10 Feb

CR IP TI ON BS SU

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Kuwait-UK business venture to be established

Hundreds of civilians evacuated from Homs

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www.kuwaittimes.net

RABI ALTHANI 10, 1435 AH

Man United thwarted by last-gasp Fulham goal

Syrian dissident artist paints war’s agony

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Kuwait Airways insists Airbus deal ‘on track’ Assembly panel forms three-MP probe in KAC deals

Max 18º Min 5º High Tide 10:01 & 19:42 Low Tide 03:25 & 14:07

By A Saleh and Agencies

KUWAIT: The Kuwait City skyline shimmers in the distance on a bright winter day on Arabian Gulf Road yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Budget surplus drops as spending rises 18% KUWAIT: Kuwait’s provisional budget surplus shrunk in the first nine months of this fiscal year as spending rose 18 percent and income was unchanged, according to official figures released yesterday. The provisional budget surplus of the OPEC member dropped 11 percent to KD 14.34 billion ($50.7 billion) at the end of December, compared to KD 16.1 billion in the same period of the previous year, according to figures posted on the ministry of finance website.

Spending in the nine-month period was KD 9.64 billion compared to just KD 8.16 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Kuwait’s fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.

Revenues in the first three quarters of the 2013/2014 fiscal year came in at KD 24.0 billion, slightly less than the KD 24.26 billion posted in the same period of the previous year. Oil income, which makes up over 92 percent of total revenues, dropped slightly from KD 22.84 billion in the 2012-2013 fiscal year to KD 22.2 billion in the current year.

Spending on development proj-

ects has been hampered by political disputes in recent years, but picked up slightly in recent months with the award of a number of megaprojects worth several billion dollars. Kuwait is projecting spending in the current fiscal year, which ends on March 31, at KD 21.0 billion, with revenues at KD 18.1 billion, leaving a deficit of KD 2.9 billion.

Kuwait has projected a deficit in each of the past 14 fiscal years but ended with large surpluses because it assumes a conservative price for oil. In the previous fiscal year, the emirate posted an actual surplus of KD 12.7 billion, following a record KD 13.2 billion surplus in 2011-2012. Thanks to higher than expected income driven by firm oil prices, Kuwait decided for the second year in a row to transfer 25 percent of revenues into the state’s sovereign wealth fund, the assets of which are currently estimated at over $400 billion. Kuwait has a native population of 1.2 million, in addition to 2.7 million foreigners, and pumps about 3.0 million barrels of oil per day. — AFP

MP demands jail for jihadists

By B Izzak

Israel slams Iranian ships nearing US JERUSALEM: Israel yesterday denounced an Iranian announcement that it was sending naval ships towards the United States as further evidence that loosening sanctions on Tehran was counterproductive. The move to send warships to the Atlantic was announced by the commander of Iran’s northern naval fleet on Saturday, who described it as a “message”. The ships “have already started their voyage towards the Atlantic Ocean via the waters near South Africa,” said Admiral Afshin Rezayee Haddad, in remarks quoted by Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.

Iranian media reported that two ships - a destroyer and a helicopter transport vessel - had been dispatched on Jan 21. It was not clear how close the ships would travel towards the US maritime border or when they would arrive. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the dispatch of the warships was clear evidence of Iran’s “aggression” and Continued on Page 13

Star power, foreign policy don’t mix WASHINGTON: Feted actress Scarlett Johansson is denounced as the “poster girl of Israeli apartheid,” Dennis Rodman enters rehab after leaving North Korea, Kim Kardashian is the butt of jokes for tweeting

KUWAIT: A parliamentary investigation into a Kuwait Airways plan to buy and lease aircraft from Airbus will not affect the deal, the state carrier’s chairwoman told a local newspaper in comments published yesterday.

Kuwait’s parliament voted on Wednesday to investigate all contracts signed by state-owned Kuwait Airways, which is attempting its biggest overhaul since the 1990 Iraqi invasion. Such parliamentary inquiries are common in Kuwait, where lawmakers in the National Assembly often question large government projects and have delayed or scuppered them in the past.

Al-Anbaa newspaper quoted Kuwait Air ways Chairwoman Rasha Al-Roumi as saying the deal would be completed without being delayed. Meanwhile, Al Rai newspaper reported that a company formed in the UAE and owned by a former Kuwaiti minister who now sits on the KAC board was negotiating on behalf of Kuwait Airways. A controversial KD 230 million insurance clause is part of the parliamentary questioning of the deal.

In December the loss-making airline signed a provisional agreement with Airbus to buy 25 new aircraft in a deal worth $4.4 billion at list prices without announcing the value of the deal. The order would include the purchase of 10 A350-900 and 15 medium-haul A320neo jets. The airline also aims to lease 12 aircraft from Airbus pending delivery of the new planes. The two companies are now going over technical and legal aspects of the deal, Al-Anbaa said. A final contract will only be signed when an internal Kuwait Airways commission gives the green light, it added.

A Kuwait Airways spokesman was not immediately available for comment on the report. Politics and bureaucracy have long complicated Kuwait’s plans to modernise its infrastructure and compete as a Gulf financial hub.

Continued on Page 13

her love of Bahrain. When celebrities wander into complex foreign policy issues, it can be a minefield, leaving diplomats and human rights campaigners scrambling for damage control. To be fair, many stars such as Bob

A combo of file photos shows (from left) US actress Scarlett Johansson, former NBA player Dennis Rodman and TV personality Kim Kardashian. — AFP

Geldof, Bono, George Clooney or Angelina Jolie have used their fame - and often their personal fortune - to successfully highlight atrocities or abuses flying under the radar.

“Those guys have really got in root and branch and understand the issues in a way that is equal to or better than many human rights or humanitarian professionals,” said Brian Dooley, a director at the advocacy organization Human Rights First. “They can hold an astute conversation and lobby very effectively and more effectively than NGOs can in certain contexts.” But the problem comes when some stars, perhaps naively, accept big-paying engagements that can be used to shine a more favorable light on controversial companies or oppressive regimes.

With star power comes a great deal of responsibility and we hold our idols to a higher standard than most other people, said Dooley. “I do feel a bit sorry for them. If you’re a celebrity and you want to use the power of your brand for a good cause, it’s a Continued on Page 13

ical of Islamists, said the draft legislation is needed to safeguard the security of KUWAIT: MP Nabeel Al-Fadl yesterday Kuwait and the region from dangers submitted a draft law stipulating 30 posed by extremist groups who are misyears in jail for Kuwaitis who take part in using religion. The draft law also calls on fighting outside the country and for the interior and foreign ministries to those who instigate and form a joint committee encourage them. The draft that will continually prelaw stipulates a jail term of pare and update lists of between five to 20 years groups that are considered and a fine of between KD dangerous to local security 10,000 and 20,000 for and its members. The comKuwaitis who take part in mittee has no right to combat operations outside exempt any religious Kuwait and those who proextremist groups from the mote, encourage, instigate law, it said. The draft law and support them. The must be passed by court can however choose Assembly committees, between jail and fine. debated and passed by the The same penalty Assembly and accepted by Nabeel Al-Fadl applies to those who the government and belong to “groups or organizations” con- signed by HH the Amir in order to sidered terrorist by local, Arab or regional become law. laws and others who sympathize with Local media reported a number of them. The draft law stipulates that if the Kuwaitis have travelled to Syria to fight in convicted person is a member of the the uprising against President Bashar Alarmy, national guard or police, the penal- Assad’s government. Last week, Saudi ty will be between 10 to 30 years in jail King Abdullah issued a decree stipulatand the fine will be between KD 20,000 ing up to 20 years in jail for Saudis who and KD 30,000. are members of “terrorist groups” and Fadl, a columnist-politician highly crit- join fighting abroad.

Zoo kills giraffe, feeds it to lions

COPENHAGEN: A lion eats the remains of a healthy young giraffe named Marius that was shot dead at Copenhagen Zoo yesterday. — AFP (See Page 28)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

LOCAL

Quaker for healthy living

KUWAIT: The ambassador of Bangladesh Mohammad Ashabuddin visited Kuwait Times and discussed matters of mutual concern with Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan.

Suspect denies knowledge of conspiracy tape

By A Saleh

KUWAIT: Quaker participated as the only food company at the First Kuwait-North American Internal Medicine conference held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Resort on Feb 7 and 8. Guest speakers from Harvard Medical School, McGill University, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic attended the conference along with hundreds of participants. Quaker participated in order to help build greater awareness among doctors and medical staff about the importance of a healthy diet and the benefits for those suffering from diabetes, obesity and other health issues.

Sheikh Salman inaugurates Independence Exhibition

KUWAIT: A man arrested on suspicions of spreading rumors about an alleged conspiracy against Kuwait’s ruling structure was remanded in custody for the third time since his arrest after he was questioned by the Public Prosecution yesterday. Meanwhile, the man repor tedly denied knowledge about an audiotape of an alleged conversation between former parliament speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi and former prime minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah about the alleged conspiracy.

The suspect, who is being held pending investigations regarding his involvement in spreading rumors on Twitter, is set to stand before the judge again on Thursday. The suspect was arrested over three weeks ago after the public prosecution took over the case. Khorafi demanded action to investigate allegations which accused him of conspiring with the state’s former premier against the ruling structure. The man repor tedly operated a Twitter account with the handle @7R77777 which he used to claim that the audio recording of the alleged conversation was in possession of former minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah.

MPs against security pact Opinions against the Gulf security pact are on the rise in the parliament with three lawmakers yesterday voicing their objection to the ‘unconstitutional agreement’. “The pact is completely in violation of the Kuwaiti constitution,” said MP Adnan Abdulsamad, “and the government’s interpretations and justifications are not enough”. He appealed with MP Ali Al-Rashed, the head of the parliament’s 5member foreign affairs committee, which

remains split on the pac t. R ashed is reportedly the only member who hasn’t declared his position on the agreement, and his stance is considered vital to determine its fate. “I urge Al-Rashed to be very careful not to pass an unconstitutional agreement,” he said.

MP Majid Musa made similar appeals to the panel members, insisting at the same time that the parliament must “reject a mysterious agreement that is suspected to be in violation of the constitution”. Meanwhile, MP Awdah Al-Ruwaei argued that Kuwait “does not have an obligation” to sign the pact, mentioning the unified currency as an example of a proposal discussed in the Gulf Cooperation Council which was rejected by two member states.

In other news, MP Safa Al-Hashem sent a number of questions to Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, requesting details about the avenues where KD 8.9 billion of the development plan’s KD15.6 billion budget allocated for the public sector were spent in the first three years according to statements made by former planning minister Rola Dashti.

The questions are seen as a prelude for a grilling motion that Hashem prepares to file against the premier.

Also yesterday, head of the parliament’s negative phenomena committee MP Hamdan Al-Azmi announced plans to “study security and moral errors that affect social peace and national unity” in order to come up with solutions to tackle violence “and other features that go against the traditions of Kuwait’s conservative society”. Among the cases that Azmi said will be studied are violence in shopping malls and possession of weapons, drug smuggling, mixed-gender cafes in addition to homosexuality.

KUWAIT: Information Minister Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah visiting the stalls after inaugurating the 53rd Kuwait Independence Exhibition yesterday.—Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah inaugurated yesterday the 53rd Kuwait Independence Exhibition.

In statements to reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Sheikh Salman said that the exhibition is held on the occasion of Kuwait’s celebration of the 53rd anniversary of its independence.

He added that Kuwait also marks this month the eighth anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s assumption of power.

He congratulated Kuwaiti leadership and people on the dear occasions.

The minister stated that the exhibition features samples of the great achievements made

by Kuwait and its people since independence as well as some of the artistic works of national

artists. He noted that Kuwait enjoys a state of great stability which provides a historic chance to the state to achieve economic boom and play a major political role in the region.

Sheikh Salman pointed out that different bodies and organizations affiliated to Ministry of Information and Ministry of State for Youth Affairs would contribute effectively to the state’s celebrations of the 53rd anniversary of independence. —KUNA

KD 110 minimum salary for domestic helpers Philippines plans strict implementation

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Filipino domestic helpers who signed contracts from Dec 2013 onwards will benefit from the strict policies being implemented by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

Philippine Labor Attache to Kuwait Cesar Chavez stressed they will strictly implement the KD 110 monthly salary for their domestic helpers, especially for contracts signed from Dec 2013.

The KD110 ($400) minimum wage rule was being implemented by the Philippines government since 2007, but there was no strict implementation.

Several domestic helpers have told the embassy that their salaries are unchanged. Josie, a domestic helper in Shuhada, said her salary since arriving in Kuwait remained unchanged even though she signed the documents stating $400 as her salary with her employer and recruitment agency. “I am still receiving only KD 70. The problem is I still have to buy personal hygiene stuff myself. So what is left for me and my family is KD 40 or even less,” she said.

Another Pinoy domestic helper from Mubarak Al-Kabeer also said her salary is unchanged. “I started with KD 60 in 2005. Now I only receive KD 85. I

KUWAIT: Philippine Labor Attache to Kuwait Atty Cesar Chavez speaks during the meeting with the Filipino community leaders and representatives of recruitment agencies.

have the whole huge villa to clean every day, three kids to care for and sometimes I also have to cook for the family. Plus I don’t have any day off. If they are serious, our government should oblige the Kuwaiti government to implement this. We also want to live, as everything back home is very expensive,” she complained.

Strong warning In a weekly forum held at the Philippine Embassy with Filipino community leaders, Chavez underlined his commitment to helping housemaids get their just salaries and other rights.

He warned recruitment agencies to strictly implement salary policies and any complaints from domestic helpers would mean cancellation of their Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) accreditation. “If we find that recruitment agencies are not following our rules and standards, then we will strip their accreditation at the POEA. The moment a domestic helper files a complaint and signs an affidavit at the embassy, we know who her recruitment agency is and they’ll be held responsible,” he added.

Chavez explained that complaints will be entertained and sanctions will be imposed. “Contracts signed from December 2013 onwards will be entertained by my office here. Now, if there are complaints from before

December 2013, they can also be entertained but Manila will take care of it,” he said. Chavez also appealed to employers to give their Pinoy domestic helpers their basic rights. “I know that many Kuwaitis do not want their housemaids to get a day off out of their house because undesirable things can happen outside. But please, give them a full day off once every week. This is basic rights of human beings. I hope employers heed this request,” he said.

Recruitment agencies say they are willing to strictly implement the Philippine Embassy directive; however, Mariam Macapudi, a Philippine based recruitment agency owner, said the policy contradicts the Kuwaiti government’s Amala Manziliya order.

“Remember, during the time of our former Labor Attache David Des Dicang, he agreed to a KD 90 monthly salary for our domestic helpers, and now we are going to implement the KD 110 salary. If the POEA has the power to implement its own desired salary for domestic helpers, Kuwait’s Amala Manziliya here also has the power to sanction us. We are caught in the middle and it is hurting many of us a lot. I know both have the power. Always remember that as much as we want to implement the standard salary, we are also considering local laws here. I hope they’ll solve this long-standing concern,” she said.

Dow considers legal action over fake letter KUWAIT: Dow Chemical assigned a legal team to study the possibility of filing a lawsuit in Kuwait against unknown individuals who made public a fake letter claiming that the US firm paid bribes to Kuwaiti officials.

The letter was made available online and falsely attributed to Dow’s Chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris. Sources quoted

by Al-Rai yesterday revealed that the company is looking first and foremost to clear its name in front of the United States Department of Justice from allegations of bribing officials in foreign governments.

The second reason behind the lawsuit, according to the sources, is that “it provides an opportunity to make claims in front of the Kuwaiti law, and win a lawsuit

that acquits the firm from rumors spread internally around it in the past few years”.

“Dow Chemical does not want to go into another legal dispute with Kuwait, but instead is keen on reviving its relationship with Kuwaiti state departments,” said the sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The state-run Petrochemical Industries Company paid a $2.16 billion fine to Dow Chemical last year which was rewarded by the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) a year before. The court fined the PIC for a government decision on December 2008 to unilaterally terminate a $17.4 billion contract signed earlier the same month to launch a joint venture.

‘Distillery’ busted

By Hanan Al Saadoun

those who were there.

KUWAIT: Ahmadi police discovered a big liquor making place at Sabah AlAhmad area and arrested a number of suspects in the process. Police raided the place after getting information that several people produce and store liquor in the area before selling it, as they take advantage of the fact that the area is new and the number of resdidents are few. Police stormed the place based on a warrant and arrested

Man robbed An Indian told Jahra police that 698 grams of gold (12 ear rings) worth KD 8,000 were stolen by a uniformed man. He said that the man stopped him yesterday afternoon and asked him to show his driving license and car registration book, then he searched the car and stole a bag that contained the gold before escaping. The source said the gold was left by customers for repair. Investigations are underway.

Pioneer Kuwaiti journalist Al-Jassem passes away KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud AlSabah mourned the passing away yesterday of pioneer Kuwaiti journalist Jassem Mubarak Al-Jassem and said this was a great loss for Kuwaiti journalism.

The minister praised the late journalist and his contributions over more than half a century in the field. The press release also noted the figure was among those who helped create and develop journalism in the country and was the founder of

many leading journalistic establishments locally. He was also a main figure behind the establishment and early development of printing and publication houses in Kuwait, and was one of the founders of Kuwait Journalists Association back in 1964.

The minister extended condolences to the Jassem family on their loss on behalf of ministry staff and the press body in Kuwait, praying the Almighty bless his soul with mercy and his kin and loved ones with solace. —KUNA

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

LOCAL

New Kuwait-UK business venture to be established Centre aims to foster partnerships

By Velina Nacheva KUWAIT: A senior British official announced the establishment of a new Kuwait-UK business venture that aims to further facilitate the trade and business relationships between companies from both countries. Speaking to reporters at the British embassy in Kuwait yesterday, Lord Marland of Odstock Chairman of the Commonwealth Business Council announced the establishment of the new UK-supported Kuwait Britain Business Centre -part of a UK initiative to set up a network of similar organizations providing top quality support to UK companies seeking to do business abroad. Of the new venture, Marland said, “We bring together all British businesses to operate under one managerial roof”.

The new establishment will further cement the traditionally strong relationship between the two countries. This initiative, a press statement from the embassy said, will be delivered in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce in the UK. Established

by Marland and Mohammed Alshaya (co-chairman of the Kuwait Britain Business Council) during HH the Amir’s state visit to the UK in Nov 2012, the Kuwait Britain Business Council will have an advisory capacity to the KBBC. Lord Marland, who is also a member of the High Advisory Council of the Kuwait National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development, explained that KBBC will shortly be established as a Kuwaiti entity. There will be investment in premises and

an appointment of a CEO who will determine the services offered to UK and Kuwaiti companies. “We will meet twice a year in order to set the framework,” Marland said, stressing that partnerships will be established which could help support each other’s economy. “Skill transfer is absolutely key,” he said, adding, “in maturing economies it is very important that we continue to invest in skills, training and expertise rather than buy products off the shelf.”

Making the assessment of Kuwait as a top business partner for the UK in the GCC, he said, “Kuwait is the most consistent and longest investor in the United Kingdom.” But Kuwait is not the biggest investor in London right now, with Qatar occupying the top spot due to its most recent investments.

Fostering partnerships Last year KIA celebrated 60 years of presence in London. “It has been a consistent and loyal friend to the United Kingdom for 60 years,” Marland said, elaborating that KIA is the oldest sovereign fund investing in the United Kingdom. “In terms of longevity, consistency and commitment to friendship, it is unrivaled.” Opportunities for investment in London and the UK overall abound. In the words of Marland, “London is the centre of the world... at this moment London is where everyone wants to come,” he said, stressing that over 250,000 Kuwaitis travelled to the UK in the summer.

In Kuwait, KBBC will be a platform representing both UK companies looking to export their

goods and services to Kuwait and Kuwaiti businesses looking for support and advice on doing business in the United Kingdom.

KBBC’s activities will include soft landing services, market awareness training, agent databases, delegation and familiarization visits support and employment, visa and recruitment assistance. KBBC will work closely with the British Embassy in Kuwait. It will forge relationships with other organizations already established in Kuwait, in addition to various organizations from the public and private sectors.

In a press statement on the occasion of the launch of the Centre, the British Ambassador to Kuwait Frank Baker said: “The UK and Kuwait have a long and illustrious trading history, dating back over 225 years. In 2010, Prime Minister David Cameron and then Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah committed to doubling trade by the end of 2015. With this milestone achieved two years ahead of schedule, the new Kuwait British Business Centre will take our links still further. We want to see UK companies successful in Kuwait, and their Kuwaiti counterparts successful in the UK. I firmly believe the KBBC will help make this happen.”

Marland was the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy and Chairman of the Business Ambassador Network for the past 2-1/2 years. In this capacity, he said, he travelled to 50 countries. “Now I have stopped doing it. Kuwait is where I am happy to be concentrating my energy,” he said.

KUWAIT: Lord Marland of Odstock Chairman of the Commonwealth Business Council (right) and British Ambassador Frank Baker are seen talking to the press regarding the new venture. The press event was held in the British embassy in Kuwait yesterday. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Ministry to launch action against visa traffickers KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor filed legal action against 43 companies on visa trafficking charges and put 2,000 others under examination on similar accusations, a step that reflects a change of tone in the government’s approach to tackle abuse of the country’s expatriate labor force.

Thousands of people were arrested and deported in crackdowns against illegal residents in Kuwait which are ongoing since April of last year. But the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor became subject to frequent criticism after it failed to pair those efforts with steps to identify and prosecute visa traffickers.

In a sign that the ministry is steering into a different direction led by newly appointed minister Hind Al-Subaih, AlQabas daily reported yesterday that orders were given to refer files of 43 companies to the Public Prosecution on trafficking charges, which is only one step of a major campaign intended to address problems in the foreign labor recruitment system.

Visa trafficking is a form of human trafficking in which workers are brought in Kuwait by work permits issued illegally through loopholes in the sponsorship or ‘kafala’ system that organizes the affairs of the country’s expatriate labor force.

Victims of visa traffickers are mostly lowwage workers who come from Southeast Asia, North Africa and other countries seeking work in the oil-rich Gulf region. Once they reach Kuwait, a worker is left with no job and becomes prone to hard labor, mistreatment and extortion by paying large amounts of money to renew their expired visas.

Meanwhile, sources quoted in yesterday’s report revealed that minister AlSubaih gave orders to alert the mechanism based on which companies’ maximum labor recruitment cap is set.

As per the labor law, a company has a maximum cap for the number of labor forces it can recruit depending on the nature of its work. This number is set by ministr y employees who work in departments called ‘labor assessment offices’. According to the sources, the minister called for creating an electronic system that makes the labor assess-

ments process automatic.

This step helps overcome two main problems, according to the sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. First of all, an electronic system provides regulations and a fixed criteria to determine companies’ labor needs; aspects that are currently subjected to labor assessment office employees.

There have been incidents in which the ministry’s database is hacked to create job openings in a company’s file, after which those openings are used to issue work permits which are then sold to workers. A system that regulates the process limits the likelihood of that happening.

Meanwhile, the sources said that the system provides better flexibility for small businesses run by Kuwaiti youth who had complained during an open meeting with the minister last month from problems they face in labor recruitment.

The MSAL is expected soon to announce reopening the door for companies to recruit foreign labor forces, which was closed less than a month ago in order to introduce better regulations to organize the operation.

The ministry has closed foreign labor recruitment multiple times in the past few years in a bid to curb the state’s increasing demographic imbalance, with exception given to companies that have contracts signed with the government to carry out developmental projects.

Minister Al-Subaih also gave orders to facilitate transactions of major companies handling developmental projects. The sources revealed that a decision was made to assign ministry employees at project sites to finalize necessary transactions, including those pertaining with labor recruitment.

Al-Qabas also quoted Ministry of Commerce and Industr y sources who revealed plans to cancel as much as 40,000 licenses after investigations revealed that they are used to generate visas for sale, or obtain allowances that the government pays to Kuwaitis working in the private sector.

Kuwait is home to 2.7 million expatriates who make up 68 percent of the country’s 3.9 million population.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receiving National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim at Bayan Palace yesterday.

Police inspection illegal without written warrant KUWAIT: A person has the right to refuse a policeman’s request for body search or to inspect his car or residence as long as the officer fails to provide a warrant from the Public Prosecution, a number of legal experts said in statements published yesterday.

Al-Jarida daily had recently reported details about a court case which acquitted an Egyptian man of drug possession and abuse, after the man challenged the arrest and inspection procedures. The court order was based on the fact that police officers searched the man’s car without a warrant.’

“Article 31 of the constitution stipulates that ‘no person shall be arrested, detained, searched, or compelled to reside in a specified place, nor shall the residence of any person or his liberty to choose his place of residence or his liberty of movement be restricted, except in accordance with the provisions of the law’,” Al-Jarida reported yesterday quot-

ing a judge who requested anonymity to speak. He was commenting on errors committed by policemen or inspectors who search suspects without warrants.

Police errors The law gives policemen the right to search suspects in cases they are caught red-handed. “Some officers fall into error when they believe that bloodshot eyes or walking unstably are enough reasons to search a suspect directly,” said Suleiman Al-Saifi, a lawyer specialized in criminal cases. “In such case, the officer must stop the suspect then request a prosecutor’s permission to search him or his car before doing so”. According to a criminal cases judge who spoke on the condition of anonymity, a Kuwaiti or expatriate has the right to reject an officer who fails to provide a written warrant to inspect his or her vehicle or house. “Forced inspection in that case is considered against the law,” the judge

said, “and a person can file a complaint against the officer for use of excessive force”.

Policemen’s authority Patrol officers or policemen at checkpoint have the authority to request seeing the ID or, in foreigners’ case, the residency. If the person fails to produce his or her papers, the officer has the right to take them to the police station for an identity check. If the person was found to be in violation of the law, the officer can refer him to the proper authorities.

“In case the officer notices signs which indicates that the person was under the influence, he can call the prosecutor to obtain a warrant to arrest and inspect him,” a judge said. “After obtaining a warrant that specifies the name and information of the suspect, the officer can inspect him and arrest him if he finds items whose possession is a crime in Kuwait”.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

LOCAL kuwait digest

Apply justice and equality

Spring... no spring...

Spring... no spring...

Spring... no spring...

kuwait digest

Act before it is too late

By Dr Salwa Al-Jassar

By Iqbal Al-Ahmad

M

J

I hold members of parliament responsible to fulfil the oath they gave to supervise and hold the government to account and stop the financial bleeding, and apply justice and equality between all citizens.

Here is a sample of the division of employees’ salaries in the state - the salary of a doctor and dentist at the time of appointment is KD 1,566, teaching faculty with masters degree at the Medical Science Center at Kuwait University is KD 1,798, members of CID KD 1,150, expert accountants at the justice ministry KD 1,123, environment pollution laboratories KD 858, sea guidance employees KD 891, metrology employees KD 853, aviation safety KD 620, etc. The average government employee salary except for the oil sector is KD 1,287, while the average salary in the oil sector is KD 5,476.

The question is: Is there equality and justice in salary distribution? The gap is huge between salary averages among state employees. What will the government do when all state employees except for the oil sector strike while demanding to be equal with the salaries of oil sector employees? At a time when former finance minister Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah calls for rationalizing the state’s general budget, as the budget is burdened with many increases in salaries and wages. If spending continues as is, the state budget will suffer, as confirmed by the prime minister when he said the state of prosperity that people got used to will not continue, and this requires a halt to government spending.

I hold members of parliament responsible to fulfil the oath they gave to supervise and hold the government to account and stop the financial bleeding, and apply justice and equality between all citizens. But if overspending without regard continues, then I do not know what will be the fate of children and the coming generations to face requirements of life under the current and future circumstances. —Al-Watan

open letter

Al-Anbaa

ustice and equality are two important values in any society that seeks and believes in democracy.

Whenever democracy and equality are in control, problems will drop, as competition in giving and loyalty will increase. But if the application of these two values fades, chaos will spread, corruption will expand and oppression will be around, and this will reflect in weak performance and reduction in productivity as chaos will be everywhere. We are now seeing this in true form connected to the salaries, cadres and rewards for state employees. I am sure that the division of salaries and cadres were not subjected to scientific and technical studies based on the nature of work and its requirements as well as educational qualification and professional experience.

What is regretful is that Kuwait, with its history, experience and constitution lacks the fair application of salaries among state employees - rather we find it quick to respond to strikes and sit-ins without a study and strategic vision as well as economic dimension, besides not paying attention to state budgets and their distribution.

The royal order stipulates up to 20 years in jail sentence for anyone who joins or adopts the ideologies of an extremist group or one that is classified as a terrorist group locally, regionally or internationally.

In my view

Social media: Boon or bane

By Saad Dosari

U

ncontrolled and excessive power in the hands of an unaware person is a dangerous thing; social media networks give a person such a power. What started as platforms to exchange ideas and news, to share cherished memories with family and friends, are turning into rumor factories giving a rise to the culture of invasion of privacy, unfair judgments, hatred, harassment or similar issues stained with shades of legal wrongdoings.

A few days ago, a Saudi court sentenced a Twitterati to three months in jail and 80 lashes. The basis of the trial was defamation caused by a series of tweets and Facebook updates the user published to attack a female singer accusing her of committing morally reprehensible behavior. The same singer who won the case announced filing three more cases against some other social media users.

In another incident few weeks ago, a Saudi female activist calling for lifting the ban on women driving - the never-ending debate in the Kingdom - tweeted her journey to a police station to file complaints against a number of Twitter users who attacked her for her choices. Even government agencies are choosing the legal path to deal with social media problems. The Ministry of Justice is taking a number of Saudi lawyers to court over a number of tweets the ministry sees as derogatory to the Saudi judicial system.

The list goes on and not only in the Kingdom. In Kuwait, a writer has been detained and investigated for tweets the government interpreted as contemptible to the judicial system. In France, a group of Jewish students filed a case against a number of Twitter users for publishing “antiSemitic” comments. In the UK, “social media and law” is a hot topic. There were many incidents where details or names of some cases protected by secrecy under the law were released to the public causing uproar and fierce confrontation between law experts and freedom of speech enthusiasts.

Undoubtedly, there is an apparent tension between law and social media networks. The way news traveled in the past has changed. It was limited to professional news producers who followed a code of conduct that dictated what should be published or otherwise. Everyone working in the media must have been, at least once, exposed to certain legal guidelines governing his or her work. In the modern social media platforms, these guidelines do not only go blurry, they are totally wiped out.

Residency of expatriates To: Hind Subaih Barrak Al-Subaih, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Kuwait Sub: Minister to meet MP over cutting expat percentages With reference to the above matter regarding the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour’s plans to meet MP Abdullah Al-Tamimi to discuss residency of expats in Kuwait, I would like to propose my view as follows: It’s very important to develop our nation. We have been operating new projects for various infrastructures signed by multinational companies. These are executed by these companies by recruiting people from abroad.

Once the selection procedure is over, the recruitment agencies demand huge service charges to complete their selection procedure.

Madam, instead of issuing new visas, many employees’ spouses and their dependants are eligible to work in our nation under various visa categories. For the purpose to hire workforce for the project, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour is advised to recruit from Kuwait itself by giving notifications in newspapers and various websites. At the same time we can simultaneously operate through the ministry by setting a ‘job data bank’ for job seekers. Recruiting agencies can also avail of this facility. It can also help control fraudulent recruiters and prevent individuals being cheated. It’s also important to ensure issuing visas only for special categories like doctors, engineers and other technical experts.

In my view, a person can be an expert or competent only after five years in their relevant field. An expat who acquires these skills will be compelled to go back home as per the proposed law, and the vacated positions will again be filled with expats. This may affect the companies’ production, management experience and infrastructure.

Madam, please issue instructions to expats to bring their own families only. A lot of illegal relatives and dependants are living in Kuwait by falsifying documents. Please find out and get rid of these illegals and deport them from Kuwait at the earliest. I can assure you by taking these steps, we can safeguard Kuwait’s excellent culture and heritage.

Dr Humoud Al Mutairi Associate Faculty, Kuwait University email dr.humoud@gmail.com

aybe it was a coincidence that a royal order to criminalize participation in fighting outside of Saudi Arabia was released only days after prominent Saudi media personality Dawood AlSharyan launched a bold campaign against those who encourage jihadists to go to Syria. Or maybe it was not.

The royal order stipulates up to 20 years in jail sentence for anyone who joins or adopts the ideologies of an extremist group or one that is classified as a terrorist group locally, regionally or internationally. A statement from the royal diwan explains that the order is in accordance with Islamic sharia regulations which underline the importance of protecting the Islamic nation, its security and unity. I believe that we are in dire need for this kind of resolve do deal with those who continue to divide us in the name of religion, and groups that deny others the right to express differing opinion once they have control and spread their extremist ideology.

A few days before the royal order was released, Sharyan addressed on his popular T V show Al-

A study conducted by a UK-based law firm in 2011 had found that 52 percent of the 2,000 active users respondents it surveyed did not believe that their tweets could have any legal consequences, the percentage rise even higher, to 65 percent, when it came to respondents between 18-24 years. Obviously, social media users are taking it very lightly; legal repercussions are not on their minds.

For that, taking a side in the ongoing debate between those calling for a tighter control on what can or cannot be published on these media platforms and those defending the freedom of speech is a bit tricky. It is neither black nor white; there is a shade of grey. To cut a sharp judgment if a published piece of information, on one of the social media platforms, falls within the capacity of freedom of speech, or arrogantly wander to the territories of the private and personal, one needs to weight different factors of culture, political system, law, customs etc., before making such a judgment. A lot of people, of different backgrounds, may agree that a certain behavior is totally unacceptable, take altering photos to defame a celebrity as an example, but there are other incidents in which people will be divided and undecided.

A couple of years ago, a prominent Saudi blogger and Twitter user published the private phone number of a well known neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) trainer because he, the blogger, was annoyed by the series of advertisement texts he was receiving to promote the NLP trainer’s courses. He thought that publishing the trainer’s contact details was a suitable punishment the trainer should endure for “annoying” people with his SMS advertisements. Where are you going to stand in a situation like this? As there were people who welcomed the idea and started harassing the trainer, there were others who thought that what the blogger did was nothing but a horrible invasion of the trainer’s privacy.

The hope lies in awareness. After all, the social media platforms are only tools - virtual rooms where people can talk and exchange information, the attempt to harm or cross the line of privacy is a behavior that better be curbed through awareness. Enforcing laws and guidelines are crucial to save the rights of those abused or disgraced on these platforms, but it won’t stop the phenomenon itself, however, people who appreciate and understand the high values of respecting privacy and honesty can.

In my view

How Jordan escaped Arab Spring

By Nermeen Murad

T

he story is that Jordan has survived. As for how and why the country emerged unscathed from the Arab Spring, there are myriad theories, variously citing the “maturity” of the Jordanian public, Western financial support, the UN’s management of the influx of Syrian refugees and last but certainly not least, the kingdom’s official “web masters”.

The truth is that all of the above helped the small nation to evade the promise - or threat - of change that everyone expected would eventually come, despite resistance from within, and finally usher in the political freedoms necessary to lay down the foundations for a modern, democratic state. Instead, what we got was stability. The price for that stability is the perpetuation of what can only be described as the status quo and with it, the security apparatus’ firm grip on government and the preeminence of the old guard.

Consider this story: A young Jordanian musician, while introducing his group’s next act, made a light-hearted joke about the government’s mishandling of the recent snow storm in the kingdom. A security guard at the state-owned theatre took offence.

An exchange of words led to a scuffle, after which the security guard called for reinforcements. The incident has now spurred a petition calling for the resignation of the director of the theatre.

For now, it seems the director of the theatre, Abdul Hadi Raji AlMajali, a well-known columnist, is going to remain in his post basically, he’ll get away with it.

Although the musicians and their supporters pledge to continue their campaign calling for Majali’s resignation, there is no doubt that many Jordanians feel the incident was used as an example to warn the youth at large not to cross those invisible, but ever-present lines, even in jest. Above all, the story highlights a general malaise where officials, with close ties to the system or at least have shared interests, enjoy a degree of impunity. The government, which has consistently paid lip service to reform, has essentially reaffirmed the old system of governance with its policies unchallenged and its agents above the law.

Case after case came up, where officials failed to deliever on their promises but got away unpunished. One example was when the government failed to take any action against perpetrators of tribal-inspired violence in Jordanian universities. That is not to say that there are no repercussions for such bad governance in Jordan. While they - the officials - might be able - in some cases - to escape punitive measures in a court of law, however, in the court of public opinion, ordinary citizens, backed up by social media, professional associations and political activists, will continue to document such violations.

Legal instruments - or what analysts have come to call “scarecrow tools” - are aplenty to ensure that anyone who oversteps

the boundaries is very quickly brought back to “reality”. Among the most important of such tools is the the Press and Publications Law, which continues to restrict freedom of speech rather than liberate it. In June 2013, the Jordanian government ordered three local Internet service providers to shut down nearly 200 news websites that have not been licensed by the staterun Press and Publications Department.

It claimed that they were not registered properly. Activists realised the move was meant as a gentle reminder that the taps can be closed at any time and that regardless of the freedom they feel in the “space” they inhabit, it was still a space the government can control. Despite their initial cries of protest, most bloggers and social media journalists eventually fell into line.

The government has also used state security courts to try civilians for participating in peaceful protests. Arrests included a young man who burned a poster of the king in 2012 for “undermining royal dignity” and 13 activists accused of “insulting the king”. Another 100 peaceful activists were dragged into the state security courts - where they have no right of appeal - to face a range of charges including disturbing the peace, damaging public property and insulting security officials. The court cases were seen as part of an overall plan aimed at addressing the public and warning them against acts of dissent. The activists facing charges were basically collateral damage.

In Jordan, the scene has been very skillfully managed through a number of tactics: A security apparatus that holds the keys to many of the state’s functions, a government with the power to guide the population, mainstream media in a single direction as well as the “scarecrow” tactics that serve as reminders of the perils of getting out of line. In sum, the population is suitably conditioned to protect the status quo for fear of the instability that may ensue. Of course, the big story from Jordan is not only that it manoeuvered itself so skillfully while neighbouring countries fell to their knees around it, but that it managed to maintain the country’s socio-economic and political constancy in the midst of a bloody triangle. And, perhaps more interestingly, the real tale is how Jordan, somehow, exploited the regional chaos to guarantee its own stability.

As refugees continue to pour in from Syria - and now, again from Iraq - Jordanians are fully aware that there is no time for their domestic concerns. Despite their full knowledge that they have been outmanoeuvered by the system into submission, for the moment, they are willing to let it slide. As one human rights worker in Jordan told me recently: “A ruler is best served by the status quo. The regime is comfortable today and is sitting on its podium surveying the scene. It doesn’t need to make any serious effort to fix or improve [things] because the status quo is stable.”

Thamena (8 o’clock) the topic of young men who are brainwashed to go fight in other countries in the name of religion. During the live broadcast, a grieving mother called and explained the story of her 16year-old son who she said has left to fight in Syria behind his family’s back. She said that the teenager had met extremists who brainwashed and convinced him to leave Saudi Arabia to fight in Syria seeking ‘jihad’ in the name of God. The mother could be heard choking with tears as she called for prompt actions against those who deceive young men in the Gulf region and push them to ‘suicide’.

I hope that our government acts before it is too late, by taking resolute decisions against the same problem here in Kuwait. We need better control to target religious camps where the first step happens to brainwash young men who often end up with an explosive belt around their waists, or an RPG weapons on their shoulders.

The step taken by Saudi King Abdullah could be late, but better late than never. Furthermore, it came at a critical time in which extremism has been running rampant inside and outside Saudi Arabia.

Therefore, I believe that a similar step must be taken in Kuwait sooner rather than later in order to contain extremism before it spreads more than what it already is today. —Al-Qabas

kuwait digest

No use for discussion

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

I

will not discuss the Gulf security pact because I am confident that there is no use for discussion — in reality the pact itself is unnecessary. Discussing it is useless because authorities in general, and in our region in specific, always ‘change’ facts and remodel them to suit their demands.

Authorities in this case act like major advertising companies, which use bold text to promote products and leave any warnings or true components of the said products in small text that need a magnifier to read.

Addressing and examining the security pact requires experience, clarity of mind and time. and in Kuwait, we do not have any of these. Meanwhile, I believe that the pact is unnecessary out of conviction that it was designed to provide protection to the ruling system and reinforce their power over their people. A second reason why I have no intention to discuss the security pact is the fact that we live in a demo-

We trust the authority here, or - again - this is how it is supposed to be when it comes to people who choose their ruling system or government via free elections. The authority or its executive arm is supposed to show confidence in those who elected it. cratic state, or so it is supposed to be. In a democratic society, the authority should not have doubts in its own citizens, unless they accept that the citizens share similar doubts about their rulers.

We trust the authority here, or - again - this is how it is supposed to be when it comes to people who choose their ruling system or government via free elections. The authority or its executive arm is supposed to show confidence in those who elected it. Our government has the right to have suspicions regarding terrorism in general, or feel suspicious about strangers or noncitizens. However, it has no right to presume bad intentions in its citizens, or build walls in conspiracy with others against its own people.

And yes, I understand the volume of using the word ‘others’ in the previous sentence. Regardless of how much people preach about Islamic, Arab or Gulf ties, other nations remain just like that - others. We are Kuwaiti citizens, and they are Muslims, Arabs and Gulf nationals. The Gulf security pact can be interpreted as being an alliance of our authority, government and system with others against its own citizens and those who trusted it. This is why I reject the pact even before I discuss it. —Al-Qabas

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

LOCAL

Kenya tourism roadshow rolls into Kuwait KTB officials build linkages, create product awareness

By Sajeev K Peter

DJIBOUTI: Djibouti officials receiving Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on his arrival yesterday.

Kuwait-Djibouti ties strong, stresses ambassador DJIBOUTI: “Kuwaiti relations with Djibouti are unique and based on mutual respect and constant coordination on issues of mutual interest, and the visit later yesterday by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid AlHamad Al-Sabah reflects the strength of these ties.”

This was a remark by the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Djibouti Fayez Al-Mutairi, who added that Kuwait was quick to support the country since its independence within the framework of its policy of supporting all Arab countries by all means.

Al-Mutairi recalled that Djibouti was among the participants at the Third Africa Arab Summit hosted in Kuwait back in November and signed a number of financing agreements with Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).

KFAED had extended a helping hand to the country on a number of occasions and helped finance execution of a number of infrastructure projects since 1980, he said.

The diplomat noted Kuwaiti “civilian diplomacy” is also strongly present in the country through volunteer work and civil community initiatives in the fields of development projects and charity work.

Officials in the two friendly nations are now looking forward to more cooperation in the fields of investment, economy, culture, and education.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad AlSabah, also current Chairman of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, is to start his visit to Djibouti and he is planned to hold talks with the president and other senior officials.

GCC Secretary General Abdellatif AlZayyani takes part in the talks, which relate to the resolutions regarding Djibouti issued by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Kuwait back in December.

The council had back then decided to extend development support to Djibouti worth $200 million over a period of five years. The council charged the Secretariat and current chair-state, Kuwait, to oversee the support program.

This is apart from a loan agreement between Djibouti and KFAED worth KD 15 million, signed during the Third Africa Arab Summit.

This comes to help follow through with the Tadjoura-Balho road project, (Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Road). —KUNA

KISR develops Braille-based reading, printing techniques KUWAIT: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has reaffirmed keenness on developing new techniques for serving the people with disability notably the blind.

The Institute has developed, for the first time, a domestic Braille-reading technique for the Holy Quran, it said in a statement, noting that Kuwait used to import such techniques from other Arab countries.

The technique is an integrated electronic system for turning the Holy Quran words and chapters into an accurate easy-to-read ‘mushaf’ (codex) for the blind persons, the statement noted.

The Institute developed two Braille publishing techniques for Kuwait Blind Association and an electronic system that

enables the blind people read the daily newspapers and use the computers to communicate with the world.

It also developed a Braille-based printing technique which serves as a nucleus for the first electronic printing house for the blind in the Arab world.

The printing house is located at Al-Nour School — a special education school; this establishment will print the school books in Arabic and English.

The Institute also set up computer labs for the blind at the special education schools and Kuwait University, and equipped the labs with the state-of-the-art reading and printing techniques, the statement added. —KUNA

Informatics Award records highest number of projects KUWAIT: The 13th session of Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Informatics Award had recorded its highest number with 2,017

Arab and foreign projects competing in the event.

Officials of the award said in a statement on Saturday the number of participating projects had doubled this year compared to the previous session, adding that the websites’ category of the competition had recorded 1,663 websites, while the smart applications’ category recorded 354 application.

The competition included 21 Arab countries, nine European countries, six Asian, three African, three Latin American, Canada, USA, and Australia, noted the statement. Egypt had the highest number in participating projects, followed by Algeria, Yemen, Palestine, Tunisia, Iraq, and Kuwait, the statement added.

The competition which is developing and seeing more participants each year, had set five prizes for the websites’ category and five others for the applications’ category, with USD 15,000 for each winner, said the statement. —KUNA

Traders stockpiling fish to increase prices KUWAIT: Prices of local zubaidi (pomfret) reached KD 17 and KD 15 for Iranian fish during the past few days. The reason for this is not a ban on zubaidi fishing as some fish traders are claiming, rather it is because of traders keeping tons of it in their warehouses and releasing it to the market gradually as they rely on the “if supply goes down and demand increases, prices will go up”.

Head of the Capital emergency team Waleed Malallah said there are traders who stock local and imported zubaidi and release limited quantities to the market in order to control prices.

He said the commerce ministry monitors the market, and if it discovers that traders are manipulating it, they will be sent to the public prosecution. He said one of the traders was referred two days ago for stockpiling tons of various fish.

Large quantities of Iranian zubaidi fish were later released in the market, which brought prices down to KD 13 for Kuwaiti and KD 9 for Iranian zubaidi per kilogram.

Greece eyes joint work with Kuwait KUWAIT: In their capacity as the incumbent holders of the rotating presidencies of the European Union (EU) and the GCC, Greece and Kuwait can help give a strong push to EU-Gulf relations, said Greek Ambassador to Kuwait Theodoros J. Theodorou.

Theodorou said that Greece has assumed the rotating presidency of the EU early since early 2014 and Kuwait is the head of recent Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab and African-Arab summits which opens the door for a real constructive dialogue between European and Gulf and Arab regions.

He pointed out that there are several important files that are open for discussion with the goal of reaching an agreement between the EU and the Gulf countries.

Greece and Kuwait can make a real change in this regard, he said. With regard to bilateral relations, Theodorou stated that Greece and Kuwait celebrate this year the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. —KUNA

KUWAIT: A Kenya tourism roadshow rolled into Kuwait yesterday, showcasing the country’s diverse tourism attractions and offerings to lure more Kuwaiti travelers to the country. “As a first major initiative by the Kenya tourism industry, the roadshow seeks to actively engage tour operators and hoteliers in Kuwait and create awareness about the country’s distinct and unique tourism attractions,” said Wausi Walya, PR & Corporate Communications Manager, Kenya Tourism Board.

The 12-member Kenyan delegation consisting of private sector travel industry members led by Kenya Tourism Board arrived in Kuwait as part of the GCC roadshow. The delegation members met with over 50 Kuwait’s travel industry members yesterday during one-on-one sessions with a view to establishing business linkages with the Kenyan tourism industry.

Speaking to Kuwait Times in an interview on the sidelines of the roadshow, Wausi, accompanied by Fatma A Bashir, AG Regional Marketing Manager, GCC and Rest of Africa, KTB, said, “What we aim to do is to get more business flows from the GCC, both from leisure travel and corporate business. During our visit in November, we comprehended the fact that the Kuwait market is very interested in selling Kenya’s tourism attractions. The visit gave us impetus to further engage with the Kuwait trade to introduce ‘Magical Kenya’s’ fascinating beaches, its rich culture and the country’s matchless wildlife safaris,” she said.

“It is an archipelago of five islands which we believe would form interest points,” she added.

Kenya has 63 wildlife parks spread through the country and a long coastline stretching more than 400 km offering tourists a variety of activities. The great diversity of habitat is equaled by a remarkable variety of species of flora and fauna. These include grazing herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, large mammals such as elephants, buffalo and rhinoceros and a range of predators including lion, leopard and cheetah.

Potential “Considering the potential, tourist arrivals from the GCC region, especially Kuwait, are low. Last year, 45,000 tourists visited Kenya. Kenya is a one-stop shop. We want to drive home this idea. We want to

create awareness slowly and progressively about Kenya’s tourism offerings in Kuwait because Kuwaitis are interested in luxury and experimental travel. We want to tap the potential,” Wausi said. “Our conservation model in managing the wildlife is very superior.

Our national parks are managed scientifically. We don’t encourage sport hunting or poaching. We have heavily invested in technology and security to maintain the superiority of our parks and safaris,” she mentioned.

The board also wants to engage the media in the GCC and identify forums for discussion to raise

2030’, a goal set by the government to turn Kenya into an industrialized nation. So, for us, not just tourism arrivals, but spending is also important,” Wausi added.

Connectivity In addition to the country’s national carrier Kenya Airways, several Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia and Etihad fly to Nairobi, offering frequent connectivity to Middle Eastern travelers.

Talking about the increased frequency, Wausi said currently 58 flights fly into Nairobi and three into

KUWAIT: Wausi Walya (left) and Fatma A Bashir during a tourism roadshow.

—Photo by Sajeev K Peter awareness about Kenya’s distinct tourism attractions. “When we talk about a roadshow, we talk about going out into the market and opening up destination attractions to create knowledge and awareness. Every one of the trade delegations has come here with more than one package to offer to the Kuwaiti industry, so that every member who participates in the roadshow in Kuwait will make a connection,” said Bashir. The roadshow will visit Dubai tomorrow and Abu Dhabi and Doha later.

Kenya’s tourism industry contributes roughly 12 percent to the country’s national GDP. “For Kenya, tourism is key in terms of economic growth. It is one of the key pillars in achieving the country’s ‘Vision

Mombasa weekly from various GCC airports. Halal food is available everywhere and mosques are located in all parts of the country from the coast and centre to the west, she informed.

About security concerns, Wausi said, “We just want to assure the world that Kenya is a safe destination. Terrorism is a global issue. We may have victims like other countries but Kenya has taken serious measures in terms of security. Look at the entry points. We have enhanced security at all our airports,” she said. “This is the first major trade initiative by the Kenya Tourism Board. We plan to roll out more activities in the coming months,” said Tarig Musa, account manager, KTB.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

LOCAL

Dead infant found in Agailah manhole Nepalese man attempts suicide KUWAIT: A baby boy was found dead inside a water purification plant in Agailah, while preliminary investigations indicate that he was either killed or abandoned by his parents after he was born out of wedlock. Police headed to the scene Saturday afternoon following an emergency call reporting the discovery of a dead infant. A worker told police at the site that he found a blanket left inside a manhole while he prepared to operate a machine at the plant, and when he unwrapped it he found that it contained a dead baby. Police summoned criminal investigators who examined the scene and transferred the body to the forensic department. A case was filed for investigations as police are looking to identify the baby’s parents.

Work mishap A man was killed in an accident reported at a construction site in Sabah Al-Salem on Friday.

Paramedics and police had rushed to the scene in response to an emergency call which reported that a man was injured when his half lorry truck fell into a 15 meters deep hole during unloading.

Investigations revealed that the 40-year-old Egyptian man was standing near the truck when it lost balance and fell while workers were unloading wood. The man was hit by the truck on its way down, leaving him with a fatal head injury. He was pronounced dead on the scene before criminal investigators were called. A case was filed for further investigations.

Suicide attempt A man was hospitalized in a critical condition after he attempted suicide by stabbing himself, but doctors later said that he was expected to survive. Paramedics and police had rushed to a building in Mahboula in response to an emergency call, and found the Nepalese man bleed-

ing heavily from a self inflected stab wound on his lower abdomen. After preliminary investigations revealed that the man stabbed himself in a bid to end his life, a suicide case was filed to determine the motives.

Hit and run A pedestrian sustained a broken spine among other injures after he was ran over two times at the Fourth Ring Road late Friday night. According to the police report, the Gulf national was trying to cross the road near the Jahra Sports Club when a speeding vehicle hit him and sent him flying in the air. The man was hit by another car as he landed, but both drivers left the scene immediately. The man was taken in an ambulance to the Jahra Hospital where he was admitted inside the intensive care unit in a critical condition. A case was filed for investigations.

Man shoots himself A man was taken to the Public Prosecution for questioning to reveal the reasons why he shot himself on the foot according to his own statements. Police had headed to the Rabiya polyclinics where medical staff reported that a man arrived with a gunshot wound on his foot. The man who is in his forties was taken in an ambulance to the Farwaniya Hospital and police soon followed him there. After receiving clearance from doctors to speak with the man, the Kuwaiti national insisted that the wound was self-inflected. He even told police that the gun he used was still in his car, and they found the firearm there.

Felony charges were pressed and investigations are ongoing.

Dispute with girlfriend A former police officer stabbed himself following a dispute with his girlfriend which involved

Russia for better ties with Kuwait MOSCOW: Russia aspires to enhance the relations with the State of Kuwait at various levels, stated a senior legislator here yesterday.

Nikolai Vladimirovich Levichev, the Duma deputy chairman, made the affirmation during a meeting with the Kuwaiti Ambassador in Moscow, AbdulAziz Al-Adwani.

Al-Adwani said his talks with the senior lawmaker dealt with issues of common interest, namely current efforts aimed at settling the Syrian crisis.

He quoted the Russian legislator as praising Kuwait’s efforts for aiding the Syrian refugees, alluding to its hosting of the two international donors’ conferences for this humanitarian purpose.

Officials of states that took part in the second conference, hosted by Kuwait in January, pledged to donate more than $2 billion to aid the refugees.

Millions of Syrians have lost their homes, have been forced to relocate or take up refuge in neighboring countries as a result of the ongoing crisis.

beating her, according to the police report based on his mother’s testimonies. The man who previously served in the Interior Ministry’s prison department was met by police officers outside of his house in Salwa. He was informed that the officers came to take him in custody following in emergency call from his mother who said that he stabbed himself after an argument with his girlfriend. The mother had explained that the man’s girlfriend had broken up with him after he beat her during a quarrel. In a bid to show remorse for his action, the man attacked himself with a knife to become ‘even’ with his girlfriend as he asked her to rekindle their relationship. The man refuted his mother’s story during questioning at the area’s police station, saying that she hadn’t seen him for three days before the case was reported.

He did not, however, deny having a confrontation with his girlfriend that involved beating her and then attacking herself, insisting that the whole issue was personal and demanded respect for his privacy. Police reportedly decided to send the man to the Psychological Medicine Hospital for a mental state assessment. Investigations are pending the medical report.

Trainers arrested A Hawally gym was closed and a number of trainers were taken under arrest on charges of selling banned drugs to young bodybuilders.

According to a security source with knowledge of the case, criminal investigators obtained a warrant to raid the gym following investigations which confirmed information that they received which claimed trainers were selling harmful substances to teenagers including steroids and banned dietary supplements. The expatriate trainers were taken under arrest after investigators found banned substances offered for sale in the gym.

KUWAIT: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon congratulating International Islamic Charitable Organization Chairman Dr Abdullah Al-Matouq.

IICO chief named UN humanitarian envoy KUWAIT: International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) Chairman and Amiri Diwan Consultant Dr Abdullah Al-Matouq received official written notice that United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has named him as a UN Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs for the second time.

In remarks yesterday, Al-Matouq expressed gratitude for the UN chief’s trust and prayed the Almighty help him fulfill his duties in service of humanity and in promoting the values of partnership amid the current time’s many serious humanitarian disasters and crises.

He added that his renewed tenure within the UN’s guidelines is a recognition of Kuwaiti charitable work in particular and charity work in the Islamic World at large. It is testimony by the UN to the importance of charity work and its pivotal role.

As to hot dossiers at present, he said the crisis in Syria tops the list as explosives con-

tinue to hammer residential neighborhoods, which is in effect cold blood killing of the innocent, women, and children. He urged more coordination of international response efforts in the face of the bloodshed.

Al-Matouq also noted the renewal of his tenure is in part a testimony to the success of the international non-governmental organizations conference it hosted recently which saw the participation of leading humanitarian figures and organizations.

The Kuwaiti figure said the IICO is keen on sustaining active partnership with many regional and international organizations, including UN organizations in the fields related to humanitarian work such as the United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, World Health Organization and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. —- KUNA

Belgium, Kuwait to mark 50 years of ties BRUSSELS: The Kingdom of Belgium and the State of Kuwait will this year celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, Belgian ambassador to Kuwait Damien Angelet said yesterday.

“Relations between Belgium and Kuwait are in a very good shape and Kuwait is doing fine. We are delighted to celebrate very soon 50 years of diplomatic ties between Belgium and Kuwait in both our countries,” he said.

Belgium opened its embassy in Kuwait in 1964 while the Kuwait embassy opened in Brussels in 1986.

Angelet said the two countries will also soon sign a “new version” of the agreement on double taxation.

“Both Belgium and Kuwait are ready with it and could sign it this year,” he noted. The two countries signed a double taxation treaty in 1990.

The Belgian embassy is to organise a concert of Belgium classical music in Kuwait on May 4, said the Belgian envoy.

On Kuwait’s role in the region, Angelet said “Kuwait is becoming a very important diplomatic partner in the region. Kuwait is presiding over the

Gulf Cooperation Council. There was the most impressive donors’ conference on Syria. It was the second time that Kuwait hosted such a conference.”

“Kuwait is a peace loving nation which strives to do away with conflicts in the region and bring humanitarian relief to people who need the most, the Syrian people,” he stated.

“I love living in Kuwait and I never met such a hospitable people,” said Angelet who was in Brussels to attend a meeting of Belgian ambassadors in the Arab world last week. —KUNA

Honda Alghanim sponsors Hala February celebrations KUWAIT: The growing excitement for the February celebrations was exuberantly expressed during the carnival that was held on Salem AlMubarak Street in Salmiya on Jan 31, to launch the Hala February festivities. Honda Alghanim was among the main sponsors of the monthlong event. In addition to showcasing the Honda car lineup, Honda Alghanim furthered the celebratory spirit by holding fun activities with the crowd who attended the festive event.

The streets were decorated end to end with thousands of colored balloons forming the Kuwait flag, patriotic music blasting through speakers, exciting contests and folkloric performances and more. The enjoyable event was a fun-filled, family-friendly occasion that attracted more than 15,000 people.

Blending perfectly into the excitement was the Honda Alghanim 9car display - featuring a Honda Pilot and Crosstour up on the main stage with a large Kuwaiti flag on their hoods. The other seven Honda cars were in the vibrant Honda street display, which also provided carnival entertainment like face painting, branded balloons, DJ and music as well as patriotic Honda giveaways.

Additionally, thanks to the excellent reputation of Honda cars, Hala February organizers are giving out 24 Honda City cars in their daily raffle draw throughout February at all participating outlets.

Honda Alghanim, the sole distributor of Honda automobiles, power products, marine and motorcycles in Kuwait is committed to providing customers with flexible payment solutions, as well as offering comfortable amenities in its new service center located in Shuwaikh. Honda Alghanim Service Center provides efficient and cost-effective services at all times. The waiting lounge offers customers a wide array of amenities such as an electronic gaming area, digital satellite channels, free wireless Internet access as well as relaxing massage chairs.

Honda Alghanim’s customers will also enjoy excellent customer service, quality maintenance options and competitive prices on genuine spare parts, all of which are provided by a team of professional and highly skilled technicians.

KUWAIT: Honda Alghanim participates in the Hala February carnival that was held on Salem Al-Mubarak Street in Salmiya.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Hundreds of civilians evacuated from Homs

Swiss vote on curbing EU immigration Page 10

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KIEV: Opposition supporters, one holding a portrait of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko shout, slogans during a rally in the Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, yesterday. Ukraine’s security agency yesterday warned of a heightened risk of terrorism, including from the anti-government protests. The warning raised the pressure on the opposition as parliament tries to find a way out of the crisis. — AP

70,000 rally in Kiev in fresh show of force KIEV: An estimated 70,000 pro-Western Ukrainians thronged the heart of Kiev yesterday vowing never to give up their drive to oust President Viktor Yanukovych for his alliance with old master Russia.

Wearing blue and yellow ribbons-the colours of both Ukraine and the European Union-the crowd received a religious blessing before opposition leaders took to a podium on Independence Square in a bid to ratchet up pressure on Yanukovych to appoint a new pro-Western government.

“None of the kidnappings and tortures have yielded any results,” said Igor Lutsenko, an activist who survived a severe beating after reportedly being abducted from hospital during deadly unrest in January.

The ex-Soviet nation of 46 million people has been in chaos since November when Yanukovych ditched an historic EU trade and political pact in favour of closer ties with Moscow, stunning pro-EU parts of the population and sparking violent protests.

Since then, what started out as a localised, domestic bout of unrest has snowballed into a titanic tussle for Ukraine’s future between Russia and the West, as demonstrations continued and spread to other parts of the country.

Opposition must be ‘resolved’ After initially ignoring protesters’ demands, Yanukovych has recently yielded ground by dismissing the government. But he also has to appease Russia, which has effectively frozen a sorelyneeded $15-billion (11-billion-euro) bailout until the situation clears up. Moscow has so far issued only one $3.0-billion instalment of the loan, which it promised to Yanukovych after he rejected the EU pact.

“People must stay on the streets until the end, otherwise there will be reprisals. And the opposition must be more resolved, not limit themselves to speeches on the podium. We need early presidential elections and a new constitution,” Anna Rebenok, a young secretary, told AFP on the square.

The protest is the 10th major demonstration since November, and the size of the crowds Sunday roughly equalled the turnout last weekend, although it was markedly lower than at the end of January, when violence left several people dead.

Protesters have set up row upon row of manned, grimy barricades on all four roads leading to the square, turning it into a pro-

Western fortress that leaves riot police on the outside.

On an upmarket avenue near the square, protesters and curious onlookers had clambered onto one of these barricades made slippery by melting snow, facing off with dozens of riot police as a line of burnt vehicles stood in between.

One woman wore high-heels, the other carried her baby up, and many took pictures with their smartphones. Nearby, a man in army fatigues read Dan Brown’s “Angels & Demons”. But this light atmosphere was darkened by the presence of men wearing bullet-proof vests, helmets and carrying batons-members of selfdefence groups patrolling an avenue that was the scene of violent clashes in January.

People also stopped to take photos of a bullet hole in a building not far away, which activists say was fired during the clashes.

Klitschko challenges president Alex Brideau, an analyst for political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said the protesters’ actions were a “key wildcard in the political standoff”, noting that their “continued frustration with the lack of progress on their demands” was a major factor behind the January violence.

On Sunday, former boxer turned opposition icon Vitali Klitschko set a challenge for Yanukovych, inviting him to come to the square and face his pro-EU foes.

“I am going to suggest to him that he come here on the Maidan (Independence Square) to hear what people say about him,” he told a cheering crowd.

The opposition wants lawmakers to slash presidential powers and return to a pre-2010 constitution that swayed the balance towards parliament. They are also calling on the authorities to release detained protesters. Influential pro-demonstration tycoon Petro Poroshenko told the crowd that so far, 392 demonstrators had been released and 49 were still being held.

But Ukraine’s tattered economy is in ever-growing need of assistance amid sliding domestic production and dwindling foreign reserves, which analysts say could push Yanukovych to ignore opposition demands and appoint a new pro-Moscow government.

The protracted crisis has seen Ukraine’s borrowing costs spike and the currency lose nearly 10 percent of its value as frightened consumers rush to stock up on dollars and euros. — AFP

Muslim Brotherhood forms ‘military wing’ CAIRO: Egypt has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of creating a military wing to attack security forces, a move likely to increase pressure on the group already facing a massive crackdown. The Interior Ministry’s spokesman appeared on television to announce that the military unit had been discovered, and named 12 people who he said were members.

He said the group had shot dead five policemen last month in the province of Beni Suef. Egyptian authorities have been cracking down hard on the Brotherhood since army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi toppled Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July.

It has been branded a terrorist group, and security forces have killed about 1,000 of its members in the streets. The Muslim Brotherhood, which says it is opposed to violence, accuses Sisi of staging a coup and undermining democracy.

State television aired what it said was a confession by one the military wing’s members. He recalled meeting a man who he said had offered to teach him and others how to use weapons.

Human rights groups accuse the army-backed government of widespread human rights abuses and stifling dissent.

Meanwhile , a moderate Islamist who came fourth in

Egypt’s 2012 presidential election won by the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Mursi, accused the armybacked authorities of creating a “republic of fear”.

Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh, 62, one of the few Islamists left in public life after a crackdown on the Brotherhood and its Islamist allies after Mursi was ousted by the army, said Egypt was not on a path to democracy as the government says.

“Our conscience does not let us participate in an operation to deceive the Egyptian people and act like there are elections when there are not,” Abol Fotouh said, confirming his decision not to run for president this year.

Although he has not yet confirmed he will run, army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is expected to win after the army said it would back him. He has wide support among many Egyptians who were relieved to see an end to Mursi’s rule, but is reviled by Mursi sympathisers as the leader of a coup.

Sisi deposed Mursi on July 3 after mass protests against his rule. Supporters of Mursi’s removal say it was a revolution. “This is a republic of fear,” Abol Fotouh told a news conference convened to declare his final decision on whether he would run in the election that could happen as soon as April. — - Reuters

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

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

Hundreds of civilians evacuated from Homs Damascus delegation arrives for peace talks DAMASCUS: Aid teams evacuated hundreds of exhausted civilians from besieged districts of the city of Homs yesterday, as Syria’s regime and rebels again accused each other of violating a truce.

The evacuation of some of 3,000 trapped people who had little more than olives and herbs to eat for more than 600 days came ahead of a new round of peace talks. The Damascus delegation and members of the opposition began arriving in Switzerland for a new round of the so-called Geneva II peace talks scheduled to begin today.

Yesterday’s evacuation from Homs was the second in three days after a UN-brokered truce for besieged districts of Syria’s third city began on Friday. Five men were killed when one besieged district was hit by mortar fire as yesterday’s evacuation operation

Television footage showed women, children and elderly men getting off the buses that brought them out of the besieged areas. They appeared visibly exhausted and frail, in video broadcast by Beirut-based channel AlMayadeen. Children, carried by their parents, looked pale.

The civilians were aided by UN staff wearing helmets and blue vests, and

by Syrian Red Crescent volunteers.

There was also a strong Syrian army presence at the evacuation site.

“We had nothing. All the children were sick, we even had nothing to drink,” said one exhausted woman, her three children standing round her.

State television said the operation took place under fire from “armed terrorist groups”, using regime terminology for the rebels.

But the Britain-based Observatory

HOMS: Syrians gather with their belongings in a street of a besieged district of the central city of Homs on Saturday as a United Nations and Syria’s Red Crescent humanitarian convoy (unseen) delivers food and medical aid.

Syria’s Red Crescent said it delivered some food and medical aid to rebelheld areas of Homs city that have been under siege by government troops for more than 600 days. — AFP got under way, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

They were the latest deaths in a nearly three-year conflict that has killed 136,000 people and displaced millions. “Four hundred and twenty besieged people came out today from the Old City districts of Homs, and the operation is still under way,” Homs governor Talal al-Barazi said.

echoed claims by activists in the besieged areas that at least five people were killed in shelling that targeted the besieged district of Qarabis.

Activists accused pro-regime militiamen positioned in neighbourhoods bordering the besieged districts, who opposed the truce, of firing the mortar rounds. Shelling also targeted an aid convoy entering the besieged districts

on Saturday in an attack that killed five residents and wounded 20, the Observatory said.

Yesterday’s evacuation was the second after 83 people were brought out on Friday’s first day of the truce. In other areas of strife-torn Syria, another 300 people were killed on Saturday, according to the Observatory.

Regime, opposition in Geneva Homs, much of which has been reduced to rubble, was dubbed “the capital of the revolution” by activists before a bloody 2012 offensive by regime forces recaptured much of the city.

The 600-day siege was a key point of discussion during a first round of peace talks in Switzerland last month, but which yielded few concrete results.

Yesterday, the regime delegation and members of the opposition National Coalition arrived for the second round of Geneva II, sources close to the delegations told AFP. The government delegation is headed by Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, as was the case for the first round of talks 10 days ago.

Of the opposition delegates, one source said: “Some of them have arrived, each one arriving separately.

Each member is travelling in from a different country.” It was not yet clear if Coalition chief Ahmad Jarba was among them. Muallem is set to meet UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi at 7:00 pm (1800 GMT ) in Geneva, a source close to his delegation told AFP. But the two warring sides appear far from being able to reach any compromise.

While the regime insists that the talks focus on fighting “terrorism”, the opposition is demanding that the priority in Geneva be agreement on a transition that excludes President Bashar al-Assad.

Meanwhile, the extreme violence in Syria raged on. Saturday’s death toll of around 300 included some 20 men executed by loyalists in the central province of Hama, the Observatory said. In the besieged Palestinian camp of Yarmuk, south of Damascus, a man and a woman died of malnutrition, it said.

Since the army began blockading Yarmuk in June last year, some 80 people have died as a result of food and medical shortages, the Observatory says.— AFP

TUNIS: A file picture taken on February 4, 2014 shows special units of the Tunisian National Guard standing guard near a building (unseen) in the Tunis suburb of Raoued in which armed militants were holed up. Probes into the assassinations last year of two opposition figures that plunged Tunisia into crisis have gathered pace this week, with authorities saying they arrested a suspect and killed another in a firefight, yesterday. — AFP

Suspect arrested in murder of Tunisian MP: Ministry TUNIS: Tunisian security forces arrested a suspect in the murder of opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi after a fierce gunbattle during an overnight raid on a militant hideout, the interior ministry’s spokesman said yesterday.

Brahimi was the second of two opposition politicians to have been assassinated last year by suspected jihadists as Islamist violence rocked the North African country, which was the birthplace of the Arab Spring revolutions in 2011.

The security forces “surrounded a house (near the capital Tunis) where a terrorist group had holed up.

Following a sustained exchange of fire, four elements were arrested,” interior ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui told AFP. “Among them is Hmed el-Melki, alias ‘Somali,’ one of the elements implicated in the assassination of the martyr Mohamed Brahmi,” he said, adding weapons were seized during

the raid. “The interior ministry stresses that it was a successful operation,” the spokesman said without revealing the identities of the other suspects.

The announcement came after the government said Tuesday that the suspected Islamist assassin of opposition politician Chokri Belaid had been killed in a police raid. Gunmen killed Belaid on February 6 and Brahmi on July 25, both of them outside their homes.

Authorities blamed the murders on the Ansar Al-Sharia, a jihadist outfit accused of links to Al-Qaeda, but the group never claimed responsibility for those or any other attacks.

Belaid was a charismatic leftist politician and virulent critic of the Islamist party Ennahda then in power.

His murder triggered massive antigovernment protests and a crisis from which Tunisia has only recently started to emerge.

The two political assassinations eventually forced Ennahda to relin-

quish power in January in the face of accusations from the mainly secular opposition that it had failed to tackle a surge of Islamist extremism since the Arab Spring revolution of 2011.

Ennahda won Tunisia’s first free elections in October 2011, following the ouster of president Zine ElAbidine Ben Ali in an uprising.

Speaking before the police raid on Monday, Belaid’s widow Basma Khalfaoui accused Ennahda of hiding key documents in the murder inquiry and said she was expecting strong measures from a government of independents that replaced the Islamistled administration late last month.

“We don’t know anything (about what really happened). All scenari o s a re p o s s i b l e,” s h e t o l d A F P. Brahmi’s widow, speaking Saturday during a rally marking the first a n n i ve r s a r y o f B e l a i d ’s f u n e r a l, accused the authorities of having “done everything to wipe out the traces of the crime”. —AFP

Nine killed in brutal Iraq assassinations BAGHDAD: Nine people were found dead in two brutal incidents in Iraq yesterday-one where militants forced Shiite policemen to pray before killing them, and another where decapitated heads were left in a market.

The violence is among the most shocking in Iraq’s worst prolonged period of unrest since it emerged in 2008 from a Sunni-Shiite sectarian war, and comes with security forces also battling anti-government fighters in western Anbar province.

Analysts and diplomats have urged the Shiite-led authorities to pursue reforms and address the grievances of the disaffected Sunni community, but with elections due on April 30, political leaders have been loathe to compromise.

The two incidents both took place in Salaheddin province, north of Baghdad, leaving nine dead in all, security and medical officials said. In Tuz Khurmatu, an ethnically-mixed town that has been hit by regular attacks, militants surrounded a police encampment protecting a stadium construction site and gathered the six policemen as a group and shot them all dead, two security officials and a doctor at the local hospital said.

One of the six, however, only died at hospital, and according to a local Tuz official, said that the insurgents had attempted to find out if the policemen were Sunni or Shiite before killing them.

The militants asked them which sect they belonged to and the policemen, who were Shiite Turkmen, initial-

ly said they were Sunni in an effort to save themselves, the town official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

But because prayer rituals of Sunnis and Shiites differ in certain key aspects, the victims were forced to pray as a group and their efforts to mask their confessional background were undone.

In a separate incident in Baiji, the decapitated heads of three men were found in a town market Sunday morning, two police officers in the town said. The men-an anti-Qaeda militia chief, his son and his cousin-were kid-

napped late on Thursday near provincial capital Tikrit.

The militiamen, known as the Sahwa, joined forces with the US military against their co-religionists in AlQaeda from late-2006 onwards, helping turn the tide of Iraq’s violent insurgency.

But, as a result, they are regarded as traitors by Sunni militants and often targeted in attacks.

Violence has surged in Iraq in recent months to levels not seen since 2008, with more than 1,000 people killed in January alone, according to government figures.— AFP

BAGHDAD: In this Saturday file photo, masked anti-government gunmen hold their weapons as they pose for a group picture before going on patrol, in Fallujah, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq. — AP

Militant wounded as Israel strikes Gaza GAZA CITY: A Palestinian militant was in critical condition after an Israeli air strike on central Gaza yesterday that the army said targeted a “key” figure responsible for cross-border rocket fire.

The strike was the latest in a growing number of violent incidents in and around Gaza since the start of 2014, prompting an Israeli warning it will continue to strike anyone threatening its citizens.

Medical sources said the man had lost a leg and was in critical condition after a missile struck a motorcycle in Deir al-Balah at around 8 am (0600 GMT ). They said a second man, described as a civilian bystander, was also moderately injured in the attack.

The Israeli military confirmed the strike and said it targeted Abdallah

Khurati, a militant with the Popular Resistance Committees and “affiliated with global jihad” who was involved in “numerous incidents of rocket fire towards Israel”.

A senior source in the PRC confirmed the injured man was Khurati, and said he had worked within the movement until several months ago when he broke off to form a splinter group.

Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said anyone trying to harm Israel would be responsible for his own fate. “Our policy of attacking terror is based on a simple principle: whoever hurts us, whoever has hurt us (in the past) and whoever is intending to hurt us - his blood is on his own head,” he said in remarks communicated by his

office. Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said Khurati had also been involved in rocket fire on Israel’s Red Sea resort city of Eilat, although he did not give details.

In January, Al-Qaeda-inspired Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, a jihadist group based in Egypt’s Sinai, claimed responsibility for rocket fire against Eilat, which lies just across the border.

A Gaza-based Salafist group called the Mujahedeen Shura Council claimed responsibly for an August 2013 rocket attack. Nobody was injured in either incident. “We will continue to pursue with determination any terror operative who tries to harm the security of Israeli citizens and make him pay a very heavy price,” Yaalon said in a statement, which also warned Gaza’s Islamist Hamas rulers. —AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

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

US easing immigration rule for terrorist support Rule will help deserving asylum-seekers WASHINGTON: The Obama administration has eased the rules for would-be asylum-seekers, refugees and others who hope to come to the US or stay here and who gave “limited” support to terrorists or terrorist groups.

The change is one of President Barack Obama’s first actions on immigration since he pledged during his State of the Union address last month to use more executive directives. The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department now say that people considered to have provided “limited material support” to terrorists or terrorist groups are no longer automatically barred from the United States.

A post-Sept 11 provision in immigrant law, known as terrorism related inadmissibility grounds, had affected anyone considered to have given support. With little exception, the provision has been applied rigidly to those trying to enter the US and those already here but wanting to change their immigration status.

For Morteza Assadi, a 49-year-old real estate agent in northern Virginia, the law has left him in a sort of immigration purgatory while his green card application has been on hold for more than a decade.

As a teenager in Tehran, Iran, in the early 1980s, Assadi distributed fliers for a mujahedeen group that opposed the government of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and was at one time considered a terrorist organization by the US government. Assadi said he told the US government about his activities when he and his wife applied for asylum in the late 1990s. Those

requests were later granted and his wife has since become a US citizen. But Assadi’s case has remained stalled.

“When we are teenagers, we have different mindsets,” Assadi said. “I thought, ‘I’m doing my country a favor.’” Assadi said he only briefly associated with the group, which was removed from Washington’s list of terrorist organizations in 2012, and that he was never an active member or contributor to its activities. Now he’s hopeful that the US government will look at his teenage activities as “limited.”

His lawyer, Parastoo Zahedi, said she has filed case in federal court to force US Citizenship and Immigration Services to process Assadi’s green card application, but now hopes the government will act on its own.

‘Freedom fighters’ “In the past, the minute your name was associated with a (terrorist) organization you were being punished,” Zahedi said. “Not every act is a terrorist act and you can’t just lump everyone together.” The Homeland Security Department said in a statement that the rule change, which was announced last week and not made in concert with Congress, gives the government more discretion, but won’t open the country to terrorists or their sympathizers. People seeking refugee status, asylum and visas, including those already in the United States, still will be checked to make sure they don’t pose a threat to national security or public safety, the department said.

In the past, the provision has been criticized

for allowing few exemptions beyond providing medical care or acting under duress. The change now allows officials to consider whether the support was not only limited but potentially part of “routine commercial transactions or routine social transactions.”

The change doesn’t specifically address “freedom fighters” who may have fought against an established government, including members of rebel groups who have led revolts in Arab Spring uprisings. In late 2011, Citizenship and Immigration Services said about 4,400 affected cases were on hold as the government reviewed possible exemptions to the rule. It’s unclear how many of those cases are still pending.

Sen Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the rule change will help people he described as deserving refugees and asylum-seekers. “The existing interpretation was so broad as to be unworkable,” Leahy said in a statement. He said the previous rule barred applicants for reasons “that no rational person would consider.” Republican lawmakers argued that the administration is relaxing rules designed by Congress to protect the country from terrorists.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, called the change naive given today’s global terrorist threats.

“President Obama should be protecting US citizens rather than taking a chance on those who are aiding and abetting terrorist activity and putting Americans at greater risk,” Goodlatte said. —AP

Castaway goes to ground awaiting medical all-clear MAJURO: El Salvadoran castaway Jose Salvador Alvarenga went to ground in the Marshall Islands yesterday, with phone calls blocked and escorts to and from his hotel room as he awaits medical clearance to travel home.

Alvarenga, who washed up on remote Ebon Atoll in the Marshall Islands 11 days ago saying he had drifted for 13 months across the Pacific Ocean from Mexico, has been staying at the Marshall Islands Resort in Majuro after discharging himself from the hospital Friday.

He has scarcely been seen since, with an official at the resort saying calls to Alvarenga’s room had been blocked at the government’s request.

“Foreign Affairs has instructed us to tell callers if they want to talk to him they should call Foreign Affairs,” she said, confirming that the hotel had fielded many calls for the castaway.

On the rare occasions Alvarenga has emerged since Friday he has been surrounded by a team of expatriate volunteer teachers who are staying in his room, safeguarding his apparent wish not to speak to the press about his ordeal at sea.

Except for a brief thank you at a media conference Thursday, he has not spoken directly to any

media organisation since early last week, despite intense public interest in his extraordinary tale.

Majuro Hospital officials said Alvarenga was not happy at being bombarded by telephone calls at the hospital, and returned to his hotel room Friday after an overnight stay.

Hospital medical chief of staff doctor Kennar Briand said Alvarenga’s doctor did not discharge him Friday. “He discharged himself,” said Briand. “He said he was getting too many calls from people claiming to be his relative.”

Suspicious Briand said his examinations and laboratory tests show Alvarenga’s health is improving, with a possible medical discharge today. “Today, laboratory tests will be repeated and based on what happens, his doctor will decide the next steps,” Briand said. Briand has treated numerous drifters who washed into the Marshall Islands or were rescued at sea by fishing trawlers and brought to Majuro for medical care. “I don’t know if anyone has drifted for 13 months (and survived),” said Briand, who oversees medical services at the 80-bed hospital in the capital of the Marshall Islands.

Some had arrived in extremely poor health after being lost at sea for less than half the time Alvarenga was, he said. He recalled the trio of Mexicans who survived a nine-month drift from Mexico across the Pacific in 2006 and were treated at Majuro Hospital when they arrived in the capital.

There were some suspicions” surrounding the Mexicans’ story and medical officials were asked to confirm that they had actually drifted for nine months before being picked up by a Marshall Islands fishing boat in the central Pacific, said Briand. “But that’s not our job,” he added. He said it was surprising Alvarenga could “be that strong when he came in” after such a long drift. “I remember some guys, I think (they were from) Kiribati.

They were out in the open ocean for six months.

“When they came in they couldn’t stand. They were all lying on the bottom of the boat.” Reports from the owner of Alvarenga’s fishing boat and his fishing colleagues in Chiapas state in southern Mexico confirm that he and 23-year-old Ezekiel Cordoba went on what was planned as a one or two-day fishing expedition in late 2012. Cordoba died four months into the drift, according to Alvarenga. — AFP

MICHOACAN: Armed members of the so-called self-defence groups and police remain at a checkpoint in Apatzingan, in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, on Saturday. Vigilante militias that have fought a drug cartel in western Mexico for a year entered on Saturday a city considered a key gang bastion and they are helping authorities police the town. —AFP

Vigilantes enter Mexican drug cartel’s key bastion MORELIA: Vigilante militias that have fought a drug cartel in western Mexico for a year entered a key gang bastion on Saturday, manning checkpoints and helping federal forces find criminals.The civilian self-defense forces had their eye on Apatzingan for months, saying it was the “crown jewel” of the Knights Templar gang and a vital trade hub for the region’s lime and avocado farmers.

Vigilante leader Estanislao Beltran said that hundreds of his colleagues manned checkpoints outside the Michoacan state city of 120,000 to “check who goes in and out.” Heavily armed men were seen building walls of sandbags outside Apatzingan, the main city in Michoacan’s Tierra Caliente (Hot Land), a lush agricultural region.

Another 150 vigilantes were deployed with police and military patrols inside Apatzingan to search “all the homes” of suspected gang members.The vigilantes said they had captured Antonio Plancarte, the brother of a recently arrested Knights Templar leader. Authorities did not confirm Plancarte’s detention. Fernando Cano, the Michoacan state deputy government secretary, said the vigilantes who went into the city were unarmed.

Cano said the men were members of new “rural defense” forces that were recently formed under the army’s oversight to

legalize the vigilante movement.

Praying for peace Catholic churchgoers packed the Apatzingan Cathedral late Saturday, where the vicar, Gregorio Lopez-best known as “Father Goyo”-celebrated mass and prayed a rosary “for peace.”

The priest, who considers the fight against drug gangs one of his top duties, then led a rally in the town plaza. The crowd of some 400 that gathered to hear him included local residents and vigilantes.

Lopez, who wears a bullet-proof vest even when he celebrates mass, has organized peace rallies such as these with no authorization from the Catholic hierarchy.

Hipolito Mora, a vigilante spokesman who earlier met privately with Lopez, urged the crowd to “trust the government, to cooperate in handing them information.”

Fed up with the local police’s failure to curb the cartel’s reign of violence and extortion, civilians began to form vigilante units a year ago in Tierra Caliente.

The movement has since grown, posing the biggest security challenge of President Enrique Pena Nieto’s administration.

Pena Nieto deployed thousands of troops to Michoacan in May, but the continuing violence forced him to focus more forces last month in Tierra Caliente.—AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

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

Brash, ambitious mayor shakes up Italian politics ROME: He’s a brash, kid-faced dynamo who is injecting fresh blood into Italy’s sclerotic politics - and the left’s great hope now that Silvio Berlusconi’s criminal convictions keep the long-time leader out of power.

And Matteo Renzi, elected in December as leader of the Democratic Party, has even cut a deal that many would have thought impossible. Who would have bet that the Communist-hating Berlusconi would have done business in a room where Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara gaze down from photographs on the wall?

The irrepressible Renzi did. The 39-yearold Renzi, who cites Tony Blair as a hero and doubles as Florence mayor when he isn’t running Premier Enrico Letta’s center-left party, has confidently, almost cockily, established himself as the politician to reckon with these days in Italy.

His eyebrow-raising invitation to the former premier last month for a tete-a-tete in the den of his enemies - the Democratic Party has deep roots in Italian Communism was a typical Renzi gamble. With characteristic flippancy, the youthful Florentine brushed off hostility from within his own party for his courting the scandal-stained leader of Italy’s main center-right party.

For Renzi, it was just realpolitik to negotiate with the Democrats’ archrival in what turned out to be a successful bid to nail down Berlusconi’s crucial backing for elusive

electoral reforms aimed at finally making Italy more governable.

“Who was I supposed to meet, Dudu’?”

Renzi asked - referring to the white poodle that Berlusconi’s fiancee totes around like a fashion accessory. Bluntness like Renzi’s is a novelty in a country whose language lends itself to the kind of convoluted phrasing politicians frequently take refuge in. But then, much about Renzi is different as he positions himself for a bid to be premier and to replace Berlusconi as Italy’s dominant political player. Elections aren’t due until 2018 - but no one expects Letta’s ninemonth-old fragile government that relies on defectors from the Berlusconi camp, to last more than another a year or so. Letta’s fall would open the way for Renzi to make his power play.

One of the keys to Renzi’s appeal is that he’s never been in Parliament - making him a refreshing outsider for many Italians.

Parliament is where the wheeling and dealing are done to cobble together Italy’s coalition governments or hasten their demise. His entire political career - until rank-and-file Democrats overwhelmingly picked him in a primary to be party leader - had been in the relatively small city of Florence, first as province president and now as mayor.

‘Breath of fresh air’ With roots in pro-Catholic center-left

movements, the former longtime Boy Scout also has never been a Communist, unlike many of his fellow Democratic leaders who cut their political teeth in what had once been the West’s largest Communist Party.

His lack of experience in Parliament where fisticuffs are not infrequent and where proposed reforms languish while lawmakers draw handsome paychecks - is more asset than liability, at least for now. “Renzi is a sort of breath of fresh air,” said Wolfango Piccoli, an Italian political scientist based in London.

With their country mired in recession, and youth employment stuck around 40 percent, Italians are “disillusioned with the entire political class,” Piccoli said in a telephone interview. One strong Renzi asset is his language, noted Piccoli. “You can actually understand what he’s saying. He’s not very polished, but that is a huge advantage” in a country weary of politicians who promise a lot and deliver little.

Renzi is a clever and regular communicator on Twitter. A sampling of some recent Renzi tweets range from reassuring fellow Fiorentines during torrential rain to a progress report on his proposed reforms.

Telegraphic as well as telegenic, Renzi has coined two eminently hash-taggable slogans to reach a largely young base. Even older Italians have taken to using his slogans as they chat about politics, on buses, cafes and neighborhood markets.

One is “#rottamare,” a colloquial verb generally used when talking about dumping broken appliances in the junkyard. Renzi says he wants to ditch a generation of politicians “glued to their armchairs.” The other is “#lavoltabuona” - roughly “this time we can do it,” a peppy phrase Renzi tacks on to his “Let’s change Italy” mantra.

Renzi’s big political idea: overhauling electoral law to produce Parliaments that can actually pass laws. Under current rules, tiny parties have disproportionate clout in keeping governments afloat and adopting laws. The plethora of parties often translates into political paralysis - with bills held hostage to the demands of small groupings.

Renzi also wants to drastically reduce political costs, notably by downsizing the role of the Senate, the legislature’s upper chamber.

As a sign of his political skill - or cynicism he was able to rally Berlusconi to the cause of electoral reform. Renzi shuttles between Rome and Florence aboard high-speed trains, which shave the commute between the heart of the Italian capital and the Tuscan cradle of the Renaissance to an hour -and-ahalf. .

While in Florence, he scoots between official appointments in the way many Florentines do - on bicycle. Click the TV remote, and chances are good that on any given evening you’ll find him, tieless, maybe in a short black leather jacket, snug black

jeans and studded leather boots, on some talk show, with just a trace of a disarming lisp, pushing his agenda, pitching for popular support.

Losing elections Months before he took 68 percent of the votes in December’s Democratic primary for party leadership, Renzi paraphrased Blair, the former British Labor leader and prime minister. “I adore one of his sayings,” Renzi said. “I love all the traditions of my party, except one: that of losing elections.”

An opinion poll, commissioned by state TV a few days after the breakthrough RenziBerlusconi meeting, and whose results were released on Feb. 3, found that 53 percent of Italians would favor a Renzi-led government now without even holding elections.

Letta’s government would have to collapse and Italy’s president refuse to dissolve Parliament for that scenario to be possible, neither of which seem imminent.

So a crucial question arises: how long can Renzi’s rising star keep rising before it peaks?

“He has to keep the reform momentum on,” Piccoli said. To do so, Piccoli and other analysts say, Renzi must quickly develop his recipe to revive Italy - not just preach electoral reform. For example, Renzi has been hawking what he calls, in English, his “Jobs Act,” to chip away at youth unemployment.

But he has yet to deliver details.—AP

Severe weather cuts off rail links in England BURROWBRIDGE: Severe flooding and landslips cut off rail links to large parts of southwest England for more than 24 hours at the weekend as the government came under pressure for its handling of storms battering Britain.

Some areas have been underwater for over a month in the wettest January on record, with angry residents criticising the government for not doing enough to prevent flooding or reacting quickly enough to help those affected by the devastation.

The military have been brought in to help build flood defences and evacuate properties. Britain’s Met Office said several weather warnings remained in place for the coming days, with more heavy rain and gale force winds expected. Prime Minister David Cameron, who visited the region on Friday, has announced extra funding for flood defence repairs and maintenance. He is due to chair a meeting of the govern-

ment’s emergency committee later on Sunday. But Environment Agency chairman Chris Smith, who received a frosty reception when he visited flood-hit areas this week, has faced calls to step down. Yesterday, the government’s communities minister Eric Pickles, who took over responsibility for the flood response after the environment minister was taken ill, apologised.

“We made a mistake, there’s no doubt about that, and we perhaps have relied too much on the Environment Agency’s advice,” he told the BBC, saying the government now realised rivers should have been dredged to help prevent flooding.

“I’ll apologise unreservedly and I’m really sorry that we took the advice,” he said. “We thought we were dealing with experts.” In the Somerset Levels, where muddy brown water stretched off in all directions as far as the eye could see, nearly 3 million tonnes of water were

being pumped out every day.

Earlier in the week, high tides and stormy seas destroyed a large section of sea wall at Dawlish in Devon, washing a stretch of railway track into the sea.

Further flooding and landslips cut off all rail links to Devon and Cornwall on Saturday. Yesterday afternoon Network Rail, Britain’s rail network operator, said one route had now reopened for a limited service, with trains running at a reduced speed.

Low cost airline Flybe has said it will double the number of flights it runs on weekdays from Newquay in Cornwall to London to help alleviate transport problems. Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain’s anti-European Union party UKIP, has called for some of the overseas aid budget to be diverted to help tackle the flooding. Speaking to the BBC during a visit to the region yesterday, he described the government’s response as “Too little, too late”. —Reuters

BANGUI: A French soldier of the Sangaris military operation orders a man to give back the items he looted in the 5th district of Bangui yesterday. According to witnesses, at least ten people have been killed since the night before in central Bangui, and many buildings burned, after violence broke out near the district hall of Bangui’s 5th district. — AFP

Nine more killed in C African Republic Widespread bloodshed and looting BANGUI: Raging violence in Central African Republic’s capital, including mob attacks and an apparent assassination attempt targeting the lawless country ’s former justice minister, killed at least nine people over the weekend, witnesses and officials said yesterday.

Bangui is suffering widespread bloodshed and looting despite the presence of thousands of French and African peacekeepers and the appointment of a new transitional leader last month.

Yesterday morning, Rwandan peacekeepers intervened after an angry mob killed a young Muslim man accused of killing a young woman, said Olga Mouth, a resident of Bangui’s Fifth District where the incident occurred. “ The young Muslim man was guarding two buildings belonging to Muslim businessmen who fled the city,” Mouth said. “The crowd said he attacked the young woman who was sitting outside the buildings selling porridge. This angered the residents, who came out in droves to lynch him before looting and burning the buildings.”

Rwandan peacekeepers opened fire on the crowd, killing a man who turned out to be the young woman’s

uncle, said Mouth. However, Rwandan Lt. Rosana Nsengimana could only confirm yesterday that one Rwandan peacekeeper had been injured.

Five additional bodies were retrieved from the same neighborhood, he said. “We don’t know the circumstances in which these people were killed,” he said. Anti-Muslim violence has escalated in Bangui in recent months, prompting many Muslims to flee the city. On Friday, thousands climbed aboard trucks protected by heavily armed Chadian soldiers in a mass exodus, cheered on by crowds of Christians.

The resentment stems from widespread atrocities committed by the mostly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition, which overthrew the president of a decade in March 2013 and replaced him with their leader, Michel Djotodia.

Momentous task An armed Christian movement known as the anti-Balaka, aided by loyalists of ousted President Francois Bozize, began retaliating several months later. Djotodia resigned under intense regional pressure last month as the security situation spun out of control. More than 1,000 were killed in a matter of days in December.

Bangui’s mayor, Catherine Samba-

Panza, was appointed president of a transitional government a few days after Djotodia sought exile in the West African nation of Benin. Her administration faces the momentous tasks of restoring order, fostering reconciliation and organizing elections. On Friday in The Hague, Netherlands, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced a preliminary investigation into potential war crimes or crimes against humanity in Central African Republic, saying the crisis had “gone from bad to worse.”

Muslims left behind in Bangui fear for their safety, especially those associated with Djotodia’s government.

Yesterday morning the home of Djotodia’s former justice minister Arsene Sende came under attack in what one family member described as an apparent assassination attempt.

“Ten armed men who appeared to be anti-Balaka arrived at the ex-minister’s house at around 6 a.m. They stabbed Fernand Hamza, the president of the commerce tribunal, and murdered his nephew,” said a man who gave his name as Bruno and said he was a brother-in-law of Sende, the ex-minister. He said the assailants overpowered the ex-Seleka members standing guard and looted the house before fleeing. — AP

Swiss vote on curbing EU mass immigration GENEVA: Swiss voters will decide whether to curb immigration by European Union citizens, in a referendum that risks igniting a row with Brussels. While opponents of the “Stop Mass Immigration” plan have stayed ahead in the opinion polls, their lead has gradually narrowed to a few points. Neutral Switzerland is not in the EU but is ringed by countries that are members and does most of its trade with the 28-nation bloc. Since 2007, the EU’s 500 million residents have enjoyed an equal footing with locals on the job market of Switzerland, a country of eight million. That is part of a raft of deals signed with the EU in 1999 after five years of talks, approved by Swiss voters in a 2000 referendum and then phased in.

But a referendum coalition helmed by the right-wing populist Swiss People’s Party-the largest in Switzerland’s parliament-says that

opening the door fully to EU citizens was a huge mistake. If passed, the coalition’s proposal would bind the government to renegotiate the labour market deal within three years.

The government, most political parties and the Swiss business and industry federations warn that ripping it up would kill off the related economic deals and dent Switzerland’s credibility as a partner for the EU. They also say that slapping restrictions on hiring EU citizens would be a disaster, arguing that the steady stream of foreign labour is a driving force of this wealthy economy with virtually full employment and an ageing population.

Until 2007, Swiss firms had to clear bureaucratic hurdles before being allowed to recruit a non-resident, with official quotas for foreign employees set down for each business sector.

Brussels has warned that Switzerland cannot pick and choose from the

binding package of deals negotiated painstakingly in the 1990s, seen as a way for Switzerland to enjoy the benefits of access to the EU market without joining the bloc.

Brussels is already battling internal dissent over its own borderless labour market-west European countries complain about competition from citizens of eastern member states-and has ruled out reopening the issue with Switzerland. Such arguments have not swayed the campaign coalition, which says national sovereignty is at stake. It argues that the arrival of 80,000 new residents per year has been an economic and social disaster, and not only because EU citizens have allegedly undercut Swiss workers.

It says that overpopulation has driven up rents, stretched the health and education systems, overloaded the road and rail networks, and eaten into the landscape due to housing construction.—AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

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

Indian Kashmir under curfew on anniversary of hanging SRINAGAR: Most of Indian Kashmir was under cur few yesterday to prevent protests marking the first anniversary of the hanging of a local separatist, which fuelled anger last year in the already tense region.

Shops and other businesses were shut and traffic was light in the main city of Srinagar and other towns, as a result of the curfew and after separatist groups called a strike across the region to mark the anniversary.

Mohammed Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri Muslim, was executed on February 9 last year and buried inside a prison in Delhi

after being convicted over a deadly raid on the Indian parliament in 2001 that left ten people dead.

Guru always insisted he was innocent and protesters in Kashmir have often accused the police of framing him.

Fearing the anniversary will reignite protests, authorities have shut down mobile Internet services in major populated areas, and thousands of police and paramilitary forces were patrolling most roads, said a senior police officer, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.

“We were told by patrolling police officers in the morning to remain inside,”

Abdul Hafeez, a resident of Srinagar, also told AFP. Political groups opposed to Indian rule in the Himalayan region have called for a three-day strike beginning yesterday to press their demand for the return of Guru’s remains to his family. Groups have also demanded the return of the remains of Maqbool Bhat, a founder of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), from the same prison.

The February 11, 1984 anniversary of the hanging of Bhat is usually marked by attempts to organise large rallies and a general strike. Police detained JKLF

Anger in Indonesia at parole for trafficker Anti-drugs group slams Corby’s parole KEROBOKAN: Indonesian lawmakers and an anti-drugs group expressed anger yesterday at Jakarta’s decision to parole Australian drug trafficker Schapelle Corby, as she prepared to leave prison in Bali after nine years behind bars.

The early release for the 36-yearold, who has always maintained her innocence since her 2004 arrest for smuggling marijuana into the resort island, has been welcomed in Australia, where her case has long fascinated the public.

Australian journalists have flocked to Bali for her release, which could come as soon as today although she will not be allowed to leave Indonesia until 2017, and a bidding war is in full swing for her first postjail interview.

But anger has been mounting at the decision in Indonesia, where

many believe she has received special treatment due to her high profile in Australia, with a critical newspaper editorial this weekend labelling her the “Marijuana Queen”.

“Public sentiment is against this,” said lawmaker Eva Kusuma Sundari, who organised a protest letter signed by eight MPs against Corby’s release and handed to Justice Minister Amir Syamsuddin on Thursday.

“It is not supported by the parliament and the public,” added the lawmaker, from the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. “You should not go against the national anti-drugs agency’s policies”. Indonesia’s anti-drugs laws are some of toughest in the world and include the death penalty in the most extreme cases.

Bambang Soesatyo, an MP from the Golkar Party, told the Jakarta

DENPASAR: In this file photograph taken on April 22, 2008, Australian drug traffickers Schapelle Corby (L) and Renae Lawrence (R) are pictured during a ceremony inside Kerobokan prison in Denpasar on Bali island. Indonesia granted parole to Corby as mobs of journalists camped outside her Bali prison and a bidding war heated up for her tell-all post-jail interview. — AFP

Post: “This is insensitive to public concerns about the rampant circulation of illegal drugs in Indonesia.”

In their letter, MPs also expressed concern that granting Corby parole was inappropriate so soon after revelations emerged Australian spies allegedly tried to tap the phone of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The National Movement Against Narcotics (Granat), which has long campaigned against granting Corby parole, issued a strongly worded statement against the decision yesterday.

“Crimes committed by Corby or other drug convicts-they are crimes against the safety of our nation,” said group chairman Henry Yosodiningrat.

“The president should be sensitive to the public’s sense of justice, as the public will be the ones who will be hurt by this clemency shown to Corby.”

When he announced that Corby was being granted parole on Friday, Syamsuddin went to great lengths to defend the decision, saying it was “not an act of generosity” but “a right regulated by law”.

Corby, whose battle with mental illness in prison and repeated proclamations of innocence have attracted huge public sympathy in Australia, was not allowed to leave prison immediately after the decision due to final administrative procedures.

However Farid Junaidi, governor of Kerobokan prison where Corby is jailed, confirmed on Sunday morning that the parole documents were en route from Jakarta to Bali and could arrive in the evening.

If the documents do arrive later tonight, Corby will still have to wait until the following day to complete the final steps before her release.

Corby, who was originally jailed for 20 years but received several sentence cuts, will have to remain in Indonesia until 2017 to fulfil the conditions of her parole. She is expected to stay with her sister Mercedes, who lives on Bali’s tourist strip of Kuta. — AFP

Factory fire owners surrender DHAKA: The two owners of a Bangladesh garment factory who are facing homicide charges for a 2012 fire that killed 112 workers surrendered to a court yesterday.

The factory outside the capital, Dhaka, which produced clothing for big retailers including Wal-Mart, had no emergency exits and its location in a narrow alley prevented firefighters from responding quickly to the deadly blaze in November 2012, said prosecutor Anwarul Kabir Babul.

The investigation found that when the fire broke out, managers and security guards told workers it was part of a regular drill and it was too late for many to escape. Workers found the gates locked from outside as the fire engulfed the sprawling building, according to the investigation.

Police filed homicide charges Dec. 22 against 13 people in connection with the fire, including the owners of Tazreen Fashions Ltd., Delwar Hossain and his wife, Mahmuda Akter. Arrest warrants were issued Dec. 31 for six who police said had fled, including the two owners.

After Hossain and Akter surrendered yesterday, a court rejected their bail petition and ordered them to be jailed, pending further legal procedures. If found guilty, the accused face a minimum of seven years and up to life in prison, Babul said.

Of the 13 accused, four are still at large. It’s the first time Bangladesh has sought to prosecute factory owners in its lucrative garment industry, which is the world’s second largest after China. — AP

leader Yasin Malik when he and a few dozen supporters defied restrictions and tried to stage a protest near the main square in Srinagar, said senior police superintendent Amit Kumar.

“He (Malik) has been taken into preventive custody,” Kumar said, adding that independent lawmaker Abdul Rashid was also briefly detained as he tried to lead a protest march elsewhere in Srinagar.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both.

About a dozen rebel groups have been fighting Indian forces since 1989 for

independence or for merger of the territory with Pakistan. The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead.

Ahead of the anniversary of Guru’s execution, Indian police detained more than 200 activists from across the Kashmir valley, according to separatists and a police officer.

Most separatist leaders were detained in different police stations and the top ones restricted to their houses to prevent them from leading protests, the officer said on condition of anonymity. — AFP

Tokyo chief chosen amid divided anti-nuke vote TOKYO: A candidate backed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won yesterday’s election for governor of Tokyo, frustrating a rival’s efforts to make the vote a referendum on the Japanese leader’s pro-nuclear energy policy nearly three years after the Fukushima disaster.

The widely-expected victory by former health minister Yoichi Masuzoe comes as a relief for Abe, who had suffered a rare setback in another local election last month.

The 65-year-old Masuzoe, backed by Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party, was the winner by a wide margin, according to media exit polls. Even before most votes were counted, Masuzoe’s opponents conceded defeat.

The winner’s most prominent rival was former prime minister Morihiro Hosokawa, 76, who came out of retirement to run and - with support from charismatic ex-premier Junichiro Koizumi - had put opposition to atomic energy at the core of his platform in the race to lead the capital city of 13.3 million people.

Hosokawa came in a close third after lawyer Kenji Utsunomiya, who also opposes nuclear power, NHK public TV said. A half-hour before the polls closed, turnout was a mere 34 percent, well below recent polls, the broadcaster said.

“I will make Tokyo the world’s No. 1 city,” Masuzoe told supporters. “I want to work on social welfare, disaster preparedness, the economy and especially to make the Tokyo 2020 Olympics a success.”

Masuzoe had not made energy policy a prime focus, although he said Japan should reduce its dependence on nuclear power in the medium to long term. After his victory was announced, he reiterated that stance, adding he wanted to raise the share of renewable energy sources in Tokyo’s electricity supply.

Public trust in nuclear energy in Japan was battered by the March 2011 disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co Inc’s Fukushima nuclear power plant north of Tokyo, triggered by an earthquake and tsunami. It was the world’s worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986.

Split vote Surveys have shown that most Japanese voters favour abandoning nuclear power, either immediately or in the longer term, but they also indicate that energy policy is not as important an issue for voters as jobs and the economy, an ageing population and welfare.

However, Masuzoe’s win is unlikely to mean smooth sailing for Abe’s efforts to restart reactors shut down after the Fukushima accident. This is because of delays in safety checks by a new atomic regulator and the need to persuade host communities to agree to the government’s plans.

Hosokawa opposed Abe’s plans to make nuclear power a core source of energy and to restart the reactors.

Addressing supporters, Hosokawa said he felt there was a gap between the results and the enthusiasm he felt on the campaign trail.

“I am very sorry that my efforts were insufficient and that I could not meet the expectations of those who supported me so earnestly,” he said.

Some anti-nuclear activists had urged Hosokawa and Utsunomiya, who was backed by the Japanese Communist Party, to join forces to avoid splitting the anti-nuclear vote.

Hosokawa led an anti-LDP coalition that briefly ousted the long-ruling party in 1993 for the first time in nearly four decades, but he quit the next year over a financial scandal.

Koizumi, 72, was one of Japan’s most popular leaders during his 2001-2006 term and was once Abe’s mentor.

Both ex-premiers supported nuclear power while they were in office but changed their stance after the Fukushima disaster.

Former air force chief of staff Toshio Tamogami, who resigned in 2008 after denying in an essay that Japan was the aggressor in World War Two, came in fourth. The pro-nuclear power Tamogami heads the nationalist group “Gambare Nippon!” (“Stand Firm! Japan”). The election was held to replace Naoki Inose, who resigned in December over a financial scandal. — Reuters

NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

SOCHI: US Jason Brown performs in the men’s figure skating team free program at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the Sochi Winter Olympics yesterday. — AFP (See Page 18)

Israel slams Iranian ships nearing US Continued from Page 1 proof it had not moderated its policies following a landmark deal with world powers to roll back its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. “The easing of sanctions against Iran by the international community has not caused Iran to moderate its international aggression - the complete opposite has occurred,” Netanyahu told the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks relayed by his office. Israel, the region’s sole if undeclared nuclear-armed state, has long viewed Iran’s controversial atomic program as a threat to its existence and has not ruled out

military action to prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon.

Iran has always insisted its nuclear program is entirely peaceful, and President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate elected last year, has vowed to allay Western concerns about it.

In Sept 2012, Iran said it was planning to send naval forces to the Atlantic to deploy along US marine borders to counter a beefed up US naval presence in the Persian Gulf, Fars reported, with the navy chief saying the buildup would begin within several years. In December, the Pentagon said it was not planning to scale back its vast military presence in the Gulf despite the sixmonth interim nuclear deal. — AFP

Kuwait Airways insists Airbus deal ‘on...

Continued from Page 1 Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s legal and legislative committee yesterday formed a three-MP panel from its members to carry out an investigation into aircraft deals to be undertaken by Kuwait Airways. Last week, the Assembly approved a proposal to form the probe committee to investigate the deals amid “suspicions” as claimed by some MPs. The probe committee is headed by MP Yacoub Al-Sane and includes MPs Abdulhameed Dashti and Talal Al-Jallal. Another probe committee formed to investigate suspicions surrounding the contract of the AlZour North Power Plant project held its first meeting yes-

terday which was attended by Finance Minister Anas AlSaleh.

Dashti said the committee submitted to the minister 25 questions and demanded answers about the project before the end of the month. The committee also asked the minister to suspend all contractual procedures into the project until the committee completes its work and the minister promised to do so as long as the suspension does not burden the state with financial obligations. The legislative committee also approved the telecommunications commission draft law and referred it to the public utilities committee which is expected to approve it soon and have it ready for an Assembly debate next month.

Star power, foreign policy don’t mix Continued from Page 1 minefield,” he told AFP. “So those that do it and do it properly really ought to be applauded rather than sneered at.”But it’s all too easy for things to go wrong.

Hence the kerfuffle around Johansson, who quit Oxfam last month after a dispute over her Super Bowl ad campaign for a firm operating in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank. Former basketball star Rodman has also been in hot water for his links to repressive North Korean leader Kim Jung-un, who he calls “my friend”. To the chagrin of the State Department, actively working to try to secure the release of a devout Korean American Christian jailed in the reclusive country, Rodman made comments suggesting Kenneth Bae’s guilt, which he later retracted.

In 2012, TV reality star Kardashian was heavily criticized for tweeting about her visit to Bahrain. “Everyone from the States has to come and visit,” she urged, apparently oblivious to a brutal opposition crackdown by the ruling monarchy. Syracuse University pop culture professor Robert Thompson said: “I can understand how for the people in the State Department, this stuff drives them crazy.” “They’ve got policy, they got to control a whole bunch of different things in a very complex

world,” he added.

Accepting gigs in faraway places with exotic names should already sound a warning bell for celebrities to do their homework. Last year, pop diva Jennifer Lopez was left red-faced after singing happy birthday to Turkmenistan’s hardline leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov at a concert in the isolated nation.

She would have abstained if she had known of “human right issues of any kind,” a spokeswoman said at the time. “The Kardashians and Paris Hilton make a very, very handsome fortune pretending to be dumb. I have never for a minute believed that they are,” said Thompson. To go to such countries “is a complex enough logistical event, that I find it hard to believe that somewhere along the line, someone didn’t hear that there may be some problems,” he added.

Kardashian had in fact turned down an offer from Human Rights First and other organizations to brief her on the situation in Bahrain, possibly because some stars “immediately worry about brand reputation or the specter of a boycott,” said Dooley. But he insisted the conversation these days is “more nuanced” and advised that stars be guided by local activists on the ground much as in the days when rock music became a tool to crack open the Iron Curtain. — AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

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Issues

A fresh start for Hillary and liberals?

By Ken Thomas

A

s Hillary Rodham Clinton mulls a second presidential bid, liberals are closely watching whether the onetime supporter of the Iraq war moves to the left or straddles the center. Democrats say economic issues such as raising the minimum wage and protecting Social Security have become paramount for anyone aiming to lead the party after years of tough economic times. During the 2008 primary campaign against Barack Obama, Clinton was hurt by her stand on the Iraq war while she was a senator. But she burnished her image among party loyalists during four years at the State Department in the Obama administration. Now liberals want to see how she might carry the torch from Obama.

“We’re going to see income inequality play the same role that the war in Iraq played in 2008,” said Ilya Sheyman, executive director of MoveOn.org, a liberal advocacy group. “This is less about what she did before. The issue landscape right now is very different than in 2008.” Whether a viable Clinton alternative emerges for the 2016 campaign remains a looming question. Vice President Joe Biden is leaving his options open. Some liberals hope Sen Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., will reconsider statements that she has no plans to run. Others point to exMontana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who addressed a progressive group in Iowa in December, or Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who is considering a presidential run but endorsed Clinton in 2007.

Liberals have backed efforts by Warren to expand Social Security benefits instead of trimming them to keep the program solvent. In a speech at Colgate University last year, Clinton suggested she shared Obama’s approach for a “grand bargain” style deficit reduction that would include increases to tax revenue and adjustments to entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare. Progressives want Clinton to take a tougher stand on Wall Street. They grumble about her speeches at private financial conferences, where she can command fees of $200,000.

“It’s a big unknown on where Hillary Clinton stands on issues like core economic populist issues,” said Adam Green, cofounder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. He said there are “a lot of people who want to support her and are rooting for her to adapt to the times” but if she doesn’t, there will be room for a challenger. On Super Bowl Sunday, liberals reacted favorably when Clinton urged fellow Democrats to avoid tougher penalties against Iran as the administration negotiates a comprehensive nuclear deal. “I have no doubt that this is the time to give our diplomacy the space to work,” Clinton wrote Democratic Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee During the game, Clinton took a humorous swipe at Fox News, a frequent target of liberals. She posted on Twitter that it was “so much more fun to watch FOX when it’s someone else being blitzed and sacked!” Last Tuesday, she sat in an East Harlem Head Start classroom with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to promote reading for Hispanic children. Clinton raised money for de Blasio’s campaign and joined her husband at the mayor’s inauguration, where former President Bill Clinton embraced de Blasio’s agenda of fighting economic inequalities. During Hillary Clinton’s White House run in 2008, her 2002 Senate vote to authorize military force in Iraq gave an opening to Obama. He had opposed the use of force as an Illinois state senator and used the vote to energize his supporters. Liberals deemed Clinton too hawkish on defense and wondered if the New York senator was too closely aligned with Wall Street and would continue the centrist policies of her husband. Last year, liberals pressured Obama not to choose Lawrence Summers, a former Clinton treasury secretary, as Federal Reserve chairman, and have said Wall Street executives wrongly escaped prosecution for the near financial collapse of 2008.

Former Vermont Gov Howard Dean, who sought the party’s presidential nomination in 2004, said he expected Hillary Clinton to face a primary challenge. But Dean predicted she would “satisfy a large number of Democratic voters, including a large number of progressives.” “There are going to be issues where there is disagreement on. You can never please everyone,” Dean said. “The people who are not going to be pleased are well-organized voices and not a lot of votes.” Asked if he were considering running again, Dean was blunt: “Nope. Not as long as Hillary’s in.”

Clinton’s supporters say she always has embodied the central tenets of liberalism, the idea that government can address social problems and inequities. They point to a career that began with the Children’s Defense Fund, where she walked door to door in New Bedford, Mass., to understand why students were delinquent. She discovered many skipped school because of financial hardships or disabilities. “She’s clearly been a progressive,” said de Blasio, who cited her 1996 book, “It Takes a Village,” as a precursor to his prekindergarten initiative. —AP

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

Future of CAR Muslims imperiled

By Krista Larson

T

he violence wracking Central African Republic imperils the future of the country’s Muslims, with thousands having been slaughtered and many more fleeing the country. Bangui, the capital, is engulfed in an orgy of bloodshed and looting. “We are in a moment where immediate action is needed to stop the killings,” Peter Bouckaert of Human Rights Watch told The Associated Press, calling for a full-fledged United Nations peacekeeping mission. “Otherwise the future of the Muslim community of this country will be gone.”

Muslims make up about 15 percent of Central African Republic’s 4.6 million people. More than 800,000 people have fled their homes - about half of those from the capital, according to the United Nations. “There are some who don’t want Muslims in this country,” Prime Minister Andre Nzapayeke said on local radio Saturday. “But when the Muslims have left the country, what happens next? The Protestants will throw out the Catholics, and then the Baptists against the Evangelists, and finally the animists? It is time we regain control and stop ourselves from plunging into an abyss.”

Thousands of Muslims left Bangui in a massive convoy Friday that was jeered by crowds of Christians. One Muslim who fell off a truck was quickly was quickly killed by the mob. Muslim women who could not get on the trucks tried to hand their children to strangers aboard the vehicles.

Whole neighborhoods are abandoned and Muslims who cannot leave are hiding inside mosques that have not already been set ablaze or destroyed by angry crowds.

Anarchy Entire Muslim communities also

have left towns in the rural northwest, sometimes only to come under attack from Christian militiamen and die while trying to get out of the anarchic country. Across a wide stretch of northwest Central African Republic, Christian militiamen known as the anti-Balaka (or

that began last March. Seleke fighters tied their victims together and threw them off bridges to drown or be eaten by crocodiles, according to witnesses. Now that Seleka’s leader Michel Djotodia stepped down from the presidency last month and a precarious civilian

Christian militia attempted to overthrow the Muslim rebel government then in power. A preliminary investigation into potential war crimes or crimes against humanity has been opened, Fatou Bensouda, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Friday. Babacar

A man holds a knife to his throat claiming that he is looking for Muslims to cut off their heads in the 5th district of Bangui yesterday. —AFP anti-machete) have driven tens of thousands of Muslims out of the area. Many are seeking refuge in Chad or Cameroon, as there are few corners of Central African Republic where Muslims are an outright majority.

The violence against the Muslims is in reaction to abuses perpetrated by the Muslim Seleka rebels during their 10-month rule

interim government is in charge, it is the country’s Muslim minority that is now under assault.

No one knows the true death toll from two months of the worst inter-communal violence in this country’s history: It is often too dangerous for crews to recover the corpses. More than 1,000 were killed during several days of fighting in early December, when a

Gaye, the UN’s special representative to Central African Republic, has called for the murderers to be held accountable. Yet in a country where police officers long ago fled their jobs and courthouses are shuttered and looted, it’s not even clear where to begin.

Lawlessness Central African Republic was

already one of the world’s poorest and most lawless countries even before the March 2013 coup by Muslim rebels from the north plunged the nation into deeper crisis. When the extra French troops first arrived in early December, more than 100,000 people sought refuge at the airport they guarded in the hope it would keep them safe. That displacement camp has become a city within a city now dubbed “The Ledger” after the city’s sole five-star luxury hotel.

French defense minister JeanYves Le Drian told RTL radio on Thursday the military is likely to extend its mission in Central African Republic beyond the U.N.mandated six-month mission. “We are going to avoid the worst,” Le Drian said. “By our presence we can lower tensions on the ground, to pave the way for a peaceful political transition.” That still seems like a distant goal in Central African Republic, a country with a long history of coups, rebellions and failed peace agreements. Given the unprecedented nature of the violence, no one can say how this all will end.

In the lawless capital, a 19-yearold Muslim woman in the Kokoro neighborhood said a group of armed men last week had come to her house after midnight crying “It’s you Muslims!” “They gave us a minute to come to the living room or else they threatened to throw a grenade,” she said. “Four of them ripped my clothes off and raped me one by one. Another raped my sister, who is only 14 years old.

They asked where our father had hid weapons in the house and we told him we didn’t have any. After that, I cannot say that the situation is improving for us,” she said. “We are Muslims, yes, but we are also Central Africans. Where will we go?

We were born here. This is our country.” —AP

NYC mayor shrewdly crafts everyman image

By Jonathan Lemire

B

ill de Blasio stooped his 6-foot-5 frame for hours to shake hands with regular New Yorkers touring Gracie Mansion, telling them the opulent mayoral residence was “the people’s house.” Clad in a jacket and jeans, he cheerfully posed for a TV crew while shoveling snow outside his Brooklyn home. And he opted against pricey Super Bowl tickets in favor of watching the game at home with his son and dropping in on a local firehouse.

De Blasio’s first few weeks in office have offered a look at a mayor skilled in the art of political stagecraft - with the goal, in his case, of coming across as a regular Joe and winning support for his plan to narrow the city’s widening gap between rich and poor.

“He’s brilliant about managing the intersection of images and issues,” said Matthew Hale, a political science professor at Seton Hall University. “It’s what he’s trying to do he’s staking out an image as someone who is very much in touch with the people.”

Before running for office, de Blasio spent more than a decade as a behind-the-scenes political operative for several powerful Democratic politicians, including Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Mayor David Dinkins. He got a first-hand look at the power of political imagery and helped Clinton stage her low-key, small-town New York

state “listening tour,” which helped the thenUS Senate candidate soften the hard edges in her public image and dispel the notion that she was someone who thought she knew what was best for others.

Some of the lessons he learned became apparent during his underdog mayoral bid when he sought to draw a sharp contrast with the data-driven and sometimes-stiff billionaire incumbent Michael Bloomberg.

De Blasio was quick with a joke - not all of them funny - and frequently placed his family at the center of his campaign. His wife, Chirlane McCray, whom he dubbed his “moral compass,” was always at his side. His Afro-sporting son starred in a campaign ad that helped his father’s rise in the polls. And even his teenage daughter’s admission that she had battled depression and substance abuse was revealed in a gauzy video crafted by the mayor’s campaign team.

Stagecraft The emphasis on that stagecraft continued in the first moments of his administration. De Blasio first took the oath of office not at some glamorous location but in front of his Park Slope row house surrounded by his neighbors. And the next day’s official City Hall inauguration ceremony was choreographed to a T, starting with de Blasio and his family arriving on the subway, like so many million commuters each day. (The dif-

ference, of course, being that not every New Yorker has his arrival broadcast on giant TVs to a cheering crowd that included Bill and Hillary Clinton.)

De Blasio has also borrowed a tactic from President Barack Obama, sidestepping the mainstream media by employing his own professional photographer to take scores of evocative photos that are posted on the mayor’s Flickr page. There was a dramatic, back-lit shot of de Blasio addressing a graduating class of corrections officers and an artsy photo of him exiting a subway train as if he were a superhero bounding into action.

Other images are meant to stress his everyman appeal, including one of him racing down a toboggan course erected in Times Square for the Super Bowl. It is impossible to imagine Bloomberg, whose team largely produced matter-of-fact, staid images of the three-term mayor, being photographed in a similar fashion. “Part of de Blasio’s campaign was that we aren’t going to have going forward what we’ve had the last 12 years,” said Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University.

“His message is essentially: ‘I’m with you. I work for you, but I’m with you.’”

There have been a few missteps, however - most notably when he used a knife and fork to dig into a slice of pizza instead of the preferred New York City method of picking

it up with bare hands. Images of the offending incident went viral, leading to faux furor under the hashtag pizzagate, but his team scrambled to react. They quickly posted a photo on Twitter of de Blasio using his hands to consume a slice and then the mayor poked fun at himself by bringing utensils to an appearance on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Though de Blasio won election in November with 73 percent of the vote, in some ways his campaigning hasn’t stopped.

His signature plan, a tax on the rich to fund universal prekindergarten, requires assistance from Albany, and he has relentlessly lobbied for the proposal, not just in closeddoor meetings but also with a slick website and a series of campaign-style events complete with banners and chanting volunteers handing out pamphlets.

To this point, the public seems to like what they see: The mayor’s pre-K plan is scoring high marks in the polls, and de Blasio and his family are treated like rock stars at most campaign stops. While the imagery seems to be working during a honeymoon period with voters hungry for change, Greer warned that the reality eventually has to match the perception. “As things get harder, as his political capital starts to wane, will people say, ‘Hey, less toboggan, more City Hall?’ They will want to see results,” she said. —AP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

S P ORTS

Suspended India gets new Olympic chief

No foreign coaches in running for Pakistan post

Cairns demands to see match-fixing evidence

NEW DELHI: India’s suspended Olympic body elected world squash chief N Ramachandran as its president yesterday, raising hopes of the country’s return to the Olympic fold after a 14-month absence. Ramachandran, whose elder brother N Srinivasan was on Saturday picked to lead the International Cricket Council, was an unanimous choice for president in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) elections in New Delhi. Also elected unopposed were sports official Rajeev Mehta as secretary-general and the country’s tennis chief, Anil Khanna, as treasurer, the IOA announced after the general body meeting. Ramachandran, who made an unsuccessful bid last year to get squash into the Olympic Games, served as the IOA treasurer from 2008 to 2012 and has been president of the World Squash Federation since 2008.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) froze India’s membership in December 2012 and suspended it from the Games movement when the IOA elected a number of tainted officials to key posts. The officials in the row included secretary-general Lalit Bhanot, who is currently out on bail on corruption charges linked to the chaotic 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

The IOA, after initially refusing to keep tainted officials out, finally accepted an IOC diktat last December to revise its constitution and elect “clean” office-bearers in fresh elections. —AFP

ISLAMABAD: No foreign coach has applied for the Pakistan cricket team job as the Pakistan Cricket Board’s coach selection committee yesterday shortlisted six candidates for the roles of head coach, batting coach and fielding coach.

Committee head and former captain Intikhab Alam said he made two sets of possible candidates for the three posts, which will be forwarded to PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf for final approval.

“We will submit the names to the chairman PCB tomorrow when he arrives from Singapore,” Alam said in Lahore. Ashraf will return to Pakistan today after attending an ICC Board meeting.

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, a member of the committee along with cricket board director and former captain Javed Miandad, said it was now time to promote local coaches and he’s pleased with the absence of foreign candidates.

“I am actually happy that all (candidates) are Pakistanis,” Akram said. “Mostly Pakistanis should run the national team, it’s true that we did favor foreign coaches but now it’s time we should promote our own coaches.” Australian Dav Whatmore, the former head coach, and Englishman Julian Fountain, the ex-fielding coach, quit after Pakistan drew a test series against Sri Lanka 1-1 in the United Arab Emirates last month. —AP

AUCKLAND: Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns went on the front foot over ongoing match-fixing allegations yesterday, and rounded on former teammates and highprofile officials, including the legendary Richard Hadlee.

He demanded his accusers produce details of what he is alleged to have done, and expressed disappointment that the New Zealand Cricket board, of which Hadlee is a member, had apparently turned their back on him.

Cairns is one of three former New Zealand players, along with Daryl Tuffey and Lou Vincent, tied to an International Cricket Council (ICC) match-fixing probe.

But 10 weeks after the ICC confirmed the investigation, Cairns said no one had approached him.

“Surely there should be some onus on the ICC or other governing bodies to come forward and present some reliable evidence to justify the investigation,” he said yesterday. “The current rumor and speculation, which has been widely reported around the world, is doing untold damage.” Cairns said he had heard English police were now in New Zealand as part of the investigation and the ICC had contacted his ex-wife Carin in South Africa. “The impact of this on my career and the professional opportunities in front of me is very serious ... while this dark cloud hangs over me, my ability to work and provide for my family is almost non-existent.” —AFP

Dominant England humble Scotland in Calcutta Cup

ST. LOUIS: Blues’ Derek Roy (left) scores past Winnipeg Jets goalie Al Montoya as Olli Jokinen, of Finland, Paul Postma (4) and Adam Pardy (2) watch during the first period of an NHL hockey game. — AP

Blues bring down Jets ST. LOUIS: TJ Oshie and Vladimir Tarasenko scored in a shootout to give the St. Louis Blues a 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday in their final game before the Olympic break.

Blues goalie Brian Elliott stopped Bryan Little and Andrew Ladd in the tiebreaker. Brenden Morrow, Derek Roy and Jaden Schwartz scored in regulation for the Blues, 15-0-1 against Central Division rivals. They are 22-5-3 at home and 39-12-6 overall. Mark Scheifele scored twice, and Dustin Byfuglien added a goal for Winnipeg.

the Olympic break with a win over the Hurricanes. Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty sustained a lower-body injury with 7:30 left in the first period when he was checked into the goal by Carolina’s Brett Bellemore and did not return. The US Olympic hockey team member said the move was precautionary.

Ryan White and Brian Gionta also scored for the Canadiens, who won their third in a row. Goalkeeper Carey Price finished with 31 saves for the Canadiens. Carolina’s Drayson Bowman tallied his fourth goal of the season.

BRUINS 7, SENATORS 2 Patrice Bergeron scored twice and added an assist as the Bruins went into the Olympic break with a win over the Senators.

Bergeron, who will join Team Canada for the Olympics, was one of several Bruins with multiple points before joining their national teams in Sochi, Russia. David Krejci of the Czech Republic and Sweden’s Loui Eriksson added a pair of assists apiece.

Brad Marchand had a goal and two assists, Jarome Iginla a goal and assist and Reilly Smith a pair of assists for Boston.

The Bruins outshot the Senators 42-28 and chased Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson after taking a 5-1 lead early in the third on a goal by Milan Lucic.

AVALANCHE 5, ISLANDERS 2 Matt Duchene scored a pair of goals 2:44 apart in the second period, and the Avalanche beat the Islanders. Nathan MacKinnon scored, and Gabriel Landeskog and Paul Stastny each had empty-net goals for Colorado. Jean-Sebastien Giguere stopped 30 shots to help the Avalanche snap a two-game skid.

The Islanders scored two goals during a wild sequence in the third period in which the Avalanche committed four penalties over a 3:34 span.

Islanders captain John Tavares got his team on the board with 8:43 remaining. Then, 57 seconds later, Lubomir Visnovsky got New York within one. Both goals were scored as part of 5on-3 advantages.

FLYERS 2, FLAMES 1 Brayden Schenn and Scott Hartnell scored goals, Ray Emery stopped 32 shots and the Flyers beat the Flames for their fourth straight win.

Making his first start since Jan. 23, Emery had a shutout going until Matt Stajan scored with 2:26 left. Despite winning six of their past eight games, the Flames are tied for the third-fewest points in the league. The teams resume their regular-season schedule on Feb. 27.

LIGHTNING 4, RED WINGS 2 Alex Killorn scored a tiebreaking goal late in the third period, Ondrej Palat had two goals and the Lightning beat Detroit in the Red Wings’ 6,000th regular-season game.

Killorn beat Jimmy Howard from just outside the crease to give the Lightning a 3-2 lead with 3:11 to play. Palat added an empty-net goal with 63 seconds left. Tampa Bay also got a goal from Tom Pyatt. The Lightning, who had lost four of five, are second in the Atlantic Division, one-point ahead of Montreal and Toronto. Daniel Alfredsson and Tomas Jurco scored for Detroit.

CAPITALS 3 DEVILS 0 Julien Brouillette broke a scoreless tie with his first NHL goal midway through the third period, Braden Holtby stopped 25 shots and the Capitals beat the Devils in the teams’ final game before the Olympic break. Brouillette, playing his second NHL game, beat Cory Schneider on the short side with a wrist shot from the top of the left circle at the 10:50 mark.

Martin Erat scored an empty-netter with 1:47 left for his first goal of the season and Troy Brouwer added another - his 100th career goal - 36 seconds later. Nicklas Backstrom had two assists.

Schneider finished with 23 saves.

CANADIENS 4, HURRICANES 1 David Desharnais scored twice and the Canadiens went into

MAPLE LEAFS 3, CANUCKS 1 Phil Kessel scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period and the Maple Leafs handed the Canucks their seventh straight loss.

Mason Raymond and James van Riemsdyk also scored in the third for Toronto and Jonathan Bernier made 23 saves. Toronto won for the 11th time in 14 games and seventh straight at home, while the Canucks lost the 16th time in 20 games. They’ve scored just 37 goals in that span. Ryan Kesler scored for Vancouver and Roberto Luongo stopped 30 shots.

DUCKS 5, PREDATORS 2 Ryan Getzlaf scored twice, Jonas Hiller made 36 saves and the NHL-leading Ducks beat the Predators to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Ducks entered the Olympic break with 87 points at 4114-5, beating Nashville for the fifth straight time. Emerson Etem gave Anaheim a 3-2 lead when he tipped Hampus Lindholm’s slap shot into the net 4:51 into the third. Mathieu Perreault sealed the victory 3 minutes later by tipping in Daniel Winnik’s pass. Corey Perry scored his team-leading 30th goal, and Getzlaf reached 29 by scoring the first and last goals for the Ducks.

Viktor Stalberg and Mike Fisher scored for Nashville.

STARS 2, COYOTES 1 Kari Lehtonen made 26 saves as the Stars beat the Coyotes.

Lehtonen, a Finnish Olympian, received plenty of help from the Stars’ defense and from goals by Ray Whitney and Russian Olympian Valeri Nichushkin. Dallas limited the Coyotes to 27 shots, 13 in the third period. Lehtonen shut them out until Radim Vrbata scored on a power play with 15 seconds remaining. Whitney scored just 2:10 into the game. Nichushkin scored at 19:26 of the second period, deflecting in a shot by Trevor Daley. — AP

NHL results/standings Philadelphia 2, Calgary 1; St. Louis 4, Winnipeg 3 (SO); Boston 7, Ottawa 2; Toronto 3, Vancouver 1; Montreal 4, Carolina 1; Tampa Bay 4, Detroit 2; Colorado 5, NY Islanders 2; Washington 3, New Jersey 0; Anaheim 5, Nashville 2; Dallas 2, Phoenix 1.

Anaheim San Jose Los Angeles Phoenix Vancouver Calgary Edmonton St. Louis Chicago Colorado Minnesota Dallas Winnipeg Nashville

Western Conference Pacific Division W L OTL GF 41 14 5 196 37 16 6 175 31 22 6 139 27 21 10 163 27 24 9 146 22 29 7 137 20 33 7 153 Central Division 39 12 6 196 35 11 14 207 37 16 5 174 31 21 7 145 27 21 10 164 28 26 6 168 25 24 10 146

GA 147 142 128 169 160 179 199

PTS 87 80 68 64 63 51 47

135 163 153 147 164 175 180

84 84 79 69 64 62 60

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Boston 37 16 4 176 125 78 Tampa Bay 33 20 5 168 145 71 Montreal 32 21 6 148 142 70 Toronto 32 22 6 178 182 70 Detroit 26 20 12 151 163 64 Ottawa 26 22 11 169 191 63 Florida 22 29 7 139 183 51 Buffalo 15 34 8 110 172 38 Metropolitan Division Pittsburgh 40 15 3 186 138 83 NY Rangers 32 24 3 155 146 67 Philadelphia 30 23 6 162 167 66 Columbus 29 24 5 170 161 63 Washington 27 23 9 171 175 63 Carolina 26 22 9 144 158 61 New Jersey 24 22 13 135 146 61 NY Islanders 22 30 8 164 200 52 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).

EDINBURGH: England got their Six Nations campaign back on track with a crushing 20-0 Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Luther Burrell and Mike Brown, as they’d done in defeat by France last weekend, both scored tries as the 132nd edition of international rugby union’s oldest fixture saw Scotland rendered pointless by England for the first time since a 15-0 loss at Murrayfield in 1978.

Had not fly-half Owen Farrell missed several goalkicks, the final scoreline might have been even more lopsided.

Scotland made three changes from the side that opened the Six Nations with a 28-6 loss to Ireland last weekend, with Australia coach Scott Johnson controversially dropping captain Kelly Brown and giving his place at openside flanker to debutant Chris Fusaro.

Tommy Seymour replaced the injured Sean Maitland while Matt Scott was brought into midfield instead of Duncan Taylor. Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw took over the captaincy from Brown.

England, whose first match in charge under coach Stuart Lancaster was a 13-6 win at Murrayfield two years ago, were unchanged following an agonising 26-24 loss to France in Paris. The parasite-infested Murrayfield pitch was boggy even before driving rain during the game turned it into a quagmire. And three minutes in Farrell lost his footing as he saw a 30 metre penalty attempt drift wide.

However, England were 3-0 in front min-

utes later when scrum-half Danny Care dropped a goal after gathering the ball out wide from a ruck. Scotland then forced a penalty from a ruck turnover but Laidlaw pushed a 43 metre touchline effort wide. England, with Care bossing his forwards effectively, won another penalty which Farrell kicked for a line-out

EDINBURGH: England’s captain Chris Robshaw holds up the The Calcutta Cup after defeating Scotland in their Six Nations rugby union international match. —AP

barely 10 metres from Scotland’s line.

From the ensuing catch and drive, England mauled before Care’s well-timed pass sent onrushing centre Burrell in for a try. The score stayed at 10-0 in England’s favour as both Laidlaw, with a kick rebounding off the post, and Farrell missed penalties. England were gaining ascendancy up front and Care’s excellent cross-field grubber kick set up a line-out deep inside Scotland’s 22.

Scotland hooker Ross Ford’s wayward throw went over the head of intended recipient Jim Hamilton. England regathered before a Scottish infringement gave Farrell an easy penalty chance which he duly kicked. Shortly before half-time Burrell nearly had a second try when, following a break by Farrell, he took the ball on the burst only to be hauled down just short of the line by veteran Scotland wing Sean Lamont.

As it was, England turned round with a healthy 13-0 lead. Not for the first time, Scotland-rendered tryless for the second match in a row-suffered from self-inflicted wounds, a promising position undone by a knock-on while missed tackles allowed England to gain ground.

Fortunately for Scotland, Farrell hooked a penalty wide and England were not yet out of sight. But Scotland’s task was made harder however when, after another brilliant run by May which ended with him hauled down short of the line, centre Alex Dunbar was sent to the sin bin for not releasing at the tackle. —AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

S P ORTS

Celebrity fight between rapper DMX, Zimmerman called off WASHINGTON: The celebrity boxing match between rapper DMX and acquitted Florida killer George Zimmerman has been called off, its promoter said on Saturday after threats were made against him. The three-round match would have pitted Zimmerman, who was found not guilty in the 2012 shooting death of unarmed, black teenager Trayvon Martin, against the trash-talking musician with a history of arrests, most of them drug or driving offenses.

Damon Feldman, who has organized numerous bouts between celebrities, said on Twitter that the Zimmerman-DMX match was off after generating a public outcry this week.

“Done with George Zimmerman if you had a

major payday sitting in front of you, I know no one else would walk away like I did,” he said in a Tweet.

Mar tin’s shooting and Zimmerman’s selfdefense claim polarized the United States on issues of racial justice, stand your ground laws and gun control. Feldman came under a barrage of criticism after the fight between Zimmerman and Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, was announced on Wednesday, Martin’s birthday.

Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, who has backed Martin’s family, cautioned against glorifying Zimmerman. The “Cancel George Zimmerman’s ‘Celebrity’ Boxing Match” Facebook page generated 315,000 “likes.”

Sherry Schaefer, Feldman’s assistant, said that

the promoter had been threatened and had to get a bodyguard. Feldman was approached about seeking a bout for Zimmerman, although the promoter did not consider him a celebrity, she said.

Schaefer said billionaire Alki David had backed the proposed fight for his FilmOn.com online television service. The fight was first set for March 1 and then switched to March 15.

In a statement, a spokesman for DMX said the rapper had never agreed to the fight and it would not affect his concert schedule.

After Zimmerman’s acquittal, his lawyer said it would be difficult for his client, like defendants in other notorious crimes, to find normal employment.

In his 2013 trial, Zimmerman was accused of racially profiling, following and shooting Martin, a 17-year-old guest in a gated neighborhood in central Florida, as the youth was returning from a convenience store. Zimmerman claimed self-defense.

The trial put the spotlight on Florida’s stand your ground law, which allows someone in fear of his or her life to use lethal force.

Since his acquittal, Zimmerman has had several brushes with the law. He has twice been stopped for speeding, once in Texas and again in Florida.

In September, Zimmerman was questioned by police after his estranged wife called authorities saying he threatened her with a gun. He was not charged in that incident. — Reuters

Jazz cool Heat SALT LAKE CITY: Marvin Williams scored 23 points and rookie Trey Burke hit a jumper with 24 seconds remaining to lift the Utah Jazz to a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night.

Trailing 87-79 after Williams hit two 3-pointers, the Heat used a 10-4 run to draw within two points when Ray Allen made a 3 from the corner with 46 seconds to play.

Burke, who had 13 points, rose up and drained the clutch 19-foot jump shot to beat the shot clock and Gordon Hayward’s free throw clinched the win for the Jazz, who have beat the Heat at home three straight times.

Dwyane Wade had 19 points for the Heat, who missed their last four shots from the field to thwart their comeback. LeBron James was 4 of 13 from the field for 13 points, his lowest scoring total since he had 13 points in a 104-88 win over Atlanta on Nov. 19.

Cheyenne Woods

Cheyenne wins Ladies Masters GOLD COAST: Cheyenne Woods won the Australian Ladies Masters yesterday for her first major professional tour victory, holding off 17-year-old Australian amateur Minjee Lee by two strokes.

The 23-year-old Woods, Tiger Woods’ niece, closed with a 4-under 69 at Royal Pines to finish at 16-under 276. Lee also shot 69 in the event sanctioned by the European and Australian tours.

Woods birdied the par-5 15th to open a two-stroke lead, hitting a wedge from about 120 yards to 4 feet. On the par-5 18th, she matched Lee with a birdie, holing out from 11/2 feet. From Phoenix, Woods is the daughter of Earl Dennison Woods Jr., Tiger Woods’ half brother.

Woods turned professional in 2012 after an All-America career at Wake Forest and her only previous pro victory came in 2012 in a SunCoast mini-tour event. In December, she missed the cut in the LPGA Tour’s qualifying tournament in a failed bid to earn a spot on the circuit.

She choked back tears Sunday as she spoke of the significance of winning a Ladies European Tour event. “This is a huge accomplishment for me,” she said. “The European Tour has been great to be able to play this

past year. “I’ve been able to see all of these great players, play with Solheim Cup members ... to be able to come out here and compete with them and come out on top was huge for me.”

Woods said she had learned to live with the pressure of expectation that came with bearing a famous golfing name. “I’ve been pro for two years and, for the majority of it, people just think of me as Tiger Woods’ niece so now I have a game of my own and I have a title now, a win, which is exciting,” she said.

“It’s nice now to say to people that I can play and I’m not just a name.

“Growing up with the last name of Woods, there’s a lot of expectations and pressure and spotlight on you but I always knew that I was able to win.

“I always knew I’d be able to compete with these ladies so now it’s kind of a weight off my shoulders because now everybody knows not just me.” Woods’ win earned her A$57,000 (US$51,000) in prize money and a two-year exemption on the Ladies European Tour events. Woods will play next week in the LPGA Tour-sanctioned Women’s Australian Open in Victoria. South Africa’s Stacy Lee Bregman and Sweden’s Camilla Lennarth tied for third at 12 under. — AP

SUNS 122, WARRIORS 109 Goran Dragic scored 13 of his career-high 34 points in the final seven minutes and Phoenix pulled away for a victory over depleted Golden State. Dragic, who also had 10 assists, topped 30 points for the sixth time this season as the Suns (30-20) pulled a half-game ahead of the Warriors (30-21) for the sixth-best record in the Western Conference.

Gerald Green added 25 points and P.J. Tucker had 16 points and a career-best 15 rebounds for Phoenix. Stephen Curry had 28 points and Harrison Barnes 23 for the Warriors, who were without front-line starters Andrew Bogut and David Lee. GRIZZLIES 79, HAWKS 76 Zach Randolph scored 20 points and Memphis set an NBA record with only one free throw attempt while continuing its pattern of winning on the road with a victory over Atlanta.

Memphis’ single free throw attempt is the record low since the shot-clock era was introduced in 1954-55, according to STATS. Cleveland (1994) and New Orleans (2004) shared the previous low of two free throw attempts.

The Hawks set a season scoring low after leading 29-27 following the first period. Atlanta was held to a combined 25 points in the second and third periods.

Paul Millsap had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Atlanta, which has lost three straight. The Grizzlies ended a two-game skid.

Atlanta’s Lou Williams missed a 3-pointer with about 1 second remaining. Memphis has held eight straight road opponents to no more than 90 points. The Grizzlies, one game under .500 at home, are 14-8 on the road. Courtney Lee scored 14 points and Nick Calathes had 10 for Memphis.

PISTONS 126, NUGGETS 109 Brandon Jennings had a season-high 35 points to go with 12 assists, Josh Smith had 30 points and Detroit avoided another fourth-quarter collapse to win a shootout with Denver.

The game didn’t quite match Detroit’s 186184 triple-overtime win over Denver 30 years ago, but still saw 11 players score in double figures and the Pistons put up a season high in points.

Rodney Stuckey added 19 points for Detroit, while Andre Drummond had 18 points and 15 rebounds. Randy Foye led the Nuggets with 25 points, while Wilson Chandler scored 20 and J.J. Hickson added 15 points and 16 rebounds.

Denver lost point guard Ty Lawson to a back strain late in the first half. Evan Fournier replaced him at the start of the second half, with Foye moving from shooting guard to the point.

PEBBLE BEACH: Jimmy Walker hits out of a sand trap on the fifth hole, during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament. — AP

Walker leads at Pebble Beach PEBBLE BEACH: Red-hot Jimmy Walker stands on the verge of his third victory of the PGA Tour season, six strokes clear of his nearest pursuers after his third round at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Saturday.

Walker opened the commanding lead with two late birdies to post a four-underpar 67 on Saturday at Monterey Peninsula, one of three courses used for the $6.6 million pro-celebrity event on the California coast.

The 35-year-old American’s round came on a day with high winds that reached nearly 40 mph (64 kph) and caused a delay of more than two hours as the gusts moved several balls on the greens.

Twelve players, including second-round co-leader Jordan Spieth, did not complete the round due to the delay and were returning at 7 a.m. local time (1500 GMT) to finish their third rounds.

Walker posted a 13-under-par 202 total heading into Sunday’s final round, which will bring everyone who makes the cut together at Pebble Beach.

Fellow American Hunter Mahan (72) and New Zealander Tim Wilkinson (69) were tied for second on seven-under. The three frontrunners all played at Monterey Peninsula. “I have never had whatever big lead this is going into the last round,” Walker told reporters.

“It played really tough. When (we) made the turn, coming back and playing about five or six (holes) in a row in the wind, it was really stout. “We were all just kind of laughing at some of the shots that we were hitting and the numbers we were hitting.”

Phil Mickelson stayed on the edge of contention with a 71 at Spyglass Hill that left him equal fifth, eight strokes behind Walker, though he lamented a bogey at his final hole. “It was a tough day, tough conditions, but I played pretty well,” said the fivetime major champion.

Spieth endured a wretched day on the Pebble Beach greens, soaring to five-overpar through 15 holes to stand nine strokes off the pace.

Walker has been the dominant player on the PGA Tour since the new “wraparound” season started in October. The unheralded American showed positive signs last season, registering five top-10s on tour, including a runner-up finish, but he has taken his game to another level over the past four months. He won the opening event of the 2013-14 season, the Frys.com Open in October, and followed up with another victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January.

Though he missed the cut two weeks ago in his last start, Walker started Pebble Beach leading the tour’s FedEx Cup standings, as well as the money list. — Reuters

SPURS 104, BOBCATS 100 Patty Mills scored 18 of his season-high 32 points in the fourth quarter and Tim Duncan had a double-double to lead San Antonio past Charlotte for its fourth win in five games.

Mills was 10 of 13 from the field, including 5 of 5 in the fourth quarter. He also connected on 8 of 9 foul shots and had four 3-pointers to help the Spurs defeat the Bobcats for the sixth straight time.

Duncan finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds for his 22nd double-double of the season. The red hot Al Jefferson led the way for the Bobcats (22-29) with 26 points and nine rebounds. Gerald Henderson added 23 points.

SALT LAKE CITY: Miami Heat’s LeBron James (6) defends against Utah Jazz’s Alec Burks (left) in the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP TRAIL BLAZERS 117, TIMBERWOLVES 110 LaMarcus Aldridge scored 16 of his 26 points in the second half and Wesley Matthews added 21 to help Portland hold off injury-depleted Minnesota.

Aldridge had six points during Portland’s game-deciding 13-1 run in the fourth quarter.

Corey Brewer led Minnesota with 26 points and Ricky Rubio scored a career-high 25 for the Wolves, who were without All-Star Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin. Despite trailing for much of the game, the short-handed Wolves showed plenty of grit, getting 19 points from Chase Budinger, 14 from Dante Cunningham and a season-high 12 from rookie Shabazz Muhammad.

ROCKETS 101, BUCKS 95 Dwight Howard scored 27 points, including three crucial free throws in the closing seconds, and James Harden scored 10 of his 22 points in the decisive third quarter to help Houston hold off short-handed, scrappy Milwaukee to win its fifth straight.

Jeremy Lin added 18 as the Rockets tied their longest winning streak of the season, a mark set in late November. Brandon Knight scored 23 points for the Bucks and Khris Middleton had 20, including three free throws after being fouled behind the arc with 46.6 seconds remaining as Milwaukee came back to trail 98-95. Howard made three of four free throws for Houston’s final points and seal the win. — AP

NBA results/standings San Antonio 104, Charlotte 100; Memphis 79, Atlanta 76; Detroit 126, Denver 109; Portland 117, Minnesota 110; Houston 101, Milwaukee 95; Phoenix 122, Golden State 109; Utah 94, Miami 89.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT Toronto 26 24 .520 Brooklyn 22 26 .458 NY Knicks 20 30 .400 Boston 18 33 .353 Philadelphia 15 36 .294 Central Division Indiana 39 10 .796 Chicago 24 25 .490 Detroit 21 29 .420 Cleveland 17 33 .340 Milwaukee 9 41 .180 Southeast Division Miami 35 14 .714 Atlanta 25 24 .510 Washington 24 25 .490 Charlotte 22 29 .431 Orlando 15 37 .288

GB 3 6 8.5 11.5 15 18.5 22.5 30.5 10 11 14 21.5

Western Conference Northwest Division Oklahoma City 40 12 .769 36 15 .706 Portland Denver 24 25 .490 Minnesota 24 27 .471 Utah 17 33 .340 Pacific Division LA Clippers 35 18 .660 30 20 .600 Phoenix Golden State 30 21 .588 LA Lakers 18 32 .360 Sacramento 17 33 .340 Southwest Division San Antonio 37 14 .725 Houston 34 17 .667 Dallas 30 21 .588 Memphis 27 22 .551 New Orleans 22 27 .449

3.5 14.5 15.5 22 3.5 4 15.5 16.5 3 7 9 14

Parker leads Duke over BC BOSTON: Jabari Parker put on a show for both college and NBA fans in Boston. The freshman sensation set career highs with 29 points and 16 rebounds, Quinn Cook hit five 3-pointers and scored 21 points, and No. 11 Duke coasted to an 8968 win over Boston College on Saturday night.

“Jabari was a monster today with the amount of rebounds and points,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “He wasn’t rewarded on the offensive boards with some of his finishes or it could have been a 3536-point game.”

Parker shot 12 of 17 from the floor, getting baskets mostly from drives and dunks as the Eagles tried a number of different defenses against him.

“Jabari was really difficult to handle for anyone tonight,” Krzyzewski said. “We just tried to give him some different looks. He got quite a bit in transition.” With subtle cheers going up along with “oohs”

when he did something exciting, Parker became the main focus of many in the crowd.

There were a large number of Duke fans and, very likely, a good number of Boston Celtics fans interested in getting a live look at Parker as the local NBA franchise looks to rebuild quickly through the draft after dealing veteran stars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to Brooklyn last summer. Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge sat courtside. “I’ve seen him a lot growing up. I think the thing you don’t realize on tape is, he has an extra pop,” BC coach Steve Donahue said. “It’s 6-8, 235 (pounds). It’s an extra quickness that you don’t see even in this league, and extra explosiveness.”

Rasheed Sulaimon added 10 points for the Blue Devils (19-5, 8-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). Parker extended his Duke freshman record to 14 games with 20 points or more. — AP

Jabari Parker celebrates in this file photo.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

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New Zealand snare 40-run win over India

Angelique Kerber plays a shot in this file photo.

Kerber puts Germany into Fed Cup semis Australia defeat Russia BRATISLAVA: Angelique Kerber qualified Germany for the Fed Cup semi-finals yesterday when she defeated Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) in the first of the reverse singles.

The win gave the Germans, who last won the Fed Cup in 1992, an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie. Kerber defeated Daniela Hantuchova 7-6 (11/9), 6-1 in the second of Saturday ’s two singles, after Andrea Petkovic had saved a match point en route to a 1-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-2 win over Cibulkova.

Next up for Germany will be a semi-final matchup against Australia, who defeated an understrength Russia team 4-0 in Hobart, Tasmania earlier yesterday.

Meanwhile, Australia stormed into the Fed Cup semi-finals yesterday for the first time in 21 years with a commanding 4-0 performance led by two Samantha Stosur wins and a comprehensive doubles display.

Stosur, the world number 16 and 2011 US Open champion, saw off 158-ranked teenager Victoria Kan in exactly an hour, with a straight sets 6-2, 6-3 win over the 18year-old Fed Cup debutante to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead over Russia.

“I’m very, very happy. She (Kan) can do a lot of different things, she does everything nicely and when she gets older and a little bit more strong I’m sure that will all come together,” said Stosur.

“We’re still in it, so we have a chance to win it,” she added of the Fed Cup. Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua sealed a clean sweep of the Russians with an emphatic 61, 6-3 doubles win over Irina Khromacheva and Valeria Solovyeva.

Dellacqua said she and Barty had both

had a “great week”. “We are going to play a lot together. Last year she was only a baby, but she’s 18 soon, she’s becoming an adult and we’re going to play a lot together and hopefully continue to improve on what we did last year.”

Australia last made the Fed Cup semi finals in 1993, and they haven’t beaten Russia since 1983. They will meet either Germany or the Slovak Republic, with the Germans currently holding a 2-0 advantage in their tie in Bratislava.

Australia team captain Alicia Molik was delighted with the result. “The Fed Cup is always a week to get the best out of each other. The support the players give each other has been fantastic this week and I want the girls to continue like this for the rest of the year,” she said.

Australia went yesterday with a commanding 2-0 lead after Dellacqua downed Irina Khromacheva, the only one of the four Russians who has competed in the world team event before, in straight sets.

Stosur then dispatched little-known 16year-old Veronika Kudermetova, ranked 650th in the world, 6-4, 6-0. She had been due to meet Khromacheva on Sunday, but Russia reshuffled its line-up to send topranked Kan in against the dominant Australian. Russia, last year’s losing finalists, are without their big names for the clash at the Domain Tennis Centre in Hobart, missing their 13 top players. Maria Sharapova is currently in Sochi for the Winter Olympics and the new captain, former world number two Anastasia Myskina, opted for four almost unknown players, the highest-ranked of whom was Kan. — AFP

AUCKLAND: Neil Wagner was the toast of New Zealand yesterday as they pulled off a dramatic 40run win in the first Test against India at Eden Park.

Wagner, New Zealand’s go-to man, twice turned the game with quick wickets to wrest control away from India in a match that see-sawed throughout.

New Zealand, with innings of 503 and 105, had set India (first innings 202) a winning target of 407 and had them all out for 366.

On a riveting fourth day of the David and Goliath clash between the eighth-ranked New Zealand and second-ranked India, the outcome was settled in the final session when India lost their last five wickets for 98 runs.

Wagner made the crucial breakthroughs, earning high praise from captain Brendon McCullum whose own double-century provided the backbone of New Zealand’s huge first innings. “Neil Wagner, in particular, was the standout for me today. He epitomised everything we want to be known for as a team and he did it in a clutch moment as well,” McCullum said. “I can’t talk highly enough of him. Obviously Trent (Boult) and Tim (Southee) are our spearheads but Neil Wagner is such an important piece of the puzzle for us.” At tea yesterday, with four sessions remaining, India needed 137 to win while New Zealand needed five wickets. As the target narrowed and wickets fell, rival skippers McCullum and Mahendra Singh Dhoni were forced to rethink their strategies.

Risky Cricket When the first over after tea saw the removal of Rohit Sharma for 19, India opted to go on all-out attack. Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja belted 54 in under seven overs in what Dhoni described as deliberate “risky cricket” to put pressure on New Zealand. But the gamble did not pay off. Boult ended their slogfest by sending Jadeja packing for a rapid 26 off 21 deliveries. “We got quite a few runs but we needed maybe 20 runs more and then we could have changed gears,” Dhoni said. “Maybe that was one shot too many but we got close to the target because of that period.” Zaheer Khan joined Dhoni in a 25-run stand, forcing McCullum to spell his senior bowler Southee and go back to Wagner. He instantly broke the partnership to reduce India to 349-8.

With Dhoni left to try to get his side home Wagner struck again, bowling the Indian captain for 39. Boult ended the innings when Ishant Sharma was caught behind for four.

The dismissal gave B.J. Watling his sixth catch of the innings, a world record fourth innings performance by a wicketkeeper. He equalled McCullum’s New Zealand record of nine for the match. Wagner ended the innings with four for 62 while Southee and Boult took three apiece.

Earlier, India were cruising at lunch after resuming on 87-1 and getting through the morning session for the loss of only Cheteshwar Pujara (23) to be 180-2.

New Zealand regained control after lunch when Wagner produced his first magic spell, toiling with the old ball to remove Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli who had eased their way to 222-2. He had Kohli caught low down by wicketkeeper Watling for 67 before nicking Dhawan’s glove to remove the opener for 115. New Zealand were fortunate to claim their third wicket of the session when Boult rapped Ajinkya Rahane (18) on the pads with the first delivery of the new ball in the last over before tea. Replays showed the in-swinger hit the bat first. — AFP

AUCKLAND: New Zealand’s Neil Wagner celebrates the dismissal off his bowling of India’s Zaheer Khan for 26 on the fourth day of the first cricket Test at Eden Park. — AP

SCOREBOARD AUCKLAND: Scoreboard at the end of the first test between New Zealand at India at Eden Park yesterday.

New Zealand first innings (503) India first innings (202) New Zealand second innings (105) India second innings (overnight 87-1) M. Vijay c Watling b Southee 13 S. Dhawan c Watling b Wagner 115 C. Pujara c Watling b Southee 23 V. Kohli c Watling b Wagner 67 R. Sharma c Watling b Southee 19 A. Rahane lbw b Boult 18 MS Dhoni b Wagner 39 R. Jadeja c Sodhi b Boult 26 Z. Khan c Taylor b Wagner 17

I. Sharma c Watling b Boult 4 M. Shami not out 0 Extras: (nb-4, w-2, b-12, lb-7) 25 Total (all out, 96.3 overs) 366 Fall of wickets: 1-36 2-96 3-222 4-248 5-268 6270 7-324 8-349 9-362 10-366 Bowling: Boult 23.3-2-86-3 (nb-2), Southee 23-4-81-3, Wagner 25-8-62-4 (nb-2), Anderson 7-1-22-0 (w-2), Sodhi 15-2-78-0, Williamson 30-18-0 Result: New Zealand win by 40 runs and lead the two-match series 1-0.

Second test: Wellington, Feb. 14-18.

Cain shatters own record as Rupp drops from mile

Li Na celebrates in this file photo.

Qatar top seed Li Na plans to build on Melbourne success DOHA: Li Na looks certain to build on last month’s Australian Open triumph by reaching a career-high world number two this week - and could go on to become Serena Williams’ nearest rival.

The Chinese player is the unexpected top seed at the Qatar Open starting here today, after a foot inflammation caused Victoria Azarenka’s withdrawal and a persistently troublesome back forced Williams to pull out too.

It means that Azarenka, the current world number two, will lose all the 900 ranking points she gained after beating Williams in last year’s remarkable final, and that Li needs a mere nine points to climb above the Belarussian.

A more debatable issue is whether Li can maintain the improvements which have brought her best sequence of success at an age when many players start to decline.

Despite being 32 this month Li continues to combine an ability to peak well with an enduring physical resilience and an impressive capacity for striking the ball flat and hard.

Even though Williams has almost twice as many ranking points as Li, the woman from Wuhan may create significant momentum if she captures another title in her first outing since her Melbourne miracle. Much may depend on how Li has handled the Australian euphoria and the subsequent return to earth. She claims she is better prepared for dealing with a Grand Slam aftermath this time than after winning the French Open in 2011.

“I really wasn’t prepared for that,” Li admits. “Now it’s different because I really prepared to win this Grand Slam. “This time I was thinking about if I win or if I lose, what kind of life I will have, so for sure it’s different than last time.”

For a while now Li has appeared better organised, more focussed, and more confident, and she has given much of the credit for this to her coach Carlos Rodriguez, with whom she began working in 2012.

“Carlos has a lot of experience because before me he was coaching Justine Henin (seven times a Grand Slam winner),” said Li. “We have talked about what we should do next, of course.”

She could have a quarter-final with Ana Ivanovic, the former world number one from Serbia who upset Serena Williams at the Australian Open, although the biggest threat to Li appears to be Agnieszka Radwanska, the thoughtfully skilful former Wimbledon finalist from Poland.

Radwanska ended Azarenka’s Australian Open defence last month before falling in the semi-final, but now is seeded to go all the way to a final with Li. She has a potential quarter-final with Caroline Wozniacki, the former world number one from Denmark. Another former world number one, Jelena Jankovic, should face Radwanska’s Melbourne conqueror, Dominika Cibulkova, in last 16, while Petra Kvitova, the former Wimbledon champion who is seeded for a semi-final with Li, could also have a say in the destination of the title. — AFP

BOSTON: American Mary Cain broke her world junior indoor 1,000 metres record with the year’s fastest time but team mate Galen Rupp dropped out of the mile with a sore foot at the Boston Indoor Grand Prix on Saturday.

Cain, America’s brightest middle distance running hope at age 17, pulled away down the final straight to win in two minutes, 35.80 seconds. That clipped more than three seconds off her previous junior record of 2:39.25 set last year.

“I kind of felt the last 150 (metres) I can do more,” Cain, who missed the national record by about a second, told reporters. Rupp, already the year’s fastest man at 3,000 and 5,000 metres indoor, dropped out of what he had hoped would be a fast mile with about three laps to go.

The Olympic 10,000 metres silver medallist said a sore left foot prompted the decision. “I just didn’t feel it was worth risking it in the race today,” Rupp told meeting organizers. His coach, Alberto Salazar, later told the Oregonian newspaper that Rupp would be fine. Salazar said Rupp, who hopes to compete in the US and world indoor championships this winter, was running in an experimental pair of shoes and began to feel pain in his left foot.

The pain was determined to be coming from soft tissue in the bottom of Rupp’s foot, Salazar said.

Rupp changed into training shoes, warmed down without pain and did a demanding postrace work-

out. “It was a fantastic workout,” Salazar said. “He’s fine.” New Zealand’s Nick Willis went on to win the race in 3:57.41.

Ethiopian world 5,000 metres silver medallist Hagos Gebrhiwet won the men’s 3,000, taking the world lead from Rupp with his time of 7:34.13.

Compatriot Dejen Gebremeskel, the Olympic 5,000 silver medallist, was a close second in 7:34.70.

US world indoor record holder Jenn Suhr easily claimed the women’s pole vault with a clearance of 4.70m as she continued her preparations for next month’s world indoor championships in Poland.

Kenya’s Sally Kipyego won the women’s two-mile in 9:21.04 that left American Jenny Simpson heartbroken. Simpson, a former world 1,500m champion, stopped running after she had sprinted past Kipyego on what she thought was the final lap. But a full lap remained and Simpson could never catch up with the Kenyan.

American Joe Kovacs surprised countrymen Ryan Whiting and Cory Martin and Polish Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski to claim top honours in the shot put. Kovacs’s best throw sailed 21.35 metres with 2012 world indoor gold medallist Whiting (21.18), Martin (20.63) and Majewski (20.61) trailing. An American all-star team shattered the world best in the infrequently run indoor 4x800 metres relay with Erik Sowinski bringing the foursome home in 7:13.11. — Reuters

Mary Cain reacts in this file photo.

Business booms for small Kenyan running town ITEN: Take a tour around the small Kenyan town of Iten and the scene is something of a who’s who of the athletics world. Olympic gold medalists, world record holders as well as the stars of tomorrow are all being drawn to the modest red-dirt Rift Valley destination, fast emerging as the go-to training destination for the world’s elite runners.

At its centre is the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC), set up nearly 15 years ago by runner and entrepreneur Lornah Kiplagat and a facility she hopes will one day prove to be as big a cash draw as Kenya’s safaris and beaches.

“This is a way of marketing Kenya,” Kiplagat told AFP. “For me I look at the big picture. We have taken the challenge to lead the way, and when Kenyans realise that this is a way of selling Kenya, it will be great.” Nestled in the hills overlooking a deep ravine at an altitude of 2,400 metres (8000 feet) above sea level, criss-crossed by traffic-free dirt tracks and blessed with year-

round sunshine, Iten is considered the perfect environment for distance training success.

In addition, the region’s majority Kalenjin tribe is genetically gifted for endurance sport and has produced hundreds of champions.

Here, Olympic glory is widely seen as a viable way to riches and fame, providing for the emergence of a unrivalled depth of talent and running culture that visitors can tap into for their training. Hundreds of non-Kenyan runners are now being drawn to the town of just 4,000 people, among them the likes of Britain’s Olympic and world champion Mo Farah and women’s marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe, both of whom have fled the cold European winter for pre-season training. “When we started out there was only one training camp for athletes here in Iten,” recalled Richard Mukche, a former marathoner and now a coach at the HATC’s gym.

“It is amazing that today there are over 20,000 athletes training here.”

Foreign investment Kiplagat started out trying to nurture the running talents of young Kenyan girls, but quickly realised that Iten could be advertised as an ideal training destination that was cheaper than established centres like Flagstaff and Denver in the United States or Font Romeu in the French Pyrenees.

A Kenyan-born former world half marathon champion, Kiplagat took Dutch nationality and runs for the Netherlands. She plowed her race winnings into buying land and building the HATC with her Dutch husband Pieter Longerhorst. “The camp was only meant to be for girls but the dream changed along the way.

Top athletes wanted to stay with us and we couldn’t refuse,” said Kiplagat, 39. The training centre now has 36 rooms, a gym and a swimming pool. A room costs around 50 dollars a night-hugely attractive for athletes in a sport not known for its huge paychecks. —AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

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Bode’s last ride begins with a whimper KRASNAYA POLYANA: In a couple of days, after a few more races, Bode Miller will make it official. Or not. The most decorated skier America has ever produced, and one of the most talented the sport has ever seen, will be done with the Olympics at age 36, after competing in five Winter Games and winning five medals - so far - but without the gold in the one discipline he wanted most.

Bode being Bode, getting him to admit either is a longshot. After finishing eighth in the downhill, the first of five men’s races here, Miller paused for a long time at the bottom of the course Sunday and stared back up the hill for a long time. Asked what he was thinking at that moment, he launched into one of those rambling answers that make it hard to know how much he believed and how much was said simply to get a rise out of his audience.

As someone with extensive experience interviewing Miller, who also happens to be one of the most entertaining and exasperating athletes I’ve ever run across, my translation follows his remarks in parentheses. What Miller said: “I was just going through the run, seeing if there was anything that I would

change or how I feel.”

(Translation: “If I’d known I was going to finish eighth, I would have stayed in bed.”) Miller: “It’s tough when you have to judge yourself, because the clock doesn’t really seem to judge you fairly.”

(Translation: “If there were style points in skiing, like figure skating or that goofy new slopestyle snowboard race, I’d have won every event I ever entered.”)

Miller: “Just like I’ve said a million times, I’m not always so attached to the result. I would have loved to get a gold medal today or any medal, but I was making sure that I knew where I was at, before I had to go deal with everybody else telling me what they thought.” (Translation: “I wish you guys would just disappear.”) Frankly, what should have been a sweet story about the closing flourish by an aging skier to cap one of the great careers in Olympic Alpine history can’t be told without asking “What if?”

Miller’s talent has always been equal parts blessing and burden. In addition to the five Olympic medals, he won two overall World Cup titles and left rivals gaping at his margins of victory and how he

SOCHI: Russia’s Julia Lipnitskaia performs in the Women’s Figure Skating Team Free Program at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the Sochi Winter Olympics. —AFP

recovered from mistakes that would have crashed almost anyone else. Yet for someone who inspired so much awe in others, he should have won more.

At the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, Miller came in without expectations and exited with two silvers. By the time the Turin Games rolled around in 2006, he was considered a lock to medal in all five races, only to squander his best moves off the course and inside a disco. At the 2010 Vancouver Games, instead of partying like an Olympian, Miller finally skied like one, winning a medal in each color and pretending that he couldn’t care less.

“Why perform now?” Miller said at the time.

“Because most likely, it’s what I wanted to do.” Miller also wanted to revolutionize the sport, and he did.

He grafted the style, equipment and attitude he picked up from snowboarding and gradually convinced nearly everyone in the Alpine establishment to embrace and copy it. Yet the genius that enabled him to survive one close call after another was the same thing that lured him out onto the edge again and again.

Matthias Mayer, the 23-year-old Austrian who

won the downhill gold Sunday with a very cautious, technical run, counts Miller among his idols. So does US teammate Marco Sullivan, who a day earlier spoke about Miller’s inimitable style in almost-mystical tones. “The angles his body can stack up, his bone structure in a way, that it just looks like he is ... it’s effortless,” Sullivan said. “The turns he is making, there is so much pressure coming up from the ski and the way he’s absorbing it and making it happen - it is just like, it is just the way it should be.”

Sullivan was echoing what skiers of every nationality and style have said about Miller since he first exploded onto the scene: namely, that they don’t understand why he doesn’t win every time out, let alone how he does what he does. Neither, apparently does Miller. “I would have loved to win, obviously,” he said finally. “This is the premier event, and it’s something I’ve thought about quite a bit. But when it’s out of your control, that kind of takes the disappointment away, more or less. I mean, I don’t think I would change much, the way I skied. I think I skied well enough to win, but it just doesn’t happen sometimes.” Or at least not often enough. — AP

SOCHI: Men’s biathlon 10k sprint medalists (from left) Czech Republic’s Jaroslav Soukup, bronze, Norway’s Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, gold, and Austria’s Dominik Landertinger, silver, pose with their medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Russia takes first gold, Mayer takes downhill SOCHI: Veteran Yevgeny Plushenko and precocious Julia Lipnitskaia lifted Russia to its first gold medal of the Sochi Olympics yesterday while Austrian skier Matthias Mayer stormed to the blue riband men’s downhill title.

Under the watchful eye of Russian President Vladimir Putin, 31-year-old Plushenko and slender 15-year-old sensation Lipnitskaia ensured a home triumph in team figure skating.

Plushenko took the men’s free skate final and Lipnitskaia then sealed victory with a stunning free skate to a standing ovation at the Iceberg Skating Palace.

“I’m 31 years and this means everything to me. It’s so much history,” said 2006 Olympic champion and two-time silver medallist Plushenko. Plushenko scored 168.20 for the free skate to “The Best of Plushenko” with Kevin Reynold achieving 167.92 and Japan’s Tatsuki Machida 165.85.

Lipnitskaia then outshone her more experienced teammate who won his first world medal before she was born. To the music of “Schindler’s List” she skated sublimely to score a personal best 141.51 and to seal the title ahead of America’s Gracie Gold and Italy’s Valentina Marchei 112.51.

Lipnitskaia celebrated in “kiss and cry” corner by proudly donning a Russian team baseball cap which almost slipped over her face.

Earlier yesterday, Mayer, the 23-year-old Austrian, defied a host of ski headline acts to win the men’s downhill in 2min

06.23sec on the 3.5km-long course at Rosa Khutor, high above the Black Sea. It was the first Austrian downhill gold since Fritz Strobl at the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City.

Mayer also bettered his father Helmut’s silver-medal showing in the super-G at the Calgary Games in 1998. “Of course it means a lot to me,” an emotional Mayer said. “It’s really difficult to go down the track without mistakes.”

Italian Christof Innerhofer took silver at just six-hundredths of a second behind while Norway’s Kjetil Jansrud claimed bronze a further 0.04sec adrift.

World downhill champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway was fourth while another strong favorite, Bode Miller of the United States, was a disappointing eighth.

Russia had got on the medals table earlier when Olga Graf took bronze in the 3,000 metres women’s speed skating behind winner Ireen Wust of the Netherlands and silver medallist Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic. Wust held her nerve to steal gold from defending champion Sablikova and recapture the Olympic crown she first won in 2006. Jamie Anderson gave the United States a slopestyle snowboarding double following Sage Kotsenburg’s victory in the men’s competition. Finland’s Enni Rukajarvi was second while Jenny Jones took third to give Britain its first ever Olympic medal on snow.Defending champion Anastasiya Kuzmina of Slovakia became the first woman to win two Olympic titles in the same individual biathlon when she

claimed the 7.5km sprint.

The Russian-born Kuzmina won in a time of 21min 06min 8sec to see off Russia’s Olga Vilukhina who was 19.9sec behind. Vita Semerenko of Ukraine took bronze, 21.7sec behind the champion. Switzerland’s Dario Cologna took the men’s Nordic skiathlon, hanging on for the second Olympic gold of his career. Cologna finished in 1hr 08min 15.4sec ahead of Marcus Hellner of Sweden, with Martin Johnsrud Sundby of Norway claiming bronze. Later yesterday, Switzerland’s Simon Ammann, the 2002 and 2010 double Olympic champion, will aim to become the first ski jumper to win five gold medals when the normal hill final is staged.

But the favorites will be Kamil Stoch of Poland, the current World Cup leader, and Austria’s Gregor Schlierenzauer, the 2010 team gold medal winner on the large hill.

Meanwhile, German Felix Loch produced two nerveless slides, smashing his track record in the process, to secure a second successive Olympic men’s singles luge gold yesterday. Loch, who has dominated luge since becoming the youngest gold medalist in the sport in Vancouver aged 20, extended his overnight advantage at the Sanki Sliding Centre to win at a canter.

Russian Albert Demchenko, competing in a record seventh Winter Games, added another silver to his Turin 2006 second and two-time Olympic champion Armin Zoeggeler

of Italy took bronze, as he did in 1994 and 2010.

Loch is the third athlete to win multiple gold medals in this event after compatriot, friend and mentor Georg Hackl and Zoeggeler. — Agencies Olympics medals table SOCHI, Russia: Olympics medals table yesterday (after five of eight gold medal events): Norway Netherlands United States Canada Austria Slovakia Switzerland Sweden Czech Republic Russia Finland Italy Great Britain Ukraine

Gold 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Silver 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 0

Bronze 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1

Total 6 4 3 3 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1

Battle of generations in women’s Olympic curling

KRASNAYA POLYANA: Germany’s Maria Hoefl-Riesch makes a turn in a women’s downhill training run for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. — AP

Test of skills in women’s super-combined ROSA KHUTOR: A demanding downhill that will require ferocious attacking and a little-known slalom will open the women’s alpine skiing events today with a wide open field.

After the men’s downhill yesterday, the women will kick off their Olympic campaign with a super-combined-a discipline combining one downhill run and one slalom.

And the contenders for a medal are many. Germany’s Maria Hoefl-Riesch is defending Olympic champion and a favorite for gold, having also won the world championship title last year in Schladming, Austria. But Slovenian Tina Maze, last season’s World Cup winner in the super-combined, US skier Julia Mancuso-always a top performer at the Olympics-and Austrian sweetheart Anna Fenninger could well upset the odds.

The race will test the skiers’ technical skills in handling a short course of tightly-laid gates and a 2,700-metre downhill run that leaves nothing to chance. “You can make a mistake in every turn and the one who makes the fewer mistakes or keeps the skis moving best will win,” Hoefl-Riesch predicted after one of three training runs on the downhill course ahead of Monday’s event.

“It’s extremely icy and with really difficult turns, and then in

the so-called flat bit... there’s a lot of terrain, lots of rolls and unevenness, so it’s not easy to ski.” “I’d say it’s worthy of Olympics. I will do everything in my power but it won’t be easy.”

The double Olympic champion and former overall World Cup winner sat out a third training on Saturday to focus on her slalom skills ahead of today. Maze and Fenninger, winner of Thursday’s downhill training and 2011 world champion in super-combined, did the same. Super-combined races, which test skiers’ versatility, are the events least featured at World Cup level, with just two or three races per year. But for Mancuso, defending Olympic combined silver-medallist, Monday’s race could bring a fourth Olympic medal.

“I know anything is possible in that event,” she said. “I just have to really go out and have a good downhill and give everything I can to give some time for the slalom and make it down a clean slalom run.” “I know it’s in me, I’m just going to try to do my best and hopefully good things will come.” On the Austrian side, not just Fenninger but teammates Michaela Kirchgasser, Nicole Hosp-super-combined bronze medallist at last year’s world championships-and two-time world champion Elisabeth Goergl have strong chances. —AFP

SOCHI: The women’s Olympic curling tournament is shaping up as more than just a fight for gold. It’s also a battle of the generations.

In one corner is the modern face of curling, 23-year-old team captains Eve Muirhead of Britain and Anna Sidorova of Russia. Both are as much at home in a photo shoot or with sports psychologists as they are out on the ice.

In the other corner are battlehardened veterans Jennifer Jones of Canada, Erika Brown of the United States and Mirjam Ott of Switzerland, rival skips aged 39 to 42 trying to keep pace with the youngsters and the growing professionalism in the sport. The next two weeks will determine where the power lies in curling. “There is a new generation coming through,” said the 42-year-old Ott, who is taking time off from her bank job in Lenzburg, Switzerland, to compete in Sochi. “They curl and do nothing else anymore. “We still have our jobs but we have the advantage of our experience - you still have good chances even if you are a little bit older.”

The contrast in generations will be most stark when the US takes on Britain tomorrow in their second games of the round-robin stage. In Ann Swisshelm, the US has a 45year-old player who is the oldest member of her country ’s vast Olympic contingent. Britain’s equivalent in the lead position - the player who throws the team’s first two stones - will be Claire Hamilton, who is less than half Swisshelm’s age.

“I love that we play a sport that’s

pretty forgiving to age,” Swisshelm said. “I think very few sports in the world are like that.”

Don’t think for one minute, however, that Swisshelm and other members of the older generation aren’t embracing curling’s new era.

Gone are the days of the 1980s when curlers used to fire up a cigarette during competition and could barely do a sit-up.

Muirhead, for example, spends as much time lifting weights as she does throwing rocks. As fulltime athletes backed by government and lotter y funding of 5 million pounds ($8.2 million) over an Olympic cycle, the British have sports p s yc h o l o g i s t s and strength and conditioning coaches. They are current world champions and favorites for gold in Sochi. “We make it as much a fulltime job as we can,” British curler Anna Sloan says.

The Americans may not have the same funding behind them, but they’re intent on being just as professional. “Don’t underestimate the training we do,” Swisshelm said.

“Because they (Britain) put it out in a press release, don’t think we aren’t working really hard, too ... I think there is a misnomer about how hard curlers work.”

During a year off from a Chicagobased charity foundation in the lead-up to Sochi, Swisshelm’s average day has consisted of 45 minutes to an hour on the rowing machine, followed by strength training, agility work and speed training in a gym in her house. Then she heads to the local rink for a

couple of hours on the ice.

“Our team has full-time jobs, families with children, so it’s tough to bridge the gap,” said Derek Brown, US women’s coach. “But they know that’s what it takes to compete with full-time athletes. It’s not an issue.” The older generation has had to adapt on the ice, too.

Most curlers accept that the standard of curling has greatly improved in recent years. Shot execution is better, there is more strategy and tactics and a wider range of shots often is required. “ They can throw really heavy take-outs these days,” said Brown, who used to be performance director for British Curling. “Watching the Russians and Great Britain, they can throw a lot of weight and it can get them out of trouble. “You could say that some of these younger teams are almost playing a men’s style of game.”

There’s much more to curling, though, according to U.S. women’s skip Erika Brown. Sochi will be her third Olympics, after her debut in the 1988 Calgary Games - when curling was a demonstration sport and then the 1998 Nagano Games.

She has seen her sport change dramatically across three decades.

“Having 20 years of perspective on the Olympics and competitive curling, having that background to pull from when you are maybe going through a tough time, struggling, and the perspective of life in general, having family and children, gives you a different view,” Brown said. “I like to think that’s all positives. I’m happy I’m 41.” — AP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

S P ORT S

Resurgent Schalke earn third straight victory

ITALY: Juventus’ Carlos Tevez (right) of Argentina, is chased by Veronaís Juan Manuel Iturbe, of Paraguay, during a Serie A soccer match. — AP

Juve spurn chance to extend lead as misfiring Roma held MILAN: Verona forward Juan Gomez came off the bench to level late and secure a 2-2 draw at home to Juventus as the champions spurned the chance to extend their lead on misfiring Roma yesterday.

Roma were away to Lazio in the city derby only four days after a 3-2 win over Napoli in the first leg of the Italian Cup semi-final.

But despite shading what was a rough and tumble encounter at the Olympic Stadium, Rudi Garcia’s men failed to grab the win that would have reduced their deficit on the Bianconeri to seven points with a game in hand.

Draws for both title challengers mean Juventus retained their nine-point lead over the Giallorossi, with Napoli, who outclassed AC Milan on Saturday, are now only four points off second place in third.

With Napoli virtually out of the title equation, it remains a two-horse race for this season’s scudetto and Garcia, whose side have yet to play a postponed match against Parma, appeared defiant.

BRIGHT SIDE “We have to look on the bright side because we haven’t lost any points to Juventus,” the Frenchman told Sky Sport Italia. “Their draw adds even more value to our 3-1 win (away to Verona two weeks ago).

But we have to remain humble. We have yet to play Parma and that’s a game we still have to win.” Juventus looked to be on their way to a comfortable win in the north east after a Carlos Tevez double inside 21 minutes.

However Luca Toni reduced arrears just after the restart and Juan Gomez headed past Gianluigi Buffon in the fourth minute of injury time as Juve’s defence lost focus at a late free kick.

Juve coach Antonio Conte told Sky: “These kinds of games last 95 minutes, and we should never lose our concentration, especially in dead ball situations.

“There were other lapses of concentration in the second half and hopefully this will serve us well. We have to be conscious of the fast this title is not won yet.”

Tevez tapped home after just four minutes

when he reacted quickly the rebound after ‘keeper Rafael had pushed out Kwadwo Asamoah’s weighted cross.

The Argentinian struck his second to give the Old Lady a 2-0 lead before the half hour, but if there was just a hint of offside from his first goal - Fernando Llorente appearing out of position-there was even more suspicion on his second.

Tevez began his run on to Paul Pogba’s through ball on the left of the area just a little too quickly and swept the ball past Rafael on 21 minutes.

Verona’s woes deepened just after the half hour when their claims for a penalty were waved off despite the ball clearly coming off the arms of defender Martin Caceres following a corner.

The hosts earned some rough justice when striker Toni headed home seven minutes after the restart to reduce arrears.

‘AN UNBELIEVABLE FEELING’ Ironically, Toni and several other Verona players appeared to have breached Juve’s defence as Romulo whipped in a free kick that Toni headed past Buffon at the keeper’s near post.

Former Southampton striker Pablo Dani Osvaldo made his Juve debut when he replaced Llorente on 65 minutes and missed scoring by inches when he swiped Andrea Pirlo’s through ball past Rafael and off the post. Buffon then produced a fine one-handed save to keep out Toni’s left-footed strike and Verona had another penalty claim denied after the ball came off the arm of Stephan Lichsteiner as the Swiss marked Toni at Buffon’s near post.

Juve continued to threaten, however, and Arturo Vidal tested Rafael with a strike which the keeper did well to push over.

But the visitors were stunned at the death.

The hosts won a free kick to the right of Juve’s area, it was quickly taken and Romulo whipped in a cross which Gomez headed past Buffon after slipping between Angelo Ogbonna and Pogba. “It’s an unbelievable feeling... and feels really special taking a point from such an epic side,” said Gomez. — AFP

Italian League results/standings Torino 1 (Immobile 5) Bologna 2 (Cristaldo 11, 24); Verona 2 (Toni 52, Gomez 90+4) Juventus 2 (Tevez 4, 21); Lazio 0 Roma 0; Livorno 0 Genoa 1 (Antonelli 10); Parma 0 Catania 0; Sampdoria 1 (Gastaldello 11) Cagliari 0.

Played Saturday Fiorentina 2 (Ilicic 16, Wolski 86) Atalanta 0; Udinese 3 (Di Natale 56, Fernandes 74, Badu 86) Chievo 0; Napoli 3 (Inler 11, Higuain 56, 82) AC Milan 1 (Taarabt 7).

Italian Serie A table ahead of yesterday’s late game (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Juventus AS Roma Napoli Fiorentina Verona Inter Milan Parma Torino Lazio

23 22 23 23 23 22 22 23 23

19 15 14 13 11 8 8 8 8

3 6 5 5 3 9 9 9 8

1 1 4 5 9 5 5 6 7

56 45 47 42 39 39 32 36 29

18 11 27 24 37 27 27 30 29

60 51 47 44 36 33 33 33 32

Genoa AC Milan Sampdoria Atalanta Udinese Cagliari Bologna Chievo Sassuolo

23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 22

8 7 7 8 8 5 4 4 4

6 8 7 3 2 9 9 6 5

9 8 9 12 13 9 10 13 13

24 36 27 24 25 21 22 16 23

28 35 32 32 32 32 39 32 48

30 29 28 27 26 24 21 18 17

Teenage debutant sinks America MEXICO CITY: Teenager Hirving Lozano made a dream first division debut, coming on in the 85th minute and scoring the winner in the 90th to give Pachuca an upset 1-0 victory over America at the Azteca on Saturday.

A win would have lifted America into first place in the Clausura championship standings. Instead they remain one point behind unbeaten leaders Cruz Azul who can pull fur-

Hirving Lozano ther away when they visit Atlante late yesterday. “To score a goal at the Azteca, I think it’s the dream of all youth scheme players, it’s the most wonderful thing,” said midfielder Lozano, who fended off Mexico centre back Francisco Rodriguez to score his goal.

“The boss (coach Enrique Meza) told me to

go out there and take the game to the opposition The confidence he has in me was important,” he told reporters.

America’s Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed was upset that in the two matches his team have lost, including a 1-0 defeat at Tijuana last month, the opposition scored in the final minute, leaving them with no time to hit back.

“I’m angry because we lost at the finish.

This (game) is about results and unfortunately we couldn’t score,” Mohamed, nicknamed El Turco, said. “The one thing that bothers me is that the two matches we lost were in the 90th minute, that leaves a sour taste because you can’t react,” he said.

“I’d be worried if we hadn’t had goal chances, we had seven or eight... With finishing, there are days when you are inspired and others not.”

America were without suspended Argentine midfielder Rubens Sambueza, sent off in last weekend s 1-0 win over Atlante, and injured Colombian striker Luis Gabriel Rey. Title holders Leon, winners of the Apertura championship in the first half of the season, also lost, 2-1 at home to UNAM Pumas, and sunk into the bottom half of the Clausura standings. Argentine striker Mario Bravo scored both goals for recovering Pumas, who notched their third win in a row after having won only once in their previous 20 games all season and finishing bottom of the Apertura table. — Reuters

BERLIN: Schalke 04 extended their six-match unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at home to Hanover yesterday to stay fourth in the Bundesliga behind run-away leaders Bayern Munich.

Schalke host Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid in the last 16, first leg of the Champions League in three weeks time and have hit form after back-to-back defeats in December with three straight wins since the winter break.

The Royal Blues put on a regal performance at Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins Arena with Jefferson Farfan tapping home after a superb run from defender Sead Kolasinac on 39 minutes, then teenage wunderkind Max Meyer added a second a minute before the break.

The defeat broke Hanover’s recent form having won their first two games of the year under new coach Tayfun Korkut to leave the guests lying tenth.

Earlier, ten-man VfB Stuttgart dropped closer to the Bundesliga’s relegation battle as they suffered their fifth-straight defeat in a 4-1 rout at home to buoyant Augsburg.

Bavarian minnows Augsburg are dreaming of international football next season as they rose to eighth, just two points from the top six, as they put Stuttgart to the sword to go six games unbeaten. Two goals by midfielder Andre Hahn did the damage for Augsburg, who set a new club record of nine victories in a Bundesliga season at Stuttgart’s Mercedes Benz Arena.

To compound the hosts’ misery, Stuttgart had captain Vedad Ibisevic sent off with 53 minutes gone for a striking Augsburg’s Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker in the face.

The defeat leaves Stuttgart 14th in the table, only two places from the relegation zone.

Hamburg are also deep in the relegation mire after they were thrashed 3-0 at home to Hertha Berlin on Saturday night to set an unwelcome club record of six straight defeats.

Colombia striker Adrian Ramos, who has been linked to Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund for next season, scored twice to leave Hamburg second from bottom as they were booed by their own fans at the final whistle.

Several senior stars, including captain Rafael van der Vaart, found themselves pelted by missiles when they went to calm angry fans after the game. Hamburg have said they will continue with coach Bert van Marwijk, but results must improve. Third-placed Borussia Dortmund romped to a 5-1 win in Bremen on Saturday.

Dortmund dismantled Werder Bremen with Poland striker Robert Lewandowski and attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan both scoring twice. The thrashing came at a price as both Germany midfielders Marco Reus and Sven Bender are ruled out of this week’s double header against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday in the cup and in Saturday’s league match.

This was the 12th time this season Bremen have conceded three or more goals and coach Robin Dutt is under increasing pressure with his side 13th and just three points from the relegation places.

GERMANY: Schalkeís Atsuto Uchida (in front) jumps with Hannoverís Leonardo Bittencourt during the German Bundesliga soccer match. —AP Leaders Bayern extended both their unbeaten Bundesliga records with a 2-0 win at Nuremberg to remained 13 points clear in the Bundesliga as the runaway leaders left Nuremberg with 56 out of a possible 60 points this season.

This was Bayern’s 45th unbeaten Bundesliga match, dating back to October 2012, and their 29th unbeaten away league game to extend their records with a rare win in Nuremberg.

Goals either side of half-time by striker Mario

Mandzukic and captain Philipp Lahm sealed the win. In the basement battle, Eintracht Frankfurt moved up to 12th with a 3-0 win at home to bottom side Eintracht Braunschweig.

Freiburg were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Hoffenheim while sixth-placed VfL Wolfsburg enjoyed a 3-0 win at home to Mainz 05. On Friday, second-placed Bayer Leverkusen enjoyed a 1-0 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach with South Korea’s Son Heung-Min scoring the second-half winner. —AFP

German League results/standings VfB Stuttgart 1 (Rausch 62) Augsburg 4 (Milik 35, Hahn 43, 56, Werner 64) Schalke 2 (Farfan 39, Meyer 44) Hanover 96 0.

Played Saturday VfL Wolfsburg 3 (Rodriguez 59-pen, Dost 66, Luiz Gustavo 75) Mainz 05 0; Werder Bremen 1 (Aycicek 89) Borussia Dortmund 5 (Lewandowski 26, 85, Mkhitaryan 41, 62, Friedrich 48); Nuremberg 0 Bayern Munich 2 (Mandzukic 18, Lahm 49); Freiburg 1 (Schmid 68) Hoffenheim 1 (Modeste 85); Eintracht Frankfurt 3 (Flum 7, Maier 43, Aigner 44) Eintracht Braunschweig 0; Hamburg 0 Hertha Berlin 3 (Allagui 15, Ramos 23, 39).

German Bundesliga table after yesterday’s match: (played, won, against, points): Hanover 96 Bayern Munich 20 18 2 0 53 9 56 Hoffenheim Bayer Leverkusen 20 14 1 5 37 20 43 Frankfurt Dortmund 20 12 3 5 47 24 39 Werder Bremen Schalke 20 11 4 5 39 29 37 Stuttgart M’gladbach 20 10 3 7 36 25 33 Freiburg VfL Wolfsburg 20 10 3 7 33 24 33 Nuremberg Hertha Berlin 20 9 4 7 31 24 31 Hamburg Augsburg 20 9 4 7 30 29 31 Braunschweig Mainz 05 20 9 3 8 29 35 30

drawn, lost, goals for, goals 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

7 5 5 5 5 4 2 4 3

3 7 6 5 4 6 11 4 3

10 8 9 10 11 10 7 12 14

29 40 24 24 33 20 24 33 11

35 43 34 45 41 36 36 47 37

24 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 12

Hamburg stars pelted by fans BERLIN: Hamburg players had missiles hurled at them by the team’s fans after the club’s 3-0 defeat by Hertha Berlin which heaped further pressure on embattled coach Bert van Marwijk.

Hamburg’s defeat on Saturday was a club record sixth straight Bundesliga loss leaving the former European champions second from bottom of the league. Club chairman Carl-Edgar Jarchow said yesterday the club will continue to work with ex-Holland coach Van Marwijk, but it is clear that results must improve. A group of players, including captain Rafael van der Vaart, were pelted with eggs, beer cups and lighters when they went to talk to angry fans outside Hamburg’s Imtech Arena on Saturday night.

A group of 250 fans, shouting “fucking millionaires”, attacked the players’ luxury sports cars and had to be

beaten back by police with batons and pepper spray.

“I understand the fans disappointment, but it’s not okay when players are attacked. That shakes you to the core,” said Van der Vaart. Van Marwijk, who only took charge in September, has said he will not quit. “I will not resign, I’m still one hundred percent positive and convinced that we will not go down,” said the 61-yearold. Director of sport Oliver Kreuzer has said there is no problem with the coach. He insisted Van Marwijk will be on the bench for Wednesday’s German Cup quarter-final at home to champions and holders Bayern Munich, as well as Saturday’s league match at bottom side Eintracht Braunschweig.

Hamburg’s supervisory board are due to meet later on Sunday and Van Marwijk’s future is sure to be discussed. Former club legend Felix Magath, who

coached both Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg to the Bundesliga title, has already been contacted by the Hamburg board, according to media reports.

Hamburg capitulated against Hertha, despite Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler saving a first-half penalty, as Tunisia’s Sami Allagui scored and Adrian Ramos netted twice. “Words fail me, that’s just sad, its disastrous,” said shaken Hamburg centre-back Heiko Westermann. Left-back Marcell Jansen was also in shock after the defeat.

“I’ve never experienced such a shitty and depressing situation,” he said. Adler, who faced angry fans after the match in an effort to calm the situation, said it is up to the team to turn things around. “There’s certainly not a magician about to ride up and save us. We have to help ourselves,” he said. — AFP

Osasuna edge away from drop BARCELONA: Osasuna beat Getafe 2-0 at home yesterday to move four points clear of the Spanish league’s relegation zone, while substitute Humberto Osorio scored twice as Valladolid came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Elche.

Also, Real Sociedad was held 0-0 at its Anoeta Stadium by Levante and the inspired form of its goalkeeper, Keylor Navas.

Osasuna’s Oriol Riera opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Francisco Silva spotted his run behind Getafe’s disjointed defense with a long pass that the striker expertly used one touch to lift over goalkeeper Miguel M oya. Rober to Torres capped the win in Pamplona on the break with two minutes to play. The closest Getafe came to scoring was Angel Lafita’s header off the upright in the 34th as it remained winless in eight rounds.

Elche went ahead on the waterlogged pitch at Valladolid’s Jose Zorilla Stadium through goals

by Ferran “Coro” Corominas in the 34th and Manuel del Moral in the 66th.

Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez sent on Osorio in the 69th and the for ward responded by scoring in the 71st and 78th.

Valladolid’s comeback was undermined when newcomer Jeffren Suarez, recently arrived from Sporting Lisbon, was injured with 10 minutes to play and his team had no substitutions to make.

The draw left Valladolid in the drop zone, three points from safety. Levante ‘keeper Navas denied S ociedad for wards I manol Agirretxe and Antoine Griezmann on two occasions each in the first half before stretching to palm Gonzalo Castro’s shot over his bar in the 69th.

Sociedad stayed in sixth place. It hosts Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday looking to overturn its 2-0 loss in the first leg. “ We did enough to win, but Levante’s defensive discipline was too much,” Sociedad midfielder Markel Bergara said. “Now we have to think about Barcelona. We know it will be

tough, but we will give it our all.”

M eanwhile, Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino believes his side’s visit to Sevilla could have a significant impact on the eventual outcome of the La Liga title race.

The Catalans start the weekend off top spot for the first time in 60 league games as they suffered a shock 3-2 home defeat to Valencia last weekend to fall three points behind Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid have also moved level with Barcelona in second place as Martino’s men have dropped a total of seven points in their last four league games.

The Spanish champions could be even further behind Atletico and Real by the time they kick-off late yesterday as both sides from the capital are in action on Saturday against Almeria and Villarreal respectively. However, Martino said the threat posed by Sevilla is more concerning than his side’s current form.

“I think what makes a difference is the opponent we have in front of us, the form we are in isn’t so important.

“ There have been a variety of circumstances that have caused us to lose points.

“Playing before or after is never an issue for us.” Barca face a demanding month as the game in Seville is followed by t wo away games against Real Sociedad in quick succession in La Liga and the Copa del Rey and a trip to face Manchester City in the Champions League. And Martino is hoping that a positive result will set them up for the coming weeks.

“I have said to the players that it will probably be one of the hardest away games we have left. “Sevilla are a very intense team, they work very hard and are strong at home. “We struggled to beat them at home in the first half of the season. It is a key game, which will have significant positive or negative impact on what happens in the future.”

The game comes too early for Brazilian forward Neymar, although he has stepped up his recover y from an ank le injur y this week .

Meanwhile, defenders Jordi Alba and Javier Mascherano also miss out through suspension. —Agencies

Spanish League results/Standings Osasuna 2 (Oriol Riera 6, Torres 88) Getafe 0; Valladolid 2 (Osorio 71, 83) Elche 2 (Coro 34, Del Moral 66);Real Sociedad 0 Levante 0 Spanish League table before against, points):” Real Madrid 23 18 3 Atletico 23 18 3 Barcelona 22 17 3 Bilbao 22 13 4 Villarreal 23 12 4 Sociedad 23 10 7 Sevilla 22 8 7 Valencia 23 9 4 Espanyol 23 8 5 Levante 23 7 8

yesterday’s late match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals 2 2 2 5 7 6 7 10 10 8

65 56 59 42 44 42 41 36 26 22

24 16 16 28 27 34 37 35 29 30

57 57 54 43 40 37 31 31 29 29

Celta Vigo Elche Getafe Osasuna Almeria Malaga Granada Valladolid Rayo Betis

22 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23

7 6 7 7 7 6 7 4 6 3

4 7 4 4 4 6 3 9 2 5

11 10 12 12 12 11 13 10 15 15

29 22 22 21 24 23 20 26 25 20

35 34 36 37 41 33 30 39 52 52

25 25 25 25 25 24 24 21 20 14

New Zealand snare 40-run win over India

Resurgent Schalke earn third straight victory

19

17

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Russia takes first gold, Mayer takes downhill

Page 18

OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United’s Robin van Persie (top center) is thwarted by Fulham’s Sascha Riether during their English Premier League soccer match. — AP

Bent stuns Old Trafford, United Man United 2

Fulham 2

MANCHESTER: Darren Bent snatched an equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time as Manchester United slipped to a 2-2 draw against the Premier League’s bottom club Fulham yesterday.

Steve Sidwell gave former United coach Rene Meulensteen’s side the lead in the 19th minute and the visitors looked like they would cling on for a shock win.

The visitors, who had conceded 27 goals in their previous nine league matches, were compact and hard-working, which initially frustrated a United side who were desperately short of inspiration. With 12 minutes remaining, Robin van Persie tapped in to pull United level and two minute later Michael Carrick ’s shot looked to have

earned them victory.

But deep into added time, Bent headed in from close range to earn the Cottagers a draw. After falling behind on 13 occasions in the league this season, it was just the fifth time that United have subsequently avoided defeat, but they are now nine points adrift of fourth-place Liverpool.

Meulensteen’s side looked much improved and they will take heart from their stubborn per formance as they avoided defeat for just the fourth time in 17 league games.

United were predictably dominant in possession from the start, but they struggled to find gaps in the Fulham defence.

After 10 minutes the visitors, who were penned in their own half, were grateful to a fine sliding challenge from Sascha Riether after Van Persie had been slipped through by Darren Fletcher.

Van Persie threw his head at a Wayne Rooney cross, but Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg raced out of the Fulham goal quickly enough to prevent the United striker from making telling contact.

Carrick’s passing was continuing to dic-

tate for the home side and John Arne Riise headed wide for a corner from Ashley Young’s cross after another spell of pressure.

But the visitors took a shock lead with their first proper attack. Riise won the ball from Juan Mata in midfield and Lewis Holtby clipped a pass over the top for Sidwell to surge into the area and volley home. As a stunned United attempted to find a way back into the game, Rafael lifted a cross to the far post and Van Persie thumped well off target from around five yards.

When Carrick’s shot was blocked by Sidwell, Mata lifted a cross over from the right and Stekelenburg again denied Young.

Carrick also volleyed wide from 20 yards after Mata’s cross was cleared to the edge of the area by Riether.

For all that pressure, Fulham should have doubled their advantage seven minutes before the interval. Kieran Richardson cleared Rooney’s corner and Swedish youngster Muamer Tankovic ran 70 yards before squaring to an unmarked Richardson, who lifted his shot over with only De Gea to beat.

Stekelenburg blocked from Carrick and Sidwell managed to divert Van Persie’s fol-

low-up over the bar, before Nemanja Vidic headed the Mata corner that followed straight at the goalkeeper.

After United had finally managed to draw the visitors further upfield four minutes into the second half, Rooney could not get on the end of Van Persie’s powerful cross.

Stekelenburg was finally stretched when he tipped over Rooney’s close-range snapshot, before Moyes brought on Adnan Januzaj on the hour.

Rooney thumped just wide of goal from well outside the area as United looked more and more desperate and short of ideas.

But the breakthrough finally came with 12 minutes left when Fulham failed to clear Evra’s cross and Van Persie prodded in from Mata’s pass.

In the 80th minute they had a second, when Januzaj’s cross was knocked to the edge of the area by Richardson and Carrick’s shot deflected off Scott Parker and flew into the top-left corner.

That looked sure to be enough, but after three minutes of added time, Richardson’s shot was saved by De Gea and Bent headed in Fulham’s equaliser. — AFP

Adebayor sinks Everton Tottenham 1

Everton 0

LONDON: Emmanuel Adebayor boosted Tottenham’s bid to qualify for the Champions League as the Togo striker’s clinical finish sealed a vital 1-0 win over Everton yesterday.

Tim Sherwood’s side moved two points clear of Everton into fifth place and within three points of fourth placed Liverpool thanks to Adebayor’s second half strike at White Hart Lane.

Adebayor had spent much of the season in exile after falling out with former boss Andre Villas-Boas following a training ground row that featured the striker telling his then manager why his tactics weren’t going to work.

But Sherwood has brought Adebayor in from the cold and the former Arsenal star has repaid that faith with seven goals in 11 appearances since Villas-Boas’s sacking.

His latest heroics gave Spurs their first win in three matches and kept them firmly in the hunt for a lucrative place in Europe’s elite club competition.

Yet Adebayor’s winner was harsh on Roberto Martinez’s Everton, who dropped to sixth place despite being the superior force for long periods.

Everton didn’t take long to test Hugo Lloris for the first time when Steven Naismith alertly hooked a pass towards Leon Osman, whose fierce strike brought a fine stop from the Spurs goalkeeper.

Sherwood’s team had conceded five against Manchester City in their last home game and again they were sloppy at the back when Naismith hassled Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen out of possession far too easily.

Naismith slipped a pass to Osman in a good position just inside the Spurs area, but the Everton midfielder’s weak shot was straight at Lloris.

Tottenham finally showed signs of life when Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen fired a free-kick just the crossbar. Even then there was still a sense of uncertainty at the heart of Tottenham’s defence that threatened to cost them dearly.

A mix-up between Lloris and Spurs captain Michael Dawson almost let in Everton again before the danger was finally averted via a slapstick sequence of miscued clearances.

That narrow escape brought the always animated Sherwood to his feet in frustration, but his plea for more composure seemed to fall on deaf ears.

EPL results/standings Manchester United 2 (Van Persie 78, Carrick 80) Fulham 2 (Sidwell 19, Bent 90+4); Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Adebayor 65) Everton 0.

English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Chelsea 25 17 5 3 47 20 56 Arsenal 25 17 4 4 48 26 55 Man City 25 17 3 5 68 27 54 Liverpool 25 15 5 5 63 30 50 Tottenham 25 14 5 6 32 32 47 Everton 25 12 9 4 37 26 45 Man Utd 25 12 5 8 41 31 41 Newcastle 25 11 4 10 32 34 37 Southampton 25 9 9 7 36 29 36 Swansea 25 7 6 12 32 35 27 Hull 25 7 6 12 25 30 27 Aston Villa 25 7 6 12 27 36 27 Stoke 25 6 8 11 26 40 26 Crystal Palace 25 8 2 15 18 34 26 West Ham 25 6 7 12 26 33 25 Norwich 25 6 7 12 19 37 25 Sunderland 25 6 6 13 25 38 24 West Brom 25 4 11 10 29 37 23 Cardiff 25 5 6 14 19 44 21 Fulham 25 6 2 17 24 55 20

Enjoyment is key to Real form, says Bale

LONDON: Tottenham’s Danny Rose, falls to the ground after being fouled by Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP Everton, sharper in thought and deed than their leaden-footed opponents, were doing most of their damage in the areas between Tottenham’s defence and midfield, and Seamus Coleman galloped through unchecked to drive in a low shot that was easily held by Lloris.

Kevin Mirallas was next to breeze past the Spurs rearguard, leaving Dawson trailing in his wake, but the forward’s wild shot was an anti-climactic end to a scintillating run.

Sherwood remained just as agitated in the second half and it wasn’t long before a misplaced pass from Paulinho prompted him to boot a bag of energy drinks in frustration, with the resulting spray flying towards Martinez, who looked nonplussed before accepting his counterpart’s apology.

While Sherwood simmered on the touchline, his players were at last forcing their way back into the match and Adebayor was just off target with a glancing header. — AFP

MADRID: Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale had a perfect return to action after three games out through injury, with a goal and an assist as Los Blancos moved to the top of La Liga on Saturday.

Madrid’s 4-2 win over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu coupled with Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 defeat at Almeria allowed Real to go above Atletico just three days after they had also dealt Diego Simeone’s side a 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

Bale opened the scoring with his 11th goal of the season before teeing up Karim Benzema to make it 2-0 inside the first 25 minutes.

Jese Rodriguez and Benzema with his second rounded off the scoring for the hosts after the break, whilst Mario Gaspar and Giovani Dos Santos scored two brilliant consolation goals for Villarreal.

Real are now unbeaten in 23 games stretching back to October and Bale believes the results show he and his teammates are enjoying their football right now.

“We managed to get three important points. I am very happy with my goal, but the important thing is that the team won and that we put pressure on our rivals for the title,” he told Real Madrid TV. “The team is doing very well and we are enjoying ourselves on the pitch. The proof of that is in the results.” A key figure in Real’s unbeaten run has been midfielder Luka

Modric and the former Spurs’ man received a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd after another stellar performance on Saturday. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said after the game that Modric fully deserved the praise he has received of late, but the Croatian insists the plaudits won’t go to his head.

“They were three very important points for us, above all after the difficult game we had against Atletico that left us very tired physically and mentally. We played a great game against a very difficult team in Villarreal.

“I am very proud that the fans sang my name. It is incredible and I feel very at home here. But, as I have said on previous occasions, the important thing is that the team is playing very well and winning. We will continue to work hard to continue like this.”

It was a night of contrasting emotions for the sides from the Spanish capital as Atletico lost for just the second time in the league this season to relegation threatened Almeria.

Simeone’s men were without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to injury and the Belgian’s presence was sorely missed as replacement Daniel Aranzubia endured a nightmare evening.

The former Deportivo la Coruna keeper was badly at fault as he flapped at Verza’s opener for Almeria 10 minutes from time and he was then sent off just six minutes later for bundling over Jonathan Zongo inside the area. — AFP

Business MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Arabtec Holding to set up 5 new subsidiaries Page 22

Hollande heads to US to boost French economy Page 23 Dark clouds hover over Indian mogul Mallya’s empire Page 26 Page 25

Soor Fuel Marketing launches new packaging for products Dimah Capital

Dwindling returns expose SWFs to greater risk

By Hayder Tawfik

S

overeign wealth funds are like any other investors looking for greater returns more than ever. The difference is that fund managers or portfolio managers dont have the responsibility that sovereign wealth fund facing and that is to make their bosses in the government happy. Some of the oil producing Sovereign Wealth Funds is more under pressure than the others because the money they receive from their government comes mostly from selling oil. So they face two potential risks one is falling oil price and the other is the dwindling return from the financial markets and in particular the fixed income investments.

One example of these funds facing such pressure is Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund. Despite its huge increase in value, Norways sovereign fund is growing a lot slower than its peers. According to latest reports the fund has been missing its annual return targets and has been achieving just over 3% after all management costs. It is now under pressure from the government to diversify its assets and achieve much higher returns. This for sure will expose them to greater investment risks. Unfortunately this applies to most of other sovereign wealth funds too. It is very odd that Norways Sovereign Wealth fund invests primarily in oil and gas instruments and the country is one of the biggest oil and gas producers in the world.

Investments diversification supposed to reduce risk but the issue here is not the risks as much as the dwindling returns. One perfect solution is for the funds to invest in the infrastructure of the country so to generate good quality income and at the same time contribute to the growth of the economy. Some oil producing sovereign wealth funds have an appalling infrastructure that is holding back the country form developing faster. For instance Singapore is not oil producing country but its sovereign wealth fund has over the past decade been delivering returns of over 13% and the country has one of the best infrastructure in the world.

The competition for higher returns will intensify between central banks, Sovereign Wealth Funds and other investors. They all are washed with cash but asset returns are not only falling but becoming limited. They all have similar investment strategies and that is to maximize returns. For instance, central banks usually favorer short dated government bonds i.e. maximum maturity of 5 years. Government bonds issued by developing countries over the past 5 years carry much lower interest rates than in the past and newly issued ones carry even lower rates. Some of these bonds will expire soon. Replacing them with low coupon bonds will limit the return to low single digits. However, with yields falling way below 2%, the pressure is rising on them to look for other assets. They do have the mandate to invest in equities same as Sovereign Wealth Funds.

In recent years more and more central banks have begun to invest in domestic, foreign equities and corporate bonds to enhance their investment returns.

Some central banks in Asia have started adopting portfolios similar to the Swiss National bank. These central banks have more advantages over the Sovereign wealth Funds. They have the skilled managers with long experience. The young Sovereign Wealth Funds rely on outside managers to enhance their investment returns. Over the last few years, central banks have raised the hurdle for the Sovereign Wealth Funds needed to compete and to justify further fund transfers from their governments.

This kind of aggressive competition may lead to investment in the wrong assets or overpaying for some investments. Central banks around the world have $12 trillion of free reserve between them, far more than sovereign wealth funds. For central banks, liquid investments such as bonds and equities are at the top of their investment priorities. Since 2008 the yields on good quality, liquid bonds have fallen sharply prompting central banks to start looking at investing in equities hence competing with sovereign wealth funds.

This may fundamentally alter the investment strategy of central banks and sovereign wealth funds. Rather than competing against one another, that is having increasingly similar investment strategies, they both could have more complementary investment strategies going forward with each specializing in different asset classes. Central banks focusing more on preserving liquidity and security of their assets and Sovereign Wealth Funds concentrating on enhancing investment returns. Unfortunately, we cannot see how they could work together at a time when short and long term interest rates are falling sharply and may end at zero or even negative.

I expect that central banks will move more aggressively into equities and clash head on with Sovereign Wealth Funds. This will create even more problems for the traditional equity investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, mutual funds and worse retail equity investors. Any move by the central banks into equity investment will benefit big multinational companies that are either listed in their domestic market or abroad. International companies listed in the US, Japan and Europe will see their equity valuations expanding more than the markets.

This is all good news for international equity investors who have a much longer time horizon and the stamina to stand day-to-day market volatility.

SINGAPORE: A worker peers out at the side of various airlines models on lay at the exhibition centre ahead of the Singapore’s Airshow yesterday.— AFP (See Page 23)

US economy may be stuck in slow lane Growth likely to pick up through 2016 WASHINGTON: In the 41/2 years since the Great Recession ended, millions of Americans who have gone without jobs or raises have found themselves wondering something about the economic recovery: Is this as good as it gets? It increasingly looks that way. Two straight weak job reports have raised doubts about economists’ predictions of breakout growth in 2014. The global economy is showing signs of slowing - again. Manufacturing has slumped. Fewer people are signing contracts to buy homes. Global stock markets have sunk as anxiety has gripped developing nations.

Some long-term trends are equally dispiriting.

The Congressional Budget Office foresees growth picking up through 2016, only to weaken starting in 2017. By the CBO’s reckoning, the economy will soon slam into a demographic wall: The vast baby boom generation will retire.

Their exodus will shrink the share of Americans who are working, which will hamper the economy’s ability to accelerate. At the same time, the

government may have to borrow more, raise taxes or cut spending to support Social Security and Medicare for those retirees.

Only a few weeks ago, at least the short-term view looked brighter. Entering 2014, many economists predicted growth would top 3 percent for the first time since 2005. That pace would bring the US economy near its average postWorld War II annual growth rate. Some of the expected improvement would come from the government exerting less drag on the economy this year after having slashed spending and raised taxes in 2013. In addition, steady job gains dating back to 2010 should unleash more consumer spending. Each of the 7.8 million jobs that have been added provided income to someone who previously had little or none. It amounts to “adrenaline” for the economy, said Carl Tannenbaum, chief economist for Northern Trust. And since 70 percent of the economy flows from consumers, their increased spending would be expected to drive stronger hiring and

growth. “There is a dividing line between a slowgrowth economy that is not satisfactory and above-trend growth with a tide strong enough to lift all the boats and put people back to work,” said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi. “That number is 3 percent.” The recovery had appeared to achieve a breakthrough in the final quarter of 2013. The economy grew at an annual pace of 3.2 percent last quarter. Leading the upswing was a 3.3 percent surge in the rate of consumer spending, which had been slack for much of the recovery partly because of high debt loads and stagnant pay.

Yet for now, winter storms and freezing temperatures, along with struggles in Europe and Asia, have slowed manufacturing and the pace of hiring. Just 113,000 jobs were added in January, the government said Friday. In December, employers had added a puny 75,000.

Job creation for the past two months is roughly half its average for the past two years. A third

sluggish jobs report in February would further dim hopes for a breakout year.

“Three months in a row would mean the job market is taking a turn for the worst,” said Stuart Hoffman, chief economist for PNC Financial Services.Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman have suggested that the economy might be in a semi-permanent funk. In November, Summers warned in a speech that the economy is trapped by “secular stagnation.” By that, he meant a prolonged period of weak demand and slow growth. If the United States hasn’t already slipped into that period, the CBO predicts it could over the next four years. That’s when the retirements of baby boomers would start to restrain growth.

The economy will expand 2.7 percent in 2017 before declining to an average of 2.2 percent through 2024, the CBO estimates. That’s about as sluggish as the current recovery has been, on average, so far. — AP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

BUSINESS

Arabtec Holding to set up 5 new subsidiaries

Qatar’s QInvest launches Islamic funds in QIB tie-up

Two units to focus on infrastructure projects DUBAI: Dubai-based builder Arabtec Holding , in which Abu Dhabi state fund Aabar owns a major stake, said yesterday it would set up five new subsidiaries as it expands into new markets and infrastructure projects. The move follows Arabtec’s strategic decision to evolve from a local contractor into a multinational development company as its finances are boosted by its relationship with Aabar and a recovery in Dubai’s property market.

Two of the units will focus on infrastructure projects inside and outside the United Arab

Emirates, one will focus on water and energy projects and one will concentrate on the Egyptian market, it said in a bourse statement.

Arabtec’s shares rose 1.6 percent in the early morning trading on Sunday following the announcement.

Arabtec will also set up an investment firm, Arabtec Capital, to provide financial services both to other Arabtec units and outside companies.

Arabtec has been expanding aggressively since the arrival of a new chief executive, Hasan Abdullah Ismaik, early last year. He was backed by Arabtec’s

biggest shareholder, Abu Dhabi’s Aabar. The fund has a 22 percent stake in Arabtec and last week signed a $6 billion contract with the firm.

Arabtec has also won a series of other contracts in Abu Dhabi, including high-profile projects such as development of Abu Dhabi’s main airport and the Louvre museum there, since Aabar began building a major stake in the firm in 2012.

Expanding abroad, Arabtec secured a $1.55 billion contract to build a resort in the Aqaba area of southern Jordan last month. —Reuters

Nigeria faces questions over ‘missing’ oil money LAGOS: Africa’s biggest oil producer Nigeria is facing questions about where billions of dollars in oil money is going, amid suspicions of fraud and it being syphoned off to fund election campaigns.

The issue has been rumbling on since September, when the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation of withholding $49.8 billion in oil revenue.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who steps down as central bank chief in

parliamentary committee.

Nigeria produces about two million barrels of oil per day, and crude exports account for about 80 percent of government revenue.

Government figures indicated it earned some $49 billion in export revenue in 2012, down from $54 billion the previous year.

Some of the funds go into a rainy-day fund, called the Excess Crude Account (ECA), to ensure the government budget is financed in case world oil prices fall sharply.

according to CBN data.

“It’s unfortunate that the government has indulged in a spending jamboree without any noticeable improvement in the standard of living of the people,” said Lagos economist Abolaji Odumesi.

“The ECA is meant to protect Nigeria in the event of price shocks but the purpose for setting the fund aside is now being defeated,” the former banker told AFP. “Those in government are not thinking of tomorrow. They are not bothered

A file picture shows a view of oil giant Shell’s oil and gas terminal on Bonny Island in southern Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Africa’s biggest oil producer Nigeria is facing questions about where billions of dollars in oil money is going, amid suspicions of fraud and it being syphoned off to fund election campaigns. —AFP the coming months, later revised his figures down to $12 billion, sparking claims of political pressure. But this week he again claimed that the state-run NNPC owed the central bank money-this time $20 billion from the $67 billion earned from oil between January 2012 and July 2013.

“It is now up to NNPC... to produce the proof that the $20 billion unremitted either did not belong to the federation or was legally and constitutionally spent,” he told a

Last year, as global oil prices held above $100 per barrel, revenue above a benchmark of $79 per barrel set by the government and lawmakers went into the fund.

According to the latest central bank figures, the ECA held $11.5 billion at the end of 2012, but this had dropped to $2.5 billion in January this year. The reduction comes at the same time as a decrease in foreign reserves. Last May they stood at $48 billion but are now at about $42.7 billion,

about what becomes of the economy if the ECA dries up and there is drop in the international price of crude.”

‘Political agenda’ Nigeria’s influential governors’ forum, led by Rotimi Amaechi of the oil-rich Rivers state, has accused the federal government of unilaterally taking money from the account. The group even went to court to challenge Jonathan’s withdrawal of $1 billion for a new

Sovereign Wealth Fund, set up to invest the savings from the difference in budgeted and actual oil prices.

Suspicions abound that the money has been used to weaken states controlled by the opposition, which has been boosted by the defection of dozens of members from the ruling party.

Amaechi, who switched from Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress last year, has long argued that his state is being short-changed. For their part, the NNPC and the government say the money has gone to legitimate projects and that oil theft and vandalism have contributed to the reduction in revenues. There is a widespread consensus that oiltheft, or “bunkering”, is a problem in Nigeria.

Estimates range up to 150,000 barrels per day being stolen, robbing the exchequer of about $6 billion a year. Anti-corruption campaigners allege the money may have been diverted to fund the 2015 election campaign, which looks set to be the closest since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.

“The Jonathan administration is merely syphoning money to prosecute its re-election agenda,” said Debo Adeniran, of the non-political, non-profit Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders.

“It is absurd that at a period when our oil is sold $30 above the benchmark price, the foreign reserves and excess crude accounts are going down. “The only explanation for this abnormality is that politicians and officials are stashing money for elections.”

Adeniran praised Sanusi for blowing the whistle on what he called a “monumental fraud”, but said it was wrong for the NNPC to have spent the money regardless of how much was involved. “The NNPC has been a haven for corruption and inefficiency in this country,” he said. “It does not have the power to spend any money without appropriation.” —AFP

with QIB. This could boost the distribution capabilites of QInvest, which also has offices in Riyadh and Istanbul, and help tackle a lack of scale that is common across Islamic fund managers. The number of Islamic mutual funds globally reached 786 last year, but close to half of them had less than $10 million in assets and only 80 had more than $100 million in assets, a study by Lipper and Thomson Reuters found.

Despite such statistics, distribution agreements are rare in the sector.

QInvest says initial response from investors to its plan for the new funds has been positive. “We have a had a high level of interest prior to the formal launch and the intention is not to use seed capital for the Shiraa funds,” Ahmed said. Islamic fund managers screen their portfolios according to religious guidelines such as bans on tobacco, alcohol and gambling, in much the same way as socially responsible funds.

According to Lipper data, Islamic mutual funds now hold about $46 billion of assets under management, up from $41 billion at the end of 2012, recovering from a low of $36 billion in 2010. —Reuters

DOHA: Doha-based QInvest and Qatar Islamic Bank have jointly launched a range of multi-manager funds, as the investment firm forges closer ties with its largest shareholder. The three sharia-compliant funds are part of broader plans to launch as many as 30 funds over the next three years on a managed account platform introduced last year by QInvest, which has around $750 million in capital.

The open-ended “Shiraa” funds will be distributed to private and wholesale clients of QIB, the Gulf state’s largest Islamic lender by assets, which holds a 47.15 percent stake in QInvest.

Multi-manager products are appealing because they can cater to investors whose risk appetite may change over time, Ataf Ahmed, head of asset management at QInvest, told Reuters. “There are three versions, each offering a different return profile with different levels of risk, which is reflected through the asset allocation.”

The tie-up is part of a streamlining of QInvest operations, focusing on its investment banking and asset management business lines while building stronger ties

Deutsche Bank found in ‘non-compliance’ with Dubai regulator embroiled in a number of scandals, with a jump in litigation costs partly responsible for the surprise fourth-quarter loss it reported last month.

The investigations include cases related to the sub-prime crisis and the manipulation of Libor interest rates. Co-Chief Executive Anshu Jain has said that it would take much of 2014 to work through the bulk of its legal issues. No fine was handed down as part of its agreement with the Dubai regulator.

Court documents filed in the DIFC Courts on Oct. 31, 2013 showed Deutsche Bank was being investigated over potential breaches of due diligence and assessing clients for money-laundering risks.

The DFSA had sent a first notice to the German bank in July last year asking for information on wealth management client names, account opening dates, details of relationship managers and the level of due diligence performed by the bank, the court documents showed. —Reuters

DUBAI: The regulator of Dubai’s tax-free financial centre said yesterday that Deutsche Bank had been found to be in “material non-compliance” with orders to provide information as part of an investigation into alleged rule breaches. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) had in November last year sued the lender, after almost one year of investigations into the bank’s wealth management division.

An out-of-court agreement between the bank and the Dubai regulator was struck whereby Deutsche Bank will provide the requested documents within 28 days, as well as cover the legal costs of the DFSA, according to a statement from the regulator.

The material non-compliance was declared by the court which covers the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), home to many large global banks and asset management who were attracted by the region’s oil wealth and rapid economic growth.

Deutsche Bank declined to comment.

Germany ’s biggest bank has been

Ivory Coast: Investors stalk African tiger at the end of this year, a diplomatic source said.

French group Bouygues, the top name representing the former French colonial power, is the main company involved in the construction of this enormous example of civil engineering.

ABIDJAN: Ivory Coast is winning the stripes of an African tiger with economic growth of nearly 10 percent less than three years after a bloody crisis, but this performance depends on continued peace and stability. There is talk of an economic “miracle” taking place in the west African country.

The economy expanded by more than 9.8 percent in 2012, by 8.7 percent in 2013 and is expected to achieve 8.0-10.0 percent this year. The government recites these figures to justify its economic strategy, driven by heavy investment in infrastructure financed with credit.

A motorway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro, linking the economic capital to the political capital 230 kilometres (144 miles) away, was opened at last in November. That was 32 years after the first 140 kilometres of the road were opened in 1981. An even more powerful symbol of this development is the third bridge straddling the Abidjan lagoon. This should reduce traffic jams in the city and should add an estimated 1.0 percentage point to annual gross domestic product once construction is finished

‘Remarkable progress’ “The new economic miracle, after the one from the 1960s to 1980s, is evidently possible,” Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan said last month when he opened a forum on investment in Ivory Coast aimed at attracting foreign investment. The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, in remarks by teleconference to the 3,000 people attending, said that the country had achieved “remarkable progress” since 2011.

A diplomat who declined to be named commented that this was not merely a process of “catching up” after poor performance during years of rule by Laurent Gbagbo, who came to power in 2000, but was two years later challenged by an uprising that long split the country in two. —AFP

EXCHANGE RATES Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal transfer Irani Riyal cash Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

ASIAN COUNTRIES 2.770 4.550 2.688 2.166 2.849 225.260 36.556 3.642 6.306 8.660 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 75.657 77.955 737.010 753.550 77.265

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.850 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.309 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.324 Tunisian Dinar 178.590 Jordanian Dinar 400.650 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.903 Syrian Lira 2.022 Morocco Dirham 35.230 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 283.600 Euro 389.670 Sterling Pound 468.370 Canadian dollar 260.180 Turkish lira 128.120 Swiss Franc 318.650 Australian Dollar 256.370 US Dollar Buying 282.400 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

GOLD 240.000 121.000 62.500

UAE Exchange Centre WLL COUNTRY Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

SELL DRAFT 256.83 259.34 318.26 386.56 283.10 466.63 2.85 3.642 4.527 2.170 2.842 2.688 77.15 753.49 40.66 402.92 736.24 78.18 75.62

SELL CASH 253.83 260.34 316.26 387.56 286.10 469.63 2.87 3.912 4.827 2.605 3.377 2.790 77.61 755.56 41.26 408.57 743.54 78.73 76.02

2.975 3.790 85.810 47.080 9.610 127.770

Philippine Peso Sierra Leone Singapore Dollar South African Rand Sri Lankan Rupee Taiwan Thai Baht

0.006495 0.000069 0.220232 0.019635 0.001894 0.009230 0.008315

0.006775 0.000075 0.226232 0.028135 0.002474 0.009410 0.008865

Bahrain Exchange Company

Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Iranian Riyal Iraqi Dinar Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Lebanese Pound Moroccan Dirhams Nigerian Naira Omani Riyal Qatar Riyal Saudi Riyal Syrian Pound Tunisian Dinar Turkish Lira UAE Dirhams Yemeni Riyal

Arab 0.744738 0.037200 0.000078 0.000184 0.395218 1.0000000 0.000138 0.024452 0.001198 0.729552 0.077078 0.074883 0.002170 0.173515 0.124752 0.076123 0.001286

0.752738 0.040300 0.000080 0.000244 0.402718 1.0000000 0.000238 0.048452 0.001833 0.735232 0.078291 0.075583 0.002390 0.181515 0.131752 0.077272 0.001360

Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit Chinese Yuan Renminbi Thai Bhat Turkish Lira

COUNTRY Belgian Franc British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Romanian Leu Slovakia Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Turkish Lira

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 282.950 259.420 464.925 387.045 315.605 747.125 77.015 78.565 76.320 398.760 40.589 2.163 4.536 2.680 3.635 6.284 694.980 3.760

Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar

SELL CASH Europe 0.007361 0.458289 0.006067 0.047666 0.380471 0.041811 0.081716 0.008115 0.039623 0.309466 0.124752 Australasia 0.246250 0.228616

SELLDRAFT 0.008361 0.467289 0.018067 0.052666 0.387971 0.047011 0.81716 0.018115 0.044623 0.319666 0.131752 0.257750 0.238116

Al Mulla Exchange Canadian Dollar US Dollars US Dollars Mint

America 0.251236 0.279100 0.279600

0.259736 0.283450 0.283450

Bangladesh Taka Chinese Yuan Hong Kong Dollar Indian Rupee Indonesian Rupiah Japanese Yen Kenyan Shilling Korean Won Malaysian Ringgit Nepalese Rupee Pakistan Rupee

Asia 0.003384 0.045272 0.034392 0.004079 0.000018 0.002686 0.003367 0.000254 0.082391 0.003076 0.002397

0.003984 0.048772 0.037142 0.004480 0.000024 0.002866 0.003367 0.000269 0.088391 0.003246 0.002677

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) 283.150 384.550 462.850 256.950 4.525 40.315 2.164 3.640 6.235 2.685 753.900 77.100 75.600

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

BUSINESS

Hollande heads to US to boost French economy PARIS: President Francois Hollande begins a three-day visit to the United States yesterday, hoping to leave scandal behind as he seeks to shore up business ties and revive France’s stagnant economy.

Deeply unpopular at home and fresh from a much-publicized split with longtime girlfriend Valerie Trierweiler, Hollande will be hosted for a state dinner and talks with President Barack Obama before jetting to California to meet tech leaders.

Sources in the Elysee say the trip will highlight the “excellent working relationship” between the US and France, but Hollande will also raise a few “irritants”, including concerns over mass US spying in Europe. Hollande and Obama are expected to discuss the war in Syria, Iran’s nuclear programme, Ukraine’s political crisis and security concerns in Africa.

France has played a leading role in African security since Hollande took office in 2012, sending troops to fight Islamist rebels in Mali and to stem unrest in the Central African Republic.

But much of the focus is expected to be on economic questions. Hollande, whose approval ratings are the lowest of any modern French leader, is under intense pressure to revitalize the French economy and reduce an unemployment rate that is at a 15-year high.

After a red-carpet welcome at Andrews Air Force base today, Hollande will attend a state dinner with Obama and First Lady Michelle, which French officials said was to take place “as planned” despite Hollande’s personal woes. The invitation had initially been made to both Hollande and Trierweiler, but the president will be attending alone after his split with the de facto French First Lady last month.

Hollande announced his separation from Trierweiler after revelations of an affair with Julie Gayet, an actress nearly 20 years his junior.

On Tuesday Hollande and Obama hold

official talks at the White House followed by a joint press conference. Paris and Washington have not always seen eye-toeye, most famously when France opposed the Iraq war a decade ago, and this is the first full state visit by a French leader since 1996.

Some tricky issues are expected to come up, including the revelations of widespread spying by the US National Security Agency in Europe and eavesdropping on senior officials like German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In an interview with Time Magazine ahead of the visit, Hollande said the revelations of “practices that should never have existed” had led to a “difficult moment” in US-European ties.

But Elysee sources said Hollande and Obama have a “good personal relationship” and are in “complete agreement on economic questions, with the accent on restarting growth and regulating finance”.

Tomorrow, Hollande meets global financial officials, including International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde, and lunches with US business executives.

On Wednesday he flies to Silicon Valley in San Francisco to see tech chiefs, including the heads of Google, Facebook and Twitter. His talks there are likely to be prickly, after Hollande said Thursday that tax optimization strategies used by Internet giants are “not acceptable”. France, which is reportedly seeking one billion euros ($1.36 billion) in tax from Google, has repeatedly criticized fiscal strategies that funnel revenues through intermediaries registered in low-tax havens like Ireland or Luxembourg.

In other events, Hollande will tomorrow lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery and decorate six World War II veterans.

The visit is Hollande’s second to the United States since taking office, after a meeting in the Oval Office with Obama during a G8 and NATO summit in April 2012, shortly after his election. — AFP

Arms makers try to cash in as Asian disputes escalate SINGAPORE: Asia’s top aerospace and defense show opens tomorrow in Singapore, with major global arms makers seek ing to cash in on rising militar y spending in China and elsewhere as territorial disputes escalate in the region. A wide range of air and maritime attack and surveillance systems will be showcased at the biennial Singapore Airshow, which will also feature the latest developments in commercial aviation, such as Airbus’ A350XWB long-range aircraft.

“The Asia Pacific region is extremely important to us particularly as we broaden our global focus, and Singapore is a key market,” said David Perry, vice president and chief global business development officer at US weapons firm Nor throp Grumman.

“Our objective is to continue to... provide the most advanced capabilities to help meet the region’s defense and security needs,” he said in a press statement ahead of the event, which runs until Sunday.

Among Northrop Grumman’s exhibits is the Triton unmanned aircraft system especially adapted for maritime surveillance.

US firm Lockheed Martin, which makes the F-16 fighter, will also have a big presence to promote anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The defense wings of passenger aircraft makers Boeing and Airbus are also exhibiting their latest wares, including unmanned aerial systems. Among Boeing’s displays is the P-8A Poseidon, which it describes as the world’s most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft.

Airbus will display the C-295 versatile tactical transport plane configured for maritime patrols.

Analysts say the balance of military power is gradually shifting to Asia, with countries beefing up their armed forces as their economies grow and regional tensions simmering because of territorial disputes. China is embroiled in overlapping claims over islands in the South China Sea with Taiwan as well as the Southeast Asian states of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Beijing lays claim to almost the entire sea, including waters close to the shores of its smaller neighbors, and its aggressive moves to enforce its claims have sparked concern over its ambitions.

Diplomatic tensions between Japan

and China are also rising because of a dispute over uninhabited islands in the East Sea which Tokyo refers to as the Senkakus and Beijing calls the Diaoyus.

Meanwhile, the Korean Peninsula remains a potential flashpoint for an armed conflict between South Korea and its nuclear-armed neighbor, North Korea.

Rising defense spending “Asia Pacific is the only region where from 2009 onwards we have seen a steady rise in defense expenditure,” said Craig Caffrey, senior analyst at IHS Jane’s, a defense industry consulting and analysis company.

He said in a report that, based on IHS Jane’s latest projections for defense budgets, the Asia Pacific’s share of the global budget spend would grow to 28 percent, or $474 billion, by the end of the decadeup from the current 24 percent. Caffrey said the region, excluding China, will overtake Western Europe in defense spending by 2015, as Australia, India, Japan and South Korea increase their defense budgets. By 2015, China is forecast to spend $159.6 billion on defense, up from $139.2 billion in 2013.

This will be bigger than the combined defense budgets of Britain, France and Germany projected at $149 billion, it said.

China, which commissioned its first aircraft carrier in 2012 and carried out test flights on a stealth fighter jet, is already the world’s second biggest defense spender after the United States whose budget in 2013 was $582.4 billion, IHS Jane’s said. The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies said in its Military Balance 2014 repor t that in real terms, Asian defense spending was 11.6 percent higher in 2013 than in 2010, while Europe’s expenditures fell by 2.5 percent in the same period.

On the civilian side of the Airshow, commercial deals potentially worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced. Vietnam’s first private airline, VietJetAir, is expected to announce the finalization of an order for 62 Airbus A320 planes worth $6.1 billion, an industry source close to the deal said.

An order for 20 Airbus A380 superjumbos worth $8.0 billion by leasing group Doric Asset Management could also be announced, the source said. The total value of deals during the Airshow’s 2012 edition reached $31 billion, up threefold from 2010, organizers said. — AFP

SINGAPRE: A staff member prepares the replica of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet at the exhibition centre ahead of the Singapore’s Airshow yesterday.—AFP

SINGAPORE: An Airbus A350-900 passes over during a media preview ahead of the Singapore Airshow yesterday. Asia’s top aerospace and defense show opens tomorrow in Singapore with major global arms makers seeking to cash in on rising military spending as territorial disputes escalate in the region. — AFP

Starry-eyed budget carriers in Asia stare at overcapacity AirAsia, Lion Air race to order fuel-efficient jets SINGAPORE: Low-cost carriers are flying high in Southeast Asia on the back of sharp growth in air travel, but as hundreds of new jets swarm into the region concerns are rising about its ability to absorb the record numbers of planes on order.

Southeast Asian carriers have been devouring as many new airplanes as planemakers can sell, gambling that low fares and rising disposable incomes will drive the region’s 600 million-strong population to keep flying to new destinations.

An aircraft buying binge fuelled by cheap interest rates and backed by Western export credits shows few signs of halting, with Vietnam’s VietJetAir and Thailand’s Nok Air both expected to place orders at the Singapore Airshow this week.

But after years of explosive growth, the region’s budget carriers are now facing fears of overcapacity as deliveries accelerate, airlines expand into each other’s markets and currency weakness threatens to puncture economic growth. “This is the only region in the world where airlines have more orders than current fleet and there’s more to come,” said Brendan Sobie, chief analyst at industry consultancy CAPA. Airlines in Southeast Asia are estimated to have a fleet of 1,800 by the end of this year, he said, while their order book is set to surpass the 2,000 mark. Asia-Pacific planes on order make up 36 percent of the world total and the figure is rising, says Airbus.

Already last year, available capacity grew faster than passenger demand in countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, putting pressure on yields or the average revenue per passenger for every kilometre flown. That could extend further in 2014 as carriers in Southeast Asia take delivery of about 230 aircraft worth over $20 billion this year, at a rate close to one new jet every working day.

One such aircraft is a short-haul Boeing 737 now making its way to the region and due to reach Singapore’s SilkAir in time to be shown off at the Feb. 11-16 air show.

The arrival of the airline’s first Boeing symbolizes a price war between planemakers generated

by Asia’s order boom, after SilkAir ditched its previous supplier Airbus.

Order now, pay later One reason many airlines have been ordering at once is that engine improvements now allow significant fuel savings. Ample liquidity provided by money-printing central banks has also made it easier to fund the relatively small upfront payments needed to place headline-grabbing plane orders.

But bankers warn the race to buy efficient aircraft in anticipation of high demand could spell trouble for the sector. “When you run an airline, for

SINGAPORE: A static display of private aircrafts at the exhibition centre ahead of the Singapore’s Airshow yesterday. — AFP reasons which are both economic reasons and prestige, you want a new kit, so you order an aircraft. And if your neighbor orders aircraft, so you order aircraft,” said Bertrand Grabowski who heads German bank DVB’s aviation and land transport finance divisions.

“I wouldn’t call it irrational exuberance but clearly everybody in Asia is ordering aircraft more than they really need,” Grabowski told Reuters in an interview. Most of the aircraft orders come from the region’s two fastest growing airlines - Malaysia’s AirAsia Bhd, run by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, and Lion Air, co-founded by Indonesian businessman turned politician Rusdi Kirana. Both carriers have placed orders for hundreds of Boeing and Airbus aircraft valued at tens of billions of dollars as they race to get Asians flying in a region set to overtake the United States as the biggest aviation market.

Others ordering aircraft include Cebu Pacific, Tiger Airways, 40-percent owned by Singapore Airlines Ltd, Garuda Indonesia’s low-cost unit Citilink, and the Qantas Airways Ltd-owned Jetstar and its affiliates such as Singapore-based Jetstar Asia. In the event that any airline cannot complete an order, there are others waiting in the wings to take their slot.

New deals While Fernandes has dismissed speculation of

Myanma Air to lease up to a dozen Boeing jets SINGAPORE: Myanma Airways is set to order up to a dozen Boeing 737 jets on lease in what appears to be the largest single fleet expansion in Myanmar as the country opens up to business and tourism, aviation industry sources said. The aircraft will be provided by the world’s largest leasing company, General Electric’s aviation leasing arm GECAS, the sources said, asking not to be identified.

The decision is expected to be announced at the Singapore Airshow, which runs from Feb 11 to 16. The airline could not be reached for comment.

Boeing declined to comment. State-run Myanma Airways, which owns 20 percent of flag carrier Myanmar Airways International, currently flies only domestic routes. Experts say the 160-seat Boeing 737 would give the airline flexibility and range to operate internationally. Leasing companies rent aircraft to airlines in exchange for a monthly fee.

Each 737 aircraft is worth around $90 million at list prices when ordered directly from planemaker Boeing.

After years of isolation, Myanmar is seen as one of the last frontiers for aviation in Asia. Passenger numbers are surging as new airlines spring up and foreign carriers rush in. However there are concerns about the lack of infrstracture and the country suffers a poor safety record. Myanma Airways grounded its three Chinese-made Xian MA60s in 2012 after two of the turboprop aircraft suffered accidents on landing within a month, the deputy head of the Department of Civil Aviation told Reuters last year. — Reuters

an aircraft order bubble in Asia, AirAsia’s profits have taken a knock due to a gruelling price war in its home market, stoked by Lion affiliate Malindo and competition from Malaysian Airlines. AirAsia has termed competition in Malaysia and Thailand as “irrational”.

Kirana, the head of Lion Air which does not disclose profits, believes consolidation in the sector is “inevitable” given the large number of companies in the low-cost market. Recently, Tiger Airways agreed to sell its Philippine operations to dominant carrier, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia’s Philippine unit bought into smaller Zest Air. Such concerns are unlikely to get much of a public airing at this week’s aerospace event, where deals may be signed for between 100 and 200 jets worth $10-20 billion - albeit far below the record $200 billion seen in Dubai in November.

Manufacturers are perennially upbeat and Boeing is expected to reiterate confidence in long-term Asian demand this week. “Nobody is going to place a future order unless they know that whatever they are taking in today is being absorbed in the market at a reasonable yield and a reasonable load factor level,” said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ vice president, Asia-Pacific and India sales. “I wouldn’t say the party is ending in the near-term but the rate of growth will slow down.” — Reuters

Struggling cargo business dragging down Asia airlines SINGAPORE: Top Asian airlines’s profit margins are being eroded by a struggling air cargo business, even as they capitalize on increasing passenger demand, industry executives said yesterday. Languid global economic growth and freight capacity oversupply brought on by new deep-bellied planes is hammering carriers with dedicated cargo businesses, the insiders said ahead of the Singapore Airshow.

“The biggest worry of the airlines industry right now is probably cargo,” Tony Tyler, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), told reporters in the city-state. “For the big airlines in this region (Asia) it is a very important component of their revenue mix,” he said.

Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence show opens tomorrow and will run until Sunday. Last week IATA said air freight traffic rose by 1.4 percent in 2013 compared to the previous year, supported by rising activity from Middle Eastern and Latin American carriers. Asia-Pacific carriers, which have nearly 40 percent of the global freight market, however saw volumes drop 1.0 percent, while capacity rose 0.8 percent.

Passenger demand rose 5.2 percent compared to 2013 while capacity rose 4.8 percent. Bigger planes are catering for a growing number of passengers. Andrew Herdman, the director-general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, said major regional airlines with separate cargo businesses are bearing the brunt of the slump in the industry since the 2008 global financial crisis.

“The people who are really suffering in

the cargo business are the ones operating big fleets of dedicated freighters and that includes Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, among others,” Herdman told AFP. Singapore Airlines’ freight arm SIA Cargo operates nine Boeing B747-400 freighters. Cathay Pacific has a fleet of 25 freighters while Korean Air has 26, according to data on the carriers’ websites.

IATA’s Tyler said full-service carriers could boost revenue by capitalizing on growing demand for ancillary services such as a la carte food on planes. According to IATA, revenue from ancillary services per departing passenger is likely to rise to around 10 percent this year, from zero percent in 2007.

Tyler also said it was too early to tell whether the airlines industry would be affected by the recent sell-off in emerging markets. Commercial deals potentially worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced at the six-day Singapore Airshow.

Vietnam’s first private airline, VietJetAir, is expected to announce the finalization of an order for 62 Airbus A320 planes worth $6.1 billion, an industry source close to the deal said. An order for 20 Airbus A380 superjumbos worth $8.0 billion by leasing group Doric Asset Management could also be announced, the source said. Around 1000 companies are participating in this year’s edition of the event, which occurs every two years.

The total value value of deals during its 2012 edition reached $31 billion, up threefold from 2010, organizers said. —AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

BUSINESS

Oil jumps as supplies tighten Global weekly international report KUWAIT: Crude oil prices rose fueled by a sharp rally in gasoline as supplies tightened and refiners started to shut down plants for maintenance. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude oil settled at $99.88 a barrel, up by $2.39 for the week. In London, Brent crude settled at $109.57, up by $3.17.

NYMEX RBOB gasoline settled at $2.7489 a gallon, for the week, the contract rose by 0.12 cents. NYMX heating oil fell by $0.23 and settled at $3.0503.

West Africa’s daily oil exports to Asia are set to rise above 2mn barrels in February as some crude normally bound for US and European markets is sent east instead, a Reuters survey showed. The region, which includes Africa’s top oil producers Nigeria and Angola, shipped around 1.86mn barrels per day (bpd) in January. A total of 60 shipments were booked for February loading, the survey showed, with exports to Taiwan rising to 6 cargoes from 4 in January. Exports to India were also higher, with five cargoes booked compared with 4 the previous month. China, the world’s top energy consumer, took 32 cargoes, unchanged from January.

US stocks of distillates fell 2.4mn barrels last week, more than expected, and inventories of the fuels on the East Coast fell to their lowest level since April 2003, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed. Distillates inventories, which include fuels used for heating homes, fell 2mn barrels on the East Coast to 27.5mn barrels as freezing weather gripped the region. Nationwide, they amounted to 114mn barrels. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 1.6mn barrel draw. US crude oil inventories rose 440,000 barrels to 358mn barrels, a far smaller build than the 2.3mn barrel rise expected by analysts polled by Reuters. At Cushing, crude stocks fell 1.6mn barrels to 40.3mn barrels. The refinery utilization rate there fell to 86 percent of capacity, the lowest since April 2013.

Natural gas prices fell, ending three percent lower for the week and retreating further from four-year highs hit earlier this week as milder weather was expected to temper heating demand. On the New York Mercantile Exchange settled lower at $4.775 per mmbtu falling $0.239. A report from the EIA showed natural gas inventories fell by 262 billion cubic feet (bcf ) last week, less than the 270 bcf drop forecast by a Reuter’s poll of analysts, giving the market cause to sell after the recent rally. Storage levels have dropped steeply during the coldest winter in decades, sending ripples across the market.

The euro rallies President Mario Draghi said there is no Euro-zone deflation problem, following the bank’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged and wait for more data before taking action. The British Pound fell for a second week against the US dollar as reports showing UK manufacturing and services slowed last month strengthened the case for the Bank of England to keep interest rates at a record low. sterling posted its biggest weekly loss versus the Euro in almost a year after the central bank kept the benchmark interest rate at 0.5 percent.

US jobless rate in January and job gains for the prior month were barely revised up. Nonfarm payrolls rose only 113,000, the Labor Department said. But with construction recording the largest increase in jobs in almost seven years, cold weather probably was not a major factor in January. The second straight month of weak hiring marked by declines in retail, utilities, government, and education and health employment. December payrolls were raised only 1,000 to 75,000. The jobless rate dropped a tenth of a percentage point to 6.6 percent last month, the lowest since October 2008. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls increasing 185,000 last month and the unemployment rate to hold steady at 6.7 percent.

New orders for US factory goods outside of the volatile transportation sector rose for a third straight month in December. The Commerce Department said that nontransportation orders gained 0.2 percent last month after rising 0.3 percent in November and 0.1 percent in October.

Overall factory orders, however, dropped 1.5 percent, the largest fall since July, weighed down by a plunge in bookings for transportation equipment. A report earlier from the Institute for Supply Management had shown the largest drop in orders in more than 30 years.

Applications for US home mortgages rose as refinancing applications gained in the latest week.

The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage application activity, which includes both refinancing and home purchase demand, rose 0.4 percent to 405.2 in the week ended January 31. The MBA’s seasonally adjusted index of refinancing applications rose 2.9 percent. The gauge of loan requests for home purchases fell 3.8 percent.

US trade deficit widened more than expected in December as exports fell. The Commerce Department said the trade gap increased 12 percent to USD38.7bn.

November’s shortfall on the trade balance was revised to $34.6bn from the previously reported $34.3bn. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the trade deficit widening to $36.0bn in December. For all of 2013, the trade deficit was $471.5bn, the

smallest since 2009. When adjusted for inflation, the trade gap rose to $49.5bn in December from $45.0bn the prior month.

In December, exports dropped 1.8 percent to $191.3bn. However, petroleum exports hit a record high in December. Imports edged up 0.3 percent to $230.0bn in December. Imports of consumer goods hit a record high, but the impact was limited by a fall in the average price of imported crude oil, which hit its lowest level since February 2011.

Europe The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged, holding off fresh policy action to combat the threat of deflation while it waits for new staff forecasts next month. The ECB held its main interest rates at 0.25 percent. It also left unchanged the deposit rate it pays on bank deposits at 0.0 percent, and held its marginal lending facility - or emergency borrowing rate - at 0.75 percent.

Euro-zone factories enjoyed their strongest month since mid-2011 in January as new orders flooded in, prompting them to take on new staff for the first time in two years. The increase was led by a sharp pickup in Germany and a revival in the eurozone’s periphery members, but a continuing downturn in France remained a drag on the region. Markit’s final euro-zone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 54.0 last month, pipping an earlier flash reading of 53.9 and comfortably ahead of December’s 52.7. The eurozone’s retail sales fell 1 percent in the month compared to the same period a year ago, the EU’s statistics office Eurostat said, while economists polled by Reuters expected a 1.5 percent increase. Compared to November last year, December’s figures were also worse than expected, showing a 1.6 percent fall when economists forecast just a 0.5 percent dip.

Rises in new orders, output and employment drove the strongest growth in German manufacturing in January in more than 2-1/2 years; in a sign Europe’s largest economy began the year on a solid footing.

Markit’s PMI for the German manufacturing sector rose to 56.5 in January from 54.3 in December. The final reading was the highest since May 2011 and slightly higher than the preliminary estimate of 56.3. German exports unexpectedly fell on the month in December, breaking a run of four consecutive gains and dropping more than imports, narrowing the trade surplus. Data from the Federal Statistics Office showed seasonallyadjusted exports were down 0.9 percent compared with the forecast in a Reuter’s poll for them to inch up 0.8 percent.

Imports also dropped unexpectedly in December, by 0.6 percent. They were forecast to rise 1.2 percent. The seasonallyadjusted trade surplus narrowed to EUR18.5bn from a revised EUR18.9bn in November.

The swift upturn in British factory activity eased slightly in January but orders from home and abroad flooded in at a faster rate. Markit’s UK PMI slipped to 56.7 in January from December’s downwardly revised 57.2, slightly short of analysts’ expectations for 57.0. The new export orders index rose to 57.5 in January from December’s 54.4, its highest level since February 2011. Markit said factories cited improved demand from North America, Europe, Asia, Brazil and the Middle East. The Bank of England kept its monetary policy unchanged as it worked on a new plan to steer interest rate expectations after its previous one was overtaken by Britain’s strong economic recovery.

BoE leaves bank rate at 0.5% The BoE did not state in its policy announcement, as some traders expected it would, that it would reinvest proceeds of GBP8bn ($13bn) worth of government bonds bought through its quantitative easing program, which are due to mature a day after the next meeting in March.

Japan Japan’s index of coincident economic indicators rose a preliminary 1.0 point in December from the previous month. The index of leading economic indicators, compiled using data such as the number of job offers and consumer sentiment and a gauge of the economy a few months ahead, rose 1.1 points from November.

China The PMI for China’s non-manufacturing sector slipped for a third straight month in January due to a slowdown in the real estate sector. The index dropped to 53.4 percent last month, the lowest since February 2012, from 54.6 percent in December, according to official figures released. In January, the new export orders index rose 0.7 percentage point month on month to 50.1 percent, while the index for business outlook dropped 0.6 percentage point to 58.1 percent.

India The seven-month downturn in Indian services sector activity eased in January but input prices continued their relentless climb. The HSBC Services PMI, compiled by Markit, rose to 48.3 in January from 46.7 in December. While the reading is the highest in seven months, it has been stuck below the 50 mark for just as long. In contrast to the services PMI showed Indian factories had a good start to 2014 with activity growing at its quickest pace in nearly a year.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

BUSINESS

Barclays launches probe after customer data leak LONDON: Barclays said it had launched an investigation after a newspaper reported that the personal details of 27,000 customers had been stolen and sold, raising the prospect of new fines for the bank.

Confidential information on customers’ earnings and health as well as passport details had ended up for sale, The Mail on Sunday reported, citing data provided to it by a whistleblower.

Barclays said it had notified regulators and started an investigation, the initial findings of which suggested the files were linked to the Barclays Financial Planning business which closed in 2011.

“This appears to be criminal action and we will co-operate with the authorities on pursuing the perpetrator,” the bank said in a statement yesterday. The data leak is a new blow for the British bank after a string of scandals for mis-selling payment protection insurance and manipulating benchmark interest rates, which have resulted in billions of pounds in fines and compensation payouts.

The bank could face new fines should it be found at fault over this data leak.

Britain’s data privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), can impose fines of up to 500,000 pounds for serious breaches of the country’s data protection rules, while Britain’s financial

watchdog, The Financial Conduct Authority, has the power to impose unlimited fines. The ICO said in a statement that it would be working with the newspaper and police to find out what has happened.

The Mail on Sunday said it had been shown 2,000 files on the bank’s customers some of which were 20 pages long and containing some of the individuals’ attitudes to risk. The whistleblower said there were 25,000 more files on a database.

According to the newspaper, the stolen data is worth millions on the black market because it allows rogue brokers to target people in investment scams.

Barclays thanked the Mail on Sunday for bringing the data leak to its attention.

“Protecting our customers’ data is a top priority and we take this issue extremely seriously,” Barclays said in its statement. “We would like to reassure all of our customers that we have taken every practical measure to ensure that personal and financial details remain as safe and secure as possible.”

Barclays has been trying to rebuild its reputation after becoming the first bank fined for its part in a global scam to manipulate Libor benchmark interest rates in 2012. The Libor scandal led to the resignation of chief executive Bob Diamond and chairman Marcus Agius. — Reuters

Gulf markets benefit from improved global backdrop MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: A favorable global backdrop lifted all major stock markets in the Middle East yesterday while strong earnings and positive newsflow from the property sector put bourses in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the pack.

Abu Dhabi’s index surged 2.2 percent and Dubai’s measure was up 1.1 percent, both aided by property and related sectors as well as small-cap stocks which are popular among retail investors.

“Part of it obviously was due to a good lead from the international markets,” said Amer Khan, fund manager at Shuaa Asset Management. Global equity markets surged on Friday as investors set aside any fear of economic softness after a weak US jobs report.

But the UAE’s bourses are also being supported by recent quarterly earnings reports and a recovery in property prices which has enabled local companies to revive previously frozen projects and expand aggressively into new sectors and foreign markets. Dubai builder Arabtec, whose shares had already surged earlier this month on news of a $6 billion contract, gained another 3.0 percent on Sunday after announcing plans to branch out into infrastructure, water, energy and financial services.

“Earnings in the UAE have been quite supportive of the rally that we’ve seen thus far,” Khan said, adding that investors expect the remaining fourthquarter financial reports to be positive as well. Abu Dhabi’s First Gulf Bank was among the top gainers yesterday, jumping 6.3 percent. It announced its highest ever quarterly profit at the end of January and hiked its annual dividend by 20 percent; last week, it announced plans to build an investment banking business.Qatar’s index closely trailed Dubai and gained 1.0 percent. Generous dividend payments by Qatari firms traditionally attract investors during the earnings season. Analysts also say Qatar, along with Oman which gained 0.7 percent yesterday, is popular among local investors who look for safe havens after booking profits in more volatile markets.

Saudi Arabia’s index added 0.5 percent with gains in most sectors. However, it remains the Gulf’s laggard with a rise of just 3.3 percent so far this year, following a crackdown late last year on illegal immigrants who make up a significant part of local workforce. In the short term at least, the crackdown has made finding workers harder for some companies and driven up their costs. — Reuters

Dark clouds hover over Mallya’s empire MUMBAI: More than a year after one of India’s top airlines, Kingfisher, stopped flying, its flamboyant owner Vijay Mallya is battling against losing control of his $2.2-billion corporate empire. Mallya, once the self-proclaimed “King of Good Times”, made his fortune in the liquor business and controls a conglomerate spanning beer, airlines, fertilisers and engineering.

But in several firms in his United Breweries Group, 58-year-old Mallya’s ownership has substantially shrunk, while in others, large portions of his holdings are pledged with banks-and in some cases are starting to be sold off. “The legacy of the empire, which he inherited from his dad, is at risk,” said a Mumbai-based analyst from a group that has lent to Mallya’s companies, asking not to be named.

Mallya, owner of a Formula One team and host of lavish yacht parties with Bollywood stars and politicians as guests, was India’s 29th richest man in 2007, worth an estimated $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. But pressure on Mallya has mounted over the past two years since Kingfisher Airlines’ fortunes went into a downward spiral, hit by high fuel prices, fierce competition and heavy interest costs.

The company, which has never made a profit since it began flying in 2005, owes vast sums to banks, airports, fuel suppliers and staff, while owners of Kingfisher’s grounded planes have taken them back.

Bitter legal battle Last year, banks which say they lent more than $1.5 billion to Kingfisher started demanding immediate repayment after Mallya failed to come up with a convincing airline revival plan. Mallya is now in a bitter legal battle with lenders to prevent them from selling properties and assets given as security against loans, which the banks say include his beloved personal villa in Goa. As part of a money-raising strategy, Mallya in 2012 abandoned control of his United Spirits to British drinks group Diageo-although a court has since annulled the decision in response to a petition from Kingfisher creditors chasing their dues.

Meanwhile, Dutch brewer Heineken last year upped its holding in United Breweries, which makes Kingfisher beer, to near 39 percent, overtaking Mallya’s stake. “These are difficult times for the Mallya group,” said Sonam Udasi, head of research at Mumbai brokerage IDBI Capital.

Mallya took over the United Breweries group in 1983 when he just 28 after his father died. After re-launching the Kingfisher beer brand and consolidating arms of the business, he expanded into aviation. Mallya is reportedly still keen to find an outside investor to get Kingfisher back into the air, a year after India liberalised investment rules for foreign airlines, but no deals have materialised.

Airline staff, some of whom have not been paid for 15 months, have little faith in his intentions. “If he wants to shut the airline, do so. But pay us first,” a Kingfisher engineer, asking not to be named, told AFP. Low-key birthday There is also talk Mallya may also end up a minority shareholder in his fertiliser business, Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers. As Mallya struggles to stay on top of his business, his appearances have become rarer-he celebrated his birthday in uncharacteristically low-profile style at his south Mumbai home in December. Kingfisher spokesman Prakash Mirpuri declined to comment on Mallya’s financial future, although analysts say it may be too early to write his empire’s epitaph.

Forbes magazine in October said Mallya’s net worth had halved to $750 million, but that rising stock prices of United Breweries have kept him “afloat”. In need of cash to recover their dues, lenders are eyeing Mallya’s personal properties, analysts say-but this would depend on the extent, if any, of Mallya’s personal guarantees for the loans.

Mallya has argued that it is the airline that owes money, and not him personally. In India, recovery of sums through the legal system is time-consuming but “it’s better than countries like China and Indonesia,” said H. Jayesh, founder-partner at advocate firm Juris Corp. India’s government has told banks to be firm against “wilful defaulters”-those able but unwilling to pay or who have diverted loan proceeds for unstated purposes.

Mallya has not yet been declared a defaulter. But both the Reserve Bank of India and the government want to send a message to corporate India that the country cannot “afford to have affluent promoters and ‘sick’ companies”, the finance minister said last year.

Banks could recover dues from Mallya if they are “really serious and there is no political interference”, said Jayesh. But “it will take time as you will need to go after individuals and their assets around the world”, he said.—AFP

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar poses with the newly launched BMW i8 at the 12th Auto Expo in Greater Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi. — AFP

India luxury car market speeds up despite slump Automakers see ‘huge headroom’ for growth GREATER NOIDA, India: German giant Mercedes admits it was “a little surprised” when Indian customers snapped up 125 of its new top-of-the-line S-Class luxury cars costing $250,000 apiece in just 16 days. India’s auto industry has skidded onto an icy patch and is set for a second straight year of decline, but one segment still accelerating is luxury cars. Analysts at India’s premier auto fair in the capital’s suburb of Greater Noida last week said for the “really rich”, economic downturns have a “negligible impact” on their luxury spending.

The wealthy are much less sensitive to high interest rates and are more resilient overall to downturns, say analysts. “Luxury cars sales are still growing at 15-percent-plus year-on-year. For the next three years, segment growth is expected to continue at 15 percent upwards,” noted a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry and market research firm IMRB International.

Sales have gone into overdrive for parts of the luxury auto segment. Daimler AG’s Mercedes Benz, for instance, saw sales rocket 32 percent year-on-year in India, despite punitive import tariffs.

Still, “while we believe strongly in our product, we were a little surprised when we sold 125 S-Class cars in 16 days-and this was to customers who bought them sight unseen”, Mercedes-Benz India chief executive Eberhard Kern said. The cars purchased were the Indian launch edition of Mercedes’ latest luxury S-Class sedan, priced at 15.7 million rupees ($250,000).

In sharp contrast, passenger car sales are set to slump close to 10 percent in this financial year to March 2014, forecasts the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), after years of growing around 30 percent. The market has been hit by high borrowing costs and receding consumer confidence amid economic growth of just 4.5 percent-half the rate seen during India’s boom times.

Big spenders But while India staggers from its worst downturn in a decade, previous years of rapid growth have created a new moneyed class who are buying prestige marques and keeping the segment above water.

“Economic downturns have a negligible impact on luxury consumers... and income levels overall have been rising,” Shrawan Raja of Indian Autos Blog, an Indian motoring portal, told AFP. Although World Bank figures show 33 percent of the planet’s poorest call India home, the

NEW DELHI: Ola Kallenius (left), division board member of Mercedes-Benz marketing and sales, and Eberhard Keon, managing director and CEO of Mercedes India limited, pose with the newly launched GLA-class the 12th Auto Expo in Greater Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi. —AFP country also has minted 65 dollar billionaires, by 168 percent by 2018, according to consultanaccording to Forbes, and hundreds of thousands cy IHS. The market “is still in its nascent stages,” but will be “very important for the future”, of dollar millionaires.

A decade ago, the lone luxury car common- Mercedes’ Kern told AFP, adding, “Headroom for ly spotted on India’s famously congested, pot- the market to grow is huge”. In mature markets, holed roads was Mercedes, the first premium luxury cars account for 10 to 15 percent of sales, carmaker to open shop in 1995. But now Audis, while in India “just two out of every 100 cars Jaguars, Bentleys, Aston Martins, Porches and sold” is a premium vehicle, Audi overseas sales other top badges regularly weave through traf- vice-president Terence Johnson said.

“We’ve 10 top priority markets which are fic. The big spenders are top executives, ex-farmers who’ve sold property for vast sums to devel- strategic long-term and India’s one of them,” opers and a younger, wealthy generation with Johnson added. Smaller cities and rural areas different values from their frugal parents who are also developing strongly as markets. Delhi shied away from “conspicuous consumption”, and Mumbai account for 45 percent of Mercedes’ sales while the rest come from smaller analysts say.

“There has been an attitudinal change to centres, said Kern, adding more women are optspending money-making this a more hospitable ing for luxury cars, especially sporty, smaller variplace for luxury automakers,” Anil Sharma, senior ants. Analysts say bringing in entry-level luxury research analyst at IHS Automotive consultancy, cars is a smart move, noting people are usually told AFP. India’s luxury car market is still tiny-the hooked for life once they buy one. “When a custotal sold by the big luxury players in India, tomer graduates to luxury cars, they don’t go Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Jaguar LandRover, back to mass-market nameplates,” said IHS’s was 30,100. But that number is forecast to climb Sharma.—AFP

Sliding rand boosts and burdens S African firms Rand currency hit more than five-year low JOHANNESBURG: For corporate South Africa, the tumbling rand has been both a blessing and a curse: a windfall for mining houses, it has also saddled domestic manufacturers and retailers with higher costs and weaker consumer demand.

The currency free fall has left a raft of companies - including mobile operator Vodacom and the local arm of Toyota Motor Corp - scrambling to contain the damage. The government says it may even need to step in to support drugmakers. For exporting

mining companies such as AngloGold Ashanti and firms with extensive overseas revenue, such as media group Naspers, the weaker currency appears to be an unequivocal positive, boosting profits when overseas earnings are brought home.

Yet that’s just half the story, according to Dennis Dykes, chief economist at Nedbank in Johannesburg. “Even on the export side, it leads to higher inflation, higher fuel costs and higher capital goods costs,” he said. “It’s not a complete no-brainer, even for the

exporters.”

The impact is even worse for companies focused on the domestic economy, who are stuck with higher costs without the benefit of foreign exchange revenue. Battered by the global retreat from emerging markets and worries about the fragility of Africa’s largest economy, the rand hit a more than five-year low last month, even as the central bank raised its benchmark rate to 5.5 percent from 5 percent. It is down about 8 percent this year, after an 18 percent slide in 2013.

Global supplies Vodacom Group, the South African unit of Britain’s Vodafone Plc, is negotiating with its global suppliers to bring down prices because of the weaker rand, Chief Financial Officer Ivan Dittrich said on a call with analysts this week. The bulk of its capital expenditure and a “meaningful” amount of its operating expenses, particularly network costs, are denominated in foreign currencies, he said.

“It’s a pity,” Vodacom Chief Executive Shameel Joosub said on the conference call. “Because obviously we could get more equipment if the rand was more stable.” While Vodacom

hedges its rand exposure and has some operations outside South Africa, it reaps more than 80 percent of its revenue from home, unlike rival MTN Group, whose vast African and MiddleEastern operations ensure a big lift from the weaker rand.

Adcock Ingram, a drugmaker largely focused on the domestic market, has also been squeezed by a spike in expenses. South Africa’s secondlargest pharma company, Adcock warned last month first-half profits will likely fall by at least 20 percent, citing pressure from inflation, including higher wages, and the increased cost of importing drug ingredients.

The rand’s fall could prompt Pretoria to increase the price caps it sets for drugs, said Anban Pillay, the deputy director general at the Department of Health. “If the rand continues to slide, certainly the case for that becomes stronger and stronger,” he said, but declined to say how much the currency would have to decline to trigger an increase. The last time the government allowed such a price hike was in 2008, when the rand tumbled by as much as 73 percent before finishing the year down by more than 50 percent.—-Reuters

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

BUSINESS Changing fortunes for the Middle East

Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive celebrates February with customers gift package on Chevrolet vehicles

By Simon Williams Chief Economist, Middle East & North Africa, HSBC

T

his has been a decade of extremes for the Middle East and North Africa - extreme wealth for the Gulf but extreme instability for the Arab Spring nations and their neighbors. However, we think the drivers of economic performance will change for the second half of the decade.

The challenges will be pronounced as the Arab Spring states work through the enormous costs imposed by the 2011 revolutions. But with the support of allies overseas, and with more effective government in place, 2015 could be the year when the decline in fortunes slowly starts to reverse.

For Egypt, we are less convinced than many of a 2014 turnaround, despite aid flows, a security crackdown and early indicators of better economic performance: antiregime protests, sporadic violence and a gaping divide in public opinion persist. However, 2015 offers hope.

Both Egypt and Tunisia plan to have permanent elected parliaments, governments and presidents in place by the end of this year, paving the way for a normalization of financial conditions, a resumption of economic activity and gradual recoveries.

It is far more difficult to construct a positive outlook for states such as Iraq and Syria, which have become entrenched in sectarian violence, or for those such as Lebanon whose fortunes have become hostage to events across their borders. But evidence of a thaw in relations between the West and Iran for the first time since the 1979 Iranian revolution offers some prospect for an easing of sectarian tensions But if recent years have been characterized by instability for Egypt and its neighbors, for the Gulf, they have been defined by abundance. It has been a long cycle.

Since oil prices began rising in 2003, the wealth commanded by the Gulf’s major commodity exporters has soared. We estimate the GCC states’ GDP reached $1,700bn at the end of last year - a fivefold increase in a decade. Dollar-denominated GDP increased by an average of 17 percent every year apart from during the global financial crisis in 2009. Per capita income has more than doubled since 2003 to $35,000, placing the GCC on a par with the wealthy states of the West.

But while the drivers of the cycle have been powerful, they are also finite. Initially the surge in oil earnings set the rhythm for growth. Then, as oil prices stabilized at around $100 a barrel, domestic demand was driven by the rapid increase in domestic absorption of petroleum wealth through sharply rising oil-funded public spending. However, as budget surpluses give way to deficit, that phase too may end.

The change in cycle will not be abrupt. The region’s oil-exporting states have generated cumulative budget surpluses of $1,200bn over the past decade, allowing them to pay down debt and build up reserves. That position of strength should ensure they are well placed to manage any deficit. It should also mean there is no pressure for abrupt public-sector cuts and that solvency ratios remain robust.

But Bahrain and Algeria, the region’s two poorest oil states, have been recording fiscal shortfalls since 2009: now Saudi Arabia and Oman seem to be sounding more cautious notes in their 2014 budgets. Expansionary spending policies implemented over recent years mean the other oil exporters will see surpluses shrink - if not turn to deficit - over the second half of the decade. Any drop in oil prices on the back of, say, an Iran deal would accelerate this process.

The shift in tone will not be equal. The economies with the highest oil exports per capita - Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait - should see large budget surpluses continuing to accrue into 2015, prolonging the cycle of plenty. For the others, however, the pressure will begin to mount.

Accumulated savings and net creditor positions - as well as political motive to maintain current policies - will preclude a painful contraction in spending and growth.

However, tightening at the margins for all but the wealthiest oil exporters should cast the spotlight onto a private sector that we think is still not ready to take over as primary growth driver.

Without a rapid acceleration in reform, we suspect the private sector will struggle to fill the gap left by slowing public-spending growth and, as a consequence, the Gulf’s economic growth will slow.

Spain’s shadow economy flourishes in downturn MADRID: About 40 men pace around on a busy Madrid square to keep warm as they wait to be hired for the day at building sites across the Spanish capital. Every day at 6:00 am Carlos Gonzalez, who moved to Spain from Peru in 2004, arrives at the Plaza Eliptica in southwestern Madrid, a meeting place for electricians, plumbers and other construction workers looking for work in Spain’s underground economy. “Many of us had contracts at good companies but now this is all that is left for us,” said the 35-year-old, who has struggled to find stable work since Spain’s decade-long property bubble burst in 2008.

A van pulls up and several job seekers surround it. After a brief negotiation two men board the vehicle leaving the other candidates behind.

“We have to survive because we have children and apartments to pay,” Gonzalez said. Spain’s shadow economy-where cash is king, there are no contracts and the taxman is cut out of the equation-is flourishing amid an economic downturn that has pushed the jobless rate to 26 percent. Economists estimate Spain’s underground economy equals 25 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. The parallel economy “unfortunately is a longtime problem” in Spain, which “has worsened due to the economic crisis”, said Santos Nogales of the UGT, Spain’s second-largest labor union.

“Undeclared work does not distinguish between nationalities. It touches immigrants and many Spaniards,” he added. Viorel Draghici, a 40-year-old Romanian tiler, said he was recently paid 50 euros a day under the table over four days working to renovate someone’s bathroom.

In his previous position running his own building company, he would have charged 1,000 euros for the job. “They take you and they pay you by the day. There are no contracts,” nor any social security, he said at the Plaza Eliptica. —AFP

KUWAIT: Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the exclusive Chevrolet distributor in Kuwait, is pleased to celebrate February with their customers by launching the exciting promotion on all Chevrolet vehicles whereby every customer will have the choice between a KD 500 voucher for car accessories from KromOzone, or a 3-year /60,000 km maintenance& third party insurance& free registration &1,000 liters of fuel or a KD 350 from X-cite by Alghanim Electronics upon the purchase of a Chevrolet Vehicle.

The Chevrolet Captiva is a vehicle that offers customers a choice of two engines: 2.4 L, a four-cylinder engine that runs at 169 hp or a 3.0 L, 6-cylinder engine that reaches 264 hp. The Captiva is equipped with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that performs at different speeds in a smooth manner to make the driving experience more comfortable and enjoyable. The new Chevrolet Captiva offers enough space for up to seven occupants or for a maximum of 1,577 liters of luggage .The new Captiva also includes Bluetooth, CD, USB and MP3 System to provide all entertainment needs.

The Chevrolet Malibu, another vehicle in the promotion, redefines the mid-size segment in Kuwait, with expressive styling, interior refinements, outstanding ride and handling, and 5 star safety. The Chevrolet Malibu is available in a 3.0 V6 engine generating 258 hp and a 2.4L, 4 Cylinder engine generating 170 hp. The Malibu comes equipped with ambi-

ent lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, Personal Device Integration Module, LED Tail lights ,Mylink infotainment system and remote start and offers best in class cost of maintenance.

The offer also includes the elegant Chevrolet Cruze, a car that continues to evolve into one of Chevrolet’s most impressive vehicles in its segment, offering competitive amenities, quietness, safety features and space expected of a larger sedan, but still providing the efficiency and value of a compact car. The Cruze is powered with a 1.8L engine that generates 140 hp and equipped with ABS, Stabilitrak, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, rearview camera, cruise control, push start engine and Mylink infotainment system that provides a touch screen interface for all entertainment needs.

Apart from allowing one to access MP3 files, iPods, iPads and more, the MyLink system seamlessly integrates a smartphone’s capabilities into the vehicle via USB or Bluetooth.

Yusuf A.Alghanim & Sons Automotive is also proud to present the Special Edition of Chevrolet Tahoe that comes with an exceptional array of features that give the Tahoe a distinct look. The Special Edition Tahoe is the ideal choice for individuals who wish to drive a vehicle that reflects their own, individual vision of what the perfect car is. The Special Edition Chevrolet Tahoe comes with special features that include: unique xenon headlight, special LED taillights, chrome grille door handles, chrome mirror covers and rear

hatch cover which give Tahoe an exceptional presence on the road.

Rugged, powerful and lean, the Tahoe is the ideal SUV that contains features sought by the youth, fans of powerful cars, top executives as well as families who seek spacious, solid cars that conveniently and comfortably transport them downtown or carry them through the great outdoors. Tahoe is equipped with an 8-cylinder, 5.3-liter V8 engine with 6speed automatic transmission with overdrive that reaches up to 320 hp. The Tahoe has proven to be the ultimate vehicle of choice for any need or want due to its rich features and security measures that comprise of eight airbags, ABS, Stabilitrak, Cruise Control and remote engine starter.

Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive is committed to offering an exceptional shopping and ownership experience, a factor that is furthered by the company’s excellent products and services that cater to customers’ every need and want. The company grounds itself in Chevrolet’s promise that vows to provide customers with unmatchable customer service, transparency as well as efficient, effective and genuine service, elements that affirm the company’s position as a pioneer in the vehicle industry.

Drop by any of Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive showrooms to benefit from this valuable offer by choosing a new Chevrolet car the best suits your needs, wants and lifestyle.

Soor Fuel Marketing launches new packaging

SARAJEVO: A yellow “Police Crime Scene” tape surrounds Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency building in the country’s capital Sarajevo yesterday. Several hundred people continued to protest in Sarajevo, demanding from politicians of all levels of government to resign. —AFP

Poverty, joblessness underpin Bosnia’s bloody riots SARAJEVO: The failure of Bosnia’s political leaders to address grinding poverty and growing unemployment has prompted the first violent protests since the 1992-95 war, with dire warnings of worse to come. Starting in the northeastern industrial hub of Tuzla last week, the protests spread across the country, turning into riots that left hundreds injured and government buildings in flames.

The international High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, even raised the prospect of sending in European Union soldiers if the unrest intensified.

“If the situation escalates, we will possibly have to think about EU troops. But not right now,” he told the Austrian Kurier newspaper yesterday. With unemployment ranging from the central bank estimate of 27.5 percent to the statistical agency’s 44 percent, the Balkan country’s unemployment rate is easily among the highest in Europe. Joblessness of more than 25 percent among Bosnia’s young adults is a “stunning and problematic” figure, the World Bank’s director for southeastern Europe Ellen Goldstein said last month.

“High unemployment and low labor force participation continue to pose a threat and need to be addressed to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for Bosnia,” Goldstein told a World Bank conference. One in five Bosnians live below the poverty line, and at least one in five workers are thought to be engaged in the so-called grey economy.

Although macroeconomic data showed the economy made a fragile recovery of 1.0 percent in 2013 after shrinking 0.5 percent in 2012, Bosnia’s 3.8 million people have felt scant improvement in their everyday lives. “More and more people live in misery and poverty. They are hungry,” said political analyst Vahid Sehic. Bosnia’s citizens are among the poorest in Europe, with an average monthly salary of 420 euros ($570). A shadow economy, endemic corruption and a complex post-war political structure that enables squabbling politicians to block reforms are seen as key impediments to improving the economy.

Moreover, hasty privatizations that enabled tycoons to shut down dozens of companies and make quick profits by selling their assets before declaring bankruptcy have left hundreds of people jobless and in despair. Local media have widely reported that new owners often failed to comply

with privatization contracts and failed to pay workers for up to two years.

‘People are hungry’ “People protest because they are hungry, because they don’t have jobs. We demand the government resign,” said Nihad Karac, a construction worker in his 40s who was among the protesters in Tuzla.

Social scientist Miodrag Zivanovic said the public dissatisfaction is not surprising. “These are protests of hungry people with years of accumulated anger against all the decisionmakers who have brought us here,” Zivanovic told the FENA news agency on Saturday.

Foreign investors are reluctant to come to Bosnia because of its poor infrastructure and cumbersome administrative procedures, as well as a complex political system that requires businesses to deal with authorities at three or four levels. After the war, power was shared among Bosnia’s three ethnic communities-Serbs, Croats and Muslims-and persistent inter-ethnic disputes have undermined reform efforts.

Foreign investment in 2013 totalled just 252 million euros ($343 million), Central Bank governor Kemal Kozaric said.

Reforms unlikely The IMF, which in September 2012 awarded Bosnia a two-year standby arrangement worth 384 million euros, approved its fifth instalment last week.

But it warned that despite progress “more remains to be done to improve the business environment and the functioning of the labor market”. “In this regard, it will be particularly critical to put in place new labour market legislation that will contribute to a lasting reduction in unemployment.”

Economic analyst Svetlana Cenic said political consistency and discipline would be required to resolve the crisis. But she warned against expecting significant reforms ahead of elections in October.

“The authorities will be occupied with electoral engineering and power-sharing issues and not with the economy,” Cenic said in a recent interview. Bosnia started accession talks with the European Union in 2012, trailing behind other Balkan countries. —AFP

DALLAS: Job seekers line up to meet a prospective employer at a career fair at a hotel in Dallas. Two straight weak job reports have raised doubts about economists’ predictions of breakout growth in 2014. The global economy is showing signs of slowing again. —AP

KUWAIT: As a culmination of their efforts in preserving the environment and for the convenience of the citizens, Soor Fuel Marketing Company announces the launching of its new packaging for petroleum products, which provides distinctive and luxurious filling consistent with the international standards for safety and environment.

Talal Ahmad Al-Khars, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company stated that the idea of launching this new package (jerry can) for petroleum products (kerosene, diesel, fuel) comes in the right timing with the beginning of camping and fishing season where they will be distributing them gradually in Soor petrol stations all over Kuwait. These “jerry cans” come in different colors blue for kerosene, yellow for diesel where both come in (20 liters). While red jerry cans are for fuel & are available in (5 and 20 liters).

In a press release, Al-Khars added that the nearest stations for camping locations will be provided first with these cans, and other stations widespread in Kuwait will be gradually provided with these cans.

Al-Khars explained that the idea of developing the way of filling petroleum products with this special can comes from the company willingness to provide its clients with the best methods to ensure safety when carrying or storing the petroleum products in a safe and eco-friendly can.

For his part, Al-Khars clarified that (Jerry Can) matches the consumer repeated uses without any concern due to the can’s super capacity to contain the product, Al-Khars pointed out that (JERRY CAN) was imported from USA and it is accredited by the American Petroleum Institute (UL), which is one of the international accredited institutions to specify the security, safety, health concerns and environment of petroleum products.

Based on continued cooperation between Soor Company and the authorities - Al-Khars added- and in order to offer the consumers with the best services in providing a safe and healthy environment, Soor Company got the needed official approvals from the authorities represented by Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) and the General Administration of Firefight and the Environment Public Authority.

He also highlighted that gas stations and petroleum products marketing centers are yet to consider one of the most dangerous operating activities that Soor Company is working hard to apply the terms of security, safety, health concerns and environment in its stations. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Soor for Fuel Marketing Company owns and runs 41 fuel stations spread all over Kuwait under the brand name (Alfa).

IMF says Pakistan economy improving, reform on track DUBAI: The International Monetary Fund said yesterday that Pakistan has met nearly all of its quantitative performance markers, that its economy is showing signs of improvement and that its reform program remains broadly on track. The nuclear-armed nation of 180 million people faces a host of obstacles as it tries to restructure its economy and buoy its dangerously low foreign currency reserves, which stand at $8.3 billion. While trying to reel back expenditures and reorganize steep subsidy bills, officials say it is essential that economic reforms do not hurt the millions of Pakistanis who live in poverty on less than $2 a day.

Pakistan signed a $6.7 billion loan with the IMF in September to rebuild its reserves after more than two years of depletions and support structural changes aimed at boosting investment and growth. The IMF loan to Pakistan came less than six years after the country’s last IMF bailout, and the driving need for the money this time was to repay the institution nearly $5 billion that Islamabad still owes. As part of that agreement, the IMF conducts periodic reviews in order for its executive board to approve installments of $550 million spread out over three years. Pakistan has already undergone one economic review and received two installments totaling nearly $1.1 billion. The third installment is up for consideration in late March. To secure the loan, Pakistan had to commit to changes in the economy designed to increase growth and improve financial stability. The measures aim to bring down the deficit, reduce pervasive electricity shortages and increase the country’s poor rate of tax collection.

“The current trends of the last few months have been very positive in Pakistan and prices have been stable,” Pakistan’s Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar told reporters in Dubai.

Dar said the government is following “very strict austerity measures” that have not been easy to make.

“I think we have taken very painful measures, which were partially politically unpopular, but I think they were needed by the country and it has not only changed the direction of the economy... it has put us on the road of recovery and stability,” he said.

Despite overall progress in implementing reforms, IMF’s mission chief to Pakistan Jeffrey Franks said in a joint news conference with Dar that pressures on balance of payments are likely to remain in place for months.

The IMF is also concerned that inflation will rebound in the coming months. Franks said the IMF encourages the State Bank of Pakistan to be “vigilant” in its monetary policy to keep inflation at a reasonable level. The IMF forecasts that inflation in Pakistan will hit 10 percent this year. Dar says the government expects inflation to rise above its current 7.9 percent but that it will not hit double digits. —AP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

technology

Japan’s nuclear re-start bogged down TOKYO: Hundreds of technicians and engineers are camped out in Tokyo hotels trying to revive Japan’s nuclear industry, shut down in the wake of the Fukushima disaster almost three years ago. It’s proving a hard slog. A new, more independent regulator is in place, asking difficult questions and seeking to impose tougher safety rules on powerful utilities that were largely their own masters for the past 50 years. The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) was created in 2012 and set new safety guidelines in July last year. It now has four teams vetting reactors at nine nuclear power stations on a list of those seeking to re-start. A deadline to complete the checks has been missed as the NRA is still asking for reams of information. No one is able to predict when the first of 48 reactors will be turned back on.

The delays are biting the utilities which are having to spend billions of dollars to import fossil fuels to keep the power on, pushing Japan into a record trade deficit and risking undermining Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s polices to end years of stagnant growth. “All the utilities are in a similar situation and, unless outstanding issues are resolved, we can’t judge that they are in compliance with the standards,” Tomoya Ichimura, an NRA director, told Reuters.

Slow Progress The regulator and staff from the utilities and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, a leading supplier of nuclear plant equipment, are ploughing through mountains of paperwork on the technical specifications of reactors and their vulnerability to natural disasters such as the earthquake and

tsunami that knocked out the Fukushima Daiichi station in March 2011. All lack experience in carrying out such detailed safety checks because of the lax regime that existed before Fukushima.

“Only the framework of the safety criteria was decided, not the details, so the dialogue between the NRA and power companies to work out the specifics is taking time,” said Seiichi Nakata, Project Leader, Depar tment of Polic y, Communication and International Affairs at the Japan Atomic Industry Forum. And once the checks are done, reactors must undergo planned inspections, which took as long as two months under the previous regime, as well as get the goahead from local authorities before they can be turned back on. The plants are being treated as if they have just been built and are seeking certification to start operating for the first time.

Interviews with utility and nuclear industry staff, regulators and government officials reveal a climate of uncertainty, frustration and long hours.

A taskforce of some 90 NRA inspectors dispatch orders and requests to hundreds of staff from regional utilities seconded to the capital and camped out for months in business hotels near the regulator’s headquarters. As many as 2,800 staff at Mitsubishi Heavy are involved in dealing with utilities’ requests on specifications and other data, the company said.

Long Hours Kyushu Electric Power Co, Hokkaido Electric Power Co, Kansai Electric Power Co and Shikoku Electric Power Co say they have each stationed scores of employees in Tokyo to respond to

Flappy Bird will fly no more HANOI: The developer of Flappy Bird, currently the most popular free mobile game on Apple App Store and Google’s Android Play store, has announced that he is taking the game down at midnight (1700 GMT) yesterday. Nguyen Ha Dong, a Hanoi-based game developer, announced the grounding of the addictive game in a Tweet at 1900 GMT on Saturday in which he also apologised to Flappy Bird players. “22 hours from now, I will take ‘Flappy Bird’ down,” Dong said adding: “It is not anything related to legal issues.” “I cannot take this anymore,” he wrote.

Flappy Bird has caused a sensation after rising out of obscurity to become one of the most downloaded mobile games on both Apple and Google’s online stores. Users have to steer a bird between green pipes. The Android version has been downloaded up to 50 million times, and attracted more than half a million reviews. Many people have been questioning Dong on Twitter about his decision to take down the game as only a day earlier he had been talking about developing the game for Microsoft’s Windows phones. Dong could not be reached for comment. He had turned his telephone off after cancelling an interview with Reuters on Thursday and not finalising arrangements for one on Friday.

Unlike other successful game makers such as Rovio Entertainment, which produced the hugely popular Angry Birds game

and has hundreds of programmers, Dong made Flappy Bird by himself in a few nights, he said on Twitter earlier. The game, which he said was inspired by Nintendo’s Mario Bros, has been earning on average $50,000 a day from advertising, Dong said in a media interview. Two friends of Dong said Nintendo had sent him a warning letter.

However the Japanese game maker said it was not considering a lawsuit. “It sounds very much like a rumour, and if it is, we certainly can’t comment on that,” Nintendo’s media representative told Reuters on Friday.

One gaming company manager said Dong’s decision to take down the game was wise. “Dong is taking one step back to avoid legal risk because it’s too difficult to deal with legal issues himself if it happens,” said Duy Doan, a senior manager at VTC Online, one of Vietnam’s leading game companies.

Dong said earlier that he was not looking for any investors and would not sell the game.

One expert said investors would not be interested. “Flappy Bird is not to the taste of many game investors because it’s just hitbased which will bring very uncertain cash flow and no recurring,” said Nguyen Hieu Linh, investment manager at the Japanese CyberAgent Ventures Inc. “I doubt he needs to fund raise as he’s already earned a certain amount of money and he doesn’t need more help to make this kind of mini game,” Linh added. — Reuters

Foxconn to invest up to $1bn in Indonesia TAIPEI: Taiwan technology giant Foxconn group has signed a letter of intent to invest up to $1 billion in Indonesia as it seeks to diversify production away from China, officials said yesterday. Foxconn, also known by its Taipei-headquartered mother company Hon Hai Precision Industry which is the world’s largest contract electronics maker, said the investments would be in Jakarta province, which has better infrastructure than other regions of the country. “We plan to come up with detailed investment plans for the Indonesian and Jakarta authorities in three months,” a Hon Hai official told AFP. The investments would be completed in three to five years in areas ranging from R&D, electronics software design and Internet business to manufacturing

and assembly of electronic products, she said. The move is part of the conglomerate’s efforts to diversify investments from China where it has set up huge manufacturing facilities to make products for Apple - including iPhones - as well as Sony and Nokia.

The group employs about one million workers in China, roughly half of them based at its main facility in the southern city of Shenzhen. But officials from the group said China was gradually losing its attraction as a global factory featuring cheap labour and land. Foxconn in late 2013 also announced that it was planning to spend $40 million in manufacturing and research facilities in the United States. The group has production facilities in more than 10 countries, including Vietnam, Brazil and Mexico. — AFP

queries from the regulator. A typical working day for them lasts from 8 am to 11 pm. They stay in cheap business hotels within a quick commute of the NRA headquarters in a leafy district of central Tokyo. One of those, the Hotel Unizo in Shimbashi, a bustling district of bars and restaurants, charges 11,000 yen ($110) a night. To keep costs in check, some companies offer staff a daily allowance of as little as 1,500 yen for meals, and no laundry, said one person close to the safety review process.

Any downtime not spent returning home to visit families is used to prepare for more meetings with the regulator. “Everyone involved in the safety reviews is irritated and it is mentally draining,” said one staffer at a regional utility, who has been stationed in Tokyo since July and has missed key dates on his children’s school calendar. “I can’t read books or watch TV. There’s no time to relax,” he said, adding he rarely has time even to wash his clothes. “I have 20 sets of underwear and socks bought from convenient stores rolled up like sushi in my office,” he said.

Paper ... and More Paper The utilities also rent office space for staff to prepare paperwork for the regulator, said an official who oversees the process at a regional utility.

Asked when he expected reactors to be re-started, he replied: “That’s what we want to know.”

Utilities must submit thousands of pages of documents outlining their compliance and readiness on a checklist of 27 main items required by the NRA, covering everything from quake protection to their emergency responses. Kyushu Electric,

which has applied to re-start four reactors, has alone submitted more than 10,000 pages of documents to the regulator, said spokesman Hiroki Yamaguchi.

The regulator is still feeling its way and often changes the criteria for compliance, forcing utilities to submit more documentation, people in the industry said. The utilities then take their requests to Mitsubishi Heavy, which is struggling to meet deadlines. “Mitsubishi Heavy basically handles safety assessments of the plants, and the utilities vie with each other to get help from them, creating a bottleneck,” said the person involved in the checks at a regional utility.

Mitsubishi Heavy declined to comment on claims that it was the reason for some delays. The cost to Japan’s economy and the utilities’ finances is heavy. Japan imported a record 87.5 million tonnes of LNG last year, at a cost of $69 billion, according to customs- cleared impor t data.

Imports of thermal coal were also at record levels.

“There’s a growing consensus from a purely economic perspective that Japan needs to re-start as many reactors as it can in order to build out the diversification of its power sources and reduce fuel prices,” said Tom O’Sullivan, founder of independent energy consultancy Mathyos Japan.

Forecasts that the first nuclear reactor would be back in operation by the middle of this year are misplaced, said Tetsuo Yuhara, a director at The Canon Institute of Global Studies, who previously spent 30 years at Mitsubishi Heavy. “I have no forecast for re-starts. It’s the same situation as a year ago, as two years ago. Nothing has changed.” — Reuters

High-tech project tackles low-income word gap PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island: Six-month-old Jaiven James doesn’t even notice the pager-sized recorder that fits snuggly into the pocket of his shirt, recording every gurgle, every cry, every word he hears. The Providence boy is an early participant in a city project that aims to boost the language skills of low-income children by using recorders to count the words they’re exposed to. Studies show poorer children enter school having heard millions of fewer words than more affluent children, a disadvantage that can limit future educational success and occupational opportunities.

“We want to close that gap, and the best way to do it is by training parents from Day 1,” says Stephanie Taveras, a social worker who is coaching Jaiven’s mother, Ashley Cox, on ways to boost her children’s language skills. The project, called Providence Talks, beat out proposals from more than 300 cities last year to win a $5 million prize offered by then-New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The voluntary program began last month with 75 families and hopes to serve 2,000 families by mid-2016.

The initiative targets what early childhood development experts call the word gap, a problem that takes a lasting economic and educational toll on America’s poor. A landmark 1995 study found that children in families receiving welfare hear less than one-third as many words per hour as their more affluent peers, and they reach age 4 having heard 32 million fewer words than children from wealthier families. Students who begin school with this disadvantage are less likely to succeed academically or professionally later in life.

It’s a problem with long-term implications for Rhode Island’s capital city, where one-third of children live in poverty and two-thirds of kindergarteners enter school already behind on national school readiness benchmarks. Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, who isn’t related to the social worker, said he wants his city to prove the word gap can be bridged by giving parents just a little help.”Mayor Bloomberg deserves a lot of credit.

This is an opportunity to transform early childhood education in our country,” said the mayor, who tested the program on his 2-year-old daughter. “I’m hoping people say, ‘This began in Providence.’”

Language Pedometer The recorder acts as a language pedometer, counting the number of words and conversations throughout the day and distinguishing between young and adult voices and electronic noises like radio and television. Data from the device can show how often a parent interacts with a child and how often the television is on. Parents of partici-

pating children are advised to record an entire day’s worth of audio every few weeks. A social worker picks up the device from the home and uploads the data to a computer. The social worker then returns to review the results with parents and offer suggestions for how they can better engage their children.

“The science is solid: Children who hear more language - not just more, but richer language that’s relevant, that’s positive - are associated with better outcomes,” said Stanford University psychology professor Anne Fernald, who has used the device in her research and who is a scientific adviser to Providence Talks. “Talking to children really matters.” Jaiven’s older brother Jaiden has been participating in Providence Talks for just a few weeks but is already seeing progress. The number of words the 16-month-old heard jumped by a few thousand from the day of his first recording to his second.

“I was expecting it to go up, but I’m very happy,” said their mother, Ashley Cox, 25, who has four sons in all. She said that since enrolling in Providence Talks, she’s started reading to her children more, engaging them in more conversations and limiting the time the television is on. City offi-

PROVIDENCE: In this Feb 3, 2014 photo, caseworker and home visitor Stephanie Taveras (left) reads a book with Ashley Cox and Cox’s 16-month-old son Jaiden at the family’s home. (Inset) A digital audio recorder rests on a toddler’s bib. — AP cials insist data from the devices will be kept confidential and it would be nearly impossible for anyone to use the devices to obtain actual recordings of a family’s conversations. Still, the idea of city officials strapping recording devices to toddlers attracted the interest of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

ACLU policy associate Hillary Davis said her organization looked into who would have access to the records and how the privacy of families - or guests who happen to stop by when a recording is underway - would be protected. “The intent is obviously to serve the families and the community, but there hadn’t been any real conversation about how this could be misused,” Davis said. “We’re not sure the safeguards are 100 percent there yet.”

Parents who enroll in the program are asked to sign a release and to inform any friends or family who stop by if the recorder is in use. They’re also given two other bits of advice: Don’t get the device wet and don’t let curious toddlers see the contraption being slipped into the pocket of their specially designed onesie. The device is sturdy, but toddlers can be remarkably clever. “The key,” Taveras, the social worker, told Cox with a smile, “is to do it without him noticing.” — AP

NASA bets on private firms to exploit moon

This NASA image obtained Feb 4, 2014 shows on Jan 30, 2014, beginning at 8:31 am EST, the moon as it moved between NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, and the sun, giving the observatory a view of a partial solar eclipse from space. Such a lunar transit happens two to three times each year. This one lasted two and a half hours, which is the longest ever recorded. — AFP

WASHINGTON: NASA - building on successful partnerships with private companies to resupply the International Space Station is now looking to private entrepreneurs to help exploit resources on the moon. In its latest initiative, unveiled in late January, the US space agency is proposing private companies take advantage of NASA’s extensive know-how, its engineers and access to its installations to help design and build lunar robots.

But unlike NASA’s contracts with SpaceX and Orbital Sciences to deliver cargo to the ISS, the moon proposal dubbed CATALYST (Cargo Transportation and Landing by Soft Touchdown) - would get no US government economic help. Recent missions in the moon’s orbit have revealed evidence of water and other interesting substances on the moon, explained Jason Crusan, director of NASA’s advanced exploration systems.

“But to understand the extent and accessibility of these resources, we need to reach the sur face and explore up close. Commercial lunar landing capabilities could help prospect for and utilize these resources,” permitting both commercial and research activities, he said.

“As NASA pursues an ambitious plan for humans to explore an asteroid and Mars, US industry will create opportunities for NASA to advance new technologies on the moon,” Greg Williams, a top NASA official, added.

In 2013 NASA reached an agreement with Bigelow Aerospace to develop commercial sector involvement with the space agency, especially focused on plans to build a lunar base. Founded by US billionaire Robert Bigelow, the company offers inflatable space modules.

These partnerships work “very well in lower orbit,” said

Bigelow’s Michael Gold, referring to the re-supply contracts at the International Space Station. “There is no reason it won’t work just as well on the moon,” he told AFP. “Additionally, in this austere (budget) environment, it only makes sense to leverage private sector investments and capabilities,” he said. “It’s not only the best option, but, because of the lack of federal money, the best option available to move forward drastically.”

According to Gold, this approach is cheaper than a standard space mission fully paid by the federal government. For a few billion dollars it could even be possible to carry out manned missions to the Moon within a decade, Gold said. “I think there is a great commercial potential on the moon,” he added, citing significant reservers of helium 3, which is rare on Earth and which could be developed into a clean energy fuel ideal for nuclear fusion.

The lunar soil is also rich in coveted rare earth elements: 17 chemicals in the periodic table that are in an increased demand because they are heavily used in everyday electronics. “There are a vast amount of opportunities for a wide variety of companies not only in America but across the globe,” Gold insisted, emphasizing Europe and Japan, as well as the US Congress, are enthusiastic about a return to the moon.

John Logsdon, former director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, said these private partnerships could be “a way of NASA getting back involved with the moon without violating the president’s policy that says we as a government we don’t go back to the moon.” — AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

800,000-year-old footprints found Preserved in layers of silt, sand LONDON: They were a British family on a day out - almost a million years ago.

Archaeologists announced Friday that they have discovered human footprints in England that are between 800,000 and 1 million years old - the most ancient found outside Africa, and the earliest evidence of human life in northern Europe.

A team from the British Museum, London’s Natural History Museum and Queen Mary college at the University of London uncovered imprints from up to five individuals in ancient estuary mud at Happisburgh on the country’s eastern coast.

British Museum archaeologist Nick Ashton said the discovery - recounted in detail in the journal PLOS ONE - was “a tangible link to our earliest human relatives.”

Preserved in layers of silt and sand for hundreds of millennia before being exposed by the tide last year, the prints give a vivid glimpse of some of our most ancient ancestors. They were left by a group, including at least two children and one adult male. They could have been be a family foraging on the banks of a river scientists think may be the ancient Thames, beside grasslands where bison, mammoth, hippos and rhinoceros roamed.

University of Southampton archaeology professor Clive Gamble, who was

not involved in the project, said the discovery was “tremendously significant.”

“It’s just so tangible,” he said. “This is the closest we’ve got to seeing the people. “When I heard about it, it was like hearing the first line of (William Blake’s hymn) ‘Jerusalem’ - ‘And did those feet, in ancient time, walk upon England’s mountains green?’ Well, they walked upon its muddy estuary.”

Pioneer man The researchers said the humans who left the footprints may have been related to Homo antecessor, or “pioneer man,” whose fossilized remains have been found in Spain. That species died out about 800,000 years ago.

Ashton said the footprints are between 800,000 - “as a conservative estimate” - and 1 million years old, at least 100,000 years older than scientists’ earlier estimate of the first human habitation in Britain. That ’s significant because 700,000 years ago, Britain had a warm, Mediterranean-style climate. The earlier period was much colder, similar to modern-day Scandinavia.

Natural History Museum archaeologist Chris Stringer said that 800,000 or 900,000 years ago Britain was “the edge of the inhabited world.”

“This makes us rethink our feelings about the capacity of these early people, that they were coping with conditions

somewhat colder than the present day,” he said.

“Maybe they had cultural adaptations to the cold we hadn’t even thought were possible 900,000 years ago. Did they wear clothing? Did they make shelters, windbreaks and so on? Could they have the use of fire that far back?” he asked.

Scientists dated the footprints by studying their geological position and from nearby fossils of long-extinct animals including mammoth, ancient horse and early vole.

Digital photography John McNabb, director of the Center for the Archaeology of Human Origins at the University of Southampton - who was not part of the research team - said the use of several lines of evidence meant “the dating is pretty sound.”

Once uncovered, the perishable prints were recorded using sophisticated digital photography to create 3-D images in which it’s possible to discern arches of feet, and even toes.

Isabelle De Groote, a specialist in ancient human remains at Liverpool John Moores University who worked on the find, said that from the pattern of the prints, the group of early humans appeared to be “pottering around,” perhaps foraging for food.

She said it wasn’t too much of a stretch to call it a family. “These individu-

LONDON: An undated photo issued by the British Museum Friday shows some of the human footprints, thought to be more than 800,000 years old, found in silt on the beach at Happisburgh on the Norfolk coast of England, with a camera lens cap laid beside them to indicate scale. —AP als traveling together, it’s likely that they were somehow related,” she said.

Research at Happisburgh will continue, and scientists are hopeful of finding fossilized remains of the ancient humans, or evidence of their living quarters, to build up a fuller picture of their lives.

The footprint find will form part of an

exhibition, “Britain: One Million Years of the Human Stor y,” opening at the Natural History Museum next week. The footprints themselves, which survived for almost 1 million years, won’t be there. Two weeks after they were uncovered, North Sea tides had washed them away. —AP

Team spirit may help men lose weight NEW YORK: Men who took part in a weight loss program designed specifically for male soccer fans lost an average of 12 pounds (5 kg) and had a good time doing it, according to a new study from Scotland. The 12week Football Fans in Training (FFIT) program, run by coaching staffs from 13 Scottish Professional Football League teams, combined advice on healthy diet with physical activity and team regalia.

Researchers say it’s a successful model for helping men improve their health that could be adapted for fans of other sports.

“We thought there was an urgent need to develop weight management programs that were designed specifically for men in settings in which they would feel comfortable,” Sally Wyke told Reuters Health.

A member of the study team, Wyke is deputy director of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow.

She said the program was not a diet; instead, it was geared toward providing tips for making long-term lifestyle changes.

“The guys were given really clear simple information, made simple changes to what they ate and also started out with a simple walking program that used a pedometer to help them keep track of how many steps they were doing so they could increase it slowly,” Wyke said. “They really liked the level of information they got - science but not rocket science,” she said.

Wyke said the men also loved the chance they got to gain an “insider’s” view of the club, and to be tackling their weight and improving their fitness with other men of similar ages, body shapes, starting levels of fitness and most of all a shared passion for soccer. Obesity is a major health problem for both sexes, but men are much less likely than women to take part in weight management programs offered by commercial organizations or community health services, Wyke and her colleagues write in The Lancet.

To test a program designed around men’s interests and psychology, the researchers enrolled 747 male soccer fans, ranging in age from 35 to 65 years. All the men had a body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height, that put them in the overweight or obese categories. Half of the men were randomly assigned to the FFIT program while the other half were put on a waiting list and served as a comparison group. Men in both groups were given British Heart Foundation booklets on weight management.

About 89 percent of the men in the FFIT intervention group completed the program. On average, they lost more than 12 pounds after 12 weeks and kept it off for the full 12 months of follow-up. The men in the comparison group lost a pound or two, on average.

“The men felt a strong sense of team spirit right from the beginning - they were given club T-shirts and program materials that were labeled with club insignia,” Wyke

said. Participants said they enjoyed the straightforward way the coaches ran the program and there was a lot of banter, which sometimes helped the men feel more comfortable so they could discuss some sensitive subjects, according to Wyke. “ They managed to make dietar y changes that were compatible with what they liked to eat and drink, and didn’t completely cut out some less healthy choices.

One man said it was ‘like a night at the pub without the alcohol’,” she added.

Wyke said the main messages of the FFIT program that helped the men keep weight off over the 12-month follow-up included self-monitoring of weight and exercise, healthy eating and portion control. In a number of clubs, the men continued to meet up to exercise together after the formal program ended and they found this ongoing support really helped keep their motivation going, Wyke said.

“And it was a chance to keep the banter going too,” she added. “Professional sporting organizations provide convenient access to many overweight men, and the findings from the FFIT study could encourage researchers and health professionals to use this strategy in other sports (eg, rugby union, American football, and basketball) to combat the global obesity epidemic,” David Lubans wrote in a commentary published with the study.

Lubans, a researcher at the Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition at the University of Newcastle in Australia, was not involved in the study.

“Getting men into weight loss/health promotion interventions is very challenging,” Lubans told Reuters Health in an email.

Lubans said that most weight loss programs aren’t targeted to men, aren’t fun and make weight loss complicated and confusing.

He added that most programs don’t encourage men to develop behavioral skills such as goal setting and self-monitoring.

It’s also possible that men may be embarrassed to discuss weight loss challenges in front of women - they may be more comfortable in a male-only environment, he said. “Similar weight loss has been achieved with men in less intensive programs, but the added benefits of connecting men with others in their community may be considerable,” he said.

“Obviously, this approach would not be attractive for all males, but football is enjoyed by men (and women) around the world, thus this approach has considerable potential reach,” Lubans said. Wyke said the Football Fans in Training program was cost effective in the UK and she thinks it is likely to be in other countries as well. However, she points out, soccer has a special place in Scottish society and it would be important for researchers in other countries to be sure that it was right for their particular setting and the approach could be well adapted to their specific cultures.—Reuters

COPENHAGEN: Picture taken on February 7, 2014 shows a perfectly healthy young giraffe named Marius who was shot dead and autopsied in the presence of visitors to the gardens at Copenhagen zoo yesterday.—AFP photos

Uproar as young giraffe put down at Copenhagen zoo COPENHAGEN: A Danish zoo sparked outrage yesterday when it put down a young giraffe then chopped it up and fed it to lions as visitors, including young children, looked on. The fate of 18-month-old Marius shocked animal lovers around the world, with thousands signing an online petition to save him and a billionaire offering to buy him and keep him in her Beverly Hills garden. Copenhagen Zoo said the action was necessary to prevent inbreeding and Marius was put down with a bolt gun after being anaesthetised. A crowd of visitors, including small children, looked on as an autopsy was carried out and the animal skinned and chopped up.

Some grimaced while others took photos. A full-maned lion later tucked into the giraffe’s remains in full view of the public. “It was put down at 9:20. It went as planned. It’s always the people’s right to protest.

But of course we have been surprised,” zoo spokesman Tobias Stenbaek Bro told AFP. He said some zoo staff had received death threats including scientific director Bengt Holst who “received a call in the

middle of the night”. The zoo said it had no choice other than to prevent the animal attaining adulthood in a long explanation of its decision published on its website.

Under European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) rules, inbreeding between giraffes is to be avoided, it said on its website.

Although Marius was healthy, his genes were already well represented in Europe and he could not be taken in by the 300 other EAZA-affiliated zoos as that would cause inbreeding. “When breeding success increases it is sometimes necessary to euthanize. We see this as a positive sign and as insurance that we in the future will have a healthy giraffe population in European zoos,” it said.

Castration is considered cruel with “undesirable effects”, while there were no programs to release giraffes into the wild, which would be unlikely to succeed anyhow. The giraffe’s impending death sparked outrage online, with more than 5,000 people signing a “Save Marius” Facebook petition. More than 3,000 people signed a similar Danish-language online petition and nearly

24,000 an English-language version.

‘Beverly Hills offer’ There were several attempts made to save Marius. A Swedish zoo, which is not part of the EAZA network, tried in vain to get Marius transferred, the Expressen daily repor ted. Another newspaper, Denmark’s Ekstrabladet, quoted a Danish promoter living in Los

Angeles, Claus Hjelmbak, as saying he had found a buyer for the animal.

“One of my close friends, a billionaire, said that she wanted to transfer a few million so we could save the giraffe,” Hjelmbak was quoted as saying.

“He could easily have lived in her garden in Beverly Hills, but the zoo director was not interested in a sale.

I’m angry,” the promoter added. —AFP

COPENHAGEN: In full view of the general public a zoo vet carries out an autopsy on a perfectly healthy young giraffe named Marius.

Teens’ poor breakfast choices predict later health problems NEW YORK: Teenagers who didn’t eat a good breakfast were more likely to be obese and have elevated blood sugar in middle age, a new study shows. Researchers at Umea University in Sweden found that teens who reported eating no breakfast or only sweets were two-thirds more likely to develop a cluster of risk factors linked to heart disease and diabetes when they were in their 40s than their peers who ate more substantial morning meals.

“It may be that eating breakfast aids in keeping to a healthier diet the rest of the day,” the study ’s lead author, Maria Wennberg, told Reuters Health in an email. Kids who miss breakfast experience hunger surges and tend to overeat later in the day, Dr David Ludwig, a pedi-

atrics and nutrition researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, said. He was not involved in the current study.

Wennberg and her colleagues reviewed data from 889 people in Lulea, Sweden. In 1981, when they were 16 years old, the participants completed questionnaires about what they ate for breakfast on a single day. Researchers then examined them in 2008, when they were 43 years old, for metabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors that can lead to heart disease, diabetes and stroke. They found that 27 percent had developed signs of the syndrome, according to the study published in Public Health Nutrition.

Moreover, those who reported missing break-

fast or eating a poor-quality one as a teenager were 68 percent more likely to have metabolic syndrome in middle age. When the researchers analyzed separate components of the syndrome, they found that obesity and high blood-sugar levels at age 43 were linked with poor breakfast habits at age 16.

About 35 percent of US adults have metabolic syndrome, according to the American Heart Association. In addition to a large waistline and high blood sugar, components of the syndrome include high blood pressure and low “good” cholesterol. Past studies found links between higher quality diets and healthier lifestyles, the authors write. Poor breakfast habits may therefore be part of an unhealthy lifestyle.—Reuters

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

W H AT ’ S O N TIES Center - Where cultures meet

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n cooperation with the Albanian embassy, the TIES Center will be hosting an Albanian cultural day. The activities will include a presentation about tourism and life in Albania, recitation of poetry related to the country’s rich traditions, a gallery of photos, and some delicious traditional food. This event promises to be exciting, educational, and entertaining. When? Thursday, February 13 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Liberation Village Festival at AUK

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he International Relations Club (IRC) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) is organizing an event this week titled “The Liberation Village”, during which lectures will be held over the three days of the event, where the subjects of Kuwaiti foreign policy, how the invasion changed Kuwaiti society, and the role of Kuwaiti women in Kuwaiti society will be addressed. Speakers include Dr. Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Sabah AlNasser Al-Sabah, and Under Secretary of State for Youth Affairs Al-Zain Al-Sabah. The lecture schedule is as follows: In addition to the lectures, the IRC will provide a venue for more than 100 booths for companies led by young, Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to display their products and services, as was larger, wellestablished companies, and non-profit organizations, such as the Blood Bank. The three-day event, which will take place in AUK, was inaugurated yesterday and is open to the public daily from 11 am until 7 pm.

Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait participates in HORECA Kuwait 2014

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afir Hotel & Residences Kuwait - Al Fintas participated recently in HORECA Kuwait, the annual exhibition which covers the hospitality, catering and food industry in Kuwait and the region.

The exhibition, which was held from the 27th - 29th January, included a culinary art show and cooking competition. 15 different and innovative categories were listed for the competitors to participate and compete in. More than 150 chefs participated in the competition that was judged by a distinguished panel of 8 international judges.

Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait - Al Fintas was recognized as a winner across 3 categories, bagging 1 Gold and 2 Bronze medals. The winners of the competition walked away with several prizes and accolades. Shreeni Paramban won a Gold medal in the Live Fruits & Vegetables Carving category. Ramu Naidu Bokam won the Bronze Medal in the Cold CanapÈs category and Ezhil Selvan Devadhasan won the Bronze Medal in the Single Tier Novelty Cake category.

The participants of Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait also won two appreciation certificates. Abdul Hameed Abdul Kadhar and Sasikumar Ravi won the Live Cooking competition in from the Basket category. In an invitation initiated by Mr. Saif Elddin Mohammed - General Manager, the chefs of Safir Fintas celebrated their achievements with appreciation certificates.

To wind up the event, the general manager along with the executive committee and staff members were present to cut the event’s cake that was specifically prepared for this remarkable occasion.

Advisory to Indian nationals in Kuwait

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he Embassy of India has been receiving often reports from the members of Indian community residing in Kuwait regarding thefts, robberies assaults and damages to their property etc. All such incidents should be immediately reported to the local police station. In order to extend help the members of our community, please contact us with the following information so that the matter could also be taken up by the Embassy with Kuwaiti authorities:(a) Brief details of the incident; (b) Civil ID of the affected member(s) and their passport details; (c) Contact telephone number and the proof of residence of the person(s) affected; (d) Copy of FIR along with address of the Police station.

2. Please contact either Hend, Ambassador’s office at Telephone No. 22561276, Fax No. 22546958 (E-mail: amb.kuwait@mea.gov.in OR ambss@indembkwt.org) or Balram Kumar Upadhyay, Counsellor (Consular and Chief Welfare Officer) on Telephone No. 22533125, Fax No.22573910 (E-mail: counsellor@indembkwt.org).

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

KNES students visit Gulf Glass Manufacturing Co

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tudents from Kuwait National English School (KNES) visited the Gulf Glass Manufacturing plant (GGMC) situated in Mina Abdulla Industrial Area, Kuwait. We were welcomedenthusiasticallyby Hussein Saleh Al Sheikh, CEO & Vice Chairman of GGMC, and Mohamed Yamout, Sales and Marketing Manager of GGMC, to a friendly and positive working environment. We had a guided tour of the factory and

were thoroughly impressedwith the operations and personnel. It was really special and a highlight for our students. We all had an amazing time, and the students were well engaged in the tour. All of the employees were extremely courteous and went outof their way to explain various functions and answer ourinquiries.

The Gulf Glass Manufacturing trip is one which

Kuwait National English School students will treasure for a long time. The positive atmosphere and the official safety gear provided to our students to wear had made the experience more special and memorable.

We were particularly impressed with the procedure the management has implemented to monitor quality control and to promote recycling of glass “Glass: don’t bin it, bank it and save the environment”.

Around Kuwait World of Opera concert Kuwait Chamber Philharmonia presents their inauguration concert of musical season 2014. The “World of Opera” concert will feature two soprano vocalists: Verica Grmusa and Anna Karadimitrova with the accompaniment of pianist Bartek Rybak. The event will take place at the Abdul Hussain Marafie Grand Ballroom at the Radisson BLU Hotel Kuwait. The program includes pieces by Bizet, Rossini, Verdi, Chopi, Mozart, Delibes, Handel, Puccini and others. This concert is organized by the Kuwait Chamber Philharmonia.

‘Layali Febrayer 2014’ “Layali Febrayer 2014? is finally here, and it is jam packed with 20 unforgettable shows & festivities!

Lucky for us non-Arabic speakers, there is also an English version of the “Layali Febrayer” website filled with information & a schedule of events.

Visit Feb.Kuwait.tt for the full scoop on “what’s on” this “Layali Febrayer”. As per their website: “After the huge success of “LayalyFebrayer 2013?

AlWatan TV is back for the sixth consecutive year to present “LayalyFebrayer 2014? the new program is international and presenting more than 15 shows for the first time in Kuwait coming from 15 countries around the world, and include sky, water, and underground shows.”

The Spring Carnival “The Spring Carnival” Charity Event At BSK on February 15, 2014 @ 3:00 pm 6:00 pm at British School of Kuwait (Salwa, Block 1, Street 1).

Short stories exhibition “Short Stories” An Exhibition of Works

By Emerging Iranian Artists On February 10, 2014 @ 10:00 am - 8:00 pm daily until March 1, 2014 at Dar Al-Funoon Gallery (Kuwait City, Al-Watiah-Behbehani Compound, House 28).

‘Bedouin Tents & Desert Customs’ “Bedouin Tents & Desert Customs” A

Diwaniya By Maziad Al-Khaldi On February 18, 2014 @ 7:00 pm at AWARE Center (Surra, Block 3, Surra Street, Villa 84). Modern day Kuwaitis are the descendants of several nomadic tribes and clans who ultimately settled on the coast of the Arabian Gulf during the eighteenth century to avoid the persistent drought of the desert. When they arrived at the coast, the clans built forts to protect themselves from other nomadic tribes who still traversed the desert. Until now, ethnic Kuwaitis are still struggling to maintain their cultural heritage in an increasingly complex society. One of the aspects in which

they strive to maintain their culture is living in tents in Winter. Do you know how many types of tents exist? What is the different between tents of today and those of the past? In his 25-minute presentation, Maziad will answer all these questions and share a Bedouin recipe on the screen.

‘Fires of Kuwait Movie Night At The AWARE Center: “Fires of Kuwait” on February 13, 2014 @ 6:00 pm at AWARE Center (Surra, Block 3, Surra Street, Villa 84).

Documentary: Firestorm in the Desert: the terrible legacy of the Gulf

War - 607 oil wells burning out of control, ignited by retreating Iraqi troops.

Firefighters from 10 countries answered Kuwait’s cry for help. Supported by more than 10,000 people from 40 nations, they battled & won. A 1992 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature, “Fires of Kuwait” is a dramatic story of human ingenuity, cooperation and courage. Movie Duration: 39 minutes.

Hala Kite Flying Hala Kite Flying & Fun Fair Festival on February 21, 2014 @ 8:00 am - 7:00 pm at Julaiya Camping.

W H AT ’ S O N

Valentine’s Day specials at Marina Hotel Kuwait

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pend this Valentine weekend in the heart of Kuwait and enjoy the best Arabian hospitality at Marina Hotel with breathtaking views, while being delighted in an enchanted Valentine’s Day getaway. Show the one you love how much you care with a package specially developed for you.

Treat your significant other to an excellent gourmet experience in the romantic candle-lit ambiance of The Atlantis Restaurant. The intimacy of the soft lighting coupled with an intriguing buffet dinner, specially crafted for the occasion is bound to give you an unforgettable experience.

Spoil your Valentine with a luxurious stay as the hotel has tailored special room packages inclusive of buffet breakfast at Six Palms restaurant and a special Valentine buffet dinner at Atlantis restaurant for two persons to celebrate

the most romantic occasion of the year.

During the evening, bring your loved one to the Atlantis Restaurant and enjoy a scrumptious Valentine dining experience combined with great hospitality and marvelous views on the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf. Valentine’s special include an indulgent buffet dinner for this unique occasion to entice the senses, an array of quenching drinks and roses to the guest before they leave.

Set against the backdrop of the hustle and bustle of the city, you will feel as though you are in a far away destination with a few added Valentine touches from Marina Hotel. Enjoy your welcome drinks upon arrival and the deluxe room with specially prepared Valentine themed amenities.

Celebrate with your loved one and enjoy this Valentine’s Day at The Marina Hotel Kuwait.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 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.vfs-augcc.com for more info. The Embassy of Australia does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters is conducted by the Australian Consulate-General in Dubai.

Email: Info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VIS), immigration.dubai@ dfat.gov.au (Visa Office), Tel: +971 4 205 5900 (VFS), Fax: + 971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office).

Notary and passport services are available by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling the Embassy on 22322422. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF INDIA

Say it with chocolate or strawberry!

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The Kuwait Dive Team honored the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research who provided fish that were released by students to the sea following beach cleaning campaigns organized recently in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

t’s that time of year once again; when everyone has the perfect opportunity to let the special people in their lives know how deeply they care about them. The Body Shop offers an array of beautiful premade gifts from the best selling products; or the flexibility of getting the products packaged in-store by the experts, choosing from The Body Shop luxurious wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags and boxes.

The sweet and fruity Strawberry range is totally irresistible. It smells like juicy, justpicked strawberries and is the perfect gift.

The collection has body butter, shower gel, body lotion, home fragrance oil, body mist, eau de toilette, lip gloss, beautifying oil and soap, everything one would need to complete a beauty routine.

As well, the decadently Chocolate range is pure indulgence. The secret lies in lashings of shea and cocoa butter and 11 other feel good Community Fair Trade ingredients. Providing 24 hour hydration is the

Chocomania body butter and also available in the range are shower cream, eau de toilette, body mist, body scrub, beautifying oil, soap and lip butter.

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: S.No. Type of visa Duration No. of entries Revised Indian Visa fee in KD(*) w.e.f 01.01.2014 (i) Business 5 Years Multiple 63.500 (ii) Business 1 Year Multiple 38.500 (iii) Tourism 6 months Multiple 13.500 (iv) Medical 1 year Multiple 38.500 (v) Student Period As required 24.500 of study (*) In addition, a service charge of KD 3 will also apply for each visa service provided w.e.f 17.12.2013.

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. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Sparkling Valentine’s Day specials at Joyalukkas

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orld’s favorite jeweler Joyalukkas has several surprises in store this Valentine’s Day. With a choice of not less than a dozen resplendent diamond pendants from the ‘Be Mine’ Valentine col-

lection, meticulously crafted in 18k white and yellow gold, and studded with the finest diamonds, these pendants are a fitting tribute to love.

The ‘Be Mine’ heart to heart collection

features stylish pendants that appeal to every sensibility. Each one is inspired by the classic heart, with interesting variations.

Masaaki pearls also has several exclusive

designs for Valentine’s Day. These include necklace sets and pendants, all featuring high quality natural pearls imaginatively set in gold.

“It’s the season to celebrate love and we have lined up an exciting and affordable range of exclusive pendants and jewelry collections to make the occasion special for jewelry lovers. We have also added an exciting 50 percent off on Diamond & Polki jewelry with a 10 percent gift voucher to make it more rewarding for customers,” said John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director, Joyalukkas Group.

Joyalukkas is also introducing a special 3-in-1 diamond pendant, which can be worn in 3 different ways for a fantastic price. This pendant has been exclusively designed as a tribute to the Valentine Day celebration. Some special shimmering diamond pendant designs have also been created for the celebration, the central heart shaped diamond in this pendant shimmers and moves with the person wearing it. The shimmering diamond collections will be available for a special celebration price.

Joyalukkas’ whopping 50 percent off on diamond and polki jewellery with a 10 percent gift vouchers to all customers is available during the offer period, from 6 February to 1March, 2014. These offers are valid across all Joyalukkas showrooms in the Kuwait.

Aunkur Cultural Yard celebrates family picnic

South African citizens, who are out of the country who are not already registered and wish to apply for registration to vote in the upcoming general elections, are hereby invited to apply for registration.

Registration is open daily during working hours from 08h30 to 15h30 at the SA Embassy at Villa No 3, House No 91, Street 1, Block 10, Salwa.

The last day for registration will be 7 February 2014.

In addition, special registration will take place on Friday, 24 January 2014, from 09h00 to 13h00, for those SA citizens who are not yet registered and cannot come to register during normal working hours.

To be eligible to register at the SA Embassy, a person must: l Be a SA citizen and be 16 years of age and older; l Submit a valid green bar-coded Identity Document, a valid Temporary Identity Certificate (valid for 2 months) or a Smart Card; l Submit a valid SA passport; and l Submit in person the application form, (available from the IEC website or at the Embassy), the identity document and a valid passport.

NOTE: If you are already registered to vote in SA but are now living abroad, you are NOT required to re-register - please check your registration status on www.elections.org.za. For any further enquiries, please phone Tel: 25617988 during working hours or visit the IEC Website at www.elections.org.za. Special Registration Officers at the Embassy are: First Secretary, L van der Walt and Third Secretary, MC Kekae. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF US 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 +965-2227-1673).

5. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please do so 24 hours beforehand, as a courtesy to other applicants. For more information, please visit the US Embassy website - kuwait.usembassy.gov - as it is the best source of information regarding these changes. nnnnnnn

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unkur Cultural Yard, Kuwait organized a family picnic at Ahmadi Public Garden (KOC), Ahmadi, on Feb 7.

More than four hundred Bangladeshi families and their children enjoyed the whole day with colorful programs including lunch, sports, cultural songs, raffle draw, Bingo, etc. Children’s under five years played Lollypop race

the event was an enjoyable moment for all the little boys and girls. They also participated in chocolate & biscuits collection event.

Boys and girls of different age groups participated in various events like memory test, balance run. The highlight of the day was the Couple Volleyball. Musical pillow pass-

ing event which was arranged for all the male members and guests. Prize distribution and inaugural ceremony was directed by Engineer Mizanur Rahman and Gen Secretary Mohammed Mizanur Rahman Shamim. A large number of Bangladeshi families from different parts of Kuwait enjoyed the day-long program.

EMBASSY OF VATICAN The Apostolic Nunciature Embassy of the Holy See, Vatican in Kuwait has moved to a new location in Kuwait City. Please find below the new address: Yarmouk, Block 1, Street 2, Villa No: 1. P.O.Box 29724, Safat 13158, Kuwait. Tel: 965 25337767, Fax: 965 25342066.

Email: nuntiuskuwait@gmail.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

TV PROGRAMS 00:00 00:30 01:20 02:15 03:00 03:55 04:25 05:00 05:20 05:40 05:50 06:05 06:15 06:35 06:55 07:05 07:20 07:30 08:15 08:45 09:15 09:45 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:45 13:15 13:45 14:15 14:45 15:35 16:25 17:10 17:40 18:10 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:50 21:40 22:10 23:00 23:45

My Family Tough Guy Or Chicken?

Call The Midwife Stella New Tricks Him & Her My Family Me Too! Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll Bobinogs Boogie Beebies Garth And Bev Me Too! Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll Bobinogs Boogie Beebies Garth And Bev The Weakest Link Only Fools And Horses Blackadder The Third Walk On The Wild Side Doctors Casualty Last Man Standing The Weakest Link Only Fools And Horses Blackadder The Third Walk On The Wild Side Doctors Casualty Last Man Standing The Weakest Link Eastenders Doctors Daddy Daycare My Family Only Fools And Horses New Tricks Spooks Moone Boy Call The Midwife The Weakest Link Eastenders

00:05 Cash In The Attic 00:50 The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best 01:40 Come Dine With Me 02:30 Come Dine With Me: Supersized 04:05 Antiques Roadshow 05:00 Antiques Roadshow 05:50 Antiques Roadshow 06:45 Antiques Roadshow 07:35 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 08:00 Cash In The Attic 08:45 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 09:30 Masterchef: The Professionals 10:15 Come Dine With Me: Supersized 11:50 The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best 12:40 Baby Borrowers USA 13:25 Celebrity Fantasy Homes 14:10 Antiques Roadshow 15:05 Homes Under The Hammer 16:00 Homes Under The Hammer 16:55 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 17:40 Cash In The Attic 18:25 Antiques Roadshow 19:15 DIY SOS: The Big Build 20:10 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook: London 20:35 Come Dine With Me 21:30 Come Dine With Me 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 23:15 Bargain Hunt

00:05 Ice Cold Gold 00:55 Gold Fever 04:15 Auction Kings 07:00 Diamond Divers 07:50 Robson Green’s Extreme Fishing Challenge 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 09:30 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 09:55 Auction Kings 10:20 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop

Edition 10:45 How Do They Do It? 11:10 How It’s Made 11:35 Fast N’ Loud 12:25 World’s Top 5 13:15 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 13:40 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 14:05 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 14:30 Auction Kings 14:55 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition 15:20 Flying Wild Alaska 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 17:00 Ultimate Survival 17:50 Dirty Jobs 18:40 One Car Too Far 19:30 Sons Of Guns 20:20 How Do They Do It? 20:45 How It’s Made 21:10 Auction Kings 21:35 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition 22:00 Gold Rush 23:40 Ice Cold Gold

00:40 Curiosity: Brainwashed 01:30 Weird Connections 02:00 Cosmic Collisions 03:45 Prophets Of Science Fiction 06:15 The Gadget Show 06:40 The Tech Show 07:05 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 08:00 Engineering Hurricanes 08:50 How Tech Works 09:15 How Tech Works 09:40 The Gadget Show 10:05 The Tech Show 10:30 What’s That About?

11:25 Superships 12:20 Prototype This 13:10 Prophets Of Science Fiction 14:00 Ways To Save The Planet 14:50 Weird Connections 15:20 The Gadget Show 15:45 The Tech Show 16:10 Space Pioneer 17:00 Prophets Of Science Fiction 17:55 Prototype This 18:45 Superships 19:35 What’s That About?

20:30 World’s Top 5 21:20 Engineering Volcanoes 22:10 The Gadget Show 22:35 Tech Toys 360 23:00 World’s Top 5 23:50 Engineering Volcanoes

00:00 00:45 01:30 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 09:55 10:15 10:40 11:05 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:35 13:00 14:35 15:00

The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody Jonas Los Angeles Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody Jonas Los Angeles Jonas Los Angeles Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Austin & Ally Dog With A Blog A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Wolfblood Gravity Falls My Babysitter’s A Vampire Jessie Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Austin And Ally A.N.T. Farm Dog With A Blog Suite Life On Deck My Babysitter’s A Vampire That’s So Raven Hannah Montana Shake It Up Hercules Dog With A Blog Wolfblood

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

Gravity Falls Good Luck Charlie Violetta A.N.T. Farm Austin & Ally Gravity Falls Jessie Good Luck Charlie Dog With A Blog Violetta Jessie Wolfblood Dog With A Blog Gravity Falls Shake It Up Austin & Ally A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place

00:15 Eat Street 00:45 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 02:35 Deadly Arts 03:30 Bondi Rescue 03:55 On Hannibal’s Trail 04:25 Banged Up Abroad 05:20 A World Apart 06:15 The Witch Doctor Will See You Now 07:10 Eat Street 07:35 Eat Street 08:05 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 09:00 When Vacations Attack 09:55 Deadly Arts 10:50 Bondi Rescue 11:15 On Hannibal’s Trail 11:45 Banged Up Abroad 12:40 A World Apart 13:35 The Witch Doctor Will See You Now 14:30 Eat Street 14:55 Eat Street 15:25 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 16:20 When Vacations Attack 17:15 Deadly Arts 18:10 Bondi Rescue 18:35 On Hannibal’s Trail 19:05 Banged Up Abroad 20:00 Deadly Arts 21:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 22:00 Somewhere In China 22:55 Earth Tripping 23:20 Maverick Chef 23:50 Eat Street

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00

Mega Factories Predator CSI Street Monkeys Salvage Code Red Cruise Ship Diaries Britain’s Greatest Machines Salvage Code Red Stonehenge Decoded Mega Factories Predator CSI Street Monkeys Salvage Code Red Cruise Ship Diaries Britain’s Greatest Machines Salvage Code Red China’s Mystery Mummies Mega Factories Predator CSI Street Monkeys China Circus Adventure Wanted Mad Scientists Mad Scientists Megastructures Is It Real?

00:20 01:10 02:00 02:50 03:45

Secret Brazil Malaysia From Below Crocs Of Katuma Hunter Hunted Africa’s Deadliest

OSN strengthens portfolio of high definition channels

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THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS ON OSN MOVIES HD 04:40 05:35 06:30 07:25 08:20 09:15 Quest 10:10 11:05

Octopus Volcano Wild Case Files

00:00 Web Therapy 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 George Lopez: It’s Not Me It’s You 02:30 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 03:00 The Cleveland Show 03:30 The Simpsons 04:00 Seinfeld 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Seinfeld 06:00 Raising Hope 06:30 Friends 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Seinfeld 09:00 Arrested Development 09:30 2 Broke Girls 10:00 Two And A Half Men 10:30 Friends 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Raising Hope 12:30 Seinfeld 13:30 Friends 14:00 The Simpsons 14:30 2 Broke Girls 15:00 Two And A Half Men 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 Last Man Standing 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Arrested Development 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 2 Broke Girls 19:30 Trophy Wife 20:00 Whitney 20:30 Web Therapy 21:00 The Daily Show Global Edition 21:30 The Colbert Report Global Edition

00:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

THE WILD HUNT ON OSN MOVIES DRAMA

Bug Attack Crocs Of Katuma Hunter Hunted Africa’s Deadliest Evolutions Kenny And Zoltan’s Venom

C.S.I. Supernatural House Of Cards Franklin & Bash Suits C.S.I. Burn Notice Body Of Proof Suits Franklin & Bash Emmerdale Coronation Street Body Of Proof C.S.I. Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Body Of Proof Betrayal Revenge The Blacklist Strike Back The Client List

00:00 The Task 02:00 No Man’s Land: The Rise Of Reeker 04:00 How I Spent My Summer Vacation 06:00 Ice Quake 08:00 Dragonheart 10:00 The Rescue 12:00 Romancing The Stone 14:00 Interview With A Hitman 16:00 The Rescue 18:00 The Blood Bond 20:00 Interview With A Hitman 22:00 Summer’s Blood

22:00 A Dark Truth-18

00:00 No Man’s Land: The Rise Of Reeker-18 02:00 How I Spent My Summer Vacation-PG15 04:00 Ice Quake-PG15 06:00 Dragonheart-PG 08:00 The Rescue-PG15 10:00 Romancing The Stone-PG15 12:00 Interview With A HitmanPG15 14:00 The Rescue-PG15 16:00 The Blood Bond-PG15 18:00 Interview With A Hitman

00:00 Cellmates-PG15 02:00 Jason Manford Live 2011 04:15 The Giant Mechanical Man 06:00 Blame It On The Bellboy 08:00 Mrs. Miracle-PG15 10:00 A Heartbeat Away-PG15 12:00 The Giant Mechanical ManPG15 14:00 Bushwhacked-PG 16:00 A Heartbeat Away-PG15 18:00 Hit List-PG15 20:00 Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story-18 22:00 Venus & Vegas-PG15

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 18:45 21:00 23:45

00:15 02:30 04:30 06:45 09:00 11:00 13:15 15:00 16:45 19:00 21:15 23:15

Beastly-PG15 96 Minutes-PG15 Killer Mountain-PG15 Carnage-PG15 Beastly-PG15 The Wild Hunt-PG15 One Angry Juror-PG15 The Key Man-PG15 A Woman-PG15 The Host-PG15 Zero Dark Thirty-18 4:44 Last Day On Earth-18

Amour-PG15 Martha Marcy May Marlene The Prey-PG15 The Trial-PG15 Trust-PG15 The Rainmaker-PG15 Dark Horse-PG15 The Woman In The Fifth The Rainmaker-PG15 Across The Universe-PG15 Color Of Night-18 Bel Ami-18

01:00 Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth-PG15 03:00 The Wild Girl-PG15 05:00 Prosecuting Casey AnthonyPG15 07:00 Brave-PG 09:00 Paranorman-PG 11:00 Another Harvest Moon-PG15 13:00 Crisis Point-PG15 15:00 Drew Peterson: Untouchable-PG15 17:00 Paranorman-PG 19:00 Moonrise Kingdom-PG15 21:00 The Man With The Iron Fists 23:00 Silent Hill: Revelation-18

00:00 02:00 04:15 06:00 08:00 10:00 11:45 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00

Bernie-PG15 Jack Reacher-PG15 Stealing Paradise-PG15 The Runway-PG15 Ice Age: Continental Drift-PG Now Is Good-PG15 Jack Reacher-PG15 Fastest-PG15 Ice Age: Continental Drift-PG Here Comes The Boom-PG15 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15

00:30 ICC Cricket 360 01:00 Live Cricket Test Match 09:00 Top 14 Highlights 09:30 Premier League Darts 13:00 Live Champions Tour 15:00 Top 14 19:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 20:00 PGA Tour Highlights 21:00 Trans World Sport 22:00 Premier League Darts

02:30 03:30 06:30 07:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

NHL NHL WWE This Week PGA Tour Trans World Sport Super League NHL Trans World Sport Top 14 Super League Champions Tour

00:00 Chelsea Lately 00:30 The Spin Crowd 00:55 The Spin Crowd 01:25 Style Star 01:50 Style Star 02:20 THS 03:15 Extreme Close-Up 04:10 E!ES 06:00 Christina Aguilera 07:50 Style Star 08:20 E! News 09:15 Opening Act 10:15 Married To Jonas 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays 11:10 Giuliana & Bill 12:05 E! News 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 13:35 Pop Innovators 14:30 Style Star 15:00 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 17:00 The Drama Queen 18:00 E! News 19:00 E!ES 20:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On 20:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On 21:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 22:00 Party On 22:30 Party On

00:30 01:30 02:30 03:30 04:30 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30 23:30

Killers Killers Born To Kill Evil Up Close Britain’s Darkest Taboos Frenemies Frenemies Born To Kill Curious & Unusual Deaths Snapped: Women Who Kill Snapped: Women Who Kill Snapped: Women Who Kill Snapped: Women Who Kill Snapped: Women Who Kill Snapped: Women Who Kill Martina Cole’s Lady Killers Beyond Scared Straight Born To Kill I Killed My BFF Martina Cole’s Lady Killers Born To Kill Curious & Unusual Deaths Private Crimes Homicide Hunter The First 48 The Devil You Know Beyond Scared Straight Private Crimes Born To Kill Jeffrey Dahmer

SN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, and a leader in premium educational content, is further strengthening its HD portfolio with the launch of Animal Planet and Discovery Science, both in high definition. Set to go live mid-February, both channels will provide OSN subscribers vivid insights into the world of science, unravelling some of the greatest myths and highlighting fascinating new facts on life and nature.

Animal Planet HD and Discovery Science HD now bring OSN’s high-definition repertoire to 38 channels promising the most definitive experience in home television.

David Butorac, Chief Executive Officer, OSN, said: “OSN is focused on continually enhancing the standards we have set for the industry by providing new and exciting TV experiences for our subscribers. Drawing on the power of content and technology, the addition of Animal Planet HD and Discovery Science HD underline our commitment to provide an entertaining yet educational experience for viewers of all ages.”

Known for its tagline of ‘question everything,’ Discovery Science HD sheds light on every facet of science from theoretical physics to astronomy and boasts a sterling repertoire of educational and entertaining programming including the world-renowned How the Universe Works; Big Bigger Biggest; The Unexplained Files; How It’s Made; and Strip the City.

Providing the best in Animal entertainment, Animal Planet HD has an unrivaled programming lineup featuring almost every species known to man. From debunking myths in Mermaids: New Evidence to learning about the pet peeves of cats and dogs, in My cat from Hell and Dogs 101, animal lovers can learn all that there is to the animal kingdom.

The launch of Animal Planet HD and Discovery Science HD follows the recent launch of two HD channels to the network’s line-up including Fight Network HD and Sundance channel HD. OSN also launched four new channels to its portfolio in January 2014 including GEO News, the highest rated news broadcaster from Pakistan, and SAB TV, the Indian comedy entertainment channel, to OSN Pehla; plus two new and exclusive Pinoy channels including ABS-CBN’s hugely popular TVradio channel, DZMM TeleRadyo, and music radio channel, DWRR 101.9, which will both be broadcast live from Manila.

Film on radical Catholics, racy von Trier film, paired in Berlin

(From left) US actress Uma Thurman, US actor Christian Slater, Danish director Lars von Trier, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard, actress Stacy Martin and US actor Shia LaBeouf pose during the photocall for the film “Nymphomaniac Volume I (Long Version)” at the 64th Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin yesterday. — AFP

F

ilms at the extremes of the cinema agenda, one a German-made look at an adolescent girl’s tortured life in a strict Catholic family, the other director Lars von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac”, highlighted day four of the Berlin film festival yesterday. Von Trier’s film starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and an extended list of movie world notables as her sexual partners, drew long queues to cinemas, even though it is being shown out of competition. The pairing of the Danish director’s steamy opus with the German-made “Kreuzweg” (“Stations of the Cross”) about a Catholic family bringing up their daughter in a strict religious environment, made for an odd juxtaposition, but one the film’s director, Dietrich Bruggemann, seemed to relish.

“Our religion is cinema and this is the cathedral and that’s what you do on Sunday. First you go to church service and then you have some fun,” Bruggemann said at a post-screening press conference. “Fun” would certainly not be a word for Bruggemann’s harrowing film which shows a charming, pretty and bright young girl’s descent into self-loathing, self-doubt and eventually anorexia in a deeply religious German Roman Catholic family.

She is torn between the teachings of her priest, played by Florian Stetter, who at catechism class tells teenagers that rock and soul music are instruments of Satan and that “impurity is the major sin of our time”, and the attentions of a boy who invites her to choir practice in a more liberal parish. Maria, played by first time actress Lea van Acken, is attracted to the boy, but also thinks music might help her autistic brother, who has yet to speak a word at the age of four, to come out of his isolation. Her stern and fanatical mother, played with Cruella de Vil panache by Franziska Weiss, forbids it, even if most of the music is Bach, because some of it is soul and gospel. The confrontation between Maria, who is ostracised at her local school for her extreme religious views, and her domineering mother escalates, with devastating consequences.

Bruggemann said he and his sister Anna, who wrote the screenplay with him, were raised as Catholics and while their family was not radical, he had come to know that extreme versions existed, not just in Germany but elsewhere.

“If you go to the States all you hear is religion and preaching,” Bruggemann told a news conference. “The question was what happens if ideology takes first place?” He said that because Catholicism was based on a system of religious rationalism, “it is very well suited to hammer away at adolescence and drown the baby with the bath water”. —Reuters

Classifieds MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Kuwait SHARQIA-1 LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED SHARQIA-2 ROBOCOP (DIG) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED SHARQIA-3 THE NUT JOB (DIG) THE NUT JOB (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-1 GRAND PIANO (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG)

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

MARINA-1 THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 12:45 AM

MARINA-2 RIDE ALONG (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

MARINA-3 KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-1 FROZEN (DIG) FROZEN (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) NO THU+FRI+SAT ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) THU+FRI+SAT RIDE ALONG (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM

MUHALAB-2 RIDE ALONG (DIG) FRI LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) NO FRI THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG)

3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM

MUHALAB-3 ROBOCOP (DIG) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG)

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM

1:30 PM

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) 6:00 PM NO FRI (07.02.2014) Special Show “DHOOM 3 (DIG) (HINDI)” FRI (07.02.2014) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) 8:30 PM NO FRI (07.02.2014) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) 11:00 PM

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

360º- 1 ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360º- 2 SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG)

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

1:00 PM

FANAR-1 GRAND PIANO (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

FANAR-2 THE NUT JOB (DIG) THE NUT JOB (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

FANAR-3 SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

FOR SALE

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (06/02/2014 TO 12/02/2014)

AVENUES-2 THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

AVENUES-3 KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

AL-KOUT.1 THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

AL-KOUT.2 KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) RIDE ALONG (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

AL-KOUT.3 ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:15 PM 4:45 PM 7:15 PM 9:45 PM 12:15 AM

AL-KOUT.4 SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) GRAND PIANO (DIG) SAVING Mr. BANKS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 AM

AVENUES-5 ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:15 PM 8:00 PM 10:30 PM 1:00 AM

BAIRAQ-1 THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) ROBOCOP (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:30 PM

BAIRAQ-2 FROZEN (DIG) THE NUT JOB (DIG) FROZEN (DIG)

AVENUES-6 LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) LONE SURVIVOR (DIG)

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 11:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

Full household items to be sold in Abbassiya 21” TV, DD fridge, washing machine, 3 window AC (G) two big almira, sofa set, d. table, kitchen cabinet etc. computer desk. Contact: 99208656, 24313796. (C 4637) 8-1-2014

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 8:00 PM 10:30 PM 1:00 AM

360º- 3 FROZEN (DIG-3D) FROZEN (DIG) FROZEN (DIG-3D) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

AVENUES-4 KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

6:00 PM

2001 model Mitsubishi Galant Super Salon, ash color, 146,000 km, price KD 500, negotiable. Contact: 99208656, 24313796.

(C 4638)

Expats leaving bargain prices king size queen beds, wardrobes bedside tables chest of drawers. TV 42” couch lounge chairs carpet, coffee tables desk, office chair, dining table, chairs, plates, pota pans curtains, washing & tumblodryer machines cooker microwave fridge.

94400865.

5-2-2014 Mitsubishi Galant 2011, silver color, (4 clr), full options, KD 1,950. Tel: 50994848.

(C 4632)

Nissan Altima 2008, silver color, full options, excellent condition, KD 1,950. Tel: 66729295. (C 4633) 3-2-2014 SITUATION VACANT Required English speaking driver. Contact: 99824597.

(C 4635) 4-2-2014 SITUATION WANTED Indian (Keralite) heavy driver 4-1/2 years experience, visa article 18, transferable, looking for a job. Tel: 55261717. (C 4634) 3-2-2014

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry aboutthe Civil ID card is

1889988

112 Prayer timings Fajr: Shorook Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM

05:11 06:32 12:02 15:10 17:33 18:51

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Airlines BBC JAI JZR KAC JZR THY QTR GFA THY AFG UAE ETD JAI MSR QTR FDB THY DHX FDB BAW KAC KAC KAC FDB QTR UAE KAC KAC ABY KAC ETD FDB QTR FDB KAC GFA MSC MSC JZR IRC MEA SYR UAE MSR KAC MSR FDB QTR KAC

Arrival Flights on Monday 10/2/2014 Flt Route 43 DHAKA 574 MUMBAI 539 CAIRO 502 BEIRUT 267 BEIRUT 772 ISTANBUL 1084 DOHA 211 BAHRAIN 764 SABIHA 416 JEDDAH 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI-INTL 576 COCHIN 612 CAIRO 1076 DOHA 67 DUBAI 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 69 DUBAI 157 LONDON 412 MANILA 206 ISLAMABAD 302 MUMBAI 53 DUBAI 1086 DOHA 855 DUBAI 362 COLOMBO 284 DHAKA 125 SHARJAH 352 COCHIN 301 ABU DHABI-INTL 55 DUBAI 1070 DOHA 8051 DUBAI 344 CHENNAI 213 BAHRAIN 401 ALEXANDRIA 403 ASYUT 165 DUBAI 6521 LAMERD 404 BEIRUT 341 DAMASCUS 871 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 382 DELHI 579 SOHAG 57 DUBAI 1078 DOHA 672 DUBAI

Time 00:05 00:10 00:40 00:15 00:40 00:45 00:55 02:10 02:15 02:20 02:35 02:45 02:50 03:10 03:45 04:00 05:35 05:40 05:50 06:40 06:45 07:40 07:55 07:50 07:50 08:40 08:45 08:50 09:00 09:50 09:20 09:40 09:55 10:20 10:40 10:40 10:50 11:15 11:30 11:45 11:55 12:30 12:50 13:00 13:05 13:05 13:50 13:55 14:00

SVA KAC KNE KAC FDB NIA OMA KNE KAC QTR UAE ETD RJA SVA ABY GFA MPH JZR RBG MSC QTR FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR GFA OMA KAC KAC KAC FDB JAI ABY AXB DLH FDB ALK MEA ETD UAE KNE GFA QTR FDB JZR JZR AIC PIA TAR JZR

500 546 472 788 8055 251 645 460 118 1072 857 303 640 510 127 215 93 777 553 405 1080 63 786 542 774 742 177 217 647 618 674 104 61 572 129 489 636 8053 229 402 307 859 480 219 1074 59 239 135 975 205 327 185

JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH JEDDAH DUBAI ALEXANDRIA MUSCAT RIYADH NEW YORK DOHA DUBAI ABU DHABI-INTL AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA RIYADH SHARJAH BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA SOHAG DOHA DUBAI JEDDAH CAIRO RIYADH DAMMAM DUBAI BAHRAIN MUSCAT DOHA DUBAI LONDON DUBAI MUMBAI SHARJAH COCHIN FRANKFURT DUBAI COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI-INTL DUBAI TAIF BAHRAIN DOHA DUBAI AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA BAHRAIN CHENNAI LAHORE TUNIS DUBAI

14:30 14:05 14:35 15:10 15:50 15:50 15:55 15:55 16:35 16:40 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:25 17:30 17:50 17:55 18:15 18:30 18:40 18:45 18:45 18:05 18:45 18:20 18:20 19:30 19:55 19:00 19:25 19:35 20:05 20:10 20:20 20:35 20:55 20:55 21:10 21:20 21:35 21:40 21:45 21:45 22:00 22:00 22:20 22:05 22:30 23:05 23:15 23:20

Airlines AIC UAL PIA JAI BBC DLH THY AFG UAE KAC ETD MSR QTR FDB QTR FDB JAI JZR THY GFA KAC THY FDB BAW QTR KAC KAC ABY UAE ETD FDB QTR FDB GFA KAC KAC MSC MSC KAC JZR IRC MEA KAC SYR JZR MSR MSR UAE FDB

Departure Flights on Monday 10/2/2014 Flt Route 982 AHMEDABAD 981 WASHINGTON 206 LAHORE 573 MUMBAI 44 CHITTAGONG 635 FRANKFURT 773 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 416 KABUL 854 DUBAI 381 DELHI 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 1085 DOHA 68 DUBAI 1077 DOHA 70 DUBAI 575 ABU DHABI 164 DUBAI 765 ISTANBUL-SABIHA 212 BAHRAIN 545 ALEXANDRIA 771 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 54 DUBAI 156 LONDON 1087 DOHA 787 JEDDAH 671 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 856 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 56 DUBAI 1071 DOHA 8052 DUBAI 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 406 SOHAG 404 ASYUT 103 LONDON 776 JEDDAH 6522 LAMERD 405 BEIRUT 785 JEDDAH 342 DAMASCUS 176 DUBAI 580 SOHAG 611 CAIRO 872 DUBAI 58 DUBAI

DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Time 00:05 00:55 01:05 01:10 01:45 02:10 02:55 03:30 03:50 03:50 04:00 04:10 04:15 04:40 05:15 06:30 06:35 06:55 07:05 07:15 07:15 07:30 08:30 08:45 08:50 09:25 09:30 09:40 09:55 10:05 10:20 10:55 11:00 11:25 11:30 11:50 11:50 12:15 12:20 12:25 12:45 12:55 13:00 13:30 13:45 13:50 14:00 14:15 14:30

QTR KAC KAC KAC KAC KNE SVA FDB KNE NIA OMA JZR ETD QTR UAE JZR RJA ABY SVA GFA JZR RBG JZR MPH FDB MSC QTR GFA KAC FDB OMA KAC KAC ABY JAI KAC DLH FDB DHX ALK MEA ETD KNE GFA KAC FDB UAE KAC QTR JZR KAC

1079 673 741 773 617 473 501 8056 481 252 646 238 304 1073 858 538 641 128 511 216 184 554 134 93 64 402 1081 218 283 62 648 331 361 120 571 351 636 8054 171 230 403 308 461 220 301 60 860 205 1075 502 411

DOHA DUBAI DAMMAM RIYADH DOHA JEDDAH JEDDAH DUBAI TAIF ALEXANDRIA MUSCAT AMMAN ABU DHABI DOHA DUBAI CAIRO AMMAN SHARJAH RIYADH BAHRAIN DUBAI ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL DUBAI ALEXANDRIA DOHA BAHRAIN DHAKA DUBAI MUSCAT TRIVANDRUM COLOMBO SHARJAH MUMBAI KOCHI DAMMAM DUBAI BAHRAIN COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI RIYADH BAHRAIN MUMBAI DUBAI DUBAI ISLAMABAD DOHA LUXOR BANGKOK

14:55 15:05 15:20 15:20 15:30 15:30 15:45 16:30 16:40 16:50 16:55 16:55 17:35 17:40 17:50 17:50 17:55 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:40 18:55 19:10 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:40 20:15 20:30 20:45 20:55 20:55 21:00 21:00 21:10 21:10 21:35 21:40 21:50 22:10 22:20 22:20 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:50 22:55 23:10 23:30 23:55

34

stars CROSSWORD 455

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) ARIES Take a little trip, or get outside today. You may want to break up your schedule and try something different. A new view or viewpoint may point to new insights that will be of great value later. You may be able to bring a group together with words or ideas that transport others. Poetry and art may be possible now. Movies, books and all forms of escape could prove very enjoyable. This can be a phase of sublime spiritual development, to be sure. You should be aware of tendencies to believe too quickly, too deeply, or to become dependent on things or people that seem to offer quick and easy answers to life’s deepest yearnings. Lovers, children and other people or things dear to your heart are emphasized at this time in your life.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You may be surprised this morning when you are put in a position to explain some important circumstances to one or two loved ones. This could be anything from the-birds-and-the-bees to new shoes for growing feet or an answer for an old ailment. The direction of this day may become quite interesting. This would certainly be a time to not only go-with-the-flow but to research what you learn. If possible, ask for resources where information could be acquired. In most cases, you are able to cut through to the truth in order to gain an understanding. Clear decisions affecting others can be made now. You are most persuasive with others and the situation is a natural for selfexpression. Tonight is a good time to practice your story writing.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. A federal agency established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products.

4. Covered with scabs.

10. How long something has existed.

13. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

14. Any of various trees or shrubs of the genus Cassia having pinnately compound leaves and usually yellow flowers followed by long seedpods.

15. An informal term for a father.

16. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man.

18. The number of opening per inch of a screen.

19. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

20. The capital of Morocco.

21. Evergreen Indian shrub with vivid yellow flowers whose bark is used in tanning.

25. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

28. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism.

29. The battle in 202 BC in which Scipio decisively defeated Hannibal at the end of the second Punic War. 33. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

34. A genus of evergreen shrub that grows in New Zealand.

35. Fiddler crabs.

37. 4-wheeled motor vehicle.

40. A river that rises in central Germany and flows north to join the Elbe River.

42. The 3 goddesses of fate or destiny.

45. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

47. Internal organs collectively (especially those in the abdominal cavity).

49. A town in central Belgium.

54. A woody climbing usually tropical plant.

55. Queen of England as the 6th wife of Henry VIII (1512-1548).

57. Seed of a pea plant.

58. (prefix) Reverse of or absence of.

59. Small tropical flea.

61. (Judaism) Sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments.

62. The compass point midway between northeast and east.

63. Type genus of the Annonaceae.

64. A unit of length of thread or yarn.

DOWN 1. An emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight).

2. An informal term for a father.

3. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia

or North Africa.

4. Singing jazz.

5. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

6. The capital of Eritrea.

7. A fatal disease of cattle that affects the central nervous system.

8. A member of the most numerous indigenous people of the Philippines.

9. A name for the Old Testament God as transliterated from the Hebrew YHVH. 10. The sixth month of the civil year.

11. Mentally or physically infirm with age.

12. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls.

17. A genus of Ploceidae.

22. An edge tool used to cut and shape wood.

23. A state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

24. Punish with an arbitrary penalty.

26. The last (12th) month of the year.

27. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

30. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill.

31. The food served and eaten at one time.

32. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

36. In bed.

38. A port city in northwestern Algeria and the country's 2nd largest city.

39. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance.

41. A federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955.

43. Edible bulb of an onion plant.

44. Complacently or inanely foolish.

46. American professional baseball player who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth (born in 1934).

48. A swift whirling motion (usually of a missile).

50. A particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography).

51. A translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color.

52. (used especially of vegetation) Having lost all moisture.

53. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh.

56. Gone by.

60. A colorless explosive liquid that is volatile and poisonous and foul-smelling.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Social get-togethers at church or perhaps a special called committee meeting will have you working for community affairs. You can make a big difference in your community and your hard work will pay off soon. Make sure that you listen to what everyone is really saying so that you do not work against the group energy. You could find that you are appreciated or valued for your feelings or your ability to act and get things done. You are in a mood of self-enjoyment and can appreciate your own better qualities. A creative endeavor turns out positive and may bring you monetary rewards.

There is a lot of contract type of stores in which you could contract to show off your creative wares. You might want to check out the consignment store possibilities.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) The ways you get around and stay in touch at the everyday level are changed by technology or social circumstances. This might also mean you have received a fascinating new piece of equipment lately and are enjoying the learning experience with this new apparatus. There are many good interactions with friends. One of your friends, who is an agreeable sort, may agree to share a ride to work. Conversations move around to the possibility of a hybrid car and who has one and how to take care of one and all sorts of questions. There could even be a trip to a car dealer just to see what it would be like to own one. Humility with a particular family member today brings forgiveness and compassion.

Leo (July 23-August 22) There is a meeting of the minds today. A family gathering can clear up some strange thinking and bring closure to some misunderstanding. Family, home, relatives and real estate play big parts in your life. There is a merger or a coming together that culminates in a tremendous amount of love, healing, education, accountability and cooperation. This could mean a marriage, a move or a birth of many children. You might want to just go with the flow as much as possible; if you are always trying to figure out the details, you could become lost in the shuffle. You enjoy belonging on a private, intimate, personal level. United, you will notice that you and your family make a positive difference throughout the community—keep up the good work!

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Thinking over this past week with the challenges it presented, along with some decisions for next week, may be uppermost on your mind. With the involvement of a charity or teaching project you balance out your energies and help yourself to find peace of mind.

Friendships are in a state of transformation now—old ones are either revitalized or else they come to an end; new ones are formed. Fate seems to bring you your friends or you to them—and changes your relationship with them. An organization you belong to, or a group you associate with, could blur the line between means and ends. Let yourself dream this evening. Take advantage of the opportunity to let your imagination loose. Perhaps a book or movie will be enjoyable.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) You may be shopping today and find some special item for your house.

Your house is usually full of delightful things that friends find hard to forget. You always seem to find the right piece of furniture for the right corner. Today there could be an antique store to visit. A gift or a find of some cash can be enjoyed. This is generally, a great day! Enjoy your friend whose thinking is most positive and upbeat. Learn from his or her ability to stay strong in difficult situations. You can gain a feeling of security if you learn how to ground yourself in positive and open-minded thinking. You have a clear vision into your own inner sense of values at this time. An animal may come to your attention this afternoon and you may need to become a rescuer.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) The exchange of ideas becomes a focal point in your life. Learning and knowing a little about a lot of things satisfies a need for mental stimulation.

If you like to stay on top of the latest developments, a visit to the library, exhibit or museum could be a part of this. Neighbors and brothers or sisters may also play a role in your life and young people begin to figure more prominently in your schedule. An old friend contacts you this afternoon and you may find yourself sharing stories and bragging about accomplishments. You may have some ideas on making extra money for the next few weeks. You like to feel that you have security for a rainy day and you are determined to build up your bank account. Music is very soothing tonight.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Your imagination can run wild today. Creative thoughts come from many different directions. Write them down in order to act on them and fine-tune your ideas when time permits. You could be most persuasive with others, especially your loved ones. This is a good time for conversations concerning dreams and the future.

Independence is valued, as well as anything unusual or different. You may enjoy getting away from routine and doing something completely different for a change. If you do not get away from your usual activities today, at least consider getting away for part of the day—weather permitting. A walk in the park, trip to the pet store, zoo, museum or art show may do the trick, meaning rest, relaxation and a renewal of ideas and energy.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Fondness and appreciation for the past and for your roots in life take on a greater importance for you now. Making your home situation more pleasant and attractive plays a part in this. You may be moved to appreciate and discover the beauty in your life and in those around you. At the same time, everything could take on added value and importance. Be wise that you do not overspend or indulge too much just now.

Be aware of tendencies to believe too quickly, too deeply, or to become dependent on things or people that seem to offer quick and easy answers to life’s deepest yearnings.

Conversations with your family, friends and neighbors will lend itself to a feeling of being in the know and in control of your life at this time.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Your expertise and how you apply yourself, organize your time and concentrate on your priorities determines whether or not you feel in control. Your most outstanding opportunity to take better control of your life arises in the area of your special talents, which emerge strong at this time. Today, you attract the attention of someone that will influence your life a great deal. This could mean more money for your pocket as you set out to create a sales presentation that will be hard for anyone to refuse. Spend time with loved ones at a favorite restaurant this evening. Get to know what they are doing to reach their goals and encourage conversations about their dreams. Most of your conversations later tonight revolve around the subject of love and love connections.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) Your creative side is showing this Sunday and you just may create a fun invention or easy solution to achieving some task that usually takes way too long to complete. Let yourself dream a little. There is a secret that will be revealed to you today and you may discover the whole story if you persist with questions. Be aware of tendencies to become gullible at this time. It is possible to just see questionable stories as a test for future development. Recognize the trend from certain individuals and keep moving forward. Forgiveness, compassion and understanding come naturally, particularly when you look at life from an eternal perspective—and if anyone ever does know such things, you will probably come to understand them as this cycle unfolds.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

CHALLENGING MAZES

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 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

36

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Swift made music out of loneliness

T

aylor Swift started writing music because she was lonely. The 23-year-old beauty has had several high-profile flings including One Direction singer Harry Styles - but she insisted rejection when she was younger motivated her to begin creating her own songs. She told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: “I started writing songs because I wasn’t invited to parties and sleepovers. I wasn’t noticed by the guy I like.” However, the ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ hitmaker found solace in her art and she explained she has learned “a lot” of important life lessons from her own music. She added: “Writing songs has taught me a lot. One of the hardest lessons to learn in life is there’s sometimes

T

he Wanted singer is said to have broken up with his girlfriend after he and the model started to want “different things out of the relationship”. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday newspaper, a source revealed: “It was hard for Max to dump Nina so soon after news broke that The Wanted are breaking up. “But they just wanted different things out of the relationship and had grown slightly apart.”However, despite the breakdown of his relationship and the ‘All Time Low’ boy band, Max is said to be staying “optimistic” during such a “challenging time”. The insider added: “It’s a

challenging time for Max as he’s going through big changes in his personal and private life.”But he is being optimistic. He is looking at it all as an opportunity for a fresh start. He’s not one to get down in the dumps about things.”Even with Max trying to be upbeat, he spoke last year about how happy he was being in a relationship with someone he considered his “best friend”. He previously said: “I’m very happy now. For the first time I am with a girl who is my best friend. “She’s funny, calm and nice with everyone - the boys, my family. I feel settled.”

Mel B

would like a baby boy

T

he former Spice Girls singer - who has daughters Phoenix, 14, and Angel, six, from previous relationships, Madison, two, with husband Stephan Belafonte and also helps raise eight-year-old Giselle, her spouse’s daughter treasures her girls but if she added to her family again in the future, she’d like a son. She said: “[If I could learn anything from the future, I’d want to know] if I get pregnant again, will it be a boy? I’ve got four girls, and I would like to know if it’s going to be a boy.” She also gushed over her “amazing” husband, because he is always there to support her. Mel added: “My husband is amazing. I’ve known him for 20 years, we’ve been married for seven amazing years.

He’s my best friend, he’s a great father, he’s a great cook. He’s a great person inside and out.” Mel - who was known as Scary Spice during her time in Spice Girls - also had a message for selfappointed Queen of Twerking Miley Cyrus. She told America’s OK! magazine: “Miley Cyrus did not invent twerking. It’s been going on for decades.”

Bieber’s fling concerned with behavior

J

ustin Bieber’s new fling wants him to stop his bad behavior. The 19-year-old star - whose recent controversy includes being investigated over the egging of a neighbor’s house and getting arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), resisting arrest and driving with an invalid license - is said to be dating Katherine Gazda, who wants him to settle down. A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “They hit it off straight away and are both really serious about one another. “But their relationship has been very up and down because she can’t stand the way he has been behaving recently. She is desperately trying to help him through all the scandal and regain his clean-cut image.

“Underneath all the bravado and controversy, Katherine believes he’s a lovely kid with a real heard, she just thinks he is being led astray.” Despite the influence of Katherine - who was introduced to him at the end of last year - it appears the ‘Beauty and a Beat’ hitmaker is in for more drama. According to the Sunday People newspaper, Justin’s lawyers are trying to stop half-naked pictures of him in a US police station from being given to the media. The images were apparently taken after his arrest for drag racing, and a motion has been filed to a Florida judge. It reads: “While in custody the defendant was captured on videotape in various states of undress which show intimate personal parts of the defendants body.” Justin has pleaded not guilty to drag-racing, DUI and driving without a valid license, and he faces trial on March 3.

Angelina Jolie on grain diet

A

ngelina Jolie has a diet which is comprised of “ancient grains”. ‘The Tourist’ star claims eating the archaic foodstuffs - which include millet, chia seeds, spelt, buckwheat and quinoa - have great benefits for her body and wellbeing, and she can’t stop eating them. A source told National Enquirer magazine: “Angie’s always been a fan of healthy seeds and grains, but lately she’s taken it to a whole new level. She’s into eating products made from ‘ancient grains’ and raves about their health benefits. She claims they provide her with nutrients she can’t find anywhere else, plus shinier skin.” Angelina’s slender frame has been subject to much speculation about her health and it has previously been claimed in 2011 the actress - who raises six children with partner Brad Pitt - was surviving on as little as 600 calories a day. A source said at the time: “Angelina has been known to start her day with little more than a spoonful of coconut oil and a handful of cereal. “The worrying thing is that she is so busy, she often forgets to eat. Sometimes she’ll skip lunch altogether or will just grab a few almonds and some gummy bears while she’s on the go, or will have a protein-based shake rather than anything more substantial. “Then dinner could be something like a lean steak and a soft drink.”

D

emi Lovato has “never been more excited” ahead of her new tour. The 21-year-old singer, who is set to perform her first ‘Neon Lights’ show in Vancouver, Canada today admitted she can’t wait to be back on the road. The ‘Heart Attack’ hitmaker shared her excitement on Twitter on Saturday, writing: “VANCOUVER!!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU READY??!?!!!?!

“I’ve never been more excited for a tour in my life... It feels like Christmas morning!!!!! #NEONLIGHTSTOUR” Demi, who pulled out of a world tour with the Jonas Brothers in 2010 and checked into rehab to address “emotional and physical issues,” hired her close friend Nick Jonas as her musical and creative director for her upcoming performances. He recently said: “I’m overseeing video content, wardrobe, lighting and staging. And then I’m extending into the musical side of things, which includes creating the arrangements for the songs. “I’m building what Demi wanted, which is a show without stops and starts.” The tour will feature tracks from all four of Demi’s studio albums, including 2008’s ‘Don’t Forget’. The ‘Skyscraper’ singer, who battled a cocaine addiction in the past, has banned anyone from using drugs or alcohol around her on the tour. She recently said: “Everyone on the team is required to stay clean and focused. It’s not about trying to party. It’s about putting on the best show and everyone needs to be in tiptop shape. That’s how it should be for every tour.” —Bang Showbiz

nothing you can do to make someone like you if they don’t. It’s okay to let that go.” Taylor is known for putting her personal life on display in her tracks, and she has admitted her openness in that way means she doesn’t feel the need to take her clothes off like many of her pop rivals. She recently explained: “I find it relatively easy to keep my clothes on because I don’t really feel like taking them off. It’s not an urge I have. “For me ‘risky’ is revealing what really happened in my life through music. Risky is writing confessional songs and telling the true story about a person with enough details so everyone knows who that person is. “That’s putting myself out there, maybe even more than taking my shirt off.”

A

shton Kutcher has been banned from partying while filming ‘Two and A Half Men’. The actor was known among cast and crew for having a good time after a hard day’s filming, but producers have ordered him to stop having lots of guests in his luxury $2 million trailer. A source told America’s Star magazine: “Every Friday night after they finished filming, Ashton would throw wild parties until the early hours. “The parties were notorious and got way out of hand. It wasn’t unusual to see famous friends stumbling out of his trailer.” However, orders from the bosses of the Warner Bros lot after complaints were received haven’t gone down well with the party loving star and he doesn’t want to curb his behavior.

The source added: “Ashton’s not happy about the decision. He says he felt like king of the lot.” Meanwhile, Ashton was on his best behavior earlier this month, when he attended his twin brother, Michael’s wedding in St Simons Island, Georgia, with his girlfriend Mila Kunis. A source said the actor looked “chill and comfortable” during the ceremony and the following reception.

Stewart can’t control her heart K

risten Stewart has realized she can’t control who she loves. The 23-year-old star, who split from British actor Robert Pattinson in May 2013 after they struggled to move past her “momentary indiscretion” with her ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ director, Rupert Sanders, in August 2012, admits she has learnt a lot about herself over the past few months. The ‘Twilight Saga’ star told the March issue of US Marie Claire magazine: “You don’t know who you will fall in love with. You just don’t. You don’t control it. Some people have certain things, like, ‘That’s what I’m going for,’ and I have a subjective version of that. I don’t pressure myself... if you fall in love with someone, you want to own them - but really why would you want that. You want them to be what you love.” The brunette beauty learnt to embrace a more relaxed approach to life when she went on trip with a few of her female friends to New Orleans, Louisiana shortly after her split from Robert, 27, last summer. Explaining that she no longer tries to plan everything, she said: “I mean, at this point, I can’t even tell you if I want to hang out on Saturday.” But Kristen hopes to have children in the future because she had such a happy childhood. She said: “I had it too good, to not have that, too. If I were to put money on it, definitely, yeah. But you earn that, like, that’s so not here yet.”

37

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

LIFESTYLE F e a t u r e s

Raising the bar: Vietnam’s luxury chocolate pioneers eep in the Mekong Delta, two Frenchmen have their heads buried in a sack of cacao beans. The pair-co-founders of Vietnam’s first artisan chocolate maker-resurface, murmuring appreciatively. The sweet-toothed entrepreneurs-who quit their day jobs to set up awardwinning chocolate company Marou-buy three out of four of 64-year-old farmer Vo Thanh Phuoc’s sacks of dried, fermented cacao, paying a premium on the market price for the betterthan-average beans. “When we started, the farmers thought we were crazy,” Marou’s cofounder Vincent Mourou told AFP as he nibbled on a cacao nib. Every sack of beans is individually checked as the smell, color, texture and taste give a good indication of the chocolate to come.

“Now, they try the beans too.” Cacao was likely first introduced in Vietnam by French colonialists in the late 19th century, but never took off as a cash crop. As demand for high-quality chocolate rises globally-particularly in emerging markets-while supply from traditional producers like Ivory Coast falls due to ageing tree stock and other problems, the industry is eyeing communist Vietnam as a new supplier. Cacao prices hit two-and-a-half-year highs in late January amid concerns over inventory, and some industry figures are warning of a possible deficit of one million tones by 2020.

The chocolate industry is “desperate to diversify” its supply of beans, which would lessen the risk of supply crunches owing to disease or political unrest, said Chris Jackson, lead economist with the World Bank in Hanoi. Current production in the communist country is just 5,000 tons per year, compared to the roughly 1.4 million tons exported by Ivory Coast, according to the International Cocoa Organisation. But this needs to grow to give the cacao industry a chance in Vietnam, said Gricha Safarian, managing director of Puratos Grand-Place, a Belgium joint venture which produces the majority of chocolate used locally in Vietnam-by hotels, bakeries and ice cream companies-and exports high-quality chocolate and cacao beans.

“Vietnam has a place to take as a medium size producer of quality beans,” said Safarian, who has worked in Vietnam’s nascent cacao industry for two decades. “Year by year the market is going to be more rewarding for quality beans because of this coming shortage” as demand for quality chocolate rises, especially in Asia, he said.

Vietnam’s chocolate has “a different flavor profile-the Vietnamese beans are rather different from the African bean,” which makes it stand out in the market, he said.

D

Worker Jason Laurent pouring down cocoa beans from a bag at chocolate workshop Marou. —AFP photos

Vietnamese workers packing up chocolate bars.

A Vietnamese worker preparing to deliver by motorcycle a box of chocolate Marou.

Vinccent Mourou, co-founder of Vietnam’s first artisan chocolate maker, sitting on bags of cocoa beans during an interview with AFP at his workshop Marou.

Chocolate crossroads “The cacao sector in Vietnam is really at a crossroads-it could go for quality or quantity,” said Vien Kim Cuong, program manager for Swiss NGO Helvetas, which works with cacao farmers on certification. The country is wellknown for cheap agricultural exports like coffeeit provides 50 percent of the world’s low-end Robusta beans-and catfish so cheap it is repeatedly hit by US anti-dumping measures. Marou

and Puratos Grand-Place want the government to take a different, more upmarket route with the cacao sector-they are trying to add value locally and build a reputation for Vietnamese luxury chocolate.

“We transform an agricultural product, the cacao bean plus sugar, into a high-quality chocolate that we position as a premium product on the export market,” said Safarian-whose Made in Vietnam chocolate is found in top restaurants from Paris to Tokyo. For Marou cofounder Samuel Maruta, setting up an artisan chocolate company in Vietnam-not known for cacao, chocolate or even high-quality export goods was a risk.

But the pair have successfully positioned their Vietnamese single-origin chocolate as part of a growing bean-to-bar revolution, a rebellion against homogeneity in an industry dominated by major players like Kraft and Italy’s Ferrero.

Mass-produced chocolate can be “incredibly soulless,” said Maruta, a world apart from the rich, fruity, spicy notes found in a bar of the company’s 78 percent dark chocolate. From their Ho Chi Minh City-based factory, they’re now exporting close to two tons of chocolate a month, to some 15 countries. The pair want Vietnam “to push quality cacao, so that Vietnamese cacao is known for quality and not quantity,” Maruta said. Officials at state department VinaCacao said they aimed to increase cacao production some five-fold by 2020, but declined to provide further details.

Calling for quality Major buyers including industry leader MARS are eager for Vietnam to grow more higher-quality “certified” beans-MARS has pledged to use only certified beans by 2020. “Vietnam will play a role in providing certified quality beans to Mars,” which is working locally to train farmers and research new cacao strains, MARS Vietnam cocoa development manager Dinh Hai Lam told AFP. The only other country to go into cacao production in recent years is Indonesia, which focuses only on producing a high volume of low-end, unfermented beans. Cacao can be a good earner for farmers-but only if they can get a premium for their beans, and the premium is based on the quality, Safarian said. Ironically, the people who are the most difficult to convince about the quality of Vietnamese chocolate are...

Vietnamese. “The Vietnamese consumer does not trust the product of his own country yet,” Safarian said, referring to consumers’ preference for imported goods which are perceived as higher quality.

“This will change,” he said. “You cannot approach the chocolate market in Vietnam as you approach it in France or Belgium,” he said, adding that while there is not likely to be much of a market for praline, the emerging middle class is already developing a taste for chocolate.

“Being in this business for 30 years, I have still never met anyone who doesn’t like chocolate at first bite.” —AFP

Worker Jason Laurent pouring chocolate powder into a wiggling machine.

A Vietnamese worker packing chocolate bars.

Move over, rickshaw: Cambodia launches public buses otorcycles, cars, tuk-tuks and the humble rickshaw dominate its traffic-clogged roads, but now the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh is launching a new weapon in the fight against chronic congestion: its first public buses in over a decade.

Cambodia is lagging behind many of its Southeast Asian neighbors who long ago turned to public transport in a bid to ease traffic gridlock in major cities.

The last time the kingdom tried to introduce public buses in the capital Phnom Penh in 2001, they were a flop.

This time, the rapidly-developing country hopes that commuters are ready to swap the door-to-door convenience of motorbikes for the comfort and safety of public transport. “The main goal is reduce traffic jams,” City Hall senior official Koeut Chhe told AFP. “We think that people understand about public transport now because some people used to travel overseas so they know about this kind of transport system.”

There is growing frustration in Phnom Penh about daily traffic jams and fatal accidents in the city of about two million people, who compete for space on the roads with more than one million motorbikes and 300,000 cars.

As part of a one-month trial, 10 air-conditioned buses have been running

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A Cambodian man buys a ticket in a City bus. from 5.30 am until 8.30 pm on a single route up and down the length of busy Monivong Boulevard since February 5.

If successful, more routes and buses will be added, Koeut Chhe said. With a fare of 1,500 riels (35 cents), a bus journey is at least five times cheaper than taking a motorbike taxi-locally known as “moto-dup”-the most common transport in Cambodia. “I feel safe and cool riding a bus, and it’s cheaper,” 33year-old passenger Doung Rattana said as she took a bus home for the first time from a market with her nephew.

This photo taken on February 7, 2014 shows a City bus travelling along a street in Phnom Penh. —AFP photos

Many locals, including students and young and old people, have used the new public transport, some taking pictures and chatting with friends about the experience.

‘Change of mindset’ It is the second attempt by the City Hall and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to launch a public bus service to address traffic jams. A similar project in 2001 was scrapped after about two months due to lack of interest from the public. JICA

said the circumstances nowadays are very different, with much heavier traffic on the road.

“The time is ripe for public buses due to a change of mindset of citizens, who are concerned more about safety and comfort,” said JICA spokesman Masahiko Egami. However, it remains to be seen how popular the service will be in a city where the “moto-dup” is still king thanks to drivers waiting on street corners or outside markets to whisk passengers straight to their destination.

Information Minister Khieu Kanharith recently wrote on Facebook that the previous trial was not successful because “most of the people wanted to be dropped right in front of their home, did not want to walk far and would not take a bus if they have belongings”.

“Let’s hope it will be successful this time!” added Kanharith. Travelling by moto-dup-which sometimes carry two or more passengers-is becoming increasing dangerous as the city becomes more developed and its streets fill with luxury cars and SUVs. Yet the drivers who rely on motorbike taxis for a living say they are not worried for their future. “The buses would take time so the people who are in a rush will still take moto-dup,” driver Socheat said. —AFP

Cambodians sit in a City bus as it travels along a street in Phnom Penh.

A file picture shows Syrian Artist Youssef Abdelke talking about his paintings displayed at an art gallery in the Lebanese capital Beirut. —AFP

Syrian dissident artist paints war’s agony

yrian painter and dissident Youssef Abdelke offers a haunting vision of the war tearing his country apart, in which neither individuals nor symbols are spared from violence. One painting shows a knife hanging over the corpse of a bird, another the empty gaze of the mothers of “martyrs” lost to the fighting, and a third shows a decapitated head. The 30 canvases, etched in the former detainee’s minimalist style, are on display in Beirut’s Tanit gallery, offering a searing glimpse into a war that has claimed more than 136,000 lives and driven millions from their homes.

“There is so much destruction and blood... we have to paint the human drama,” Abdelke told AFP at the gallery, where his paintings will be displayed until March 8. The war “weighs heavy on the ideas and feelings of every poet, painter and musician,” added the white-haired artist in his early 60s. Most of the works are in his trademark black-and-white, and were produced from the start of Syria’s March 2011 uprising through 2013, when he was detained for a month for peaceful opposition to President Bashar Assad’s embattled regime.

Among the most striking paintings are those portraying the mothers of “martyrs.”

One shows a woman kneeling before a chair, over which a photograph of her dead son is placed. The mother clenches her hands over her mouth, struggling not to cry out in pain.

Another painting shows the empty stare of a mother carrying a picture of her dead son, her

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young daughter facing her with folded hands that convey grim resignation. “The Martyr of Douma,” a rebel-held area near Damascus that has been under an army siege for months, shows a severed head, its eyes wide open. “The Martyr of Homs” is a giant, severed hand drenched in blood.

‘Our revolution is stronger’ “This is what my country has become.

Bloodied hands, severed heads, destruction,” says a Damascene woman visiting the exhibition, her eyes welling up with tears. Amid all the bleakness is an occasional reminder of the hope that ignited the uprising, which began in March 2011 as a series of peaceful protests against the Assad family’s four-decade rule.

One painting shows a tiny butterfly perched on the edge of a knife, a metaphor for the fragility of the peaceful demonstrations, which gave way to an insurgency and then a civil war after the regime fired on protesters.

For Abdelke, “there are no frontiers” when painting war’s devastation. “When (Spanish artist Francisco) Goya painted the executions of the third of May, he was actually portraying executions that take place in all wars, everywhere in the world,” and not just those that took place in the 1808 Spanish rebellion, said Abdelke. “The more truthfully you paint, the more you move your viewers.” Abdelke’s detention in the summer of 2013 sparked outrage among Syria’s intellectuals and artists, but he calls it “just a small detail in this terrible tragedy.” —AFP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

lifestyle F A S H I O N

Fashion Week

The Brooklyn

Navy Yard

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ne of the most talked-about events of the week was Alexander Wang’s show scheduled Saturday night in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. It’s an interesting venue but one that’s not familiar to most New Yorkers. The Navy Yard is located on the Brooklyn waterfront, on the East River across from Manhattan. But the nearest bridge isn’t even the most famous of the three that connect the two boroughs. The Navy Yard is well north of the famous Brooklyn Bridge, located instead between the Williamsburg and Manhattan bridges. And it’s not easy to get to - a 15-minute walk on snowy streets from the nearest subway station, in a section of Brooklyn that Manhattan-based taxi drivers don’t always know well. Fashionistas have been griping about making the trek, because despite Brooklyn’s reputation as a hotbed of hipsters, the fashion world remains very Manhattan-centric.

But Wang’s shows are must-sees and he often holds them in offbeat venues away from the tents at Lincoln Center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The Navy Yard has a remarkable history. The US Navy began using the site to build ships in 1806. The USS Arizona, which was sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbor, was among the many ships built there. During World War II, tens of thousands of people worked in the Navy Yard building ships around the clock. Today the Navy Yard is an urban industrial park, with a few hundred small enterprises from design studios and manufacturers to storage and import businesses employing several thousand people.

More growth is expected in the coming years thanks to millions of dollars in investment.

Guided tours of the site are offered, and there’s also a museum called BLDG 92.

Valentino apologizes for Amy Adams bag-gate The fashion house Valentino has apologized for touting in an email blast to journalists that one of their pricey bags was carried

by Amy Adams as she stepped from a car at the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman. Much was made of the promotional email sent Friday, complete with two photos of Adams outside the Thursday wake. Valentino said in a statement that quickly followed that the company didn’t realize the photos were snapped at the sad gathering of loved ones for Hoffman, who was found dead Feb 2 of an apparent heroin overdose in his apartment.

Hoffman, 46, co-starred with Adams in “The Master” and both his wake, and funeral the next day, were attended by numerous celebrities, Adams included. “We sincerely regret releasing a photo to the media ... of Amy Adams with a Valentino Bag. We were not aware the photograph was taken while she was attending the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman. It was an innocent mistake and we apologize to Ms. Adams who was not aware, or a part of, our PR efforts,” said the regretful statement signed by Mona Swanson, vice president of communications for Valentino USA. The New York Post splashed the Valentino-

Models wear designs by Alexander Wang during the Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2014 Fashion Shows February 8, 2014 in New York. — AP/AFP photos toting actress in sunglasses and a sad expression all over its front page Saturday with the headline “DEAD CARPET” after putting up the gaffe online, apparently prompting the apology. The Daily News included the image of Adams with the red, $2,500 bag in a twopage spread inside the paper.

Bandage dresses - with feathers, too - at Leger How many ways can you make a bandage dress? There seems to be no finite answer to that question, as Herve Leger keeps coming up with new adornments - some more successful than others - to the label’s famous skintight garment. At Saturday’s runway show - packed, as usual - designers Max and Lubov Azria presented a Fall 2014 collection that added elements like geometric metal bead-

ing, feather trim and corset belts that resembled nothing so much as little cages (maybe that’s why they’re called cage-corsets). You could also find generous dollops of fur.

Many of the form-fitting garments were black, of course, but a few bright ones stood out: a bold coral and a nice champagne color that gave the dresses a slightly more muted feel. But often they weren’t muted at all. A bandage dress in dark blue with a mesh cutout and lots of encrusted beading looked like, well, a figure skating outfit. It came along with black over-the-knee boots, adding to the over-the-top effect.

On the other hand, a pale peachlike shade with similar encrusted beading, paired with nude leather booties, had a more subtle feel.

A split-hem dress was exactly what it sounds like: pleats, but broken into strips. There were also big, boxy motorcycle jackets with huge fur sleeves. Good for fighting the winter chill, but the open toes on the over-the-knee boots? Perhaps not so much. A number of dresses had long sleeves and achieved their allure through the tightness of the fabric.

Azria, backstage, defined his view of “sexy” this way: “Something that shows nothing, but attracts everybody.”

The young and the famous at Rebecca Minkoff Singer Carrie Underwood and “Pitch Perfect” star Anna Kendrick were among a slew of young celebrities who popped up at Rebecca Minkoff ’s show Friday during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. It was Underwood’s second show of the day as she’d earlier made an appearance at Peter Som’s show. Underwood said she loves fashion shows, but doesn’t have much time to attend them. “I just thought I’d come in for the day and go along for the ride,” she said.

Meanwhile fall-winter collections included feathers at Nicole Miller and fur on many runways, with designers claiming muses ranging from North Face parkas to Jane Birkin’s Swingin’ ‘60s peacoats.

On dressing Queen Latifah - and those curvy Americans Red-carpet designer Carmen Marc Valvo has been dressing the rich and famous for decades, including Queen Latifah and other notables with curves. Does that make him a rarity? “I think the Europeans are more at fault,” said one of the nicest guys in fashion in a backstage interview before his New York Fashion Week show Friday. “The Americans are larger than the Europeans. They just are, so I do embrace that. I think a woman should be sexy and just be who she is.”

This time around, Valvo turned out a woman warrior in armor-looking gowns, down to the ground, some with chain-link accents and metal beads inspired by a recent trip to Turkey. There’s a certain life cycle when you’ve been in the business as long as Valvo, who’s 60. “Who’s my customer? I grew up with some of them,” he said. “I made their wedding gowns and now I’m dressing their daughters.” — AP

Herve Leger by Max Azria Oscar-nominated actress Amy Adams and her fiance Darren Le Gallo arrive at a wake for actor Philip Seymour Hoffman at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

lifestyle F A S H I O N

Top NYC designer laughs off streaker, showcases

Nepal O

Carmen Marc Valvo

ne of New York’s top designers has thrust Nepal onto the map of high fashion, unveiling one of the most exciting catwalk shows of the season, inspired by his Himalayan homeland. Award-winning designer Prabal Gurung unveiled his fall/winter 2014 season in the cavernous recesses of New York’s Moynihan Station on Saturday, watched by a packed house led by style queen Anna Wintour.

Within minutes, a male streaker wearing a raincoat, gold crown, red socks and leopard print thong dashed across the catwalk and dropped to his knees. A model stalked past him and he flashed his backside and racy thong as usually uber-serious fashionistas cracked into a few titters and security rushed to usher him out.

But Gurung, who formed his eponymous label in February 2009 after studying in India and New York, laughed it off. The designer has dressed some of the world’s most famous women. He grew up in Kathmandu, and told AFP that his new collection was a glimpse of home. “I wanted to share with the rest of the world a little piece of me. It’s our fifth year now and, you know, show the world a glimpse of where I’m from,” he said.

Effervescent and charming, dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt, the 34-year-old was delighted to show off a notice board backstage covered with pictures from his homeland. He travels back to Nepal once a year and loves to trek in the Himalayas, often just with a porter for company to recharge his batteries from the chaos of the jet-set life. Gurung chose Mustang, a plateau on the Chinese bor-

der where his mother’s ancestors come from, and came away inspired.

“I was so taken aback by the culture, the landscape, the colors, but more than anything it was the serenity. “It was so beautiful, especially in this world where everyone is so chattery you know, so that was the starting point for the collection,” he said. When Gurung returned to New York, he got further inspiration from oil paintings of friend British artist Cecily Brown, whose prints he also pointed out on the notice board.

“It’s like this chaotic place, amazingly and beautifully colorful and yet so peaceful at the same time,” Gurung said. “All the prints, all the textures, all the embroidery was informed by this.” His show featured pashmina and anklets from Nepal, which were made into shoes in Italy, embroidered feathers from India, chiffon from Paris and sunglasses from London.

It was a riot of claret, navy, scarlet, peach and gray, models in minimal makeup powering down the runway in furs, feathers, capes, sequins and elegant chiffon evening gowns.

So what phrase sums up the Parang Gurung woman of 2014? “Femininity with a bite,” he said. “Very, very feminine and not afraid to have the fight, have the strength.”

He broke away for a moment to wave goodbye to Czech supermodel Karolina Kurkova, making plans to see her later.

Gurung paid tribute to Wintour, editor in chief of US Vogue and immortalized in popular culture by Meryl Streep in the film “The Devil Wears Prada.” Wintour sat in the front row of his show, wearing her trademark sleek bob and black sunglasses.

Rebecca Minkoff

Prabal Gurung “She has been the biggest champion for me,” Gurung said, adding that camaraderie in the fashion industry is too often overlooked in favor of superficiality. “There is such strength and community here and she leads it.” Wintour wished him luck before the show.

Asked if she had given him a verdict, Gurung laughed: “She’ll tell me.” And the streaker?

“I hope he got his 15 seconds of fame and I hope it brought him joy. For me, the show went on,” Gurung smiled. And the crown he left behind? “I’m going to wear it at the afterparty!” Asked whether he had a message for people back home in Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world, Gurung was almost overcome with emotion for a moment. “Oh wow,” he said. “Just keep on dreaming and living in hope.” — AFP

Fashion Week: A streaker, Brooklyn Navy Yard

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

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Actor George Clooney signs autographs as he arrives for the screening of the film The Monuments Men during the International Film Festival Berlinale in Berlin, Saturday. — AP

Centre of ‘Gravity’: Effects studio that put the stars in space I

n a London basement, cutting-edge technology is being used to make a computerized Sandra Bullock climb into her rocket. But the team who put her there in “Gravity” have spent the morning working with more basic tools of the trade-syrup, cheese and chocolate. “We’re trying to create a melting flesh effect for the new Tom Cruise movie,” said Richard Graham, visual effects project manager at Framestore, the British company that has helped “Gravity” collect 10 Oscar nominations.

“Golden syrup and chocolate make really good blood if you mix them with lots of red food coloring,” Graham told AFP in an interview at Framestore’s sprawling studios, behind the facade of an ordinary-looking office block in the Soho district of central London. “We’ve also been blowtorching different cheeses to make them bubble.

Burger cheese didn’t work that well because the fat content’s not high enough. Mature English cheddar was a lot better.”

The sticky mess of foodstuffs will appear for only a fleeting moment, grafted digitally onto the actors’ skin, in the forthcoming movie “End of Tomorrow”. But that’s nothing unusual for Graham and the other visual effects (VFX) artists who spent a painstaking three and a half years creating the stunning computer-generated space vistas of “Gravity”. Framestore staff toiled for a year building a digital replica of the International Space

Station (ISS) — and then tore their hair out trying to work out how to blow it up.

Bullock hit with broomstick Tim Webber, the film’s VFX supervisor, remembers feeling exhausted after the very first meeting with director Alfonso Cuaron. “So much about it was so different to any film before,” Webber told AFP. “The massive involvement of visual effects changed everything about the film-making process.” An extremely complex shoot saw Bullock and co-star George Clooney spend hours suspended in rigging at Shepperton Studios, west of London, or else trapped in a cage filled with two million tiny LEDs designed to simulate the harsh light of space. Time Magazine named this innovative “lightbox” as one of their top inventions of 2013. But like the cheese in “End of Tomorrow”, other VFX tricks used in “Gravity” were more rudimentary. “We had someone hit Sandra Bullock over the head with a broomstick,” Webber recalled.

“She was supposed to be flying down the ISS and bumping into the walls, so we had to get her to react as if she’d bumped into something. There was a lot of low-tech stuff going on alongside the high-tech stuff.” Some 500 VFX staff worked on the movie, many of them poring over NASA videos for hours in a bid to make the portrayal of zero gravity as authentic as possible.

A monitor shows a computer-generated image of AFP journalist Helen Perceval as she is filmed wearing a motion capture suit in a special effects studio.

Other parts of the film, Webber readily admits, required larger leaps of imagination. Few people have seen fire in space, for example-so huge explosions were extrapolated from a YouTube clip of an astronaut lighting a match. In most shots, only the actors’ faces are real-the space station, stars and even the suits were generated by computers in London.

Industry built on Harry Potter “Gravity” is one of a growing number of Hollywood blockbusters to have had their computer-generated imagery (CGI) magic worked in the British capital. “You might think it was made in Los Angeles,” said Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the Film London public agency. “But it’s absolutely a film that’s been made in London. It’s a fantastic ad for us.” Crammed between Soho’s sex shops, gay bars and trendy restaurants are six of the world’s eight biggest VFX companies, Wootton told AFP. Soho firms such as Double Negative and The Moving Picture Company have produced the effects for a string of ambitious movies in recent years, including “Inception”, “Life of Pi” and “Prometheus”.

It all started, Wootton said, with Harry Potter.

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ollywood’s iconic good guy, Clint Eastwood, is also a real life hero after swooping to rescue a choking guest at a California reception. “Clint saved my life,” Steve John told The Carmel Pine Cone, the local newspaper where the actor once served as mayor in the 1980s. During a reception late Wednesday for a golf tournament in Carmel-by-the-Sea, John was eating and chatting, only to get a piece of cheese stuck in his windpipe.

“Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. It was as bad as it could have been,” recalled the director of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament in California. “Clint came up behind me, and he knew exactly what to do.” The award-winning actor and

director told the local paper that he saw in John “that look of panic people have when they see their life passing before their eyes.”

Eastwood, 83, moved behind John to perform the Heimlich maneuver. “I gave him three good jolts, and that got it out,” the mega star recalled. “And then I made him drink a big glass of water with a bunch of lemon squeezed in it.” Eastwood, who most famously inhabited the role of “Dirty Harry,” confessed he’d never performed the Heimlich maneuver in real life before: “except to practice.” The maneuver consists of standing behind a person and pressing strongly with both hands just above their navel to help expel any food or other object that is blocking the airway. — AFP

The series brought a solid decade of big-budget film production to the capital from 2000. Soho firms shared the VFX work and ploughed the proceeds into new technologies, cementing London’s reputation as a world leader in computer wizardry.

Generous tax incentives have also helped Soho win business-to the fury of Hollywood’s VFX artists.

They are set to protest at next month’s Oscars over subsidies which have steadily wooed productions from Los Angeles to London and rival VFX hubs like Toronto and Vancouver.

But Hollywood’s loss is London’s gain. VFX is the fastest-growing component of the British film industry, according to a government-commissioned report published in 2011. At least £287 million ($469 million, 247 million euros) is now spent on VFX in Britain each year, the British Film Institute says. — AFP

A technician shows some of the design behind key scenes from the hugely successful film ‘Gravity’.

‘Adolphe Sax, saxophone inventor, finally gets his due in Belgium

File photo shows actor and director Clint Eastwood arriving at the world premiere of ‘J Edgar,’ in Hollywood. — AFP

Clint Eastwood saves man from choking

AFP journalist Helen Perceval as she is filmed wearing a motion capture suit in a special effects studio at Framestore in London. — AFP photos

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dolphe Sax, who revolutionized jazz and blues with his invention of the saxophone, is finally getting the recognition he is due in his native Belgium, 200 years after his birth. A bicentenary exhibition has just opened in the Museum of Musical Instruments in Brussels, a stunning art deco building just across the road from the permanent display of works by Magritte, another famous Belgian son. Born in the picturesque town of Dinant on the banks of the Meuse south of Brussels, the young Adolphe was accident prone, nearly drowning and also surviving a tumble down some stairs, as well as drinking varnish used by his father, a wellknown maker of musical instruments.

The music world was lucky too-without the saxophone, would there have been a John Coltrane, Sidney Bechet, Charlie “Bird” Parker or a Stan Getz to work their magic? Bill Clinton also might have had to find another instrument and modern music would surely not have been the same. “Adolphe Sax would certainly never have imagined in his wildest

dreams the place his highly original instrument would come to enjoy,” said Ger y Dumoulin, who curated the exhibition.

After moving to Brussels, Sax followed in his father’s footsteps, building up a reputation for quality and taking a particular interest in the clarinet for which he patented several improvements. In 1842, he moved to Paris to set up a workshop and in 1845 entered a competition for modern instruments run by the army on the Champs de Mars, now overlooked by the Eiffel Tower. In front of a crowd put at 20,000, his instruments easily outplayed those of his main rival Michele Carafa. Winning the “Battle of the Saxons and the Carrafons” sealed Sax’s reputation and he came to dominate the market for the new brass wind instruments favoured by military bands for marches and fanfares.

Clinton’s gift sax on display Admired by Berlioz, Sax registered a patent in 1846 for what was described as “a system of wind instruments, the saxophone”. Slowly, the

File photo shows a Charlie Parker Buescher Aristocrat E-flat alto saxophone being dusted before being placed on display during a press preview at auction house Bonham. —AFP new instruments made their way into music making, finding a place in opera orchestras by the 1880s. However, the saxophone was hampered by its association with popular, as opposed to serious music, and musicians were reluctant to learn the new instrument. —AFP