8th Jan

CR IP TI ON BS SU

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

KAC seeks local help in financing $4.4bn deal

Spain king’s daughter summoned over financial crimes

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www.kuwaittimes.net

RABI ALAWWAL 7, 1435 AH

One-way trip to Mars? Sign me up, says Frenchwoman

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Downhill queen Vonn to miss Sochi Olympics

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Focus on media’s role in human trafficking Govt shelter to house 700 runaway maids, trafficked victims

By Velina Nacheva KUWAIT: A government shelter for runaway maids and victims of human trafficking with the capacity to accommodate 700 women will soon open its doors. The facility located in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh currently shelters some 250 people, said Col Iskandar Al-

Kandari, Director of the Department for Domestic Labour Recruitment at the Immigration Investigation Department at the Ministry of Interior at a workshop on ‘The Role of Media in Combating Human Trafficking’ held at the United Nations House in Mishref yesterday.

Government representatives, journalists,

university professors, scholars, activists, diplomats and representatives of NGOs gathered for the two-day forum. The event is organized by the International Organization for Migration in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Col Naguib Khalifa Al-Shatti, Assistant

Director General for Immigration Investigation at the Ministry of Interior, explained that in the last six years, the department has identified 4,075 fake companies employing 12,500 marginal laborers who were brought into the country after paying huge amounts for visas. Of these, the ministry assisted 5,000 workers to transfer

Arctic air brings record cold to US

Max 16º Min 06º High Tide 04:22 & 17:10 Low Tide 10:55 & 23:44

their visas to other companies and rectify their status. The rest were repatriated.

According to Shatti, complaints filed by workers resulted in the discovery of the fake companies, half of which have been referred to the office of the General Attorney, the Investigation Department and local courts.

Continued on Page 13

X-rated pics hog #kuwait on Twitter

By Bader Khaled

CHICAGO: Ice builds up along Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach as temperatures dipped well below zero on Monday in Chicago. — AFP CHICAGO:A blast of bone-chilling cold snarled air travel, closed schools and prompted calls yesterday for people to stay inside in the United States and Canada, as temperatures plunged to lows not seen in two decades. Superlatives of cold-talk abounded, even in midwestern states used to chest-high snow and bitter cold, as the National Weather Service said the deep freeze was making its way east.

Air travel was a nightmare, stranding many travelers trying to head home from year’s end holidays.

More than 4,300 US flights were canceled Monday - nearly half of those in Chicago - and more than 6,500 were delayed, according to FlightAware, a flight-monitoring site. Toronto’s Pearson Airport halted ground operations early yesterday because of “equipment freez-

ing” and out of concern for the safety of airport personnel, it said on its Twitter account. Flights were scheduled to resume at 9:00 am local time (1400 GMT), but police were reinforced at the airport amid rising tension among stranded travelers.

Airline JetBlue said it was reducing operations at four airports in the bustling northeast corridor - JFK, La Guardia, Newark and Boston - until 10:00 am (0300 GMT ) yesterday. More than a dozen deaths were blamed on the frigid weather. A shift in a weather pattern known as the “polar vortex” triggered a drastic drop in temperatures to lows not seen in two decades. It coincided with wind chill warnings in much of the eastern United States.

Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: People in Kuwait love social media and apparently so does the rest of the world. The hashtag #kuwait is among the most popular and widely used country-name hashtags. Because of this, it has now become a target for hardcore pornographers who have taken it over. In the last week or so, a steady stream of sexual images have been posted on Twitter with the hashtag #kuwait. Along with #kuwait, the images are also often hashtagged #saudi, #ksa, #bahrain, #ff #egypt, #morsi and #sex as well.

People who search #kuwait but check only ‘top’ posts can screen out much of the unwanted images, but those who select ‘all’ will be barraged with a steady stream of pornographic material. Pornography is illegal in Kuwait and the Ministry of Communication will block websites with words or images deemed sexually explicit.

But blocking specific tweets is much more of a challenge. Efforts to block and report the hashtag abuse have had limited results as the pornographers are using a variety of Twitter handles. This reporter blocked and reported 22 posts but more were added during the reporting process.

Use of social media in the Arab world is among the world’s highest and as such a variety of commercial entities have sought to exploit hashtags. The hashtag #egypt topped Twitter’s most often used hashtags in 2011 and #jan25 also reached record numbers. The use of the #kuwait hashtag on Instagram is also among the highest in the world, rivaling major world powers. As of yesterday, there were 13.5 million photos hashtagged #kuwait on Instagram. In comparison, the hashtag #usa had 12.5 million photos and the hashtag #uae had 10.4 million photos.

Instagram has blocked more than 100 hashtags to prevent pornography from overtaking the photo service, but its policy has focused largely on words associated with sex or pornography or various body parts. Twitter also has a policy that allows users to report abuse or spam, but it’s often up to users to report abuse. Given the popularity of regional hashtags on Instagram, it’s likely that #kuwait will soon also be flooded with inappropriate images.

Dinos from Arabian peninsula identified STOCKHOLM: An international team of paleontologists has for the first time identified dinosaur species that lived in the Arabian peninsula, Swedish scientists said yesterday. The researchers found teeth and bones dating from around 72 million years ago in the northwestern part of the region, along the coast of the Red Sea in what is today Saudi Arabia, Uppsala University said in a statement. The area now a desert, but at the time it was a beach on the African coast, and the Arabian landmass was largely underwater.

The remains are tail vertebrae from a titanosaurid sauropod, an herbivore which was probably longer than 20 m, and teeth belonging to an abelisaurid, a carnivorous theropod which was around six metres long. “These are the first taxonomically recognizable dinosaurs reported from the Arabian peninsula,” Australian paleobiologist Benjamin Kear said in the statement.

“Dinosaur fossils are exceptionally rare in the Arabian peninsula, with only a handful of highly fragmented bones documented this far.” — AFP

KUWAIT: MP Safa Al-Hashem stands behind newly appointed Labour and Planning Minister Hind AlSabeeh in the National Assembly’s Abdullah AlSalem hall during a session yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat (See Page 3)

in the

news

British MPs in Iran to boost diplomatic ties ANKARA: A British parliamentary delegation led by former foreign secretary Jack Straw met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif yesterday at the start of the first such visit in years, Iranian state television reported. Long-strained ties between the two countries have warmed since the relatively moderate Hassan Rouhani was elected Iran’s president in June.

In December, a new non-resident charge d’affaires made Britain’s first diplomatic visit to Iran since London downgraded ties after hardliners stormed its embassy in 2011. The two countries’ respective embassies remain closed, however. Iranian media said the delegation would also meet parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani and the head of the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Alaeddin Boroujerdi. The other members of the British delegation are former finance minister Norman Lamont, Conservative member of parliament Ben Wallace and Labour lawmaker Jeremy Corbyn.

Egyptian cleric urges referendum boycott DUBAI: A famous pro-Muslim Brotherhood TV cleric based in Qatar has issued a fatwa saying it is forbidden to vote in Egypt’s constitutional referendum. Egyptian cleric Youssef Al-Qaradawi issued the opinion yesterday, a day before Egyptians abroad are set to vote on the draft charter. Voting in Egypt is scheduled to start Jan 14. A prior constitution approved under former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi was suspended after the military removed him from power following mass protests. Qaradawi said Morsi’s ouster was a military coup and that any act that gives the new government legitimacy, including voting in the referendum, is forbidden by religion. Over the weekend, Egyptian officials summoned Qatar ’s ambassador to Cairo to express concerns about the Gulf state’s criticism of Egypt’s decision to designate the Brotherhood a terrorist organization.

Flexible chip can be wrapped around hair PARIS: Scientists in Switzerland said yesterday they can create electronic chips so flexible they can be wrapped around a human hair. The technique entails building an electronic circuit on top of a sandwich of polyvinyl layers perched on a hard base. The wafer is then placed in water, which dissolves two of the polyvinyl layers and causes the base to be released, sinking to the bottom of the lab dish.

What remains is a circuit embedded on a light, transparent non-soluble polymer film called parylene that is just one micrometre, or a millionth of a metre, thick. The transistors continue to work even when wrapped around a human hair, which is about 50 micrometres thick. The ultra-bendable chip may have medical uses, and has already been tested on an artificial eye in the lab. It was added to a contact lens to provide a monitor for glaucoma, in which pressure builds up dangerously in the eyeball. The invention also has many other potential outlets, from flexible solar cells to wearable bio-sensors.

US moves to stop jet engine export to Iran ISTANBUL: The United States Commerce Department has issued an emergency order using US anti-terrorism export control laws against a Turkish company in an attempt to stop it from exporting two Boeing airplane engines to Iran. The order posted online was issued Friday because US officials believed that an Iranian cargo company was set to pick up the secondhand engines yesterday. The order also targeted the Iranian company, Pouya Airline. H Engin Borluca , the director of the Turkish company, 3K Aviation & Logistics, said he was unaware that US restrictions applied to transactions outside of the US and is seeking to return the engines to the sender. The US Commerce Department order imposes strict restrictions on the business of 3K, Pouya and a third company, USbased Adaero International Trade that the document says shipped the engines to Turkey.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

LOCAL

KAC seeks local help in financing $4.4bn deal Significant renewal of the ageing fleet

By A Saleh KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways is now in talks with the government and local banks to finance its plan for the $4.4 billion purchase of 25 new Airbus aircraft. The purchase of the jets is the first significant renewal of the troubled airline’s ageing fleet in more than 20 years. KAC will also lease 12 additional Airbus planes to help supplement fleet operations until the new planes, which are scheduled to arrive starting 2019, can enter service.

According to local reports, Kuwait Airways is now considering offers from local banks to serve as lead financer and arranger. It is also in talks with the Kuwait Investment Authority (which

holds a majority share in the state-owned airline), to determine what, if any, part of financing the government may contribute. A reported plan indicates that local banks would finance 75 percent of the deal with foreign banks or the government covering the remaining 25 percent.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways insiders denied allegations that a deadline to finalize the Airbus deal ( a memorandum of understanding was signed in December) expired yesterday. Kuwait Airways reportedly paid a KD 3 million advance when it signed the MoU. Jan 7 was the suggested signing date but Airbus later agreed twice to a KAC request for an extension “until the buy and lease contracts are examined by the concerned authorities within KAC,” according to an

Al-Qabas report quoting unnamed sources.

KAC Chairman of the Board and Managing Director Rasha Al-Roumi reportedly met Monday with Airbus representatives to discuss details regarding the deal including financing. “AlRoumi explained that the KAC needs from one to three months to study offers and select the least costly one.” In related news, former Kuwait Airways Board Chairman Sami Al-Nisf has filed a case of libel against Minister of Communications Essa Al-Kandari, alleging that the minister offended him in remarks published last month.

Nisf also demanded that the Public Prosecution contact Parliament Speaker Marzouq AlGhanem to lift Kandari’s parliamentary immunity so that he can stand before court.

Limited income people feel heat of soaring prices KUWAIT: Citizens, particularly those of limited income, have been particularly feeling the heat of soaring prices of necessities and commodities, some vary from day to day.

Some analysts believe that commodities’ prices have dramatically increased on the local market due to their record hike on the international markets, noting that Kuwait imports most of the basic products.

However, others opine that the prices have jumped due to greed of some merchants, seeking additional but unjustified profits. Meanwhile, relevant authorities assert keenness on protecting the consumer and enforcing measures to keep prices of the basic goods at reasonable levels, in addition to the State special food subsidy cards, offered to the citizens.

Public cooperative stores have repeatedly affirmed keenness on offering reasonable prices, simultaneously with measures

by the Ministry of Commerce to check commercial fraud and baseless price hike.

Salwa Al-Gattan, a 50-year-old retiree, said in an interview that her spending has generally increased, but indicated that she, along with many other consumers, can be to a certain extent rational by specifying a sum to be spent per month on basic items.

Ahmad Shaker Al-Rifai, a civil servant and family supporter, said setting the commodities’ prices is a socio-economic issue that must be taken into consideration by the concerned officials, also noting necessity of cooperation on part of the merchants to set the prices.

Social segment that includes retirees, students and expatriates is the largest part of the society, however they are with the lowest purchase power, he said, noting the growing responsibilities on parents’ shoulders recently.— KUNA

Chronology of govts in Kuwait KUWAIT: The new government that was formed by an Amiri decree on Monday is Kuwait’s 33th cabinet and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah’s fifth government.

His Highness the Prime Minister’s fourth government was formed in August 2013, consisting of 15 ministers. The ministers tendered their resignations after the Constitutional Court rejected all law suits challenging legitimacy of the National Assembly.

Monday’s decree accepted the resignations of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Mustafa Al-Shimali, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Salem Abdulaziz Al-Saud Al-Sabah, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Thikra Ayed Al-Rashidi, and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs and Minister of State for Planning and Development Dr Rola Dashti.

Minister of State for Housing Affairs and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Salem Al-Atheina, Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Shareeda Al-Mousherji, and Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf were also among the resigned ministers.

The second Amiri decree reshuffled the government following the resignation of the ministers.

Following the reshuffle, the cabinet line up consists of First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of Finance Anas Khaled Al-Saleh, Minister of Communications and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Essa Ahmad Al-Kandari and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

The newly-appointed ministers are: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Madaj, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi, Minister of Health Dr. Ali Saad Al-Obaidi, Minister of Oil and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Dr. Ali Saleh Al-Omair, Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Nayef Mohammad Al-Ajmi, Minister of State for Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Planning and Development Hind Sabeeh Al-Sabeeh, and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Yasser Hassan Abul.

Four ministers kept their posts: Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled, Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah, and Minister of Public Works and Minister of Electricity and Water Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim.

The 15-member cabinet consists of two MPs: Ali Al-Omair and Essa Al-Kandari as well as one female Hind Al-Sabeeh.

Following is a chronology of governments in the State of Kuwait: Governments in era of late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah The first government was called the transitional cabinet. It was formed on Jan 17, 1962 and chaired by the then Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem. The government consists of 14 ministers. It has a specific mandate, writing a constitution, thus

KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and newly appointed Kuwaiti Oil Minister Ali Al-Omair arrive at the Abdullah AlSalem hall yesterday.—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat ended with the end of its task on January 27 1963.

The second government, formed on Jan 28, 1963, was chaired by Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and consisted of 15 ministers including current Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah who was named Foreign Minister for the first time. The cabinet lasted until Dec 5, 1964.

The third government was formed on Dec 6, 1964, also chaired by Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem, consisting of 14 ministers, four of them were MPs. This government survived for 28 days only because it failed to win confidence of the National Assembly due to constitutional measure regarding the selection of some ministers. Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem chaired the fourth government that was formed on Jan 3, 1965.

This cabinet included 13 ministers. The government’s tenure ended with the passing away of then Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem in November of the same year.

Governments in era of late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah The fifth government was formed on Dec 4, 1965 and was chaired by Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This government consisted of 13 ministers including three MPs. His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was given the portfolios of Finance, Oil and Foreign Affairs. This government resigned at the end of the legislative term, Feb 3, 1967.

The sixth cabinet was formed on Feb 4, 1967, also chaired by Sheikh Jaber AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This government, consisting of 14 ministers including three MPs, served for four years until February 1971, at end of the parliamentary legislative term.

The seventh government, which also served a full four-year term, was formed on Feb 2, 1971. Chaired by Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, this cabinet includes 13 ministers.

The following cabinet, the eighth, was formed by Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah on Feb 9, 1975. It consists of 15 ministers including two MPs. This

government served for 19 months only and ended a month after the dissolution of the parliament in August 1976.

The ninth government, formed while the parliament was dissolved on Sept 6, 1976, was chaired by Sheikh Jaber AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and consisted of 18 ministers.

This government ended in December 1978 after the passing away of then Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, then Crown Prince and Prime Minister, was named as Amir.

Governments in era of late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah The 10th government was formed on Feb 16, 1978 and chaired by then Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. The cabinet consisted of 18 ministers and served until March 3 1981 when new elections were announced.

The 11th government was formed on March 4 1981 and chaired by Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. Consisting of 15 ministers including one MP, the cabinet served a full four-year term up until March 2 1982, ahead of parliamentary elections.

The 12th government was formed on March 1985 and chaired by Sheikh Saad.

The cabinet served for 16 months only due to deterioration of relations between executive and legislative authorities, which forced parliament’s dissolution in 1986, triggering the government’s resignation on July 11 of this year.

The 13th government was formed in the following day and consisted of 21 ministers. Five portfolios were created.

This government served until June 19 1990 in the wake of the National Council elections.

Sheikh Saad formed the 14th government with 22 ministers on June 20 1990.

This government continued in office despite the Aug 2 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and was functioning from the Saudi City of Taef until the liberation in February 1991.

The 15th government, the first after liberation, was dubbed the “government

of reconstruction.” It was formed on April 20 of that year and consisted of 20 ministers. His Highness Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was not chosen. The government lasted until Oct 16, 1992, when new parliamentary elections were held.

The 16th government, formed on Oct 17, 1992, was chaired by Sheikh Saad AlAbdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and consisted of 15 ministers including six MPs. His Highness Sheikh Sabah returned as First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister. This government served a full four-year term and resigned on Oct 14, 1996 ahead of legislative elections. The 17th government was formed on Oct 15 of the same year. Chaired by Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah, the government consisted of 14 ministers including four MPs. The government resigned on March 21 1998 after a noconfidence motion was tabled against then information minister Sheikh Saud Nasser Al-Sabah.

The following government, the 18th, was formed by Sheikh Saad on March 22 1998. It served for 15 months and resigned on July 12, 1999 in the wake of an Amiri decree to dissolve the parliament. The 19th cabinet, formed on July 13 of 1999, was chaired by Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah. The government resigned on January 2001 after relations with the parliament deteriorated when former MP Hussein Al-Qallaf requested the interpellation of Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Saad AlHashel.

Sheikh Saad chaired the 20th government on Feb 14, 2001. However the cabinet was formed by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah because Sheikh Saad had to leave the country for treatment. Sheikh Sabah selected 15 ministers including three MPs. This government resigned on July 13 2003 ahead of parliamentary elections.

The 21st government was formed on July 14 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah because the post of Crown Prince was separated from the post of Prime Minister for the first time. This government served until February 8 2006 in the wake of passing away of Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah.

Governments in era of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah The 22nd government was formed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Feb 9, 2006. This government, which consisted of 15 ministers, lasted for five months only due to parliament’s dissolution that was caused by an interpellation against the Prime Minister over the electoral districts. His Highness Sheikh Nasser, following the parliamentary elections, formed the 23th government on July 10 2006. Minister of Health Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah was grilled and a noconfidence motion was tabled against him thus triggering the government’s resignation on March 4, 2007.

The 24th government was formed by His Highness Sheikh Nasser on March 25, 2007 and resigned on May 19, 2008 in the wake of dissolution of National Assembly.

His Highness Sheikh Nasser formed the 25th government on May 28 2008.

Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh (right) speaks with MP Safa Al-Hashem as they stand in the Abdullah Al-Salem Hall.

But the extremely tense relations between the legislative and executive authorities caused by an interpellation against the Prime Minister forced the government to resign on Nov 25, 2008.

His Highness the Amir accepted the resignation and the government continued as care-taker until Jan 22, 2009.

The 26th government was formed by His Highness Sheikh Nasser on Jan 23 of the same year and resigned after four months. The parliament was dissolved.

The 27th government, formed by His Highness Sheikh Nasser on May 29 and served for two years. It resigned following the growing number of grillings.

His Highness Sheikh Nasser was reassigned to form the 28th government which consisted of 15 ministers including one MP. But the cabinet lasted for seven months and resigned on Nov 29, 2011 because of many interpellation requests and the fact the opposition started organizing protests.

On Dec 13, 2001, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah formed his first government, the coun-

try’s 29th. This care-taker government was mandated with organizing elections and its term expired on Feb 13, 2012.

His Highness Sheikh Jaber formed the 30th government the following day.

However this government was dropped because the Constitutional Court annulled parliamentary elections. The government resigned on July 18, 2012.

His Highness the Prime Minister formed the 31st government on July 19, 2012 with 13 ministers. This cabinet lasted for four months due to parliament’s dissolution.

The 32nd government was formed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber on Dec 11, 2012. It served for seven months until the Constitutional Court’s annulled parliamentary elections that took place in the same month. Elections were held on July 27 2013.

The 33rd government was formed on Aug 4 last year, and ministers tendered their resignations after the Constitutional Court rejected all law suits against the legitimacy of the parliamentary elections. — KUNA

Newly appointed Kuwaiti Commerce Minister Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej puts on his bisht (cloak), as he arrives at the Abdullah Al-Salem hall.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

LOCAL

Bio of Kuwait’s new Cabinet members KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issued a decree Monday to carry out a cabinet reshuffle; the 34th since the independence of the State of Kuwait. The newly appointed government is led

by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah for the 6th time.

The following are profiles of members of the newly newly-appointed Kuwaiti cabinet: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, was born in 1942. He has occupied several posts since 1968, namely Amiri Diwan financial and administrative affairs, assistant undersecretary for financial and administrative affairs.

He was named Hawally Governor on March 19, 1979, then Ahmadi Governor before occupying the portfolio of social affairs and labor, then the information top post and later became Advisor of His Highness the Amir Office.

On Feb 14, 2001, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak was named the deputy prime minister and minister of defense, and he occupied the same posts in the government, formed on July 14, 2003.

On Feb 9, 2006, he was named the first deputy prime minister and interior minister and minister of defense. He occupied the same posts in the two governments, formed on July 11, 2006, and March 25, 2007.

His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, on Oct 28, 2007, in a cabinet reshuffle, was named the first deputy prime minister and minister of defense. He was re-appointed in the same positions in the cabinets, formed in May 2008, January 2009, May 2009 and May 2011.

In November 2011, he was named premier and was reassigned as the head of government in February 2012, July 2012, December 2012 and July 2013.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khaled AlHamad Al-Sabah, born in 1953, got a BA in political science from Kuwait University in 1977 and joined the diplomatic corps the following year.

He served at Kuwait’s diplomatic mission to

the United Nations between 1983 and 1989, named as director of the Arab World Department of the Foreign Ministry in 19891992, chief of staff of the Foreign Ministry Undersecretary’s office in 1992-95, ambassador to Saudi Arabia and delegate to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in 1995-98, chief of the National Security Apparatus in 1998.

He was named minister of social affairs and labor in July, 2006, and March, 2007, and minister of information in May, 2008, and January, 2009, before being named minister of foreign affairs in 2011, and deputy prime minister, foreign minister, and minister of state for cabinet affairs in February, 2012.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled AlHamad Al-Sabah, served as the director general of the General Department of Citizenship and Travel Documents. He was named in 1991 as Hawally Governor, then minister of interior in the 17th cabinet in 1996, the 18th government in 1998, the 19th cabinet in 1999. In the 20th cabinet in 2001, he was appointed as the deputy premier and minister of interior.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Lt Gen (ret.) Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah gradually climbed ranks of the military echelon, reaching the post of Lieutenant General and named Chief of Staff on March 4, 2012.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdulmohsen AlMadaj, born in 1949, got a BA in literature from Kuwait University in 1975. He acquired a PhD in history from Durham University in the UK in 1983.

He was appointed assistant dean of the Kuwait University Faculty of Arts for scientific affairs in 1975-1987. He was an MP in the parliaments of 1992, 1996 and 1999.

He was appointed minister of oil in 1994-96.

He was the coordinator of the 45-member constitutional group which called for the restoration of the constitutional system in 1989. He was also a member of the people’s delegation

for England, Ireland and Scandinavia during the 1990-91 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. He was part of the committee which wrote the final communique of the Jeddah popular conference in 1990.

Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Planning and Development Hind Sabeeh Al-Sabeeh was assistant undersecretary of Civil Service Commission in 2007. In 2008, she was secretary general Manpower and Government

Minister of Planning and Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Sabeeh taking oath, yesterday.

Restructuring Program (MGRP) and director general of Kuwait industries union.

Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah got a BA in political science from Kuwait University before joining His Highness the Crown Prince’s office.

He served as representative of His Highness the Crown Prince’s office at the National Assembly in 1988, and assistant undersecretary

of the National Guards from 1993 until 2002 when he was named undersecretary of the National Guards; he also served as advisor to His Highness Chief of the National Guards between 2002 and 2009.

Sheikh Salman was elected first deputy chairman of the Arab Shooting Confederation (ASC) in 1987, chairman of the GCC shooting committee in 1995, chairman of the Asian Shooting Confederation (ASC) in 2004 and member of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) in 2006. In 2012 and 2013 he was appointed as Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs.

Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak AlSabah, born in 1971, got a BA in political science from the British Tottenham University and a master degree from the University of London.

He served as chairman of the authority for citizen service and government performance assessment in 2002 before being named minister of information in February, 2012. In 2013, he was appointed Minister State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of Health.

Minister of Oil and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Ali Saleh Al-Omair was born in 1958. He got a PhD and MA in analytical chemistry. He worked as director of Laboratories at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research from 1996 to 2006.

He was elected as parliament member in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2013. He was also an MP in the two annulled parliaments of February and December 2012.

Minister of Finance Anas Khaled Al-Saleh, born in 1972, has BA in business administration from the University of Portland (1997), and served as board member of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in 2006-10.

He also served as board chairman and managing director of Kuwait Invest Holding Company (KSCC) in 2006 before being named minister of commerce and industry in February, 2012. He was re-appointed as Minister of commerce and industry in 2013.

Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and

Minister of Communications Essa Ahmad AlKandari, born in 1963, has a commerce diploma, specialized in banking, served in Kuwait Airways, research expert, was member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kuwait Journalists Association, the Arab Journalists Union and Human Rights Association. He was appointed Minister of Communication in 2013.

Minister of Public Works and Minister of Electricity and Water Abdulaziz Abdulateef Al-Ibrahim, born in 1952, got a BA in electrical engineering in 1975 and a master’s degree in the same field in 1978 before joining work at the Ministry of Electricity and Water in 1979.

He served as assistant undersecretary of the ministry until July, 2012 when he was named minister of electricity and water and minister of state for municipal affairs. In 2013, he was named minister of public works and ministry of electricity and water.

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Ahmad Abdulmohsen AlMulaifi was born in 1956. He got BA in law and was a parliament member in 1996, 2003, 2006 and 2008. He was also an MP in the annulled parliament of 2012. He worked at the legal depar tment of the Civil Ser vice Commission, head of the legal office at the National Assembly, head of the legal office at Kuwait Stock Exchange and head of the legal office at Kuwait Finance House.

Al-Mulaifi was appointed minister of education and minister of higher education in May 2011. In December 2011, he was named minister of justice and minister of education and minister of high education.

Minister of Health Dr Ali Saad Al-Obaidi has a BA in medicine and surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He also has an MA in health administration. He was named minister of health in February 2012.

Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Nayef Mohammad AlAjmi has an BA from Shari’a College of Kuwait University in 1996. In 2004, he has his PhD in College of Shari’a and Law in Cairo. —KUNA

New ministers, MPs take oath in first session in six weeks Deposits probe panel gets four more months

By B Izaak KUWAIT: New ministers and MPs yesterday took the oath in the National Assembly’s first session in six weeks as MPs went to work immediately to compensate the lost sessions by agreeing to hold additional meetings.

Seven ministers who are newcomers to the cabinet announced on Monday in addition to five incumbent ministers who were either moved to new portfolios or their posts were altered were required to take the oath in the assembly to become members of parliament.

Then MPs Abdulhameed Dashti and Nabeel Al-Fadhl, who were declared winners by the constitutional court last month, also took the oath. They replaced Maasouma AlMubarak and Osama Al-Tahous whose election to the assembly was nullified by the same court due to mathematical errors.

The assembly agreed unanimously to give a special panel set up to investigate the so-called bank deposits scandal four more months to complete its probe in the highly politicized case.

The panel is investigating whether former

and current MPs have received millions of dinars in political bribes to influence their voting on sensitive issues. It will also probe the source of the funds.

During the session, a number of MPs submitted a request to hold a special session tomorrow to debate another sensitive issue; the payment of a $2.2 billion fine to US Dow Chemical after Kuwait unilaterally scrapped a multi-billion-dollar joint venture several years ago. New Oil Minister Ali Al-Omair said the Dow issue is very important and vowed that all those responsible will be held accountable. He however called on MPs to withdraw the request for a special debate until a parliamentary panel completes its investigation of the issue.

MPs also called on the assembly’s financial and economic affairs committee to speed up the process of approving a number of populist proposals calling to increase the children allowance, housing allowance, housing loan and benefits for servicemen.

Head of the committee MP Faisal AlShaye said the panel has 39 proposals and needs more time to be able to review and approve them after meeting with concerned ministers.

But the assembly voted to give the panel two weeks to complete its reports on the issue as several MPs emphasized the need to quickly approve the proposals.

The assembly also unanimously ratified about 18 agreements with a number of countries mainly for avoiding double taxation and promoting investment.

During the debate on the Amiri speech and the government programme, shiite MP Dashti questioned why only one Shiite minister was included in the reshuffled Cabinet, down from two or three members normally.

Assembly speaker Marzouk Al-Ghanem said the assembly will hold a number of additional sessions to compensate for the lost ones during the Gulf summit and the formation of the cabinet.

In another development, the criminal court yesterday acquitted journalist Hamed Buyabes from the charges of insulting the Amir and undermining his authorities.

The same court postponed until March 25 the case of insulting the Jordanian monarch by former opposition MP Mussallam AlBarrak and others in order to summon witnesses including foreign ministry undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah.

KUWAIT: MPs Nabil Al-Fadhel and Abdul-Hameed Dashti taking the constitional oath yesterday.

MPs call for faster development KUWAIT: A number of members of the parliament (MPs) urged to push the country’s development wheel further and faster in all domains, alluding to what His Highness the Amir said in his speech at the opening of the parliament’s 2nd session of its 14th legislative term.

The MPs, who discussed the Amiri speech, said that the country’s wealth should benefit all especially the younger generations.

The Amiri speech, they said, pointed to the insecurity and tension in the region; therefore, they stressed the importance of having wise and far-sight-

ed foreign policies to keep the country safe. The MPs called on providing the best services to citizens, especially in healthcare that has been deteriorating in the past few years.

They also urged for an immediate and a permanent solution for the housing issue that has been casting gloomy shadows over Kuwaiti families.

The focal point of the Amiri speech was to unify efforts to meet the aspirations of people to complete the country’s development plans, they said.

The parliament speaker adjourned today’s session before the Amiri speech was fully discussed. — KUNA

Parliament elects committee members KUWAIT: The National Assembly, during the regular second session of the 14th legislative term yesterday, elected and named a number of MPs to serve in parliamentary committees.

The balloting was conducted due to the Cabinet reshuffle and reinstatement of two MPs in the Assembly.

Abdul-Hameed Dashti was elected uncontested as member of the NA committee of legal and legislative affairs, MPs Nabil Al-Fadhel and Mohammad Tana Al-Enezi for the commission of public sectors. MP Abdullah AlTuraiji was elected for the budgets committee. The MPs elected Hamad Al-Harshani as member of the committee tasked with suspicious huge assets. Meanwhile, MPs Dashti and Al-Fadhel were chosen for the commission charged with preparing response to the Amiri Address. — KUNA

Reduction in sodium content in bread KUWAIT: Health Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr Qais Al-Duwairi said sodium (salt) in bread would be reduced by 20 percent in order to combat blood pressure and other diseases in the country. This will be carried out by the Health Ministry and Kuwait Flour Mills Company. Al-Duwairi said that combating chronic diseases needs cooperation and coordination between all ministries and government bodies, as it is not the duty of the Health Ministry alone. He said fighting these diseases requires new legislations and participation from all sectors in the country. Al-Duwairi said the reduction of non-infectious chronic diseases that include heart disease, diabetes, and breathing diseases is the goal of GCC health ministries.

He said these countries aim at reducing the percentage of such diseases by 25 percent by 2025. He said the slogan of the 76th conference of GCC health ministers reflect their commitment in facing chronic non-infectious diseases and including them in the health and development programs as a main priority due to the increasing burdens of such diseases and their effect on the development programs as the main reason of deaths.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

LOCAL kuwait digest

kuwait digest

Unrealistic decisions

No democracy without parties!

By Aziza Al-Mufarej

By Dr Bader Al-Daihani

T

A democratic political regime must reflect public will that can only be achieved when citizens can organize themselves according to each group’s respective socioeconomic interests. No one is allowed to speak on behalf of others unless authorized to do so.

A democratic political regime must reflect public will that can only be achieved when citizens can organize themselves according to each group’s respective socioeconomic interests. No one is allowed to speak on behalf of others unless authorized to do so.

Locally speaking, the situation is very awkward in Kuwait because article 6 of the constitution states: “ The system of government in Kuwait shall be democratic, under which sovereignty resides in the people, the source of all powers. Sovereignty shall be exercised in the manner specified in this constitution”. We are supposed to have a democratic regime, which is not true because our elected parliaments do not form governments, the government does not have to win the parliament’s trust as in systems where the head of the majority is appointed premier. Therefore, the government’s agenda is nothing but a worthless administrative report.

Even if we opt to stick to the constitution and immediately implement it, which MP has the right to represent the majority? In other words, who can decide who has the right to form a Cabinet as long as MPs are not elected for clearly defined agendas and programs made by acknowledged parties, and are rather elected over individual, tribal, sectarian and racist considerations.

Refusing to democratically establish political parties or bodies the way advanced countries do mean only one thing - encouraging harmful organizations that have nothing to do with building a constitutional, democratic modern state. It is this very thing that might fragment our society in sectarian and factious small groups focusing on personal disputes and neglecting major issues and real concerns. — Al-Jarida

Al-Anbaa

D

emocracy is based on diversity and power circulation, which constantly gives a political regime renewed vigor according to the will of the people reflected by public elections through which organized political parties that have a clearly defined national agenda can compete.

Therefore, there would be no democracy without political parties. The fear some people have that allowing parties might lead to a chaotic situation is baseless because it was made in view of bad and very limited experiences in countries where no real political parties with national agendas exist to actually reflect the concerns of large segments of citizens; countries where sectarian, religious, factious and doctrinal organizations take up politics for their own personal interests, such as the case in Lebanon and Iraq.

Regardless of their names that do not reflect their true essence and ideologies, most of the time, noncivilian organizations are not allowed to practice politics in democratic states. Meanwhile, political parties with religious names that operate in democratic countries are in fact civilian ones in terms of programs and membership nature such as the Democratic Christian Party currently in power in Germany.

kuwait digest

An invasion of others’ privacy

By Nasser Al-Eidan

R

eality TV shows like ‘Big Brother’ and others that allow people to watch persons doing their daily activities achieved major success because of people’s curiosity to snoop on others. Every one of us has that sense of curiosity, not motivated by monitoring people’s behavior to make sure they do the right thing, but by the eagerness to know what others do, and how they do it. Reality TV shows provide a ‘keyhole’ through which people can see what others do behind closed doors. However, this eagerness is called invasion of others’ privacy. Some might justify their actions, but they are ignoring the fact that they were never asked to do this, nor would they agree to have someone else invade their privacy.

There is no doubt that the Kuwaiti society loves exposing people’s secrets and hunting them. It is like knowing these secrets gives us a ‘card’ to use against the person whose secrets are exposed whenever we want.

As a result, ministers and state officials have become too cautious about the cards dealt in their offices.

Meanwhile, parliament members have become experts

in leading the public into committing such terrible behavior. The more secrets a lawmaker or politician exposes, the more praise and support they receive from people who see courage in what he or she does. Because people are ever ‘hungry’ to know the secrets about this personality or that, and the lawmakers play the exact role of ‘Big Brother’: Expose the information their voters want to know!

When a lawmaker runs out of ideas or concepts to add to his electoral program (that is if it exists to begin with), he or she resorts to drama and putting their noses in others’ businesses and using people’s eagerness to know others’ secrets. But where is this leading us to? This behavior spreads the culture of spying in our society, and opens closed windows that can be used by foreign forces to affect our internal affairs. Not to mention, this behavior also makes every minister suspicious of his or her employees, fearing that one of them could be waiting for the opportunity to expose their secrets. The saddest part is when you see public figures, and sometimes Islamist activist, spying under flimsy excuses. — Al-Rai

here are officials in the state — ministers, heads of establishments and national authorities — that in the interest of the country and its people must be fired and banned from taking other posts; rather they should be swept aside because they were proven incompetent. The ministers, as protocol has it, must take the oath of office in front of the head of state, in which they promise to be loyal to the country and His Highness the Amir, preserve the state’s funds, etc, but some of them, as soon as they become secure, take the bishts off their shoulders and sit on the highest and most elegant chairs in their ministries. Their memory cells begin to decay, and they quickly forget that they swore to safeguard the country’s interests and defend public funds, and their disturbing work starts.

These ministers forget that it is their top priority to keep their oath, and prove, both men and women, that they are competent and up to the trust put in them by authorities, even if they reached the post through wasta or quotas, because it is Kuwait and its people who will lose at the end.

A letter was circulated lately sent by the Ministry of Public Works carrying the serial number (HT/248) to the Central Tenders Committee in regards to designing, constructing and maintaining temporary U-turns on Nuwaiseeb road at a value of KD 13 million. Tell me please - a country that is three centuries and old has huge amounts of money, still has a public works minister who recommends temporary bridges that cost so much, instead of working on designing and constructing good bridges of international standards and specifications that last a long time, as is the case in other Gulf countries.

We have been suffering for years from temporaries such as ugly Kirby offices, offices in dirty mobile homes, dilapidated old buildings where state employees work summer and winter despite the discomfort it causes them under the pretext that they are temporary. But with great regret, it was proven as time went by, they became permanent due to the laxity of the government towards buildings and ministers, such as the public works minister, who do not have the will to construct permanent government buildings that suit a rich country like Kuwait.

The unrealistic decision by the public works minister leaves us in a state of doubt towards the way the country is being run by all parties. It also makes us worry about our funds that are being squandered by leaders and officials responsible for preserving it. Meanwhile, HH the Prime Minister must not stay silent towards these sterile decisions, and must intervene at once and hold all those who approve spending money in such fashion. The minister or the official who is lax over public funds does not deserve his post and should stay home and spend his money as he wants. — Al-Watan

kuwait digest

Political stalemate set to continue

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

P

arliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem announced shortly after the July elections a public survey to identify the so-called voters’ priorities and points of common interest. The move was pointless in my opinion because a voter makes his or her decision to vote for a person they believe can address their concerns in the parliament. In the meantime, many have thought and continue to think that the step was an ‘individual initiative’ from the speaker or whoever gave him the advice to go ahead with the survey. It could be the case, but it is also certain that it was subjected to circumstances and factors that are outside the speaker’s control.

I believe that the main reason that drives the parliament to conduct a public questionnaire is the lack of

active parliamentary forces which throughout the histor y of parliamentar y work have expressed public demands - or at least pretended to do so.

They adopted slogans and issues that took over the attention of politicians and observers alike. The absence of opposition forces which boycotted the elections created a huge political vacuum and cost the political and parliamentary fields a main part of its activity (especially that we in Kuwait have narrowed political activity into elections and work of the parliament).

That is why it is important when the prime minister assembles his Cabinet, that he selects ministers with visions to achieve development and can lead the country through a fixed plan and political vision. The premier should not resort to ministers whose approach is domi-

nated by random decisions made only so that the minister can be known as a ‘decision maker’.

If we take the 1974 and 1975 assemblies as an exception, every parliament in Kuwait’s history was stronger than the Cabinet, and as a result took charge in directing the government’s way. It was not the government who made that decision, nor did the two sides ever agree on a certain direction to take.

And as the premier has finished assembling a Cabinet that is weaker or ‘coherent with’ the parliament at best, this means that the political stalemate will continue that the parliament and Cabinet’s activities will not move, and the prime minister will follow in the speaker’s footsteps and survey the public about which work program the government should take. — Al-Qabas

In my view

Caught in the cross-fire

By Ramzy Baroud

A

worst-case scenario is unfolding in Syria, and Palestinian refugees, particularly in the Yarmouk refugee camp, are paying a heavy price for Syria’s cruelest war. They are starving, although there can be no justification, nor logistical explanation for why they are dying from hunger.

Spokesman for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Chris Gunness, said that “at least five Palestinian refugees in the besieged refugee camp of Yarmouk have died because of malnutrition, bringing the total number of reported cases to 15,” since Sept 2013.

Other estimates, especially those reported by local residents, say the number is significantly higher.

The camp, which is located south of Damascus, had once housed nearly 250,000 Palestinians that included 150,000 officially registered refugees. Three years of a brutal war later, Yarmouk is now nothing but ruins, and houses only around 18,000 residents who couldn’t escape to Lebanon, Jordan or elsewhere.

Reporting for the BBC from Damascus, Lyse Doucet quoted aid officials: “Aid officials in Damascus recently told me ‘the gates of Yarmouk were slammed shut in July’ and almost no aid has been allowed to enter since then.”

A minor Palestinian group, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - the General Command, has tried to control Yarmouk on behalf of the Syrian government, an act that the refugees rejected. There has been a semi-consensus among Palestinians that they should not be embroiled in Syria’s war. However, the warring parties - the Syrian government, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and other groups - desperately tried to use every card at their disposal to weaken the

other parties. The result has been devastating and is taking place at the expense of innocent refugees.

Perilous circumstances Aside from the 1,500 reportedly killed Palestinians and thousands more wounded, the majority of the refugees are once again on the run, although in more perilous circumstances. According to a statement by UNRWA on Dec17, “of the 540,000 Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA in Syria, about 270,000 are displaced in the country, and an estimated 80,000 have fled. 51,000 have reached Lebanon, 11,000 have identified themselves in Jordan, 5,000 are in Egypt, and smaller numbers have reached Gaza, Turkey and farther afield.”

Not that other Arab countries have proven kinder than Syria, for the UN agency reports that “those who have reached Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt face risky legal limbo compounded with living conditions so difficult that many decide to return to the dangers inside Syria.”

Yarmouk has been at the heart of that tragedy. The refugee camp was established in 1957 to shelter thousands of refugees who were expelled from Palestine at the hand of Zionist militias in 1947-48. Despite the fact that it was located in Syria, Yarmouk remained close to the pulse of the Palestinian tragedy, as hundreds of men were killed fighting against the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Although Palestinians in Syria were generally treated well, if compared to the very poor standards set by other Arab countries, thousands of men found themselves victims of occasional political purges of the Syrian government. An exam-

ple of this followed the 1983 fallout between late Syrian President Hafez Assad and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

But the latest disaster is the worst to strike the refugee camp. In Dec 2012, rebels of the FSA tried to gain control over the camp. Fierce fighting ensued, followed by aerial bombardment of Yarmouk by government airplanes on Dec 16. Dozens were reportedly killed, and thousands fled for their lives.

Despite the obvious signs of danger surrounding Palestinian presence in Syria, only then did the Palestinian leadership attempt to negotiate a special status for Yarmouk so that the stateless Palestinians were kept out of a conflict that was not of their making. Some Palestinian factions were used by other regional powers to declare political stances regarding the conflict in Syria. The refugees should have never been used as fodder for a dirty war and all attempts at sparing the refugees have failed.

The failure has been across the board. Typically, the so-called international community is at the forefront of this shameful episode. “There’s deep frustration in the aid community that a world which came together to deal with Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal cannot do the same when it comes to tackling a deepening humanitarian crisis,” reported Doucet, quoting an aid official: “I have never seen a humanitarian crisis on this scale, which does not have a Security Council resolution.”

Peace process The same could be said of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, which is chasing after another “peace

process” mirage that is surely doomed to fail. Why hasn’t PA President Mahmoud Abbas put all of his frivolous talks and appointments on hold and lobby the international community to save Yarmouk?

The disgrace hardly ends here, for some in the Palestine solidarity movement had ceased to think of the Palestinian refugees’ right of return as an issue that is at the heart of the Palestinian struggle for freedom. They only mobilize around the same issues, which are located within the territorial and political parameters imposed by the Oslo accords. According to that logic, Palestinians in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and so on, are hardly a top priority for action and mobilization, even if they are killed by the hundreds or starve to death.

By paying greater attention to Palestinian refugees in Syria, one is hardly calling for ignoring the horrible reality under which the Syrian people continue to suffer. But Palestinian refugees have no legal status, no political representation, no serious international support, no leadership truly concerned by their plight, no place to go to nor place to return to. They have nothing, and now they are starving.

There can be no rationale to explain why the Syrian government and the rebels insist on embroiling the Palestinians into their war, which is accumulating into an assortment of many war crimes that refuse to end.

The international community and Palestine solidarity groups everywhere must place Palestinian refugees on the top of their agenda. Food should never be a weapon in this dirty war, and Palestinians should never be starving to death, no matter the motive or the logic.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

LOCAL

KUWAIT: Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek waves as he attends a parliament session at Kuwait’s National Assembly yesterday. The Kuwaiti prime minister on Monday reshuffled his five-month old Cabinet replacing seven members, including the oil and finance ministers, and raising the number of Islamists to four. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

New body to build Silk City, Boubiyan Authority with KD 3bn capital KUWAIT: The Cabinet has approved a draft law to establish a public authority to build the Silk City and Boubyan Island development projects with a total capital of KD 3 billion. The law which was published by AlQabas yesterday contains 23 articles and assigns the duties and goals of the authority to help the projects come to life.

There is no date for when the government is set to announce the law. The law calls for selecting a ninemember board of directors to lead the authority, led by a minister to be specified later. Under the law, the authority must provide the economic, social and human resource requirements for the project while at the same time expand the framework for nonoil business activities. Meanwhile, the authority is required to follow international standards in state property management, encourage private sector investment (local and foreign), maintain standards of quality in projects and work with the Environment Public Authority to protect the environment.

The authority’s board will have similar powers to

ministries in works around Silk City limits (located north of Kuwait Bay) and Boubyan island. Its duties include releasing regulations, plans, programs and policies to achieve the desired goals. The authority would put together the structural plan for Silk City and Boubyan island including the timetable for finishing it, as well as establish shareholding companies (either alone or in partnership with government or private firms) and supervise infrastructure works. The authority would also set the prices for services, goods and facilities it provides, as well as the regulations and conditions to practice economic, trade, investment or other activities in Silk City and Boubyan island.

The regulations include conditions of recruitment and accommodation of foreign labor forces in Silk City and Boubyan islands, as well as customized regulations for import and export operations. Meanwhile, the draft law identifies the authority’s resources as ‘revenues from sale of housing properties and the right to utilize, invest or rent in the city or the island, in addition to donations and government allocations’.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

LOCAL

Inmate commits suicide in Central Jail bathroom Charred cars in Subbiya desert KUWAIT: A convicted drug offender was found dead inside the Central Jail Monday in a case filed as suicide. According to the police report, an inmate found the 38-year-old Kuwaiti hanging inside the bathroom. He loosened the rope from around his neck and rushed him to the jail’s clinic with the help of other inmates. The man, who was serving a three-year sentence on drug abuse charges, was dead by the time he reached the clinic, and his body was transferred to the forensic department. An investigation was opened to determine the circumstances behind the incident as well as responsibility over the security deficiency which the inmate made use of to commit suicide.

Suicide attempt A domestic helper faces charges after she attempted suicide inside her employer’s house for reasons that remain under investigations. The incident was reported Monday in Jahra where a Kuwaiti man received a phone call from his wife saying that she found their housemaid unconscious with empty tablet blister packs nearby. The man, who was outside of the house at the time, made an emergency call, after which an ambulance headed to the scene and rushed the maid to Jahra Hospital where she was admitted in the intensive care unit. Investigations are pending the woman’s recovery to be questioned over her motives.

Charred cars Criminal Investigations Department officers are looking to unveil the mystery behind the discovery of 12 burned vehicles in Subbiya desert, amid suspicions that the cars were stolen.

Detectives reached that conclusion after investi-

gations revealed that 12 car theft reports were filed in Jahra, Jaber Al-Ahmad and Qadsiya simultaneously with the charred vehicles’ discovery.

Criminal Evidence Department men were summoned to take fingerprints from the cars; which detectives believed were set ablaze after thieves stole them and used them to commit crimes.

Investigations are ongoing.

the man told him that the car he was trying to break open was his. Investigations are ongoing.

Camp thieves Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest four men who committed an armed robbery in a Jahra camp. According to a case filed by the camp owner at the North Jahra police station, the masked suspects stormed the camp at night and beat up the keeper who was there alone at the time. The thieves then forced the keeper to load valuable items from the camp in their truck at knifepoint, then drove away. Police questioned the keeper who gave descriptions of the suspects and the pickup truck they used.

Man forgives neighbor A child was hospitalized after he was run over by his neighbor’s car, but the child’s father opted against pressing charges out of belief that the incident was purely accidental. The incident took place Sunday night outside a building in Sabahiya where the man reversed without noticing that the 5-year-old boy was standing behind it. He rushed the kid to Adan Hospital and called the boy’s father on the way to inform him about the incident. The boy was diagnosed with mild injuries and received treatment. Meanwhile, his father told police officers who were called to the hospital that he has no plans to sue his neighbor because he believed that the incident was an accident.

Family trapped Firefighters headed to a location in Farwaniya Monday morning in response to emergency calls reporting that a family was trapped inside their car that stopped working in the middle of a puddle due to heavy rains. Pedestrians volunteered to free the trapped family members before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Theft attempt Search is ongoing for a man who assaulted a car owner during a failed bid to steal his car. The incident took place in Salmiya where a man was coming out of a grocery store and found a person standing next to his car trying to open the door.

In his statements to local police following the incident, the Kuwaiti national said that when he approached the suspect and asked him what he was doing, the person responded by saying ‘it’s none of your business’. The suspect then punched the complainant in the face and escaped when

Car accident A car drove into a bakery in Rumaithiya after its driver mistakenly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, but no injuries were reported. The incident took place Monday morning when the man was trying to park his sedan in front of the bakery near the area’s co-op society. In his statements to police, the driver said that he confused the brake with the gas pedal, sending his car lurching into the store. The incident happened before the store opened, which minimized chances of injuries. A case was filed.

Health Ministry opens media center

KUWAIT: Ahmadi Municipality emergency team carried out a campaign to remove tents and prefabricated homes used as unlicensed grocery stores and restaurants, besides renting ATVs at the spring camping area in Mina Abdullah.

The campaign resulted in the demolition and removal of eight grocery stores that were also used as restaurants, and the contents weighing about 10 tons of food and camping necessities were confiscated. 17 ATVs were impounded.

Head of the emergency team Mishal Aba Al-Safi said the team found eight grocery stores four of which were prefabricated, three in tents and one in a pickup truck. Six citations were issued to roaming vendors.

KUWAIT: Health Ministr y Undersecretary Khaled Al-Sahlawi inaugurated Monday the media center of the 39th session of the Health Ministers Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

The media center, located at the Jumeirah Hotel, will provide reporters and journalists covering the ministerial meeting with logistical and technical suppor t required to broadcast and dispatch their reports about the event.

During the inaugural speech, AlSahlawi said that the ministerial meeting, themed “ Together to

Combat Non-communicable Diseases - A Developmental Priority,” will focus on the Gulf countries’ efforts to counter the spread of the non-communicable diseases.

He added the conferees will also discuss the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the endorse GCC centers for medical examination of expatriate workers.

The ministers will review detailed reports on the activities of the Executive Office and its achievements during the previous

session. They will follow up the implementation of the previous sessions’ resolutions and recommendations, and the latest scientific developments aimed to improve health services in GCC member states.

A non-communicable disease, or NCD, is a medical condition or disease, which by definition is noninfectious and non-transmissible among people.

NCDs may be chronic diseases of long duration and slow progression, or they may result in more rapid death such as some types of sudden stroke. They include

autoimmune diseases, heart disease, stroke, many cancers, asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts, and more.

According to WHO, the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill more than 36 million people each year. Nearly 80 percent of NCD deaths - 29 million - occur in lowand middle-income countries.

More than nine million of all deaths attributed to NCDs occur before the age of 60; 90 percent of these “premature” deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. —KUNA

Al-Obaidi lauds Gulf Excellence Award in health media KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi lauded the Gulf Excellence Award, which is considered one of the most “outstanding” initiatives for constructive cooperation among the ministries of health in the GCC states and the GCC Executive Office of the Council of Health Ministers.

This statement came during a ceremony honoring the winners of the fifth session of the Gulf Excellence Award in health media, which was held Monday evening in Salwa Hall at Marina Hotel.

The initiative embodies the role and responsibility of health media in the GCC states as key partners in development programs and health policies in various fields, said Al-Obaidi.

He stressed that the successful implementation of this initiative has led to an increased desire to participate in the contest and raise awareness of health terms and definitions that the initiative aims to spread in the community in

order to achieve the goals of health promotion.

The contest’s slogan “encouraging physical exercise” is in compliance with the slogan of the 76th GCC health ministers’ meeting to be hosted in Kuwait “together to combat chronic non-infectious diseases” as a developmental priority, he added.

He emphasized the importance of the roles of media and awareness based on the scientific facts and evidences to encourage physical activity for the prevention of chronic non-infectious diseases such as diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.

Such diseases stand in the way of the development programs whose prevention strategies need to strengthen partnership with the media and journalists, develop innovative programs to raise health media awareness and to address bad health habits such as physical idleness, smoking and obesity, Al-Obaidi concluded. —KUNA

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait offered a financial contribution to the Public Authority for Industry in order to support the PAI’s sports and social activities for the year 2014. The picture shows CBK Regional Manager Hanadi Al-Meslem handing a check to PAI Public Relations Manager Salem Al-Muhanna.

‘Kuwait Green Fence’ campaign launched KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) is producing a million tons of urea and around 600,000 tons of ammonia every year, a company executive said yesterday.

PIC succeeded in exploring new markets like Latin America, and the state-owned company is now exporting to North and South America, Asian countries like India, China and Pakistan, some African nations and Australia, PIC Deputy CEO for Fertilizers Abdullah Al-Suwailem said.

He was speaking on sidelines of a “Kuwait Green Fence” campaign, colaunched by PIC and Environmental Voluntary Foundation.

PIC, added Al-Suwailem, has three urea factories producing around 3,150 tons every day, or a million

tons yearly.

“PIC has plans to expand in the field of fertilizers because there is a production surplus in the fertilizers market, but the company is now focusing on petrochemicals and has the new third Olefins projects,” he said.

Talking about the campaign, AlSuwailem said a new part of “Kuwait Green Fence” was being completed in the southern Al-Nuwaiseeb area, which aimed at planting trees at the borders of the State of Kuwait.

PIC is contributing to this campaign as part of its responsibility towards society and environment with the ultimate objective of achieving sustainable development through joining hands with civil society organ-

izations, he said.

The campaign, he explained, aimed at planting around half a million trees along the borders. The first tree was planted in July 2012.

The green fence extends from Kuwait’s border with Saudi Arabia at the area of Nuwaiseeb through Salmy border crossing until Abdaly crossing with Iraq. The project will take 5-8 years to finish.

The trees being planted are capable of standing against extreme cold and hot weathers, said Al-Suwailem, as well as creating suitable environment for migrant birds and providing more oxygen.

He said PIC invited three government and one private school to participate in this campaign. —KUNA

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Iraq calls on residents to expel al-Qaeda Page 8

Former Miss Venezuela shot dead Page 9

DAMASCUS: Smokes ascend after a Syrian military helicopter allegedly droped one of two barrel bombs over Daraya, southwest of the capital Damascus, yesterday. Syrian rebels in the northern Damascus district of Barzeh agreed on January 5, to a local ceasefire with President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime after nearly a year of fighting and bombardment, activists said. — AFP

Syria ships out chemical weapons materials Islamist leader calls for end to rebel infighting BEIRUT: Syria has started moving chemical weapons materials out of the country in the most crucial phase of an internationally backed disarmament programme that has been delayed by war and technical problems.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said on Tuesday that “priority chemical materials” were transported to the port of Latakia and onto a Danish vessel which was now sailing towards international waters.

Syria agreed to abandon its chemical weapons by June under a deal proposed

by Russia and agreed with the United States after an Aug. 21 sarin gas attack that Western nations blamed on President Bashar al-Assad’s forces.

Damascus blames rebels for the attack.

War, bad weather, bureaucracy and technical issues meant a Dec. 31 deadline for the removal of the most deadly toxins from Syria was missed.

The OPCW did not disclose what percentage of Syria’s toxic arsenal-which

totals 1,300 tonnes in all-had been removed but said nine containers of the most dangerous chemical materials were on the Danish cargo vessel.

“The vessel has been accompanied by naval escorts provided by Denmark and Norway, as well as the Syrian Arab Republic,” a statement said. “It will remain at sea awaiting the arrival of additional priority chemical materials at the port.”

Maritime security was being provided by Chinese, Danish, Norwegian and Russian ships.

Government forces have taken back control of the highway linking Damascus to the coast which is needed to transport the toxins. Rebel were ousted from three towns along the road but activists say convoys moving along it will remain vulnerable to rebel ambushes.

Rebel infighting In Syria, the bloodiest bout of rebel infighting since the war started nearly three years ago prompted the head of an

al Qaeda-linked rebel group to called for a ceasefire between opposition factions.

An audio recording from the leader of the powerful Nusra Front, known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, laid much of the blame for the fighting on an al Qaeda splinter group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

While both groups have roots in the global Islamist network and welcome foreign militants, the Nusra Front has cooperated more with other rebel groups and has largely avoided the power struggles that ISIL has faced since wresting control of many opposition-held areas from other groups.

“Many rebel units have committed transgressions, just as the mistaken policies followed by played a prominent role in fuelling the conflict,” Golani said.

ISIL has also been fighting in Iraq, where it faces an onslaught by army tanks and artillery around the city of Falluja, whose local leaders have urged the Qaeda-linked militants to leave before being attacked.

ISIL gunmen want to reconquer Iraq’s Anbar province in pursuit of their goal of creating a radical Islamic state out of the chaos of neighbouring Syria’s civil war.

More than 274 people have been killed in the rebel-onrebel clashes in Syria since they began Friday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition monitoring group.

Legal council Golani proposed forming an Islamic legal council to resolve feuds among the rebels and called for the militants to return to their shared goal of fighting Assad’s forces, as the campaign to oust the Syrian leader nears the end of its third year.

It was not possible to verify the audio statement, but it was posted on a Twitter account used by the Nusra Front. “This unfortunate situation has pushed us to launch an initiative to save the battlefields from being lost. This will be done by forming an independent legal council by all the (rebel) factions in addition to a ceasefire,” Golani said.

Rebel groups, many of them also hardline Islamists, last week launched what appeared to be a series of coordinated strikes against ISIL in northern and eastern Syria after months of increasing tensions with the group, which has alienated many Syrians in rebel-held regions. — Reuters

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Palestinians beat, detain Jewish settlers in West Bank QUSRA: Palestinians beat and detained several Israeli settlers who had sparked clashes after entering their village near the West Bank city of Nablus yesterday, eyewitnesses and officials said. At one point, Israeli soldiers were negotiating the release of some 13 settlers from a house in Qusra village, where they were being held, an AFP correspondent said.

Palestinian security sources told AFP the settlers were eventually released and handed to the Israeli army. Village council head Abdul Azim Wadi confirmed the incident but said only eight settlers were detained.

The Israeli army could not immediately confirm the incident. The area south of Nablus, in the northern West

Bank, is the scene of frequent clashes between Palestinians and Jewish settlers, who live in nearby settlements. On January 2, an 85-year-old Palestinian died after inhaling tear gas used by the Israeli army to disperse a march near Nablus, Palestinian security sources said.

The man, Said Nassar, was from Kfar Qaddum, a village west of Nablus and

near the Israeli settlement of Kedumim, which has been a source of tension between residents and the Israeli army.

Some 350,000 Jewish settlers live in West Bank settlements, in addition to another 200,000 Israelis settled in occupied and annexed east Jerusalem.

The international community considers the colonisation of occupied land

to be illegal, and the Palestinians have long viewed settlement construction as a key obstacle to reaching a peace agreement. The international community considers the colonisation of occupied land to be illegal, and the Palestinians have long viewed settlement construction as a key obstacle to reaching a peace agreement. — AFP

Turkey sacks hundreds of police amid graft probe ANKARA: The Turkish government has fired 350 police officers in Ankara, local media reported yesterday, the latest twist in a vast corruption scandal that has ensnared key allies of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The officers were sacked by a government decree published at midnight and included chiefs of the financial crimes, anti-smuggling, cyber crime and organised crime units, the private Dogan News Agency reported.

The move comes as the government is trying to contain the massive political fallout from the graft probe that has become the biggest threat to Erdogan’s 11-year rule.

Erdogan has branded the investigation a “dirty” plot to try to topple his government, indirectly blaming supporters of a powerful exiled Muslim cleric who wields considerable influence in the judiciary.

Dozens of leading businessmen and political figures-including the sons of three ministers-were rounded up in a

massive sweep in Ankara and Istanbul in December. The once-unassailable Turkish strongman responded by sacking hundreds of police officials across the country, including the powerful Istanbul police chief.

Erdogan’s critics accuse him of desperately trying to protect his cronies, and the appointment of Selami Altinok, a little-known governor with no background in police work, as Istanbul’s new police chief was further seen as an attempt to shut down the investigation.

With the latest round of dismissals, the total number of police officers removed from their posts has risen to 560 in Ankara alone, according to media reports. Turkish prosecutor Muammer Akkas was also barred last month from expanding the investigation-which could also reportedly target Erdogan’s son Bilal-over allegations he leaked information to the media.

New raids blocked The probe has thrown the spotlight

ANKARA: Kurdish lawmakers who were released from jails last week Kemal Aktas (C), Ibrahim Ayhan (L), Gulser Yildirim (2nd R), Selma Irmak (R) and Faysal Sariyildiz (2ndL) wave during a parliamentary session at the parliament in Ankara, yesterday. The 5 deputies won seats for the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) in a 2011 election but have been held on remand for several years, accused of supporting the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group. — AFP

on a bitter feud between Erdogan’s government and followers of influential Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999.

The so-called Gulenists-once staunch supporters of Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) — hold key positions in various government branches including the police and judiciary.

Turkey’s Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), which appoints senior members of the judiciary, was meeting Tuesday to discuss allegations that prosecutors were blocked from carrying out further arrests, NTV television reported.

The crisis erupted on December 17 when police arrested dozens of people including sons of former ministers and the chief executive of Turkey’s state-run Halkbank. They are suspected of numerous offences including bribery for construction projects and illicit money transfers to neighbouring sanctions-hit Iran.

Police have conducted further raids in five cities after a six-month technical surveillance and detained 25 people on suspicions of bribery and fraud in tenders for construction projects, local media reported yesterday.

Among those held were civil servants from the Turkish rail authority TCDD and the western port of Izmir, it said. Erdogan has vowed to battle “a state within a state”, apparently referring to Gulenists in the state apparatus.

Gulen has denied any involvement in the controversial inquiry.

His followers were key backers of the AKP when it came to power in 2002 but tensions emerged over the wave of antigovernment protests last year and government plans to shut down a network of private schools run by the Gulen movement.—AFP

BAGHDAD: Iraqi soldiers and journalists donate blood for victims of military operations in Anbar Province at the journalists syndicate Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. Iraqi security forces and allies from Sunni tribes have been battling militants to recapture two key cities in Iraqís western Anbar province. Al-Qaeda-linked group, known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, are controlling the center of Fallujah and part of Ramadi. — AP

Iraq calls on residents to expel al-Qaeda Tehran ready to help Iraq battle al Qaeda BAGHDAD: Iraq’s prime minister urged Fallujah residents on Monday to expel Al-Qaeda militants to avoid an all-out battle in the besieged city, a sign that the government could be paving the way for an imminent military push in an attempt to rout hardline Sunni insurgents challenging its territorial control over the western approaches to Baghdad.

The militants’ seizure of Fallujah and parts of nearby Ramadi, once bloody battlegrounds for US troops, has marked the most direct challenge to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government since the departure of American forces two years ago. Both the US and its longtime rival Iran view the escalating conflict with alarm, with neither wanting to see al-Qaeda take firmer root inside Iraq.

Washington has ruled out sending in American troops but recently delivered dozens of Hellfire missiles to help bolster Iraqi forces.

Tehran signaled Monday that it is willing to follow suit, saying it is ready to help Iraq battle al Qaeda “terrorists” by sending military equipment and advisers should Baghdad ask for it. It is unclear whether Baghdad would take up the Iranian offer, made by Gen. Mohammad Hejazi, the Iranian Army deputy chief-of-staff, in comments to Iranian state media. He ruled out the sending of ground troops across the border.

Any direct Iranian help would exacerbate sectarian tensions fueling Iraq’s conflict, as Iraqi Sunnis accuse Tehran of backing what they say are their Shiite-led government’s unfair poli-

cies against them. Iran has the power to sway al-Maliki’s political fortunes ahead of upcoming elections through its deep ties to Iraq’s major Shiite factions, which have dominated government offices and security forces since the US-led invasion toppled Iran’s arch-foe Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Iraqi government troops have surrounded Fallujah, which was overrun by fighters from al-Qaeda’s Iraq branch last week. The city is just 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. It is located in the vast Sunni-dominated and largely desert province of Anbar, which borders Syria, where al-Qaeda-linked groups are among the most formidable fighters among the rebels trying to topple President Bashar Assad.

Al-Maliki did not say how he expects Fallujah residents and progovernment tribesmen to push out the militants. In his message, broadcast over state TV, he also urged Iraqi troops to avoid targeting residential areas. Dozens of families have begun fleeing Fallujah to nearby towns, crammed in cars loaded with their belongings.

Ahmed Ali, an Iraq researcher at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, cautioned that a military assault on Fallujah would likely lead to civilian casualties and “possibly invoke other violent tribal responses.”

It could also give al-Qaeda a chance to launch attacks in other parts of the country given the concentration of forces in Anbar.

“It is important to recognize that (Al-Qaeda) cannot be decisively

defeated in Anbar. The (Iraqi military) presence in Anbar is therefore likely to be long-term, which increases the opportunities for (al -Qaeda) to exert control elsewhere in Iraq,” he wrote.

The Iraqi al-Qaeda group, known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, also took control of most parts of the Anbar provincial capital of Ramadi last week. Iraqi troops have been trying to dislodge the militants from the two cities. On Sunday, fighting pitting the militant extremists against government forces and allied tribesmen in Anbar killed dozens of people, including 22 soldiers, 10 civilians and an unknown number of militants.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday that Washington was “very, very concerned” by the recent fighting but would not send in American troops. Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, said Monday that the US is expediting the delivery of 10 Scan Eagle drones and 100 Hellfire missiles, and expects they will get to Iraq in the spring. He said the US is not participating in any mission planning.

Vice President Joe Biden called Iraq’s prime minister and parliamentary speaker Monday to discuss the escalating sectarian violence and its ties to Al-Qaeda. The White House said Biden told al -Maliki that the US stands with Iraq against the local AlQaeda branch that has overrun Fallujah. The White House said alMaliki affirmed it was important to work with Sunni groups to isolate extremists.—AP

Syria rebels say colleagues killed by al-Qaeda group BEIRUT: An al-Qaeda group fighting in Syria against rebels trying to dislodge it from opposition-held parts of the country has killed at least four activists it held captive in the area, their colleagues said yesterday.

The killings came against the backdrop of clashes between rival rebel factions in Syria’s northern provinces.

The fighting, which has pitted an array of rebel groups against the al-Qaedalinked Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, also known as ISIL, is now in its fifth day. The clashes are part of a widening war within a war in Syria, this one against radical extremists, adding yet another layer of complexity to the broader Syrian conflict less than three weeks ahead of a planned international peace conference to try to broker a political solution to the civil war. Syrian activists said the alQaeda group killed at least four of their colleagues during fighting Monday around an eye hospital that has served as a stronghold for the extremists in the Qadi Askar quarter of the northern city of Aleppo.

Three of the killed worked for an opposition outlet called “Shada alHurriya” and were seized in December, said the Syrian Journalists Association.

An activist, who only identified himself by his nickname Abu Saleh alHalaby because of fears for his own

safety, said the fourth slain colleague was the media man for another hardline Islamic rebel brigade, the Nusra Front. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that four activists were killed but couldn’t confirm their identities. The Observatory and other activist groups rely on a network of people on the ground in Syria. The killings underscore concerns for the fate of unknown num-

bers - at least dozens - of Syrians and foreigners believed held by the AlQaeda-linked group. Since muscling in into rebel-held areas of the country in March, the al-Qaeda fighters are believed to have detained foreign reporters, Syrian activists, rival rebel fighters and others critical of their rule. They have also detained citizens perceived to have disobeyed their extreme interpretation of Islamic law.—AP

ALEPPO: People rush to cross a deserted street in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday. Syrian rebels in opposition-held areas of Aleppo fought jihadists four days before, amid soaring tensions between local dissidents and a powerful Al-Qaeda affiliate, a monitoring group and activists said. — AFP

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Coroner: Priest beaten to death with stake, pipe GRANTS PASS: A beloved priest who was killed in the Northern California city of Eureka was beaten to death with a wooden stake and a metal gutter pipe, his autopsy shows.

Humboldt County Coroner Dave Parris said Monday that investigators don’t want to release more details of how the Rev. Eric Freed was beaten, pending further investigation.

But at his arraignment, Gary Lee Bullock, 44, of Humboldt County, was charged with murder with a special allegation of torture. He is also charged with burglary, arson and auto theft. Bullock pleaded not

News

in brief

Deep freeze FRANKFORT: Just how cold is it in Kentucky?

Apparently cold enough for an escaped prisoner to decide to turn himself in. Authorities say the inmate escaped from a minimum security facility in Lexington on Sunday. As temperatures dropped into the low single digits Monday, officials say the man walked into a motel and asked the clerk to call police.

Lexington police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts says 42-year-old Robert Vick of Hartford told the clerk he wanted to turn himself in and escape the arctic air.

Roberts says Vick was checked out by paramedics and returned to Blackburn Correctional Complex.

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Lisa Lamb says Vick would have been dressed in prison-issued khaki pants, a shirt and a jacket when he escaped.

Wind chill readings were 20 below zero Monday in Lexington.

Chile ex-officers detained SANTIAGO: A judge in Chile ordered the arrest yesterday of nine former military officers accused in the disappearance of a French former priest during the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. Judge Mario Carroza ordered the ex-air force officers held in the case of Etienne Pesle de Menil, a former cleric who went missing in 1973, during the early days of the Pinochet regime. The priest, an activist on land reform issues in Chile, is presumed to have been killed by the Pinochet regime which took the life of thousands during its hardline reign from 1973 to 1990. Pesle de Menil went missing on September 19, 1973 in the city of Temuco, some 800 kilometers (500 miles) south of Santiago just days after Pinochet seized power.

Documents showed that detainees were held and often tortured by a group of junior and senior officers at an air force base near Santiago. A French court in December 2010 convicted 10 Chilean officers in absentia for the torture and disappearances of Pesle de Menil and three other French nationals, but Chile’s court system has refused to extradite the men. The 10 Chilean officers were sentenced in France to prison terms ranging from 15 years to life on charges that included kidnapping, arbitrary detention, torture and barbarous acts.

Trial opens of slain journalist WASHINGTON: Opening statements are expected in the trial of a German man charged with murdering his 91-year-old wife, a journalist and socialite.

Albrecht Muth is charged with first-degree murder in the August 2011 beating and strangulation death of Viola Drath. Police say the killing took place inside the couple’s home in Washington. Jury selection began Monday in D.C. Superior Court and opening statements are expected yesterday morning. Muth is not expected to attend his trial. His self-imposed bouts of starvation have left him frail and weak, but a judge has ruled that Muth’s absences are willful and voluntary and that the trial can proceed without him. He will be able to observe through videoconferencing.

guilty and bail was set at $1.2 million, the Eureka Times-Standard reported.

Meanwhile, a funeral Mass was held Monday for Freed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eureka.

Parishioner Lynn Enemark said more than 1,000 people filled the church to overflowing. Bishop Robert F. Vasa officiated, and priests from around California attended.

Authorities have said Bullock was released from jail on a disorderly conduct charge several hours before Freed was killed in the rectory at St. Bernard Catholic Church. The jail is near the church.

Police Chief Andrew Mills said the attacker got inside by breaking a side window. The slaying occurred in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, Parris said. A more precise time of death must await further analysis of the evidence.

A passing security guard saw Bullock on church grounds at about 2 a.m. New Year’s Day and called police. An officer confronted Bullock in front of the rectory, checked his jail papers, did a field sobriety test, and determined he was mentally competent to be in public, then directed him to a shelter several blocks away, police have said.

Rwanda marks 20th ’versary of genocide Survivors assemble at genocide memorial KIGALI: Rwanda yesterday began commemorations marking 20 years since its genocide, with a flame of remembrance due to make a nationwide tour ahead of the anniversary of the horrific events of 1994.

Government officials and sur vivors assembled at the main genocide memorial in Kigali where the flame was lit in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, before embarking on a tour of towns and villages in the central African nation, ahead of a period of official mourning that begins on April 7.

“From today, activities of the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the genocide will formally commence,” Mushikiwabo said. Three ageing genocide survivors took several minutes to make a fire by rubbing a stick against a rock. They handed the blazing stick to a group of 20 children holding a metal torch and the children lit it.

“We are keenly aware of the hurdles and challenges as well as the length of the road ahead. Effective nation building is no easy task; a genocide legacy makes it much harder,” the minister said.

Those assembled listened to survivors talking about how they have managed to get their lives back on track over the course of the past two decades.

Marcel Mutsindashyaka, now 24 and studying in North America, recounted how he was hidden by a Hutu neighbour and grew up in an orphanage. From a job in a cybercafe he went on to set up a news agency, Umuseke.

An estimated 800,000 people, essentially from the Tutsi minority, perished in the genocide, carried out by Hutu extremist militias and troops in the three months from April to June 1994.

Most of the masterminds of the genocide have been tried at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda set up in Arusha, Tanzania, with the backing of the United Nations. A further two million ordinary Rwandans were tried in grassroots courts known as “gacaca” for their alleged role in the killings, with some two-thirds of the accused found guilty.

Beginning this month, memorial activities will start at both the grassroots and

GISENYIE: This picture taken on June 27, 1994 shows French soldiers on patrol driving past ethnic Hutu troops from the Rwandan government forces near Gisenyie, about 10 kms from the border with then Zaire. Rwanda yesterday started commemorations for the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, by the lighting of the remembrance flame in Kigali. The flame will then tour the country for three months, before returning to Kigali on April 7, 2014. — AFP national levels, leading up to April 7 when the national mourning period will start, on the date the slaughter began two decades ago.

Hutu militia The next stop for the flame will be in Western Province at N yange school, Freddy Mutanguha, country director for Aegis Trust, one of the organisations helping to prepare the lighting ceremony, told AFP. The school was targeted by extremist Hutu militia in 1997, three years after the genocide. The militia wanted to separate the Tutsi pupils from the Hutus but the students refused and were all killed together.

Former Miss Venezuela shot dead CARACAS: Assailants shot dead a former Miss Venezuela and her ex-husband in the latest high-profile case of violent crime in the South American nation, authorities said yesterday.

Monica Spear, 29, who was also a soap opera actress, and Henry Berry, 39, died in an attempted robbery on the highway between Puerto Cabello and Valencia in central Venezuela. The 2004 Miss Venezuela winner lived in the United States but was vacationing in Venezuela. The pair’s 5-yearold daughter survived the attack late on Monday, but with a bullet wound in her leg, the government and local media said.

Reports indicated Spear’s car may have broken down before armed robbers approached - a common occurrence on roads after dark in one of the world’s most violent nations. Showbiz colleagues were

devastated.

“I’m so sad for my Venezuela, my condolences for Monica Spear’s family. Rage and impotence are what I feel right now,” wrote Venezuelan salsa singer Oscar D’Leon on Twitter.

Venezuela’s official homicide rate late year was 39 per 100,000 inhabitants, but local non-government organizations put the figure at nearly twice that for a total of 24,000 deaths.

President Nicolas Maduro has declared beating violent crime his No. 1 priority, and polls consistently show it to be Venezuelans’ main concern.

But opponents say the government’s anti-crime plans are not tackling root causes, such as impunity for criminals, corrupt courts and police complicity in some crime. — Reuters

Three inmates killed in Mexico prison ACAPULCO: Three inmates were beaten to death in a southern Mexican prison yesterday, a day after they were transferred to the facility in the resort of Acapulco, officials said. The convicts had been moved from another penitentiary in the town of Iguala, 220 kilometers to the north, after gunmen attacked that prison last Friday, sparking a shootout that killed 10 people.

The Guerrero state prosecutor’s office said it was investigating the latest killings. It did not say how the three men died but an official from the state public security agency, who requested anonymity, said they died from blows to the body and head.

The inmates, who were serving time for theft and murder, were transferred to Acapulco on Sunday along with seven other prisoners from Iguala. Six gunmen tricked their way into the Iguala prison in Monica Spear

The security guard, who does not work for the church, saw Bullock again at about 3:30 a.m. and told him again to be on his way but did not call police again. Freed’s body was discovered when he didn’t show up to say Mass the morning of New Year’s Day. Surveillance video showed Bullock outside the rectory, Mills said. Authorities have not made the video public. Bullock was arrested Thursday by sheriff’s deputies outside Garberville. Deputies said his stepfather was driving him to Garberville to turn himself in. — AP

the dead of night on Friday by posing as public servants who were delivering an inmate.

Once inside, they killed four inmates and exchanged fire with prison guards.

Five of the gunmen were killed and the sixth was wounded. One of the guards died from his wounds on Saturday.

A senior Guerrero state official said Friday’s attack was a vendetta by a criminal group against one of the inmates, who worked with a rival gang. Later on Friday, armed men intercepted the funeral hearse of the targeted inmate, Ismael Ocampo Alvarez, alias “La Naila,” and set his coffin on fire.

The National Human Rights Commission warned in November that the country’s overpopulated prisons were in “critical condition,” with murders and escapes on the rise and two-thirds under the control of inmates. — AFP

As the flame arrives in each new district discussions will be organised at community level. They will focus on examining the traits in Rwandan society that meant the genocide was able to happen, where the international community went wrong in ignoring the warnings and how crises elsewhere in the world should be handled.

Similar discussions will be held in several foreign capitals including London and New York.

The week starting April 7 is already a period of mourning each year. National television shows footage of the genocide, Rwandans wear purple, which is the colour of mourning, and survivors hold candlelight vigils and wash and re-bury bones

that had been consigned to shallow graves.

Activities for the 20th anniversary will include discussions on Rwanda’s national identity and on the progress the country has made since the genocide, which destroyed its social and economic fabric.

Rwanda has taken huge strides forward since the end of the genocide, which was stopped by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), then a rebel movement and now the ruling party. Its leadership has been championed for its economic reform agenda and clampdown on corruption.

The regime’s detractors, however, accuse the RPF of President Paul Kagame of clamping down on dissent and committing numerous human rights abuses. — AFP

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French cities ban comedian accused of anti-Semitic jibes PARIS: Mayors of several French cities lined up yesterday to ban the shows of a comedian the government accuses of insulting the memory of Holocaust victims and threatening public order with anti-Semitic jibes.

Local authorities in Nantes barred t h e o p e n i n g d a te i n D i e u d o n n e M’bala M’bala’s tour set for Thursday, hours after similar shows were banned by mayors in Marseille, Bordeaux and Tours.

The row is the latest upset to ties between France’s large Muslim and Jewish communities. It won international attention last week after former France striker Nicolas Anelka celebrated an English Premier League goal

w i t h a s a l u te p o p u l a r i s e d by Dieudonne which critics say has an anti-Semitic connotation.

“I am calling on all representatives of the state, particularly its prefects, to be on alert and inflexible,” President Francois Hollande said, referring to regional officials charged with maintaining law and order in France.

“No one should be able to use this show for provocation and to promote openly anti-Semitic ideas,” he told a meeting of senior government officials in Paris. Lawyers for Dieudonne, who has been fined repeatedly for hate speech, said they would take legal action to defend him.

“Freedom of expression is not at

the whim of governments or a comed i a n ,” t h e y s a i d i n a s t a te m e n t announcing the launch of legal complaints for defamation and invasion of privacy.

They accused the Socialist government of using the issue to rally voters ahead of municipal and European elections in coming months where widespread anger at unemployment is seen fuelling a strong vote for the farright National Front. Its leader, Marine Le Pen, has striven to distance the party from its earlier anti-Semitic leanings. She told Le Figaro newspaper she was “shocked” by Dieudonne but criticised the government for exaggerating the importance of the affair.

Dieudonne supporters say the public order argument is false because he performs inside theatres rather than in the streets. Interior Minister Manuel Valls pushed to ban his shows after Jewish groups complained about his trademark straight-arm gesture, which they call a “Nazi salute in reverse” and link to a growing frequency of antiSemitic remarks and acts in France.

In the worst recent anti-Semitic incident, a French Islamist killed a rabbi and three pupils at a Jewish school last year in the southwestern French city of Toulouse.

Dieudonne, 46, Paris-born son of a Cameroonian father and French mother, says the gestures is a statement of his

anti-Zionist and anti-establishment views, not anti-Semitism.

West Bromwich Albion striker Anelka is being investigated by the English Football Association for using it during a Dec. 28 soccer match. NBA basketball star Tony Parker, a Frenchman, has apologised for a three-year-old photo of him making the salute.

Two soldiers were sanctioned by the army in September for making the gesture in uniform in front of a Paris synagogue. Other supporters have submitted photos of themselves to fan web sites mak ing the sign at Berlin’s Holocaust memorial and near the gates of the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp in Poland. —Reuters

Spanish court summon king’s daughter over financial crimes MADRID: A Spanish court summoned King Juan Carlos’ youngest daughter Cristina for suspected tax and money-laundering crimes yesterday, a first for a direct relative of the monarch. Cristina, 48, has been linked to the business affairs of her husband, former Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, who is under investigation for alleged embezzlement of public funds.

The decision by a court in Majorca is a major blow to the prestige of the 76-year-old Spanish king, who became head of state after the death in 1975 of General Francisco Franco and helped guide the country’s transition to democracy.

Battling scandal and ill health, Juan Carlos appeared tired as he presided over a military parade while on crutches Monday in his first public appearance since undergoing an operation to replace his left hip on November 21.

The judge in Majorca, Jose Castro, has been investigating the corruption allegations against Cristina’s husband since 2010. In summoning Cristina, he overruled opposition by the public prosecutor. In a written ruling, the judge said he had decided to hear Cristina’s testimony “about alleged tax and money laundering crimes”, summoning her to appear on March 8 as part of an investigation that could

BARCELONA: In this April 5, 2013 file photo, Spain’s Princess Cristina walks towards her office in Barcelona, Spain. A Spanish court has subpoenaed Princess Cristina, the daughter of Spain’s King Juan Carlos, as a suspect of tax fraud and money laundering, the latest blow to the royal family’s reputation. —AP

lead to formal charges.

A palace spokesman told AFP he wanted to express his “respect for judicial decisions”. He declined further comment. Manos Limpias, a litigious far-right pressure group, lodged the suit against Cristina alleging tax evasion and money laundering, although tax authorities have not brought any charges and public prosecutors have said there is no case to answer.

The judge in the Majorca court is investigating allegations that Urdangarin and a former business partner embezzled six million euros ($8 million) in public funds via the Noos Institute, a charitable foundation that he chaired.

Cristina was a member of the board of Noos and with her husband jointly owned another company, Aizoon, which investigators suspect served as a front for laundering the embezzled funds. The Majorca judge had summoned Cristina on suspicion of corruption once before, in spring 2012, but that decision was overruled following an appeal by the prosecutor.

Juan Carlos is widely respected for his role in Spain’s transition to democracy after the death of Franco. But his standing among Spaniards has been damaged by the corruption scandal, and outrage over a luxury African elephant-hunting safari he took in 2012.

His health problems together with the scandals have raised speculation about the future of his reign.—AFP

JUBA: Niall Deng Nial, South Sudan government’s representative for the peace talks with the rebels held in Addis Ababa answers journalists’ questions upon his arrival in Juba, yesterday. South Sudan’s government said that it was poised to recapture a key town from rebel forces, as peace talks being held in neighbouring Ethiopia appeared to be making slow progress. — AFP

South Sudan poised to retake key town: Govt Peace talks being held in Ethiopia JUBA: South Sudan’s government said yesterday that it was poised to recapture a key town from rebel forces, as peace talks being held in neighbouring Ethiopia appeared to be making slow progress.

The claim came amid renewed warnings of a fast deteriorating humanitarian situation, with the aid agency Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warning that people displaced by the conflict were at risk of epidemics.

“It’s a matter of hours that the SPLA (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) will announce the capture of Bor,” a government official told AFP, amid reports that government reinforcements were being poured into the battle near Bor, a state capital situated 200 kilometres (130 miles) north of Juba.

Rebel spokesman Moses Ruai Lat, however, dismissed the claim as “lies”: “ They are making propaganda. In Jonglei State, we have no problem in the areas we control,” he asserted.

Delegates from both side meanwhile held a second day of formal talks at a luxury hotel in Addis Ababa, although a brief morning session was adjourned with members of the government delegation heading back to Juba for “consultations” with President Salva Kiir. “ This morning at nine we met,” South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei told AFP, adding that the topics raised were a “cessation of hostilities” and “the question of detainees” loyal to Kiir’s rival Riek

Machar, a former vice president and nominal rebel leader.

The talks, brokered by the East African regional bloc IGAD, are aimed at ending more than three weeks of fighting in the world’s newest nation.

The conflict has left thousands dead, according to UN officials, while more than 200,000 people have been displaced or have fled the country.

The fighting began on December 15 as a clash between army units loyal to President Kiir and those loyal to Machar, and has escalated into all-out war between government troops and a loose alliance of ethnic militia forces and mutinous army commanders.

A key sticking point has been rebel and international demands that the South Sudanese government release 11 officials close to Machar so they can participate in the talks.

Civilians ‘vulnerable’ The push for peace was given a boost on Monday, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi-whose countr y is the biggest buyer of South Sudan’s oil-pushing for peace and offering to personally mediate between the two sides.

Sudan meanwhile said that it and South Sudan had agreed during a visit to Juba by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to consider setting up a joint force to protect vital oilfields, many of which are now in rebel hands. The move was seen by many observers as an effort to force the rebels to a compromise.

Secretary of State John Kerry of the United States, which was instrumental in helping South Sudan win independence, has also urged the rival factions not to use the Addis Ababa talks to buy time.

On the ground, the humanitarian situation is dire, with tens of thousands forced from their homes. The UN says its badly overstretched peacekeeping force is sheltering 57,000 people, many of whom have fled an wave of ethnic violence pitting Kiir’s Dinka tribe against Machar’s Nuer.

Atrocities have been committed by both sides, and the UN has said it will investigate crimes against humanity thought to have been committed over the past three weeks.

Aid group MSF said those displaced were facing disaster. “Highly vulnerable people have just become even more vulnerable,” said Raphael Gorgeu, MSF’s head of mission in South Sudan. “We don’t know what will happen to the thousands of displaced and wounded people across the country.”

Even before the fighting broke out, 80 percent of healthcare and basic services in South Sudan were provided by non-governmental organisations, MSF said. “Today, there is a high risk of epidemics, and if the fighting prevents us from gaining rapid and safe access to people in need, especially to pregnant women and children, conditions will quickly deteriorate,” Gorgeu added. — AFP

British citizen goes on trial in Congo for cellmate’s death KINSHASA: The trial of a BritishNorwegian citizen accused of killing his Norwegian cellmate last year while they both served time for murder has formally begun, Congolese officials said yesterday.

Joshua French, who formerly served in the UK parachute regiment, stands accused of strangling Tjostolv Moland to death last August after subduing him with a chemical substance, Capt. Serge Kabondo said during a military tribunal hearing.

French and Moland were found guilty in 2009 of murdering their driver and attempting to murder a witness. They were sentenced to death.

The court in the northeastern city of Kisangani also convicted them of spying for Norway because they were carrying military ID cards at the time.

They have denied the charges and the Norwegian government has denied that the men were spies.

An autopsy carried out after Moland’s August death by Congolese and Norwegian officials concluded that Moland hanged himself.

However, a Congolese official announced last month that evidence had emerged implicating French in Moland’s killing, and that French would face a second murder charge.

French’s lawyer has dismissed the allegation as baseless. The British charity organization Reprieve on Monday urged the UK government to intervene in the case. “The government has already tallied too long,” said Maya Foa, the director of Reprieve’s death penalty team. “If the trial goes ahead

in a military court, Joshua may well be given a death sentence, and all hopes of him leaving the prison alive will be dashed.” Norway has sent a special envoy to monitor the case. Yesterday’s hearing was also attended by French’s mother, Kari Hilde, who has also called for UK government action.— AP

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel stands on crutches as she attends the annual reception for Carolers at the chancellery in Berlin, yesterday. German Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a pelvis injury during ski holidays in the Swiss Alps and will have to cut back on her work schedule for the next three weeks. —AP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

I N T E R N AT I O N A L Afghan police hunt brother of ‘suicide attack’ girl aged 10 KANDAHAR: Afghan police yesterday searched for a Taleban commander who allegedly forced his 10year-old sister to wear an explosives-packed vest for an aborted suicide attack in the southern province of Helmand.

The interior ministry said the girl, named as Spozhmai, was detained before she detonated the vest near a police checkpoint in the district of Khanashin, but some local officials said the trigger button did not work when she pressed it.

Speaking on Monday at a press conference, the girl said she had been ordered by her brother to undertake the suicide mission but had decided at the last minute not to go through with it.

“I was tired of my stepmother. My brother told me to wear the black vest, go to the police checkpoint and press the button,” she told reporters. “I went past a river and decided to drop the vest. My brother fled and police arrested me. He had told me nothing would happen to me.”

During the press conference with local media in the Helmand provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, the girl-wearing a blue dress and red and grey headscarf-spoke briefly about the incident on Sunday night. “We have appointed a team to investigate this,” Omar Zwak, the Helmand governor ’s spokesman, told AFP. “They will try to find the brother and father of the girl, and they will visit the police post and talk to the police who found and detained the girl. We are trying to find out what exactly has happened.” Zwak said the girl gave police varying versions of the events, at one stage saying that she had crossed the river alone and got cold and wet before being arrested and then secretly returning home to put on dry clothes.

Suicide vest She did not explain why the police allowed her home. The girl, who is now in police custody, also told police she did not want to live at home any longer because her brother and father were Taleban fighters and would kill her, and that she also did not get on with her stepmother.

Some local media quoted officials as saying she was wearing the suicide vest when arrested, but it was not produced by police. The interior ministry’s account said her brother was a Taleban commander who coerced her into putting on the vest and walking towards the police post.

Female child suicide bombers are extremely rare in Afghanistan, but boys have been used to evade security and detonate explosives-a tactic also seen in Iraq where disabled children have sometimes been persuaded to carry suicide vests.

President Hamid Karzai condemned using children in suicide attacks and called on Taleban insurgent leaders to condemn the practice. “Coercing children into suicide attacks is against the instructions of holy Islam and the values of Afghan culture,” he said in a statement, saying provincial elders should help the girl to return to live safely with her family.

In 2011 Karzai met about 20 boys aged as young as seven who had been trained as suicide bombers and he ordered their release on compassionate grounds.

Afghan officials say the Taleban give child suicide bombers drugs to embolden them and they are promised they will go to paradise when they die.

Taleban militants, who have been fighting the USbacked government since they were ousted from power in late 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, have always denied using children to launch attacks. Their spokesmen denied any involvement with the incident in Helmand. — AFP

Pressure mounts on Bangladesh PM after walkover re-election Three senior opposition officials arrested DHAKA: Bangladesh’s opposition leader Khaleda Zia accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of “murdering democracy” as her arch rival faced growing calls yesterday to hold fresh polls after a walkover election.

The United States led international pressure for a swift re-run that would include all the major parties, brushing aside Hasina’s insistence that a boycott by Zia’s opposition did not undermine her legitimacy.

Zia, who has been confined to her home for about two weeks, reiterated her calls for Hasina to stand aside and let a neutral caretaker government organise the new election.

“I’m calling on the government to cancel the farcical polls, step down and reach an understanding (with the opposition) to organise a free, fair and neutral election under a non-party government,” she said in a statement released overnight Monday.

“The scandalous election on January 5 not only demonstrated the people’s lack of confidence in the government but also proved that free, fair, credible, peaceful and participatory elections cannot be held without a nonparty neutral government and credible election commission.” The opposition has enforced a 48-hour general strike since Monday to force Hasina to cancel the polls.

At least 26 people were killed during the election, the bloodiest vote in Bangladesh’s history, while hundreds of opposition supporters torched or trashed polling stations.

The result was never in doubt, with Hasina’s Awami League and a handful of allies winning all the seats being contested. The vote’s credibility had been undermined even before polling day as 153 Awami League members or allies were declared elected unopposed to the 300-seat parliament.

Officials arrested In a defiant appearance before the press

DHAKA: Police patrol early morning on a street in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. On Monday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League party won one of the most violent elections in the country’s history, marred by street fighting, low turnout and a boycott by the opposition that made the results a foregone conclusion. — AP on Monday, Hasina rejected any idea that the election’s legitimacy had been compromised by the absence of Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and 20 other opposition parties.

Police yesterday responded swiftly to Hasina’s order to “eliminate militancy and combat violence” by arresting three senior BNP officials, including a close Zia aide, an officer told AFP. Zia, in her first comments since the election, called the low voter turnout a “silent revolution” against Hasina, while the Awami League had no “moral or constitutional grounds” to hold on to power.

“The people did not participate in the

Political swipes in India show rape a voter issue NEW DELHI: The 16-year-old reported that she had been gang raped, only to be raped again by the same men the next day and later threatened for going to the police in eastern India. By the time charges were filed more than two months later, she had been set on fire and died from her injuries.

The girl’s death on New Year’s Eve in West Bengal came more than a year after a deadly gang rape in New Delhi raised awareness and outrage over chronic sexual violence in India and government failures to protect women.

The New Delhi rape was considered a major reason for why voters ousted the capital’s government last month, and a furious response to the West Bengal case suggests that with general elections just months away, politicians are anxious to impress voters who are demanding that women’s safety become a police priority.

The teen’s family, allegedly run out of town by her assailants, accuses police of trying to cover up the crimes. Improving sensitivity by police officers and medical workers is crucial to improving women’s safety in this country of 1.2 billion, activists say. Even as the government has promised to improve justice for rape victims, some trying to report sexual crimes have said they were harassed by officers making lewd comments, demanding bribes or simply shooing them away.

The girl reported being gang raped on Oct. 25 and 26, but Kolkata police did not arrest anyone until the girl ended up in a hospital Dec. 23 with severe burn injuries.

Doctors then determined she was pregnant.

Police initially told reporters she had attempted suicide, but the girl’s family disputed that, saying she was set on fire by associates of those who had gang raped her.

After the girl’s death led to a public uproar,

police arrested and charged six suspects in the gang rapes and another two accused by the girl of setting her alight. A fast-track court will hold a first hearing in the both cases Jan. 15. Meanwhile, a forensic laboratory is determining the age of the girl’s fetus in order to establish whether she became pregnant from the rapes.

Harassment The case has reinforced the widespread view in India that police are a major part of India’s chronic problem with sexual violence.

Massive protests erupted in Kolkata, with critics including artists, rights activists and opposition politicians saying authorities ignored the family’s complaints of harassment and moved too slowly to arrest the suspects.

Critics question why police filed a case over the first reported gang rape, but not the second. Both the opposition and the girl’s taxi driver father are demanding that federal investigators take over the case.

“The fact that politicians and public figures are speaking in such strong terms is surprising,” said Abhilasha Kumari, a New Delhibased sociologist and women’s right’s activist.

“Historically, the concerns of women have never mattered much to the political community, but in the past year safety and security of women have become a political issue, and it will be even more so now with elections coming.” The girl’s family accused police of trying to cover up the crimes, and even of hijacking the hearse carrying his daughter’s body in an attempt to take it for cremation against the family’s wishes. A street brawl broke out as opposition supporters tried to block police from taking the body from the mortuary, where protesters had planned a rally to criticize a lack of sensitivity by authorities.—AP

murder of democracy,” she said. The US also called for a new vote that would “credibly express the will” of the people.

“With more than half of the seats uncontested and most of the remainder offering only token opposition, the results of the just-concluded elections do not appear to credibly express the will of the Bangladeshi people,” said State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf.

“While it remains to be seen what form the new government will take... we encourage the government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in immediate dialogue to find a way to hold as soon as possible elections that are free, fair, peace-

ful, and credible.” UN leader Ban Ki-moon called for the two parties “to resume meaningful dialogue” urgently “for an inclusive political process”.

There was also criticism from former colonial power Britain, with junior foreign minister Sayeeda Warsi saying “the true mark of a mature, functioning democracy is peaceful, credible elections that express the genuine will of the voters”. In a defiant press conference on Monday, Hasina said the opposition election boycott should “not mean there will be a question of legitimacy”.

“People participated in the poll and other parties participated,” she added in reference to a handful of allies who did stand.

Asked about the prospect of sanctions on her government, Hasina was dismissive, saying: “What crimes did we commit that they would impose sanction on us?”

The Prime Minister made clear she was in no mood to extend any olive branches to Zia, her bitter rival for the last two decades, accusing the two-time former premier of stoking the violence.

“If they come forward to discuss with us, they have to leave all these terrorist activities behind because what they are doing is absolutely killing people, killing police, killing innocent people.”

Any agreement on a new vote carries huge risks for Hasina, with an eve-of-election poll showing she would have lost in a straight contest with the BNP. Analysts expect the standoff will fan the flames after the deadliest year of unrest since Bangladesh broke free from Pakistan in 1971.

Since late October, around 180 people have died in electoral violence in a country that has experienced nearly 20 coups since independence. — AFP

India orders trial of French consular official over alleged child rape BANGALORE: An Indian judge has ordered a French consular official to stand trial over accusations he raped his three-year-old daughter. The order on Monday came after the accused, Pascal Mazurier, asked the court to discharge him for lack of evidence over allegations he raped his daughter in the case, which has dragged on for two-and-a-halfyears. Sessions Court judge Shubha Gowdar ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Mazurier to face trial, the public prosecutor told AFP yesterday. Gowdar ordered that a hearing be held January 24 to formally frame charges against Mazurier, the public prosecutor said. “I am deeply disappointed with the order,” Mazurier told AFP in the southern city of Bangalore where the case is being heard.

The order for him to stand trial was passed by a special court set up to deal with offences against children. “I will seek justice in a higher court,” Mazurier added, without elaborating.

Mazurier was arrested in June 2012 on a complaint filed by his wife and spent four months in jail before being released on bail.

His lawyers had argued in front of the Bangalore court that there was “no need for a trial since the investigation so far did not prove his involvement in the offence”.

Lawyers for Mazurier had told the Sessions Court that DNA samples proved that their client was innocent of any crime.

The lawyer for the defence, S. Mahesh, had said the DNA test of the father and the child did not match. “We, however, argued there is a prima facie case against the accused to prove his involvement,” Special Public Prosecutor B.T. Venkatesh told AFP. “Our contention was that the allegations of sexual assault and sodomy were over a period of time and the DNA report was inconsequential,” Venkatesh said. Bangalore’s Family Court earlier rejected a request for Mazurier to have access to his children as he is accused of raping one of them. The mother and women’s rights groups have accused France of supporting the husband at the expense of the interests of the alleged victim and her two siblings, who are all French nationals.—AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

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

Australia turns asylum boat back to Indonesia: Police KUPANG: The Australian navy has turned an asylum-seeker boat back to Indonesia without first informing authorities there, Indonesian police said yesterday, prompting fresh anger in Jakarta about Canberra’s tough boatpeople policies.

It is the first reported instance in which the new Australian government has turned a boat back without Indonesian cooperation, and has added to recent tensions between Jakarta and Canberra over a spying row.

Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa stressed Indonesia’s “rejection” of Australia’s tough border policies following the incident. The boat was carrying 45 immigrants, mostly from Somalia and Sudan, and arrived on Rote Island in

eastern Indonesia in the early hours of Monday, Rote Ndao district police chief Hidayat told AFP. Hidayat, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, said the asylum-seekers told officials they entered Australian waters near Ashmore Island before being intercepted by the navy vessel.

“The Australian boat accompanied the vessel and pushed it back to Indonesian waters towards Rote Island,” Hidayat said, adding the asylum-seekers were given life vests and a water pump.

He said he did not know how far the Australian vessel had accompanied the boat and whether it had entered Indonesia’s search and rescue zone or its territorial waters. “Australian authorities didn’t alert us that the boat would be

pushed back to the island,” he added.

However, he denied reports that the boat had run out of fuel and run aground. In November Indonesia refused to accept a group of some 60 asylumseekers who were picked up by an Australian vessel south of the main island of Java.

Canberra eventually agreed to take them to the Australian territor y of Christmas Island. Jakarta has been irked

by Canberra’s hardline Operation Sovereign Borders, which helped propel conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott to power in September, warning it could breach Indonesian territorial sovereignty. Natalegawa would not comment specifically on Monday’s boat turn-back.

But he added: “Let me once again put on

the record our rejection of policies that resemble pushing back the boats.

Because such a policy is not conducive to a comprehensive solution to the issue.”

“If we all did this, where would it end?

Every country would turn boats back to other countries,” he added. As well as sending asylum-seeker boats back to Indonesia, the policy involves buying boats from Indonesian fishermen and destroying them to prevent them being used to ferry asylum-seekers to Australia.

Australian Immigration Minister Scott Morrison yesterday refused to discuss the turn-back, in line with his conservative government’s policy of not commenting on operations “on water”.

But he insisted: “It is not the policy or

practice of the Australian government to violate Indonesian territorial sovereignty.

Any suggestion to the contrary is false.”

Hundreds of people have died in fatal sinkings in recent years, often after boarding rickety, wooden boats in Indonesia to try to make the treacherous sea crossing to Australia.

Australia has been trying to repair ties with Indonesia since allegations emerged in November that Canberra attempted to tap the phones of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife and inner circle.

The scandal sparked a diplomatic crisis, with Jakarta recalling its ambassador from Canberra and freezing cooperation with Australia in a number of areas, including on people-smuggling. — AFP

Thai anti-graft panel to charge hundreds of MPs Protestors want unelected ‘people’s council’ to run the country

YANGON: Reporters attend a demonstration march for press freedom in Yangon yesterday. Privately owned daily newspapers hit Myanmar’s streets on April 1, 2013 for the first time in decades under new freedoms that represent a revolution for a media industry which was shackled under military rule. Observers at the time hoped that a new media law being drafted by an interim press council will define the limits of press freedoms and replace harsh junta-imposed legislation. — AFP

Trapped Chinese vessel breaks through Antarctic ice BEIJING: A Chinese ship that helped rescue passengers from a Russian vessel trapped in Antarctica only to get stuck in the ice itself broke free yesterday, state media reported.

The Xue Long, or Snow Dragon, “pulled free of the ice and navigated into the open waters”, said the official Xinhua news agency, which has a reporter on board the vessel.

The icebreaker had been trapped in the thick Antarctic floes since last Friday, and a westerly wind had been expected to give it its best chance of escaping, according to the China Daily newspaper.

The wind was expected to help push away some of the heavy ice surrounding the ship, according to Xinhua, which noted that the biggest floes were three times thicker than its ice-breaking capacity.

The Xue Long’s helicopter last Thursday ferried 52 passengers on the stranded Russian ship Akademik Shokalskiy, which had been trapped for 10 days, to the safety of an Australian vessel.

The 52, who spent Christmas and New Year stranded aboard the ship in Antarctica’s Commonwealth Bay, were due to arrive at Australia’s Casey research base tonight, with a return to Australia expected in two weeks.

“Its performance, especially the success in rescuing all the passengers, has been given the thumbs up by global public opinion,” the Global Times said in an editorial on the Xue Long’s rescue of the Shokalskiy passengers.

“China should be proud of it.”

Obligation “Xue Long’s mission is an epitome of China’s attitude toward its international obligations,” it added. The Chinese ship afterwards became surrounded by ice itself, and an effort to break free early Saturday was unsuccessful. It has 101 people on board, while 22 crew remain on the trapped Shokalskiy. The ice surrounding the Xue Long was up to four metres (13 feet) thick, with the nearest open waters 21 kilometres (13 miles) away, Xinhua reported. But it added that the Chinese ship-which includes a gym, movie theatre and ping-pong tables among its facilities-has enough food to last until April and enough fresh water for the next month.

In recent days, it had prepared for a breakout by warming up its engine and creating a channel about one kilometre long and described as an “ice-breaking runway”.

The Snow Dragon’s escape means that the Shokalskiy now remains trapped in the ice alone. But the Polar Star, a US Coast Guard icebreaker that had been dispatched to come to the aid of the trapped ships, is expected to arrive on Sunday.

The vessel, which is cutting short a stop in Australia, is capable of breaking six feet of ice continuously and a maximum of 21 feet by backing up and ramming it, according to the US Coast Guard. — AFP

BANGKOK: Thailand’s anti-graft panel said yesterday it would press charges against hundreds of politicians, mostly from the party of embattled Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, over a failed attempt to amend the constitution.

The ruling adds to the political uncertainty in the kingdom, where the main opposition party is boycotting February elections called by Yingluck in an unsuccessful attempt to end weeks of mass antigovernment protests.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) — whose mandate includes investigating possible abuse of power-cleared 73 politicians including Yingluck of wrongdoing in connection with a bid to make the senate, the legislature’s upper house, fully elected.

But 308 others from the upper and lower houses were found to have violated the law, based on a preliminary investigation, by drafting or proposing changes to the charter, panel spokesman Vicha Mahakun told reporters.

If officially found guilty by the commission their cases will be sent to the upper house of parliament, which has the power to ban them from politics for five years.

Yingluck’s supporters see the case as one of a number of political manoeuvres aimed at removing her Puea Thai party from power.

Protesters seeking to curb the political dominance of the premier’s billionaire family have vowed to block the February 2 election. They have the support of many in the kingdom’s elite.

The demonstrators want an unelected “people’s council” to run the country to oversee vague reforms, such as an end to alleged “vote buying” through populist policies, before new elections are held.

‘Shut down’ The anti-government move ment is threatening to “shut down” Bangkok from January 13, with measures including setting up protest stages around the capital and cutting off power and water to

BANGKOK: Thai protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban (R) greets supporters and collects money during a rally in Bangkok yesterday. Demonstrators, who are seeking to curb the political dominance of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s billionaire family, say they will “shut down” Bangkok from January 13. — AFP government buildings.

They held a second “warm-up” march on Tuesday with thousands marching through the capital’s riverside districts. Security officials said Tuesday that Yingluck was ready to declare a state of emergency if needed next week.

“Everything has been prepared to declare emergency rule if the protests seem likely to escalate into violence, for example with attacks on people, buildings or acts of terrorism,” National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanatabut told reporters.

“Soldiers would be deployed at public buildings while police would act as fast response units and on the frontline,” he said. Thailand has been periodically convulsed by political bloodshed since Yingluck’s older brother Thaksin Shinawatra was overthrown by royalist generals in a coup in 2006.

Eight people have been killed

and about 400 wounded in recent street violence.

Legal rulings have played an important role in politically turbulent Thailand in the past, and Yingluck’s opponents fear her party could fall victim to another judicial or military coup.

The attempt to reform the senate would have returned it to its pre-coup structure — — something observers say the establishment wants to avoid in order to limit Thaksin’s electoral dominance.

Puea Thai deputy spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said those charged were only doing their duty.

“They were MPs and their job was to issue laws,” he said, adding that most of the lawmakers under investigation were planning to run in the upcoming election.

Strong support Yingluck’s government still enjoys strong support in the north

and northeast of the country and is expected to win the polls if they go ahead. Adding to the uncertainty, the army chief has refused to rule out launching another coup.

But Thaksin’s “Red Shirt” supporters have warned of a possible uprising if the military intervenes again. “Once a coup takes place Red Shirts and all democracy-loving people will retaliate and Thailand will not be the same again,” Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan said yesterday.

The recent civil strife is the worst since 2010, when more than 90 people were killed in a bloody military crackdown on pro-Thaksin Red Shirt protests under the previous government.

Ex-deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban, who is leading the current protests, is due in court today to face a murder indictment over those deaths but it is unclear if he will attend. — AFP

US Army sends armored unit to South Korea WASHINGTON: The US military plans to deploy an armored battalion to South Korea to allow for ‘greater responsiveness’ in case of a crisis with North Korea, the Pentagon said yesterday. Eight hundred troops and armored vehicles from the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment will be stationed at camps Hovey and Stanley near the demarcation line with the North starting next month, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The rotational deployment is part of a strategic shift towards the Asia-Pacific region ìand allows for greater responsiveness to better meet theater operational requirements,’ it said. Washington has 28,500 troops on the ground in the South and a treaty with Seoul calls for the US

military commander to lead both the American contingent and South Koreaís 640,000-strong force in case of a war with the North. During peacetime, each side maintains operational command of their own troops. South Korea agreed to take over wartime operational command of all troops starting in 2015, after delaying a previous target date in 2012. Tensions with North Korea have prompted Seoul to reconsider the plan, and the South has asked Washington to review the timing of the scheduled transition. The ìcombat ready’ cavalry unit will stay in South Korea for a nine-month tour but will leave its armored vehicles behind for troops that follow them, the Pentagon said.—AFP

Musharraf treason court to consider medical report ISLAMABAD: A special court set up to try Pakistan’s former ruler Pervez Musharraf for treason adjourned yesterday to consider a medical report on his heart complaint.

The 70-year-old was rushed to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) in Rawalpindi, which borders Islamabad, on his way to the tribunal last week. The court adjourned the hearing until Wednesday to allow time to assess the doctors’ report and said defence and prosecution teams would receive copies. Musharraf’s camp says the treason allegations, which relate to his imposition of emergency rule in November 2007, are politically motivated and his lawyers have challenged the authority of the tribunal.

Judge Faisal Arab, who heads the threemember bench, told the court Tuesday: “We will give an opportunity to both sides to exam-

ine (the report) and then we will decide accordingly.” Ahmad Raza Kasuri, a lawyer for Musharraf, told reporters that owing to the complexity of the medical issues the matter could only be debated once both sides had been given time to assess the report.

The report, a copy of which was seen by AFP, says the former general is suffering triplevessel coronary artery disease and notes that his father died of the same condition. Further tests are needed to decide whether Musharraf needs a heart bypass operation, said the report signed by AFIC executive director Major General S.M. Imran Majeed.

Musharraf’s sudden health scare was met with scepticism by some observers, and media speculation that his departure as part of a face-saving deal to avert a civil-military clash could be imminent.—AFP

DIAOYU ISLANDS: This handout picture taken by Japan’s Joint Staff yesterday shows a Chinese government plane Y12, seen flying over international waters, 160kms north of disputed islets known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and Diaoyu islands in China, in the East China Sea. Japan scrambled fighter jets yesterday to head off a Chinese government plane flying towards disputed islands in the East China Sea, Tokyo’s defence ministry said. — AFP

Japan scrambles jets against China plane TOKYO: Japan scrambled fighter jets yesterday to head off a Chinese government plane flying towards disputed islands in the East China Sea, Tokyo’s defence ministry said. It is the first such incident to be announced by the ministry since China created its new air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in November last year, which has stoked tensions in the region.

The Chinese Y-12 propeller plane flew into Japan’s own ADIZ, about 160 kilometres (99 miles) from airspace around the Tokyo-con-

trolled Senkakus, which Beijing claims as the Diaoyus, the ministry said.

The aircraft headed back towards China without entering disputed airspace after Japan’s military planes became airborne, a defence official said, without confirming further details.

China’s ADIZ also covers the disputed islands. The incident came amid diplomatic bickering between Japan and China, which descended into name-calling in the British

press Monday. Ambassadorial claim and counter-claim invoked the fictional evil wizard of the Harry Potter series, Lord Voldemort.

Japan’s foreign minister Fumio Kishida left for Spain and France yesterday, where he was expected to press Tokyo’s case in its spat with China. Chinese government ships and planes have been seen off the disputed islands numerous times since Japan nationalised them in September 2012, sometimes within the 12 nautical-mile territorial zone. —AP

NEWS Arctic air brings record cold to US Continued from Page 1 Comertown, Montana recorded the lowest wind chill value so far at minus 53 Celsius, while North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota were not much warmer. That was significantly colder than the South Pole, which recorded a wind chill reading of minus 33 degrees Celcius. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, where people scoff when cities like Washington, DC panic and shut down with even a moderate snowfall, the newspaper The Star Tribune gave a graphic description of what happens when, for instance, the overnight temperature Monday hit minus 23 Fahrenheit. “The wind chill and cold are freezing exposed flesh in five minutes,” it said. The paper said life has “slowed to a crawl across the state”. “It’s a blistering cold spell destined for Minnesota winter weather lore,” it added.

Even the typically temperate Deep South was feeling the chill with a hard freeze warning threatening crops and livestock. Early yesterday in Washington, DC, the temperature was a relatively mild minus 11 degrees Celsius, but blustery winds blew leaves and trash swirling in the air. Deaths blamed on the frigid weather included a 71-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who froze to death after getting lost in New York state. The body of a 90-year-old woman was found face down in the snow next to her car in Ohio on Monday morning, the Toledo Blade reported.

At least a dozen other people were reportedly killed in crashes on icy roads, including four people whose sport utility vehicle slid off a rural Minnesota highway and fell into the Mississippi River. Four Chicago men aged 48 to 63 died of apparent heart attacks while shoveling snow over the weekend, the Chicago Tribune reported. The cold snap came after two massive winter storms snarled travel, grounded thousands of flights and dumped as much as 60 cm of snow in the first few days of the year.

Chicago was among scores of towns and cities which told parents to keep their children at home rather than risk sending them out into winds so bitter that skin could freeze in a matter of minutes. The governor of Minnesota canceled school across the entire state on Monday. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn declared a state of emergency and called up the National Guard to help rescue stranded motorists as high winds whipped up blinding snow. “We are facing a dangerous combination of low temperatures, black ice and snow drifts,” Quinn said, as he urged people to stay off the roads. Quinn praised the “heroic” efforts of National Guard troops who cleared a 375-vehicle backup and a forestry officer who rescued seven stranded people and two of their pets using a snowmobile.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, officials warned residents to stay indoors and urged schools to shut down as temperatures dropped to minus 24 degrees Celsius with the wind chill making it feel like minus 38 Celsius. “Police are reaching out to homeless citizens in order to help them find the nearest shelter,” city spokeswoman Sarah DeRoo told AFP. Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard barred everyone except emergency workers from driving at the height of the storm Sunday and urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary on Monday. “This extreme cold poses a serious health and safety risk,” he warned.

But with thousands of people without power after electrical lines were felled, home was not always the best option.

Those who couldn’t stay with family or friends were urged to seek out community centers which were opened as temporary shelters. The extreme cold disrupted flights and classes in Canada as well. The Atlantic island province of Newfoundland had more than 30,000 people without power. Nationwide, officials warned of “treacherous” travel conditions, but meteorologists said a warming trend would begin mid-week. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Focus on media’s role in human...

Continued from Page 1 Stressing that some 3,000 workers are still at large and their status is illegal, Shatti noted that 40 to 60 percent of the crimes in Kuwait are committed by residency law violators. “There was a drop in crimes committed by marginal labourers between 2008- 2013,” he said.

There have been amendments to the laws pertaining to the foreign workforce that lead to positive changes. Last year, Kuwait enacted an antihuman trafficking legislation (known as Law 91) which prescribes penalties ranging from 15 years in jail to life imprisonment. Jamal Al-Dousary, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, explained that the new law prescribes very harsh penalties.

Stressing on the positive changes to Kuwait’s labour law, he said, “Now any worker can file a complaint.”

I man Ereiqat, Chief of M ission at the International Organization for Migration, made the opening remarks followed by a presentation on human trafficking by Sarah Craggs, Regional Migrant Assistance Specialist at the Regional IOM Office in Cairo. Her presentation, called Definition and Concept of Human Trafficking in Relation to International Protocols, focused on the nature of trafficking and the need to raise awareness of victims of trafficking.

Victims of human trafficking are subjected to physical and psychological abuse that often leaves a lasting impact and can ostracize victims from their families and communities. Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes that

occurs in nearly ever y countr y of the world, Craggs said. She stressed that human trafficking is not limited to children and women alone but to everyone. “It is a global phenomenon,” she said, elaborating that often there are stereotypes about trafficked victims. “Human trafficking is supply and demand driven. It is not the case that only those who are less educated are more vulnerable.

There are risk factors for all,” she said. Quoting data from the International Labour Organization, Craggs said that some 21 million people were trafficked globally in 2012. Of these, she observed, some 600,000 are in the Middle East region.

Dr Haila Al-Mekaimi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Depar tment of M edia Planning and Knowledge Development at the M inistr y of Information, said that protecting human rights and freedoms are part of Kuwait’s political system. She asser ted that the M inistr y of Information has adopted an integrated approach involving different stakeholders and society representatives in addressing the human trafficking debate. Training is the focus of the ministry of information, she said. Mekaimi, who is also a political science professor at Kuwait University, stressed that the media plays a significant role in debating human trafficking and human rights issues.

Par ticipants at the event agreed that the media has an instrumental role in raising awareness of this crime in society through papers and programs in order to demonstrate its dangers, eliminate them at their source and fight those who solicit and coerce women, children, workers and other victims.

ANALYSIS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

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Issues

Spanish princess hurled into corruption storm

By Gabriel Rubio-Giron panish King Juan Carlos’s youngest daughter, Princess Cristina, has been hurled into the centre of a corruption scandal that swept up her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, and outraged the nation. The blonde-haired, 48-year-old Cristina, once known for her easy smile, was summoned yesterday to appear on March 8 before a court in Palma on the Mediterranean island of Majorca as a suspect in alleged tax and money-laundering crimes. It will be the first time in modern history that a direct relative of the Spanish king has faced court as a suspect.

The judge in Palma on the island of Majorca, Jose Castro, has been investigating the corruption scandal involving Cristina’s husband Inaki Urdangarin, a former Olympic handball player, since 2010. Castro had summoned Cristina on suspicion of corruption linked to her husband’s activities once before, in spring 2013, but that decision was overruled following an appeal by the prosecutor. The judge then opened a new line of inquiry, scrutinising her tax declarations and bank accounts for incriminating travel, restaurant or family party expenses.

Whether or not the court summons leads to formal charges, it represents a grave new blow to the prestige of the princess and to the institution of the Spanish monarchy. Already, the image of the royals has suffered during the investigation into Urdangarin and his former partner Diego Torres, who are suspected of syphoning off money paid by regional governments to stage sports and tourism events to the non-profit Noos Institute, which Urdangarin chaired from 2004 to 2006. Both men have denied any wrongdoing and neither has been formally charged with any crime.

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Cristina has kept low profile Cristina, who works as the director of social welfare programs at Barcelona-based financial services group La Caixa’s charitable foundation, has kept a low profile since the scandal broke. La Caixa posted her to Geneva last year to coordinate its work with international agencies. “The deterioration in Princess Cristina’s image has no turning back, at least for a long time,” Emilio de Diego, a history professor at Madrid’s Complutense University, said before the latest summons. “Princess Cristina has always been the wayward daughter of the family, I think some of the monarch’s mistakes when it comes to family matters began there, by tolerating that she work at a private firm like La Caixa and collect a salary without renouncing her status as a princess,” he added.

The corruption case has also ruined the public image of Urdangarin as the ideal son-in-law which he had enjoyed since he married Cristina in a lavish ceremony in Barcelona on October 4, 1997. A fan of various sports, especially sailing, Cristina - the seventh in line to the Spanish throne met Urdangarin at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta where he was competing with Spain’s handball team, which won a bronze medal. “She likes muscular men who are athletic, tall and sexy,” said Andrew Morton, the author of a biography on Princess Diana who recently published a book on Cristina and three other female members of Spain’s royal family. “She is enormously competitive and obstinate,” he added. In 2009, Cristina and her husband, along with their four children, moved from Barcelona to Washington where Urdangarin took up a job as an executive director of the US subsidiary of Spanish telecoms giant Telefonica. The couple, who were given the title of Duke and Duchess of Palma when they wed, were living in the United States when the allegations of corruption at the Noos Institute first broke in Spain. In Aug 2012, the couple and their four children returned to Barcelona, where they own a mansion in the exclusive Pedralbes area that reportedly cost around six million euros ($8.0 million). Half of that mansion has since been placed under a court embargo, along with other properties, to cover a Ä6.1-million bond for Urdangarin’s liability in the corruption case. — AFP

Princess Cristina

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

Concern over drug use in Kano

By Aminu Abubakar rug abuse in northern Nigeria’s largest city has been on the rise in recent years, with anti-narcotics officials and experts warning of serious social consequences if the problem is not tackled. Kano has the country’s highest drug abuse rate based on the number of seizures, arrests of addicts and convictions of arrested dealers, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). “It is a painful fact that Kano tops the drug abuse chart in Nigeria, a trend that all hands must be on deck to change if we are to save our upcoming generation from ruin,” the Kano commander for the NDLEA, Garba Ahmadu, told AFP. “The use of hard drugs, especially among the youth, has become a real social menace and cuts across all social strata, with children from both rich and poor backgrounds deeply into it.”

On Dec 6 the NDLEA destroyed more than 10 metric tonnes of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of some $1.4 million. The

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Hisbah, Kano’s so-called “morality police” which enforces Islamic law, separately impounded 100,000 cartons of glue during a raid on a city warehouse. More unconventional drugs are also being used, not just codeine-laced cough syrup which has become popular among married women, but solvents and powerful horse stimulants.

Unemployment, broken marriages blamed According to Mairo Bello, who runs a youth charity called the Adolescent Health Information Project, high divorce rates and a resulting breakdown in family values contribute to drug use. Hundreds of factories in Kano have closed in the past two decades because of power supply problems and competition from cheaper Asian goods, putting many out of work and leaving them unable to provide for their families. Unemployment rates in Kano, which was famous for its textiles and tanneries, are the highest in Nigeria, according to the government.

In 2011, the National Bureau of Statistics said as many as two-thirds of the population (67 percent) were out of work.

Security personnel keep watch as fire guts 10 metric tonnes of seized hard drugs destroyed by Nigeria’s anti-nacortics agency, NDLEA, on Dec 6, 2013 in northern Nigeriaís Kano city. — AFP

“The government needs to resuscitate dead industries by providing the needed infrastructure to get the youth employed and off drugs,” said Nu’uman Habib, who teaches sociology at Kano’s Bayero University. Kano, like the rest of northern Nigeria, is majority Muslim, with men allowed to take up to four wives, which has also contributed to social problems. High birth and divorce rates compound financial burdens and often see families on the streets when marriages break down, Bello said. As a result, children often turn to drugs to blot out hardships.

“I’m from a broken home,” said 23-year-old Usman Umar.

“My parents divorced when I was nine and I continued to live with my father, who remarried. “My stepmother treated me harshly. She would molest and insult me but my father would not do anything to protect me, which forced me to stay outside the house most of the time and hang out with friends I made in our neighbourhood. “They introduced me to drugs, starting with cigarettes and moving to hashish, cough mixture with codeine and other psychotropics. “A lot of young men take drugs to get high and forget their frustration. When you take it you feel happy and your worries disappear.”

Reconciliation, rehabilitation, mass weddings The Kano state authorities and the Hisbah have responded to the use of drugs because of concern at the extent of their use. Last year, the state governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso launched a program to target fake and illicit drugs while the manufacture, sale and consumption of codeine-laced cough syrup was banned to curb its abuse. “It is no longer drug abuse but substance abuse as drug users now experiment with anything that will get them high,” Habib said. The state government has established a sports institute and vocational training centres for young people and set up a drug rehabilitation centre for addicts.

Children sent to the city by their parents from impoverished villages, who often find themselves on the streets, will be sent back when a ban on begging comes into effect. The Hisbah has in addition set up a Matrimonial Dispute Resolution Office to try to reconcile warring families. Mass weddings of divorcees have also been held to help keep children of divorced parents from ending up on the streets and turning to drugs. In the past year alone, more than 2,000 women have been married off in this way. -— AFP

Turf war at heart of rebel-jihadist clash

By Sammy Ketz ompetition for control of Syria’s opposition areas and a desire to regain Western support after a suspension of aid are key factors behind a huge rebel offensive against radical jihadists, experts say. Fierce battles have pitted three massive Syrian rebel coalitions against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which has roots in neighbouring Iraq and was until recently an ally of the rebels in their war against President Bashar Al-Assad. “A combination of local and external factors has given rise to this ‘sacred union’ against ISIL,” said Romain Caillet, an expert on contemporary Salafism. Locally, “relations between ISIL and all other opposition brigades have deteriorated,” said Caillet, adding that the rebels “did not accept ISIL’s bid for hegemony over all the liberated territories.”

The many abuses committed by ISIL have only aggravated the tensions, said Caillet, a researcher at the French Institute of the Near East. They include the death of a popular rebel doctor linked to the powerful Ahrar al-Sham brigade. Known as Abu Rayyan, he was reportedly kidnapped, tortured and killed by ISIL. His death was reported last week. “The killing under torture of an Islamic Front commander in an ISIL prison was a profound shock to public opinion in Aleppo province, which is what allowed this vast offensive against ISIL,” Caillet added.

Multiple assassinations and kidnappings blamed on ISIL since summer 2013 pushed rival rebel brigades to declare war against the extremist group. “ISIL’s behaviour had become unbearable for most armed groups,” said Thomas Pierret, another expert on political Islam in Syria. Of particular concern to rebel groups were ISIL’s “attempts to take control of frontier regions, blocking off the rebels’ logistics,” he added. “Many groups have wanted to act for a long time, but they were blocked by the reluctance of Ahrar al-Sham, which cooperated closely with ISIL” in parts of northern Syria, Pierret said.

The group, a key member of the Islamic Front rebel alliance, “probably gave its green light after ISIL attacked one of its bases in Aleppo and executed the doctor” Abu Rayyan.

“Several groups were also encouraged by the fact that many ulemas (clerics), including advocates of jihadist ideology, condemned ISIL’s behaviour,” Pierret told AFP. The jihadist AlNusra Front, which includes non-Syrians among its ranks, has been active since early 2012 in the fight against President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.

In April 2013, the head of Al-Qaeda’s Iraq affiliate, Abu

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Bakr Al-Baghdadi, announced that his group was active in Syria and said Al-Nusra and AQI would merge to form the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. But Al-Nusra rejected the merger, pledging allegiance directly to Al-Qaeda, and the two groups now function separately on the ground. According to Caillet, most of ISIL’s military commanders are Iraqi and Libyan, while most of its religious leaders are Saudi and Tunisian. Its fighters on the ground in Syria, however, are mainly Syrian.

‘Making a good impression on the West’ The exiled opposition has expressed its support for the rebel war against ISIL. The key opposition National Coalition has accused the jihadists of having “stolen” the revolution against Assad. For its part, ISIL has claimed it is target of a “media campaign” aimed at “demonising” it. Caillet believes external factors are also at play in the new fight against ISIL.

“The opposition wants to make a good impression on Western governments” by disowning the jihadists, he said.

On Dec 11, the United States and Britain suspended their non-lethal aid to the opposition, fearing the growing influence of radical Islamists in the conflict. Pierret believes “some rebel groups may have acted this way hoping that the United States will help them”. “But I seriously doubt that it will work given the American strategy of disengagement” from the region, he said. Bassam Abu Abdallah, an expert with close ties to the Assad regime in Damascus, believes the rebeljihadist fighting is linked to peace talks slated for January 22 in Switzerland. “This battle is aimed at justifying invitation letters sent to Islamist groups to attend Geneva 2,” said Abdallah, who heads the Damascus Centre for Strategic Studies. These groups, “financed by the Gulf, (seek to) give the impression that they are fighting terrorism as defined by the West,” he said. — AFP

Rebel fighters, one holding a weapon, walk in a street yesterday in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

S P ORTS

Kohlschreiber grinds out Auckland victory

Cavaliers acquire Deng from Bulls

Olympic medalist targets Commonwealth Games

AUCKLAND: Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber held off a gutsy fightback from Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta to reach the second round of the Auckland Open yesterday. Fifth seed Kohlschreiber, who won the Auckland tournament in 2008 and was a finalist last year, had to dig deep for a 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 win over Carreno Busta. The German looked to be cruising as he took the first set, before Carreno Busta’s serve found its range and Kohlschreiber found himself in a dogfight as his error rate climbed. The world number 22 was frustrated at his inconsistent performance but pleased to book a second round berth. “It was pretty tough, it wasn’t the best match either of us have played,” he said. “It was a bit tricky with the wind and the tension. “I’m just happy I could use my legs and the slice to mix it up. He’s very young and I maybe had a little bit more experience at the end.” Earlier, Slovak Lukas Lacko demolished hometown favorite Rubin Statham 6-3, 6-1 to extinguish New Zealand’s presence in the main draw. Wildcard Marcos Baghdatis’ evening match against Daniel Brands from Germany was postponed until today because of rain. The top four seeds in the tournament, including defending champion David Ferrer, have a bye into the second round and have their first matches today.—AFP

CHICAGO: The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired All Star forward Luol Deng in a trade with the Chicago Bulls, the team announced on Monday. Cleveland will receive Deng in exchange for center Andrew Bynum and three future draft picks sent to the Bulls. Chicago will also have the right to swap 2015 first-round picks with the Cavaliers. “We are very excited for Luol to join the Cavaliers organization,” Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant said in a statement. “He’s a tremendous defensive player that can impact the game on both ends of the court with a team first mentality and is a high character leader.”

The Bulls are expected to release Bynum in a move that will give them financial flexibility and help them build for the future once franchise player Derrick Rose returns from his lengthy injury absence. Cleveland will add the 28-year-old Deng to a young roster that is currently outside of the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Briton, who has missed time recently with a sore Achilles, has averaged 19 points and 6.9 rebounds for the Bulls this season. Deng has spent his entire career in Chicago, playing through many playoff battles while reaching the All Star Game the last two seasons. —Reuters

LONDON: Three-time Olympic medalist Louis Smith announced yesterday that he has returned to training with a view to competing for England at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 24-yearold has not taken part in a major competition since winning a silver medal on the pommel horse for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. He subsequently took a break from the sport to pursue other activities, notably winning televised celebrity dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing in 2012. However, explaining his decision to return to gymnastics, he said: “I always said that everything that I was working on was geared towards 2012 and when I achieved what I did at the London Olympics, within myself I believed that I had taken part in my last ever competition in the sport. “However, recently my feelings have started to change. I loved commentating at the World Championships in October, however there was a large part of me that felt I should be competing. “I know what I’m still capable of when I’m in peak condition. I believe I can very much compete amongst the best in the world and challenge for medals.” Smith became the first British man to win an Olympic gymnastics medal in 100 years when he took bronze on the pommel horse at the Beijing Games in 2008. He also won team bronze at London 2012. He already owns two Commonwealth Games medals, having won gold and bronze for England at the 2006 competition in Melbourne. —AFP

Russia launches clampdown a month before Winter Games

SOCHI: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin skis in the mountain Laura Cross Country and Biathlon Centre near the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Sochi will host the 2014 Winter Olympics that start on February 7, 2014. —AFP

Ski Federation tweaking Olympic qualifying rules BORMIO: The International Ski Federation is tweaking its Olympic qualification rules to allow racers like Ted Ligety and some high-profile Austrians to compete in the super-combined at next month’s Sochi Games. FIS secretary general Sarah Lewis tells The Associated Press that instead of requiring at least three super-combi finishes over the qualification period of this season and last, it will allow three supercombis and/or downhills.

Ligety has three downhills and one super-combi - his gold-medal performance at last season’s world championships - in the qualifying period.

Austrian skiers Anna Fenninger and Kathrin Zettel have also qualified under the new parameters. However, Benjamin Raich has only two finishes in those events and needs one more before the Jan. 19 deadline. Injured skiers will be dealt with separately. —AP

SYDNEY: Australian paceman Shane Watson walks through fans that have gathered to celebrate Australia’s victory over England in the Ashes Test series at the Sydney Opera House during a ceremony yesterday. Australia won the series by 5-0. —AFP

Australia feted for Ashes triumph at Opera House SYDNEY: Australia’s triumphant cricket team were feted by thousands of fans and the country’s Prime Minister at Sydney Opera House yesterday after winning back the Ashes with a thumping 5-0 series sweep over England at the weekend. England’s cricketers were derided in Australia after parading through London in a open-top bus after winning the urn in 2005 and this was a far more sober affair.

“The Ashes are the world’s oldest continuous sporting contest,” Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a speech. “They are proof that the greatest of friendships can co-exist with the fiercest of competitions. “And I just want to say to all of our players, thank you for making every one of us so proud this summer and thank you for showing the grit and the character which you displayed this summer.”

Abbott perhaps underestimated the edge that existed between the two teams, particularly in the opening test in Brisbane after which Australia captain Michael Clarke was fined for saying an England player was about to have his arm broken. Clarke, who holds the post considered second in importance only to Abbott’s in Australia, was back at his statesmanlike best yesterday, though. “Extremely proud I guess is probably the way I feel at the moment,” he said after thanking the fans for their support throughout the series. “The work the guys have put in over a long period of time we finally got the rewards so it’s obviously extremely satisfying. It shows hard work does pay off.”

GOOD REASON The ceremony took place just a couple of hundred yards away from where Australia launched their 2010-11 Ashes campaign with a rain-soaked ceremony that set the tone for a humiliating 3-1 defeat to England. That was the second of three successive Ashes triumphs for the English, the third a 3-0 win last year when Clarke saw the first signs that Australia might be starting to turn things around. “I think our attitude certainly changed, our work ethic, you know I couldn’t fault the players in the UK,” he said. “There was a little bit of bad luck at times ... but we knew as a team that we were heading in the right direction. So, our preparation, our hard work are the reasons we sit here, with success, today.”

Fan John Jones was delighted he had made the effort to bring his children along to celebrate only the third 5-0 sweep in the history of the Ashes after Australia’s 1920-21 and 2006-7 triumphs. “It’s not everyday you get a 5-0 thrashing of England so it’s a good reason to be here,” he said. “For the kids as well, they love seeing the cricketers, fantastic.” Opening batsman Chris Rogers, an accomplished dancer, missed the Prime Minister’s speech.

“There was plenty of Michael Jackson last night, that’s perhaps why I’m late,” he told reporters, sunglasses protecting his eyes despite the overcast conditions. “I never thought I’d be part of something like this so I’m milking it for all it’s worth.” —Reuters

SOCHI: Russia yesterday launched the largest security operation in Olympic history with one month to go before Vladimir Putin kicks off the Winter Games in Sochi amid renewed fears of suicide bombings. A presidential decree came into effect enforcing a so-called “forbidden zone” that blocks highways into the city and prevents even local residents from using roads leading to Olympic venues without special permits.

Army soldiers manning armored vehicles and navy officers patrolling the Black Sea will join a 37,000-strong contingent overseeing the February 7-23 sports extravaganza that will spotlight Putin’s 14-year reign. The prestige projectoften referred to as the “Putin Games” and costing some $50 billion (37 billion euros) - has already been blighted by snubs from Western leaders upset with what they see as Kremlinbacked discrimination against gays and the infringement of many other rights.

Rail station and trolleybus blasts that killed 34 in Volgograd last month meanwhile revived fears that Islamists from the nearby North Caucasus will seek to wreak havoc on the globally watched event. The feared Federal Security Service (FSB) is in charge of the security clampdown even fiercer than that seen at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. “Starting January 7,

all divisions responsible for ensuring the guests’ security at the Games are being put on combat alert,” Emergencies Situation Minister Vladimir Puchkov said Monday.

Police manned checkpoints on highways leading into the city, allowing through only car and lorry drivers with special accreditations displayed on their windscreens, Russian television reported. Within the city, specially marked “Olympic lanes” can only be used by vehicles with permits to access to the venues. “Entering an Olympic lane without permission will incur a fine of 5,000 rubles ($150),” Ruslan Vasilyev, spokesman for transport police in the Krasnodar region, told Rossiya 1 television. Drivers without permits to enter the city must leave their vehicles at car parks at least 100 km (62 miles) away and board commuter trains.

Around 12,000 vehicles have received permits to drive into Sochi - 3,000 to deliver essential supplies, while 9,000 have permission to access the Olympic venues, Vesti Sochi local television reported. Officials asked Sochi residents not to make unnecessary car journeys, while assuring them that there would be no shortages of supplies. “There will be no lack of food, that is our main task: food and medications and consumer goods. All the shops, markets and whole-

sale stores will be working normally,” Vitaly Shushpannikov, an official on the Olympic transport committee, told Vesti Sochi.

TERROR THREAT Security became an even bigger priority over the summer when a feared Russian Islamist vowed to unleash a campaign of terror against civilians that undermined Putin and kept all Sochi visitors at bay. The deadly seriousness of the issue became ever more apparent with the twin December 29-30 bombings on the millionstrong southern city of Volgograd-a strike for which no one has claimed responsibility but that Russian media linked to Caucasus militants.

Putin called the attacks an “abomination” and assured the nation he would “fight against terrorists until their total destruction”. The strongman’s rule has been tied throughout to Caucasus conflicts that began in Chechnya and have since spread across the mostly Muslim region that guerrillas want to turn into their own state. But Putin has also been extremely sensitive about perceptions of Russia as weak, and has thus far baulked at security assistance offers from nations such as the United States. The Pentagon reaffirmed on Saturday that it was ready to help in Sochi “if requested”. —AFP

Downhill queen Vonn to miss Olympics NEW YORK: Lindsey Vonn will miss the Sochi Olympics because of a right knee injury, leaving the Winter Games without one of its biggest stars. The 29-year-old skier from Vail, Colorado, announced her decision yesterday, exactly one month before the opening ceremony in Russia.

Her personal publicist, Lewis Kay, said in a statement Vonn will have surgery “shortly”. In a Facebook posting, Vonn said she is “devastated” to miss the Olympics, “but the reality has sunk in that my knee is just too unstable to compete at this level.”

She took home two medals from the 2010 Vancouver Games, including becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold in the downhill. Vonn is also a four-time overall World Cup champion, the most recognized name in Alpine skiing - and, as it happens, the girlfriend of Tiger Woods. Add it all up, and she would have been the focus of plenty of media coverage in Sochi, and certainly a main character in NBC’s coverage for a US audience.

But Vonn tore two ligaments in her right knee during a high-speed crash at the world championships last February, sidelining her for about 10 months. She re-tore her surgically repaired ACL in a training crash in November, a key setback.

Then, after returning to competition in early December by finishing 40th, 11th and fifth in a set of World Cup races at Lake Louise, Alberta, Vonn sprained her MCL during a race at Val d’Isere, France, last month. “I did everything I possibly could to somehow get strong enough to overcome having no ACL,” Vonn said Tuesday via Facebook.

“I’m having surgery soon so that I can be ready for the World Championships at home in Vail next February,” she wrote. “On a positive note, this means there will be an additional spot so that one of my teammates can go for gold.

Thank you all so much for all of the love and support. I will be cheering for all of the Olympians and especially team USA!” Mikaela Shiffrin, the reigning world champion in slalom, and Julia Mancuso, a three-time Olympic medalist, will now be the American women with the best chance of stepping on the Alpine skiing podium in Sochi. Shiffrin, the US teenager who has been labeled the “next Vonn” by some, wrote on Twitter that it’s “hard to swallow” that Vonn won’t be competing in Sochi.

She added she’s “incredibly impressed” by Vonn’s determination, calling her a “hero”. Another American ski racer, Stacey Cook, posted on Facebook: “Bummed Lindsey Vonn. Our team is not the same without you. You leave big shoes to fill for the rest of the year. ...”

After skiing in two downhills and a super-G at Lake Louise, Vonn sounded optimistic, declaring she would be in Sochi, “fighting for my medal.”

But a couple of weeks later in France, during a downhill - with Woods watching in the finish area - Vonn lost her balance, sending her left ski into the air, and forcing all her weight onto her right knee. She grimaced as she pulled up, then clutched that right knee. Kay said yesterday that an MRI after that episode “showed an MCL sprain, which coupled with the torn ACL, has made it impossible to stabilize her knee and be ready to safely ski again next month.”

Vonn’s motivation for a return, after the first procedure on her knee, clearly was Sochi. She was always a step ahead of schedule in her rehab, returning to snow about a month earlier than expected. Now, she says her incentive is to be ready for the 2015 world championships in Colorado in Vail/Beaver Creek. There’s also this: Vonn needs three wins to match Austrian great Annemarie Moser-Proell’s record of 62 victories in World Cup races. —AP

WHISTLER: In this file photo, Lindsey Vonn of the United States, reacts in the finish area after completing the Women’s downhill at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Whistler, British Columbia. Vonn is going to skip the Sochi Olympics because of a right knee injury. —AP

Vonn absence leaves gaping hole in Sochi PARIS: Lindsey Vonn’s withdrawal from next month’s Winter Olympics has deprived the Sochi Games of arguably the most famous face in the blue riband event of Alpine skiing. The sport’s celebrities do not come much bigger than Vonn, the Olympic downhill champion and shining star of commercials across the United States who just happens to be dating world number one golfer Tiger Woods. Her decision to pull out due to a knee injury has left a gaping hole in the Olympic schedule and the four-times overall World Cup winner said she was “devastated” to miss out on the chance of winning a medal in her fourth Winter Games.

One of the most marketable and photogenic of winter athletes, with her clean-cut blonde looks smiling out of multiple glossy magazines, Vonn was desperate to compete in Sochi but recently denied being under pressure from sponsors to take her place in the starting hut. Vonn, 29, is the only active skier with more than 50 World Cup wins - she is three off Austrian Annemarie Moser-Proell’s record 62 - but has endured a nightmare year on the slopes.

After sealing her sixth successive World Cup downhill title, a record for either sex, the Minnesota-born skier crashed at the world championships last February and tore both her ACL in her right knee and medial collateral ligament (MCL).

She then aggravated the injury in training at Copper Mountain, Colorado, in November. An initial return to World Cup competition in Lake Louise in December looked promising, with a fifth place in a Super-G, but the knee let her down in Val d’Isere just before Christmas. “On downhill training runs in Val d’Isere and Lake Louise it held up fine but then on race day in Val d’Isere it didn’t,” she told Reuters.

“I think it’s really a roll of the dice whether I can do it or not but to be honest I’m mentally tough enough to overcome it.”

Sochi was likely to be her last appearance on the Olympic slopes and there is no question about her mental toughness. In a sport where there is a fine line between glory and disaster, Vonn has had plenty of crashes, been inside lots of hospitals and frequently raced through the pain barrier.

Excruciating Pain Vonn crashed in training for the 2006 Turin Olympic downhill and was flown to hospital by helicopter but, still in excruciating pain despite miraculously having no broken bones, returned two days later to finish eighth. At the 2007 world championships she injured her right knee in a slalom training fall that ended her season. Such accidents, she says, are just part of the job description. In 2008, she became only the second female US skier to win the overall World Cup, and retained the title over the next two seasons.

Injury was again a major concern at the Vancouver Olympics when her involvement was in doubt due to the pain of a bruised shin. In the end, she became the first US woman to win downhill gold and also took a Super-G bronze. The success has had a darker side to it as well. Vonn has been through depression and divorce, parental and personal, and years of estrangement from her father Alan which has now ended. Vonn, who competed in the 2002 and 2006 Olympics under her maiden name of Kildow before marrying fellow Olympian Thomas Vonn in 2007, had her divorce finalised last year. Her parents separated before the 2002 Games. —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

S P ORTS

Hornacek’s scrappy Suns a big NBA surprise PHOENIX: Remember how these Phoenix Suns were expected to tank the season in order to get a top draft pick?

How they would be lucky to win 20 games? Well, first-year coach Jeff Hornacek has the team at 20-12 and in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. The Suns have overachieved with a scrappy, high-energy style orchestrated by point guards Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe, often on the court at the same time.

It is, as new general manager Ryan McDonough said, a classic case of a team where “the whole is better than the sum of its parts.” Those parts include forward Channing Frye, back after missing a season for treatment of an enlarged heart; one-time NBA castoff PJ Tucker providing intensity and toughness; Gerald Green free to shoot and soar at will; twins Markieff and Marcus Morris coming off the bench to play the best of their pro careers.

And most surprisingly of all, secondyear pro Miles Plumlee - who barely played as a rookie for Indiana - giving Phoenix an athletic presence in the middle. It’s a young, entertaining bunch that leads the NBA in fast-break points.

The success took the front office by surprise. The Suns were poised to make their big move after this season, with a potential of four first-round draft picks and the prospect of having loads of cash under the salary cap. The heart of the team is the double-point guard attack. Teams can’t take the ball out of the point guard’s hands, because there

are two of them. And when one sits down, the other remains in the game.

Dragic and Bledsoe, McDonough said, “can really push the ball as well as any guards in the NBA.” Dragic averages 18.8 points and 5.9 assists, Bledsoe 18 points and 5.8 assists. If they keep up the pace, they have a chance to be the first teammates to average at least 18 points and six assists in a season since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1991-92. The Suns will not have Bledsoe when they embark this week to the frigid north for a five-game trip that starts Tuesday night in Chicago. He is out until at least late this week with a bruised right knee. That makes it tougher, Dragic said after practice Monday.

“When I have Eric with me, then the defense was cautious about him and there was a lot more space for me,” he said. Phoenix will have some help from a familiar face. Leandro Barbosa, whose best years came with the Suns, is expected to join the team in Chicago on a 10-day contract. Phoenix had the second-worst season in franchise history last year at 25-57, leading to the firing of general manager Lance Blanks and the hiring of McDonough, who had been Danny Ainge’s top aide in Boston.

Lindsey Hunter, who took over in mid-season when Alvin Gentry and the team parted ways by mutual agreement, was replaced by Hornacek, who seems a natural fit. “First of all, he’s super-competitive and he’s a great communicator,” Plumlee said, “so he gets us

motivated and really knows how to explain things to us. He’s doing a great job. We’re getting better every day.

Everybody on the team loves him.”

The Suns acquired Bledsoe from the Clippers in a three-team trade that sent Jared Dudley to Los Angeles. Phoenix got Green, Plumlee and a first-round draft pick from Indiana for Luis Scola.

Plumlee seemed a mere throw-in at the time. But his athleticism and surprising offensive skills were on display from the start of training camp, and his emergence cleared the way for the trade that sent Marcin Gortat to Washington.

McDonough downplayed the possibility of any big trades before this season’s deadline. “I don’t think we’ll do anything to jeopardize the long-term plan,” he said, but said if “we could find a younger guy that can help our team now and in the future, that would be great.” As for tanking the season on purpose, Lon Babby, vice president for basketball operations called the idea “nonsense,” considering the competitiveness of those involved, particularly Hornacek.

“I understand it in theory,” McDonough said, “but in practice, it’s really, really hard to do, and it’s risky. We have a number of good young players who are playing very well. I certainly prefer to keep adding to that and get better that way rather than having the season be a disaster and create a negative culture of losing and hoping that you draft one guy who’s good enough to elevate your whole franchise. “That rarely happens.” —AP

PHOENIX: Milwaukee Bucks’ OJ Mayo (left) shoots as Phoenix Suns’ Channing Frye (right) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan 4, 2014, in Phoenix. —AP

Tavares propels Islanders to victory over Stars 7-3

HAWAII: Zach Johnson plays a shot on the 13th hole during the final round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 6, 2014. —AFP

Zach Johnson opens new year with a win HAWAII: Zach Johnson’s short game skills were on full display as the American fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 66 to grab a one -stroke victory at the $5.7 million Hyundai Tournament of Champions on Monday. Johnson, who started the final round two shots off the pace, took the sole lead with a short birdie putt on the 14th hole and also birdied the next two holes to pull away at the Kapalua Plantation course.

The 2007 Masters champion finished at 19under 273, while fellow American Jordan Spieth (69) birdied the last to finish outright second on 18-under, with compatriots Kevin Streelman (67) and Webb Simpson (70) another shot back in tied third.

Johnson, 37, collected $1.14 million for his 11th PGA Tour victory but was subdued afterwards, his focus on Simpson’s regular caddie Paul Tesori whose newborn son is in intensive care in a Florida hospital. “That’s where my heart was today and that’s where my mind was a lot of the day,” Johnson told The Golf Channel. The world number nine is renowned for his wedge game, which he demonstrated by chipping in from 45 feet at the par-three second as joint overnight leader and defending champion Dustin Johnson (73) fell away with three early bogeys.

Zach Johnson then continued his good work with a series of precise approach

shots on the back nine. “I didn’t deviate away from anything I typically do on the golf course,” he said. “I just picked it apart.

It’s fairways and greens for me, trying to stay below the hole, give myself an aggressive look, trusting in what I’m doing.” He made seven birdies, but it was a par save at the par-four 13th that perhaps was the turning point.

After hitting his first putt far too hard, he sank an eight-footer to remain tied for the lead before holing a similar-length putt at the next to go ahead for good.

Comfortable under pressure, he briefly sat to admire the panoramic view of the island of nearby Molokai after his tee shot at 17 before recording two pars to seal a second straight victory. Johnson ended last year by beating Woods in a playoff at the world number one’s World Challenge in California.

Since his first victory nearly a decade ago, only Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh have won more often than Johnson on tour. The final margin disguised the ease of Johnson’s win as Spieth, 20, closed strongly to claim his third runner-up finish in the past five months. Spieth led the first PGA Tour event of 2014 and seventh of the season at the turn, but his frustration built on the back nine as the putts failed the drop until it was too late. —Reuters

Woods to launch his 2014 campaign at Torrey Pines TORREY PINES: World number one Tiger Woods will launch his 2014 campaign at one of his favorite venues, having committed on Monday to play in this month’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, tournament organizers said.

Woods won the event there for a record seventh time last year, ending a week of mainly dominant golf by clinching his 75th PGA Tour title by four shots. It was the third different PGA Tour event where he has achieved the feat, having previously piled up seven wins apiece at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Woods had been widely expected to officially commit to his title defense at the Jan. 2326 Farmers Insurance Open after being asked by reporters last month whether he expected to start the new season with more or less confidence than before. “Well, I’ve done well at Torrey Pines,” he replied, after losing a playoff to fellow American Zach Johnson for the Northwestern Mutual World Challenge which he hosts. “I’ve done pretty good. That’s my first tournament back.” Pressed on whether he ever experienced doubts heading into a fresh campaign, Woods replied: “Of course. I mean I’ve

come off of long breaks.

“I’ve come off of surgeries, you know, whatever it may be. I’ve had my share of off-seasons, and I can tell you one thing, I’m looking forward to this one.” Woods comes off a highly successful 2013 campaign, having won a season-high five times on the PGA Tour and earning the circuit Player of the Year accolade, as voted upon by his peers. The only blemish on an otherwise impressive resume was his failure to add another major title to his career tally of 14, which has stalled since his remarkable playoff victory for the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines.

“Pretty damn good year,” Woods said of his 2013 season. “Five wins, and you know, on some pretty good venues, so very pleased with the year. I’m really excited about the major championships (in 2014). “I’ve won at three of the four venues - Augusta National, Valhalla Golf Club (PGA Championship) and Royal Liverpool (British Open) - and on Pinehurst No 2 (US Open), I’m trending the right way, having finished third and second. “But I still need to practice, work, grind and prepare, and have my game come together those four times a year.

And I hope that will happen.” —Reuters

UNIONDALE: New York Islanders center John Tavares scored a hat trick and added an assist to help propel his team to a 7-3 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. In addition to a strong performance from their captain, highly touted rookie center Ryan Strome scored the first goal of his NHL career. With the Islanders on the power play early in the second period trailing 2-0, Strome got his squad on the board by putting a wrist shot past Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen - one of four Islanders goals in the frame. That goal opened the floodgates for the Islanders, who went on to score six goals over a 24:38 span. Peter Regin, Brock Nelson, and Brian Strait also scored for New York.

Dallas built its lead on first period goals by Jamie Benn and Erik Cole. But Lehtonen couldn’t make the margin stick. In total, he gave up seven goals on 43 shots. After Strome opened the scoring for the Islanders, they evened the contest on a goal by Tavares at the 7:29 mark of the second. They took a 3-2 lead just 2 minutes later thanks to Regin, who notched just his second score of the season.

Valeri Nichuskin then tied it for Dallas by scoring on the power play. But Brock Nelson capped off a frenetic second period by scoring with :28 left in the frame to put the Islanders back on top 4-3.

Tavares completed his hat trick by scoring at the 6:19 and 16:53 marks in the third period.

Jamie Benn opened the scoring for Dallas at the 5:01 mark of the first period, putting a backhander past Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabakov to put the Stars on the board. Shortly after, Nabakov was forced to leave the game after suffering what appeared to be a groin injury. Kevin Poulin replaced Nabakov, and yielded the Stars’ second tally almost instantly when Erik Cole coaxed a soft backhander in from just shy of the blue line.

BLUE JACKETS 4, RANGERS 3, SO Sergei Bobrovsky made 40 saves through overtime and two more in the shootout in his first action in over a month, and Brandon Dubinsky had a goal and assist against his former team in Columbus’ victory over New York.

Bobrovsky stopped Mats Zuccarello and Rick Nash in the tiebreaker, and Mark Letestu and Ryan Johansen scored against Henrik Lundqvist to win it. Nash had tied it with his second power-play goal of the night, and ninth tally this season, at 6:55 of the third period as David Savard served a penalty for delay of game.

Defenseman James Wisniewski also had a goal and assist, and Cam Atkinson scored on a second-period breakaway to help the Blue Jackets win for the second time in five games. Brian Boyle cut the deficit to 3-2 at 4:53 of the third, and Lundqvist made 36 saves through overtime for New York, which had won three of four on the road before returning home.

FLAMES 4, AVALANCHE 3 Jiri Hudler and Joe Colborne had a goal and assist each, and Mike Cammalleri scored a power-play goal at 16:30 of the third period to lift Calgary over Colorado. Sean Monahan also scored and Karri Ramo stopped 22 shots for the Flames, who broke out of an offensive slump to end a four-game skid. Calgary came into the game having been shutout in three of its last four games. The Flames’ only goal since Dec. 23

UNIONDALE: Kari Lehtonen #32 of the Dallas Stars makes the stop on Peter Regin #16 of the New York Islanders during the third period at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on January 6, 2014 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Stars 7-3. —AFP came in a 4-1 loss to Philadelphia. Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and Paul Stastny had a goal and two assists for the Avalanche, who had won three straight coming into the game.

CANADIENS 2, PANTHERS 1 Brian Gionta scored the winner in the second

period and Carey Price stopped 26 shots to lead Montreal over Florida. David Desharnais also had a goal for Montreal. Sean Bergenheim scored for the Panthers and Tim Thomas made 33 saves. The win was Montreal’s first against Florida this season. The Panthers beat the Canadiens twice last month. —Agencies

NHL results/standings NY Islanders 7, Dallas 3; Columbus 4, NY Rangers 3 (SO); Montreal 2, Florida 1; Calgary 4, Colorado 3.

Western Conference Pacific Division W L OTL GF GA Anaheim 31 8 5 146 111 San Jose 27 10 6 142 111 Los Angeles 26 13 4 113 89 Vancouver 23 13 8 117 108 Phoenix 20 12 9 123 127 Calgary 15 21 6 100 131 Edmonton 14 26 5 117 156

Chicago St. Louis Colorado Minnesota Dallas Winnipeg Nashville

Central Division 29 7 9 167 29 7 5 150 26 12 4 123 22 17 5 106 20 15 7 123 19 21 5 123 18 19 6 102

124 95 108 113 131 135 129

PTS 67 60 56 54 49 36 33

67 63 56 49 47 43 42

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Boston 28 12 2 124 89 Montreal 25 14 5 114 103 Tampa Bay 25 13 4 119 100 Detroit 19 14 10 114 121 Toronto 21 17 5 119 127 Ottawa 19 18 7 126 141 Florida 16 21 6 102 136 Buffalo 12 26 4 74 118

58 55 54 48 47 45 38 28

Metropolitan Division Pittsburgh 31 12 1 142 103 63 Philadelphia 21 17 4 111 116 46 Washington 20 16 6 128 128 46 Carolina 18 16 9 105 124 45 NY Rangers 21 20 3 108 119 45 New Jersey 17 18 8 101 110 42 Columbus 19 20 4 117 126 42 NY Islanders 15 22 7 119 146 37 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).

First Formula E car dazzles Las Vegas LAS VEGAS: The first Formula E car-part of an upcoming motor racing competition to put electric vehicles on the map-made its dazzling debut on Monday in Las Vegas.

The sleek Spark-Renault SRT-01E, capable of speeds above 225 kilometers per hour, will compete in the first Formula E Championship that begins in Beijing in September, part of 10 races sponsored by the FIA, the global governing body for motor racing. “The Formula E is the future of the automobile, I think this will change the perception of electric vehicles,” said Paul Jacobs, chief executive of Qualcomm, one of the corporate sponsors.

Formula E will have 10 teams, each with two drivers.

Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi showed off the vehicle at a parking lot, demonstrating to spectators and media the capabilities of the fully electric machine. “It’s a different feeling from anything else,” di Grassi told reporters, saying that “you have to be more precise... but it is more efficient.” Formula E chief Alejandro Agag said he hopes the championship will stimulate investment in electric vehicles and change their image. “Formula E is a championship with a mission,” he said.

“Electric cars have been perceived as slow... we want

more consumers to get an electric car.” Jacobs said the investment from Qualcomm is part of the company’s mission in getting more “connected devices” and improving technology in many sectors. Qualcomm is working with automakers to get more connectivity for vehicle navigation, convenience and other functions, and has a long-term project seeking ways to wirelessly charge electric vehicles, possible through embedded devices in highways. The Formula E car was on show as the Consumer Electronics Show got under way in Las Vegas. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

S P ORTS

Radwanska, Wozniacki bundled out in Sydney SYDNEY: The Sydney International continued to be a graveyard for some of the top names in women’s tennis with champion and top seed Agnieszka Radwanska and former world number one Caroline Wozniack i both losing in the second round yesterday. Men’s champion Bernard Tomic, however, followed up the exploits of fellow Australian Marko Matosevic, who earlier beat Florian Mayer 6-2 4-6 6-3, to demolish eighth seed Marcel Granollers 63 6-0 in just under an hour. Radwanska and Wozniacki followed grand slam champions Svetlana Kuznetsova and Francesca Schiavone and former world number one Jelena Jankvoic as early evictees from the tournament.

Radwanska’s title defense lasted just 92 minutes when she was dumped out 7-5 62 by American qualifier Bethanie MattekSands, while Wozniacki, who struggled in her first round match on Monday, was beaten 6-4 7-6 (9-7) by Czech Lucie Safarova. World number five Radwanska had won the Sydney title last year as part of a 13-match unbeaten streak that ended in the Australian Open quarter-finals said she was not overly concerned with her early loss. “I really had a lot of good matches last week,” the 24-year-old Pole added in reference to winning all three matches at the Hopman Cup in Perth last week.

“It’s not like I’m playing bad. I’m not worried about that. I just think not my day (and)... sometimes you have to lose. “I think every week is different story. You start over and over again. “Every tournament isn’t the same thing. You’re not winning every week every match. Normally you just to have to start again, not really think what was happening in the last week.” Mattek-Sands will now face fellow American Madison Keys in the quarterfinals. Former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will play Safarova in the quarterfinals after the second seed smashed American qualifier Christina McHale 6-1 60 in a little over an hour.

Wozniacki, who missed the Brisbane tournament last week with a sore shoulder, said she was feeling fine yesterday but had failed to win the crucial points in the clash against Safarova. “I felt like it was pretty good today. It was small things that I didn’t win,” the Dane said. “I don’t feel anything in my shoulder anymore. It’s great. I’ve felt good for the last few days. “I played two matches here then I get a few days over there (Melbourne) and get to play a few sets as well with some of the girls and with different types players. “I should be ready for Melbourne.”

HEWITT WITHDRAWS Australian Lleyton Hewitt took a different approach to being ready for the

Australian Open by withdrawing from the invitational Kooyong Classic tournament in Melbourne. The 32-year-old caused a major upset at the Brisbane International defeating Roger Federer in the final on Sunday and he said he felt he would need the week off to recover properly for the seasonopening grand slam.

“At the moment it’s just all about recov-

ery for me,” Hewitt told reporters yesterday.

“When you get older it gets a bit tougher than when you were 16. “We’re going into the first major and you’ve got to do what’s absolutely right for you.” His place in the eight-man field will be taken by compatriot Jordan Thompson, who will play world number nine Richard Gasquet in their first matches on Wednesday. World number eight Tomas Berdych opens the tournament against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.

FERRER HONOURED Verdasco’s compatriot David Ferrer was given a traditional Maori welcome at the Auckland Open yesterday in recognition of his contribution to the tournament. Ferrer will be making his 10th appearance at the tournament, having won four titles, including the last three in succession. “Thank you very much for everything,” the world number three told the packed crowd at the Auckland Tennis Centre after being presented with a manaia (Maori carving).

“This tournament is very special. I hope to come back for a lot more years and try to win one more time.” Ferrer will meet qualifier Donald Young in the second round on Wednesday after the American beat Argentina’s Federico Delbonis 7-5 6-2.

Former champion Philipp Kohlschreiber also advanced to the second round with a tough 6-2 3-6 7-5 victory over Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta. —Reuters

SYDNEY: Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the US plays a shot between her legs to Agnieszka Radwanska (inset) of Poland during their women’s singles match at the Sydney International tennis tournament yesterday. —AP

Father just ‘the Tomic’ in Sydney despite ban SYDNEY: The presence of his banned father watching from courtside boosted Bernard Tomic’s game as he opened the defense of his Sydney International title with a 6-3 6-0 demolition of eighth seed Marcel Granollers yesterday.

“Having my dad there is a very good feeling,” Tomic told reporters after the victory over his Spanish opponent. “Obviously winning my first title here gives a lot of memories to me. I’m happy the way I played today. Having my dad there for the first time in a while, it’s good. “I know his ban will finish very soon, in a few months, and back to helping me. I’m happy. I played very good. Felt very good. I’m happy to be back playing like this.”

Former taxi driver John Tomic has not watched his son play since he was banned last May from all ATP events, which includes next week’s Australian Open, after he was charged with head-butting his son’s former training partner Frenchman Thomas Drouet and breaking his nose. He was convicted and sentenced to eight month’s imprisonment by a Spanish court for assault last September though was not required to serve jail time because his sentence was under two years in length.

MELBOURNE BAN While he is banned from receiving accreditation, which entitles him into official areas, he was allowed to buy a ticket as a member of the public at the discretion of the tournament director. “The ATP has banned John Tomic - as is public knowledge - which excludes him from getting credentials and being in other accreditable areas,” Sydney International director Craig Watson told Australian media. “There is nothing that prohibits the events agreeing to John being in public areas of the ground and I’ve

SYDNEY: Bernard Tomic of Australia hits a forehand to Marcel Granollers of Spain during their men’s singles match at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia yesterday. —AP agreed to allow that to happen.” Australian Open organizers have already said he would not be entitled to purchase a ticket for Melbourne Park, though the younger Tomic said that would not be a problem.

“Obviously he can’t come in (at Melbourne),” Tomic said. “But that’s fine. I’ll see him at home. If there is anything I need to hear, he’ll tell me. It’s very good. “He’s the one

that you taught me to play like this. Spent hours with him that I probably won’t spend with no one in my life. “He knows me the best.”

The lanky 21-year-old, who won his first ATP Tour title at Sydney last year, has taken Croatian Velimir Zovko on as his new co-coach while his father serves the remainder of the ban. The ATP is expected to consider whether to lift the ban in May. —Reuters

Hewitt withdraws from Kooyong Classic defense BRISBANE: Serena Williams of the US stumbles on the way to defeating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the women’s final at the Brisbane International tennis tournament on January 4, 2014. —AFP

No limits for unstoppable Serena, Navratilova says SYDNEY: World number one Serena Williams shows no sign of slowing down with age and should win more than 20 grand slam singles titles, former great Martina Navratilova has said. The 57-yearold Navratilova who won 18 grand slam singles titles, and 41 in women’s and mixed doubles, is also confident the 32-year-old Williams will equal her singles haul at the Australian Open, which begins next week in Melbourne.

“If she can stay healthy there is no doubt she can go into the 20s, the sky is the limit,” Navratilova told reporters in Adelaide where she will play in the World Tennis Challenge exhibition later on Tuesday. “I know how hard it is once you get to 30, all those little niggling injuries get worse and it’s much easier to have an off day. “But still, she is in her 30s ... she is eager and winning is very contagious - once you get really used to it, you don’t want to let go of it.”

Australia’s Margaret Court holds the overall record of 24 grand slam singles titles, while Germany’s Steffi Graf won 22 titles in the Open era. Williams is widely considered the best player of her generation and has been virtually unchallenged in the modern era, with her powerful game proving difficult to defuse for many counterparts on the WTA tour. The American, however, has also been hampered by a

number of serious injuries, including a knee injury in 2010 and cut foot that forced her to miss almost a year on the tennis circuit in 2010-2011.

Paradoxically it was those injuryenforced layoffs that could be helpful in prolonging her career, Navratilova suggested. “At age 30, she had played about half the tournaments than I had played at 30, so she is fresh in tennis terms,” she said. “She seems to be playing her best tennis right now.” Former world number one Tracy Austin echoed Navratilova’s sentiments and said she felt Williams, who beat rivals Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka to win last week’s Brisbane International, was being motivated by the record books.

Williams poignantly saluted compatriot Billie Jean King when she won her fifth, and latest, Australian Open title in 2010 to join King on 12 grand slam titles saying at the time that she had told King ‘I tied you’ after her victory over Justine Henin. “I love the fact that she’s 32 years old and still seems to be as hungry, if not hungrier, than she has ever been,” Austin said. “At 32, and realizing that she is towards possibly the end of her career, she is now playing for history. “Serena likes to be the best at everything and I think she wants to be the greatest player of all time on the women’s side.” —Reuters

MELBOURNE: Headliner Lleyton Hewitt yesterday withdrew from his defense of the Kooyong Classic title, opting instead for a practice match against world number four Andy Murray on Friday. Australia’s Hewitt, back inside the world top 50 after upsetting Roger Federer 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, in the final of the Brisbane International at the weekend, cited fatigue for the decision. “It’s obvious that this week is all about Australian Open preparation and about getting in as a good nick as possible,” said Hewitt, ranked 43. “For the last four days in Brisbane, I played some tough matches in extreme heat.

“I have to do what’s right for my body before the biggest event in my country, I’ve always been looked after well here and I take pride in having won this event twice. But not wanting to let down organizers and his fans at the Australian Open warm-up event, the Lleyton Hewitt 32-year-old former number one said he would happily play a one-off match against Murray. “I want help support Australian tennis. I’m thrilled to get a practice match against another top player.”

Murray arrived in Melbourne after winning just one round last week in Doha as the Scot played his first ATP tournament since back surgery in September. Australia’s 19-year-old Jordan Thompson, ranked 320, replaced Hewitt in the eight-man field. World number seven Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka, who won in Chennai at the weekend, Frenchmen Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, Spain’s Fernando Verdasco, Kei Nishikori of Japan and Bulgaria’s Grigor Dmitrov complete the line-up.

World number eight Wawrinka said that after a 14-hour flight to Melbourne, he was hoping to be ready for today. “I started really well for sure this year, winning a title in my first event,” he said. “It was a great week for me. I’m certainly happy with the start of this season.” Fans will be treated to Australian Open champion and world number two Novak Djokovic playing a practice match on Thursday against Juan Monaco of Argentina as well as the HewittMurray clash on Friday.-—AFP

GRENOBLE: Broadcast vans of the international media are parked yesterday in front of the Grenoble University Hospital Centre in the French Alps, where retired seven-time German Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher remains in critical condition after an off-piste skiing accident. —AFP

Schumacher’s wife tells media, ‘Leave us alone’ BERLIN: Michael Schumacher ’s wife appealed to the media yesterday to leave the French hospital they have staked out since the German was critically injured in a skiing accident nine days ago and to let the doctors do their job. Corinna Schumacher also asked the media to leave her family in peace after German reports said on Monday there had been a slight improvement in the former driver’s condition, hours after Grenoble hospital had issued a bulletin saying he was still stable but critical.

“Please support us in our joint struggle with Michael,” Corinna said in a statement.

“It is important to me that you relieve the doctors and the hospital so they can work in peace. “Please trust their statements and leave the hospital. Please also leave our family in peace.” They were Corinna’s first public comments since a Dec 30 statement

in which she thanked the medical team for their efforts and expressed gratitude to fans around the world for their outpouring of support. Schumacher, a seven-times Formula One world champion, suffered brain injuries when his head hit a rock in France on Dec. 27.

He has been in an induced coma since then and has undergone two operations in Grenoble. The hospital and the German’s management have repeatedly asked the media to respect his privacy. The medical team have held news conferences and issued periodic bulletins on his condition including one on Monday that said: “The clinical state of Michael Schumacher is stable as he’s under permanent care and treatment. “However, the medical team in charge stresses that it continues to assess his situation as critical.” —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

S P ORTS

A million World Cup armadillos emerge in China BEIJING: In the wild the Brazilian three-banded armadillo is classed as “vulnerable”, but a million furry versions of the creature picked as the 2014 World Cup mascot are taking shape in a Chinese factory.

Fuleco may for now still be a largely unknown yellow armadillo with a blue shell and tail, but the mascot of the world’s biggest single sports event represents 80 percent of sales for Tongchuang Toys in the eastern province of Anhui.

The company won a contract with the tournament organizers to produce a million furry toy versions of Fuleco, whose name, according to FIFA, is a fusion of the words “futebol” and “ecologia”. The toys will be used for merchandising and gifts for sponsors, according to a report on Anhuiwang news portal. The company shipped 500,000 armadillos to Brazil last month, and is now producing its second batch. “This big order accounts for four fifths of our total sales volume, and we will be working on it right through to April,” factory manager Yu Renjun told the website. It did not give a value for the deal.

The species, Latin name Tolypeutes tricinctus, was believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in the early 1990s and is now considered “vulnerable” on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List. “When threatened, it has the habit of rolling into an easily portable ball,” it says on its website. The World Cup kicks off in Sao Paulo on June 12 with a match between Brazil and Croatia, and will run until July 13. The mascot for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was a leopard called Zakumi, while in Germany 2006 it was a lion named Goleo. — AFP

ANHUI: Workers adjust a large soft toy of Fuleco the Armadillo, the official mascot of the 2014 World Cup football tournament, at a factory in Tianchang, east China’s Anhui province. The 2014 World Cup will be held in Brazil from June 12 to July 13. — AFP

Spanish League results/standings

Messi cleared to return to action

MADRID: Spanish La Liga table after Monday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Barcelona Atletico Madrid Real Madrid Athletic Bilbao Real Sociedad Villarreal Sevilla Valencia Getafe Espanyol

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 16 14 10 9 9 8 7 7 6

1 1 2 3 5 4 5 2 2 4

1 1 2 5 4 5 5 9 9 8

53 47 52 26 35 32 35 25 20 22

12 11 21 23 23 20 29 29 30 24

49 49 44 33 32 31 29 23 23 22

Malaga Levante Granada Elche Almeria Osasuna Valladolid Celta Vigo Rayo Vallecano Real Betis

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

6 5 6 4 5 5 3 4 4 2

5 5 2 5 4 3 7 4 1 5

7 8 10 9 9 10 8 10 13 11

19 17 15 16 20 15 21 21 18 15

23 27 25 27 32 28 29 30 45 36

20 20 20 17 19 18 16 16 13 11

Roger will be a great help in that area.”

West Ham are only one place off the foot of the Premier League and a weakened line-up was thrashed 5-0 by second tier Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

Even the most diehard fans give them little chance of toppling City over two legs but Allardyce said they hope to at least get back to Upton Park with the tie still alive. “We don’t have to beat them today night, we have to come back with something realistic to beat them at home if we can,” he explained. “We have to stay as focused as we can and we have to nullify what is a great attacking force.”

MADRID: Lionel Messi is expected to make his return from a hamstring injury when Barcelona host Getafe in the Copa del Rey today after being included in coach Gerardo Martino’s 18-man squad for the game. The four-time World Player of the Year hasn’t played since tearing his hamstring in Barca’s 4-1 win over Real Betis on November 10. After beginning his treatment for the injury in Barcelona, Messi then returned to his native Argentina to continue his recovery process during December. However, he returned to Barcelona last week to begin training with his teammates once more and Martino admitted it had been difficult to leave him out of Saturday’s 4-0 win over Elche.

“I have spoken with him and he is in the squad,” Martino told a press conference yesterday. “We are happy for him and I am especially happy to have all the players available.

“There was a lot of pressure for him to play against Elche, that would have been the normal thing to do. However, the difference now is that he has had more training sessions with the team. “Tomorrow we will see if he plays from the start or not.” The news comes also as a huge boost for Martino’s men as they travel to face Atletico Madrid in a top of the table clash in La Liga on Saturday. Both sides are locked on 49 points after 18 games having dropped just five points each so far this season.

NAVAS OUT OF CUP SEMIS Also, Manchester City winger Jesus Navas will miss today’s League Cup semi-final first leg at home to West Ham United with a knee injury, manager Manuel Pellegrini revealed yesterday. The 28-year-old Spaniard played as a second-half substitute in his side’s 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday, but although his injury is not serious, Pellegrini does not want to take any chances. “He is not injured but he has a little problem,” Pellegrini said. “It is not very important, it is just a precaution.”

Pellegrini also revealed that top-scorer Sergio Aguero is in line to return to action later this month, having been out of action since damaging his calf in the 6-3 win over Arsenal on December 14. “He is working, he is training,” said the Chilean at Tuesday’s pre-match media conference. “It is very good news.

All players recovering from injuries is good news, especially a player as important as Kun Aguero.” Centre-back Martin Demichelis is fit to return against West Ham after missing four games with a hamstring injury, but Micah Richards, Jack Rodwell and Stevan Jovetic remain unavailable.

Pellegrini also said he had yet to decide which goalkeeper to select out of Joe Hart and Costel Pantilimon. England international Hart recently regained his place in the first team after losing it to Pantilimon, but returned to the side at Blackburn and was at fault for the home side’s equalizer. “Tomorrow we will see the 11 that start,” Pellegrini said. “I think he (Pantilimon) has responded well. I analysed the performance with the players and tomorrow we will see who will start.” — Agencies

RONALDO DEDICATES DOUBLE TO EUSEBIO In another development, Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated his two goals in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Monday to Portuguese legend Eusebio, who died at the age of 71 on Sunday. Before the game at the Santiago Bernabeu a minute’s silence was held alongside a video showing Eusebio with Ronaldo and other Real Madrid greats such as Alfredo di Stefano.

And Ronaldo welcomed the tributes that have been made to the man nicknamed the “Black Panther”. “I want to thank everyone, especially to all the people in Spain for the homage they have paid to Eusebio. For the Portuguese it is very important to feel the warmth shown by the Spanish people,” said Ronaldo. “He was someone who was very close to me and obviously my goals today were dedicated to him. “He helped me a lot with the national team and he is an example for us. It is very sad that we have lost one of the greatest players of all time.”

Victory moved Real back to within five points of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga.

However, the scoreline was flattering to Real as Celta passed up a host of clear-cut chances before Karim Benzema opened the scoring 23 minutes from time.

Ronaldo then took centre stage as he swept home late crosses from Dani Carvajal and Gareth Bale to take his tally for the season to 29. And the former Manchester United man also revealed publicly for the first time that he will

Outcast Johnson set for West Ham debut at City LONDON: From getting the cold shoulder at third tier Wolverhampton Wanderers, 30-year-old defender Roger Johnson is set to make his West Ham United debut at Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final today. Johnson, who played in the Premier League for Wolves and Birmingham City, was not even given a squad number at the start of the season and was subsequently loaned to struggling Championship side Sheffield today.

However, after agreeing a loan deal with injury-hit West Ham on Monday the centre half has the chance to impress against a City side boasting a formidable array of attacking firepower. As debuts go it could hardly get any more daunting with free-scoring City able to call upon the likes of Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo even if Sergio Aguero is injured. Yet West Ham’s embattled boss Sam Allardyce reckons Johnson, part of the Birmingham side to beat Arsenal in the 2011 League Cup final, could be the man to help the Hammers cause a surprise and also lead them away from the Premier League relegation zone.

“He is very determined and very excited about the opportunity he’s got after being frozen out at Wolves and pursuing his career at Sheffield recently,” Allardyce told a news conference yesterday. “Our central defensive situation has been so difficult recently and it’s one of the main reasons why we haven’t achieved the results we wanted. “All of our other efforts in securing a central defender, prior to knowing that Roger was available, were difficult,” said Allardyce ahead of today’s first leg.

WEAK POINTS “The one big thing about Roger is his Premier League experience at Birmingham City, his height in terms of being a central defender which has been one of our weak points recently and his desire to come and show he has still got the capabilities to play at this level. “He’s also not cup-tied so we’re going into one of the biggest games of the season with somebody of his experience, height and aerial dominance against, let’s face it, one of the biggest sides in the Premier League. “If you look across the board with Dzeko, Negredo, Yaya Toure, Kompany and Nastasic we have to be aerially very competent today and

BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Argentinean forward Lionel Messi kicks a ball during an open training session at the Mini Stadium in Barcelona. — AFP attend the ceremony where the winner of the Ballon d’Or for 2013 will be announced in Zurich on January 13.

Despite being named alongside Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi as the three finalists for the prize, Ronaldo had originally said he wouldn’t attend the event in Zurich following comments from FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticizing his manner of behaving on the field. “Yes, I will go to the ceremony,” he said. “I don’t know if it is fair whether I win, or whether it is Ribery or Messi. “I always try to do my job in the same way and help Real Madrid by scoring goals.

If I win then it will be great, but if I don’t then my life will continue and I will remain the same person.” — Agencies

Hong Kong arrests 9 over match-fixing

LONDON: Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, waves to the crowd as he is carried from the pitch on a stretcher after an injury during the English FA Cup third round soccer match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London, Saturday, Jan 4, 2014. — AP

Wright rues Walcott’s World Cup injury blow LONDON: Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has expressed sympathy for England forward Theo Walcott after he was ruled out of this year’s World Cup with a serious knee injury. Walcott, 24, damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, with his club announcing on Monday that he will be unavailable for around six months.

As well as missing the rest of the season, it means that Walcott is all but certain to miss the World Cup in Brazil, which begins in June. It is the latest chapter in a

story of World Cup misery for Walcott, who was called up for the 2006 tournament at the age of 17 but did not play and was then left out for the 2010 tournament by coach Fabio Capello.

Wright, who sat out the 1998 World Cup in France due to a hamstring injury, told BBC Radio Five Live on Tuesday: “As a player, it’s devastating. I missed out on a World Cup in ‘98 through injury and it’s something that you never truly get over. “In the end I didn’t actually get to play in any, but for someone like Theo who has been there but not played-but he has been there-

for this one I feel he would have been ready.”

Former England striker Michael Owen, who sustained a serious knee injury during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, also voiced support for Walcott.

“Shocking news regarding Theo Walcott,” Owen wrote on Twitter. “I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he returns next season as good as ever.” Walcott’s injury could open the door for James Milner, Andros Townsend, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana or Aaron Lennon, all of whom will hope to take his place on the right flank of England’s attack. — AFP

HONG KONG: Nine people have been arrested over alleged match-fixing in multiple football fixtures in Hong Kong, the city’s anti-corruption watchdog said yesterday. “Nine persons, including professional football players, were arrested for alleged bribery in rigging the results of football matches involving a local football club,” the Independent Commission Against Corruption said in a statement released late Tuesday, without specifying names of the players or the club.

“Enquiries revealed that the sponsor’s representative and the executive officer might have offered advantages to the players of the football club as rewards for their participation in rigging football match results,” it said. The Hong Kong Football Association, which regulates the former British colony’s professional league, confirmed to AFP that an investigation is underway but refused to comment on the arrests.

“It’s not a Hong Kong issue, it’s a worldwide issue. We have no room for complacency,” association chief Mark Sutcliffe said. The southern Chinese city has a low-key football scene, with each top division game often attracting less than a thousand spectators. Sutcliffe admitted that its league could be more vulnerable to rigging as players are poorly paid amid low revenue streams

for clubs. “Our league may be more vulnerable than other places because our players and coaches are paid relatively poor wages, compared to leagues in some other countries,” he said.

The arrests were made on Sunday, according to the southern Chinese city’s graft buster, involving six football players, an executive officer of the football club, a representative of the sponsor for the club and a “corrupt associate”. Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post has reported several Happy Valley players were being investigated after a match between the First Division club and Sun Hei Sports Club, in which Happy Valley lost 5-0.

Last month, another First Division club Tuen Mun was embroiled in a controversy after one of its defensemen headed into his own net to allow the other side, Yokohama Football Club, to win 2-1 in stoppage time. Match-fixing has proved a chronic and growing blight on international football and can involve cross-border syndicates. In Britain, two Singaporean men were arrested for suspected match-fixing over lower-league English football games in November of last year. In Singapore, 14 people were held in raids in September last year for match-fixing after a crackdown on one of the gangs linked to hundreds of rigged football games worldwide. — AFP

Australia feted for Ashes triumph at Opera House

16

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Radwanska and Wozniacki bundled out in Sydney

18

‘Leave us alone,’ Schumacher’s wife tells media

Page 18

PASADENA: Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher holds the Coaches’ Trophy after defeating the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in the 2014 Vizio BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl on January 6, 2014. — AFP

Florida State edge Auburn in thriller Seminoles dash Tigers’ hopes in heart-stopping finish PASADENA: The top-ranked Florida State Seminoles completed the biggest ever comeback to win college football’s national championship with a wild 34-31 victory over No 2 Auburn in the title game on Monday. The Seminoles were outplayed by the Tigers early on and trailed 21-3 late in the second quarter before capping a stunning rally with a twoyard touchdown by wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin with only 13 seconds remaining. There were three changes of lead in the dizzying last four-and-a-half minutes, each one appearing to be the decisive score in an epic finale to the BCS National Championship, one of the showpiece events in US sport.

Florida State, a perfect 13-0 in the regular season, appeared to have the game won after wide receiver Kermit Whitfield surged down the left sideline for a 100-yard kick return, his touchdown putting his team ahead 27-24.

However, Auburn regained control with just 79 seconds remaining when running back Tre Mason rushed for a 37yard touchdown and the Tigers defense initially held firm under intense pressure from the Seminoles.

Again, though, Florida State countered, Heisman Trophywinning quarterback Jameis Winston finding Benjamin in the end zone for his decisive touchdown after a seven-play drive over 80 yards. “I said this from Day One in spring ball, these kids are special,” Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said

after his team had claimed the winners’ crystal football at a packed Rose Bowl Stadium. “This group never faltered. They wanted to be elite. They wanted to go to the top and there’s so much character in this group.”

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn, who inherited a team that struggled 3-9 last season, said: “I’m very proud of my team... how far they’ve come from the very first game to getting here, and just being on the brink of winning the whole thing. “At the same time we’ve got a lot of competitors in our locker room. They’re disappointed. It went back and forth... but you’ve got to give them guys (Florida State) credit. They scored towards the end and found a way to win.”

NIGHTMARISH START Winston, who made a nightmarish start, was sacked four times while completing 20-of-35 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns as the Seminoles ended a run of seven straight national titles by Southeastern Conference Championship teams. Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall completed 14 of 27 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns, and darted in for one of his own, while Mason had two scores and ran for 195 yards on 34 carries in front of a sellout crowd of 94,208.

College sport in the United States is a passionate affair with strong emotional ties for its fans and, with football at

the pinnacle, huge crowds have always attended BCS title games. “College football is really big because it’s big in states where they didn’t have pro sports,” Nick Geary, a Seminoles fan who lives in upstate New York, told Reuters during Monday’s game.

“Alabama and Florida didn’t have pro sports for a long time so college football is religion and NFL (National Football League) is pastime. College football is much bigger than pro football in my life.” Tim Hamilton, an Auburn fan who lives in Las Vegas, agreed. “This is the Super Bowl of college football, and of college sport in general,” Hamilton said.

“There are more than a 100 college football teams and there’s like only 30 NFL teams, so it’s a lot harder to get here into the BCS title game.”

AUBURN DOMINATE Florida State opened the scoring with a 35-yard field goal

by Roberto Aguayo but Auburn hit back when running back Mason powered across for a 12-yard touchdown, on a superb screen pass from Marshall, to end the first quarter with a 7-3 lead. It was the first time the Seminoles, wearing their traditional colors of garnet and gold, had trailed in a game since Sept 28 at Boston College, where they went on seal a 48-34 victory.

Florida State’s defense again crumbled early in the sec-

ond quarter, their coverage nowhere to be seen as wide receiver Melvin Ray latched on to a precise pass from Marshall for a 50-yard touchdown. Though Auburn’s Cory Parkey narrowly missed a 33-yard field goal, Marshall rushed for four yards to score a touchdown and put the Tigers up 21-3 with 5.01 left in the second quarter in their bid for a second BCS title in four years.

Florida State finally found a way past the Auburn defense, Winston rushing for 21 yards to give them ideal field position before running back Devonta Freeman burrowed over from three yards for a touchdown to trail 21-10 at the half. A 41-yard field goal by Aguayo trimmed Auburn’s lead to 21-13 late in the third and the Seminoles put the game on a knife edge when Winston picked out fullback Chad Abram for an 11-yard touchdown to make it 21-20 with 10:55 in the fourth.

A Parkey field goal from 22 yards put Auburn ahead 2420 with 4.42 left on the clock, but Florida State then delivered what appeared to be their dagger blow with Whitfield’s stunning 100-yard kick return to set up the heart-stopping finale. Monday’s clash was the final Bowl Championship Series title game with a new system to be introduced later this year when four teams, picked by a selection committee, will battle it out for the crown at the end of the regular season. — Reuters

Clippers rout Magic 101-81 Nets down Atlanta Hawks NEW YORK: Joe Johnson broke out of a slump with 23 points against his former team as the Brooklyn Nets beat the Atlanta Hawks 91-86 on Monday for their third straight victory. Mirza Teletovic scored 16 points and Alan Anderson added 14 starting in place of the injured Deron Williams as the Nets moved to 2-0 on a four-game homestand that finishes with visits from Golden State on Wednesday

and Miami on Friday. Despite yet another injury to a key player, the Nets look ready to test themselves against those powerful teams after matching their three consecutive victories from Dec 7-12. Paul Millsap scored 16 points for the Hawks, who lost their third in a row to equal their worst stretch of the season.

NBA results/standings Minnesota 126, Philadelphia 95; Brooklyn 91, Atlanta 86; LA Clippers 101, Orlando 81.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT GB Toronto 16 16 .500 Brooklyn 13 21 .382 4 Boston 13 21 .382 4 Philadelphia 12 22 .353 5 NY Knicks 11 22 .333 5.5 Central Division Indiana 27 6 .818 Chicago 14 18 .43812.5 Detroit 14 20 .41213.5 Cleveland 11 23 .32416.5 Milwaukee 7 26 .212 20 Southeast Division Miami 26 8 .765 Atlanta 18 17 .514 8.5 Washington 14 17 .45210.5 Charlotte 15 20 .42911.5 Orlando 10 24 .294 16

Western Conference Northwest Division Oklahoma City 27 7 .794 Portland 26 8 .765 1 Minnesota 17 17 .500 10 Denver 16 17 .48510.5 Utah 11 25 .306 17 Pacific Division LA Clippers 24 13 .649 Golden State 23 13 .639 0.5 Phoenix 20 12 .625 1.5 LA Lakers 14 20 .412 8.5 Sacramento 10 22 .31311.5 Southwest Division San Antonio 26 8 .765 Houston 22 13 .629 4.5 Dallas 19 15 .559 7 New Orleans 15 17 .469 10 Memphis 15 18 .45510.5

TIMBERWOLVES 126, 76ERS 95 Kevin Love scored 16 of his 26 points in a dominant third quarter and Nikola Pekovic had 16 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves to a win over the 76ers. Kevin Martin scored 18 points and Corey Brewer had 15 to help the Timberwolves move back to .500 (17-17). Minnesota made 16 of 26 3-pointers. Thaddeus Young scored 20 points for the Sixers, who saw their four-game winning streak stopped. The Sixers had won the final four games of a six-game road trip. The Timberwolves had seven players score in double figures.

CLIPPERS 101, MAGIC 81 Darren Collison scored 19 of his 21 points in the first half and had seven assists in his second start at point guard since Chris Paul’s injury, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 101-81 rout of the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Paul, who separated his right shoulder in Friday’s win at Dallas and is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks, sat behind the Clippers’ bench in a suit and tie while Collison orchestrated things without a hitch against the last-place team in the Southeast Division.

The Clippers enjoyed one of their best defensive efforts of the season, after surrendering 70 first-half points in each of their previous two games against Dallas and San Antonio - both on the road. Jamal Crawford chipped in with 13 points and eight of the team’s 30 assists. Blake Griffin - bogged down by early foul trouble - had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. DeAndre Jordan had 17 rebounds and 14 points.

Reserves Maurice Harkless and Victor Oladipo

PHILADELPHIA: Minnesota Timberwolves’ Dante Cunningham (left) goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers’ James Anderson during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Monday, Jan 6, 2014. — AP each scored 22 points for the Magic, who have lost four straight and 11 of their last 15 games. Center Nikola Vucevic, who had 30 points and 21 rebounds against the Clippers in Orlando’s 98-90 home loss on Nov. 6, had just two points and eight boards in 20 minutes after missing the previous two games because of sprained left ankle. He left the game with a head injury after fouling Griffin near the Clippers’ basket and taking a hard spill with 8:18 left in the third quarter.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers had all of his starters on the bench at the beginning of the fourth quarter with an 85-55 lead, but he had to put them all back in after Jason Maxiell’s dunk capped a 16-2 run that narrowed the gap to 87-71 with 7:01 remaining. Griffin had two fouls in the first 4:05 of the game and went to the bench after the Clippers

opened the game with a 12-3 run. But Jordan extended the margin to 20-3 less than 2 1-2 minutes later with a demonstrative slam dunk, after Jamal Crawford set up an alley-oop dunk by Jordan and a 22-footer by Collison.

The sellout crowd - along with Rivers and his coaching staff - held their collective breath when Collison was fouled hard under the Clippers’ basket

by Jameer Nelson and didn’t get up for a few anxious seconds after hitting the deck. Collison signed a free-agent deal with the Clippers in July after they traded backup point guard Eric Bledsoe to Phoenix.

As a rookie in 2009-10 with the New Orleans Hornets - now the Pelicans Collison filled in as a starter when Paul had to sit out with injuries. In one game, Collison set a single- game franchise record for rookies with 20 assists. — Agencies

Business

Japan, Turkey agree on trade, nuclear tie-ups Page 22

Euro-zone price data stokes deflation fears

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Page 23 Yellen faces challenges as US Fed trims bond buys

Riyadh witnesses rise in 5-star hotel developments Page 26

Page 25

BALTIMORE: A crane removes a container from a ship at the Port of Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore. The trade gap dropped 12.9 percent in November to $34.3 billion, the Commerce Department said yesterday. — AP

US trade deficit drops to $34.3bn Gains in energy, stronger sales lift exports to all-time high WASHINGTON: The US trade deficit fell in November to its lowest level in four years, an encouraging sign that economic growth in the final three months of the year was stronger than analysts had forecast. Gains in energy production and stronger sales of American-made airplanes, autos and machinery lifted exports to an all-time high.

The trade gap dropped 12.9 percent in November to $34.3 billion, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.

That’s the lowest monthly trade deficit since October 2009. Exports rose 0.9 percent to a record $194.9 billion.

The gain was aided by a 5.6 percent rise in petroleum exports. Imports dropped 1.4 percent to $229.1 billion. A decrease in demand for foreign oil offset a record level of imported autos. A smaller trade deficit can boost economic growth. It typically shows that American compa-

nies are earning more from sales overseas, while US consumers are buying fewer products from foreign companies. Economists raised their growth forecasts for the October-December quarter after seeing the November trade report.

Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, noted that the trade gap declined in both October and November. She is currently forecasting growth at an annual rate of 2.4 percent. But after the trade repor t she said growth could end up being stronger.

Paul Ashwor th, chief US economist at Capital Economics, said growth could be 3 percent or higher.

Through 11 months of 2013, the trade deficit is 12.3 percent lower than the same period in 2012. Exports

have strengthened, while imports are slightly lower. A domestic energy boom has boosted exports and lessened America’s dependence on foreign oil. US petroleum expor ts were up 10.8 percent through the first 11 months of 2013 compared with the same period in 2012.

In that same period, petroleum imports have fallen 11.5 percent. The drop in oil imports has been helped by lower global prices. After peaking at $102 per barrel in September, the average price of a barrel of imported crude oil has fallen and averaged $94.69 a barrel in November. Analysts are predicting the price of imported oil will decline further, noting ample supplies and a strengthening dollar.

The US deficit with China fell 6.7 percent in November from October to $26.9 billion. US exports to China hit a

Investors switch to Kuwait, Oman MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Dubai’s stock index fell for a third consecutive session yesterday after the local regulator tightened margin lending rules and some investors started shifting into markets which saw slower growth last year, such as Kuwait and Oman.

Dubai’s index, which hit a five-year peak last week and more than doubled in 2013, fell 1.5 percent, extending a pull-back that began after the Securities and Commodities Authority said it would crack down on unlicensed margin lending.

That prompted some brokers to ask clients to sell shares to lower margin levels. “I think the market was very stretched and it is completely natural to see some profittaking now,” said Sebastien Henin, portfolio manager at The National Investor. “I am expecting more selling pressure in the coming session.”

The Dubai index closed at 3,378 points, on top of minor technical support on its uptrend line from November. It is developing a negative 14-week momentum divergence, which suggests the possibility of a sizeable pull-back. Minor supports lie at 3,325 and 3,216 points, the highs in December, but there is no major support before the 2,900-3,000 point area, which was strong resistance between October and early December.

Among the biggest losers on

yesterday.

CAIRO: An Egyptian trader talks as she monitors her screen at the stock market in Cairo. Egypt’s stock market completed a year of consistent growth this December, despite serious security issues, nearly 13 percent unemployment, rising prices and ongoing unrest. —AP Tuesday was property developer Emaar, which dropped 3.8 percent after saying on Monday it would redeem the $237.5 million outstanding on a convertible bond on Feb. 6. The conversion price will be 4.38 dirhams.

The conversion is expected to dilute the existing share base only marginally. But some investors are

still worried about selling of newly received shares from Feb. 6 and so are themselves selling now, said Mohab Maher, a senior sales trader at Mubasher.

Dubai’s pull-back spread to neighboring Abu Dhabi, which also outperformed the Gulf last year and hit a fresh multi-year high on Monday, but fell 1.4 percent

Laggard markets At the same time, investors are eyeing Gulf markets which lagged the regional leaders last year.

“Investors want to reposition themselves,” said Henin. “They have had a very good year in the United Arab Emirates and now they want to allocate some money to Kuwait, where valuations look relatively well now, and Oman, which qualifies as a safe bet and is less volatile.”

Oman’s index gained 0.8 percent and Kuwait’s bourse was up 0.7 percent. In Saudi Arabia, retailer Jarir Marketing rose 2.5 percent after reporting a fourth-quarter profit up 16 percent, in line with analyst forecasts but exceeding its full-year 2013 growth rate of 14.7 percent.

PetroRabigh jumped its 10 percent daily limit to 27.5 riyals after HSBC launched coverage of the stock with an overweight rating and a price target of 40 riyals. The stock is still benefiting from December’s decision by PetroRabigh’s parent companies to slash international marketing fees for its products, which could revitalize the firm.

But some heavyweight stocks such as Saudi Basic Industries declined, leaving the overall Saudi index barely changed. — Reuters

record. The US deficit with China, the largest with any country, is still on track to set another record this year.

The deficit with the European Union dropped 29.4 percent in November to $10.1 billion. That reflected a big drop in imports from that region, which offset a small dip in US sales to Europe. The overall economy grew at an annual rate of 4.1 percent in the July-September quarter.

Much of that strength reflected a buildup in business stockpiles. Economists believe inventory building slowed in the October-December quarter, which could dampen growth. Still, other data have been encouraging. The rise in exports has lifted factory output. And a stronger job market has made Americans more confident in the economy and led to more spending. Those factors could offset some of the drag from lower inventory growth. — AP

JPMorgan to pay $1.7bn to settle Madoff case NEW YORK: JPMorgan Chase & Co will pay a $1.7 billion penalty to settle charges by US federal authorities that the bank failed to report suspicious activity relating to Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.

The bank had violated laws requiring that it monitor customer activity for money laundering in the Madoff case, authorities said yesterday. The deal includes a two-year deferred prosecution agreement and settles outstanding probes by two bank regulators into failures in JPMorgan’s anti-money laundering policies. The bank also agreed to improve its controls. As part of the deal, the bank agreed not to apply for a tax deduction or tax credit for the $1.7 bil-

lion payment. The funds will go to the victims of Madoff ’s fraud, according to Tuesday’s announcement.

JPMorgan is admitting it had failed to raise the alarm about Madoff’s activities to a bank regulator, even though bankers in more than one area of its operations had identified inconsistencies in Madoff ’s behavior and his fund’s returns. Madoff, through his hedge fund operation, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, was revealed in December 2008 to be the operator of a massive Ponzi scheme. Convicted in 2009 of defrauding thousands of investors, he is serving a 150-year prison sentence. —Reuters

UAE’s credit bureau to start operating in Q1 ABU DHABI: A long-awaited federal credit bureau will start operating in the United Arab Emirates this quarter, allowing banks to check a customer’s financial health before extending new debt, the stateowned company said yesterday.

Al-Etihad Credit Bureau expects to complete agreements with banks to provide credit information and create an electronic database by the end of January, it said. “As soon as this is achieved, along with receiving formal approval of the bureau’s regulations and credit report charges from the UAE Cabinet, the AEtihad Credit Bureau will commence operations,” chief executive Marwan Ahmad

Lutfi said in the statement. Pilot phase testing has been successful with more than 90 percent accuracy achieved, he added. Until now, banks in the UAE have often been unable to access data on consumers at other financial institutions when making lending decisions. This has allowed borrowers to obtain money from many lenders and run up big debts which sometimes prove impossible to repay.

The idea of a UAE credit bureau was talked about for years, but a previous attempt in 2006 by the Dubai government to set up a private sector credit bureau, Emcredit, failed as banks refused to divulge customer data. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

BUSINESS

Japan, Turkey agree on trade, nuclear tie-ups

Turkey sees brief economic impact from graft probe ISTANBUL: Uncertainty caused by Turkey’s corruption scandal could hit economic growth in the near term, Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said yesterday, while ratings agency Fitch warned that a prolonged crisis could weaken the country’s creditworthiness.

A wide-ranging graft investigation, cast by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan as a plot to undermine his government, is shaking investor confidence in Turkey when the lira is languishing around record lows, inflation rising and growth slowing.

“We are facing a significant challenge in the political arena but we think this will not be long-lived,” Simsek said in an interview on CNN Turk television. “There could be a slowdown to some extent in the first quarter. But according to our base scenario, I believe that as uncertainty lessens and the environment calms...growth could still be around 4 percent (this year).”

Erdogan’s ruling AK Party has built its reputation on its record for economic management and an avowed commitment to fight corruption. The scandal, which exploded on Dec. 17 with the detention of businessmen close to the government and the sons of three cabinet ministers, risks damaging him in the run-up to local and presidential elections this year. Fitch said that while the crisis had no immediate impact on its ‘BBB-’ sovereign rating for Turkey, prolonged uncertainty could prove more damaging. “If the corruption scandal drags on, it could weaken the government and undermine its ability to take timely policy measures that would maintain economic stability,” it said.

It noted that tensions between the government and judiciary had strained institutions in Turkey. Erdogan has cast the corruption investigations as an attempted “judicial coup” by forces seeking to undermine his government, and hundreds of police officers have been removed from their posts.

“These factors are not incompatible with a ‘BBB-’ rating, but they have the capacity to

weaken sovereign creditworthiness,” Fitch said in its statement.

The economic and political pressures caused by the scandal may delay for many more months a tightening of monetary policy that would stabilize inflation and stop the lira from plumbing record lows. Across Turkish financial markets, there is a near-consensus that short-term interest rates need to be a lot higher - as much as 3 or 4 percentage points higher, some traders say - to be sure of relieving pressure on the sliding currency.

But the central bank has been reluctant to raise its main interest rates for fear of slowing growth ahead of elections. Simsek said Turkey was taking measures to keep domestic demand at reasonable levels without the need for interest rate hikes, supporting the central bank’s current monetary stance.

“The central bank, banking watchdog, finance ministry and treasury got together, we limited loan growth with capital adequacy ratios and macro prudential measures, without resorting to rate hikes,” he said. The Turkish lira has been under intense pressure since the U.S. Federal Reserve announced it will begin winding down, or tapering, its $85 billion-a-month money-printing programme, and Turkey’s high-level corruption probe has added to that pressure.

Emerging markets in general are seeing foreign investment pull back, and Turkey is among the most vulnerable with its huge current account deficit and reliance on external financing.

“With market perceptions of political risk showing no sign of abating, the central bank will remain under pressure to raise interest rates, even while the authorities aim to maintain growth at 4 percent in 2014,” Fitch said. It said macroprudential measures had so far not been enough to narrow the current account deficit, which at around 7 percent of national output is Turkey’s main economic weakness, or inflation, running well above the central bank’s 5 percent target. — Reuters

Abe eyes deals to revive economy TOKYO: Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe for free trade talks yesterday, as pressure mounted at home over a corruption scandal in which hundreds of police officers were fired.

The two countries also confirmed their cooperation on nuclear technology, as Abe seeks deals to revive the world’s third-largest economy. Abe visited Turkey twice last year, cementing atomic contracts and pushing the export of more reactors as the industry tries to emerge from the shadow of the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

Erdogan, who has been under fire over corruption and bribery probes involving his government, arrived in Japan on Monday as part of a six-day Asian tour. The pair did not field questions at a Tokyo press briefing and Erdogan offered no comment over Ankara’s reported firing of 350 police officers, the latest twist in the vast corruption scandal that has ensnared his key allies.

“We agreed to start inter-governmental negotiations on an economic partnership agreement,” Abe told reporters.

Erdogan added that “we will make efforts toward an early completion of the talks”, saying the nations’ $4.0 billion annual trading relationship “doesn’t match the potential of either country”. In his second visit to Turkey in October, Abe penned an agreement with Erdogan that allows Japanese manufactures to build nuclear power plants in the country.

On Tuesday, the leaders also agreed to cooperate in addressing the crisis in Syria and Iran’s nuclear program, weeks before of a UN-hosted peace conference, they

said. Ahead of the talks with Abe, Erdogan said the peace conference must work to remove Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad from power because of his culpability in tens of thousands of deaths.

“We must make sure that... all the measures will not fail...so that we can (bring) in an era without Bashar Al-Assad,” he said earlier yesterday, referring to peace talks planned later this month in Switzerland.

The huge corruption scandal which has implicated Erdogan’s entourage and dragged down some of his ministers erupted last month, with elections looming in March. The affair has dented Turkey’s image as a model of Muslim

democracy and stability, while pushing the lira to record lows against the US dollar and undermining investor confidence.

Earlier Tuesday, however, Erdogan said “our government successfully navigated the Turkish economy,” pointing to rapid growth, declining inflation and a reduction in the national debt during his 11year pro-business tenure. “We do hope that Japanese investors take an interest in...direct investment and also in mega projects. And we hope that Japanese companies seize the opportunities that Turkey is providing,” he said in a speech hosted by the leading Nikkei business daily and Turkish embassy. — AFP

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) shakes hands with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) at the end of their joint press announcement at the Akasaka state guesthouse in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP

Texas comes close to rolling blackouts LONDON: Texas struggled to keep the heating working on Monday as unusually cold weather combined with unexpected power plant outages to reduce reserve margins to critically low levels. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT ) declared a Level 2 Energy Emergency and appealed to customers to conserve power by turning down thermostats, as the amount of spare generating capacity available to meet demand shrank to less than 2,000 megawatts (MW) (2 percent).

Level 2 is the second-highest emergency rating on the network. If reserve margins had continued to fall, the grid operator would have been forced to declare a Level 3 Emergency and instruct local utilities to commence shedding load, cutting power to neighborhoods for 10 to 45 minutes at a time. Demand peaked at just under 55,500 megawatts between 0700 and 0800 Central Standard Time, with less than 57,000 MW of generation capacity available.

ERCOT responded by bringing on all available generation and deploying all available demand response programs, according to the operator, as well as urging customers not to use washing machines and electric ovens and importing the maximum amount of power from neighboring regions.

But the failure of just one more generating unit would have pushed ERCOT into Level 3 and triggered the disconnection process, according to officials. The grid is already struggling and needs to build in more flexibility to cope with an expected rise in renewable power generation, which would otherwise lead to more blackouts in future.

Cold weather again Consumption was not exceptionally high. In August 2013, demand in the parts of the state for which ERCOT is responsible peaked at over 67,500 MW in the summer airconditioning season.

But more than 10,000 MW of generating capacity was offline on Monday for seasonal maintenance. Cold weather caused several more generating units, including two large ones, to fail at the weekend, cutting available capacity by a further 1,800 MW. In total, 3,700 MW of capacity was unavailable as a result of short-term factors.

Unusually cold weather, high heating demand, seasonal maintenance and unexpected power plant outages all combined to push the grid close to failure. ERCOT has experienced similar problems before, as my colleagues Scott DiSavino and Eileen O’Grady have explained.

In February 2011, plunging temperatures and strong winds pushed up demand for heating while also knocking out a string of generators, forcing the transmission operator to order rolling blackouts for several hours.

Repeated problems on the Texas grid illustrate some of the big challenges facing the electricity industry as it struggles to update aging transmission systems and integrate a bigger share of renewables such as wind and solar power while keeping the lights on and bills down.

ERCOT under pressure This being Texas, ERCOT is relatively isolated from other US transmission networks, with very limited links to the Eastern Interconnection, which serves the rest of the eastern United States. Isolation means ERCOT is protected from cascading power failures starting in other areas of the country. But it also means Texas customers are more vulnerable to problems originating in their own grid and are less able to rely on power from other states in an emergency, such as happened on Monday.

Reliability experts have questioned whether ERCOT is maintaining sufficient reserve capacity. In January 2013, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), which helps regulate the electric industry, wrote an unusu-

ally blunt letter to Texas grid officials. In it, NERC President Gerry Cauley warned: “ERCOT will need more resources as early as summer 2013 in order to maintain a sufficient reserve margin. “Capacity resources in ERCOT have drifted to a level below the planning reserve margin and are projected to further diminish through the 10-year period covered in (this) assessment,” Cauley wrote. “It is clear to me that these levels imply higher reliability risks,” he added, noting “these concerns are not new as NERC has raised this issue in prior assessments”.

NERC cannot order the construction of new generation or transmission facilities, but it was acutely concerned about the current and future situation in Texas: “While some enhancements have already been made ... solutions have not yet sufficiently materialized to address NERC’s reserve margin concern. Further, it is still unclear to us how ERCOT intends to mitigate issues that may arise on the current trajectory and when new resources may be available to meet growing demand.”

Forecasts go wrong Many of the problems spotlighted by NERC concern the ability of the network to meet long-term summer demand, when hot weather leads to peaks in consumption. But ERCOT and state regulator the Texas Reliability Entity are struggling with short-term winter capacity planning too.

In NERC’s 2013/14 Winter Reliability Assessment, published as recently as Dec. 9, ERCOT predicted demand would peak this winter at 47,632 MW, which proved to be almost 8,000 MW short of demand on Monday. ERCOT actually cut its forecast compared with previous years owing to “more mild forecasted weather, resulting from a change in the representative weather year selected for input into ERCOT’s load forecasting model”, according to the reliability report.

ERCOT anticipated it would have 73,600 MW of capacity available, implying a reserve margin of over 60 percent,

well above its target reserve margin of 13.75 percent.

“In ERCOT’s winter reliability assessment, a combined extreme weather and forced outage scenario was developed in which loads increase by 13,776 MW above the forecasted 2013-2014 winter peak, while forced outages increase by 4,326 MW. Under this scenario, the anticipated reserve margin drops to 16.1 percent (9,592 MW), still above the target reserve margin.”

The casual reader would assume there was almost no scenario in which power supplies could be endangered.

The reality proved otherwise - for the second time in less than five years.

Common mode failures Near-blackouts in Texas on Monday were not caused by any one major problem but by a host of much smaller issues interacting with each other. None was critical in itself, but combined they pushed the grid close to failure.

Interactions between several small problems to produce a much bigger one are a common and almost inherent feature in complex systems such as power networks.

When something goes wrong, everything goes wrong, as Charles Perrow explained in his landmark book “Normal accidents: living with high-risk technologies” (1984). Amory and L Hunter Lovins made similar observations in their book on “Brittle power: energy strategy for national security” (1982).In the Texas case, cold weather increased the stress on the network in two ways simultaneously - boosting demand and causing power stations to fail.

The unusually frigid temperatures also were so much worse than forecast that far too much generating capacity was caught offline for seasonal maintenance, and ERCOT found its reserve margin was much smaller than anticipated. One moderate problem (unusually cold weather) caused multiple failures, which caused the reliability of the system to deteriorate not just by a small amount but by a lot. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

ASIAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal transfer Irani Riyal cash

2.712 4.548 2.684 2.166 2.847 224.150 36.568 3.641 6.343 8.598 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

75.644 77.941 736.880 753.420 77.420

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 257.12 269.49 317.75 389.72 282.95 467.86 2.77 3.640 4.543 2.168 2.846 2.692 77.10 753.10 40.66 402.70 735.85 78.14 75.58

SELL CASH 257.000 269.000 317.000 392.000 285.600 472.000 2.800 3.900 4.870 2.300 3.400 2.790 77.400 753.800 41.100 407.700 741.800 78.500 75.800

Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit Chinese Yuan Renminbi

41.000 40.357 1.323 172.110 400.580 1.903 2.022 35.444

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer Euro Sterling Pound Canadian dollar Turkish lira Swiss Franc Australian Dollar US Dollar Buying

283.550 387.900 466.160 266.750 130.670 314.710 254.340 282.350 GOLD

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

230.000 118.000 60.000

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 Japanese Yen

Selling Rate 282.700 269.510 461.550 390.375 319.945 746.465 76.945 78.500 76.255 398.510 40.993 2.160 4.567 2.652 3.632 6.379 694.370 3.745

Philippine Peso Sierra Leone Singapore Dollar South African Rand Sri Lankan Rupee Taiwan Thai Baht

0.006412 0.000069 0.220279 0.020747 0.001877 0.009408 0.008397

0.006692 0.000075 0.226279 0.029247 0.002457 0.009588 0.008947

Bahrain Exchange Company CURRENCY Belgian Franc British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Romanian Leu Slovakia Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Turkish Lira

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal/for 1000 Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira/for 1000 Syrian Lira Morocco Dirham

09.800 3.010 3.855 88.370 46.975

Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar

Canadian Dollar US Dollars US Dollars Mint

Bangladesh Taka Chinese Yuan Hong Kong Dollar Indian Rupee Indonesian Rupiah Japanese Yen Kenyan Shilling Korean Won Malaysian Ringgit Nepalese Rupee Pakistan Rupee

BUY Europe 0.007371 0.457648 0.006057 0.047728 0.380496 0.041897 0.081818 0.008131 0.039495 0.306334 0.131552

SELL 0.008371 0.466648 0.018057 0.052728 0.387996 0.047097 0.81818 0.018131 0.044495 0.316534 0.138552

Australasia 0.244557 0.227804

0.256057 0.237304

America 0.260637 0.279450 0.279950

0.269137 0.283800 0.283800

Asia 0.003566 0.045175 0.034478 0.004353 0.000018 0.002636 0.003360 0.000256 0.082498 0.002981 0.002492

0.004166 0.048675 0.037228 0.004754 0.000024 0.002816 0.003360 0.000271 0.088498 0.003151 0.002772

Arab 0.745666 0.037815 0.000078 0.000185 0.395714 1.0000000 0.000139 0.022706 0.001201 0.730462 0.077174 0.074977 0.002173 0.169062 0.131552 0.076218 0.001288

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

0.753666 0.040915 0.000080 0.000245 0.403214 1.0000000 0.000239 0.046706 0.001836 0.736142 0.078387 0.075677 0.002393 0.177062 0.138552 0.077367 0.001368

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 *Rates are subject to change

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 283.100 387.650 465.100 268.150 4.545 40.680 2.165 3.642 6.335 2.695 753.900 77.100 75.600

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

BUSINESS

Luxembourg moves closer to debut sukuk LONDON: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, rated Aaa/AAA/AAA, moved a step closer towards the issuance of a debut sukuk after the government said this week it has presented a draft bill to parliament to pave the way for the deal. The news comes just months after British Prime Minister David Cameron signalled the UK’s intention to issue a debut £200m sukuk in 2014.

Both countries have been considering the issuance of an Islamic bond for years, as their respective stock exchanges battle it out to become the listing venue of choice for sukuk issuers. “The government has presented a draft bill to parliament. The

approval of the bill is indeed part of the preparatory work for the potential issuance of a sovereign sukuk,” a Luxembourg ministry of finance spokesperson told Reuters in an email. The legislative calendar for the bill cannot be confirmed at this stage, she added.

The bill presented to Luxembourg MPs proposes the issuance of a EUR200mequivalent sovereign sukuk denominated either in euros or US dollars. The Luxembourg government has also identified three real estate assets to underpin the transaction - as sukuk are structured to pay a fixed profit rate rather than a

coupon in order to comply with Sharia law - they are often backed by real estate. The UK treasury has not made public any details on potential underlying assets for its sukuk.

Both countries are considering the issuance of sukuk to market their respective financial centres to the Islamic finance world, capital markets bankers told IFR. “It is certainly about marketing the Luxembourg stock exchange [as a listing venue for sukuk] but also to the investment and fund management base,” said one banker at a Gulf-based Islamic bank.

“A lot of GCC investments are made

through Luxembourg entities for tax and legal reasons and they would want to maintain that status, especially given that Islamic finance is growing rapidly,” he said.

However, no timeframe has been set for the completion of a deal that has been under consideration for several years now.

MPs will have to get their feet under their desks first before reviewing the bill.

Luxembourg held parliamentary elections in October last year, with the Christian Democrat party led by Prime Minister JeanClaude Juncker winning the most seats.

However, Juncker, who has been prime minister since 1995, stepped down in

favour of Xavier Bettel, head of the Democratic Party. If Luxembourg and the UK are successful in issuing sukuk, it will serve to broaden a market that is dominated by Asian and Middle East issuers.

Other non-Islamic sovereigns have been linked with potential sukuk deals. In 2012 South Africa appointed BNP Paribas, Liquidity House Management and Standard Bank to manage a possible sukuk offering, though a deal has yet to emerge, while bankers in the past have talked about France as a potential sukuk issuer. In 2004, the German state of Saxony-Anhalt issued a EUR100m sukuk. —Reuters

Euro-zone price data stokes deflation fears Falling prices could endanger growth

TRIPOLI: Libya’s Oil Minister Abdelbari Al-Arusi (C-R) and representatives of oil companies in Libya take part in a meeting yesterday in Tripoli, Libya. —AFP

Libya’s Al-Sharara oilfield output rises Western pipeline reopens TRIPOLI: Output at Libya’s Al-Sharara oilfield rose more yesterday to over two thirds of full capacity and a pipeline shipping condensate - very light crude - to a western port reopened, marking progress in government efforts to rebuild vital exports.

Negotiations ended a protest by tribesmen at El Sharara over the weekend with production there climbing to 277,000 bpd on Tuesday and expected to reach full capacity of 340,000 bpd by Wednesday, said a spokesman for the National Oil Corp.

“I think if we keep up at this level we will reach capacity by tomorrow,” the spokesman, Mohamed Al-Harari, said. The reopening of the Al Sharara field in southern Libya, one of Libya’s largest, and of the Wafa pipeline feeding Mellitah port are good news for the central government in Tripoli which is struggling to end a sixmonth-long blockade of important eastern oil ports that has slashed shipments.

Al-Sharara supplies crude to the western Zawiya export terminal and feeds the 120,000-bpd Zawiya refinery. Libya’s navy said it opened fire on Sunday after a Maltese flagged oil tanker tried to approach and load crude at Es Sider, one of the eastern ports seized by armed protesters demanding more autonomy. The vessel later headed towards Malta.

Negotiations to end that blockade have gone nowhere with eastern federalist protesters threatening to try to ship oil independently, and the government saying it will use force against vessels seeking to load at blockaded ports. Libya’s armed forces warned they will take more robust action against tankers trying to illegally dock at the ports controlled by the autono-

my protesters who are led by a former fighter in the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.

“If a ship docks in one of the closed ports, and it does not leave the port again, then we will destroy it,” said Defence Ministry spokesman Said Abdul Razig AlShbahi. “We have clear instructions. This is sovereignty of the state, even the international law will be in our side.” The eastern confrontation over oil is one of several fronts facing Libya’s fragile government two years after Gaddafi’s fall. Former rebels, militia fighters and tribesman often resort to force to make a variety of political demands on a state still struggling with a transition to democracy.

Protesters, who had blockaded the El Sharara field for two months, had been calling for the establishment of a local council and the granting of national identity cards for tribesmen from the Tuareg minority.

The pipeline carrying condensates from Wafa oilfield to Mellitah port, co-operated

by Italy’s ENI in the west, has also been reopened after protesters briefly blocked the line, with output now at around 30,000 bpd, the NOC said. But the resumption of the southern El Sharara field was an important win for the government, and could lift Libya’s total output to 600,000 barrels a day. A wave of protests and strikes cut the OPEC member country’s total output to 250,000 bpd from 1.4 million in July.

Tripoli’s major challenge, though, remains in the east where armed protesters have taken over three key ports - Ras Lanuf, Es Sider and Zueitina, which previously accounted for 600,000 bpd in crude exports. —Reuters

KABUL: An Afghan woman negotiates with a chicken vendor at a market in Kabul yesterday. The chickens sell between 200 to 400 Afghanis ($4 - 8). — AFP

BRUSSELS: Euro-zone inflation fell to 0.8 percent in December from 0.9 percent in November, data showed yesterday, stoking fresh concerns over the risk of falling prices which could endanger growth prospects. In December 2012, inflation in the then 17-member euro-zone ran at 2.2 percent but it fell steadily, hitting a four-year low of 0.7 percent in October before picking up slightly in November.

The November report came as a relief after a series of reports suggested a modest euro-zone recovery was in trouble and then figures last month suggested the economy had indeed got through its soft spot. However, analysts said that yesterday’s report was fresh cause for concern, with core inflation-which excludes food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco-at a record low 0.7 percent in December, down from 0.9 percent.

December’s headline fall “will add to concerns that the region could suffer from a bout of deflation,” said Ben May at Capital Economics.

But it is the breakdown which “painted a more worrying picture,” May said, with the decline “entirely down to a drop in core inflation.”

Continued weak industrial producer pricesdown 0.1 percent in November after a fall of 0.5 percent in October-added to the negatives, he noted.

In total, the latest figures suggest inflation will remain “significantly below” the European Central Bank’s 2.0-percent target “for rather longer” than it expects,” May said.

The ECB cut its benchmark interest rate by half to a record low 0.25 percent in November in a surprise move after a slew of data showing the euro-zone economy slowing sharply.

After escaping a record 18-month recession in the second quarter with growth of 0.3 percent, the 17-nation euro-zone eked out a gain of just 0.1 percent in the third. Tough government austerity policies to combat the debt crisis have sucked demand out of the economy.

This has driven fears of deflation-falling prices in real terms-which can encourage consumers to put off buying goods in the expectation that if they wait, they will become cheaper. That in turn weakens the economy as companies reduce output accordingly, hitting employment and

demand, thereby setting off a downward spiral.

Howard Archer at IHS Global Insight said the December report “is particularly unwelcome news for the ECB as it takes inflation back down to the level where the bank felt compelled to cut interest rates ... in November.”

“While the ECB remains adamant that deflation ... is not a serious risk, it will undoubtedly be uncomfortable with this latest dip,” Archer said.

“The ECB would certainly like to see inflation back above 1.0 percent sooner rather than later,” he said, highlighting like May, the fall in core inflation. Archer said recent data on industrial and business activity may have eased some of the immediate pressure on the ECB but it will likely have to eventually take further action.

The Eurostat statistics agency said the largest gains in December prices were seen in food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco which rose 1.8 percent after an increase of 1.6 percent in November.

Energy prices were flat after falling 1.1 percent in November while services were up 1.0 percent compared with 1.4 percent. —AFP

HK property sales slip to 17-year low HONG KONG: The number of properties sold in Hong Kong fell by more than a third last year to a 17-year low as a surge in sales tax, designed to burst a price bubble, turned off buyers in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Despite steep discounts offered by the city’s influential property developers, the total number of sale and purchase agreements concluded in 2013 was 70,503, down 39 percent from 2012, according to the Hong Kong Land Registry.

The value of deals dropped 30 percent from a year earlier to HK$456 billion ($59 billion) and forecasters expect the downturn to continue this year. With local tycoons like Li Ka-shing warning of the impact on his property business last year, in November Deutsche Bank said Hong Kong home prices could drop up to 50 percent over the following 12 months.

Last February’s doubling of stamp duty, or tax, on residential transactions to as much as 8.5 percent of the sale value was designed to prick the city’s property bubble. But it has yet to stop the price of homes creeping up: according to property services firm Centaline Property, overall home prices edged up 3 percent for the year, and have jumped 120 percent since 2008.

That could change soon, making life tougher for the property development industry. “Since the new measure is still there, I don’t believe the worst is already over,” said Ricky Poon, executive director of residential sales at real estate services firm Colliers International in Hong Kong.

“Developers will have less and less in profit margins. That’s for sure,” Poon said. He forecast mass-market home prices will drop up to 20 percent in 2014.

Li’s Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd, the city’s secondlargest developer, offered price discounts of up to 25 percent for a new residential home development launched last weekend, one of the steepest cuts seen since new sales rules came into effect last April.

Price cuts ahead Despite predictions that the property market will remain in the doldrums for some time, Cheung Kong put on a brave face this week. It predicted prices could rebound by up to 10 percent amid a positive response to new housing developments. “The worst is over for the city’s housing market. You can see from the strong sales responses for the recent new project launches,” Cheung Kong’s executive director Justin Chiu Kwok-hung was quoted as saying in daily paper the South China Morning Post.

Analysts see little sign of that, instead forecasting further pressure on developers to lower prices as new home construction projects are completed.“There is zero chance that property prices will go up this year,” said CLSA property analyst Nicole Wong, adding that developers had already been forced to price homes in newly built properties some 20 to 30 percent below those for sale in older buildings. “In 2014 there will be pressure to cut prices further for inventory clearance,” Wong said. Supply for new homes may increase by up to 85 percent in 2014, she said. —Reuters

PARIS: French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici (L) and US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew attend a press conference following their meeting at the French Economy Ministry in Paris yesterday. —AFP

UK new car sales rise to highest level since 2007 LONDON: British new car sales rose to their highest level since 2007 last year, bucking a weak European trend to grow by 10.8 percent on the year, industry data for the continent’s second-largest car market shows.

Cheap finance was a major factor in helping to shift 2.265 million cars in 2013, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said yesterday, up from 2.045 million in 2012 and slightly beating its forecast for sales of 2.25 million. It also said billions of pounds in compensation paid to consumers by banks for past insurance mis-selling had helped some car-buyers fund deposits.

Sales in December alone were 24 percent up on the same month in 2012, though the industry expects this rate of growth to slow sharply this year as sales plateau at levels close to those reached before the financial crisis. The data caps a strong year for Britain’s economy. The British Chambers of Commerce, which conducts the country’s biggest quarterly business survey, said earlier on Tuesday that its latest figures pointed to 0.9 percent growth in the last three months of 2013 - potentially delivering the highest annual growth rate since 2007.

Car sales have grown strongly over the past two years after steep falls in 2008 and 2009, in a trend that pre-dated last year’s rapid economic recovery. Britain overtook France in 2012 as Europe’s second-biggest new car market after Germany. “While the European market is only now showing signs of improvement, the UK has consistently outperformed the rest of Europe with 22 consecutive months of growth,” said Mike

Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive.

Car sales were helped by incentives in December, said Richard Lowe, head of retail and wholesale banking at Barclays. He predicted a similarly strong start to 2104, but “a slower and steadier rate of growth over the course of the year when compared to the dramatic growth seen in 2013.”

Sales growth slowing The SMMT sees modest car sales growth of 1 percent for 2014, saying new sales are now close to their long-run average, though at the start of 2013 it was similarly cautious about the coming 12 months. “We expect new car registrations to remain stable in 2014 as customers return to a more regular replacement cycle,” Hawes said.

Car manufacturing in Britain is likely to continue to increase, however, with the SMMT predicting that British car production will exceed the peak of 1.72 million cars reached in 1972 by 2017. Production data for 2013 are due on Jan. 23, and will likely exceed 1.5 million for the first time in six years. Suppliers are starting to find it easier to get finance for investment, though skills shortages remain a constraint, Hawes said. But he said the government should take care that its efforts to reduce Britain’s budget deficit did not sap consumer demand.

Ford was Britain’s top-selling manufacturer in 2013, helped by its Fiesta supermini and mid-sized Focus models, followed by General Motors’ rival Vauxhall Corsa and Astra. Volkswagen, Nissan and BMW also recorded strong sales. —Reuters

Jobs market, shop spending bode well for Germany FRANKFURT: Unemployment in Germany held steady in December, as the labor market remains in good shape, boding well for consumption in Europe’s biggest economy this year, official data showed yesterday.

In headline terms, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Germany increased by 66,640 to 2.873 million in December, the federal labor office announced in a statement. That pushed the unemployment rate-which is the number of people out of work measured against the total of all people in jobs or available for work-up to 6.7 percent from 6.5 percent the month before.

But the increase was solely due to seasonal factors, such as lay-offs during the Christmas period. Adjusted for that, the number of people registered as unemployed in Europe’s top economy actually fell by

15,000 to 2.965 million last month.

And the seasonally-adjusted jobless rate was unchanged at 6.9 percent. “Developments on the labor market are very stable,” labor office chief Frank Weise said, insisting the labor market was in “fundamentally good shape.” Taking the year as a whole, the German jobless total rose by 53,000 to 2.950 million, and the jobless rate edged up to 6.9 percent in 2013 from 6.8 percent in 2012, the labor office said. But the decline in the jobless numbers for December alone was welcomed by analysts, especially after better-than-expected retail sales data earlier.

German shoppers seemed surprisingly keen to spend in November, the federal statistics office Destatis calculated. Retail sales, a closely watched measure of household confidence, increased by 1.5

percent in adjusted terms in November.

Analysts had been pencilling in a more modest increase of 0.6 percent. “More good news for German consumers: after a solid retail sales report for November, a robust jobs report for the end of the year provides further support for a strong finish to 2013 from consumer spending,” said Berenberg Bank economist Christian Schulz. He estimated that the drop in the December jobless total was the biggest monthly fall in two years and the first since July.

“Strong labor market data raise the chances of stronger wage growth in 2014 and thus higher consumption. Less unemployment also further alleviates the burden on the public purse and thus opens up room for more public investment as agreed by the new grand coalition government,” Schulz said. While the expert noted that the retail

sales data were volatile and subject to frequent revision, “a strong Christmas shopping season could still round off what otherwise looks like a fairly strong quarter for the economy,” Schulz said.

“Given the strong fundamental position of German households with low debt, rising incomes, low unemployment and low inflation, consumption should remain a robust contributor to German growth in 2013 and beyond,” he concluded. Natixis economist Johannes Gareis also took heart from the jobless data. “All in all, by remaining solid like a rock in 2014, the labor market will play a significant role in driving Germany’s domestic economy, especially private consumption,” Gareis said. Postbank economist Heinrich Bayer found that “given the very weak state of the economy at the turn of the year, the German labor market held up very well.” —AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

BUSINESS

Asian shares dip on soft US services data TOKYO: Asian shares stabilized yesterday after four straight days of losses, while the dollar rebounded from overnight weakness after disappointing US services sector data raised concerns about stuttering growth in the world’s largest economy.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was flat, and not far from a three-week low touched on Monday. Japan’s Nikkei index eased 0.2 percent, adding to a 2.4 percent slide on Monday, its first trading day of 2014.

US stocks slipped on Monday after a mixed batch of economic reports, resulting in the Standard & Poor’s 500 losing in the first three trading sessions of 2014 after ramping up 30 percent last year. Data from the Institute for Supply Management showed the pace of growth in the US services sector slowed for a second straight month in December with business activity expanding at a slower rate and new orders contracting.

A separate report from financial information firm Markit said its services sector purchasing managers index eased slightly in December from the prior month, but data from the US Commerce Department showed new orders for factory goods rebounded in November, as expected.

All eyes in the market will be on Friday’s nonfarm payrolls data, which will provide new clues on how well the US economy is recovering and how fast the Federal Reserve might unwind its stimulus program, which it began to taper last month, and how long it will keep its interest rates low.

“No more than 20 percent of investors think that there is a serious chance that the Fed will hike before the middle of 2015,” Steven Englander, global

head of G10 FX strategy at Citigroup, wrote in a note. “A nonfarm payroll print of 250,000 or more would raise alarm among investors that the recovery was getting out of hand and that the Fed would be behind the curve.”

He said commodity and emerging currencies would be sold off in such a scenario, while the euro and the Swiss franc could be a safe haven. The euro was steady at $1.3622, taking a pause after coming off a four-week low of $1.35715 set on Monday.

The greenback was up 0.2 percent at 104.47 yen, recouping some of Monday’s 0.6 percent decline after the soft US services data. Against a basket of major currencies, the dollar added 0.1 percent.

According to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, currency speculators pared bets in favour of the dollar in the week ended Dec. 31 to the lowest in about six weeks.

Before Friday’s jobs report, investors will focus on the minutes of the Fed’s December policy meeting, due out on Jan 8, and the European Central Bank’s policy gathering on Thursday. Late on Monday, the US Senate confirmed Janet Yellen, a key force behind the Fed’s unprecedented and controversial efforts to boost the US economy, as the next Fed chair to succeed Ben Bernanke, whose second fouryear term expires on Jan 31.

Among commodities, US crude futures added 0.3 percent to $93.70 a barrel after having fallen 0.6 percent overnight to a one-month low. Gold was steady at $1,238.05 an ounce, taking a breather after five straight days of gains and sitting not far from a three -week high of $1,248.30 set on Monday. — Reuters

CAIRO: Egyptian traders work on the floor of the stock market in Cairo. Egypt’s stock market completed a year of consistent growth this December, despite serious security issues, nearly 13 percent unemployment, rising prices and ongoing unrest. —AP

Gold steadies below 3-week high LONDON: Gold steadied below a threeweek high yesterday, attempting to extend gains to a sixth straight session, as funds rebalance weightings of gold at the start of the year, but gains were limited by a slightly higher dollar and firmer stock markets. Spot gold has gained 3 percent over the past six sessions, mostly due to a fall in equities after record 2013 gains.

The metal’s strength followed a 28 percent drop last year, its largest in more than three decades, as the US Federal Reserve announced plans to unwind ultra-loose monetary policy.

Analysts said that as the macroeconomic backdrop brightens, prices still look vulnerable to further losses, with the US stimulus tapering starting in January, the possibility of a stronger dollar and low inflation likely to continue to deter investor interest. In the short term, analysts said prices may gain some support from funds buying gold to rebalance their portfolios, after last year’s price drop reduced the metal’s value relative to other assets. “The index rebalancing may keep having an impact in the next few sessions but by mid-January that impact should be gone,” BofA Merrill Lynch analyst Michael Widmer said.

“I think the labor market report in the US is going to be important, but overall nothing has really changed in the gold market and people are still wondering why one would want to hold the asset.”

Spot gold was up 0.1 percent at $1,239.10 an ounce by 1057 GMT, not far from its three-week peak of $1,248.30 hit in the previous session. US gold futures for February delivery were unchanged at

$1,238.40 an ounce, after unusually sharp movements in the previous session, when prices fell 3 percent for a brief period before recovering. European shares steadied on Tuesday after fresh falls in Asia left stocks there at a near-four month low and disappointing US data had weighed on Wall Street. The dollar rebounded 0.1 percent against a basket of currencies after overnight weakness due to disappointing US services sector data that raised concerns about the country’s economic growth.

Traders will now focus on US nonfarm payrolls and trade numbers on Friday, which will be preceded by Wednesday’s minutes of the Federal Reserve’s December policy meeting. They are likely to draw added interest after Monday’s confirmation of Janet Yellen as the central bank’s new head.

Physical demand Physical demand from top buyers China and India picked up over the past sessions.

Indian officials are in talks to cut a record high import duty on gold and relax rules on exports, government sources said, after the measures helped narrow the country’s trade deficit but now threaten to encourage smuggling.

In China, premiums for 99.99 percent purity gold on the Shanghai Gold Exchange were steady at about $20 an ounce over London prices. Silver fell 0.4 percent to $20.04 an ounce, having risen to a fourweek high of $20.33 in the previous session.

The metal dropped 36 percent in 2013, its worst annual performance since at least 1982. — Reuters

Oil above $107 on Libya, US output may be hit LONDON: Oil rose above $107 a barrel yesterday after five straight declines supported by doubts about a recovery in Libyan output and as cold weather across the central United States threatened production. Libya’s navy opened fire after a tanker approached to load crude at the seized port of Es Sider, dampening the prospect of a further output recovery after the restart of the major El Sharara oilfield had led to a drop in prices.

“There is still no sign of any solution to the crisis that has been continuing for six months now, nor of any normalization of oil production,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank in Frankfurt. Brent crude had gained 41 cents to $107.14 by 1011 GMT, after settling lower in the previous five sessions, partly on expectations of rising Libyan exports. US crude was 39 cents higher at $93.82.

Production is building up at the 340,000barrel-per-day (bpd) El Sharara, which as of Monday was pumping 205,000 bpd. A return to full output will more than double Libyan production, which had fallen to 250,000 bpd

from 1.4 million bpd in July. Analysts said the field’s return was unlikely to push prices much lower. “I think the restart of production is priced in by now. Maybe it’s even overshot to the downside,” said Tony Nunan, oil risk manager at Mitsubishi Corp in Tokyo.

Oil was also supported by severe cold weather in the central United States that threatens to curtail some oil production as wells were stranded and drilling and fracking operations were interrupted.

Still, as of Monday, major US oil producers had only reported minor effects on their operations. Temperatures were forecast to return to normal levels in Texas and North Dakota by Wednesday. US crude oil stockpiles have fallen by more than 30 million barrels in the last five weeks - the biggest such decline since 1990 as Gulf Coast refiners drew down stocks to minimize year-end taxes. That trend could be broken this week as inventory reports from the American Petroleum Institute and the Energy Information Administration are expected to show a 2.2 million-barrel increase in supplies. — Reuters

Philippine inflation jumps after Haiyan MANILA: Devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan pushed inflation in the Philippines to a two-year high of 4.1 percent in December, the government said yesterday. Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said major food items rose across the board, especially in storm-hit areas. Haiyan lashed the central Philippines in November, leaving 8,000 people dead and missing and more than four million homeless. It also destroyed key infrastructure, which led to gridlocks that resulted in artificial supply crunches, the government said. “Almost all food items in the average consumer basket increased, which can be mainly attributed to the impact of Typhoon Yolanda

(the local name of Haiyan),” Balisacan said in a statement. “Some food items even reached double-digit inflation in the areas hardest hit by the typhoon,” he added.

He said December’s inflation was the highest since the 4.2 percent registered in December 2011. However, full-year inflation averaged 3.0 percent, which is at the low end of the government’s 3.05.0 percent target. Balisacan said that adding to inflation pressures were an uptick on oil prices as well as a 40 percent hike in generation charges imposed

by Manila Electric Co, which distributes power to Manila and its surrounding provinces. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

BUSINESS

US home prices tick up 0.1% in November WASHINGTON: US home prices barely rose in November from the previous month and year-over-year gains slowed, reflecting declines in sales. Real estate data provider CoreLogic says prices increased just 0.1 percent in November from October. That’s down slightly from October and far below August 0.9 percent gain.

The figures aren’t adjusted for seasonal patterns, such as cold winter weather that typically slows sales. Home prices have risen at a healthy 11.8 percent from a year ago, CoreLogic says. But

that’s the smallest yearly gain since March. Rising home prices and higher mortgage rates held back sales at the end of last year. Existing home sales have fallen from September through November.

Overall, 2013 represented the best year for housing since the financial crisis.

Once December’s figures are released, home prices will likely have risen 11.5 percent last year, according to Mark Fleming, CoreLogic’s chief economist.

That would be the biggest gain since 2005. Most economists expect sales and

Commodity weekly update

Flying start for precious metals, not so for crude oil

T

Gold finds support The yellow metal was on track for its best weekly performance since October not least helped by reduced selling appetite as a new trading year began.

On the last trading day of 2013 sellers went looking for stops below the recent low at $1,187/ounce but the failure to breach the 2013 low at 1,180/ounce quickly attracted some buying interest and since then some additional buying has moved it back above 1,200/ounce and into relative safety.

The buying so far this year has been most noticeable in Asian trading hours which has raised expectations that demand from the region will remain firm again this year. The premium paid for taking immediate delivery of gold in China has risen to $23 an ounce which is almost $7 higher than the average during December and the lifting of some import restrictions on December 31 by the Reserve Bank of India could also spur renewed demand. Additional support has come from stabilizing bond markets after the recent sell-off which resulted in US 10-year bond yields reaching a 2.5 year high.

Speculative short selling by hedge funds increased almost four-fold by 5.7

gests sales are already starting to level off. The Realtors’ group said last week that its index of pending home sales ticked up slightly in November after falling for five straight months.

Economists blame higher mortgage rates for dragging down sales. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose last week to 4.53 percent from 4.48 percent the previous week, the third straight gain.

Rates jumped about 1.25 percentage points from May through September, peaking at 4.6 percent. That increase

occurred after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke indicated that the Fed would start to slow its bond-buying program before the end of the year. The purchases are intended to lower longterm interest rates and spur more borrowing and spending.

At its December meeting, the Fed said it would cut its $85 billion monthly purchases in January by $10 billion a month. Interest rates have risen since then, reflecting greater optimism about the economy and the impact of the Fed’s move. —AP

Yellen faces challenges as US Fed trims bond buys New chief eyes different economic landscape

By Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy, Saxo Bank he first (and truncated) trading week of 2014 kicked off with gains for gold and silver, some of the biggest losers in 2013, while the energy sector relinquished some of its gains from the last few weeks of December. As we enter the New Year, growth expectations are elevated with global manufacturing activity in December running at its best level since April 2011.

Will history repeat itself and result in another strong January performance for the fourth year in a row for key commodities such as platinum, silver and copper to Brent crude and gasoline? The early signs are supportive for the metals but often we have seen the price direction during the first few trading days of the year turn out to be the wrong one.

The energy sector, however, could be the one struggling the most to achieve the same positive results with the current lack of any major geopolitical issues together with increased supply, especially from North America and the potential resumption of Libyan exports all keeping a lid on prices.

As the table below shows the past week has seen rising prices among all the precious metals with silver on top followed by platinum, gold and palladium. The DJ UBS precious metals index lost more than thirty percent in 2013 with silver and gold being the biggest casualties. That move last year signaled the abrupt halt to gold’s multi-year rally which since 2001 had yielded an average annual return of close to 15 percent.

At the bottom of the table several energy futures can be found, especially gasoline and the two crude oil contracts of Brent and WTI. Robusta coffee dropped by the most in almost two years as it continue to be sold on the expectation of a record production from Vietnam, the world’s largest producer of this particular bean.

Up until mid-December farmers in the country had been holding back production in the hope of achieving higher prices but as soon supplies began to be delivered for export the price quickly began to correct and so far more than 50 percent of the November to December rally has been given back.

Copper was one of the best performing commodities in December as it reacted to rising growth prospects in the US and sustained growth prospects in China, the world’s two largest consumers. Supporting the move has been the continued drop in inventories at warehouses monitored by the two major futures exchanges in London and Shanghai.

Inventories on the London Metal Exchange and the Shanghai futures exchange both fell to the lowest in a year according to the most recent data from December 31. With the focus on copper in recent months having been mostly centered on the prospect for increased availability of supply, the continued pickup in demand as evidenced through the drop in inventory levels has forced traders to switch their focus.

Having reached a six month high some profit taking can now be expected, not least on the expected outlook for increased supply over the coming months which will help rebuild inventory levels.

prices to rise in 2014, but more slowly than last year. Sales of existing homes should reach 5.1 million in 2013, the National Association of Realtors forecasts. That would be up 10 percent from the previous year and the most since 2006. It’s still below the 5.5 million generally associated with healthy housing markets. Most economists expect sales and prices to keep rising this year, but at a slower pace. They forecast sales and prices will likely rise around 5 percent, down from double-digit gains in 2013.

A measure of signed contracts sug-

million ounces during November and December and the failed selling attempt and the subsequent bounce will have rattled a few weak shorts and helped the rally along. Whether it will be enough to see the price move back above the key resistance at $1,268/ounce remains doubtful, also considering that flows in Exchange Traded Products have remained negative during the first few trading days of 2014.

Fundamentals support platinum Platinum has kicked off the year with strong gains which has resulted in the premium over gold rising to 13 percent which is the highest level since July 2011. A global supply deficit combined with the risk of labor unrest in South Africa, the world’s largest producer, and China’s attempt to expand its clean air efforts by focusing on reducing vehicle emissions, could all play into the hands of those looking for investments in this sector.

Crude oil support The two global crude oil benchmarks of Brent and WTI ran into heavy selling during the first week of January. Key to the move lower was the lack of speculative buyers who had been supporting the price in order to achieve a good end of year result, together with a rising dollar and not least the news from Libya that a three-month strike at the 300,000 barrel per day facility of Al-Sharara will be lifted. The strike will, however, resume again in two weeks if several key demands are not being met by the government. The oil-rich eastern part of the country is still not showing any signs of progress towards resumption of production and thus we continue to see Libya’s production falling far short of previous levels.

Libyan oil production has been running at a fraction of its capability since last summer after protests at production sites and key ports broke out. From a post-revolution peak at 1.6 million barrels per day in July 2012, production began to slow and during the past couple of months it has hovered around just 200,000 barrels per day and this has been one of the key reasons behind the price support for Brent Crude during this time.

During December, Brent Crude has twice tried and failed each time to gain a foothold above $112/barrel and with this latest development resistance at that level has increased further. January, as mentioned earlier, has proven very profitable for investors in Brent Crude over the past three years, during which time it has been averaging a return of 4.6 percent. The combination of raised growth expectations and not least elevated geopolitical concerns help drive prices higher during this time.

As we begin 2014 the outlook for oil supply and demand looks very well balanced and supply growth may actually exceed demand growth for the first time in a number of years, not least due to the continued increase in non-OPEC supply especially from non-conventional production techniques in North America. Against this outlook, the upside potential for crude oil seems limited, but stubborn supply disruptions have so far kept the market supported. If the latest news from Libya results in a normalisation of supplies from the country holding Africa’s largest reserves this should eventually help the price of Brent Crude to settle into a lower range than what has been seen in the previous couple of years. The selling of Brent Crude was halted ahead of support at $107.50/barrel being its 200-day moving average but the subsequent bounce is now expected to run out of steam ahead of $110/barrel with the most likely outcome being the establishment of a new range where support can be found at $105/barrel ahead of $103/barrel, the November low.

WASHINGTON: Janet Yellen will take the helm of a US Federal Reserve facing a significantly different economic landscape than the one that dominated Ben Bernanke’s tenure as chairman, confronting her with different decisions as well.

Bernanke’s eight years leading the central bank were largely consumed with the Great Recession and his efforts to cure it by pushing down interest rates and pumping cash into the economy. Many economists think Yellen’s big challenge will be deciding how to ease off some of those very policies, which Bernanke took with Yellen’s support.

“Circumstances may demand more rapid tightening than people are expecting,” said Bill Cheney, chief economist for John Hancock Financial Services, who envisions a growing economy this year. He contrasted that with Bernanke, who he said had to decide “when to step on the gas pedal and how hard” as the economy recovered weakly from the recession.

The Senate confirmed Yellen, a long-time Fed official and economist at the University of California at Berkeley, by a 56-26 vote Monday.

Supporting her were all 45 voting Democrats and 11 Republicans, while all opposing votes came from Republicans. Many senators missed the vote because frigid weather canceled numerous airline flights.

Yellen begins her four-year term Feb. 1, when Bernanke steps down. She has been Fed vice chair since 2010. Nominated by President Barack Obama to the top job in October, Yellen comes to the post after a career in which she has focused in part on unemployment and its causes. Obama and congressional Democrats lauded her concerns for workers Monday.

In a written statement, Obama said Yellen’s approval means “the American people will have a fierce champion who understands that the ultimate goal of economic and financial policymaking is to improve the lives, jobs and standard of living of American workers and their families.”

Many Republicans were less enthusiastic.

Sen. Charles Grassley warned that a continuation of the Fed’s easy money policies “risks fueling an economic bubble and even hyper-inflation,” which he said could cause “real and lasting damage to our economy.”

House Financial Ser vices Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling announced that he will hold hearings on the Fed’s bond buying program and on the “potential unintended consequences” of the Volcker rule. That rule,

WASHINGTON: Dr Janet Yellen speaks during her confirmation hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee as US President Barack Obama’s choice to head the Federal Reserve on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. — AFP approved by the Fed and other agencies, is aimed at preventing many large banks from trading for their own profit in hopes of preventing practices that helped lead to the 2008 financial meltdown.

Labor market Lobbyists for the banking and financial services sectors issued statements pledging to work with Yellen. Both industries have led a fight to water down restrictions imposed by Obama’s 2010 law overhauling how the nation’s financial system is regulated. The Fed announced in December that the labor market has improved enough that it will begin reducing its $85 billion in monthly bond purchases, starting with a $10 billion reduction this month. It has pushed that money into the economy to try keeping long-term interest rates low. But Yellen will face questions about how to manage that process.

Moving too fast could spook financial markets and shove interest rates higher, while withdrawing the bonds too slowly could risk creating bubbles - that might burst - in real estate, the stock market or other assets. The bond purchases have ballooned the Fed’s holdings over $4 trillion. That leaves Yellen with decisions about

how to wind down the central bank’s balance sheet to a smaller, more normal level without destabilizing financial markets used to the huge cash infusions.

Yellen also will have to decide when and how to ease off short-term interest rates, which the Fed has kept near zero since December 2008. To assure investors that those rates won’t precipitously rise, the Fed has repeatedly issued statements saying that policy will continue. Last month, the Fed said the low rates will continue “well past” when the unemployment rates falls to 6.5 percent. Unemployment was 7 percent in November and many economists think the low interest rates will last until late 2015.

Yellen will also guide the Fed at a time when some Republicans say the central bank needs to be more accountable to Congress. Hensarling has already said his committee will spend a year reviewing Fed operations. Last week, Bernanke voiced concerns about legislation giving the Government Accountability Office, Congress’ auditing arm, more power to examine how the Fed makes interest rate decisions. Bernanke said such legislation would make it harder to assure markets that its decisions aren’t influenced by political pressure. — AP

Turkish yield curve inverts on rate hike speculation

ISLAMABAD: Vehicles are parked outside a filling station in Islamabad yesterday.

Pakistan’s economy has been hit by a perilous fuel crisis as its domestic gas supplies are insufficient to meet demand, while mismanagement and corruption have left the energy sector in dire straits. — AFP

Showdown in US Congress over jobless benefits likely WASHINGTON: The US senate yesterday prepared for a showdown vote on whether to extend unemployment benefits for an estimated 1.3 million people. As the 2014 midterm election year begins, the White House has made it a major issue to renew benefits that lapsed last month for the long-term jobless. President Barack Obama was expected to speak yesterday.

Republicans remain unenthusiastic about supporting the legislation without changes. The three-month extension of benefits is part of a Democratic program ahead of the November election in which control of Congress is at stake. Other issues for Democrats include raising the minimum wage, closing tax loopholes on the wealthy and corporations, and enacting other measures designed to demonstrate sympathy with those who suffered during the worst recession in decades.

Bad weather prevented more than a dozen senators from traveling to Washington on Monday evening, so the

showdown vote was postponed until yesterday. Democratic supporters of the threemonth extension of jobless benefits need 60 votes to advance the White Housebacked bill under Senate procedural rules.

Some Republicans weren’t optimistic.

“Spending $6.5 billion in three months without trying to find ways to pay for it or improve the underlying policy is irresponsible and takes us in the wrong direction,” said Sen. Bob Corker. As drafted, the bill would restore between 14 weeks and 47 weeks of benefits averaging $256 weekly to an estimated 1.3 million long-term jobless who were affected when the program expired Dec. 28.

Without action by Congress, thousands more each week would feel the impact as their state-funded benefits expire, generally after 26 weeks. Sen Jack Reed said many affected are middle-class, middle-aged people who never thought they would wind up in the situation of long-term unemployment.—AP

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s government bond yield curve has inverted for the first time in six months, suggesting a growing number of traders are betting the central bank will be forced into a large interest rate hike to support the lira. The yield on twoyear lira government bonds was quoted at 10.23 percent on Tuesday, a touch higher than 10-year bonds at 10.16 percent, traders said.

The break with the normal pattern of investors accepting lower yields to hold shorter-term bonds reflects intense pressure on Turkish markets. The lira has weakened more than 7 percent against the U.S. dollar since the end of November because of a corruption scandal shaking the government, as well as on a general move to shift capital out of emerging markets. While some euro zone bond curves have inverted in the last few years at times when investors feared countries might soon default on their debt, Turkey’s ability to repay is not a concern, the traders said. Fitch Ratings warned in a report yesterday that the scandal had the capacity to weaken Turkey’s creditworthiness eventually, but said that so far there had been no impact on the country’s BBB- rating or its wider economic outlook. Instead, some traders think the Turkish central bank, which has so far resisted the idea of major monetary tightening, will be forced into it at some time in coming months by high inflation and the need to support the lira.

“Turkish short-term bond yields have breached long-term yields because markets are pricing in a rate hike from central bank,” said Ugur Kucuk, fixed income strategist at IS Investment.

“The central bank clearly stated that they will not give a policy response to lira weakness. However, we think the central bank may need to respond to rising inflation after the latest tax hikes and the forex pass-through effect,” he said. Lira weakness feeds inflation by raising prices of imported goods.

The last time that the government bond curve inverted was in July 2013, when the spread between two- and 10-year bonds was minus 5 basis points, traders said. Before that there was a 10 bp inversion in April 2012, and an inversion of as much as 160 bps between August and October 2011. The inversions in 2013 and 2011 both preceded interest rate hikes.

In October 2011 the central bank announced a dramatic reversal of its dovish policy, raising its overnight lending rate by 350 bps to fight a surge of inflation.

Although the central bank lifted the overnight lending rate by 125 bps to 7.75 percent in the second half of last year, it has resisted market pressure for much larger hikes - many in the market think rate rises of 300 or even 400 bps from current levels may be needed to stabilize the lira. With the government facing local and presidential elections in March and August, it does not to see higher interest rates hurting mortgage-payers and construction companies which have taken on heavy debt.—Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

BUSINESS

Exclusive for Privilege banking customers NBK Visa Signature Credit Card, the first of its kind in Kuwait KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) introduced a new edition to its suite of credit cards, the NBK Visa Signature Credit Card. This card is the first of its kind in Kuwait and is being offered exclusively for Privilege Banking customers.

NBK and Visa Worldwide partnered to provide NBK’s Privilege Banking customers with a superior credit card, the

new NBK Visa Signature Credit Card. The card is especially designed to meet the lifestyle and needs of its holders and provide them with a new banking experience.

The new NBK Visa Signature Credit Card provides NBK Privilege Banking customers with a variety of features and exclusive benefits, that include compli-

mentary access to over 35 of the most prominent airport lounges, local and global concierge services, free travel insurance coverage up to $500,000, free valet parking, luxury lifestyle offers and instant discounts locally and globally that cover travel, dining, shopping and entertainment.

NBK continually strives to provide its

customers with the most exclusive and sophisticated products and services. NBK Visa Signature Credit Card complements NBK’s large variety of credit cards that are tailored for every NBK customer.

NBK Credit Cards provide an array of benefits that cater to your lifestyle needs, and offer you special services locally and globally, so you can enjoy convenience

and peace of mind whether you’re in Kuwait or abroad.

NBK Credit Cards are accepted worldwide and are the safest, most convenient and rewarding way to pay. For more information log onto nbk.com or contact Hala Watani on 1801 801, or follow NBK on Twitter @NBKPage, and on Instagram @NBKPage.

Riyadh witnesses rise in 5-star hotel developments Qasr Al-Aqeeq Hotel poised to become a landmark

ABK presents its services at KOC KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait offers a multitude of banking services with exclusive privileges for its customers. The Bank will be present at the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) headquarters until Thursday the 9th of January to introduce its products and services to KOC employees, and to showcase essential benefits that can be availed upon salary transfer or when using an ABK Emirates credit card.

The Bank also offers an attractive package of gifts and services upon salary trans-

fer. To begin with, a cash prize of KD 100, the ABK Emirates Visa Gold credit card free of charge for the first year, free travel insurance, free checkbook for the first time, and amazing discounts through the ABK Advantage program at various retail outlets.

For more information about ABK’s products and services, please visit any ABK branch, or call the customer service centre Ahlan Ahli 1899899 or visit www.eahli.com and chat directly with a customer service representative via Ahli Chat.

RIYADH: As regional players are poised to take on more visitors ahead of the reviving economy, Riyadh is increasingly becoming a hub for logistics with a steady increase in demand for luxury properties and developments and this trend is clearly evident in the uptake of high quality development projects being witnessed.

Confirming this positive trend, Dewan Architects & Engineers, a regional and international leader in providing architecture and engineering consultancy services, has confirmed its’ progress on the design of the Qasr Al-Aqeeq Hotel Project by Al-Aqeeq Real Estate Development - the 15-storey, five-star hotel and residences complex which is set to become a landmark building in Riyadh, KSA. Strategically located between Makkah AlMukarama Road and Takhassusi Street, the development comprises 198 guestrooms and wings, in addition to 70 luxurious serviced apartments. Upon completion, guests and residents will enjoy facilities that include 5-star dining venues, leisure facilities such as a gym and spa, swimming pool areas, a kids’ club, retail and coffee shops, and hairdressing services. Commercial guests can take advantage of a fully-equipped banquet hall that can seat a thousand people, supported by a business center and meeting rooms ideal for hosting conferences, banquets and exhibitions.

Complementing Dewan’s underlying design philosophy - a fusion of functionality with superior aesthetic form and ecological responsibility to create distinctive, eminent buildings - Qasr Al-Aqeeq project by Al-Aqeeq Real Estate Development’s appeal is largely to be found in the simplicity and elegance of its design. The architects envisaged multiple interconnected layers, joined to create one building mass comprising the hotel and serviced apartments.

Commenting on Al-Aqeeq Real Estate Development Hotel project, Mohamed AlAssam, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Dewan said, “As it has been since Dewan’s inception, our mission is to be recognized for the exceptional quality of our work, both in terms of design and construction supervision. Qasr Al-Aqeeq’s inspirational design, both in form and function, makes it

poised to be a new landmark in Riyadh without compromising on the usability of the building’s spaces, nor on ecological sustainability. It is a building we can be proud to leave to future generations. This luxury hotel will be operated by an international 5-star hotel operator which will be announced in due time by Al-Aqeeq.”

Styled in glass and blended with layers of concrete, the development will be a unique and visually appealing addition to Riyadh’s skyline, instantly distinctive when viewed up close and from afar. From the inside looking out, meanwhile, residents and guests will be treat-

ed to spectacular panoramic views of the capital from the building’s lifts as they travel from its lobby to the upper floors.

The Al-Aqeeq Real Estate Development Hotel project is the latest in a line of signature ventures undertaken by Dewan in Saudi Arabia as it continues to strengthen its’ position in the Kingdom with projects in Riyadh, Khobar and Jeddah. The country has enjoyed a boom over the last few years: its construction sector grew at an average of 10 percent in 2010-12, with signs of even greater acceleration in 2013 and 2014.

Jazeera Airways reports November 2013 operational performance

AMIENS: A worker leaves the Goodyear plant in Amiens, northern France, yesterday, where two Goodyear bosses have been held captive overnight by workers. Goodyear has tried to sell or shutter the plant for the last five years, and it has become an emblem of France’s labor issues. —AP

Goodyear, French workers face off over ‘bossnapping’ AMIENS: US tyre giant Goodyear was locked in a bitter face-off yesterday with workers at a French factory who have been holding captive two executives for 24 hours in a last-ditch bid to save their jobs.

Led by the CGT union, the workers were refusing to release the head of production and director of human resources at the plant in the northern city of Amiens, while Goodyear said it would not negotiate as long as the two were still detained. “Management at GDTF (Goodyear Dunlop Tires France) will not take part in any meeting with employee representatives as long as two of its managers remain locked up,” it told AFP, refusing to comment further.

Union representatives insisted that the two would not be freed “until there is a meeting”, adding that the two men-director of production Michel Dheilly and HR head Bernard Glesser-were being treated well. The practice of so-called “bossnappings” to protest layoffs was rampant in France at the height of the financial crisis.

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy vowed to stamp it out but failed to take any concrete action and militants employing the tactic know they are unlikely to face any serious legal repercussions.

The Goodyear plant in Amiens employs 1,173 people, and all are threatened with lay-offs after the firm officially put an end to an obligatory consultation process in November.

The company and unions have been locked in tense negotiations since 2007 over restructuring and lay-off plans, but

proposals put forward by the firm have all been rejected by the CGT. One proposal that was abandoned in 2012 was a plan for voluntary redundancies, and the CGT now hopes to bring an improved version of the plan back to the table. According to Mickael Mallet, a CGT member, the two executives were getting as much food and water as they wanted.

“They have their mobiles, they are communicating with their families. They are free to move around within the factory, but cannot leave the site,” he said, adding between 100 and 150 workers had also spent the night on site. “If we let them go, it’s as if we had done nothing.”

France’s main employers organisation, the Medef, denounced the bossnapping as “violent, completely against the principles of dialogue and negotiation”, while the head of US tyre firm Titan International, who has offered to partially take over the plant, labelled it a “kidnapping”.

“In the United States, that would be called a kidnapping. These people would be arrested. It’s a very serious crime, you risk life in prison. But in France, your government does nothing, it’s crazy,” Maurice Taylor told Europe 1 radio, in comments translated into French.

Taylor, known as “the Grizz” for his tough talk, made waves in 2013 when he wrote a letter to the French industrial renewal minister calling French workers lazy and overpaid after years of negotiations by Titan to take over the plant had failed. Months later, he backtracked and offered to partially take over the plant, in a plan that could preserve 333 jobs at the site for four years or more. —AFP

KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways yesterday released its November 2013 Operational Performance Report, which shows that the airline led in on-time performance (OTP) against all other airlines in the Middle East during the month of November 2013, with a performance of 95.92 percent, as ranked by the independent US-based OTP tracker, FlightStats.

The November 2013 report, which is based on official figures and statistics from Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA), also shows that the cities of Jeddah, Al Najaf and Mashhad, known for religious tourism, have seen the strongest increase in number of flown passengers from November last year.

Jazeera Airways saw a 69 percent increase in flown passengers on the Kuwait-Jeddah route in November, compared to the same month last year. The airline grabbed a 13 per-

cent market share on the route in November 2013.

Flown passengers on the KuwaitAl Najaf route increased by 83 percent from November last year.

Jazeera Airways was the first airline in Kuwait and Iraq to launch flights between the two countries in April 2012 with flights between Kuwait and the holy city of Al Najaf. The airline continues to lead on this route with a 66 percent market share this month.

On the Kuwait-Mashhad route, Jazeera Airways saw a 24 percent increase in flown passengers from November last year. The airline grabbed the leading market share of 27 percent on the route during the month this year.

The report also shows that Jazeera Airways was the leading airline serving the Kuwait-Amman route in the month of November with a 42 percent market share. The airline’s flown passengers increased

by 10 percent from November 2012.

The report also shows that Jazeera Airways grabbed a 37 percent on the Kuwait-Beirut route, a 13 percent market share on the Kuwait-Dubai route, a 9 percent market share on the Kuwait-Bahrain route and 11 percent market share on the Kuwait-Riyadh route.

On routes serving Egyptian cities, Jazeera Airways grabbed a 23 percent market share on the Kuwait-Cairo route, a 67 percent market share on the Kuwait-Luxor route, a 48 percent market share on the Kuwait-Assiut route, a 36 percent market share on the KuwaitSohag route, and a 16 percent market share on the Kuwait-Alexandria route.

Flights to the seasonal destinations of Istanbul and Sharm El Sheikh ended in the first week of November and will resume end of March.

Established in 2005, Jazeera Airways Group is a Kuwait Stock Exchange-listed company. The company has 14 fully-owned Airbus A320s in operation, distributed between its airline business, Jazeera Airways (which operates eight aircraft), and its fully-owned leasing business, Sahaab Aircraft Leasing (which operates six aircraft).

Sahaab has assets placed with Virgin America, SriLankan Airlines, Nasair and Jazeera Airways.

In 2012, the airline carried 1.1 million passengers in total across its network that includes today highdemand business, leisure, family, and weekend destinations such as Dubai, Bahrain, Beirut, Alexandria, Amman, Damascus, Istanbul, Sharm El Sheikh, Assiut, Luxor, Mashhad, Sohag, Jeddah, Riyadh, Cairo and Al Najaf.

Jazeera Airways is an IATA member airline and operates one of the youngest Airbus A320 fleets in the Middle East.

Burgan Bank announces Value account draw winner KUWAIT: Burgan Bank yesterday announced Chockalingam Somasundaram as the winner of its Value Account draw.

The lucky winner took home a cash prize of KD4000.

The Value Account has been re-launched with more added value features that have been designed for expatriates living in Kuwait. Account holders can now obtain a free credit card for one year, apply for a loan, and receive a chance to win KD4,000 on a quarterly basis. All expatriates with salaries of KD 150 and above are eligible to be a Value account holder.

Burgan Bank’s renewed Value account presents a range of features that are unique to the Kuwaiti market, and these include attractive exchange rates for the dollar while remitting money back home from AlMuzzaini Exchange Company as well as a

broad range of merchant discounts.

Opening a Value account is simple, customers are required to visit their nearest Burgan Bank branch, or simply call the bank’s Call Center 1804080 for more details. For further information visit www.burgan.com Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the youngest commercial Bank and third largest by assets in Kuwait, with a significant focus on the corporate and financial institutions sectors, as well as having a growing retail and private bank customer base.

Burgan Bank has five majority owned subsidiaries, which include Gulf Bank Algeria - AGB (Algeria), Bank of Baghdad BOB (Iraq & Lebanon), Jordan Kuwait Bank JKB (Jordan) Tunis International Bank - TIB (Tunisia), and fully owned Burgan Bank Turkey, (collectively known as the “Burgan Bank Group”).

The Bank has continuously improved its performance over the years through an expanded revenue structure, diversified funding sources, and a strong capital base.

The adoption of state-of-the-art services and technology has positioned it as a trendsetter in the domestic market and within the MENA region.

Burgan Bank’s brand has been created on a foundation of real values - of trust, commitment, excellence and progression, to remind us of the high standards to which we aspire. ‘People come first’ is the foundation on which its products and services are developed. Earlier this year, ‘Brand Finance’ - the international brand valuation company- rated Burgan Bank brand as AA with positive outlook.? The rating places Burgan Bank Brand at 2nd amongst the most valuable banking brands in Kuwait.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

technology

Voxx sees iris scans putting password era to bed LAS VEGAS: Voxx International wants iris recognition technology to render passwords obsolete, offering a “one in two trillion” level of online security.

The US-based consumer electronics company once known as Audiovox on Monday unveiled myris, a hockey-puck size gadget that allows a gaze to be the key to unlocking a computer, teller machine, or any other device needing a password.

“Only DNA is more accurate than iris identity authentication,” Voxx Electronics

president Tom Malone said while introducing myris, which was made in collaboration with biometrics firm EyeLock. “The chance of a false match is one in more than two trillion.”

Myris scans eyes and converts each individual’s unique identifying data into an encrypted code, according to Voxx.

The device can then be plugged into USB ports to access machines or online accounts with one’s eyes.

“Photos or video recordings of faces

won’t work,” Malone said during a press event here on the eve of the formal start of the international Consumer Electronics Show. “This is truly the elimination of passwords.”

Voxx billed myris as the first consumerfacing version of the technology, which had been kept out of reach by complexity and cost. While not releasing pricing, Malone said myris will be available at affordable prices through retailers.

He envisioned the technology being

put to use to safeguard bank accounts, hospital records, and other valuable personal data as well as for people’s devices and online services.

“Identity theft is a worldwide problem and we have a global solution,” Malone said. “To say biometrics is a growth category is an understatement.”

Iris authentication has been available to corporations and enterprises for years, but no platform has been simple enough for consumers to use in everyday situations,

according to Voxx.

“Eyelock is the only iris authentication technology to employ fast motion video and dual eye authentication, allowing us to provide a more seamless, simple and userfriendly experience, with unparalleled levels of security,” said Eyelock chief executive officer Jim Demitrieus.

“Partnering with VOXX Electronics guarantees our technology will reach the broadest possible audience and propel digital security into the next era.” — AFP

Toyota to launch ‘car of the future’ in US in 2015 LAS VEGAS: Toyota said Monday it plans to launch a fuel-cell car in the United States next year, declaring the hydrogen vehicle with zero emissions “the car of the future.”

Toyota Motor Sales vice president Bob Carter said the initial market will be California, together with an initiative to establish hydrogen refueling stations in key regions of the state.

“In 2015, we will bring this car to market,” Carter said in the announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The vehicle, yet to be named, would be a “zero-emission, electric-drive, mid-size, four-door sedan.” “Functionally, this is a regular car,” he added.

The streamlined design is to maximize oxygen intake for the fuel-cell process. It will be able to travel 300 miles (480 kilometers) on a single fueling, which would take three to five minutes.

While carmakers have long touted the advantages of fuel cells, high production costs and a lack of fuel stations have held back the technology.

Carter said however that Toyota had been getting results from its major investments and added that “we believe we can bring it in at a very reasonable price for a lot of people.”

Government initiatives in California were making progress in getting hydrogen

fueling stations in needed areas, he added.

More details “The issue of infrastructure is not so much about how many, but rather location, location, location,” he said.

“Fuel cells will be in our future sooner than many people believe... and in much greater numbers than anyone expected.”

Toyota unveiled a prototype last year at the Tokyo auto show, but on Monday offered more details for its plans for the US market.

Honda is also expected to roll out a fuelcell car in the US market in 2015, and other automakers are working on the technology, which emits only water vapor as exhaust.

Honda already has a fuel-cell car, the FCX Clarity, available on a small scale in a limited number of markets.

Carter said that Toyota and California officials plan to add 20 new fuel stations by 2015 to the 10 existing ones. The goal is to have about 100 in the state, and to have a station within a six-minute drive of an owner’s home or business.

“This infrastructure thing is going to happen,” he said.

“I believe this vehicle will be the car of the future.” It is expected to launch in Japan at about the same time. — AFP

LAS VEGAS: Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell car is seen at a press conference at 2014 International CES, yesterday in Las Vegas. Toyota said it plans to launch the yet to be named fuel-cell car in the United States next year, declaring the hydrogen vehicle with zero emissions “the car of the future.” —- AFP

‘Power to gas’ mechanism to produce fuel gas GENEVA: The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) said yesterday that the greenhouse gas CO2 and the renewable hydrogen produced from photovoltaic systems and wind turbines can be used to produce methane, which can be stored and distributed in the natural gas network.

Empa researchers succeeded in further optimising this process, which is based on “power to gas” technology to produce gas fuel, is a key concept when it comes to storing alternative energy, said Empa in a new study released from Empa Headquarters in Duebendorf, near Zurich.

According to Emp), the methanation process uses CO2 and hydrogen (H2) from excess renewable electricity to produces methane, which can not only be distributed simply and cost-effectively in the natural gas network, but can also be stored for longer periods of time.

This means renewable energy is being

used to produce a “quasi-fossil” fuel the basic principle of “power to gas”.

The reaction, which produces combustible methane from hydrogen and CO2, has been known for a long time. Now researchers in the Empa “Hydrogen and Energy” Department have succeeded in greatly optimising the process.

A catalyst is required to bring about the reaction of CO2 with hydrogen using as little energy as possible; this catalyst can, for example, be made of nickel. The gas molecules react more easily with each other on the surface of such a catalyst, reducing the energy required for the reaction to take place. This is referred to as sorption catalysis. Empa researcher, Andreas Borgschulte, and his team have now combined a nanoscale nickel catalyst with a zeolite.

Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates with the ability to absorb water molecules and release them again when heated. — KUNA

LAS VEGAS: A model stands next to a display of Samsung’s curved 4K UHD TVs during a preview event at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Samsung Electronics Co., the world’s largest maker of TVs, said Monday that it is tackling the problem of getting ultra-high-definition content to its new TV sets by teaming up with the Internet streaming services of Comcast, Netflix and Amazon. —-AP

New software battle coming to smart TVs NEW YORK: More choice - and confusion - is coming to the next generation of TVs. At least three new software systems were announced Monday for Internet-connected television sets, which let viewers watch Internet video and interact with friends online on the big screen. The new smart TV operating systems will compete with software already available from Google and individual TV manufacturers.

The slew of options is in contrast to the smartphone market, where just two operating systems - Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android - dominate.

But more consumer choice will also mean more difficulties for services such as Hulu and Netflix to write apps. As a result, app selection on any given TV will be limited.

To fully enjoy the range of Internet video on the TV, many consumers will still have to buy a separate device such as Apple TV and Roku - and then figure out how to install it. Those devices cost about $100, though Google sells a $35 Chromecast device with fewer features.

TV manufacturers have been pushing smart TVs to give consumers a reason to upgrade their sets more frequently. The Internet capability also keeps the TV central to households, even as people spend more time watching Internet video.

But so far, apps on smart TVs aren’t as extensive as what’s found on phones and stand-alone streaming devices, in part because no one operating system has enough users to make it a priority for app makers.

“I keep hoping we will see convergence,” said Colin Dixon, chief analyst at nScreen Media, a research firm in Sunnyvale, Calif. “Unfortunately we keep seeing the number of operating systems . increasing, not decreasing.”

‘A royal pain’ Chet Kanojia, whose Aereo online television service has been trying to expand onto more devices, said the tendency for TV set manufacturers to differentiate their systems with unique features turns app development into “a royal pain.”

That’s because Aereo’s engineers have to write

new apps for each one.

The announcements at the International CES gadget show in Las Vegas include: • Mozilla, the nonprofit organization behind the Firefox Web browser, said it is putting its Firefox OS software on smart TVs, starting with Panasonic’s. The code powering Web browsers had been adapted last year to run smartphones targeted at emerging markets. Now, Firefox will be tweaked further with Panasonic’s help to work on bigger screens and incorporate TV-specific features such as electronic program guides.

Panasonic expects to start selling TVs with Firefox OS later in the year. Other TV manufacturers will be able to use the same software without charge.

• LG Corp. announced plans to power 70 percent of its smart TVs this year with the webOS mobile system it bought from Hewlett-Packard Co. last March. Although LG hasn’t disclosed specifics, the use of webOS paves the way for owners of LG sets to control home appliances from the TV. For starters, LG said the new software will make its TVs easier to set up and use.

Fragmentation on TVs • The streaming video device maker Roku Inc. said it is partnering with two large Chinese TV makers, TCL Corp. and Hisense International Co. Ltd., to incorporate its software so Roku apps can run on TVs without a separate device.

Several TV makers already have their own smart TV software. Opera Software is also trying to adapt its Opera Web browser to work on TV sets, similar to what Mozilla is doing with Firefox.

Opera said some of its software is already on sets made by Sony, Samsung and Toshiba.

There also has been long-standing speculation that Apple is working on its own smart TV system, but the company hasn’t said anything about it and there’s no indication such a system is imminent. If Apple does make it, it would likely be limited to TVs under its own brand and would negate the need for a stand-alone Apple TV device.

In 2010, Google Inc. attempted to unify smart

TV software by creating its Google TV system.

Sony Corp. was among the companies that made TVs using Google TV. But Dixon said adoption of Google TV has been slow, in part because TV manufacturers didn’t want to turn their sets into conduits for Google’s services, as Android phones have become.

Although there are many versions of Android on phones, there’s enough in common that app developers don’t have to start from scratch each time. Google is trying to promote a similar approach on Internet-connected cars. On Monday, Google and car makers Audi, General Motors, Honda and Hyundai announced an alliance to bring Android to cars. Chipmaker Nvidia is also part of that.

Andreas Gal, Mozilla’s vice president for mobile engineering, acknowledges that fragmentation on TVs is a big problem, but he said Firefox is trying to address that through the use of Web-based standards, known as HTML5.

Opera is doing that, too.

With such an approach, an app that works with Firefox OS or Opera TV will need only minimal changes to work on other systems that use the same standards, similar to how the same websites can work on competing browsers.

And because many services already have websites that support HTML5 on the desktop, Gal said, those also should work on smart TVs through a browser.

Merwan Mereby, an executive with Panasonic Corp.’s interactive content business in North America, said that after years of developing its own proprietary technologies, Panasonic decided to embrace Firefox OS so that publishers and Web developers can bring content to the big screens more easily.

Still, there are challenges. Dixon said people tend to keep their TVs for several years. With a phone, upgrades are frequent enough that many users will have speedy enough processors to run the latest features. With TVs, he said, it’s likely that older sets won’t run all the latest apps, regardless of the system used. —- AP

Intel takes leap into wearable computing LAS VEGAS: Computer chip giant Intel unveiled a major new push yesterday into wearables and connecting everyday devices as it seeks to leapfrog the competition in mobile computing.

Chief executive Brian Krzanich said Intel would produce on its own or with partners a range of products from a health monitor integrated into baby clothes to heart monitor in earbuds.

Speaking at the opening keynote of the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Krzanich showed the company’s new “personal assistant” dubbed Jarvis, which is Intel’s answer to the voice-activated Google Now and Apple’s Siri.

Intel will be producing a smartwatch with “geofencing” which allows families to get alerts if children or elderly parents leave a specific geographic area.

The new devices shown to the large CES crowd will all be available this year, Krzanich said, without offering details on pricing or specific partners for the products.

Krzanich said Intel is taking a new

approach to wearable computing, seeking to address specific problems with the simplest technology. He showed a turtle-shaped sensor on baby clothing which can send information to a smart coffee cup about an infant’s breathing, temperature and position.

New chip He said the earbuds would enable runners and athletes who already listen to music while exercising to get detailed health information in real time.

“We want to make everything smart.

That’s what Intel does,” he said.

The chief executive who took the reins at Intel last year said the new technology all revolves around its new chip called Edison, which is said integrates a full-fledged computer in the size of a memory card.

He said Intel will be partnering with the luxury retailer Barneys New York, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and design house Opening Ceremony to explore and market smart wearable technology.

And Intel will offer $1.3 million in prizes

for other developers who come up with new ideas for wearable computing, including a first prize of $500 million.

“This will allow creation and innovation to come to life” in wearables, he said.

To address questions about security, Intel will offer its McAfee mobile software free of charge.

“We believe this will allow this ecosystem to flourish.”

Biggest producer Intel remains the world’s biggest producer of chips for personal computers but has been lagging in the surging mobile marketplace of tablets and smartphones. The new initiative could allow the California firm to get a bigger slice of the mobile market’s newest iterations.

Intel also said its new chips would allow for a “dual boot” that enables computer makers to include Microsoft Windows and Google Android on a single device, with users able to change with the switch of a button. — AFP

LAS VEGAS: Intel Corp. CEO Brian Krzanich gives a keynote address at the 2014 International CES at The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas yesterday. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

One-way trip to Mars?

Sign me up, says Frenchwoman PARIS: A comfortable, middle -class Parisian life may be the envy of many people, but Florence Porcel would give it all up to be among the first Earthlings to settle on Mars-even with no option of return.

“I have always felt a bit cramped on Earth,” the self-confessed space junkie told AFP, delighted to be shortlisted with some 1,000 other aspiring voyagers for Mars One-a private project to colonize the Red Planet from 2024. “I have always dreamt of exploring other worlds,” the 30-year-old journalist said. “I am not a pilot, nor a doctor, nor an engineer; I was never going to become an astronaut through the normal channels.” Porcel is among about 200,000 people from around the world who volunteered for the extraordinary project.

It would see two dozen pioneers abandon Earth for a new start on a cold, dry, oxygen-less planet some 55 million kilometres (34 million miles or six months’ travel) away. The high cost of the project, an estimated six billion dollars (4.4 billion euros), precludes the option of a return trip. The trial resettlement is meant to be mainly funded by a realityTV show about the project.

The final 24 would be sent to the Red Planet in six separate launches starting in 10 years, according to the Dutch-based non-profit group behind the endeavor. A short-listed 1,058 candidates from 140 countries were informed on December 30 they had made the first cut after going through an online vetting process that included an extensive questionnaire.

The criteria, according to Mars One, include an “indomitable spirit”, “good judgement”, and “a good sense of play”.

The interplanetary pioneers must also be disease- and drug-free and Englishspeaking.

The list will be finalised next year after further medical and psychological tests.

Many experts scoff at the project’s feasi-

bility, questioning whether the participants would survive the physical perils and demands on their sanity. Porcel said she was under no illusions about the challenge.

“We will be trying to survive on a hostile planet: even breathing, drinking and eating won’t be a given. We will need a lot of hard work, energy and expertise... also some luck!” she said, sitting on the couch in her small apartment near Paris.

A world away from the life that awaits the pioneers-growing their own food in air-locked pods protecting them from Mars’ thin, unbreathable atmosphere and sub-zero temperatures, the decor in Porcel’s apartment is cosy and girly-a cherry-red carpet and heart-shaped mirror adorn the lounge. But her life’s passion is evident from the heavy sprinkling of space paraphernalia in-between-a hanging mobile of the Solar System, photos of the journalist floating in a zero gravity experimental flight, and a large collection of books on astrophysics.

Why Mars?

“I would really love to help find answers to some of Mankind’s existential questions: ‘Who are we?’, ‘Why are we alive?’, ‘Why are we on Earth?’ and ‘How was the Solar System born?’,” she said.

“I am part of a generation that hasn’t seen a human set foot on a celestial body other than Earth,” since the end of the Moon missions in 1972. “If Mars One gives me the chance, I will do it! It will be a first for mankind!” Porcel said, adding she had no plans to settle down or have children.

Mars One counts a Dutch 1999 Nobel Physics winner, Gerard ‘t Hooft, among its supporters. But there are sceptics, too.

“For now, I am ready to see this through.

If I make it to the final 24 and find myself on the launch pad... perhaps it will be different... “ said Porcel. “I reserve the right to change my mind.” —AFP

350 sick in Japan after eating pest-tainted food TOKYO: More than 350 people across Japan have fallen ill after eating pesticide-contaminated frozen food produced by the nation’s largest seafood firm, national broadcaster NHK said yesterday.

People have reported vomiting, diarrhoea and other symptoms of food poisoning after eating products including pizza and lasagne made by a subsidiary of Maruha Nichiro Holdings, according to surveys carried out by NHK and local media. Police began investigating the company last month after it revealed that some of its frozen food had been tainted with malathion, an agricultural chemical often used to kill aphids in corn and rice fields.

NHK said that 359 people had become ill, while the Asahi Shimbun newspaper said it found the number of people who fell sick “exceeded 300”.

Maruha Nichiro said that it had received about 460,000 phone calls from consumers in connection with the incident, including complaints from customers who ate the tainted products and some reporting an unusual odour, a company spokesman said. According to local media, police suspect the pesticide

was mixed into products at the plant in Gunma, north of Tokyo.

The food maker has recalled 6.4 million potentially tainted products, with 1.2 million packages recovered so far, it said.

Maruha Nichiro said that the products in question had not been shipped overseas.

The spokesman declined to comment on how the incident may affect the company’s earnings, saying only: “We have to specify the cause first.”

Separately, Japan’s leading bread maker Pasco Shikishima Corp. was to recall about 445,000 packages of sweets after complaints that they had a strong chlorine smell, Jiji Press reported yesterday. A company spokesperson was not immediately available to confirm the report.

While incidents of food poisoning have occurred in Japan, including in August 2012 when cabbage contaminated with E. coli bacteria killed seven people and sickened dozens, food standards are relatively high. However, the country’s reputation for safe and high quality food suffered a body-blow from the after-effects of the Fukushima atomic disaster, in which acres of farmland were polluted by nuclear fallout. —AFP

TOKYO: Police investigators entering the Gunma factory of Japanese frozen foods company Aqli Foods, a subsidiary of Japanese food company Maruha Nichiro Holdings at Oizumi in Gunma prefecture, north of Tokyo to inspect plant facilities.—AFP

Help Philippines now Jarallah German Specialized Clinic holds charity event KUWAIT: There are few people in Kuwait who have not heard about the devastation that Typhoon Haiyan caused to the Philippines on November 8,2013, leaving thousands without homes and in need of aid. Jarallah German Specialized Clinic orgnized a successful ‘Bazaar’, a fund-raising event that took place on December 13, 2013 at Jarallah German Specialized Clinic lobby.

The brilliant idea for the event emanated from Ali Mehdi Zadeh - CEO of Jarallah German Specialized Clinic and Head of Kuwaiti German Urology Unit. When he found out what happened in the Philippines, he planned to create a bazaar for raising funds for the disaster relief. He coordinated with his staff members to get an event in motion. Dr Ali encouraged all his staff members (doctors, nurses, beauticians and receptionists) to participate in this event and encouraged them to bring unique handicraft gifts and delicacies. He said a special price will be given to them.

It was indeed successful as all the staff members came together and participated in the event. Special prices were awarded to Wang Xiaoling - head nurse, Mona Liza - staff nurse, Nedea Serafin - staff nurse and Soumiya Shine staff nurse.

With the outpouring of support and interest from Dr Ali and family, Dr Jarrallah and family, KGUU staff members, Dr Eman and Khaled, who

gave their technical support and all JGSC staffs, the event became a huge success. Michaela Henkel - Quality Control Officer, coordinated efforts to solicit sponsorship of Safir International Hotel. The hotel management was very gracious to give their support and helped to provide all the material needed to make the event a successful one.

Thanks to everyone who came, participated and extended a helping hand to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan who are really in need. A won-

derful event was held as it created a warm camaraderie among the staff members of JGSC. With all the cooperation and willingness of every one, they were able to raise a good amount of money from this event.

The relief efforts for the typhoon are still going on in the Philippines and if you like to donate you can coordinate with the official Charity Association.-Written By Thea Adana, Exe Sec of Dr Ali Mehdi Zadeh — CEO, Jarallah German Specialized Clinic.

Innovative 3T MRI scanner installed at Dar Al-Shifa Hospital KUWAIT: Dar Al-Shifa Hospital continues to lead the way in Kuwait and in the Middle East with its medical imaging technology. One of the latest achievements to share is the ongoing installation of a new Ultra High Filed 3T MRI scanner at the Diagnostic Imaging Center (DIC).

Weighing 7 tones, the magnet was lifted by cranes and moved into the Basement on 26/12/20013 at 5:30 pm. The Delicate installation proceeded without a hitch, as the whole team specially flown to Kuwait was very well prepared for the task. Commissioning work is now proceeding ahead of the new MRI unit planned opening in end of January 2014.

The New MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner is the first Ultra high Field Machine in the Private Sector and the First 64 channels system in the Middle East.

Its major use will be for stroke, heart disease, Epilepsy, Park inson’s disease, Functional Neuroimaging , preoperative mapping and is expected to provide clinicians with the most advanced imaging of Neurological, Cardiac, Musculoskeletal and other conditions.

Manager of Clinical Ancillary services at Dar Al Shifa Hospital, Alexandra Ouzounova said the acquisition of the equipment will stimulate a number of ground-breaking projects.

“We are proud to take possession of this exciting new technology, the first of its kind across the Middle East, Ultra high Field Image Quality, Innovative applications, Functional MRI, Organ specific Spectroscopy studies, along with maximum patient comfort. Our 3T MRI Skyra has the shorter and wider bore in the marketSajeev Krishnan , accommodating up to 225 kg Patient weight, shorter exam times and

utilizing the latest noise reduction technology .The establishment of the second MRI Unit is indicative of the strength of the Diagnostic Imaging Center at Dar Al-Shifa Hospital and our commitment to making cutting-edge research technology available to our patients”, said Ouzounova.

Head of Diagnostic Imaging Center and Consultant Neuroradiologist at Dar Al-Shifa Hospital, Dr Mohammed Ismail, said: “The 3T Skyra MRI scanner positioned Dar Al-Shifa Hospital’s Imaging Center at the top echelon of leading global MRI centers. The skills needed to use this technology are quite rare, but we

have some of the world’s best MRI experts here with us. Their expertise has largely outstripped the technology available locally, which is why we needed this machine. We already have priorities and projects lined upSajeev Krishnan , such as early detection, accurate Epilepsy diagnosis and follow up in pediatrics and adults, Neurodegenerative, Musculoskeletal, Functional MRI, food addiction, stroke, cancer, preoperative mapping, Cardiac Imaging and more. The installation of this machine will build the capacity to start conducting pioneering research across a wide range of different medical fields.”

Sea Shepherd: Japan whalers driven from hunting ground SYDNEY: Anti-whaling activists Sea Shepherd yesterday said Japan’s fleet had been separated and driven out of its Antarctic hunting ground, declaring an early success in its campaign to disrupt the annual hunt. The militant group said the five-vessel fleet was “in disarray” and currently not hunting whales, with the harpoon ships separated from each other by hundreds of miles and the factory ship Nisshin Maru well outside its kill zone. “The Nisshin Maru is on the run and

unable to stop and whale in its self-designated whale-poaching grounds,” Sea Shepherd said in a statement.

Japan’s fisheries agency insisted it was business as usual. “We don’t have information on exactly where the ships are, and we would never disclose such information because it would only help Sea Shepherd campaigners spot them,” said an agency official in charge of the whaling mission. “All we can confirm is that the Japanese research has

been neither suspended nor cut short.” Sea Shepherd has three ships on the high seas to disrupt the harpooners. On Monday said it had located all five Japanese vessels, releasing photo evidence that four whales had been killed.

Since then the Japanese fleet has split up and their operations have been disrupted, the activist group said. “Should the Nisshin Maru attempt to return to the whaling grounds, Sea Shepherd will be ready to once

again intercept and shut down their illegal whaling operations,” it said.

The commercial hunting of whales is prohibited in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, which was designated by the International Whaling Commission in 1994, but Japan catches the animals there under a “scientific research” loophole in the moratorium. Australia has taken Japan to the International Court of Justice seeking to have its research whaling program declared

illegal, with a ruling due this year. Siddharth Chakravarty, captain of one of the Sea Shepherd vessels the Steve Irwin, said it had been an encouraging start to the group’s 10th annual harassment campaign, which got under way last month. “Within a dayand-a-half we have the entire whaling fleet in disarray,” he said. High-seas clashes between the two groups are common, resulting in the 2010 sinking of the Sea Shepherd vessel Ady Gil. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

US marks 4 years of slowing health costs WASHINGTON: Even as his health care law divided the nation, President Barack Obama’s first term saw historically low growth in health costs, government experts said in a new report Monday. The White House called it vindication of the president’s health care policies, but it’s too early to say if the four-year trend that continued through 2012 is a lasting turnaround that Obama can claim as part of his legacy.

For the second year in a row, the US economy grew faster in 2012 than did national health care spending, according to nonpartisan economic experts at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. That’s an important statistic. In most years, health care spending grows more rapidly than the economy, like bills that rise faster than your paycheck. That cost pressure steadily undermines employer insurance as well as government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. But the pattern slowed starting in 2009, and then appears to have reversed ever so slightly and tenuously.

“Have we turned the corner in a sustainable way? That’s still an open question,” said economist Robert Reischauer, who serves as a public trustee overseeing Medicare and Social Security financing. “But I am more optimistic than I have ever been that fundamental changes are under way.” For example, even though baby boomers are joining Medicare in record numbers, that program’s costs are basically stable when measured on a per-patient basis, Reischauer noted.

Nonetheless, America still spends a whole lot.

Monday’s report found that the nation’s health care tab reached $2.8 trillion in 2012, the latest year available. Health care accounted for 17.2 percent of the economy, down from 17.3 percent in 2011. Total spending averaged $8,915 for every man, woman and child, well above the level in other advanced economies. But more spending doesn’t equate to better health. By many health measures, other countries are ahead. Also, the per-capita dollar amount doesn’t tell the full story. In any given year, most of the spending goes for the sickest patients, a small fraction of the population. The report said Obama’s health care law had only had a “minimal impact” on overall spending. It contributed less than 0.1 percent to rising costs from 2010-2012, the authors said. That will change this year when the law’s big coverage expansion for the uninsured is expected to increase US health spending by about 6 percent. Whether that starts a return to the old pattern of faster growth remains to be seen. The White House does not believe that will happen. “There will be a temporary, one-year increase as those folks are brought into the system, but there is very reason to believe that the trend of slowing growth rates per beneficiary will continue into the future,” said Jason Furman, chairman of the president’s Council of Economic Advisers.

“It’s increasingly clear as each year of data comes out and the slowdown persists that there is also something structural going on, and the Affordable Care Act is contributing,” he added.

The report said it’s too early to discern where things might be headed next. In the past, health care spending has stabilized two to three years after an economic recession, only to resume its upward track as consumers regain confidence.

More evidence is needed before concluding that there’s been a structural break in the relationship between the health sector and the overall economy, the authors said in an article published in the journal Health Affairs.

Below the topline figures, spending grew faster in some areas and more slowly in others, making it more difficult to piece the puzzle together. Spending for hospital care and doctors’ services grew more rapidly. So did out-of-pocket spending by individuals. That reflects the trend of employers increasing annual deductibles and copayments to shift a greater share of medical costs directly on to employees and their families.

Prescription drugs Spending on prescription drugs barely increased, reflecting an unusual circumstance in which patent protection expired for major drugs like Lipitor, Plavix and Singulair. Generic drugs accounted for an ever-increasing share of prescriptions. Medicare spending grew more slowly, reflecting a one-time cut in payments to nursing homes and some of the spending reductions in Obama’s health care law. Spending per Medicare recipient grew by 0.7 percent in 2012, down from 2.5 percent in 2011.

Spending for private insurance also grew

Sen Ron Johnson joined by attorneys Paul D Clement (far left) and Rick Esenberg (second from left) announces that he has filed a lawsuit to block the federal government from helping to pay for healthcare coverage for members of Congress and their staffs.—AP more slowly, reflecting the shift to high- House, it would be good for the country to get deductible plans that offer lower premiums. Part health care costs under control, said economist of the good news for 2012 reflected a statistical Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former Congressional revision that the Commerce Department adopt- Budget Office director and an adviser to ed last year, resulting in a more robust estimate Republicans. He’s not convinced.

“In the 1990s we had four straight years of of Gross Domestic Product. Without that change, health care spending would have approached 18 very low growth, and then it disappeared,” said percent of the economy. The report’s authors Holtz-Eakin.

“I think the jury is still out on where we end said that they updated statistics going back to the 1960s to account for the new GDP methodol- up,” he added. “But it’s a very interesting set of ogy. No matter which party controls the White data, and one that everybody is staring at.” —AP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

W H AT ’ S O N

Al-Refai to teach Creative Arabic Writing at AUK SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

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hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! Let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

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he Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages at AUK is releasing a new Arabic course in Creative Writing. The new course, which will be offered starting Spring 2014, introduces students to the skills of writing the genre of the short story and novel. The objective of the course is to help students develop critical appreciation of the social role of literature, as well as a comparative knowledge of outstanding examples of short story and novelistic writing from Kuwait, the Arab world, and the world at large.

For the first time, the course will be

taught by the distinguished Kuwaiti author Taleb Al-Refai, whose novels and stories are known for their with contemporary analysis of social issues in Kuwait and the Gulf region, such as the situation of foreign laborers (“Shadow of the Sun,” 1998), the independence of the writer and the necessity for artistic freedom (“The Garment,” 2009), the rise of consumerism (“Minor Thefts,” 2010), and the situation of women (“Kawthar,” forthcoming 2014).

“We are very excited to offer this Arabic Creative Writing course to our students. The course will emphasize the

process of creative writing. It will start with a review of the main elements of stories and novels, and then lead into a series of workshops, which will give the students the opportunity to write short stories and chapters of novels on their own. After receiving feedback from AlRefai, students will be encouraged to seek publication for their writing. This is a unique opportunity for our students to learn about writing Arabic fiction from a master of the craft,” said Dr. Raymond Farrin, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Arabic & Foreign Languages at AUK.

Kuwaiti Writer Taleb Al-Refai

Cinemagic January schedule Thursday, January 9 at 7:30PM REPO MAN Considered one of the more unique Science Fiction films, and a standout essential film of the 80�s, as well as being ranked #7 on the top 50 cult films of all time, Repo Man follows a Punk Rocker who after getting fired from his job as a clerk, becomes a repo man and is jolted into a new lifestyle that he quickly begins to enjoy. All that is flipped on its head when he meets a girl who tells him of a 64 Malibu that contains four dead aliens and that there�s $20,000 for the man that can repossess it.

Saturday, January 11 at 7:30PM CACHE Winner of Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival, Cache comes from the mind of visionary filmmaker Michael Hanneke (whose Amour won him universal acclaim at the 2012 Academy Awards). This film, starring Juliet Binoche follows a married couple who are terrorized by a series of surveillance videotapes left on their front porch.

Thursday, January 16 at 7:30PM SURPRISE FILM OF THE MONTH Every month we�ll be playing a surprise film, where you won�t know what you�re watching until just a minute before the film begins. One thing is for sure, every month the surprise film will be either my favourite film of the list, or the most unique in one way or the other. This month�s film was won and was nominated for over 30 awards worldwide including the Oscars, Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards, and the Baftas. A unique, hilarious, bizarre, and poetic little film.

Saturday, January 18 at 7:30PM PIETA Winner of the Golden Lion (Best Film) at the Venice Film Festival, Kang-do is a heartless man who has no living family members and whose job is to threaten debtors to repay his clients, the loan sharks who demand a 10x return on a one month loan. To recover the interest, the debtors would sign an insurance for handicap, and Kang-do would injure the debtors brutally to file the claim. One day he receives a visit from a strange, middleaged woman claiming she is his long-lost mother. Over the following weeks, the woman stubbornly follows him and he continues to do his job. But he is slowly moved and changed by the motherly love expressed from this woman.

NSS Kuwait to celebrate Mannam Jayanthi on Jan 10

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air Service Society (NSS), Kuwait will be celebrating Mannam Jayanthi for the 13th consecutive year on 10th January 2014 (Friday), at Marina Hall, Touristic Park, Abbasiya from 5.30 pm. It will commemorate the 137th birth anniversary of Bharata Kesari Padmabhushan Mannathu Padmanabhan, the great social reformer and founder of the Nair Service Society.

MM Govindankutty Master, Director Board member, NSS, Kerala will preside over the meeting.

Famous Oncology Physician Dr V P Gangadharan and his wife reputed cancer surgeon Dr Chitrathara will be the

chief guests. Saranya Mohan, versatile dancer and leading Tamil and Malayalam cine actress and her sister will perform classical and semi classical dances.

Famous singer & serial actor Sarath Das will deliver melodious songs.

Kalamandalam Mohanakrishnam will entertain the audience with “Ottamthullal” a traditional art form of Kerala. Nair Service Society (NSS) Kuwait is also conducting a medical seminar (Cancer Prevention and Cure) on 11th January 2014 (Saturday) at Senior Girls School, Salmiya from 3 pm to 5.30 pm. Dr V P Gangadharan and Dr Chithrathara will lead the sessions.

Saranya Mohan

Dr Gangadharan

Bhavan announces date of Spell Bee Grand Finale

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havan, a premier group of Schools imparting Indian Education in the Middle East has announced the grand finale of their spelling bee competition (BVB GCC Spell Bee) in an exclusive media meet called for the purpose. The much awaited event will be held simultaneously in three different venues namely Kuwait, Oman and Abu Dhabi on 11 January 2014 between Kuwait time 4.308 in the evening.

Welcoming the members of the media, Principal Premkumar, Indian Educational School, Kuwait, stressed that it is for the first time a school organizes a competition of this magnitude especially in Kuwait, and the Middle East in general. Dr Rosalind Buckton-Tucker, Assistant Professor of English at the American University of Kuwait, is the chief guest of honor. Dr Lewis R Tucker, an adjunct faculty mem-

ber, teaching online for Capella University will be the guest of honor.

Briefing on the uniqueness of English language like its unphonetic feature, and its limitation of having only 26 letters to represent 44 sounds, Suresh, the GCC Coordinator of the Spell Bee, elaborated on the significance of such an event. More than 1000 students from various schools in Kuwait had participated in the school level competitions held in the month of September 2013. Simultaneously, schools in Oman and Abu Dhabi also had ensured their participation in the primary level of the competitions. The country level contests were held in the month of November.

Representing 5 different categories, there are 25 contestants from various schools in Kuwait, and 17 each repre-

senting 3 different categories in Abu Dhabi and Oman qualified for the grand finale. This mega event which is going to be held in Kuwait, Oman and Abu Dhabi will have 4 different rounds of questions. The two candidates from each category scoring the highest points will be eligible for the championship round.

If any of these 10 spelling wizards is from the other countries, the pronouncers will ask him/her questions from Kuwait on a video conferencing mode, and the highest scorer in each category will be declared as the Middle East Champion. The champions in each category are honored with a cash prize equivalent to fifty thousand Indian Rupees, trophies and certificates. If the winners are from other countries, all the accolades will be made available for them in a period of 5 days.

PWF welcomes 2014 in style

Thursday, January 23 at 7:30PM TALK TO HER Winner of over 27 awards worldwide, mostly for Best Film or Best Foreign Film, Talk to her is considered by many fans of the legendary Pedro Almodovar to be his best film. Two men meet by chance at a private clinic, each looking after a woman in a coma. Marco�s girlfriend Lydia was a bullfighter who was mauled, and Benigno looks after a young ballet student. The lives of the four characters flow in all directions, past, present, and future, taking them to an unsuspected destiny.

Saturday, January 25 at 7:30PM OFFSIDE Winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, and carrying a 97% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Offside follows a group of girls who try to sneak into a football stadium to watch a World Cup qualifying match. Female fans are not allowed to enter football stadiums in Iran on the grounds that there will be a high risk of violence or verbal abuse against them. The film was shot in Iran during a real live match, but its screening was banned there.

Thursday, January 30 at 7:30PM TOUKI BOUKI (Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project) Every month, we’ll be playing a film from the World Cinema Project. Established by Martin Scorsese in 2007, the World Cinema Project expands the horizons of moviegoers everywhere. The mission of the WCP is to preserve and present marginalized and infrequently screened films from regions generally ill equipped to preserve their own cinema history. This month�s film is Touki Bouki. With a stunning mix of the surreal and the naturalistic, Djibril Diop Mamb�ty paints a vivid, fractured portrait of Senegal in the early 1970s. With a stunning mix of the surreal and the naturalistic, Djibril Diop Mamb�ty paints a vivid, fractured portrait of Senegal in the early 1970s. In this French New Wave-influenced fantasy-drama, two young lovers long to leave Dakar for the glamour and comforts of France, but their escape plan is beset by complications both concrete and mystical.

Characterized by dazzling imagery and music, the alternately manic and meditative Touki bouki is widely considered one of the most important African films ever made.

Cinemagic is organizing these events as part of its efforts to contribute to the development of an internationally competitive Kuwaiti audio-visual production industry, partly by bringing the filmmakers and audiences together and by increasing the public�s interest in - and appreciation for - the art of film-making. Cinemagic movies are screened in the old Salmiya, on the rooftop of Xcite and LG.

Write to us

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o welcome the New Year, Pakistan Women’s Forum arranged a traditional brunch for all its members at the residence of the Pakistani Ambassador, Abrar Hussain. The day began with a prayer for the welfare of

were also discussed. Everyone enjoyed the traditional home-cooked delights. It was a lovely start to the new year!

Well-known Indian journalist Veena George with the members of Malayali Media Forum, Kuwait during a get-together. Veena urged media members to inculcate a feministoriented media policy to resist the increasing assaults on women in India. MMF General convener Anil P Alex presented a memento to Veena George.

Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Pakistan and Kuwait. Each guest had the opportunity to express their New Year’s resolution in the hope for peace in the world. The gathering consisted of an entertaining quiz and holiday games. The upcoming events for the New Year

Musical fusion & live concert

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ndian Cultural Society will present unique musical fusion & live concert on Friday 10th January 2014.

‘Chennai Kings’ - will perform on a show that will bring the fragrance of India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on

10th Jan at 6:30 pm at AIS (Dr Kamel Al Rays Auditorium) Maidan Hawally. For the first time in Kuwait, world renowned percussionist Sivamani and his team will present foot thumping fusion music along with noted play-

back singers Haricharan & Suchitra. For more details: Email; ics.kuwait@gmail.com kwt2005ics@gmail.com

W H AT ’ S O N

Visual media ‘creates social chaos in Kerala’

By Sajeev K Peter

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n the battle for survival, Kerala’s visual media has set off an unhealthy precedent by snooping into the privacy of individuals and trapping political and social figures to take market advantage, said a leading Indian journalist.

“This new disturbing trend has created a kind of social chaos in Kerala with ‘breaking news’ crossing all the boundaries of professional ethics. It has become hard for the people to verify the veracity and truthfulness of each of the news item they watch on television, resulting in a reigning confusion in the media.

In many cases, the media has been used by politicians to settle scores or usurp power,” said Sajeev Krishnan in an interview. Krishnan, a well-known columnist, writer and a senior journalist with the Malayalam daily ‘Kerala Kaumudi’ said the media in Kerala had always been politically divided. “But over the last decade, following the powerful emergence of the visual media, it has become more polarized both politically and socially,” he said.

Krishnan arrived in Kuwait to deliver a keynote speech at ‘Theerthadanam’, an event organized by Sarathi Kuwait’s Salmiya unit. In the past, political figures used to confide in journalist-friends and share with them some of their close-

ly held secrets. And the journalists never betrayed this trust by publishing ‘unsavory truths’. Today, things have changed and no politician in the state will be ready to trust a journalist as his confidante,” he said.

Today, market forces have a say in determining news or even creating news. News reports are created and celebrated or underplayed and ignored depending on the commercial worth of them. In certain cases, news reports are generated beforehand and corroborative material such as visuals or eavesdropped conversations to substantiate ‘the story’ are fabricated subsequently.

“Things have taken such a pass that candid cameras have begun to enter even bedrooms. Private lives of political and social figures have become topics of media discussions,” he said. In this frenetic race for market supremacy, the print media is forced to play the catch-up. Their predicament is such that they have to carry one day old news items after their counterparts in the visual media celebrated them. Krishnan is an ardent follower of Sri Narayana Guru, one of the greatest social reformers of India. Krishnan has written many books including biographies of great thinkers like Dr Palpu and produced television documentaries.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Embassy Information 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.vfsau-gcc.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.

Sajeev Krishnan

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EMBASSY OF SOUTH AFRICA South African Citizens who are out of the country and wish to apply for registration to vote in the upcoming General Elections are hereby offered the opportunity to apply for registration. Registrations will take place at the South African Embassy on 26 and 27 January 2014 from 08h30 to 15h30 at Villa No 3, House No 91, Street 1, Block 10, Salwa. To be eligible to register at the SA Embassy, a person must • Be a South African Citizen and be 16 years of age and older; • Submit a valid green bar-coded Identity Document, a valid Temporary Identity Certificate (valid for 2 months) or a Smart Card; • Submit a valid South African Passport; and • Submit in person the application form, the identity document and a valid passport. For any further enquiries, please phone: 25617988 during working hours. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA

‘Theerthadanam 2014’

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almiya unit of Sarathi Kuwait, an Indian socio-cultural organization, organized ‘Theerthadanam 2014’ - an event symbolizing the ‘pilgrimage to Shivagiri’, Kerala. A large number of people attended the event which was held at Indian Community School,

(Amman) Salmiya. Well-known Indian journalist Sajeev Krishnan gave the keynote speech in which he spoke about the great Indian philosopher and reformer Sri Narayana Guru. He underlined the importance of following Guru’s philosophy in life today. Program

Committee Convener Satheesh Prabhakaran spoke on the occasion. Prizes were distributed to winners of various competitions. Vinish Vishwam coordinated the quiz competition.

RAK organizes Christmas, New Year, farewell party

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amapuram Association Kuwait (RAK) celebrated Xmas and New Year in the United Indian School Abasiya. Association president Chessil Ramapuram presided over the function. The celebration was inaugurated by the parents of the members who arrived in Kuwait on a short visit. Former secretary of Ramapuram Regional Cooperative Bank and the of Kerala Cooperative service Pensioners Association Kottayam District president K A Cherian Kaviyil, Kuttiamma Cherian, Molly Manuel and the patron Dominic Mathew Aerathu lighted the traditional lamp.

Association also gave a memorable farewell to the UAE Exchange country head Pancily Varkey as he is leaving Kuwait for his official assignment. A complete family gettogether had varieties of traditional cultural programs.

Dance and songs were presented by Anitta Siby, Don Biju, Richard Joji, Angel Raju, Alisha Monica Biju, Anjana Raju, Donald Biju and Jane Nobin Jacob.

Prizes were distributed to Suni Jijo, Shiny Alex, Ashwathy Roby, Siby Scaria, Anoop Andrews, the winners of various sports and games held during the Onam family picnic. K A Cherian, Dominic Mathew and society leaders Somu Mathew, Sam Painammoodu, Adv Thomas Panicker, Hassan Koya, A M Hassan, Tomy Cyric, Anwar Sayed, Anoop Andrews, Mathewkutty Joseph and Thomas Kinganamchira, delivered felicitation speeches. General Secretary Sunny Joseph delivered welcome address and Convener Biju Jacob gave vote of thanks.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is happy to announce that a NEW visa application centre (VAC) is now open and serving applicants. The VAC is located at: 12th Floor, Al Nassar Tower, Fahad Al Salem Street Alqibla Area, Kuwait City, Kuwait (Parking available at: Al Watiya Souk) E-mail: info.cankuw@vfshelpline.com Telephone: +965 2291 3770. Anyone wishing to apply for a temporary resident (visitor) visa, study permit, work permit or permanent resident travel document is encouraged to take advantage of the services provided at the VAC. The VAC is also equipped to collect biometrics, for all nationals that must submit their biometric information as part of their application. For more information on what VACs do, please visit the CIC website at www.cic.gc.ca/VAC. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF INDIA India and Kuwait have enjoyed historically close, warm and friendly ties. The visit of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait to India in November 2013 has imparted a new thrust to the strengthening further of the bilateral ties. To facilitate travel of Kuwaiti nationals to India for business, tourism, medical and study purposes, the embassy has adopted the following visa structure for Kuwaiti nationals with immediate effect:

Please apply Indian visa online at www.bls-international.com and deposit visa application, with applicable visa fee and service charge, at either M/s.

BLS International Services, Emad Commercial Centre, Basement floor Ahmed Al-Jaber Street, Sharq, Kuwait city (Telephone: 22986607 - Fax: 22470006) or M/s. BLS International Services, Mujamma Unood, 4th floor, Office No.25-26 Makka Street, Entrance 5, Fahaheel, Kuwait (Telephone: 22986607 - Fax: 22470006). For additional information, please contact Second Secretary (Consular) in the Embassy at sscons@indembkwt.org.

In addition, a service charge of KD 5 will also apply for each visa service provided. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF US

KALPAK has elected its newly office bearers and executive committee members for the year 2014 in KALPAK general body meeting held on 13th December 2013 at United Indian School. The general body meeting unanimously elected their President Babu Chackola, General secretary Kumar Trithala, Treasurer Idicula Mathews, General Convener Regi Mathew, Ladies Secretary Joyce Davies, Vice President Kunjumon Kozhencheri, Joint Secretary Pradeep Menon, Joint Ladies secretary Manju Regi, Joint conveners Shajahan Kodungalloor and Mukundan Edavana. Executive committee members are Prasad K Mathew, Chandran Puthur, Ajit, Dennis, Aji Paravoor, Pramod Menon, Rosamma Mathew and Ambika Mukundan.

The US Embassy in Kuwait has new procedures for obtaining appointments and picking up passports after visa issuance.

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 +965-22271673).

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.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

TV PROGRAMS 00:25 00:50 01:45 03:25 04:15 05:05 05:30 05:55 06:45 07:35 08:00 08:25 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 12:55 13:20 13:50 14:15 14:45 15:15 15:40 16:30 17:30 18:25 18:50 19:20 20:15 21:10 21:40 22:05 23:00 23:55

Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors Animal Cops Houston Mermaids: The Body Found Lions Of Crocodile River Bondi Vet Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors Animal Cops Houston Gator Boys Swamp Brothers Monkey Life Bondi Vet Wild France Growing Up...

Lions Of Crocodile River Animal Cops Philadelphia Monkey Life Swamp Brothers Meet The Sloths Meet The Sloths Outback Rangers Outback Rangers Lions Of Crocodile River My Cat From Hell Wildest Arctic Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors Pandamonium Bondi Vet Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors Hippo: The Wild Feast North America Galapagos

00:00 Eastenders 00:30 Doctors 01:00 Abandoned At Birth 01:50 Life On Mars 02:40 Case Sensitive: The Point Of Rescue 04:15 The Weakest Link 05:00 Balamory 05:20 Charlie And Lola 05:35 The Green Balloon Club 06:00 3rd & Bird 06:10 Poetry Pie 06:15 Balamory 06:35 Charlie And Lola 06:50 The Green Balloon Club 07:15 3rd & Bird 07:25 Poetry Pie 07:30 The Weakest Link 08:15 Last Of The Summer Wine 08:45 Moone Boy 09:15 Eastenders 09:45 Doctors 10:15 Abandoned At Birth 11:05 Tess Of The D’urbervilles 12:00 The Weakest Link 12:45 Last Of The Summer Wine 13:15 Moone Boy 13:40 Eastenders 14:10 Doctors 14:40 Abandoned At Birth 15:30 Tess Of The D’urbervilles 16:25 The Weakest Link 17:10 Eastenders 17:40 Doctors 18:10 Prison, My Family & Me 19:00 One Foot In The Grave 19:30 Absolutely Fabulous 20:00 Stella 20:45 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 21:30 The Office 22:00 The Shadow Line 23:00 The Weakest Link 23:45 Eastenders

00:40 01:10 01:35 02:25 03:10 04:00 04:25 05:10 05:40 06:05 06:30

Cash In The Attic Cash In The Attic Come Dine With Me MasterChef Australia MasterChef Australia The Little Paris Kitchen Fantasy Homes By The Sea Cash In The Attic Cash In The Attic The Little Paris Kitchen Bargain Hunt

07:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 08:00 Bargain Hunt 08:45 Marbella Mansions 09:30 Masterchef: The Professionals 10:20 The Little Paris Kitchen 10:45 Come Dine With Me 11:40 Come Dine With Me 12:30 Gok’s Fashion Fix 13:20 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 14:10 Antiques Roadshow 15:05 Design Star 15:50 Design Star 16:40 Bargain Hunt 17:25 Cash In The Attic 17:55 Cash In The Attic 18:25 Antiques Roadshow 19:20 Marbella Mansions 20:10 Food & Drink 20:35 A Taste Of Greenland 21:30 Come Dine With Me 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 23:15 Bargain Hunt

00:30 Bear Grylls: How To Stay Alive 01:20 Swimming With Monsters: Steve Backshall 02:10 River Monsters 03:00 Bush Pilots 03:50 Border Security 04:15 Auction Kings 04:40 American Digger 05:05 How Do They Do It? 05:30 How It’s Made 06:00 Sons Of Guns 07:00 Bush Pilots 07:50 Alaska: The Last Frontier 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 09:30 Border Security 09:55 Auction Kings 10:20 American Digger 10:45 How Do They Do It? 11:10 How It’s Made 11:35 Bear Grylls: How To Stay Alive 12:25 Swimming With Monsters: Steve Backshall 13:15 River Monsters 14:05 Border Security 14:30 Auction Kings 14:55 American Digger 15:20 Finding Bigfoot 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 17:00 Ultimate Survival 17:50 Dirty Jobs 18:40 Bush Pilots 19:30 Sons Of Guns 20:20 How Do They Do It? 20:45 How It’s Made 21:10 Auction Kings 21:35 American Digger 22:00 You Have Been Warned 22:50 Treehouse Masters 23:40 Mythbusters

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 09:30 09:35 11:05

The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody Sonny With A Chance Sonny With A Chance Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody Sonny With A Chance Sonny With A Chance Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Austin And Ally Austin And Ally A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Gravity Falls My Babysitter’s A Vampire Jessie Good Luck Charlie Dog With A Blog Disney Mickey Mouse Shorts Geek Charming Jessie

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

Wolfblood Suite Life On Deck A.N.T. Farm Austin And Ally Shake It Up That’s So Raven Jessie Good Luck Charlie Dog With A Blog Wolfblood Gravity Falls Jessie Violetta Mako Mermaids Austin And Ally Wolfblood Jessie Good Luck Charlie Dog With A Blog Violetta Jessie My Babysitter’s A Vampire Wolfblood Gravity Falls Shake It Up Austin And Ally A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place

00:00 Chelsea Lately 00:30 The Dance Scene 00:55 The Dance Scene 01:25 Style Star 01:50 Style Star 02:20 E! Investigates 03:15 Extreme Close-Up 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:10 THS 05:05 E!ES 06:00 15 Remarkable Celebrity Body Bouncebacks 07:50 Style Star 08:20 Fashion Police 09:15 Scouted 10:15 Married To Jonas 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays 11:10 The Drama Queen 12:05 Fashion Police 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 13:35 E!ES 14:30 Style Star 15:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 16:00 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 17:00 The Wanted Life 18:00 E! News 19:00 Fashion Police 20:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:00 The Drama Queen 22:00 E!ES 22:30 E! News 23:30 Chelsea Lately

00:15 00:40 01:05 01:30 01:55 02:20 02:45 03:10 03:35 04:00 04:25 Feasts 04:50 05:40 06:30 06:50 07:10 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 10:05 10:30 11:20 11:45 Feasts

Unique Eats Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Tastiest Places To Chowdown Easy Chinese: San Francisco Charly’s Cake Angels Unwrapped Unwrapped Unwrapped Unique Eats Unique Eats Andy Bates American Street Iron Chef America Chopped Unwrapped Tastiest Places To Chowdown Food Network Challenge Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam Roadtrip With G. Garvin Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Iron Chef America Barefoot Contessa Amazing Wedding Cakes Easy Chinese: San Francisco Andy Bates American Street

DO NO HARM ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION

‘August: Osage County’ averages solid $35K in limited box-office debut

“A THE CRUCIBLE ON OSN MOVIES FESTIVAL 12:10 Tastiest Places To Chowdown 12:35 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 13:00 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 13:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 13:50 Siba’s Table 14:15 Barefoot Contessa 14:40 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 15:05 Food Network Challenge 15:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 16:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:45 Chopped 17:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 18:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 18:25 Symon’s Suppers 18:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:40 Siba’s Table 20:05 Reza’s African Kitchen 20:30 Tastiest Places To Chowdown 20:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 21:20 Chopped 22:10 Food Network Challenge 23:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:50 Roadtrip With G. Garvin

17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Raising Hope 18:30 How To Live With Your Parents 19:00 Guys With Kids 19:30 Community 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 22:30 Family Guy 23:00 The League

03:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 22:00 23:00

Rescue Me Defiance The Ellen DeGeneres Show Bones Twisted Hannibal Rescue Me

21:00 Switched At Birth

00:00 Rebuilding Titanic 01:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 02:00 Battleground Brothers 03:00 Diggers 03:30 Diggers 04:00 What Would Happen If 04:30 What Would Happen If 05:00 Naked Science 06:00 Untamed Americas 07:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 08:00 Rebuilding Titanic 09:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 10:00 Battleground Brothers 11:00 Untamed Americas 12:00 What Would Happen If 12:30 What Would Happen If 13:00 Evolutions 14:00 Untamed Americas 15:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 16:00 Rebuilding Titanic 17:00 Apocalypse: The Second World War 18:00 Battleground Brothers 19:00 Ultimate Survival Alaska 20:00 One Ocean 21:00 Animal Autopsy 22:00 Wild Russia 23:00 Mystery Files 23:30 Mystery Files

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 02:00 Family Guy 02:30 The League 03:00 Raising Hope 03:30 Melissa & Joey 04:00 Arrested Development 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Arrested Development 06:00 Two And A Half Men 06:30 Friends 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Arrested Development 08:30 Arrested Development 09:00 Raising Hope 09:30 The Crazy Ones 10:00 Trophy Wife 10:30 Friends 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Two And A Half Men 12:30 Arrested Development 13:00 Arrested Development 13:30 Friends 14:00 Melissa & Joey 14:30 The Crazy Ones 15:00 Trophy Wife 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 Two And A Half Men

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 07:45 09:45 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Arena-18 Beverly Hills Cop 2-18 The Rescue-PG15 Soldiers Of Fortune-PG15 Excess Baggage-PG15 Battleship-PG15 Beverly Hills Cop 3-PG15 Excess Baggage-PG15 Do No Harm-PG15 Beverly Hills Cop 3-PG15 Graystone-PG15 Fertile Ground-18

00:00 How To Make Love To A Woman-18 02:00 Venus & Vegas-PG15 04:00 The Beautician And The Beast-PG15 06:00 Jack And Jill-PG15 08:00 Mrs. Miracle-PG15 10:00 Gabe The Cupid Dog-PG 12:00 The Beautician And The Beast-PG15 14:00 A Kiss For Jed Wood-PG15 16:00 Gabe The Cupid Dog-PG 18:00 Coneheads-PG 20:00 Revenge Of The Nerds-18 22:00 How To Make Love To A Woman-18

00:45 02:45 04:15 07:15 09:00 11:00 12:30 15:30 17:30 19:30 21:30

02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:15 12:00 13:30 15:30 17:30 19:00 PG15 21:00 23:00

Beneath Hill 60-PG15 A Christmas Kiss-PG15 Treasure Island-PG15 A Woman-PG15 Beneath Hill 60-PG15 Beastly-PG15 Hindenburg-PG15 Love Takes Wing-PG15 The Wild Hunt-PG15 Summer Coda-PG15 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy-PG15

Vampire-18 Year Of The Dog-PG15 Dying Young-PG15 The Rainmaker-PG15 Jack The Bear-PG15 StreetDance 2-PG15 Year Of The Dog-PG15 The Crucible-PG15 StreetDance 2-PG15 The Greatest Movie Ever SoldInternal Affairs-18 J. Edgar-18

01:45 03:45 05:45 07:15 09:00 11:00 13:00 PG15 15:00 PG15 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

50/50-PG15 Saving Grace B. Jones-PG15 Crisis Point-PG15 My Own Love Song-PG15 People Like Us-PG15 Dirty Teacher-PG15 When Love Is Not EnoughMadea’s Big Happy FamilyPeople Like Us-PG15 Rock Of Ages-PG15 The Sessions-R Total Recall-18

01:00 Drift-PG15 03:00 Dead Lines-PG15 05:00 Love Will Keep Us TogetherPG15 07:00 The Chateau Meroux-PG15 09:00 Wreck-It Ralph-PG 11:00 Saving Grace B. Jones-PG15 13:00 Crisis Point-PG15 15:00 My Own Love Song-PG15 17:00 Wreck-It Ralph-PG 19:00 What To Expect When You’re Expecting-PG15 21:00 Margaret-18 23:30 Machine Gun Preacher-18

ugust: Osage County” got off to a solid if not spectacular start in its limited boxoffice debut, grossing $179,475 from five theaters. That’s a $35,895 per-screen average for the Weinstein Company’s star-studded dysfunctional family drama. That’s below the recent limited openings of some other Oscar hopefuls. “America Hustle,” for example, averaged $123,409 on six screens, and “Inside Llewyn Davis” averaged $101,353 in four theaters.

But those films weren’t facing the marketplace challenge that “August” was. “Given how crowded this Christmas was, and how strong our exit polls were, we’ve very happy with that number,” said TWC distribution chief Erik Lomis. It played as expected in terms of demographics, with 58 percent of the audience female and 66 percent over the age of 45.

The ensemble cast of the Tracy Letts adaptation includes Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney and Ewan McGregor.

Streep and Roberts earned Golden Globes nominations, and TWC is hoping to capitalize on those and potential Oscar nominations as well, and will expand it nationwide on January 10.

“Lone Survivor,” Peter Berg’s Afghanistan-war drama starring Mark Wahlberg, opened at the Lincoln Square in New York and the Arclight Hollywood and took in $92,500 - a $46,250 average for Universal. “The Invisible Woman,” the drama about Charles Dickens’ mistress Ellen Ternan, brought in $37,149 from three theaters in its debut over the weekend for a $12,383 average. The Sony Pictures Classics release, in which Ralph Fiennes stars and directs, has made $58,265 since opening on Wednesday.-Reuters

01:00 Hotel Transylvania-PG 02:45 A Christmas Story 2-PG 04:15 George Harrison: Living In The Material World-PG15 08:00 True Justice: One Shot, One Life-PG15 10:00 Mission: Impossible III-PG15 12:15 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Dog Days-PG 14:00 Ice Road Terror-PG15 16:00 True Justice: One Shot, One Life-PG15 18:00 Oz The Great And PowerfulPG 20:15 Killing Them Softly-18 22:00 Paranormal Activity 4-18

02:00 PGA Tour Highlights 03:00 Futbol Mundial 03:30 ICC Cricket 360 04:00 Live Cricket One Day International 12:00 ICC Cricket 360 12:30 The Ashes Highlights 13:30 PGA Tour Highlights 14:30 Futbol Mundial 15:00 HSBC Sevens World Series Highlights 15:30 Top 14 17:30 Top 14 Highlights 18:00 The Ashes Highlights 19:00 Cricket ODI Series Highlights 20:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 20:30 Inside The PGA Tour 21:00 Futbol Mundial 21:30 Trans World Sport 22:30 PGA Tour Highlights 23:30 Top 14 Highlights

03:00 Pro 12 05:00 Futbol Mundial 05:30 Super Rugby Final Highlights 06:00 Currie Cup Final Highlights 06:30 ITM Cup Final Highlights 07:00 PDC Worlds Darts Championship 10:00 Futbol Mundial 10:30 Pool Mosconi Cup 14:30 Top 14 Highlights 15:00 PRO 12 17:00 Seven World Series Highlights 17:30 Futbol Mundial 18:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 22:00 PRO 12

Everything in ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ You’d never, ever want to do

A

re people still mad at Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio for making “The Wolf of Wall Street” without pounding disapproval for Jordan Belfort into audiences’ heads? As TheWrap’s film critic Alonso Duralde pointed out earlier this week, Scorsese’s adaptation of Belfort’s memoir of the same name ignited an online war between the film’s admirers and critics - some of whom accuse the film of “glorifying greed and psychopathic behavior,” as Christina McDowell - the daughter of a stockbroker who went to jail because of Belfort’s testimony - wrote. Here’s a look back at the things Belfort does in “The Wolf of Wall Street” that no one of sound mind would ever want to do: Become addicted to drugs and ingest a complicated regimen to make it through the day.

Destroy a Lamborghini while on Quaaludes, crash it in your driveway with your young daughter in the front seat.

Be BFFs with a moronic loser who married his cousin (a character played to sleazy perfection by Jonah Hill).

Marry a stunning woman, cheat on her and drive her to divorce.

Destroy a multi-million dollar yacht.

Be investigated by the FBI. Be arrested by the FBI. Get indicted for securities fraud and money laundering.

Go to prison.

Help the authorities send friends to prison. *I would, however, be open to having a monkey visit the office occasionally. — Reuters

0 0 S 0 0 0 S 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Kuwait SHARQIA-1 JUSTIN BIEBER’S BELIEVE (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) JUSTIN BIEBER’S BELIEVE (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) SHARQIA-2 47 RONIN (DIG-3D) WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (DIG-3D) FROZEN (DIG-3D) HOWA FI KEDA (DIG) (Arabic) 47 RONIN (DIG-3D) 47 RONIN (DIG-3D) SHARQIA-3 POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) MUHALAB-1 HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) MUHALAB-2 POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG)

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FANAR-2 FROZEN (DIG) FROZEN (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG)

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM

FANAR-4 47 RONIN (DIG)

360º- 1 POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG)

2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM

FANAR-5 HOWA FI KEDA (DIG) (Arabic) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) HOWA FI KEDA (DIG) (Arabic) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) HOWA FI KEDA (DIG) (Arabic) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG)

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360º- 2 GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG)

2:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 AM

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 9:15 PM 12:30 AM 12:30 PM

360º- 3 FROZEN (DIG-3D) FROZEN (DIG-3D) FROZEN (DIG-3D) FROZEN (DIG-3D) THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (DIG)

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM 1:45 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

MARINA-3 FROZEN (DIG-3D) WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (DIG-3D) FROZEN (DIG-3D) 47 RONIN (DIG-3D) 47 RONIN (DIG-3D) 47 RONIN (DIG-3D)

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM

FANAR-1 POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG)

3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM 12:05 AM

MARINA-2 JUSTIN BIEBER’S BELIEVE (DIG) HOWA FI KEDA (DIG) (Arabic) JUSTIN BIEBER’S BELIEVE (DIG) HOWA FI KEDA (DIG) (Arabic) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG)

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:45 PM

2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:15 PM

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (DIG-3D) WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (DIG-3D) 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG)

MARINA-1 HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) POLICE STORY 2014 (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG)

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

MUHALAB-3 FROZEN (DIG-3D) FROZEN (DIG-3D) 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG)

FANAR-3 HOURS (DIG) THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (DIG) DHOOM 3 (DIG) (HINDI) DHOOM 3 (DIG) (HINDI) HOURS (DIG)

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (02/01/2014 TO 08/01/2014)

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 12:45 AM

AVENUES-1 THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (DIG) DHOOM 3 (DIG) (HINDI) DHOOM 3 (DIG) (HINDI) DHOOM 3 (DIG) (HINDI)

1:30 PM 5:00 PM 8:30 PM 12:05 AM

AVENUES-2 HOURS (DIG) HOURS (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) HOURS (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:15 PM 5:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

AVENUES-3 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG-3D) 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG)

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 10:30 PM 1:00 AM

AVENUES-4 HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) DHOOM 3 (DIG) (HINDI) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG)

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM

AL-KOUT.1 47 RONIN (DIG) WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (DIG) WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG)

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM 12:05 AM

AL-KOUT.2 GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) HOURS (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) HOWA FI KEDA (DIG) (Arabic) HOWA FI KEDA (DIG) (Arabic) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG)

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AL-KOUT.3 FROZEN (DIG) THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (DIG) FROZEN (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG)

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

Nissan Pathfinder 2003 model, white color, serious buyer only. Tel: 97277135.

8-1-2013 Jaguar 2.5X, model 2002, done 82,000 km, excellent condition, full insurance till May 14. Price KD 1,150.

Contact: 66572082.

(C 4611) 7-1-2014 ACCOMMODATION

AL-KOUT.4 A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) POLICE STORY 2013 (DIG) POLICE STORY 2013 (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) POLICE STORY 2013 (DIG) A STRANGER IN PARADISE (DIG) POLICE STORY 2013 (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 12:45 AM

BAIRAQ-1 FROZEN (DIG-3D) WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (DIG-3D) FROZEN (DIG-3D) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) HOMEFRONT (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

BAIRAQ-2 47 RONIN (DIG) GRUDGE MATCH (DIG) 47 RONIN (DIG)

FOR SALE

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM

Furnished single room available in a 3 bedroom flat for one or two executive working ladies in Salmiya near Don Bosco School.

Contact: 96977800.

8-1-2013 CHANGE OF NAME Thiru R. Mathivanan (Hindu), son of Thiru Ramasamy, born on 9th April 1972 (native district: Ariyalur), residing at No. 46/6, main road, V.Viragalur village, Thirupair Post, Ariyalur District, has con-

verted to Islam with the name of Abdullah on 24th August 1998. R. Mathivanan Arivalur, 10th January 2013 (C 4610) 7-1-2014

SITUATION VACANT Very experienced cook for Kuwaiti home, transferable residency, very lucrative salary, male applicants only. Contact 94088822.

(C 4609) 6-1-2014

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Airlines BBC JAI SYR KLM JZR JZR THY QTR PIA DLH ETH GFA THY UAE ETD OMA MSR RJA QTR FDB THY DHX FDB BAW KAC KAC JZR FDB QTR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC SVA UAE ABY ETD FDB QTR IRA GFA MEA JZR JZR TMA UAE MSR KNE SYR KAC FDB

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 8/1/2014 Flt Route 43 DHAKA 574 MUMBAI 1101 DAMASCUS 411 AMSTERDAM 539 CAIRO 267 BEIRUT 772 ISTANBUL 1084 DOHA 239 SIALKOT 637 DAMMAM 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 764 SABIHA 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI-INTL 643 MUSCAT 612 CAIRO 642 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 1076 DOHA 67 DUBAI 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 69 DUBAI 157 LONDON 412 MANILA 416 JAKARTA 503 LUXOR 53 DUBAI 1086 DOHA 206 ISLAMABAD 302 MUMBAI 362 COLOMBO 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 512 RIYADH 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 301 ABU DHABI-INTL 55 DUBAI 1070 DOHA 619 LAR 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 561 SOHAG 213 BEIRUT 871 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 480 TAIF 341 LATAKIA 514 TEHRAN 57 DUBAI

Time 00:05 00:10 00:35 00:30 00:40 00:40 00:45 00:55 01:05 01:10 01:45 02:10 02:15 02:35 02:45 03:05 03:10 03:15 03:45 04:20 05:35 05:40 05:50 06:40 06:45 06:25 05:50 07:50 07:50 07:40 07:55 08:45 08:15 08:10 08:15 08:40 09:00 09:20 09:40 09:55 10:05 10:20 11:55 11:30 12:55 12:10 12:50 13:00 13:15 13:40 13:45 13:50

QTR KAC SVA KNE GFA RAB JZR KAC QTR UAE ETD RJA SVA ABY GFA JZR UAL QTR FDB RJA KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC GFA OMA FDB MSR JAI AXB ABY IRA DLH ALK MEA ETD UAE GFA QTR FDB KLM JAI JZR AIC JZR JZR UAL

1078 546 500 472 221 300 325 562 1072 857 303 640 510 127 215 777 982 1080 63 1168 284 177 542 742 786 678 674 166 104 774 618 217 647 61 618 572 393 129 605 636 229 402 307 859 219 1074 59 415 576 239 981 135 185 981

DOHA ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH JEDDAH BAHRAIN SHARJAH NAJAF AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA DOHA DUBAI ABU DHABI-INTL AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA RIYADH SHARJAH BAHRAIN JEDDAH WASHINGTON DC DULLES DOHA DUBAI AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA DHAKA DUBAI CAIRO DAMMAM JEDDAH MUSCAT DUBAI PARIS LONDON RIYADH DOHA BAHRAIN MUSCAT DUBAI ALEXANDRIA MUMBAI KOZHIKODE SHARJAH ISFAHAN FRANKFURT COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI-INTL DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA DUBAI AMSTERDAM COCHIN AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA CHENNAI BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN

13:55 14:05 14:30 14:35 15:00 15:00 16:05 16:50 16:40 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:25 17:30 17:55 18:00 18:40 18:45 18:00 18:00 18:20 18:05 18:20 18:45 18:55 19:25 19:10 19:35 19:30 19:00 19:30 19:55 20:05 20:05 20:10 20:15 20:20 20:25 20:55 21:10 21:20 21:35 21:40 21:45 22:00 22:00 22:05 22:15 22:20 22:30 22:05 23:20 23:10

Airlines AIC PIA TAR AXB JAI SYR BBC KLM DLH PIA ETH THY UAE ETD OMA MSR QTR FDB QTR KAC JZR FDB JZR RJA THY GFA KAC THY FDB BAW QTR SVA KAC ABY KAC UAE ETD FDB QTR IRA GFA KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR MEA KAC JZR TMA MSR

Departure Flights on Wednesday 8/1/2014 Flt Route Time 976 GOA 00:05 206 LAHORE 00:10 327 DUBAI 00:15 490 MANGALORE 00:15 573 MUMBAI 01:10 1102 DAMASCUS 01:35 44 DHAKA 01:45 411 AMSTERDAM 01:45 637 FRANKFURT 02:10 240 SIALKOT 02:20 621 ADDIS ABABA 02:45 773 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 02:55 854 DUBAI 03:50 306 ABU DHABI 04:00 644 MUSCAT 04:05 613 CAIRO 04:10 1085 DOHA 04:15 68 DUBAI 05:00 1077 DOHA 05:15 283 DHAKA 05:30 560 SOHAG 06:20 70 DUBAI 06:30 164 DUBAI 06:55 643 AMMAN 07:05 765 ISTANBUL-SABIHA 07:05 212 BAHRAIN 07:15 545 ALEXANDRIA 07:15 771 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 07:30 54 DUBAI 08:30 156 LONDON 08:45 1087 DOHA 08:50 513 RIYADH 09:15 513 TEHRAN 09:25 126 SHARJAH 09:40 101 LONDON 09:50 856 DUBAI 09:55 302 ABU DHABI 10:05 56 DUBAI 10:20 1071 DOHA 10:55 618 LAR 10:55 214 BAHRAIN 11:05 561 AMMAN 11:25 541 CAIRO 11:30 165 ROME 11:50 677 MUSCAT 12:20 776 JEDDAH 12:25 324 AL NAJAF 12:40 405 BEIRUT 12:55 785 JEDDAH 13:00 176 DUBAI 13:45 223 AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL 13:45 611 CAIRO 14:00

DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

KNE UAE FDB SYR QTR KAC KAC KAC KNE GFA SVA KAC JZR ETD QTR UAE JZR RJA ABY SVA GFA JZR JZR RJA JZR UAL JZR FDB QTR GFA FDB OMA ABY KAC MSR JAI KAC AXB IRA KAC DLH DHX ALK MEA ETD GFA KAC FDB UAE KAC KLM QTR JAI JZR KAC

481 872 58 342 1079 673 741 617 473 222 501 773 238 304 1073 858 538 641 128 511 216 184 266 1169 134 982 554 64 1081 218 62 648 120 361 607 571 351 3942 604 343 636 171 230 403 308 220 301 60 860 205 415 1075 575 528 411

TAIF DUBAI DUBAI LATAKIA DOHA DUBAI DAMMAM DOHA JEDDAH BAHRAIN JEDDAH RIYADH AMMAN ABU DHABI DOHA DUBAI CAIRO AMMAN SHARJAH RIYADH BAHRAIN DUBAI BEIRUT AMMAN BAHRAIN BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA DUBAI DOHA BAHRAIN DUBAI MUSCAT SHARJAH COLOMBO LUXOR MUMBAI KOCHI KOZHIKODE ISFAHAN CHENNAI DAMMAM BAHRAIN COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI BAHRAIN MUMBAI DUBAI DUBAI ISLAMABAD DAMMAM DOHA ABU DHABI ASYUT BANGKOK

14:10 14:15 14:30 14:40 14:55 15:05 15:20 15:30 15:30 15:45 15:45 16:05 16:55 17:35 17:40 17:50 17:50 17:55 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:40 18:50 19:00 19:10 19:15 19:20 19:25 19:40 20:15 20:45 20:55 21:00 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:10 21:15 21:20 21:30 21:35 21:50 22:10 22:20 22:20 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:50 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:15 23:25 23:55

34

stars CROSSWORD 423

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) ARIES You make wise decisions today that will increase your finances. A separate issue may come up regarding a joint venture. This will need a bank review so that both of you come out equal. You may have a valid point when it comes to a discussion today—now is not the time to try and prove a point. Confusion and uncertainty reign until the twenty-second so when you are feeling unclear do not even attempt to explain an issue. Be careful of what you discuss in a group setting. Big ears also have a big mouth.

Dive into your hobby this evening. Alternatively, you could choose to work on your car— tinkering with the motor, changing the oil—an activity you may find comforting. This form of relaxation is valuable for you.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You could be in the public eye, especially with superiors or in relation to your work. This is a good day for dealing with the subtle, sublime and complex matters of life—work or home. You may find that you enjoy your job or the responsibility it requires more than usual. Your concentration and considerate action is positive. Challenges can be rewarding in many ways and you may find many appreciative followers. You are able to tackle tasks that require real discipline. You may be able to enjoy and value your own life situation this afternoon. Someone may compliment you on your tastes or belongings.

While listening to someone else’s problems this afternoon, you will be able to be helpful to that person. You spread goodwill.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

4. Small order of macroscopic fresh and brackish water algae with a distinct axis.

12. An elegantly dressed man (often with affected manners).

15. A workplace for the conduct of scientific research.

16. The semantic relation that holds between a whole and its parts.

17. A benevolent aspect of Devi.

18. Concerning those not members of the clergy.

19. A person who repeats.

20. Not reflecting light.

21. Any unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon.

23. The wife or widow of a czar.

25. The seventh month of the Hindu calendar.

27. Cosmopolitan genus of trees and shrubs having odd-pinnate leaves and showy flowers.

30. Emotionally hardened.

33. Take away the weapons from.

35. The compass point midway between east and southeast.

36. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 100 liters.

37. The month following August and preceding October.

38. A package of several things tied together for carrying or storing.

41. Worn or shabby from overuse or (of pages) from having corners turned down.

43. A woody climbing usually tropical plant.

46. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.

47. A rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that resembles manganese chemically and is used in some alloys.

49. Have supper.

50. A manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language.

51. Hungarian choreographer who developed Labanotation (1879-1958).

53. Any of several small ungulate mammals of Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes.

54. A Dravidian language spoken in southern India.

56. Urban areas in New England and Middle West characterized by concentrations of declining industries (steel or textiles).

59. The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet.

60. A farewell remark.

61. A rounded thickly curled hairdo.

64. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

67. The upper house of the parliament of the Republic of Ireland.

71. (New Testament) Day of the Last Judgment when God will decree the fates of all men according to the good and evil of their earthly lives.

74. Any property detected by the olfactory system.

75. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

76. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling).

79. King of Denmark and Norway who forced Edmund II to divide England with him.

80. A master's degree in education.

81. Genus of widely distributed agarics that have white spores and are poisonous with few exceptions.

82. Queen of the Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythology.

DOWN 1. (prefix) Indicating difference or variation.

2. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

3. Make amends for.

4. A consecrated ointment consisting of a mixture of oil and balsam.

5. One of the Aesir having a strong and beautiful body but a dull mind.

6. A town in northern Michigan on an arm of Lake Huron.

7. Fish eggs or egg-filled ovary.

8. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

9. English writer of historical romances (18031873).

10. An anticonvulsant drug (trade names Emeside and Zarontin) used to treat petit mal epilepsy.

11. A city in central New York.

12. Guinea fowl.

13. A strategically located monarchy on the southern and eastern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula.

14. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

22. Of a temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 32 degrees F and the boiling point as 212 degrees F at one atmosphere of pressure.

24. Read anew.

26. Capital of Vanuatu.

28. A member of the Iroquoian people formerly living east of Lake Ontario.

29. A proteolytic enzyme obtained from the unripe papaya.

31. Of or relating to the palm of the hand or to the area at the base of the thumb.

32. First in order of birth.

34. A three-tone Chadic language.

39. Goddess of the dead and queen of the underworld.

40. Intentional deception resulting in injury to another person.

42. A journey in a vehicle driven by someone else.

44. A military officer appointed from enlisted personnel.

45. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone else.

48. Razor clams.

52. A small nail.

55. An ornamental jewelled headdress signifying sovereignty.

57. 100 toea equal 1 kina.

58. A bachelor's degree in architecture.

62. (nautical) Situated at or toward the bow of a vessel.

63. Taking place over public roads.

65. An informal term for a father.

66. The 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

68. Not at all or in no way.

69. An Asian river between China and Russia.

70. A collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn.

72. A health resort near a spring or at the seaside.

73. Nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate.

77. Being one more than one hundred.

78. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

If you are a homeowner, now is a good time to homestead your home. If you do not know about this—check it out through a real estate company.

Today, you look for ways to complete your tasks at a faster rate of speed than usual—and of course, with accuracy. If you really want something strongly enough, you will create it.

Make a list of what you need to do in order to achieve your goals. A new relationship may seem too good to be true. Perhaps you are prone to suspicion now; and if so, try to relax.

Because of the energy available at this time, it could be hard to find any logical thinking.

Of course, if you are already involved within a relationship, it may have pleased you that someone has been flirting with you. Enjoy a quiet evening.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Great advances in canine sperm banks may assure you of having the same type or temperament of animal for years to come. This subject may be an interesting topic during a morning break in the workplace—some laugh and some join in with your same line of thought. You are on the right track with some project today and you are very hopeful in fine-tuning the final step. A double-duty piece of furniture has your attention this afternoon. You value quality merchandise and may find yourself making large as well as small purchases tonight, especially after you see the post-holiday sales.

You may have an opportunity to take charge of a volunteer situation this evening in which you will excel. An open mind and an open heart will lead you into interesting places.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Your awareness in submitting and presenting ideas and projects is particularly good at this time. Use your creative and original ideas to promote your work, your company or yourself. What is going on behind the scenes and all confidential matters are going to impact this day. Prepare to reorient your viewpoint and direction during the next six months. You can close the door on many of the issues that have been difficult to understand before now. Make every effort to balance your energies. Allocate some of the responsibilities. You could find a disagreement with a family member today but hold back from expressing your opinion just now as this has more of a tone of misinterpretation than anything else. Stop and really listen one more time.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Be as self-confident and assertive as you like—you will achieve whatever you set your mind to accomplish. Getting your message across to others is easy and you may be thinking something is wrong because the questions are too easy. Give yourself credit; you have learned many important things pertaining to your work. Your timing should be good and the day is perfect for interactions with others, particularly if meetings are scheduled. Good results happen. Because you have plenty of sympathy and understanding, you may find yourself volunteering as a counselor or giving some type of assistance to the elderly. Artistic work or hobby is inspired this evening. You may want a room or part of the garage to yourself for the assembly process.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) Pension, insurance, health or profit-sharing plans come to your attention this day. You will have an opportunity to join or reject these plans and reviewing the options can be most beneficial. You can expect a little extra support from the people around you today. A feeling that anything is possible if you set your sights high enough characterizes the cycle you have just begun. There is optimism, faith and a desire to explore all sorts of projects and challenges. You delight in creating a peaceful home life and when things are out of balance, you work to set things straight. When you sing or involve yourself in some form of music or creative activity you get rid of negative energy.

Involve yourself with some new music or a new recipe this evening.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Now is the time to take your first plane ride or enjoy the upcoming weekend tour to unfamiliar places. Be clear about your intentions and your expectations and you will see personal conflicts disappear. Your love relationship has undergone some positive changes and will continue to gain in strength as long as you both remain honest. Your activities move at a fast pace and there is just no time for emotional clogs. Use your energy to benefit your best interest and maintain a sense of strength and balance. Be careful that you do not overspend or indulge too much now—your reality must match your income. Some budgeting plans may seem strict for now but you work to set an example and guide others. It will soon be time to reassess the budget. Take notes.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You could have a bit of a problem getting down to business today. Make a list; know where you want to go and what you want to accomplish. A world of people out there will help you achieve your goals. You will have insights into your living situation as well as life changes. Write them down in order to gain a focus. Just as others will come to your assistance, you will have an opportunity to come to another person’s assistance. Involvement with neighbors and relatives can be festive this evening—perhaps a birthday or wedding is to take place soon. There is a possibility of understanding and taking care of a worrisome problem of late. There are times to draw near with someone you love this evening. Tonight brings about pleasant moments.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Stress can cause mistakes as well as accidents on the job. Pace yourself and take breaks until the pressure has been relieved. Peace of mind is precious and in order to think clearly and be at top speed you must make sure all avenues of your life are in balance. While working with others it is beneficial to have your timing right and this may improve soon. This afternoon you will find your concentration is in focus and the duties of business can be accomplished quickly. You may have a strong need to be respected on the home front. Your power depends on how you listen to others as well as how you relate what is important to you. Clear communication will show others your interest and enable to you express your goals. Laughter is good.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) There is good luck for you in the work world if you can learn a technique in order to deal with people that ask too many questions. You have a variety of forceful inner resources that spell gain and advancement. Your intuition comes into play this afternoon as you notice ways to improve your business or the business of the place where you work. Read the financial pages of your newspaper carefully today—there are hints about what you can expect over the remainder of this month. If you have questions about your health, have it checked soon for your own peace of mind. It is very important that if you become confused or frustrated you pull back and examine your nutrition, exercise and mental focus. A friend calls to invite you to a future party.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) The morning presents a frustrating time at home and work. Listen carefully.

Someone may be coloring his or her story and you may have to dig under to understand the whole truth. You sense the desire to choose a negative direction and, fortunately, you will choose the reverse. This day is noted as one of your best days this month; perhaps you will have to stretch beyond your usual talents, but you can do it. In learning how to eliminate the stress in your life, you create better health practices and set examples for others. The afternoon offers an easier trend. The evening may tempt you to party but you may decide instead to relax at home. A good book or music has a way of making you feel you are in sync with the world and all that is in it.

Yesterday’s Solution

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

Al-Madeena

22418714

Al-Shuhada

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Faiha

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Al-Jahra

25610011

Khaldiya

24848075

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Omariya

24719048

N Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

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LIFESTYLE M u s i c

Review:

A look at some overlooked albums of 2013

This CD cover image released by Blackheart Records shows “Unvarnished,” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. —AP photos

A

look at some of 2013’s overlooked albums, from rocker Joan Jett to rapper E-40 and the Craig Taborn Trio.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, “Unvarnished” (Blackheart) Joan Jett is at her best when she sounds angry (which is most of the time), and on “Unvarnished,” she turns her ire on two targets: reality TV and the extent to which social media has rendered nothing about many people’s lives off-limits. “Reality Mentality” takes aim at trash TV: “Wanna be a star? We’ll just lower the bar.” And on “TMI” (as in too much information), she recoils in horror about what people will post about themselves for the world to see. “Soulmates to Strangers” is a wistful look at a relationship that withered and died, while “Make It Back” starts with insecurity that ends with certainty that things are going to be all right. The prototypical tough-chick-with-a-guitar, Joan Jett has always been about straight-ahead rock anthems, sweetened with just enough melody to burn them into your brain. From her teen days with the ‘70s girl group The Runaways through hits like “I Hate Myself for Lovin’ You,” Jett has delivered the goods and the attitude, stood back and not cared about what people thought. I wish there were 100 Joan Jetts, but since there’s only one, anytime she makes an album it’s worth a serious listen.

Amanda Shires, “Down Fell the Doves” (Lightning Rod) Amanda Shires was a big part of two albums you shouldn’t have missed in 2013. She plays the muse - and a little bit of fiddle to boot - on husband Jason Isbell’s “Southeastern,” an album inspired by all the changes in his life spurred by his new love. A few months later, she released her own “Down Fell the Doves,” further proving she should be counted among the group of young, female singer-songwriters in Nashville who are making today’s most interesting country-influenced music. Like most of those songwriters, Shires isn’t getting any attention from country radio, and that’s a shame. She’s at her best on songs like “Bulletproof,”“Look Like a Bird” and “Wasted and Rollin’,” infusing short storylike lyrics with a playful sense of rhythm and experimentation that should make more people take notice.

Eldar Djangirov Trio, “Breakthrough” (Motema) Eighty-eight keys are a handful, but when jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov holds down the sustain pedal at the end of his original composition “In Pursuit,” every note seems to linger. Like a great home -run hitter, Djangirov touches ‘em all, and often. His spectacular technique has never been displayed more impressively than on “Breakthrough,” a trio album that can barely contain the many ideas at Djangirov’s fingertips. Notes rise and fall in torrents, but his playing is always headed downhill. There’s astounding rhythmic complexity, with bassist Armando Gola and drummer Ludwig Afonso joining their bandleader in more stops and starts than a car chase. Djangirov’s hardly a showboat, however. The 26-year-old Soviet emigrant tackles the Great American Songbook on Gershwin’s “Somebody Loves Me” and Berlin’s “What’ll I Do,” never straying far from the melody but squeezing plenty of beauty from both chestnuts. Elsewhere there are hints of Ravel and Prokofiev, no surprise because Djangirov also released a fine classical solo album in 2013. This is jazz rooted in Europe, rather than the blues, but there’s nothing austere or conservative about these performances. Djangirov will pause over a sumptuous chord, then bolt in pursuit of another idea. On “Breakthrough,” he swings hard - and connects.

Stryper, “No More Hell to Pay” (Frontiers) For 30 years now, Stryper has been mixing solos and scripture, volume and veneration, head-banging and hallelujahs, and the Christian rockers are at it again on an album that preserves their classic ‘80s-metal sound while spreading the word to a new generation. You don’t have to be a Christian to love the wallsmashing power chords, rapid-fire guitar solos and groundpounding drums on “No More Hell to Pay.” Nor do you have to be a heavy metal fan to connect with the band’s message. Most of this album is pure, distilled Stryper, circa 1986, as a number of tracks would have been as at home on “To Hell With the Devil” as

This photo provided by Lightning Rod Records shows the cover of Amanda Shires’ album, “Down Fell the Doves.”

they are here. That’s not to say Stryper’s music hasn’t evolved; it most certainly has. “Sympathy” is more complex than anything the band has attempted in a while. But Stryper remains true to a sound and substance that made it the darling of MTV during the hair-metal days.

Where other bands would be content to play a power chord, Michael Sweet and lead guitarist Oz Fox play dueling, harmonic riffs to create an instantly recognizable sound that has become their trademark. “Saved by Love” is a full-speed-ahead rocker fueled by tasty solos from Fox, truly one of the most underrated metal guitarists of all time, and the obligatory power ballad “The One” has the same spirit as their ‘80s hit “Honestly.”

Kim Richey, “Thorn in My Heart” (Yep Roc) Kim Richey’s latest album finds beauty in heartbreak. The lovely melodies throb with sadness, and the slight twang in

This CD cover image released by Motema Music shows “Breakthrough,” by Eldar Djangirov Trio.

back. Third-rate romance is the reality on “No Means Yes,” while first-rate romance is the elusive goal elsewhere. “Thorn in My Heart” provides a seductive soundtrack for the search.

Brandy Clark, “12 Stories” (Slate Creek) Brandy Clark’s debut album, “12 Stories,” turns the spotlight on one of the wittiest, most gifted songwriters in country music who’s finally getting name recognition after penning hits for Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves. Clark’s album is a fresh breath apart from the good ol’ country boy climate dominating radio and proves that finely crafted storytelling is still the backbone of country music. The stories delve into the traditional well for country songs, like falling in love, getting intoxicated, and cheating and/or being cheated on, but she avoids sounding derivative with her emotional-plying scenes, such as the weed-smoking housewife in “Get High” or the other woman in

New York’s Jazz at Kitano club. Lage has the virtuoso technique and deep knowledge of jazz history to keep pace with jazz masters like Hersch and Gary Burton, appearing on the vibraphonist’s Grammy-nominated jazz instrumental album, “Guided Tour.”

Hersch is a Grammy nominee for improvised jazz solo for “Free Flying’s” opening track, “Song Without Words #4: Duet,” which has a Bach-inspired classical feel with complex contrapuntal playing mixed with jazz improvisation.

Most of the nine selections are Hersch compositions, including “Down Home,” which playfully draws from folk, blues, gospel and early jazz styles such as stride piano, and the title track on which the duo draw on Latin-flavored rhythms as they play intertwining rapid-fire lines. There are only two covers, including the closing “Monk’s Dream” on which the two pay tribute to Thelonious Monk’s percussive playing, dissonant harmonies and quirky angular melodies.

Jackson Scott, “Melbourne” (Fat Possum) With a dash of ‘60s psychedelic and a whole lot of reverb, North Carolina college dropout Jackson Scott turned in one of 2013’s most memorable albums with “Melbourne.” Scott’s laidback rock is constructed of various elements that threaten to interrupt but eventually meld into one another. His vocals lope along and are occasionally accompanied by a blistering fuzz of guitar when things begin to simmer. “Forever never wrong, it’s only just a song,” Scott sings on the brief but addictive track “Never Ever.” That’s the only lyric, yet it somehow fits perfectly amid a crash of hi-hats as he intones it over and over again.

Scott eschews anger for a more accepting approach, helping the listener feel comfortable with themes coupling hope and despair. On “Sandy,” you can hear his influences the best. The song about destructed relationships is awash with a late ‘60s, early ‘70s, double-handclapped cadence. It is sad stuff, sung by a guy who sounds rejuvenated from a darker place.

This CD cover image released by Palmetto Records shows “Free Flying,” by Fred Hersch and Julian Lage.

This CD cover image released by Fat Possum Records shows “Melbourne,” by Jackson Scott.

This CD cover image released by E-40, “The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 4, 5 & 6” (Heavy on the Grind Entertainment).

This CD cover image released by Craig Taborn Trio, “Chants” (ECM).

Richey’s gentle alto adds to the ache. While the tempos are mostly slow on “Thorn in My Heart,” the music has an appealing variety, thanks to imaginative instrumentation. Trumpet, banjo, keyboards, mandolin, clarinet, fiddle and pedal steel take turns altering the mood. The blend is so sparse and carefully considered that on “Angels’ Share” even the bass drum plays a pivotal role. The vocal arrangements are distinctive, too, with harmonies on most of the 12 songs, ranging from two-part to a gospel chorus on “Take Me to the Other Side.” Richey sings about pledging allegiance, separation, parting and bouncing

“What’ll Keep Me Out of Heaven.” And she’s a killer hook writer with lyrics like these from “Pray to Jesus”: “We pray to Jesus and play the lotto, ‘cause there ain’t but two ways we can change tomorrow.”

This CD cover image released by Frontiers Records shows “No More Hell to Pay,” by Stryper.

Fred Hersch & Julian Lage, “Free Flying” (Palmetto) This exquisite chamber jazz album matches rising guitar star Julian Lage and innovative veteran pianist Fred Hersch in a series of acrobatic duets recorded live in the intimate setting of

This CD cover image released by Yep Roc Records shows “Thorn in My Heart,” by Kim Richey.

E-40, “The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 4, 5 & 6” (Heavy on the Grind Entertainment) E-40 is one of the most respected rappers in hip-hop. He’s carved out a niche with his unique brand of West Coast slang and relatable stories that entail street wisdom, and he continued to showcase his talent in 2013 with the three-disc independent set, “The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 4, 5 & 6.”

It’s packed with 45 songs featuring T.I., Chris Brown, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz and Young Jeezy. The cameos are entertaining, from the Ross and French Montana-assisted “Champagne” and “Put It in the Air,” featuring Mac Mall and San Quinn. But when E-40 raps on a track alone, the 46-year-old, who has delivered 20 studio albums, is top-notch. That’s certainly apparent on “What Kind of World,” where the Bay Area rapper examines a variety of topics from failed marriages to poverty. On “Don’t Shoot the Messenger,” the hip-hop veteran talks about his childhood, life’s troubles and the afterlife. E-40 is enduring.

Craig Taborn Trio, “Chants” (ECM) A musician’s musician, pianist Craig Taborn has appeared on more than 70 albums as a sideman in a 20-plus-year career, working with adventurous jazz musicians from saxophonists Tim Berne, Chris Potter, James Carter and David Binney to bassists Dave Holland and Michael Formanek. He stepped into the spotlight with his stunning 2011 ECM label debut, “Avenging Angel,” a risk-taking, spontaneously composed solo piano CD on which he coaxed all kinds of sounds out of his instrument. Taborn returned in 2013 with “Chants,” a long overdue recording featuring his trio with drummer Gerald Cleaver and bassist Thomas Morgan who have developed an almost telepathic interplay after playing together for eight years.

Taborn takes the jazz piano trio tradition into new territory with nine thought-provoking compositions on which Cleaver and Morgan go beyond the role of supportive rhythm section to play a more equal part in shaping the melody and harmonies.

The centerpiece is the nearly 13-minute “All True Night/Future Perfect” that begins with a delicate piano solo that builds in intensity once Cleaver and Morgan add their voices in a piece full of shifting tempos and changing dynamics. —AP

This CD cover image released by Slate Creek Records shows “12 Stories,” a release by Brandy Clark.

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&

M o v i e s

Filipino singer captures Israeli hearts in TV show A

This image released by Disney shows, from left, Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell, Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad, and Kristoff, voiced by Jonathan Groff in a scene from the animated feature ‘Frozen.’ —AP

‘Frozen’ tops North American box office D isney animated musical “Frozen” claimed top spot at the North American box office this weekend, dethroning the latest installment of “The Hobbit” fantasy trilogy, final figures showed Monday. A loosely based retelling of a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, “Frozen” added another $19.6 million in earnings, taking its seven-week haul in the United States and Canada to just under $297 million. In second was horror film “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones,” the fifth movie of the hugely successful franchise which opened with $18.3 million, box office tracker Exhibitor Relations confirmed.

The “Paranormal Activity” franchise has earned more than $750 million worldwide since the original low-budget film, made for just $15,000, took the box office by storm in 2009. Last week’s top dog, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”, fell to third spot with $15.7 million. The second part of director Peter Jackson’s trilogy of films, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved classic, has earned $229 million to date in North America.

In fourth spot was Martin Scorsese’s latest collaboration with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street,” earning $13.2 million in its second weekend. The movie is based on the debauched rise and fall of disgraced Wall Street financier Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio), who conned his way to hundreds of millions in the 1990s while maintaining a notoriously drug-fuelled

lifestyle. Critically acclaimed comedy “American Hustle”-starring Christian Bale and Amy Adams as grifters who team up with an FBI agent, played by Bradley Cooper, to bring down other con artistswas fifth with $12.4 million.

In sixth place was “Anchorman 2,” the Will Ferrell comedy which sees him reprise his role as screwball newsman Ron Burgundy. The sequel took $10.6 million in its third week. Seventh was “Saving Mr Banks,” a drama about Walt Disney’s quest to make a film adaptation of Mary Poppins, with $8.7 million. Its stars-Tom Hanks as Disney and Emma Thompson as Poppins’ anti-Hollywood author-have both been nominated for Golden Globes.

In eighth was Ben Stiller’s romantic comedy “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” an updated adaptation of James Thurber’s famous 1939 short story about a straitlaced office worker who loses himself in heroic daydreams. The film, which stars Stiller in the lead role, took $8 million. In ninth place was the second film in the blockbuster “Hunger Games” franchise with $7 million, taking its overall earnings to $407.1 million in North America alone.

In 10th was “Grudge Match,” a comedy seeing Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro play geriatric former boxers who agree to climb into the ring one last time to settle a feud. The movie-nicknamed “Aging Bull” by one critic-took $5.3 million. —AFP

Musicians Bono and The Edge of U2 arrive at the 25th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 4, 2014 in Palm Springs. —AFP

47-year-old Filipino caregiver has emerged as the newest star of Israeli reality television, putting a human face on the thousands of foreign workers who toil away in menial, backbreaking jobs in this country. Israeli viewers of the country’s myriad of reality shows have grown accustomed to successful candidates from various backgrounds, including black-clad ultra-Orthodox Jews, Ethiopian immigrants and a German convert to Judaism who became a celebrity chef. But they’ve never seen someone like Rose Fostanes before.

The diminutive woman with a booming voice has taken “X-Factor Israel” by storm and emerged as a national phenomenon. Known simply as “Rose,” she is mobbed by fans wherever she goes. “It’s a big change in my life because before nobody recognized me, nobody knew me. But now everybody, I think everybody in Israel knows my name. And it is very funny,” she said.

Fostanes arrived six years ago to work as a caregiver so, like millions of other Filipino workers around the world, she could send money back home to her family. She spends her days caring and cleaning for an ailing woman in her 50s.

To save money, Fostanes lives in a crowded apartment in south Tel Aviv, a downtrodden area inhabited by foreign laborers, with seven others.

Until recently, Fostanes was among the thousands of Filipinos who work in similar positions in Israel. The site of Filippino workers wheeling elderly Israelis in public places is so common that the word “Filipini” has become synonymous with “caregiver.” Several months ago, a friend encouraged her to

Rose Fostanes speaks to the Associated Press before a rehearsal of the X-Factor Israel in Tel Aviv. —AP photos

Rose Fostanes sings during a rehearsal of the X-Factor. enter the “X-Factor” competition, a popular show hosted by Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli. Standing just 1.50 meters-tall (4-foot-11), Fostanes has captured her audiences’ hearts with a surprisingly

Run Run Shaw, father of the kung fu film, dies aged 106

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un Run Shaw, the billionaire film pioneer hailed as the inventor of the kung fu genre and who launched a media empire that stretched from Hong Kong to Hollywood, died yesterday at the age of 106. The colourful mogul, whose flagship Shaw Brothers Studio helped shape Asian cinema in the 20th century and influenced the films of directors such as Quentin Tarantino, passed away at his home in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s chief executive Leung Chun-ying, leader of the city of seven million people, praised Shaw’s legacy.

“Sir Run Run Shaw has for a long time promoted the entertainment industry in Hong Kong, his philanthropy also has spread from Hong Kong to China and beyond. He is an elder that we very much respect,” Leung told reporters. Shaw, listed

by Forbes as a billionaire, was also a generous philanthropist who was knighted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in 1977 for his public service as a long-time backer of the Red Cross. He co-produced Ridley Scott’s 1982 cult hit “Blade Runner”, and his studio’s kung fu films became genre-defining-but he famously missed out on signing Bruce Lee following failed talks over remuneration.

Lee instead joined Golden Harvest, a Hong Kong-based production house founded by Shaw’s former employee Raymond Chow, which propelled the martial arts icon to international stardom. Shaw and his older brother Runme first founded a film

Why U2s’ Bono considered Nelson Mandela his ‘Bandleader’

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hey may have been rock ‘n’ roll interlopers at a swanky movie-business event, but U2’s Bono and the Edge turned more heads than Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks at Saturday night’s Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala. The group was honored with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award for its activism, but it was also on hand for writing “Ordinary Love,” the end-credits song in the Justin Chadwick film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” released only days before Mandela’s death on Dec 5.

At Saturday night’s gala, Bono and the Edge sat down to talk about the song in TheWrap’s photo studio at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Incidentally, we figured out that it was almost exactly 25 years to the day since I sat with them in a Dublin pub on Jan 3, 1989 for a Rolling Stone cover story.

How did you get involved with the movie?

Bono: I had a conversation with Anant Singh - we were trying to make this movie for 10 years. And he kept saying, though I wasn’t sure whether to believe him, that he wanted U2 to be part of it. I kept pointing out that we weren’t actually African, and he kept reminding me that Mandela was owned by a much wider community than Africa.

We had been working for since we were in our teens in the ‘70s. U2 did its first antiapartheid show in 1979. And really, throughout that the years following - from the “Make Poverty History” movement, debt cancellation, universal access to antiretroviral drugs - he was our bandleader. He is no longer around, and that’s a hole we’re never going to be able to fill.

But at least, when it came to writing a song for a movie about his life, we could try to feel useful.

Edge: It almost feels like Madiba [Mandela’s clan name] stage-managed his own exit, you know what I mean? If he were to to try and plan it so he would get the most attention and focus on his great work and on his values, he couldn’t have done a better job [than to have]

an amazing movie to come out right at this moment. So we’re just happy to help in whatever small way we can to shine more light on what he represents and what he did as a leader - an international leader, an example to every politician.

Bono: An example of how to lead by serving, and by putting away the sort of partisanship that has brought this country to a halt.

Very pertinent now, those lessons. Reaching across the aisle. Those are all things he was famous for. The idea of U2 writing a song for a Mandela movie could make people think they’re going to get a big political song. But “Ordinary Love” isn’t that at all.

Bono: Maybe they were thinking we should write a big anthem, a “Pride (In the Name of Love).” But we were more focused on the eros and the agape. A complicated love story, which is this film, deserves a complicated love song.

And that’s kind of our specialty. ‘Cause when things get too straight, in terms of writing a love song, we start getting embarrassed. We come from that Roy Orbison school of dark love songs. Anant sent us the love letters between Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and they were the key to the lyrics. They’re just beautiful letters. He loved language.

Edge: One of the strengths of the movie is also that it shows the character of Mandela in all his different phases. He started off as a troubled man who showed all the frailties of somebody who’s trying to wrestle with the big questions. And the great arc of the story is to see how he emerged after his captivity as this wise sage who had incredible judgment and incredible ability to forgive and to move forward into the future. A visionary. But I don’t think he always had those powers. Those were powers that he attained through his life. So it’s a very encouraging story, in many ways, to see a man with those vicissitudes and failings come through and become the guy he eventually did. —Reuters

strong and soulful voice, belting out such hits as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Lady Gaga’s “You and I.” She is among the final five contestants and widely seen as a favorite.

Israeli singer Shiri Maimon, a judge on the show and former reality TV contestant herself, has served as Fontanes’ “mentor” throughout the season. After a recent rendition of Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” Maimon could barely contain her excitement. “It was so moving. I am so proud of you. We will have an amazing journey together,” she said. “I’m speechless. It was more than perfect.”

Fostanes said she has dreamed of singing since she was a child, but suffered discrimination because of her appearance. She said she still can’t believe how far she has come.

“Sometimes I am telling myself, ‘Is it true that it happened to me?” she said. “At least I can express and show the people that I have also talents and it’s not too late for me to shine.” Fostanes said she has been a caregiver since the age of 23, working in Egypt and Lebanon before coming to Israel. She is among the roughly 10 million Filipinos, or 10 percent of the overall population, who work abroad.

Israel’s estimated 40,000 Filipinos enjoy relative freedom, as long as they have work permits.

Most remain for an agreed-upon period of time before returning home. Fostanes said Filipinos around the world have heard about her and frequently send her text messages of support. But her success has been tempered by the distance from her loved ones. She last visited the Philippines two years ago. “Really I miss them, my family especially because this is the time I really need them beside me,” she said, with tears in her eyes. “I need their support not only because they are in the Philippines, I want them to be by my side.” —AP

This file picture taken on May 28, 2008 shows Run Run Shaw at the AGM of TVB in Hong Kong. —AFP production house in Shanghai in 1927, before moving in to Hong Kong and Singapore. Shaw Brothers Studio has since produced around 1,000 titles, including “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” and “Five Fingers of Death”. The studio, which mostly produced Chinese-language films, dominated Hong Kong’s “Movie Town”, and bred local directors-some of whom would later reach the top of their industry in Hollywood, such as John Woo. Hong Kong actor Gordon Liu, who appeared in multiple Shaw films, played the stereotypical Shaw-esque kung fu master Pai Mei in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill: Volume 2”. Kung fu film fans took to Twitter to pay their respects yesterday.

“Without Run Run Shaw there would be no Quentin Tarantino or Wu Tang Clan,” New York City-based user LenRoQ tweeted.

“RIP Sir Run Run Shaw. Thank you for all those Saturday afternoons of Kung fu,” Victor DeAnda from Philadelphia tweeted. In 1967 Shaw helped found Hong Kong broadcaster TVB, whose sitcoms, variety shows and soap operas became immensely popular among the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia, putting the former British colony on the global entertainment map. Silver screen mega-stars such as Chow Yuen-fat, Tony Leung, Stephen Chow and Andy Lau all had their big breaks on TVB television dramas in the 1980s before switching to movies. Shaw was born in Ningbo, in Zhejiang province in China, in 1907. He was nicknamed “Uncle Six” as he was the sixth of seven siblings.

He had an affection for Rolls Royce vehicles, and was often pictured accompanied by glamorous actresses at glittering social events. He was famously reported as saying that he and his brother had buried up to $4 million in gold, jewelry and cash in their garden before the Japanese invaded Singapore during the Second World War. “After the war we were still rich,” he said.

Shaw was also the backer of the $1 million Shaw Prize, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Asia. —AFP

Aamir Khan thriller breaks Bollywood records

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ollywood action thriller “Dhoom 3”, starring Aamir Khan, has smashed box office records to become the highest grossing Indian film of all time, according to industry experts yesterday.

The third film in the Dhoom franchise, which has been likened to Hollywood’s “Fast and Furious”, is the first Indian film to cross the five-billion rupee mark ($80 million) in gross revenues around the world, according to its production house Yash Raj Films.

The group said late Monday that the cop caper had grossed 5.01 billion rupees, and trade experts confirmed it had surpassed the previous highest-grossing Bollywood film, a title recently clinched by Shah Rukh Khan’s “Chennai Express”.

“Dhoom 3 is the number one Bollywood film worldwide,” said Vajir Singh, editor of Box Office India. Unlike in Hollywood, there is no central data management service for box office collections in India, which can

lead to a discrepancy in figures.

Single screen ticket sales remain uncomputerised and while multiplex collections are computerised, they are not linked on one network, so gross collection figures are usually supplied by the distributor. Singh attributed the success of the “Dhoom 3” partly to the “star appeal” of Aamir Khan, whose earlier 2010 film “3 Idiots” held the highest-grossing record for more than three years.

“Dhoom 3”, directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya and also starring Abhishek Bachchan and Katrina Kaif, is set largely in Chicago and tells the story of an Indian cop, his sidekick and their latest adversary, an illusionist played by Khan. “It’s huge and this record won’t be easy to break anytime soon,” said trade analyst Komal Nahta of the success of the film, which was released on December 20 and has been shown at more than 4,400 screens in India and 750 screens abroad. —AFP

Jane Campion to head Cannes film festival jury

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ew Zealand filmmaker Jane Campion, the only woman to win the coveted Palme d’Or, will head the jury at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the organizers announced yesterday. “It’s a great honor for me to be chosen as the president of the jury,” the 59-year-old director said in a statement. “To tell the truth I can’t wait,” added Campion who succeeds last year’s jury head Steven Spielberg. The 67th Cannes film festival will run from May 14-25 in the southern France resort town. Campion who won the Palme d’Or for “The Piano” in 1993 also holds the distinction as the only double winner, her short “Peel” having picked up the Palme d’or in that category in 1986.

“The Piano” was also a big winner at the 1993 Academy wards across the Atlantic, with Campion winning an Oscar for Best Screenplay while Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin won Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively. “A major filmmaker and a tireless pioneer,” was how the Cannes organizers described Campion.

She is not the first woman to head the Cannes festival jury.

Actresses Isabelle Huppert did so in 2009 and Isabelle Adjani in 1997, with Ingmar Bergman’s cinematic muse Liv Ullmann also

Jane Campion heading the jury in 2001 — the Norwegian actress has herself directed a handful of films. Cannes “is a mythical place and surprising place where actors reveal themselves, films find their producers and careers are made. I know, it happened to me,” said Campion. Born into an artistic family, Campion studied anthropology then painting before turning her attentions to cinema.

Last year she came to Cannes as head of the short-film jury. She has also won critical and popular acclaim for writing the 2013 television mini-series “Top of the Lake” which was shot in New Zealand. —AFP

lifestyle

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

F a s h i o n

Fashion legend Saint Laurent brought to life in biopic

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The Autumn/ Winter 2014 London Collections

Saint Laurent

eted as a visionary but tormented genius who reshaped the silhouette of 20th century women, Yves Saint Laurent comes back to life this week in the first biopic of the man known as the “prince of fashion”. The film by French actor-turned-director Jalil Lespert focuses on 20 years of the designer’s life between 1956 and 1976 that saw him burst onto the fashion scene-first at Dior then at the head of his own house-and ascend to fame and fortune.

It is also a love story-that of Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge, whose up-and-down relationship reveals the “dark, sombre face” of a man who at times plunged into depression, drugs and alcohol, and was unfaithful. Saint Laurent, who died in 2008 aged 71, dominated the international couture scene from the swinging 1960s, revolutionizing women’s wardrobes with a new androgynous style that mirrored women’s push for a stronger social role. He is also widely credited as the first to employ black models, and British supermodel Naomi Campbell in 2008 paid tribute to a man she said promoted women of color on the runway.

Lespert, 37, told AFP he wanted to “tell a love story and at the same time a story about people who fight for their dreams”. He pointed to “the historic and national importance” of the designer “through his creations, men’s clothes-trousers, tuxedos, reefer jack-

Models present creations by designer Bobby Abley for MAN during the Autumn/Winter 2014 London Collections: Men fashion event in London.

—AP/AFP photos

Topman Design

ets-which he democratized for women at a time when French society was changing”. For Lespert, the designer embodied “absolute timidity, extreme elegance.”

‘Absolute timidity, extreme elegance’ Saint Laurent is played by 24-year-old actor Pierre Niney, a rising star who joined the prestigious Comedie Francaise theatre when he was just 21. Tall, slim, and wearing Saint Laurent’s trademark black-rimmed glasses, Niney morphs into the six foot (1.85 meters) designer in the film. In order to play the fashion legend, he first read up about Saint Laurent to get his head round a person he knew very little about. Four-and-a-half months later, he was taught fashion design and drawing. Niney also underwent coaching to imitate Saint Laurent’s soft, halting voice.

“I worked with a woman who drew for Saint Laurent for 15 years. I also learnt to recognize the... coded vocabulary of workshops,” he said. Berge is played by Guillaume Gallienne, a French actor who is also part of the Comedie Francaise. Lespert said he wanted two actors who had received classical theatre training to better encapsulate the language used at the time, and Saint Laurent’s specific way of speaking. Berge okayed the film, unlike

another biopic on Saint Laurent due to come out in May. Saint Laurent was born in 1936 in Algeria, when the North African country was still French territory. A shy lonely child born to a well-off family, he was taunted over his homosexuality and became fascinated by clothes. He arrived in Paris in 1953, aged 17, with a portfolio of sketches and the following year won three of the four categories in a Paris design competition the fourth went to his rival Karl Lagerfeld, now at Chanel. Saint Laurent started out at Christian Dior and then struck out on his own, with Berge taking care of the business side. He went from strength to strength, mixing along the way with famous people, and his name and the YSL logo became synonymous with all the latest trends. But in his later years, the depression that haunted him all his life became more oppressive, and at his farewell bash in 2002 Saint Laurent admitted to having recourse to “those false friends which are tranquilizers and narcotics”. — AFP

lifestyle

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

T r a v e l

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing joins Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed’s

#MyDubai initiative

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ubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the governmental body responsible for promoting Dubai’s leisure and business tourism offering around the world, today committed to joining the #MyDubai initiative, announced yesterday by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid AlMaktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Launched via Al-Maktoum’s instagram and twitter accounts, #MyDubai is an initiative to create the world’s first autobiography of a city, encouraging the people of Dubai to share compelling moments of their lives and the true culture and soul of the city that lies beneath the urban and technological experiences.

DTCM will join the initiative by selecting outstanding contributions made by the people of Dubai, by showcasing the best photographs and videos on its social media channels - @definitelydubai - and throughout the year at exhibitions and roadshows, and by sharing photographs and videos of the department’s work promoting the city around the world. DTCM marked its commitment to the initiative by showcasing ten images posted with the #MyDubai hashtag since yesterday’s announcement, each of which highlight why Dubai is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

Helal Saeed Al-Marri, Director-General, DTCM, said: “As His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al- Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, stated yesterday, the remarkable passion for Dubai that exists amongst both UAE nationals and the communities of more than 200 nationalities living in Dubai is an often untold part of the Emirate’s success. This passion has been demonstrated in no uncertain terms with more than 25,000 images and videos uploaded to Instagram with the hashtag MyDubai just 12 hours after the project was launched by Al-Maktoum.

“The best marketers of a city are the people who live in it and through DTCM’s involvement in

#MyDubai, it is our intention to showcase the best of the city by curating images, videos and stories of residents experiencing the events, attractions, hotels, restaurants and other elements of our destination offering. We will launch a number of projects throughout the year under the #MyDubai banner, all of which will both encourage residents to be tourists in their own city and will highlight why Dubai is now the seventh most visited city in the world.”

Fashion legend Saint Laurent brought to life in biopic

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Graffiti painted on a street wall in a district of the Lebanese capital Beirut shows an image of a recently deceased beggar known to roam the city’s streets. — AFP photos

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Graffiti painted on a street wall in a district of the Lebanese capital Beirut shows an image of Palestinian poet Mahmud Darwish.

Cocaine cake joke in ‘bad taste’ Carrefour Argentina

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arrefour Argentina scrambled to reassure customers Monday after a delicacy from a cake supplier listed “12 grams of cocaine” as an ingredient. The French supermarket chain, which has more than 500 stores across Argentina, said it regretted what it called a “joke in bad taste,” apparently made by a worker at the supplier.

“We at Carrefour Argentina want to reassure our customers that there was no unusual ingredient in Carrefour brand cake,” a company statement said, noting the cakes with the erroneous labels had been pulled from shelves. Many people joked online that after neighboring Uruguay legalized marijuana, “for Carrefour, cocaine is legal,” tweeted a social media user called Lilia. Drug lord “Pablo Escobar, up in heaven, must be thinking ‘why didn’t I come up with that?’” joked Gustavo Ramirez on Facebook. — AFP

A graffiti painted on a wall in a district of the Lebanese capital Beirut shows human evolution from primate into a human suicide bombers.

How a hunch led to stunning claim on

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wo archaeologists had a hunch that the Buddha’s birthplace in southern Nepal held secrets that could transform how the world understood the emergence and spread of Buddhism. Their pursuit would eventually see them excavate the sacred site of Lumbini as monks prayed nearby, leading to the stunning claim that the Buddha was born in the sixth century BC, two centuries earlier than thought.

Veteran Nepalese archaeologist Kosh Prasad Acharya had carried out excavations in Lumbini before in the early 1990s, when Nepal was still ruled by a king and a Maoist insurgency had yet to kick off.

The project ended in 1996 but Acharya remained unsatisfied with the results. “My belief was that there was another cultural deposit below, which we had not uncovered,” the 62year-old told AFP. He headed back to his government job in the capital Kathmandu and waited to retire, restless to return to Lumbini. The Buddha’s birthplace was lost and overgrown by jungle before its rediscovery in 1896, when the presence of a third century BC pillar bearing inscriptions allowed historians to identify it as Lumbini.

Since then, it has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site, visited by millions of Buddhists every year, with numbers expected to rise exponentially in the following decades. Acharya had just retired from his last job, as the

director general of the department of archaeology, when UNESCO asked him to co-direct an investigation of Lumbini’s foundations. The cultural organization asked Acharya and his longtime collaborator, Robin Coningham, Britain’s leading South Asian archaeologist, to head a team that would examine the site so conservators could develop it for growing numbers of visitors.

Eureka moment “In 2010, our first year there, we were pretty much the handmaidens to the conservators,” Coningham told AFP in a phone interview from his office at Britain’s Durham University, which helped fund the UNESCO project. “The Eureka moment came in 2011, when we came across a brick temple located below the existing Asokan temple, and below that a sort of void. “It became clear then that there was much more to this excavation.” Over the next two years, archaeologists, geophysicists and hired workmen from Nepal and Britain worked on the site, digging in the presence of meditating monks and nuns.

“It was a very moving, very special experience to dig for traces while pilgrims prayed and paid homage,” Acharya said.

They dug for a few weeks each year and sent the samples to laboratories for analysis. Radiocarbon and optically stimulat-

Buddha birth date

ed luminescence techniques were used to date fragments of charcoal and grains of sand found at the site. The archaeologists also found holes, apparently meant to secure posts, in the open void below the brick temple.

“The intact holes suggested that whoever had built the brick temple had taken care not to damage the ancient structure below, suggesting the site was always considered holy,” Coningham said. Lab tests confirmed the existence of roots within the void below the brick structure, suggesting it may have been a shrine where a tree once grew, possibly the hardwood sal tree under which many believe the Buddha was born. The discovery, revealed in November, sparked huge excitement, but some historians have urged caution, saying the ancient tree shrine could have been built by preBuddhist believers.

Tree worship “The worship of trees, often at simple altars, was a ubiquitous feature of ancient Indian religions,” Julia Shaw, a lecturer in South Asian archaeology at University College London told National Geographic’s online edition. “It is also possible that what is being described represents an older tree shrine quite disconnected from the worship of the historical Buddha,” Shaw added. According to Coningham, however, if the

Buddhists had appropriated the tree shrine from nonBuddhists, the site would not have survived relatively unscathed.

“Also, the inscriptions at Bodhgaya (where the Buddha achieved enlightenment) reveal a thriving culture of tree worship, which suggests continuity,” he added. Much of what is known about the Buddha’s life has its origins in oral tradition. The earliest decipherable written records in the region, the inscriptions of India’s Buddhist emperor Asoka, are dated about 250 BC. Prior to this discovery, most scholars said that the Buddhawho renounced material wealth to embrace and preach a life of non-attachment-lived during the fourth century BC, founding a religion that now counts 500 million followers.

Buddhists in Nepal and Sri Lanka, however, have always believed that the sage was born around 623 BC, a date that now seems more accurate. “It’s one of the great puzzles, this discovery reveals the endurance of oral traditions,” Coningham said. “This is one of those very rare times when tradition, belief and archaeology all come together.” — AFP

Visitors gather at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini.

In this file photograph monks chant as they sit under the Bodhi tree adjacent to the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, some 200 kms west of Kathmandu. — AFP photos