20th Jun

CR IP TI ON BS SU

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

Turkish troops in big clash with PKK, 28 killed

150 FILS NO: 15484 40 PAGES

‘Homeland’, ‘Community’ take top Critics Choice honors

Growth the watchword as G20 leaders lean on Europe

Lucky England, France into quarters; Swedes, Ukraine go out

39

21

7

www.kuwaittimes.net

RAJAB 30, 1433 AH

20

US to boost military presence in Kuwait 13,500 US troops to act as counterbalance to Iran

Mubarak on life support Ex-strongman earlier reported ‘clinically dead’ CAIRO: Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak was “clinically dead” yesterday after suffering a stroke, the state news agency reported, as a medical source said the ex-dictator was in a coma and had been put on a respirator.

Yesterday evening, Egyptian state news agency MENA said the ousted leader had been pronounced clinically dead at a hospital he was transferred to following a stroke in prison. “Hosni Mubarak is clinically dead,” the official news agency reported.

“Medical sources told MENA his heart had stopped beating and did not respond to defibrillation.”

The report was carried on Egyptian state television, which ran archive footage of the former leader, with a news presenter saying “I want to affirm that the official news agency of the country, MENA, has announced it.” But a medical source told AFP that Mubarak was “in a coma and the doctors are trying to revive him.” “He has been placed on an artificial respirator,” the source said. The Maadi military hospital is notably the same one where Mubarak’s predecessor Anwar Sadat was declared dead more than 30 years ago after being gunned down by Islamic militants.

Continued on Page 13

CAIRO: Thousands of Egyptian supporters of Muslim Brotherhood presidential candidate Mohammed Mursi gather in Tahrir Square yesterday to protest against the ruling military’s bid to grab new powers.

(Inset) A Feb 9, 2011 file photo shows then Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. — AFP

Max 47º Min 32º High Tide 01:15 & 11:18 Low Tide 05:13 & 18:41

WASHINGTON: The United States is planning a significant military presence of 13,500 troops in Kuwait to give it the flexibility to respond to sudden conflicts in the region as Iraq adjusts to the withdrawal of American combat forces and the world nervously eyes Iran, according to a congressional report. The study by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee examined the US relationship with the six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman - against a fast-moving backdrop. In just the last two days, Saudi Arabia’s ruler named Defense Minister Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz as the country’s new crown prince after last week’s death of Prince Nayef, and Kuwait’s Amir suspended parliament meetings for a month over an internal political feud.

The latest developments inject even more uncertainty as the Middle East deals with the demands of the Arab Spring, the end to US combat operations in Iraq at the end of 2011, fears of Iran’s nuclear program and the counterterrorism campaign. “Home to more than half of the world’s oil reserves and over a third of its natural gas, the stability of the (Arabian) Gulf is critical to the global economy,” the report said. “However, the region faces a myriad of political and security challenges, from the Iranian nuclear program to the threat of terrorism to the political crisis in Bahrain.”

The report, obtained by AP in advance of today’s release, provided precise numbers on US forces in Kuwait, a presence that Pentagon officials have only acknowledged on condition of anonymity. Currently, there are about 15,000 US forces in Kuwait at Camp Arifjan, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Buehring, giving the United States staging hubs, training ranges and locations to provide logistical support. The report said the number of troops is likely to drop to 13,500.

Continued on Page 13

Pakistan court PM invites oppn to join Cabinet disqualifies PM

By B Izzak

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top court dis- named Mr. 10 Percent for alleged corqualified Prime Minister Yousuf Raza ruption, cancelled a visit to Russia and Gilani from office yesterday in a stun- summoned legal experts, party bosses ning move likened to a “judicial coup” and coalition allies for emergency meetings. that plunged the country “Yousuf Raza Gilani has into fresh turmoil. The become disqualified from Supreme Court convicted being member of the parliaGilani of contempt on April ment,” said the order read by 26 for refusing to ask chief justice Iftikhar Switzerland to reopen multiMuhammad Chaudhry. “He million-dollar graft cases has also ceased to be the against President Asif Ali prime minister of Pakistan Zardari, the culmination of a with effect from the same showdown between the date (April 26),” it said. It judiciary and the governadded that “the president of ment. The move exacerYousuf Gilani Pakistan is required to take bates uncertainty in a country that is increasingly trying US necessary steps under the constitution patience over Al-Qaeda-linked havens, to ensure continuation of the democratstruggling with a Taleban insurgency ic process.” Just hours later, Pakistan’s and heading deeper towards a financial election commission issued a formal notice disqualifying Gilani as a member crisis that could force it back to the IMF. It dissolves the cabinet and threatens of parliament, backdating the disqualifito bring elections forward to later this cation to the date of his conviction.

Senior PPP members appealed for year if the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and its fractious coalition members fail calm, a sign that the party would perto agree on a replacement prime minis- haps prefer to elect a new prime minister. Zardari, who is deeply unpopular ter than contest the court ruling.

Continued on Page 13 among ordinary Pakistanis and nick-

KUWAIT: Just a day after HH the Amir suspended the National Assembly for a month, Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah held talks with Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun and several MPs from the opposition, inviting the parliamentary majority bloc to join the Cabinet. Opposition MP Saifi Al-Saifi told reporters after the meeting that during the talks, Sheikh Jaber offered the opposition to join the Cabinet, which is being reshuffled after two of its members were forced to resign.

Information Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah said the talks did not mention a specific number of MPs who may join the government, adding that the outcome of the meeting was very positive. Sheikh Jaber said after the meeting that “everything is fine” without elaborating. Saifi said the opposition majority bloc will meet soon to study the premier’s proposal about participating in the Cabinet amid mixed demands from opposition MPs about the number of lawmakers that should be included in the Cabinet.

But Saifi said that the majority bloc told the prime minister they are ready to extend a hand of cooperation with the government even if they did not join the Cabinet provided that the government applies the law and complies with the constitution. MPs urged the prime minister during the meeting to implement a number of projects that have been stalled for a long time and the premier promised to do that, Saifi said. The information minister said the meeting was held in Continued on Page 13

Plans to attract Muslims to Aqsa JERUSALEM: The grand mosques in Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest in Islam, draw millions of pilgrims annually. Al-Aqsa, the last of the three sacred sites Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) urged Muslims to visit, sees only a few thousand foreign worshippers a year. The difference is political, not religious. The first two mosques are in Saudi Arabia, a proudly Muslim kingdom, while Al-Aqsa stands on Israeli-controlled land that may be the most disputed religious spot on earth. Jews call the raised ground at the eastern edge of Jerusalem’s Old City the Temple Mount, while Muslims know it as the Noble Sanctuary. Both claim sovereignty over it.

Muslims have kept up an informal boycott of the walled esplanade since Israel seized East Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan in a 1967 war, saying visits would amount to recognition of Jewish occupation of Palestinian territory. Palestinian and Jordanian officials now want to reverse that.

MAKKAH: Pilgrims circumambulate the holy Kaaba in the President Mahmoud Abbas urged Muslims Continued on Page 13 Grand Mosque on June 17, 2012. — AFP

KUWAIT: Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun (left) and Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah leave the National Assembly yesterday after a meeting. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Microsoft tackles iPad with new Surface tablet

LOS ANGELES: Software giant Microsoft unveiled its first tablet computer, the Surface, on Monday, in a major hardware launch clearly designed to take on long-term rival Apple’s market-ruling iPad. Chief executive Steve Ballmer described the iPad challenger - complete with a built-in stand and ultra thin covers-cum-keyboards in a range of colors - as a tablet that “works and plays”. “ The Sur face is a PC, the Surface is a tablet, and the Surface is something new that we think people will absolutely love,” he said at an hour-long presentation in a Hollywood design studio.

No prices or release dates were LOS ANGELES: Microsoft design team members (from left) Steven Sinofsky, Mike Angiulo and Panos Panay demonstrate “Surface”, a given, but the Surface is expected Continued on Page 13 new tablet computer, at Hollywood’s Milk Studios late Monday. — AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

LOCAL

Kuwait speeding up information technology

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir received at Bayan Palace yesterday former Italian prime minister and Cooperation and Chairman of the UN-AU Panel for Peacekeeping in Africa, Romano Prodi. It was attended by Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Minister for Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: Kuwait is moving to bring its information technology (IT) infrastructure in line with its neighbours by improving services, the network and the regulatory environment that governs the sector.

In its latest annual Global Information Technology Report, the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Kuwait 62nd out of 142 countries on its IT networked readiness index, which grades economies on their IT usage, acceptance and efficiency. Most of Kuwait’s neighbours fared better in the rankings, with Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman all featuring in the top 40.

By contrast, though ranked below its neighbours, Kuwait was the only significant mover in the WEF’s latest survey, climbing 13 places. In its 2011 report, the WEF singled out Kuwait as being the only high-income economy that did not feature in the top half of the global rankings. Though Kuwait’s ascension through the ranks still leaves it in the middle of the pack, its IT position is moving in the right direction, and its jump was one of the most significant among any of the countries assessed.

The WEF attributed this marked improvement to a number of factors, including an improved political and regulatory environment and higher levels of individual and business usage. However, the report also highlighted the necessity for Kuwait to further bolster legislation relating to IT and to

expand broadband reach.

The report also stated that Kuwait, along with other GCC states, needed to do more to improve IT penetration. While acknowledging that regional governments had adopted ambitious digital strategies, the WEF said local economies would benefit from expanding their overall skills base, as well as further liberalising the IT markets.

This message was recently reinforced by Qosi Al Shatti, the deputy director-general of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), the state agency established in 2006 to develop IT policies and to supervise the implementation of future plans and the nation’s e-government programme.

Kuwait needs to develop the competitiveness of its IT industry if it is to broaden and diversify its economy, Al Shatti said during a seminar in May. “The competitiveness of countries in the IT sector plays an important role in economic and social development,” he said. “The more IT competitive the countries are, the more they can attract investments, create jobs, diversify sources of income and raise living standards.” Interestingly, Kuwait’s WEF ranking is in contrast to its spending on IT goods and services. The country is the third-largest computer market in the Gulf, and investments in this segment are forecast to increase further in the second half of 2012.

According to a report issued in early June,

IT service sales are expected to increase by 9% year-on-year in 2012 to reach $291m over the $267m recorded in 2011. The study, prepared by the analysis firm Research and Markets, said the boost in spending would be driven in part by the government pushing for greater adoption of new technology by the country’s industrial sector.

The report also projected that hardware sales would hit $394m in 2012, a 9% increase, with software sales climbing by a similar rate to $254m, up from the $233m posted last year. Private, state and corporate sales should see a solid increase, the report said, as the Kuwaiti economy regained momentum following the global economic downturn.

That momentum should see Kuwait’s economy expand by 6.6% this year, according to estimates by the IMF. While lower than last year’s 8.3% rise in GDP, that result was fuelled by increased state spending and steep wage hikes, whereas the 2012 projections are based on higher oil sales and real-term growth.

Some of this growth should flow into the IT sector, as firms seek to upgrade existing platforms and citizens take advantage of increased earnings to buy new electronics. As the sector seeks to improve the regulatory environment and moves to address some of the issues raised by the WEF, Kuwait could soon be in a better position to compete with its neighbours. — Oxford Business Group

National Security Chief pays respects at Saudi Embassy KUWAIT: National Security Chief Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalid Al-Hamad AlSabah paid his respects at the Saudi Embassy yesterday for the passing of the Crown Prince and Deputy Premier and Interior Minister, Nayef bin Abdulaziz AlSaud.

Greeted by the Saudi Ambassador, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Fayez, the official expressed his empathy with and condolences to the Saud family and Saudi people for their loss, and stressed that the Kuwaiti people are just as saddened over this

loss. He recalled the late Prince’s support of Kuwait during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, as well as his great contributions on all Arab and Islamic arenas and causes. “In his passing, we have lost a seasoned leader, politician, and strategist, and a main player in the Gulf security and anti-terrorism scene.”

Charity work also lost a great champion, he added, and the Prince shall long be remembered for his great generosity and humane stances and initiatives, the official remarked. — KUNA

News

in brief

Ramadan ‘July 21’ KUWAIT: The lunar month of Ramadan is to begin on Saturday, July 21, Meteorologist Adel Al-Saadoun said yesterday. The moon and the sun will link up at 7:24 am on Thursday, July 19, and both will not be visible at the same time. It will be impossible to sight the moon crescent on that day, thus the first day of the fasting month of Ramadan will fall on Saturday, July 21st, Al-Saadoun said.

Fitch grants Kuwait ‘AA’ rating KUWAIT: Global rating agency, Fitch, granted Kuwait an ‘AA’ rating due to the country’s strong sovereign and external balance sheets for 2012, Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced yesterday. Kuwait maintained this rating as it owns 7.3 percent of the global oil reserve, in addition to its solid overseas investments, estimated at USD 304 billion, KCCI said in a statement, quoting Fitch. An Agency delegation, which paid a visit to KCCI earlier yesterday, also discussed economic and financial spectrums in Kuwait, as the visit falls within the framework of periodic visits to review the oil-rich country’s sovereign credit ratings. The sovereign external balance sheet is the strongest for any country rated by Fitch.

Iran nuclear talks TOKYO: The Chinese government yesterday expressed hope that parties involved in ongoing Iran nuclear talks in Moscow can beef up diplomatic efforts to ensure their success, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. “China is following the development of the latest round of talks on the Iranian nuclear issue closely,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei was quoted as saying at a press briefing in Beijing. The ongoing talks, gathering Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council-the US, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany, started on Monday. Hong also called for a positive, comprehensive, long-term and proper solution to tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. “China will work with other parties to continue to play its due role in the pursuit of a peaceful and political solution for the Iranian nuclear issue,” he said, adding that China has long been committed to promoting peaceful talks. During their meeting in Beijing earlier this month, Chinese President Hu Jintao told Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that China hopes the Iranian side can weigh up the situation, take a flexible and pragmatic approach, have serious talks with all six related nations in nuclear talks, and enhance dialogues and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency so as to ensure the tensions can be eased through negotiations.

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water yesterday cut off the power in Dasma in buildings that were illegally connected to the grid. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Kuwaiti MPs in Saudi RIYADH: Kuwaiti National Assembly M Ps h e a d e d b y S p e a k e r A h m a d A l Saadoun and deputy Khaled Al-Sultan arrived in Jeddah to offer their condolences on the passing of Saudi Arabia’s C ro w n Pr i n c e N a ye f b i n A b d u l a z i z .

Greeting the MPs upon their arrival at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport was Kuwait’s Consul General in Jeddah Saleh Al-Saqubi, along with Kuwaiti diplomats and several Saudi officials. — KUNA

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

LOCAL

KUWAIT: Information Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah speaking after attending the meeting of executive and legistative bodies yesterday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Cabinet, NA agree on bases to overcome crises Direct discussion ‘a good sign’ KUWAIT: Minister of Information Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak AlSabah said yesterday the Cabinet and the members of the National Assembly reached an agreement on bases to resolve crises in the relationship of the executive and legislative authority and would increase meetings in the coming days.

The minister said the agreement was reached in a meeting that gathered HH the premier and a number of ministers with the parliament speaker. He was

News

in brief

MoI cautions travelers KUWAIT: The media department at the Ministry of Interior urged citizens and expats who are traveling this summer by land to abide by regulations and travel advices for their own safety and to avoid any legal questioning. They said that travelers should not spray the car plate numbers with material that could cover the number and make it unreadable. Such a thing will violate the laws of the countries they are visiting. The ministry emphasized on the importance of abiding by the laws and procedures of the countries they are visiting.

KJA training course KUWAIT: Secretary of the Kuwait Journalists Association Faisal Al-Qenae expressed happiness for the demand of a training course which the society will hold June 25-27 at its headquarters in Shuwaikh under the title “media and journalist skills growth”. AlQenae said that the course will be held under the patronage of undersecretary ministry of information Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah and start at 10 am Monday till 2 pm and diplomas will be distributed at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, June 27. Lectures will include basics of writing news and news reports and correct news drafts and the importance of images and the Arabic language. He said the course is open to everyone of both genders and free of charge provided the participant attends all lectures.

FM meets Gambian counterpart KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah met his counterpart from Gambia Mambury Njie at Bayan Palace yesterday. The two senior official discussed boosting bilateral relations and issues of mutual importance. The encounter was attended by Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry acting head of the Africa department Hamad Al-Mashaan and Gambia’s non-resident Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Omar Saleh.

speaking after attending said meeting, and noted that the atmosphere was one that warrants much optimism and confidence in joint action in the future.

He said there is agreement to hold another meeting on the weekend, followed by meetings with ministers specifically involved in the matters being discussed. “Such direct discussion is a good sign, but there is still a need for a professional and practical framework,” he said, which is the focus of the next meeting.

Two Asian drug dealers in custody

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Two Asians were arrested recently for drug dealing. Officers were tipped off about an Asian expatriate dealing narcotics, and surveillance provided adequate findings for the authorities to pursue legal action and arrest him.

The suspect was arrested in the Andalus area, and was found with 100 grams of heroin, which was divided in small bags, ready for distribution. He confessed to trading in drugs but insisted that he was only selling to nationals from his country. Police then proceeded

to Farwaniya and arrested the second suspect and, after searching his house, found 150 grams of Heroin and 100 grams of ice, in addition to 1000 tablets of Roche drugs.

Fatal accidents A car accident opposite the Avenues on the 5th Ring road killed one individual and injured 10 people when a car and a bus transporting expatriate laborers collided. Some of the injured individuals were taken to Al Sabah hospital for treatment, whilst others were transported to Farwaniya hospital.

Power consumption reaches record levels KUWAIT: Kuwait reached a new record in electricity consumption on Monday as rates reached 11400 megawatts, a senior Ministry of Electricity and Water official announced.

“The record exceeds the highest level recorded last year, which was 11220 megawatts,” Undersecretary Assistant for the control and information systems department, Ali Al-Wazzan, explained, adding that consumption this year is expected to increase to as high as 12100 megawatts.

In the meantime, Al-Wazzan noted that the MEW maintains control over the situation with a production capacity of 13670 megawatts a day, “The MEW is exerting efforts to meet demands for energy.” —Al-Jarida

MOH probes ‘gastric band’ deaths KUWAIT: Investigations are underway in two cases in which patients died following complications of adjustable gastric band surgery, in addition to a similar case in which the patient remains in a critical condition, a top Ministry of Health official said Monday.

“The MOH formed a committee headed by chairman of the surgery departments’ council Dr Talib Hashim to investigate the circumstance which led to the t wo

reported fatalities and the third case of a patient in critical condition, and file its report to the [ministr y ’s] supreme committee of investigations for further action”, MOH Undersecretary Dr Ibrahim Al-Abudlhadi told Al-Qabas daily which revealed the three cases recently.

The next step for the committee after finalizing investigations will be “to come up with standards and conditions that organize per-

forming adjustable gastric band surgeries”, Dr. Al-Abdulhadi said, assuring that the process doesn’t plan to restrict accessibility to this kind of procedure in the public and private medical sectors “but organize them as per international protocols”.

Ibn Sina Hospital’s director Dr. Mohammad Owaidah had already formed a committee to investigate one of the death cases that was reported at his hospital.

Arabs unified in Rio+20 vision Shortage in health inspectors

CAIRO: Arab nations will have a unified goal at the Rio+20 Earth Summit aimed at locally enabling the ‘green economy’ as a stepping stone for sustainable development, an Arab official said here yesterday.

The goal was asserted in a decleration during a meeting of Arab ministers tasked with the enironment, Arab League Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs Dr Mohammad Al-Tuweijri told reporters.

“This summit aims at spot on change in its agenda of sustainable development,” he said.

The UN Agenda 21 on sustainable development, to be discussed during the gathering, will rethink economic growth, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection.

“Rio+20 comes three years before the deadline of fulfilling the UN Millennium Development Goals, which calls for more efforts to be wielded in this regard,” Al-Tuweijri said, noting that “this summit also comes amidst global incompetence of limiting consequences of climate change and its impact on both development and environment.”

The summit will be held in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro between June 20-22, marking the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).

“The event is of major importance to Arabs, with the ‘Arab Spring’ wave of bringing social equality and deep-seating principles of sustainable development in Arab countries,” he said.

Over 130 world leaders are expected to attend Rio+20, in addition to thousands of business executives, mayors, civil society groups, youth and indigenous peoples. — KUNA

To a question whether it was agreed to postpone the interpellation of the minister of interior, he said the issue was not discussed.

The minister stressed “all parties are partners and responsible for the welfare of the homeland, which is what inspired our constitution. This is also the spirit of the speech given by His Highness the Amir at the inauguration of the current legislative term, and God Willing, we shall prove up to the task.” In another development, the Manager of Charity

By A Saleh KUWAIT: Secretary of Health Committee at NA Council MP Mohammad Al Kandari said that health administration is facing shortage of inspectors, and that female inspectors do not do field work which men inspector do. In this respect he made several questions to Minister of Health Ali Al-Obaid in which he enquired about the number of male and female inspectors for each health area and their nationalities and what is the shortage in every center. He further enquired about the ministry plan to resolve the shortage problem. In another case, Al-Kandari said that he made questions to minister of health regarding psychological hospital in which he enquired about complaints received by the ministry from the hospital administration in respect of administrative and technical problems or fight among workers in the hospital and doctors since 2010 and what action has been taken by the ministry in this respect. He also enquired about details of the hospital director and his performance evaluation since 2010.

In the meantime, another accident took place in Jabriya when a car lost control and smashed through the entrance of a bank’s entrance.

Meanwhile, a 25 years old Syrian expat sustained a head and pain injury in a car accident at Subhan opposite Kuwait airport terminal.

He was taken to Farwaniya hospital. In another development, a 44 year old Pakistani was hit by a car while crossing a street at Al Rai. He was rushed to Sabah hospital with a head injury. Also, a 22 year old Kuwaiti man died after he crashed near a traffic light on the 3rd Ring Road.

Organizations at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, Ahmed Al-Sane, said that the Ministry has finished preparing its ninth project on regulating charity collection during the forthcoming holy month of Ramadan.

According to the project, donations and charity will be collectable through bank deductions and K-Net in addition to cash donations paid only to the main charity organizations headquarters.

Stamped, authentic receipts must also be given.

4

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

LOCAL OP-ED

kuwait digest

Three-way rescue plan

Our flag will remain high

is Highness the Amir’s order to suspend parliament’s sessions for a month is his absolute constitutional right, and is supported by Kuwaitis who look up to him as the savior when political turmoil reaches critical points. The Amir took the right decision to activate a constitutional article instead of resorting to an unconstitutional option, which reflects HH’s wisdom, foresight and deep faith in democracy.

Today we need to focus on the next step which needs to include solutions to the political and economic problems which leave Kuwaitis worried about a dark future for their country as the level of education, health, sports, and public services continue to decline while corruption and sectarianism keep on increasing.

In addition to that, we find ourselves in front of a legislative authority characterized by extravagant behavior and extremism, and an executive authority that keeps weakening to the point of nearing complete deficiency. Therefore, what we need is more than quick procedures that have been experienced before which only brought temporary solutions. The past few years featured multiple parliamentary dissolutions and cabinet resignations, but political tensions emerged again every time a new parliament is elected and cabinet is formed.

H

Why did that happen?

While no one can claim knowledge of best answer to that question, we can still discuss the main causes behind this situation and propose solutions. In our opinion, we believe that the turmoil Kuwait is suffering from is a reflection of a structural error located somewhere. This error needs to be identified, then tackled by radical procedures based on the following three principles: First, the ruling family which Kuwaitis love, appreciate and support since the state’s independence need to sort out differences between its members. This requires a quick and effective intervention from HH the Amir that restores the active role of ruling family members and tackles the feeling of elimination that some of them might be feeling.

Second, the Cabinet needs to live up to its role as explained by the constitution as “in control of the state’s interests and planning the general policy of the government”. It’s clear that the Cabinet today is no longer in control, and therefore it needs a team of statesmen whose main goal is to meet the best interests of the country and its people.

Third, HH the Amir is urged to call for and endorse a national conference for dialogue that includes all movements in the political, civil, social and ideological fields, in order to diagnose the current problems and propose solutions. The conference is required to reassert commitment to the principles of democracy and the constitution, and decide whether constitutional amendments are needed to push the democratic experience into a more active role. This is the vision we propose as a plan we feel can help save Kuwait from a looming ominous future. —Al-Qabas

kuwait digest

Feelings of Gulf unity

By Shereedah Al-Mousharji n declaring the sad demise of the Saudi Crown Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, a state of grief dominated all GCC states, which happened very spontaneously and truly without previous preparations or media campaigns to organize it. Most houses all over the GCC states mourned as if Prince Nayef was one of their members, relatives or even breadwinner.

Such a state wouldn’t have existed unless the whole GCC people felt as one people who share all ups and downs regardless of remoteness or different races.

It’s a well-established fact that misfortunes and mishaps usually reveal the true essence and the concealed heart feelings of everybody. They show the strength of bonds within various societies. This was exactly the case on Prince Nayef’s death. It was a golden opportunity for all GCC members to express their true feelings of unity that proved to be so strongly shared that Iran’s threats and warnings of a potential GCC union cannot weaken them.

Therefore, all GCC leaders must give due care to the shared feelings, hopes and aspirat i o n s o f t h e i r s u b j e c t s a n d wo r k h a rd o n achieving them because our region is doomed to face some great challenges and the more we delay this step, the more dangerous the situation might get.

Commenting on official statements made by cabinet members has become a must. Ministers are not elected members of parliament who can make contradicting statements every now and then. They ought to verify their information before making any statements. They should choose accurate lexicon because they are not just chit-chatting in a diwaniya or joking with friends when they make any statements.

This should be emphasized by the PM especially now when too many are readily available to fish in murky waters and act as fault finders, which reflects that the government is in dire need for specialized media support. —Al-Jarida

O

By Abdullah Abbas Bowair t was so saddening how some MPs have, as usual, been irresponsibly acting and making irresponsible statements starting with endless unjustified grilling motions all the way to attacking Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed’s residence, the National Assembly building, slandering the descendants of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber and, finally, insulting Kuwait’s national flag and anthem by refusing to stand up while it is played. We warn those tension creators......all acceptable except for Kuwait.

On this occasion, I do beg HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed, may Allah bestow his care on him, to put an end to such sickening behavior. Those MPs who refused to stand up when the national anthem was played do stand up when other countries anthems are played.

Those legislatives who had been elected by the people are the ones violating the law and despise the state’s flag by describing it as a ‘insignificant piece of cloth’.

A special rally was organized at the Determination Yard withparticipants from various national and public powers and families to express protest against insulting Kuwait’s flag by an irresponsible MP. Such acts are unacceptable to sane people who all demanded holding the two MPs accountable.

The fifth ar ticle of Kuwait ’s Constitution emphasizes full respect to the state’s flag and

I

kuwait digest

A new method worth trying

By Mohammad Al-Sabti e’ve been running in circles for 50 years. We have a democratic system that we don’t believe in or accept, and a Constitution that we mention only when we brag about it whenever the opportunity comes. Since the beginning of democratic life in Kuwait, we’ve been living in endless political turmoil that are stirred by one of two issues: debate on understanding constitutional articles, or the government’s reluctance to answer calls for fighting corruption.

And since that day as well, cabinets have tried everything to maintain control over the state’s capabilities without supervision. These include elections forgery, suspension of parliamentary work, parliamentary

W

dissolution, supporting pro-government candidates, bribes and utilizing media to attack.

Everything was tried by the cabinet to defend their point of view.

But what happened after that?

What have all these cabinets gained from trying these methods all these years? Nothing, except for continuous turmoil and creating a perfect environment for corruption to thrive.

There’s only one new method that the cabinet - any cabinet need to try in hope of overcoming the ongoing political crisis.

They should try purgation. The government need to take the initiative in enforcing the law, tackling corruption, penalizing corrupt individuals and rush reform in the state, instead of waiting until they are reminded

to do their jobs. This is definitely a method the cabinet never tried before, and I bet it would be successful in achieving political stability we never dreamed of should it be adopted.

Imagine the government utilizes all efforts to launch a massive campaign against corruption and lawbreaking. What will happen then? The government will be able to regain leadership and control. The government has the chance to willingly take this option today, instead of being forced to take it later.

After all those years of fruitless political work, I believe that that this method is worth trying because the government definitely needs to try something new that hopefully will bring salvation. —Al-Rai

kuwait digest

Always making demands

By Mohammad Hayat e o p l e a re o n e o f t h re e main aspects which form a state in addition to land and the ruling system. People are individuals who inhabit land and improve it, while they also create the system and support it. Therefore, the key for a countr y ’s development lies in the hands of its people.

People come from different backgrounds, cultures, customs and religious beliefs. However, there are only two categories of people based on which a community’s level of achievement can be determined. The first category is seen in developed countries where people contribute to efforts for realizing goals, and whose ambitions are on par with their work level. On the other hand, we have communities where people keep making demands while do little to none to realize their ambitions.

Which categor y applies to

P

the Kuwaiti community? I’ll give you some hints. ● We call for national unity in our country, but elect the most sectarian, tribal and racist candidates available. ● We call for the law and the constitution to be followed, yet show support to individuals violating the state’s laws and articles of its constitution. ● We seek legislation that pushes development forward, yet glorify shor tsighted MPs who pass regulations benefiting us today but leaves negative effects on future planning. ● We keep demanding that Kuwait goes back to becoming a pioneer in culture, literature and ar ts, but submit to pressures from individuals promoti n g co n s e r v a t i ve - o r i e n te d restrictions. ● We want to see our sports sec tors improved, but at the same time cheer for parties who f a i l e d to fo l l ow re g u l a t i o n s

passed by the parliament and approved by HH the Amir. ● We c a l l fo r a c a b i n e t o f reform with foresight that fights discrimination and corruption, but accept a cabinet formed on the basis of favoritism, hardheadedness and last-minute call-up. ● We s e e k l i v i n g i n a n advanced society where principles of humanity are respected, yet overlook the fact that there are people among us who have a narcissistic and racist attitude towards the bedoons’ issue. ● We demand freedom, but support those who restrict freedom of speech and peaceful demonstration. ● We call for a strong economy but encourage the culture of consumption and waste of public funds, while show tolerance towards corrupt individuals.

We always make demands, but work against realizing these demands. —Al-Rai

The fifth article of Kuwait’s Constitution emphasizes full respect to the state’s flag and that’s why people demonstrated in the yard despite MPs’ attempts to foil their activity through having their secretaries spread rumors that the rally had been cancelled or postponed. that’s why people demonstrated in the yard despite MPs’ attempts to foil their ac tivity through having their secretaries spread rumors that the rally had been cancelled or postponed.

The Determination Yard was victorious and our flag will always remain high-hoisted in full pride as a symbol of Kuwait with the national anthem played in the background.

Since Almighty Allah said: “And warn, for warning profiteth believers”. ( Verse 55, AlDhariyat), let’s dear readers, go back in memory to the days when we were school kids and used to stand firmly to salute the flag and sing the national anthem: Kuwait, my country, may you be safe and glorious!

May you always enjoy good fortune!

You are the cradle of my ancestors, Who put down its memory.

With everlasting symmetry, showing all eternity, Those Arabs were heavenly, Kuwait, my country, May you be safe and glorious!

May you always enjoy good fortune.

Blessed be my Country a homeland for harmony, Warded by true sentry giving their soils aptly, Building high its history, Kuwait, My country, we’re for you my Country, Led by faith and loyalty, With its Amir equally, Fencing us all fairly, with warm love and verity, Kuwait, my country, May you be safe and glorious.

May you always enjoy good fortune!

May Almight preserve and protect Kuwait and its people under the wise leadership of HH the Amir. —Al-Watan

in my view

Investing in multi-disciplinary education

By Hessa Amin s the matter of cultivating young minds to be explored by educators, psychologists or neurologists? Should the issue of the scarcity of water resources be studied by environmentalists, water chemists or economists?

Large issues such as these, which are applicable to the general population, have to be addressed and analyzed by professionals from several disciplines in order to get a wholesome view and provide more ideal solutions.

Globally, Universities are realizing the benefits of interdisciplinary thinking and have created joint degree programs as a result. Harvard University has a graduate degree called Mind, Brain and Education, which ties neuroscience and educational practice.

Duke University believes that the distinctions between business, policy and

I

health care are fading away and offers students pursuing master’s degrees in business administration the option of joint degree programs including Doctor of Medicine, Master of Environmental Management and Master of Public Policy.

Although we cannot rule out that specialization is important in certain fields, we cannot deny the emerging importance of interdisciplinary thinking in providing innovative solutions. We would all be more comfortable in the hands of a brain surgeon with degrees and training specific to the job as well experience with a large number of similar operations.

But when it comes to studying the role of women in the work place, we will most likely select a group of gender specialists, business managers and those with experience in organizational behavior.

In Kuwait, specialization is still held in high regard. The Ministry of Higher Education’s (MOHE) scholarship grant rules do not incentivize interdisciplinary studies. Scholarships for graduate degrees are only given to people who are continuing their education in the same major and continuing specialization in a certain field. The MOHE does not incentivize the growth of interdisciplinary studies or skills. Another rule, which hinders a move towards the growth of interdisciplinary thinking and skills, is that only students who pursue a graduate degree two years after receiving an undergraduate degree are qualified for a scholarship from the MOHE. This rule limits the number of years of experience a person has to grasp and apply the disciplined thinking of one field.

Cognitive science tells us that it takes around ten years to master a craft, and this time period is reduced by half with the improvement in technology. I was told that it would be impossible to receive a scholarship for a degree in International Education Policy from a respectable institution like Harvard University because I have an undergraduate degree in finance and accounting.

But can’t I apply the structured thinking of the business field to improving education systems? We have a generous scholarship program but I encourage Kuwait’s decision makers to study and revise the current rules in order to keep up with the times and to develop a pool of innovative thinkers who can take this country a step forward towards development.

5

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

LOCAL

Expert calls NA suspension ‘solution to political tension’ Experts praise Amiri decision

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and an official delegation accompanying him returned home from Saudi Arabia, Monday evening after offering condolences to the Saudi ruling family and people over the passing away of the Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s constitution provides solutions to cases of increase in political tensions, such as giving the parliament’s speaker the right to call-off sessions, and HH the Amir the right to suspend the parliament for a month in order to give an opportunity for calm.

This was stated by a constitutional expert following decision of HH The Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to suspend the parliament as per article 106 of Kuwait’s constitution which states that “the Amir may, by a decree, adjourn the meeting of the National Assembly for a period not exceeding one month. Adjournment

may be repeated during the same session with the consent of the Assembly and then only once. A period of adjournment is not counted in computing the duration of the session”.

In the meantime, Kuwait University professor Dr Mohammad Al-Feeli says however that whether the suspension affects committees’ sessions can be determined on how the article is interpreted. “If the suspension is activated in a similar fashion to the parliament’s annual break, this means that committees can still hold meetings as usual”, Dr. Al-Feeli said, adding that an Amiri decree means that even committees likely

need to suspend meetings.

Dr. Al-Feeli believes that this situation sheds light on the need to explain constitutional articles, which also bring up the lack of a mechanism to settled disputes that arise from interpretation attempts. The parliament, which will be suspended till July 18, is supposed to go on its annual leave by the end of next month, but it’s unclear whether MPs will resume sessions after the suspension or extend the break until October. “The parliament has the authority to chose not to take the annual leave following the suspension”, Al-Feeli said.

‘League decision to block Syrian channels politically-motivated’ DAMASCUS: The Syrian Ministry of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs condemned as “unprecedented and politically-motivated” the decision of the Arab League to block the broadcasts of the Syrian satellite TV channels via the Arabsat and NileSat. The flagrantly contradicts the principles of the freedom of the press and the document regulating the Arab satellite broadcasting, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported yesterday.

“It also contradicts the sixth item of the plan of the UN-Arab League Joint Envoy Kofi Annan,” SANA said, citing identical protest letters sent yesterday by the ministry to president of the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary General and the UN General Assembly.

During its extraordinary session, held in Doha on June 2th, 2012, the Arab League Council adopted “the shameful decision” asking the administrations of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) and the Egyptian Satellite Company (NileSat) to take the necessary measures to cease the broadcast of the official and unofficial Syrian TV satellite channels, according to the report.

“This unprecedented political decision blatantly contradicts the principles of the freedom of press and the document regulating the Arab satellite broadcasting adopted by the Arab Information Ministers in 2008,” it said.

The letters of the ministry cited Paragraph IV of Article V of the abovemen-

tioned document which provides for “commitment to the principle of the freedom of reception and retransmission of broadcast and the right of the Arab citizen across the member states to receiving whatever he/she wants of broadcast from any of the states that are members of the Arab Leagues.”

The Ministry added that the infamous Arab League decision violates the principles of journalism and contradicts the freedom of access to information approved by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held in Geneva in 2003 and the UN Information Committee.

The Ministry said that the decision also contradicts the sixth point of the plan of UN Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, which was adopted by the UN Security Council in the resolution 2042 which calls on the Syrian Government to allow the entry of media outlets to Syria.

It pointed out that since March 25, 2012, over 207 media outlets from all over the world have entered Syria in addition to over 100 correspondents permanently accredited in Syria. The Ministry reiterated commitment to Annan’s plan concerning the entry of media outlets to Syria, highlighting the necessity for international bodies to take suitable stances towards the AL decision as it constitutes a flagrant violation of the freedom of information and an attempt to stop the Syrian national media. —- KUNA

KUWAIT: Under the auspices of the Interior Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs, Maj Gen Mustafa Al-Zaabi, and with the attendance of traffic police commanders, the International Company for Vehicle Examination was launched yesterday. It is the fourth company operating in the market to provide services needed to renew vehicle registration in collaboration with the traffic department.

News

in brief

MOH plans cyclotron center KUWAIT: In response to warnings made by international experts regarding the cyclotron device in the Sultan Bin Essa for Diagnostic and Treatment Radiology center, which was installed regardless of the standard international radio-activity precautions, the Ministry of Health has decided to build a special center for the cyclotron device. In this regard, sources said that the MOH is currently preparing a response to the audit bureau’s inquiries about the project.

Yemeni Army delegation in town KUWAIT: An army delegation from the Republic of Yemen visited Mubarak Al Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College yesterday to examine the nature and progress of work and study at the national military establishment. The members of the delegation, led by the director of the command and staff college in Yemen, Brig Omar Salem Ba Rashid, toured different sections of the college, examining the training and study processes and curriculum received by the course members. The college director, Admiral Nasser Alhosainan, welcomed the delegation to Kuwait.

Exams cheating incidents increase KUWAIT: More than a hundred students were caught for cheating on Monday as high school finals resumed following the weekend and Sunday’s break for the Isra religious holiday, a local daily reported yesterday quoting Ministry of Education sources.

Speaking to Al-Qabas on the condition of anonymity, the sources indicate that 26 of the students were caught cheating in one adult education school in Jahra using smartphones. The cheating happened during the mathematics exam for the scientific sector which saw 35 cheating incidents in total.

Meanwhile, 71 students were caught cheating during the history of the modern world exam taken by arts sector students.

Students caught cheating or with possession of cell phones or other contrabands are automatically disallowed from taking the remaining exams on schedule, almost guaranteeing their failure as a result. MoE officials are complaining that cheating incidents have increased notably this year; mainly due to use of smartphones. — Al-Qabas

6

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

LOCAL

Three-member gang kidnaps, assaults woman in Adan Teen escapes sexual attack KUWAIT: The search is on for three rapists who kidnapped and assaulted a woman in Adan. Local police filed a case recently after they were approached by an Asian expatriate who provided descriptions of three men in traditional Kuwaiti dress who, she said, raped her after kidnapping her near the Adan Co-operative Society. The suspects reportedly forced her into their car and drove to a remote location, where they abandoned her after the assault.

Teen escapes A teenager avoided sexual assault after he was able to escape from a property in Kabad where he had been lured by two friends. The 16-year-old boy reportedly agreed to escort his two friends to their property in order to study before realizing that he was set up in a trap. The suspects reportedly escaped when the boy went outside and screamed for help, after which a passerby made an emergency call. Patrol officers swept the area looking for the suspects, but to no avail. A case was filed at the area’s police station for further investigations.

Home robbery The search is currently ongoing for a housemaid believed to be behind a robbery reported at an actress’s apartment in Maidan Hawally. In her statements to local police, the actress explained that she realized that a watch worth KD 13,000 and KD 10,000 in cash had been stolen shortly after her maid, an Ethiopian expatriate, had disappeared. Criminal investigators headed to the scene after charges were pressed against the domestic worker, whose name has been blacklisted.

Customer hospitalized A fast-food restaurant worker was arrested recently after breaking a customer’s hand during a fight. The incident happened in Andalus where a Kuwaiti customer entered into an argument with an Egyptian employee after complaining that his order was late. The customer headed to the Farwaniya Hospital after the fight and was treated for a broken right hand and a stress fracture on his left hand, where the employee had reportedly beat him with a stick. Police arrested the worker after the customer pressed charges.

Expat burned A Jordanian expatriate filed a case at Abu Hlaifa police station against a compatriot he accuses of scamming him by failing to help him obtain a valid residency as promised. The suspect reportedly offered to help the man transfer his residency to a new company after his contract was terminated by his employer. After collecting KD 350 of transfer fees, the suspect repor tedly kept stalling until the man’s residency expired, after which the latter approached the police to take legal action. A warrant was issued to summon the suspect for questioning.

Singing drunk A drunk, male suspect was arrested recently at a beach in Salmiya where he had been showcasing his singing talents.

Police headed to the location when emergency callers reported a man creating a scene by singing noisily and acting strangely. The man was placed under arrest after police realized that he was under the influence of alcohol. He was referred to the nearest police station, where he was charged.

Forgery scam An Asian expatriate was arrested for using a housemaids recruitment office to renew workers’ residencies illegally. The search is ongoing for an employee at the Farwaniya Immigration department who facilitated the illegal procedure in exchange for KD 500.

Investigations went underway after a Kuwaiti man approached immigration authorities when he discovered that a housemaid he previously dismissed had renewed her residency under his name without his knowledge. Police contacted the owner of the office where the man said he had returned the maid to, but the Kuwaiti owner explained that her office had been closed following a ministry order. After the man insisted that an Asian woman was running the office when dismissed his maid, police headed to the office and placed her under arrest.

Investigations revealed that the woman had continued to run the office behind its owner’s back and had helped the maid to renew her residency using the help of an immigration employee, who remains at large.

—Al-Rai, Al-Qabas, Al-Watan, Al-Jarida

Municipality to crack down on illegal land use KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality is increasing inspections to crack down on illegal land use where there are expired permits or no permits at all, and the effort is gaining momentum ahead of the holy month of Ramadan and with people starting their summer vacations.

Municipality chief Ahmad Al-Subih told reporters yesterday that inspectors are actively reporting illegal land uses and seizing goods that are not fit for consumption as well as tightening monitoring of establishments’ compliance with safety and hygiene regulations.

Acting director of the Jahraa municipal-

ity branch Sami Al-Seaidan said the inspectors are actively monitoring and reporting on conditions in the industrial area. The monitoring includes mobile canteens and regular cafes, and any violations such as polluting the surrounding area by discarding used fat and other substances is punishable by fine or even closure of the establishment involved. Head of the monitoring team for use of areas along highways Jamal Al-Fadhli meanwhile said the inspectors reported and filed 19 violations, took out 12 pledges of resolving violations, and posted 11 final notices on several establishments.” —KUNA

Kuwait’s supportive stance of Palestinian people extolled KUWAIT: President of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, Dr Mustafa AlBarghouthi has praised Kuwait’s supportive stance to his people at all levels and throughout all international spectrums.

This came during his meeting with President of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Barjas Humoud Al-Barjas yesterday.

Al-Barghouthi praised in a statement the great role played by the KRCS to provide assistance to the Palestinian people, adding that the society is proactive in these efforts.

He stressed that the Kuwaiti aid is among

the “most important” and comes “at the right time” and that the KRCS has always been keen to assist Palestinians everywhere.

The KRCS has undertaken various projects in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Qalqilya, Jenin, Tubas, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Gaza and other Palestinian cities, he said.

Al-Barghouthi added that his visit is aimed at exchanging views and ideas with Al-Barjas, especially as the society is one of the pioneering ones on the international level and has a great role in response and

assistance. He stressed that the Palestinian Medical Relief Society was keen to cooperate with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society in the areas of humanitarian and medical expertise, praising its long-time experience in this area.

For his part, Al-Barjas underscored the continued support of the Kuwaiti leadership and people to the Palestinian people at all levels and in all international forums.

He added that Kuwait’s assistance to the Palestinian people confirm it is the first in helping the stricken Palestinians in the occupied territories. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Municipality inspections in progress in Jahra.

Kuwait, Vatican discuss boosting ties VATICAN CITY: Kuwait’s non-resident Ambassador to the Vatican Dr. Suhail Shuhaibar has met with Vatican’s Foreign Minister Dominique Mamberti, and discussed enhancing and expanding ties between both countries.

Minister Mamberti affirmed during the meeting that the Vatican valued the 40-year-old relation with Kuwait, which was the first Gulf country that established diplomatic relations with the Vatican, Ambassador Shuhaibar said in a statement yesterday.

The Vatican is keen on cementing further the strong relationship that culmi-

nated in the recent visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah to the Vatican and his meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, the ambassador quoted the minister as saying during the meeting.

Ambassador Shuhaibar stressed on significance of exchanging visits between top officials of both countries.

He also listened to the view of minister Mamberti on regional developments, especially Syria’s crisis. Minister Mamberti asserted that the international community should stop the unacceptable bloodshed in Syria. —KUNA

KFSD delegation heads to Japan to attend regional meeting

KUWAIT: The National Security College recently concluded its training season by a training course on ‘Negotiations Skills’ that was held between May 27 and June 14.

Kuwaiti Ambassador examines Kuwait’s charity in Australia KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwaiti ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Khaled AlShibani, held talks with Chairman of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Hafez Kassem, on issues related to Kuwait’s philanthropic activities.

Al-Shibani said yesterday that they discussed charitable activities and support for Islamic associations in Australia within the framework of the approach to renounce fanaticism and extremism and encourage

peaceful co-existence among diverse communities.

The Chairman of the council praised the role of Kuwait in supporting charities in Australia, as well as other nations. The Ambassador also hailed efforts by Muslim scholars in the nation.

The Australian government recognized the Islamic federation, which builds schools for Muslim children, publishes magazines and releases. —KUNA

Skyscrapers the safest, lowest in fire rates KUWAIT: Deputy director of Kuwait Fire Services Directorate Brig Khaled Mohammed Al-Zaid, stressed that skyscrapers are the safest when it comes to the rate and handling of fires.

He added that international reports show that fires were usually immediately dealt with by the fire extinguishing systems installed in most skyscrapers as soon as they start, which reduces the impact of them.

Speaking in an interview with Al-Anbaa, Al-Zaid stressed that fires in tall buildings or skyscrapers usually happen while they are

still under construction, a time when there is no fire extinguishing equipment installed yet.

He added that such fires are usually the result of sparks from welding operations or poor storage conditions.

Al-Zaid also stressed that fire safety precautions must be observed in all buildings and that KFSD inspectors constantly check various buildings to ensure that fire extinguishers are properly installed, fire exits and tier ways remain unblocked and that modern buildings are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishing systems. —Al-Anbaa

KUWAIT: A delegation from the Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) is due to head for Japan to attend the 27th meeting of International Fire Chiefs’ Association of Asia (IFCAA) today.

The KFSD said in a press release yesterday that the meeting will discuss important issues related to fire fighting and rescue operations, as well as plans and strategies in dealing with disasters.

They will discuss major fires and rescue operations that took place in Asia

during last year and the means used to cope with such accidents. The meeting will include workshops and an exhibition on equipment of firefighting and rescue operations.

The delegation is headed by the Deputy Director General of KFSD, Brig Khalid Al-Mekrad, accompanied by head of Al-Ahmadi fire department, Col Jamal Al-Blaihees, and head of Farwaniya fire department, Col Tareq Al-Sabti. —KUNA

BB empowers Talented Role Models for its Youth Account KUWAIT: Burgan Bank reached out to four of Kuwait’s talented youth role models with an objective to endorse the bank’s newly launched Youth Account.

Burgan Bank’s selection criteria for the talented role models were based on vision and perseverance.

Hawraa Al-Qallaf is a young talented inventor, Mohammad Al-Soudan is an engineer and partner in Humbah, the first Kuwaiti owned portable fast food concept; Fatima Al-Othman is the creative director and owner of F2o Designs; and Yousef Al-Qanai is the athlete/ultra runner and founder of Aymstrong Event Management company.

When asked to share some pearls of wisdom to inspire fellow youth, the Youth Account’s role models stated: Hawraa Al-Qallaf: “My invention helped the hearing-impaired parents to understand their child” Mohammed Al- Soudan: “Anything is possible; you just have to give it your best”.

Fatima Al-Othman: “Dare to be different, Do what you love and love what you do” Yousef Al-Qanai: “Believe in yourself, work hard and be determined, then you will realize your goals”.

Burgan Bank’s Youth Account was created with the target of young adults between the ages of 15 and 25 who wish to attain a successful future. With its new dynamic logo and visionary youth perspective, the Youth account caters to the young people in Kuwait by empowering talented youth with inspiration and cre-

ative ideas. To find out more about Burgan Bank’s Youth Account as well as the latest promotions, customers are required to visit their nearest Burgan Bank branch or contact the call center on 1804080. For more information, customers can visit the bank’s website on www.burgan.com.

Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the youngest commercial Bank based in Kuwait, with a significant focus on the corporate and financial institutions sectors, as well as having a growing retail and private bank customer base.

Burgan Bank has four majority owned subsidiaries: Gulf Bank Algeria - AGB (Algeria), Bank of Baghdad BOB (Iraq), Jordan Kuwait Bank - JKB (Jordan) and Tunis International Bank - TIB (Tunisia), (collectively known as the “Burgan Bank Group”).

The Bank has continuously improved its performance over the years through an expanded revenue structure, diversified funding sources, and a strong capital base. The adoption of state-of-the-art services and technology has positioned it as a trendsetter in the domestic market and within the MENA region.

Burgan Bank’s brand has been created on a foundation of real values - of trust, commitment, excellence and progression, to remind us of the high standards to which we aspire. ‘People come first’ is the foundation on which its products and services are developed.

Earlier this year, ‘Brand Finance’ - the international brand valuation company- rated Burgan Bank brand as

AA with positive outlook. The rating places Burgan Bank Brand at 2nd amongst the most valuable banking brands in Kuwait.

Excellence is one of the Bank’s four key values and Burgan Bank continually strives to maintain the highest standards in the industry. The Bank was re-certified in 2010 with the ISO 9001:2008 certification in all its banking businesses, making it the first bank in the GCC, and the only bank in Kuwait to receive such accreditation. The Bank also has to its credit the distinction of being the only Bank in Kuwait to have won the JP Morgan Chase Quality Recognition Award for twelve consecutive years.

Burgan Bank won the prestigious “Banking Web Awards” prize in the commercial and corporate Category for Kuwait. In 2010 Burgan Bank was awarded with the “Best Internet Banking Service award” from Banker Middle East Awards. Burgan Bank was recognized in 2011 as Kuwait’s “Best Private Bank”, by World Finance. The bank also won, in 2011, the coveted “International Platinum Star for Quality” award from Business Initiative Directions, and “The Best Technical Award” from Banking Web Awards. In 2012, Global Banking and Finance Review online magazine recognized Burgan Bank as the “Best Banking Group in the MENA” as well as the “Best Corporate Bank in Kuwait”.

Burgan Bank, a subsidiary of KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Company), is a strongly positioned regional Bank in the MENA region.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

UAE court sentences 2 drug dealers to death Page 8

Talk of drones patrolling US skies spawns anxiety Page 10

Clashes leave 26 dead in Turkey Turkish troops, PKK battle in southeast ANKARA: Fighting between soldiers and Kurdish rebels in southeast Turkey killed 26 people yesterday, threatening to torpedo a rare opening for negotiations to resolve a decadesold separatist conflict. Eight Turkish soldiers and 18 rebels were killed and another 16 soldiers wounded following an attack by rebels on an army post near the border with Iraq, local officials said in a statement. Ten of the rebels belonged to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), said officials.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan swiftly condemned the attack, saying that government forces would continue to battle the rebels. “We will continue our fight to the end. Sooner or later we will succeed,” he told Anatolia news agency from Mexico, where he is attending the G20 summit at Los Cabos. “Nobody can use terrorism to negotiate,” he said, adding that the only solution was for the “terrorists” to lay down their arms.

The bloodshed comes amid signs of a softening of the government’s hard line against the PKK after a prominent Kurdish lawmaker extended an olive branch to Erdogan. Leyla Zana, in an interview with the prominent daily Hurriyet, praised Erdogan as the head of the strongest government in Turkey’s history, saying that with the political will, he had the power to solve the Kurdish problem.

“The strongest one can halt all this if he wants. Who’s that strongest one? It’s the current government and its head Recep Tayyip Erdogan,” she told Hurriyet. Zana, among the most outspoken advocates of Kurdish rights who won the European Parliament’s Sakharov human rights award in 1995, was imprisoned from 1994 to 2004 for alleged links with the separatist PKK, which took up arms in 1984, sparking a conflict that has claimed some 45,000 lives. But her latest comments won plaudits from government officials and Erdogan said he was ready to meet her. The headline-grabbing interview however drew a harsh response from the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), which secured 29 seats in the 550member Turkish parliament in the 2011 elections last year. The party’s co-chairman Selahattin Demirtas accused Zana of being “naive” to pin her hopes on Erdogan. Meanwhile the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) drew up a blueprint that would see a parliamentary commission work together with an outside panel of “wise men” to resolve the Kurdish problem. The plan has won backing from both the Erdogan government and Kurdish MPs, seen by political analysts as a “watershed” in Turkish politics. In another sign of softening, Erdogan told parliament last week that the Kurdish language would be taught as an elective course in public schools for the first time ever. Since coming to power in 2002, Erdogan’s government has carried out a number of reforms under pressure from the European Union, easing restrictions on the use of Kurdish, including in broadcasts.

Political commentators however warn that a spike in violence in the southeast, home to most of Turkey’s large Kurdish minority, may force the government to keep military option on the table. The fresh violence prompted Turkey’s top commander General Necdet Ozer and cabinet ministers to travel to the region, while President Abdullah Gul said Turkey must “solve the terrorism problem without making any concessions on its state authority and rule of law.” The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey and much of the international community.— AFP

2 Egyptians, two Saudis beheaded RIYADH: Saudi authorities yesterday beheaded two Egyptians who kidnapped a nine-year-old girl and tortured her for years and also executed two of its citizens, state news agency SPA reported. Mohammed bin Nafe and Jamalat bin Nafe, apparently his sister, “kidnapped a nineyear-old girl from the (Muslim) Prophet’s Mosque in (the holy city of ) Madinah, torturing and locking her up at their residence for three years and six months,” SPA reported quoting the interior ministry. “Mohammed has repeatedly raped her throughout this period and the pair were planning to smuggle her out of the country,” it said.

“They had also neglected the health of their children and committed violence against them, leading to the death of two of Mohammed’s sons,” it added. The two Egyptians were beheaded in Madinah. In a separate statement, the ministry announced the beheading of Ali bin Mohammed Al-Qahtani who shot dead a fellow Saudi, SPA reported. He was executed in the kingdom’s southeastern region of Asir. In the southern Najran province, authorities executed Muree bin Ali Al-Asiri, also a Saudi, who was convicted of carrying out “witchcraft, sorcery and owning written talismans,” said the ministry in another statement on SPA. He also “admitted committing adultery with two women,” the ministry said. Yesterday’s beheadings bring to 39 the number of people executed in Saudi Arabia so far this year, according to an AFP tally based on official reports. Under the AFP count, at least 76 people were beheaded in 2011, while rights group Amnesty International put the number of executions last year at 79.

The death penalty in Saudi Arabia applies to a wide range of offences including rape, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking, as well as murder, as stipulated by Islamic sharia law.— AFP

VAN: This picture shows Turkish soldiers blocking a road near the town of Yuksekova, in the province of Van, eastern Turkey. At least eight Turkish soldiers were killed and 15 wounded when Kurdish rebels attacked their post in southeast Turkey yesterday. — AFP

News

in brief

Marseille mega-mosque MARSEILLE: A French appeals court granted permission yesterday for the building of a megamosque in the southern city of Marseille that has been touted as a symbol of Islam’s growing place in France. The court overturned an October ruling

by Marseille’s administrative tribunal that cancelled the project’s construction permit for supposed failures to meet urban-planning requirements. A community association led by a local butcher had filed a complaint against the building permit, saying the mosque project did not fit with the surrounding urban environment. The project was granted a permit in September 2009 but construction was suspended following complaints from local residents and businesses. The 22-million-euro ($28-million) project would see the Grand Mosque, boasting a minaret soaring 25-metres high and room for up to 7,000 worshippers, built in the city’s northern Saint-Louis area.

Muslim leaders in the Mediterranean city had hailed the approval of the project as a key step in recognizing the importance of Marseille’s large Muslim community.

Typhoon hits Japan TOKYO: A powerful typhoon bringing heavy rain and strong winds slammed into Japan’s Pacific Coast yesterday, the weather agency said, as flights were cancelled and evacuations ordered.

About 10,400 people in coastal Ishinomaki, hit by last year’s earthquake and tsunami, were advised to evacuate to higher ground ahead of the arrival there of the typhoon, which would coincide with rises in the tide, a city official said. The typhoon made landfall on the tip of the Kii peninsula, south of Osaka, shortly after 5:00 pm (0800 GMT), and was expected to cut across Japan’s main island of Honshu, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. It was moving northeast at 65 kilometers per hour. “The typhoon’s force may not gain any more but we think the wind and rain will get stronger. It is picking up speed,” an official at the agency said. The typhoon, named Gucholmeaning “turmeric” in a Micronesian language, packing winds of up to 180 kilometers per hour, was projected to move over Honshu, including Tokyo, overnight and go out into the Pacific again today morning, the agency said.

Gunmen kill three police MOSUL: Gunmen using silenced weapons shot dead three policemen in the northern Iraq city of Mosul yesterday, security and medical officials said. The shooting took place near a school in western Mosul, police First Lieutenant Khaled AlJuburi said. Dr Mahmud Hadad of Mosul general hospital confirmed the toll. Violence in Iraq has declined dramatically since its peak in 2006-2007, but attacks remain common, especially in the capital. A total of 132 Iraqis were killed in violence in May, according to official figures.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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

Syrian Kurds find refuge in Iraqi Kurdistan

DOMIZ CAMP: Syrian Kurds of all persuasions, from soldiers who did not want to kill their own countrymen to those seeking to escape the violence, have found refuge across the border in Kurdistan in north Iraq. Most had to be smuggled across the border, avoiding Syrian security forces, after facing what they said was discrimination and oppression in Syria.

But they say they have been welcomed by Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, which hosts the Domiz refugee camp in Dohuk province, where some 1,500 of them are now housed.

Abu Samir, a 56-year-old from Qamishli in northeast Syria, left his hometown for Iraqi Kurdistan in order to protect his son, a soldier who had deserted from the Syrian army. “Either he kills women, boys and children or he himself would be killed,” Abu Samir said. “He did not kill and he escaped.” Abu Samir then had a choice. “Either I hand him over to authorities and they kill him in front of me, or we escape together.” He chose the latter option, travelling by vehicle with seven other family members until they were near the border, then sneaking past guards to cross by night.

“The Kurdistan region welcomed us and we are grateful,” Abu Samir said. “Because I am Kurdish, I preferred the Kurdistan region and I am comfortable here,” he said. “I do not consider myself a refugee. I feel that I am among my family here, I do not feel I am a stranger.” “The situation of Kurds in Syria is desperate and there is racism,” he said. Kurds are mainly spread across four countries-Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. While Iraq’s Kurdistan region is autonomous, there is no independent Kurdish state. Abu Samir and his family now live in the Domiz camp, with its dirt roads and long lines of dusty tents set up on concrete pads.

It is home to some 1,500 Syrians who have sought shelter in Kurdistan, according to Claire Bourgeois, Iraq representative of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The number of people there now

looks set to rise, at least temporarily, with Bourgeois saying a new Kurdistan government policy requires Syrian refugees elsewhere in the region to move to Domiz. Mohammed Abdullah Hammo, a refugee official from the Kurdistan interior ministry, said the regional government wants all the refugees to be registered in Dohuk, although they could later live elsewhere. The United Nations says that more than 86,000 Syrians have fled to surrounding countries to escape a brutal crackdown by President Bashar AlAssad’s regime on an uprising against his rule, although only around 5,400 have ended up in Iraq.

International organizations such as the UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration, local NGOs and the Kurdistan government are assisting the refugees in Domiz, most of whom are Syrian Kurds. Kurdistan currently provides electricity and food for the camp, though the World Food Program will provide aid from next month, Bourgeois said.

Some areas of the camp are strewn with rubbish, but conditions are generally good for a refugee camp, and better than the slums where many Iraqis who were forced from their homes by threats or violence still live.

IDLIB: Fighters loyal to the Free Syrian Army (FSA) pose with their weapons in a location on the outskirts of Idlib in northwestern Syria. — AFP

Life in Domiz is also far preferable to what awaited the refugees had they stayed in Syria, they say.

Jamal, who asked to be identified only by his first name, was a sergeant in the Syrian army stationed in Hama, a city that has been the site of frequent protests against Assad and clashes between rebels and government forces. The orders “were for us to open fire on people in demonstrations,” he said, adding that anyone who violated them “would be immediately executed or detained, and no one will know where he is.” Jamal did not return to Hama after going on leave in April, instead heading to his home town of Malkiya near the border with Kurdistan.

He described the journey as “scary,” with numerous checkpoints along the way. To get through without a pass, he pleaded that his mother and father were sick, and eventually got home. A smuggler then helped him and nine others across the border at night to the safety of Kurdistan. “I do not have the soul and conscience to kill my brothers in the street,” Jamal said. “I cannot kill a woman or old man, I could not bear that, and I came here.” A 21-year-old university student from Qamishli, who asked not to be identified, said he was a protester and had been detained and beaten. “I went to the demonstrations demanding freedom and against the miserable regime,” he said.

“The Syrian regime detained me once or twice, they threatened me and they beat me several times,” he said, also alleging that Syrian forces had fired on a funeral in Qamishli. Despite tight security measures in Qamishli, he was able to escape, and paid a smuggler $400 to bring him to Kurdistan with a group of about 20 people. He found a job at a cafe in Kurdistan’s capital Arbil, but he said the wages were poor given the long hours. “I want to live in a democratic country and I want rights like any other Syrian citizen,” he said. “I will stay in Kurdistan until the fall of the regime.” — AFP

Israel air raid kills 2; Hamas fires rockets West Bank mosque hit by arson attack

HOMS: A handout image shows a torched street, burned buildings and a dead body (bottom right) in the Qusur district of the battered city of Homs. — AFP

In Homs, sectarian spoils of war at bargain prices BEIRUT: They call it the “Sunni market” a comic term with a dark undertone. As rockets and gunfire crackle in the central city of Homs, hardline loyalists from President Bashar AlAssad’s Alawite sect steal goods from the shattered neighborhoods of Sunni Muslims, the majority population that led the revolt against him. Grocery stores and thrift shops become loot markets. “Maybe I’ll nab a bargain,” says a 50-year-old woman wandering through a supermarket that now trades in looted furniture. “I found a really nice kitchen table set made of gorgeous old wood. But he wants $200 dollars for it!”

Furniture usually goes for around $50 or less. Clothes and shoes are $5 to $20.

Everything is open to negotiation. The woman haggles with the shopkeeper. “These are the spoils of war. It’s our right to take them,” she says. Even shopping now has a sectarian dimension in Homs, heart of the 15-month-old revolt against Assad, where killings and kidnappings based on religion became common.

Some in the minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam and the dominant force in the Syrian elite, say they are only defending themselves. They say Sunnis want to crush them, not establish a democracy as activists say. “This isn’t stealing, it is our right. Those people sup-

port terrorism and we have to finish them off,” says Ayman, a 25-year-old youth wearing pointed black shoes and a studded belt.

Outside the shop, he helps young men with slicked back hair and tight jeans unload television sets from vans. After security forces pound rebel areas in Homs and Sunni residents flee, pro-Assad Alawite gangs called “shabbiha” sweep in behind them to salvage goods from the rubble. “The other day our boss sent us to a place near the cultural centre.

It was an electronics store - TVs, fridges, stuff like that,” said Ayman. “We worked it for three hours, taking stuff and putting it in storage. We got 10,000 lira ($147), plus a TV. So why not?”

Not ever yone is impressed, says Mahmoud, an old vegetable vendor outside the loot store, his wrinkled face set in a frown. “ They are the dregs of society.

Now, Alawites will be seen as thieves,” he said. But with the conflict ravaging Syria’s economy, some Alawite vendors say they are happy to find a way to scrounge some cash. “Last week a businessman came from (the port of ) Tartous and bought 3 million lira of stolen goods, happy for the deal,” said furniture dealer Hasan. “At the end of the day, I’m a businessman, and people are buying.” — Reuters

Tunisia artists lament lack of support after Islamist riots TUNIS: Tunisian artists, shaken over deadly riots by radical Islamists angered about artworks deemed blasphemous, say they feel abandoned by a culture minister who spoke out in defense of the protesters. “It is as if my hands have been cut off. I am so angry, so disappointed,” said a painter whose canvas was slashed in a June 10 attack on a Tunis art gallery.

“When I heard the government’s position I felt like I was at a trial for freedom but unable to defend myself,” the artist said, requesting anonymity. Culture Minister Mehdi Mabrouk, while defending artistic creativity, stopped short of condemning the attack, believed to have been carried out by ultra-conservative Salafist Muslims.

Mabrouk said the exhibition-which featured a painting of a naked woman with bearded men standing behind her and a work spelling the word “Allah” with a file of ants-did not respect the values of Islam and could be considered “artistic provocation.”

Tunisia’s arts union and the show’s director Luca Luccatini plan to lodge official complaints against several government ministers for defamation. Fundamentalist Salafists went on the rampage after taking issue with the artworks, and two days of riots including the attack on the gallery left one person dead and more than 100 injured. It was the worst unrest since the January 2011 ouster of strongman Zine el Abidine Ben Ali kicked off a wave of revolts

in the region that came to be known as the Arab Spring. More than 140 people, most of them Salafists, were arrested for attacking police posts and torching a Tunis courthouse during the riots, the interior ministry said Monday.

Among them was the cleric of a mosque in the northwestern town of Jendouba, who called for the murder of police officers during Friday prayers, a ministry official said. Even before the recent clashes, artists say they have regularly been the target of religious hardliners in post-revolution Tunisia. And they are surprised that the more moderate regime that replaced Ben Ali has not defended the nation’s artists.

The artist whose canvas was slashed said: “I am not afraid of answering to ministers, but I am afraid of ignorant people, of the imbecile hiding somewhere who will attack my family because (the authorities) have abandoned us to face public anger.”

Actress and theatre researcher Jalila Baccar asked: “Do we want a country without art, without artists? Who should decide which lines can be crossed in terms of what is sacred? Is it for judges, religious leaders, the constitution that is currently being drawn up?” “We don’t have to justify our art,” said the painter Meriem Bouderbala, who curated the exhibition titled “Spring of Arts.” Many artists wonder if they can publicly show their work without fear of reprisal. —AFP

GAZA: An Israeli air strike killed two Palestinian teenagers near the central Gaza Strip town of Deir El-Balah yesterday, a Palestinian medical official said. “Two citizens were killed in an Israeli air strike,” the official said. “The bodies were only recovered this morning when an ambulance could get to the scene.” It was not immediately clear if they were the same two who were earlier reported wounded or additional casualties.

Hospital staff named the dead youths as Mohammed Bassem Abu Mealiq and Yusef AlTalbani, both 17. Witnesses said they had been trying to breach the fence bordering Israel when they were hit.

Two men were earlier reported as injured in the strike, shortly after midnight (2100 GMT).

The Israeli military confirmed hitting what it called a “terrorist squad identified handling an explosive device” near the security fence in the central Gaza Strip. Four rockets were later fired into southern Israel’s Hof Ashkelon district, with the military wing of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and generally maintains a tacit truce with Israel, making a rare claim of responsibility.

Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, the Islamist movement’s military wing, said it fired the rockets in response to “Israel’s crimes.” On Monday, Israeli aircraft killed four Palestinians in two sorties over the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun and wounded at least three, Palestinian medics said. Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said one of those killed was a member of the group. The military said he was part of “a terrorist squad attempting to fire a rocket at Israel.” On Monday afternoon, the army said, a rocket was fired from Gaza into the Hof Ashkelon area and another fell at night. “Altogether six rockets were fired in the past 24 hours,” a spokeswoman said yesterday morning.

Monday’s strikes came hours after gunmen mounted an early morning deadly ambush along Israel’s southern border with Egypt, killing an Israeli civilian construction worker. Two of the gunmen were shot dead by Israeli troops. An Israeli military source insisted however that Monday’s air strikes were not related to the ambush. Israeli media commentators yesterday said the ambush was a further symptom of the Sinai Peninsula’s descent into lawlessness since last year’s overthrow of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. “It isn’t the same Egypt, it isn’t the same border, the peace accords are on their deathbed and we had better change our operating disc,” Alex Fishman wrote in top-selling

GAZA: A Palestinian inspects the debris of a destroyed motorcycle after an Israeli airstrike in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip. — AP “Neighbors saw the fire, ran to the mosque Yediot Aharonot, referring to the two states’ and put it out,” he said. Israeli police said that 1979 peace treaty.

“We would do well to stop with the word they had yet to carry out a forensic investigation games, to stop saying that there were terror but there were signs pointing to settler activists. attacks in Sinai when Mubarak was in power as “At the moment different directions are being well, and to get used to the fact that the entire looked into as well as the possibility that it was length of Israel’s southern border is a hostile bor- caused as a result of one of these price tag incider, a confrontation border,” he added. In Israel dents, that’s one of the main directions that we’ll Hayom daily, considered close to Prime Minister be looking into,” police spokesman Micky Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Limor was gloomier Rosenfeld said. “Price tag” is a euphemism for still. “We have to get used to it: the western bor- revenge hate crimes by Israeli extremists carried der has become a war border. True, with Egypt out in protest at government moves against the we still have (cold) peace, but a gulf of hatred settlements.

They normally target Palestinians and Arabs and a buffer of terrorism separate us,” he wrote. but have also been directed at leftwing Israeli activists and the army. Incidents have included ARSON ATTACK Unknown attackers attempted to torch a multiple arson attacks on cars and mosques.

West Bank mosque and sprayed it with Hebrew- The perpetrators are rarely caught, although in language graffiti yesterday, in an incident that recent months the security forces have bore the hallmark of extremist Jewish settlers. increased efforts to clamp down on the phe“In the middle of the night ... somebody entered nomenon after an attack on an army base last the mosque, broke the window and threw a year. Israeli leaders were quick to condemn the match causing a fire,” a resident of the village of latest incident. “This was the work of intolerant, Jaba, between Jerusalem and Ramallah told irresponsible lawbreakers,” Prime Minister Israeli army radio. “They wrote in Hebrew, ‘The Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “We war has begun,’ and ‘Pay the price’,” said the man, will act quickly in order to bring them to justice.” —Agencies identified by the radio as Sheikh Datoun.

Obama’s pick for Iraq ambassador withdraws LOS CABOS: President Barack Obama’s nominee for ambassador to Iraq has withdrawn from the running, a US official said Monday, following claims of impropriety and opposition from Republicans. National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said the White House regretted seeing Brett McGurk “withdraw his candidacy” but praised him as a “skilled diplomat” who had served tirelessly during two administrations. Six Republican senators had urged Obama to pull McGurk’s name, saying he lacked sufficient managerial experience and also raised questions about his judgment following the publication of racy emails he sent to a reporter.

The emails dated from 2008, and some were of a sexual nature, apparently between McGurk, who was then married and serving the Bush administration in Iraq, and Wall Street Journal correspondent Gina Chon.

Chon, who is now married to McGurk, resigned from the newspaper last

week. The Republican senators said the allegations of impropriety could shred McGurk’s credibility, and insisted the racy emails would undermine his ability to work in Iraq. In a letter to Obama and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton obtained by the New York Times, McGurk said he was withdrawing his nomination with a “heavy heart” but that the move was in “the best interests of the country.”

“Iraq urgently needs an ambassador. The country is in the midst of a political crisis and our mission is undergoing rapid transformation,” McGurk wrote, adding that “nothing should be allowed to distract from the pressing work that must be done to build a better future there.”

He said he had come to his decision during a visit to the Arlington military cemetery with Chon on Saturday where many of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan are now buried. Both of them had lost friends in Iraq, he said. —AFP

UAE court sentences 2 drug dealers to death ABU DHABI: An Abu Dhabi court sentenced to death two drug dealers who shot and wounded undercover police officers during an arrest operation in Bani Yas, local media reported yesterday. In February, the state news agency WAM had reported that the pair-a 26-year-old Emirati and a 19year-old Yemeni-shot and wounded two police officers in Bani Yas, west of Abu Dhabi city. On Monday, the criminal court sentenced them to death “after they were convicted of carrying and trafficking hashish, stating that the death sentence overrules other sentences,” Al-Ittihad daily said.

English-language daily, The National, reported that the Emirati was also sentenced “to life imprisonment for attempted murder” and ordered to pay the two officers compensation up to 40,000 dirhams ($10,869). The Yemeni “was given 10 years and fined 20,000 dirhams ($5,434) for resisting arrest and attacking the policemen,” it reported. These sentences, however, are overruled by the death penalty as reported by Al-Ittihad. United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayan will decide upon the method of execution, said The National.

The two men were arrested when they tried to sell 20 kilograms of hashish. One of the men was arrested at the scene, The National said, while the other “initially escaped after shooting the two undercover officers but was arrested two hours later trying to flee to Yemen.” The death sentence will be appealed. The UAE has very strict drug laws, and the customs department occasionally announces drug seizures in the country, where narcotics use is strictly prohibited. Trafficking in illegal narcotics is punishable by death, though the sentences are often reduced to life imprisonment. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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

Thanks Obama! Mexican illegals plan family reunions IXMIQUILPAN: Seamstress Paulina Gutierrez, an ethnic Otomi Indian, prayed every day for years for a miracle to reunite her with her two sons, who were smuggled into the United States as children and have lived in permanent fear of deportation back to Mexico. Now, thanks to a major immigration policy shift by US President Barack Obama, she can barely contain her excitement at the prospect of once again hugging her two boys - and two grandchildren she has never met.

Without papers to get back into the United States, Gutierrez’ sons cannot visit her in Mexico. She says at 58 she is too old to creep back across the US border with human smugglers, or “coyotes.” So she has not seen them since returning to Mexico in 2007. Sitting on a plastic chair in her humble provisions store on the outskirts of the heavily migrant city of Ixmiquilpan, 95 miles north of Mexico City, her eyes well with tears as she recalls making the heart-wrenching decision to leave her sons and husband behind in the United States.

She had to return to Mexico to look after her ailing parents. So Obama’s order on Friday allowing young undocumented immigrants to stay legally and work as long as they meet a series of conditions was a godsend for her. It is also a major victory for President Felipe Calderon, who had all but given up on winning improved terms for Mexico’s

massive migrant population after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks relegated the issue to the back burner and shifted the US focus to Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, with his National Action Party’s presidential candidate Josefina Vazquez Mota trailing in polls, the measure will likely benefit front-runner Enrique Pena Nieto, who is on course to return Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party to power at a July 1 election. “Just imagine - each day for five years I have waited by the phone for this news,” beamed Gutierrez, fizzy drinks and tins of jalapeno chilies stacked on a shelf behind her, as Mariachi band music blared on a radio and dogs in the neighborhood yelped.

Her sons Oscar and Cesar meet most of Obama’s conditions. They were both under 16 when they were smuggled across the Mexico-US border, have lived in the United States for well over the stipulated 5-year minimum, are under 30 and have no criminal record. There is just one hitch. They both dropped out of high school six months before graduating, and so need to find a way to tick that box too in order to meet all the requirements to earn a two-year permit to legally live and work in the United States. “Now I only hope that my sons can make it work, so they can come and visit me and bring my grandchildren,” she said. “And who knows, perhaps they can find a way to get me papers to be

able to return to join them.” Obama’s gesture came out of the blue, and followed an aggressive deportation drive that ejected a record 396,000 people from the United States last year.

“Barack Obama’s decision not to deport undocumented youths who meet requirements is a welcome one,” Calderon wrote on his Twitter account.

“It is just recognition of their contributions (to the United States).” Combined with tighter border security, the US economy’s slow recovery from recession and drug violence along the Mexican side of the border, Obama’s tougher deportation policy sent net migration flows from Mexico to “El Norte” falling to zero for the first time since the 1930s.

However, more than 65 percent of Mexicans who have returned to their homeland actually went back voluntarily, according to The Pew Hispanic Center in Washington.

Many did so because the 2008-2009 financial crisis battered the US construction industr y, which has for years employed huge numbers of Mexicans.

The US government estimates the new migration policy could benefit up to 800,000 of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. Pew puts the potential beneficiaries at closer to 1.4 million. By giving young illegal immigrants the chance to gain legal work, and therefore higher wages than in the informal sector, the

LOS ANGELES: Students block a street around the Los Angeles Federal Building during a demonstration by immigrant students for an end to deportations. —AFP move could help boost remittances, which are a major source of cash flowing into the Mexican economy. Despite record deportations, Mexican migrants wired home $5.3 billion from the United States in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 5.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

“It is a very positive thing for the migrant population,” Father Luis

Kendzierski said of Obama’s new policy.

“It keeps families together and gives people an opportunity to make something of their lives.” “It makes no sense deporting these young people who often have more links with the United States than Mexico,” said Kendzierski, a Roman Catholic priest who runs the Casa de Migrante migrant shelter in Tijuana, on the border with California. — Reuters

UN investigator decries US use of killer drones Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen badly hit

TEXAS: Photo shows a ShadowHawk drone with Montgomery County, Texas SWAT team members. — AP

Talk of drones patrolling US skies spawns anxiety WASHINGTON: The prospect that thousands of drones could be patrolling US skies by the end of this decade is raising the specter of a Big Brother government that peers into backyards and bedrooms.

The worries began mostly on the political margins, but there are signs that ordinary people are starting to fret that unmanned aircraft could soon be circling overhead.

Jeff Landry, a freshman Republican congressman from Louisiana’s coastal bayou country, said constituents have stopped him while shopping at Walmart to talk about it. “There is a distrust amongst the people who have come and discussed this issue with me about our government,” Landry said. “It’s raising an alarm with the American public.”

Another GOP freshman, Rep. Austin Scott, said he first learned of the issue when someone shouted out a question about drones at a Republican Party meeting in his Georgia congressional district two months ago. An American Civil Liberties Union lobbyist, Chris Calabrese, said that when he speaks to audiences about privacy issues generally, drones are what “everybody just perks up over.”

“People are interested in the technology, they are interested in the implications and they worry about being under surveillance from the skies,” he said. The level of apprehension is especially high in the conservative blogosphere, where headlines blare “30,000 Armed Drones to be Used Against Americans” and “Government Drones Set to Spy on Farms in the United States.”

When Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, suggested during a radio interview last month that drones be used by police domestically since they’ve done such a good job on foreign battlefields, the political backlash was swift. NetRightDaily complained: “This seems like something a fascist would do. ... McDonnell isn’t pro-Big Government, he is pro-HUGE Government.”

John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute of Charlottesville, Va., which provides legal assistance in support of civil liberties and conservative causes, warned the governor, “America is not a battlefield, and the citizens of this nation are not insurgents in need of vanquishing.”

There’s concern as well among liberal civil liberties advocates that government and private sector drones will be used to gather information on Americans without their knowledge. A lawsuit by the Electronic Frontier Foundation of San Francisco, whose motto is “defending your rights in the digital world,” forced the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this year to disclose the names of dozens of public universities, police departments and other government agencies that have been awarded permission to fly drones in civilian airspace on an experimental basis.

Giving drones greater access to US skies

moves the nation closer to “a surveillance society in which our every move is monitored, tracked, recorded and scrutinized by the authorities,” the ACLU warned last December in a report. The anxiety has spilled over into Congress, where a bipartisan group of lawmakers have been meeting to discuss legislation that would broadly address the civil-liberty issues raised by drones. A Landry provision in a defense spending bill would prohibit information gathered by military drones without a warrant from being used as evidence in court.

A provision that Rep. Rush Holt, D-NJ, added to another bill would prohibit the Homeland Security Department from arming its drones, including ones used to patrol the border.

Scott and Sen Rand Paul, R-Ky, have introduced identical bills to prohibit any government agency from using a drone to “gather evidence or other information pertaining to criminal conduct or conduct in violation of a regulation” without a warrant.

“I just don’t like the concept of drones flying over barbecues in New York to see whether you have a Big Gulp in your backyard or whether you are separating out your recyclables according to the city mandates,” Paul said in an interview, referring to a New York City ban on supersized soft drinks.

He acknowledged that is an “extreme example,” but added: “They might just say we’d be safer from muggings if we had constant surveillance crisscrossing the street all the time. But then the question becomes, what about jaywalking? What about eating too many donuts? What about putting mayonnaise on your hamburger? Where does it stop?” Calabrese, the ACLU lobbyist, called Paul’s office as soon as he heard about the bill. “I told them we think they are starting from the right place,” Calabrese said. “You should need some kind of basis before you use a drone to spy on someone.”

In a Congress noted for its political polarization, legislation to check drone use has the potential to forge “a left-right consensus,” he said. “It bothers us for a lot of the same reasons it bothers conservatives.”

The backlash has drone makers concerned. The drone market is expected to nearly double over the next 10 years, from current worldwide expenditures of nearly $6 billion annually to more than $11 billion, with police departments accounting for a significant part of that growth. “We go into this with every expectation that the laws governing public safety and personal privacy will not be administered any differently for (drones) than they are for any other law enforcement tool,” said Dan Elwell, vice president of the Aerospace Industries Association. Discussion of the issue has been colored by exaggerated drone tales spread largely by conservative media and bloggers.—AP

GENEVA: A UN investigator has called on the Obama administration to justify its policy of assassinating rather than capturing Al-Qaeda or Taleban suspects, increasingly with the use of unmanned drone aircraft that also take civilian lives. Christof Heyns, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, urged Washington to clarify the basis under international law of the policy, in a report issued overnight to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The 47-member Geneva forum is to hold a debate later on Tuesday.

The US military has conducted drone attacks in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, in addition to conventional raids and air strikes, according to Heyns, a South African jurist serving in the independent post.

“Disclosure of these killings is critical to ensure accountability, justice and reparation for victims or their families,” he said in a 28page report. “The (US) government should clarify the procedures in place to ensure that any targeted killing complies with international humanitarian law and human rights and indicate the measures or strategies applied to prevent casualties, as well as the measures in place to provide prompt, thorough, effective and independent public investigation of alleged violations.”

Citing figures from the Pakistan Human Rights Commission, he said US drone strikes killed at least 957 people in Pakistan in 2010 alone. Thousands have been killed in 300 drone strikes there since 2004, 20 percent of whom are believed to be civilians. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week defended Washington’s use of drone strikes, days after one killed one of Al-Qaeda’s most powerful figures in Pakistan, Libyan-born Abu Yahya al-Libi.

DRAMATIC INCREASE “Although figures vary widely with regard to drone attack estimates, all studies concur on one important point: there has been a dramatic increase in their use over the past three years,” Heyns said. “While these attacks are directed at individuals believed to be leaders or active members of Al-Qaeda or the Taleban, in the context of armed conflict (eg in Afghanistan), in other instances, civilians have allegedly also perished in the attacks in regions where it is unclear whether there was an armed conflict or not (eg in Pakistan),” he said.

Human rights law requires that every effort be made to arrest a suspect, in line with the “principles of necessity and proportionality on the use of force”, the investigator said. There

had been no official or satisfactory response to concerns laid out by his predecessor, Australian expert Philip Alston, in a 2009 report on his investigation a year earlier. “The Special Rapporteur again requests the Government to clarify the rules that it considers to cover targeted killings ... (and) reiterates his predecessor’s recommendation that the government specify the bases for decisions to kill rather than capture ‘human targets’ and whether the State in which the killing takes places has given consent,” Heyns said.

Pakistani Ambassador Zamir Akram took the floor in Monday’s opening session to say that his country consistently maintained that the use of drones was illegal and violated the sovereignty of Pakistan, “not to mention being counter-productive”. “Thousands of innocent people, including women and children, have been murdered in these indiscriminate attacks,” he said. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who made an official visit to Pakistan this month, said in a speech on Monday it was “unclear that all persons targeted are combatants or directly participating in hostilities”. States had an international obligation to ensure that attacks comply with international law and to conduct transparent, credible inquiries, she added.— Reuters

Fort Hood gunman seeks delay of trial

CARACAS: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (right) and Venezuelan Defense Minister Henry Rangel Silva salute during a visit to the Ministry of Defense in Caracas. — AFP

Chavez rejects poll debate, irking rival

CARACAS: Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez has ruled out holding a pre-election debate with opponent Henrique Capriles, saying he would be “ashamed” to measure himself against such a “non-entity.” Stepping up the rhetoric in the polarized South American nation’s run-up to the Oct 7 vote, Capriles replied that Venezuelans were tired of the socialist leader’s stream of insults.

Battling a recurrence of cancer that has kept him off the street, Chavez, 57, leads most major opinion polls by a double-digit margin and officials are exuding confidence of a comfortable re-election win.

Capriles’ camp, though, insists some polls are skewed, many Venezuelans are scared of expressing their real opinions, and their grassroots campaigning is beginning to make headway. Asked at a news conference if he would be prepared to debate Capriles, Chavez replied: “I’d be ashamed because what you have there is nothing ...

I’d have liked to face a heavyweight, not a non-entity.”

Since Capriles, a center-left young state governor, won the opposition coalition’s

primary in February, Chavez has not mentioned him by name, preferring to use a stream of insults including “pig” and “loser”. Capriles has sought to focus his campaign on Venezuelans’ daily problems crime, unemployment and stuttering social services - rather than be drawn into a rhetorical fight. Yet he responded sharply on Monday to Chavez’s latest salvo. “The candidate of backwardness could never debate with anyone, he only knows how to insult and discredit people - a worn-out and tedious speech,” he said via Twitter.

Capriles also mocked the president’s comments this week about seeking to send a second Venezuelan satellite into space with Chinese help, saying he should first resolve more pressing issues of illequipped hospitals and crime. “Will our people’s problems be resolved putting a satellite into orbit? Will they do away with violence from outer space?” The latest opinion poll, published by local company Hinterlaces on Monday, gave Chavez 51 percent of voter intentions versus 34 percent for Capriles.— Reuters

SAN ANTONIO: Accused Fort Hood gunman Nidal Hasan, charged with shooting 13 fellow troops to death and wounding 31 others in a 2009 rampage, will ask that his military trial be delayed for a third time, until December, an Army spokesman said. Fort Hood spokesman Christopher Haug said Hasan’s attorneys were expected to ask Trial Judge Colonel Gregory Gross to postpone the trial until December, which would be the third postponement if granted. Hasan’s attorneys have not said yet why they would seek another delay. The trial was postponed previously because Hasan switched attorneys and because his new lawyers asked for more time to prepare his defense. Gross was also expected to rule on whether Hasan’s defense team can have a neurologist appointed at government expense to testify. Hasan, a US Army psychiatrist, was originally scheduled to stand trial in March on premeditated murder and attempted murder charges. Hasan was paralyzed from the chest down when he was shot by two Fort Hood police officers to end the Nov 5, 2009, shooting spree. He could become the first US soldier to be executed following a US military proceeding in more than 50 years. Witnesses have said Hasan shouted “Allahu Akbar” - Arabic for “God is Greatest” - and then fired on soldiers having health checks as they prepared for deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Hasan was in court earlier this month, he appeared with a beard, which is a violation of Army regulations.

Gross ordered Hasan removed and told him that unless he shaves off his beard, he would be forced to follow court proceedings from an adjacent room on closed circuit television. The defense team is trying to keep Hasan from being executed, a goal Hasan may not share, retired Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Addicott, a former military judge advocate and head of the Center for Terrorism Law at St Mary’s University in San Antonio, said in an interview. “He murdered 13 people, he wanted to die that day,” Addicott said. He said Hasan had sent an email to Al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki, who has since been killed in Yemen, saying, “I can’t wait to join you in the afterlife.” The shooting spree was among incidents that have renewed concerns over the threat of homegrown Islamist militants. A jury last month convicted another US soldier of attempting to build a bomb and use it to blow up a restaurant near Fort Hood. Private First Class Naser Jason Abdo, 22, was arrested last July after a tip from a gun store owner alarmed by Abdo’s befuddled attempts to purchase smokeless gunpowder and weapons.— Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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

Tasty loot in Spain as crisis spawns crop theft SANT CLIMENT DE LLOBREGAT: Drop those cherries, you’re under arrest. Crops and cops are converging along Spain’s journey through economic crisis: People enduring hardship are stealing the earth’s bounty from farmers to help get by from day to day. Police have added the patrolling of farmland - sometimes on horseback - to their list of daily tasks. Farmers in some areas are teaming up to carry out nighttime patrols on their own. In villages near farming areas, several thousand paramilitary Civil Guards, regional and local police are even setting up checkpoints to sniff out not drugs or drunken drivers but stolen fruit or farming equipment, like copper wire used in irrigation systems.

The Civil Guard says sometimes its officers mount “cage operations” - sealing off whole villages to check cars and trucks for, say, pilfered pears. The stolen goods are mainly for resale: The food ends up in small roving street markets and the metal goes to scrap dealers. Last year alone more than 20,000 thefts were reported at Spanish farms. The Interior Ministry says it has no comparative figures from other years, or for so far in 2012. But authorities and farm groups blame the thefts on Spain’s economic crisis and say they are a big enough problem for the patrols, which began last season, to stay in force this year.

Here in Sant Climent, a village of 4,000 just outside Barcelona in the northeastern Catalonia region, the loot this time of year is cherries - dark red, shiny and sweet - dangling like ornaments from stubby trees in orchards rising up the slopes of a river valley. They’re everywhere, with people selling them from their front doorsteps and on stands inside bars for ?8 a kilo ($4.50 a pound). A drawing of a cherry adorns the mayor’s business card.

What is happening is hardly an invasion of starving unemployed people gorging themselves on cherries and trudging back into town with red-stain criminal evidence all over them. Nor is Spain’s agricultural sector, which accounts for about 3 percent of GDP, in jeopardy. But the theft reflects a real problem for Spain’s farmers and is a reflection of how harsh times are making ordinary people turn to crime. “This has emerged because of social

alarm. Because of the crisis, crime is up,” said the local police chief, Ernesto Banos. “And when cherry season comes around, people say, ‘what now, cherries? OK, let’s go get them.”

The usual suspects can be surprising, or not.

“Retirees, unemployed people, young people,” said Banos. Sure, at some point we’ve all climbed a fence and stolen a neighbor’s apple. And in Spain, theft from farms - an unguarded field is an easy target - has always been around to some degree. “But the increase that has taken place since the crisis started a few years ago has been spectacular,” said Estrella Larrazabal, spokeswoman for a farm association called Asaja. “Thieves take anything they can get their hands on.” And things have happened in the Spanish countryside that make it look like the Wild West, or in some cases, Wall Street.

A rancher in central Spain went out one morning to view his 200-head herd of cattle and found two prized calves which had just been released into

the pack shot in the head at point-blank range, and perfectly slaughtered. They were to have been prized breeders. But only the bony carcasses, with heads attached, remained in the muddy field.

“Those animals were phenomenal. They were spectacular. Really fat, very well treated, and after five or six days in the field, they killed them,” said the rancher, Eulogio Morales.

A farmer in Cordoba caught some men stealing plowing equipment from him. They were arrested, tried, convicted and fined? 90 ($115) each. But they came back to his farm repeatedly demanding he pay the fine, and eventually threatened to kill him if he did not. The farmer, Ignacio Fernandez de Mesa, wore a hidden recording device during the last showdown, and nabbed them. A new trial on the death threat charge is pending. “I stood up to them” Fernandez de Mesa said. “I was waiting for them.”

Sheep rancher and lemon grower Vicente Carrion, head of the local branch of a farm lobby in

FERNAN CABALLERO: A cow which has been carved and stripped of most of its meat lies in a field in Fernan Caballero, Spain. — AP

the lush eastern region of Murcia, said thieves plan their hits according to what crops are getting good prices. So they are like futures traders, only instead of monitoring oil or gold, they watch artichoke or orange prices. “If there is no price, they don’t touch it.” Carrion said. “Prices are not stable over the course of the year. When they peak, that is when they strike.” Carrion says he knows of cases where gangs have stolen up to 5,000 kilos of oranges in one go. They act in broad daylight, picking the fruit under the thick cover of leafy groves, packing them in crates and loading them in trucks. Non-tree crops require a bit more stealth. “At night, they act when the moon is full. It is bright. They sneak in and steal your artichokes,” Carrion said.

In Sant Climente, police say that every night they man checkpoints looking for stolen countryside goodies. The town is small, so strangers’ faces stand out, and officers also know what kind of vehicles to look out for: “Usually beaten up old vans,” said Joan Prunera, a Catalan regional police chief from a neighboring town who is helping out with the patrols. Minutes after he spoke, a farmer phoned in a tip: Someone was out there trying to sell a chain saw and an electrical generator, both apparently stolen.

High up on a hill amid a grove of some 1,500 cherry trees, their trunks about the thickness of a man’s shin, grower Domenec Tugas and his wife Pilar patiently pick cherries. They grow six varieties, all of which probably look the same to non-cherry people. He laments the need for the police patrols that make their way up into his land in all- terrain vehicles on narrow, unpaved roads.

“People have always stolen a bit. You are used to that. But with the crisis it has gone up,” said Tugas, a ruddy-cheeked man of 69 with an easy smile. He wore a straw hat against a hot, hazy sun, the air thick and muggy. He said that just last weekend he called in police to scare off two young guys on a motorcycle who were helping themselves to his fruit. But there is one intruder he cannot fight, at least not on his own. “Wild boars. They weigh up to 90 kilos. They come in and ram into the trees to knock them down,” Tugas said. “It is for their little ones to eat. They love cherries.” — AP

Senate’s ‘Magnitsky’ bill could keep names secret Bill would name human rights abusers in Russia

LOS CABOS: US President Barack Obama (right) reacts while listening to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin before the opening of the first plenary session of the G-20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico. — AP

Obama-Putin summit is no laughing matter LOS CABOS: It was hardly from Russia with love. Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama served up a feast for connoisseurs of political body language Monday, prompting US officials to deny to reporters that the long awaited first presidential talks were tainted by bad atmospherics. Did Putin’s studied stare at the floor indicate unhappiness with Obama’s pressure on Syria? Was Obama’s furrowed brow a sign that the “meaningful” discussion Putin described might be a euphemism for a much more pointed private exchange? And was that thin smile when Putin invited the US leader to Russia the merest hint of a possible future thaw between the two men? Reporters allowed into the talks in Mexico were on the scent of an expected frosty encounter to contrast with Obama’s relaxed, hamburger lunch sharing buddy act with Putin’s predecessor Dmitry Medvedev.

Obama and Medvedev used to call one another Dmitry and Barack, but the personal touch was missing from Monday’s talks at the G20 summit, as both leaders formally addressed one another as “Mr President.” The two men were seated side by side on wicker chairs, in a hotel in a plush resort overlooking the deep blue sea at the golf and beach resort of Los Cabos on Mexico’s rocky Baja peninsula. A stern-faced Putin spoke first for two-and-a-half minutes, in the familiar clipped tones of the former KGB man with little time for diplomatic niceties.

The US leader nodded as he listened to an interpretation of Putin’s comments.

Obama, who made his name with soaring rhetoric, also has a chill persona in his political armory and went next, summarizing what he said were “candid” talks, speaking for about four times as long as Putin. As he got to differences over Syria, the inscrutable Putin bit his lip. Then, while reporters and photographers were hustled out, Putin and Obama looked right ahead, seemingly without chatting or communicating.

White House officials vented exasperation as they parried reporters’ questions about the “chemistry” of the talks, seeking to head off yet another unflattering volley of stories about the optics of a USRussia summit. “This isn’t the first ‘body language-Gate’ we have had with the

Russians,” quipped Ben Rhodes, a deputy national security advisor.

That was a reference to talks between Obama and Medvedev in France last year, where officials had to deny apparently awkward body language hinted at tensions in closed door talks. US ambassador to Moscow Mike McFaul said that everyone, press and officials alike, was getting to know Putin again, after he returned to the seat of power in the Kremlin after a brief cameo as prime minister. McFaul, apparently a keen student of presidential body language himself, advised reporters to look back at previous video of Putin, which he said would show the Russian leader’s gruff, no nonsense persona was nothing new.

“That’s just his style-I really would encourage you not to over read how somebody is sitting as an indication of what the relationship is,” he said. In fact, US officials said, the talks went on for two hours specifically because Obama and Putin wanted to get detailed points across, to leave one another with understandings of where they differed and where they did not. Rhodes noted that Putin, had he wished, could have been far more blunt and did not exactly sit on the fence. “When he feels like it was a bad meeting, he will let you know, at some length,” he said. “You have seen in the past him be very vocal that he thought there was an irritant that he wanted to highlight.”

The Russian side seemed happy with this second meeting between Obama and Putin, after a debut chat while the once and future Russian president was prime minister in 2009. Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the meeting was “very positive” and that both presidents made a point to stress that disagreements on issues like Syria and missile defense should not tarnish overall ties. “The presidents did not avoid sensitive issues,” he said, adding that the talks were not “tough” but were constructive and open. “Both sides understand that there is no alternative to bilateral dialogue,” he said. In fact, Peskov said, the fact that the meeting went longer than planned meant Putin’s next interlocutor, British Prime Minister David Cameron was left kicking his heels at the Russian leader’s hotel. — AFP

WASHINGTON: A draft proposal to penalize Russian officials for human rights abuses has been rewritten in the Senate to let the US government keep secret some names on the list of abusers, congressional aides said on Monday.

The reworked Senate version, which could still change, upset some supporters of the legislation to create what is known as the “Magnitsky list.”

They said that keeping part of the proposed list secret would neuter the effect of the bill, which is aimed at exposing human rights violators in Russia.

The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee this month approved the “Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act,” named for a 37-year-old anti-corruption lawyer who worked for the equity fund Hermitage Capital. His 2009 death after a year in Russian jails spooked investors and blackened Russia’s image abroad. The measure would require the United States to deny visas and freeze the US assets of Russians linked to Magnitsky’s death. The bill as originally written in both the House and Senate would make public the list of offenders and broaden it to include other abusers of human

rights in Russia. A reworked draft circulating in the Senate and obtained by Reuters would allow the list to “contain a classified annex if the Secretary (of State) determines that it is necessary for the national security interests of the United States to do so.” William Browder, CEO of Hermitage Capital, told Reuters he suspected the “classified annex” provision had been inserted at the request of the Obama administration to water down the bill and so avoid offending the Russian government, which opposes the measure. “The administration is trying to gut the bill, because they’ve been against it from the start.

They are trying to make nice with the Russians,” Browder said in a phone conversation from London. The administration of President Barack Obama argues the bill is unnecessary because the administration has already imposed visa restrictions on some Russians believed to have been involved in Magnitsky’s death. But it has kept their names quiet. Backers of the Magnitsky bill want the list of human rights violators made public both to shame those on the list and to keep them from doing business with US financial institutions. The White House is also anxious to

keep the push for sanctions on human rights abusers in Russia from slowing down efforts to get congressional approval allowing “permanent normal trade relations” with Russia this year.

Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat, is the main sponsor of the Magnitsky bill in the Senate, but there was no comment from his office on the draft bill on Monday. The legislation was scheduled to have a vote on Tuesday in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. However, Senate aides said at least one member of the committee may request on Tuesday that the vote be postponed until the committee’s next business meeting, but no date for that has been set.

A Senate Republican aide said there is concern that having part of the list be classified would make steps like the asset freeze unenforceable. “How can an individual’s assets be frozen, if his or her name cannot be disclosed to financial institutions?” the aide asked.

Republicans would try to amend the bill to at least require a justification to Congress for each person put on the classified list, the aide said.

Magnitsky was jailed in 2008 on charges of tax evasion and fraud. —Reuters

Alaska militia members convicted of conspiracy ANCHORAGE: The leader of an Alaska militia who gave speeches claiming the city of Fairbanks was on the verge of having blood in its streets was convicted Monday of nine federal charges, including conspiracy to kill federal law enforcement officers and possession of illegal weapons. Schaeffer Cox, 28, leaned forward and intently watched jurors as US District Judge Robert Bryant polled them to confirm the verdicts.

When he finished, Cox grabbed a microphone for one more brief speech. “The prosecution withheld evidence from you guys!” he told jurors.

Bryant admonished Cox and he did not speak again. The seven-woman, five-man jury had 21 verdicts to consider in more than two days of deliberations.

They deadlocked on just one: a decision on whether Cox’s second-in-command, Coleman Barney, 37, was also guilty of conspiracy to murder. The jury convicted Barney of conspiring to possess unregistered silencers and hand grenades, and of possessing an unregistered 37 mm projectile launcher loaded with a “hornet’s nest” anti-personnel round that contained rubber pellets.

But the jury acquitted Barney of two other charges: possession of hand grenade parts that Cox had loaded into Barney’s trailer as Cox got ready to move out of state, and a count of carrying firearms during a crime of violence. Lonnie Vernon, 56, a foot soldier in the tiny militia, was convicted of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to possess unregistered silencers and hand grenades. He was acquitted of carrying firearms during a crime of violence. Assistant US Attorney Steven Skrocki said he expected years of imprisonment for Cox, whose second child was born a month after he was arrested. Skrocki praised the jury for wading through 900 exhibits and 70 witnesses over nearly six weeks. “We think it was fair,” Skrocki said of the verdicts. “We know the jury worked very hard.”

Cox is the son of a Baptist minister in Fairbanks and is regarded as an articulate speaker who can draw a crowd. He was picked as a delegate to the 2008 Republican state convention and made frequent floor speeches during the building of the platform. He tried taking on an incumbent that year in the Republican primary and was defeated. In more recent years, he led several groups tied to constitutional causes. He helped form the Second Amendment Task Force, which advocated gun rights and displaying firearms in public places. —AP

MONTREAL: This photograph shows Luka Rocco Magnotta (center) escorted by police upon arrival from Germany at Mirabel Airport. — AFP

‘Canadian Psycho’ suspect extradited from Germany MONTREAL: A porn actor accused of slaying and dismembering a Chinese student in Montreal last month was extradited from Germany to Canada Monday in a case that has sent shock waves across the globe. Luka Rocco Magnotta landed back in the country aboard a military jet in the custody of Montreal police and officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officials said. “Our government’s cooperation with the international community has led to this individual being swiftly returned to face justice,” Canadian Attorney General Rob Nicholson said.

“It is important that Canadians can have confidence that those who are accused of serious crimes will face the full force of the law,” he added. The plane arrived in Montreal after a flight from Berlin, but Canadian police did not immediately say where Magnotta would be held. Magnotta will appear in court in Montreal on Tuesday, police spokesman Ian Lafreniere said. Police believe 29-year-old Magnotta, dubbed the “Canadian psycho,” used an ice pick to stab Lin Jun-a Chinese student at Montreal’s Concordia University-sometime between May 24-25.

The suspect is thought to have then carved

up the victim’s body and filmed the act. A video that police believe shows the killing, dismemberment of the body and sexual interference with the corpse, was posted on the Internet. Police in Montreal were galvanized on May 29 when Lin’s torso was discovered in a suitcase by the trash outside an apartment along a busy highway. The victim’s hand and a foot were sent, meanwhile, to federal Conservative and Liberal parties in Ottawa through Canada Post. And a severed foot and hand that belonged to Lin were delivered to two schools in Vancouver. Lin’s head is still missing. Magnotta initially fled Montreal for Paris in the aftermath of the killing, prompting Interpol to issue an international alert. He was arrested in a cyber cafe in Berlin on June 4, after being spotted reading about himself on the Internet. Officials here say Toronto-born Magnotta will face charges of first degree murder, committing indignities to a body, publishing and mailing obscene material and criminally harassing Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other members of parliament. An escort and occasional actor in the porn industry, Magnotta had been estranged from his Ontario family for years. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

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

‘Demolition man’ Patek accused of Bali bombings JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Umar Patek, dubbed the “Demolition Man”, is accused of being behind the deadly 2002 Bali attacks that triggered a decade-long crackdown on terrorism in the Southeast Asian nation. Patek, 45, is alleged to have been an expert bombmaker with the regional terrorist organisation Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and is believed to have contacts with the central command of AlQaeda’s international terrorist network. Born into a family of Yemeni descent in Pemalang, central Java, on July 20, 1966, Patek admits to attending a mujahedeen militant camp on the Afghan-Pakistani border. He became Indonesia’s most-wanted terror suspect after the Bali bombings and had a $1 million bounty on his head under the US Rewards for Justice program.

After more than eight years on the run, he was arrested in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad in January 2011, where US commandos killed Al-

Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden four months later. He was extradited to Indonesia and his trial began in February this year. The only suspect yet to be tried in connection with the Bali bombings is Riduan Isamuddin, known as Hambali, who allegedly helped orchestrate the attacks and has been detained at the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay since 2006, accused of having financial links to Al-Qaeda. US Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent Frank Pellegrino testified in April that Patek was a known bombmaking teacher among militants in the region and that he planned to kill US troops.

Pellegrino quoted a witness interviewed by the FBI in the Philippines, who said Patek “was interested in going back to Pakistan and Afghanistan and working with Osama bin Laden” and reconnecting links with AlQaeda, which Patek denies.

Farihin, a fellow JI member who goes by one name, who was

twice jailed in Indonesia for Islamic militancy said that “Umar is an expert in demolition”. The allegations inspired Patek’s nickname “Demolition Man” in local media, but Patek has painted himself as a little fish in the JI network, admitting only to mixing 50 kilograms out of a tonne of chemicals for the Bali attacks.

He claims to have made an 11th-hour bid to stop the operation, saying it made better sense to commit jihad abroad. “If you want to do jihad, do it in another country such as Palestine, where Islamic people need help,” he told the court earlier this month. He has begged the court for mercy, saying the attacks were “not my soul’s calling” and “against my conscience”. Patek has maintained he is too small to have helped with the logistics of transporting the heavy explosives and denies any expertise in bombmaking. According to a copy of his indictment, Patek fled to the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines after

the Bali bombings.

He was said to have joined Mindanao’s Moro Islamic Liberation Front and planned to

of the alleged masterminds of the Bali attacks who was killed by police shortly afterwards.

Patek allegedly used simple

Indonesian terror suspect Umar Patek move to Afghanistan to help fight US troops. The indictment says he returned to Indonesia in June 2009 to join Dulmatin, one

household tools, including a rice ladle, to assemble the Bali bombs, which were kept in ordinary filing cabinets, the indict-

ment says. With bombmaker Azahari Husin, a Malaysian killed at a hideout on Java Island, Patek assembled the detonating cord and then loaded the filing cabinets into a car, the document reads.

After his 2009 return to Indonesia, Patek and his Philippine wife Ruqayyah Husein Luceno hid for a year in east Jakarta and elsewhere before heading to the Pakistani city Lahore using false identities, according to court documents.

An Indonesian court in January sentenced Luceno to 27 months in prison for falsifying her identity in order to obtain an Indonesian passport.

Patek is also wanted in the Philippines, where he allegedly plotted attacks with militants after escaping the Indonesian dragnet. He is believed to be indirectly associated with Hambali and radical Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, who was jailed last June for funding terrorism. — AFP

Asians eclipse Latinos in immigration to US

36% of new immigrants are Asian, 31% Hispanic

YANGON: Vendors buy local news journals at a roadside journal wholesale shop in Yangon, Myanmar. — AP

Myanmar journalists win battles, but war not over YANGON: These are heady days in Myanmar’s newsrooms, many of them staffed by young women like those at Kumudra newspaper nicknamed after “Charlie’s Angels” for their tenacity in holding the military-dominated government to account. Reporters and editors are suddenly enjoying remarkable press freedom, as the country’s new, nominally civilian government launches a rapid succession of reforms, but they also fear they may be inadequately prepared as they enter uncharted, potentially hazardous territory.

The country’s mushrooming media is poised at the crossroads. Media censorship is due to end this month. But journalists fret that the censorship may be replaced by new kinds of repression, including crackdowns - after the fact over stories that previously would simply never have been published. “With censorship, we knew our limits. In a way it protected us. Now we will be exposed,” said Nyein Nyein Naing of the 7Day Journal.

“We will need to be more careful, accurate and responsible.”

Surveying her newsroom, the 29-yearold co-chief editor said she was concerned that the end of censorship could prove a minefield, with officials and others ready to slap lawsuits on independent media prone to error. Some have already been lodged. Journalists also are concerned about the government’s plans to introduce a wide-ranging media law details of which have been kept secret so far - as well as the expected influence of powerful Myanmar tycoons with ties to the country’s former military leaders, known locally as the “cronies,” who are buying up newspapers and other media.

Myanmar’s abysmal education system has produced many eager but untrained journalists. Editors complain that some can’t even write a decent sentence in Burmese. “They are trying very hard and are often good reporters but their writing is a disaster,” says Ye Naing Moe, a reporter and one of the country’s few qualified trainers. “It’s like buying good meat at the market but not knowing how to cook it.” From a handful of weekly newspapers a decade ago, there are now more than 150. Having upgraded from hole-in-the wall, rat-infested operations, some have gleaming newsrooms with the latest-model computers, but lag far behind in training the influx of new reporters and editors.

And many will be hiring even more once the government starts allowing daily newspapers later this year. But optimism runs high. Although pay is still low cub reporters earn about $80 a month the profession is increasingly respected and attracts some of the best and brightest when earlier aspiring journalists viewed as government mouthpieces risked being kicked out of their family homes and told to get a real job.

William Chen, publisher of the Kumudra and Modern newspapers, says

many of the recruits are women. His own reporting staff - locally known as “William’s Angels” - is 90 percent female, with most in their 20s. More than half the reporters at 7Day, at 145,000 the country’s largest-circulation paper, are women.

“They’re more loyal, hardworking and responsible than most males,” Chen says, also noting that men have more job options. Despite the shortcomings, Jeff Hodson, an American who has trained Southeast Asian journalists for more than a decade, says those in Myanmar are among the region’s most passionate and hardest-working despite the country’s half-century of isolation, iron-fisted military rule and economic stagnation.

“Their biggest achievement has been their refusal to give up hope in the face of overwhelming press restrictions. They’ve steadily carved out a space for freedom of expression, step by step,” he said. This month, Ye Naing Moe and four colleagues slipped into Kachin territory to tell the rebel side of the story in a brutal civil war against the Myanmar government. Not long ago, they would almost certainly have served a harsh prison sentence for violating an act forbidding “contact with illegal organizations.” They received only a mild rebuke.

“These days we don’t care about censorship at all. We just go ahead and publish stories,” said Nyein Nyein Naing, proudly displaying Ye Naing Moe’s front page story along with another once forbidden item - the photograph of an antigovernment demonstration. Once highly taboo images of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, released from house arrest 19 months ago and currently on a tour of Europe where she belatedly accepted her Nobel Peace Prize, are now routinely displayed in all but state-controlled media.

Recent coverage of other previously taboo topics includes labor unrest at a Taiwanese garments factory and sectarian violence between Buddhists and minority Rohingya Muslims.

The censorship board used to strike out words, and even entire stories, with red ink and shut down newspapers temporarily for violations. But censors have relaxed their grip in recent months.

“When I started working in the media, we could not even mention the word ‘democracy.’ The progress we have made is huge,” Ye Naing Moe said, noting that the government now blocks fewer Web sites than neighboring Thailand, a democracy. Less than two years ago, journalists were tortured, imprisoned and subjected to constant surveillance. The last known imprisoned journalist was released in January.

However, journalists are concerned that a new government press council will become a watchdog on “those who cross the line” rather than an instrument to protect journalists, resolve conflicts and improve media standards. They’re also deeply suspicious that entrenched hardliners will roll back recent gains through the new media law. — AP

WASHINGTON: Asians have surpassed Hispanics as the United States’ largest group of new immigrants, according to a report yesterday that some experts said reflects decreased demand for migrant labor and highlights the impact of state crackdowns on illegals. The Pew Research Center found that the number of Asian immigrants grew from 19 percent of all new immigrants in 2000 to 36 percent in 2010. Incoming Hispanic immigrants fell from 59 percent in 2000 to 31 percent. Up to 11 percent of illegal immigrants in the United States are Asian while about 75 percent are Hispanic, according to the analysis, which combined government data with its own polling.

The findings come amid fierce debate over the nation’s immigration policies. President Barack Obama announced on Friday he was halting deportations for young illegals. The US Supreme Court is also expected to rule this month on Arizona’s controversial law requiring police to check the immigration status of detainees. While the economy is paramount for voters, illegal immigration is being hotly debated ahead of the November election.

Some have questioned the timing of Obama’s announcement. The policy change also complicated efforts by his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, to fashion an immigration platform of his own.

Much of the debate has centered on Hispanics, a highly visible group and the nation’s largest ethnic minority population.

Experts said there was no single answer for why Asian immigrants surpassed Hispanics, but the sluggish US economy probably played a big role. “Illegal immigration responds quickly to economic conditions” and the US recession was a likely damper, said Jeanne Batalova, a demographer at the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan group that analyzes people’s movement around the world.

US immigration policy tends to favor skilled labor and students, something that works to the advantage of immigrants from Asian countries that have a deep focus on education, she and other immigration experts said. Gabriel “Jack” Chin, an immigration expert and law professor at the University of California at Davis, said the atmosphere created by changes in immigration laws in certain states also was likely a factor.

“I don’t think there’s any question that discrimination has had some effect on Hispanic immigration,” said Chin, who left Arizona last year in part because of his opposition to that state’s detainee law. Pew’s report is valuable, Chin said, because “it points out that all undocumented, unauthorized migrants are not Mexican or Hispanic. There are plenty who are Asian or from other countries in the world.”

WEALTHIER, MORE EDUCATED Pew’s 225-page report paints a comprehensive picture of an Asian population that swelled over the past 50 years. “The modern

Suu Kyi returns to UK after 24 years LONDON: Aung San Suu Kyi began a bittersweet return to Britain yesterday, during which she will be showered with honors and have an emotional family reunion after nearly a quarter of a century in Myanmar. During her four-day visit the democracy icon will also meet members of Britain’s royal family and give a rare address to both Houses of Parliament. Suu Kyi arrived in Britain overnight from Ireland, where she took to the stage at a gala concert with U2 singer Bono to receive a prize from rights group Amnesty International.

She was later given the freedom of the city of Dublin and crowds sang “Happy Birthday” as she was presented with a cake to mark her 67th birthday, which was yesterday. In Britain for the latest leg of a 17-day tour of Europe-only her second visit abroad since she was

LONDON: Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi leaves the BBC after meeting staff at BBC Broadcasting House at the start of a four-day visit to Britain in central London yesterday. —AFP

released from 22 years of house arrestSuu Kyi began with a panel debate at the London School of Economics yesterday.

Later in the day she will attend a family reunion in Oxford, where she studied at the prestigious university and lived for several years with the late Michael Aris, her English husband and father of her two sons.

The Chancellor of Oxford University, former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten, will formally welcome her. Today, Oxford University-where she studied politics, philosophy and economics-will award her an honorary doctorate in civil law and she will also deliver a speech in the grand surroundings of the 17th century Sheldonian Theatre. Tomorrow, Suu Kyi is to address both houses of parliament in London, an honor only granted to high-profile foreign dignitaries such as US President Barack Obama. She will also meet Prime Minister David Cameron and heir to the throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla. Suu Kyi said at the weekend that she hoped the trip to Oxford in particular would not be “tinged with sadness.”

She spent nearly 20 years in the city as a housewife and mother, and when she left for Myanmar to care for her dying mother in 1988 she had no idea that it would be 24 years before she would return. Suu Kyi became the leader of the country’s democracy movement against its military rulers, spending most of the following decades under house arrest.

She refused to leave the country, fearing that the junta would prevent her from returning and keep her in exile. The painful result was that she only saw her husband and children a handful of times in the intervening years. Her husband died of cancer in 1999, having told her not to come back but to continue her struggle. Her younger son Kim, now 35, still lives in Oxford and is expected to attend the reunion, but it was not clear if her older son Alexander, 39, who reportedly lives in a Buddhist retreat in Portland, Oregon, would be there. — AFP

immigration wave from Asia is nearly a half century old and has pushed the total population of Asian Americans ... to a record 18.2 million in 2011, or 5.8 percent of the total US population,” researchers wrote.

That gain is up from less than 1 percent in 1965 and includes those who have immigrated or were born in the United States. There are 52 million Hispanics in the United States, more than 38 million blacks and nearly 198 million whites, according to the report. Other government data has also shown the United States on track to have ethnic minorities as its “majority” population rather than whites.

Pew ’s findings show all Asians in the United States, not just recent immigrants, are a well-educated group that tends to have more college degrees, a higher annual household income, and greater wealth than the overall US population. While immigration experts said newcomers to the United States tend to hail from less economically developed countries, there is a demand for the highly skilled labor that many Asians can offer.

Eighty percent of all Asian Americans are Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Filipino or Vietnamese, the report said.

The nonpartisan research group’s findings are based on US Census data and economic data as well as the center’s poll of more than 3,500 Asian Americans between January and March. The Pew poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 2.4 percentage points. — Reuters

News

in brief

Nepal’s woes deepen KATHMANDU: Nepal’s ruling Maoist party split into rival factions yesterday, pushing the country deeper into political turmoil after the parliament was dissolved in chaos last month. The Maoists’ break-up poses further challenges for impoverished Nepal, which has struggled to implement a peace process since the end of its bloody ten-year civil war in 2006.

National elections are due in November after an interim parliament known as the Constituent Assembly, which was set up following the war, collapsed having repeatedly failed to agree on a new constitution. “The split will have adverse effects on the constitution-making process and the peace plan,” Sudheer Sharma, editor-in-chief of the best-selling Kantipur newspaper said. Sharma said a breakaway faction of hardline Maoists could spark fears of renewed violence in the troubled Himalayan nation.

An estimated 16,000 people died in the 1996-2006 “people’s war” fought by the Maoists against the state before the rebels turned to politics and swept to power in elections two years later. “If they take up arms, there will be more violence and unrest. It will be very unfortunate because we have just emerged from a brutal war,” Sharma said.

Roadside bomb kills 8 KABUL: A Taleban roadside bombing killed eight civilians, including women and children, in the Afghan province of Helmand, the government said yesterday. The blast on Monday in Musa Qala, a Taleban-infested district in the southern province also injured five others travelling through the insurgency-hit region, the interior ministry said. “Eight of our innocent civilian countrymen are dead and five others are injured in a mine planted by the enemies of Afghanistan,” it said in a statement, referring to the Taleban. Thousands of Afghan civilians have been killed in a 10-year insurgency being waged by the Taleban to topple the US-backed government of President Hamid Karzai. The rebels use roadside bombings to target Afghan and foreign military forces but they often miss their target and kill ordinary people travelling on the same roads. For the past five years the number of civilians killed in the war has risen steadily, reaching a record 3,021 in 2011 - the vast majority caused by insurgents, according to UN figures.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

NEWS

A man runs on Botafogo beach near a huge sculpture made from plastic bottles in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. The city is host to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20, which runs through June 22. — AP

Mubarak on life support Continued from Page 1 The uncertainty surrounding Mubarak’s condition threatened to add new tension to the already fraught atmosphere in Egypt, and came as over 50,000 protesters crowded into Tahrir Square to protest an apparent bid by the military to grab power. At the same time, Egyptians are waiting to hear who won the country’s first post-Mubarak presidential election, with both the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohammed Mursi and ex-premier Ahmed Shafiq claiming victory in the race.

Mubarak, 84, was sentenced to life in prison on June 2 over the deaths of protesters during the uprising that ousted

him. Mursi had promised to retry him and his security chiefs, who were mostly acquitted in the same trial, if he gets Egypt’s top job. The new president is expected to take office at the end of the month.

Shafiq campaign spokesman Ahmed Sarhan meanwhile told reporters he was “certain that the next president of Egypt is General Shafiq”, saying the former prime minister had secured 51.5 percent of the vote. No matter who emerges as the winner, the country faces the prospect of a showdown between the Brotherhood and the ruling military. The ruling military body has introduced de facto martial law, given itself control of the legislature and

state budget and also granted itself veto power on a new constitution.

A delegation from the Carter Centre that observed the presidential vote also expressed concern, saying the constitutional declaration and other moves by the military called “into question the meaning and purpose of the elections”. Rights group Amnesty International warned in a statement that the moves put “the country on the path to further human rights violations”. But the military has sought to quiet fears over the declaration, insisting it will transfer power to the new president on schedule by the end of this month, and pledging the new leader would enjoy full powers. — AFP

Microsoft tackles iPad with new Surface...

Continued from Page 1 to go on sale in the fall, with retail prices “competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class” computers, Microsoft said. There were spontaneous bursts of applause and whoops from tech journalists and bloggers as key features of the new tablet, which has a slightly bigger screen than the iPad, but in wide-screen movie-style 16:9 format.

There was also one nerve-jangling moment for Windows Live Division chief Steven Sinofsky, when the first Surface model he was demonstrating failed to respond to a touch command. To his relief, a replacement worked immediately. “It feels natural in your hands,” he

told the invite-only event, shrouded in secrecy reminiscent of Apple icon Steve Jobs, and held in a venue underlining cutting-edge design values, traditionally not Microsoft’s strong point.

A version of the Surface tablet running on Windows RT software tailored for ARM mobile device chips will measure 9.3 millimeters thick and weigh 676 gm. It boasts a 10.6-inch (26.9 cm) high-definition screen and will be available with 32 or 64 gigabytes of memory. A model powered by Windows 8 Pro weighs 903 gm and will be available with 64 or 128 gigabytes of memory. “It’s a whole new community of computing devices from Microsoft,” Ballmer said. “It embodies the notion of hardware and software really pushing each other.” — Agencies

Pakistan court disqualifies PM Continued from Page 1 “Though we have reservations about this judgement, we will take advice from the allied parties and legal experts and will then chalk out a strategy,” Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira told reporters.

Gilani, Pakistan’s first sitting prime minister to be convicted, has long refused to resign and insisted that only parliament can remove him from office. Asked whether the PPP was considering a presidential pardon for Gilani, Kaira said “no such suggestion is under consideration”

and acknowledged that “technically after the court order, Gilani is no longer prime minister”.

Legal complainants in the process said the ruling also rendered invalid any decision taken by Gilani since April 26. Analysts said the PPP could easily choose a new prime minister, but warned it would be impossible to get parliament to overturn the court’s decision without the support of the main opposition PML-N party. “This is a destabilising move. It is a kind of judicial coup. First the military used to carry out coups and now it’s the judiciary

which has overthrown a prime minister,” said political analyst Hasan Askari.

The judiciary, fronted by the popular, anti-corruption campaigning chief justice, is on a collision course with the PPP administration, which waited until March 2009 to restore independent judges sacked under military rule. Members of the government have accused the court of trying to bring down Gilani and Zardari before Feb 2013, when the administration would become the first in Pakistan to complete a full five-year term. — Agencies

US to boost military presence in Kuwait Continued from Page 1 Several members of Congress, most notably Sens John McCain and Lindsey Graham, had pressed for a residual US force to remain in Iraq, but the failure of the two countries to agree on whether American troops should be granted legal immunity scuttled that idea.

Instead, officials talked of positioning a strong US force just across the border in Kuwait. The strategy preserves “lily pad” basing that allows the military to move quickly from one location to the next.

As it recalibrates its national security strategy, the United States is drawing down forces in Europe while focusing on other regions, such as the Middle East and Asia. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said he envisions about 40,000 troops stationed in the Middle East region after the withdrawal from Iraq. By comparison, a cut of two Army combat brigades and the withdrawal of two other smaller units will leave about 68,000 troops in Europe.

During the 1991 Gulf War, some half a million US forces were in the Middle East region. The United States maintained about 5,000 troops in Kuwait from the end of the Gulf War to March 2003, when US and coalition forces invaded Iraq to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein. The US-led invasion was in response to reports, later discredited, that Iraq was developing weapons of mass destruction. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, who asked his staff to conduct the study, said in a statement: “This is a period of historic, but turbulent change in the Middle East. We need to be clear-eyed about what these interests are and how best to promote them. This report provides a thoughtful set of recommendations designed to do exactly that.”

The 37-page report raises questions about how the United States can leverage its financial aid to force change in the Middle East. Late last year, two Democrats - Sen Ron Wyden of Oregon and Rep Jim McGovern of Massachusetts - opposed the US sale of spare parts and equipment to Bahrain, arguing that the ruling Sunni monarchy was violating human rights and using excessive force to crack down on protests. The State Department went ahead earlier this year with the sale of some military equipment, saying it was for Bahrain’s external defense and support for the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, which is based in the country. Bahrain stands as a strategic ally to counter Iran.

The report said the Unites States “should not be quick to rescind security assurances or assistance in response to human rights abuses but should evaluate each case on its own merits. US government officials should use these tools to advance human rights through careful diplomacy ... The United States should make clear that states must not use arms procured from the United States against their own people engaged in peaceful assembly or exploit the US security umbrella as protection for belligerent action against their neighbors”.

The report also recommended that the United States promote the development of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League while strengthening bilateral links to the six countries; seek opportunities for burden-sharing on operations such as missile defense, combat air patrol and maritime security; and push for the integration of Iraq into the Arab fold. The report emphasized that the region is critical as a counterbalance to Iran, whose conventional military includes 350,000 ground forces, 1,800 tanks and more than 300 fighter aircraft. It also has ballistic missiles with the range to target regional allies, including Israel. — AP

Plans to attract Muslims to Aqsa Continued from Page 1 last February to resume the journeys to Jerusalem to counter what he called Israel’s attempts to “Judaise” the city and in solidarity with the Palestinians. “Visiting a prisoner is an act of support and does not mean normalisation with the warden,” he said.

Since then, several high-ranking Arab and Islamic leaders have turned up to pray at Al-Aqsa and - they hope - kick start a new wave of pilgrimages. “Some Muslims haven’t visited Al-Aqsa mosque since 1967, but this was a big mistake,” said Palestinian Religious Affairs Minister Mahmoud Al-Habash. “We have now decided to correct our mistake.” A senior Muslim official involved in the plan said one to two million foreign pilgrims could visit Al-Aqsa annually if access were free and unimpeded. “It would protect Al-Aqsa and also provide an enormous boost to the Palestinian economy,” he said. He asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Jerusalem was traditionally a stop for Muslims on overland routes to or from the annual haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. What they found was a tranquil esplanade with two jewels of Islamic architecture, an elegant mosque highlighted by arabesque stained glass windows and the octagonal Dome of the Rock clad in ornate tiles and topped by a gilded cupola. The Dome was built by Jerusalem’s Arab conquerors in 691 on the spot where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began his Night Journey to heaven.

This is also where Judaism’s two Bible-era Temples once stood, the first destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC and the second levelled by the Romans in 70 AD. The Western Wall, the last remnant of the second structure, is one of the most sacred sites in Judaism. The crowded plaza in front of the Western Wall and the calm park-like enclosure around the mosque and the Dome seem worlds apart. The one link from the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City is a shaky wooden ramp leading to the Mughrabi Gate, right next to the Western Wall. This is the main entry for non-Muslim visitors.

Muslims enter the compound from the Muslim Quarter through 10 other gates through the ancient walls, past checkpoints manned by Israeli security forces. Palestinian authorities escort their guests through the Gate of the Tribes, at the opposite end of the compound from the ramp. So few foreign Muslims have visited the 35-acre compound in recent decades that many Arabs were surprised to hear the news in mid-April that Egypt’s Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, the second-highest religious authority in the Arab world’s most populous country, had gone to pray there.

Gomaa and Jordanian King Abdullah’s chief religious adviser, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, added an interfaith dimension to their tour by visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - said to be on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial - at the invitation of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Two weeks before that, Habib Ali Al-Jifri, an influential Sufi preacher from Yemen, had toured it with Abdullah’s brother Prince Hashem. Their visit was less noticed, but after Gomaa turned up, a pattern seemed to emerge. Several Jordanian politicians and a Bahraini delegation have also made the pilgrimage to Al-Aqsa and Muslim officials said more high-level visits were expected, both from the Arab world and by Muslims from Europe and Asia.

In his appeal last February, Abbas condemned the expanding Jewish settlement of East Jerusalem, which Palestinians see as the capital of a hoped-for future state, and accused Israel of excavating near the disput-

ed site with the aim of undermining Al-Aqsa itself.

Mohammad Ahmad Husein, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, issued a fatwa approving the pilgrimages. But a split appeared almost immediately.

Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, a Qatari-based spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and one of the world’s leading Muslim preachers, issued his own fatwa against foreign Muslims visiting Jerusalem.

Hamas, Abbas’ Brotherhood-linked Palestinian rivals in Gaza, denounced the plan as “a gift to the (Israeli) occupation by legitimising its presence”. The Egyptian parliament, dominated by Islamists after a post-Arab Spring election, called on Gomaa to resign. The mufti answered his critics via Twitter: “Visiting Jerusalem increases one’s feelings of rejection of occupation and injustice and helps strengthen the (Palestinian) cause.”

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Abbas’ remarks as “a complete fabrication” that “could start a religious war”. In the Old City’s Muslim Quarter abutting the disputed mount, Palestinians seemed unsure what to make of the campaign.

“Jerusalem has undergone countless occupations throughout history, and it was never a problem to come visit it, so I don’t understand why it’s suddenly a problem,” said Sharif Qaddoumi, 26, a researcher at al Quds University. “Personally, I think people need to come and support Jerusalem,” said Hussam Salaymeh, a 41-yearold taxi driver. “But I understand the argument that considers it normalization with Israel. Politically, I do think it is normalizing the situation.”

Speaking in his Ramallah office, Habash framed the Al-Aqsa issue in the wider context of Israel’s tightening grip on East Jerusalem, which it annexed in 1967, and parts of the occupied territories. “In Al Aqsa, we don’t want to see a repetition of what happened in Hebron,” he said, referring to the West Bank town and its Tomb of the Patriarchs, which was controlled by Muslims for centuries and known to them as Ibrahimi (Abraham’s) Mosque. “After the 1967 war, Israel began letting settlers pray in the Ibrahimi Mosque. Step by step, day by day, year by year, they occupied more than half the mosque and made that into a synagogue,” he said.

In the absence of any movement towards a peace settlement, practically speaking it is hard to see how many foreign Muslims can follow the path that Gomaa, Jifry and their Jordanian escorts have indicated. Israel’s official position is that all pilgrims are welcome to visit the mosques, churches and synagogues under its control, a policy that contrasts with Jordan’s ban on Jewish visitors when it controlled East Jerusalem from 1948 to 1967. “Any member of any religion is welcome,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor. “If Muslims want to come and visit their holy sites, that’s fantastic and they should do so.”

But they have to cross Israeli-controlled territory by entering Israel proper or taking the Allenby Bridge from Jordan into the West Bank as the recent visitors have done. Gomaa enjoyed VIP treatment for his entry but Palmor said the normal procedure would be to apply for a visa before the trip - something many Muslims would still refuse to do because it would imply recognition of the Jewish state. Once they reached Jerusalem, it is not clear the pilgrims could always enter the disputed sanctuary. Muslims are normally allowed free entry, but Israeli security posts at its gates sometimes limit entry to older men, from 40 or 50 years up, if they fear younger Muslims might stage protests there. Despite these problems, Muslim officials say they will push ahead with their pilgrimage plan. “We will not give up,” Grand Mufti Husein told Reuters. “Al-Aqsa is important for Muslims because it is important for God.” — Reuters

PM invites oppn to join Cabinet Continued from Page 1 a highly positive atmosphere “which makes us optimistic that we will be able to overcome the previous difficulties”. He said that another meeting will be held later in the week to organize priorities during the suspension of the Assembly.

Liberal MP Marzouk Al-Ghanem meanwhile said that it is natural for the majority bloc to take part in the government but said that only qualified MPs should join the Cabinet. The Amir on Monday issued a decree suspending National Assembly sessions for one month in an attempt to defuse political tensions. The action is based on an article in the constitution that allows the Amir to suspend Assembly meetings for a period not exceeding one month.

The move came as the prime minister was contemplating a solution for the country’s latest political crisis which

came after two ministers were forced to step down under pressure by opposition MPs. Finance minister Mustafa AlShamali resigned last month following a grilling in the Assembly for allegedly squandering public funds while minister of social affairs and labour Ahmad Al-Rujaib resigned last week after two opposition MPs filed two requests to grill him.

The constitutional court meanwhile is scheduled to issue a number of important rulings regarding petitions challenging the results of the Assembly election in February. The membership of several MPs is threatened of being annulled. The court is also expected to issue its ruling on a petition filed by a candidate in the election Safa Al-Hashem challenging the constitutionality of dissolving the previous Assembly. If the court rules against the dissolution, the current Assembly may be declared illegal.

Rulings by the constitutional court are final.

14

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

opinion

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher

YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief

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

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

Issues

World to Obama: We expected more from you

By Bernd Debusmann he 2012 global performance scorecard is in and the grade for Barack Obama is “failed to meet expectations”. To varying degrees, that’s the view in each and every of 20 foreign countries - some close US allies, some not - whose citizens were polled for the Pew Global Attitudes Project, a widely-respected survey that has tracked the standing of the United States, its president, and assorted foreign leaders every year for the past decade. The Washington-based Pew Research Center polled more than 26,000 people.

Though views of Obama are not as rosy as they were in 2009, when he took office after a campaign that promised “hope and change,” the US president’s star is still shining so bright in 11 countries that sizeable majorities in seven and pluralities in another four would like to see him re-elected for a second term in November.

So where did Obama fall short of expectations so high that he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize just nine months into office? A comparison of the 2009 and 2012 Pew surveys provides answers: In 2009, millions around the world thought the president was intent on making a decisive break with the policies of his predecessor, George W Bush, whose penchant for unilateral actions made him deeply unpopular in large parts of the world. Obama was expected to open a new chapter of multilateralism, take a fair approach on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and energetically push policies addressing climate change. His soaring pre-election rhetoric obviously raised expectations to lofty levels, both abroad and at home. For example, his assertion, in the summer of 2008, that his nomination as the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party would be remembered as “the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.”

As for the rising oceans and the healing earth, the 2012 Pew survey reports that 56 percent of those polled in 2009 expected Obama “to take significant steps to deal with climate change. Today, a median of just 22 percent think he has actually done this.” There are similar declines in expectations on other key issues. In 2009, 45 percent of those surveyed thought Obama would seek international approval for the use of military force. Now, 29 percent say he failed to do so. “While many around the world still have a positive image of Obama,” wrote the authors of the Pew report, “he has nonetheless failed to meet expectations on specific policies. For instance, in 2009, many public anticipated that the US leader would consider their country’s interests when making foreign policy decisions. Today, relatively few believe Obama has done either.”

Part of the reason for that view is the ever-increasing use of drones to kill adversaries in countries such as Pakistan, Somalia, Afghanistan and Yemen. Dealing high-tech death from above, without risking American lives, has become Obama’s favorite kind of warfare. He has embraced it much more enthusiastically than Bush, part of a gradual transformation into “one of the most militarily aggressive American leaders in decades”, in the words of Peter Bergen, a national security expert at the New American Foundation, a liberal think tank.

Drone strikes are popular in the United States (62 percent in favor) and unpopular everywhere else, even in countries whose citizens want to see him reelected and even in countries where his 2009 rockstar image has not been significantly dented. In Germany, for example, he outshines the popular chancellor, Angela Merkel. Eighty-seven percent expressed confidence in “Obama to do the right thing in world affairs.” Merkel polled 77 percent on that question. The confidence to do the right thing does not extend to drone warfare. Almost two out of three Germans disapprove of it. At home, Obama’s job approval never reached the heights it did in much of Western Europe. A Gallup poll taken in his first week of office gave him 69 percent approval. This month, it stood at 47 percent, two percentage points lower than Bush at the same point in the election cycle in 2004. Bush won, by the slimmest of margins. All of which probably shows that the way an American president is seen abroad makes no difference to his electoral fortunes at home. — Reuters

T

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

Saudi succession challenge as princes age

By Assaad Abboud he Saudi royal family now faces the challenge of lining up a second generation of princes as potential heirs to the throne after the death of two aging crown princes in just eight months, analysts say. On Monday, Defence Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, 76, succeeded his late brother Prince Nayef as the Gulf oil powerhouse’s crown prince and heir. Nayef died on Saturday aged 79 in Switzerland, only eight months after becoming heir apparent after the death of his brother crown prince Sultan at the age of 86.

State television Al-Ekhbariyah said King Abdullah appointed Salman “crown prince and deputy prime minister” while keeping him as defence minister, adding that Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz would take over from Nayef as interior minister.

Analysts said Salman’s appointment as heir was expected, but the real challenge now facing the royal family is the transition to the next generation. “This is the most important thing - the transition to the next generation of leaders,” said Eleanor Gillespie, a contributing editor of the London-based Gulf States Newsletter.

“The need to name a new crown prince for the second time in a year highlights the flaws in a gerontocratic system,” she said.

Jane Kinninmont from London’s Chatham House said naming the second deputy premier - the unofficial second in line to the throne - is the challenge.

“Choosing the second in line to the throne, which is not a formal position but

T

is likely to be signified informally by the title of second deputy prime minister, is more challenging,” said Kinninmont, a Middle East and North Africa senior research fellow.

King Abdullah had in 2009 appointed Nayef, the long-serving interior minister, as second deputy prime minister, a position he kept vacant since his accession to the throne in 2005. Five of the sons of king Abdul Aziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, have acceded to the throne since 1953, with 18 sons still alive. Salman is

one of four remaining brothers of the strong “Sudairi Seven,” the formidable bloc of Abdul Aziz’s sons by a favourite wife, Princess Hassa Al-Sudairi. In addition to Salman, remaining Sudairis include Prince Abdul Rahman, Prince Turki and Prince Ahmed, deputy interior minister who succeeded Nayef as the kingdom’s security chief.

The monarch in 2006 established the Allegiance Council, a commission of 35 senior princes, as a new succession mechanism whose long-term goal was to

This April 14, 2010 file photo shows Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud during a special convocation at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi. — AFP

choose the crown prince. But this mechanism is not likely to be activated while the ailing Abdullah is alive.

Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi argued that “seniority is important in the royal family” when it comes to who gets to stand in line for the throne. He added that “those who hold strong government posts among the first generation should be seen as traditionally having the right to succession.”

He pointed out that some of the grandsons of Abdul Aziz, who are seniors among the second generation, are older than their uncles, naming Prince Khaled of Makkah, son of the late king Faisal.

“There are a group of younger candidates currently raising their profiles,” Gillespie said. Disputes within the Al-Saud dynasty mostly remain out of the public eye, and consensus within the family appears to be holding strong amid the turmoil currently sweeping the Arab world.

“The need to achieve some measure of consensus among senior princes is probably the main source of checks and balances on the Saudi ruler’s power,” said Kinninmont. “This also means the likelihood of radical change in policies is limited,” she added. In the meantime, Salman, who did not occupy a ministerial post until succeeding his brother Sultan as defence minister last year, is seen as the most experienced among his brothers after serving as Riyadh governor for nearly 50 years. It was a job “that allowed him to serve as a generally very well respected arbiter of Al-Saud family affairs, as well as overseeing the city’s emergence as Saudi Arabia’s capital,” Gillespie said. — AFP

Shabab bruised, but may dodge knockout blow

By Richard Lough xpelled from a string of strategic towns, cut off from revenue sources and struggling for its survival, Somalia’s Islamist militant group Al Shabab is steeling for an anticipated assault on its last bastion by Western-backed African forces. But while the capture of the southern port and militant stronghold of Kismayu in coming weeks could weaken the Al-Qaeda-linked rebels, it is unlikely to deliver the knock-out blow hoped for by Mogadishu and its allies.

Kenyan forces operating in Somalia seized the southern rebel stronghold of Afmadow in late May. This opened the way for what Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said would be a “final onslaught” on Kismayu, Somalia’s second biggest city which is a hub for Al Shabab and a main base for its foreign fighters. Kismayu would be taken by August, Odinga said this month.

But some regional diplomats feel this target is over ambitious. There are fears too a wounded Al Shabab will simply redeploy from Kismayu and hit back with guerrilla raids and urban bombings, disrupting efforts to end two decades of violence in the Horn of Africa state. “The fall of Kismayu might hurt the rebel economy, but they will launch more attacks,” said Hassan Farah, a shopkeeper in the coastal city. He said the dense forest surrounding the port would be an easy hiding ground for the rebels. “Al Shabab will not go far, even if they lose Kismayu.”

The diplomats argue that African Union peacekeepers deployed against Al Shabab need to consolidate their numbers in other recently won urban areas, before the assault on Kismayu. There are also questions about whether the rebels, wary of possible heavy casualties and an expensive battle, will dig in and defend the densely-populated port that has served as a financial lifeline, or melt into

E

the jungle hinterlands. “Kismayu has a strong administration under Al Shabab. The markets are busy and there is security,” said Farah. “I know of many residents who are ready to fight alongside Al Shabab.”

Natznet Tesfay, a Somalia expert from Exclusive Analysis, said Al Shabab would likely pull back and turn to guerrilla-style hitand-run sabotage attacks, as they did in Mogadishu after they were expelled by African troops. “We are more likely to see a lull in the intensity (of ) Al Shabab activity and possibly a rebranding rather than the group’s collapse,” Tesfay said. That, Tesfay said, could mean the Islamist movement splitting into splinter groups, between those motivated by a nationalist agenda to impose strict sharia law on the country, and those motivated by more global jihadi sentiments.

An Al Shabab suicide bomber on Saturday attacked a government base outside the Somali capital in Afgoye, a town captured at the end of May by Somali government and African Union troops. This underscored the security challenge facing the government and its allies despite their recent successes.

The market town was a cash cow for Al Shabab which extorted taxes on goods destined for Mogadishu, compounding the financial blow the insurgents suffered last August when they were driven from Mogadishu’s Bakara market, the capital’s economic heart.

In a sign of the mounting pressure on the group, a steady trickle of defections points to low morale within rebel ranks. Defectors tell of Al Shabab foots oldiers demoralised by battle fatigue, meagre salaries and a lack of sophisticated weaponry. Mogadishu’s Western allies are keen to capitalise on the group’s troubles. Washington this month offered multi-million dollar bounties for information leading to the location of seven key militant commanders.

But talk of a “tipping point” is premature, analysts say. “While there are clearly splits within Al Shabab, divisions which will be exacerbated by the loss of two of the most significant towns still under its control, Al Shabab has always shown a remarkable resilience,” said J Peter Pham of US think-tank the Atlantic Council. “In fact, there is already evidence that the group has laid the foundations for its eventual resurgence after the current setbacks.”

Intelligence picked up by security agencies, research by the United Nations and accounts by Muslim Kenyans suggests Al Shabab is mentoring a new and increasingly multiethnic generation of militants. The concern is that an increasingly cornered Al Shabab may attack more widely in the region, a capability demonstrated by a double bombing in Uganda in 2010 that killed 79 people. Under pressure in south and central Somalia, diplomats say Al Shabab is moving combatants to the semi-autonomous Puntland territory that is separated by only a narrow neck of water from Yemen, a hotspot in the US-led war against militant Islam.

“Obviously it’s of concern not just because it could further undermine stability in ... a more secure and stable area, but also because of a potential link up to AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula),” said a senior diplomatic source who follows Somalia. Al Shabab formally joined Al-Qaeda’s ranks in February. The diplomat said there were definitely contacts - “facilitators” from AQAP or Somalis in Yemen who have ties to both groups going back and forth. But there had been little visible evidence so far of more strategic coordination or active combined plotting.

Puntland’s authorities have warned of growing militant numbers in the rugged mountains south of Bossaso, an area that would provide hideouts and access to ports

to bring in weapons, ammunition and foreign jihadists. The rebels retain pockets of support in areas under their control, despite the sometimes draconian rules they have imposed that include amputation of criminals’ limbs and banning of music and watching football. In the former rebel stronghold of Baidoa, trader Fatuma Bashir lamented the failure of Ethiopian and Somali soldiers now there to prevent recurring militant grenade attacks as the city awaits the deployment of more than 2,000 AU peacekeepers. “We don’t want Al Shabab back, but life has not changed for the better after the seizure of the town,” Bashir said. “Al Shabab used to take tax from our sales in the city. Now they tax our commodities outside Baidoa,” she said. Two decades after Somalia’s civil conflict erupted, the central government still exerts little meaningful control beyond the capital. Security analysts say Al Shabab could take advantage of power vacuums if concrete political administration and reform does not keep pace with military advances.

“All the attention is on getting rid of Al Shabab. Then what? There are no institutions ... to implement the rule of law,” said Londonbased Somali analyst Hamza Mohamed.

“They are not solving the issues that gave rise to Al Shabab. They’re just putting a bandage on a gaping wound.”

Somali politics has long been driven by feuding clans battling to safeguard their hold on the accompanying financial spoils. Many Somalis remain unconvinced their leaders are committed to lasting reform and peace.

David Shinn, a former US ambassador to Ethiopia, said the political landscape in Somalia had changed through the conflict for the “foreseeable and possibly permanent future”. “Militant Islam, or at least Salafi ideology, is here to stay just as we are seeing in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and to a lesser extent Morocco,” Shinn said. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

sp orts Perera gets Lanka Test call

Pozzato ‘calm’ after hearing

Drogba heads to China

COLOMBO: All-rounders Thisara Perera and Jeevan Mendis and fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara were included in Sri Lanka’s 15-man squad yesterday for this week’s first test against Pakistan in Galle. Perera was named man of the series in the five-match one-day encounter against Pakistan that was won 3-1 by Sri Lanka on Monday.

Leg-spinner Mendis is the only uncapped test player in the squad. “We brought in Kulasekara and Perera because of injuries to our fast bowlers,” said chairman of selectors Ashantha de Mel. Among the pacemen nursing knocks is Dilhara Fernando who hurt his shoulder during practice. “We have brought Mendis into the squad because he looks a wicket-taking bowler as he showed during the fifth onedayer on Monday,” said De Mel. Mendis, who took two for 30 in the final one-dayer, is unlikely to play in the first test as he is behind left-armer Rangana Herath and off-break bowler Suraj Randiv in the pecking order and Sri Lanka may only play one spinner. — Reuters

ROME: Italian rider Filippo Pozzato, who is preparing to compete in the London Olympics, said he was “calm” yesterday after appearing before the anti-doping prosecutor of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), reports said.

CONI said in a statement on Monday that they had summonsed Pozzato to the hearing in Rome to explain “news which has appeared in the press concerning him”. “We spoke, they asked me a whole load of questions. It’s not up to me to pass judgement, let’s see what they tell me,” Pozzato said, before playing down suggestions that he might be dropped from Italy’s Olympic team.

“Is there a chance I might miss the Olympics? It’s not for me to judge. We will start preparing tomorrow (Wednesday) and then we will see what happens. I am calm,” he was quoted as saying on the website of sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport.

On Saturday, the daily La Repubblica claimed that the former Milan-San Remo winner had links with Dr Michele Ferrari, who this week had doping charges brought against him by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) at the same time as seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and four other people. The Italian federation has for several years forbidden any of their members from having contact with the controversial Ferrari. —AFP

BEIJING: Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba’s long-expected move to big-spending Shanghai Shenhua has been confirmed by the Chinese club’s owner, media reports said yesterday. Zhu Jun, who reportedly visited Drogba’s native Ivory Coast last week, said the 34-year-old was joining the club, but said no date for his arrival has been set and refused to discuss terms of his contract, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Unconfirmed local reports said Shenhua was willing to offer the center forward as much as $15 million per year. A club spokeswoman declined to comment on the reports, saying an official notice would be posted to its website.

Backed by Zhu’s online gaming fortune, Shenhua has already hired former Argentina coach Sergio Batista and another former Chelsea player, Nicolas Anelka.

Drogba’s move to Shenhua has been speculated for months. He had also been approached by Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates, coached by Diego Maradona, but its bid was less than Shenhua was believed offering. — AP

Mets win, Yankees advance NEW YORK: RA Dickey became the first major league pitcher in 24 years to throw consecutive one-hitters and Ike Davis hit a grand slam to lead the New York Mets past the Baltimore Orioles 5-0 on Monday night.

Coming off a one-hit gem at Tampa Bay last Wednesday, the knuckleballer struck out a career-high 13 and allowed only Wilson Betemit’s clean single in the fifth inning.

The previous pitcher to throw consecutive one-hitters was Dave Stieb for Toronto in September 1988, according to STATS LLC. The Mets said the last to do it in the National League was Jim Tobin with the Boston Braves in 1944, according to research by the Elias Sports Bureau. The 37-year-old Dickey (11-1) walked two and became the first 11game winner in the majors.

HOUSTON: Kansas City Royals’ Alex Gordon (4) is safe at second base for a double as Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve (left) dives in to tag him and umpire Dan Bellino watches in the sixth inning of an interleague baseball game. —AP

Americans suddenly on a roll in majors SAN FRANCISCO: In a little more than six months, they shared the stage in a playoff, became fast friends through their faith and then partners in the Presidents Cup. Webb Simpson and Bubba Watson are linked again in ways they never imagined. Major champions.

Simpson joined the most important fraternity in golf Sunday at The Olympic Club with a flourish of birdies and a steady diet of pars at the end. The last one came from a delicate chip out of a hole in the rough to 3 feet that wound up being the decisive stroke in the US Open.

On a leaderboard loaded with possibilities, his name did not stand out.

Simpson was playing in only his fifth major, and his second US Open. He had missed the cut in his last two tournaments. And he was six shots out of the lead when he walked off the fifth green with his second bogey of the day.

Some four hours later, Simpson sat in the clubhouse with his pregnant wife, Dowd. They tried to take their mind off the finish by watching videos of their young son, James, who stayed behind in North Carolina. She squeezed tight on his hand as they watched Jim Furyk hit into the bunker on the 18th to eliminate his chances, and then Graeme McDowell miss a 25-foot birdie putt that would have forced a playoff. “If I was honest with you, I believed in myself (that)I could win a major, but maybe not so soon,” Simpson said. “And I just gained all the respect for the guys who have won multiple majors because it’s so hard to do. The level of pressure is so much greater than a regular event.”

“I probably prayed more the last three holes than I ever did in my life,” said Simpson, a religion major at Wake Forest.

It was Simpson who called over to Watson, their caddies and their wives to huddle under an umbrella on the green at Royal Melbourne for a quick prayer after they won a match that set the tone in the Presidents Cup. They are nothing alike. Watson manufactured a swing on a public course in the Florida Panhandle and doesn’t have a formal teacher.

Simpson grew up at a country club and even played Augusta National when he was a teenager. Watson speaks his mind.

Simpson is more reserved.

Watson and Simpson traded text messages the morning of the final round last year in New Orleans. Watson wound up beating him in a playoff, but the relationship took root. When it became clear they would qualify for the Presidents Cup, they asked U.S. captain Fred Couples if they could be partners. They won three of their matches.

Couples was wandering around Olympic and watched it unfold. Simpson had a 68-68 weekend - he was the only player in the last nine groups who broke par in the foggy final round - and finished at 1-over 281 for a one-shot win over McDowell and Michael Thompson, who had a 67 that was almost good enough to return Monday for a playoff.

He went to No. 5 in the world. He went to No. 3 in the Ryder Cup standings.

And he extended a modest streak that indicates a quiet return of American golf.

The Americans now have won the last three majors dating to Keegan Bradley’s playoff win at the PGA Championship in August. It might not sound like much, but it had been just over five years since Americans won three straight majors (two of those by Tiger Woods), and more than eight years since three different Americans put together a streak that long. The United States started the year with only six players among the top 15.

Now there are nine.

And these majors are coming from unlikely sources. Bradley became only the second player in nearly 100 years to win on his first try at a major. Watson always had the talent, though his composure was always in question until he made four straight birdies on the back nine at Augusta National. He won his playoff by hooking a wedge some 40 yards out of the trees and onto the green to win with a par. Simpson won twice last year on the PGA Tour and lost a shot at the money title in the final round of the year. Even so, the 26-year-old had been quiet this year, and didn’t have high expectations even as he played the final round. “I never really wrapped my mind around winning,” Simpson said. “This place is so demanding, and so all I was really concerned about was keeping the ball in front of me and making pars. — AP

Yankees 6, Braves 2 CC Sabathia struck out 10, Derek Jeter drove in three runs and the Yankees won their 10th straight game, beating the Braves.

Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano hit solo home runs as the Yankees matched their longest winning streak since May 2005.

The team with the AL’s best record kept rampaging in interleague play - all 10 of these triumphs have come against NL teams with winning records, including a sweep at Turner Field last week.

Michael Bourn led off the game with a triple and scored when Martin Prado followed with a groundout, ending Atlanta’s 20-inning shutout string. But the Braves’ first game at the new Yankee Stadium and first trip to the Bronx since 2006 still resulted in their seventh loss in eight tries.

Sabathia (9-3) gave up seven hits in his 34th career complete game, and first since last July. He walked one, and fanned Chipper Jones and Jason Heyward to finish it.

Giants 5, Angels 3 In Anaheim, Matt Cain followed up his perfect game by persevering through five difficult innings for another victory, steering San Francisco past Los Angeles.

Cain (9-2) was rewarded for his resilience with a win in his first start since throwing the 22nd perfect game in major league history. Ryan Theriot had three hits and drove in two runs for the Giants.

Angels starter Jerome Williams (6-5) gave up four runs while failing to get out of the fourth inning in his third straight loss. After he left the game, Williams was taken to hospital as a precaution after complaining of shortness of breath.

Indians 10, Reds 9 At Cleveland, Lonnie Chisenhall and Casey Kotchman had three RBIs apiece as Cleveland ended Cincinnati’s six-game winning streak. Chisenhall and Kotchman hit two-run homers, and both drove in runs in the sixth inning off Sam LeCure (2-2) as Cleveland snapped a 7-7 tie. Shin-Soo Choo homered for the Indians.

Joey Votto and Jay Bruce homered for the Reds, who swept a three-game series from the Indians last week. Reliever Joe Smith (5-1) went 1 2-3 innings for the win.

Chris Perez worked the ninth for his 22nd straight save.

Brewers 7, Blue Jays 6 At Milwaukee, Aramis Ramirez’s liner down the left-field line was ruled a home run after umpires reversed a foul ball call using video replay in the seventh inning that broke a tie and lifted the Brewers to a

victory over the Blue Jays.

Ramirez hit a 1-2 pitch off rookie Robert Coello (0-1) that hit the outside corner of a yellow pad below the foul pole. Third base umpire Paul Nauert ruled it a foul ball. He agreed to check video replay after discussing the play with Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke and third base coach Ed Sedar while watching a fan dramatically pound the pad in question.

Umpires spent about 90 seconds checking the replay, before returning and signaling a home run for Ramirez, his eighth of the year. Kameron Loe (4-2) was credited with the win despite allowing Jose Bautista to hit a game-tying three-run home run in the top of the seventh.

Rangers 2, Padres 1 In San Diego, David Murphy hit a tworun single in the first inning, and that was enough for Texas to edge San Diego.

Rangers starter Matt Harrison (9-3) won his fifth straight decision and tied Yankees pair CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova for the AL lead in victories. He allowed one run in six innings. Joe Nathan pitched the ninth for his 14th save in 15 chances.

Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton didn’t

ANAHEIM: San Francisco Giants’ Ryan Theriot watches his RBI-single against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning of a baseball game. —AP

star t but played left field in the ninth inning. He was released from a hospital Saturday after becoming dehydrated because of an intestinal virus. Hamilton is expected to start Tuesday.

Padres star ter Jason Marquis (1-2) allowed two runs in seven innings and struck out 10 but was the unlucky loser.

D’backs 7, Mariners 1 In Phoenix, Aaron Hill became the fifth Arizona player to hit for the cycle, lifting the Diamondbacks to a win over Seattle. Hill hit a single in the first inning off Hector Noesi (2-8), added a triple in the third and a double in the fifth then finished it off in style, hitting a solo homer in the seventh for the majors’ second cycle this season. New York Mets outfielder Scott Hairston had the other. Wade Miley (8-3) got the win for Arizona.

Cubs 12, White Sox 3 At Chicago, Bryan LaHair and Alfonso Soriano homered to lead the Chicago Cubs to a victory over the White Sox in the opener of the cross town, interleague series. The Cubs had season highs of five home runs, 15 hits and 12 runs.

Starlin Castro and Luis Valbuena homered and had three hits apiece for the Cubs and Geovany Soto added a solo shot in his first game back from the 15-day disabled list. Matt Garza (3-5) allowed home runs to Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski, but limited the damage to three runs over six innings to earn the win. Zack Stewart (1-2) was tagged for six runs and nine hits, including four homers, over 5 2-3 innings.

Astros 9, Royals 7 At Houston, Brian Bixler drove in a careerhigh three runs on three hits, including his first career homer, and Justin Maxwell and Brian Bogusevic also homered as the Astros held off the Royals. J.A. Happ (5-7) yielded four hits and two runs in 6-plus innings to break a four-game losing streak. It was his first start since allowing 11 hits and eight runs - both career highs - in Houston’s 10-0 loss to San Francisco in which Matt Cain threw a perfect game. Maxwell hit a two-run homer after Bogusevic’s solo shot in Houston’s five-run eighth inning. Jonathan Sanchez (1-3) allowed six hits and four runs in six innings in his second start since a month-long stint on the disabled list with tendinitis in his left biceps. —AP

MLB results/standings NY Yankees 6, Atlanta 2; Cleveland 10, Cincinnati 9; NY Mets 5, Baltimore 0; Houston 9, Kansas City 7; Milwaukee 7, Toronto 6; Chicago Cubs 12, Chicago White Sox 3; Arizona 7, Seattle 1; Texas 2, San Diego 1; San Francisco 5, LA Angels 3.

National League American League Eastern Division Eastern Division Washington 38 26 .594 W L PCT GB NY Mets 36 32 .529 4 NY Yankees 41 25 .621 Atlanta 35 32 .522 4.5 Baltimore 39 28 .582 2.5 Miami 33 33 .500 6 Tampa Bay 37 29 .561 4 Philadelphia 31 37 .456 9 Toronto 34 33 .507 7.5 Boston 33 33 .500 8 Central Division Cincinnati 38 28 .576 Central Division Pittsburgh 34 31 .523 3.5 C’ White Sox 35 32 .522 St Louis 34 33 .507 4.5 Cleveland 34 32 .515 .5 Milwaukee 31 36 .463 7.5 Detroit 32 34 .485 2.5 Houston 28 39 .418 10.5 Kansas City 29 36 .446 5 Chicago Cubs 23 44 .343 15.5 Minnesota 26 39 .400 8

Texas LA Angels Oakland Seattle

Western Division 41 27 .603 36 32 .529 5 31 36 .463 9.5 29 40 .420 12.5

Western Division LA Dodgers 42 25 .627 San Francisco 38 30 .559 4.5 Arizona 33 34 .493 9 Colorado 25 40 .385 16 San Diego 24 44 .353 18.5

I’ve got my belief back, says Els

SAN FRANCISCO: Webb Simpson hits a drive in this file photo. —AP

SAN FRANCISCO: Former world number one Ernie Els, who struggled for form for much of last year, says his tie for ninth in the US Open at the Olympic Club has restored his selfbelief.

South African Els, a three-time major winner, briefly moved into a share of second place during Sunday’s final round before closing with a two-over-par 72 in difficult scoring conditions to finish three shots behind champion Webb Simpson.

“I’m contending again ... and that means a lot,” Els wrote on his official website (http://www.ernieels.com) on Monday. “I feel I have a chance now and that I could win another one of these majors. I’ve got my belief back.

“Right after finishing my final round at

Olympic I was disappointed to have let slip a chance to win my third U.S. Open, but having had a night to sleep on it I can reflect more clearly on the positive aspects of my performance. “My mental attitude was good all week and I played really well on what was a very tough golf course. I had a couple of train wrecks, on holes four and 16, and ultimately I guess they cost me the tournament.” Els, whose last major victory came a decade ago at the British Open, recorded a double-bogey at the fourth and a triple-bogey at the 16th in the opening round at Olympic.

After making three early bogeys in the third round, the smooth-swinging 42-year-old roared into contention with three birdies and an unexpected chip-in for eagle at the parfive 17th. In the final round, he rolled in a curl-

ing 20-foot eagle putt at the driveable parfour seventh to move briefly into a tie for second but bogeys on the next two holes derailed his title bid.

“When I look at where I was this time last year and where I am now it’s a huge change for the better,” said Els, a twice US Open champion in the mid 1990s.

“The whole week at Olympic Club I was a lot calmer and I felt much more in control of my game and my emotions. That’s a really good sign going forwards.”

Els, who won the most recent of his 18 PGA Tour titles at the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational, had slipped to 56th in the world rankings by the end of last year. Boosted by his top-10 finish at the U.S. Open on Sunday, he has risen to 39th. —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

sp orts

Hungary still the gold standard in water polo BUDAPEST: When the Hungarian water polo team filed in for practice at the national aquatics centre last week, pool mechanics sneaked nearer to take a peek. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the country’s most popular athletes before they go for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal.

Four members of the squad, plus coach Denes Kemeny, are preparing for their fourth Olympics. They have won the men’s team gold medal in the last three Games and not lost a match in an Olympic pool since Sydney.

While keeping the core of the squad together over four Olympics means the average age of the Hungarian team will probably be the highest in London, Kemeny says Hungary still had what it takes to win gold.

“You can see whether a team has a shot at the gold or not,” Kemeny told Reuters as his players grouped up in fours in the pool and practiced shooting.

They stuck ball after ball in the same spot in the goal a dozen times or more.

“The Hungarian team definitely does have a shot, even if we have narrowly lost a crucial game or two recently,” he added. “You have to be pretty brave to bet serious money against Hungary scoring another gold medal.”

Hungary are the Olympics’ most dominant men’s water polo team with nine titles. Britain are next on the list

with four golds, though their last was in 1920.

Fans have become so spoiled on the success over the years that every time the team go to a major tournament they are expected to bring home the gold.

Despite expectations being at their highest at the Olympics, Kemeny does not worry about the pressure. “This will be the 30th major tournament we go to under my leadership,” he said. “There was not a single time fans expected anything but gold. We’re used to this.

Moreover, we go to London calmer than others who have yet to win.”

Goalkeeper Zoltan Szecsi, one of the team’s triple Olympic champions, said winning was like a drug, keeping them motivated game after game even as age crept up on them.

“If you win once, and you know what it feels like, I don’t think there’s greater motivation than to be there again,” said Szecsi. “You need to look after your body, you need to rest and prevent injuries. That’s all.”

The competition in London is likely to be more open than at previous Olympics as the depth of talent has grown from two gold medal contenders to a handful of teams that could take the title.

“Athens was about Hungary versus Serbia, no doubt,” Szecsi said. “Beijing

was too, and a few dark horses. Now, there are as many as six teams who could pull off a gold.”

Serbia has been a perennial opponent and boasts some of the best players in the world. The reigning world champions are Italy while teams such as Montenegro and the United States have also given Hungary trouble in recent years.

The US team were unkind hosts to Hungary recently, beating them twice in exhibition games. Still, Kemeny said he would be surprised to see the Americans win their first water polo gold since St. Louis 1904, when only US teams competed in the event.

“The American team is very good,” Kemeny said. “They did beat Croatia in Beijing, and they also beat the Serbs.

But they can’t beat three teams of that level. We were probably lucky to be the third such team they met (in the finals).”

Hungary started preparations late but would be in top form by August, players said. Their focus was not on their potential opponents right now, they were more concerned about becoming complacent or being burdened by expectation.

“If I wasn’t a Hungarian water polo player, I would say it’s fantastic to compete at an Olympic level or get a medal of any kind,” Gergely Kiss said. “But we have gone for nothing but gold ever

since I played in my first European championship game before I turned 20. And we still do.

“Hungarian water polo has been popular for a century,” Kiss said. “We have a certain mindset, a toughness, which I trust will come out once again.”

Asked what made Hungary such a perennial powerhouse in the sport, coach Kemeny said it was the thermal waters that bubble up everywhere in the country and allowed it to run warm water pools year-round decades before heated pools became the norm.

“In colder waters (opponents) mostly just swam, and they couldn’t handle the ball as well as us,” he said. “It’s like the sandy beaches in Brazil, which force football players to tackle the ball in the air and pass skillfully. This environment nurtures talent in ways that is impossible to replicate.”

That is not to say Hungary have enjoyed uninterrupted water polo success. After a streak of 12 straight podium finishes from 1928 to 1980, Hungary went without an Olympic medal again until Kemeny led them to gold in 2000.

Kemeny built a very young team, many of them barely out of their teens, and shaped them into the most formidable squad the sport has ever known. After Sydney, Athens, and Beijing, the core of that team is still

around, older but ready to rock.

Kemeny held the group together by challenging them for their spots on the roster from tournament to tournament, urging young players to try to force out the incumbents. “There needs to be constant pressure from the juniors,” he said. “This team did change even after it won gold medals ... A healthy rivalry has made the team strong time and time again.”

While the players know they must fight for each spot, the mood at the pool did not reflect the impending cut that will see the roster trimmed from 18 to the final 13 in a matter of weeks as playful banter and roaring laughs echoed in the stands. Those who know the team are sure the old core will remain intact for now but a revamp is expected once the London Games are over.

“Even then I don’t expect seismic moves,” said Daniel Varga, who first got onto the team in Beijing. “It will be impossible to replace the current greats, who are exceptional characters ... but the new blood is right there too.”

“Hungarian water polo is the sum of a century’s practice, of cheeky, brainy improvisations. Some people don’t even understand some of the things we do, the technical bravado. It’s because of that entire century. We all have that in us.” —Reuters

Gymnastics needs fewer acrobatics, more artistry LAUSANNE: Gymnastics is in danger of losing its artistry as competitors are concentrating on pulling off increasingly difficult acrobatic moves, the sport’s governing body said.

The FIG is unhappy with trends in artistic gymnastics, where the accumulative scoring system encourages athletes to cram their routines with risky moves.

“Artistic gymnastics should be about art, about beauty, and in the case of the women it also has to do with music, with expression,” FIG secretary general Andre Gueisbuhler told

where you have a completely different ratio between execution and difficulty, you see that the sport remains ‘clean’ because a diver would only risk a more difficult skill if he can do it to perfection.

“The smallest mistake is a catastrophe so nobody is taking too many risks and nobody takes on anything which is too difficult.

“We would like to see the (women) gymnasts perform with music (on the floor exercise), we like to see them dancing, we like to see them expressing themselves, we like to

Paul Hamm performs in this file photo Reuters in an interview.

“But increasingly, we are finding that gymnastics has developed into acrobatics. We have more and more difficult acrobatic movements and we are missing out on the beauty of gymnastics.

“There is certainly a correction which has to be made.” He added: “This is not the fault of the gymnasts or the coaches, it is a matter of the code of points (scoring system) and how much value you give to difficulty versus execution.”

Gueisbuhler suggested that other sports, such as diving, had done a better job of getting the balance right. “If you take diving,

see nice transitions.

“There should be a relationship between the gymnast and the music, between the gymnast and the public.” Gueisbuhler said the FIG was drawing up a new scoring system which would put greater emphasis back on execution, however, this would only come into force after the London Olympics.

Gymnastics will again have a minimum age limit of 16 for competitors in London, a rule which has led to accusations of age fraud in the past.

China was cleared of entering underage competitors four years ago after extensive media allegations prompted the FIG to launch

an investigation. However, North Korea will be banned from London after being guilty of flouting the rules during 2010.

Gueisbuhler said that the FIG now double checked the passport details of competitors, looking for possible inconsistencies, and also issued its own identity cards.

“I’m convinced, certainly in the case of China, that the government has issued the necessary directives to all the leaders in the various provinces and the federations to respect age rules and not to cheat,” he said, adding that media pressure had been a great help.

“In the case of China I’m convinced we have a clean sport.” Judging is another area where the FIG has taken strict measures to avoid controversy following the 2004 Athens Olympic fiasco when it transpired that American Paul Hamm had been awarded the men’s allaround gold in error following a judging mistake.

That incident took several months to sort out after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had to consider the appeal lodged by the South Korean Yang Tae-young, who the FIG admitted had been incorrectly marked down for one of his routines.

Hamm was eventually allowed to keep the gold after CAS ruled in his favor and the FIG want to make sure medals are settled in the field of play rather than in court.

A complex system of so-called ‘reference judges’ are now in place to avoid obvious injustices and make sure officials do not favor competitors from their own country.

“They are under pressure from their own country, their own coach, sometimes the president of the country and sometimes, their heart just beats a little bit too strongly for their own country,” Gueisbuhler said.

“But there is pressure from the FIG on these judges to be as neutral as possible, or to really judge what they see, to forget their national emblem and to judge correctly.” said Gueisbuhler, adding that gymnasts had the right to contest scores they felt were unfair.

“We do actually control the judges and make sure they judge correctly. “Judging is never going to be perfect but since we cannot have discussions on scores during a competition, I think we have found a system which allows us to correct the biggest mistakes. “I would say normally things should go very well in London... and the majority of our judges do a good job. I’m a strong believer that no judge goes to London with the intention to cheat or help his own country.” —Reuters

Allyson to run 100 and 200 at US trials EUGENE: Sprinter Allyson Felix will focus on the 100 and 200 meters at the US Olympic trials and forgo an attempt at a 400-200 double in London, her coach has told Reuters.

The decision gives Felix her best chance of winning Olympic gold in the 200 after two consecutive silver medals and for running the 4x100 and 4x400 relays at the Games, Bob Kersee said in a telephone call from Los Angeles late on Monday.

“It will be easier for her, as well as helping the team out, if she runs the 1 and the 2,” Kersee said of the upcoming trials, which begin on Thursday and continue through July 1. “If something happens in the 100, she still has enough time to recover and make the team in the 200,” the coach said of the two events, whose finals are a week apart.

Felix attempted to win both the 400 and 200 at last year’s world championships in South Korea, but finished third in the 200 after taking second in the 400. She had won three consecutive world 200 titles before the loss. “I just didn’t feel like myself (in the 200),”

Felix said in April when asked about her world championships. “I didn’t have normal burst in the home stretch.”

She asked Kersee to put more emphasis on speed work this season and they developed a competition schedule that so far has included only 100s and 200s. She looked exceptionally sharp early in the season, running a 100 meters personal best in Doha.

But a fourth place finish in her latest 100 in New York on June 9 left some wondering if she would attempt more than just the 200 at the trials in Eugene, Oregon.

“We weren’t quiet prepared to run the 100 in New York, but we ran it anyway,” Kersee said. “But we have had some good training since coming back.”

World champion Carmelite Jester leads a strong group of 100 runners at the trials and Sana Richards-Ross, the year’s fastest at both 200 and 400, is expected to challenge Felix in the 200. Only the top three finishers in each event make the American team. There are no exceptions. —Reuters

Allyson Felix

BERKSHIRE: Tom Queally celebrates his victory on Frankel in the Queen Anne Stakes during day one of the 2012 Royal Ascot meeting at Ascot Racecourse. —AP

Frankel stretches unbeaten run ASCOT: Frankel opened proceedings at Royal Ascot yesterday with a show of sublime brilliance in the Queen Anne Stakes to stretch his unbeaten streak to 11 races.

The colt’s majestic triumph, by 11 lengths from old foe Excelebration, came half an hour after the Queen’s carriage led the royal procession down the straight mile at Ascot.

It was a performance fit for a queen from a thoroughbred king with official endorsement as the world’s best racehorse. The four-yearold colt got Britain’s premier horse racing fixture off to an explosive start by outclassing his 10 opponents.

It was the fifth time in as many racecourse encounters that Excelebration, who resisted Side Glance for the runner-up berth, has vainly chased Frankel’s tail.

After his triumph Frankel was walked along the length of Ascot’s giant grandstand for the benefit of appreciative fans.

Many waved Union Flags as Tom Queally, who rode the horse with confidence, steered the colt into the winner’s enclosure. There was barely any sweat on a horse which posted a time within one second of the track record on ground saturated by heavy rain on Saturday.

“He is a great, great horse,” said his trainer, Sir Henry Cecil. “You all saw him for yourself; it is up to you to form your own opinion (of his true worth). What I would say is that he is still improving.” In the one-mile race Frankel was always well placed behind an even gallop dictated by his pacemaker, Bullet Train.

He moved through to lead approaching

the three-furlong marker, with Excelebration in his slipstream, but one look at a motionless Queally underlined that Frankel had plenty more to offer.

When given his head, the bay son of multiple champion sire Galileo accelerated away from his pursuers with rare gusto.

“He has been flawless in the past but I couldn’t have asked for anything more from him today,” Queally said. “He is amazing.”

Usually undemonstrative in the saddle, Queally permitted himself a quiet celebration at a venue where his tactics almost brought about defeat for Frankel 12 months ago.

There was no such danger this time.

Frankel, once headstrong by nature, has become much more relaxed. Having outclassed all opposition, Frankel now strives to climb the rungs of the ladder of equine greatness.

This was his most extravagant winning margin to date ahead of his anticipated step up in distance to one and a quarter miles, probably at York in August.

“He’s in the Sussex Stakes (over a mile), the Eclipse and Juddmonte (both over a mile and a quarter), but I don’t tell him what to do, he’ll tell me,” said Cecil, winning his 74th race at Royal Ascot.

Queally rated the win Frankel’s best ever. “It looks like he’s getting better, he settled and travelled and did everything off the bridle,” said the quietly-spoken Irishman. “It was his best performance so far, he ticked all the boxes, did everything right.” —AFP

Beale returns for test against Wales SYDNEY: Kurtley Beale was recalled to the Wallabies team for this weekend’s third test against Wales yesterday, underlining Australia’s determination to wrap up the series 3-0.

Beale’s return at fullback after recovering from a shoulder injury was one of two changes to the starting line-up from the team which beat the Six Nations champions 25-23 courtesy of Mike Harris’s late penalty last week to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Sitaleki Timani also returns to the side to win his third cap after missing the first two tests with injury, replacing Rob Simmons in the second row alongside Nathan Sharpe, who will win his 105th cap. Beale, who has been in fine form this season at flyhalf for the Melbourne Rebels, was selected despite being charged with assault after a fracas at a nightclub before Australia’s 27-19 victory in the first test in Brisbane.

Beale and flyhalf Quade Cooper, who was ruled out of the series as he continues to recover from the injury he suffered at last year’s World Cup, are also the subject of an Australian Rugby Union investigation into the incident. “It has been frustrating for Kurtley, and he’s obviously

Kurtley Beale had some off-field challenges to deal with as well, but it was important for all concerned that he had full confidence in his shoulder before we looked at re-introducing him to the test arena,” Deans said in a news release. Winger Cooper Vuna makes way for his Super Rugby team mate in the back three with the versatile Adam Ashley-Cooper moving from fullback to take Vuna’s place out wide. —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

sp orts

Top seeds fall in Eastbourne EASTBOURNE: The three leading women’s seeds were toppled in short order yesterday at the Eastbourne grass-court event with Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova leading the exit. The Czech, seeded second at Devonshire park at this south-coast town, was joined on the sidelines by top seed Agnieszka Radwanska and number three Caroline Wozniacki.

Wimbledon preparations were set back for the top trio. Kvitova will kick off the defence of her All England club title next week without a win on grass this year after losing 7-5, 6-4 to Ekaterina Makarova.

Radwanska lost to Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova 6-2, 6-4 while former number

EASTBOURNE: Sorana Cirstea of Romania returns against Marion Bartoli of France during their first round women’s singles match on the fourth day of the AEGON International tennis tournament.—AFP one Wozniacki fell to American Christina McHale 6-1, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4.

Kvitova, who beat Maria Sharapova in last year’s Wimbledon final, was humbled in 91 minutes by Makarova, who benefited from six Kvitova double-faults and broke the second seed five times.

“I had nothing to lose, so I just tried to

play my best game,” said Pironkova. “She’s a really tough opponent and is playing unbelievable on grass. I was just really enjoying it and wanted to show my best tennis - that helped today.”

Russian Makarova’s win allowed her to take revenge for a defeat to Kvitova here in the second round a year ago. Makarova, ranked 48th, won the Eastbourne title in 2010 and was also impressive on grass last week in Birmingham when she reached the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, a stunned Radwanska could offer little insight into her first-round loss.

“It was not my day today, that’s for sure,” said the Pole. “I’ve had a lot of matches this year and I’m a bit tired. I was trying everything, but she is playing really well on grass.”

Wozniacki, who has dropped to seventh on the WTA after standing atop the table for two seasons, was not alarmed with her defeat.

“Obviously I would have liked to have won that match but at least I got some points in. I’m just trying to work on a few things before Wimbledon.

“It’s not really going to be a setback. I didn’t play any matches last year on grass before I went to Wimbledon.” Defending champion Marion Bartoli restored order as the fourth seed dominated Sorona Cirstea of Romania 6-2, 6-2 with the Frenchwoman playing on her favourite surface.

“Grass is really my game,” said the 2007 Wimbledon finalist. “I play very close from the baseline, and I play very flat. Those are two qualities you need to have if you want to play well on this surface.”

German fifth seed Angelique Kerber rallied past Elena Vesnina of Russia 3-6, 6-0, 75, Lucie Safarova, the number seven beat Timea Babos 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) while Klara Zakopalova eliminated China’s Zheng Jie 63, 4-6, 6-3.

Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova defeated Hsieh Su-Wei as the Taiwan player retired trailing 6-2, 3-0 with back pain.

On the men’s side, Lu Yen-Hsun of Taiwan upset French fifth seed Julien Benneteau 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4). Belgian Steve Darcis put out Australian Matthew Ebden 6-2, 6-4 and Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan beat Michael Llodra of France 6-4, 6-3.

Wild card Andy Roddick hit the practice courts again after playing for just 24 minutes before Sam Querrey retired trailing 5-2 with back pain. Roddick entered this week after an opening loss at Queen’s club.—AFP

Govt declines SOS from India tennis over picks NEW DELHI: The India government has turned down the national tennis body’s unexpected call for help to sort out the muddled men’s doubles team pick for the London Olympics.

National sports bodies don’t usually like interference from the government but the All India Tennis Association made the surprise move after being asked by the sports ministry to explain the selection of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi as the sole men’s pair for London.

The selection became controversial as Bhupathi and compatriot Rohan Bopanna are a team on the ATP Tour, and they refused to pair up with Paes, the highest-ranked player in the world among the trio at No. 7 in doubles.

The sports ministry was quick to decline the offer of cleaning up the mess, saying it only wanted an explanation since eminent players were involved.

“The sports ministry advised the AITA to exercise the option which is in the best of national interest,” it said in a statement yesterday.

Sports minister Ajay Maken asked for an explanation since the government was funding Olympic preparations, and two doubles teams qualified for the Olympics - Paes along with another partner by virtue of his top-10 ranking, and Bhupathi and Bopanna because of their combined ranking of 26.

“What is the justification of denying two players, who have qualified as a team on merit, by sending just one Indian team when India can send two teams?” Maken wrote to the AITA on Monday.

AITA replied that it selected Paes because he was the only one to receive an Olympic entry due to his world ranking and deserved to be part of a strong team.

“We may kindly explain that if Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna are entered as a team, then Leander Paes will have to partner some other player and since Somdev Devvarman is injured, it will have to be the next best player who is either Yuki Bhambri, who is ranked 306 in the world, or Vishnu Vardhan, who is ranked 207 in the world,” AITA said.

“AITA had noted that Mahesh and Rohan were playing together, but at no stage had stated that they will necessarily be sent as a pair, irrespective of the standing of other players.” AITA added “there is no need to send a team which has no medal-winning prospects.”

The controversy drew comments from Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, who has not been actively involved in the national body’s affairs since spending nine months in jail last year on corruption charges relating to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

“As two teams have qualified in tennis for the London Olympics, I think in the national interest both teams should be sent,” Kalmadi said in a statement. “I support the sports minister’s stand ... and I hope AITA would change its stand with a view to get more medals.”

It is not immediately clear whether Bhupathi will partner Sania Mirza in mixed doubles, despite the pair having won the French Open this month. The deadline for sending in entries is tomorrow.—AP

Imprisoned Palestinian soccer player to be released on July 10 RAMALLAH: A soccer player from Gaza held by Israel without trial for nearly three years has agreed to end his three-month hunger strike in exchange for hospital treatment and an early release, his lawyer said on Monday.

Mahmoud Al-Sarsak, 25, was detained under Israel’s “unlawful combatants” law, and is the latest of a number of Palestinian prisoners to end fasts after winning guarantees of release from their Israeli jailers. “There has been a written agreement with the Israeli side for him to be released on July 10 and to be moved for medical treatment to a civilian hospital,” Sarsak’s lawyer Mohammed Jabarin said.

“There had been a substantial deterioration in his health and he needs special care. He will not return to prison,” Jabarin added. Israel’s Prisons Authority had no comment.

Israel detained Sarsak on suspicion of having ties with the Islamic Jihad militant group. He was held under a law introduced after it pulled troops out of Gaza in 2005 which permitted Israel to jail “unlawful combatants” without trial.

He denies the allegation, and has never been formally charged. Sarsak, who has played for the Palestinian national team, was detained while he was leaving Gaza, the Palestinian coastal enclave ruled by the Islamist Hamas faction, to travel through Israel to join teammates in the occupied West Bank.

Sarsak began his hunger strike a few months ago to protest his detention, but has intermit-

tently ingested fluids such as milk and a glucose drip, Jabarin and Israeli officials said.

Israel struck a deal last month with representatives of 1,600 Palestinian prisoners to end hunger strikes of up to 27 days, agreeing to demands to stop solitary confinements, allow family visits and improve prison conditions.

Israel has also freed three other prisoners in the past few months, ending lengthy hunger strikes on their part. The Palestinian Football Association had raised Sarsak’s case with international soccer authorities and appealed to them to prevent Israel from hosting the European under-21 championships next year, but the request was rejected on Monday.

Michel Platini, the president of UEFA, European soccer’s governing organisation, said he had asked the Israeli soccer body to raise Sarsak’s case with the government but the tournament would go ahead as planned. “I am sure the (head of the Israeli FA) will alert his country’s authorities as quickly as possible to the great concern caused...” he said in a letter to Jibril Rajoub, the head of the Palestinian Football Association. “The Israel FA earned the right to host this tournament... We cannot hold (it) responsible for the political situation in the region or for legal procedures in place in its country.” Israeli and Palestinian teams do not compete against each other as the Israelis play their matches in Europe while the Palestinians are members of Asia’s soccer body.—Reuters

Heat and Thunder battle in best-of-seven series MIAMI: The conversation was about LeBron James, and his Miami Heat teammate Udonis Haslem offered a rhetorical question. “Where would we be without him?” Haslem asked. Well, at minimum, not leading these NBA Finals would be one safe guess.

A year after being shredded for not rising to the moment on the league’s biggest stage - and vowing that he would change that perception this time around - James has helped carry the Heat back to the spot where it all went wrong in 2011.

They’re halfway home in these finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and will take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series into Game 4 in Miami late yesterday.

So far in the series, James is averaging 30.3 points and 10.3 rebounds. A year ago against Dallas, he averaged 17.8 points and 7.2 rebounds when Miami lost the title round in six games.

“He’s here,” Heat forward Shane Battier said.

“This is what he’s dreamt about his entire life so he’s going to make the most of his chance.” This time, that seems to be exactly what’s happening.

James has not been flawless in fourth quarters against the Thunder - far from it, really. He’s shooting just 5 for 14 during those periods in the series, but leads the finals in fourth-quarter free throws made (11) and attempted (13). He’s averaging 7 points in the last quarter, second-best in the series behind the gaudy 12.3-per-game clip being put up

by Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant.

But he did more than enough down the stretch in Games 2 and 3, both Miami victories. One example: His layup with 2:19 left in Game 3 came on a play that would be difficult for most players and seemed commonplace for him. James dribbled with his left hand down the left side of the lane toward the basket. He jumped, spun about 180 degrees, put the ball in his right hand, then flipped it over his shoulder, off the backboard and through the net.

“Yeah, that was a gifted shot,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I don’t know if he can really work on that one.” Making it better for the Heat - and in turn, worse for the Thunder - is that every Oklahoma City player on the floor at that time probably could have done something a little better on that play.

• Thabo Sefolosha lost James after running into Chris Bosh’s pick.

• Kendrick Perkins was the next line of defense, and offered little resistance.

• Russell Westbrook, a few feet away on James’ left, crouched in defensive position but never moved.

• James Harden was under the basket and seemed to just get out of the way.

• Durant took a couple steps toward the rim, looking for a rebound that never came.

The basket gave Miami an 86-79 lead, and was essentially the game-winner. Oklahoma City

scored the next six points, but no more after that.

James passed the ball to where only Bosh could catch it with 1:19 left, setting up two free throws to stop the Thunder run.

James hit a free throw for a four-point Miami edge, and moments later grabbed the last rebound of the night, dribbled over midcourt and flipped the ball to an official as time expired in the 91-85 Heat win.

“I just try to be a leader, out on the floor, in the

MIAMI: Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant stretches during practice. Thunder are scheduled to play Miami Heat in Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series late yesterday.—AP

locker room, and do whatever it takes for us to win basketball games,” James said. “You know, at the end of the day, they look at me to make plays.

They look at me to lead them. But I’m not the only leader of this team.” Afterward, the Thunder simply tipped their caps. “He’s an aggressive player,” Harden said. “He’s been aggressive all year, all postseason. He’s tall, strong, and physical. He’s a tough matchup.” And he certainly looks tougher than he did a year ago at this time.

The Heat played 21 postseason games last year, and are at that same number this year. James has taken 90 more shots in these playoffs, 61 more free throws, grabbed 28 more rebounds and scored 148 more points. With him on the floor in last year’s playoffs, Miami outscored teams by just 29 points. So far in these playoffs, the Heat have outscored opponents by 171 with James on the court. Some of those offensive jumps are largely because of the Heat needing more when they were without Bosh for nine games. Still, the simple fact that Miami is alive in these playoffs is because when James had to do more, he found a way. Like the 40-point, 18-rebound, nine-assist game that turned the Indiana series around. Or the 45-point, 15-rebound performance that saved the season at Boston in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The league’s MVP this season is playing at an “even higher” level now, Haslem said. “He’s pretty much done whatever we’ve asked him to do.” Their next request: Avoid a repeat of what happened in Game 4 of the finals last season.

James was awful in that game against Dallas, scoring just eight points as the Mavericks won 8683 - the first step in a three-game slide that ended the Heat season.

So the Thunder know a 2-1 deficit in a series is hardly insurmountable, even though the homecourt roles are reversed this time around. And if Oklahoma City needed more proof, all the Thunder need to do is remember the Western Conference finals and how they lost the first two games to San Antonio, becoming the 19th and 20th entries on the Spurs’ incredible winning streak. The Spurs didn’t win another game the rest of the way.

“We were down 2-0 against San Antonio and everybody thought the series was over,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “But I know our guys, they’re very competitive, they’re very resilient.

They’ve always showed that type of effort every game, and we’ve always been a great bounce-back team.” The question is, will James continue putting together a bounce-back finals? If he does, his nineyear quest for his first NBA championship might finally be nearing an end.

“He wasn’t himself last year and I think he’s on record for saying that, trying to be too serious all of the time,” Bosh said. “He’s one of the best players in the world. He doesn’t have to do anything differently just because the title is put on this series.

He just has to continue to be who he is, play his game, and things will work out.”—AP

Ogwumike lifts Sparks to victory LOS ANGELES: Nneka Ogwumike scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Los Angeles Sparks, who beat the Washington Mystics 101-70 on Monday night and improved to 50 at home. The Sparks are off to their best home start since they went 7-0 in 2006.

Washington dropped its 12th straight road game, dating to a victory at Los Angeles on July 17, 2011. The 31-point loss was the Mystics’ worst defeat of the season.

Ogwumike, the top pick in

this year’s WNBA draft, missed last Saturday’s game to attend her graduation ceremony at Stanford. The Sparks (8-3) lost that game for their first twogame losing streak of the season, but they were re-energized in their third game in four nights.

Ogwumike went 11 for 14 from the field. Candace Parker scored eight of her 11 points in the third quar ter and Kristi Toliver added 15 points and six assists. The Sparks benefited from 29 free throw attempts to 13 for the Mystics (2-6).

Bruno Coutinho receiving memento from KIFF Managing Committee

Michelle Snow led Washington with 15 points and seven rebounds, and Natasha Lac y added 12 points in a reser ve role. Leading scorer Cr ystal Langhorne, who had scored 20 points in each of the previous three games, was held to a season-low two.

The Sparks opened the second half on a 12-4 run and pushed their lead to 21 when Ogwumike took a pass from a falling Marissa Coleman and scored on a layup to end the scoring in the third quar ter.

Ogwumike made a layup off a pass from Alana Beard pass in the lane and completed the three-point play to make it 8454. The Sparks led 44-36 at halftime thanks largely to 19 free throw attempts compared to six for the Mystics. Beard and Toliver went a combined 11 for 13 from the line in the first half, including four in the final minute to push the lead to 41-33. Langhorne had no points and only two field goal attempts in the first half.

Parker was held to three points on 1 for 5 shooting.—AP

Bruno Coutinho with KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes

KIFF felicitates Bruno Coutinho Indian soccer icon attends League final in Kuwait KUWAIT: Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) laid out the red carpet for Indian soccer icon Bruno Coutinho in a classy function organized on June 14 at the Royal Terrasse Restaurant to felicitate the Arjuna Awardee and former captain of the Indian soccer team.

Introducing Bruno Coutinho to the 19 affiliate member clubs of the federation and other dignitaries, KIFF president Fidelis Fernandes welcomed Coutinho who is now the Jt. Director of coaching for the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and spoke at length of his many achievements in soccer. Fernandes also paid glowing tributes to Bruno and amid showers of glittering confetti, presented him with an exquisite memento on behalf of the Federation.

The evening got off to a wonderful start with a welcome song by renowned Konkani stage artiste Mario Carneiro highlighting the history of Indian soccer in Kuwait, followed by a soccer quiz competition testing the knowl-

edge of the guests who were divided into teams.

DJ Marlon was on hand to provide the music for those who wanted to shake a leg and popular Goan musician Shahu Almeida transported everyone to the sunshine state, swinging to the Goan Masalla.

In between guests participated in a game which was won by youngsters Dwane Almeida and Leann D’Souza, and were also entertained with a dance performance by a troupe of teenagers, led by Kevin Vaz. Accepting his award, Bruno Coutinho thanked the Federation for making him feel special and said he was amazed to see such a strong Indian Football Federation with 19 affiliates, unlike anywhere else in the Gulf.

Responding to a few questions from the emcee on behalf of the audience, Bruno who studied in the famous Monte De Guirim High School in Goa felt that sports in India needed to be developed at village level and in Goa

with the new Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar declaring soccer as a state sport, the future for soccer seemed bright at least in his home state.

Asked who his role model was, Bruno immediately responded “I owe everything to my father and my family” who have been my strength and support in achieving my goals.

On a question if SAG would be able to organize a mini world cup in Goa for NRI teams, the soccer icon felt that it could be done and he would look into the possibility upon his return to India.

Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira Sdb, spoke briefly about playing the game in the right spirit before leading the guests in a small prayer just before dinner. The splendid and memorable evening was hosted by Julio Cardoso and ended well past midnight with all the 19 affiliate member clubs being introduced to Bruno Coutinho and KIFF Vice President Clifford Pinto proposing the vote of thanks.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

SPORTS

18 Euro 2012 briefs

UEFA in danger of dishing up junk-food Ode to Ireland Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said he had taken away a very favorable impression of Ireland - at least their fans, after his side’s 2-0 win. “I must pay tribute to these fantastic fans, who even applauded our national anthem,” said Prandelli. The Italians had previously complained after some Croatia fans whistled during the Azzurri’s anthem.

Special invite Some 150 youngsters - many of them orphaned after the 1986 nuclear catastrophe at Chernobyl were special guests at Tuesday’s match between Sweden and France in Kiev. The children came from Belarus as well as Ukraine — both former Soviet republics were hit by the fallout from the explosion at the plant’s main reactor in western Ukraine. UEFA got together with NGOs from both states to organise the invitations.

Loew turns to English Germany coach Joachim Loew lapsed into English for a rare moment in a press conference ahead of Friday’s quarter-final against Greece when asked a provocative World War II-based question.

Loew lost his customary cool when asked “Did you think it would be a provocation to the Polish people to base the Germans here?” by a Dutch reporter and swiftly replied in English: “No, not for a minute, we are happy here”.

Scalpers pay the price Police in Donetsk have fined three Ukrainians and a Russian who tried to sell on 19 tickets for the match between Ukraine and England at vastly inflated prices, the Ukrainian interior ministry said, without revealing the size of the fines. Scalping is illegal in Ukraine.

Fan goes missing Police divers searched a river in northern Poland yesterday for a missing Irish soccer fan who disappeared while visiting the country to follow the European Championship.

James Nolan, 21, of Blessington, County Wicklow, was last seen early Sunday in the city of Bydgoszcz after watching games in fan zones and visiting local bars with a group of Irish friends, police said. His companions notified authorities when they realized Nolan didn’t return to their hotel and wasn’t answering calls.

GDANSK: Twenty two matches in and with the group-phase jostling almost complete Euro 2012 organisers can justifiably claim that it has more than lived up to its pre-tournament billing.

All the groups have been tightly-contested, there have been many enthralling matches and only been one real thrashing and as fans of Spain and Germany would testify, the fingernails have taken a battering. Things might not be quite as exciting in four years time, however, with UEFA going against the “if it’s not broken don’t fix it” mantra by swelling the tournament to 24 teams.

The decision, justified by UEFA president Michel Platini on Monday, may come back to haunt them. The beauty of Euro 2012, as it was at the tournament four years ago in Austria and Switzerland, is that every match has mattered with the outcome of groups still being on a knife-edge in stoppage time of the final games.

Both the pre-tournament favourites, Spain and Germany, survived to reach the quarter-finals, but they could just as easily been knocked out as final group games against Croatia and Denmark respectively went to the wire.

Others were not so lucky. Russia were knocked out despite a thrilling performance in their opening Group A demolition of the Czech Republic, a shock defeat by outsiders Greece sealing their fate.

Whether or not Spain go on to retain the trophy, fans at the tournament and the hundreds of millions watching on TV screens around the world, can be satisfied that it is the creme de la creme of the continent’s talent they are watching. Such was the quality of the four groups that there has been little room for error with even the top sides sweating on reaching the business end of the tournament. Best to enjoy it while it last, however.

France 2016 will no longer be such a lean tournament and some nations will arrive to make up the numbers.

An obsession with super-sizing threatens to turn the tournament form haute cuisine to junk food, with dead fixtures involving the likes of teams like Montenegro and Estonia, both of whom would have probably qualified for Euro 2012 had it been a 24-team competition. The tournament format has not been decided but it is likely there will be six groups of four, followed by a first

knockout round of 16 and it would take a monumentally poor effort by the fancied nations not to survive the groups.

The group phase will be a 36-match marathon at the end of which only eight teams will head home. In all 51 matches will be needed to decide the continental champions.

Platini defended the decision this week, suggesting that the European football had enough depth in quality.

“We can have eight more teams as good as the rest, and also have a fantastic round of 16,” he claimed. “It’s very important for the (additional) countries that qualify. It is good for the national associations and their development.”

However, as the World Cup has discovered, increasing the entries can devalue the very achievement of reaching the tournament. The World Cup was increased to 24 teams in 1982 with a dull format involving a second phase of group matches.

It 1986 it was streamlined to six groups of four followed by a last 16, the same format that was used in Italy in 1990, a tournament widely regarded as one of the worst World Cups ever with some mind-numbingly boring football on display.

Since 1998 the World Cup has become a 32-team monster but, as was clearly evident in South Africa four years ago, the matches end up blurring into a mass of mediocrity. So for pure excitement, Euro 2012 may represent a highwater mark for the game.

At this tournament, even Germany who began their third match with two wins under their belt, knew defeat in the third game against the Danes could have proved fatal.

Spain, Italy and England, who face Ukraine later on Tuesday haunted by the prospect of a defeat that would send them home, have also been on tenterhooks throughout.

In four years, by the start of the third round of group games, most teams will already have qualified for the last 16, leading to the prospect of weakened sides being fielded, conspiracy theories and blue riband games becoming meaningless like a match between Argentina and the Netherlands at the 2006 World Cup. Not only that but the qualifying process, long and ungainly as it is, will become a procession with average sides being rewarded with their place in the spotlight. — Reuters

Italy show mental strength, promise POZNAN: Italy revealed reserves of mental strength that may serve them well for the rest of Euro 2012 on Monday when they overcame a rugged Irish side and their own demons to claim a place in the quarter-finals.

Besieged by their media’s obsession with the so-called “biscotto” conspiracy theory and concerned at their goal-shy performances in draws with Spain and Croatia, they delivered all that was required with a solid, if not commanding, 2-0 win.

Goals in each half by Antonio Cassano and substitute Mario Balotelli, both from corners by the evergreen Andrea Pirlo, took Italy through to the last eight along with group winners Spain, but it was anything but an easy ride.

“It has been a very difficult match, we came up against a team that made us suffer,” said Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.

“Today, we knew that heart mattered more than quality. Tonight we created a lot,.. I hope it will be like this also in the next match.”

Given the Italian predilection for nervous anticipation, it was little surprise that they viewed meeting an Irish team managed by one of their own greatest coaches, Giovanni Trapattoni, without relish.

The sight of the Irish, eliminated and in carefree mood, wearing black armbands in memory of six Catholics who were killed by loyalists in the Loughinisland Atrocity on the same day in 1994 would have been worrying.

Memories of Ireland beating Italy 1-0 in a group game at the 1994 World Cup can only have intensified the sense of foreboding. Ireland had also enjoyed

good results in recent meetings with Italy, both in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup finals and in a friendly last year and went into the game without fear.

But Italy, galvanised by Prandelli, a former player under Trapattoni, now 73, at Juventus and a serious student of the Italian coach’s career, proved themselves capable not only of surviving a lively start by the Irish, but finding the cohesion to take control and fashion chances.

Having reverted to the 4-4-2 formation that served them well in the qualifiers, Italy were ready for Ireland’s aggressive approach, but needed goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to make key saves before Cassano’s 35th-minute header put them ahead and again in the closing stages before Balotelli cleverly volleyed the second.

Buffon also collected a rare yellow card during the second-half spell when Ireland pushed hard for some reward for their most enterprising performance at the tournament. After conceding bad early goals against both Croatia and Spain, they were resolute and delivered a far more convincing performance.

That was as expected by the Italians who, like their fans, seemed at times to be biting their nails as they played and waited for news from Gdansk where Spain finally overcame Croatia. Their euphoria on the field after the final whistle, when news arrived of Spain’s 1-0 win, was as much an expression of relief as celebration, but signalled that under Prandelli this team has built up a unity and sense of purpose that the ‘Trap’ himself would be proud of. — Reuters

KRAKOW: Italy striker Mario Balotelli (left) is applauded by his teammate defender Leonardo Bonucci during a training session at the Euro 2012 soccer championship. —AP

GDANSK: Spanish players celebrate the only goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group C match against Croatia. —AP

Rough night for Spain’s lords GDANSK: Lorded as the aristocrats of the beautiful game, Spain found themselves involved in a street fight against Croatia on Monday before reaching the Euro 2012 quarter-finals with a fortunate 1-0 victory on a nervy night.

When Jesus Navas finally broke the deadlock after 88 minutes the overriding emotion was relief rather than joy after the holders flirted with a defeat that would have sent them tumbling out of the tournament. On the positive side Spain proved the old adage that great teams can find a way to win when not playing at their best although as the minutes ticked away in the Group C clash they appeared caught between not losing and trying to win.

“We had a very tough game today and we got through it and the important thing even when you have a poor day is that you keep advancing in the tournament,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque told reporters. He then added a complaint not usually levelled at a Spain team who have not lost in their last l7 competitive matches.

“We didn’t have that many options going forward tonight. Our first touch let us down at times and that robbed us of speed and intensity,” said Del Bosque.

Croatia, who hardly got a kick in the opening 25 minutes, grew in stature and had several excellent chances after the break and a penalty claim when Sergio Busquets tugged at Vedran Corluka’s shirt as a cross arced towards the defender’s head.

Defeat was harsh on Slaven Bilic’s side who produced a highly-disciplined performance which disrupted Spain’s normal smooth passing patterns and ended with them employing three strikers as they sensed a chink in their opponents’ armour. They depart from the finals to start a new era with Bilic having already signed up to coach Lokomotiv Moscow.

“The game plan was to thwart Spain in the first half and have a go at them in the second,” he said.

“It worked. We did everything right

except score. We came here to go all the way and we failed because we lacked that tiny bit of luck that makes all the difference.” At times a nervous hush descended over the 38,794 fans inside the spectacular arena as the arithmetic of Group C was calculated over and over again. While Spain knew a draw was enough to take them through to the last eight, they would have surrendered top spot in the group to Italy but for substitute Navas’s late strike.

News of Italy leading against Ireland meant Croatia had to gamble, and they did, sending on Nikica Jelavic and Eduardo in the second half to join Mario Mandzukic up front. Impressive as they were in the 4-0 hammering of a hapless Ireland side, the group phase has not seen Spain at their best with a 1-1 draw against Italy to start with and then a stuttering performance against Croatia.

Tellingly, it was substitutes Cesc Fabregas and Navas who combined with Andres Iniesta to break Croatia’s resistance with Fernando Torres, who scored twice against Ireland, cutting a frustrated figure before being replaced on the hour.

Whoever the Spaniards play in the quarter-finals, whether it be France, England or co-hosts Ukraine from Group D, their opponents will take heart from Spain’s sometimes panicky display against Croatia. Final passes went astray more than normal, players appeared reluctant to shoot when in good positions and there was a worrying loss of concentration at times in defence.

Croatia will rue the moment just before the hour when the light-footed and quickthinking Luka Modric got clear down the right and produced an exquisite cross for the unmarked Ivan Ratikic to head goalwards only for goalkeeper Iker Casillas to somehow keep his effort out.

Nevertheless, despite a relative off-night, Spain remain on course to become the first team to retain their European title.

Should they go on to lift the trophy in Kiev they will no doubt reflect on how tough it was to get past Croatia. —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

SPORTS

19

Euro 2012 briefs

Are Portugal’s nearly men nearly there?

PARIS: Nearly men, bridesmaids, failurestake your pick. Despite a wealth of talent down the decades from Eusebio and Luis Figo to current pin-up Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal have repeatedly missed out on top honours since a first World Cup showing ended with a 1966 semi-final loss to England. Young talent has blossomed and withered ever since and never quite reached the summit. The Euro 2004 final was a case in point when, having finally reached a trophy match, the Seleccao ran into a Greek brick wall.

A pulsating 1984 semi-final loss to a Michel Platini-inspired France and a Euro 96 quarter-final loss to tomorrow’s same stage opponents Czech Republic had come and gone in between times.

The 1996 disappointment wrought by Karel Poborsky’s superb lob was palpable as the Portuguese were pinning great faith on the “Geracao de Ouro” (Golden Generation), an ultra-talented group who had lifted the FIFA Under20 World Cup in 1989 and again in 1991.

Further semi-final losses to the French in 2000 and at the 2006 World Cup only underscored the “nearly but not quite”

story of Portuguese football. Yet Paulo Bento’s side are now coming out of their shell-and most importantly, so is Ronaldo.

Much criticised in the media for not scoring in the opening 1-0 defeat to Germany or the exciting 3-2 win over Denmark, Ronaldo delivered his Real Madrid form with two clinical strikes to see off the deflated Dutch. Suddenly, optimism reigns back home.

“Ronaldo answers his critics,” trumpeted A Bola-although his teammates elected not to answer theirs after refusing to speak to the press afterwards.

“It’s senseless to keep banging on about whether players perform as well with their country as for their clubs. We have reached the quarter-finals for the way we played collectively,” stormed Bento. “Leave the players in peace,” he snapped. There are, of course, others who would bid for the “accolade” of football’s nearly men.

Were it not for an exception-provesthe-rule success at Euro 88, where they possessed a squad of truly exceptional talent, the Netherlands would have to be rated the biggest bridesmaids of them all.

To judge from several of the Oranje’s previous campaigns, including this one, there is little love lost between the squad on or off the pitch.

The Dutch have a reputation for feuding and Rafael Van der Vaart and KlaasJan Huntelaar both complained about being left out of the starting line-up, while Arjen Robben reacted petulantly to being withdrawn against Germany.

“Things happened in the squad but we’ll keep that between us,” Robben said pointedly. The Dutch have made an art form of flattering to deceive-witness their 1974, 1978 and 2010 World Cup final losses-and Euro 2012 was no exception.

Other under-achievers who reverted to type here were Sweden and Russia, both going home prematurely. The Swedes reached a home World Cup final in 1958 but could not see off a Peleinspired Brazil, then reached the Euro 92 semis but have still to win anything.

They laid bare England’s defensive weakness but their own were far more abundant as they leaked goals in the air to both Roy Hodgson’s men and Ukraine and did not live up to their strong historic

qualifying record. If the Portuguese still await a first trophy and the Dutch and Swedes have flopped again, spare a thought for the Russians. Majestic to begin with against the Czechs, who would ultimately advance instead, they then sank to the irrepressible Greeks, whose 2004 title win has the world’s under-achievers still scratching their heads. Having started off with a 4-1 group stage loss to eventual winners Spain- the reverse of the beating they handed out to the Czechs-the Russians reached the Euro 2008 semis, where they were beaten again by Spain.

Along the way they beat Sweden and Greece in the group stages and the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. But the fact remains that for all their team’s individual talent, Russian fans have had nothing to cheer since the old Soviet Union won the inaugural European Championship in 1960 — a year before Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space. So, it falls again to Portugal to shed the bridesmaid image. They surely have a chance just as long as they can avoid those Greeks.—AFP

Pitch, not politics Greece yesterday played down any wider political significance of their Euro 2012 quarter-final tie against Germany, insisting that they will be more concerned about their opponents on the pitch.

Giorgos Samaras and Kyriakos Papadopoulos echoed Germany’s Lars Bender by saying Greek disaffection at German attempts to impose harsh public sector cuts to curb spiralling debt had no part to play in Friday’s match in Gdansk, northern Poland. “We cannot entangle football and politics. It is bad to do that.

Football is a game and we will play to enjoy it because we like it,” Celtic forward Samaras told a news conference at the team’s base near the Polish capital, Warsaw.

Czechs look to stop Ronaldo

POLAND: Bruno Alves (right) and Cristiano Ronaldo go for a ball during a training session of Portugal at the Euro 2012 soccer championship.—AP

Bilic bids farewell to ‘fiery madness’ GDANSK: Slaven Bilic’s six-year reign as Croatia coach ended in frustrating fashion when a 1-0 defeat by holders Spain knocked the Balkan country out of Euro 2012 and left the charismatic coach wondering what might have been. But the 43-year old from Split, who is fluent in four languages, has a law degree and a rock band, will have few regrets knowing he brought the best out of his team, who often punched above their weight in major events. The tournament in Poland and Ukraine was no exception as Croatia were in contention for a quarter-final berth until the last few minutes of their absorbing clash with the European Champions, when a Jesus Navas goal sent them packing.

Croatia’s “fiery madness” — the team’s official Euro 2008 anthem composed by Bilic’s band which epitomised their passion on the pitch and at times the unruly behavior of their fans in 2012 - will now make way for daily work in club football.

Bilic will take over Russian top flight side Lokomotiv Moscow at the start of next season and, although he must be looking forward to a fresh challenge, coaching his country remains the most emotional endeavour of his career.

“I didn’t expect this to be my last game in charge because I thought we would get past the group stage with this phenomenal group who’ve shown great character and built a

fantastic atmopshere,” he told Croatian television.

“I want to congratulate the players for six years of impeccable work and behavior. “I will leave nothing in the tank either professionally or emotionally whatever I do next but I will never be as proud as I was while coaching my country, which is a rare privilege and especially so for a young coach like myself,” he said.

Croatia’s first eleven time and again showed the ability to stand their ground against the toughest opponents but lack of depth in the squad eventually dashed their hopes of at least emulating their Euro 2008 achievement of making the last eight.

Inspirational playmaker Luka Modric was subdued for much of the tournament and only showed occasional flashes of the brilliance he has shown for Tottenham Hotspur which has made him one of the most sought-after players in world football.

One such move, an audacious cross with the outside of his foot, presented Ivan Rakitic with the best chance of the game against world champions Spain but the winger directed his close-range header straight at Iker Cassilas.

The Croatians were swiftly punished at the other end with the clock ticking, and Italy’s 2-0 win over Ireland meant the Italians went through as runners-up with group winners Spain.

Croatia’s robust striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored three of their four goals at Euro 2012, needed a suitable strike partner to take some of the punishing workload off him. —Reuters

Croatia head coach Slaven Bilic

WARSAW: The Czech Republic will look tomorrow to put a halt to Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portuguese side’s growing momentum and book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

It will be the third meeting between the two sides in the last five championships, with each side having won one apiece-the most important belonging to the Czechs in the 1996 quarter-finals on their way to losing to Germany in the final.

Paulo Bento’s Portugal have have got where they are thanks to their team ethic amd after seeing Ronaldo finally click into gear in Sunday’s game against the hapless Dutch to score both goals in the 2-1 win. While he dedicated the brace to his son, also called Cristiano, on his second birthday, the 27year-old Real Madrid superstar adopted the same line as his team-mates.

That line is essentially that there is no cult of personality-hence no talk of Ronaldo as an individualwhich explains why the team circled the wagons in the face of what they saw as unjustified criticism and translated that into victory.

The Czech’s outstanding goalkeeper, Petr Cech, acknowledges the Portuguese are favourites and the team is made up of more than just Ronaldo. “They are among the world’s top 10 teams. It’s a team full of personalities and outstanding players and they play very well. Against the Netherlands on Sunday, they were excellent up front,” said the Chelsea number one.

“They also have enough experienced players. The team has matured and it’s really strong.” But Cech still said the only one his team-mates had to watch all the time because of his movement and unpredictability was Ronaldo, whose first goal against the Dutch saw him drift off the wing and break the offside trap perfectly through the middle.

“He has a powerful shot, he can shoot with his left or right, he can score from any place, he’s great at heading,” Cech said.

The Czechs’ much-maligned coach, Michal Bilek, believes the tough times they have endured together-both in qualifying and in their group after starting with a 4-1 hammering by Russia-has made them stronger and a match for any opponent.

“In those two-and-a-half years, we have always managed to overcome the critical moments-and there have been quite a few,” said the 47-year-old.

“We found ourselves under huge pressure all the time, the players always fought and beat the crises and in the hard games they showed huge moral strength,” he added.

Portugal, finalists in 2004 when Ronaldo was the baby of the team, have also showed spirit, having like the Czechs started with a defeat — 1-0 to Germany-but they should be favoured by virtue of coming through a tougher group.

Paulo Bento, who like Bilek has had his fair share of criticism, believes whilst the Czechs will not be the easiest of opposition, if his “unified team” carries on playing as they are then a place in the last four looks guaranteed.

“We qualified for the quarter-finals in brilliant fashion and thanks to great unity in these three games we have played. In terms of how we played as a team, I’m very proud,” said Bento, who turns 43 today.

“We’ve been loyal to our spirit and that’s what we’re proud of. We’ve always shown we have the capability of responding and that we don’t let up.

“We don’t claim to be favourites (against the Czech Republic) and it won’t be easy. We have to keep up our work and the quality that we have shown so far. Then maybe we can even reach the semi-finals.”—AFP

Arshavin risks axe Russia’s captain Andrei Arshavin faced calls to be dropped from the team yesterday after he dismissed disappointment over its early Euro 2012 exit as a problem for the fans rather than the players. The indiscreet exchange in an upscale hotel lobby that followed Russia’s traumatic loss Saturday to Greece may now cost the supporters’ darling not only his captaincy armband team but also the respect of legions of fans. “I believe that a player like that does not deserve to be on the team,” the Football Union of Russia honorary president Vyacheslav Koloskov told the Championat.com website. “Those who come out on the pitch should remember that they are playing for the whole country,” added Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko.

‘End of an era’ Ireland’s newspapers said yesterday the Irish football team’s third straight Euro 2012 defeat ended the misery but also called time on many of the players and the team’s tactics. Some papers also drew comparisons between the “humiliation” on the European football stage of Giovanni Trapattoni’s side and the republic’s bailed-out, battered economy. Their 2-0 defeat to Italy on Monday, with a last-minute goal by Mario Balotelli and a late sending-off for Ireland’s Keith Andrews, came after a 3-1 loss to Croatia and a 4-0 humbling by reigning champions Spain. “End of pain, end of an era,” said the Irish Examiner.

515 held in Poland Polish police have detained more than 500 people, including over 150 foreigners, since the start of Euro 2012, the government said yesterday. “There were a total of 515 individuals detained. The police were prepared for a much larger number,” Interior Minister Jacek Cichocki told a news conference in Warsaw. The 153 foreigners detained include 92 Russians, 16 Croats, 15 Irishmen, 11 Belarusians, five Latvians, three Romanians, two Spaniards, two Serbs, two Germans, one Indian, one Hungarian, one Australian, one Portuguese and one Dutch. In Ireland, Nolan’s parents were distraught with his father expecting a call from his son Sunday on Father’s Day after speaking to him the previous day.

“If there’s anything anybody can do, we’d really appreciate it,” Jimmy Nolan said during an interview Monday night on Irish state television RTE.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 2012

Czechs look to stop Ronaldo Page 19

DONETSK: English defender John Terry (right) clears the ball during the Euro 2012 football championships match against Ukraine.—AP

Lucky England scrape into q-finals

DONETSK: England scraped into the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 here yesterday after a goal-line refereeing blunder helped them to a 1-0 win over Ukraine which sent the co-hosts crashing out.

A 48th-minute header from returning talisman Wayne Rooney was enough to see England finish top of Group D and send them into a quarter-final in Kiev on Sunday against Italy.

However Ukraine-missing injured captain Andrei Shevchenko-were desperately unlucky not to have earned at least a draw after Marko Devic had a clear goal wrongly disallowed on 62 minutes. Devic had powered into the box and his looping shot had flown over keeper Joe Hart towards goal. John Terry launched himself into an acrobatic clearance to hook the ball away but despite furious Ukrainian appeals no goal was given.

Television replays, however, showed the ball had crossed the line by several inches but had incredibly been missed by the additional assistant referee stationed behind the goal.

It was a goal-line controversy that echoed Frank Lampard’s disallowed effort for England against Germany at the 2010 World Cup and is almost certain to hasten the introduction of goal-

line technology. FIFA is expected to approve the introduction of two systems which are currently being tested at a meeting after the European Championships.

England will head to their quarter-final meeting with Italy chastened by the knowledge that on another night they could have been heading home after being outplayed for much of the match.

England coach Roy Hodgson was proud of the way his players had battled to preserve their advantage and make it five games unbeaten since he took over. “It was a very good defensive and disciplined performance,” he said.

“We could have shown some more composure on the ball but we are a fledgling team and we can work on that part.” England captain Steven Gerrard was satisfied that they had achieved their target of topping the group.

“It was a difficult group and our aim was to win it. Its fantastic that we have done,” he said. “Wayne Rooney’s goal shows how important he is to the team. He adds something different and a cutting edge and can score goals from anywhere.”

England had ridden their luck in a one-sided

first-half which Ukraine dominated, carving out a string of promising openings only to be denied by either desperate defending or the goalkeeping of Joe Hart. Rooney’s long-awaited return to the starting line-up failed to galvanise the England attack as manager Roy Hodgson had hoped for, and the Manchester United striker looked hopelessly short of match-sharpness.

All too often Rooney’s first touch or timing let him down, a sure sign of the England talisman’s anxiety and general ring-rustiness.

That was best illustrated by the striker’s failure to convert a golden English chance on 28 minutes, with an unmarked Rooney mistiming his jump to glance a header from an Ashley Young cross wide.

Otherwise it was all Ukraine, who had started brightly with Denys Garmash letting fly as early as the sixth minute.

Scott Parker hurled himself into the path of a Devic shot on 12 minutes as England continued to struggle to get in the game.

Terry was pressed into action on 18 minutes when he blocked a shot from Yevgeny Konoplyanka with his shoulder as the Ukrainian onslaught continued. A Young mistake then let in

Oleg Gusev, who cut in from the right and shot over the bar.

A goal seemed to certain to come in the 30th minute when Artem Milevskiy released Yarmolenko into the area only for Hart to save well from close range.

Somehow England had managed to stay level at the break and then three minutes after the restart they got a goal that stunned the hosts.

Gerrard beat Yarmolenko down the right and sent a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. The ball took touches off two Ukrainian defenders before skidding through goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov to Rooney for the simplest of headers.

“It is nice to score in a major finals as its been a while,” he said. “Its nice to do it for the team as well as the lads were fantastic and defended really well.”

Ukraine fought back brilliantly, with Milevskiy heading just over the bar on the hour mark before the flashpoint involving Devic and Terry that ensured the headlines would be dominated by the goal-line technology debate.

Shevchenko’s arrival from the substitutes

bench on 70 minutes threatened a revival but there was to be no fairytale ending for the veteran striker as England hung on desperately.—AFP

STATISTICS Match statistics for England’s 1-0 win against Ukraine in their Euro 2012 Group D match at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk yesterday.

England Ukraine Goals scored 1 0 Total shots 9 16 Shots on target 5 5 Corners 6 10 Offsides 0 0 Fouls committed 13 12 Yellow cards 2 3 Red cards 0 0 Ball possession (percent) 42 58

France qualify but only after Swedish lesson Euro 2012 Group standings WARSAW: Collated Euro 2012 Group tables after yesterday’s final round of first round matches (Played, won, drawn, lost, for, against, points): Group A Results Poland 1, Greece 1; Russia 4, Czech Republic 1; Greece 1, Czech Republic 2; Poland 1, Russia 1; Greece 1, Russia 0; Czech Republic 1, Poland 0 Czech Republic 3 2 0 1 4 5 6 Greece 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 Russia 3 1 1 1 5 3 4 Poland 3 0 2 1 2 3 2 Group B Netherlands 0, Denmark 1; Germany 1, Portugal 0; Denmark 2, Portugal 3; Netherlands 1, Germany 2; Portugal 2, Netherlands 1; Denmark 1, Germany 2 Germany 3 3 0 0 5 2 9 Portugal 3 2 0 1 5 4 6 Denmark 3 1 0 2 4 5 3 Netherlands 3 0 0 3 2 5 0

Quarter finals line-up Match 1 - June 21 (at Warsaw): Czech Republic v Portugal Match 2 - June 22 (at Gdansk, Poland): Germany v Greece Match 3 - June 23 (at Donetsk, Ukraine): Spain v France Match 4 - June 24 (at Kiev): England v Italy

Group C Spain 1, Italy 1; Ireland 1, Croatia 3; Italy 1, Croatia 1; Spain 4, Ireland 0; Croatia 0, Spain 1; Italy 2, Ireland 0 Spain 3 2 1 0 6 1 7 Italy 3 1 2 0 4 2 5 Croatia 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 Ireland 3 0 0 3 1 9 0 Group D France 1, England 1; Ukraine 2, Sweden 1; Ukraine 0, France 2; Sweden 2, England 3; Sweden 2, France 0; England 1, Ukraine 0 England France Ukraine Sweden

3 3 3 3

2 1 1 1

1 1 0 0

0 1 2 2

Top two qualify for quarter-finals

5 3 2 5

3 3 4 5

7 4 3 3

KIEV: France qualified for the knockout stages of a major finals for the first time in six years here yesterday despite losing their final Euro 2012 Group D match 2-0 to already eliminated Sweden.

A brilliant bicycle kick by Sweden’s inspirational captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 54th minute gave them the lead with the outstanding Sebastian Larsson adding a second in the final minute of normal time. It handed the Swedes not only their first points of the group stage but also their first win over France in almost 43 years dating back to October 1969.

The French, who also saw their 23-match unbeaten run ended, progress in second place in the group after England beat co-hosts Ukraine 1-0 in the other game to finish top.

France — who last reached the knockout stages of a major finals in the 2006 World Cup — will play champions Spain in the last eight. “We came upon a team that was far stronger than us,” admitted midfielder Yann M’Vila.

“We are going to play Spain, the world and defending champions. “It is up to us to show another side to our game and to prove that we can go far in this competition.” The Swedes should have gone ahead in the eighth minute as Ola Toivonen - who had replaced the injured Johan Elmander up front - was played onside and with only Hugo Lloris to beat. However, although he rounded the goalkeeper he found the angle too tight and his shot hit the post.

The French pressed from the start of the second-half with Karim Benzema finding some space and curling the ball just past the far post.

However, instead of sparking the French into some urgency it prompted the Swedes into their

best period of play with Lloris pulling off one fine save in the 53rd minute.

A minute later he was unable to do anything about Ibrahimovic’s stunning bicycle kick from Larsson’s superb cross-Ibrahimovic in typical celebratory style standing stock still and raising his hands pointing a finger of each hand at the sky.

France were wilting in the heat of the night and would have been 2-0 down minutes later but Olof Mellberg’s header was tipped over the bar in extremis by Lloris. Another of the Swedish veterans Christian Wilhelmsson - like Mellberg expected to retire from international football after this match - then went close himself but his shot too was turned away for a corner.

The French were defending with increasing desperation and it was no surprise that central defender Philippe Mexes picked up a booking for an overly physical challenge that rules him out of the quarter-final.

The Swedes pace slowed, though, and France began to have the lions share of possession which almsot bore fruit when M’Vila - who had earned his first start of the tournament having recovered from an ankle injury - switched neatly from his left to right foot and fired a fierce shot just wide of the target. Blanc decided to send on Jeremy Menez, one of the goal scorers from the 2-0 win over Ukraine, and it almost paid off as he managed to break free in the box but his effort was bundled away for a corner. Fellow substitute Oliver Giroud should have done better from the corner as he rose unmarked but his header went over the bar and instead it was to be the Swedes who deservedly wrapped up victory through Larsson.—AFP

KIEV: Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores by France’s Philippe Mexes during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group D match against France.—AP

STATISTICS Match statistics for Sweden’s 2-0 win against France in their Euro 2012 Group D match at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev yesterday.

Sweden Goals scored 2 Total shots 12 Shots on target 7 Corners 2 Offsides 6 Fouls committed 17 Yellow cards 2 Red cards 0 Ball possession (percent)43

France 0 24 10 8 1 14 1 0 57

US housing starts fall in May, permits up sharply Page 23

Brent off 17-month low, euro concerns linger Page 24

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

German economic morale dive is sharpest since 1998 Page 25

Al Watany Bank of Egypt posts 19% profits growth PAGE 22

LOS CABOS, Mexico: Heads of the G20 leading economies pose for a family photo at the convention center in Los Cabos, Mexico yesterday.— AFP

China, emerging powers pump up IMF firewall Growth the watchword as G20 leaders lean on Europe LOS CABOS, Mexico: Led by China, emerging economies pledged huge sums to the International Monetary Fund’s global firewall yesterday, helping it raise $456 billion in resources as the euro-zone crisis rages. In a clear statement of their new force in the world economy, rising economic powers brought some $95.5 billion in new money to the table for the IMF during the G20 summit in Mexico, pushing it beyond its $430 billion target.

But the money also came with a warning that things had to change at the Fund, long dominated by the now troubled economic powers of Europe and the United States, which itself has not contributed to the firewall. In an announcement late Monday, the IMF said China was offering $43 billion, Brazil, Russia, India and Mexico $10 billion each, $5 billion from Turkey, and smaller sums from a handful of other up-andcoming economies.

IMF managing director Christine Lagarde said that 12 more countries offered money to the fund during the Group of 20 meeting in the Mexican resort of Los Cabos, bringing the total number of donors to 37.

The contributions show “the broad commitment of the membership to ensure the IMF has access to adequate resources to carry out its mandate in the interests of global financial stability,” she said. “Countries large and small have rallied to our call for action, and more may join. I salute them and their commitment to multilateralism,” she added.

The announcement brought an end to the mystery of how much the powerful BRICS countries-Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africawould provide.

They held back two months ago when the IMF solicited commitments at its spring meetings in Washington and only gathered a firm $340 billion. That was well below the $500 billion the Fund’s own economists had said would

be an adequate expansion of its crisis intervention funding, given the potential of more contagion in the troubled euro-zone.

China’s contribution was the most keenly awaited. The world’s second largest economy has the largest pile of foreign reserves, $3.2 trillion. Its contribution fell below only Japan’s $60 billion and German’s $54.7 billion, but was ahead of France and all other donors.

The largest economy, the United States, on the other hand is not contributing, despite its huge voting power on the IMF board.

While Washington has insisted Europe has enough resources to resolve its problems itself, it is also clear that the deeply divided Congress is in no mood, given the US economic problems, to contribute rescue funds for others. The contributions from the BRICS came with warnings that they want to see changes at the IMF, where their voting power is a fraction of their power in the global economy, and that the money should not be reserved for Europe.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the world’s major economies embarked on the final day of the G20 summit yesterday determined to kickstart growth and pull the euro-zone back from the brink of disaster.

European members were under extraordinary pressure from their international counterparts to loosen the straitjacket of their austerity programs and to allow the European Central Bank to open the lending floodgates. Beyond the summit conference center in the Mexican resort of Los Cabos, bond markets jacked up rates on Spanish and Italian debt amid self-fulfilling fears that the debt crisis that sank Greece was spreading once again.

Germany’s Angela Merkel remains the driving force behind the euro-zone’s austere determination to privilege deficit busting over stimulus spending, although US officials say her position is softening. “Discussion here has been balanced:

we need the right mix of consolidation and growth stimulus at the same time,” Merkel told reporters yesterday, saying the previous night’s showpiece dinner had been a “very frank and honest exchange.”

A draft version of the G20 final statement, which was to be finalized and published by the leaders yesterday, suggested that a formulation would be found that would commit the leaders to a pro-growth agenda. “All G20 members will take the necessary actions to strengthen global growth and restore confidence,” it said, vowing that euro-zone members would safeguard the stability of the single currency in the face of volatile markets. The version seen by AFP allowed no hint that Merkel or her allies might crumble and allow the ECB to pump out cash or to pool German debt with that of the weaker euro-zone members in order to create low-interest eurobonds.

But it opened up the possibility of more lending and spending if the European economy continues to struggle.

“Should economic conditions deteriorate significantly further, those countries with sufficient fiscal space stand ready to coordinate and implement discretionary fiscal actions to support domestic demand,” the draft reads. There was also an indication that Merkel was coming round to the idea of a more integrated EU banking system that would allow joint supervision and a unified system to pay back depositors in any failing institutions.

“We support the intention to consider concrete steps towards a more integrated financial architecture, encompassing banking supervision, resolution and recapitalization, and deposit insurance,” the draft statement said. “Markets expect that we work together more closely,” Merkel told reporters yesterday morning, without specifically mentioning unifying the banking system. —Agencies

Greek bailout terms up for talks: EU official BRUSSELS: Greece and its international lenders will renegotiate the program on which its second financial bailout is based because circumstances have changed, a senior euro-zone official said yesterday. Greece secured a second, 130 billion euro ($164 billion) bailout package in February from Europe and the International Monetary Fund, but an inconclusive general election in May and a return to the ballot box last Sunday delayed the implementation of the conditions attached to the bailout. Greek parties are currently in talks to create a coalition government with a mandate to renegotiate the terms of the bailout, which has staved off national bankruptcy, but at the cost of deeply unpopular austerity measures.

The United States, the largest IMF member, said it supported discussions to review the Greek bailout program, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that loosening Greece’s reform promises would be unacceptable.

“Anybody who would say that we need not, and cannot renegotiate the MoU (memo of understanding) is delusional, because he, or she, would be under the understanding that the whole program, the whole process, has remained completely on track ever since the weeks before the Greek first election,” the official said. “Because the economic

situation has changed, the situation of tax receipts has changed, the rhythm of implementation of the milestones has changed, the rhythm of privatization has changed, if we were not to change the MoU, it does not work,” he said.

“We would be signing off on an illusion. So we have to sit down with our Greek colleagues and say: this is where we should be in July, and this is where we are in July, and there is a delta. Let’s find out what the delta is and then how to deal with the delta - that is a new MoU,” the official said.

The official said representatives of the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank and the European Commission will come to Greece as soon as there is a new government to review the implementation of the program so far and prepare for negotiations.

“It is no secret, quite logical in fact, that due to the time passed without a functioning government in place that can take the required decisions, because of this, there have been significant delays,” the official said. “The conclusion is that they have to engage in discussions on the memorandum of understanding and bring it back onto an even keel,” he said. The troika will report its findings to euro-zone finance ministers who will decide how to move forward, and troika officials will then

negotiate with Greece. “Once we have reached a satisfactory conclusion, a new MoU will be signed that will contain, as usual, the required milestones to be undertaken and disbursement scheduled, contingent on the successful conclusion of a review,” the official said.

Any review of the terms of the bailout would still retain the main goals of the program, debt sustainability and reforms, the official said. But he played down paying too much attention to precise numbers forecast far into the future.

“One of the main issues is that debt sustainability is achieved and maintained. There is sometimes a belief that there is a magic figure of 120 percent of GDP,” the official said.

“Anybody who can forecast the debt to GDP ratio of a country in a very, very volatile and challenging economic environment in 2020 is probably cleverer than all of us together,” he said.

“Debt sustainability is one of the two big targets. There are quite clear views in the Eurogroup on the fact that debt sustainability 4-8 years out cannot be compromised,” he said. “That is one big target. The second big target is ... structural reforms in Greece by the Greek authorities, which are a necessary condition for bringing Greece on a growth track,” he said. —Reuters

Kuwait stocks fall on political woes MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS KUWAIT: Kuwait’s benchmark gave back earlier gains and ended 0.06 percent lower, edging back towards Thursday’s four-month low.

Market sentiment was volatile after His Highness the Amir suspended the parliament on Monday, the latest twist in an escalating row between cabinet and lawmakers which threatens to draw in senior ministers and stall economic growth in the major oil producer.

Earlier, Kuwait’s market sentiment was lifted, helping boost the index.

Investors had taken this as a signal that ministers can move ahead with economic plans.

“When the parliament goes down, the market goes up in Kuwait,” said a Kuwaitbased analyst who asked not to be identified. “ The parliament is seen as an impairment to development work.”

The sentiment-driven move was short-lived however, as no real progress is expected on a $130 billion development plan, which many hope will boost the country’s economy.

“The development plan has no funds allocated this year. We won’t see any progress on that,” the analyst added. The parliament was suspended on Monday, the latest twist in an escalating row between cabinet and lawmakers which threatens to draw in senior ministers and stall economic growth in the major oil producer.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s benchmark sank to a five-month low yesterday as the country descends further into political confusion while Gulf markets were mixed in lackluster trade.

Cairo’s index lost 4.2 percent, its lowest close since Jan. 24.

Egypt’s passage from revolution to democracy remains in limbo after the Muslim Brotherhood claimed victory in a presidential election while the generals who took over from Hosni Mubarak decreed it was they who would keep power for now. The Brotherhood’s claim has been disputed by its rival.

Washington, long the Egyptian military’s financial sponsor, issued a sharp rebuke to the generals, with the Pentagon saying it was “deeply concerned” and urging the army to hand over “full power” to civilians - but it made no mention of US action if it did not.

“Ever yone is completely worried about the election. It looks like the Muslim Brotherhood candidate is going to win,” said Amr Reda of Pharos Securities. “Plus we have other problems, with the military council, the parliament

and the constitution.”

“We are also hearing that the Muslim Brotherhood is going to go out to protest,” he said.

The index has lost 17.8 percent since May 24, when it became clear that two of the country’s most divisive politicians had won in the first round in the presidential election.

Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s market recovered intra-day declines and the index closed 0.1 percent higher, trimming its June losses to 2.2 percent.

Trading volumes have dipped as investors adopt a cautious approach amid negative global cues. The main TASI benchmark is up 6.2 percent yearto-date, having lost much of the earlyyear gains which took the index to a three-and-a-half year high in April. The market performance is exacerbated by lower volumes typical of the summer lull.

In the UAE, markets edged to a higher close but trading volumes in Dubai slumped to their lowest since May 27 as risk appetite dampened. Dubai’s index finished 0.4 percent higher, up for a third session in five. Abu Dhabi’s benchmark rose 0.3 percent, extending year-to-date gains to 2.7 percent.

Caution on a global front ahead of two debt auctions in Spain and worries over the dragged-out euro-zone debt crisis are spilling over to hit Gulf investor sentiment.

“I would say increase cash and buy selectively, while preparing to increase risk at the first signs of improvement,” said a Dubai-based fund manager who asked not to be identified.

UAE and Qatar’s markets are under review for an MSCI upgrade to emerging market status, with results expected on June 21. Investors are skeptical a reclassification will occur, but the UAE’s chances are higher than Qatar’s, judging

by MSCI criteria, analysts said.

“Hopes of a price recovery are hinged upon earnings, and the way the UAE economy is moving, it looks like earnings will continue to improve in 2012,” said Sleiman Aboulhosn, assistant fund manager at Al Masah Capital. “ The MSCI upgrade is definitely a potential catalyst, but I don’t see it happening any time soon.”

Doha’s measure rose 0.5 percent, closing higher for the second session since Sunday’s eight-month low. Trading volumes were meagre with only 1.96 million shares exchanging hands, not far from the near one-year low hit on Monday. — Reuters

22

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

BUSINESS

Al Watany Bank of Egypt posts 19% profits growth

Dealing with a new boss Bayt.com weekly report When you work for a certain period of time with the same company and the same people, your relationship with your colleagues and boss develops and becomes less rigid. You might never consider being put in a situation where you will have to see your boss leave and welcome their successor because you expect it to happen the other way round; so you start worrying you will never have such a good working relationship with your new boss no matter how flexible they might turn out to be. Experts at Bayt.com, The Middle East’s #1 Job site, offer you advice on how to best deal with such a situation.

Acknowledge your feelings The feelings of insecurity you get are absolutely normal. Your boss left, yes; but do you need to ruin your career because of that? No. We all dread change; but then again, change is a fact we should accept, for it not to defeat us.

l

Be Open Do not stress too much on the fact that you are dealing with a new boss.

While it is true that seeing your former boss leave makes you feel insecure especially if you had a good relationship with them, remember that when you first joined the company you had the same feelings about your boss who you ended up getting along with really well. Be open and flexible to this new happening, it might be to your benefit.

l

Put yourself in their shoes While you have the advantage having to cope with a single new hire, your new boss will have to deal with a new job, in a new company, and also, their own boss. They will meet just about everyone else in the company.

l

KUWAIT: Al Watany Bank of Egypt (AWB), the subsidiary National Bank of Kuwait Group (NBK) in Egypt, reported net profits of EGP 75.1 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared with EGP 63 million for the same period in 2011, an increase of 19.2% year-onyear.

As of end of March 2012, AWB’s total assets reached EGP 17.8 billion, up 8% year-on-year. ROA increased to 1.69% compared with 1.54% at the end of March 2011, and ROE increased to 18.74% from 14.13%.

Yasser Hassan, AWB Managing Director, said that AWB has once again proved its ability to post strong

Don’t judge First impressions are very important indeed, but prejudice can start you off on the wrong foot and you wouldn’t want this to happen, at least not at work and certainly not with your new boss.

l

Be professional It is essential for you to act professionally. Always start like you mean to continue. You and your boss would both want to build a strong relationship based on trust, respect, and professionalism. Being new in the company, your boss might need your assistance and support at the beginning regardless of them being your manager. Make yourself available and offer your help whenever needed without bragging about knowing your way in the company.

l

AWB Managing Director Yasser Hassan

Dollar shortage, tax hikes hurt Sudan telecoms

Adapt Give yourself some time to adapt.

Change is never easy. Get to know your boss better, introduce yourself over a cup of coffee or lunch, talk about your academic and professional background and ask them about theirs. Let them know what you do exactly and any projects you will be working on jointly. Break the ice and give yourself a chance to like them.

l

UAE feels no pressure to issue bonds: Minister ABU DHABI: The government of the United Arab Emirates will further discuss its plan to introduce a law allowing public debt issues at the federal level, and it feels no pressure to issue bonds despite a budget deficit, Obaid Humaid Al-Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said yesterday.

“The law is still under discussion within the government. We are not under pressure to issue any bonds,” Tayer told Reuters in a brief interview. “We are in no need to finance anything. We will be able to bridge the (budget) gap with our own resources.” Tayer did not say when he expected the long-awaited debt law to be signed, but added that discussions were likely to resume after the summer period. The UAE’s top advisory council passed the public debt bill in December 2010, aiming to establish a local debt market in the world’s No 3 oil exporter.

The legislation is still awaiting cabinet approval and the presidential signature which it needs to become law. A senior finance ministry official said in February that he expected the UAE’s first-ever federal sovereign bond issue to be around $1 billion, and that it would take place

profits despite the unfavorable and challenging local and regional situation. AWB’s resilient performance for the first quarter of 2012 reflects the bank’s strength and solid financial position.

“AWB has been one of the fastest growing banks in Egypt over the past few years and is moving forward with its strategy to strengthen its position in the Egyptian market,” added Hassan.

AWB, a member of NBK Group, was established in 1980 and has a branch network comprised of 41 branches situated at strategic locations within the various Egyptian governorates and cities, including Cairo.

after the public debt bill was approved.

Federal government bonds would be issued at intervals to help finance infrastructure projects.

The ministry has gradually shifted expectations for the timing of its bond issuance. In June 2011, Tayer told Reuters the UAE might issue its first federal bond toward the end of 2012, with the debt bill then expected to be signed in the summer of 2011. The UAE’s central bank governor said in the same month that the UAE, rated Aa2 by Moody’s, needed to double efforts to create a local market for government and corporate bonds as it lacked sufficient government debt instruments. Some of the UAE’s seven individual emirates have already sold government debt, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, whose state-linked firms also borrow.

The federal budget, which makes up 11 percent of overall government spending in the UAE, ended in an estimated deficit of 2.9 billion dirhams ($790 million) in 2011, the first gap in seven years, a report by the International Monetary Fund, based on government data, showed earlier in June. — Reuters

DUBAI: Sudan’s foreign currency shortage and a huge variation in official and de facto exchange rates are delaying equipment purchases and payments by telecoms operators, hitting a key industry for the struggling economy, executives told Reuters.

Higher taxes and mounting competition are also posing challenges for the African country’s three major telecoms players as they battle to tap the potential of a relatively underpenetrated market.

Sudan lost three-quarters of its oil output when South Sudan became independent in July, ending its main source of state revenue and foreign currency.

That made the telecoms sector even more critical to the wider economy and it now accounts for about 12 percent of gross domestic product, according to No.1 operator Zain Sudan, a unit of Kuwait’s Zain.

Yet operators are struggling to buy hard currency from the government. “The availability of foreign currency is a big issue for telecoms companies because we depend on imported services and equipment,” Zain Sudan chief executive Elfatih Erwa told Reuters.

He said Zain had sometimes delayed payments to foreign suppliers, but these were still delivering on schedule. Ericsson and Huawei are Zain’s main suppliers. State-owned Sudatel has faced similar problems.

“It (the equipment) is mainly from Asia,” said Mohamed Nasir, Sudatel director for corporate sales. “There are limitations in the use and transfer of US dollars. We are talking about Chinese companies like Huawei mainly. It (deliveries) can be delayed - if something took one month (before), it may take two months now.”

The dollar shortage is an indicator of the mounting pressure on the Sudanese pound.

Last month, the government allowed licensed dealers to trade the pound at a devalued rate of about 5 to the dollar. This compares with the official rate of 2.7, while there are two other exchange rates - the black market rate of around 5.4 and the commercial bank rate, which is about 4.9.

“We don’t work in the black market, we deal with banks and they charge us a premium,” said Erwa. “It’s a little bit lower than the parallel (black) market price. The official price is still the same as before.” Zain Sudan’s 2011 local currency earnings rose 9 percent, but these fell 5 percent in dollar terms and its parent firm has been blocked by Sudanese law from repatriating earnings to Kuwait for several years.

These woes, along with mounting competition between Zain Sudan, Sudatel and MTN

Sudan, a unit of South Africa’s MTN , have taken away some of the sector’s lustre, with Zain Sudan’s average revenue per user (ARPU) falling by half between 2008 and 2011 to $8.

Higher taxes are adding to the burden. In December, Sudan raised sales taxes on telecoms companies to 30 percent from 20 percent and a profit tax to 30 percent from 15 percent.

Yet the market retains huge potential should Sudan and South Sudan’s economic woes ease.

Mobile penetration in Sudan is 67 percent, according to analysts Wireless Intelligence.

This compares Northern Africa’s 96 percent, while South Sudan penetration is just 18 percent, one of the lowest globally.

ARPU is also higher than the Northern Africa mean of $6.47 - Sudan’s is $6.90 and South Sudan’s is $10.49. South Sudan has five mobile operators - Zain, Sudatel and MTN, plus two local firms. — Reuters

India’s BPCL starts rupee payments for Iran oil NEW DELHI: India’s Bharat Petroleum Corp has made its first payment for Iranian oil in rupees, two industry sources said yesterday, becoming the first refiner to use a payment channel that skirts tightening Western sanctions on Iran’s trade. India is Iran’s secondlargest oil buyer, but has struggled to find ways to pay for the oil as Western sanctions curb international financial payments destined for Tehran’s coffers. Since December 2010, refiners in India have been using Turkey’s Halkbank to pay their annual oil import bill of more than $10 billion, after a previous payment channel was blocked.

Tehran and New Delhi agreed in January to settle 45 percent of the oil trade in rupees to ensure payments continue should any problem arise with the Halkbank agreement, and also as a way to encourage more exports from India to Iran that could be settled in rupees.

“BPCL made (its) first payment on Friday and the second on Saturday. It has settled a backlog of 27 billion rupees for last fiscal year’s imports,” said one of the source familiar with the development. The figure is equivalent to $482.19 million. BPCL, unlike other refiners, could not open an account with Halkbank to pay for oil imports to the National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC). BPCL last received oil from Iran in January.

The rupee is not freely traded so Iran’s ability to use the currency to buy anything other than Indian products is limited. India last week lifted a hefty tax on the rupee payments, a move refiners had awaited before starting to make payments into the account. A second source confirmed the payment in rupees but RK Singh, chairman of the refiner, and its finance head, S.

Vardrajan, did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.

Other Indian refiners are expected to start using the new payment facility either later this week or early next week. Indian refiners are expected to cut volumes under the term deals by more than 20 percent in the year that began in April, according to Reuters’ calculations, while the government says imports could drop by 11 percent from 2011/12 figures to about 310,000 bpd.

India’s oil ministry has requested the finance ministry to allow state-run refiners to lift crude from Iran on a CIF, or cost, insurance and freight basis.

India has already won a waiver from tough US new sanctions in lieu of cutting imports from Iran. Iran plans to use the rupees received by Indian refiners to pay for imports from India. With BPCL paying Iran in rupees, Indian exporters hope to boost their sales to Tehran, which has cut imports from the West due to the sanctions.

India is also keen to prop up sales to Iran of an array of products, from food and engineering goods, as its exports to the Islamic nation are worth only about $2.7 billion, while its oil imports from Tehran are more than $10 billion a year.

One official of an Indian engineering goods manufacturer said officials of an Iranian bank had notified him the rupee mechanism for trade with the Middle Eastern country was working.

“Parsian Bank has informed us that rupee mechanism is working fine and we have got a confirmation that we will get payment against one of our letters of credit on the 20th or 21st of June,” said Pankaj Bansal, a partner in TMA International. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2730000 .4360000 .3500000 .2910000 .2710000 .2810000 .0040000 .0020000 .0757830 .7383320 .3830000 .0710000 .7238020 .0040000 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2791500 GB Pound/KD .4360000 Euro .3500000 Swiss francs .2910000 Canadian dollars .2710000 Danish Kroner .0473530 Swedish Kroner .0398250 Australian dlr .2810000 Hong Kong dlr .0359770 Singapore dlr .2201670 Japanese yen .0035330 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0760320 Bahraini dinars .7407460 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0744600 Omani riyals .7253480 Philippine Peso .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Malaysian Ringgit

3.553 5.072 3.053 2.141 3.173 220.090 36.173 3.425 6.439 8.876 89.338

.2825500 .4460000 .3590000 .3020000 .2810000 .2870000 .0070000 .0035000 .0765450 .7457530 .4010000 .0770000 .7310770 .0072000 .0500000 .2812500 .4460000 .3590000 .3020000 .2810000 .0477090 .0401250 .2870000 .0362470 .2218230 .0035660 .0050490 .0021310 .0030070 .0034510 .0766040 .7463180 .3978080 .0750200 .7308040 .0067010

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 74.883 77.158 729.380 745.850 76.464

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 48.250 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.466 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.309 Tunisian Dinar 176.65 Jordanian Dinar 396.190 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.884 Syrian Lier 4.899 Morocco Dirham 32.64 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 280.700 Euro 354.52 Sterling Pound 441.820 Canadian dollar 274.79 Turkish lire 152.400 Swiss Franc 295.01 US Dollar Buying 279.500 GOLD 293.000 148.000 75.250

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria

48.300 727.440 3.120 6.820 77.470 74.770 222.360 36.170 2.668 443.600 41.200 299.900 4.300 9.240 198.263 76.360 280.400 1.350

10 Tola

GOLD 1,705.990

Sterling Pound US Dollar

727.260 2.982 6.653 77.040 74.770 222.360 36.170 2.123 441.600 298.400 4.300 9.100 76.260 280.000

COUNTRY

Currency

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 441.600 280.000

SELL CASH

SELL DRAFT

286.800 744.780 3.660 277.900 550.000 45.700 48.800 167.800 47.990 359.500 36.790 5.200 0.032 0.160 0.235 3.640 396.670 0.189 91.580 44.400 4.310 225.700 1.814

285.300 744.780 3.428 276.400

222.400 46.322 358.600 36.640 5.045 0.030

SELL DRAFT

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

283.26 277.39 298.34 355.83 280.25 438.67 3.61 3.428 5.027 2.127 3.155 2.978 76.37 746.22 46.37 399.27 729.38 77.39 74.94

SELL CASH

283.00 277.00 295.00 356.00 281.50 438.00 3.65 3.550 5.200 2.400 3.700 3.200 77.00 746.00 47.75 397.50 732.50 77.75 75.25

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 396.830 0.188 91.580 3.180 224.200

Rate for Transfer

Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar

279.950 277.640 440.240 355.905 296.405 741.150

UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

76.195 76.840 74.615 394.070 46.344 2.121 5.056 2.978 3.421 6.639 686.710 4.530 8.960 5.895 3.245 88.340

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY

Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

280.000 2.973 5.050 2.130 3.419 6.685 76.340 74.825 744.400 46.290 445.200 2.990 1.550 361.900 279.900 3.190

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

280.600 357.500 442.750 276.700 3.595 5.039 46.410 2.126 3.417 6.625 2.978 746.300 76.300 74.850

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

BUSINESS

Banker urges UAE CB to cut reserve requirements DUBAI: A top commercial banker in the United Arab Emirates has urged the central bank to cut some of its reserve requirements sharply in order to spur corporate lending.

“What we are asking for now is to provide greater liquidity and release reserve funds...which the banks can use,” Abdul Aziz Al-Ghurair, chief executive of Mashreq bank, was quoted by Monday’s Al Bayan newspaper as saying. Mashreq confirmed his comments to Reuters. Ghurair suggested cash reserve requirements imposed by the central bank on banks’ current accounts be slashed to just 1 percent from 14 percent to free more funds for lending. Reserve requirements for time deposits are already at that level.

The banker, who also chairs the Emirates Banks Association and the

Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, the governing body of Dubai’s offshore financial district, said this would provide the banking sector with additional liquidity of up to 20 billion dirhams ($5.5 billion).

Analysts said the central bank was unlikely to agree to any cut in reserve requirements for the foreseeable future, particularly since the existing amount of funds in the banking system seemed ample. Ghurair himself said there were 268 billion dirhams worth of liquidity looking for lending opportunities in the UAE at the end of 2011. “Right now, the liquidity in the banking sector is better than it used to be. So I would not expect them to change the reserve requirement at this par ticular time,” said Giyas Gokkent, chief economist at National

Bank of Abu Dhabi.

“They did not do it at the height of the crisis in the last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.”

In late March, central bank governor Sultan Nasser Al-Suweidi, asked by reporters about the possibility of shifts in monetary policy, said current policy was good and that he was happy with growth in bank lending. “Bank lending is going at a reasonable rate...under the circumstances,” he said. Banks’ provisions against bad loans rose to a record high of 59.1 billion dirhams in March, up 27 percent from a year ago, and the International Monetary Fund has predicted the asset quality of UAE banks will deteriorate in 2012.

In response to such risks, the central bank has introduced new caps on

loans to local governments and their entities, and Suweidi has called on banks to manage real estate-related risks better. So any policy that might encourage indiscriminate lending appears unlikely.

However, bank lending growth in the UAE, the second largest Arab economy, has stayed in the low single digits since Dubai’s 2009 corporate debt crisis, even though the real economy has recovered smartly since then.

Lending growth was just 2.5 percent year-on-year in March, a three-month high.

Disappointment with the extended period of sluggish loan expansion, which is constraining many banks’ profit growth, may have prompted Ghurair’s comments. Mashreq’s net profit increased just 2 percent from a

year earlier to 271 million dirhams in the first quarter of this year.

Although the three-month UAE interbank offered rate , which banks use to borrow money from each other, is historically low at 1.53 percent - well below levels above 2.0 percent in early 2011 - it is more expensive than rates faced by some Gulf banks in nearby economies. The three-month Saudi Arabian rate is at 0.93 percent.

And despite the overall looseness of the UAE’s money market, individual banks have to pay significantly different rates to secure funds; those paying the most might benefit from a cut in reserve requirements. Mashreq quoted a 2.07 percent rate for threemonth money on Tuesday, compared to rates below 1.5 percent for some other UAE banks. — Reuters

US housing starts fall in May, permits up sharply Nascent recovery on track

WASHINGTON: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Acting Chairman Martin Gruenberg (left) and Federal Reserve System Board of Governors General Counsel Scott Alvarez prepare to testify before the House Financial Services Committee on Capitol Hill yesterday in Washington, DC. — AFP

ENOC to expand Jebel Ali refinery capacity DUBAI: Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), owned by the Dubai government, plans to increase capacity at its Jebel Ali refinery by 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 140,000 bpd, the company said yesterday.

“The company is in the process of undertaking a refinery debottlenecking project which will increase its refining capacity to 140,000 bbls/day,” ENOC said in a statement. The so-called debottlenecking process involves capacity improvements that improve flow. It did not give further details about the refinery project. Jebel Ali port is Dubai’s main shipping hub, both for general cargo and for oil product shipments. Fuel retailer ENOC is among the biggest oil storage owners at Jebel Ali, with its 1.2 million cubic meters of storage capacity. ENOC is

also in the process of building a second jet fuel pipeline to Dubai International Airport from Jebel Ali terminal, it said yesterday. Its wholly-owned unit, Horizon Terminals, signed a $100 million sharia-compliant loan to partly fund the construction of a terminal to supply jet fuel to the airport. Emirates NBD, Noor Islamic Bank and Standard Chartered provided the 10-year loan which is made up of a dollar and dirham tranche, ENOC said.

A 60-kilometre pipeline will link the airport with a bulk liquid petroleum terminal at the Jebel Ali Free Zone industrial park. The storage tanks for the terminal have a capacity of 141,000 cubic metres.

It will be the second jet fuel pipeline to link the industrial area with Dubai’s airport, the statement added. — Reuters

New Air NZ CEO sees Asia, US growth WELLINGTON: Air New Zealand’s new chief says the carrier’s focus on passenger comfort makes him optimistic about growing revenue on international routes to Asia and North America despite the gloomy global economic outlook.

The airline announced yesterday that Christopher Luxon will take over as chief executive in December, when current CEO Rob Fyfe retires. Luxon, a New Zealander, is former president and chief executive of Unilever ’s Canadian business. He joined the airline in May 2011 and has been managing its international arm.

“We’re bullish about the whole of the Pacific rim,” Luxon said in an interview with The Associated Press. “We think there’s the potential for lots of growth.”

Air New Zealand is among the smaller international carriers, ranked 36th in size globally by the International Air Transpor t Association. But Luxon, 41, said it’s the airline’s attention to detail including fitting out aircraft to maximize passenger comfort and serving quality meals and fine wines - that makes it popular with passengers. It introduced the “cuddle class” concept for economy cabins by adapting a three-seat configuration to extend into a sleeping platform for two adults and is selling the design to other airlines.

Airline review site Skytrax ranks Air New Zealand four stars out of a possible five for product and service. It named it the best airline in Australia and the Pacific in 2010 and 2011.

Majority owned by the govern-

ment, the carrier earlier this year announced plans to reduce its staff of 11,500 by about 440 after recording a 71 percent plunge in half-year profit.

The airline blamed a weak global economy and the high cost of jet fuel for the result. Still, the airline has weathered the economic downturn better than many rival carriers, including Australia’s Qantas Airways Ltd., which recently announced large losses on its international business. IATA estimates the global aviation industry will make a total profit this year of $3 billion, down sharply from last year, and warns that the forecast profit will evaporate if the global economy continues to deteriorate.

Luxon said Air New Zealand’s Asian growth opportunities center around Hong Kong, mainland China and Japan. “We’re quite ambitious about our plans to grow China,” he said.

“Japan’s a very important market, too, and is starting to recover.”

Luxon said the company is looking to increase the frequency of existing routes to North America and is considering adding new destinations, although he wouldn’t specify which cities he’s considering.

Key to the company’s growth are plans to add 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes on Asian routes, Luxon said. Air New Zealand is one of the first customers for the muchdelayed plane, which promises greater fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline is due to take delivery of its first Dreamliner in mid2014. “For sure we’ve been frustrated,” with the delays, Luxon said, “But we remain big believers.” — AP

WASHINGTON: US housing starts fell in May from a 3-1/2 year high although permits to build new homes rose sharply, suggesting a nascent housing recovery remains on track.

The Commerce Department said yesterday that groundbreaking on new homes dropped 4.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 708,000 units. The reading, which is prone to significant revisions, was below the median forecast in a Reuters poll of a 720,000-unit rate.

Revisions to data from prior months were more upbeat.

April’s starts were revised up to a 744,000-unit pace from a previously reported 717,000 unit rate.

That was the highest reading since October 2008.

America’s weak housing market has dragged on growth in the economy for the last six years, but signs of insipient recovery have led many economists to predict a reversal in that trend this year.

New permits for building homes jumped 7.9 percent to a 780,000-unit pace. That was the highest since September 2008 and well above analysts’ forecasts.

“Several aspects of the report paints a somewhat brighter picture than the headline suggests,” said Peter Newland, an economist at Barclays in New York.

Recent data has suggested the US economy is losing steam, which has raised expectations the Federal Reserve could ease monetar y policy as soon as

CHESTER: A construction worker carries a load of wood to a new home as they frame the house in Chester, Virginia. US builders started work on more single-family homes in May and requested the most permits to build homes and apartments in three and a half years. —AP November. US stock index 3.2 percent in May. This segment Wednesday, when it concludes a two-day policy review. Hiring has futures edged higher as investor accounts for most of the market. slowed every month since hopes for central bank stimulus Starts for multi-family homes, February, while manufacturing measures rose after tepid German which is one of the Commerce Department report’s more economic data. output contracted last month.

The US housing market has volatile readings, fell 21.3 perEurope’s debt crisis and planned belt-tightening by the shown some signs of life after col- cent.

Sentiment among home US government loom heavily lapsing six years ago although it over the economy. A downturn remains hobbled by a glut of builders touched a five-year high would imperil President Barack unsold homes. Groundbreaking in June, a survey showed on for single-family homes increased Monday. — Reuters Obama’s hopes of reelection in

World stocks mixed amid Fed hopes, Europe worry

MOSCOW: World markets were mixed yesterday as investors hoped the Federal Reserve would signal new stimulus measures.

But concern over Greece’s ability to form a stable government and Spain’s rising borrowing rates kept investors on edge.

By the afternoon, Britain’s FTSE

100 was up 1.3 percent to 5,561.75 and Germany ’s DAX added 0.9 percent to 6,306.76.

France’s CAC-40 rose 0.6 percent to 3,086.23.

US futures opened higher ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting which is expected chart a course for the US economy. Dow

HONG KONG: A man walks past an advertisement for a worldwide funds investment service in Hong Kong yesterday. Asian stock markets were mostly lower yesterday, as relief from Greece’s election results evaporated amid worries that the financial crisis in the 17 nations that use the euro was far from over. —AP

Jones industrial futures rose 0.6 percent to 12,815 while S&P 500 futures were 0.1 higher at 1,344. It was unclear whether the Fed would take any new action when its two-day meeting ends today.

Many expect the central bank to extend a program in which it sells short-term bonds to buy longterm ones. The Fed could also launch a new round of bond buying aimed at lowering mortgage rates, although the impact of such a move on markets was unclear. Analysts said that, overall, the Fed was likely to provide some form of support to market confidence as the US economy continues to struggle and Europe’s debt crisis rages on. A weekend electoral victory by Greek conservatives, who favor upholding an austerity program that their country entered into for an international bailout, only temporarily relaxed fears of a chaotic exit by Greece from the euro. The next crucial question for the country, which is expected to form a government this week, will be whether it can ease some of its austerity terms. Several European officials have said it’s necessary but Germany has so far opposed such a move.

Besides Greece, the focus was also on Spain, whose borrowing costs surged this week above the 7 percent level that had forced other European countries to seek international help. The rate reflects what return investors are willing to accept when a country auctions its bonds.

Yesterday, interest rates on short-term Spanish debt soared past 5 percent in an auction that raised 3.39 billion euros ($4.28 billion). Worries about Spain’s ability to repay its debt grew last

week, when the country agreed to accept a euro-zone loan of up to ?100 billion to shore up its ailing banks, which are sitting on massive amounts of soured real estate investments.

The higher bond rate, however, was largely as expected, helping Madrid’s IBEX 35 index to rise 1.8 percent, in line with the broader market. Investors were eyeing the Group of 20 summit of world leaders in Mexico for signs they would boost economic growth or find solutions to the European crisis.

Analysts at Credit Agricole warned that market patience with Europe’s troubled economies was running out and that any “G-20 statements or commitments to boost IMF resources will do little to ease tensions.” The International Monetary Fund said Monday that it raised $456 billion to fight the financial crisis after emerging economies such as China, Brazil and Russia pledged to expand their funding of IMF funds.

Earlier, Asian stocks mostly closed lower. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.8 percent to 8,655.87 while Australia’s S&P/ASX 500 lost 0.3 percent. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 0.3 percent.

Benchmarks in mainland China and Taiwan fell.

Benchmark oil for July delivery added 77 cents to $84.04 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

The contract fell 76 cents to finish at $83.27 per barrel.

In currencies, the euro rose to 1.2648 from $1.2580 late Monday in New York. The dollar fell to 78.89 yen from 79.13 yen. Pamela Sampson contributed to this report from Bangkok. —AP

24

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

business

Greek vote eases pressure on Cyprus bailout NICOSIA: Cyprus said yesterday the pro-euro ballot outcome in Greece has eased pressure on the island’s embattled economy as the clock ticks down on a recapitalization of the Greek Cypriot banking system. The outcome of Sunday ’s elec tion in Greece has lifted much of the “pressure and anxiety” surrounding the euro-zone and the predicament of the Cyprus economy, said Finance Minister Vasos Shiarly. “The result of the election has opened a road that before was uncertain and closed. We and the rest of Europe can go forward in a calmer manner, where we can see the light at the end of tunnel,” Shiarly told reporters.

The government is already committed to underwriting a 1.8 billion euro ($2.3 billion) capital issue for the island’s worst exposed institutionMarfin Popular Bank-to recapitalize against the Greek debt crisis.

Speculation has been rife that Nicosia is negotiating a 4-5 billion euro loan from Russia to avoid having to ask Brussels for a bailout, but Shiarly said everything was still in the mix.

“We are not restricted to one country. The issue remains open, the issue is being discussed,” said the minister.

But he added it was not “correct or appropriate” to name the third countries involved or reveal the sum being sought. “ We are optimistic that we can secure funding needed to recapitalize the bank either through a bilateral

agreement or from Europe via the EFSF (European Financial Stability Facility).”

Popular Bank has until June 30 to prove it has the required capital buffers against the worsening of the euro crisis stipulated by the European Banking Authority. “ Time is of the essence. We are counting down the hours. There are 278 hours in which we have to arrange an agreement to recapitalize the banks,” said the finance minister. He said no application has been made for an EU bailout.

But it was time for people to stop “demonizing” the support mechanism as something that was bad for Cyprus, Shiarly said. “It’s there to help member states with financing nothing more.”

Cyprus-a close ally of Greece-was sweating on the Greek ballot as a negative outcome could have jeopardized it own Greek exposed banking system and ushered it towards an EU bailout.

After a vote watched with trepidation around the world, pro-bailout parties won enough seats to ease fears that Greece would leave the euro-zone, with unforeseen consequences for debt-wracked euro member Cyprus. Cyprus has not ruled out an EU bailout, but it may instead seek a loan from either Russia or a combination of both. It has already secured a 2.5 billion euro low-interest loan from Russia to cover its refinancing needs for this year. — AFP

Brent off 17-month low, euro concerns linger Market focus switches back to Spain

LONDON: Brent crude fell to a near 17 month low below $95 a barrel yesterday, hit by the latest twist in the euro-zone crisis, but steadied because Spain managed to sell debt, even though its costs soared to their highest since 1997.

Oil fell along with the single currency and equities after a comment from a German constitutional court that said that Angela Merkel’s government had not consulted parliament sufficiently about the configuration of Europe’s permanent bailout scheme, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

The subsequent bounce in oil prices, however, was capped by more signs that the euro-zone economy was likely to remain subdued, keeping oil demand weak in the region.Brent crude futures briefly slipped to $94.44 a barrel, the lowest since January 2011. It trimmed the earlier losses and trading 63 cents lower at $95.43 by 1000 GMT. US crude was 19 cents lower at $83.08 a barrel.

Brokers said a further fall in Brent prices might be likely now that the important $95 mark has been broken. “Stop loss liquidation of some long positions was triggered when Brent broke $95.00, compounded by pervading gloominess towards the euro-zone,” said Mark Thomas, head of Energy Europe at brokerage Marex Spectron.

Spain’s short-term borrowing costs soared as investors worried the country, the euro zone’s fourth largest economy, will soon be forced to ask for international aid. The euro and European shares slipped after the German ZEW economic sentiment index dropped sharply on concerns about Spanish bank woes and Greek political instability.

Investors also will watch out for fresh trading cues from the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting

and the China flash manufacturing PMI from HSBC this week. Six world powers and Iran resume talks in Moscow for a final day yesterday after making no breakthrough on their first day of talks on Monday on how to end a decade-long dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program which risks sparking a new Middle East war.

Even though an EU ban on Iranian crude imports will take effect on July 1, the oil market has shown some signs of oversupply. The August Brent crude contract price fell below the

September contract, suggesting ample supply in the immediate market. That is despite the planned maintenance work at the UK’s Buzzard oilfield in the third quarter and OPEC’s comment last week.

OPEC will reduce output to adhere to its 30 million barrel per day production ceiling and the effects should be seen in July, OPEC SecretaryGeneral Abdullah Al-Badri said last week. The Buzzard oilfield feeds into Forties crude, which is one of the four North Sea crude oil streams used to price about two thirds of world’s oil.— Reuters

Air Canada makes its first biofuel flight MONTREAL: Air Canada’s first-ever flight using biofuels headed from Toronto to Mexico City yesterday in an effort to showcase the aviation industry’s global commitment to greener transportation.

An Airbus 319 used recycled cooking oil and jet fuel for the journey, which the aircraft maker says could cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 40 percent. “Today’s flight with Air Canada proves that the aviation industry is in a strong position to reduce emissions,” said Fabrice Bregier, president and CEO of Airbus.

The flight is part of an environmental initiative by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to coincide with Rio+20, a United Nations sustainable development con-

ference in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. “To make this a day-to-day commercial reality, it now requires political will to foster incentives to scale up the use of sustainable biofuels and accelerate modernization of the air traffic management system,” Bregier said. “We need a clear endorsement by governments and all aviation stakeholders to venture beyond today’s limitations.” The Air Canada flight was part of a series of flights taking ICAO head Raymond Benjamin to the Rio+20 summit that sought to demonstrate cleaner, more environmentally-friendly ways of traveling. Before taking off in Toronto, Benjamin boarded a Porter Airlines flight in Montreal that used a combination of biofuels and traditional jet fuel.—AFP

SCHIPHOL: Officials stand near the airplane of the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which is ready for take-off for the first biofuel-powered transatlantic flight at Schiphol Airport, yesterday.

The flight will go to Rio de Janeiro, during the UN’s June 20-22 Rio Summit on sustainable development. — AFP

Japan asset firm chief held in pension scandal TOKYO: Japanese police yesterday arrested the head of an asset management company at the centre of a scandal that saw the loss of almost $1.4 billion in pension fund money.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police said it held Kazuhiko Asakawa, 60, president of AIJ Investment Advisers, and three of his associates on suspicion of swindling 7.0 billion yen from two retirement funds.

But the firm’s total losses are said to top 109.0 billion yen ($1.38 billion). The three men and a woman “conspired to defraud cash in the name of pension fund management” and lied in June and July 2011 by saying the retirement assets had steadily risen in value when, in reality, they had tumbled, a police spokesman said. Earlier yes-

terday, authorities reportedly raided the company’s Tokyo headquarters while questioning Asakawa, who has publicly admitted that he inflated investment returns but denied that he tried to deceive clients.

“I didn’t want to use inflated figures for the pensions fund, but (I did because) I did not want to come back with losses, no matter what,” he told a parliamentary panel investigating the matter earlier this year.

“I was confident of recouping the losses.”

AIJ’s operations were suspended in February in a scandal that has rocked Japan where a rapidly ageing population is increasingly looking to private pension funds to help them through their retirement. The revelations came after a massive

loss cover-up scandal at camera and medical equipment maker Olympus last year, which badly damaged Japan’s corporate governance image. The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission has said AIJ, which managed 145 billion yen in retirement funds, lost at least 109.0 billion yen in an alleged fraud that reportedly affects more than 880,000 policy holders.

In March, the watchdog raided AIJ’s headquarters after company officials said they could not account for much of the pension money that it managed. Earlier reports have said AIJ boasted it was posting annual returns of up to 240 percent in a market where many investment funds were struggling to keep their heads above water. — AFP

Malaysia revises Islamic investment guidelines SYDNEY: Malaysia’s securities commission is revising its guidelines for equities which qualify for Islamic investment, in a move that could increase the appeal of the country’s sharia-compliant funds industry to Gulf investors. Under the previous standards, investment was banned or restricted in companies that were involved in industries deemed to be unethical, such as gambling, alcohol and tobacco.

These restrictions are now being made more stringent, so that a lower level of exposure to those industries is unacceptable for Islamic investment, according to a statement by the securities commission on Monday. The revised guidelines also include two new financial standards which filter out excessively cash-rich and debt-ridden companies, in order to limit exposure to interest payments and pure monetary speculation, which are unacceptable in Islam.

Enhancing the “robustness” and “competitiveness” of Malaysia’s fund

management industry at the domestic and international levels was a motive behind the revisions, the commission said in a statement. The new guidelines will come into effect in November, and Islamic fund managers will then have six months to comply with them.

The attractiveness of Malaysia’s sharia-compliant funds to investors from the Gulf has been limited by the fact that Malaysian standards have been less strict than those advocated by many Islamic scholars in centres such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The new Malaysian guidelines should help solve this problem, fund managers said.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Monem Salam, president of investment firm Saturna Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, told Reuters, adding that the move would help harmonize industry practices across the globe.

Malaysia’s methodology is still less strict than the Gulf’s, but the inclusion of too many standards could

hurt equity portfolios, so the regulator opted for a moderate approach, he said. In practice, Islamic fund managers have additional standards of their own on top of the ones dictated by the securities commission, which will cushion the impact of the revision. Salam said it was now up to regulators in the Gulf to respond to Malaysia’s initiative in a way that would encourage cross-border investment. “ The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries should take note and meet them halfway.” As of April 30 there were 165 Islamic mutual funds with assets of 29.9 billion ringgit ($9.5 billion) in Malaysia, out of a total of 595 mutual funds of all descriptions, according to securities commission data. The securities commission’s move follows the launch last month of an Islamic interbank facility by the Malaysian central bank, an innovation seen as making the country’s money markets more appealing to Gulf-based Islamic banks. — Reuters

25

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

business

Fed meets as many await help for economy WASHINGTON: The Federal Reserve is meeting this week at a time of high alert - over the slumping US economy, the aftermath of the Greek elections and the shaky financial markets.

Whether that means it will announce any new action when its two-day meeting ends late yesterday isn’t certain. But many analysts think the struggles of the US economy and the threats from Europe will compel the Fed to say or unveil something to try to boost confidence.

A major issue is Europe’s debt crisis.

Do Fed officials think the Greek election results will help steady Europe’s economy because Greece now seems likely to remain in the euro currency union? Or do they worry that Europe’s crisis remains unresolved and could tip the global economy into recession?

Those concerns have flared just as US employers have reduced hiring. US retail sales and manufacturing output have weakened. The housing market is still far from healthy. Investors are edgy.

Many economists say that if the Fed announces any new step this week, the most likely would be to extend a program called Operation Twist, which is set to expire in two weeks. Under Operation Twist, the Fed sells shorterterm securities and buys longer-term bonds. The goal is to further reduce long-term interest rates to encourage borrowing and spending. Some ana-

lysts think the Fed’s policymakers might want to further assess the economic landscape before intervening. But even if the Fed decides against unveiling any new steps this week, it’s expected to at least make clear it’s willing to do more.

“I think Fed officials will send a pretty decisive signal that they are prepared to provide more support to boost economic growth and lower unemployment,” said Brian Bethune, economics professor at Gordon College in Massachusetts.

If the Fed does unveil new action today, it might take a bolder step than Operation Twist. It might decide to expand its portfolio of securities through a third round of long-term bond purchases. If it did so, some analysts think the Fed would decide to buy mortgage securities as well as Treasury bonds to try to lower record-low mortgage rates even further to help revive the housing market.

Bethune thinks the Fed will wait until its next meeting at the end of July and that it will announce a third round of bond buying then. Delaying action now would give Chairman Ben Bernanke more time to build support within the Fed. A less dramatic step would be for the Fed to extend the target date when it expects to begin raising short-term rates beyond its timetable of late-2014.

Yet it’s unclear whether any Fed

action would help the economy much.

Long-term US interest rates have already touched record lows.

Businesses and consumers who aren’t borrowing now might not be moved to do so if rates slipped a bit more. And Republican opponents of President Barack Obama would be critical of a Fed move less than five months before U.S. elections because it could be perceived as helping Obama win re-election.

Any new action would be announced in a statement the Fed will issue after its meeting. Later Wednesday afternoon, it will publish updated economic forecasts, and Bernanke will hold his quarterly news conference. One reason many analysts think the Fed may announce new action this week is that inflation is low.

A gauge of US consumer prices fell in May by the most in nearly four years.

When price increases slow, Fed officials generally become less concerned that super-low interest rates might ignite inflation.

Others caution that a step such as Operation Twist might offer little benefit, and not only because rates are already at historic lows. The Fed is running out of short-term Treasurys to swap for longer-term bonds. Still, some analysts, like Diane Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial, expect the Fed to announce an extension of

Operation Twist for several more months. The program has been in place since September.

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. — AP Extending Operation Twist could represent a compromise between Fed officials who favor expanding the Fed’s portfolio through a third round of bond buying and those who say it’s done enough and that further action could feed high inflation later. Four members of the policy committee - Vice Chairman Janet Yellen, Atlanta regional bank president Dennis Lockhart, San Francisco regional bank president John Williams and Chicago regional bank president Charles Evans - signaled earli-

er this month that they’d consider backing further Fed action.

Other committee members - such as Dallas regional bank president Richard Fisher and Jeffrey Lacker, head of the Richmond Fed - have raised concerns about inflation. Complicating matters, the Fed will have two new members joining the debate at this week’s meeting. Their views on interest-rate policies aren’t known. The two - Jeremy Stein, a Harvard economics professor, and Jerome Powell, a former private equity executive - won Senate confirmation in May. Their arrival brings the sevenmember board to full strength for the first time in six years.

Many investors favor another round of bond buying because they think it might lift the stock market as more investors shift money out of low-yielding bonds into stocks.

They were disappointed by a recent congressional appearance by Bernanke, who sent no clear signal of the Fed’s next move.

The Fed chief spoke after the government issued a dismal jobs report for May. Bernanke said Fed officials need to see whether the economy can expand enough in coming months to accelerate hiring. In light of his comments, some economists say that unless the Fed thinks that turbulence in Europe compels it to act now, it may announce no action this week. — AP

German economic morale dive is sharpest since 1998 Worries about Spanish banking haunt: Survey

HONG KONG: An elderly woman walks past a luxury shop in Hong Kong yesterday. The wealth gap in Hong Kong, already one of the world’s widest, is worsening as the rich get richer and the poor struggle to make ends meet, official figures show. — AFP

Hong Kong’s inequality Widens: Official figures HONG KONG: The wealth gap in Hong Kong, already one of the world’s widest, is worsening as the rich get richer and the poor struggle to make ends meet, official figures show.

Income distribution measured by the Gini Co-efficient, where inequality is indexed on a scale of zero to one, climbed from 0.525 to 0.537 over the decade to the end of 2011, according to the latest figures from the statistics bureau.

A Gini figure of zero indicates perfect equality, while 1.0 would be a society in which one person had all the wealth.

Hong Kong’s result is around the same as Thailand and ranks among the highest in Asia, worse than mainland China, Singapore and Vietnam.

“There is a layer of people, maybe about a fifth of the population, where it is extremely difficult to expect them to do better economically,” said former lawmaker Christine Loh, head of the independent Civic Exchange think-tank.

“Our level of public assistance has been kept extremely low for far too long,” she added, referring to neglect of low-skilled workers, the sick and the elderly.

Outgoing leader Donald Tsang, who is

leaving office at the end of June, identified the wealth gap as one of the issues of “greatest public concern” but has been criticized for paying lip service to the needs of the poor. Incoming Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has pledged to tackle the city’s soaring property prices and reinstate a poverty commission to come up with concrete policies to help the underprivileged.

“This isn’t just a question of wealth gap or income gap. I am more concerned about the absolute income and the living conditions of the lower strata of society,” he told reporters yesterday. Hong Kong is known as Asia’s centre for banking, finance and duty-free shopping.

Its free-wheeling economy posted growth of five percent last year thanks in part to an influx of wealthy mainland Chinese visitors. The government said that when taxes and benefits were taken into account, the Gini Co-efficient was unchanged over the past five years, while the figure for “economically active households” actually fell from 0.436 to 0.430.

It said policies such as the introduction of a statutory minimum wage last year helped to mitigate the “rising trend in income disparity in Hong Kong”. — AFP

French businesses fear ‘systematic strangling’ PARIS: France’s new Socialist government risks smothering businesses under new taxes and regulation, the head of the employers association said yesterday as figures showed company morale plummeting to crisis levels.

Bracing for a less business-friendly government, Medef President Laurence Parisot said employers’ concerns were falling on deaf ears in the government as they faced what she described as unprecedented uncertainty due to Europe’s debt crisis.

She warned margins were tumbling, orders collapsing and cashflow dwindling as investment and hiring were put off or cancelled outright in the face of the uncertain economic outlook.

“We’ve had many meetings with the staff in ministries to explain what’s happening, but we are becoming deeply distressed. We fear a systematic strangling,” Parisot told a news conference.

The government of President Francois Hollande, who was elected last month on pledges to fight unemployment and revive growth, is preparing to hike taxes

on large companies and make firing workers more costly for employers to discourage layoffs.

Other measures include a special tax on banks and energy companies, an increase in levies on capital gains as well as new rules to force firms to sell profitable businesses rather than shut them down when they are no longer wanted.

Les Echos business newspaper reported yesterday that Hollande’s government was also planning a new 3 percent tax on dividends aimed at encouraging companies to invest profits rather than make payouts to shareholders.

“The first source of financing for companies’ projects comes from private investors. Increasing tax on dividends runs the risk that private investors either invest less or elsewhere,” Parisot said.

Her warnings came as data from the official INSEE statistics agency showed that business confidence fell in June to the lowest level since late 2009, when the economy was just beginning to emerge from its worst post-war recession. — Reuters

MANNHEIM, Germany: German analyst and investor morale sank in June at its fastest rate since October 1998 on worries about the health of the Spanish banking sector and uncertainty over the Greek election outcome, a survey showed yesterday.

The Mannheim-based ZEW economic think tank’s monthly poll of economic sentiment fell to -16.9, weaker than any of the 42 forecasts in a Reuters poll and adding to signs that Germany, whose wealth is central to generating growth and financing bailouts in the euro zone, is beginning to feel the bloc’s pain.

The figure plunged from 10.8 in May and came in way below the central forecast of a drop to 4.0.

“It has really come as a surprise to me that it is such a huge decline,” ZEW economist Michael Schroeder said. “This is not just monthly fluctuation, this is really too big a change to be interpreted as that.”Schroeder added that falling exports and slowing growth in Europe and Asia had contributed to the decline.

The euro slid against the dollar and European stocks also dropped after the much weaker-than-expected survey. “The financial market experts’ expectations are a strong warning against a too-optimistic assessment of Germany’s economic perspectives in the remainder of this year,” said ZEW President Wolfgang Franz.

“The risks of a pronounced decline in economic activity in countries with close trade ties to Germany are very clear,” Franz added, describing the situation in the euro-zone as “precarious.” But ZEW’s Schroeder said he did not expect Germany to fall into recession, although he said the country would experience slow growth and pointed to the negative outlook for the next half year, especially

in the banking and insurance sectors.

“You can’t exactly translate a negative figure in expectations into negative growth,” he said. The German economy grew a morethan-expected 0.5 percent in the first quarter but recent data from Germany has been disappointing, with data earlier this month showing that German imports tumbled at their fastest rate in two years in April and exports fell more than expected.

But some economists said there was still hope on the horizon. “Towards the end of the year, we expect Germany’s economy to grow again and help drag the rest of the euro-zone

out of recession,” said Christian Schulz of Berenberg Bank.

The ZEW index was based on a survey of 274 analysts and investors conducted between May 29 and June 18. Around 30 of the results were collected after Greeks gave pro-bailout parties a narrow majority in Sunday’s election but these were only slightly better than responses collected before Greece went to the polls, Schroeder said.

He added that the number of survey participants who expect the ECB to slash interest rates in the next half year had risen but they were still in the minority. — Reuters

DUISBERG: Sheep rest in front of furnaces in Duisburg, Germany. A closely-watched survey shows German investor confidence plummeted this month over increasing concerns about the economies of Spain, Greece and other countries in the euro- zone. -The ZEW institute reported yesterday. — AP

Unexpected UK inflation drop fuels stimulus hopes LONDON: Consumer price inflation in Britain eased to 2.8 percent in May, an improvement which caught the market by surprise and raised expectations that the Bank of England will provide more stimulus to the economy within weeks.

A 3.1 percent drop in the price for motor fuel, as well as a slower increase in the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks, was the key driver in pushing the year-on-year rate down from 3 percent in April, the Office for National Statistics said yesterday.

It is the first time that the benchmark rate has been below 3 percent since December 2009, though it is still above the official target of 2 percent. The market consensus was that the inflation rate would be unchanged in May. The consumer price inflation rate has fallen sharply since peaking at 5.2 percent in September as the economy has dropped back into a mild recession, following consecutive quarters of negative growth in the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of 2012.

The drop in inflation will add to expectations that the Bank of England will sanction a new round of monetary stimulus.

High inflation had in the past prevented it from doing so, as stimulus measures tend to boost consumer prices, while the central bank is tasked with keeping inflation close to 2 percent. The Bank of England has pumped 325 billion pounds ($509 billion) into the economy since March 2009 through quantitative easing, the purchases of high-quality assets including government securities from banks.

Bank of England Governor Mervyn King said last week that “the case for a further monetary easing is growing.” — AP

RBS job losses hit 36,000 following latest cull LONDON: State-backed lender Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is making more than 600 staff redundant as a result of legislation due to come into force at the end of the year, bringing total staff reductions at the bank since its 2008 bailout to around 36,000.

RBS, 82 percent owned by the government, said the jobs would go as a result of new UK rules requiring retail financial products such as savings and investment vehicles to be sold by more highly qualified staff and charged a fee. “As a response to this we will be reducing the number of roles by 618 across the UK and creating 351 new roles,” an RBS spokesman said yesterday.

“Having to cut jobs is the most diffi-

cult part of our work to rebuild RBS and repay taxpayers for their support. We continue to make efficiencies across our business to deliver greater value to our customers and shareholders,” the spokesman added.

RBS has cut more than 35,000 jobs since Chief Executive Stephen Hester was brought in to turn the bank around when it was bailed out in 2008. The Unite union said it would oppose compulsory job losses. “These latest Royal Bank of Scotland job losses are brutal.

600 staff, who for some time have faced job uncertainty as the bank reviewed their jobs, have today heard the worst possible news,” said Unite national officer David Fleming. — Reuters

Nigeria inflation eases in May, rates seen on hold ABUJA: Nigeria’s consumer inflation eased slightly to 12.7 percent year-onyear in May, from 12.9 percent in April, data showed yesterday, adding to expectations the central bank will keep interest rates on hold in the near term.

Nigeria’s central bank wants consumer inflation in single-digits but has accepted that the headline figure is likely to peak at around 14 percent later this year.

The regulator last month kept its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 percent for the fourth meeting running,

citing the need to balance inflationary concerns with slowing economic growth.

“Given the slowdown in real GDP growth, and the weakness in monetary aggregates, Nigerian interest rates are likely comfortably on hold for the rest of the year,” Razia Khan, Head of Africa Research at Standard Chartered, said in reaction to the inflation figures.

Food inflation rose sharply to 12.9 percent year-on-year in May, from 11.2 percent the previous month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report said yesterday. — Reuters

26

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

BUSINESS

Al-Mazya laid foundation for new phase of growth in 2011: Al-Nafisi General assembly meeting approves board decision KUWAIT: Al-Mazaya Holding held its regular general assembly meeting for 2011 at Clover Centre at Al-Mazaya Tower in Jabriyah, yesterday morning with a presence rate of 78.5%. The meeting was opened by Rashid Yaqoub AlNafisi, Chairman of Al-Mazaya Holding in presence of Eng Naif Al-Awadi, CEO of the company, representative of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, (Deloitte) representative of Audit firm, boards members Fahed AlIbrahim, Vice Chairman, Abdul Aziz Al-Lougani, Mohammed AlAtiqi and Mohammed Al Othman, in addition to executive directors of the company and a number shareholders, investors, and media representatives.

Al-Nafisi opened the meeting saying that 2011 was a year of

ers, alike, and were agreed on by all parties.

Al-Nafisi presented all the items on the agenda of the general assembly and heard the report of the board of directors for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2011, which was approved by the assembly. The auditor report, the balance sheet and final accounts for the fiscal year ended 31 December were also approved during the meeting.

The assembly approved impairment accumulated losses of KD 58105,339 through premium. The assembly approved, also, a proposal submitted by the Board of Directors to not distribute any dividends for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2011, the waiver of the board members’

Financial statements Al-Nafisi added that the company’s total assets amounted to KD 261.7 million, while equity attributable to shareholders amounted to KD 81.6 million and bank debts reached KD 53.97 million, which represents only 21% of total company assets and 62% of total shareholders’ equity.

He said Al-Mazaya did everything possible to maintain its relative stability throughout 2011, adding that operational revenues reached KD 87.7 million, other revenues were KD 520 thousand and the total revenues amounted KD 88.2 million.

He stated that neither the company’s financial results nor its share value reveals its true performance, or its ability to develop and progress.

laying foundations for a new phase of achievements the company is looking forward to in the coming years, particularly following the settlement of payment with owners and investors, including those whose payments had been defaulted or delayed.

This step has helped to bring into play a number of deals and amendments which serve the interests of the company and investors.

He added that Al-Mazaya managed to settle contracts worth $50 million with investors during 2011, negotiated other contracts worth $60 million, and reached solutions that protected the rights of investors and sharehold-

remuneration for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2011, and the renewal of the mandate authorizing the Board of Directors to sell and buy up to 10% of the company’s shares in accordance with Act No. 132 of 1986 and Executive Decree No. 15 of 1987 issued by the Minister of Trade and Industry, allowing the company to deal with concerned parties, discharge the members of the Board of Directors from liability for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2011, appoint or reappoint auditors for the fiscal year 2012 and authorize the board of directors to determine the amount of remuneration to be paid to auditors.

After approving the items of the general assembly’s agenda, AlNafisi closed the meeting amidst the common consent of all attendees. Later, Eng Naif Al-Awadi, CEO of Al-Mazaya Holding, accompanied by Eng Salwa Malhas, Mazaya’s Executive Vice President for Business Development, Real Estate Management and Marketing and Mr Ayman Sheit, Mazaya’s Executive Vice President for Financial and Investment Affairs, opened the Financial Analyst Meeting, stressing the need for the market, shareholders, investors and media to identify the company’s current strategy and its future vision in terms of investments and projects. This step

aimed at boosting confidence among investors and shareholders and further strengthening the company’s leading position.

Eng Salwa Malhas presented three key points including the company’s current market value which has not been impacted by the crisis, as the company continued to register its trademark in regional markets. The company owns intellectual rights in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, KSA, Lebanon, Morocco and Bahrain and is planning to continually expand in this regard.

Eng Malhas emphasized that Al-Mazaya’s current model is working in accordance with research and studies conducted by the company on the GCC, regional and international markets.

According to this research, AlMazaya concluded to concentrate its operations in the GCC markets, due to the abundance of low risk, high ROI investment opportunities in this stable and financially prosperous region, where the demand for real estate development holds true.

Malhas added that Al-Mazaya’s research included a detailed study of the education, healthcare, retail, tourism, industry, warehouses, and housing sectors, demonstrating the strengths and weaknesses in these sectors in various markets.

She underlined that these sectors are vital and still not serviced well in the GCC markets.

On the other hand, Al-Mazaya presented the company’s current operations, briefing the company’s revenues from its income generating projects, portfolio of projects offered for sale, the plots of land and the projects underway.

Malhas said that the occupancy rate in the projects has increased despite the current market challenges. Units in Indigo Office Tower in Dubai, Clover Centre in Kuwait, and Al Mazaya Tower in Kuwait are 100%, 95% and 60% leased, respectively. This has helped create financial stability in the company and encouraged entry into similar projects in the future. Al-Mazaya achieved 60% lease rate in Al Maathar Tower in the KSA and 95% in Sky Gardens in Dubai. Malhas added that AlMazaya has a portfolio of projects offered for sale in Dubai and multipurpose plots of land in Oman, Bahrain, Sharjah and Lebanon. The company is studying the feasibility of developing these plots.

Gulf Bank wins ‘Best Employee Development Program’ Award

Nexen & Roadstone Raffle Draw $5000 KUWAIT: Al-Ghannam Tires, one of the leading tire retailer and the official and exclusive distributor of Nexen and Roadstone tires in Kuwait unveiled the lucky winner of the first draw for $5000 under “Nexen - Roadstone BUY 3 GET 1 FREE” scheme.

The scheme was launched earlier last month on the 5th of May 2012, and is made available to the customers across Kuwait through a network of 25 dealerships. The participating Al Ghannam Tires Center branches, not only offer sale of multiple tire brands through these branches but also offer high end wheel and tire services to its customers at affordable prices. The scheme is valid through 5th August 2012 under the Nexen - Roadstone BUY3 GET1 FREE scheme.

The announcement of the draw results came on the 10th June 2012 20:00 Hrs under the supervision and the presence of Ministry officials at the Al Ghannam Tire Center - Head Office at Canada Dry Street, Shuwaikh. In front of a eager crowd of major dealers, few customers, Suresh (Vice President - Auto1 Global Tire Business Units) and the entire team of Al Ghannam Tires Center were delighted to find Hazem Ahmed Nabil emerging as the lucky winner for the first month draw who took back home $5000, the chance he earned through the purchase of Nexen tires for his Mitsubishi Gallant.

Speaking to Hazem Ahmed Nabil after

his winning of this draw, Hazem was very delighted on to win this draw and had purchased the tires on May 7th just two days since the scheme was launched and wanted to be a early bird to win this prize.

Hazem added to quote that “I was checking for a suitable and high quality Korean tires when I had came across Nexen Tires.

Coincidentally it was the right time to buy when I got a bonus deal of buy 3 get 1 free. I have been using these tires for a month now and very excited about Nexen’s performance.

He further added to quote that “This was the first time I purchased tires from Al Ghannam Tires Center Co and I am very happy with their service quality, I look forward to continue patronizing Al Ghannam Tires and their products in the future.”

Adel M Al Ghannam, Board Member KAPICO Group Holding Co. after the draw result, mentioned “We are delighted to announce the first winner of the Nexen Roadstone BUY3 GET 1 FREE campaign, a unique scheme which offers a double bonanza for our customers wherein they not only get 1 tire free on purchase of 3 tires but also gets a chance to win $5000 every 50KD spent in the scheme. We are glad to note the overwhelming response to this offer and expect many more customers to get benefited through this scheme in the coming months. We congratulate Hazem Ahmed Nabil the winner of this draw”.

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced that it has been awarded the coveted ‘Best Employee Development Program’ award for the second consecutive year by Banker Middle East, the region’s leading banking industry magazine. The announcement was made during a ceremony held at the Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai on 12, June 2012.

Commenting on the Bank’s achievement, Surour Alsamerai, General Manager - Human Resources at Gulf Bank, said: “Receiving this award for the second year in a row is a testament to our ongoing efforts in developing our human resources. We are proud to have been recognized by the organizers for our efforts in the area of employee development. We work hard at retaining our employees by building an engaging, vibrant, and committed workforce through our various development programs. Our Learning and Development department are entirely dedicated to providing our employees with the latest training courses aimed at assisting in the development and progression in their careers, in addition to performing more efficiently.”

Gulf Bank has already won a number of important HR awards, including: the GCC Localization Award from the GCC Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs for the 7th consecutive year, ‘HR Professional of the Year’ at the GCC HR Excellence Awards, and ‘HR Executive of the Year’ at the Stevie International Business Awards.

NBK holds International Advisory Board Meeting KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) held the annual meeting of its International Advisor y Board (IAB) recently to discuss the latest economic and geopolitical development in the region and world as well as NBK strategy.

The meeting highlighted the increasing challenges facing the global and regional financial markets, and their implication on GCC economies.

The meeting was chaired by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, John Major and attended by Goh Chok Tong, former Prime Minister of Singapore and emeritus Senior Minister,

Mohamed El Erian, the CEO and co-CIO of Pimco, Sir David Walker, Senior Advisor, Morgan Stanley International, William Rhodes Senior Advisor and Former Senior Vice Chairman, Citigroup, Abdlatif Al Hamad, Chairman and Director General, Arab Fund-Kuwait, Anthony Cordesman, Arleigh A Bruke Chair of Strategy, CSIS. International Advisory Board was established in 2007. NBK is the only Arab bank to host an International Advisory Board. The board members include world recognized political leaders, businessmen, bankers and economists.

KUWAIT: Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Ferry Adamhar, Budimansyah MA (Minister Counselor), Ahmed Ma’rufi (Third Secretary/Economic Section) from Indonesian Embassy and P N J Kumar, CEO of Caesars Travel Group accompanied by Rajesh (Manager/Commercial & Marketing), Susheer Khan (Sales Officer for Garuda Indonesia) from Caesars Int’l Travel Co, the GSA of Garuda Indonesia for Kuwait.

Indonesian Ambassador meets Garuda Indonesia GSA in Kuwait KUWAIT: Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Ferry Adamhar and his team hosted a meeting with Caesars Int’l Travel Co, the recently appointed GSA of Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of Indonesia, headed by P N J Kumar, CEO, Caesars Travel Group and his team, as a part of Garuda Indonesia’s plans to start online operation to Kuwait for further developing tourism and other commercial traffic interests between Kuwait and Indonesia.

Ambassador highlighted the significance rise in tourism arrivals to Indonesia during these days indicates the continual growth that Indonesia’s tourism industry has been experiencing in recent years. “Boasting a year-round tropical climate, the second longest shore-line and some of the most pristine beaches in the world, Indonesia’s position as a prime sun, sea and sand holiday destination is without doubt, well established.

Its 300 different ethnic group helps to make it a treasure trove of diverse cultures to be explored, and with growing potential as an attractive MICE destination, Indonesia is fast becoming an increasingly appealing prospect for any genre of tourist. Today’s tourist sees travelling as a part of self expression; they do not want to come back with an image or an object.

They want to come back with a story this is what we can offer in Indonesia,” said Ferr y Adamhar, Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait.

Caesars Int’l Travel Co, the newly appointed GSA of Garuda Indonesia is busy preparing to take off the office soon. Garuda Indonesia, the national

flag carrier is stepping proactively in to the aviation scene with a number of business development measures in domestic, regional and international sectors including an extensive network expansion plan. As domestic tourism only plays a vital role as the largest market segment within the tourism industry in Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia backed by new fleet additions and the revitalization of the existing fleet, Garuda will make a quantum leap into the future.

CEO, Caesars Travel Group, P N J Kumar said, “A direct operation of Garuda Indonesia from Jakarta to Kuwait and vice-versa will make this GSA partnership more strategic and we are working close coordination with Garuda Indonesia headquarters and Indonesian Embassy for the same. Indonesia offers so many islands with a huge array of different cultures, landscapes and traditions, so variety is the biggest strength behind the country, the driving force automatically attracting all sectors of tourism which should utilize by Kuwait by having this proposed on-line operation of Garuda Indonesia to Kuwait”.

Undulating across the equator for 5,000km and spanning some 17,000 islands, Indonesia’s vast archipelago, infinitely diversified in its offerings, is proving to be not only a tropical palmfringed paradise, but also an urban hub of corporate activity. While industrywide efforts are underway to boost tourism numbers on global levels, Indonesia and its tourism potential is something exceptional, a countr y shaped by rich culture and heritage, where anything is possible and everything is at your fingertips.

British Airways offers Kuwaiti travelers special Ramadan fares KUWAIT: This Ramadan, British Airways is offering Kuwaiti travellers discounted fares to seven exciting destinations across Europe (including London), USA and Canada. Discounted fares can be booked in World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class) and First cabins until 8 July for travel until 20 August 2012.

Travellers can take advantage of the special fares to cheer on teams at the Olympics in London, which runs from 27 July to 12 August. Or if sport is not your thing, enjoy a shopping spree in the world’s fashion capital, New York. The airline is also offering discounted fares to Paris, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto & Vancouver.

Paolo De Renzis, Regional Commercial

Manager, Middle East said: “The summer is always a busy travel period in the Middle East, with many travellers visiting their families overseas during the school holidays, escaping the Middle Eastern heat or just enjoying a well-earned summer vacation.”

He added: “British Airways has a very extensive route network and provides Kuwaiti travellers with great connections to Europe, the USA and Canada via London.

These destinations are very popular with both business and leisure travellers from Kuwait.”

A full timetable of British Airways’ flights to London and beyond is available online at ba.com - where the lowest fares are guaranteed - and customers can book, pay and check-in online for their flights.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

technology

Think colour!

5 ways colour can improve your small business Ever since colour television was invented in 1953, colour has been critical to telling a visual story. Whether you are a star t-up or established business, spending the extra money on colour images or colour ink may seem out of the question when you are launching a marketing campaign. But using colour could mean the difference between whether you’re marketing materials get read, or tossed into file zero-the trash. Putting it simply, colour gets noticed. Printing in colour can improve retention, productivity and generate significant financial returns. A recent Xerox Colour Survey reported that 76 percent of respondents said they could find information faster when printed in colour. So as you think about developing collateral materials for your small business-think colour.

Create a colour logo: There are five common principles of logo design. A logo must be simple and memorable which means it is easy to recognize. A logo must also be versatile and appropriate. This means it can be scaled to any size and it must be right for your type of business. You wouldn’t use an elegant font for a pizza joint. Good logos feature something unexpected or unique without being over the top. An effective logo should be timeless and stand the test of time. Always use at least two colours in a logo and hire a professional to assist you.

Your company name in a stylized font is not a logo.

Colourful business cards: You want your business card to be memorable. Use at least two colours in your business cards. Even consider using a strong background colour to stand out. My business cards for my company Quintessence Multimedia are red, and people always comment on their uniqueness. Invest in a quality paper stock as well. You want your attention to detail to be noticed. Do not order business cards that are free off of the internet. It’s printed on the back that they were free and that could hurt

your credibility with the person you give them to.

Smiling Colour Headshot: Anyone in business should have a professional headshot. This is a must have for all your social media profiles and could be used on your website and in your marketing materials. You need a friendly, smiling headshot because - remember you are selling yourself as much as your product or service. Investment should be around $300 - $500 to get one taken.

Colour flyers: You should have a colour one-sheet or two-sided flyer to promote your products and services.

Consider glossy flyers, they always look more expensive and polished. Great flyers include a headline, which describes what you specialize in, your company logo, great colour photos of you, your employees in action or your products.

Also be sure to include at least a partial list of your offerings.

Colour Direct Mailer: Have you ever received a black and white mailer from someone looking for business from you?

What did you think about the business who sent it? Not much, right? Don’t make that mistake. Design a direct mail piece that represents you well. It should feature colour pictures of your products or services being used or per formed in action. Make sure it includes your colour logo, complete contact information and a special offer as your call to action. For example, include a promotion of “10 percent off if you mention this flyer when placing an order.”

Want to take your materials to the next level? Engage a professional when designing your materials; it can make all the difference. Eight-seven percent of respondents in a recent Xerox survey said professional graphics used in marketing materials such a brochures was a key ingredient in the success of a product or service. Colour is not that expensive anymore, so go for it. You want every advantage when you are trying to close a customer.

LOS ANGELES: (Left) In this photograph taken by AP Images for Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer, reveals Surface, a new family of PCs, for Windows. (Right) This product rendering released by Microsoft shows Surface, a 9.3 millimetre thick tablet with a kickstand to hold it upright and keyboard that is part of the device’s cover. — AP photos

Microsoft tablet: Big bet on future Surface set to challenge iPad SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft’s decision to make its own tablet computer is a sign of frustration with its longtime hardware partners and a big bet on the technology giant’s future, according to analysts. Microsoft’s empire was believed be at stake in a gamble that it can dethrone Apple’s iPad in the tablet market, and weather backlash from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that license is software.

“It’s a bold move by Microsoft, and it shows just how concerned they are about Apple and the threat Apple is to their ecosystem right now,” Gartner analyst Michael Gartenberg told AFP. “This is (chief executive Steve) Ballmer pushing all the chips to the middle of the table and betting really heavily,” he continued.

“Microsoft is clearly all-in.” Microsoft on Monday unveiled its first tablet computer, the Surface, running on Windows software to take on iPads.

Chief executive Steve Ballmer described the iPad challenger-complete with ultra thin coverscum-keyboards in a range of colors-as a tablet that “works and plays” as he presented it at a press event in Los Angeles.

“It looks like a really nice product; well designed and well thought out,” said NPD Group analyst Stephen Baker. Microsoft did not reveal when Surface would be available, or the prices for the various models. But it appeared the tablets would debut with Windows 8 operating software later this year and be priced on par with similar devices.

Analysts agreed that Microsoft had the components for success: impressive hardware, stunning screen quality, an online shop for “apps,” and troves of films, music and other content at

Zune and Xbox Live. Microsoft recently announced SmartGlass applications that let tablets synch with its leading Xbox 360 videogame consoles and invested more than a half-billion dollars in Barnes & Noble’s Nook ebook business. Microsoft also owns Skype internet telephony ser vice. The Redmond, Washington-based company has an ample war chest to invest in promoting its tablet.

What remains to be seen is whether Microsoft can put those pieces into a winning formula or whether it will repeat the failure it had when it launched Zune MP3 player hardware to compete with Apple’s iPod devices.

Independent analyst Rob Enderle of Silicon Valley hung blame for the flop on Microsoft’s shoulders, contending that the company didn’t give Zune the funding and resources it needed to be a market hit.

“This is Microsoft’s chance to show they have learned the lesson from the Zune,” Enderle said.

“This time Microsoft is really going to have to step up,” Enderle continued. “With the right resources, this could work.”

While Microsoft could shrug off losing the MP3 player market to longtime rival Apple, it can’t afford to lose a tablet market with the promise of eclipsing and even replacing the desktop computers, according to analysts. “This time, if they lose, it is the desktop computer and with that goes three-fifths of Microsoft,” Enderle said.

“OEMs are saying that the PC doesn’t matter anymore and that the tablet really is the future; which is what Bill Gates said in the early 2000s,” he added, referring to Microsoft’s famous co-

New venture connects US professors online SINGAPORE: Panasonic’s employee displays its new TOUGHBOOK laptop, which is waterproof, dustproof and shockproof, during the CommunicAsia, annual international communications and information technology exhibition yesterday. — AP

Songza soars in online music field LOS ANGELES: Songza, a new online radio service, leapfrogged Pandora as the most popular free music app for Apple devices last week. But it immediately faces a struggle to survive in a business saddled with high royalty rates for artists. The New York-based startup aims to re-write the songbook on how an online radio service ought to run. One key difference: it has no mood-killing audio ads. “We have playlists for getting lucky,” says CEO and co-founder Elias Roman, 28. “If you’re getting lucky and you’re hearing a toothbrush ad in it, that’s not a lifestyle enhancement. That’s embarrassing for everybody.”

Audio ad-free Songza, at no charge, compares with a $36 annual fee to avoid audio ads on Pandora Media Inc., or $4 a month on Slacker Inc., another online radio service. It also limits Songza Media Inc.’s revenue flow, although the company still runs display ads.

The lack of interruptions helped Songza get downloaded 1.15 million times in the 10 days since June 7, when it updated its iPhone app and offered an iPad-optimized version.

The company now enters a race to become the biggest, or at least among the biggest, online radio services, before an inevitable shake-out decimates those unable to turn a profit. Even Pandora, by far the market leader in online radio, tripled its losses in the first quarter through April to $20.2 million, mainly because listening hours jumped 92 percent from a year ago to 3.1 billion in the quarter.

Royalties amount to a fraction of a penny per song play, and rapid growth has outstripped Pandora’s ability to sell ads.

“You can’t build a business with these pertrack rates,” says Pandora co-founder Tim Westergren. He says that an eventual slowdown in growth will allow ad sales to catch up.

He’s pinned hopes for cutting costs on a government royalty-setting process that starts in 2014. He says Songza might not survive the rigors of the free music business, like Imeem before it. “People were excited about them for a while. They hit the reality of the business ultimately.”

The uneven economics of the online radio business were highlighted by a deal announced two weeks ago between traditional radio station giant Clear Channel and Taylor Swift’s record label, Big Machine. The deal gave Swift and other artists an unprecedented slice of royalties based on traditional radio station airplay. In exchange, they agreed to cap their share of revenue made on Internet-delivered radio songs from Clear Channel’s iHeart Radio service. The deal “creates a structure that makes sense,” Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman said in a statement. The existing structure clearly didn’t. Slacker Inc., which launched in 2007, uses its free online radio service as a loss-leader to draw in potential customers. It convinces about 10 to 15 percent of them to pay up to $10 a month to choose songs and artists instead of hearing them more or less at random. “There’s no question it’s a difficult business,” says Jonathan Sasse, Slacker’s senior vice president of marketing. The cost of marketing means the company is losing money, but that won’t stop it from advertising to try to get bigger. “We’ll continue to do that to invest in the growth of the company.”

Songza is hoping that it can make money by learning what people say they’re doing at certain moments of the day. Songza’s “Music Concierge” service offers up playlists around themes like “unwinding after a long day,” “working out,” and “eating dinner.” Those lifestyle clues could appeal to advertisers. CEO Roman didn’t specify how Songza will use the information to create a business. “It’s the type of thing you can do if you package your product as a lifestyle enhancer,” he said. Songza clearly needs to attract more users. According to comScore Inc., Pandora’s website alone racked up 1.2 billion listener hours in May, compared to 2 million for Songza. “Scale solves a lot of problems,” says Tim Komada, founder of the Menlo Park, Calif.-based venture capital firm, Deep Fork Capital, which is an early Songza investor. “Our No. 1 priority now is scale - gaining and retaining users.” —AP

MIAMI: Discussing education reform at Stanford University last year, the leader of one of the nation’s largest teacher unions decided to turn the tables and ask a question of the audience. “You’re all technology people,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. “Could you actually help us?”

Weingarten said she received one call from Louise Rogers, chief executive of TSL Education, a United Kingdom-based company that operates an online network that lets teachers around the globe access, review and discuss lesson plans and other learning materials. The result of that call, to be unveiled Tuesday, is Share My Lesson, an online portal that teachers will be able to access free of charge. It is expected to contain more than 100,000 user-generated materials. “We’ve been trying to find a way to have teachers be able to access information quickly, actively and share with each other,” Weingarten said. “It felt to me almost too good to be true, that some private entity had created a platform for teachers to be able to share.”

Share My Lesson is expected to be the largest online resource for teachers in the US and comes at a time when cuts to education budgets have led many districts to slash professional development. AFT and TSL have pledged $10 million to develop and maintain the site, which should be ready for teachers by August.

“We must support the incredibly complex work teachers do at every opportunity, including by sharing and promoting best practices through online resources and communities of practice,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan said. He said the program would benefit teachers everywhere. Teacher preparation and development in the United States vary dramatically. While some schools help beginning and veteran teachers hone and perfect their craft, many others complain of being left to their own devices to learn the best ways to communicate and teach students with different skill levels in one class.

“For a lot of people, I think teaching is a very isolating experience,” said Karen Brennan, a research assistant at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“You don’t have as many opportunities as you’d like to connect with the teacher in the classroom next to you, or in the school or district.

And that’s where I think network technologies have enormous potential.” TSL

Education launched its network, TES Connect, in 2008, and Rogers said it has helped create a global dialogue among teachers about best lessons and learning practices. It has nearly 2 million members from 197 countries.

“There are 79 to 80 million teachers in the world,” she said. “They are now starting to engage with each other.” In recent years US education leaders have paid increased attention to examining teaching preparation and practices in countries where students are outperforming those in the US. On the most recent Program for International Student Assessment, the US ranked 14th in reading, 17th in science and 25th in math out of 34 countries. “In places that out-compete us, places like Singapore, Finland, Canada, what you hear is that their districts spend a lot more time providing them the resources and the tools to do their job,” Weingarten said.

“Teachers are far more equipped when they walk into the classroom.”

There are 2.5 million lesson downloads from TES Connect a week. Most of those are matched with curriculum in the UK, so in order to build a site for US teachers, they needed to review and adapt the materials. AFT and TSL Education also wanted to make sure there were lesson plans that would help teachers implement the Common Core, a new set of academic standards that have been adopted by 46 states and the Washington capital district.

About 200 teachers from across the US helped review the lessons and prepare them for the site. Karen Gant, a science teacher in Miami, said she went to two marathon sessions in Baltimore in which teachers received spreadsheets with 100 lessons they had to review. In all, she says she reviewed more than 500 lessons looking at language, software and content - some of which she plans to use with her own students.

“We were surprised by the amount of information we learned,” Gant said. One of the exercises Gant does with her elementary students each year is the classic egg drop. Students are asked to create something that will stop an egg from breaking when dropped at different heights. This year she plans to use add a PowerPoint presentation from the Share My Lesson site that will frame the exercise in the context of a mission to another galaxy. “It will take my kids deeper, and they’ll get involved in it a little more,” she said. — AP

founder. “It has just been unfortunate that Apple has been proving him right on their platform.” Forrester analyst Sarah Rotman Epps warned that Microsoft could be “its own worst enemy” if it overwhelms consumers with configuration options and chipset choices instead of focusing on keeping tablets easy to pick and simple to use.

Among the reasons that this change of strategy is dramatic is that it promised to make adversaries of partners that license Microsoft software to put into devices. It appeared Microsoft was taking a page from Apple’s playbook by taking control of the tablet “ecosystem” from the hardware to the software to the delivery of digital content.

“It felt like they were channeling Steve Jobs at some point,” Gartenberg said of the Surface event. “This whole thing had a very Appleesque feel and the only company that has been good at being Apple is Apple.” To some extent the tablet move was pay back of a sort to Microsoft partners who have embraced making tablets on Android software provided free by Google, according to analysts.

While competing with companies that license its software will strain relationships, Microsoft would irk them further by undercutting them with low tablet prices to gain market share. “So many details are missing that we will just have to wait and see,” Gartenberg said. “The payoff on the big bet is that Microsoft becomes a consumer brand and stays relevant in the consumer’s digital life,” he continued. “They have everyone’s attention now let’s see what they are going to do with it.” — AFP

Customers choose EMC as No. 1 storage EMC Corporation yesterday announced it is ranked by customers across the globe as the No. 1 storage choice for mission critical environments, according to the latest end-user study from IDCπ. The survey ranks storage vendors based on customer deployment patterns within the most widely-used enterprise applications. According to the IDC study, more customers choose EMC storage than any other vendor’s for their Oracle, Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint, SAP, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Home Directory environments.

The results of the IDC study are based on the survey of 1,000 respondents representing 15 countries and across 19 industries with company size ranging from 50 employees to over 10,000 employees, which was completed in Fall 2011. The survey focused primarily on applications, enabling IDC to ascertain end-user sentiment regarding their preference toward certain brands based on specific applications.

Jeremy Burton, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer said “Whether in traditional, next-generation virtualized cloud, Big Data or Hybrid Cloud, customers are choosing EMC as their No. 1 choice for the most mission critical application environments. Our product and technology innovation centred on helping customers handle the data deluge driven by the two hottest trends in IT-the transition to cloud computing and the management of Big Data.” In related news, today EMC also announced new proven solutions for Microsoft and support for Windows Server 2012.

Russian CEO launches robotics fund in NYC NEW YORK: The co-founder of a large Russian Internet company wants to invest in the types of robotics envisioned in “The Jetsons” - that 1960s cartoon portraying a family from the future, with flying cars, robot maids and all sorts of push-button inventions. The robots that Dmitry Grishin is looking for are aimed at the mass market. Beyond vacuum-cleaning devices, this could include robotics technologies used in transportation, entertainment or health care. He compares where the robotics industry is now to where computers were early 1980s, when companies were first bringing PCs to regular people’s desktops.

Grishin, the co-founder and chief executive of Mail.ru, believes robotics is ripe for the same sort of revolution, but the industry needs funding. So he is putting up $25 million to start a venture fund that will invest in robotics aimed at daily life.

Grishin Robotics will be based in New York, a city trying to establish itself as a technology hub to rival Silicon Valley. He says he picked New York in part because of its central location, its status as an international financial center and Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s support of technology and innovation.

Grishin plans to announce the fund at the invitation-only f.ounders technology conference in New York on Friday. The fund will focus on companies in the early, but not the earliest stages of development. That means companies with products ready to be built and sold to people. He acknowledges such investments can be risky. After all, the field is new and unproven, and it could take many years to pay off. But he says that “if you want significant progress, you need people to take the risks.”— AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

CEOs pledge sustainability, urge more ‘green revolution’ ‘Water availability, sanitation undermine development’

JALANDHAR: In this photograph, Indian police constables share a light moment as they participate in a yoga laughing therapy session. — AFP

No laughing matter this as India yoga gigglers banned MUMBAI: They are designed to reduce stress and improve well-being, but one laughing yoga club in Mumbai had been ordered to stop its early morning giggling sessions after complaints from grumpy neighbours. The Bombay High Court told police to clamp down on the laughing yoga group after a 78-year-old resident complained it caused “mental agony, pain and public nuisance”, the DNA newspaper reported yesterday. “It is not proper to gather outside somebody’s house and laugh,” judges said while hearing the public interest lawsuit filed by Vinayak Shirsat from the Kurla suburb of Mumbai.

According to Shirsat’s petition, 10 to 15 members of the group gather at 7:00 am

to sing, clap and indulge in “loud and vigorous spells of laughter”.

“They laugh at the top of their voices; every member encourages the others to laugh to their heart’s content,” the complainant said. Laughing yoga was made popular as an exercise routine by Indian physician Madan Kataria in Mumbai in 1995, based on the principle that laughter has physiological benefits.

Laughter clubs, at which members burst into infectious giggles, have since caught on in many cities in India and abroad. The court bench on Monday gave police a week to inform judges how they planned to restrain the club from causing problems.—AFP

In California oasis, ample water leads to squander PALM SPRINGS: An oasis in the California desert, Palm Springs says it is committed to saving water-but not before filling its swimming pools and tending to its dozens of verdant golf courses. Set in the Coachella Valley southeast of Los Angeles, the famously well-heeled town known as a refuge for retired Hollywood stars sits atop a huge aquifer able to provide for the 400,000 residents of the region’s 10 towns.

Despite its parched setting and baking temperatures, the valley plays host to regular golf competitions and the Indian Wells tennis championship, as well as one of America’s biggest music festivals.

For now, the aquifer-an underground layer of rock containing some 50 billion cubic meters (1.7 trillion cubic feet) of water — meets the valley’s daily needs, 16 percent of which goes to keeping the roughly 100 local golf courses green. But with the ample water supply comes waste.

An average household in Palm Springs consumes some 1,233 cubic meters (43,542 cubic feet) of water a year, twice as much as the average US home, which itself uses one of the highest figures worldwide.

“When you compare (us) to other places in the state, our number is high, we know this,” said Heather Engel, communications director for the Coachella Valley Water District, in an interview with AFP. But “our consumption is going down. In recent years people are becoming more conscious and aware of the need to conserve water.” It may take more than a change in attitude to truly make a difference, according to experts.

Noah Garrison, a lawyer and analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council, points to landscaping as a fundamental problem. “ We are in a desert or Mediterranean climate, and yet we have huge expanses of lawns, golf courses (and) other areas that require vast amounts of water,” Garrison said. “Landscaping in general in Southern California doesn’t make sense for the climate we are in,” he added.

“In order to make sure that we are able to meet our water needs in the future, we need to be smarter about the way we use water now.” While the aquifer is a key source of water for Palm Springs, the district also pumps water from the Colorado River and ice from surrounding mountains to top up its supplies and stop subsidence in the valley, which has sunk 20 centimetres (eight inches) in the last 15 years.

Some steps have been taken to promote conservation. The district has implemented water-saving measures, including pricing that penalizes waste. It also runs three recycling plants that treat waste water for some 16 major clients, including golf courses, but such efforts come with high pumping costs. Richard Mogensen, general manager of Desert Willows Golf Resort, said proper infrastructure was not yet in place to encourage more clubs to use recycled water. “The challenge is that they haven’t developed the full infrastructure of piping throughout the whole valley to get more clubs on it,” he said. “It takes money.”

Without an economic incentive, it therefore remains unlikely that golf courseswhich on average use up to 1.2 million cubic meters (42.4 million cubic feet) of water a year-will choose recycled supplies.

Another challenge to increasing supplies of recycled water is the fluctuating nature of Palm Springs tourism, which provides a major source of revenue, Engel said. In summer, when temperatures are at their most punishing and tourist numbers at their lowest, not enough waste water is produced. And in winter, the high season for tourism, there is less need to recycle because it rains. Garrison, meanwhile, said California as a whole has seen increasingly long periods of drought in recent years and warned that this does not bode well for the future. “There are a lot of indications that we are going to see drier conditions in the future-we’re going to see less water availability, and that’s something that we need to prepare for.” —AFP

Loneliness, living alone tied to shorter lifespan People with heart disease who live alone tend to die sooner than those sharing their home with others, according to an international study that looked at more than 44,000 people. Previous studies have linked social isolation to everything from heart attacks to weakened immune systems, but the current study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, focused specifically on people with known heart disease or at very high risk for it. Reasons for the difference remain unclear, but lead researcher Deepak Bhatt said access to regular medical care might be involved.

“Patients living alone may have more difficulty getting their medications refilled and taking them regularly,” Bhatt, at Harvard Medical School in Boston, told Reuters Health. “They also don’t have anyone at home to call the doctor’s office or emergency room if they are not looking well.” The study included more than 44,000 people, all aged 45 or older, from multiple countries across the globe.

Over the four years the study lasted, 7.7 percent of participants younger than 65 who lived on their own died, compared to just 5.7 percent of those who didn’t live alone. The gap was smaller for people aged 66 to 80, but it remained statistically reliable even after accounting for age, sex, employment, ethnicity and countr y. The living situation of

those over 80, however, wasn’t tied to death rates.

Bhatt and his team speculated that in people under 80, living alone could signal psychological and social problems like job strain or loneliness. In contrast, very old people who live on their own may be healthier and more independent than those who don’t. Whatever the explanation, Bhatt said cardiologists should routinely ask their patients if they live alone.

“If the answer is yes, that might be a red flag and they should make sure the patients have a way to get their medicine regularly,” he said. Meanwhile, patients who live alone should think twice before ignoring changes that might be a sign of health problems.

“May times people just adapt to their circumstances. Perhaps just lower your threshold a little bit and realize it’s better to call (the doctor) than not to call.”

But that might not be the whole story, he acknowledged.”Other mechanisms by which living alone could increase cardiac risk have to do with possible social isolation and loneliness, and these are more challenging to fix,” he said. Indeed, another report published along with Bhatt’s shows that older people who felt lonely had more difficulty performing basic tasks of daily living and died younger than those who didn’t feel alone. —Reuters

RIO DE JANEIRO: Business leaders gathered at a Rio+20 conference Monday pledged sustainable policies and joined a call for world leaders to usher in “a green industrial revolution” to save the planet. Two days before a UN summit on sustainable development opens here, 1,200 CEOs wrapped up a four-day meeting with more than 150 voluntary commitments to greater energy efficiency, reforestation and a lower carbon footprint and other green policies. Forty-five chief executives vowed to make water security a strategic priority and called for decisive action by governments.

“Problems related to water availability, quality and sanitation are undermining development in many regions of the world-exacting an enormous human cost while also undermining critical life-giving ecosystems,” they said. Signatories include chiefs of global companies such as Pepsico, Coca Cola, Nestle, Saint-Gobain, Royal Dutch Shell, Akzo Nobel, Bayer, Heineken and Pernod Ricard. Roughly 800 million people around the world lack access to safe drinking water, and 2.5 billion lack basic sanitation, according to the United Nations.

The UN Global Compact, the sponsor of the business forum, said it tallied more than 150 “time-bound, measurable commitments” on which companies are required to report annually. The commitments centred on the forum’s six core themes: energy and climate, water and ecosystems, agriculture and food, social development, urbanization and cities, economy and financing. US chemicals giant Dupont pledged $10 billion to research and development and announced plans to launch 4,000 new products by late 2020 to produce more food, enhance nutrition and curb food waste.

US technology titan Microsoft vowed to achieve net zero emissions for its data centres, software development centres, software development labs, offices and employee air travel by boosting energy efficiency and buying renewable energy. Global clothing retailer H&M said it would upgrade to 100 percent sustainable cotton-organic or recycled-in its cotton garments while US sportswear giant Nike set a target of zero discharge of hazardous chemicals across its entire supply chain by 2020.

And South Africa’s state-owned utility Eskom

and US Duke Energy pledged to assist the development of an electrification roadmap to ensure 500 million people across Africa and developing countries have access to energy by 2025. The Global Compact, which rejects charges by critics that it is a mere marketing tool for big business, said the commitments will serve as a testing ground.

Meanwhile, former British premier Tony Blair, in a speech screened at the Rio+20 conference, joined other statesmen and corporate chiefs in appealing to world leaders to usher in a “green industrial revolution”. “By the end of the decade, the low carbon market could triple in value to over $2 trillion,” said the signatories of an open letter published on the eve of the G20 and Rio+20 summits.

The letter called for a coordinated policy shift to save the world economy and the climate. “At a time when government and business leaders

everywhere are calling for strategies that deliver growth, we have an historic opportunity before us to lead the world out of recession and into a more stable, sustainable future,” the signatories said. They backed the launch in Rio of a Clean Revolution campaign, a major initiative by the Climate Group and other public and private sector partners for a “green growth” push out of global recession. The Climate Group works with business and governments around the world to promote clean technologies and policies, with the aim of expanding clean technology markets and reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

The three-day Rio+20 summit, coming 20 years after the first Earth Summit is expected to bring together 130 world leaders for a fresh appraisal of the health of the planet. But US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be absent. — AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO: A child (centre) holds a sign that reads in Portuguese “3.5 million Fecal coliforms bacteria per 100 milliliters” as a friend jumps into the polluted Jacare river to show the media where they usually take a swim. — AP

With Alzheimer’s, hospital stays have hazard potential WASHINGTON: For people with Alzheimer’s disease, a hospital stay may prove catastrophic. People with dementia are far more likely to be hospitalized than other older adults, often for preventable reasons like an infection that wasn’t noticed early enough. Hospitals can be upsetting to anyone, but consider the added fear factor if you can’t remember where you are or why strangers keep poking you. Now a new study highlights the lingering ill effects: Being hospitalized seems to increase the chances of Alzheimer’s patients moving into a nursing home - or even dying - within the next year, Harvard University researchers reported Monday. The risk is higher if those patients experience what’s called delirium, a state of extra confusion and agitation, during their stay.

It’s not clear exactly why, although specialists say delirium is especially bad for an already damaged brain. But the researchers, and independent Alzheimer’s experts, agree that caregivers need to know the risk so they can help a loved one with dementia avoid the hospital if at all possible.

“It’s a very stressful time, being in the hospital,” says lead researcher Dr. Tamara Fong, of the Harvardaffiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston. Often families tell her, “Dad was never the same after he had that surgery and he was confused.”

It’s a challenge even for health professionals. Psychiatrist Leslie

Fuchs watched in disbelief as her mother, who’d had slowly worsening Alzheimer’s for several years, rapidly disintegrated during a stay in a New York City hospital last year. Relatives had called an emergency assistance line when Thelma Fuchs, 79, suffered what appeared to be a brief seizure.

That problem quickly cleared up but the hospital was reluctant to discharge her with it unexplained.

Over a few days, Fuchs became increasingly distraught, tried to sneak into other rooms, and wound up being prescribed some antipsychotic drugs, her daughter recalls. Leslie Fuchs insisted her mother be sent home, where she calmed down and no longer needed the medications. The family has taken steps for more at-home care in hopes of avoiding future hospitalizations. “She has to be in an environment that’s familiar. She can’t make a new memory but her old memories, that’s what kind of keeps her together,” Leslie Fuchs says. At home, she notes, family members “still are the decisionmaker. As soon as you’re in an emergency room, you kind of can lose that.”

Some 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s or similar dementias, and the disease is on the rise as the population rapidly gets older. The disease will cost government health care programs about $140 billion this year alone, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. There is no cure, and much of the cost is from treating not the dementia itself but other

health conditions that dementia can aggravate. Alzheimer’s patients gradually lose the ability to manage their diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic ailments, or even to convey that they’re feeling symptoms until an illness becomes serious, explains William Thies, the association’s scientific director.

Earlier this year, University of Washington researchers reported people with dementia are more likely than other seniors to be hospitalized, especially for conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, worsening heart failure or dehydration that might have been treated in the doctor’s office if they’d been caught early. The new study took a closer look at potential health consequences of hospitalizations. Fong’s team examined medical records for 771 Alzheimer’s patients who were living at home and fairly high-functioning, to see what happened if they wound up in the hospital.

About half did, mostly for things like fainting or falls, pneumonia and chest pain. A quarter suffered delirium during that hospitalization.

Each year, about 4 percent of the patients who weren’t hospitalized entered a nursing home and 2 percent died. Yet 29 percent of the hospitalized Alzheimer’s patients wound up in a nursing home as did a surprising 43 percent of those who suffered delirium, Fong found. Of those who survived the initial hospitalization, 9 percent died in the following

year, as did 15 percent of those who’d suffered delirium, Fong reported Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

The study can’t explain the link.

It’s possible that people who wound up in the hospital or delirious already had begun deteriorating more than their non-hospitalized counterparts. Fong would like to compare hospitalized Alzheimer’s patients with those who get at-home care for the same conditions, such as advanced urinary tract infections, to see if avoiding the hospital makes a real difference.

For now, “it is perfectly clear that hospitalization is very hard on people with Alzheimer’s disease,” and that delirium especially is a threat, says the Alzheimer’s Association’s Thies. What’s the advice for families?

Be alert for any new symptoms, which could be as vague as irritability from pain, and seek care early to avoid a hospitalization.

Also learn to manage Alzheimer’s behavioural problems - such as hallucinations at dusk - before they escalate into unmanageable anxiety, Thies says. If a hospital stay can’t be avoided, ask if the medical centre tries to minimize delirium with private rooms, avoiding waking the patient at night, and limiting time in the emergency room. A family member also should stay with and reassure the patient, make sure they have their glasses or hearing aids, and bring in familiar items, Fong adds. — AP

Lanka jails elephant-keepers over ‘vicious’ killing

PINNAWELA: In this photo, a herd of elephants from the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage are washed in a river by Sri Lankan caretakers. — AFP

COLOMBO: A Sri Lankan court has jailed four staff from a well-known elephant orphanage over the death of a 23year-old elephant that was fatally injured with sharp sticks in an apparent effort to control it. The male, which was living at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, a popular tourist attraction near the capital Colombo, suffered 96 wounds in November 2010 and died two months later, the court heard.

High Court judge Menaka Wijesundera on Monday sentenced three mahouts (keepers) and one manager at the orphanage to one year in prison and fined them 100,000 rupees ($770) each. Elephants are considered sacred animals in Sri Lanka and a judicial inquiry is required before one can be buried. The animal, named Neelagiri (“black rock”), had been mistreated because it was boisterous and the mahouts were unable to control it, orphanage officials said.

“It is still a mystery to us why there was such a vicious attack,” Pinnawala director Nihal Senaratne told AFP on Tuesday. “But based on forensic evidence, the court found all four responsible for the injuries on the animal.” The orphanage, set in a coconut grove about 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of Colombo, was formally established in 1975.

It shelters 83 elephants, most of them abandoned or separated from their herds. Others have also been born in captivity. Neelagiri was brought to Pinnawala in 1989 when thought to be about one-year-old.— AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

India firm shakes up cancer drug market

KENT: Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, feeds a 5-year-old black rhino called Zawadi as he visits Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge was visiting the park to meet staff and rhinos involved in a translocation project. — AFP

46m Americans lack health insurance WASHINGTON: A total of 46.3 million people in the United States do not have health coverage, a trend that has been rising in the past 15 years, said a US survey published yesterday. There was good news for children in the data from the 2011 National Health Interview Survey, which showed that seven percent of US youths were uninsured last year at the time of the interview, compared to 13.9 percent in 1997.

But for adults aged 18-64, it was a different story. For that group, lack of health insurance coverage was 21.3 percent in 2011, making up 40.7 million people, according to the data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The study recorded the fewest uninsured adults in 1997 (13.9 percent). The high point came in 2010 when 22.3 percent of the population was uninsured. “There has been a generally increasing trend in the percentage of

adults aged 18-64 who lacked coverage at the time of interview,” said the study, which was based on survey results from 32 of the 50 states.

The change in children’s coverage status was largely explained by a 36.5 percentage point rise in government-sponsored public coverage for the poor from 1997 to 2011. Meanwhile, the rate of private coverage among low-income children was 25.1 percentage points lower in 2011 than in 1997. Private coverage held by adults also declined over the period studied. The survey comes as the US Supreme Court is expected to rule any day on lawsuits challenging President Barack Obama’s signature health care reform package. The ruling could halt key parts or all of the package, which aimed at requiring all citizens to have health care coverage and at creating cheaper coverage options. — AFP

NEW DELHI: Indian pharmaceutical tycoon Yusuf Hamied revolutionised AIDS treatment more than a decade ago by supplying cut-price drugs to the world’s poor-and now he wants to do the same for cancer. Hamied, chairman of generic drugs giant Cipla, last month slashed the cost of three medicines to fight brain, kidney and lung cancer in India, making the drugs up to more than four times cheaper. “I hope we’ll cut prices of many more cancer drugs,” he told AFP, adding that he wants to supply the cheaper drugs to Africa and elsewhere. “Reducing the price of cancer drugs is a humanitarian move.”

Hamied, 76, was pilloried by Western drug giants 11 years ago when he broke their monopoly by offering to supply life-saving triple therapy AIDS drug cocktails for under $1 a day-one-thirtieth the price of the multinationals. The firms branded him an intellectual property thief while he accused them of being “global serial killers” whose high prices were costing the lives of AIDS patients. “What he did was path-breaking. It has been very important in saving lives, and what he is doing with cancer drugs is the same,” said Leena Menghaney, a lawyer with humanitarian group Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders).

In 1972, India made only the process for making drugs patentable, not the drugs themselves.

This meant firms could “reverse-engineer” or change methods used to make medicines and sell them at up to one-fiftieth of US prices. The legislation gave a huge leg-up to India’s generics industry and gave the nation the nickname “the pharmacy to the Third World”. But in 2005, India brought its law in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules recognising 20-year patents, pushing up the prices of newly launched drugs.

Cipla, India’s fourth largest pharmaceutical

company by sales, has been pressing the government to allow widespread use of “compulsory licences”, which are permitted under WTO rules.

The licences allow companies to make existing life-saving drugs to sell in countries where they are otherwise priced out of reach. India’s first such licence was granted in March to Natco Pharma to produce a generic version of Bayer’s blockbuster kidney cancer drug Nexavar, cutting the price from 28,000 rupees ($500) for a monthly dose to 6,840 rupees. Ranjit Shahani, who heads the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, says widespread compulsory licensing will jeopardise investment in innovative pharmaceuticals.

Bayer has said it will launch a legal challenge to the compulsory licence, and global drugmakers

NEW DELHI: This photograph shows Chairman of Indian pharmaceutical firm Cipla Yusuf Hamied. — AFP

have vowed to oppose the spread of such legislation. Hamied denied that his latest move was simply an attempt to boost his share in the oncology drugs market, insisting business must be linked to “social responsibility”.

But he said like any other business his company, which has 23 cancer drugs, also wants higher sales. “I owe it to my shareholders to be pragmatic,” he said. Born in Lithuania to an Indian Muslim father and a Lithuanian Jewish mother, Hamied was two months old when his parents fled Europe in the 1930s under the threat of Nazi Germany. He was raised in Mumbai and studied for a doctorate in chemistry at Cambridge University in Britain before joining Cipla, which was founded by his father. “My father never forced me but chemistry was my best subject,” said Hamied, who became chairman of the company in 1989.

His bold step in offering cheap AIDS drugs turned out to be a smart business move. Cipla is now the world’s largest AIDS antiretroviral drugs supplier and the publicly-listed company is valued at nearly $5 billion, while business magazine Forbes puts Hamied’s personal fortune at $1.75 billion. But Hamied said poverty-racked India “can’t afford to divide people into those who can afford life-saving drugs and those who can’t”. “It needs a pragmatic policy,” he said. He believes the pharma giants should let emerging market drugmakers make copycat medicines in exchange for small royalties. Some 95 percent of Western firms’ profits come from regulated developed markets like Japan, Europe, America, so the pharmaceutical giants “really won’t lose out”, he said. Even with the reduced price of generic drugs, such medicines are still beyond the reach of many of the world’s poorest, conceded Hamied, who confesses he has his eye on his legacy. “I want it to be said when I leave this world that ‘he was not just a money-making machine,’” he said. — AFP

Global resources grab kills 1 person a week LONDON: At least one person is being killed in an environmental dispute around the world each week as the battle for land, natural resources and forests becomes increasingly violent, a repor t said yesterday. Global Witness, a human rights group focused on the exploitation of natural resources, said at least 106 people were killed in 2011 alone, nearly twice the death toll in 2009, in targeted attacks and clashes in resource-rich countries such as Brazil, Indonesia and Peru.

A total of 711 people were killed from 2002 to 2011 in such disputes, or more than one a week, it added, saying a culture of impunity pervaded which meant few convictions were made. “It is a well-known paradox that many of the world’s poorest countries are home to the resources that drive the global economy,” the report said. “Now, as the race to secure access to these resources intensifies, it is poor people and activists who increasingly find themselves in the firing line.”

Natural resources deals were often agreed in secret between officials, political elites and companies, the report said, leaving people

who lived off the land or forests affected without any rights or say in the process. Those who did try to speak out were often punished with violence, forced evictions or killings. “Killings took a variety of forms - including clashes between communities and state security forces, disappearances followed by confirmed deaths, deaths in custody, or one-off or multiple targeted assassinations,” the report said.

Fierce competition for resources The countries with the highest numbers of reported killings were Brazil, Peru, Colombia and the Philippines, where more than one murder per week took place, Global Witness said. “Global Witness believes that these trends are symptomatic of the increasingly fierce competition for resources, and the brutality and injustice that come with it,” it added. “Land and forests are used for a range of purposes including intensive agriculture, mining, plantations, logging operations, urban expansion or hydropower projects.”

In one case described in the report, Eliezer “Boy ” Billanes, a community leader in the

Philippines who campaigned against a new copper and gold mining project, was shot dead by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle whilst buying a newspaper. His killing, in 2009, took place a few weeks after he reported being threatened by military forces in the area.

In another case - in April of this year - Chut Wutty, a Cambodian environmental activist, was shot dead by members of the Cambodian Military Police while carrying out field research into illegal logging and land seizures. Global Witness said a government inquiry into his death was opened and closed within three days. It failed to address how or why he was killed, while banning anyone else from investigating the sell-off of the country’s natural resources, the report said.

“If this problem is not addressed urgently, it is likely to get worse, particularly as we can expect more investments in countries with weak rule of law and land tenure rights,” Global Witness said. “This will mean more violent conflict over investment projects and disputes over land ownership, with potentially tragic consequences.” — Reuters

TV remotes are among dirtiest items in hotels NEW YORK: The next time you stay in a hotel, you might want to bring some extra hand-sanitizer. A study on contamination levels in hotel rooms led by the University of Houston, presented on Sunday at the American Society of Microbiology, repor ted that two of the most contaminated items were TV remote controls and bedside lamp switches. Just as badly contaminated were sur faces more

likely to be dirty, such as bathroom toilet seats and sinks, the study said.

Of greater concern, the study said, was that some of the highest levels of contamination were found on items o n h ousek eeper s’ c ar ts, suc h as sponges and mops.

If these items are contaminated, they can lead to cross-contamination of rooms, making entire hotels dirtier.

The researchers sampled 18 surfaces

in each hotel room, testing the total levels of bacteria and fecal bacteria on each one.

Fecal bacteria was found on 81 percent of all surfaces. Among the cleaner surfaces in hotel rooms were bed headboards, curtain rods and bathroom door handles.

There are no regulatory limits for contamination of items in hotel rooms, the study said, but its findings

suggest possible health risks to people with compromised immune systems. The collaborative repor t between the University of Houston, Purdue University, and the University of South Carolina, sampled nine hotel rooms, three each in Texas, Indiana and South Carolina.

While K atie K irsch, a re ce nt University of Houston graduate who presented the study, admitted it had

a small sample size, she hoped it would lead to a body of research that will eventually develop “more effective and efficient housekeeping practices.”

Being able to identify which items would be high-risk would let housekeeping managers devote more time to cleaning them, making cleaning effor ts more valuable and hotel rooms safer, Kirsch said. — Reuters

30

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

WHAT’S ON

LAIF launches its website

t was a glorious service at the Family House in Fintas as the Life Abundant International Fountain Church (LAIF) lunched its official website on Sunday. The program attracted a lot of dignitaries and host of Christian communities in Kuwait. There were praise worship, drama and prayer services. The website www.laifchurch.com is user friendly with many international languages including Hindi, Arabic, and Frtench etc.

I

ESF’s colourful musical he reception classes at The English School Fahaheel recently presented two colourful musical productions to mark the end of year at ESF. “Goldilocks and the three bears” and “The Jolly Postman” thoroughly entertained the audience and dis-

T

played the talent of the Reception class students. A big thank you to all reception classes staff and of course, to all the parents for their support and the beautiful costumes!

The Regency Hotel launches Canadian Lobster Feast or a very limited period only, The Regency Hotel is yet again treating Kuwait’s resident gourmets to a superb four-course supper showcasing not just the succulence and versatility of choice Canadian lobsters, but the skills of award-winning Executive Chef, Austen Reid who trained in French haute cuisine.

From Saturday June 16 to Wednesday June 20, Austen will be presenting a superb menu with many French culinary nuances. His zesty starter of tossed baby spinach with blood oranges, walnuts and shaved fennel, is a wonderful entrÈe to the delightfully aromatic consommÈ with lobster dumplings.

The main course offers a choice of this giant crustacean either poached or grilled, or cooked in the classic creamy dish, Lobster Thermidor. Invented in 1894 in Paris, the dish indirectly took its

F

Rahul Gandhi meets Mohammed Harris ahul Gandhi, Secretary General of the All India Congress Committee, on his recent visit to Kuwait, met with Mohammed Harris, Regional Director of Lulu Hypermarket, in the presence of Satish C. Mehta, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait.

R

name for the summer period from July 17- August 17 created under the shortlived French Republican Calendar, and interestingly corresponds closely to the dates of Ramadan in 2012.

Summer is certainly on the menu as the main course sees delectable accompaniments such as beurre de Basilique (Basil butter); the delicious orange-based sauce Maltaise, and La Ratte potatoes, a small finger-shaped tuber with a unique nutty flavour and buttery texture. The variety originated in Europe in the late 19th century and is a favorite of French chefs.

Desserts at The Regency are created by the inimitable Italian Executive Pastry Chef, Raffaele Grasso, who has deftly dreamt up a silken strawberry pannecotta delight, served with a passion fruit coulis and irresistible mango sorbet.

Concluding the gourmet supper are petit fours, tiny bite-sized sweets; the perfect end of a gourmet treat.

Priced at an unbeatable KD 25 per person and offering tea, coffee and freshly pressed juice to accompany the meal, diners are urged to reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment. The Regency is fast becoming renowned for its numerous and notable culinary experiences, following the success of its unbeatable Friday Brunch. Last month saw the launch of the highly acclaimed High Tea at Al-Liwan delivering exclusive tea brands and exquisite teatime delicacies from 5pm - 8pm. Each Thursday sees all the delicious exoticism of the Asian Culinary Gems buffet, while during Ramadan, the hotel attracts Kuwaiti elite for its captivating Iftar and Ghabka celebrations.

Announcements Open House for Indian citizens pen House for Indian citizens by the ambassador which is being held every alternate Wednesday has been found useful by the Indian community and the embassy. It will now be held on every Wednesday from June 2012 between 1500 hrs and 1600 hrs. in the embassy. During the month of June, 2012 the dates for the open house fall on 20th and 27th of the month. In case Wednesday is an embassy holiday, the meeting will be held on the next working day.

To ensure timely action/follow-up by the embassy, it is requested that, wherever possible, Indian citizens should exhaust the existing channels of interaction/grievance redressal and bring their problems/issues in writing with supporting documents. It may be mentioned that embassy of Indiaís Consular Wing is providing daily service of Open House to Indian citizens on all workings days from 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs and from 1430 hrs to 1530 hrs by the Consular Officer in the Meeting Room of the Consular Hall.

For any unaddressed issues, Second Secretary (Consular) could be contacted.

Furthermore, the head of the Consular Wing is also available to redress grievances. Similarly, a labour wing Help Desk functions from 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs in the Labour Hall to address the labour related issues.

There is also a 24x7 Help Line (Tel No. 25674163) to assist labourers in distress. For any unaddressed issues, the concerned attaches in the labour section and the head of the labour wing could be contacted.

O

‘Leniency of Islam’ An unprecedented initiative of KTV2 (English channel) is the new program by the name ‘Leniency of Islam’ presented by Shaikh Musaad Alsane and directed by Hamid Al-Turkait. The program is mainly meant to address the expatriates living in Kuwait. Religious questions are received through the program email qislam@tv.gov.kw and sms can be sent to97822021 and answered by the lecturer and Imam in Awqaf Ministry Shaikh Musaad Alsane a Master Degree holder in Sharia and fiqih from Kuwait University. So don’t forget to watch the program every Friday at 1:00 pm.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Dr. Abdul Razzak Rumane inaugu- Syed Ali Raza Bilgrami (Dr. Sabiha’s son) receives First Dr. Rumane delivers ‘IKFS Excellence Award 2011’ to rates the IKFS Celebrations & Award prize on behalf of Dr. Sabiha Bilgrami (the First Prize win- Sayed Zoheb on behalf of Dr. Noora who got the ‘The Top Distribution Event. ner) in Calligraphy (Hindi) competition from Dr. Rumane.

Scorer in M.B.B.S. Examination’ title conducted by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka State.

IKFS celebrates first anniversary ndo-Kuwait Friendship Society has celebrated first anniversary on Friday June 1, at the premises of Gulf Institute for Strategic &Technological Studies.

Chief Guest, Engineer Abdul Razzak Rumane, Former president of “Frontliners- Kuwait” inaugurated the function. Dr. Rumane said that he is delighted to attend the first anniversary celebrations of IKFS and happy to know that IKFS is striving to develop as a best platform to work together and at the same time trying to preserve Indian identity and respecting both Indian and local cultural traditional values thru’ abiding the laws of the country. Dr. Rumane added that he feels very comfortable and proud of Dr. Ghalib Al-Mashoor, who is heading this Organization, recognized him as a well known personality to both Senior Kuwaiti and Indian citizens as well as for his exemplary services towards the community for more than 20 years. Dr. Rumane showed respect to IKFS Executives while identifying a row of VIP Patrons such as DR. KIRAN BEDI, IPS, (Former Jail Superintendant and reformist), Advocate R B Sree Kumar, IPS, (Former DGP Gujarat Govt.), Dr. M.K. Muneer, M.B.B.S. (The present Minister of town development, Govt. of Kerala) , Muzammil Malik, Industrialist and Philanthropist and Sayid Munwarali Shihab Thangal, (Leader of Minority Youth Forum- the son of Former Spiritual Leader & President of IUML Late: Panakkad Sayid Mohamed Ali Shihab Thangal) etc.

Dr. Ghalib Al-Mashoor in his presidential speech thanked the audience and guests for attending and gracing the function. He said that “Promoting affection and friendships among the people hailing from various corners of the globe can be done only with the inner zeal and the spirit of restoring peace and harmony”. Thus, we have to think that there are many advantages of joining with a society of friends but also, there are various things we need to consider that the “kind of society” we join in, enabling to the

I

person to shape strong personality. All we need to be a part of this society is a complete heart, open mind and helping hands. IKFS is a not-for profit. Its activities include in various socio, cultural and friendship developments while coordinating with other Indian Associations in Kuwait. We believe that the prospective members and volunteers of IKFS need to be self-motivated for voluntary works. We should be ready that to respect the local culture and traditions and laws of the country. We must also keep in mind that once we make friends, they are forever, never to be forgotten. Dr. Al-Mashoor requested to fill the membership form which can be downloaded from the website (www.indokuwaitfriendshipsociety.com) to become a member.

Khalid Damodhar said, IKFS is doing wonderful jobs for the community.

Sayed Zoheb and Fadal also delivered felicitation speeches. They have shown keen interest to further spreading the message of IKFS to their friends.

Appointing Medical Missions in each Indian Embassies abroad first was raised

by IKFS. IKFS was the first Association who sent Appreciation letter to Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of UPA Government, for recent passing of the “

Child Protection Bill 2011”. Several memorandums addressed to Minster of Health, Minister of Overseas, Minister of Home Affairs etc, Govt. of India, also been sent related to various community issues. IKFS has shown interest to raise issues from time to time which is vested to act upon each Association for defending NRI issues and sometimes in general issues, either it is in the form of appreciation letter or in the form of protest notes.

During the Event, “The Excellence Award 2011” for the Top Scorers in the Medical & Engineering examinations were also delivered to Dr. Noora Sayid Zoheb, MBBS., and Esraa’ Mazhar, B.Arch. was also handed over by Dr. Rumane.

Sayid Zoheb has received the Award on behalf of Dr. Noora, and Fadal has received the Award on behalf of Esraa’.

Dr. Abdul Razzak Rumane presented prizes, Certificates and Gifts to each winners of “IKFS Arabic Expertise, Art & Calligraphy competitions” held at Salmiya Indian Model School on 11th May 2012. Competitors who received their awards included Sabiha Bilgrami, (The winner of First Place in Hindi Calligraphy), Kiran Khalid Damodar, the winner of First Place in Urdu Calligraphy) Zainab Ghalib (winner of first places in

Arabic Calligraphy, Quiz (Islamic) and Quiz (General) competitions, Also were present to receive the awards were the 2nd place holders Nisrin Merchant (The winner of second place in Hindi Calligraphy, Afraah Khalid Damodar, (Winner of second place in Urdu Calligraphy), Semah, Sumayya and Shymaa (winners of Second places in Quiz (General), Islamic Quiz, Arabic Calligraphy competitions.

30 minutes presentation was also delivered by Sayid Fadal Nizar, touching all aspects of “Management skills and Proper Standardization of the projects or Companies”. All of them were enjoyed the lecturing of Fadal, who works as a Senior Consulting Engineer at “Global Experience Co.” Iftekhar Ahmed, Treasurer of IKFS welcomed the guests.

Khalid Damodar, Sayid Zoheb, delivered short felicitation speech. Fadal Nizar presented a multi-media presentation and his lecturing was related to Management Skills and standardization of the Companies lasted for 30 minutes. All the audience enjoyed his lecturing presentation also. Light refreshments were served. The Industrialist and Patron of IKFS, Muzammil Malik who is on business trip has co-sponsored the prizes and awards for the winners.

Dr. Ghalb Al-Mashoor delivers the Presidential speech Winners of ‘IKFS Arabic Expertise, Art & Calligraphy com(left) Chartered Accountant: Iftekhar Ahmed, Treasurer, petition’ with executives of IKFS and Chief Guest Dr. IKFS and (Right) Dr. Abdul Razzak Rumane.

Rumane(second from right).

31

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

WHAT’S ON

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian ConsulateGeneral in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm

Citi volunteers in Kuwait commemorate 200th anniversary iti highlighted its ongoing and long-standing commitment to helping communities by marking its 200th anniversary on Saturday, June 16 with its seventh annual Global Community Day. In Kuwait, Citi volunteers got together and collected clothes, shoes, toys and any useful goods and donated them to families in need inside and outside Kuwait. The activity was organized in conjunction with Al-Othman Zakat Committee and DirectAid. In 92 countries around the world, 100,000 Citi volunteers - the largest number of participants ever - will gather in the days leading up to and including Global Community Day to participate in 1,300 service projects that will benefit local communities.

Global Community Day serves as an annual opportunity for Citi employees, alumni, family and friends around the world to gather as one to demonstrate a shared commitment to its communitiesa commitment that is carried out yearround by many employees who regularly volunteer their time. This shared commitment has been embodied in Citi employees since the company was established in 1812. It’s that spirit of Common Purpose that Citi proudly celebrates on its 200th anniversary.

“For two centuries, Citi colleagues have worked to enable economic progress and support our clients on their journey from ambition to achievement,” said Citi CEO Vikram Pandit.

“There is no better way to celebrate our 200th anniversary than by honoring our history, embracing the future, and working together to strengthen the commu-

C

nities where we live and work.”

Ozgur Kutay, General Manager for Citibank NA Kuwait, said: “This year’s Global Community Day is a double celebration as we mark our 200 year anniversary and this special day when we give back to the local communities in countries we operate in around the world. Every year, the employees in Kuwait get together as a team with one unified purpose and for a good cause and we hope we made a difference in someone’s life today”.

Citi volunteers throughout Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and North America will lend their time, skills and expertise to concentrate on local community needs, including financial inclusion, college and career mentoring, neighborhood revitalization, housing, disaster relief and environmental protection.

Throughout the world, anyone interested in staying up-to-date on the latest Global Community Day news and events can follow #200YearsCiti on Twitter. Highlights of Citi’s volunteer projects around the world include: Asia Pacific Maintaining its place at the top of the annual volunteer leaderboard, Asia Pacific will again have the largest turnout of volunteers across Citi’s regions. In Hong Kong, 4,000 volunteers will partner with 13 NGOs to host a wide range of community service and fundraising activities for the elderly, underprivileged children and families, and other underserved groups.

Approximately 2,000 volunteers in China will participate in a walkathon to

raise funds to improve the nutrition of more than 3,400 children from some of China’s most impoverished communities. Under the theme of ‘Green Citi, Clean City,’ South Korea’s 50 activities will involve 4,000 volunteers in environmental protection efforts in botanical gardens and eco parks. In Thailand, 2,000 volunteers will support those affected by the floods in 2011 by fundraising to help five damaged schools and 200 underprivileged students.

Europe, Middle East and Africa In Spain, close to 100 people ranging from 4 to 99 years old are taking part in a fundraising event called the Citi Mini Olympics. More than 1,000 volunteers in Pakistan will take part in the Citi 200 Community Carnival benefitting patients of a local cancer hospital. In Kenya, volunteers in Nairobi will partner with Habitat for Humanity’s Maai Mahiu Internally Displaced Persons project at Naivasha, which seeks to provide decent, durable and permanent houses.

Citi Nigeria volunteers in Lagos will be working at the National Museum to restore storage rooms for Nigeria’s historical artifacts Latin America and Mexico In Guatemala, more than 2,000 volunteers will be working on various neighborhood revitalization projects including repairing playgrounds, schools and sidewalks, painting murals, planting trees and installing streetlamps built with recycled materials. In Argentina, 1,600 volunteers will work with local schools, hospices, and homes

in 18 cities across the country and hold a Sustainability Fair to benefit local nonprofit partners. 1,300 Citi volunteers in Panama will remodel classrooms in the capital and clean up beaches to celebrate World Oceans Day. In Mexico, more than 5,000 volunteers across 62 cities, including Mexico City, will come together to plant nearly 25,000 trees and improve green areas in the local communities.

North America Across the New York tri state area more than 4,500 employees will be engaged in various community projects, including teaching financial skills with Junior Achievement, revitalizing Hudson River Park, cleaning city beaches, preparing disaster cleanup kits with the American Red Cross, preparing summer camps for underprivileged children, building bicycles for children of military families, and restoring historic landmarks. Citi volunteers in Los Angeles and Fresno will utilize their skills to provide financial literacy classes at Financial Family Days. In Tucson, employees are involved in various community development projects and will assemble care packages for families of military service members. In St. Louis, under the banner of “200 Acts of Kindness”, more than 600 volunteers will reach out into the local community and volunteer their services to various causes including literacy, food distribution and revitalizing community spaces. Across Canada from British Columbia to Montreal, more than 500 Citi volunteers will work to provide food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless and green public parks.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF BRAZIL The Embassy of Brazil requests all Brazilian citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the website www.brazil.org.kw (Contact Us Form / Fale Conosco) in order to register or update contact information. The Embassy encourages all citizens to do so, including the ones who have already registered in person at the Embassy. The registration process helps the Brazilian Government to contact and assist Brazilians living abroad in case of any emergency.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN Please be advised that the British Embassy Consular Section will be starting online appointment booking for our consular customers from Sunday, July 1, 2012. All information including how to make an appointment will be available on the embassy website from June 24, 2012.

You will also be able to book appointments on the embassy website from June 24, 2012. Please be aware that from July 1, 2012, we will no longer accept walk-in customers. We will provide regular updates every Thursdays throughout June. For the latest FCO travel advice please visit: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/middle-eastnorth-africa/kuwait ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KOREA The Embassy of the Republic of Korea wishes to inform that it has moved to Mishref. New Address: Embassy of the Republic of Korea Mishref, Block 7A, Diplomatic Area 2, Plot 6 The Embassy also wishes to inform that it will be opened to the public on the following office hours: Saturday to Thursday Morning: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm Lunch Break: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm Afternoon: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform Kenyan residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that with effect from June 1, 2012 the Embassy has moved from its current location to a new location in Surra Block 1, Street 8, Villa 303.

Please note that the new telephone and fax numbers will be communicated as soon as possible. For enquiries you can contact Consular Section on mobile 90935162 or 97527306.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF MEXICO The Embassy of Mexico is pleased to inform that it is located in CLIFFS Complex, Villa 6, Salmiya, block 9, Baghdad street, Jadda Lane 7. The working hours for consular issues are from 9:00 to 12:00 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed from 14:00 to 15:00 hours for lunch break. The Embassy of Mexico kindly requests all Mexicans citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the e-mail: embkuwait@sre.gob.mx in order to register or update contact information. Other consultations or/and appointments could be done by telephone or fax: (+965) 2573 1952 ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF MYANMAR Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar would like to inform the general public that the Embassy has moved its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203, Block 2, AlSalaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location.

Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF NEPAL The Embassy of Nepal has moved to a new location in Jabriya, Block 8, St. 13, House No. 514, effective from 15th April, 2012. Till the new telephone connections are installed, the Embassy may be contacted by email: info@nepembku.org ■■■■■■■

Fawzia Sultan International School Graduation awzia Sultan International School held its graduation ceremony - Class 2012 at Crown Plaza under the auspices of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Fares, The Governor of Hawally. Guests of honor were Ahmad Fawzi Al-Saleh and Tariq Alsamarrai, Chairman & Managing Director of FAWSEC Educational Company and Martha Thompson, Chair Person of the school’s Board of Trustees.

Ceremony began with a recitation from Holy Quran by student Yousef Al-Ajmi and followed by opening statements

by William Morgan; the school Principal and Tania Callaway FSIS Director. The ceremony included a speech by Ekbal Behbehani; President of Parents

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF THAILAND The Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait, wishes to invite the Kuwaiti companies that deal business with Thai companies or those agencies of Thai commercial companies to visit the Embassy’s Commercial Office to register their relevant information to be part of the embassy’s business and trade database. The Royal Thai Embassy is located in Jabriya, Block 6, Street 8, Villa No. 1, Telephone No. 25317530 -25317531, Ext: 14.

F

■■■■■■■

Teachers Association who spoke to the audience about the meaning of struggle and hope in life and also commended on the wonderful efforts and support that FSIS administration provided to advance the students’

school lives and activities.

Guest honor Faisal Al-Fuhaid, Founder of Equait (Social Equality and Human Rights) also advised the graduates to follow their dreams and peruse targets regardless to the difficulties that

might discourage them at first reassuring them that everything is possible once they set their minds to it. The ceremony also included speeches by graduates Mubarak Al-Ajmi, Anfal Al-Rakhis and Khaled Al-Hasawi who

spoke about their educational journey at FSIS and recognized their parents and teachers role in their success.

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE We’d like to inform you that in response to the increasing number of our citizens who work in the state and the need for 24-hour operational telephone in case of emergency the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait has opened “hotline telephone number” - (+ 965) 972-79-206.

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JZR QTR MEA JZR ETH RJA GFA UAE ETD THY DHX FDB MSR QTR KAC THY JZR DHX JZR KAC BAW JZR KAC KAC QTR FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR FDB IRA ETD BAB GFA MEA JZR MSR IRM JZR JZR CLX IRC KNE MSR RJA GFA KAC FDB JZR QTR KAC SVA KAC JZR KAC KAC QTR JZR KAC IYE ETD SYR UAE UAL GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY QTR KAC BAB KAC KAC KNE FDB MSR RBG JZR MSC KAC KAC JAI KAC JZR KAC AXB FDB OMA MEA QTR GFA ALK KAC JZR KLM UAE JZR ETD BBC ABY QTR DHX JZR AIC FDB GFA UAL JZR MEA DLH MSR THY

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 20/6/2012 Flt Route 185 DUBAI 148 DOHA 408 BEIRUT 527 ASSIUT 620 ADDIS ABABA 642 AMMAN 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 768 ISTANBUL 370 BAHRAIN 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 544 CAIRO 770 ISTANBUL 1541 CAIRO 170 BAHRAIN 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 529 ASSIUT 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 6130 DOHA 53 DUBAI 284 DHAKA 302 MUMBAI 352 COCHIN 362 COLOMBO 344 CHENNAI 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 436 BAHRAIN 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 606 LUXOR 5066 MASHAD 561 SOHAG 505 LUXOR 792 LUXEMBOURG 6791 MASHAD 472 JEDDAH 610 CAIRO 640 AMMAN 219 BAHRAIN 672 DUBAI 57 DUBAI 535 CAIRO 140 DOHA 790 MEDINAH 500 JEDDAH 788 JEDDAH 257 BEIRUT 546 ALEXANDRIA 502 BEIRUT 134 DOHA 213 DEIREZZOR 538 SHARM EL SHEIKH 824 SANAA 303 ABU DHABI 341 DAMASCUS 857 DUBAI 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 215 BAHRAIN 510 RIYADH 177 DUBAI 777 JEDDAH 127 SHARJAH 144 DOHA 542 CAIRO 438 BAHRAIN 166 PARIS 786 JEDDAH 460 MEDINAH 63 DUBAI 620 ASSIUT 3553 ALEXANDRIA 787 RIYADH 401 ALEXANDRIA 618 DOHA 674 DUBAI 572 MUMBAI 102 NEW YORK 175 DUBAI 774 RIYADH 393 KOZHIKODE 61 DUBAI 647 MUSCAT 402 BEIRUT 146 DOHA 221 BAHRAIN 229 COLOMBO 514 TEHRAN 481 SABIHA 417 AMSTERDAM 859 DUBAI 135 BAHRAIN 307 ABU DHABI 43 DHAKA 129 SHARJAH 136 DOHA 372 BAHRAIN 539 CAIRO 975 CHENNAI 59 DUBAI 217 BAHRAIN 981 BAHRAIN 239 AMMAN 406 BEIRUT 636 FRANKFURT 614 CAIRO 772 ISTANBUL

Time 0:15 0:20 1:00 1:40 1:45 2:10 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:50 2:55 3:10 3:20 3:25 4:10 4:35 4:55 5:00 6:00 6:15 6:30 6:40 7:15 7:30 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:50 8:05 8:20 8:20 8:25 8:30 9:00 9:20 9:25 9:30 9:35 10:00 10:55 11:05 11:10 11:55 12:25 13:10 13:15 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:40 13:40 13:40 13:45 14:20 14:25 14:25 14:30 15:00 15:00 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:30 16:10 16:35 16:35 16:40 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 18:05 18:15 18:40 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:45 18:55 19:05 19:10 19:15 19:20 19:25 19:35 19:35 19:35 19:40 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:35 20:55 20:55 20:55 21:05 21:15 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:55 23:00 23:10 23:35 23:40

Airlines AIC UAL DLH MSR PIA MEA THY ETH THY UAE FDB DHX ETD MSR QTR QTR JZR RJA JZR JZR GFA THY JZR KAC KAC BAW FDB KAC JZR KAC ABY QTR KAC KAC KAC UAE KAC JZR QTR FDB ETD BAB IRA GFA KAC MEA MSR JZR KAC KAC JZR JZR IRM KNE IRC GFA FDB MSR RJA CLX KAC JZR JZR KAC SVA JZR QTR KAC KAC ETD JZR IYE SYR QTR UAE GFA JZR ABY UAL SVA JZR QTR FDB BAB KNE RBG MSR MSC JZR KAC KAC KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC GFA JZR DHX ALK KLM JZR ABY ETD KAC UAE QTR KAC KAC JZR DHX BBC AXB QTR FDB GFA JZR KAC MEA

Depature Flights on Wednesday 20/6/2012 Flt Route 982 AHMEDABAD 981 WASHINGTON 637 FRANKFURT 615 CAIRO 206 LAHORE 409 BEIRUT 773 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 769 ISTANBUL 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 643 AMMAN 164 DUBAI 504 LUXOR 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 534 CAIRO 545 ALEXANDRIA 537 SHARM EL SHEIKH 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 175 FRANKFURT 256 BEIRUT 117 NEW YORK 126 SHARJAH 6131 DOHA 501 BEIRUT 671 DUBAI 787 JEDDAH 856 DUBAI 789 MADINAH 212 DEIREZZOR 133 DOHA 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 437 BAHRAIN 602 SHIRAZ 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 405 BEIRUT 619 ASSIUT 776 JEDDAH 103 LONDON 785 JEDDAH 480 ISTANBUL 176 DUBAI 5065 MASHHAD 461 JEDDAH 6792 MASHHAD 220 BAHRAIN 58 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 641 AMMAN 792 GIALAM 673 DUBAI 538 CAIRO 174 DUBAI 617 DOHA 503 MADINAH 786 RIYADH 135 DOHA 773 RIYADH 513 IMAM KHOMEINI 304 ABU DHABI 238 AMMAN 824 SANAA 342 DAMASCUS 141 DOHA 858 DUBAI 216 BAHRAIN 134 BAHRAIN 128 SHARJAH 982 BAHRAIN 511 RIYADH 266 BEIRUT 145 DOHA 64 DUBAI 439 BAHRAIN 477 JEDDAH 3554 ALEXANDRIA 621 ALEXANDRIA 402 ALEXANDRIA 184 DUBAI 283 DHAKA 361 COLOMBO 153 ISTANBUL 571 MUMBAI 62 DUBAI 331 TRIVANDRUM 351 KOCHI 648 MUSCAT 403 BEIRUT 543 CAIRO 222 BAHRAIN 502 LUXOR 171 BAHRAIN 230 COLOMBO 417 DAMMAM 1540 CAIRO 120 SHARJAH 308 ABU DHABI 381 DELHI 860 DUBAI 137 DOHA 301 MUMBAI 205 ISLAMABAD 554 ALEXANDRIA 373 BAHRAIN 44 DHAKA 394 KOCHI 147 DOHA 60 DUBAI 218 BAHRAIN 528 ASSIUT 415 KUALA LUMPUR 407 BEIRUT

Time 0:05 0:25 0:30 0:35 1:25 2:00 2:15 2:45 3:40 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 4:20 4:50 5:40 6:00 6:50 6:55 7:00 7:05 7:10 7:30 8:10 8:20 8:25 8:25 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:05 9:15 9:15 9:20 9:35 9:40 9:45 9:45 10:00 10:05 10:15 10:25 10:25 10:45 11:30 11:55 12:10 12:15 12:30 13:10 13:15 13:20 13:25 14:10 14:15 14:25 14:25 14:30 14:35 14:45 15:05 15:10 15:25 15:45 15:45 15:50 16:15 16:25 16:25 17:20 17:30 17:35 17:40 17:45 18:05 18:20 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:50 19:05 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:45 19:55 20:00 20:05 20:15 20:20 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:45 21:50 21:55 22:05 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:10 23:15 23:30 23:50 23:50 23:59

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available for x’an couples in Abbasiya, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, C-A/C building, from July 1st. Contact: 99159874. (C 4050) 20-6-2012 Sharing accommodation available for bachelors, families or executive bachelor in Farwaniya, on the 6th Ring road, opposite Sears.

Contact: 97337658, 50540846. (C 4047) 18-6-2012

POLICE STATION Prayer timings

MATRIMONIAL Orthodox parents invite proposal for daughter (25/158) MBA (finance), Sr. Analyst, Deloitte, Hyderabad. Email: johnsyk2003@yahoo.co.in (C 4048) 18-6-2012

Fajr: Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

03:13 11:50 15:24 18:51 20:23

Al-Madena Police Station

22434064

Al-Murqab Police Station

22435865

Al-Daiya Police Station

22544200

Al-Fayha’a Police Station

22547133

Al-Qadissiya Police Station

22515277

Al-Nugra Police Station

22616662

Al-Salmiya Police Station

25714406

Al-Dasma Police Station

22530801

34

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

stars CROSSWORD 711

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) You could be taking the initiative today but you will benefit best by letting others take the lead, particularly if you have been experiencing a lot of overtime lately. You may enjoy group sports or working with children or animals this afternoon. Creativity and its many expressions are very important for your mental health and this afternoon is a good time to enjoy creative expressions, yours or others’. There will be some discussion today about ways in which to increase the finances. When you have breakthroughs, they often come as insights into your immediate surroundings, home and environment—your support system in general. You may have new ideas today that will fit in with the unusual environment you enjoy.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Your mind is ever on communication: how you present yourself and how you come across to others. You could be teaching or helping others make decisions about future goals. This may mean you help students with their plans. You are the eternal patron of just about anyone who will let you look after them, the original mother hen. You need to feel useful and wanted and are never happy unless you are active and involved. You will find yourself active and involved in many different activities surrounding the needs of others today. Always the host, you find yourself, in most situations, caring for and finding ways to help people. Family is important to you and tonight you take the opportunity to visit with an older member of your family.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. A close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities.

4. A unit of current equal to 10 amperes.

9. Slow to learn or understand.

13. A federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955.

14. Obvious and dull.

15. Any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent.

16. Swiss psychologist remembered for his studies of cognitive development in children (1896-1980).

18. A hard gray lustrous metallic element that is highly corrosionresistant.

19. Sustentacular tissue that surrounds and supports neurons in the central nervous system.

20. A large fleet.

21. Currently happening.

23. The main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants.

26. A fluorocarbon with chlorine.

29. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

32. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet.

33. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary.

35. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

36. (Judaism) Not conforming to dietary laws.

40. Harsh or corrosive in tone.

42. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

43. A Hindu prince or king in India.

45. Elevated open grassland in southern Africa.

47. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

48. Narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used for gliding over snow.

51. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

52. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

54. Decrease in size, extent, or range.

56. The site of an archeological exploration.

58. Jordan's port.

61. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agriculture and patron of scribes and schools.

62. Fiddler crabs.

63. A drug (trade names Calan and Isoptin) used as an oral or parenteral calcium blocker in cases of hypertension or congestive heart failure or angina or migraine.

64. Rounded like an egg.

65. An angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions.

66. Make uniform.

67. A small cake leavened with yeast.

DOWN 1. Proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles.

2. Lighted up by or as by fire or flame.

3. Wild or domesticated South American cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump.

4. In bed.

5. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

6. An associate degree in nursing.

7. A Powhatan Indian woman (the daughter of Powhatan) who befriended the English at Jamestown and is said to have saved Captain John Smith's life (1595-1617).

8. German physicist whose explanation of blackbody radiation in the context of quantized energy emissions initiated quantum theory (1858-1947).

9. (Phoenician and Philistine) God of agriculture and the earth.

10. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin.

11. Most important element.

12. (informal) Exceptionally good.

17. A spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail.

22. The state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it.

24. United States abstract painter (born in Russia) whose paintings are characterized by horizontal bands of color with indistinct boundaries (1903-1970).

25. Large brownish-green New Zealand parrot.

27. The law enforcement agency in the Justice Department.

28. Someone who is morally reprehensible.

30. A brittle gray crystalline element that is a semiconducting metalloid (resembling silicon) used in transistors.

31. Fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk and partially or entirely envelopes the seed.

34. A pilgrimage to Mecca.

37. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

38. Salt pork from the back of a hog carcass.

39. A republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland.

41. A starch made by leaching and drying the root of the cassava plant.

42. Most important element.

44. (informal) Of the highest quality.

46. Any plant of the genus Erica.

49. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

50. Any plant of the genus Inula.

53. A Kwa language spoken in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

55. A person regarded as arrogant and annoying.

57. A humorous anecdote or remark.

59. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer.

60. The cry made by sheep.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You work well in professions where you can be in control.

This is the way you can be of best service to others. You share your understanding and your talents. You can serve as a guide to the arcane worlds of the mind and psyche—religions, mysticism, etc. Spiritual problems and questions are easy—for you always grasp the unity behind what appears separate. You have a natural appreciation for the past, personal and world history—all that is traditional. This is one of the best times to reassess where you are professionally and perhaps . . . create some improvements. This afternoon you find it easy to work with music, color, fabric and the arts, whatever is beautiful. Creative writing is an excellent outlet of expression.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) A lot of energy goes into getting things scheduled and organized this Tuesday. Figuring things out and maintaining a focus takes on a special significance at this time: detective work. You have an urge to get things organized into a rational system and may decide that there is something to be said for teaching people to survive or live full lives instead of doing everything for them.

Consider a little time to think about this sort of decision-making in your future. You have an opportunity to be artistic this afternoon. This could involve cooking, art, redecorating, gardening, meditation, music, etc. Your enthusiasm for mystical and religious experiences could make you an excellent teacher in creative matters as well as any business matters. Think long-term.

NON SEQUITUR

Leo (July 23-August 22) You are most imaginative when it comes to anything spiritual, or psychological. Others may find you entrancing and always able to transport into your world of images and dreams. You can easily find solutions to problems in your work arena; a creative mind is important here. Being in touch with ideas and people on a large scale keeps your mind busy. This is a day of communication. You have a love affair going with the mind and you value all the offspring: words, ideas, thoughts, etc. You love to talk. In particular, you appreciate good conversations.

Stimulating, mental adventures are exciting experiences. Fun and lively interactions with family members are possible tonight. Self-discoveries occur all the time; you are talented.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Set up systems and schedules and stick to them today—this may be a fast-paced sort of day. You may find yourself pitching out some old paperwork or completing old projects that have been unfinished for way too long. You can expect some sort of major reevaluation of your likes and dislikes— how and what you enjoy or appreciate about yourself and life—your value system.

Things you say mean a lot. You have a great mental drive and lavish much enthusiasm mentally and physically in the workplace today. Ideas, words and technical efforts are pursued with great gusto. You do your share to ensure smooth sailing on the job today. Friends may keep you busy this evening but all of this should go rather smoothly.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

A new look or hairstyle helps you to feel refreshed and renewed. You have a high degree of motivation when it comes to achievement and you encourage others to achieve as well. You enjoy watching your friends and co-workers achieve and excel. Psychology in all of its form is a driving force in your day. Children, animals and all creative work get top billing this afternoon. You could be guiding a Scout group or a young people’s ball game. You are very competitive—even pushy—when it comes to team sports and you have fun teaching and perhaps coaching others. You have a great social drive and love to work in a group or with close friends. There is a chance to have a special time with someone you love tonight.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Abundance is in the air. Tap into it and use a prosperous attitude to create wealth. You could be most persuasive with others.

The situation is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular ideas.

You are, no doubt, a romantic, at home in the world of dreams and images. You enjoy working in these areas. With your compassion, you might consider a degree in couple’s therapy or physical therapy of some sort. You seem to be popular with others. In a home environment as well as in the crowd, you radiate success. Others may value the fact that you can always manage to unravel even the worst problems for them. You could benefit from older people or those in authority; listen. You are successful in affairs of hearth and home this evening.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Lay those old thoughts aside that create limited thinking. You encourage others, but it is time to encourage yourself. This may mean that instead of putting off your request for a raise or asking for an upgrade in your professional life, you go for it! You can accomplish whatever you set out to do today. You have an innate urge to save, salvage and become conservative. You understand and are good at accepting people as they are; you listen to their needs. You may have the opportunity to dig in and make new discoveries of whatever you are involved with today. This urge to be secure pushes you to find the underpinning of things. You are motivated. Interact with your friends this evening . . . really listen to what they say when you ask them questions.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Someone could challenge you today, but it is your understanding that without challenges we would not see a better route to take.

Problem-solving abilities fascinate you and some would even think you put yourself into challenging situations just to see if you can solve a problem. You may touch upon very emotional parts of yourself and find yourself analyzing and psychoanalyzing. You have no trouble putting your feelings into words; in fact, you may have to exercise some control. You have a great mental drive and lavish great interest on mental pursuits of all kinds. Young people will enjoy your guidance this afternoon—perhaps in a neighborhood party setting. There is plenty of laughter this evening, which shows your lighthearted side.

To

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You can really analyze out a group, always getting to the heart of what is really happening. You could have great political power when it comes to other people and finances. Some of you tend to attract and enjoy gut-wrenching dramas. Timing is all important when addressing the family if change is needed in the home environment. Listen before adding your own ideas. Think on the ideas you have received before making any firm decisions by yourself. Working together with a specific plan will bring about a quick success. You may find that family members are pleased you are attentive to their needs. Consider tackling one thing at a time; the financial adjustments will show a more positive result. Plan a celebration when the work is completed.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

Your determined efforts and the action to accomplish your goals are the most active parts of your day. You are alert and intent and determined to meet a schedule that you have created. You do put forth a great deal of effort to be quick, precise and as clear as possible. There is, however, something missing and you may feel incomplete. By the time this workday is ended you may feel you have missed the longer visits with the public or with your co-workers. It may be too difficult to keep up such a pace every day; consider an adjustment to your personal time when it comes to completing your goals. It is hard to find someone that interacts with others as well as you. A little exercise this evening or playing with the family pet brings stress relief.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

i n f o r m at i o n

112 GOVERNORATE

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

Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

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

website: www.moi.gov.kw

Sabah Hospital

PHARMACY

Hawally

ST TATE T OF K KUW WA AIT

Tel.: e 161

DIRECTORA ATE T GENE GENERAL OF CIVIL AV VIA ATION T METEOROLOGICAL DEP PARTMENT A

262 - 2630 Ext.: 2627

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Al-Jahra

25610011

Al-Salmiya

25616368

INTERNATIONAL CALLS Expected Weeather for the Next 24 Hours BY Y DA AY:

Hazy with moderate to fresh north westerly wind, with speed of 20 - 45 km/h

BY Y NIGHT:

Relatively hot with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 12 - 35 km/h with a chance for blowing dust The visibility will decrease

WARNING A ST TAT TION

MAX. EXP P.

MIN. REC.

KUW WA AIT CITY

48 °C

34 °C

KUW WA AIT AIRPOR RT

47 °C

35 °C

NUW WA AISEEB

50 °C

33 °C

WAFRA A

50 °C

33 °C

SALMI

47 °C

30 °C

ABDAL LY

50 °C

32 °C

JAL ALIY YAH A

49 °C

31 °C

FAILAKA A

47 °C

32 °C

AHMADI POR RT

45 °C

33 °C

UMM AL-MARADEM

41 °C

33 °C

WARBA A A - BUBY YA AN

49 °C

30 °C

SFC. CHART

19/06/2012 0000 UTC

4 DA AY YS FORECAST Temperatures DA AY

DA AT TE

WEA ATHER T

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

32 °C

NW

20 - 45 km/h

30 °C

VRB-S

12 - 32 km/h

47 °C

31 °C

VRB-NW

10 - 32 km/h

48 °C

32 °C

NW

15 - 40 km/h

MAX.

MIN.

Weednesday

20/06

very hot + raising dust

49 °C

New Jahra

24575755

Thursday

21/06

hot

46 °C

West Jahra

24772608

Friday

22/06

hot

South Jahra

24775066

Saturday

23/06

hot + raising dust

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

PRA RA AYER Y TIMES

AIT AIRPORT AY AT KUW WA RECORDED YESTERDA

Fajr

03:13

MAX. Temp.

49 °C

Sunrise

04:48

MIN. Temp.

34 °C

Zuhr

11:49

MAX. RH

12 %

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Asr

15:23

MIN. RH

03 %

Al-Omariya

24719048

Sunset

18:50

MAX. Wind i

N 50 km/h

N.Kheitan

24710044

Isha

20:22

TOT TA AL L RAIINF FALL A L IN 24 HR.

Fintas

3900322

.03 mm

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

PRIVATE CLINICS 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

Dr. Salem soso General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

22666300

Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

3729596/3729581

Neurologists 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

Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677

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

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Al-Shohada’a

WWW.MET.GOV V..KW

24770319

Psychologists /Psychotherapists

22418714

Fax: 24348714

Jahra

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

Al-Madena

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Hayek dreamt of Olympics alma Hayek’s dream of competing at the Olympics was stopped by her father. The ‘Frida’ actress was a highly talented gymnast as a child and was picked by the Mexican team to represent her country but her dad Sami thwarted her ambitions by refusing to let her compete. Salma, 45, is quoted as saying: “They drafted me ... to be part of the Olympic team! But I was eight or nine and my father said no because I would have had to go live in Mexico City in a boarding school for gymnasts, do six hours, eight hours a day of training, which for me was like paradise.” The star was spotted by talent scouts during a gymnastics class in Mexico City in the 1970s and was touted to represent the country in the next Games, but her father declined the offer on the grounds she should have a “normal childhood”. Although she was disappointed at the time, the screen beauty doesn’t hold a grudge about her father’s decision because her acting dream

S

came true when she was older. She said: “My father thought I wouldn’t have had a normal childhood, and he wanted me to be normal.

It’s too bad that with all his efforts it didn’t work out! But anyway, it worked out for me because now I’m an actress!” Salma - who is mum to four-year-old Valentina Paloma with her French billionaire husband Francois-Henri Pinault - insists she’s no athlete these days and despises exercising, joking she is “probably traumatised” by her Olympics mishap. She laughed: “It’s tiring, boring, you have to smell everybody else’s sweat and even if you’re in your own house, you know, it takes a lot of effort. I like dancing, but I do work out more than before. Oh yes, after you have a baby and after you’re 40, forget it girls, enjoy it now!”

Clooney to produce new film eorge Clooney and Smoke House Pictures partner Grant Heslov will produce the film adaptation of “August: Osage County,” the Pulitzer-Prize winning play by Tracy Letts, Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep will star as mother and daughter in The Weinstein Company’s upcoming film, which John Wells is directing from Letts’ adaptation. “It’s already a great cast and great material and I can’t think of anyone better than Harvey to put this all together,” Clooney said in a statement. “And we’re particularly excited to work with our dear friend John Wells. It’s such a terrific group and we feel honored to help bring it to the screen.” The dark comedy, which chronicles the women of the Weston Family, made its Broadway debut in 2007 and went on to win a Tony Award for Best Play. Clooney and Heslov are producers of the upcoming “Argo,” Ben Affleck’s latest film, and teamed up for last year’s “The Ides of March,” which they co-wrote and co-produced for Clooney to direct.

G

Anthony supporting Obama ount Marc Anthony among President Obama’s growing army of celebrity campaigners leveraging their star power to lure voters to the polls this November. The actor and chart-topping singer will perform in a fund-raising concert in Miami Beach on June 26 and has released a video targeting Latino voters on Obama’s campaign site’. The president will join Anthony for a reception that evening, to be held at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets for the event run from $100 for mezzanine-level seats to $5,000, which offers high-rolling Obama boosters “Co-Host” status and includes “Photo Reception, VIP Seating and meet & greet with Marc Anthony,” according to a promotional page for the concert. To further entice his politically savvy fans, Anthony announced a contest in conjunction with the performance, granting backstage access “to meet Marc” at the private concert.

Enlisting Anthony as a celebrity ambassador is an auspicious move on Obama’s part, as the president and his Republican rival, Mitt

C

LaBeouf goes full frontal f Sigur Ros’ new video were a movie, it might merit an adults-only rating. For the band’s clip of “Fjogur Piano” released Monday, “Transformers” star Shia LaBeouf appears nude. Alma Har’el directed the video. It is part of a series being created for the band’s latest album “Valtari.” The video also features female nudity, dancing, an octopus, lollipops and trippy images. Band

I

bassist Georg Holm said the director and LaBeouf collaborated on the idea for it.

Holm described it as “absolutely amazing.”

Videos don’t come with ratings. But the Sigur Ros video does have a warning for its content before it begins.

Romney, jostle to win over a crucial demographic this election season: Latino voters.

Choosing a Miami venue was no mistake either, as Florida, where Obama clinched a key victory in 2008, is home to a large Latino population whose voting goals may have been impacted by economic and sociopolitical factors since he took office - and could still be swayed. Anthony, born Marco Antonio Muniz to Puerto Rican parents in New York, opens his promo video by acknowledging Latinos’ power at the polls.

“Latinos are a force that can and will help decide this election,” he says. Citing “jobs, the economy, education, immigration” as important issues to Latino voters, Anthony assures his audience that “President Obama is on our side on all of them. We just need to make sure he has four more years to make more progress.”

Beyonce wants to act more eyonce Knowles wants to relaunch her acting career. The ‘Dream Girls’ star has apparently called on her screen star friend Gwyneth Paltrow for advice to break back in to the craft. The actress is thought to be putting in a good word for her friend who is married to rapper Jay-Z. She has told her godfather, Steven Spielberg, that the singer wants to move on from her gig as Foxxy Cleopatra in ‘Austin Powers: Goldmember’. A source told The Sun: “Gwyneth is arranging a meeting and also has ideas about a mini-movie for an upcoming music video.” It was recently reported that Beyonce and Jay-

B

Z are planning to holiday in a mobile home with Chris Martin and his wife Gwyneth. The superstar couples have decided to take a low-key vacation with their kids after Jay-Z and Chris finish up their grueling respective world tours and have chosen Florida as the perfect road trip destination. A source said: “Gwyneth and Beyonce think the jaunt, going back to nature on a high-end Winnebago, will be the ideal getaway.

“It will be low-key but it’s just what they need and they’ll get to spend quality time together.”

Duff sued over accident ilary Duff is in the process of getting sued after being accused of smashing her Range Rover into the back of another car in 2010. According to the lawsuit, filed yesterday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Hilary was driving around in the California city on December 12, 2010 when she collided with a vehicle driven by Rachel Owens. Rachel claims she suffered “great mental, physical and nervous pain and suffering” ... and needed multiple doctors and surgeons to treat her unspecified conditions, according to TMZ. She also thinks her injuries prevented her from going to work and although she doesn’t state her career in the documents, she anticipates she will be “prevented from attending her usual occupation for a period of time in the future.” The alleged victim is suing the actress and singer - who gave birth to her first child in March - for unspecified damages. The 24year-old welcomed son Luca into the world with her retired NHL player husband Mike Comrie. She is currently trying out sensible ways to shift her shift her post-pregnancy weight.

H Cooper and Johansson enjoy date radley Cooper and Scarlett Johansson enjoyed a dinner date last week. The 27-year-old actress who was previously married to Ryan Reynolds - and her ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ co-star appeared “wrapped up in each other” as they flirted and laughed through a meal at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Bel Air Hotel in California on June 11. A source told RadarOnline.com: “They seemed very comfortable together and it was pretty obvious they are into each other. Bradley seemed almost distracted by Scarlett’s beauty, especially since she was wearing a very low cut dress, and Scarlett was totally working her charms. She kept flip-

B

ping her hair when she laughed at his jokes. “The chemistry between them was very evident and they looked totally wrapped up in each other - very cute!

They were definitely having more than a ‘friends’ dinner, it seemed pretty obvious they totally have the hots for each other.”

According to onlookers, Bradley - who has previously dated actresses Renee Zellweger and Zoe Saldana - picked up the bill for the meal and the pair then relocated to the venue’s piano bar to continue their evening.

Sheen to retire soon harlie Sheen will retire when ‘Anger Management’ comes to an end. The 46-yearold actor sees his forthcoming new comedy show as his “swan song” and rather than looking for further acting work, he is looking forward to spending more time with his five kids - Cassandra, 27, Sam, eight, Lola, seven, and two-year-old twins Bob and Max - when the program eventually draws to a close. He said: “When I’m done with this business it’s just going to be about soccer games and amusement parks. And when [Anger Management] ends, I’m done. This is my swan song. “I’ve been doing this 30 years. And there’s a lot more out there to do than make-believe, you know? I mean, I’m grateful. I’ve got a dream life as a direct result of television, you know? But at some point you just get tired of wearing somebody else’s clothes, saying somebody else’s words and working in somebody else’s space. “I’m also aware of the fact that you don’t get these kinds of shots in the same lifetime. You’re only supposed to have one hit show, unless you’re Kelsey Grammer.” While he is

C

planning his retirement, Charlie - who was fired from his last show, ‘Two and a Half Men’ because of his wild partying and bizarre public behavior insists he “doesn’t believe” in getting older and never wants to “extinguish” the child he still feels at heart. He added in an interview with the New York Times newspaper: Inside here, regardless of what the persona may be, I’m still the seven-year-old kid in the back of the class, afraid to raise his hand. I don’t want this - all of this - to extinguish that child.

Because it can. “And I refuse to grow up. People are like, ‘You still look young.’ I’m like, ‘I don’t believe in aging.’ I don’t believe in failure, fatigue or excuses. I don’t believe in them. You’re on two hours’ sleep and you’re shooting your eighth scene of the day so what? Do it. The Nike slogan doesn’t say ‘Just Try It.’ ”Just Good Luck With It.’ It says ‘Just Do It.’ And you do it.” —Agencies

37

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

LIFESTYLE M u s i c

&

In this photograph taken on June 2, 2012 a dangdut singer performs outside a department store in Jakarta. —AFP

M o v i e s

In this photograph taken on June 2, 2012 fans of Indonesian dangdut singer Ayu Rosmalina attend her show outside a department store in Jakarta. —AFP

Indonesia’s lewd and raunchy dangdut tests limits n a country where opposition to Lady Gaga forced the provocative pop star to cancel her show this month, Indonesia’s home-grown stars are also raising the ire of religious authorities. With increasingly lewd lyrics and raunchy dance moves, hugely popular “dangdut” musican Indonesian fusion of Arabic, Malay, Indian and western pop influences-is testing the limits of propriety in the world’s largest Muslim nation.

Lady Gaga’s decision to cancel the Indonesian leg of her world tour due to threats by Muslim hardliners opposed to her racy choreography and support for gay rights highlighted the increasing power of groups pushing a strict view of Islam. Yet such groups face an ongoing challenge on the domestic front with dangdut, a genre whose origins date back to the 1930s but whose critics contend is becoming increasingly sexually explicit.

Some 200 new dangdut titles are released every month, but earlier this year the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) banned 10 songs with sexually suggestive titles, some loosely referring to male and female genitalia. One of the banned songs, “Jupe likes 69 best” by Julia

I

gained prominence in the 1950s after Sukarno, the first Indonesian president after independence from the Dutch in 1945, sought to sweep Western influences such as Hollywood from local culture. Both male and female singers helped popularize the genre. “There were no Hollywood movies, but Hindi films were allowed and that’s why we see the influence of Indian tabla drums in dangdut music,” music commentator Denny Sakrie told AFP. “Local dangdut singers emerged in the 1960s, and Rhoma Irama popularised it in 1973 by introducing rock elements from the likes of Deep Purple. He elevated dangdut from the social underclass and villages,” said Sakrie.

Dangdut is “a forum for celebrating eroticized female dance and power, which has long been an important part of Indonesia’s cultural history, at least on the islands of Java and Sumatra,” Andrew Weintraub, a professor of music at the University of Pittsburgh, wrote in his book “Dangdut Stories.” These days dangdut-whose name is derived from the “dang” and “dut” sounds of Indian tabla drums-sounds more like a blend of modern R&B and electronic pop with Bollywood influences.

Perez, apparently referred to the favored sexual position of the singer, who goes by the stage name Jupe. In her official music video the 32year-old gyrates in a low-cut dress as she breathes lyrics about having her body caressedfactors that help her songs garner hundreds of thousands of hits on sites such as YouTube. “The song is about how a man and a woman must not be egoistic in love-nothing sexual. Only because it’s sung by me they think it’s vulgar,” Perez, who contends that she stands out in the dangdut world as “elegant sexy”, told AFP. Habib Salim Alatas, Jakarta chairman of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) that had threatened to “burn the stage” if Lady Gaga had gone ahead with her June 3 concert, said the racier dangdut singers were no different from the US pop diva. “I love dangdut, just like I love rock and pop. We are against those who show too much skin and dance too erotically. They are no different from Lady Gaga and should be banned,” he told AFP. From the villages to the mainstream Having emerged in the 1930s, dangdut

Indonesia’s more mainstream dangdut singers appear on TV almost every night, performing at weddings, community gatherings, and even political rallies. But the genre has been testing social boundaries for the past decade, starting with Inul Daratista whose rapid “drilling” hip motion angered Muslim leaders and had her banned in several provinces. “Those skimpilydressed singers who dance erotically and sing vulgar songs about sex and premarital pregnancy please nobody but the devil,” said Rafani Achyar, secretary-general of West Java’s branch of the National Ulema Council, the country’s top religious authority.

Tradition confronts modernity Traditional dangdut musicians also complain that the genre has taken a dive, with new female singers turning it into striptease. “Candolengdoleng”, or “dangling” in Indonesia’s Bugis dialect, pushes the limits of the genre, featuring women singing dangdut at wedding parties and baring their breasts to a cheering crowd that very often includes children. For a modest tip of 5,000 rupiah (50 cents) men in the audience get to grope

the dancers. “Such dancing is inappropriate in public with children present. Also, the men sometimes fight over the dancers and create a nuisance,” said Anang Pujianto, police chief in Sidrap, South Sulawesi.

“Dangdut performers have become terribly erotic now, dancing naked and encouraging lust,” said Rhoma Irama, the singer who popularized the genre in the 1970s and is known as “the king of dangdut”. “They tarnish dangdut and crush morals. Such shameful porn must be stopped,” added the now-chairman of the Indonesian Malay-Dangdut Music Artists Association. First popularized in 2003 in far-flung South Sulawesi province the striptease dangdut has since turned into a craze in remote villages, where police carry out raids on tip-offs, but let dancers off with a warning. —AFP

Boxing: Tyson to take tale to Broadway rom the boxing ring to Broadway-Mike Tyson said Monday he’s teaming up with director Spike Lee to take his oneman show “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” to the New York stage. Tyson, the former heavyweight world champion and selfstyled “baddest man on the planet,” debuted the show in Las Vegas in April, pulling few punches in recounting the highs and highly publicized lows of his career. Now he plans to bring the show to the Longacre Theatre for six nights only, July 31 to August 5, in what will be a Broadway debut for both Tyson and Lee. “I’m very vulnerable and I’m just telling you who I am and where I’m from and how this happened,” Tyson said at a news conference at the Longacre. Tyson, who like Lee hails from Brooklyn, gained fame in 1986 when he became the youngest ever heavyweight world champion at the age of 20. But fame and fortune were accompanied by turmoil, including a prison sentence for rape, drug addiction and bursts of temper outside the ring that made him tabloid fodder. Late in his career his fearsome ring reputation gained a bizarre tinge when he bit opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear in a fight. In recent years Tyson has faced charges of cocaine possession and drunken

F

Amy Winehouse

Winehouse’s dad details cycle of addiction my Winehouse’s father says he has a hard time enjoying her breakthrough “Back to Black” album because the songs are about her ex-husband. Mitch Winehouse blames Blake Fielder-Civil for leading her into drug abuse, and he details her long decline in a new memoir, “Amy, My Daughter.” His views on the British singer’s ex-husband have been stated before and are well known.

Amy Winehouse, whose “Back to Black” disc sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and won a Grammy Award for album of the year in 2008, died of accidental alcohol poisoning last July. The British singer was 27. Mitch Winehouse, a former taxi driver and aspiring singer, writes in the memoir that it recently occurred to him that one of the biggest-selling albums of the 21st century is all about Fielder-Civil, whom he disparages. He prefers his daughter’s jazzy first album, “Frank,” which wasn’t released outside England until after her later success. His memoir is scheduled to come out June 26. The Associated Press bought a copy on Monday.

Winehouse recalls his daughter as a girl writing into a notebook phrases that later turned up in songs and his pride as her singing talent became evident. But most of the book is about a seemingly endless cycle of attempted recoveries and relapses as she battled drugs and alcohol.

Winehouse also says that his daughter suffered from stage fright throughout her career. She had breast enlargement surgery

A

more than a year before her death and considered plastic surgery on her nose. Amy Winehouse’s strong will may have helped her during her career, but it didn’t help with substance abuse, her father writes.

“Long before Amy was an addict, no one could tell her what to do,” he writes. “Once she became an addict, her stubbornness just got worse. There were times when she wanted to be clean, but the times when she didn’t outnumber them.”

He writes that he could never understand why she was so in love with FielderCivil, a music industry hanger-on. The book details his numerous run-ins with FielderCivil and his family. “It wasn’t as if he brought much good into her life, or so it seemed to me,” he writes. Amy Winehouse married Fielder-Civil in 2007. They divorced in 2009. Some friends believed that Winehouse grew to dislike singing the songs on “Back to Black” because they reminded her of her ex-husband and that was one reason she drank so much before she performed. Tape of a drunken Winehouse stumbling through a set months before she died became a great embarrassment to her after it spread widely on the Internet. Alcohol was trouble because it was freely available and she could drink wherever she liked, mostly without public criticism, writes her father, who worried “her illness might end up killing us both.” —AP

driving, and dealt with personal tragedy with the accidental death of his 4-year-old daughter, Exodus.

However, he has also been seen in a new light by audiences who enjoyed his cameo role in the

would be “raw” and “filthy” but that he would also show his vulnerable side. In the show, Tyson runs through his life story, from his birth in Brooklyn to a mother who was a prostitute and a father he

Former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and director Spike Lee playfully pose after a press conference on June 18, 2012 announcing that Tyson will star on Broadway in an autobiographical one-man show called “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth” at the Longacre Theater in New York. —AFP movie “The Hangover” and shown a gentle side in a reality television series exploring his love of training pigeons. “It takes courage to get in the ring,” Lee said. “But it takes courage to get on the stage.”

Tyson, 46, said that the show

believed was a pimp, although he never knew for sure who his real father was. He was a hardened criminal by the time his mother died when he was 16. It was then that his boxing mentor, Cus d’Amato, helped him turn his back

on crime and detention centers and refocus his life around his awesome fighting talent.

He discusses his first marriage to actress Robin Givens, which unraveled in 1989, and the “demons” that gradually got the better of him. In 1992, Tyson was convicted of raping a beauty queen at a pageant in Indianapolis, Indiana. He served three years of a six-year sentence before his release in 1995, steadfastly denying he raped the woman. In 1997, he infamously bit Holyfield’s ears twice in a heavyweight title rematch and was banished from boxing for a year. The boxer filed for bankruptcy in 2003, the same year his second marriage ended. He married his current wife in 2009. Lee is the director behind such films as “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X” and “Inside Man,” and many of his films deal with race relations in America. He said he signed on for the project after seeing a recording of Tyson’s Las Vegas show. “It’s a great story and he tells it masterfully,” said Lee, who calls it a tale of redemption that only needs some tweaking from the Vegas edition. “He’s lifted himself off the canvas.” —AFP

Film returns Travolta to spotlight, amid bad press ohn Travolta will soon be back on the big screen, but weeks of negative headlines have focused on his personal life and not on the return of one of Hollywood’s top stars. Travolta plays a corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration agent in “Savages,” an Oliver Stone film about a war between marijuana growers and a Mexican drug cartel. It’s the charismatic bad guy role that has kept Travolta popular in his later career, although he is not considered one of the film’s lead actors. This weekend, the two-time Oscar nominee is expected to face the media for the first time since the headlines broke as he begins doing publicity for the movie with selected TV outlets. A source familiar with the production of “Savages” told The Associated Press that Travolta’s recent PRdifficulties have not altered his publicity schedule or marketing of the film. The source, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said Travolta was doing the same amount of interviews as the film’s other stars, which include Benicio del Toro and Salma Hayek.

Travolta’s first film since 2010 comes less than two months after the actor was accused in a lawsuit of groping two masseurs. The case quickly unraveled after Travolta’s attorney discredited one of the anonymous accusers by showing the actor was across the country on the day of one of the alleged incidents. Yet the suit was widely reported

J

by both mainstream and tabloid media and subsequent stories have focused on Travolta’s sexuality. The actor hasn’t directly addressed the claims, but his representatives have steadfastly denied them. Whether any of this impacts “Savages” remains to be seen, but several experts said the allegations are unlikely to hurt the film or Travolta’s career. Robert Marich, author of “Marketing to Moviegoers,” said the murky nature

John Travolta

of the allegations against Travolta means he’ll probably get the benefit of the doubt. “In those situations the public is very forgiving to stars,” Marich said. “I don’t see any negative reaction.”

He said the film’s publicity may be fragmented as a result of the allegations, which doesn’t benefit the studio, but he noted publicity is a film’s most unpredictable element. News outlets “can go off the studio script,” he said, creating a difficult situation. “Savages” is being distributed by Universal Pictures, which, like most studios, seeks to closely manage media coverage of its debuting films. The Travolta-”Savages” situation isn’t unique in Hollywood. Mel Gibson’s last film, “The Beaver,” was released while he was battling domestic violence allegations and embroiled in a bitter custody battle. In 2010, Lindsay Lohan missed the publicity period - and red carpet - for her supporting role in the film “Machete” due to problems with her probation. Hugh Grant’s arrest for lewd conduct with a prostitute a couple weeks before the release of the 1995 film “Nine Months” was especially dicey. Grant surprised many by keeping his previously scheduled appearances, apologizing and appearing humbled. It preserved his fledgling career in the United States.—AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

lifestyle M U S I C

&

M O V I E S This film image released

by Disney/Pixar shows the character Merida, voiced by Kelly Macdonald, in a scene from “Brave.” — AP

‘Brave’ is beautiful but plays it too safe P

ixar is long overdue for a feature with a strong female character at its center. Now that she’s arrived, it’s clear that she deserves better. “Brave” is beautiful to look at, as you would expect given the technical and artistic standard the animation behemoth has set. Set in the wilds of Scotland, the company’s 13th feature is full of lush, green forests and dramatic, rolling hills, all of which appears even more idyllic bathed in a delicate, mystical sunlight.

Our heroine, the feisty and free-spirited Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald), has a finely detailed mane of long, red curls that look so bouncy and soft, they’ll make you want to roll around in them, then maybe take a little nap. And the story begins promisingly enough with our heroine - an avid archer - leaping onto her valiant steed and taking a thunderous ride through

the countryside, expertly hitting her targets without missing a beat. She’s obviously a character with a mind of her own, one who has no apprehension about breaking the rules - which is why it’s such a shame that the film itself feels so old-fashioned and safe. The script, credited to co-directors Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman as well as Steve Purcell and Irene Mecchi, revisits several familiar Disney character types and themes: a princess in a long-ago kingdom who pays an ill-fated visit to a witch, a spell that changes everything and needs to be broken, and the misunderstandings and danger that ensue.

After beginning in thrilling fashion, “Brave” turns rather silly and slap sticky rather quickly, as if it were aimed mainly at the little kids in the audience rather than the whole family, for whom most Pixar movies are so satisfying and quite often moving. (Admit it: You sobbed uncon-

trollably at the beginning of “Up” and the end of “Toy Story 3.” We all did.) This time, the usual depth of story and well-developed characters simply aren’t there. It’s a pleasant diversion but, comparatively, a disappointment.

But “Brave” does boast a strong voice cast, including Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson as Merida’s parents, the king and queen.

Queen Elinor in particular is concerned with making sure her teenage daughter grows up to be a proper young lady, that she behaves the way a princess should and doesn’t go gallivanting about on her own causing mischief; it’s bad enough that the couple’s young triplet sons are constant troublemakers. And so she’s insistent that Merida buckle down and prepare for marriage, even though it’s a huge leap the girl isn’t ready to make and despite the fact that her three potential suitors from the

other prominent clans are all doofuses. The fact that she shows these boys up in an archery competition humiliates and angers her mother even further.

Sounds good so far. But then “Brave” becomes a wellworn cautionary tale about being careful of what you wish for, as a trip to see a toothless, whiskered old witch in a hidden cottage (voiced by Julie Walters) changes much more than Merida bargained for. We won’t reveal the transformation here, but suffice it to say that it’s something more complicated than true love’s kiss can undo. The movie itself, however, never changes back to its original form. If Merida herself had been in charge, she probably would have wanted to shake things up a little more. “Brave,” a Disney Pixar release, is rated PG for some scary action and rude humor. Running time: 93 minutes.

Two stars out of four. — AP

Fiona Apple spins a yarn on new album

Review

A

fter making a name for herself at 19 with her acclaimed debut “Tidal” in 1996, Fiona Apple slowed down and almost ground down to a halt. Now 34, she releases her fourth album after a seven-year break, and the title’s a mouthful: “The Idler Wheel Is Wiser ThanThe Driver of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do.” But the dense name is merely indicative of the richness of material on the album and the now 34-year-old’s fearlessness in taking her time to do the exact music she wants. Stripped down to ten tracks and using instruments scarcely, “The Idler Wheel” presents the listener with a deceptive facade of frugality, when in fact, like with all of Apple’s work, it blooms into a rich tapestry of emotional stories. The singer pours herself vulnerable and raw into the music, particularly on tracks like “Every Single Night,” “Periphery” and “Anything We Want.” Apple’s

remarkable voice exudes a mix of confidence and hurt, modulating itself perfectly to the atmosphere of each song.

Apart from intuitive use of non-instrumental sounds such as a typewriter (“Regret”), children’s voices on a playground (“Werewolf”) and birds flapping their wings (“Daredevil”), Apple brings to the table her impeccable lyric-writing skills and instinct for the most wonderful turn of phrase. After all, who else would put in the same song words like “orotund,” “reticulate” and “valedictories” and get away with it? At the end of the album, you feel like you’ve been to wonderland.

Check this track out: “Regret” lodges itself in your brain like an obsessive letter to an exlover. — AP

Popular Pakistani Bieber’s hot show melts singer shot dead down Apollo power A

This CD cover image released by Epic Records shows the latest release by Fiona Apple, “The Idler Wheel Is Wiser ThanThe Driver of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do.” — AP

Justin Bieber performs during the 2012 Much Music Video Awards in Toronto on Sunday, June 17, 2012. — AP

J

ustin Bieber had an unplugged performance at the Apollo Theater on Monday, but it wasn’t intentional - a problem caused a power outage during the singing sensation’s big concert. The singer was nearing the end of a private show in front of a packed house when the power for most of the stage instruments suddenly went out, said his manager, Scooter Braun. “Then we hear the fire alarm,” Braun said by phone Monday evening. “Literally, the boy blew up the Apollo - he heated up the Apollo.”

But Bieber still managed to finish his show, with the help of fans singing along with him. “What it turned into was an Apollo moment, like one of those impromptu things,” said Nina Flowers, the Apollo’s rep. “It was one of the most special nights I have ever been a part of,” said Braun. The power outage, which only affected the stage instruments and some lighting, occurred toward the end of the show. Braun said they were told the problem was supposed to be only a few minutes, but it stretched to more than 40 minutes.

At first, Bieber took the outage in stride. “He was joking, he said it was all the hot girls in here,” said Flowers. He then got on the drums, which were working, for a solo, and had the crowd serenade Braun for his birthday. But then Bieber got upset at the disruption of the show, which was being taped as part of an NBC special to air later this week. “He started to get frustrated, because it had

been 40 minutes,” said Braun. However, instead of getting mad, Bieber decided to put his energy into performing for his fans, who stayed in the audience during the delay.

“He walks out, he literally quiets the crowd, and he says, ‘I’m sorry the power is out. . (But) you guys have always had my back. I’m going to sing ‘Boyfriend’ and you’re going to sing it back to me.’”

He then launched into his hit song from his new album “Believe” as the crowd of mainly teen girls sang along as he danced, Braun said. Flowers couldn’t say what caused the power outage, but she praised the 18-year-old entertainer for finishing the show. “He could have stopped; he could have not gone on and said, I did everything but he came back on,” said Flowers.

She added that Bieber showed reverence throughout the night for the famed theater, a hallowed hall where the likes of James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Bieber’s idol, Michael Jackson, have performed.

“It was really like a special moment,” she added. Bieber’s concert was part of a series of promotional appearances to push his album “Believe,” out Tuesday. It has garnered strong reviews. Braun said he’s hopeful the album will prove that Bieber has more to him than just hype. “Every step of the way he’s been doubted,” Braun said. “”He is a great artist and entertainer and tonight he showed that.” — AP

popular Pakistani singer who fled the Taleban to pursue her music career away from their repressive dictats was shot dead in the northwestern city of Peshawar, police said yesterday. Ghazala Javed, 24, was shot six times by gunmen as she left a beauty salon, although police do not believe the Taleban was responsible for her murder and said her ex-husband was a suspect in the case. Her father, who was with her, was also killed, police said. “Two men on a motorbike sprayed bullets and fled leaving them in a pool of blood,” senior police officer Dilawar Bangash told AFP. She was shot six times and her father once in the head, Bangash said. “We have registered a case and launched an investigation. The murder seems to be result of some internal dispute,” he added.

Police official Imtiaz Khan said the ex-husband was suspected of involvement in the murders.

The singer had fled to Peshawar in 2009 to escape the then Taliban-dominated northwestern district of Swat as the army launched a sweeping offensive. From 2007 to 2009, Taliban fighters controlled by radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah Ghazala Javed effectively seized control of the district, terrorizing people with murders, beheadings, attacks on girls’ schools and music shops. Singers and dancers were singled out in particular until the army reasserted control in July 2009, winning praise from the United States for eliminating an Islamist threat 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the capital Islamabad.

Javed sung in her native Pashto language and released more than two dozen albums that were popular among Pashto speakers in the northwest. She married businessman Jahangir Khan in 2010, but demanded a divorce after finding out he had another wife and because he tried to ban her from singing, the family said. It is rare for women in the deeply conservative northwest to solicit a divorce and under Islamic law men can have up to four wives at once.—AFP

Actor Andrew Garfield, left, signs autographs while walking on the red carpet during the Russian premiere of the film” The Amazing SpiderMan” in Moscow, Russia, Friday, June 15, 2012. — AP

Andrew Garfield: The new ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ A ndrew Garfield’s Spidey sense is tingling - and convincing. Garfield, the latest actor to play Spider-Man, makes people believe he really is a spider - even before he gets into the costume, the new film’s director said Monday at the gala British premiere for “The Amazing Spider-Man.” The word the producers of the reboot, the director and Garfield’s co-stars use to describe him is “committed.” Director Marc Webb said he was impressed with the actor’s focus, emotional gravitas, comedy chops, and especially the way Garfield conveyed his transformation from teen-ager to spider.

“He was so committed to the physical dimension of the character, like he really was focused on feeling like a spider was taking over him and keeping that DNA alive and every time I would see him, his elbow would be moving a certain way and he was embody-

ing the, like he really was, it felt like he was being taken over by a spider - and when he got in the suit it really paid a lot of dividends,” he explained. The 28-year-old Garfield said he didn’t go as far as method acting. “I don’t know what that word means, but I definitely was dedicated to it and wanted to make sure that we did our job as well as possible and made sure that the character is served in the way that it should be,” he said.

One of the ways in which he devoted himself to becoming Peter Parker and his alterego, Spider-Man, was following an intense fitness regimen for six months, six days a week, plus three months of rehearsals and training for his stunt work. Co-star Emma Stone thinks Garfield’s love of the superhero since he was 3 years old makes “his dedication and protection of the character totally apparent throughout the movie.” —AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

lifestyle A W A R D S

‘Homeland,’ ‘Community’

take top Critics Choice honors

Joel McHale, left, and the cast and crew of “Community” accept the award for best comedy onstage at the 2nd Annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Monday. — AP photos Winners Best Comedy Series: Community (NBC) Best Drama Series: Homeland (Showtime) Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Christina Hendricks, Mad Men Best Animated Series: Archer, FX Best Movie/Miniseries: Sherlock, PBS Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries: Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries: Julianne Moore, Game Change Best Reality Series | Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (Travel Channel) Best Reality Series - Competition: The Voice (NBC).”

Best Reality Show Host (TIE) | Tom Bergeron, Dancing with the Stars ... and Cat Best Talk Show: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC) Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series: Paul Rudd, Parks and Recreation Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series: Lucy Liu, Southland.

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Giancarlo Esposito, Breaking Bad Best Actor in a Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad Best Actress in a Drama Series: Claire Danes, Homeland Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Ty Burrell, Modern Family Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy: Julie Bowen, Modern Family Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Louis C.K., Louie Best Actress in a Comedy Series (TIE): Zooey Deschanel, New Girl ... and Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation New Series”: Fox’s The Following (premieres midseason) and The Mindy Project

Julie Bowen, left, accepts the award for best supporting actress in a comedy for “Modern Family”.

P

sychological thriller “Homeland” won the top prize at the Critics Choice Television awards on Monday, edging out the much-admired “Mad Men,” while “Community” was voted best comedy. Cable channel Showtime’s “Homeland” was declared best TV drama series and its star Claire Danes won the best dramatic actress award for her performance as a bipolar CIA agent on the hunt for a homegrown terrorist. AMC’s “Breaking Bad” brought home the best actor and supporting actor trophies for Bryan Cranston’s chemistry teacher-turned drug king and Giancarlo Esposito for his turn as the evil head of a New Mexico methamphetamine ring.

Flame-haired Christina Hendricks was the only winner on Monday for the multiple Emmy-winning AMC advertising drama “Mad Men”, taking the supporting actress award for her role as curvaceous office manager Joan Holloway. The little-seen but critically admired NBC show “Community” won for best comedy, while “Modern Family” stars Julie Bowen and her screen husband Ty Burrell were honored in the supporting acting categories.

Louis C.K was voted best comedy actor for his FX show “Louie,” while Zooey Deschanel’s ditzy “New Girl” and “Parks and Recreation” mockumentary star Amy Poehler shared the award for best comedy

picked up three awards each, Fox had two and CBS - the nation’s most-watched TV network - went home empty-handed.

The Critics Choice Television awards were chosen by the Broadcast Television Journalists Association and handed out a gala dinner in Los Angeles. The winners were announced a month before nominations for the primetime Emmy Awards, the highest honors in the television industry. — Reuters

Chris Pratt, left, and Nick Offerman accept the award for guest performer in a comedy for “Parks and Recreation” on behalf of Paul Rudd onstage. actress. Britain’s updated Sherlock Holmes detective show “Sherlock” won the best miniseries and its quirky star Benedict Cumberbatch was awarded best miniseries actor.

Julianne Moore took the prize for best TV movie actress for her portrayal of Sarah

Palin in HBO’s “Game Change,” which charted the backstage story of Palin’s 2008 Republican U.S. Vice-presidential run. A reality series victory for singing contest “The Voice” helped struggling TV network NBC to lead the tally of winners on Monday with five awards. ABC and AMC shows

Lucy Liu accepts the award for guest performer in a drama for “Southland”.

From left, Chris Parnell, H Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler and Adam Reed pose backstage with the award for best animated series for “Archer”.

Christina Hendricks accepts the award for best supporting actress in a drama for “Mad Men”.

Zooey Deschanel accepts the award for best actress in a comedy series for “New Girl”.

Julianne Moore accepts the award for best actress in a movie or miniseries for “Game Change”.

Cat Deeley accepts the award for reality show host for “So You Think You Can Dance”.

Ty Burrell, left, winner of the award for best supporting actor in a comedy series, and Julie Bowen, winner of the award for best supporting actress in a comedy series are on stage.

Ty Burrell accepts the award for best supporting actor in a comedy for “Modern Family”.

Chris Colfer, left, and Zooey Deschanel present an award onstage.

Giancarlo Esposito poses backstage with the award for best supporting actor in a drama for “Breaking Bad”.

‘Homeland,’ ‘Community’ take top Critics Choice honors

39

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012

This file photo taken on June 13, 2012 shows renowned Malian-Nigerien fashion designer Alphadi, holding a Malian flag, applauded by models at the end of his collection show during the Dakar Fashion Week.

Tuareg designer brings sass to Dakar ramps T

he Sahel’s most feted fashionista, Tuareg designer Alphadi, hit the runway at Dakar Fashion Week with a homage to Mali, whose vast north is largely under control of hardline Islamists. The bright colors, occasionally bare arms and sparkle that sashayed down the catwalk were definitely not in keeping with sharia, the strict Islamic law that has been enforced in northern Mali for the past two months. “That’s the idea,” laughed the man who was introduced to the crowd at the final show of the 10th annual Dakar Fashion Week on Saturday night as the “Magician of the Desert”.

Alphadi was born in the fabled city of Timbuktu, an ancient trading hub, intellectual centre and popular metaphor for a mythical faraway place.

But since jihadists exploited a political vacuum following a coup d’etat and planted their ominous black flags in the town in late March, tens of thousands have fled and those that remain have to follow strict Islamic law. Women have to wear veils and are not permitted to wear trousers, smokers are flogged and cigarettes and alcohol destroyed. “It shocks me,” Alphadi said in an interview with AFP on Sunday. “Timbuktu has always been a secular town, everyone living together, sharing, blacks

and whites, very cosmopolitan. A mysterious town!” The 55-year-old, whose full name is Sidahmed Seidnaly, moved to Niger with his trader parents aged 13 which is where his brand rose from the arid, dusty edges of the Sahara desert to find fame in fashion capitals New York and Paris.

“The situation in Mali affects me deeply, I am Malian of origin, it cannot continue like this,” said Alphadi, effusing about politics while simultaneously directing assistants, models and greeting passers-by. On June 2 he raised 50 million CFA (76,000 euros, $95,000) in a telethon held in Niamey which he will on Wednesday hand to the UN refugee agency, which counts 41,000 Malian refugees in Niger.

Through his “fashion for peace” designs, made

by Malian artisans and featuring hand-dyed polished cotton known as bazin, Alphadi wants to unveil Mali’s creativity which he says should not be stifled by sharia. He showed voluminous bazin skirts, shoulder less tops accessorized by a glittery wisp of fabric which could graze the hair and fall over the shoulders as an afterthought of a veil, or be used as a shawl. At the end of the show Alphadi surged to the front dressed in shiny red, gold and green, carrying a large Malian flag in the same colours. Mali’s

This file photo taken on June 16, 2012 shows Pakistani designer Ayesha Razza standing along with Malian-Nigerien fashion designer Alphadi and Lebanese-Ivorian designer Elien Kuame at the Dakar Fashion Week in Dakar. — AFP photos

woes began in January when Tuaregs launched a decades-old bid for independence in the north. Alphadi agreed his people had been ignored for decades by Bamako, but said split-

ting Mali in two could not be the answer. Mali’s army was overwhelmed by the Tuareg rebels who brought weapons back from Libya’s recent war, and staged a coup on March 22. With the

Winners take it all Here’s the story of the three winners from Kuwait

KUWAIT: A room to highlight the joys of togetherness, good health, and just celebrate life can be achieved when pieced together with great care and attention to detail. Finalists, from across six countries in the GCC, of the second season of Home Centre’s Room Makeover contest 2012, received just that sort of a dream-come-true transformations for their living space.

From over 3500 entries, the jury panel picked out 20 winners for the room makeovers - after a long and difficult review process. Seven winners are from the UAE, two each from Bahrain and Oman, and three each from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The lucky winners in Kuwait are; Minali BajajSyed, who won a bedroom-makeover as a gift to her soon-to-be-wedded brother-in-law along with talented teenager, Dalal Jaber, and Kuwaiti housewife, Aya Faid, who won beautiful makeovers for their bedrooms.

Looking to convert a bare bachelor pad into a room for newly-weds, enterprising sister-in-law Minali Bajaj-Syed participated in the Home Centre room makeover to win a perfect wedding gift for her brother-in-law. The near-clinically maintained room had nothing but a make-shift wardrobe, a ramshackle bed, and a basic television console.

“My husband’s younger brother is soon going to tie the knot, and his room was nothing that could offer a warm welcome to his bride. The Home Centre Room Makeover team turned his room into a honeymoon suite. The makeover was astonishing and I can’t wait to see the surprise in the eyes of the newlyweds. I wish the new couple a very happy married life and thank Home Centre deeply for this well-timed gift and out-of-the-world transformation,” said Minali.

The ‘man-cave’ was converted to an elegant sanctuary with dreamy hues of peaches and creams and walnut coloured furniture. The Swift bed comes with under-bed storage dressed and was dressed opulently with Biab comforter set and Kramfos silver sequined cushions. The room was complemented with a matching 4-door wardrobe, night stands and 6-drawer dresser

together young feminine touches with aesthetic echoes wherever possible,” explained Gokstad.

Stay-at-home mom, Aya Faid, also harboured a colourful vision when it came to designing her own bedroom. Although she managed to pair some interesting colours and pieces together, the look still lacked the explosion of hues she would have preferred. The Home Centre room

Aya Faid’s room before it was redecorated. also from the Swift collection. Acrylic 4-tier table lamps, Etern bevelled mirror adorning the romantic peach walls, Revine woven dhurrie, Nilda vase and white Issey Jacquard drapes added to the romantic look for the room.

Dalal Jaber, like every other teenage girl, had always dreamed of owning a bedroom that catered to all her whims and fancies, with bright colours and inspiring dÈcor. “I have often roamed the isles of the Home Centre store, imagining what it would be like to go home to a room like the ones on display. Today my imagination has been brought to life,” an elated Dalal stated.

Dalal’s bedroom received a signature Home Centre makeover that was straight out of a teenage dream. The stylist chose an exciting colour palette of pink and grey, added smart storage ideas, eye-catching show pieces and functional items to make the room vibrant and pretty yet liveable and functional. “The Orazio bedroom set (including bed, night stands, 4door wardrobe, desk with hutch) was a perfect choice to liven up the room with modern high gloss furniture with beautiful blossom details,” said Hanne Gokstad, the stylist in charge of makeovers in Kuwait. The Vanessa comforter set in matching colours complemented the lavender walls, white appliquÈ design wall danglers stylishly brightened up the corners and pink Laurel table lamps added to the feminine look. “ This room has been designed bringing

Aya Faid’s room after it was redecorated. makeover team took her cue and went all out to bring an eclectic edge that was tailored to her family.

“My room never looked fit for a young couple.

My husband found it too feminine and I had no time or expertise to change that look. What we got from The Home Centre team is a real treat. It truly reflects our personality and tastes,” said Aya Faid.

“Bright colours were a favourite with Aya so we decided to try a bold and eclectic look with diverse patterns, bright colours and an assortment of bold accessories,” said stylist Gokstad.

The navy accent wall was fitted with a unique pair of attractive Rixon bevelled mirrors and contrasted against pops of coloured accessories yellow Aston table lamps, green Freesia votive holders, burgundy Alexis curtains, Pola glass vases in turquoise and green, multi-coloured cushions, magenta Amy dhurrie and Fiorina floral comforter set. The generous mix of colours were complemented with the sleek, modern Betrib

bedroom set.

Aarti Jagtiani, General Manager, Home Centre, said: “Like last year, this has been a very difficult judging process with a multitude of entries coming in from a very large audience.

Not only is it a great challenge and learning for the brand, it is also a very fulfilling experience that goes well beyond creating appealing homes. It allows us to touch the lives of people in the countries we operate and share the joy of owning Home Centre products.”

A room makeover, worth KW 1,000, is executed in a single day by the Home Centre teams of stylists. The experts base their recommendations on the tastes and personalities of the winners, their requirements and reasons for the makeover, new trends in the market and optimum utilisation of space. Homes are redone with the latest range of Home Centre furniture and household accessories to bring alive a new trend with maximum utility for everyday living. The result is a distinct visual impact created by matching colours, lighting, palettes and textures to reflect the personality of the winners and their needs.

The contest engaged a wide audience that competed for the room of their dreams. Home Centre ensured that the winners were chosen with focused thought and care. Public voting was conducted to shortlist candidates, which was followed by extensive rounds of reviews and personal interviews.

In 2011, Home Centre successfully organised the first-ever ‘Room Makeover’ contest in the UAE. Owing to its great success the competition has gone GCC-wide this year.

Voted a UAE ‘Superbrand’ in January 2012 for the third consecutive year, Home Centre offers a mix of contemporary and traditional designs across furniture, furnishings, home accessories, kitchenware and gift options at exceptional value.

north barely protected, the Tuaregs quickly seized the main towns. At their flanks were the Islamist group Ansar Dine, or Defenders of Faith, backed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) who soon took the upper hand and have had a fractious relationship with the secular Tuareg. Another Malian designer Mariah Bocoum is from Bamako where she and her children were holed up in the days after the coup, smelling gunpowder and hearing shots fired around the capital. She was inspired to do a five-piece mini-collection.

A form-fitting green dress with green beret cocked on the model’s head symbolized the low-ranking putschists.

A similar outfit with red belt and red beret symbolized the former regime, which was protected by paratroopers who attempted a counter-coup. “The three others represent the Malian population as I would like to see it, full of colors which express joy : Blue, green, orange, yellow,” said Bocoum. “It is an invitation to get rid of this hate we have for each other. Green beret against red beret, some Tuareg against the southerners and vice versa. My dream is to see these people hand-inhand so we can save our country from the Islamists.” — AFP

Vuitton loses

US case against cinematic knockoff

A

judge has thrown out Louis Vuitton’s case against Warner Brothers over a knockoff handbag that made a 30-second cameo in the Hollywood flop “Hangover II,” officials said Monday. “We are very pleased with the court’s decision,” said a Warner Brothers spokesperson. In the film, comedic actor Zach Galifianakis carries a bag with the monogram LVM. When someone knocks into the bag, he says, “Careful, that’s a Lewis (instead of Louis) Vuitton.” The counter feit bag was made by the Chinese-American company Diophy.

Louis Vuitton Malletier, a fashion and leather goods subsidiary of LVMH group sued Warner Brothers, the production company behind the film in December 2011, citing a “false designation of origin/unfair competition” and “trademark dilution.”

The Vuitton camp maintained that “many consumers believed the Diophy bag (in the film) was in fact a genuine Louis Vuitton” and that the “Lewis Vuitton” comment was a “hallmark quote from the movie.” Federal Judge Andrew Carter determined Vuitton was without sufficient evidence to prove its claim, saying it was “highly unlikely” that audiences were able to notice the fake Louis Vuitton in its 30seconds on the screen. It was the second lawsuit for “Hangover II,” a slapstick comedy where two men travel to Bangkok for their friend’s wedding. In the first suit, an Australian stuntman sued Warner Brothers for injuries sustained during filming. —AFP