a very nice day; work and personal goals meet with success. You have a sense of value that may find you lavishing affection on those near you this afternoon. An older family member will appreciate your attention.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You are responsible and this deliberate sense of responsibility comes across and is central to your personality and the way you relate to other people, particularly in the workplace. You may enjoy today’s work most as you are able to run a finished product through your checkpoint to see if it holds up and can pass the test of perfection.

There is not always time for tests. You can be a stickler with details and you are in your element. You will find that higher-ups may come to you for problem-solving help. Keep your own detailed progress notes for employee review. You are personal with friends and relatives as well as patient enough to listen and be understanding. You have a following of friends and there is a sense of support and goodwill from those around you.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Things are happening and your career or path depends upon your own ambition and drive, which are strong now. You are able to use good common sense as it is easy for you to feel the trends and accordingly make all the right moves. There are openings at work and changes in status that are open to you now. This is a time to get ahead by taking action. A progressive mood develops. You help others who have talent and do not know how to better their careers. Politics and community activities can hold your attention later today. You may create an interest among your neighbors to put on some type of charity fair soon. As a reward for everyone’s participation, a percentage of the earnings could go to some landscaping that would beautify the area.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) A class in personal development may be taking place today—perhaps you are teaching. Fun conversations and a relaxed atmosphere happen each time you complete an orientation or lecture series. You may be a really fun tour guide as people are quiet and interested when you share information. Your attitude is good and you enjoy doing what you do. Keep on keeping on; this ability to keep focused is the key that will get you where you want to go. People enjoy having you as a friend; they like your independence and unique qualities. Later this afternoon, you enjoy a little work in the yard; it may be time to plant or prepare for a fall garden. You are a believer that practical and constructive use of leisure time will add to your happiness.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) What you sign up for today may set up a delay toward your goals. Think long term and then perhaps you can look at your choices with different insight. You are moving in the direction of your dreams and if you want to secure the direction in which you are advancing, it would be good not to become sidetracked. A sense of belonging to something bigger than just a personal desire becomes a focus in your life. You know that success is available as you remain focused. You have a real need to care and protect others and this afternoon you will be asked to help out in a family situation. You enjoy change but because your work demands focus you will change things in your personal life, maybe a fresh coat of paint on one wall or a new picture.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You are in a great mood of self-enjoyment and can appreciate your own company. You may feel love for an older person or someone in authority today. This is however, a good day to make phone appointment follow-ups and brush up on some legal guidelines. You feel good about your place at work and can move in most any direction. Considering the day, this is a productive and potentially satisfying one. You may find yourself working on a new habit you want to take on for yourself. Give yourself three days of paying close attention to what you want to accomplish and you will find the fourth day will become easier and you will be more comfortable with the new habit. Your thoughts tonight are centered on future wishes and goals. You can do anything!

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) This is a time when you may become involved with your co-workers more than usual. Perhaps a new job is no longer new and the people around you trust you and enjoy having you as a work friend. You may become most interested in political issues, perhaps to the point of becoming involved as a politician or campaigner. You may be scheduling a speech or arranging your time so that it will easily put you in front of the public. This evening, your attention is on the home front. Redecorating, remodeling or organizing and cleaning may be listed at the top of your priority list. You will also be concentrating on quickly completing whatever projects need to be completed at this time.

Winter comes soon and these projects will help you keep utility bills low.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Circumstances may urge you to great effort and hard work at this. Things are working with rather than against you however, so do not hold back. Talking and listening are the natural gifts we have that help us achieve what we want. If you are in sales, some issue will come up today that will give you the opportunity to persuade others to buy your product. With this gift of gab, by example, you are able to help others excel. If you are teaching, your communication will mean more than any instructions that can be read. Because you do not tire of communicating, your class will achieve high marks over any other class. Reading your instructions or your thoughts does not mean the same as your verbal communication. This talent is important to all.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You may find yourself feeling more private and in a stay-at-home mood this day but the beckoning of a paycheck or new projects gains your attention and your interest. You like to be challenged with projects that stretch the imagination and the capabilities of your wisdom. When your work becomes stressful or tedious and you see the challenges before you, there is a desire to be the one that saves the day or learns about the shortcut or finds something new in the project at hand. Your horoscope for today is a good one as well as a lucky one; something lost is found. Good things happen all day long.

This afternoon you have time to dive into a favorite hobby. You may gain the attention of neighbors or family—you can teach this hobby to others.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) You could find that you will have a lot of eagerness to pour into a work project today. You may appear commanding and assertive. Whatever the mood, this is the time to push ahead but listen very carefully to your responses to others so that you do not damage a relationship between co-workers. Breakthrough in your career could open up during this time, making it possible for you to solve problems and reach new levels of accomplishment. Improved solutions, insights and approaches to problems make opportunities for you to turn to your advantage. This evening you will be moved to appreciate and discover the beauty in your life. Perhaps a sunset, a child or an animal makes you smile this evening. Enjoy the simple things in life.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Al-Madeena

22418714

Al-Shuhada

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Sabhan

24742838

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Al-Helaly

22434853

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Al-Faiha

22545051

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Hawally

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Al-Jahra

25610011

Khaldiya

24848075

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Omariya

24719048

N Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

A

lthough it unquestionably ennobles the pursuit of space exploration, “Gravity” feels like the polar opposite of a recruitment film for NASA. Alfonso Cuaron’s overdue follow-up to “Children of Men” captures the beauty and terror of weightlessness as accurately as one imagines is possible - or a civilian could probably tolerate, anyway. A hard-science tale that offers a uniquely poetic portrait of hope and survival, “Gravity” is a both a virtuoso technical achievement and a powerfully visceral cinematic experience.

Sandra Bullock plays Dr Ryan Stone, a civilian engineer who joins the crew of the space shuttle on a mission to test an experimental scanning device. But after a cloud of debris destroys the shuttle, its scattered crew - including cucumber-cool commander Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) - is forced to band together to avoid drifting off into space. As their oxygen supply dwindles and their prospects for survival grow increasingly dim, Stone and Kowalsky make a last-ditch effort to find sanctuary in a nearby space station.

But even if the duo manage to make it 100 kilometers with little functional equipment and even less breathable air, they still have to contend with the impending return of the orbiting debris, whose destruction of their one refuge may scuttle any chance they have to return to earth. In assembling the film from a concentrated series of vignettes - each of which is photographed in long, fluid takes - Cuaron creates an immediate feeling of verisimilitude, which is amplified by sound design and sustained

by denying the audience a consistent horizon to remind them which way is up.

Notwithstanding the massive blue marble that occasionally cascades across the astronauts’ viewfinders as they’re tumbling through space, their environment is basically a pitch-black backdrop of nothingness, and Cuaron’s first-person perspective including shots from inside Stone’s helmet makes it impossible for the audience not to identify with her paralyzing disorientation.

Moreover, Cuaron’s ceaselessly inventive camerawork manages to be artistic and functional at the same time, creating set pieces of breathtaking dexterity while also showing the literal physics of how Stone navigates space in zero gravity. Clooney manages to be a little too Clooney, oozing

Brigitte Bardot takes to Twittersphere

B

rigitte Bardot took to the Twittersphere yesterday, using her first tweet to complain about her name being used to help sell an apartment belonging to her ex-husband. Using the handle @B_BARDOT_PERSO, the account photograph shows a recent photo of the 78year-old former film star superimposed on a scene of sunset over the bay of Brigitte Bardot Canoubiers near San Tropez where she lives.

Bardot’s first tweet was addressed to France’s Le Figaro newspaper following an article it published on the sale of the apartment by German-born Gunter Sachs, the third of her four husbands, whom she married in 1966. “Fed up that my identity is taken over to sell anything, I never set foot in this apartment,” she tweeted.

Sachs, a millionaire playboy, committed suicide aged 78 in 2011 in the Swiss resort of Gstaad by shooting himself. He and Bardot divorced in 1969. The authenticity of Bardot’s Twitter account was confirmed to AFP by the animal welfare organisation that bears her name. — AFP

Danny Ocean levels of confidence and charm as the more experienced of the pair.

Bullock, on the other hand, carries the weight of the film on her shoulders and maintains a delicate balance between debilitating fear and pragmatic resilience.

After aging out of the ingÈnue roles that relegated her early in her career to playing spunky go-getters or romantic interests, she has become an increasingly - and successfully - adventurous actress, and she seems to apply her professional uncertainty in the unfamiliar territory of science fiction to the gradual empowerment of her character. At the same time, the film works best when it communicates character through action rather than exposition, and the only time its emotional power wanes is when Stone and

Kowalsky are put in the position of providing themselves with an “arc.”

Because, quite frankly, their battle for survival in humankind’s most hostile environment is enough by itself to generate drama, and it needs no additional trauma or back story to give it poignancy.

That said, it’s understandable that the film chooses to supply the audience with a form of verbal expression other than panicked breathing, but with such a straightforwardly potent concept to explore, the deeper underpinnings of their behavior provide an embarrassment of riches superfluous, but effective, dramatically speaking.

It seems a bit early to declare the film a bona fide masterpiece, but no film released in 2013 thus far has the singularity, and the impact, of “Gravity.” While “Children of Men” is far too accomplished to serve as a trial run for almost anything, this film’s sophistication feels like a direct outgrowth of the experimentation - the alchemy of a unique idea and universal feelings - of its predecessor.

Because if that film brought to life a childless world and made you understand the significance of its first new birth, this one not only shows you the fear and desperation of character in a seemingly inescapable environment, but makes you feel like you’re trapped there along with her.

In other words, Cuaron’s technical virtuosity makes it possible to experience a catastrophe without actually having to endure it first hand - which is why “Gravity” may eventually enlist more people to become filmmakers than astronauts. — Reuters

Ai Weiwei to join Stockholm Film Festival jury

C

hinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei was yesterday appointed to be on the jury of the Stockholm Film Festival even though he was unlikely to be allowed to attend in person, festival organizers said. The artist, whose movements have been restricted by Chinese authorities, was chosen because he is a “symbol of the repression of artists and journalists,” festival director Git Scheynius told AFP. “He is one of the most interesting artists on the planet right now. He can’t express himself and he has been in jail because of his regime-critical opinions,” Scheynius said, adding it was unlikely Beijing would grant permission for him to attend the festival.

“But he was thrilled, he said he loves films and is looking forward to taking part.” The theme of the international festival this year is “freedom” and Scheynius said she hoped it would highlight the plight of journalists and artists unable to perform their

Ai Weiwei work without the influence of censorship. “We’re doing this to put pressure on the Chinese authorities,” said Scheynius. It was unclear how Ai Weiwei would participate, as organizers said he currently has no Internet

access and is difficult to reach, but Scheynius said she was “optimistic” about his involvement. The annual festival will run from November 6-17 with more than 180 films from over 50 countries in competition.—AFP

Drake, “Nothing Was the Same” (Cash Money)

D Review

Bullock shines in Alfonso Cuaron’s ‘Gravity’

Drake a melancholy king on latest album

rake warns us what’s coming on his new album “Nothing Was the Same,” laying out a mission statement of sorts on sprawling opener “Tuscan Leather.” “This is nothin’ for the radio/but they’ll still play it though/Cause it’s that new Drizzy Drake/that’s just the way it go.” The most anticipated rap album of the year is here and “Nothing Was the Same” is probably nothing like you expected. Drake’s third album is introspective, practically guest free and every bit as sonically brave as Kanye West’s “Yeezus” - though not quite so abrasively bold.

Drake’s right. There are no radio cuts here - a predictable inevitability after he debuted “Started from the Bottom” last winter. That song was nothing like the music Drake released on 2011’s top album, the Grammy Award-winning “ Take Care.” Yet it got stronger, more mesmerizing and meaningful with each play, and it remains among the most streamed songs in a year overstuffed with sickly sweet pop tunes.

“Take Care” was meant to be played at top volume with the windows rolled down. It was club music. The party is over now. “Nothing” is for dark rooms and headphones. There are few hooks here, almost no choruses, not much to sing along to. The heart-on-his-sleeve rapper with a million friends and the tightest of crews seems all alone here after ridding himself of fake friends, trying to sort out why all the success, the money, the drugs and the women leave him with a hollow feeling.

He tells us over the course of the album how his relationships with his family and friends, like Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, have been strained. The only pleasant memories seem to come from his childhood - represented by that chubby cheeked cherub in the cover painting - and the ‘90s are all over the album, serving as touchstone, reminder and measuring stick.

He references the Wu-Tang Clan in the song “WuTang Forever” and in a half-dozen other places.

“Nothing” is full of the kind of studied minimalism and sped-up soul vocal samples favored by RZA and his acolytes like West, who we’ll get back to in a minute. But he’s not aping the game-changers as much as using them as a landmark. So the biggest star in the rap world retreats. “I’ve been plottin’ on the low,” he sings on “Furthest Thing,” “Schemin’ on the low, the furthest thing from perfect like everybody I know.”

It’s moments like this that differentiate “Nothing Was the Same” from the year’s other releases in the three-way battle for king of the hill. Where “Yeezus” shows us West has turned confrontational in the post-fame portion of his career and Jay Z has become condescending with “Magna Carta ... Holy Grail,” Drake becomes more and more confessional with each release. His charismatic self-doubt remains intact even as he wears the crown. It sits atop his sharp-cut fade, heavy and at a tilt, but still firmly in place. — AP

Letters of grief to Jacqueline French ‘Amour’ Kennedy brought to life in film star Trintignant bows out of acting

V

eteran French actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, the star of Oscar-winning film “Amour” who rose to fame opposite Brigitte Bardot in “And God Created Woman”, is bowing out of a critically-acclaimed career. The 82-year-old, whose life took a tragic turn in 2003 when his actress daughter Marie died after a fight with her rocker boyfriend, made the announcement in an interview published yesterday in the daily Nice-Matin. In it, he said he would put an end to his career with a poetry recital next week in the southeastern city of Antibes, even though he felt “even more pleasure acting now than at 30.”

“But I’m very old and I have trouble moving around. So after these two last performances, I will do nothing more.

No more theatre, no more cinema. Make room for the young,” he said. Trintignant is perhaps best known abroad for his most recent-and lastfilm role in “Amour”, in which he plays an elderly man whose love for his wife is seriously tested when he has to care for her after a stroke.

A file photo shows It won the top Palme d’Or French actor Jean-Louis prize at the 2012 Cannes Film Trintignant posing dur- Festival, followed by an Oscar ing the promotion for best foreign language film.

“Amour” by Austrian When director Michael film director Michael Haneke asked him to act in Haneke in Rome. — AFP “Amour”, Trintignant says he jumped at the opportunity. It was his first big-screen movie since 2003, when he played in the comedy “Janis et John” with his daughter, just months before she died.

Marie Trintignant died of brain damage while on a trip to Lithuania following a hotel-room fight with her boyfriend Bertrand Cantat, lead singer of the famous French band Noir Desir. Her death sent shockwaves through France, and in a particularly poignant moment, her father was seen breaking down in sobs at her funeral in Paris. Cantat was jailed for eight years, and was freed on parole in 2007, returning to France. — AFP

T

hree days after US President John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963, some 45,000 condolence letters addressed to his young widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, poured into the White House. That was just the beginning of a flood of correspondence. Over the next two months the number climbed to 800,000, and within two years the first lady had received more than 1.5 million letters from well-wishers of all

Jacqueline Kennedy

stripes, united in their grief over her husband’s death.

About 250 of the letters were selected by historian Ellen Fitzpatrick and published in a 2010 book, “Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation.”

Now the book has been adapted for the screen in a new documentary, “Letters to Jackie: Remembering President Kennedy”, which premiered at the John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston last week, nearly 50 years after Kennedy was gunned down

on Nov 22, 1963, by Lee Harvey Oswald.

The film, which features archival footage of Kennedy at news conferences, public events and with family, traces the major events of his presidency, from civil rights protests to the Cuban missile crisis.

The 20 condolence letters that shape its narrative, written by ordinary Americans and read by Hollywood actors, give a visceral sense of what the 35th US president meant to many citizens at a time of social and political upheaval. “I felt as if I was looking at the beating heart of the country,” Fitzpatrick said of the letters, which she stumbled across while doing research at the presidential library. “I read more and became all the more convinced that the letters should be brought to light.” A student from New York wrote of her teacher breaking down in tears at the news. A Massachusetts man fondly recalled voting for Kennedy in 1960 and expressed disbelief at the slaying of “a man so much alive” by “a madman with a mail-order rifle.” In another letter, Gabriele Gidion of New York wrote she had fled Nazi Germany, grown up in wartime China, had watched her father die of cancer and seen her roommate in a car accident. “Yet NEVER, until last Friday, have I felt such a desperate sense of loss and loneliness,” she wrote.

“President Kennedy was, and always will be, loved by people the world over.”

Idealism shattered Gretchen Lundstrom, a student at St Olaf College in Minnesota, wrote: “Our idealism has once again been shattered in the face of human depravity, and it has left an emptiness which will not soon diminish.” Kennedy’s assassination in front of cheering crowds while riding in an open motorcade through Dallas was

the first of a trio of 1960s political killings in a turbulent decade.

Five years later, the nation looked on in horror again as civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr, and later Kennedy ’s brother and US Senator Robert, were also gunned down. Another voice in the film was that of Henry Gonzales, a Mexican immigrant who lived in Texas at the time of Kennedy’s death and wrote that they were the same age, and like the president, he had served in the South Pacific during World War Two, “but I was no hero.

“We both married in 1953, and my wife is the same age as you are,” Gonzales wrote. “We do hope that you will not think all of us Texans bad. There is bad in every sort of people.” Director Bill

Couturie recalled being shocked when half the boys in his high school gym class in a conservative part of southern California had cheered at the news of Kennedy’s death.

“When those guys cheered, I said, ‘You know, I guess I must be a Democrat,’” he recalled at a screening of the film. “It changed my life.” The actors who read the letters in the film include Jessica Chastain, Chris Cooper, Viola Davis, Kirsten Dunst, Anne Hathaway, Laura Linney and Betty White. Cooper recalled wondering at age 7 if the racist attitudes he encountered in his community were true. “I came to the conclusion that they weren’t, that they were wrong,” he said.

“Kennedy helped me realize that I was right.” — Reuters

M Shadows of American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold performs during the final day of the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. — AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

lifestyle F A S H I O N

Young designers energize

Milan T

he Milan masters displayed their customary discipline, but it was the fresh perspectives of up-and-coming young designers that energized this round of Milan Fashion Week: Uma Wang’s hauntingly fresh looks, Fausto Puglisi’s vibrant edgy couture and Marco de Vincenzo’s romantic optical illusions. Milan designers - fierce defenders of their own creative independence - are finding common cause in backing newcomers: fresh energy also is good for the collective. Giorgio Armani lent his space to Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean and Dolce&Gabbana have given retail exposure to Puglisi, who hails from their beloved Sicily.

“It’s the week of youth,” Milan Fashion Chamber president Mario Boselli said ahead of Wang’s show yesterday, the last day of Milan Fashion Week. “Youth brings a certain energy.”

Milan may have made its name with bodyhugging tailoring, but the main design language this round was more relaxed, about draping the body in soft materials that subtly reveal the shape. Despite the predominance of the brassiere top, these were not vamped-up collections. It came in studded leather, ironic pop-art cartoon renderings, or luxurious python bandeaus, which were almost always veiled beneath sheer fabrics or worn beneath peek-a-boo tops that stood away from the body. A belt often defined the silhouette.

Silky chiffon and organza shimmered with metallic accents in Milan, often woven into the materials to create the effect of the summer

sun reflecting off the water. The softness was also expressed through next season’s palette of bleached pastels. Black, white and bold jewel tones also made appearances for contrast.

The fashion in Milan this season was very much a battle between minimalists and nonminimalists. While some designers hued to the clean lines, many employed ruffles, bustles and pleats for flair. And there was no shortage of sequins, beads or metallic studs.

And even the most feminine collections had sporty references: athletic stripes, visors, tube socks, jogging shorts, tank tops and trekking shoes. The 1950s swimsuit, ostensibly modest, left the poolside and headed for the street. After several seasons of high-rise footwear, shoes came down to Earth. Most of the looks were sandals, and elaborately decorated trekking styles were also a favorite. Bags - bread-and-butter items for most of these fashion houses - came in every shape and size, although the fold-over purse was a favorite.

Makeup was minimalist, maybe a shimmering eyelid, with red lipstick for the more daring looks. Hair was almost always long and straight, as if combed back after a swim.

Fashion Week

Models present creations for fashion house Giorgio Armani as part of the spring/summer 2014 ready-to-wear collections during the fashion week in Milan yesterday. — AFP/AP photos

FAUSTO PUGLISI Sicilian-born designer Fausto Puglisi’s road to Milan fashion fame took him to America and back. Puglisi has a long list of fashion patrons and inspirations: the late Gianni Versace, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce&Gabbana, who put his creations in one of their boutiques and Anna Wintour, the artistic director of Vogue America who is providing important support. For spring-summer 2014, Puglisi paired ladylike long skirts printed with California palm trees with masculine shirts, cinched at the waist by a wide leather belt. The shirt is often left open to reveal a black leather studded bra. The outfit could be captioned, “Grace Kelly checks out the dark side of the street.” The palm tree motif defines his collection throughout, showing up as dainty embroidery on a silk dress, or bold sequins on a leather biker jacket. The importance of the belt in Puglisi’s collection was epitomized in skirts and jackets made entirely out of buckles and belts. Pleats and ruffles, slits and crinolines, blacks and bright summer shades - many of his elements had an opposite as befitted his “not always a lady” theme.

FERRE Gianfranco Ferre’s architectural style continues to survive him. Design team Federico Piaggi and Stefano Citron’s women’s styles for next summer, presented yesterday on the last day of Milan Fashion Week, had a structural look that adhered closely to the design language developed by Ferre, who died in 2007.

Concentric seams gave structure to the bust, the waist and hemlines, while layered pockets, shoulders or pleats gave a depth to the looks reminiscent of an Escher print. Hemlines varied from mini to floor-length, often in the same garment, with either a short skirt under a draped overlay, or short shorts exposed beneath a wide slit. — AP

Models present creations for fashion house Gianfranco Ferre.

Back to the future: ‘Made

C

oats with fluorescent buttons, skirts covered in monkey prints and straw caps adorned with flowers: the designs at Milan Fashion Week often bear little resemblance to a classical Italian look. But as the catwalks and fashion fairs wrapped up yesterday, even the most rebellious young brands said they still look to tradition to guide their way. “We want to become a new wave of Made in Italy,” Andrea Tessitore, chief executive of trendy eyewear maker Italia Independent, told AFP in an interview.

“The idea of Made in Italy is an expression of the know-how of this country that we want to bring to the market with a youthful twist,” he said. The company, whose profits went up 53 percent in the

first half of the year, makes an array of multi-colored frames including heat-sensitive and velvet-covered ones, using advanced technology from the automotive sector. “Innovation also helps because it makes it harder for counterfeit production. By the time they are copying me, I have already moved on!” he said.

Photo displays along Via della Spiga in the heart of Milan’s fashion district underscored the message of updating tradition, juxtaposing images of craftsmen of yesteryear with the latest designs on sale in the shops.

Andrea Provvidenza expresses a similar idea in his own designs for loden coats-usually associated with an older generation-for which he uses lighter

in Italy’ gets a makeover

materials and adds fluorescent buttons and coloured edging. “This is a revisiting of tradition,” Provvidenza said, underlining that however modern his designs may look, the sartorial quality is the same.

Distinctive features of the loden have also been retained by his brand LodenTallike the slit under the armpit to allow wearers in the past to raise their arms while aiming a rifle on hunting trips.

Provvidenza was one of hundreds of exhibitors at White, a designer fair taking place in Milan during fashion week. At a nearby stall, there were lines of skirts with prints of dogs and monkeys and brushstrokes in bright colours.

“We go into historical archives and look at textiles from the past and then we

try to innovate,” said Cecilia Bianchi, 26, one of the three skirt designers behind the Eggs brand. Many young designers spoke of a similar approach-like Matteo Gioli, a 27-year-old hatmaker from Florence who learnt from the city’s artisans. Gioli’s brand SuperDuperHats includes traditional models and funky items like a line of textile baseball caps with flowers called “Jungle Caps”.

“Studying only helps you so much. It has to be about technical skills learnt from craftsmen,” Gioli said at a party celebrating up-and-coming designers.

Tomaso Trussardi, a co-owner in his family’s luxury brand, told La Repubblica daily that on top of craftsmanship, Italian fashion houses were also trying to project

a distinctive lifestyle with their designs, however varied. “What we are selling in the world is not just the quality of bags or clothes but a sense of history and art, the taste of our cuisine, a lifestyle that everyone likes, from Brazilians to Chinese, Russians to Americans,” he said.

“This creativity is our fortune, one of Italy’s few natural resources!”. Luxury cashmere designer Brunello Cucinelli’s collection is one of many showing in Milan that were strong on heritage as well as innovation. One of his fashion house’s ads for magazines showed a black and white photo of a group of elderly people talking to young children in a classroom. A single line read: “Our fathers told us”. — AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

lifestyle A w a r d s

Emmys live up to unpredictable nature T

he Emmys lived up to its reputation as the least predictable entertainment awards show. Television’s annual night of honors, where the AMC drama “Breaking Bad” and ABC comedy “Modern Family” were judged the industry’s finest on Sunday night, mixed in surprises with expected winners, and ended some winning streaks while extending others. Newcomer Netflix made its presence felt, but not in the splashy way it had hoped for.

“Nobody in America is winning their office pool,” host Neil Patrick Harris said late in the CBS telecast from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The best drama win for “Breaking Bad” was its first ever, and Anna Gunn won a best supporting actress award for playing the wife of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White character, the chemistry teacher turned drug lord whom the series revolves around.

Cranston was denied a bid for his fourth drama acting award for the show. It was splendid publicity for “Breaking Bad,” which airs its series finale next Sunday. “What a way to go out,” Cranston said backstage.

“I’m biased, I love our show,” added Vince Gilligan, the series’ creator. “I was stunned that we won. It was a very big surprise for me.” Going into the Emmys, much speculation surrounded whether Netflix’s “House of Cards” would be the first series not shown on a broadcast or cable network to win best drama. It didn’t, but Gilligan said if it wasn’t for streaming services like Netflix, his show wouldn’t have lasted beyond its second season.

“House of Cards” was the first online program to be nominated for a top series honor, as big a revolution in the TV industry as when HBO’s “The Larry Sanders Show” became the first cable series nominee. It was a decade, however, until another cable show, “Sex and the City,” won one of the awards. David Fincher of “House of Cards” won a directing award. The “Modern Family” win can’t be called a surprise, since it has been declared best comedy all four years that it has been on the air. None of its ensemble cast took home trophies, though.

Jeff Daniels of the HBO drama “Newsroom” was probably the most unexpected winner, declared best actor in a drama in a category with heavyweights like Cranston, Jon Hamm of “Mad Men,” Kevin Spacey of “House of Cards” and Damian Lewis of “Homeland.” “I felt the work stood up to what the other guys are doing,” Daniels said. “But we’re all doing different things.” One of the show’s oddest moments came quickly, when Merritt Wever of “Nurse Jackie” won best supporting actress in a comedy series. “Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Um, I got to go, bye,” Wever told the audience. Her brevity drew positive notices from Harris and not a few folks on Twitter.

Wever said later she made it quick because she thought she was going to cry. Tony Hale of “Veep” was another surprise winner in the comedy supporting actor category, beating three “Modern Family” cast members. “Was I fine?

Because I totally blacked out,” he asked about his acceptance speech backstage. More familiar names took home best acting trophies for comedies. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won for the second year in a row for playing the lead character in the HBO series “Veep.” Jim Parsons, whose CBS show “The Big Bang Theory” has blossomed into television’s most popular comedy, won his second acting award.

“It means a ton because I’ve actually lost many, many more times than I’ve won. I’ve lost 10 times in fact. It’s delicious to win,” said Louis-Dreyfus, who has now won twice as many personal Emmys for “Veep” as she did playing Elaine Benes on “Seinfeld.” As she accepted her second straight award as best actress in a drama for Showtime’s “Homeland,” Claire Danes paid tribute to one of the series’ writers, who died last March and received a writing Emmy posthumously on Sunday.

The ceremony often struck a melancholy note with extended tributes to stars and other industry members who died in the past year. “Well, this may be the saddest Emmys of all time but we could not be happier,” said “Modern Family” executive producer Steve Levitan.

Writer/producer Vince Gilligan accepts the award for ‘Breaking Bad,’ winner for Best Drama Series onstage.

Bryan Cranston and members of ‘Breaking Bad’ pose in the press room on September 22, 2013 during the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. — AFP/AP photos

Writer/producer Steven Levitan accepts the award for Best Comedy Series for ‘Modern Family’ onstage.

Actress Anna Gunn, winner of the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Award for ‘Breaking Bad’.

Actor Jeff Daniels, winner of the Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series for ‘The Newsroom’ poses.

Sarah Bromell who accepted on behalf of her husband Writer Henry Bromell, winner of the Best Writing for a Drama Series Award for ‘Homeland’.

Jeff Daniels, left, accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his role on ‘The Newsroom’ from presenters Julianna Margulies and Dylan McDermott.

Claire Danes accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her role on ‘Homeland’ as presenter Jimmy Fallon looks on at right.

Vince Gilligan, right, accepts the award for outstanding drama series for ‘Breaking Bad’ as he shakes hands with presenter Will Ferrell.

Cast and crew from ‘Modern Family’ pose with their Emmy for outstanding comedy series backstage.

Bobby Cannavale, winner of the best supporting actor in a drama series for ‘Boardwalk Empire’.

lifestyle

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

A w a r d s

Mark Burnett, kneeling right, and Carson Daly, kneeling center, and the crew of ‘The Voice’ pose backstage with the award for outstanding reality-competition program.

A notable Emmy winning streak ended Sunday when “The Colbert Report” beat its comedy rival “The Daily Show” in the variety series category. Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show” had won the award for 10 years straight. “We get a boost from just how stupid the real news is,” Colbert said backstage. Colbert, who once worked on “The Daily Show,” paid tribute to Stewart and noted that Stewart gets a piece of this year’s Emmy, too, because he’s an executive producer of “The Colbert Report. Another relative stranglehold the dominance of “The Amazing Race” in the reality show category - was ended when NBC’s “The Voice” won that category.

Michael Douglas was honored as best actor for his portrayal of Liberace in the HBO movie “Behind the Candelabra,” besting his co-star Matt Damon. The film also captured a top trophy as best movie or miniseries. It was a good night for the pay cable service HBO, which took home seven awards and earned bragging rights over its rival Showtime. “Saturday Night Live,” whose director Don Loy King won an Emmy Sunday, has also eclipsed “Frasier” with the most Emmy Awards ever. “SNL” now has 40 in its history. Diahann Carroll, the first African-American Emmy nominee in 1963 for “Naked City,” created one of the night’s most heartfelt moments when she took the stage with best drama actress nominee Kerry Washington and noted the importance of diversity in the industry and Emmys. “Tonight, she better get this award,” Carroll said of Washington, who covered her eyes in embarrassment. Danes’ victory denied Washington. — AP

Director Gail Mancuso, winner of the best directing for a comedy series for ‘Modern Family’.

Awards Drama Series: “Breaking Bad,” AMC. Actor, Drama Series: Jeff Daniels, “The Newsroom,” HBO. Actress, Drama Series: Claire Danes, “Homeland,” Showtime.

Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Bobby Cannavale, “Boardwalk Empire,” HBO. Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Anna Gunn, “Breaking Bad,” AMC. Directing, Drama Series: David Fincher, “House of Cards,” Netflix.

Writing, Drama Series: Henry Bromell, “Homeland,” Showtime.

Comedy Series: “Modern Family,” ABC. Actor, Comedy Series: Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS. Actress, Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep,” HBO. Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Tony Hale, “Veep,” HBO. Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Merritt Wever, “Nurse Jackie,” Showtime.

Directing, Comedy Series: Gail Mancuso, “Modern Family,” ABC. Writing, Comedy Series: Tina Fey, Tracey Wigfield, “30 Rock,” NBC. Miniseries or Movie: “Behind the Candelabra,” HBO. Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Michael Douglas, “Behind the Candelabra,” HBO. Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Laura Linney, “The Big C: Hereafter,” Showtime.

Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: James Cromwell, “American Horror Story: Asylum,” FX Networks.

Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Ellen Burstyn, “Political Animals,” USA. Directing, Miniseries or Movie: Steven Soderbergh, “Behind the Candelabra,” HBO. Writing, Miniseries or Movie: Abi Morgan, “The Hour,” BBC America.

Reality-Competition Program: “The Voice,” NBC. Variety Series: “The Colbert Report,” Comedy Central.

Writing, Variety Series: “The Colbert Report,” Comedy Central.

Directing, Variety Series: Don Roy King, “Saturday Night Live,” NBC. Choreography: Derek Hough, “Dancing With the Stars,” ABC. — Reuters

TV personality Stephen Colbert, winner of the Best Writing for a Variety Series Award and the Variety Series Award for ‘The Colbert Report,’ poses.

Winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, James Cromwell accepts his award onstage.

TV personalities Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum speak onstage.

Steven Soderbergh accepts the award for outstanding directing for a miniseries, movie or a dramatic special for his work on ‘Behind the Candelabra’.

Actor Michael J Fox speaks onstage.

Director Rob Reiner speaks onstage.

Actors Will Arnett and Margo Martindale speak onstage.

Choreographer Derek Hough celebrates with his trophy in the press room.

Director Don Roy King holds his trophy for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series for ‘Saturday Night Live’.

Michael Douglas celebrates winning Best Actor in a Miniseries/Movie for playing Liberace in ‘Behind the Candelabra’.

Ellen Burstyn, winner of the Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie Award for ‘Political Animals’.

Writers Tina Fey and Tracey Wigfield, winners of Best Writing for a Comedy Series Award for ‘30 Rock’.

Winner of the Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, Jim Parsons speaks onstage.

Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, winner of the Best Lead Actress In A Comedy Seriers Award for ‘Veep’ and actor Tony Hale, winner of the Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Award for ‘Veep’.

Emmys live up to unpredictable nature

38

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

T

he public loves its Monday morning quarterbacking about a red-carpet hit, and, maybe more so, a miss. (Yes , Lena Dunham, we’ll be talking about those oversized flowers on your dress.) There are plenty of hits to mention from Sunday’s Emmy Awards - Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a beautiful metallic-beaded column gown by Monique Lhuillier, Rose Byrne in an of-the-moment cropped-top Calvin Klein, Emilia Clarke in chalk-blue Donna Karan, Zooey Deschanel mastering her signature retro look in thoroughly modern J. Mendel.

Plus some sort-of-hits: Claire Danes in a great champagne-colored, delicately beaded gown by Armani Prive had a bit of a Gwyneth Paltrow Oscarwinner moment. Both actresses seemed to not quite fill out the dress. But this display of fashion finery on Sunday night actually gave us other things to talk about. “It was all over the place ... and not what you expect,” said Hal Rubenstein, editor-at-large for InStyle magazine. “It went all the way from extreme simplicity, Julianna Margulies in Reed Krakoff and Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren, to uber beading on Heidi Klum in Versace and Connie Britton in Naeem Khan.”

Joe Zee, creative director at Elle, says the variety is largely because designers and stars are really collaborating now versus the days when celebrity stylists would pull 50 dresses - and fail to make up their minds until the last minute. “Unless Bjork gets nominated, we’re not going to have one of those crazy fashion moments again.” Here are five things to talk about from the red carpet: Couture clout: Kerry Washington wore the finale gown from Marchesa’s spring fashion show - held just earlier this month. To get that dress out to

more than she was, but even her gold bangle bracelets weren’t in your face. And she had one of the biggest jewelry statements of the night. There just wasn’t much bling.

It was replaced by Moss’ onyx, diamond and platinum bracelets by Neil Lane, Tina Fey’s Victorian goldpendant earrings by Fred Leighton, and Amy Poehler’s rose-gold earrings with fire opals and rose-cut diamonds. They were one of-a-kind pieces by Irene Neuwirth, but they seemed meant as accessories, not headline-grabbers. Sofia Vergara’s 100 carats of Lorraine Schwartz rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds were worth $7 million, but who’d notice with that body-hugging red Vera Wang?

Bye to (most) beards: Men, for the most part, look good all cleaned up in their black-tie tuxedos, the equivalent of Hollywood’s Sunday best. Jon Hamm, “Mad Men” heartthrob, didn’t bother. His jacket was white - albeit Armani white - and it looked like he hasn’t shaved since the show went on its seasonal hiatus many months ago.-AP

Los Angeles, fitted just right and have the whole coordinated look in such a short time shows that Washington is the fashion world It Girl. Jessica Pare also scored a brand new gown for next season, hers a blue strapless Oscar de La Renta, and Julianne Hough had a sheer silver Jenny Packham, but neither had the same impact.

New names: The best surprises of the Emmys red carpet-turned-runway are the names you didn’t know: Thakoon dressing Taylor Schilling from “Orange is the New Black,” Zosia Mamet of “Girls” in Honor, and Aubrey Plaza of “Parks and Recreation” in Marios Schwab.

Kiernan Shipka of “Mad Men,” who wore Delpozo, certainly is on the industry radar thanks to her not-tooyoung, not-too-old style, said Joe Zee, creative director at Elle. “She’s the kind of girl who cares about the clothes, not just the girl who wears them,” he said.

Shorter locks: Danes, January Jones and Kate Mara kept their crops closer than we’re used to seeing.

Elisabeth Moss reminded E! that she cut her bob and dyed it blond before Miley Cyrus.

Simple jewelry: Connie Britton said the Cathy Waterman baubles she was wearing were worth

Sofia Vergara, wearing Vera Wang, poses backstage.

—AP /AFP photos

Lena Dunham

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Anna Faris

Emilia Clarke

Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel

Claire Danes

Julianna Margulies

Allison Williams

Heidi Klum

Connie Britton

Kerry Washington

Taylor Schilling

January Jones