25 Oct

CR IP TI ON BS SU

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Latam, Carib countries form Business Council

Czisny edges Kostner to win Skate America

NO: 15250

150 FILS

2 40 PAGES

www.kuwaittimes.net

THULQADA 27, 1432 AH

20

Kuwait Airways staff end strike after deal Employees to get 30% wage hike • Several flights cancelled

Max 32º Min 16º Low Tide 04:15 & 16:44 High Tide 10:05 & 22:32

By Abdullatif Al-Sharaa and Agencies

Central Bank eyes euro crisis with concern DUBAI: Kuwait’s Central Bank is greatly concerned

by Europe’s debt crisis and its possible impact on the stability of banks there, but it believes Kuwaiti banks are in good enough shape to withstand big global shocks, its governor said. “The precarious situation with sovereign debt in some European economies, and most recently the possible impact on banking stability in Europe, are major concerns to us in Kuwait,” Sheikh Salem Abdul-Aziz Al-Sabah said in an emailed response to Reuters questions.

Despite a decrease in crude oil prices in the past six months, Kuwait’s economic growth is expected to accelerate to 4.7 percent this year, a Reuters poll showed in September, from 3.4 percent estimated by the International Monetary Fund for 2010. “We believe...that the Kuwaiti banking system is in quite a good shape to withstand extraordinary global shocks,” Sheikh Salem said. “By any standard, Kuwaiti banks are presently well capitalised including conservative leveraging ratios. Equally important, our supervisory reviews show our banks have more than ample liquidity.”

Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways employees stand in the departures hall of the airport at the start of their indefinite strike to demand a pay increase yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Islamists lead in Tunisia vote TUNIS: Tunisia’s main Islamist party claimed yesterday to have captured about 40 percent of the vote in the country’s first free polls, as the cradle of the Arab Spring basked in praise for its democratic revolution. Official results were not due until today, but provisional numbers released by some media outlets appeared to confirm Ennahda’s prediction that it would be the dominant force in Tunisia’s constituent assembly. The leader of the secular centre-left PDP party, tipped as Ennahda’s main challenger before the vote, conceded defeat. “The trend is clear. The PDP is badly placed. It is the decision of the Tunisian people. I bow before their choice,” leader Maya Jribi told AFP at her party’s headquarters.

Instead, the leaders of two other leftist parties, Ettakatol and the Congress for the Republic (CPR), said they were fighting it out for second place. Ettakatol leaders told AFP they expected to get about 15 percent of the vote, as did the CPR. “Ennahda is certainly the majority, but there are two other democratic entities, Ettakatol and the CPR, who were weak at the start but now find themselves in the position to contribute to political life and usher a rational modernity in this Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: Kuwait Air ways Corp (KAC) employees returned to work yesterday hours after launching a strike to demand a pay increase, following a deal with the government, the trade union’s head said. “Yes. We have agreed to suspend the strike for one month,” after reaching an agreement with the government to raise the wages of KAC employees by 30 percent, Abdullah Al-Hajeri said. The announcement came after the union met with acting communications minister Salem AlOthainah and senior KAC officials who agreed to the workers’ demands.

Hundreds of the flag carrier workers had began the work stoppage in the morning demanding a pay increase after they claimed that authorities failed to fulfill an earlier promise to raise their wages. State-owned Kuwait Airways cancelled 10 flights to regional destinations such as Dubai, Jeddah and Doha and delayed several others. The strike, however, excluded flights to Saudi cities, where thousands are due next week for the hajj pilgrimage.

The secretary of Kuwait Airways’ employees union Hussain Al-Habib held the chairman of Kuwait Airways responsible over scuffles that broke out between employees of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and striking KAC employees, because of a decision issued by the chairman to sign a contract with NAS Aviation to send its employees to man Kuwait Airways’ counters. On the accusation that the union was obstructing pilgrims, he said, “pilgrims are a red line, but Continued on Page 13

New Assembly term to open amid high tension Oppn to boycott panel election

By B Izzak

TUNIS: Leader of the Islamist Ennahda party Rached Ghannouchi’s daughters Intissar (right), Yusra (center) and Soumaya are pictured at Ennahda’s headquarters yesterday. — AFP

US pulls envoy from Syria DAMASCUS: US envoy to Syria Robert Ford, an open Department said Ford was brought back to Washington critic of President Bashar Al-Assad’s crackdown on polit- because of “credible threats against his personal safety ical dissent, has left Syria indefinitely for security rea- in Syria”. It said Washington hoped the Syrian governsons, an embassy official said yesterday. The US State ment would end its “incitement campaign” against Ford Department confirmed that Ford was pulled out, citing who, he said, “has worked diligently to deliver our mes“credible threats” against his safety. Meanwhile six civil- sage and be our eyes on the ground”. ians were reportedly killed yesterday, The US Senate earlier this month unanifive of them in the flashpoint central mously confirmed Ford’s appointment as city of Homs as the army pressed its ambassador to Syria, calling it “a tough brutal suppression of political protest message” to Assad and a sign of US “solithat has infuriated the international darity with the Syrian people”. “Despite community. even being physically attacked and “Ambassador Robert Ford is on leave assaulted by the regime’s goons, Ford conindefinitely. Washington decided to tinues courageously to visit cities under give him the leave out of concerns military siege and speak truth to power,” about his personal safety,” the embassy US Senator John Kerry said at the time. official told AFP, speaking on condition Washington has repeatedly urged the of anonymity. Washington’s concerns UN Security Council and the international emerged “following critical newspaper community to step up pressure on Syria articles”, said the official, without elaboover its bloody response to opposition to rating. Ford has come in for heavy critithe government in Damascus. On Sunday, Robert Ford cism by regime supporters in Damascus the European Union, which has issued sevwho have accused him of helping incite violence in the eral rounds of sanctions against Assad’s regime, Syrian country, where according to UN estimates more than banks and the oil sector, warned of new measures if 3,000 people have been killed since mid-March.

Damascus fails to halt violence against dissenters.

The ambassador has also angered the regime by visA rights watchdog said Syrian forces in Homs yesteriting protest hubs outside the capital in a show of soli- day raked several neighbourhoods with heavy artillery darity with pro-democracy demonstrators. The State Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Sabah today opens the new parliamentary term with a speech expected to urge cooperation between MPs and the government whose relations have badly deteriorated over an alleged corruption scandal and a constitutional court ruling. The new eight-month term is tipped by observers to be the “hottest” ever, with the government and opposition locked in a bitter dispute over a host of issues topped by a multi-million-dinar graft scandal in which almost a third of the 50-member National Assembly is believed to be involved.

The new term is also expected to witness a large number of grillings, mainly against Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who has already survived three no-confidence votes after becoming the first Kuwaiti premier to be questioned in the Assembly.

Sheikh Nasser has already faced three grillings and opposition MPs have filed 11

requests to quiz him over a variety of allegations including corruption and squandering of public funds. Two grillings were filed against the premier in the past term with one referred to the constitutional court and the other was not debated because of time limitations as it was filed just a few days before the end of the term.

The two are expected to be debated if the Assembly decides they are not in violation of last week’s constitutional court ruling.

Opposition MPs plan to file a third grilling linked to the corruption scandal and allegations he transferred public funds to several personal accounts abroad, an accusations that was categorically denied by his office and which forced former foreign minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah to step down.

Although Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled AlSabah was appointed as a new foreign minister, the issue is not expected to die as opposition MPs plan to reveal more highly classified documents as evidence for the violations.

Continued on Page 13

Libya is ‘liberated’, but Gaddafi still unburied MISRATA, Libya: A day after Libyans declared a “liberation” that consigned Muammar Gaddafi to the “garbage bin of history”, hundreds again filed past his rotting corpse in a grim display that has raised questions about the nation’s new direction. With their Western allies expressing quiet unease that Gaddafi was battered and shot after his capture on Thursday, then put on show for days in a market cold store, the rebel factions which ended his 42-year rule were still wrangling over the body, amid wider negotiations on dividing up power.

The killing of the 69-year-old in his hometown of Sirte ended a nervous, two-month hiatus since the motley rebel forces of the National Transitional Council overran the capital Tripoli and ended

SIRTE, Libya: Libyans load their belongings into a car in a destroyed street yesterday. — AFP eight months of war - though trigger mass rejoicing by declaring Gaddafi’s son and heir-apparent Libya’s long-awaited “liberation” on Seif al-Islam is still at large. Yet Sunday in Benghazi, the seat of the while the death of the fallen revolt, it has also turned a harsh strongman allowed the NTC to Continued on Page 13

y

A

2

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

LOCAL

Latin American, Caribbean countries announce Business Council formation

KUWAIT: The guest of honor, Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan Editor-in-Chief of Kuwait Times, with the Al-Alyan is welcomed by the ambassadors. ambassadors of the Caribbean and Latin American countries.

KUWAIT: The Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) yesterday announced the formal establishment of the Business Council of Latin America and the Caribbean, representing businesses from the region.

The guest of honor at the event was the Kuwait Times’ Editor-in-Chief, Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan, with members of the GRULAC group congratulating him on the occasion of the papers’ golden jubilee.

News

in brief

Tougher speeding penalties KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior is considering the introduction of stricter penalties for motorists found to be speeding after recent official figures showed a noticeable increase in these offences this year. A ministry insider revealed that the MoI favors amending the current sentences for speeding drivers, introducing harsher penalties such as a three-month jail terms for those found to be driving at between 180 and 220 kilometers per hour. Around 800,000 speeding tickets have been issued in the past ten months, said the insider, adding that speeding remains the main cause of road fatalities in Kuwait.

Fatwa pay rise decision KUWAIT: State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Ali AlRashid said on Sunday that the pay rise demands by staff at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs’ Fatwa and Legislative Department are still under consideration by a government legal committee. Al-Rashid revealed that a special meeting is to be held on Thursday to discuss and issue a decision on the matter.

In an address delivered during the event on behalf of the new council, Manuel Pardinas-Ajeno, the Cuban Ambassador to Kuwait, said, “The formalization of the Business council of Latin America and the Caribbean is an excellent idea. It is an idea that we have given some thought to before, and we welcome the interest shown by the Kuwait Times and by [its Editor-in-Chief ] and are ready to work together.”

The GRULAC members meet regu-

larly to discuss issues of common interest.

The group’s diplomatic presence in Kuwait has grown since its formation, with the number of member nations increasing from four to seven, and now including Guyana, Jamaica and Peru. The group has further plans for expansion, explained Ambassador Pardinas-Ajeno, revealing that “Within a few days we’ll have number eight with the arrival of our colleague from Mexico.”

Ambassadors are seen at the announcement of the launch of the Business Council of Latin America and the Caribbean yesterday.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra

Al-Anjari to proceed with interpellation motion PM must fulfill his responsibilities KUWAIT: MP Abdurrahman Al-Anjari has asserted that he does not plan to withdraw from an interpellation motion against the premier to be co-presented with MP Ahmad Al-Saadoun. After the grilling motion against the Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Nasser AlMohammed Al-Sabah, was presented in May, the Cabinet requested that the Constitutional Court interpret certain articles of the Constitution which lay down the prime minister’s duties and those of the ministers.

The debate of the grilling motion on

corruption and squandering of public funds, was put on hold until the ruling was issued. In the recent verdict issued by the Court, it ruled that the prime minister should not be held accountable for issues that fall under the jurisdiction of certain other ministers.

“The Constitutional Court absolutely has not branded the motion as unconstitutional,” Al-Anjari indicated, adding that the “the prime minister must hold his ministers responsible before being held accountable by the Parliament. He must fulfill his responsibilities.”

Meanwhile, officials close to the oppositionist blocs indicate that a grilling motion to be co-presented by the Development and Reform Bloc(DRB) and Popular Action Bloc(PAB) against the prime minister was postponed from its original date “to avoid conflict with the previous grilling motion. This is so as to ensure that they are debated separately.”

The grilling motion addresses the case pertinent with the cash deposits scandal, in addition to alleged payments made by the premier to beneficiaries

residing abroad, reported A-Qabas.

MP Khalid Al-Sultan said that the previously filed grilling motion is constitutional as per Articles 123 and 127, but expressed concern that “the majority pro-government MPs will help the Cabinet avoid the debate.”

On Sunday, the Parliament’s legislative committee passed a draft law to establish an anti-graft authority that is governed by a retroactive financial disclosure stipulation. This happened during the panel’s last meeting before new committee members are elected.

Quran recitation winners KUWAIT: The Assistant Undersecretary of Holy Quran Affairs and Islamic Studies at the Ministry of Awqaf (endowment) Abdullah Barrak expressed, along with a number of the winners of the Holy Quran recitation competition, their appreciation of the support exerted

by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah. Barrak said in a statement after being received by His Highness the Amir earlier yesterday, that it was an honor to meet him, expressing gratitude for his attendance of the Holy Quran recitation annual competition ceremony. The ministry official added that they were all proud that this year’s winners were internationally recognized who won six out of seven competitions, including taking first place in three of them.

For his part, Kuwaiti first place winner in Jordan’s competition Jassim Al-Ainati said that “such a reception of us was another testimony on the keenness by His Highness the Amir to those who enter such competitions”.

MEW plant supervisor KUWAIT: Demonstrations erupted in response to the recent decision of the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) to transfer a Subbiya water plant supervisor to the Shuwaikh plant. Demonstrators at the Subbiya plant had previously demanded the supervisor’s transfer due to his alleged lackluster per formance.

Counterdemonstrators at the Subbiya plant are now demanding his return, praising him as a devoted and honest employee deserving of no punishment.

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti employees of Kuwait Airways Corporation stage a protest at Kuwait International Airport during a strike to demand higher wages and employment benefits yesterday. About 2,000 staff from the national carrier and another 800 from a subsidiary halted work at 8 am local time.

KUWAIT: A sign that reads in Arabic ‘Apologies our dear passengers... strike’ is placed in the departures hall of the airport at the start of a strike by Kuwait Airways employees, who are demanding pay increase, in Kuwait yesterday.

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: A sign that reads in Arabic “Striking is the way to approve our demands” is placed in the departures hall of the airport at the start of a strike by Kuwait Airways employees.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways employees stand in the departures hall of the airport at the start of their indefinite strike to demand pay increase.

Riggae sewage plant set in motion KUWAIT: The Ministry of Public Works(MPW) has set the Riggae sewage plant into motion - a KD 69 million project that can treat an average of 780,000 cubic meters of sewage every day till 2050.

This announcement was made by MPW Undersecretary Abdul-Aziz Al-Kulaib, who stated that the plant will replace 26 outdated stations that will gradually be shut down after foul odor emanated from them, spreading to other residential areas. He added that safety measures will be taken to avoid accidents, similar to the Mishref plant incident that took place two years ago.

In other news, the environment committee of the Municipal Council held a workshop to study the possibility of allocating sites to lay drainage pipes for treated sewage.

It comprises representatives from the Environment Public Authority(EPA), the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research(KISR) and the Ministry of Public Works(MPW).

During the workshop, the MPW rejected several proposals made. The workshop ended with recommendations made, including, adding an obligatory stipulation to conduct environmental assessments at suitable locations. This is in addition to finding viable alternatives to store surplus treated sewage, reported Al-Rai.

Kuwait launches flash memory education project K U WA I T: K u w a i t ’s M i n i s t r y o f Education (MoE) launched yesterday a program that aims to replace tex tbooks with e-books.

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Ahmed Al-Mulaifi indicated at a press conference that ìthis project will present books in an exciting way, making them more fun

and appealing to students.î He added that the first batch of flash memory sticks will be distributed to high school students before the upcoming Eid Al-Adhha vacation, while elementar y and intermediate students will receive theirs after the holiday.

‘I nformation technology is not a luxury but a national duty. We can use

it to transfer education from its traditional form to an elec tronic one in order to maximize potential for both s t u d e n t a n d t e a c h e r,’ A l - M u l a i f i explained. He also noted that the projected cost of the project had been trimmed from KD 490,000 to 259,000 thanks to the efforts of those involved.

M eanwhile, M oE Undersecretar y

Mariam Al-Wutaid announced that the project will be continuously developed u n t i l i t re a c h e s i t s g o a l o f p l a c i n g i n t e r a c t i v e t e x t b o o k s i n s t u d e n t s’ hands. She reported that a total of 908 textbooks will be converted into the new electronic form, while 371,000 flash memory units will be distributed soon. —KUNA

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

local

A land of millionaires KUWAIT: Kuwait currently has 31,000 millionaires, according to a new report, with this number predicted to rise by 35 percent to 45,000 in the next five years, whilst a few Kuwaitis are expected to attain the status of billionaires in the same period.

In the annual report, issued by the global financial services company Credit Suisse’s research center, Qatar came first amongst the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in terms of citizens’ personal wealth, with Qatari citizens having an average personal wealth of $146,623 in 2011, an increase of 456 percent on the year 2000.

The United Arab Emirates came second on the MENA Rich List, with an average personal wealth of $115,744 per citizen, an increase of 104 percent on the year 2000, whilst the average wealth of Saudi citizens rose by 65 percent in the same period, according to the report, reaching a more modest $35,959 per person. —Al-Shahed

Kuwait congratulates Libyans on victory KUWAIT: Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ali AlRashid said yesterday that the Kuwaiti government hopes the fall of former Libyan president Muammar Qaddafi’s regime will usher in security, stability and prosperity as well as a new democratic era.

In a statement issued after the weekly Cabinet meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister His Highness, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the government also called on the Libyan people to unite and preserve the country’s territorial integrity.

The Libyans should stand behind the National Transitional Council to build a new government founded on justice, equality and respect of people’s legitimate rights, the statement added.

On a related note, the minister revealed, the Cabinet also noted instructions from HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to transfer 20 Libyans detained and tortured by the former Libyan regime to Kuwaiti hospitals for treatment. “A contribution by the State of Kuwait to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Libyan people is to offer all medical facilities and health care to those wounded, until completion of their treatment,” said Al-Rashid, who concluded by indicating that Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs have been tasked with receiving the Libya beneficiaries. — KUNA

Questionable FLD appointments revealed KUWAIT: The defense of a group of lawyers who filed a lawsuit against the Fatwa and Legislative Department (FLD) presented documents during Sunday’s trial that indicate that 22 lawyers previously appointed by the government body did not have certified university degrees. The defendants filed the lawsuit after having their job applications turned down.

Defense attorney Mohammed Al-Ansari provided around 200 documents from the Ministry of Higher Education that purportedly revealed that 22 FLD staff, including the son of a former minister and a son of a current minister, had graduated from universities not accredited by Kuwait.

Al-Ansari also argued that some of the appointed lawyers graduated with “very low” grades, whereas the defendants graduated from Kuwait University with excellent grades.

The trial, which featured this surprising development, ended with a decision to adjourn the hearing until Nov 23, during which time the government will prepare a response to Sunday’s revelations. — Al-Qabas

500 visas canceled after ban reinstated KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has canceled nearly 500 visitor’s visas issued for nationals of six countries whose transactions were suspended after bans on their citizens entering the country were momentarily lifted, according to a ministry insider.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to being unauthorized to speak with the media about the issue, the MoI insider indicated that a further 1,200 transactions submitted by citizens of the countries in question Syria, Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan were halted and returned to those who submitted them.

The insider added that the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Citizenship Affairs, Major General Abdullah Al-Rashid, was scheduled to meet yesterday with the director of the Migration General Department, Major General Kamal Al-Awadhi, to learn about the reason behind the decision to lift the ban then reinstate it a few hours later.

The ban, which was imposed earlier this year for security reasons, includes issuing new visitor’s visas and work permits for citizens of the aforementioned countries.

The insider explained that whilst Maj. Gen. Al-Rashid was on leave, the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Citizenship Affairs, Maj Gen Saif Al-Saif, apparently acting on the instructions of interior minister Sheikh Ahmad AlHumoud Al-Sabah, issued a directive allowing the citizens of these countries to apply for jobs in certain fields. — Al-Rai

KUWAIT: (Left) A view of the Jleeb Sheep Market yesterday. (Right) A livestock vendor waiting for customers at the sheep market.

— Photos by Ben Garcia

Local sheep prices ‘to double or even triple’ Eid Al-Adha fast approaching

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Eid Al-Adha [the feast of the sacrifice] is fast approaching and as always, commodity prices are rising, especially those of sheep. The Kuwait Times yesterday visited the Jleeb AlShuyoukh Sheep Market, where many vendors and customers commented on the price increases. “ The prices are increasing almost every two days,” said one livestock vendor. Indicating an Iranian sheep weighing 15 to 20 kg, he explained, “Like this one, last week it cost KD 50 only. Today it costs KD 60.

Maybe by tomorrow, the same sheep will cost around KD 70. Prices may shoot up to KD 100 or more during the day before Eid.” Another vendor, this one a Bangladeshi expatriate, was selling a variety of locally reared sheep for KD 200 each, although these were larger in size than the usual Kuwaiti sheep, which are traditionally more expensive than the imported breeds. “Kuwaiti sheep are sold for between KD 100 and 200, depending on the size. Probably, it

will increase during the day before Eid Al-Adha,” another vendor stated.

According to this vendor, the reasons behind the price increases vary but the most common one is the standard market fluctuations governed by supply and demand. “The demand for Kuwaiti sheep is higher than imported breeds, but amongst other reasons, Kuwaitis prefer to buy local sheep because the meat’s tender and tastier than impor ted ones,” the vendor explained.

Kuwaiti sheep are fed plants that are native to Kuwait. However, finding sufficient grazing and fodder for the sheep in an arid, desert country like Kuwait is always a problem. As well as being rarer in number, vendors locally reared sheep also face other problems like government restrictions on livestock grazing in areas where there is vegetation.

“Before we could use the Rawdatain and Subiy ya areas for grazing our sheep,” said one vendor. “But that was closed by the government and they allocated a place west of Abdali road

to obtain food for our sheep. That area has less vegetation. S o we had to divert attention to do other businesses instead.”

In fact, some vendors admitted that there could be shortages of local sheep as Eid Al-Adha approaches, although there will be plentiful supply of imported sheep. Australian sheep are considered to be the cheapest, and are available for sale at Jleeb market for anything between KD 45 and 70. “ We have a sufficient supply of imported sheep and it will be more than enough for all,” a vendor asserted.

“A kilogram of lamb from Australia is also cheap, you can get it for KD 1.5 while the local sheep cost KD 2.5.”

Since last week , customers are increasingly thronging the venue to obtain sheep for the upcoming feast of the sacrifice. “Many are taking advantage of the cheaper price at this time,” the vendor added. “I am afraid it will double or even triple the price on the eve of Eid. So it is always advisable for everyone to start buying sheep as early as this possible.”

KUWAIT: A Bangladeshi livestock vendor offering a locally bred sheep for KD200.

Teacher’s Day fest postponed following Prince Sultan’s demise KUWAIT: A senior Ministry of Education (MoE) official on Sunday announced the postponement of the awards ceremony for teachers which it intended to host yesterday to mark World Teachers’ Day following the demise of the

Saudi Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Duaij Al-Duaij, the MoE’s Assistant Undersecretary for Student Activities, explained that the ministry had been instructed by the Amiri Diwan that

the ceremony, intended to honor outstanding teachers, would fall during the three-day mourning period held to mark the Crown Prince’s passing and asked to postpone it to a later date.— Al-Jarida

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

LOCAL

Off the Record

Local Spotlight

Don’t condemn the dead

Sense and sensibility

By Sajeev K Peter

By Muna Al-Fuzai sajeev@kuwaittimes.net

A

s Libya’s new leaders embarked on the task of forming an interim government, some T V footages showing the final moments of Muammar Gaddafi started haunting many of us today. The footages cast doubt over the promise of the new government to rein in the unruly elements in the NTC who don’t respec t the norms of a civilized societ y.

Remember, the leaders claim that new government will be formed on the basis of Islamic Sharia and will respect human rights.

There are conflicting reports about how and at whose hands Gaddafi died. It is now certain that nobody will be accountable for the exColonel’s death as it happened in the ‘frenzy of the battle.’ For most of us, not his final moments, but his death itself is important as US analyst Dr Benjamin Barber sums up, “everybody inside and outside Libya will be basically glad that he’s dead and not alive.”

Yet another story says that one young NTC fighter shot him twice because he did not like the idea of taking Gaddafi alive.

Nobody disputes the report that he was alive when he was pulled out of a bunker by the fighters of the National Transitional Council. But some of the disturbing TV footages showing the aftermath of his arrest have shocked the conscience of many. Some images showed a Gaddafi pleading to his captors who were yelling at him and tugging his hair, “Habibi, don’t shoot me my sons...” Another video clipping, apparently shot later, showed his blood-covered and bullet-riddled body being dragged around his hometown Sirte.

He was a dictator hated by the world and by his people. No doubt, no one would lament the ouster of a man who called his countrymen rats.

No one would ever support a ruler who treated his people as slaves. Yet, we do not follow the law of the jungle. We are living in a civilized society that respects the human rights of every individual, no matter whether he is a war criminal or a despot. We owed him a fair trial.

Ironically, Gaddafi’s decomposed body has been stored in a vegetable market freezer in Misrata as an exhibit. He was not buried even after five days of his death in violation of Islamic principles. His body on display now draws a large crowd who cheers and jeers at the sight of their former leader.

Whatever they claim, it is hard to justify the disrespect and contempt shown to a dead body.

It casts doubt on the legitimacy of the government they offer to deliver.

We expect that the change in Libya will be for the better. It will be better for the Libyans if the so-called revolution was fuelled by the West not for ‘oil’ alone. For Libyans this change must not be a jump from the frying pan to fire. Above all, people don’t respect the rulers who condemn the dead.

kuwait digest

‘Our pampered dogs’

By Khalaf Al-Dawy

T

he relationship shared between man and dog dates to prehistoric times. The animal faithfully guarded, hunted, and even grazed with man. It was prized for its loyalty, making this relationship develop and continue until our times.

As a continuation, some owners pamper them so much that there are a few that own passports and health certificates. There are even hospitals where medical care is administered to them. Dog foods are a common sight in the aisles of supermarkets, where canned food entice some!

It appears as if some breeds even receive government patronage. I am not saying that special laws have been formulated to protect them. It’s just that their presence is tolerated and ignored.

So much so that our streets are now populated by stray dogs that even invade homes and their presence in the neighborhood is ubiquitous.

This phenomenon began a few years ago in the desert areas, when packs of dogs began moving towards residential areas located in the outskirts. They penetrated adjoining areas without differentiating between the Seventh or First Ring Road. There is not one person that has not noticed packs roaming about.

The issue has not stopped at them simply wandering about, posing a great hazard to children. In fact, their carcasses can be found on the streets, raising the possibility of spreading fatal diseases like rabies when their blood comes in contact with car tires. Contaminated tires could be touched by a child, a tire repair man and so on. As this issue was raised several times, the government responded by blaming the Municipalit y and Public Authorit y for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources(PAAAFR).

So, now I am looking for a partner to finance a private company that butchers, skins, chops and packs dog meat for export to countries where it is a delicacy. Our product can be named ‘our pampered dogs. ‘ Is anyone willing to join me? — Al-Watan

muna@kuwaittimes.net

F

op-ed

MoH’s segregation of expats

By Mudaffar Abdullah

R

epresented by the Ministry of Health (MoH), the government is on the verge of issuing legislation on health insurance that would allow citizens receive health care services in both public and private health facilities while at the same time segregating around half a million expatriates. This is designed to prevent expats from crowding and annoying citizens in public hospitals and health centers by forcing them to seek such services in special private hospitals, to be built once the legislation is passed with a cost of KD 800 million.

Such a decision will surely undermine the efforts exerted by the government to improve Kuwait’s image before the UN and the World Labor Organization ( WLO) with regards to human rights, particularly since Kuwait is already being criticized for its issues pertaining to the bedoons, human trafficking and the domestic helpers who are not protected by law yet whose numbers exceed 600,000.

Two impartial research centers, the Kuwait Initiative Group (KIG) and the Health Care Development Consultanc y Group (HCDCG), issued a full report in which they stressed that the project would economically fail and that there was no point of building special hospitals for expatriates after excluding domestic helpers, government employees and those working in rare specializations and lines of business from receiving medical services there.

“This will exempt almost half of the expats from the new health insurance system promoted for by MoH,” said the report, warning that the project was unconstitutional and that it was completely

against the health service development principles stated in the 2010-2014 development plan as well as the 2030 vision of Kuwait set by Tony Blair’s team.

Being carried away with public opinion and affected by its feedback on complaints from crowds of expats giving citizens hard times in various services is cer-

Two impartial research centers, the Kuwait Initiative Group (KIG) and the Health Care Development Consultancy Group (HCDCG), issued a full report in which they stressed that the project would economically fail and that there was no point of building special hospitals for expatriates after excluding domestic helpers, government employees and those working in rare specializations and lines of business from receiving medical services there.

tainly a downfall in decision-making. Decision-makers should not be motivated by such inhumane calls for segregation when addressing health service problems.

Many of the expats were actually brought by Kuwaitis themselves and if we wish to solve this problem and avoid their negative impact on security and demographics, the clearest solution to this problem lies in handling the sponsorship system, preventing various companies and visa traders from bringing endless numbers of expats into the country. I strongly believe that building special hospitals for expats will neither improve health services for expats nor for citizens themselves.

Our best option, then, is to build new hospitals and set new legislation that would guarantee health services’ quality instead of spending KD 800 million on a project that discriminates between sick citizens and others.

Such a huge amount ought to be spent on developing health services in general. In conclusion, I’d like to remind us that through its UN envoy and before the international team entrusted with executing the Durban Declaration, Kuwait emphasized that it was completely against racism and religious discrimination with regards to women rights, labor and health services and that it had already signed several international related agreements.

Therefore, to those advocating the ‘segregated hospitals’ project I say that our speech should be the same locally and internationally. I pray that the parliamentary health services committee gets the message clearly. — Al-Jarida

or the last four years Kuwait has confronted many crises, some big and some small. Initially, many focused on calling for selecting a new prime minister or a change in government figures.

Some Kuwaitis heeded this call and followed the troops and some tried to benefit from this man, stirring chaos. Each individual had his own agenda, objective and illusions. What are they and how dangerous are these calls to move a prime minister in a country that is as small as Kuwait amid regional developments?

I believe that the objective-made mostly by MPsto remove the prime minister, is to make Kuwait look negative and internally confused, distracting, of course, the Kuwaiti people with various issues.

For example, the cash deposits scandal was not supposed to be an issue for every single person to handle. If MPs were confident that they have nothing to hide then they should not have created an uproar and go on to claim that those suspected be prosecuted.

Why does this subject need to be manifested on the street? Don’t all MPs have the National Assembly to speak freely about anything they wish? Why should any of us, the people, be part of their problems? These are issues to be discussed at election time and to their voters later.

I think there is a ‘master plan’ to create a mess with every tiny situation made or planned or even having occurred accidently. Worse still, some are talking about the call for a new government headed by the current prime minister to prove that it’s a failure.

I believe that the decision to choose HH Sheikh Nasser as premier was HH the Amir’s choice. We should, therefore, respect the decision of HH the Amir regardless of our personal opinions. Now, let’s suppose this call to remove the current prime minster were realized. Who would be the alternative? An elected prime minster? Is that right, really? Every political group will ask for the post be given to their own. It would be like giving the present and future, and the wealth of this county on a golden plate to the unknown to be controlled by figures who will use the opportunity to implement their plan which could be run from offshore. Worse, they would treat this country like a small state to serve their own people.

Now, I believe that most Kuwaitis are really fed up with empty calls to form a new government. No one knows for sure why it is a must to have a new government headed by anyone but the current prime minster. This is a dangerous call.

I also understand that the silent majority of Kuwaitis want to live in peace and don’t want to be part of civil conflicts. This peace was granted to us by the Al-Sabah family and no one else.

I believe that Kuwaitis must regard HH the Amir’s choice and decision with respect. I agree, some mistakes may always happen, but who can name a government that doesn’t make mistakes? There will be always ups and downs as in the rest of the world, yet we should not jeopardize the basic elements of our life by allowing ourselves to be led into the unknown.

kuwait digest

Eliminate pay discrepancies Dr Yaqoub Al-Sharrah

kuwait digest

Needed: A Kuwaiti solution to a Kuwaiti issue

By Abdul Hadi Al-Saleh

I

n a private meeting I recently held with one MP suspected in the recent cash deposits scandal, he denied accusations that he received money and swore to God that he knew nothing about his case being referred to the Public Prosecution. Furthermore, he claimed that his bank account contained greater funds before he joined the National Assembly (NA).

Following the recent developments in front of the NA in Erada Square, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ali Al-Rashed and Assistant Undersecretary Nayef Al-Rakaibi denied that bribes have been paid and instead maintained that such allegations are mere accusations.

So, in response to these accusations are the denials. So how is the citizen supposed to form an opinion on the matter and how should political groups decide on their positions? Should they fall in line with the groups that are demonstrating in the streets, calling for the fall of the government and the dismissal of the accused MPs? Or should they side with the government and its supporters, who maintain that there has been no bribery? It is clear that we are facing a major national issue and it is impossible to turn a blind eye to it.

There are two sides to the problem: political and criminal. The political side of the issue concerns clear political battles being waged between influential ruling family members and others, outside the ruling family. There may exist forces wishing to force the collapse of the Kuwaiti constitutional democracy and with it HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammed Al-Sabah. This ambition is no secret; its existence predated the cash deposits scandal.

The second facet of the problem is the criminal

one. In this scenario, individuals are accused of receiving bribes in a constitutional state ruled by authorities, organized through legislative tools. This constitutional system is supposed to put an end to criminal activity, starting with political responsibility inside Parliament and ending with judicial responsibility in the courts.

However, the hidden struggle between influential ruling family members and external pressures are conducted in secret. Those demonstrating in the streets are justified in doing so, but we are in Kuwait and we should exhibit pride in our constitutional state. If we imitate Arab dictatorships and their subjects, it will herald the fall of Kuwaiti democracy and signal its inability to deal with a political and criminal crisis.

Amid the current demonstrations the government has stood hesitant, afraid of the shouting. Its decisions are unclear and the citizen stands puzzled, his heart broken for his country. — Al-Anbaa

There are two sides to the problem: political and criminal.

The political side of the issue concerns clear political battles being waged between influential ruling family members and others, outside the ruling family.

T

he discrepancy present in the payroll of state employees is a clear indication of the government’s mismanagement and its failure to rationalize public funds spending. There are employees in certain state departments such as the State Audit Bureau(SAB), the Kuwait Investment Authority(KIA) and Kuwait Airways that receive higher salaries when compared to peers with similar qualifications. This has created a gap in terms of payments made to state departments, creating frustration among employees.

In the public sector, we find that while the Civil Service Council (CSC) enforces allowances and pay rises to employees in certain departments, it fails to do the same with other bodies that carry out similar duties.

This has led job hunters to seek jobs at state departments that pay hefty sums as salaries, creating a situation in which one department suffers overcrowding of employees. The others suffer from staff shortage. In the meantime, this has also created frustration among workers at departments which reflect negatively on performance and the performance of departments they work in.

The strikes that have become commonplace today are a natural result of the chaos in the public sector’s payroll. People resort to strikes when they feel it can serve as a tool to put pressure on the government to meet demands. The government has indicated that this plan will work after approving oil sector employees’ general salary raise.

This state of chaos created by the imbalanced approach in which financial privileges are accorded, should stop. The Civil Service Council must reassess the payroll in the public sector to eliminate the variation in pay among state departments, and rid the need for employees to hold strikes. Kuwait needs a legislative system that prevents an imbalance in pay and performance, maintaining equality between state employees. — Al-Rai

y

A

5

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Local

Slew of construction projects in pipeline Real estate exhibition launched in Kuwait

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The country’s development plan has been in the execution phase for almost two years , stated Fadhel Al-Safar, the minister of public works. He was speaking during the launch of the Kuwaiti and International Real Estate Exhibition 2012 on Sunday at the Regency Hotel. This event is being organized by ExpoCity and will last until Wednesday. He outlined the projects in the pipeline, “The public sector depends on local contractors and real-estate sector in giving a new lease of life to projects, in addition to projects undertaken in cooperation with international and Kuwaiti real estate businessmen. These projects are in the initial stages now. However, when nearing completion, the demand for aluminum, glass, metal, cement and other building materials will increase. The housing and serviceoriented projects will demand more construction and building materials as well.”

KUWAIT: Rasha Al-Sayegh and other officials at the sports complex site.

Work on schedule at sports complex KUWAIT: With construction of the foundation for the main hall of the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah arenas complex completed, the other work on the project is proceeding on schedule and the facility is due to be officially handed over to the Public Authority for Youth and Sport (PAYS) in 2013.

During a tour of the site yesterday, Rasha Al-Sayegh, supervisor at the PAYS’ construction department and head of the project’s work team revealed, “Ten percent of the project has been finished.”

When finished, the complex will con-

tain the headquarters of Kuwait’s volleyball and basketball associations, a fivestorey main hall with a 5,000-person crowd capacity and two smaller halls, each with a capacity for 1,840 people.

The complex is being constructed on a 19,085-square meter site in Sabah AlSalem near the Sixth Ring Road, at a cost of KD 16 million. The standards of construction are on a par with the best arenas in the world, said Al-Sayegh, adding that once completed, the complex will provide a suitable venue for Kuwait to host international basketball and volleyball competitions.

and Sulaibikhat, finally ending in Kuwait City. The next stage of the project will come later, after the first trains are flagged off,” explained Safar.

The Public Authority for Housing Welfare will conduct feasibility studies on constructing new homes, “As the government ensures that new homes be built for citizens, the Institution has specified that some lands be allotted for this purpose. There is also the second phase of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port that should be completed,” he noted.

Various recycling and sewage projects will be executed with the aim of protecting the environment. “Currently there is the Um Al-Haiman project, the expansion of the Sulaibiya Station, launching the Mishrif, Aqeela and Riqai stations. These are the country’s main stations. In order to recycle domestic waste, three chosen locations and another one in Jahra will be designated. This project will treat the waste, either by recy-

cling or burning a part of it and generating electricity. Finally, organic waste will be reused for agriculture purposes,” stressed Safar.

The Kuwait International Airport will be expanded in the near future. “A second passengers terminal number will be constructed. It will be designed beginning next year. The execution phase is expected to last three years. This project will increase the capacity of the Kuwait Airport to accommodate 20 million passengers every year,” he concluded.

At least 15 real estate companies have made their presence felt in this exhibition. “This year, the Ministry of Commerce set strict conditions for participation. Only authorized companies that have a long-standing reputation in the market are here today,” Hussain Haji, head of Marketing and Assistant General Manager of Dar Al-Kawthar Real Estate, ExpoCity’s sister concern, told Kuwait Times.

Changeable weather predicted for Eid KUWAIT: Veteran Kuwaiti meteorologist Dr. Saleh AlUjairi said on Sunday that the fall in temperatures over the past few days does not indicate the start of winter, adding that people could begin donning their winter clothes from around November 26 when the weather is set to turn considerably colder.

“I suggest buying summer clothes for Eid Al-Adha,” said Dr. Al-Ujairi, addressing local residents who will be shopping over the coming weeks for the upcoming Islamic holiday.

The meteorologist indicated that temperatures are expected to rise again over the next few days as winds turn southeasterly, noting that the northwesterly winds that arrived in the country in the past few days had been behind the cooler weather.

He also predicted that the rainy season would begin on November 9, adding that winter proper is likely to begin in December. —Al-Qabas

Death sentence for M16 killer

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A 28-year-old Kuwaiti soldier was sentenced to death yesterday for the murder of a 52-year-old compatriot in May 2010. The Criminal Court found the unnamed defendant guilty of firing 21 rounds from an M16 automatic rifle at the victim, four of which hit him. Although the man was rushed to hospital he was pronounced dead on arrival. The soldier, who fled the scene after the killing, later handed himself in to officers at Khaitan police station and confessed to the crime, saying that he had committed it whilst under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

KUWAIT: The drug smuggler pictured after his arrest yesterday.

He asserted that the Municipality conducts periodic inspections. “In case violations are detected, the offender’s license is revoked. The law will be enforced equally,” added Safar.

New residential cities, BuildOperate-Transfer(BOT) projects, and other construction projects will be executed. “For instance, the foundations for the new Kheiran City, Sabah Al-Ahmad City or metro project are being laid. The economic feasibility study of the metro project is done by an international advisor. It will be ready in less than seven months,” he pointed out.

The metro rail network will be constructed in ‘three lines,’ which will be built partially underground and above the ground as well. “The first line will begin at Salwa passing and ending downtown. The second line will start from south Surra connecting the Airport and ending in the capital.

The third line will start from the western areas such as Farwaniya

Dopey drug dealers An Asian drug dealer was arrested near his home by General Department for Drug Control (GDDC) officers, who found four joints in his pocket and a further 400 grams of marijuana at his home. On being taken for questioning, the man admitted that he had smuggled the drugs from his home country with the help of a friend. The detainee was also found to have been living in Kuwait without a valid residential visa for the past two years. He is currently in custody awaiting trial.

Meanwhile, customs officers at Kuwait International Airport found six pieces of hashish weighing a total of one kilogram hidden in frozen animal carcasses being brought to the country by an Egyptian expatriate. The Director General of the Customs Department, Ibrahim Al-Ghanim, commended the officers’ actions in foiling all forms of smugglings. The would-be smuggler was taken into custody.

Municipality achievements KUWAIT: A senior Kuwait Municipality official said yesterday that staff at the municipality’s departments in Ahmadi had realized a number of great achievements in recent months in various fields, including health and safety, licensing, public hygiene, food inspection and monitoring.

Faisal Sadiq, the Assistant Director General of the Farwaniya and Ahmadi Municpality Offices, said that the monthly report issued by the Municipal Affairs Minister’s PR office had noted the numerous achievements that month.

He added that it’s essential for all municipality departments across the country to agree on a common strategy towards the new cleaning contracts for public areas since it would simply cause complications to have different policies in different governorates. The senior official further suggested that the long experience of those municipality staff responsible for drawing up contracts should enable them to reach a mutually acceptable strategy with the cleaning contractors.

KUWAIT: Students from Kuwait University’s Faculty of Engineering and Petroleum were given a field tour of offshore oil fields located in the neutral zone between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, which are operated by the Khafji Joint Operations Company. The team was accompanied by Dr Essa Al-Safran from the faculty’s teaching staff who supervised the trip, which was held in cooperation with the KJO.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

local

Kuwaiti investment scammer arrested Hostage family freed in Al-Qasr KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti woman was arrested on charges of fraud after conning people into giving her money in the false belief that she would invest it for them. he woman’s victims told police that they had given her substantial amounts of money to invest, but subsequently discovered that the ‘investment projects’ in question did not exist. The woman is being held in custody pending trial.

KUWAIT: British Ambassador to Kuwait Frank Baker pays a visit to an NBK booth.

NBK presents unique services at BBF exhibition KUWAIT: The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) presented unique services and products in the British Business Forum (BBF) Exhibition titled ‘Introduction to Kuwait’ Exhibition under the patronage of Frank Baker, British Ambassador to Kuwait. The event aims at introducing new arrivals to Kuwait to various businesses, services and social activities.

The NBK is always actively involved in the ‘Introduction to Kuwait’ Exhibition, and is keen to welcome and assist newcomers with their financial needs.

The NBK has always been at the forefront of providing banking solutions to

its wide and diverse customer base. The BBF exhibition is an ideal forum for NBK’s businesses and professional expatriates to connect with each other.

NBK presented its unique services and banking solutions across its international network. NBK enjoys the widest international presence that spans many of the world’s leading financial centers including London, Paris, Geneva, New York and Singapore as well as China (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional coverage extends to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey.

Fatal punch A foreign national died of a heart attack he suffered as a result of a punch he received as he sought to break up a fight in Jleeb AlShuyoukh. The victim, who fell to the ground unconscious following the lethal punch, was pronounced dead en route to Farwaniya Hospital.

Missing at sea Coastguards are continuing to search for the body of a man who fell overboard during a fishing trip with friends and has not been seen since. The group was reportedly fishing near Ouha Island when the man, who is suspected to have drowned, fell into the water.

Hostage family Police arrested a Kuwaiti man and freed his traumatized family who he had held hostage at the family’s home for unknown reasons.

Officers headed to the house in Al-Qasr following reports that the hysterical homeowner had barricaded his family in their house and was forbidding them from leaving. After police officers broke into the house and arrested the suspect they referred him to the psychiatric department

of a local hospital.

Negligent parents Police have brought charges of negligence against the parents of a three-year-old Kuwaiti boy who was recently rushed to Jahra Hospital after consuming a large quantity of kerosene.

The infant was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in a critical condition and is expected to undergo surgery, while the father gave a statement to investigators.

Illegal gun possession Two Kuwaiti men were recently arrested in Jahra for possession of an unlicensed gun. A patrol officer pulled the pair over and searched their car after growing suspicious of their behavior. After the discovery of a handgun and ammunition, the two were arrested and taken to Waha Police Station to face charges.

Mother ‘kidnaps’ children Police are searching for a woman whose exhusband accused her of kidnapping their three children. The father, who retained custody of the children, told officers at Sabah Al-Salem Police Station that he returned home from work only for his maid to tell him that his ex-wife had stopped by whilst he was absent and taken the children away with her. The man insisted on filing kidnapping charges against his former spouse.

Document forgery found An Arab national was arrested after submitting a forged work permit to a local immigration department office. Staff at the Capital

Migration Department called police when they detected forged data in the document and the suspect was subsequently arrested and taken to Shuwaikh Police Station, where he is being held pending charges.

Drugs bust A teenage boy was detained in Al-Sulaibiya for possession of drugs after he ignored patrol officers’ orders to stop as he walked in the area.

He was arrested after three blocks of hashish were recovered from his possession.

Illegal callers held Nineteen suspects have been arrested in AlFarwaniya and Khaitan for illegally offering international phone services. Phones and other equipment found in their ‘offices’ were removed as evidence.

Multiple thefts A Kuwaiti woman filed a report at Sabah AlNasser Police Station after she discovered that an unexplained withdrawal of KD 60 was made from her account. The complainant explained that the suspect had used her PIN to buy cell phone credit online. Investigations are ongoing.

Elsewhere, a Kuwaiti told to officers at AlAdan Police Station that thieves broke into his home and stole jewelry and cash worth KD 6,000. Criminal investigators headed to the scene and lifted fingerprints in support of the ongoing investigation.

Elsewhere, a Kuwaiti pressed charges at Shuwaikh Police Station against two expatriates whom he accuses of stealing his KD-1,200 motorcycle.—Al-Rai, Al-Watan, Al-Anbaa

Medical volunteer campaign seeks to boost voluntary work in Kuwait KUWAIT: A newly launched medical volunteer campaign is intended to increase levels of participation in voluntary work in Kuwait, explained MP Dr. M aasouma Al-Mubarak on Sunday.

The campaign, ‘M os’if AlFereej’, meaning ‘neighborhood medical volunteer’, is the fruit of efforts by Kuwaiti volunteers working to improve Kuwait ’s

image in the voluntar y and humanitarian realms, explained Dr Al-Mubarak, addressing the campaign’s first graduating class.

The campaign was initially launched out of a desire to reverse negative foreign perceptions of Kuwaiti people, which are based on a theor y that they are dependent and unable to help themselves, she

explained.

Dr. Al-Mubarak added that the movement demonstrates Kuwaitis’ concer ted effor t to translate the campaign slogan ‘We want a medical volunteer from every Kuwaiti house’ into a reality. She also thanked the M inistr y of I nterior and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) for their continuous support for the campaign.

Another speaker at the event on Sunday, KRCS representative Musa’ed Al-Enezi, highly commended the campaign as a “major national project,” explaining that it aims to train a majority of Kuwaitis in medical work.

Al-Enezi added that the success of the activity demonstrates that young Kuwaitis are ready to do anything to serve their nation and society.— KUNA

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti-Saudi joint technical committee for border demarcation convened their 19th meeting here on Sunday. The officials also visited the Al-Nuwaiseeb coastal center where they held a second meeting to discuss various matters relating to the renewal of border demarcation.

New education body established with wide-ranging authority KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Al-Youm Gazette has reported that a new company has been established, with a capital of KD one million, to provide education-related services. The closed shareholding company, which will offer 10 million shares at 100 Fils, will establish schools and educational and training institutions, catering to all levels of education.

The company will repor tedly be licensed to act as an agent or franchise and allowed to represent companies operating in the same field.

It will also have the authority to

manage construction of buildings for such institutions and import all materials needed for such projects.

Al-Youm Gazette further reported that the new company will be able to per form consulting, training and research ser vices and will also be authorized to invest its profits in portfolios managed by specialized bodies.

The company will also be able to partner with any organization-both within Kuwait and abroad-operating in the same field and may also found further bodies to stand alone or act as subsidiaries. — KUNA

Kuwaitis in quake-hit Turkey ‘safe and sound’ ANKARA: The Kuwaiti Embassy in Ankara yesterday confirmed that all Kuwaiti citizens currently known to be in Turkey are safe, following in the power ful ear thquake that rocked the eastern regions of the country on Sunday, leaving hundreds dead, wounded and missing. “ The embassy would like to assure everyone that Kuwaiti nationals, either students or tourists, are safe and sound,” said the statement, adding that from the first moments of the earthquake, the embassy had been in constant contact with the Turkish authorities to verify whether or not there were any Kuwaiti nationals among the victims.

“Until this moment, the embassy has not received any report of missing Kuwaiti nationals from the Turkish authorities,” the statement stressed, urging the family members of Kuwaiti students or tourists in Turkey wishing to enquire about the wellbeing of their loved ones there to maintain regular contact with the embassy, using the phone numbers issued earlier by Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Eastern Turkish region was hit yesterday by an ear thquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, which killed about 237 people and injured more than 1,100, according to preliminary figures. — KUNA

KUWAIT: (Left) Al-Ghanim and ambassador Mehta cut the ceremonial cake. (Right) Al-Ghanim and ambassador Mehta pose in a group photo with TEC officials and Indian embassy personnel.

Indian food festival underway at Kuwait Towers KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) inaugurated the Indian Food Week at the Kuwait Towers in a ceremony held under the patronage of TEC CEO and Managing Director Khalid AlGhanim. The Indian ambassador to Kuwait Satish Chandra Mehta, members from the Indian embassy and senior TEC officials graced the occasion.

The event will last till October 28, featuring various items from the Indian cuisine that visitors can enjoy. It is part of TEC plans to spread awareness on items from international cuisines that are served at the Kuwait Towers’ restaurants, falling

under the company’s general policy of providing best quality services to its customers. The festival is one of the many through which the TEC exchanges cooperation with international hotels and restaurants. “A group of top chefs famous for their cuisines across India and other parts of southeast Asia were recruited for the festival,” said Mohammad Al-Tawash, Sales Supervisor at the Kuwait Towers who also indicate that their visit is an opportunity for the facility’s crew to benefit from their experience. The event is held in cooperation with the Indian embassy, Al-Tawash added.

KUWAIT: Al-Ghanim (middle) with TEC officials.

KUWAIT: Ambassador Mehta receives a miniature model of Kuwait Towers.

KUWAIT: Ambassador Mehta (middle) is seen with the embassy staff members.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Cameron faces EU referendum vote rebellion

New floods force Thais to move again Page 12

Page 10

SANAA: Yemeni women chant slogans against embattled president Ali Abdullah Saleh during a pro-democracy demonstration in Sanaa yesterday while he welcomed a UN resolution urging him to quit but failed to say if he will comply and resign, according to the state news agency. —AFP

Seven killed in violence across Yemen SANAA: Seven people were killed in violence across Yemen yesterday as President Ali Abdullah Saleh said he welcomed the UN resolution urging him to quit but failed to say if he will comply and resign. Regime loyalists opened fire randomly on civilians in Yemen’s second-largest city Taez killing a child and wounding another, medics and witnesses said. “A seven-year-old boy was killed by live rounds while a five-year-old was wounded,” a medical official told AFP. Witnesses confirmed saying that armed supporters of Saleh were randomly shooting on the streets of Taez as his troops shelled neighborhoods in the

city’s north, allegedly targetting armed dissidents. An armed man from tribes backing the protest in Taez was killed in dawn clashes with Saleh’s forces, a tribal source said. In the capital Sanaa, tribes backing the nine-month protest movement against Saleh clashed with his loyalists yesterday, witnesses said, after weekend gunfights left more than 20 dead.

The firefight in north Sanaa began after midnight and continued into the morning in Al-Hassaba neighborhood, the base of tribesmen led by Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, a fierce foe of Saleh, residents said. A source close to Ahmar

told AFP that two of his tribesmen were killed overnight in a bombing carried out by the president’s forces, while 13 others were wounded.

Twenty people were killed on Saturday in clashes between between Saleh’s loyalists and dissident troops led

by General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar and tribesmen led by Sheikh Sadeq in northern Sanaa. A seven-years-old girl was also killed and her mother was wounded when a rocket hit their house in the Saawan neighborhood in northeast Sanaa, which is relatively calm, witnesses said. The clashes erupted in the wake of a non-binding UN Security Council resolution urging Saleh to immediately sign a Gulf-brokered deal to step down.

Saleh yesterday welcomed the UN resolution urging him to quit without saying whether or not he will comply, state news agency Saba reported. The veteran leader also renewed his calls for dialogue with the opposition. The resolution, unanimously agreed by the council’s 15 members on Friday, strongly condemned deadly government attacks on demonstrators and backed a Gulf-brokered plan under which Saleh would end his 33 years in power.

Saleh has repeatedly stalled the Gulf initiative, aimed at ending months of protests, under which he will step down 30 days after it is signed in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

Women protesters marched yesterday from Sanaa’s Change Square, the epicentre of anti-Saleh protests, calling for bringing Saleh to justice, witnesses said.

Armed confrontations between rival forces and militias have escalated in past weeks, raising fears that Saleh’s continued refusal to resign will push impoverished Yemen to all-out civil war. The latest death toll also included two soldiers killed in south Yemen and four wounded when unidentified gunmen opened fire overnight at a military installation in Al-Muala, in the province of Aden, a wounded soldier told AFP.-—AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Years

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

Death sets challenge to ageing Saudi royals DUBAI: The death of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Sultan sets the stage for an eventual generational shift in the ageing leadership of the world’s top oil exporter, even if King Abdullah picks 77-year-old Prince Nayef to succeed him. At stake is the direction of a US ally attempting to reconcile its conservative traditions with the needs of a modern economy and a young, increasingly outward-looking population.

Saudi Arabia, which dominates world oil markets and holds profound influence over Muslims through its guardianship of Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, faces turbulence in its neighbours and a confrontation with regional rival Iran. King Abdullah appears set to appoint veteran Interior Minister Prince Nayef as crown prince and heir, but his choice of a defence minister to replace Sultan, who died in New York on Saturday, may signal how the conservative Islamic state manages the transition to its future leaders.

King Abdullah, Sultan and Nayef have run the country since the late King Fahd fell ill in 1995, but the monarch is in his late 80s and has spent three months abroad this year recovering from a back problem that again required surgery last week. He remains firmly in control of the kingdom, but the focus will increasingly fall on Nayef and some younger princes.

Chief among them is Prince Salman, the Riyadh Governor who is a full brother of

Sultan and Nayef and is seen as next most important in a ruling family that has prized seniority since it was founded

by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud in 1932. “ This all points to the key role of Prince Salman, who sooner or later will move up to crown prince,” said a former diplomat to Riyadh who wished to remain anonymous. “He will be the one who really decides whether the succession will stay horizontal among the sons of Ibn Saud or go vertical to one of the grandsons.”

If the enigmatic Nayef becomes crown prince, his character will shape for years to come the way Saudi Arabia tackles a host of challenges at a time of unprecedented change, both for the kingdom and the wider Middle East.

“Nayef had some time with Sultan’s long illness to run himself in as crown prince and he has acted on behalf of the king,” said another former diplomat. “He has become acquainted with authority across the board.”

To Saudi liberals, Nayef represents the stern face of the conservative establishment: opposed to any moves towards democracy or women’s rights, a supporter of the religious police and the veteran head of an Interior Ministry that locks up political activists without charge. “I’m very worried that Prince Nayef will be the next crown prince,” said a 47-year-old woman who did not give her name. “I fear that reform plans will not go for-

ward if he takes power.”

Nayef was quoted soon after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States as doubting that any of his compatriots had been involved when 15 of the 19 hijackers were in fact Saudis.

However, former diplomats, local journalists and royal family members who have dealt with him paint a softer portrait of a man at the centre of Saudi politics for over three decades. “Many things are said about Prince Nayef, but I find him to be a very kind man with a foot on the ground by meeting people,” said Khaled Al-Maeena, editor at large of the Arab News daily in Jeddah. “He has the pulse of the nation.”

Reforms enacted by King Abdullah have aimed to strengthen private sector growth and loosen the grip of conservative clerics on the education system and judiciary. “I don’t think the gloom and doom about Nayef is justified,” said the former diplomat. “You have to realise that Saudi Arabia is run by a coalition. It’s not an autocracy run by one man.”

During the long illness of Sultan and absences of the king, Nayef stood in for his elder brothers, meeting world leaders and managing the kingdom’s day-today affairs.

“I don’t think there will be a susbtantial change of direction,” said Hossein Shobokshi, a columnist for the stateowned news channel Al Arabiya. “The country has always opted for the non-

surprising method. So we don’t see any big decisions in policy.” People familiar with him also point out that, as interior minister, Nayef interacts with normal Saudis more frequently than any other senior prince, dealing with the problems of individual citizens in matters ranging from crime to poverty.

The simultaneous changes of both the crown prince and defence minister might prompt a wider cabinet reshuffle, said analysts, although Abdullah’s actions might be constrained by the need to maintain a balance between senior princes. “Doing a cabinet reshuffle in Saudi Arabia is like Sudoku,” said an analyst who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject.

“You think you have solved it and then, whoops, the nine is in the wrong place.”

Two possible candidates for the Defence Ministry are Prince Khaled bin Sultan, who has been his father’s deputy there since 2001, and Prince Salman. The choice of a son or grandson of Ibn Saud will indicate how quickly the Saud family plans to transfer power to a younger generation of princes who have long jockeyed for position. Last year King Abdullah gave up his role as head of the National Guard to his son, Prince Miteb.

Nayef’s son, Prince Mohammed, has long been tipped to succeed him as interior minister.

As condolences came in from figures as diverse as Hamas leader Khaled

Meshaal and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, King Abdullah was expected to summon the Allegiance Council, a family body he set up in 1996 to regulate the succession. Two council members, Prince Salman and Sultan’s son and Deputy Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan, were expected to return with Sultan’s body from New York yesterday night. Sultan’s funeral will be held today before the afternoon prayer in the conservative Islamic state and his body will then be taken away for burial. A guest list had not been released yesterday afternoon. “The name (of his successor) hasn’t been announced yet because this time we have a procedure called the Allegiance Council,” said Jamal Khashoggi, head of a new television news channel set up by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. “The king wants to go through this procedure and is waiting for Prince Salman and Prince Khaled bin Sultan to come back to Riyadh.” It would be the first time that the untested council has been used to approve a king’s choice of crown prince, a reform Abdullah introduced to ensure an orderly succession in a ruling family that has thousands of members and dozens of branches. Royal succession does not move directly from monarch to offspring, but has passed down a line of brothers born to the kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, who died in 1953.—Reuters

Turkey quake kills more than 260, hundreds missing Desperate survivors cry for help

AMMAN: Jordan’s outgoing prime minister Maruf Bakhit (front-R) and members of his former cabinet leave after their meeting with King Abdullah II at Raghadan Palace in Amman yesterday.—AFP

Jordan swears in new reform government AMMAN: Jordan’s US -backed King Abdullah swore in a reform-minded government yesterday to speed up political liberalisation after protests inspired by popular uprisings in the Arab world. The new 30-member cabinet includes moderates, tribal politicians and technocrats.

The power ful Islamist opposition declined an invitation to join but said it would suppor t government reform moves.

Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh, a judge who worked at the Hague-based International Cour t of Justice, was appointed last week to replace Marouf al-Bakhit, who was widely criticized for inept handling of the crisis. US -educated former central banker Umayya Toukan was named finance minister in a move officials said aimed to allay investors’ concerns about soaring public spending that has threatened Jordan’s fiscal and monetary stability.

The Islamic Action Front (IAF), the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, said it would back Khasawneh’s reformist agenda and said his overtures marked a stark contrast from successive governments that had curbed its activities. Jordan has seen weeks of street protests led by Islamists, tribal figures and leftist opposition that have demanded wider political freedoms and that the king fight corruption. Abdullah told Khasawneh last week that his cabinet’s mission was to accelerate reforms which the outgoing cabinet had been slow in pushing through.

Abdullah told CNN in an interview released yesterday that Khasawneh had the credentials to steer the country towards national elections next year after parliament passes a package of reform laws, including a new electoral law. “It’s just if we’re sincere about getting Jordan to national elections and a new phase of political life, you’ve got to get the right players, so this prime minister is coming in for a specific reason so that we can achieve those ends,” the monarch told CNN. Khasawneh told reporters after he was sworn in that his cabinet would open a debate over the current electoral system that favors tribal but scarcely populated regions against the heavily populated cities

where most of Jordan’s citizens of Palestinian origin live.

“We will also lead a public debate on the election law,” Khasawneh said Political commentators say that as long as the electoral system does not address discrimination against citizens of Palestinian origin, under-represented in parliament and the state, real change was still a long way off. The choice of Khasawneh was also followed by the appointment of a new intelligence chief seen as a less political figure than predecessors who had been criticised by the opposition for meddling in public life and thwarting reforms.

The monarch has said privately that the powerful security service has disregarded his calls to curb its involvement in politics. He sent its newly appointed chief Faisal al-Shobaki a rare public letter telling him his agency should not thwart reforms. Commentators said the moves eased political tensions that had grown after recent pro-reform rallies were met with violence by members of conservative tribes and an entrenched security apparatus, raising the spectre of wider unrest.

Politicians say the monarch, who has ruled since 1999, has been forced to take only cautious steps towards democracy, constrained by the tribal power base which sees reforms as a threat to its political and economic benefits. There has been unprecedented criticism from tribal areas that have traditionally formed the backbone of support for the Hashemite royal family and provide the bulk of manpower for the army and security forces.

The palace has so far contained tribal discontent by offering patronage, state jobs and perks but critics say this policy of placating constituents was not sustainable in a country dependent on fluc tuating levels of foreign aid.

Toukan, the new finance minister, faces the task of cutting the budget deficit, expected to be around seven percent of GDP and well above an original 5.5 percent estimate for this year. “The economic challenges to reduce poverty and ease unemployment are probably the biggest challenges we face,” Khasawneh said.—Reuters

ERCIS: Rescuers pulled survivors from beneath mounds of collapsed buildings and searched for the missing on Monday after a major earthquake killed at least 264 people and wounded more than 1,000 in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey.

Hundreds more were feared dead after Sunday ’s 7.2 magnitude quake, Turkey’s most powerful in a decade, toppled remote villages of mud brick houses.

As desperate survivors cried for help beneath mounds of smashed concrete and twisted metal, some using mobile phones, earth-moving machines and troops joined rescue efforts in the city of Van and the town of Ercis, some 100 km (60 miles) to the north. “Be patient, be patient,” rescuers in Ercis told a whimpering boy pinned under a concrete slab with the lifeless hand of an adult, a wedding ring on one finger, visible just in front of his face. A Reuters photographer saw a woman and her daughter being freed from beneath a concrete slab in the wreckage of a six-storey building.

“I’m here, I’m here,” the woman, named Fidan, called out in a hoarse voice. Talking to her regularly while working for more than two hours to find a way through, rescuers cut through the slab, first sighting the daughter’s foot, before freeing them. In Van, an ancient city of one million on a lake ringed by snowcapped mountains, cranes shifted rubble from a collapsed six-storey apartment block where 70 people were feared trapped. One woman, standing beside a wrecked fourstorey building, told a rescue worker she had spoken to her friend, Hatice Hasimoglu, on her mobile phone six hours after the quake trapped her inside it. “She’s my friend and she called me to say that she’s alive and she’s stuck in the rubble near the stairs of the building,” said her friend, a fellow teacher. “She told me she was wearing red pyjamas,” she said, standing with distraught relatives begging the rescue workers to hurry. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan flew swiftly to Van to assess the scale of the disaster, in a quakeprone area that is a hotbed of activity for Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants.

Erdogan said he feared for the fate of villages with houses made of mud brick, saying: “Almost all buildings in such villages are destroyed.” The broadcaster NTV quoted Interior Minister Idris Naim Sahin as saying the death toll had reached 264. Deputy Prime

VAN: Turkish rescuers take part in an operation to salvage people from a collapsed building after an earthquake in Van, eastern Turkey, yesterday. —AFP Minister Besir Atalay, speaking in Van, said more than 1,300 were injured. The interior minister said hundreds more were unaccounted for, many believed buried under rubble.

The quake brought fresh torment to impoverished southeast Turkey, where PKK militants fighting a decades-long insurgency against the state killed 24 Turkish soldiers in Hakkari, south of Van, last week. The area it struck, near the border with Iran, is remote and mountainous, with long distances between villages and hamlets and people living off stock-raising, arable farming and trading.

The hardest-hit town was Ercis, a town of 100,000, where 55 buildings crumpled, including a student dormitory. At one collapsed fourstorey building, firemen from the major southeastern city of Diyarbakir were trying to reach four missing children. Aid workers carried two large black bags, one apparently containing a child’s body, to an ambulance. An old woman wrapped in a headscarf walked alongside sobbing. A distressed man paced back and forth before running towards the rescue workers on top of the rubble. “ That’s my nephew’s house,” he sobbed as workers tried to hold him back. Thousands of people made homeless by the quake were forced to spend Sunday night on the streets, wrapped in blankets

and huddled round open fires. The government has sent four army battalions to Ercis and two to Van to help in the rescue work, but but some residents complained of a lack of assistance. The Red Crescent has said some 5,000 tents and 11,000 blankets have been sent and a tent city has been set up at Ercis stadium. But residents said tents were being given only to relatives of police and soldiers, a possible source of tension. “The villages have not received any help yet.

Instead of making a show, politicians should be visiting them. The Turkish military says they sent soldiers, where are they?” said a municipality official in Van who did not want to be named. Ibrahim Baydar, a 40-year-old tradesman from Van, accused the government in Ankara of holding back aid. “All the nylon tents are in the black market now. We cannot find any.

People are queueing for them. No tents were given to us whatsoever,” Baydar said.

“All the police were at the airport waiting for the prime minister yesterday. On a normal day, there are more police on the streets when two kids throw stones at them.” Rescue efforts were hampered by power outages after the quake toppled electricity cables to towns and villages. It also damaged the main Van-Ercis road, CNN Turk reported. More than 200 aftershocks have jolted the region since

the quake struck for around 25 seconds at 1041 GMT on Sunday. “I just felt the whole earth moving and I was petrified. It went on for ages. And the noise, you could hear this loud, loud noise,” said Hakan Demirtas, 32, a builder who was working on a construction site in Van at the time.

“My house is ruined,” he said, sitting on a low wall after spending the night in the open. “I am still afraid, I’m in shock. I have no future, there is nothing I can do.”

The Red Crescent said about 100 experts had reached the earthquake zone to coordinate rescue and relief operations. Mobile kitchens were set up to feed the homeless. Sniffer dogs had joined the quest for survivors. At Van airport, a Turkish Airlines cargo plane unloaded aid materials onto waiting military vehicles for distribution. Dogan news agency reported that 24 people were pulled from the rubble alive in the two hours after midnight. Erdogan later returned to Ankara for a cabinet meeting to discuss the response to the disaster. He said Turkey could cope by itself, but thanked nations offering help, including Armenia and Israel, which both have strained relations with Ankara.

Major geological fault lines cross Turkey, where small tremors occur almost daily. Two large quakes in 1999 killed more than 20,000 people in the northwest.—Reuters

Saudi envoy murder plot suspect pleads not guilty NEW YORK: An Iranian-American man who US officials say has links to Iran’s security forces pleaded not guilty in federal court yesterday to plotting to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington in a bomb attack. Manssor Arbabsiar, 56, who was arrested on Sept. 29 in New York, faces several charges including conspiracy to murder a foreign official, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism.

Another man, Gholam Shakuri, also was charged in the plot but is believed to still be in Iran. US officials said he is a member of Iran’s Quds Force, the covert operations arm of the countr y ’s power ful Islamic

Revolutionary Guard Corps. Arbabsiar will be back in Manhattan federal court on Dec 21 for a status update hearing.

US prosecutors accused the two men of planning to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States, Adel al-Jubeir, by planting a bomb in a Washington restaurant.

The Iranian government denies any involvement. But details such as Arbabsiar’s bumbling nature and his trust of a US federal informant impersonating a Mexican drug cartel figure, have raised questions among Iran specialists as to the seriousness of the plot.

The consensus view in US President Barack Obama’s administration is that Iran’s

supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, probably knew of the alleged plot while President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did not.

Ahmadinejad has said Washington had fabricated the plot to cause a rift between Tehran and Saudi Arabia and dominate the oil-rich Gulf. US officials have said Arbabsiar has confessed to his role in the assassination plot.

During yesterday’s five-minute hearing, Judge John Keenan asked defense attorney Sabrina Shroff whether she planned to file cour t papers questioning whether Arbabsiar’s alleged confession to authorities was made against his rights. “Most certainly, your honor,” Shroff said.— Reuters

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

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

Argentine prez wins landslide re-election Victory margins one of widest in country’s history

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE: President Barack Obama waves as he boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md yesterday.—AP

Obama to tout housing aid on western campaign swing WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will tout newly unveiled measures yesterday aimed at aiding struggling homeowners and easing the US housing crisis on the first leg of a campaign-style swing through western states crucial to his re-election in 2012. Stymied by Republican resistance to his $447 billion jobs package and tapping into public displeasure with Congress, Obama is rolling out a series of economic remedies that do not require approval from a fractious Congress, a White House official said.

A leading US housing regulator yesterday announced changes to a government refinancing program that could help up to one million homeowners classified as “underwater” because their mortgages cost more than their homes are worth. The plan for homeowner relief will be the centerpiece of Obama’s visit yesterday to Nevada, the state with the highest foreclosure rate in the country. It is the latest White House effort to deal with a key factor stalling the economy-a crippled housing market-and adding to political liabilities for Obama, whose re-election bid is already imperiled by stubbornly high US unemployment.

It remained unclear whether the Obama administration’s revised approach, which falls short of an overarching plan that some experts have said is needed, will provide enough of a boost to the battered housing market to spur the stagnant USeconomic recovery. Earlier federal programs to curb housing foreclosures have failed to yield the benefits initially promised. An estimated 11 million US homeowners hold properties that are worth less than their mortgages. Seeking to show he is ready to take unilateral action to confront economic problems, Obama will also unveil a student loan initiative on a visit to Colorado. He will attend fundraising events in both states plus California during the three-day trip.

The states on Obama’s tour were chosen deliberately. Each has large populations of Hispanics, a voting bloc Obama’s campaign is eager to win over. Nevada and Colorado are “swing states” that alternate allegiance between Republicans and Democrats, making them valuable political prizes in presidential elections. Both could prove critical to Obama’s chances in the November 2012 election. He will use them as a backdrop to make his latest push to boost the weak economy, which remains the biggest obstacle to his hopes of retaining the presidency. According to the White House official, he will also try out a new slogan to put pressure on Congress: “We can’t wait.”

Republicans, choosing among a field of

presidential candidates currently led by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and businessman Herman Cain, accused Obama of focusing more on fundraising than helping the unemployed. “The president is back to doing what he does bestraising money to save his own job,” said Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, in a new advertisement. “Instead of focusing on getting the 14 million unemployed Americans back to work, he’s focusing on protecting his own.”

Housing is one area that has dogged Obama’s efforts to improve the economy.

His administration has been working with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the regulator for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to find ways to make it easier for borrowers to switch to cheaper loans even if they have little to no equity in their homes. Obama will highlight the result of that work during his stop in Nevada, the epicenter of the foreclosure crisis. Before Obama left Washington, the FHFA announced it was easing the terms of the two-year-old Home Affordable Refinance Program, which helps borrowers who have been making mortgage payments on time but have not been able to refinance as home values have dropped.

To help underwater borrowers, FHFA said it will scrap a cap that prohibits any homeowners whose mortgage exceeds 125 percent of the property’s value from participating in HARP, which is targeted at loans backed by Fannie and Freddie.

Regulators are revamping the refinancing program to ensure banks are protected from having to buy back HARP loans. The requirements now state they will only have to verify that borrowers have made at least six of their last mortgage payments and in most cases, eliminate the need for appraisals.

FHFA said that Fannie and Freddie will waive certain fees for borrowers that refinance into loans with a shorter term, aiming for homeowners to pay down the amount they owe at a faster rate. HARP, one of the Obama administration’s anti-foreclosure efforts, was unveiled in March 2009 and expected to help as many as 5 million borrowers. So far, 893,800 borrowers have refinanced their loans through August by using HARP. FHFA said it will extend HARP until Dec. 31, 2013.

With mortgage rates currently near record lows, allowing these underwater borrowers to refinance could help stave off a wave of foreclosures and free up cash for other spending that could help underpin the economy’s recovery.— Reuters

Tropical Storm Rina moving slowly north in Caribbean MIAMI: Tropical Storm Rina formed in the western Caribbean Sea on Sunday and put Honduras on alert for severe weather in the next few days, the US National Hurricane Center said. The swirling mass of thunderstorms was centered about 125 miles (200 km) northeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios on the border of Nicaragua and Honduras and had top sustained winds of 40 miles per hour (65 km per hour), the forecasters said. It was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 mph (11km/h).

“A turn toward the northwest and then the west-northwest is expected yesterday and the center of the (storm) is expected to pass north of the northeastern coast of Honduras during the next couple of days,” the hurricane center forecasters said. Honduras was under a tropical storm watch from Punta Castilla to the Nicaraguan border, meaning residents

should expect heavy rains and strong winds within 48 hours. The projected path sees the storm strengthen to a hurricane as it moves over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula by Friday.

Long-range computer forecasting models varied widely on its eventual path and it was too early to tell whether it would threaten energy interests in the Gulf of Mexico. Some computer models took it into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, clipping Cuba or Florida.

Others took it across Central America into the Pacific. Forecasters were also keeping watch on a broad low-pressure area in the Atlantic Ocean about two hundred miles east of the Windward Islands.

That disturbance was moving slowly westnorthwest toward the Caribbean and forecasters gave it only a 10 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next two days. — Reuters

SANTA CRUZ MARCOVIA: Honduran Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Rene Osorio, unloads supplies for those affected by rains in Santa Cruz Marcovia, Choluteca department, 130 km south of Tegucigalpa on Sunday. The heavy rains that have affected Honduras for the last two weeks, have left 29 people killed according to authorities. —AFP

BUENOS AIRES: President Cristina Fernandez was re - elected in a landslide Sunday, winning with one of the widest victory margins in Argentina’s history after her government spread the wealth of a booming economy. Fernandez had 53 percent of the vote after three-fourths of the polling stations reported nationwide. Her nearest challenger got just 17 percent. Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo predicted the president’s share would rise as polls reported from her party’s stronghold of densely populated Buenos Aires province.

“Count on me to continue pursuing the project,” Fernandez vowed in her victory speech. “All I want is to keep collaborating ... to keep Argentina growing. I want to keep changing history.” Fernandez is Latin America’s first woman to be re-elected as president, but the victory was personally bittersweet - the first without her husband and predecessor, Nestor Kirchner, who died of a heart attack last Oct 27.

“This is a strange night for me,” she said, describing her mix of emotions. “This man who transformed Argentina led us all and gave everything he had and more ...

Without him, without his valor and courage, it would have been impossible to get to this point.”

Thousands of jubilant, flag-waving people crowded into the capital’s historic Plaza de Mayo to watch on a huge TV screen as she spoke from a downtown hotel, where her supporters interrupted so frequently with their chants that she lectured them as a mother would her children: “The worst that people can be is small. In history, you always must be bigger still - more generous, more thoughtful, more thankful.” Then, she showed her teeth, vowing to protect Argentina from outside threats or special interests. “ This woman isn’t moved by any interest. The only thing that moves her is profound love for the country. Of that I’m responsible,” Fernandez said. Later, she appeared in the plaza as well, giving a rousing, second victor y speech, her amplified voice echoing through the capital as she called on Argentina’s youth to dedicate themselves to social projects nationwide. Fernandez was on track to win a larger share of votes than any president since Argentina’s democrac y was restored in 1983, when Raul Alfonsin was elected with 52 percent.

Her 36-point lead over Gov. Hermes Binner, who finished second, was wider even than the 30point margin won by her strongman hero Juan Domingo Peron and his wife Isabel in 1973,

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez, front, gestures to supporters at the Plaza de Mayo square next to Vice President-elect Amado Boudou, left, after general elections in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday.—AP although Peron also got an additional 7 percent of votes on a second ticket with a different vice presidential candidate that election, said Leandro Morganfield, a historian at the University of Buenos Aires. Fernandez’s political coalition also hoped to regain enough seats in Congress to form new alliances and regain the control it lost in 2009. At play were 130 seats in the lower house and 24 in the Senate.

Fernandez suffered high negative ratings early in her presidency, but soared in popularity as a widow by softening her usually combative tone and proving her ability to command loyalty or respect from an unruly political elite. Most voters polled beforehand said they wanted government stability to keep their financial situations improving in what has been one of Argentina’s longest spells of economic growth in history.

Fernandez, 58, chose her youthful, guitar-playing, long-haired economy minister, Amado Boudou, as her running mate.

Together, the pair championed Argentina’s approach to the global financial crisis: nationalize private pensions and use central bank reserves to increase government spending rather than impose austerity measures, and force investors in foreign debt to suffer before ordinary citizens.

Argentina’s world-record debt default in 2001 closed off most international lending, but it has kept the country booming ever since, with its economy expanding at twice the rate of Brazil’s, econo-

mist Mark Weisbrot said. The country faces tough challenges in 2012: Its commodities exports are vulnerable to a global recession, and economic growth is forecast to slow sharply in the coming year.

Declining revenues will make it harder to raise incomes to keep up with inflation. Argentina’s central bank is under pressure to spend reserves to maintain the peso’s value against the dollar, while also guarding against currency shocks that could threaten Argentina’s allimportant trade with Brazil.

Boudou, 48, could now win attention as a potential successor to Fernandez, but navigating these storms will require much skill and good fortune. Opposition candidates blamed Fernandez for rising inflation and increasing crime and accused her of politically manipulating economic data and trying to use government power to quell media criticism.

Former President Eduardo Duhalde, who fell from front-running rival to near-last in the polls, said in a dour closing speech that “the country is dancing on the Titanic,” failing to prepare Argentina for another global economic crisis. But Weisbrot said Argentina is in far better shape than most countries in the region to face such problems. US President Barack “Obama could take a lesson from this,” said Weisbrot, co- director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington. “It’s an old-fashioned message of democracy: You deliver what you promise and people vote for you. It’s kind

Republicans plot strategy to win back Indiana INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana Republicans took their first presidential loss in 40 years when Barack Obama carried the longtime GOP state. They’re not about to let it happen again. To return the state to the GOP column and nail it there, national Republicans say they plan to treat Indiana as if it were a longstanding battleground state. State Republicans hope to recreate the excitement that fired up underdog Indiana Democrats in 2008, when Hillary Rodham Clinton and Obama campaigned extensively throughout the state in a lengthy primary battle that dragged through May, creating a buzz that lasted until the general election.

By contrast, GOP nominee John McCain largely took Indiana for granted, focusing his energy on actual battleground states. Obama won the state in November by a little more than 30,000 votes. Now the state is fairly crawling with GOP candidates. The state party has sponsored four presidential forums since August. Those events brought Republican candidates like pizza magnate Herman Cain, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman to Indiana and helped add 1,000 names to the party’s email list, party spokesman Pete Seat said.

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, whose YouTube videos about the budget crisis have given him a high profile, headlined the state party’s fall fundraiser with Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus last Friday. Cain visited the exclusive Columbia Club in downtown Indianapolis at the same time. “It’s nice that we’re getting this kind of attention, it’s creating interest in the election,” Garry Petersen said last week, before listening to Perry speak to roughly 300 Republicans at the Columbia Club.

Petersen and his wife, Terri, have long been active in Indiana Republican politics and said this is the most attention the state has gotten from Republican presidential can-

of forgotten here in the US “ Binner, 68, a doctor and leader of a socialist party, said, “We know how to read the numbers, and we congratulate the lady president, but we also tell her that this force is Argentina’s second-leading political force.” Ricardo Alfonsin, 59, a lawyer and congressional deputy with the traditional Radical Civic Union party and son of the former president, had 12 percent; Alber to Rodriguez Saa, 52, an attorney and governor of San Luis province whose brother Adolfo was president for a week, had 8; Duhalde, who preceded Kirchner as president, had 6 and leftist former lawmaker Jorge Altamira, 69, and congresswoman Elisa Carrio 54, had 2.

When Fernandez is inaugurated Dec 10, her Front for Victory coalition will become the first political bloc to begin a third consecutive presidential term since 1928, when President Hipolito Yrigoyen of the Radical Civic Union took office, only to be toppled by a military coup two years later, Morganfield said.

Fernandez appealed to Argentines not to allow the country “to be forced off course as has happened to us so often in our history.” “We have to think of a different countr y, where whomever comes builds on top of what ’s already been done. That ’s the Argentina I dream of, where we have continuity of national political projects for the country.” Nearly 78 percent of the nearly 29 million registered voters cast ballots in the country of 40 million.— AP

News

in brief

2 Americans reported killed in plane crash VERACRUZ: Mexican authorities say two Americans have died in the crash of a small plane near Mexico’s Gulf coast. Veracruz state official Noemi Guzman says witnesses reported the plane appeared to have mechanical problems before it crashed Sunday morning in the city of Angela R. Cabada. Authorities haven’t released the victims’ hometown. The Associated Press has not yet confirmed the identities of the American couple.

CONCORD: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, accompanied by former New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu, right, greets supporters following a rally at the State House in Concord, N.H..—AP didates since the early 1980s. “Our responsibility is to take care of our backyard here and to make sure that Indiana is fired up. We have a network of folks that are willing to sacrifice their time and just make sure that Barack Obama is one and done,” Indiana Republican Party Chairman Eric Holcomb said. Obama was the first Democrat to win Indiana since Lyndon Johnson in 1964. And even though they voted three separate Democratic governors into office in the intervening years, Hoosiers reliably went for whomever the Republicans offered nationally for 44 years.

That near-certainty that any Republican presidential nominee would carry the state made both sides complacent until Obama’s win in 2008. It has sent some of the most conservative representatives to Congress, including Dan Burton, Dan Coats and Dan Quayle, who was vice president under President George H W Bush. To keep Indiana’s reputation for producing conservative wins, the RNC plans to begin sending staffers and money to Indiana in the spring, said Rick Wiley, RNC political director. — AP

Bounty of brew for Brazilian jail holding police RIO DE JANEIRO : Brazilian police say they are trying to find out why 2,600 cans of beer were delivered to a jail holding police officers charged with crimes. The Rio de Janeiro radio station BandNews FM reports the beer was delivered Sunday to the prison in a northern suburb of the city. Police inspector Waldyr Soares Filho tells the O Globo newspaper that officials are investigating the person who allowed the alcohol into the facility. He says he does not believe it was meant to be used for a party, but doesn’t offer an alternative explanation. Local newspapers last month published photos of a party at the same jail thrown by an officer charged with 16 murders. The man later escaped.

56 law enforcement officers slain last year WASHINGTON: The FBI says 56 law enforcement officers were slain in the line of duty last year, 72 officers died in accidents and 53,469 officers were assaulted in the line of duty. The 56 deaths rose by eight compared with the 2009 figure of 48 officers.

In the 56 slayings, 15 officers were ambushed, 14 were involved in arrests and eight were investigating suspects or suspicious circumstances at the time of their deaths. Twenty-two of the slayings occurred in the South, 18 in the West, 10 in the Midwest, and three were in the Northeast. Three slayings took place in Puerto Rico.

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Years

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

Moscow’s ousted mayor summoned in fraud case MOSCOW: Moscow’s deposed mayor Yury Luzhkov said yesterday he had been summoned to testify in a probe of a city bank he founded that allegedly issued a fraudulent loan to his wife’s debt-ridden firm. “I was summoned to appear for questioning yesterday, October 24,” the once-powerful mayor told the Interfax news agency from an undisclosed foreign location. “But I am currently abroad, giving lectures,” he added. “I will appear before the investigator as soon as I return to Russia.”

Luzhkov and his wife Yelena Baturina have spent most of their time abroad since the mayor was ousted in the wake of a heated political squabble with the Kremlin. The 75-year-old was known to run Moscow like his personal fiefdom during his 1992-2010 term as mayor and has since been replaced by Siberia native Sergei Sobyanin, a Kremlin loyalist who has replaced most of Luzhkov’s old team. The Bank of Moscow finance house that Luzkov founded and used as the heart of the city’s real estate and

other business operations was raided within months of the mayor’s replacement.

Its executives now stand accused of using city budget money in 2009 to issue a 13-billion-ruble ($420-million) loan to a shell company that ended up buying a property at an inflated price from Baturina’s construction business.

Baturina admits that her Inteko firm used the proceeds from the property sale to cover immediate debts and stay afloat for several more months. But she

argues that the loan was legal and the intermediary company legitimate.

Inteko is now in the process of being taken over by Russia’s biggest bank Sberbank. The Bank of Moscow meanwhile has been taken over by the country’s number two lender VTB and received a $14 billion cash injection.

Luzhkov’s ouster and the Bank of Moscow investigation have provided the authorities with a chance to break the close links between city officials and shadowy businessmen who control

some of the capital’s most profitable assets. A VTB investigation has shown that nearly two-thirds of the loans issued by the Bank of Moscow either went to friends of the bank’s former manager Andrei Borodin-a close friend of Luzhkov-or stood no chance of being repaid. Borodin has been named as a suspect in the probe and is currently living in exile in London. Baturina for her part fled to Austria after crack police forces raided the offices of her Inteko firm in February. —AFP

Grenade attack at bar in Nairobi wounds 13 Somali, Kenyan troops take another town from rebels

SOFIA: Bulgaria’s Prime Minister and leader of the centre-right ruling GERB party Boiko Borisov casts his vote for Bulgaria’s presidential and local elections, in Sofia, on Sunday. —AP

Widespread claims of vote-buying in Bulgaria SOFIA: Widespread allegations of votebuying and pressure on minorities, even if largely unproven, marred Bulgaria’s presidential and local elections, international observers said yesterday. “Votebuying is extremely difficult to observe and to prove and we do not have any true evidence,” OSCE mission chief Vadim Zhdanovic told a press conference. “But regardless of the veracity of the allegations of vote-buying, the fact that they are so persistent and widespread concerns us because it undermines public trust in the election process,” he added.

A 21-member team of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) visited between 75 and 80 polling stations around the country during Sunday’s polls, including 10 in Roma-populated neighbourhoods in the bigger towns of Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna. According to their preliminary report, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, the observers heard a number of allegations of intimidation and pressure on voters, and found at least several of them credible, although they were unable to verify them on the ground.

Stefan Krause, deputy head of the mission, told journalists yesterday that in at least two stations in southwestern Dupnitsa and the northwestern area of Pleven, observers had seen “groups of unauthorized people, at times instructing voters whom to vote for.”

“Any case of instructing people how to vote could be of course an indication of vote-buying but it is not a proof,” he added. The OSCE report also cited “numerous allegations that minorities, especially Roma, were particularly susceptible to undue influence such as votebuying and pressure.” In a separate report, 10 observers from the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) said yesterday they had found “limited evidence of vote-buying in one Roma area” and called for greater transparency of the central electoral commission’s work.

The two teams otherwise spoke favorably of the way voting proceeded Sunday and saw no particular concerns about the vote count. They both urged the authorities however to verify voters’ lists against the latest census figures. On Sunday, some 6.9 million Bulgarians were listed as eligible to vote in the presidential race and 6.5 million in local elections, although the 2011 census put the voting age population at just 6.085 million.

The candidate of the ruling right-wing GERB party, Rosen Plevneliev, emerged as the front-runner after a campaign marred by allegations of corrupt practices, but he must face Socialist Ivaylo Kalfin in a run-off on October 30. Both the OSCE and Council of Europe missions said they would remain in the country for the second round. —AFP

Ireland’s islanders kick off presidential election DUBLIN: The first votes in Ireland’s presidential election were being cast yesterday on five remote islands off the northwest coast ahead of Thursday’s ballot on the mainland, the environment ministry said. People living on windswept Atlantic Ocean islands off Counties Donegal, Mayo and Galway traditionally vote early in case bad weather delays getting the ballot boxes back to the mainland count centres. The ministry said some 760 islanders off Donegal would be able to cast their votes yesterday, followed by 180 on three islands off Mayo today and almost 1,200 on four islands off Galway tomorrow. Polling day on the mainland will be on Thursday when some 3.2 million people will be eligible to vote for the republic’s ninth president to succeed Belfast-born Mary McAleese, who has served two seven-year terms.

There will also be two ballots to

amend Ireland’s 1937 constitution and a by-election in the Dublin West constituency to fill a seat left vacant by the death of former finance minister Brian Lenihan. There are seven candidates in the presidential race with opinion polls showing a commanding lead for entrepreneur and television personality Sean Gallagher, who is running as an independent. The two most recent polls show Gallagher with about 40 percent support compared to his nearest rival, former minister Michael D Higgins, of the Labour Party, the junior governing coalition partner, at about 25 or 26 percent.

Support for Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness, the former Irish Republican Army commander who has stepped aside as deputy first minister of Northern Ireland to campaign, is running at 13 to 15 percent. The counting of votes will begin on Friday. — AFP

Former Romanian king addresses parliament BUCHAREST: The former king of Romania, one of the only surviving leaders of World War II, is addressing the parliament for the first time in more than 60 years. King Michael’s will speak before lawmakers today, his 90th birthday. It is his first speech in parliament since 1946 a month after the communists won elections in Romania. Michael was king from 1927 to 1930 when he was still a child and again from 1940 to Dec. 31, 1947, when he abdicated and began a life of exile in Britain and Switzerland. His Romanian citizenship was restored in 1997.

President Traian Basescu openly dislikes the king and has called his abdication in 1947 “an act of treason.” Basescu

has alleged that Michael was responsible for Romania’s Holocaust during which some 380,000 Jews and 11,000 Gypsies were killed. Parliament voted last month to allow Michael to make a speech. His eldest daughter Princess Margareta says the former monarch is looking forward to the opportunity.

Liberal Party leader Crin Antonescu, whose party invited the former monarch to speak, insisted there were no plans for Romania to revert to a monarchy. “It is a symbolic gesture that has no connection to the idea of changing Romania’s status as a republic,” Antonescu said yesterday.

“We want to honor and to celebrate an important person of our history and of contemporary history.”— AP

NAIROBI: A grenade exploded in a Nairobi bar yesterday wounding 13 people, two days after Kenya’s US embassy warned of an imminent attack there as the east African nation fights Islamist militants in neighboring Somalia. Kenyan Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere said there was no firm evidence yet to link the attack to Somalia’s Al Qaeda-linked AlShabaab rebels and senior officials from the group declined to comment.

Al Shabaab had threatened major reprisals if Kenyan troops did not leave the anarchic Horn of Africa nation and have launched large-scale attacks in the past in Somalia and Uganda, for which they have quickly claimed responsibility. Nairobi blames Al-Shabaab for a wave of kidnappings of foreigners on Kenyan soil that have threatened the country’s multimillion dollar tourism industry. The group has denied responsibility for the kidnappings, saying Nairobi is using them as a pretext for its military campaign.

Kenyan troops have advanced on several fronts in southern Somalia over the past week and are nearing the strategic transit town of Afmadow, where rebels have regrouped and reinforced their defences. Somali government officials and residents said Kenyan and Somali troops seized the town of Busaar about 40 km (25 miles) from border town El Wak yesterday.

They said the rebels fled after a brief exchange of fire.

“We have peacefully seized Busaar town from al Shabaab and we are going to advance deeper into Gedo region. Kenyan troops are helping us,” Colonel Mohamud Ali, a senior Somali government official, told Reuters by phone from Busaar. France also denied yesterday reports that its navy had been involved in any bombardment on Saturday of the Somali town of Kuday, near the port city and al Shabaab stronghold of Kismayu. It said there were no French warships in the vicinity.

The attack on the bar in Kenya’s capital Nairobi came two days after the US embassy warned of an imminent threat of reprisal attacks on places where foreigners are known to congregate, such as shopping malls and night clubs. The bar, however, was small, run down and in an area where foreigners and well-off Kenyans rarely go drinking.

Witnesses said a man knocked on the door of Mwaura’s bar early yesterday morning, hurled in the grenade and ran away. “I heard an explosion, there was darkness and I thought the electicity had gone out but when I touched my face, there was blood,” Lawrence Kioko told Reuters. “The person who lobbed the grenade was not seen by anyone,” Iteere told a media conference, adding that the device was Russian made and similar to one that killed two people in a bus station attack in Nairobi in December.

Reuters footage showed blood and beer bottles splattered on the ground of Mwaura’s

bar, which is frequented by labourers attracted by its cheap beer and spirits. Blood stained a sink and overturned seats and debris littered the floor. Police cordoned off the area as an officer examined damage on the walls from the force of the explosion. “There was a lot of blood, injuries, people were screaming, others confused, generally it was chaotic. It was a chaotic situation,” bar owner Charles Mwaura told Reuters.

Simon Githai, communications manager at Kenyatta National Hospital, said 13 patients were brought in, nine had been discharged and two more were likely to be sent home

ment officials had said the two countries were cooperating in the fight against al Shabaab, President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed was more circumspect about the Kenya incursion yesterday.

“The Somali government and its people will not be pleased with Kenya’s intervention,” Sharif told reporters while visiting the frontline in Mogadishu. “We had not agreed with Kenya beyond helping us with logistics.” The Islamist militants have proven capable of launching large-scale suicide attacks within Somalia and outside and have warned they would bring the “flames of war” into Kenya.

NAIROBI: Pub-owner Charles Mwaura observes the bloodstained floor at the scene of a suspected grenade blast at his pub in downtown Nairobi, Kenya early yesterday, which a police official said wounded over a dozen people. —AP soon. “We are seeing ourselves admitting only This month, a suicide truck bombing two patients,” he told Reuters. Iteere said the claimed by the rebels killed more than 70 peopolice force had taken steps to boost security ple when it exploded outside a compound around potential targets within Kenya. “We housing government ministries in Somalia’s have heightened physical security on most of capital Mogadishu. The militants also claimed our vital installations, buildings, other social responsibility for a bomb attack in the places like shopping malls, bridges, our fuel Ugandan capital, Kampala, which killed 79 and petrol storage tanks,” he said. “The police people watching the soccer World Cup final are not that many but our presence must be last year. That strike, the militants’ first on forseen.” He also said police had found a number eign soil, was in revenge for Uganda’s contriof AK-47 rifles in a weekend sweep of the bution to the 9,000-strong AU peacekeeping Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya, force which is supporting Somalia’s Westernhome to more than 400,000 Somalis who have backed government troops in removing the fled violence and famine at home. rebels from Mogadishu.

Kenya is the latest of Somalia’s neighbours Nairobi is home to a large Somali communito intervene militarily in a country that has not ty and last week security forces arrested and had an effective government for the last 20 charged two doctors with being al Shabaab years and where al Shabaab’s presence has members. The militants said three of their clerhad serious security repercussions on the ics had been arrested in Kenya, one of whom is region.Kenya has in the past initiated brief on a UNsanctions list, for recruiting new memcross-border incursions but the latest opera- bers and soliciting. Al Qaeda struck east Africa tion is on a much larger scale, raising fears the in 1998, killing hundreds of people, mostly country may be dragged into its neighbour’s Africans, in suicide bombings of US embassies two-decade civil war. While Somali govern- in Kenya and Tanzania. —Reuters

Cameron faces EU referendum vote rebellion LONDON: David Cameron faced the biggest rebellion of his premiership yesterday as eurosceptic backbenchers in his Conservative Party vowed to defy orders and vote for a referendum on Britain’s EU membership.

The vote in parliament’s lower House of Commons is not binding but is politically significant, with between 60 and 100 of the Tories’ 305 lawmakers tipped to defy Cameron’s direct orders for them to vote against the motion. Defeat for the government is unlikely, because the Liberal Democrats-the Conservatives’ euro-friendly junior coalition partners-and the main opposition Labour Party are both expected to vote with the government. The vote comes after a stormy European Union summit on the eurozone debt crisis in which Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy clashed over Britain’s stance. Cameron has imposed a three-line whip yesterday’s vote, indicating Tory MPs must back the party leadership or face seeing their political careers stall.

Rebels serving in the government would expect to be dismissed.

Foreign Secretar y William Hague, who is strongly eurosceptic, insisted that a refer-

endum on being in or out of the 27-member EU was “the wrong question at the wrong time”, warning it would undermine the fragile British economy. He added that the Tories wanted powers repatriated from Brussels but they were bound by the coalition government agreement struck with the Lib Dems.

“I’ve argued for more referendums than almost anybody else, I’ve argued against the euro more comprehensively than almost anybody else,” Hague

told BBC radio. “But this proposition is the wrong question at the wrong time. “It wasn’t in the manifesto of either of the governing parties. It cuts right across the rules for holding referendums that we have just agreed by large majorities. “It would create additional economic uncertainty in this country at a difficult economic time.

“Europe is undergoing a process of change and an in-out referendum people would want to know where the change was

LONDON: In this image made from television, Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, standing at left, addresses the House of Commons at the start of the debate on the vote for a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union, in London yesterday. —AP

going to finish up before they voted.” A parliamentary committee ordered the House of Commons vote after more than 100,000 Britons signed a petition asking for a choice on EU membership.

Cameron has insisted he is defending Britain’s interests in Europe, and at the Brussels summit on Sunday, he threatened to “exact a price” if the 17 countries who use the euro sought closer integration to deal with the crisis. “I don’t think this is the right time to legislate for an in-out referendum,” the premier added. “I think this is the right time to sort out Europe’s problems, sort out the eurozone problem, defend your national interest and look to the opportunities in the future to repatriate powers back to Britain.”

A row on Britain’s position prompted Sarkozy to tell Cameron he was “sick of you criticising us and telling us what to do”, according to British newspapers. The prime minister ’s spokesman did not deny the reports in a briefing yesterday, saying: “What happens in the eurozone and in other eurozone countries matters to us, and we need to be involved in that discussion.” The issue of Europe has long been a pressure point for the Conservatives. — AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

11

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

i n t e r n at i o n a l

Former Pakistani first lady buried Bhutto dies at 82 in Dubai JALOZAI CAMP: Internally displaced people gather for registration upon their arrival at the Jalozai camp on the outskirt of Peshawar, Pakistan yesterday. Families continued to evacuate Bara, a troubled area of Pakistani tribal region Khyber as the Pakistani security forces prepared to launch an operation against militants, local media reported. —AP

Pakistani in self-immolation bid at parliament ISLAMABAD: A jobless Pakistani father of two set himself alight in a suicide bid outside parliament yesterday and was admitted to hospital in a critical condition, officials said. Raja Khan, from the rural town of Naushero Feroz in southern Sindh province, sprinkled himself with fuel before setting himself alight, police spokesman Naeem Iqbal told AFP. Police officials on duty rushed to save the man’s life and took him to hospital in a serious condition, Iqbal said.

Khan left behind a letter, saying that he was exhausted by poverty, along with a bag of clothes and his ID card, said another police officer who spoke to AFP from the local station on condition of anonymity. “I am responsible for my death. I am taking this step because I am fed up with my financial condition,” said the officer, quoting from the letter. “If I die I should be buried in Islamabad. I have two children.

The government should take care of them.” Police said the man appeared suddenly on the road in front of parliament.

When stopped he said “I want to die” and doused himself with kerosene from a bottle, said the police official, requesting anonymity.

Doctor Farrukh Kamal at the burns unit of the Pakistani Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said Khan was in a critical condition in intensive care. “He has 90 percent burns. We’re trying to save his life,” he told AFP. There has been a wave of selfimmolations around the world in the past year since the death in Tunisia of Mohamed Bouazizi, a 26-year-old fruit seller, whose protest grew into a popular uprising that sparked the “Arab Spring”. In southwest China, nine Tibetans have set fire to themselves over recent months in protest at what they say is Beijing’s repression of their religion and culture. —AFP

NAUDERO: Thousands of mourners led by President Asif Ali Zardari turned out yesterday for the burial of former Pakistani first lady Nusrat Bhutto, the mother of assassinated prime minister Benazir Bhutto. The widow of Pakistan’s first democratically elected leader, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and mother of Pakistan’s twice elected prime minister Benazir Bhutto, she died aged 82 after a long illness in Dubai on Sunday.

Her body was flown home, where Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) officials and supporters attended the funeral at the Bhuttos’ ancestral seat of Naudero, led by son-in-law Zardari, grandson Bilawal and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. Born into a wealthy Iranian family that moved to Karachi, she married into what would become Pakistan’s most famous political dynasty in 1951 and became herself a powerful spiritual force within the PPP. Her body was interred next to that of her husband, Zulfiqar, the PPP founder who was hanged by the dictatorship of General Zia-ulHaq in 1979. Cabinet ministers joined Zardari and Bilawal in lowering the body into the grave while police presented an honor guard and played the “Last Post”.

The PPP-led government has ordered a 10-day period of national mourning with yesterday a public holiday, cancelling all his engagements.

“The national flag will fly at half mast during these days,” his office said in a statement as government offices, shops, schools and businesses closed across the country.

Nusrat Bhutto was several times elected a member of the Pakistani parliament, but her life was scarred by personal tragedy and political difficulties.

Aside from her husband, she also outlived three of her four children. Her son Murtaza was shot dead in Karachi and her son Shahnawaz died in France.

She became chairman of the PPP from her husband’s death in 1979 until her daughter Benazir took over in 1984. Under Zia, she was put under house arrest and thrown into jail, then spent several years in exile after being allowed to go abroad for medical treatment. Benazir was assassinated in a gun and suicide attack at an election campaign rally in the garrison city of Rawalpindi in late 2007. Her widower and Nusrat’s son-in-law, Zardari then led the PPP to election victory in February 2008. —AFP

ISLAMABAD: In this Feb 4, 1997 file photo, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, mother of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto arrives at Islamabad Airport, Pakistan. Bhutto, whose husband and daughter both served as prime ministers of Pakistan and a political force herself, died on Sunday. —AP

Hundreds of Afghans rally against US pact

SRINAGAR: Indian police clash with activists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kashmir’s main opposition political party, as they shout antigovernment slogans during a protest in Srinagar yesterday. Indian police stopped hundreds of PDP activists led by party president Mehbooba Mufti against the alleged corruption in the state government. Mufti accused the government of India remaining silent on the issue of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir. —AFP

Queen Elizabeth praises Australia’s flood victims BRISBANE: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was yesterday met with rapturous scenes-and an alleged flasher-in the Australian city of Brisbane where she praised its recovery from devastating floods. Tens of thousands of well-wishers packed the banks of the Brisbane River, engorged just nine months ago with floodwaters that submerged 30,000 homes in Australia’s third-largest city, to catch a glimpse of the queen.

Wearing a pistachio dress and hat, the 85-year-old monarch smiled and shook hands with those among the thousands of fans who stood for hours in the searing spring sunshine for a chance to see her.

Her aides struggled under the weight of scores of bouquets, stuffed koalas and other gifts including a boomerang offered by children at Southbank, where a huge cheering crowd waving Australian and English flags hailed her arrival. But the warm welcome was briefly disrupted by one man among the crowd who allegedly exposed himself.

“A 22-year-old man has been charged with wilful exposure and public nuisance,” a Queensland Police spokeswoman told AFP, adding that it was “in the vicinity of the procession.” ABC News reported that the man allegedly flashed his buttocks at the queen. He will appear in court later this month. The queen and Prince Philip took a luxury yacht cruise along the river with Queensland state premier Anna Bligh, who pointed out areas that were submerged less than a year ago, as they sampled local fare including rum and sand crabs.

She attended a private function with disaster victims and rescue workers, before holding court with a pair of gumleaf-chewing koalas as she reopened a rainforest walk washed out by the floods.

“It was with great sadness that I followed the terrible consequences this past January of your normally peaceful river rising up,” she said at the unveiling ceremony. “The loss and destruction was harrowing to see.” January’s floods brought

Brisbane to a standstill and dozens of people died as huge swathes of northeastern Queensland state vanished underwater after massive rains.

The region was still reeling from the floods when a powerful cyclone battered the coast, devastating homes and crops.

Paying tribute to the “resilience and courage of Queenslanders who bravely picked up their lives and rebuilt them”, the queen also thanked Brisbane for the enthusiastic reception, commending their “energy and optimism”. “Prince Philip and I have been greeted with great warmth and good humor in the true Australian spirit, and I have seen the fortitude, ingenuity and determination of the people of Brisbane to overcome the setbacks of last January,” she said.

The queen’s grandson, Prince William, met Australian flood victims earlier this year, and Buckingham Palace also made a private donation to flood relief. Bligh said the royal visit had lifted the city’s spirits and was a shot in the arm for flood families and rescue personnel who had “done it very tough”.

“I think it will mean a lot to them that she’s taken the time to come to Queensland in a very, very hectic schedule,” she said. The monarch is in Australia to open a Commonwealth summit on Friday, her 16th and possibly last tour of the vast continent, which will also take in Canberra, Melbourne and Perth.

She was the guest of honor at an exclusive luncheon Sunday with prominent Australians including Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush, who recently starred in “The King’s Speech”-a film about her father King George VI. Prime Minister Julia Gillard met the queen on Friday and said she was enjoying her trip.

“She is in very good spirits, very interested and engaged in everything about Australia,” she said. “She has been a point of stability in a changing world, I think our nation has looked to her as that point of stability.” —AFP

KABUL: Hundreds of Afghans took to the streets in Kabul yesterday, shouting “death to America” in an angry protest urging the government not to sign a strategic partnership with the United States. The demonstrators, many wearing turbans and carrying placards, took to the streets in the western part of the city, chanting anti-US slogans and carrying banners demanding that all 130,000 foreign troops leave Afghanistan.

“We are here to say no to the strategic partnership with the US and the establishment of foreign military bases in Afghanistan,” one protester, Waheedullah, told AFP. “The strategic partnership has no sharia (Islamic law) or legal basis, we don’t want that.” US Ambassador to Kabul, Ryan Crocker, has insisted that permanent military bases do not figure in plans for a future USAfghanistan partnership, but fears remain among many Afghans over details of the fine print.

Holding pictures of Afghan civilian casualties allegedly caused by foreign troop operations, the demonstrators chanted:

KABUL: Afghan protestors, shout slogans during a demonstration against a proposed USAfghan strategic security agreement, in Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday.—AP “Death to America”, “Death to NATO” and “Allowing military bases is treachery”. US President Barack Obama has announced that he will pull 10,000 US troops

Sri Lankan Tamils press for justice PERTH: Meena Krishnamurthy still remembers the coloured slippers littered in the dirt around a bombed-out orphanage in Sri Lanka and a legless teenage girl unable to leave her dirt bunker, begging for a drink of nearby contaminated water.

Then there were the bodies, too many to count, including her own stillborn baby which she was forced to bury in a bucket before hastily retreating as Sri Lankan troops advanced. Australian Krishnamurthy was 23 when she landed in Sri Lanka in 2004 for what she says was a return to discover her Tamil heritage. There was a ceasefire in country’s 25-year war with the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) she fell in love with a Tamil man.

But by the time she left in 2009 at the end of the war, she says had witnessed firsthand the atrocities of one of modern Asia’s longest-running wars. Now, three years later, she has decided to speak out publicly, asking why no one has been held accountable for the atrocities she witnessed in the closing stages of Sri Lanka’s war against the Tamil Tigers. “What I witnessed was a massacre,” recalls Krishnamurthy, referring to the final battlefield in Mullivaikkal on Sri Lanka’s northeastern coast. That tiny stretch of beach is where Sri Lankan troops finally defeated the Tigers, who had surrounded themselves with hundreds of thousands of Tamil civilians as human shields. Western nations are pushing Sri Lanka for an independent probe into allegations that thousands of civilians died in May 2009 as government troops closed in on the Tamil Tigers, a group on the terrorism lists of more than 30 countries. Canada has criticized Sri Lanka over its human rights record, setting the scene for a confrontation at a Commonwealth summit in Perth, Australia this week.

It has threatened to boycott the next summit, due to be hosted by Sri Lanka in 2013. More than 50 leaders are expected at the October 28-30 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Sri Lanka has rejected accusations of human rights abuses but said it was impossible to avoid all civilian casualties during the final offensive to wipe out the Tigers. —Reuters

from Afghanistan this year as part of a gradual withdrawal of combat forces scheduled to be completed in 2014. A grand assembly has been planned next month to

discuss the partnership agreement under negotiation with the United States, which will outline the two countries’ relationship after troops leave. —AFP

200 Afghan militants killed, captured: NATO KABUL: Afghan and NATO coalition forces killed or captured about 200 insurgents in eastern Afghanistan during two operations targeting the lethal Haqqani network, which has links to Al-Qaeda and the Taleban , the US -led coalition said yesterday. At least 20 insurgents with ties to the Haqqani group were among those killed or captured in the operations conducted during the past week by Afghan security forces with the support of coalition troops, said German Brig. Gen. Carsten Jacobson, a coalition spokesman in Afghanistan.

About half of the Haqqani fighters were identified as leaders and the other half were bomb makers or individuals who help militants in various ways, such as distributing weapons and supplies, running safe houses or preparing areas for attack. “Removal of the midlevel cell leaders with their expertise and leadership has significantly disrupted insurgent operations and degrades the Haqqani network’s ability to coordinate and execute future attacks against combined team forces and the people of Afghanistan,” Jacobson said.

The joint force also seized more than 400 kilograms of explosives, weapons, munitions and computers. The two operations have ended, but the coalition is continuing its work to disrupt the Haqqani network, he said. On Sunday, NATO reported that a heavily armed group of Haqqani fighters was the target of an airstrike in Wuza Jadran district of Paktia province. The coalition said several insurgents were killed in the attack, but did not specify how many.

The Haqqani network is based in

Pakistan, but operates primarily in Paktia, Paktika and Khost provinces and is blamed for most of the recent high-profile attacks in the Afghan capital. “Haqqani is not only a terrorist organization, it is a family clan, a criminal patronage network and a terrorist organization,” Jacobson said. He said that the Haqqanis aim to have maximum control over eastern Afghanistan and access to Kabul from the south.

“Though their family roots are in Paktika, they are operating on either side of the border. ... Their business is to smuggle drugs, murder and insurgency and their path is extremely bloody.” At the same time as coalition and Afghan forces have stepped up their operations in areas along the Pakistani border in eastern Afghanistan, the US and Afghanistan have urged Pakistan to act against the militants on its side of the border. US officials recently visited Islamabad and Kabul to pressure Pakistan to do more to eliminate militant sanctuaries on its territory.

While NATO presses ahead with its campaigns, several hundred people including students demonstrated at Kabul University against a proposed US -Afghan strategic security agreement that many in the country interpret as affording foreign forces long-term bases in Afghanistan. The US has said that it is not seeking permanent bases in Afghanistan. Afghan and US officials are still working on the details of the plan that will govern the American troop presence in the country after the international forces’ combat mission ends in 2014. —AP

y

A

12

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

i n t e r n at i o n a l

First air strikes on rebels in Philippines since 2008 Attacks leave 35 people dead MANILA: The Philippines yesterday launched its first air strikes in three years against Muslim rebels in the restless south, after a series of attacks that left 35 people dead, the military said. Two OV-10 attack planes bombed a remote village on the edge of Payao town on Mindanao island, where Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels have been entrenched

targeted in yesterday’s bombing was a breakaway faction. “The bombing attacks began at 11:30 am today,” Cabunoc said. “About 100 heavily armed bandits are holed up in their bunkers and running trenches.”

After the air raids, ground troops fired artillery rounds allowing a combined contingent of about 200 police and army com-

“The ground fire from the enemy was intense,” Cabangbang said, adding that clashes continued into dusk. He said the “lawless elements” targeted by the air strikes were rogue rebels involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities. The air raids were the first against any MILF faction since 2008, when the military also used aircraft to bombard

MANILA: In this photo released by Malacanang Palace, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III addresses the media during a news conference yesterday at the Presidential Palace in Manila, Philippines. —AP since last week, army spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc said.

The 12,000-strong MILF has waged a rebellion since the 1970s in Mindanao, the country’s southern third, which the minority Muslims consider their ancestral homeland. The government has been involved in peace talks with the rebel leadership since 2003 and the two sides are currently observing a ceasefire. The group

mandos to slowly enter the area.

The resulting gunbattle left at least six gunmen and two soldiers dead yesterday, further raising the toll from the week-long hostilities, regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said. There were no immediate reports of any civilian casualties. About 3,000 residents fled the area last week, according to officials.

followers of two rebel commanders who had launched deadly raids across Mindanao that left about 400 dead, he said. “ This is the first time since 2008, but I would like to stress the (rebels) we are after are operating outside the control of the MILF leadership,” Cabangbang told AFP. The same group of rebels was blamed for ambushes that killed four soldiers and four

policemen last Thursday. Those attacks came just two days after 19 special forces commandos were gunned down by MILF fighters after they strayed into rebel territory on Basilan island, also in Mindanao.

Five rubber plantation workers and three soldiers meanwhile were killed in separate attacks on Sunday, while 200 rebels also occupied two elementar y schools in remote farming villages, stealing cattle and harassing residents. Speaking to reporters yesterday, President Benigno Aquino rejected calls for an “all-out war” against the MILF, and said intensified military and police operations were tactically focused to capture only those behind atrocities.

He said the MILF leadership were informed that the targets of yesterday’s assault were not covered by the ceasefire, and warned other guerrilla units not to join in the battle. “Those who will get in the way of our forces in the pursuit of their legitimate operations cannot be differentiated from those whom we are after,” he said. Aquino said the bombardment in Payao was in response to appeals by villagers to capture the gunmen.

“Our forces have effectively isolated them,” he said. Aquino called on the MILF leadership to demonstrate good will and help authorities round up the “lawless elements” so peace talks could move forward. While the MILF has dropped its independence bid in favour of autonomy, the talks are currently deadlocked and the ceasefire is often marred by violence. More than 30 years of fighting have claimed about 150,000 lives and stunted efforts to develop the mineral-rich southern region.—AFP

Cambodian PM faces lawsuit PHNOM PENH: Lawyers for the second-incommand of Cambodia’s former Khmer Rouge regime yesterday filed a lawsuit against the prime minister and top government officials for perceived interference in a UN -backed war crimes tribunal. The filing of the lawsuit with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court was the latest twist in a multi-million dollar tribunal fraught with controversy since it was set up seven years ago to try those “most responsible” for the brutal deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians during the Khmer Rouge “killing fields” era from 1975-1979.

The legal team of Nuon Chea, 85, better known as “brother number two”, said Prime Minister Hun Sen and top officials had unlawfully tried to block certain witnesses from testifying and sought to prevent further cases from going to court. In a statement, Nuon Chea’s lawyers accused the ministers of having a “common criminal plan” that amounted to interfering with justice and the defendants’ rights to a fair trial.

The court is expected to have spent about $150 million by the end of the year and has handed down just one sentence, a 35-year jail term commuted to 19 years for Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, for his role in the deaths of more than 14,000 people at the notorious S21 torture centre in Phnom Penh. German judge Siegfried Blunk resigned on Oct. 9 because of what he said was interference by Hun S en, I nformation M inister K hieu Kanharith and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong in their public opposition to the court pursuing further cases.

The United Nations Undersecretary General for Legal Affairs, Patricia O’Brien, visited Cambodia last week and urged the government to “refrain from interfering in any way whatsoever with the judicial process”.

Government spokesman Keo Remy said Blunk’s resignation was the result of pressure by certain Western media and rights groups and said his comments were “baseless and artificial”.

The current trial, known as 002, involves Nuon Chea, the right-hand man to the “killing fields” architect, Pol Pot, former President Khieu Samphan, ex-Foreign Minister Ieng Sary and his wife, Ieng Thirith, who was social affairs minister. Opening statements in their trial on charges that include war crimes and crimes against humanity will be heard on Nov 21. All are elderly and in poor health and many Cambodians believe they will die before a verdict is reached. —Reuters

TOKYO: US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta delivers a speech after arriving at the Yokota airforce base in Tokyo yesterday. Panetta met some 230 US and Japanese soldiers at the US air base after arriving from Indonesia. —AFP

Panetta criticizes North Korea for ‘reckless’ acts YOKOTA AIR BASE: US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta yesterday lashed out at North Korea for “reckless and provocative” acts and criticized China for a secretive expansion of its military power. Panetta, who arrived at this US air base on the second leg of a weeklong Asia tour, spoke out about North Korea and China in an opinion piece published yesterday by Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper before his arrival.

He wrote that Washington and Tokyo share common challenges in the AsiaPacific. “ These include North Korea, which continues to engage in reckless and provocative behavior and is developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, which pose a threat not just to Japan but to the entire region,” he wrote.

If any changes are made to US forces in the Pacific, he said, it would be to “strengthen” their presence.

“We are not anticipating any cutbacks in this region,” he told several dozen US and Japanese troops standing in front of huge side -by-side American and Japanese flags. “If anything, we’re going to strengthen our presence in the Pacific - and we will.” He offered no examples of such moves. The US now has about 47,000 troops in Japan and about 28,000

in South Korea - remnants of World War II and the Korean War. Panetta’s strong language comes as US and North Korean officials gather in Geneva for talks that Washington says are aimed at determining whether Pyongyang is serious about returning to nuclear disarmament talks.

Japan also worries about North Korea and is one of five countries that have jointly tried to persuade the North Koreans to cap and reverse their nuclear arms program. The other four are the US , China, Russia and South Korea. Panetta also criticized China. “China is rapidly modernizing its military,” he wrote in yesterday’s opinion piece, “but with a troubling lack of transparency, coupled with increasingly assertive activity in the East and South China Seas.”

He wrote that Japan and the US would work together to “encourage China to play a responsible role in the international community.” A day earlier, in Bali, Indonesia, Panetta offered more positive remarks about China. He told reporters that Beijing deserved praise for a relatively mild response to a $5.8 billion US arms sale to Taiwan announced in September. Panetta is not visiting China on this trip, his first to Asia since becoming Pentagon chief in July. —AP

BANGKOK: A man, bottom left, walks after parking his car on an overfly near a flooded street in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday. —AP

New floods force Thais to move again RANGSIT: Supanee Pansuwan has already picked up and moved four times since fast-rising floodwaters began swallowing her home in central Thailand a month ago. Now, as the murky waters threaten the shelter on the outskirts of Bangkok where she’s lived for the past two weeks, she’s being asked to flee again. “I believe the water is chasing me,” she said yesterday, sitting cross-legged on the floor of a dark university gymnasium that has served as one of Thailand’s main evacuation centers since the worst floods in half a century swamped many people’s lives. “Anywhere I go, the water will follow me. So if I make another move, I think the water will follow me again.”

Supanee’s fears and confusion over where to go and how bad the flooding is going to get before the waters start to recede is shared by many Thais. Since the floodwaters began inundating areas north of the capital of 9 million two weeks ago, Bangkok residents have been biting their nails while watching the waters creep closer to the city center each day. Bangkok Gov Sukhumbhand Paribatra warned residents in a televised address late Sunday that a large volume of water was surging forward faster than expected and was threatening six districts as it moved closer to the city’s more developed areas, including the section near Chatuchuk weekend market, a popular shopping stop for tourists.

Sukhumbhand also said the waters were expected to swamp the Don Muang area just north of the city proper. The area is home to Bangkok’s old airport, which is now being used as headquarters for the anti-flood effort and a shelter for evacuees. Facing public pressure and scrutiny from the media, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra tried to downplay any notion that her government was not being upfront with information, following a number of upbeat statements that have conflicted with Sukhumbhand’s more menacing assessments. The conflict has a political tinge since Sukhumbhand is a prominent member of the opposition Democrat Party, which was ousted from power by Yingluck just a few months ago. “This is the third month that water came into Thailand, since July, in the form of four consecutive storms,” Yingluck told repor ters yesterday.

“Normally, if one storm hits, the runoff will be drained off from the dams and there will be a break. We’ve never hidden anything from the people. We’ve informed them about every solution we’ve taken.”

Yingluck said over the weekend that the waters may take up to six weeks to recede to manageable propor tions around Bangkok, while the flood response agency said the threat that floodwaters will inundate the capital

could ease by early November as recordhigh levels in the river carrying torrents of water downstream from the country’s north begin to decline. Yesterday, cars were double-parked on parts of an elevated highway near Don Muang to keep water from seeping inside. The smell of raw sewage mixed with swift currents sweeping across parts of the main highway a bit farther north in Pathum Thani province near Thammasat University, where the military was helping to evacuate hundreds of flood victims who carried their few belongings slung across their backs in garbage bags.

Of the 4,000 people who had sought refuge at the school - which was surrounded by a moat of water 5 feet (1.6 meters) deep - 700 headed for Bangkok’s National Stadium yesterday. Still, more than 100,000 others have been left homeless nationwide since heavy monsoon rains began overpowering the country’s network of rivers and canals, submerging an area roughly the size of the US state of Connecticut.

More than 100 patients from hospitals in Bangkok, including Thammasat University Hospital, were moved over the weekend to regional facilities, the government said yesterday. The flooding began in August in nor thern Thailand and has killed 356 people in the country and delivered an economic blow to industr y and agriculture.

Damage is already estimated at $6 billion, but that could double if Bangkok is badly hit.

Anxiety is high, as nervous Bangkok residents scramble to build sandbag barricades around their homes and businesses, not sure when or if the water will come and how much. Water, canned food and toilet paper is hard to find in some downtown supermarkets as shoppers race to hoard supplies. Those like Supanee, who is from the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya, which has been submerged for more than two weeks, are no longer worried about will come, but now fear what they will find when they finally go home. The water came so fast, Supanee’s family didn’t have time to move their car, and even though they managed to drag most of their furniture and electronics upstairs, it still wasn’t high enough. The floodwater surged chest-high on the second floor.

From there, the extended family of seven fled to a Buddhist temple until it was overrun with water, then the same scene repeated itself at a tent at city hall. They later bounced from one gym to another at Thammasat University, and are now determined to ride it out there, despite risking food and water shortages to stay put. Electricity has already been cut. “It’s quite hard to move to another place,” Supanee said, smiling, while trying to stay positive about the fact that her family will now have more room. “I’m tired of moving.”— AP

Australian extradited to Indonesia for child rape JAKARTA: An Australian male teacher charged with raping three former pupils has been extradited to Indonesia where he faces a 15-year jail term if convicted, police said yesterday. The 55-year-old man, identified only as PDW, worked as the principal of an international junior high school in Jakarta. In 2007 three students alleged he had raped them more than once, promising them pocket money and waiving their tuition fees, according to Indonesian police deputy head of special crimes Tommy Watiliu.

He was extradited Friday and is being investigated by police. “Indonesia and Australia have an extradition treaty. After considering that and other legal issues, an Australian court decided to extradite him,” Watiliu said. “The three victims are now around 18-years-old and are recovering psychologically,” Watiliu added,

without disclosing the boys’ nationalities.

Local media reported the alleged abuse occurred in Jakarta as well as the islands of Bali and Lombok, where the man will face a court.

The man entered Indonesia from 1990 and returned to Australia in 2007. He is charged with child rape as well as under a child protection law, which states violence against children or coercing them into “obscene acts” is punishable by 15 years’ imprisonment. Police denied the extradition was part of a swap deal in which Indonesia would send home Australians locked up for drug possession or trafficking, including a teenage boy currently detained without charge for marijuana possession “No, this is nothing to do with that. This case is simply based on an extradition agreement with Australia,” Watiliu said. —AFP

Seven killed in Thailand attacks YALA: Muslim insurgents shot dead two soldiers before detonating a bomb at a supermarket that killed five civilians in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat, police said yesterday. The attacks took place late on Sunday, when ethnic Malay militants in pickup trucks opened fire on troops

guarding a checkpoint in the downtown area of the province bordering Malaysia, about 1,200 km (745 miles) south of Bangkok.

Ten minutes later, police said a bomb exploded at a supermarket, with flames engulfing four buildings. The charred bod-

ies of a Muslim woman and a Buddhist shop owner and three members of his family were found later. More than 4,800 people have been killed in violence since 2004 in the predominantly ethnic Malay Muslim provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, where 40,000 troops have been deployed

to try to halt near-daily shootings and bombings. The counterinsurgency effort, which has cost billions of dollars, has failed to curtail the violence, with the reclusive movement’s leadership and goals still unknown to the government of the majority Buddhist country.— Reuters

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Years

NEWS Libya is ‘liberated’, but Gaddafi still unburied Continued from Page 1

GREENWICH, England: Dancers from the English National Ballet pose for photographers at the Old Royal Naval College near London yesterday to mark the launch of the Dance GB, the dance event of 2012 to be performed in a Big Top Tent in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College in July next year. — AFP

US pulls envoy from Syria Continued from Page 1 fire. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least three of the five people killed in Homs yesterday were shot dead by security forces and pro-regime militiamen. It said the sixth person was killed when a rocketpropelled grenade fired by troops in the northwestern province of Idlib hit his car.

Meanwhile the pro-government Al-Watan newspaper said Assad will “soon” chair a “conference on national dialogue in order to put an end to the crisis in Syria”. The report comes as an Arab League delegation is due to

visit Damascus tomorrow in a new attempt to defuse the tension and prod talks between Assad’s regime and the opposition. Assad’s supporters late last month tried to attack Ford and embassy staff as they visited a Syrian opposition leader in Damascus. Toner said at the time the pro-regime demonstrators seriously damaged US vehicles and pelted the visitors with tomatoes but did not hurt Ford or his staff. Following the incident, the United States summoned the Syrian ambassador to Washington, Imad Mustapha, and according to State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland, he was “read the riot act”. — AFP

Islamists lead in Tunisia vote Continued from Page 1 Arab-Muslim country,” Ettakatol number two Khalil Zaouia said.

Tunisians turned out en masse Sunday to elect an assembly seen as the custodian of the pro-democracy revolution that toppled longtime dictator Zine el Abidine Ben Ali nine months ago. “We are not far from 40 percent. It could be a bit more or a bit less, but we are sure to take 24 (of the 27) voting districts,” Samir Dilou, a member of Ennahda’s political bureau told AFP, quoting “our sources”. Another executive member said the Ennahda party’s own count showed it would have between 60 and 65 seats on the 217-member body. Data posted on the site of independent radio station Mosaique FM also gave Ennahda the lead based on non-definitive results from a few dozen polling centres.

The polls, for which over 90 percent of some 4.1 million registered voters turned out, won hearty acclaim from world leaders closely scrutinising developments on the soil of the Arab Spring’s trailblazer.

“This landmark election constitutes a key step in the democratic transition of the country and a significant development in the overall demo-

cratic transformation in north Africa and the Middle East,” said UN chief Ban Ki-moon. US President Barack Obama late Sunday hailed the vote as “an important step forward”. The 27-member European Union vowed support for the new authorities, while former colonial power France hailed Tunisian voters’ “democratic fervour”.

The new assembly will be tasked with rewriting the constitution and appointing a president to form a caretaker government. It will decide on the country’s system of government and how to guarantee basic liberties, including women’s rights, which many fear Ennahda would seek to diminish despite its assurances to the contrary. It will also have interim authority to write laws and pass budgets. Ennahda says it models itself on the ruling AKP party in Turkey, another Muslim-majority country which like Tunisia to date has a secular state. Its critics have accused Ennahda of preaching modernism in public and radicalism in the mosques, but Tunisia’s progressive left remains divided with party leaders having failed to form a prevote alliance.

This was Tunisia’s first electoral contest without a pre-determined

outcome, and the first run by an independent electoral body after decades of ballot-stuffing by the interior ministry. Ben Ali was ousted in January after 23 years of iron-fisted rule in a popular uprising that sparked region-wide revolts which claimed their latest Arab strongman last Thursday with the killing of Muammar Gaddafi of Libya.

Elections chief Kamel Jendoubi said Sunday that turnout had “exceeded all expectations”. “The people have voted, democracy has triumphed,” the daily La Presse said in bold, red letters - the colour of the Tunisian flag - on its front page yesterday. “October 23, 2011, will be remembered in history as a very special day not only for Tunisia but for the entire Arab world. “For the first time in this vast autocratic region ... a popular consultation was held that respected the rules and criteria followed in countries with a long tradition of democracy.” The electoral system was designed to include as many parties as possible in drafting the new constitution, expected to take a year, ahead of fresh national polls. The current interim government will remain in power until the assembly appoints a new president, not before Nov 9. — AFP

Kuwait Airways staff end strike after deal Continued from Page 1 Kuwait Airways’ administration deliberately cancelled the morning Jeddah flight and sought the help of Jazeera Airways to deliver a message to citizens that the strike affected pilgrims negatively and this is untrue”.

The loss-making privatisationbound KAC operates around 25 flights daily using its old fleet of 15 Airbus and two Boeing jets. Kuwait has been hit by a wave of industrial

action amid a major political showdown between the opposition and government in the wake of an alleged corruption scandal involving several MPs and possibly state officials. Two weeks ago, more than 3,000 customs employees stopped work for two days demanding a pay raise and called off the strike after government promises to meet their demands. In late September, Kuwaiti Central Bank employees held a demonstration while employees of the Kuwait Stock Exchange

scrapped a planned October strike after a deal was struck with authorities.

Kuwait’s public sector employs close to 80 percent of the 360,000strong workforce of Kuwaiti nationals. The country has about 1.7 million foreign workers, mostly employed by the private sector. The state, with 1.2 million Kuwaiti citizens, is tax-free and offers a cradleto-grave welfare system with public services and fuel offered either free or at heavily subsidised prices.

spotlight on jockeying for power among heavily armed local commanders as negotiations begin in earnest to form an interim government that can run free elections.

In Misrata, Libya’s long-besieged third city whose war leaders are pushing for a big role in the peace, fighters handing out surgical masks against the stench were still ushering hundreds of sightseers into the chill room where the bodies of Gaddafi, his son Moatassim and his former army chief lay on the floor, their flesh darkening and leaking fluids. O fficials at one point declared the show was over, closed the gates and started turning people away. “That’s enough,” said one of the guards. “He’s been causing us as much trouble dead as he did alive.” But within an hour, there seemed to be a change of plan as dozens more sightseers arrived by bus.

The Islamic law that NTC chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil said during Sunday’s liberation announcement should be upheld in the new Libya would dictate a swift burial within the day. But NTC officials said negotiations were going on with Gaddafi’s tribal kinsmen from Sirte and within the interim leadership over where and how to dispose of the bodies - and on what the Misratans might receive in return for cooperation.

The killings in Sirte, after cellphone video footage was taken showing the captive Gaddafi being beaten and mocked by fighters apparently from Misrata, are also a matter of controversy - at least outside Libya. The United Nations human rights arm has joined the Gaddafi family in seek ing an inquiry. Abdel Jalil told a news conference yesterday that the NTC had formed a committee to investigate.

He also indicated that the interim authorities still held to an official line that Gaddafi may have been killed in “crossfire” with his own men - a view many NTC officials themselves seem ready to discount.

“We have formed a committee to investigate how Gaddafi was killed during the clashes with his supporters while arresting him,” Abdel Jalil said, adding that whoev-

er killed him may have had something to hide. “All Libyans wanted to prosecute him over what he did to them, from executions to imprisonments, corruption, wasting their money. Those who have an interest in killing him before prosecuting him are those who had an active role with him,” said Abdel Jalil, who like many of the new leadership formerly held positions of authority under Gaddafi.

Adding to concerns about Libya turning over a new leaf on respect for individuals, New York-based Human Rights Watch called on the NTC to probe an “apparent mass execution” of 53 people, apparently Gaddafi supporters, whom it found dead, some with their hands bound, at a hotel in Sirte. Yet few Libyans seem troubled about either how Gaddafi and his entourage were killed or why they are being kept exposed for so long in what seemed a grim parody of the lying in state often reserved for deceased national leaders.

“God made the pharaoh as an example to the others,” said Salem Shaka, who was viewing the bodies in Misrata yesterday. “If he had been a good man, we would have buried him. “But he chose this destiny for himself.” The killing of fallen autocrats is far from a novelty - in Europe in living memory, similar fates befell Nicolae Ceausescu in Romania in 1989 and Benito Mussolini, who had created modern Libya as an Italian colony a decade before he died in 1945.

However, some of the antiGaddafi rebels’ Western allies have expressed disquiet about the treatment of Gaddafi both after his capture and after his death and worry Libya’s new leaders will not uphold their promise to respect human rights. Asked whether France, a driving force in NATO backing for the rebels, was concerned about the state of democrac y in the emerging new Libya, the French foreign ministry noted that Abdel Jalil had said he would defend a “moderate” Islam: “We are confident in the Libyan people, who have courageously set themselves free of 42 years of dictatorship, to construct a state of law, conforming to the principles and universal values shared by the international community,” it said in a statement.

New Assembly term to open amid high tension Continued from Page 1 Outspoken opposition MP Musallam Al-Barrak said yesterday that about 18 MPs plan to boycott the elections of the Assembly panels which will be held immediately after the opening ceremony. Al-Barrak also called on the new foreign minister to answer questions he sent to his predecessor about the money transfers and warned that failure to do so and any attempt to divert attention will result in severe actions. The lawmaker also warned the new foreign minister of being used by the prime minister to cover up what he called the money transfer scandal.

The government is also expected to fight a major battle with the opposition over the controversial ruling of the constitutional court regarding grillings against the prime minister.

The ruling said that the prime minister cannot be grilled for issues under the jurisdiction of his Cabinet ministers and he should be asked to reply to general government policies. As usual, the ruling was understood dif-

ferently by the government and opposition camps. The government called on the opposition to abide by the “obligatory” ruling and grill the prime minister on issues he is directly responsible for, while the opposition said the ruling is not mandatory, otherwise it would amount to an amendment of the 1962 constitution.

Assembly Speaker Jassem AlKhorafi has said that a decision on implementing the ruling will be made by the assembly on Nov 1 when the issue will come up for debate. MPs Khaled Al-Sultan and Adel Al-Saraawi strongly warned that the constitutional court ruling should not be used to kill grillings against the prime minister, saying this amounted to amending the constitution. Sultan warned that the Assembly can reach to any decision, but such decisions cannot breach the constitution. He also said that Kuwait will continue to suffer from political instability and the people could reach the boiling point “unless the prime minister and the government are changed”. The government could eventually force its viewpoint

because it has the majority in the Assembly. Besides the votes of Shiite and many tribal MPs, the government also has the votes of the 15 Cabinet ministers who can vote on such issues.

At the opening ceremony, besides the Amir’s speech, the speaker and the prime minister will deliver speeches expected to focus on the current state of affairs in the country and future projects. After that, the Assembly will elect its secretary and observer in addition to a number of permanent and temporary committees like the legal and legislative, economic and finance, interior and defense panels and many others. If opposition MPs boycott the panel elections, it will be a certain sweep by pro-government lawmakers who will control the main panels which will greatly help the government. In addition, the Assembly is expected to vote on two controversial laws that were rejected by the government which stipulate raising the salaries of Kuwaiti teachers and monthly stipends for Kuwaiti university students.

Central Bank eyes euro crisis with concern Continued from Page 1

NEW DELHI: Pigeons feed at the Jama Masjid at sunrise yesterday. — AP

“We will be vigilant about human rights.”

As their Tunisian and Egyptian neighbours whose uprisings inspired Libyans to rebel contemplated free elections, some fellow Arabs voiced distaste at Gaddafi’s treatment, even though sympathy for the fallen strongman was in short supply. “Forty-two dark years under a merciless dictator has naturally left the Libyan people very damage,” said Mahmoud Nofal, a 36-year- old bank employee in Cairo. “It has driven them mad for revenge. The rotting body is just emblematic of the rotten political and social environment under Gaddafi.”

In Britain, the best-selling Sun tabloid splashed a picture of one of its journalists posing by Gaddafi’s body under the headline “Dead Dog” - a reminder of Ronald Reagan’s description of Gaddafi as the “mad dog of the Middle East” in the 1980s. The NTC wants the bodies buried in a secret location to prevent the grave becoming a shrine for Gaddafi loyalists. But authorities in Misrata do not want them under their soil. Gaddafi’s tribe centred around Sir te has asked for the body so they can bury it there. Gaddafi requested to be buried in Sirte in his will. One NTC official said authorities were negotiating with Gaddafi’s tribe for them to accept the bodies and then taken them to buried elsewhere in secret.

An NTC official in Misrata said one option was to inter them alongside hundreds of pro-Gaddafi troops and fighters who besieged the city earlier in the year have been buried.

Some in Misrata, he said, wanted the people of Sirte, some 250 km to the east, to produce the remains of relatives believed to have been killed by Gaddafi supporters over the past 30 years. With big oil and gas reserves, Libya has the potential to become very prosperous, but regional rivalries fostered by Gaddafi could erupt into yet more violence. The loosely disciplined militias that sprang up in each town with the help of NATO air power are still armed. The places they represent will want a greater say in the future, particularly the second and third cities Benghazi and Misrata, which were starved of investment by Gaddafi. — Reuters

Fitch Ratings said in July that despite an improving operating environment, large exposures to construction, real estate and investment companies and speculative stock-market lending were a common feature across Kuwaiti banks, posing risks. In August, the IMF said any further deterioration in balance sheets of lossmaking investment companies or delays in their debt restructuring could hit the profitability of banks, whose average capital adequacy ratio edged up to 19 percent in 2010. Private sector deposits in Kuwaiti banks grew to a record high of KD 26.5 billion ($96.2 billion) in September, the central bank’s data show. The central bank has put in place several measures to better monitor local lenders, Sheikh Salem said. It also launched a new Financial Stability Office in August.

Kuwait’s top policymakers, including Sheikh Salem, called on the government this summer to correct imbalances in the oil-reliant economy and trim budget waste, though analysts have said political frictions between the Cabinet and parliament may slow that push. The world’s No. 6 oil exporter needs mainly to tackle imbalances related to the general budget, the labour market and the role of the private sector, which reflect the government’s dominance in the economy, Sheikh Salem said.

“Addressing them requires a redefinition of that role through a comprehensive reform program. The challenges are structural and require persistence,” he said.

“Therefore it is essential and urgent that significant reform steps are taken at this stage, because further

postponement and delay will reduce the options available and further increase their cost.” Fiscal reform should gradually reduce current expenditures and enhance non-oil revenues, Sheikh Salem said.

Kuwait, with 3.6 million people, depends on income from crude oil for around 93 percent of its government budget, the most among oil-exporting Gulf countries.

Despite its wealth, the state-dominated economy has drawn few foreign investors, unlike nearby Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Since 2004, Kuwait’s projected budget spending has tripled to a record 19.4 billion dinars planned for the 2011/12 fiscal year, which started in April, with expenditure on wages for government employees rising almost as fast.

Parliament cleared a $110 billion, four-year development plan in Feb 2010 to diversify away from oil and boost the private sector, which accounts for a quarter of the economy. But the plan is still mostly on paper as political conflicts have hindered concrete action. Sheikh Salem also said monetary policy was comfortable: “We believe that the current interest rate settings are appropriate and accommodative with the prevailing economic and financial conditions both domestically and internationally.” He added, “Needless to say that we continue our monitoring of developments and stand ready to take necessary actions, if needed, to support our domestic economy.”

The central bank last cut its key discount rate by 50 basis points to 2.50 percent in February 2010 . Kuwait pegs its dinar to a currency basket, believed to be heavily dollar-weighted, after dropping a direct peg to the greenback in 2007. — Reuters

14

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

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

Kenya risks rallying support for Somali rebels

By Richard Lough enya’s deployment inside Somalia lacks the military muscle to deal a mortal blow to Islamist rebels blamed for a spate of kidnappings and risks galvanising support for the militants plagued by internal rifts and popular resentment. With half an eye on elections next year, Kenya’s political leaders could ill-afford to do nothing after the abductions of foreigners and last week launched an offensive against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al Shabaab rebels, now hunkering down for battle in their southern Somalia strongholds. The east African country has watched nervously during the last two decades as first warlords then Islamist insurgents reduced the Somali government to impotency. It is desperate to prevent the conflict spilling over the border.

The latest wave of abductions on the Kenyan coast and from the world’s largest refugee camp at Dadaab in the northeast of the country exposed how porous the semi-arid frontier remains. But Kenya’s military operation comes at a time when Al Shabaab is on the back foot, beset by a widening split amongst commanders favouring a nationalist cause and those bent on a more international jihadist agenda. This divide led to the rebels abandoning Mogadishu for the first time in five years in August. The rifts were exacerbated by Al Shabaab’s poor handling of the famine ravaging Somalia, which stoked popular anger at their draconian rule.

Somalis, however, have traditionally fiercely opposed foreign intervention and a drawn out military offensive risks rallying rebel support, especially if civilian casualties are high. “Al Shabaab was losing ground and popular support. Foreign intervention at this time is counterproductive,” said Afyare Elmi, a Somali political scientist at Qatar University’s International Affairs department. “It will create conditions that would nourish violent extremism by giving al Shabaab a cause and raise the motivation of its fighters. This was a strategic mistake on the part of Kenya.”

Kenya is tight-lipped on its ultimate objective, but says it wants to reduce Al Shabaab’s effectiveness. It is not clear how many Kenyan troops have been sent into Somalia although local media puts the deployment at some 4,000 soldiers. The region’s biggest economy may intend simply to push the rebels away from the frontier in the hope that allied Somali forces it has helped train and arm can occupy the void. More ambitious would be to crush Al Shabaab in the port city of Kismayu, the nerve centre of the rebels’ southern operations, a source of funds, and the base for its several hundred-strong foreign combatants - some of whom are graduates of Al-Qaeda’s training camps.

Kismayu residents, increasingly familiar with the sight of drones dropping bombs on Al Shabaab targets, fear an assault is nigh after warplanes swooped low in the skies above the city. A jet on Saturday struck two rebel bases in Kismayu although it was not immediately clear whose air force it belonged to. Seizing and holding Kismayu would mark a big step towards regaining control of the south and is the stated goal of Somalia’s military top brass.

“Kenya does not have the capacity to drive Al Shabaab out (of southern Somalia) and keep them out,” said David Shinn, a former US ambassador to Ethiopia. “The best it can do is remove Al Shabaab from the border area, and possibly Kismayu, and then try to replace Al Shabaab with Somali forces friendly to Kenya.”

J Peter Pham, Africa director with US think-tank the Atlantic Council, agreed Kenya’s forces did not appear strong enough to root out Al Shabaab, but cautioned the intervention was “more than enough to stir them up”.

“The only thing that will be accomplished is that a few (Kenyan) politicians can posture, albeit at the cost of tensions being inflamed and allowing Al Shabaab and other militants ... to once again rally Somalis around them under the banner of nationalism to resist a ‘foreign invader’,” said Pham.

Somali lawmaker Yusuf Mire Serar welcomed Kenya’s incursion but said it did not appear to have any longterm vision. “It seems they are just reacting to abductions without thinking of the clear national vision and strategy with the help of the TFG ( Transitional Federal Government) and the already international and regional actors on the ground including the African Union,” Serar told Reuters in Mogadishu. “Instead they are empowering the already dead Al Shabaab by giving them chances to mobilise people into war again.” Al Shabaab has threatened to take the “war of flames” back across the frontier if Kenya does not withdraw its troops.—Reuters

K

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.

Democracy can work for Islamists

By Christian Lowe unisia gave bir th to the “Arab Spring” and now it is again showing the way in the Middle East by demonstrating that moderate Islamists can win an election without causing a crisis. But Arab countries who are wondering, along with the outside world, how Tunisia’s Islamists will exercise that power will probably have to wait at least a year for a definitive answer. Early indications from Sunday’s historic election are that Ennahda, an Islamist movement which models itself on the moderate party of Turkish Prime Tayyip Erdogan, will have the biggest share of the vote, but no outright majority.

Contrary to some predictions, the vote passed off smoothly and peacefully, with no repeat of the violent clashes between police and hardline Islamists which broke out in the capital in the week before the election. “This victory shows that it is possible for an non-radical, Islamist party to win an election,” said Sofiane Ben Salah, an independent Tunisian political analyst. “This is the first time this has happened in the Arab world.” The wave of unrest shaking the Arab world began in Tunisia back in December, when Mohamed Bouazizi, a vegetable seller in the city of Sidi Bouzid, set fire to himself in an act of protest that swelled into a nationwide uprising.

T

Weeks later, then-President Zine alAbidine Ben Ali was forced to flee to Saudi Arabia, ending his 23 years in power. Tunisia’s revolution touched a nerve in other Arab countries with similar problems: poverty, youth unemployment and repressive governments.

Revolts broke out in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria. Milder protests rippled over Morocco, Algeria, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman.

For those countries where entrenched leaders fell, a new question arose: what if new democratic freedoms allow Islamists, sidelined for decades by secularist elites, to take power? Sunday’s vote, for an assembly which will have one year to write a new constitution, provided some of the answers. “I think the smooth outcome and lack of unrest is encouraging, but marks a first step rather than an end to Tunisia’s democratic journey,” said Liz Mar tins, senior Middle East and North Africa economist with HSBC bank in Dubai.

The most immediate lessons will be drawn in Egypt, which staged its own revolt soon after Tunisia’s and will start voting in a multi-stage parliamentary election in November. A party affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group which shares much of the same ideology as Tunisia’s Ennahda, is expected to be the frontrunner. Some argue that Ennahda’s victory will strengthen

the hand of Egypt’s moderate Islamists in their contest with hardliners for influence in the Arab street. “Any victory of ...

(Ennahda) would help the Brotherhood as the voice of liberal and moderate Islamists in Egypt,” said Khalil al-Anani, an Egyptian political analyst at Britain’s Durham University. “I think if the Islamists won in Tunisia, this will push Islamists in Egypt to calm down fears and seek to build alliances and coalitions with secular and liberal forces. It will give the Brotherhood a kind of emotional power to go forward,” he said.

More concrete lessons will have to wait. Tunisia’s phased transition to democracy, and its complex election system, mean that Ennahda will not actually wield power in its own right for now.

As well as drafting a constitution, the assembly will choose a new interim president and government. But it is just a way-station toward creating permanent institutions. The real political battle will shift to presidential and parliamentary elections likely to take place early in 2013. Most predictions are that Ennahda will be the biggest party in the assembly, but will not have a clear majority, probably forcing it into an alliance with secular rivals.

Unofficial vote returns from some regions show that the party of Moncef Marzouki, a leftwing dissident who spent years in exile in France, was in sec-

ond place. The secularist Marzouki has said he is ready to work with Ennahda, so they could end up as coalition partners. Ennahda itself favours a coalition, perhaps fearing that it if goes it alone, it will take the blame if anything goes wrong. “Ennahda, although it is by far the most popular party, did not seem during the campaign to be in a rush to govern,” said Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, analyst at London-based global risk consultancy Control Risks. “I think the political scene is going to remain pretty fluid over the coming year and we are unlikely to see a clear divide emerge among the various parties.”

If the fight for power is being postponed until later, the stuttering economy cannot wait. At the root of the revolution was anger at the lack of jobs in towns like Sidi Bouzid, in the interior. Yet since then, the caretaker authorities have done little to address the problem.

Government finances are precarious because the disruption caused by the uprising scared off tourists, a revenue mainstay.

The finance ministry says there could be zero growth this year. “Far from creating the jobs protesters were demanding in January, the revolution is likely to have led to a rise in unemployment,” said HSBC’s Martins. “There will be pressure on the assembly to be seen to be doing something.”— Reuters

Saleh likely to fight, not quit

By Wissam Keyrouz efiant Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh is likely to ignore a non-binding UN Security Council resolution asking him to quit, feeding fears of an all-out civil war, analysts say. The resolution, unanimously agreed by the council’s 15 members on Friday, strongly condemned deadly government attacks on demonstrators and backed a Gulf-brokered plan under which Saleh would end his 33 years in power. Saleh has repeatedly stalled the Gulf initiative, aimed at ending months of protests, under which he will step down 30 days after it is signed in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

“I do not think the president will sign the Gulf plan” as a result of the UN Security Council Resolution 2014, said head of the Yemeni Centre for Future Studies, Fares Saqaf. “Most likely he will opt for a scorched earth policy,” he said. Armed confrontations between Saleh’s forces and armed opponents have intensified in the past weeks, raising fears that Saleh’s continued refusal to resign will push the deeply tribal country to an allout civil war. Clashes and nine months of protests, in which hundreds have been killed, have left the impoverished country’s economy on the brink of a total collapse amid rising fears of extremists taking advantage of the weakening central government.

Despite floating on a sea of private weapons, demonstrations initiated by youth protesters inspired by the Arab Spring insisted on the peaceful aspect of their uprising. But dissident troops led by General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar and tribesmen who sided with the protest eventually locked horns with Saleh’s forces in deadly gun battles. In a new apparent manoeuvre, Saleh’s government said Saturday that it is ready to “positively deal with the UN resolution” and reiterated its offer for “dialogue with the opposition as Yemen’s exit from its crisis”.

But analysts see this as no more than wishful thinking as the president, seemingly oblivious to domestic and international pressure, has repeatedly refused to sign the Gulf deal. “The UN resolution and the current

D

level of regional and international pressures are not likely to change the situation in Yemen,” says analyst Abdulwahab Badrakhan. “The Americans and the Saudis have still not put Saleh under direct pressure” to cede power, he said.

Washington and Riyadh seem hesitant over the nature of the change needed in Yemen, home to AlQaeda’s branch in the Arabian Peninsula, Badrakhan told AFP. Ibrahim Sharqieh, deputy director for the Brookings Doha Centre, agrees that the United States and Yemen’s neighbour, regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia, want “Yemen’s regime reformed rather than changed”. The UN resolution is “the product of a USSaudi strategy to push Saleh out of power while keeping his regime (intact),” says the analyst.

Saleh has declared himself a US ally in its “war on terror” as his troops, backed by US drones, continue to battle the extremists in the country’s southern and eastern provinces.

The United States seems sceptical of the intentions of Yemen’s Islamist-dominated opposition to continue the war against Al-Qaeda militants, said Sharqieh. The Islah (Reform) party, the country’s main opposition political party, is believed to be Yemen’s version of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The government accuses it of having its own armed militia in the current unrest.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is afraid of a youth-led revolution succeeding on its southern borders, Sharqieh said. Saleh will most probably “officially announce that he agrees with the UN resolution while at the same time drag the country and his opponents into a war,” said Saqaf. “We will see a military escalation in the coming days. Saleh is looking at a post-war settlement and not relenting to a peaceful revolt,” he added.

Defected general Ahmar, who said his First Armoured Division lost five soldiers in Saturday clashes, accused Saleh of ordering his sons and relatives, who command Yemen’s elite forces, to wage attacks against his foes in the capital.

Intense street battles between troops loyal to Saleh and rival forces throughout the capital Sanaa, left at

least 20 people dead and dozens of others wounded at the weekend, according to the latest tally by medics and government officials. — AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

sp orts

‘Top spot not a priority’ ISTANBUL: World number two Maria Sharapova is just happy to be competing at the season-ending WTA Tour Championships this week and is not thinking about her outside chance of usurping Caroline Wozniacki as number one. The Russian has recovered from the ankle injury she suffered in Tokyo last month and needs to reach the final in Istanbul to have a chance of overtaking the Dane.

“It’s tough to talk about (number one) coming off the injury in Tokyo and not even knowing if I’d be able to compete for the rest of the year,” Sharapova told reporters yesterday. “I think I’m just fortunate enough to say that I’m here and I’m going to be competing. That, to me, is a big accomplishment by itself.

“So whether it’s number one or number two, whatever it is. I’m very pleased that I made it here and that I have a chance to compete and do well.” The former Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion has won two titles in 2011, cementing her return to the top after a career-threatening shoulder injury almost caused her to quit in 2009. — Reuters

Al Fayed blasts ‘strange man’

F1 circuit in Mumbai LONDON: A consortium involving the designers of London’s 2012 Olympic Stadium and Silverstone’s new layout has won a contract to plan a Formula One circuit in Mumbai, it announced yesterday.

“The venue will be designed and constructed to meet the highest level of Grand Prix standards,” said Capita Symonds, Populous and Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System (DIMTS) in a statement.

The consortium has been appointed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to prepare “the masterplan and business case for a new multi-purpose race circuit and regeneration project in Mumbai.” India is currently gear-

ing up for the countr y ’s first Formula One race this weekend at the new Buddh International circuit on the outskirts of New Delhi.

The consortium said its initial task was to identify the potential location for a circuit and associated development in and around Mumbai.

“This will be followed by the development of a business case and plan that will assess market demand and the potential opportunities and risks for the sites,” it added.

The consortium said it would work closely with Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, as well as motorcycling’s world body the FIM to ensure the scheme met the requirements of both for future events. — Reuters

Rangers thrash Cardinals ARLINGTON: Edwin Jackson walked seven batters - the most in a World Series game in 14 years - and Mike Napoli followed the last two free passes with a three-run homer off reliever Mitchell Boggs’ first pitch to give the Texas Rangers a 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

Instead of sending Chris Carpenter to the mound with a chance to clinch their 11th title, the Cardinals find themselves in the first World Series since 2003 that’s tied at two games apiece. That ensures a return to Busch Stadium for Game 6 tomorrow.

Derek Holland allowed two hits in 8 1-3 innings and was pulled after walking Rafael Furcal. Neftali Feliz finished the two-hitter.

“Basically what happened is he just worked us over and shut us down,” St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said.

A night after tying World Series records with three home runs, five hits and six RBIs in the Cardinals’ 16-7 victory, Albert Pujols was 0 for 4 - batting with no one on base his first three times up, then flying out with two on in the ninth.

While Pujols was a non-factor, Lance Berkman went 2 for 3 and improved to 7 for 15 (.467) in this World Series and 12 for 28 (.429) overall in Series play, including his appearance for Houston in 2005.

In a rematch of the opener, won by the Cardinals 3-2, Carpenter starts Game 5 late yesterday and CJ Wilson goes for Texas.

“If you want to choose somebody from the St. Louis Cardinals to pitch that game, it’s Chris,” La Russa said. “I mean, there isn’t anything about pitching on the road in a hostile environment. I think he actually likes it, pitches better. His problem is going to be good hitters, and he’ll have to pitch effectively. But we love playing behind him because we know he’s going to compete as hard as he can. He’s got a lot to compete with.” Twenty-two of 40 teams to win Game 4 and tie the Series at 2 have gone on to the championship. The Series had not been 2-all since 2003, when the Marlins overcame a 2-1 deficit to beat the Yankees in six games.

Jackson has had a wild streak throughout his career. He walked eight in his third major league start, at San Francisco in 2003. He then matched that on June 25 last year, when he finished one shy of the record for walks in a no-hitter as he pitched Arizona over Tampa Bay 1-0.

Hits weren’t much of a problem. Jackson allowed three in 5 1-3 innings - including

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

none after the second. He went to three-ball counts on four of his first 10 batters with the help of some long outs - four flyouts at or just in front of the warning track. He threw just 59 of 109 pitches for strikes.

“I thought he pitched really well,” La Russa said. “He missed a few times, walked a couple guys, but he kept making pitches.

Overall I give him a huge plus for keeping us in the game.”

The seven walks were three shy of the Series record, set by the New York Yankees’ Bill Bevens in Game 4 in 1947 against the Brooklyn Dodgers. No one had walked seven in the Series since Florida’s Livan Hernandez

(.083) coming in, doubled down the right field line. A pair of walks loaded the bases with two outs, and David Murphy flied out to Matt Holliday a couple of steps in front of the left field warning track, ending a 25pitch inning.

Mitch Moreland, inserted at first base after Napoli’s struggles on Saturday, wound up helping to save a run in the second.

Berkman doubled to the right-center gap with one out and, after David Freese struck out, Yadier Molina hit a grounder off the front of the mound. Second baseman Ian Kinsler ranged to the shortstop side of the mound, gloved the ball and made an off-bal-

LONDON: Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed responded angrily yesterday to comments made by his former manager Mark Hughes, who said on Saturday he left the Premier League club because they were not ambitious enough.

Al Fayed, who has been Fulham’s chairman for 14 years and invested millions of his own personal fortune in the club, called Hughes “a strange man” who was in danger of becoming “a forgotten man” until Al Fayed rescued him last year.

Hughes, 47, was Fulham’s manager from July 2010 until he quit after the end of the season saying: “as a young, ambitious manager I wish to move on to further my experiences”.

The former Manchester City and Wales national boss reiterated that stance on Saturday when he was quoted in the British media as saying: “I felt my ambition for where I wanted to take the club was not matched.

“Historically Fulham was a club that was happy to be in the Premier League and that was their ambition, but it was not my ambition for them. — Reuters

Coyotes get past Ducks ANAHEIM: Martin Hanzal scored his first two goals of the season, Boyd Gordon and Lauri Korpikoski added goals less than two minutes apart in the second period, and the Phoenix Coyotes beat the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 on Sunday night.

Korpikoski and defenseman Keith Yandle both had a goal and an assist, Taylor Pyatt had two assists, and Mike Smith made 29 saves for Phoenix to improve to 4-0-1 against Anaheim.

Ryan Getzlaf scored his first two goals of the season for the Ducks, who have dropped two in a row at home after a four-game winning streak. Lubomir Visnovsky had a goal and an assist, and Kurtis Foster also scored for Anaheim.

The Coyotes, coming off back-toback home losses to Chicago and Los Angeles, scored on five of 19 shots against Jonas Hiller and chased him at 7:56 of the second with Phoenix leading by three.

Gordon put Phoenix ahead to stay at 4:47 with his first goal of the season. Korpikoski scored on a short wrist shot after defenseman Adrian Aucoin intercepted an attempted clearing pass by Toni Lydman just

inside the Anaheim blue line and got the puck to Pyatt. Another turnover on a failed clearing pass, this one by defenseman Cam Fowler, led to Yandle’s goal.

Hiller was then replaced by Dan Ellis, and the Ducks responded by narrowing the gap to 5-3 on Foster’s first goal since being acquired this summer. Getzlaf scored his second goal with 1:08 to play. Ellis stopped all 16 shots he faced.

Hanzal opened the scoring at 4:41 of the first period, but Visnovsky tied it less than 4 minutes later with a one-timer that changed direction off Pyatt’s stick.

Getzlaf put the Ducks ahead 2-1 at 14:02 of the first with another deflection, getting his stick on Teemu Selanne’s wrist shot from the right circle. But the lead lasted just 42 seconds, as Hanzal got a lead pass from Yandle while crossing the blue line and beat Hiller with a slap shot.

Before the game, the Coyotes acquired center Brock Trottier and a seventh-round pick in next year’s draft from Montreal for center Petteri Nokelainen and minor league defenseman Garrett Stafford. —AP

NHL results/standings Standings from the NHL on Sunday.

ARLINGTON: St. Louis Cardinals’ Albert Pujols grounds out on a pitch from Derek Holland during the first inning of Game 4 of baseball’s World Series. —AP had eight in Game 5 in 1997 against Cleveland. Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre made a leaping catch on Furcal’s liner to start the game. It turned out to be that kind of night for the Cardinals.

Texas, which has not lost consecutive games since Aug. 23-25 against Boston, was ahead after 10 pitches from Jackson. That ended the Cardinals’ streak of scoring first in 10 straight postseason games, one short of the record set by Detroit from 1972-84.

Elvis Andrus singled sharply to left with one out and Josh Hamilton, just 1 for 12

Pakistan confident ahead of second Sri Lanka Test DUBAI: Misbah-ul Haq will look for an improved performance from his fielders to menace Sri Lanka in the second Test which starts at Dubai sports city stadium from tomorrow.

Pakistan snatched a draw from the jaws of a win by dropping as many as seven catches to let the Sri Lankans off in the first Test in Abu Dhabi last week, leaving the three-Test series tied.

Led by left-arm paceman Junaid Khan (5-38), Pakistan rocked Sri Lanka to a low score of 197 after Misbha won the toss and elected to field and then took a huge 314-run lead on the back of a career-best 236 from Taufiq Umar.

But then the fielders spoiled a good chance of pressing for a win when they dropped six catches on the fourth day, allowing opener Lahiru Thirimanne (68) and Kumar Sangakkara five chances between them.

Sangakkara, who notched 211, then punished Pakistan for their sloppy fielding by putting together a record 201-run stand for the sixth wicket with Prasanna Jayawardene who scored 120 to salvage a draw for Sri Lanka.

Misbah hoped his players will work hard to overcome fielding weaknesses. “Slip catching is all about confidence, just like batting. We are really looking forward to doing a lot of practice, and forget the fielding effort in the first match and just go out for a win,” said Misbah.

Since Misbah took over in the post spot-fixing scandal in England last year, which ended in bans for former Test captain Salman Butt, Pakistan have not lost a series and the skipper feels the Abu Dhabi draw is not going to affect them.

“Nobody’s down,” said Misbah when asked if the players dejected after spoiling a good chance. “The show everybody put up, everyone was focused, everyone bowling their heart out. we tried everything but at the end you can say luck, or the fielding, you can’t do anything about.”

Pakistan can bring in left-arm paceman Wahab Riaz in place of Aizaz Cheema who managed a wicket in each of the two innings despite bowling a hostile spell on the first day. — AFP

ance throw to first, where Moreland scooped it. With his pitch count climbing, Jackson walked Nelson Cruz and Murphy with one out in the sixth. Napoli greeted Boggs by sending a 95 mph fastball just inside the leftfield foul pole, about 10 rows deep. In their first-row seats, former President George W. Bush and Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan exchanged a high-five. On the mound, Boggs grimaced.

“Well, it looked like it was a bad decision.

Missed with his pitch,” La Russa said. “He just missed and Napoli didn’t.” —AP

Scoreboard CHITTAGONG: Scoreboard at the close on the fourth day of the rain-affected first test between West Indies and Bangladesh in Chittagong yesterday: Bangladesh first innings (overnight 255-4) T. Iqbal c Braithwaite b Samuels 52 I. Kayes c Baugh b Rampaul 10 S. Nafees c Baugh b Edwards 32 R. Hassan lbw b Sammy 41 M. Rahim c Bishoo b Edwards 68 S. Hasan c Baugh b Samuels 40 N. Islam not out 36 N. Hossain c Baugh b Bishoo 34 E. Sunny c Sammy b Bishoo 0 S. Hossain st Bough b Bishoo 9 R. Hossain not out 5 Extras (b-8 lb-5 nb-5 w-5) 23 Total (for nine wickets dec; 122.4 overs) 350 Fall of wickets: 1-26 2-110 3-159 4-238 5255 6-274 7-317 8-317 9-345 Bowling: F. Edwards 18.4-1-88-2 (nb-5 w-1), R. Rampaul 23-8-42-1, D. Sammy 26-8-53-1, M. Samuels 25-4-73-2, D. Bishoo 30-6-81-3.

West Indies first innings L. Simmons c Roqibul Hasan b Shahadat Hossain 7 K. Brathwaite c Kayes b Elias Sunny 33 K. Edwards lbw b Elias Sunny 17 D. Bravo c Shahriar Nafees b Elias Sunny 2 S. Chanderpaul c Shahriar Nafees b Elias Sunny 49 M. Samuels not out 17 C. Baugh not 6 Extras (b-2 lb-1 nb-5) 8 Total (five wickets; 51 overs) 144 Fall of wickets: 1-19 2-44 3-52 4-114 5-137 Still to bat: D. Sammy, R. Rampaul, F. Edwards, D. Bishoo Bowling (to date): S. Hossain 5-1-19-1 (nb4), R. Hossain 11-2-22-0 (nb-1), S. Hassan 12-2-22-0, E. Sunny 16-0-56-4, N. Hossain 71-17-0

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTLGF GA Pittsburgh 6 2 2 30 22 Philadelphia 4 2 1 23 19 New Jersey 3 2 1 13 16 NY Islanders 3 3 0 14 14 NY Rangers 2 2 2 12 13 Northeast Division Toronto 5 1 1 24 23 Buffalo 5 2 0 20 13 Boston 3 5 0 19 19 Ottawa 3 5 0 24 34 Montreal 1 4 2 17 24 Southeast Division Washington 7 0 0 30 14 Florida 4 3 0 18 18 Tampa Bay 3 3 2 25 27 Carolina 3 3 2 22 27 Winnipeg 2 4 1 16 25

PTS 14 9 7 6 6 11 10 6 6 4 14 8 8 8 5

Western Conference Central Division Detroit 5 1 0 19 14 10 Chicago 4 1 2 24 18 10 St. Louis 4 4 0 22 24 8 Nashville 3 3 1 15 20 7 Columbus 0 7 1 17 29 1 Northwest Division Colorado 6 2 0 26 20 12 Vancouver 4 3 1 22 23 9 Minnesota 3 2 3 18 20 9 Edmonton 3 2 2 13 12 8 Calgary 2 4 1 15 20 5 Pacific Division Dallas 6 2 0 19 15 12 Los Angeles 5 1 1 17 10 11 Anaheim 4 3 0 16 17 8 Phoenix 3 3 1 20 22 7 San Jose 3 3 0 18 16 6 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L)

Debutant Sunny puts Windies in spin CHITTAGONG: Elias Sunny bagged four wickets on his debut to boost Bangladesh’s hopes of taking a first innings lead in the opening Test against the West Indies yesterday.

The left-arm spinner took 4-56 as the West Indies reached 144-5 in their first innings at stumps on the penultimate day in reply to Bangladesh’s total of 350-9 declared.

Sunny, 25, did not have to wait long for his first Test wicket as he trapped Kirk Edwards leg-before in his third over before dismissing Darren Bravo (two), teenager Kraigg Brathwaite and Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the last session.

“Getting Chanderpaul’s wicket was really great,” said Sunny. “But I’m not satisfied with my bowling as I gave

away too many runs. I should have bowled better.”

The West Indies were struggling at 52-3 before Chanderpaul (49) and Brathwaite steadied the innings with a 62-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Sunny again put pressure on the tourists when he removed both the batsmen in his last five overs.

Chanderpaul’s 72-ball knock contained two successive sixes over long-on off the left-arm spinner.

Brathwaite, bowled off a no-ball in paceman Rubel Hossain’s opening over, scored a 135-ball 33 before being caught by Imrul Kayes.

“Things were not that easy and I worked hard over two hours. The ball was not spinning big, but it was not really coming on as you like to play and

CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh player Imrul Kayes (foreground) misfields the ball off West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul during the fourth day of their first cricket Test match. —AP

they were not bowling that many bad balls,” said Brathwaite, 18. “We look to bat as long as possible tomorrow. It’s a good thing for our batsmen to find some form.”

Marlon Samuels was unbeaten on 17 and Carlton Baugh on six not out when bad light stopped play.

Bangladesh paceman Shahadat Hossain got a wicket in his second over when he had Lendl Simmons (seven) caught by Raqibul Hasan at gully.

Edwards, dropped on three by Shahadat at mid-on in Sunny’s opening over, failed to make the most of the chance as he fell after scoring 17 runs.

Bangladesh earlier added 95 runs to Friday’s total of 255-4 before declaring their innings closed in the afternoon session. No play was possible on Saturday and Sunday due to rain.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (3-81) and fast bowler Fidel Edwards (2-88) shared five wickets as Bangladesh batted 31.4 overs in the day.

Edwards struck with his first delivery when he had skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (68) caught by Bishoo at square-leg before dismissing Shahriar Nafees (32) in his next over. Rahim hit five fours in his 145-ball knock.

Nafees, who retired hurt on 21 after being struck by an Edwards bouncer on Friday, could add just 11 runs before being caught by wicket-keeper Baugh.

Bishoo also took two wickets in successive overs, removing debutant Nasir Hossain (34) and then Sunny for no score. Nasir hit six fours in his 47-ball knock. His third wicket came in the second session when he had Shahadat stumped for nine runs. Naeem Islam remained unbeaten with 36. The second and final Test starts in Dhaka on October 29. —AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

sp orts

Praise lavished on ‘extraordinary’ World Cup AUCKLAND: After 48 matches and 45 days of sometimes breathtaking and often bone-crunching rugby, the 2011 World Cup drew to a close with New Zealand’s mighty All Blacks back on top of the world.

Last world champions in 1987, no nation would have felt the pain of those 24 barren years more keenly, and so, naturally, there could have been no more joyous champions than the hosts after their nervous 8-7 win over France at Eden Park on Sunday.

It proved the perfect end to a memorable tournament-one which united an increasingly multi-cultural nation and which also went some small way to help heal the wounds of a nation scarred by natural disaster following the Christchurch earthquake which wiped that city from the World Cup programme.

Head of world rugby Bernard Lapasset had one word for the the 2011 World Cup: “Extraordinary.” The Frenchman lavished praise on the organisers, the

volunteers, the fans and on ordinary New Zealanders up and down a country of little more than four million people.

“This World Cup has served to remind us how much New Zealand has brought to world rugby,” Lapasset, president of the sport’s governing body the International Rugby Board (IRB), told reporters.

“And it has shown New Zealand’s strength and its capacity to organise such an international event.

“You have heritage, you have culture in New Zealand... tradition. And we saw throughout the importance of the Maori culture and integration.”

Former England captain and IRB vice-chairman Bill Beaumont was overwhelmed by the warm welcome visitors had enjoyed.

“You only have to wander around...see the excitement and how this country has embraced Rugby World Cup 2011,” he said. “Everyone who has come to New Zealand and the World Cup, from the big

wigs to the fans, have been treated specially.”

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, himself a former rugby international for Belgium, found the reception to the event to be “excellent” among his circle. “What I could hear and see from fans around the world- well, it was fabulous,” he said. “I think it will do a lot of good for rugby and a lot of good for New Zealand in general.”

Lapasset said that the spirit of the event had boosted the sport. “We’ve seen the great mix between tradition and the values of rugby,” he said. “I think today, thanks to New Zealand, thanks to this competition, we did strengthen the concept of ‘what is rugby?’.

“We want to create the right dimension for rugby to show it is one of the major sports in the world for this century. “And I want to thank everybody, the New Zealand government, the New Zealand rugby federation and the tournament organisers. Not just

them, but also all the cities, the regions... and not forgetting Christchurch.”

Christchurch was stripped of its matches after a deadly 6.3 magnitude earthquake in February.

Damage was extensive following a 7.1 earthquake almost six months earlier and parts of the city were levelled.

The quarter-finals were moved to Eden Park in Auckland while the five other matches New Zealand’s second city had been scheduled to host were relocated to other venues around the country.

“Christchurch is part of this World Cup, part of its history,” Lapasset said. “We had to make a difficult decision, it was heartbreaking. “But the success of this tournament has illustrated the strength of New Zealand-the bar has been set very high for future World Cups.” The 2015 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by England, while the 2019 version will be Asia’s first, staged in Japan. — Reuters

Donald clinches Disney event, money-list title

Darren Clarke seen in this file photo

Star golfers return Down Under COOLUM: Not since the heady days of regular appearances by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer have so many top golfers decided to travel Down Under to play in three Australasian PGA tour events spread over six weeks.

Credit the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne in mid-November for having a large part to do with it. The challenge for Australian golf officials will be to find a way to entice stars like Tiger Woods, British Open champion Darren Clarke and No. 1-ranked Luke Donald to return next year.

The Australian Open at Sydney from Nov. 10-13, in particular, reaped the benefit of players who wanted to arrive a week ahead of the Nov. 17-20 Presidents Cup to get over jet lag and familiarize themselves with Australian conditions.

Captain’s pick Woods and his US teammates Matt Kuchar, David Toms, Nick Watney and Hunter Mahan are among the Australian Open entries at The Lakes, along with US captain Fred Couples, his International counterpart Greg Norman, defending champion and International team member Geoff Ogilvy and Adam Scott.

“Our field is the best we’ve ever had,” Stephen Pitt, chief executive officer of Golf Australia, which has direct responsibility for the Australian Open, told The Associated Press in an interview. “It’s not so much all the great players, but the depth, and they’re all in terrific form.”

Also scheduled to play at The Lakes are US Presidents Cup teammates Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson and US Tour Championship winner Bill Haas and International team members Jason Day and captain’s pick Robert Allenby of Australia.

That’s eight of 12 American team members and all five Australians in the International team, including two-time Australian Open champion Aaron Baddeley.

The Australian PGA on the Hyatt Regency resort course at Coolum from Nov. 24-27, the week after the Presidents Cup, will feature Day, Watson, YE Yang, Norman, Ogilvy and Scott, to be joined by Northern Irishman Clarke and American Rickie Fowler. Even the Australian Masters, which Woods won in 2009 and will be played Dec. 15-18 in Melbourne, has managed to attract a strong field despite its closeness to the holiday season.

U.S. PGA Tour money title winner Donald, who won Sunday’s Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Italian teenager Matteo Manassero and Ian Poulter will be at Victoria Golf Club with defending Australian Masters champion Stuart Appleby.

Only three of the top 10-ranked players won’t make it Down Under Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer, who play regularly on

the European Tour, which still has five tournaments remaining this year. Phil Mickelson, a member of the US Presidents Cup team, is playing in Singapore the week before the Royal Melbourne event, as is International team member Yang.

The star power is a welcome sign - the Australasian Tour has been in decline over the past decade, losing several tournaments due to lack of sponsorship and watching prize money fall behind most events in the US, Europe and Asia.

The Australian Open and Australian PGA each offer total prize money of $1.5 million this year, with the winner getting $270,000. Most US PGA tour events offer purses of at least of $5 million, with the winner often collecting a million dollars.

Pitt says the influx of top golfers is an opportunity for the Australian tour to showcase its world-class courses and hospitality, regardless of the lack of prize money.

“The bar is very clearly being raised for us, and the challenge will be to maintain some sort of growth to follow on from this year,” Pitt said.

“The feedback we get from players is that they’ve always wanted to play the Australian Open in particular, and that’s recognition of the status of the tournament. Now we’ve got to tap into that, give the players a really good experience, and get them to come back.”

The biggest attraction of the past five years was Woods at the 2009 Australian Masters, which he won after being paid $3 million in appearance money, half of that paid by the Victoria state government.

Weeks later, news of his infidelities surfaced, followed by a divorce, injuries and swing changes, leaving his win at Kingston Heath in Melbourne his last tour victory anywhere. He returned to Melbourne a year later to unsuccessfully defend his Masters title when it was played at the Victoria layout.

Tim Clark of South Africa won the Australian Open in 2008, but the last non-Australian winner before that was Westwood in 1997.

That’s a big difference from Player’s seven Australian Open titles beginning in 1958 and ending in 1974, Nicklaus’ six, including four in the 1970s, and Norman’s five, the first in 1980 and the last in 1996. Palmer won his only Australian Open title in 1966 while five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson has three of his native Open trophies.

Even in 1966, the Australian Open offered a relatively small purse. When Palmer won at Royal Queensland in Brisbane, his first-place prize money of $1,600 was part of a $6,000 total purse. Nicklaus and Player won the Australian Open the previous two years, so the big three then apparently didn’t come Down Under for the money.—AP

FLORIDA: World number one Luke Donald captured the PGA Tour money-list title after winning the season-ending Disney Classic on Sunday with a scintillating final round that included six back-nine birdies in a row at Lake Buena Vista in Florida.

The 33-year-old Briton, bidding to become the first player to win the orders of merit on both sides of the Atlantic, fired an eight-under 64.

Donald, who also leads the order of merit in Europe, mixed 10 birdies with two bogeys to record a 17-under total of 271, two ahead of American Justin Leonard.

“That was tough, it wasn’t looking good. I really hadn’t got on a run and I timed it pretty well, the back nine when everything was on the line,” Donald told reporters after taking his US prize-money haul this season to $6.68 million. “This was a tremendous year for me. It’s very, very satisfying.”

The Englishman needed to finish no worse than in a two-way tie for second place to take the money-list honours and entered the final round five shots behind the tournament leaders.

He started the week in a head-to-head battle with American Webb Simpson for the order of merit title.

Simpson, playing the final round with Donald, could not keep pace as his closing 69 left him on 13-under 275.

“Playing against the best player in the world, I expected him to play well this week,” Simpson said after finishing more than $300,000 adrift of Donald overall.

“It was tough to compete against a guy that has so much confidence.” Donald’s second PGA Tour win of the season came in dramatic fashion as he birdied six holes in a row from the 10th.

FLORIDA: Luke Donald, of England, stands with people dressed as the Disney character’s Mickey Mouse (left) and Donald Duck after winning the Children’s Miracle Network Classic golf tournament. — AP After hitting approach shots close at 12 and 13, Donald made a lengthy putt on 14 and capped his run with a long-range effort and an emphatic fist pump on 15. Donald then made par on his final three holes.

Kevin Chappell (72), who held a share of the third-round lead with Leonard, ended in a tie f o r t h i r d p l a c e w i t h f e l l o w A m e r i c a n To m Pernice Jr (69) and South Korean Sung-Hoon Kang (68). — Reuters

Reutter wins second gold in 1,500, Celski nabs bronze KEARNS: American short-track speedskater Katherine Reutter won her second 1,500 meters World Cup gold in two days Sunday at the Utah Olympic Oval, while South Koreans Noh Jin-kyu and Kwak Yoon-gy finished ahead of JR Celski in the men’s 1,500.

“Most of my coaches are stunned that anything is working for me at the moment,” Reutter said after holding off South Korea’s Lee Eun-byul and China’s Li Jianrou on Sunday to win in 2 minutes, 24.005 seconds.

Fellow American JR Celski, meanwhile, ran into the

KEARNS: South Korean’s Noh Jinkyu leads a pack of skaters during the men’s 1,500 meters at the Short Track World Cup speedskating event at the Utah Olympic Oval. — AP

same roadblock Sunday as he did Saturday - namely a pair of South Korean teammates.

On Saturday, in his first World Cup race since taking more than a year off after the Vancouver Olympics, Celski was disqualified for impeding Noh in the men’s 1,000. Sunday, he trailed Noh and Kwak in the 1,500, and tried to pass on three consecutive laps but couldn’t get through. Noh won in 2:14.238 and Kwak took silver, with Celski settling for the bronze.

“They skated smart,” Celski said. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t clean up the way we wanted to at home, but it just makes us hungry for the next time.”

Britain’s Jon Eley claimed gold in the men’s 500, making a last-lap inside pass to edge Canadian Charles Hamelin in 41.558, while Canada’s Marianne St. Gelais cruised to victory in the women’s 500.

“I didn’t get the best of start, so I had to make sure I left it late,” said Eley, who also helped Britain take silver in the men’s 5,000 relay behind Canada. Hamelin said he lost his right edge when Germany’s Robert Seifert fell in front of him.

“I wasn’t feeling good after that,” said Hamelin, who won gold in the men’s 1,500 on Saturday. “I was just trying to hold myself onto the track and not fall. He passed me and I had no move to pass him back.”

Hamelin was looking forward to the next World Cup short track races in Quebec next weekend. “It’s going to be good for us to be back at home with our crowd,” Hamelin said. “It will pump us to win a few more medals.” While St. Gelais made it look easy in the women’s 500, American Jessica Smith had to fight hard for her bronze. She advanced out of the quarterfinals by a skate then used a quick start in the semifinals to earn a spot in the final. — AP

Al Ghannam notch nail-biting victory KUWAIT: The newly formed Al-Ghannam Tires cricket team pulled off a thrilling one wicket win over the spirited challenge of KOTC cricket team in the ongoing Family Care tournament.

Needing 7 runs to win in the last over of an exciting match, old war horse Varghese Mammen (FEDEX fame) & Khalid Parkar pulled off a marvelous victory to give Al-Ghannam their second victory in the current tournament.

It was a keen tussle between the young and energetic KOTC players against the experienced and talented Al-Ghannam masters.

Earlier, winning the toss, KOTC elected to bat on a windy day and it was a heartening sight to see two young Kuwaiti Nationals playing competitive cricket for KOTC. Abdulrahman Kandari and Fahad Bastaki displayed excellent cricketing skills and proved their potential to play competitive cricket.

Anyway, disciplined bowling by Al-Ghannam’s Andrew Pinho and Naveed Butt gradually increased the pressure on KOTC and wickets began to tumble.

Wilson and Asim played sensible cricket for KOTC and build up a healthy partnership of 54 runs for the 5th wicket. Asim was more aggressive and clouted the only six of the match to be

the top scorer with an elegant 33 runs while Wilson notched up a steady 30 runs. Andrew Pinho, Naveed Butt and Varghese Mammen captured two wickets Zahid Butt took one wicket. KOTC posted a decent score of 116 in 20 overs. Al-Ghannam openers Andrew Pinho & Zahid Butt exhibited high class techniques and played their natural game to put on 38 runs for the first wicket. Andrew Pinho and Naveed Butt in the process of accelerating the score fell to some good catches by the young KOTC fielders.

Zahid Butt played another scintillating innings and with an imperious on-drive, a stroke he repeated regularly as he remained in full control of the KOTC bowling . Zahid Butt & Murali posted 30 runs for the 4th wicket and suddenly the introduction of Fahad Bastaki resulted in the loss of 3 quick wickets and AlGhannam batsmen were in deep trouble.

Fahad Bastaki bowled an excellent spell and maintained a nagging line & length to capture 4 wickets for 12 runs in his 4 overs.

Varghese Mammen and Khalid Parkar took all their experience out to score 7 runs in the last over and the spirited KOTC gave a true fight to their veteran counterparts who won a real nail-biter to notch an exciting victory.

The winning Al-Ghannam cricket team

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

sp orts

Bowyer eclipses Burton to give RCR 100th victory

TALLADEGA: Marcos Ambrose (9) scrapes the wall in Turn 2 during a wreck with Regan Smith (78) and Trevor Bayne (21) during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race.—AP

Still seeking an NBA deal, stars play in exhibitions OKLAHOMA CITY: Two-time NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant can still fill up a stat sheet, Chris Paul can still orchestrate a team and LeBron James is still a highlight waiting to happen.

What they haven’t been able to do is find a deal with the NBA that they find acceptable enough to play real games again.

The All-Stars all took part in a charity exhibition game Sunday night in Oklahoma City, with hometown hero Durant recording a triple-double with 42 points, 26 rebounds and 11 assists to lead his team to a 176-171 victory in overtime.

“As you see in these games that we’re playing, we love to play the game. We’re going to find a way to play - any way possible. We want to just keep giving our fans the opportunity to see us because if not for the fans, we’re not who we are,” Paul said.

“So we just want them to know that we still want to keep working toward a deal because it’s not just about us. It’s about the fans, it’s about the employees, all the people that make our game happen. We want to play - just make sure everyone understands that.”

Players and owners met with a federal mediator for 30 hours over three days this week but left without a new collective bargaining agreement.

There’s still a divide over how much of the league’s revenue the players should get and a philosophical conflict over the league’s salary cap system.

“We just want a fair deal. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” Paul said. “We want a system that works and we want a split that’s doable. So, we’re not being greedy or anything like that. We just want a fair deal.”

In negotiations, players have already said they’d come down from their current 57 percent share of the league’s revenues to 53 - or 52.5 percent. But owners are now asking for an even split with the players, and that’s not palatable for players.

“It’s just not. We set our number.

We’ve already dropped, but we set our number at 53 and that’s what we’re sticking to,” James Harden said.

The first two weeks of the season, which would have started Nov. 1, have already been called off. Commissioner David Stern warned previously that all games through Christmas could be canceled without a deal this week, but those games haven’t been wiped out yet.

“Fighting over 3 percent, that’s kind of retarded to me,” said Michael Beasley, who scored a game-high 56 points. “But it is what is. We’ll come to an agreement.” “ The quicker we can get a deal done, the better,” he added. “Like I’ve been saying before, the main ones suffering are our fans.”

James, Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook - all of them All-Stars - declined to comment on the state of their league as they left the Cox

Convention Center.

It was the latest in a series of exhibition games across the country as NBA players stay in the spotlight while locked out by the league.

“We’re just trying to work to get a deal done. We’re going to continue to keep playing these games and showing the fans that we love the game and we want to play,” Durant said. “Hopefully we get something done.”

At halftime of the game, Durant presented an oversized check for $100,000 to Single Parents Support Network of Oklahoma City with proceeds from the game.

“Guys don’t get paid to play in these game,” Paul said. “Guys come out here because of how much respect they have for KD and what he does for the community and for kids and giving back.”

Durant and a star-studded White team including James and Westbrook overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to beat a Blue team that featured Anthony and Paul.

James had three buckets - a pair of layups and a left-handed jam - in a 20-2 fourth-quarter run that put the White team ahead for the first time since the opening period. Durant finished it off with a 3-pointer from the right wing to make it 152-143.

Harden answered with back-to-back 3-pointers before Beasley’s fast-break dunk during a string of eight straight Blue points, and Harden hit another 3 from the top of the key for a 159-158 lead with 54.3 seconds left.Durant answered with a 3 from the left wing with 30.4 seconds left, and Anthony’s layup with 13.1 seconds remaining sent it to overtime tied at 161.

Durant missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer, and the game went to overtime. James put the White team ahead to stay with back-to-back jumpers early in the extra period.

Paul was the playmaker early on, dishing out 13 assists in the first quarter - more than one per minute. He zoomed past Durant for a layup, set up a pair of dunks by Beasley and just kept orchestrating the Blue offense.

His last assist of the quarter came on a bounce pass that skipped high into the air for a James Harden alley-oop dunk, and then he finished off the period with a 3-pointer from the top of the key as the buzzer sounded. There were plenty of other highlights usually seen on NBA courts like the one just across the street.

James threw down a two-handed jam after passing the ball to himself off the backboard, Westbrook provided a series of power jams and Paul even got a two-handed dunk off of Jonny Flynn’s alley oop.

“It’s for the fans. Basketball’s a getaway, a getaway for a lot of people, and right now with the lockout, they can’t get away,” Beasley said. “We’re going to do games like this for as long as possible as much as possible.”—AP

OKLAHOMA: Kevin Durant dunks during the Basketball Invitational charity game in Oklahoma City. —AP

TALLADEGA: Teamwork meant very little in the closing laps at Talladega Superspeedway.

Unless, of course, you were driving a Ford.

Clint Bowyer bailed on teammate Jeff Burton on the last lap of Sunday’s race, pulling around him when the checkered flag was in sight to pick up his first win of the season and the 100th in the Sprint Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing.

“You hate that it comes down to that; it is what it is,” shrugged Bowyer. “You owe it to your team, to your sponsors to go out and win the race. Unfortunately, it came down to that situation.”

Burton and the RCR bunch understood that’s how the game is played. The grumbling was far behind the leaders, where Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne ditched Jeff Gordon because Bayne was part of a pact made

by Ford drivers to only push fellow Ford drivers in an effort to help Roush Fenway Racing drivers Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth in the championship race.

Gordon was seventh on the final restart and thought Bayne was committed to pushing him over the last two laps. Instead, Bayne backed off, and Gordon, with no help, faded to 27th. An animated Bayne went immediately to Gordon’s car after the race, then posted his thoughts on Twitter.

“I’m not happy about what this has become,” he posted on Twitter in reference to Talladega’s two-car drafting style and the reliance on partners.

“It ’s too premeditated. We should be able to go with whoever is around us. I would have rather pulled over and finished last than tell (Gordon) I would work with him and then be strong armed into bailing.”

Gordon said he was deceived.

“The Fords made it very clear about what they were doing in working with one another,” Gordon said. “So I didn’t expect him to commit to me on the radio. I expected him to say, ‘Man, I’m sorry, I can’t.’ And when he said, ‘Yeah, I’m pushing you, we’re good,’ I believed him. I think they had a different plan.”

The race at NASCAR’s biggest and fastest track finished roughly 30 minutes after the memorial service for two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon ended in Indianapolis. Wheldon was killed in the IndyCar season finale a week ago at Las Vegas, and NASCAR honored him with decals on all the cars and a moment of silence before the

start of the race.

The Wheldon death made for some poignant moments during pre-race, as Kevin Harvick clung tightly to wife, Delana, and many drivers were seen giving long embraces to loved ones. And as expected, the race heated up in the closing laps.

Drivers jockeyed for position

Kenseth.

There were hard feelings after the race as drivers were upset at etiquette in the closing laps. Tony Stewart had been working with RCR driver Paul Menard during the second half of the race, but Menard wasn’t able to push him to the win when the race restarted after Smith’s accident with

TALLADEGA: Clint Bowyer celebrates his win in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway. —AP and partners in the new two-car drafting system. Although the race was not marred by “the big one,” there was a series of accidents, and the last, with eight laps remaining, was a hard hit by Regan Smith that required repairs to the SAFER barrier. It made for a shake-up in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship standings. Har vick and Kyle Busch were both in accidents, and five-time defending series champion Jimmie Johnson finished 26th as he and partner Dale Earnhardt Jr. never made their charge to the front.

Edwards, who came into the race up five points over Harvick, finished 11th and saw his lead swell to 14 points over Roush Fenway Racing teammate Matt

two laps to go.

Instead of contending for the win, Stewart finished seventh.

But team owner Richard Childress said Menard was there to help Stewar t, a fellow Chevrolet driver.

“I went on Paul’s radio and told him go up there and push Tony and try to win the race,” Childress said. “I wanted him to win the race, but I also wanted him to push Tony. That was just the way it was.” If Stewart had been a Ford driver?

“We were going to help Chevy try to win,” Childress said. “I’ve been Chevy all my life. It’s kind of hard to change an old dog.“ That’s what made Bowyer’s move easier to swallow for Burton. When the two of them

pulled away from the pack, and it became clear the race to the win was only between the two of them, Burton knew he was going to be challenged on the last lap.

“I knew he was going to make a move,” Burton said. “He was supposed to make a move. He ain’t expected to push me to the win.”

It was redemption for Bowyer, too. He lost the spring race here when Earnhardt pushed Johnson past the Bowyer-Burton tandem and Bowyer settled for second.

At New Hampshire last month, he led late but ran out of gas in the closing laps as Stewart took the victory.

Bowyer, the defending race winner, snapped a 34-race losing streak and thanked Burton from Victory Lane. “We just were really good together. We thought about it, we talked about it a lot before the race and things really did play out just how we planned,” said Bowyer, who is moving to Michael Waltrip Racing at the end of the season.

“It was a pretty calm day, to be honest, kind of methodical. We wanted to stay up front. I told him we needed to stay up front, that way when the time comes, we’re ready for it and we can race the way we should race. I was trying to figure out where to pass him, and said ‘I’m at least going to give a shot at it.’ And I knew it was going to be a drag race.”

Kurt Busch, who was involved in an accident with Bobby Labonte, also griped about the tandem racing after his 36thplace finish. Busch ran directly into Labonte, partly because he was pushing another car and didn’t have any time to see Labonte spinning ahead.

“Our championship hopes are done just because of this two-car Talladega draft,” said Busch, who is sixth in the standings, 50 points behind Edwards.

Burton finished second, his best finish in what was supposed to be a terrific season but turned south when his engine blew in the season-opening Daytona 500. Dave Blaney worked with Brad Keselowski the entire race, and they finished third and fourth. Keselowski, who drives for top IndyCar owner Roger Penske, had “In Memory of Dan” across his back bumper. “I’m very proud of the effor t, proud to have a good day and very fortunate to have missed all the wrecks,” Keselowski said. “It must have had something to do with (Wheldon) on the back of the car.

It was a great day for us, and I just want to say a shout-out to him and his family.”—AP

Mutola to coach Semenya JOHANNESBURG: Caster Semenya named former Olympic and world 800-meter champion Maria Mutola as her new coach yesterday, pairing one of the world’s great middle-distance runners with one of athletics’ most promising youngsters.

Semenya said in a statement released to The Associated Press through her Finlandbased agent Jukka Harkonen that Mutola agreed to coach the 20-year- old South African soon after the recent world championships in Daegu, South Korea - where Semenya took silver in her 800-meter title defense.

The pair share similar backgrounds, with both emerging from impoverished backgrounds in southern Africa to win on the world stage after their talents had been identified at a young age.

“Maria has been my idol since I started to run,” Semenya said. “After Korea (the world championships) I was asking Maria if she is interested in coaching me. Her answer was positive and I am very happy now. “Maria has had (a) long and super successful career. She will be a great teacher for me.”

Mutola of Mozambique, who turns 40 this week, retired in 2008 with an Olympic gold and three world titles in the 800. She also won seven world indoor titles between 1993 and 2006.

She has been playing semiprofessional football in South Africa since her retirement, but will now guide Semenya’s preparations for the 2012 London Olympics in her first formal role as a coach.

“This is a huge challenge for me to start with Caster,” Mutola said. “She is a great young athlete and already she has done very well. We still have a long road to go if we want to be the number one in London.

Caster just needs to take the last steps to be a professional athlete.

“I want to use all my experience to help her to understand what it means to be on the top. It is much easier to get to the top than to stay there.”

Semenya thanked former coach Michael Seme, who discovered her and took her to

an African junior title and then a shock victory as a teenager at the 2009 worlds in Berlin - during which she became embroiled in a gender test controversy that led to an 11-month suspension from athletics. Semenya was cleared to run again in July last year but was hampered by poor form and a niggling back injury for the next 12 months before finally showing glimpses

year, and especially the last few months, I have been thinking (of ) my own career often,” Semenya said.

“I was preparing alone the last four weeks for Daegu and I met Maria Mutola before my flight to Korea. She was giving me great ideas.”

In an inter view with the AP in 2010, Mutola revealed she had been contacted by

Caster Semenya in action in this file photo. of her ability again by winning silver in Daegu.

However, Semenya said her relationship with Seme had already broken down before her world title defense and she trained on her own for the final four weeks ahead of the worlds, with some help from Mutola.

“I want to thank Michael for his great job during the last three years with me. We have had a lot of success, but during this

Semenya for advice and on how to deal with the gender tests that interrupted her career. Back then, Mutola also said Semenya’s 1 minute, 55.45-second winning time as an 18-year-old at the 2009 world championships was “amazing” and added there was “no doubt ” the young South African was capable of breaking Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 800 world record time of 1:53.28, which was set in 1983.—AP

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

18

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

SPORTS

Jaquess wins 2 water ski gold at Pan Am Games

Thomas Muster in action in this file photo

Muster set for emotional farewell VIENNA: Former world number one and 1995 French Open winner Thomas Muster will bid an emotional final farewell to tennis at the Austrian Open this week at the grand old age of 44.

Muster, whose iron stamina allowed him to dominate clay in the 1990s, attempted a return to the game over the last two seasons, playing-and losing mainly on the Challenger circuit.

He took a 2010 wild card in Vienna, but lost in the first round to compatriot Andreas Haider-Maurer. Since then, he has played 17 matches, winning one. All but two of those matches were on the second-tier Challenger level.

Muster begins his Vienna campaign against teenage compatriot Dominic Thiem, more than a quarter of a century younger.

“My second career has been the best I can manage with my body,” Muster told Die Presse newspaper. He added: “My second career has become a very tough job.”

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will resume his bid for a spot in the ATP World Tour Finals as the Frenchman makes his Austrian Open debut as top seed.

Tsonga stands in provisional eighth and final place in the field for the November 2027 season wrap-up in London, but has not played since losing his opening match in Shanghai to Japan’s Kei Nishikori.

The Frenchman begins his campaign indoors at the Stadthalle with a first-round bye and will play the winner from Dutchman

Robin Haase and Finn Jarkko Nieminen finalist in Stockholm this week - in the second round.

It will be a pressure week for second seed Juan Martin Del Potro, who needs to sharpen his game for the looming Davis Cup final with Spain in Seville from December 2-4.

The 2009 US Open champion played his first autumn match in Stockholm last week, but was defeated in his opener by American James Blake.

With Argentine teammate David Nalbandian suffering a hamstring injury in Stockholm, a return to top form for Del Potro is crucial for national hopes.

“I have a few days now to be ready for the next event. I must work very hard,” said the Argentine after his Stockholm defeat.

“I’m not thinking about my ranking. But I’m getting closer to the top 10 again but it’s a long road to get back there.”

The number 15 returns to the Austrian capital for his second appearance after a 2008 debut, when he won a round but had to retire before his second round match.

Two-time champion Jurgen Melzer, winner of the last two editions, will start as crowd favourite, with the third seed also benefiting from a bye.

A year ago, Melzer made a stirring comeback in the final to overcome Haider-Maurer, at the time ranked 157th. Melzer could find himself facing either Blake or Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the second round.—AFP

Mormeck vows to land telling blow vs Klitschko PARIS: One hard blow will be enough to beat heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, Frenchman Jean-Marc Mormeck said yesterday. Mormeck will challenge the 35-year-old Ukrainian for his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in Duesseldorf, Germany on Dec. 10. “I want his belts,” Mormeck said. “If I want to get them, I’ll have to smash his face.” “I’ve seen all his opponents, and when they get in the ring, I have the impression that they don’t do what they need to do. They don’t move forward. They don’t take any risk.”

The former WBC and WBA cruiserweight champion was confident of landing a decisive punch against Klitschko. “He has lost three fights and each time he lost them without going the distance,” Mormeck said. “He couldn’t recover each time he got hit. That means he doesn’t take those hits well.” The 39-year-old Frenchman has won his three fights since moving up to the heavyweight division in 2009 and has a career record of 36 wins (22 knockouts) and four defeats.

“I’ve already seen you in a bad shape quite a few times,” Mormeck told Klitschko during the news conference. “Wladimir has a glass chin that I will break.”

It will be Klitschko’s first appearance since beating British boxer David Haye by unanimous decision in July in a heavyweight unification fight for the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.

“Everyone has a plan until they get hit,” Klitschko said. “So you got a plan and then you’re getting hit. Then the whole plan is just screwed up. So you can’t really follow the plan.” “I can imagine what kind of game plan

you (Mormeck) could have for this fight.

Boxing is a chess game. I’m definitely going to fight you, play chess with you in the ring and eventually make a checkmate.”

Mormeck’s last defeat came against Haye, when he lost his WBC and WBA cruiserweight titles to the Briton in 2007.

“I’m taking Jean-Marc very seriously,” Klitschko said. “He was fighting David Haye and he almost knocked him out. I was fighting David Haye and couldn’t really land right shots. So I couldn’t do the same thing that Jean-Marc did.” Mormeck sent Haye to the floor in the fourth round before getting knocked out in the seventh. “I’m not expecting him to move backward like David Haye,” Klitschko said. “That’s not Jean-Marc’s style.

The only thing that he knows is (to) move forward.” Mormeck is No. 9 in the WBO and WBA rankings and will become only the third Frenchman after Georges Carpentier in 1921 and Lucien Rodriguez in 1983 to fight for a heavyweight world title. “It’s the biggest challenge of my career,” Mormeck said. “I’d like to become the first heavyweight champion from France.” Mormeck also announced that he will be coached by Mike Tyson’s former trainer Kevin Rooney. Klitschko, nicknamed Dr. Steel Hammer, usually wears down his opponents with his left jab before hammering them with his strong right cross. He has a 56-3 career record (49 KOs) and is undefeated since a knockout loss to American boxer Lamon Brewster in 2004. Wladimir’s older brother, Vitali, is the current WBC heavyweight champion.—AP

PARIS: French boxer Jean-Marc Mormeck (right) poses with world title holder Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, during a press conference held in Paris. —AP

GUADALAJARA: Zigzagging around buoys one minute and flying through the air the next, Regina Jaquess won two more gold medals in water skiing Sunday at the Pan American Games.

The 27-year-old American, who had already won gold in the overall competition a day earlier, claimed titles in the slalom and jump events on Day 9 of the games. She also won bronze in the tricks.

“I am totally happy that I got bronze, but at the same time you’re itching for the gold and I wanted to get the sweep,” Jaquess said. “I looked at big picture when I should have just concentrated on single event.”

The wins for Jaquess were part of another strong day for the United States, which has 57 gold medals and 156 overall. Brazil is second in the medals table with 26 gold and 68 overall.

Besides the two for Jaquess, American teammates Jonathan Travers won the men’s slalom and Freddy Krueger earned gold in men’s jumps.

In other sports, the United States won the softball gold, the equestrian riders won the team eventing title, Jake Herbert and Tervel Dlagnev won freestyle wrestling golds, and Sarah Haskins won the women’s triathlon. “I thought I would rank lower, but I did it and I did it well,” Haskins said. “Mexico is fantastic.”

Brazil also had golden day, winning five sailing titles, one in the women’s marathon from Adriana da Silva and one in men’s triathlon from Reinaldo Colucci. The women’s handball team also won gold, beating

CHAPALA: Rodrigo Miranda of Chile performs a flip while competing in men’s tricks final water skiing competition during the Pan American Games. —AP Argentina 33-15. The men’s football team wasn’t as fortunate.

They were eliminated from medal contention after losing to Costa Rica 3-1.

In early events, a pair of Guatemalan walkers won the first two gold medals in athletics.

Erick Barrondo won the men’s 20-kilometer walk a short time after Jamy Franco earned gold in the women’s race while setting a games record of 1 hour, 32 minutes, 38 seconds.

“It was the plan,” Franco said.

“That’s why we have trained so hard. That’s why we have sacrificed so many things, even our family. We hope to achieve more, not just this.”

The previous walk record of 1:34:19 was set by Graciela Mendoza of Mexico at the games in Winnipeg in 1999.

Also in water skiing, Whitney McClintock of Canada won the women’s figures and Javier Julio earned gold in the men’s figures, while Jessica Phoenix of Canada won the individual eventing gold in equestrian.

In softball, the United States won the gold medal by beating Canada 11-1 in four innings. The Americans won all nine games in Guadalajara to claim their seventh straight title in the sport.

“It’s hard to beat a team that puts up 10 runs on the board, which is what happened the

most nights we were out there,” US third baseman Stacy MayJohnson said. “A lot of our hitters were hot this week.”

Also, Sergio Alvarez won a weightlifting gold for Cuba, winning the men’s 56-kilogram category, and Lely Burgos of Puerto Rico earned gold in the women’s 48-kilogram class.

In men’s football, Argentina defeated Cuba 1-0 on Matias Laba’s goal in the 79th minute, guaranteeing the Argentines a place in the semifinals. “We came with the idea of winning the group ... and now we have it,” Argentina coach Walter Perazzo said. “Now the second objective is to win a medal.”—AP

US grab softball gold GUADALAJARA: It was an entirely new softball team. It was the same old golden result. With a revamped team filled with rookies at the Pan American Games, the United States beat Canada 11-1 in four innings Sunday to win the country’s sixth straight softball gold and eighth overall.

“This is very important to us as players and for the new program,” said Taylor Hoagland, who came in as a pinch runner. “A lot of people wrote us off because we are without a lot of the veterans that we are used to having, but you know what, we are making a name for ourselves, for this new generation.”

The gold was one of nine for the Americans on Day 9 of the Pan Americans Games, including two from water skier Regina Jaquess. In the medals tables, the United leads with 57 gold and 156 overall.

The softball team played its first game last Monday, beating Venezuela 10-0 in a mercy-rule victory. It was the first of nine straight wins - only of two of which went the distance. Overall, the Americans outscored their opponents 78-8.

“It’s hard to beat a team that puts up 10 runs on the board, which is what happened the most nights we were out there,” US third baseman Stacy MayJohnson said. “A lot of our hitters were hot this week.”

In the gold medal game, the Americans scored four runs in the third inning and four more in the

fourth. Second baseman Lauren Gibson scored three runs and had two hits, including a first-inning home run.

a great team,” US coach Ken Eriksen said. “We had to find the right mix and I feel like we’ve done a good job.”

MEXICO: Molly Johnson, of the United States, slides safely in as Canada’s Jennifer Yee is late on the tag during their women’s softball gold medal match at the Pan American Games. —AP “Maybe we don’t have the best 17 players, but I know that we’ve got the best 17 who can make up

The United States has won every Pan Americans Games gold medal except one, losing to

Canada in the 1983 final in Caracas, Venezuela. Since softball was added to the program in 1979, the US is 87-3.

But the program took a hard hit in funding after the sport was dropped from the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, and the team had to be nearly entirely revamped after the Olympic players either retired or joined professional leagues. The Pan Am Games currently is the only multisport event the US team participates, and the 2011 roster was the youngest ever at the games.

“There were a lot of questions surrounding this team, especially back in the States, about whether this team could continue the tradition that US softball has winning gold medals and being champions,” said May-Johnson, the team’s oldest player at 27. “I think that this kind of proves that the talent runs very deep in our country and that we can still be competitive and still come away with gold medals. I think that puts a lot of critics to rest.”

The other American golds came from the equestrian riders in the team event competition, freestyle wrestlers Jake Herbert and Tervel Dlagnev, and Sarah Haskins in the women’s triathlon.

“The swim was probably the hardest part. It was really, really hot in there,” said Haskins, who took silver four years ago in Rio de Janeiro. “The bike and run were actually on the cooler side compared to what I was expecting, so that was nice.”—AP

Italian sport in shock after Simoncelli’s death MILAN: Italian sport was in shock after Marco Simoncelli died following a crash at the Malaysian MotoGP motorcycle race. He was 24.

Simoncelli - nicknamed Sic or SuperSic died of chest, head and neck injuries Sunday after he lost control of his Honda at turn 11 four minutes into the race, and swerved across the track, straight into the path of American rider Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi of Italy.

Rossi, a good friend of Simoncelli’s, was clearly distraught and was unable to say anything in the immediate aftermath of the accident. He left a short message on Twitter later Sunday.

“Sic for me was like a younger brother, as strong on the track as he was sweet in life,” Rossi wrote. “I still can’t believe it. I will miss him a lot.”

In Italy, there was a minute’s silence before all football matches and players wore black armbands as a tribute to the young rider.

“Today is one of the saddest days of my presidency,” said Gianni Petrucci, president of Italian sport’s governing body CONI. “The tragic death of Marco Simoncelli has deeply upset and shaken me.

“Life is sacred and you can’t die at the age of

24 for a race. I hoped right until the end that Marco could do it. I saw the pain and anguish of his father who was there by his side ... We are all with his family in mourning the death of a champion. An inconceivable death which has stunned Italian sport. For this reason we decided that all sport today should honor him with a minute’s silence.”

Simoncelli’s helmet was ripped off in the incident and he lay motionless on the track after the collision. He had been fourth at the end of the first lap. Honda teammate Casey Stoner said after the crash that he feared for Simoncelli.

“As soon as I saw the footage it just makes you sick inside,” the newly crowned MotoGP champion said. “Whenever the helmet comes off that’s not a good sign.”

The Australian said later: “I am in shock and saddened by the loss of Marco. When these things happen they make you remember how precious life is and I’m very upset. I’m close to Marco’s family, I can’t imagine what they’re going through.” Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso paid tribute to his fellow Italian.

“Marco was a strong rider and he always pushed hard. We raced together since we were

kids, I saw him always pushing to the maximum, he crashed many times, but without major injuries, he seemed invincible,” he said.

“What happened today seems impossible.”

In Australia yesterday, 1987 500cc world champion Wayne Gardner said he met Simoncelli 10 days ago at Phillip Island, where the Italian rider finished second to Stoner in the Australian Grand Prix, Simoncelli’s careerbest MotoGP finish.

“He was a shining light that was coming through,” Gardner said. “He looked like the next superstar. It’s a great loss for the motorcycle riding fraternity and a black mark on motor racing.”

Gardner said as well as a future champion, he was “a really nice guy ... he was having a great time.”

Simoncelli’s manager, Carlo Pernat, agreed, believing the young rider would have gone on to great things. “Marco was a cheery boy, everyone’s friend,” Pernat said. “He had expectations, dreams. He was a boy from days gone by, with a wonderful family who taught him good values. It’s terrible, there are no words, everyone’s very upset, he could have become world champion one day.—AP

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

19

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

sp orts

Aldershot braced for United backlash

SPAIN: Villarreal’s midfielder Cani (right) vies for the ball with Levante’s midfielder Vicente Iborra de la Fuente during the Spanish league football match. —AFP

Levante on top in Spain after stunning Villarreal MADRID: Surprise packages Levante continued their remarkable early-season run when they stunned Villarreal 3-0 to move a point clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga on Sunday.

The tiny Valencia-based club, who have an annual budget of only 20 million euros ($27.8 million) compared with Real’s of almost 500 million, have 20 points from eight matches, including three from a shock 1-0 home win over the big-spending Madrid side last month.

Midfielder Juanlu, one of a slew of Levante players over 30, netted twice in the first half at the Madrigal and Arouna Kone struck 13 minutes into the second period as Juan Ignacio Martinez’s unfancied side secured a sixth straight win.

Villarreal, competing in this season’s Champions League after finishing fourth last term, are languishing in 16th on just seven points.

Jose Mourinho’s Real were the overnight leaders on 19 after they thrashed Malaga 4-0 on Saturday thanks to a hat-trick from the world’s most expensive player Cristiano Ronaldo.

Champions Barcelona, bidding for a fourth consecutive title, slipped to third on 18 after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla, in fourth on 16.

The match at the Nou Camp ended in

acrimony after Barca were awarded a stoppage-time penalty and a mass brawl erupted which led to the dismissal of Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute.

Goalkeeper Javi Varas saved Lionel Messi’s spot kick before the visitors had defender Fernando Navarro sent off for a wild tackle on Pedro.

In Sunday’s earlier kickoffs, Roberto Soldado slotted an 89th-minute equaliser for Valencia in a 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao after Iker Muniain had put the visitors ahead with around 20 minutes left with a splendid run and shot.

Former Real Madrid and Getafe striker Soldado, who is pushing for a place in the Spain squad, took his tally to six for the season, four behind joint top scorers Messi and Ronaldo.

Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Real Mallorca, their fourth stalemate of the campaign, with both goals coming from the penalty spot.

Early pace-setters Real Betis won their opening four games after gaining promotion to the top flight at the end of last season but have now lost four in a row after they were beaten 2-0 at home to Rayo Vallecano.

Osasuna thumped visiting Real Zaragoza 3-0 and Real Sociedad drew 0-0 at home to Getafe. —Reuters

LONDON: Aldershot, the lowest-ranked side left in the League Cup, could face the full force of a Manchester United backlash when the teams meet in the last 16 today.

United was humbled 6-1 by fierce rival Manchester City at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday, its heaviest home defeat in the league since 1955.

United manager Alex Ferguson, who labeled the result “the worst in my history, ever,” has challenged his players to bounce back when they visit Aldershot, which is languishing in 15th place in the fourth tier of English football.

“That kind of defeat will make an impact on the players,” a “shattered” Ferguson said after the derby defeat. “There’s a lot of embarrassment in the dressing room and quite rightly so. “Hopefully they’ll show that (reaction) next week.”

Chelsea visits Everton and Manchester City travels to Wolverhampton Wanderers in two of five all-Premier League games but the most intriguing matchup takes place at The EBB Stadium, where Aldershot will look to cause one of the competition’s biggest shocks.

Managed by former Bolton striker Dean Holdsworth, the club located 60 kilometers south east of London has never progressed so far in the League Cup and will take heart from United’s troubles against lowly opposition in cup competitions in recent years.

Leeds, then playing in third-tier League One, beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup in 2010 while Ferguson’s side scraped past then non-league team Crawley 1-0 in that competition last season. Whatever the result, Aldershot - which went out of business in 1992, only to re-form and complete a return to the Football League in 2008 - is delighted to just welcome the current Premier League champions.

“On Tuesday night, we’ve probably got the biggest game in the club’s history,” Holdsworth said. “It could mean financial security for a long, long time.” Aldershot has beaten higher-league opposition in the first three rounds.

“All we can hope for is complacency from Manchester United,” Holdsworth said. “They are going to turn up and be overwhelming favorites - for us it is a challenge, we are underdogs but on the day it is about who turns up.”

Ferguson is likely to rest his star names for the match - giving rare opportunities to the likes of strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen, who have struggled to gain much firstteam action this season. “ There’s players who weren’t involved against City, me being one of them, and a lot of the lads need games so it’ll be quite a strong Manchester United playing against them,” Owen said. “It’s a competition we want to do well in.”

United captain Nemanja Vidic could be recalled after Fergsuon decided against risk-

ing him against City following the Serbia defender’s recent return to fitness after a calf injury.

City, five points clear at the top of the Premier League after the rout of its neighbor, will be full of confidence heading to Wolves, whose only wins since mid-August have come in the League Cup. Like United, City is also expected to give

Chelsea than the last time the teams met - at Stamford Bridge nine days ago when the London club swept to a 3-1 win in the Premier League.

Wednesday’s other matches see Stoke host Liverpool, the winner of the competition a record seven times, and in-form Newcastle travel to Blackburn in all-Premier League matches.

LONDON: Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney (left) reacts in this file photo after a goal as his team are beaten 6-1 by Manchester City in their English Premier League. —AP run-outs to fringe players, meaning Owen Hargreaves could return to the starting lineup for the first time since scoring for Roberto Mancini’s side in the 2-0 win over defending champion Birmingham in the third round.

Everton will hope for better luck against

Arsenal, last season’s runner-up, is at home to Bolton on Tuesday while the second-tier League Championship is sure of two representatives in the quarterfinals with Cardiff hosting Burnley and Southampton visiting Crystal Palace. —AP

Udinese write off title chances MILAN: Udinese sit proudly on top of Serie A going into this week’s games yet coach Francesco Guidolin is still more concerned about avoiding relegation than winning the title.

Guidolin, whose side are unbeaten after seven games and visit erratic Napoli on Wednesday (1845 GMT), wrote off Udinese’s title chances after their 3-0 home win over Novara on Sunday sent them to the summit.

“We can’t fight for the scudetto,” Guidolin, whose side have 15 points and are the only unbeaten team in Serie A alongside Juventus, told reporters.

“None of the other coaches have mentioned Udinese among the possible title winners and I trust my colleagues, they understand football.

“In the dressing room, we have a notice with our aim, which is to reach the 40 points needed to avoid relegation, so we are still 25 short. “We will enjoy it for one day but we have no reason to get carried away.”

Udinese finished fourth last season but were given little hope of a repeat performance after selling two key players, winger Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona and midfielder Gokhan Inler to Napoli, in the close season.

However, with striker Antonio Di Natale, last season’s league top scorer with 28, still knocking in the goals they have looked as good as ever.

Napoli have given priority to the Champions League and their league form has been wildly unpredictable, with striker Edinson Cavani still to score away from

Guadalajara sink America

BRAZIL: Flamengo’s Vander (right) and Santos’ Ibson compete for the ball during a Brazilian soccer league match in Rio de Janeiro. —AP

Vasco go top in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO: Vasco da Gama won 20 at Bahia to go top of the Brazilian championship as Ceara became the latest side to part with their coach.

Felipe and Diego Souza scored in each half to take Vasco onto 57 points from 31 games, two ahead of Corinthians who were held 1-1 at Internacional in Sunday’s matches.

Although they lost top spot, Corinthians were more than happy to settle for a point after playing the second half with 10 men and snatching an 88th minute equaliser.

Corinthians had Alessandro sent off for tackle from behind five minutes before the break and fell behind to Nei’s strike midway through the second half.

Despite this, they levelled when Alex

scored with a free kick in the 88th minute.

Ceara said on their website (www.cearasc.com.br) that they had fired coach Estevam Soares after only 41 days at the club following a 1-0 defeat at Atletico Paranaense which left them in the relegation zone. Soares became the 32nd coach to lose his job this year among Brazil’s 20 first division clubs.

Brazil forward Neymar converted a penalty to put Santos ahead at Flamengo, who were missing Ronaldinho through suspension, but Deivid gave the hosts a 1-1 draw.

The game was a far cry from the previous meeting between the pair when a Ronaldinho hat-trick gave Flamengo a 54 win. —Reuters

MEXICO: Guadalajara, enjoying their new found scoring form, beat 10-man America 3-1 away in Mexico’s big ‘clasico’ at the Azteca and went top of the Apertura championship on Sunday.

The Chivas, who scored through midfielders Antonio Gallardo and Marco Fabian de la Mora, and striker Erick Torres, took their goals tally to eight in two matches, while America had Brazilian Rosinei sent off with half an hour to go.

Mexico’s most popular team lead with 25 points from 14 matches, two points ahead of Santos Laguna, who have a game in hand, and Chiapas with three matches to go. The top eight qualify for the knockout phase.

Gallardo headed Guadalajara in from after six minutes from a left cross by De la Mora, who scored a hat-trick in the 5-2 win over Estudiantes UAG last weekend.

America, with 14 points and in danger of missing the quarterfinal cut, equalised six minutes later through Ecuador’s Christian Benitez, who headed home Argentine playmaker Daniel Montenegro’s cross.

De la Mora restored Guadalajara’s lead within five minutes when he tapped home from inside the six-yard box after goalkeeper Armando Navarrete spilt a corner.

A minute later, Torres, who goaled twice last weekend, completed the scoring with a header in an action-packed opening 18 minutes.

Uruguayan Ivan Alonso hit a hat-trick in half an hour for Toluca in their 4-3 home win over Puebla to go top of the scorers’ chart with 10 goals.

Former Colombia goalkeeper Miguel Calero, who was capped 50 times, retired at the age of 40 at the end of his club Pachuca’s 0-0 draw at home to title holders Pumas UNAM on Saturday. —Reuters

MEXICO: Chivas’ Antonio Gallardo celebrates after scoring during a Mexican soccer league match against America’s in Mexico City. —AP

home. They have beaten both AC Milan and Inter Milan, yet their last two games have seen a home defeat by Parma and goalless draw at Cagliari.

“We have to be more clinical, we have been making too many mistakes,” said coach Walter Mazzarri.

“If you look at the other sides fighting for the top places, when they create four chances they convert two of them.”

Juventus, third with 13 points, kick off the midweek round today when they host Fiorentina (1845) having drawn four of their last five matches.

Champions Milan, up to 11 points after winning their last two games, are at home to Parma on Wednesday while Inter visit Atalanta (both 1845). —Reuters

Donald clinches Disney event, money-list title

16

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Jaquess wins 2 water ski gold at Pan Am Games

18

Aldershot braced for United backlash

Page 19

ONTARIO: Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany perform during the Pairs Free Skate competition at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. —AFP

Czisny edges Kostner to win Skate America ONTARIO: Not so long ago, Alissa Czisny would have come undone by a fall early in her program. She was often a mental mess, the exact opposite of her coolly elegant skating. Those days are gone.

Czisny overcame a spill on the second of her seven triple jumps to edge Italy’s Carolina Kostner by 0.13 points and win the women’s title at Skate America on Sunday. “It was a bit of a relief to see it was just barely enough,” she said.

Czisny totaled 177.48 points in her first appearance at the event since 2005, when she finished second. She won the short program Saturday by nearly four points over Kostner.

Kostner, third last year, took the silver at 177.35. Three-time world champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany rallied to win the pairs title with a solid free program.

Czisny’s medal was the first by a US woman at Skate America in four years. “It was special for me,” she said.

“Guess it was nice to win something other than Skate Canada.” Viktoria Helgesson of Sweden, fifth after the short, earned the bronze at 145.75.

Skating to “Sunset Boulevard,” she fell on a triple lutz, skipped a triple flip and touched a hand down on a triple salchow. “It’s a really big thing for me,” she said about winning Sweden’s first women’s medal at the event. “I have improved my programs a lot from last season. I think that was what made me come this far.” Skating last to a dour classical piece, Czisny packed her program with seven triples, which along with Ksenia Makarova of Russia, was the most of any woman. The American opened with a triple-triple combination before falling on a triple flip.

“That was a bit uncharacteristic of me to miss a jump early, but I had heard Carolina’s score before I went out there and knew I had to fight for everything,” she said. “There’s some new things in my program. I really want to do the program justice.

Sometimes I feel I focus too much on the jumps.”

Two of Czisny’s other single triples weren’t perfect either, while Kostner tossed in some extra jumps and her routine to Mozart won the free skate. “I slept very bad last night,” Kostner said. “I was trying to think what I had to do today. When I got on the ice, I found my place and

found my legs.

“Usually I’m more like a roller coaster at the beginning of the season. This gives me more confidence.

I want to stay focused and not think this is enough.” American Caroline Zhang, third after the short, had a disastrous outing, falling three times to end up sixth. She stumbled out of her opening triple, giving her no chance to complete the combination with a double toeloop.

“That was just plain stupid,” Zhang said. “I’ve been doing it clean in practice, so it was just a bunch of stupid mistakes that got to me.

When I started thinking about the mistakes each one just got worse.”

The other US woman, Joelle Forte, also fell and was eighth in her Grand Prix debut. Savchenko and Szolkowy were fifth Saturday after the short program in which Savchenko fell on their opening throw triple axel and they bobbled at other times in the opening event of the Grand Prix season.

“I hope you missed us yesterday,” Szolkowy said, jokingly. They easily won the long program and finished with 183.98 points to claim their second straight Skate America title and third overall.

“We tried to skate just like in practice,” Szolkowy said. “We showed yesterday was the result of trying new things.” Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao of China, who led after the short, settled for silver at 178.66, the same color medal they won at the 2006 Turin Olympics. Kirsten MooreTowers and Dylan Moscovitch of Canada, second last year, earned the bronze at 177.43. Americans Caydee Denney and John Coughlin finished fourth in their first competition together, just 2.03 points out of a medal.

They were second after the short, but dropped to fourth in the free skate despite a trouble-free routine that earned a standing ovation from the small crowd at Citizens Business Bank Arena 40 miles east of Los Angeles.

Like most of the skaters, Savchenko and Szolkowy unveiled their new programs for the season at the event. Their free skate was to music from a documentary about Pina, a well-known German choreographer. “The difference (Sunday) was that we tried something new yesterday for the first time in competition,” Szolkowy said.—AP

Broncos ride past Dolphins in OT NEW YORK: Tim Tebow was being shut out in his first start of the season. What happened next was why all those Broncos fans clamored for the former Florida star. Denver stunned the winless Miami Dolphins by rallying for an 18-15 victory in overtime.

The Broncos (2-4) appeared beaten when they trailed 15-0 with 5:23 left and took over at their 20. At that point Tebow was 4 for 14 for 40 yards. In the frantic final minutes of the fourth quarter, Tebow led TD drives of 80 and 56 yards sandwiched around a successful onside kick. He scored a 2-point conversion standing up with 17 seconds left to tie the score. In overtime, Denver’s D.J. Williams sacked Matt Moore to force a fumble and recovered it at the Miami 36. Three plays later, Matt Prater hit the winning 52-yard field goal.

throw three interceptions in the first half, including Lewis’ 59-yard score on the first drive of the game for Oakland (4-3). Palmer relieved in the second half and threw three more interceptions, including one that Flowers returned 58 yards to give the Chiefs a 28-0 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Javier Arenas and Le’Ron McClain each added touchdown runs for the Chiefs (3-3) on a day the Kansas City offense didn’t have to do much at all.

longest in club history, to lead Dallas.

In the start of a football-baseball doubleheader between teams from Dallas-Fort Worth and St. Louis, the Cowboys (3-3) emphatically ended their stretch of 11 straight games decided by four points or fewer. The Rams (0-6) were without quarterback Sam Bradford and were averaging the fewest points in the league even with him.

They also had by far the worst run defense in the NFL, allowing 163 yards per game.

Bears 24, Bucs 18 At Wembley, England, Matt Forte ran for 145 yards and a touchdown and Chicago held on for the win. Jay Cutler threw for 226 yards and a touchdown and the Bears (4-3) intercepted Josh Freeman four times to win their second game in a row.

The Buccaneers (4-3) lost for the second time in three years in London. Tampa Bay scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull within three points. But after a 25-yard field goal by Chicago’s Robbie Gould, Freeman was picked off with 37 seconds left

by DJ Moore.

Panthers 33, Redskins 20 At Charlotte, NC, Cam Newton ran for a touchdown and threw for another in the second half to help Carolina. Jonathan Stewart also ran for a third-quarter touchdown for the Panthers (2-5), who found themselves playing with the lead almost the entire way for the first time all year.

Newton threw for 256 yards and ran for 59. He scored his seventh touchdown on a 16-yard keeper in the third quarter, tying a record for most TDs rushing by a rookie quarterback since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger. In the fourth, he had an easy touchdown toss to Brandon LaFell that blew the game open.

Washington’s John Beck threw for 279 yards and scored on a short keeper in his first start in four years. But he didn’t get the Redskins (3-3) back to the end zone again until they were down 30-13.

Chiefs 28, Raiders 0 At Oakland, Calif., Kendrick Lewis and Brandon Flowers returned interceptions for touchdowns and Kansas City took advantage of rusty quarterback play from the Raiders’ Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer. Boller became the first Raiders quarterback in 13 years to

CLEVELAND: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin is hit by Cleveland Browns linebacker Kaluka Maiava in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game. —AP Packers 33, Vikings 27 At Minneapolis, Aaron Rodgers kept Green Bay unbeaten with three touchdowns and 335 yards passing, holding off plucky Christian Ponder in the rookie’s first start.

Rodgers finished 24 for 30, another nearunstoppable afternoon for him. Ponder was picked off twice in the third quarter by Charles Woodson, who almost grabbed a couple more, but he kept the Vikings in it the whole game after a 71-yard completion on his first play. Adrian Peterson rushed 24 times for 175 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings (1-6), but James Starks put the game away with two big gains for first downs before the 2-minute warning and finished with 75 yards on 13 carries. Mason Crosby had four field goals for the Packers (7-0), including a franchise record 58-yarder.

Cowboys 34, Rams 7 At Arlington, Texas, DeMarco Murray ran for a franchise-record 253 yards, including a 91-yard touchdown that’s the second-

Quarterback AJ Feeley was mediocre in his first start since 2007 and Steven Jackson ran for 70 yards and a TD. Saints 62, Colts 7 At New Orleans, Drew Brees completed 31 of 35 passes for 325 yards and five touchdowns, and the Saints set a franchise record for points and victory margin against the hapless Colts. For the first time as a head coach, Sean Payton spent the game up in the coaches’ booth, where he could sit comfortably with his broken left leg propped up. He had to like what he saw from his new vantage point. Brees had two touchdown passes to Marques Colston and one to Darren Sproles in the first quarter. His fourth and fifth touchdown tosses went to second-year tight end Jimmy Graham in the third quarter. It seemed the Saints could do whatever they wanted, also rushing for 236 yards.

Steelers 32, Cardinals 20 At Glendale, Ariz., Ben Roethlisberger

threw 95 yards to Mike Wallace for the longest pass play in Steelers history and Pittsburgh handed Arizona its fifth consecutive loss.

Roethlisberger, 26 of 39 for 361 yards, also had TD passes of 12 yards to Heath Miller and 4 yards to Emmanuel Sanders in the first game between the teams since Pittsburgh’s 27-23 thriller over the Cardinals in the 2009 Super Bowl.

Kevin Kolb threw a pair of touchdown passes for the Cardinals (1-5), his first in three games, but he missed several open receivers and, with a blitzing LaMarr Woodley in his face, drew an intentional grounding call in the Cardinals’ end zone for a safety. Pittsburgh (5-2) won its third straight and improved to 2-2 on the road.

Browns 6, Seahawks 3 At Cleveland, Phil Dawson converted two field goals more than 50 yards and had two others blocked, but it was enough for Cleveland. Seattle came in missing starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and lost running back Marshawn Lynch to a back injury during pregame warmups.

The Browns (3-3) didn’t reach the end zone, but Dawson bailed them out with kicks of 52 and 53 yards, his first career game with two makes of more than 50.

The Seahawks (2-4) managed 137 yards of offense, and had the ball for only 17:04.

Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, filling in for Jackson, completed 12 of 30 passes for 97 yards.

Jets 27, Chargers 21 At East Rutherford, NJ, Plaxico Burress caught three touchdown passes, including the go-ahead score that was set up by an interception by Darrelle Revis, and the Jets stormed back for the win.

Leading 21-17, the Chargers (4-2) appeared to be driving for a possible game-sealing score when Philip Rivers threw toward Vincent Jackson. The ball tipped off the receiver’s hands and right to Revis, who returned the interception 64 yards to the Chargers 19.

After a few runs by Shonn Greene and a defensive holding call - the Chargers’ 11th penalty in the game - Mark Sanchez found Burress on a slant for a 3-yard touchdown to give the Jets (4-3) their first lead midway through the fourth quarter. It was the second time in his career Burress caught three touchdowns, and first since 2007 while with the Giants.—AP

y

A

BMW wins two accolades at RPM Magazine’s awards

e niv rsar n

Years

Page 22

New 2011 Mini Cooper for the lucky winner Page 25 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

KSE stocks rebound Page 24

INDEX 2011 features over 900 exhibitors from 49 countries Page 23

LAS VEGAS: US President Barack Obama walks out of the Oval Office to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, DC yesterday to leave for Las Vegas, Nevada, the first leg of a three-day visit to West Coast. Obama said the vast majority of Americans would see a tax cut under the bill — a $447 billion proposal aimed at reviving economic growth and curbing 9.1 percent unemployment. — AFP

Jazeera Airways inks $200m A320 financing Airline secures financing from NBK, some EU banks KUWAIT: Kuwait ’s low- cost carrier Jazeera Airways has secured $200 million of financing to buy four Airbus A320 aircraft and expects record profits in 2011, its chairman said yesterday.

“By the end of 2011, Jazeera Airways would have completed its turnaround and covered all its losses,” Mar wan Boodai told the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit in Kuwait.

“Our plan is to get back to profitability, and now we have moved to a new plan which focuses on the regional points that we fly to,” Boodai said.

He added that the firm plans to carry 1.9 million passengers annually in the next three years, from 1.25 million passengers now. Jazeera, which aims to fly 82 routes in the Middle East within the next five years, competes with United Arab Emirates-based Air Arabia and Dubai-based low-cost carrier flydubai.

The carrier does not plan another capital hike in the next three years, Boodai said, adding that Jazeera had scrapped plans to set up its own terminal. Jazeera obtained shareholders’ approval last year to hike its capital by

KD20 million ($72.5 million) to KD42 million, and the firm is currently working on the procedures for the hike, Boodai said.

Jazeera said in April that it would receive four new Airbus A320s between 2012 and 2014. The firm has 11 A320s in operation.

The carrier has secured $200 million financing for the four new aircraft from National Bank of Kuwait and several European banks, Boodai said.

The firm, which started flying to Cairo in May, now has a market share of 30 percent of flights from Kuwait to Cairo,

Boodai said. “There is a big movement between Kuwait and Cairo, and if the political situation was calmer, the numbers would have been much better, but the market is back to normal now,” he said.

Boodai said the number of passengers to Damascus, the capital of Syria, declined by 35 percent in the third quarter due to the current unrest. Jazeera had ditched “small” markets such as Doha, Abu Dhabi and Muscat, citing “flooding” by those countries’ national carriers, he added. —Reuters

Moody’s: Oversupply to cap Dubai property recovery DUBAI: Dubai’s once-booming property market can expect more pain with oversupply likely to delay a price recovery in the Gulf emirate until 2016, ratings agency Moody’s said yesterday.

House prices in Dubai soared after the emiratewhich overstretched itself building extravagant real estate projects — opened its real estate sector to foreign investors in 2002, granting them freehold ownership rights at many developments. From start-2007 to mid-2008, prices rallied almost 80 percent, Morgan Stanley estimates showed. But the bubble burst when global economic woes and a debt crisis at home led to billions of dollars worth of projects being put on hold or cancelled while house prices plummeted some 60 percent from their peaks.

“When you look at Dubai, yes the market is oversupplied on the residential side,” Martin Kohlhase, senior analyst, EMEA Corporate Finance at Moody’s, told the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit in Dubai. “We don’t see recovery over the next five years. New construction, new projects are unlikely to happen and the same would hold true for the commercial market,” he added.

Dubai’s housing market will plummet another 10 percent before it stabilizes, a Reuters poll showed earlier yesterday, adding the market is oversupplied by about 25 percent.

Brokerage AlembicHC said last month it would take at least three years for supply and demand to reach equilibrium, while Rasmala Investment Bank’s Saud Masud said it would be 2020 when property prices get back to 2008 levels assuming five or six years of recovery.

The situation in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is no better with as many

as 11,000 homes expected to flood the property market in the next quarter, a report by property consultants Jones Lang laSalle said this month.

House prices in Abu Dhabi are expected to fall another 14 percent from here, or 60 percent from their peak, Reuters property poll showed, while rents are expected to slump 14 percent this year and 10 percent next year. In June this year Moody’s downgraded Abu Dhabi’s largest property developer Aldar Properties credit ratings to B2 from Ba3 with outlook changed to negative, citing uncertainty over future government support for the struggling developer.

“There is a higher chance of revisiting the credit rating over a 12- to 18-month period with negative pressure,” Moody’s Kohlhase said at the summit. While the outlook for Dubai’s property sector remains gloomy, the emirate has been seen as a safe haven during turmoil that has gripped the Arab world and toppled leaders in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

The Gulf emirate’s retail sector has benefited from the unrest, Iyad Malas, chief executive of mall developer Majed Al Futtaim (MAF) Holding, told the Reuters yesterday. “Arab spring benefit to Dubai has been evident in the summer because people in the GCC didn’t travel elsewhere in the region,” he said.

“Mall traffic continues to be very strong.

We’ve seen drops of about 20 percent in sales from top to bottom but since then (the turmoil) we’ve seen an upturn.” The uprisings cost the most affected countries more than $55 billion but the resulting high oil prices have strengthened other producing countries, a report by political risk consultancy Geopolicity showed earlier in October. Major oil producers

such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait avoided significant unrest and saw their GDP grow during the turmoil. Oil prices rocketed from around $90 a barrel of Brent crude at the start of the year to just short of $130 in May. — Reuters

Alafco to double fleet by 2018 KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Aviation Lease & Finance Co (Alafco) plans to double its aircraft fleet to 100 by 2018, and is in negotiations with Airbus for a new order, its chairman said yesterday. “The first part of our plan was to reach a fleet of 50 aircraft, and we are almost there ... Now our plan is to reach 100 aircraft by 2018,” Ahmad Al-Zabin told the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit in Kuwait. He added that Alafco was in talks with Airbus over a new order.

“We are in negotiations with Airbus to increase the last order, and any outcome will be announced at the Dubai Airshow in November,” Zabin said.

At the Paris Airshow in June, Alafco signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase 30 A320neo family aircraft, worth a total of $2.7 billion at list prices. The firm has a fleet of 48 aircraft, 27 of which are Airbus, and the rest Boeing, Zabin said. “Among the companies we lease to are Saudi Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Jordanian, and Ethiopian Airlines,” he added.—Reuters

Marwan Boodai

ENBD drags down Dubai index; KSE small-caps up MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Emirates NBD , Dubai’s largest bank by market value, slumped yesterday after posting a 59 percent drop in quarterly net profit, while Kuwait’s small-caps lifted the bourse to a new month high.

Shares in ENBD fell 4.6 percent after its net profit widely missed estimates, weighed down by government-linked debt exposure. “ We don’t think this is a game changer, although impairments are looking to be higher in 2011-13 than expected,” Rasmala Investment Bank said in a note.

“Although the increase in loan commitments and higher investment costs do suggest some improve ments, cautious comments on private sector credit suggest that any optimism may remain narrowly focused,” it added. Dubai’s benchmark fell 0.3 percent, just three points above Tuesday’s seven-month low.

Meanwhile, neighboring Abu Dhabi’s index rose 0.2 percent, up from Sunday’s 30-month low. Banks supported with Bank of Sharjah gaining 2.9 percent, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank rising 1.3 percent and Sharjah Islamic Bank up 3.4 percent.

“Local sentiment is not that strong and interest to start building positions is not there due to high volatili-

ty in international markets, which is affecting us negatively,” said Marwan Shurrab, vice-president and chief trader at Gulfmena Investments. “Q3 numbers are also not helping.”

Kuwait’s index rose 0.2 percent to its highest close since Sept 22. Al Mal Investment Company jumped 8.8 percent, Coast Investment and Development surged 8.3 percent and National Investment Company rose 5.1 percent. Kuwait Pipes Industries advanced 6.7 percent.

Trading was muted, with international uncertainty pushing investors away from high-risk, illiquid stocks, and shortening investment terms, he added.

In Qatar, upbeat earnings helped the index climbed 0.3 percent, trimming 2011 losses to 2.6 percent to be the best per forming Gulf index.

“Qatar is grabbing interest from local and international institutional buyers, supporting the growth story which is unfolding on a daily basis,” said Shurrab. United Development jumped 7.1 percent, extending gains to reach its highest close since May 15. On Sunday, it reported a 75.4 percent increase in nine-month net profit to 1.8 billion riyals. Elsewhere, Oman and Saudi Arabia’s markets closed little changed. — Reuters

y

A

22

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

business

Burgan Bank opens registration for 10th Al-Mass Awards KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday that it has issued 600 Al-Mass Awards applications to over 70 organizations across Kuwait that continue to support special needs causes.

These entities, which include government, private as well as schools, are part of the bank’s annual Al-Mass Awards program that aims to shed light on special needs’ extraordinary achievements. AlMass Awards are given to individuals who have taken into consideration the requirements set out

by Burgan Bank.

The potential candidates, which will be nominated by their respective organizations, need to demonstrate successful projects or activities that clearly present a tangible return on the society.

As part of the 10th annual Al-Mass Awards ceremony, Burgan Bank has indicated that not only will individuals be commended and awarded for their work, but also organizations that have significantly contributed to the development of special needs across the country.

Bashir Jaber, Burgan Bank’s Assistant General Manager - Corporate Communications said: “Our aim is to document the legacy we have created across the community. Over the years, the Al-Mass Awards has witnessed significant developments.

The awards ceremony, which began as a simple idea, is now one of Kuwait’s truly dedicated events that recognize special needs’ accomplishments.”

“Burgan Bank continues to honor and support special needs achievements, along with a wide range of initiatives that support their development.

Burgan Bank strives towards integrating people with special needs across its workplace through providing suitable job opportunities that reflect their unique skills,” added Jaber. Al-Mass Awards today is an integral component of Burgan Bank’s corporate social responsibility framework, and echoes the bank’s efforts to establishing a social footprint across the local community.

BMW wins two accolades at RPM Magazine’s awards BMW X6 Series best crossover car 5 Series premium mid size car ●

KUWAIT: Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive and BMW Group Middle East are celebrating after winning two awards at this year’s ‘Car of the Year’ Awards held by RPM magazine.

The RPM magazine awards recognized the industry’s best vehicles in the Kuwaiti market during 2010, based on the analysis of 250 thousand votes received through an independent online public survey. The BMW 5 Series and the BMW X6 beat off competition from other manufacturers to walk away with both titles.

Commenting on the award wins Yousef Al-Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the exclusive importers of the BMW Group cars in Kuwait, said: “BMW cars continue to win international awards so it’s

great to receive award recognition on a local level. What is important is that the awards were voted for directly by the people of Kuwait, which is testament to BMW’s brands strong emotional appeal and the excellence in design, innovation and performance.”

He added, “BMW 5 Series has had a significant effect on our sales in Kuwait during the period January to September of this year during which we witnessed an 18% growth in sales.”

The BMW 5 Series was awarded ‘Premium Mid Size Car Award’ at the ceremony. This well achieved award comes at a time of celebration with the arrival of the new BMW 5 Series in Kuwait. The BMW 5 Series Sedan is the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the

IKEA Kuwait Catalogue 2012 launched successfully KUWAIT: IKEA Kuwait’s much awaited, and signature annual publication - the ‘IKEA Catalogue 2012’ which was launched earlier this year, has hailed great success amongst its visitors. The catalogue features a wide range of detailed pictures and descriptions of products at incredible prices.

This year’s catalogue themed ‘foldable, stackable, movable, beautiful’ presents the shoppers with functional and creative furnishing elements to maximize on the use of space. IKEA furniture has always exceeded people’s expectations with new and innovative themes every year, while always targeting all segments of the society with affordable and quality designer items befitting their taste and living situations. The 2012 IKEA Catalogue focuses on intelligent ways to design people’s

Bashir Jaber

homes with modern and newly enhanced living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom furniture with a wide range of storage solutions.

IKEA has granted its customers the transformation they are seeking this season and year along with vibrant colored furniture and accessories that accentuates anyone’s home to offer complete satisfaction.

A total of 500,000 copies of the IKEA 2012 Catalogue were distributed to households across Kuwait.

The Catalogue is currently also available for download as an application via Iphone and android for added convenience. For more information on the 2012 IKEA Catalogue, please visit the official website on www.ikea.com.kw/ or check www.facebook.com/ikeakuwait for the latest updates and offers.

upper midrange segment, with sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, This car also sets the benchmark in driving dynamics and safety having achieved 5 stars in both the Euro NCAP and US NCAP vehicle safety assessment programs.

Meanwhile, the BMW X6 won the award for ‘Best Cross Over Car Award’. The BMW X6 is considered to be the most dynamic car in the BMW X range; it has started a new area driving dynamics, premium quality and innovative technology.

The BMW X6 and the BMW 5 Series are both top selling models in Kuwait and available for sale at Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive in Kuwait.

Bad loans to hit Emirates NBD DUBAI: Dubai’s top lender Emirates NBD warned provisions for bad loans could hit results this quarter after profit slumped in the third quarter, dragged down by government-linked debt exposure which still haunts the emirate’s banking sector.

“For the fourth quarter, the outlook could be a repeat of the third quarter,” Surya Subramanian, chief financial officer at Emirates NBD, told a conference call. Earlier in the day, the bank widely missed analysts’ estimates as it reported a 59 percent drop in net profit to 175 million dirhams ($47.6 million) for the three months to September 30, compared with 424 million for the same period in 2010.

Impairment allowances rose to 1.57 billion dirhams in the quarter, compared with 1.24 billion dirhams this time last year, as the bank took full provisions against loans affected by restructurings at Dubai Holding, the personal investment vehicle of Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The results did not reflect the impact of its full takeover of struggling lender Dubai Bank, which ENBD announced earlier this month.

ENBD was the biggest faller on the Dubai Financial Market, with its shares closing the day down 4.6 percent at 3.54 dirhams. — 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

.2720000 .4340000 .3770000 .3070000 .2700000 .2820000 .0040000 .0020000 .0743340 .7242120 .3810000 .0700000 .7099580 .0040000 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2738000 GB Pound/KD .4368480 Euro .3797330 Swiss francs .3096760 Canadian dollars .2720720 Danish Kroner .0510040 Swedish Kroner .0416960 Australian dlr .2844100 Hong Kong dlr .0351990 Singapore dlr .2154550 Japanese yen .0035950 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0745740 Bahraini dinars .7265490 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0730330 Omani riyals .7114460 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 Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

3.628 5.516 3.168 2.493 3.460 217.030 35.390 3.619 6.352 8.902 0.271 0.273

.2775000 .4450000 .3880000 .3170000 .2780000 .2920000 .0072500 .0035000 .0750810 .7314910 .4010000 .0760000 .7170930 .0072000 .0530000 .2759000 .44001980 .3826460 .3120510 .2741590 .0513950 .0420160 .2865910 .0354690 .2171070 .0036220 .0055680 .0025120 .0031950 .0036490 .0751460 .7321220 .3902400 .0735930 .7169030 .0064160

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 73.416 75.646 715.080 731.230 74.966

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

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 48.500 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.011 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.260 Tunisian Dinar 195.870 Jordanian Dinar 388.780 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 184.700 Syrian Lier 5.943 Morocco Dirham 34.747 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 275.200 Euro 384.730 Sterling Pound 441.010 Canadian dollar 274.930 Turkish lire 150.460 Swiss Franc 313.260 Australian dollar 286.130 US Dollar Buying 274.000 GOLD 305.000 155.000 79.000

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

COUNTRY

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 Norwegian krone Omani Riyal

SELL CASH

290.400 731.520 3.860 276.900 540.300 36.600 51.800 167.800 48.100 387.200 36.060 5.840 0.032 0.237 0.239 3.710 390.370 0.186 90.260 46.100 4.230 224.600 1.782 50.400 714.440

SELL DRAFT

288.900 731.520 3.617 275.400

217.000 46.046 385.700 35.910 5.520 0.031

10 Tola

74.890 275.000

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

274.950 274.585 439.935 384.350 311.290 728.985 74.835 75.470 73.280 387.025 46.049 2.491 5.523 3.175 3.621 6.354 674.425 3.700 8.965 5.790 3.540 91.330

Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

290.68 277.55 316.66 385.89

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 Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

275.000 3.170 5.505 2.510 3.630 6.395 74.975 73.485 731.100 46.010 444.500 3.190 1.550 390.700 5.750 387.600 279.100 3.690

Al Mulla Exchange

UAE Exchange Center WLL Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro

442.64 3.66 3.640 5.502 2.496 3.460 3.172 74.86 731.49 46.02 391.24 714.70 75.83 73.43

443.70 3.62 3.705 5.820 2.598 4.250 3.210 75.20 731.52 48.10 392.00 714.50 76.10 73.50

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 441.700 275.000

Sterling Pound US Dollar

Currency

714.260

313.200 5.400 9.100

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

Currency

389.760 0.185 90.260 3.470 224.100

3.175 6.355 75.660 73.440 217.050 36.390 2.492 441.700

GOLD 1,706.400

Rate for Transfer

Bahrain Exchange Company

3.210 6.490 76.090 73.440 217.050 36.390 2.598 443.700 42.700 314.700 5.400 9.430 198.263 74.990 275.400 1.200

290.40 276.90 314.70 387.20

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

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

274.650 385.500 441.500 275.200 3.625 5.515 46.000 2.492 3.615 6.345 3.179 731.450 74.750 73.450

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

business

International Union of Police Sport honors KIB KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has recently been honored by the International Union of Police Sport, for their efforts in supporting and developing cooperative relationships between both organizations.

The delegation from The International Police Sport Union included Khalid AlNajjar, Kuwait Office Manager and Khalid Al-Najjar, Public Relations Officer, who visited the Bank’s headquarters and presented a trophy to Kholoud Al-Feeli, Head of P.R, Marketing and Media,and business Development at KIB in the presence of Tareq Al-Ajlan, Marketing Manager and Fahad Al-Sarhan, senior PR Officer.

The trophy was presented as an expression of gratitude from General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad AlSabah, Chairman of the Union for the Bank’s continuous efforts in maintaining strong relationship between both parties.

Al-Feeli said: “On behalf of KIB I would like to thank the Union delegation for this kind initiative. We are, as a bank, so keen on maintaining high level of cooperative relationship with the Union.

Al-Feeli also added “We will always work on building on good relationships with different civil and social institutions in Kuwait for the benefit of the society we are committed to”.

INDEX 2011 features over 900 exhibitors from 49 countries Region’s largest, longest established design exhibition opens

KUWAIT: Kholoud Al-Feeli receives a trophy from the International Police Sport Union representatives in recognition of the Bank’s efforts in supporting and developing cooperative relationships between both organizations.

Caesars Travel Group partners with GlobalStar management KUWAIT: Travel agents have come in for a barrage of criticism for lack of creativity and innovation in the travel trade. Well, perhaps it’s not that simple - a focus on increasing the methods of booking (online, mobile etc), latch on to the benefits of selling ancillary products and offering superior services and products to the passengers. In fact, P N J Kumar, General Manager of Caesars Travel Group, keeping in mind of the above views that travel agents in the Gulf are failing on the innovation front, entered into a partnership with world’s one of the leading travel management companies, GlobalStar, ventured into pioneering the new concepts for innovative travel infrastructure, especially for the corporate business in Kuwait. “Travel consultants are not meant to be order takers, they are more or less like artists who are creating a broad spectrum of comfort and economy based travel options to passengers like an artist do on the canvas.

Travel agents must pull out all the stops to prove to their customers that they are not past their sell by date and it’s the time to innovate the travel trade or die” P N J Kumar said.

Recently, GlobalStar and Caesars Travel Group conducted a workshop to implement the new science in travel concepts which are very soon going to be implemented in Kuwait travel market.

“GlobalStar Travel Management aims to work with local partners with a strong focus on the Corporate Travel segment in order to provide multinational and consolidated Travel Management Solutions for its clients. “Before selecting a partner in a country GlobalStar conducts in depth research to determine the best possible travel partner. For Kuwait all signals pointed to Caesars Travel. Main sources of information are the GDS’s and in the Gulf region specific the existing GlobalStar partners in neighboring countries. Caesars travel was selected due to its reputation in Kuwait and in the larger Gulf area. The company shows continues

growth in turnover and we have noted that senior staff working in the company already for many years, this guarantees continuity in growth and development of the company. Furthermore there is a strong will to further develop the Business Travel Division and with GlobalStar providing cutting edge technology Caesars will be able to truly add value to its clients travel programs by realizing substantial cost savings and providing excellent customer service” explained Mark van Iersel, Executive Director of Marketing and Partner Recruitment, GlobalStar Travel Management, who headed the workshop.

Innovation requires the application of managerial skills of a very high order of sophistication in determining how the patterns of work might be optimally redesigned in order to exploit the vastly expanded capabilities of the latest generation of computers. Therefore, it’s the time that a travel agent needs personnel with high caliber along with academic qualifications to run this show in parallel to this sophisticated technology. “Today’s traveler uses search engines, social networking and smart phones to research, book and comment on travel where the travel agents should prove to the passengers, a degree better than these scientific advancements. Here, Caesars Travel Group trying to offer advices on what passengers must do to keep up with this new world order by partnering with GlobalStar travel technologies. “It’s a fact no travel agent can afford to avoid: technology innovation has completely transformed the way passengers are buying travel. Further, our increasingly wired world requires changing the way we do business. Fortunately, with the great support and trust that the passengers put on Caesars Travel Group, we are planning to launch a new era which brings with it tremendous new opportunities to passengers which will help us not only survive, but thrive,” Kumar concluded.

Mark Van Iersel, Executive Director of Marketing and Partner Recruitment, GlobalStar Travel Management with P.N.J. Kumar, General Manager and his senior team of Caesars Travel Group, during the workshop in Kuwait.

KUWAIT: INDEX, the Middle East and Nor th Africa’s largest and longest established Interiors and Design Exhibition, was inaugurated yesterday by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the show is a key platform for architects, designers and specifiers to source interiors and design solutions. INDEX 2011 features over 900 exhibitors from almost 50 countries and showcases 20 national pavilions, providing product specification by sector and country. The show will run until today, October 25, 2011. “ We are honored to have Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid AlMaktoum inaugurate INDEX 2011 for us. We thank the UAE government for its continued support as we work together to position the region as a hub for the design industry. With the GCC real estate market stabilizing, there will continue to be strong demand for

interiors and fit-out in the region.

INDEX caters to this demand by bringing together products and services from over 900 international exhibitors,” said Paula Al-Chami, Event Director, INDEX. “After 21 successful years, INDEX returns on a larger scale by introducing a brand new line up of six product-specific shows under the INDEX brand including Furnishings, InRetail, Kitchen and Bathroom, Lighting, Outdoor Living and Textiles and a host of exciting events and features,” added Al Chami.

INDEX 2011 is currently showcasing an impressive lineup of top international manufacturers and brands, bringing their latest products, trends and design innovation to this region. Key exhibitors at INDEX include, 4 Homes, Airstar Space Lighting, Alpha Cr ystal, Amber Galler y, Archimedia, Avenue, B.LAB ITALIA, Delta Faucet, DL DÈcor, Ecosmart, EGO Paris, Fabbian Illuminazione,

Garden Light, Gea Luce, Hansgrohe, Harbour Outdoor, Harem, ILID, Jardin d’Ulysse, Johnson Tiles, Jordi Mila, Kafka Goes, Pink, Kermi, Kohler, Kollektion, Laufen, Lelievre, Leto Appliances, LP Vietnam, Maison D’Ar t,, Mattar Bin Lahej, Neil Corder, Nobilis, PF Emirates, Poliedrica, Porada Arredi, Preciosa, RAME, Razzeti Errepi, Rivoli Silks, Roca, Rubelli, Scavolini, Silvan Floors, The Horologist, The Kontainer, Toto, Trevi, Ulusal and Zeitraum.

Highlights of the inauguration day include the launch of the InRetail Summit, bringing together the biggest retailers across the MENA region to speak about innovation as a solution to today’s market challenges and highlight impor tant retail projects. Key speakers on the first day of the summit include Mohi Din BinHendi, President of BinHendi; Mohammed Al-Fahim, CEO, Paris Gallery Group; Simon Marshall,

CEO, Fawaz AlHokair Saudi Arabia; Engineer Salah Salem Bin Omair Al Shamsi Former President of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and UAE Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Nisreen Shocair, President, Virgin MENA. Design Talks, the interactive series of seminars, continued on the second day of INDEX with the theme ‘ Talk Business’, covering topics such as Engaging Customers, Rethinking Value and Financial Management. Key speakers during the day were Designer Jordi Mila of Jordi Mila Barcelona and Senior Partners of Insight With Passion, Richard Gomersall and Kate Hardcastle.

Another highlight of the day included a Trend Tour by UK-based trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus, who guided visitors through the latest innovations and trends of the industry. The day ended with judges facing the difficult task of selecting the Best Stand Award from over 900 exhibitors.

MEED Abu Dhabi eyeing investment opportunities Conference from Nov 14-17 KUWAIT: The sixth annual MEED Abu Dhabi Conference 2011, suppor ted by the Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi, will have special focus on investment opportunities in the Western Region, event organizer MEED announced yesterday.

As part of the conference, attendees will be able to attend a dedicated masterclass that will discuss the masterplans, major achievements and ongoing projects within the Western Region. The conference is scheduled to be held at The Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, from November 14-17, 2011.

In another demonstration of its ability to gather an unmatched mix of industr y thought leaders year after year, the 2011 edition will see high-profile representatives from government, transportation, real estate, utilities, renewable energy, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, education and oil & gas sectors. Key speakers and panellists at this year’s conference include senior executives

from MASDAR, Takreer, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company, Aldar, EMAL, and Western Region Development Council.

“The MEED Abu Dhabi Conference is currently the only event that can stake claim to being the most holistic representation of business opportunities in the Emirate year after year,” said Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events. “This year, in addition to hosting some of the most prominent organisations of the Emirate, who will provide first-hand insights on the plans and mega projects that are taking place across a diverse range of sectors, we also have some exciting features for the business community. This includes the Masterclass on the Western Region.

“The Western Region plays a key role in the economic prosperity of Abu Dhabi, as it

contributes to approximately 45 per cent of the Emirate’s GDP estimated at around AED 675 billion. Gaining a deep and rich insight into the masterplans underway in this region is critical to realizing the optimal opportunities for investment. We believe the MEED Abu Dhabi Conference will be unique in the breadth and depth of knowledge shared as part of this Masterclass,” O’Sullivan said.

The MEED Abu Dhabi Conference 2011 is being organised in par tnership with Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi, Associate Sponsor Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, in association with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Technology Partner Huawei, Official Carrier GMC, Lunch Sponsor Morganti, Welcome Reception Sponsor Baker Botts, Infrastructure Breakfast Sponsor Bently Systems International, Conference Sponsor Ducab, and exhibitors are BASF, Drake & Scull, Metito, Parsons, Hill International.

Msheireb Downtown achieves 10m hours without lost time incident KUWAIT: Msheireb Properties announced yesterday that it had reached a significant safety milestone by registering ten million hours worked on its flagship Msheireb Downtown site without a single Lost Time Incident or Injury on Phase 1A. This accomplishment is a result of the company’s adherence to strict local and international Health and Safety Regulations and adoption of strict inspection, reporting, third party audit backed up by rigorous training programs.

Lost Time Incident/Injury (LTI) is an important measure of on-site safety, indicating the total man hours worked on the project without any downtime that is the result of an accident or injury.

The accomplishment goes hand in hand with an initiative launched by Msheireb to reward workers and contractors for excellence in on-site safety. Under the Msheireb Properties Safety Awards Program, workers receive a collective achievement award on passing pre-set milestones and individual achievement awards to recognize a single worker’s strict adherence to safety instructions. Prizes include pre-paid phone cards, shopping vouchers, cinema tickets and household goods.

The Contractors Award, audited by the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department is presented to one contractor each quarter in the form of a specially commissioned Msheireb Properties Safety Trophy and certificate.

Mohammad Al Marri, Project Director of Msheireb Properties said, “This milestone is a reflection of the strict local and international

standards that we have applied throughout the project and emphasizes our commitment to the highest standards of safety management and the welfare of all our workers, contractors and associates on the project.

“This achievement is also a reinforcement of the care and attention taken by Msheireb Properties on all works and planning, with a health and safety policy that is amongst the most strict in the world.” “The HSE commitment at Msheireb Properties extends not only to those employed directly by Msheireb, but those employed by contractors. We are keen on ensuring that all new hires go through an induction training prior to their involvement in the project. The procedures in place

include daily toolbox talks by the supervisors and weekly ones by the HSE staff, risk assessment conducted by each contractor, daily inspection of the work area carried out by the HSE staff to identify unsafe conditions and acts, and the undertaking of external audit on a quarterly basis,” concluded Al Marri.

This vital safety milestone comes on the back of several recent announcements by Msheireb Properties, including the appointment of a specialized team to restore historic buildings within Msheireb Downtown development and the launch of free IT training courses to on-site workers to help in educating them and adding to their professional skill set.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

business

KSE stocks rebound GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) rebounded yesterday after His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah signed a decree to name Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister. KSE was pushed further after European stocks rose early Monday, buoyed by news that eurozone leaders are making progress toward agreeing measures to tackle the sovereign debt crisis.

Global General Index (GGI) ended the day up by 0.19 percent, at 183.11 point. Market capitalization was up for the day, reaching KD29.98bn. On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed at 5,918.5 point, adding 8.8 points (0.15 percent) to its previous close.

Market breadth During the session, 111 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards advancers as 43 equities advanced versus 27 that declined.

Total volume traded was up by 72.02 percent with 194.58mn shares changing hands at a total value of KD22.82mn (19.27 percent higher compared to Sunday ’s session).

Investment sector was the volume leader, accounting for 53.88 percent of total shares exchanges. First Investment Company was the session’s most traded stock with 21.34mn shares exchanged. The same sector was the value leader, having 37.01 percent of total traded value.

In terms of top gainers, Kuwait Syrian Holding Company was the top gainer for the day, adding 9.26 percent to its share value and closing at KD0.0295. On the other hand, Al-Aman Investment Company shed 7.46 percent and closed at KD0.031, making it the biggest decliner in the market.

Sectors On a sector-by-sector basis, Global Investment Index spearheaded gainers during the day, climbing by 0.87 percent. Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) 1.49 percent climb bolstered the sector’s performance. Al Mal Investment Company and Coast Investment & Development Company reported climbs of 8.77 percent and 8.33 percent respectively. While Kuwait Syrian Holding Company raced the other two in heading the top gainers list for the day with 9.26 percent

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

increase in its share price.

The Investment sector saw heavy trading during the day, accounting for 53.88 percent and v37.01 percent of the total volume and value traded for the day, respectively.

Non Kuwaiti stocks too were notable advancers, housing 0.72 percent in sector gains. UAE cement companies saw their share values appreciate during the session. Gulf Cement Company and Fujairah Cement Industries Company reported climbs of 7.46 percent and 3.70 percent, respectively.

Jazeera Air ways Company received $200mn to finance purchase of four new aircraft Airbus A320. These aircrafts will be purchased during the next three years. The scrip closed up by 1.59 percent at KD0.320.

Elsewhere in services sector, heavyweight Zain Company saw its share value appreciate by 1.08 percent. Global Ser vices Index increased by 0.54 percent.

On the other side, investors were engaged in profit-booking on the stocks of real estate companies. Global Real Estate Index recoiled by 0.72 percent. Heavyweight, Mabanee Company saw its share value depreciate by 2.22 percent during the day.

Corporate news The official Kuwait Al-Youm Gazette reported the establishment of a new company for education-related services at a capital of KD one million, named (Al-Fawz AlMubeen) with 10 million shares at 100 fils each. The closed shareholding company is to operate in the establishment of schools and other educational and training establishments of all types, philosophies, and for all stages of the educational ladder. It is licensed to act as agent or franchise and represent other companies in the field after acquiring needed permits, as well as construct buildings for such institutions and import all the items to be used by them in the educational process. The company may also provide consultation, training, and studies and research services, and is authorized to invest profit from its activities in portfolios managed by specialized bodies.

Oil news The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $108.31pb on Friday, compared with $107.19pb the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

Brent, US oil rise on China data, EU hope LONDON: Brent crude oil rose above $110 a barrel yesterday after stronger Chinese manufacturing data suggested China’s economy may not be in as much danger as feared, supporting fuel consumption and outweighing fears over weak European data.

China’s vast manufacturing sector picked up in October, snapping a three-month contraction and underscoring the resilience of the world’s second-largest economy and top energy consumer, according to HSBC’s China Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index. The PMI data, which rose to 51.1 in October from September’s 49.9, soothed investor fears of an abrupt slowdown in China’s economy that could send an already fragile world economy into recession.

“The Chinese PMI number is better than expected and that is one of the main reasons for the rise,” Christophe Barret of Credit Agricole said. “Prices are volatile so the price could be corrected later in the day.” “There is still much uncertainty around talks for a solution to the euro zone debt crisis and we are waiting for something more clear to emerge from the meetings,” he added.

Strong Chinese data outweighed European growth fears as the European private sector tipped further into decline in October, according to business surveys on Monday that showed the bloc’s economy is in serious danger of lurching from stagnation into outright recession.

Brent crude was up 72 cents at $110.28 a barrel by 1334 GMT, down from an intraday high at $110.94 a barrel. Brent prices have risen by about 16 percent so far this year, and are heading for a third straight year of gains. US crude rose $1.04 to $88.44 a barrel, after reaching an intraday high of $88.65 a barrel.

Investors were also encouraged by signs that a summit of euro-zone leaders on Wednesday could produce a solution to the euro zone debt cri-

sis, although sharp differences remain over the size of losses private holders of Greek government bonds will have to accept.

“It seems that despite recent prices the market seems to think that there is going to be some kind of agreement on the euro zone debt crisis,” Roy Jordan of Facts Energy Global said. “What we are seeing is that if the market is satisfied with the agreement then the price will have an upward spike.”

European shares rose in early trade yesterday on optimism that policymakers were closer to an agreement on measures to tackle the euro zone sovereign debt crisis.

By 1335 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was up 0.3 percent to 981.05 points, after rising 2.5 percent on Friday. The BrentWTI spreads were at $22.16, down from record high levels of $27.88 at the Oct 14 close.

North Sea Forties crude differentials rose on Friday from their lowest level in more than two months as demand increased. Also in the North Sea, Statoil’s Grane oil and gas field is back to full production of some 150,000 barrels per day after technical problems reduced output to a fifth of its normal level for several weeks, the Norwegian firm said yesterday.

In Yemen, gunfire and shelling in the country’s capital, Sanaa, killed two people on Sunday, medics said, two days after the United Nations issued a resolution condemning the violence and urging President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down.

The post-Gaddafi era could put further downward pressure on oil prices as foreign companies repatriate staff to repair damaged oil fields securing the supply of Libyan crude to the international market, while some estimates say production could reach 600,000 bpd by the end of the year, according to a report from PVM Oil Associates. — Reuters

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

BUSINESS

New 2011 Mini Cooper for the lucky winner VIVA continues distributing cars KUWAIT: For the fifth week in a row Kuwait Telecommunications Company VIVA continues distributing new cars for the winners. Last Saturday, the weekly draw for the luxurious cars was held and luck favored Obeli Subbaiah, who won the first prize in the fifth weekly draw within “Win a Car Every Week” campaign launched by Kuwait Telecommunications Company VIVA. This week’s prize was a 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman.

Representatives of the Ministry of Commerce and VIVA witnessed the draw that took place at Sharq Mall last Saturday October 22nd 2011, with a great number of public spectators in the presence of media. The draw and the announcement of the winners were broadcasted live by Al-Watan TV. VIVA would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winner, Mr. Obeli Subbaiah and wish him more chances to win - on more future promotions from VIVA. The company wishes the other participants better luck next time, especially that the draw will continue on weekly bases. Out of the company’s well to serve its subscribers in Kuwait and to offer the best services for everyone, it confirms that it will continue its special offers & distinguished surprises. The company would also like to wish those who didn’t win this time a better luck in coming events.

VIVA has launched the first and largest campaign

of its kind in Kuwait, where prepaid costumers are entitled a chance to win a luxurious car every week.

VIVA’s prepaid costumers have a chance to own a luxurious car every week, along with unlimited calls and text messages within VIVA network. VIVA launched this great campaign on Thursday, September 15, 2011, and it will continue for several weeks. The campaign is dedicated only to the prepaid costumers. It is worth mentioning that there are two ways to get a chance to win a car every week.

The first one is by paying 500 fils daily, which will allow the costumer one chance to enter the draw every day, along with unlimited phone calls and text messages within VIVA network for a whole day.

The second way is by subscribing for Black Berry services for 7KD a month. This will allow the costumer 15 chances to enter the draw. This offer comes to encourage the prepaid costumers to take advantage of the new price on the Black Berry unlimited local services.

To subscribe for the 500 fils daily service, the costumer has to send a text message with number ‘1’ to ‘535’, or send a text message with number ‘2’ to ‘535’ for the Black Berry monthly unlimited local service, which will qualify him to enter the draw.

Customers interested in subscribing to this offer can send the code “GO” via SMS Text Message to the number ‘535’. All the chances of the costumers who

didn’t win in the weekly draws will be added to the following weeks’ chances to double their chances to win, keeping in mind that every costumer has the right to participate daily to get several chances in the draw that will be held every weekend.

The new Flavor for this week’s offer is that every NEW prepaid subscriber will be granted 4 chances to

enter the draw after each successful activation, by sending ‘3’ to ‘535’. This offer is available between Thursday 6 October and Thursday 13 October 2011.

For more information about this offer and the numerous competitive promotions, products and packages visit any of the twelve VIVA branches or visit our website at www.viva.com.kw.

Indian property exhibition draws to a successful end

TOKYO: Containers are loaded and unloaded onto a cargo ship at a Tokyo port yesterday.

Japan’s exports grew in September for a second straight month, reflecting the nation’s gradual recovery from March’s earthquake and tsunami as auto production returns to pre-disaster levels. — AFP

EMC reports record Q3 revenue and profit KUWAIT: EMC Corporation yesterday reported record financial results for the third quarter of 2011. Continued strong worldwide customer demand for EMC’s information storage, security and virtualization products and services, balanced revenue growth and continued outstanding execution contributed to EMC achieving all-time record quarterly consolidated revenue and record third-quarter profit.

The results were also highlighted by alltime record quarterly gross margins on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis and strong year-over-year increases in GAAP and nonGAAP operating margins.

Third-quarter consolidated revenue was $4.98 billion, an increase of 18% compared with the year-ago quarter. Third-quarter GAAP net income attributable to EMC increased 28% year over year to $606 million. Third-quarter GAAP earnings per weighted average diluted share increased 23% year over year to $0.27. Non-GAAP1 net income attributable to EMC for the third quarter was $822 million, an increase of 27% compared with the year-ago quarter. Third-quarter non-GAAP1 earnings per weighted average diluted share were $0.37, an increase of 23% year over year.EMC’s cash flow generation continues to be strong, with trailing twelve-month operating cash flow of $5.0 billion and free cash flow2 of $3.8 billion. The company ended the third quarter with $9.3 billion in cash and investments.

Joe Tucci, EMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am very pleased with EMC’s execution and solid third-quarter financial performance. Global customer demand for our industry-leading products and services, which led to record quarterly financial results, is clear evidence that EMC

is at the center of the most transformative, disruptive and opportunity-rich trends in IT history - namely hybrid cloud computing and the explosion of Big Data. With the strategy, products and momentum in our favor, EMC remains extremely well positioned to help customers accelerate their journey to the cloud, discover the value of Big Data and transform IT into a source of greater efficiency, agility and control.”

David Goulden, EMC Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said, “The priorities we have outlined in our financial ‘triple play’- to gain market share, invest aggressively to take full advantage of the massive opportunities at the intersection of cloud computing and Big Data, and improve profitability - continue to guide us through 2011. We remain on track to exceed our full-year goal of $19.8 billion in revenue, GAAP EPS of $1.07 and non-GAAP EPS of $1.48. We are confident that our company strategy, disciplined investment approach and continued focus on execution, which have driven our success over the past several years, will continue to serve us well in the future.”

Third-Quarter Highlights Third-quarter highlights included double-digit revenue growth for EMC Information Storage business, which increased 16% year over year. EMC’s highend Symmetrix storage product portfolio increased revenue 7% compared with the year-ago quarter. EMC’s portfolio of midtier storage products3 grew revenue 28% year over year. Revenue from VMware (NYSE: VMW), which is majority-owned by EMC, increased 32% and revenue from EMC’s RSA Information Security business grew 16% year over year.

MILAN: A man plays his saxophone in Milan yesterday. Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi summoned his Cabinet for an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss growth measures the European Union has demanded so that Italy does not get further dragged into Europe’s growing debt crisis. — AP

KUWAIT: The well-attended Indus India Proper ty Exhibition came to a close on Saturday. The two day exhibition saw the attendance of a large number of people looking to genuinely buy or invest in Indian real estate.

Among the main attraction of the two-day exhibition was the presence of reputed developers and builders, including some of the biggest names in the Indian real estate business like Arista Group, Lokhandwala Infrastructure and Jaypee Greens. In addition, the availability of hundreds of properties from across India, covering the full array of real estate categories and prices ranging from luxury villas worth over Rs 30 crores to individual plots for less than Rs 1.5 lakhs, were other attractions that drew record crowds to the exhibition.

The fact that Indian real estate continues to be a lucrative draw for the Indian community in Kuwait, was made clear by the large number of people at the exhibition who were looking at properties as an investment medium. While there were plenty of visitors looking to buy their first apartment or plot to construct their dream homes, a significant number were looking at the attractive investment opportunities presented at the show.

The record crowds that attended the twoday exhibition were unanimous in their appreciation of the informative nature of the exhibition and the wide selection it offered with regard to properties, prices and payment options. The fact that developers were showcasing properties from across India was also an added factor in the large number of attendees.

One visitor summed up the exhibition best when he said, “The exhibition allowed me to explore real estate investment opportunities in various cities of India, like Noida, Mumbai, Surat, Bangalore and Chennai without having to travel to these individual locations and meet with different developers in those places.”

Developers and builders attending the show were equally pleased at the large attendance and, more importantly, in the record number of visitors who were genuinely looking at buying or investing in the booming Indian property market. “It is obvious that there is good demand for aesthetically designed flats and houses that are planned in accordance with principles of contemporary architecture and which endeavor to be a reflection of a modern lifestyles,” said one developer. Many developers expressed their intention to participate in future real estate exhibitions in Kuwait with the aim of exploring new opportunities among NRIs in the country as well as strengthening relationships already created at this exhibition.

The $12 billion Indian real estate market is currently on a high growth curve, on the back of a booming economy, liberalized FDI regime and increased participation of global players in

Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim on Egypt push; to issue sukuk DUBAI: Dubai’s Majid Al-Futtaim may issue a planned sukuk program as early as next month and is pushing ahead with growth plans in Egypt despite operations being severely hit by months of unrest, its chief executive said yesterday.

The mall developer, which is the sole franchisee for hypermarket chain Carrefour in the Gulf, was forced to shut down its malls and hypermarkets in Egypt due to riots following an uprising against former President Hosni Mubarak. The company is now racing ahead with plans to grow in Egypt as it seeks financing for a new mall.

“We’re discussing with banks to get 13 year financing in Egypt ... we are in talks with local banks in Egypt for this,” Iyad Malas, the CEO of Majid AlFuttaim told the Reuters Middle East Investment summit. “For shopping malls you need ideally 10 year money but that is not always possible. We have to be realistic now.”

MAF currently has two malls, three hypermarkets and some supermarkets in Egypt.

Malas said the company has every intention of tapping the market and is planning a sukuk that may be launched as early as next month. MAF completed roadshows for an offering from its

$2 billion medium term notes program in June but chose not to issue a bond because of unfavourable market conditions.

‘We are in a comfortable position to see when the right market opportunity is available. Whether a sukuk or a conventional bond, it can by issued in one month or five months or six.”

“It’s a question of finding the right market opportunity.” Part of the funds from the sukuk would be used to finance new investments, including the new mall in Egypt.

Malas said the company is sitting on liquidity of over five billion dirhams and has no immediate need for financing. The mall builder’s expansion plans in Syria is facing challenges due to the political turmoil in the country.

A master plan is in place for a new development outside Damascus to build hotels, mall and other projects. The value for the first phase of the project is worth $1 billion.

“If we continue at same pace, in Feb 2012 we will have to make a decision on whether we go ahead with construction,” said Malas.

The company is also exploring the possibility of growth in Libya and is slated to open its first Carrefour outlet in Iraq later this year. — Reuters

the Indian property market. Also the tremendous pent-up demand for housing units across India, new innovations in building materials and construction technologies being implemented in the country, new norms and policies with respect to maintenance of buildings, the general upgrading of infrastructure and entry of some world-class players in the hospitality and entertainment sector, have all contributed to the booming real estate sector in India.

Buyers and investors visiting the Indus India Property Exhibition 2011 saw it as an opportunity to directly interact with builders and developers in order to find the best options for owning properties or investing in the thriving Indian real estate industry. The largest property exhibition held in Kuwait this year was organized by Indus Fairs and Events, the pioneer and premier exhibition organizing company in India, in association with Response Events and Exhibitions in Kuwait.

Gold rises 1% on Europe prospects, China data LONDON/SINGAPORE: Gold rose more than 1 percent yesterday, as European leaders edged towards a solid plan to resolve the euro-zone debt crisis and signs that China’s economy is in better shape than feared. In recent weeks gold prices have followed moves in riskier assets, with the precious metal’s safe-haven appeal diminishing after wild price swings in the past quarter.

Gold gained along with other commodities and world stocks.

Spot gold rallied 1.3 percent to $1,661.59 an ounce and was at $1,652.39 by 1345 GMT, after falling more than 2 percent last week. US gold rose more than 1.4 percent to $1,663.30 before easing to $1,653.30.

“The equity markets are rising, the rest of commodities are rising, but the gold price is not coming under pressure. It’s also probably pointing to the possibility that the situation could again become critical,” Commerzbank analyst Eugen Weinberg said. Some progress was made in Brussels over the weekend, with agreements near on bank recapitalization and on how to leverage the European Union’s EFSF rescue fund to try to stop bond market contagion.

But final decisions were deferred until a second summit on Wednesday and sharp differences remain over the size of losses private holders of Greek government bonds will have to accept.

The euro retreated from a sixweek high against the dollar. “Gold popped up this morning along with

most of the commodities markets.

The beginning of the EU debt resolution has had a strengthening effect on commodities and equities as a whole,” Credit Suisse analyst Tom Kendall said.

China’s vast manufacturing sector picked up moderately in October, snapping a three-month contraction and underscoring the resilience of the world’s second-largest economy backed by robust domestic demand.

“The China PMI got the market fired up, with a lot of shorts covering as the data suggested that the slowdown in China may have peaked,” said David Thurtell, a Citigroup analyst. In the euro-zone, the private sector tipped further into decline in October, according to business surveys on Monday that showed the bloc’s economy is in serious danger of lurching from stagnation into outright recession.

Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) economist Caroline Bain said gold’s recent losses in the wider commodity sell-off had surprised because it appeared that uncertainty was increasing.

“However, we believe that gold will outperform the industrial commodities over the six months as uncertainty will persist,” Bain said in an interview in Reuters’ gold forum.

Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange rose more than 4 percent yesterday.

Spot palladium led the rise in precious metals, rising more than 3 percent to $630.75, after suffering a decline of 1.5 percent last week. It was last at $625.47. — Reuters

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

business

Euro-zone private sector activity deteriorates: Survey BRUSSELS: The real economy across the euro-zone is suffering a painful contraction amid deep uncertainty over Europe’s response to the debt crisis, analysts said yesterday after the release of downbeat new data. Private sector activity across the 17 states that share the single currency slid further in October, a deterioration highlighting the threat of recession, a closely-watched survey showed.

The survey of 4,500 euro-zone companies indicated a second consecutive month of contraction amid weaker demand for goods and services, according to the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) compiled by Markit research firm.

The PMI sank to 47.2 points in October, the fastest rate of decline since July 2009, after falling to 49.1 points in September. A LONDON: Protesters take part in a demonstration against corporate tax avoid- score below 50 indicates contraction. ance outside the Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) offices in central This “signals a heightened risk of the London yesterday. — AFP euro-zone sliding back into recession,”

said Markit chief economist Chris Williamson. He added that a “near-stalling of job creation” suggested that companies are “bracing themselves” for hard times.

Germany, Europe’s economic locomotive, logged “another very modest expansion of output” after strong growth in the first half of the year, Markit said. German manufacturers reported the first drop in production since June 2009. In France, the second biggest European economy, manufacturing and services output fell for the first time since July 2009 while the rest of the euro-zone contracted for the fifth month in a row.

Paris-based BNP Paribas analyst Clemente De Lucia said the 51.2 logged in Germany, up on the previous month, compared badly to the 46.8 posted in France, the latter’s “lowest level in more than two years.” With the rest of the eurozone also “deteriorating,” he said that “mar-

kets will remain nervous until they do not get more substantial details on the crisis resolution mechanism” European Union leaders are racing to fix before facing G20 partners at a Cannes summit on November 3-4.

US President Barack Obama is leading G20 pressure having warned that the euro-zone crisis is “scaring” the world. For London-based Morgan Stanley analyst Olivier Bizimana, the “significant slowdown” left him tipping a 0.3-percent eurozone contraction in the last three months of 2011. He said prospects of a December interest-rates cut by the European Central Bank were rising.

European shares mostly rose and the euro spiked to bear a seven-week dollar high, as investors cautiously welcomed the weekend’s EU debt summit-although gains were tempered by the PMI numbers. — AFP

British PM’s office scoffs at Sarkozy’s EU criticism Cameron facing row at home over Europe LONDON: A spokesman for British Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday brushed off French criticism that he was interfering in the euro-zone crisis, saying London had a “clear interest” in resolving it.

He did not deny reports that President Nicolas Sarkozy launched a scathing attack on Cameron at Sunday’s EU summit-the president said he was “sick” of Britain telling the 17-nation euro-zone what to do-but refused to characterize it as a row.

“There was a discussion about whether or not there should be a European Council as well as a euro-zone meeting on Wednesday. We thought it was important to have a meeting of all the 27 member states,” the spokesman told reporters.

“There were some different views around the table but in the end it was agreed that there should be a meeting of all 27.”

He added: “I think it was in that context that he (Sarkozy) made the points he made. “We have a clear interest as do other members of the European Union in what happens in the eurozone.” According to British media reports, Sarkozy told Cameron: “We’re sick of you criticizing us and telling us what to do. You say you hate the euro, you didn’t want to join and now you want to interfere in our meetings.”

Cameron is also facing a row at home over Europe. More than 80 Tory MPs were expected to

defy his order to vote against a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union during a parliamentary debate later yesterday. “There is obviously a lot of debate today about our political relationship with the European Union but one thing which is beyond doubt is the extent of our economic relationship with the European Union,” Cameron’s spokesman said.

“And therefore what happens in the euro-zone and in other euro-zone countries matters to us, and we need to be involved in that discussion.” The British leader has cancelled his planned trips to New Zealand and Japan in order to attend the EU meeting tomorrow. — AFP

Bulgaria forecasts falling gap, 2.9% growth in 2012

Newport cigarettes, a Lorillard Inc brand, sit on display at Costco in Mountain View, California.

Lorillard Inc’s net income fell nearly 3 percent in the third quarter as higher costs offset selling more cigarettes at higher prices. — AP

UK lawmaker warns BOE, FSA over bank liquidity LONDON: Britain’s financial regulators need to make sure that new tighter rules on banks’ liquidity do not hamper the country’s economic recovery by cutting off the flow of lending to companies, an influential British legislator said yesterday.

The chairman of parliament’s Treasury Committee, Andrew Tyrie, wrote to the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority to urge them to “carefully examine” the impact of regulation on bank lending. A lack of bank credit for small and mediumsized businesses is widely blamed for contributing to Britain’s slow economic recovery since the financial crisis, and Tyrie’s Conservative colleague, finance minister George Osborne, has pledged to announce ‘credit easing’ measures next month.

Tyrie’s letter is likely to add fuel to the debate on the BOE’s recently formed Financial Policy Committee-which also includes top officials from FSA-about whether banks should be able to dip into liquidity buffers to support lending through the current period of market turmoil.

Earlier this month the FPC said a minority of its members backed such a move, while others feared it could damage confidence in banks and have the counterproductive effect of pushing up banks’ funding costs.

BOE rate-setter Ben Broadbent, who is not a member of the FPC, told the Financial Times that small and medium-sized firms faced credit constraints. “The problem is still in the banking system, the funding costs of the banking system, and the supply of credit to non-financial entities in the economy who can’t bypass the banks,” Broadbent said in a transcript of the interview on the FT’s website.

Broadbent said the reasons for these high funding costs remained “a mystery”, especially as Britain’s banks had made significant progress over the past 2-3 years in improving their balance sheets and held more capital

and deposits. “It may be connected with an existential threat to the banks emanating from Europe, but ... whatever the reason for it, it’s a key factor if not the main factor of restraining economic growth here and elsewhere in Europe,” he said.

FSA chairman Adair Turner said in a speech on Thursday that the FPC, on which he sits, was “on the horns of a dilemma” about whether banks should tap capital buffers.

BoE Governor Mervyn King, who chairs the FPC and to whom one of the letters was addressed, is due to testify before the Treasury Committee today about the BOE’s decision to start a new round of quantitative easing to boost faltering growth. “Quantitative easing may be good policy but it does little to increase the supply of liquid assets to banks,” Tyrie wrote.

“The squeeze on bank liquidity is running the risk of continued credit contraction, setting back the prospects of economic recovery.”

Liquidity has become a bone of contention between banks and the FSA, which led the pack globally by unilaterally forcing British banks to build up liquidity buffers in addition to the capital cushions they must also carry.

Britain’s banks say they are being put at a disadvantage to their international competitors as new, globally agreed liquidity rules will not be phased in until 2015 onwards.

Tyrie expressed some sympathy with this view. “Attempting to do it too quickly, in a hostile international economic environment, could risk setting economic recovery. If that were to happen a second crisis might come to be seen as having been aggravated ... by the action of regulators,” he wrote to both King and FSA chairman Hector Sants.

Tyrie also asked King and Sants to clarify which of the FPC and the FSA was ultimately responsible for liquidity matters before the government passes new laws which are expected to bring the FSA under the BOE’s control. — Reuters

SOFIA: Bulgaria’s government announced yesterday it had trimmed its public deficit and growth forecasts for next year, basing initial talks for its 2012 budget on a predicted 2.9percent rise in output.

“The budget deficit ceiling for next year is set at 1.35 percent (of gross domestic product),” the cabinet’s press office said in a statement. “Inflation is planned just under 2.0 percent and GDP growth at 2.9 percent,” it added.

Finance Minister Simeon Djankov had recently cut the country’s 2012 economic growth forecast to between 3.0 and 4.0 percent, adding a personal projection as low as 2.5 percent. He also vowed however to bring the public deficit below 1.5 percent of GDP next year and achieve a balanced budget in 2013.

The three-year budget outlook approved in July 2010 had pencilled in growth of 3.6 percent this year and as much as 4.7 percent in 2012.

But the economic crisis across the EU slashed Bulgarian exports and saw output inching up by just 0.3 percent in the second quarter of 2011 from a growth rate of 0.5 percent in Januar y-March, official statistics showed. In an effort to avoid trouble, the government applied severe spending cuts and has so far managed to keep the budget deficit well within the EU’s 3.0-percent ceiling.

Pension and salary freezes have however frustrated Bulgarians, who are among the EU’s poorest citizens, and Labour Minister Totyu Mladenov suggested yesterday that a small rise in the minimum monthly salary to 290 leva (145 euros, $205) could be offered as of April 2012. The budget has yet to be discussed with the major trade unions before it can be approved by the government and parliament. — AFP

PIRAEUS: A man is fishing by anchored ferries in the Piraeus harbor yesterday, during a 48hours seamen strike over austerity measures.

Greek prime minister pledged for a viable write-off of his country’s debt, as Europe and IMF struggled for negotiations on a so-called ‘haircut’ of at least 50 percent. — AFP

BRUSSELS: European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet smiles as he leaves the Justus Lipsius building after a European Council meeting held at the EU headquarters in Brussels yesterday. Europe closed in on a broad agreement Sunday to tackle the euro crisis and pressed Italy to slash its debt mountain to reassure jittery financial markets. — AFP

European markets volatile on debt crisis solution FRANKFURT: European stock markets were volatile yesterday amid skepticism the region’s leaders will be able to come up with a solution to the euro-zone crisis as promised this week. After initially opening higher on hopes a solution may be reached by Wednesday, some European stock markets veered back into the red at midday as that early confidence evaporated.

Frankfurt’s DAX 30 showed a loss of 0.30 percent and the CAC 40 in Paris slipped 0.15 percent, while London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index was showing a slight gain of 0.14 percent.

In Athens, the losses were much heavier with prices plunging by more than 5.0 percent, pulled down by falls in the banking sector after the EU summit sent clear signals that private investors would take a heavier hit on Greek debt. Sentiment took a hit from a further sharp fall in the Purchasing Manager’s Index-a closelywatched survey of private-sector activityfuelling fears of a looming recession in the 17 countries that share the euro.

Analysts were also disappointed by the lack of concrete results from a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Sunday. ING Belgium economist Carsten Brzeski bemoaned that “no new fact, no new conclusion” came out of the summit and analysts at Barclays Capital saw “not even a partial” step forward. On Sunday, European leaders including French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and IMF chief Christine Lagarde, tried to put a positive spin on talks, insisting “good progress” had been made on the debt crisis that has threatened the world economy.

But markets appeared to be frustrated because they are having to wait until a second summit on Wednesday for the exact details to be announced. French Finance Minister Francois Baroin speaking early yesterday, said he was sure a comprehensive deal to end the euro-zone debt crisis would be agreed by Wednesday.

“I’m convinced of it,” Baroin told Europe 1 radio. “We know where we are going, we know that we don’t want Greece to default,” Baroin said, stressing that the crisis was “serious” and a “threat on a global scale.” Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel seemed to have resolved earlier differences, insisting “a quite broad agreement” had been reached on the main sticking point, that of boosting the EU bailout fund. Leaders are concerned the 440-billion-euro ($605-billion) European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF)

will be insufficient if it has to bail out a big country like Italy, so are examining ways to beef up its firepower without actually putting in more money. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he was confident the corresponding decisions would be taken in the next 72 hours.

According to EU president Herman Van Rompuy, there were two models still on the table. One is a scheme whereby the fund would insure investors against potential losses on their bond holdings, a bid to tempt nervous traders back into buying the debt of shaky economies. The other option would create a second fund to attract contributions from nonEuropean nations such as China, although this has prompted splits within the EU. By using such financial inventiveness, leaders hope to “leverage” the fund up to as much as a trillion euros, which they hope will be enough of what has become known as a “bazooka” to reassure volatile financial markets. Van Rompuy told reporters: “It could even be that we combine the two models and have a cumulative effect.”

European leaders also achieved breakthroughs on two related and complex issues, managing a huge write-down on the debt of stricken Greece and making sure banks had enough resources to withstand these losses. Again, the summit produced no concrete figures in this area, but negotiations are underway with banks for them to take losses of at least 50 percent on their holdings of Greek bonds.

EU economic affairs commissioner Olli Rehn’s spokesman, Amadeu Altafaj said that a deal to write off about half of Greece’s 350-billion-euro debt pile was “relatively close”.

And in Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert insisted that “negotiations are continuing intensively in Brussels.” After hours of pressure on Italy to reduce its staggering 1.9-trillion-euro pile of debt, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said he would hold an emergency cabinet meeting yesterday to try and plough through reforms. The meeting was scheduled for 6:00 pm (1600 GMT) yesterday. Van Rompuy called for a “major effort” from Italy and said EU leaders would work “hand-in-hand” with Berlusconi to ensure promises are fulfilled.

Merkel too urged “credible” cuts in Italy’s debt as part of efforts to save the eurozone. “Italy is a great economic force but Italy also has a very high level of debt and it must be reduced in a credible way over the coming years,” she said. — AFP

y

A

27

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

TECHNOLOGY

Double the Spider-Man and hundreds of monsters BERLIN: Mobile gaming is all about numbers this season.

There are two Spider-Men, 10 Kirbys, 250 monsters and 450 basketball stars, and all of that in only five games coming out this month.

The two Spider-Men come courtesy of Activision Blizzard’s Spider-Man: Edge of Time, which involves a time-travelling adventure including both the original Spider-Man, Peter Parker, and the Spider-Man of 2099, Miguel O’Hara. A villain has opened a window in time, which he hopes to use to kill Parker in an effort to change time to his favour. Mercifully, 2099’s Spider-Man gets wind of the plan and manages to intervene.

The two then have to join forces, despite the time barrier.

That means players can draw on the strengths of both super-

heroes. Whereas Parker uses his special spider senses, which he gained after being bitten by a radioactive spider, O?Hara has the technical advantage of his weapons.

In the parallel action, players can take actions in their present to change the future to their partners? advantage. The two stay in contact via a picture-inpicture function, allowing the player to see what his actions have meant for the future.

Anyone who wants to adventure in both the past and future simultaneously needs to check out the game, available October 28 for both Nintendo handhelds ? about 40 euros (55 dollars) for the DS, 50 euros for the 3DS, and all console machines.

Heroes are also in action on the Playstation Portable. In this case, Naruto and his Ninja col-

Newmobile games leagues are putting their jutsu powers to full use in Naruto Shippuden ? Ultimate Ninja Impact. Players are given the option of playing all the past versions of the game, this time in two-player mode.

The game focuses on fighting, which remains very tactical, even if gameplay has been kept simple, especially with one-button combos. Every mission ends with a cinema-worthy noholds-barred fight, made more sensational with anime film sequences in English or Japanese. The game comes from Namco Bandai and costs 40 euros.

Unlike Naruto, Kirby is not really known for his fighting.

Nonetheless, the new Nintendo DS game is called Kirby Mass

Attack. As the title suggests, this game is not just about Kirby, a pink, spherical character familiar to gamers. In this version, Kirby has been split into 10 little Kirbys by an evil sorcerer, meaning the player must get all 10 through each level simultaneously if he ever hopes of having a single Kirby at the end.

The game starts with a sole, small Kirby. But, as soon as he?s gathered enough fruit, he draws out other Kirbys. The more Kirbys at a player’s command, the easier some tasks become to complete. If you want to explore Kirby’s colourful world, the game will be out on October 28 for a cost of 40 euros. Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 is also for the Nintendo

DS. The spin-off of the successful role-playing game is a mix of Monster Hunter and Pokemon.

Just like in the original, players find themselves in a huge world on the search for 250 monsters.

Players who master a beast can tame, train, raise and use them as fighters, just like in Pokemon.

Players are allowed to send up to three monsters into a fight against monster scouts.

The tactical possibilities are immense, given the huge number of creatures, each with their own set of skills. Thanks to wi-fi capability, players can do more than just fight monsters from another person’s console: they can also swap monsters from other parts of the Dragon Quest series. Nintendo’s monster hunt is set to sell for 40 euros.

Basketball fans can brace themselves for a duel of a different kind with NBA 2K12 for

Sony ’s PSP. If you’ve always wanted to know how a matchup between German superstar Dirk Nowitzki with the legendary Michael Jordan might turn out, this is the place to look.

That’s because the game doesn’t just feature contemporary NBA teams, but also the lineups of 15 historic teams.

That means a competition between the legendary Magic Johnson and contemporary superstar Kobe Bryant no longer has to be strictly imaginary. In all, there are 450 players from whom to choose. And, aside from the list of stars, NBA 2K12 also offers a wide range of entertainment, including a rookie showcase, All-Star Games and all other seasonal attractions. This realistic basketball pleasure from 2K Sports sells for 20 euros. — dpa

Apple posts video of Jobs memorial on Apple.com ‘To never ask what he would do, just do what’s right’

‘Paradigm shift or more of the same’ The iPhone 4S reviewed BERLIN: For those in cafes or bars who always want to show off with the latest smartphone model, the new iPhone 4S will not be that attractive.

One must really have an eye for technical details such as the new antenna layout to tell the new phone from its predecessor, the iPhone 4.

But there is a new core inside the familiar casing. Apple has upgraded essential hardware components and given the iPhone new software with interesting functions. The main one that sticks out is the voice recognition Siri, which really sets a new standard compared to the Google system Android. Dpa took a look at the iPhone 4S and tried it out.

The iPhone 4S is operated by the double-core processor A5, which was previously only available in the iPad 2.

The main chip in the new phone runs much faster than the A4 chip in the iPhone 4. In benchmark speed tests the 4S is only slightly behind the iPad 2. In practice, one notices the improved performance straight away when turning on the device. While the iPhone 4 needed 48 seconds to start from cold boot, its successor is up and running after just 30 seconds. Larger applications such as the TomTom navigation app also starts up much quicker. The iPhone 4S also pushes the bar with graphics as well. Apple said the graphic performance is up to seven times better than with the iPhone 4.

In regards to graphics, the iPhone is now in the same league as iPad 2. And 3D games will especially profit from that as they can now be programmed with much more detail. But owners of the iPhone 4S will have to be patient a bit longer until the improved games appear in the iTunes Store as the applications first have to be written.

The higher performance of the new iPhone is a major reason that the battery life of the iPhone 4S is not better than its predecessor. If you leave a video run uninterrupted, the battery will be empty after 11 hours. The iPhone 4 lasted 12 hours.

Unfortunately, Apple does not allow for the UMTS mode to be shut off to save energy. iPhone users can now forget the antenna problems. With iPhone 4, as with other smartphones - the display for reception strength would break down when the device was fully covered by the user ’s hand. The new iPhone is now equipped with two antennas, between which the system switches for the best reception.

The built-in camera is much improved as it includes a fifth lens and a light sensitive 1/3-inch sensor. With enough ambient light, the iPhone 4S makes photos that are so good that some manufacturers of compact cam-

eras could fear for their business.

Pictures using flash do not look as good though. The camera function can be called up directly from the lockscreen to be ready quicker for a snapshot. And videos can be recorded in full HD (1080p). There’s also an image stabiliser to limit shaking.

The real innovation of the iPhone 4S is the Siri voice recognition and voice command software. You can ask the phone questions such as ‘Do I need an umbrella in Munich on Wednesday afternoon?’ The device sends the spoken file to a mainframe in the cloud where the text will be recognized and interpreted and the answer sent back to the iPhone. ‘It will probably rain this afternoon’ might be the answer shown on the screen and read aloud just seconds after the question was asked.

‘Siri can be used in nearly all departments,’ said Michael Spehr, technology editor of the Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung newspaper and an expert in voice recognition software. ‘Appointments can be planned; reminders and notes can be entered; or searches can be done in the web or on Wikipedia. If you put it all together, the iPhone 4S is the first smartphone with which you can communicate in a normal language,’ said Spehr.

For Thomas Heuzeroth, an editor with the Die Welt daily, the language assistant Siri ‘is the most important argument for the purchase of an iPhone 4S’. Siri does have one major setback, according to Heuzeroth: ‘Voice recognition and voice command only work when there is a connection to the internet.’

Stephan Ehrmann, editor in chief of the trade magazine Mac & i, believes that Apple has taken a big step forward. ‘Other than the name and the casing, the iPhone 4S has everything you would expect from the iPhone 5: more performance, more memory, a much better camera. But the voice recognition Siri is much more important for the smartphone development and Apple’s positioning in the market.

They can ring in the next paradigm shift like they already did with multitouch controlling,’ said Ehrmann.

Matthias Kremp, editor with Spiegel Online, believes that iPhone 4S is more interesting for owners of older models of telephones than for people who already have an iPhone 4. ‘Certainly, the camera is much better, the voice operated assistant Siri is an appealing addition. But both are not enough to justify buying a new phone after just one year,’ said Kremp, who recommends iPhone 4 users to get the updated iOS 5 operating system. ‘With the new software, your phone will be like an iPhone 4s Light.’ — dpa

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple is allowing the general public to get a look at a heartfelt and star-studded memorial service it held for employees to celebrate the life of Steve Jobs at its Cupertino headquarters last week.

Apple Inc. posted a link on its website late Sunday to a video of the service, which was held on Wednesday morning in an outdoor amphitheater in the center of the company’s campus. The ceremony was intensely private. It was closed to the public and media handlers shooed reporters away from Apple’s buildings at the time.

Apple Inc. has not held any public services for Jobs, the company’s visionary co-founder who died at age 56 on Oct. 5 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. In a way, the video may serve that purpose. It runs 81 minutes and gives a rare glimpse of a company in mourning, showing several executives and board members reminiscing about their time with Jobs and speaking about the indelible mark he left on the technology world.

Jobs was a tech visionary who started Apple in his parents’ Silicon Valley garage with friend Steve Wozniak in 1976. Both men left the company in 1985, Jobs after a clash with then-CEO John Sculley. Jobs returned as interim CEO in 1997 after Apple, then in financial dire straits, purchased a computer company he created called Next. He led the company through a remarkable upswing that included the launch of such popular products as the iPhone, iPad and iPod. He battled pancreatic cancer in 2004 and underwent a liver transplant in 2009 after taking a leave of absence for unspecified health problems. He took another leave of absence in January - his third since his health problems began - and resigned in August, handing the CEO job over to his hand -picked successor, Cook. His death came a day after Apple Inc. announced its latest iPhone, the 4S. In the service honoring his

life, CEO Tim Cook kicks things off, addressing an overflowing crowd of hundreds of Apple employees both on the ground and peering off balconies of surrounding buildings. Also in the audience was Jobs’ wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, wearing a black shirt and dark sunglasses.

Apple closed all of its retail

Jobs saw how The Walt Disney Co. became “paralyzed” after founder Walt Disney’s death, with so many people spending time thinking about what Disney would want. “And he did not want this to occur at Apple,” Cook said.

Following Cook was former Apple executive and current board member Bill Campbell.

creative process. “You see, I think he better than anyone understood that while ideas ultimately can be so powerful, they begin as fragile, barely formed thoughts so easily missed, so easily compromised, so easily just squished,” he said. He also related a tale of how Jobs’ desire for excellence went far beyond designing

SEOUL: South Koreans read copies of the Korean version of the biography of Steve Jobs, the late cofounder of Apple Inc., at a Seoul bookstore, South Korea, yesterday. — AP stores for the service so its many employees at those locations could view the memorial live via a webcast as well. Banners flanking buildings surrounding the amphitheater show images of Jobs, including one with a famous shot of the then young tech executive cradling the first Macintosh computer.

In his remarks, Cook said the past two weeks had been the saddest of his life. “But I know Steve. Steve would have wanted this cloud to lift for Apple and our focus to return to the work that he loved so much,” he said. Cook also divulged some of the last advice Jobs gave him, which he said was “to never ask what he would do, just do what’s right.”

“He loved Apple so much, probably only a shade less than he loved his family,” he said.

Former Vice President and current Apple board member Al Gore took the stage as well. And Apple’s senior vice president of design, Jonathan Ive, who worked closely with Jobs on products such as the iPod, iPhone and iPad, spoke too.

Ive, who called Jobs his closest and most loyal friend, talked about Jobs’ habit of bouncing ideas off him - some of which were “really dopey,” but others which “took the air from the room and left us both completely silent.”

Ive remembered Jobs as an intense listener who revered the

WikiLeaks suspends publishing due to funds LONDON: The whistleblowing website WikiLeaks said yesterday it was suspending publishing classified US diplomatic files to focus instead on fundraising “to ensure our future survival”.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said that as a result of a financial “blockade” mounted by Visa, Mastercard and other companies, it was “now forced to temporarily suspend its publishing operations and aggressively fundraise”.

WikiLeaks has enraged US authorities by releasing tens of thousands of classified diplomatic cables. Many relate to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while others contain frank and sometimes embarrassing assessments of world leaders made by US diplomats.

Assange said in a statement that since December last year, “an arbitrary and unlawful financial blockade has been imposed by Bank of America, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal and Western Union”.

“The attack has destroyed 95 percent of our revenue,” he added. “The blockade came into force within 10 days of the launch of Cablegate as part

of a concerted US-based, political attack that included vitriol by senior right-wing politicians, including assassination calls against WikiLeaks staff.”

The former computer hacker said the blockade “has cost the organisation tens of millions of dollars in lost donations at a time of unprecedented operational costs”.

He added: “We have commenced pre-litigation action against the blockade in Iceland, Denmark, the UK, Brussels, the United States and Australia. “We have lodged an antitrust complaint at the European Commission and expect a decision by mid-November as to whether the European Commission Authority will open a full investigation into the wrongdoing of Visa and MasterCard.”

“A handful of US finance companies cannot be allowed to decide how the whole world votes with its pocket,” he added. Assange is currently embroiled in a fight against extradition from Britain to Sweden, where he is wanted in connection with allegations of rape.

He denies the allegations and says they are politically motivated. — AFP

Apple’s products, saying that when the two of them would travel Ive would go up to his room leave his bags packed by the door, and sit on his bed.

“I would wait for the inevitable phone call, ‘Hey Jony, this hotel sucks, let’s go,’” he said. The service also included performances by singer Norah Jones and the British band Coldplay. The service followed a memorial at Stanford University on Oct. 16 for Jobs’ friends and family. That service at Memorial Church reportedly brought out tech titans including Oracle chief Larry Ellison and Microsoft’s Bill Gates, as well as politicians including Bill Clinton.

U2 frontman Bono and Joan Baez reportedly performed. — AP

Netflix to provide service to UK, Ireland LOS GATOS: Netflix Inc. plans to offer its online subscription service to the United Kingdom and Ireland starting early next year, providing access to movies and television shows. The company said yesterday that subscribers will get unlimited TV shows and movies streaming online to their televisions and computers, Macs, tablets and cellular phones for a monthly fee.

The Los Gatos, California-based company, which will report its third-quarter financial results after the stock market closes on Monday, said details about pricing, content and supported devices will be disclosed closer to launch. Netflix started streaming to the US in 2007 and added Canada in 2010 and 43 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in September. The company has more than 25 million members in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

Those in the UK or Ireland interested in the service can sign up at Netflix’s web site to receive an email alert that will let them know when the service has launched, the company said. Netflix has faced criticism lately due to a recent price increase and a failed attempt to split up its video subscription service. Netflix boosted prices for combination packages of DVDs-by-mail and Internet video streaming by as much as 60 percent, effective Sept. 1. After the higher prices kicked in, Chief Executive Reed Hastings announced a plan to spin off the DVD rental side into a separate website called Qwikster. The move was so reviled by subscribers that Hastings changed his mind within three weeks.

Netflix’s stock has dropped by 60 percent since the price increases were announced in mid-July. The sell-off has wiped out $9 billion in shareholder wealth. — AP

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Years

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

Using one embryo in IVF doesn’t cut birth rate: Study WASHINGTON: Transferring one embryo into women during in vitro fertilization (IVF) doesn’t lower their chances of giving birth but it does mean fewer women give birth to twins, with all the attendant health risks, a US study said. IVF has traditionally involved transferring multiple embryos, which is known to increase by many times a woman’s chances of having twins and other multiple births, and raise risks to both mother and babies, including diabetes during pregnancy, premature

birth and cerebral palsy.

But improved technology has helped increase births if single embryos are used in younger women judged to have a good chance of getting pregnant, said Jessica Kresowik at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, who led the study.

“In the past, you did need to implant multiple embryos in order to maintain those pregnancy rates,” Kresowik told Reuters Health of the study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility. She added that before technology

improved, doctors might use six embr yos at once, hoping that one would result in a pregnancy. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, no more than two embryos should be transferred for women under 35.

Babies conceived through IVF account for just one percent of US births each year, but IVF is responsible for 17 percent of twins, Kresowik added. Using a single embryo for IVF for all women under 38 who were getting their first

round of IVF and had other signs predicting a good outcome became policy at Kresowik’s fertility clinic in 2004.

Data for the five years before and after that time showed that birth rates didn’t suffer-and actually improved.

Before the single embryo policy, 51 percent of all women younger than 38 got pregnant and gave birth to a live baby, compared with 56 percent afterwards.

The proportion of women with multiple births dropped from 35 percent to less than 18 percent. Among 364

women who fit the criteria and had a single-embryo transfer from 2004 on, 65 percent gave birth to a live baby and just over 3 percent had twins or other multiple births.

“A policy like this is a great idea,” said Judy Stern, a fertility specialist at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, who wasn’t involved in the study. “You really can move toward single-embryo transfer and have it give you great success rates, and really low multiple rates,” she said. — Reuters

BPA in pregnant women might affect kids’ behavior CHICAGO: Exposure to the chemical bisphenol-A before birth could affect girls’ behavior at age 3, according to the latest study on potential health effects of the compound used in the manufacturing of some plastic drink bottles and food can linings.

Preschool-aged girls whose mothers had relatively high urine levels of BPA during pregnancy scored worse but still within a normal range on behavior measures including anxiety and hyperactivity than other young girls.

The results are not conclusive and experts not involved in the study said factors other than BPA might explain the results. The researchers acknowledge that “considerable debate” remains about whether BPA is harmful, but say their findings should prompt additional research.

The researchers measured BPA in 244 Cincinnati-area mothers’ urine twice during pregnancy and at childbirth. The women evaluated their children at age 3 using standard behavior questionnaires.

Nearly all women had measurable BPA levels, like most Americans. But increasingly high urine levels during pregnancy were linked with increasingly worse behavior in their daughters. Boys’ behavior did not seem to be affected.

The researchers said if BPA can cause behavior changes that could pose academic and social problems for girls already at risk for those difficulties.

“These subtle shifts can actually have very dramatic implications at the population level,” said Joe Braun, the lead author and a research fellow at Harvard’s School of Public Health.

For every 10-fold increase in mothers’ BPA levels, girls scored at least six points worse on the questionnaires. The study was released online Monday in Pediatrics. Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, said the study contributes important new evidence to “a growing database which suggests that

BPA exposure can be associated with effects on human health.”

Grants from that federal agency helped pay for the study. The Food and Drug Administration has said that lowlevel BPA exposure appears to be safe.

But the agency also says that because of recent scientific evidence, it has some concern about potential effects of BPA on the brain and behavior in fetuses, infants and small children. The FDA is continuing to study BPA exposure and supports efforts to minimize use in food containers.

BPA has many uses, and is found in some plastic bottles and coatings in metal food cans. It was widely used in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups but industry phased out that use. Braun said it’s possible that exposure to BPA during pregnancy interferes with fetal brain development, a theory suggested in other studies, and that could explain the behavior differences in his study. Why boys’ behavior wasn’t affected isn’t clear. But BPA is thought to mimic the effects of estrogen, a female hormone.

The researchers evaluated other possible influences on children’s behavior, including family income, education level and whether mothers were married, and still found an apparent link to BPA. But Dr. Charles McKay, a BPA researcher and toxicologist with the Connecticut Poison Control Center, said the researchers failed to adequately measure factors other than BPA that could explain the results.

For example, there’s no information on mothers’ eating habits. That matters because mothers’ higher BPA levels could have come from eating lots of canned foods instead of healthier less processed foods, which might have affected fetal brain development.

The American Chemistry Council, a trade group whose members include companies that use BPA, said the research “has significant shortcomings ... and the conclusions are of unknown relevance to public health.” — AP

NEW YORK: Doctors and medical professionals meet for a show of solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protests in Zuccotti Park, Sunday, in New York. Doctors from the National Health Program and National Physicians Alliance have merged with health care demonstrators within the Occupy Wall Street protests to form a group under the banner of “Healthcare for the 99%” and speak out against corporate greed in the medical industry. — AP

Hong Kong mothers march against mainland babies HONG KONG: More than 1000 protesters, including pregnant mothers, marched in Hong Kong Sunday opposing the growing number of mainland Chinese women coming to the city to give birth, organisers said.

Women from mainland China are keen to have babies in Hong Kong-a city that has had semi-autonomous status within China since it ceased to be a British colony in 1997 — because it entitles their child to rights of abode and education. Local expectant mothers, some with children in tow, marched to government headquarters in the southern Chinese city, carrying banners that read: “For Hong Kong’s sake, fight for local women’s right to give birth here.”

“Local mothers are being forced to give birth in the corridors of hospitals because mainland mothers are over-crowding our hospitals,” Annie Yam, a mother of two who took part in the march, told AFP. “I was the only local mother in a 10-person maternity ward when I gave birth six months ago,” she said. “ The rest were mainland Chinese women.”

Mainland mothers reportedly accounted for nearly half of the 88,000 births in the glitzy financial hub in 2010. Earlier this year,

Hong Kong announced a sharply reduced quota for mainland Chinese women allowed to give birth in its public hospitals next year.

Places for non-local women to deliver in public hospitals will be reduced to 3,400 in 2012 subject to the availability of maternity ward beds, health authorities have previously said. But the protesters doubt the effectiveness of the move. “The new measures will work only in the short term,” spokeswoman of the protest Jocelyn Yiu said. “Mainland mothers have been abusing our emergency room services and the measures will not solve this problem.”

“We are taxpayers, why is our resources spent on foreigners?” she added. The government has come under pressure after doctors made a rare public call for a cap on the number of babies delivered in the city as resources for local mothers are stretched thin.

Earlier on Sunday, hundreds took part in another protest opposed to granting permanent residency to foreign domestic helpers.

Last month, a Hong Kong court ruled that a law banning foreign maids from permanent residency is unconstitutional in a landmark case that many feared could pave the way for a flood of applications. — AFP

AMRITSAR: In this photograph taken on January 23, 2011, a child receives anti-polio vaccination drops by an Indian Health worker as part of a polio vaccination campaign in Amritsar. India is on the verge of achieving a victory against polio with only one case reported this year, making it the “longest ever polio free period”, a health ministry official said yesterday. Just one case of polio has been reported in the last ten months as compared to 39 cases reported in 2010, said the country’s health ministry in a statement. — AFP

India close to wiping out polio: Officials World Polio Day NEW DELHI: India has not had a case of polio in nine months, raising hopes the country is on the verge of defeating the disease, health officials said yesterday.

Ridding itself of polio would be a major symbolic milestone for a nation desperate to move past its image as a Third World country and take its place as a major global player.

India remains one of only four countries in the world where polio is still endemic, and the nine months that it has been without a case is the longest since eradication efforts were launched nearly two decades ago. “We are close to our goal, but are not taking any chances,” said Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Polio usually infects children under age 5 through contaminated drinking water. The virus attacks the central nervous sys-

tem, causing paralysis, muscular atrophy, deformation and, in some cases, death. While polio has been eradicated in Europe, the Americas, much of Asia and Australia, it remains endemic in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

The last new case in India was reported in January in West Bengal state and none has been reported in the traditional polio areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh states in more than a year, Azad said. A country is declared polio free when no cases of the disease are reported for three years, according to the World Health Organization. “ This year is extremely crucial for India to capitalize on the remarkable progress made so far and stop polio virus transmission forever,” said Nata Menabde, WHO representative in India. “ The present situation is

indeed very promising but also extremely challenging,” Menabde said in remarks yesterday marking World Polio Day. India’s success has followed “persistent efforts over the last few years in the highest-risk areas and in reaching the most vulnerable populations, such as newborns, migrants and mobile populations,” Azad said.

The government is aware, however, that a slip could lead to a resurgence of the disease. Azad said an immunization campaign continues in all high-risk areas and any new case would be declared a public health emergency. Health officials also remain concerned about the possibility of the virus entering the country from neighboring Pakistan, where a spate of cases have been reported. Indian health authorities have set up polio immunization booths at the two border

crossings with Pakistan and all children who enter by road and train are being given vaccines.

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to have polio outbreaks, said Rod Curtis of UNICEF’s India office. Authorities have also stepped up preventive measures along India’s border with Nepal, with vaccines distributed at 81 points along the 1,120-mile (1,800-kilometer) frontier.

A large chunk of the border is shared with the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Uttar Pradesh has not reported a case since April 2010, while Bihar has not reported any since September 2010.

“There is no room for complacency - India must continue to immunize its children against polio, until polio follows smallpox as only the second disease to be wiped off the face of the planet,” Curtis said. — AP

Staying healthy in autumn’s chill BERLIN: Autumn’s shortening daylight hours and chilly, foul weather are not only a mood dampener but also a strain on the body ’s defences. “ The change in the weather puts a burden on our immune system,” said Thomas Assmann, a general practitioner in Germany.

Constantly moving between the warm temperatures in heated buildings and the wind and cold air outside is stressful to the body and makes it more susceptible to colds and flu. It needs strength and energy to stay healthy, which it can get through exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep.

Outdoor exercise is especially beneficial to the immune system. “Exercise and long walks stimulate blood flow and boost circulation,” said Heiko Zissner, a natural health practitioner in Berlin. He recommends endurance sports such as jogging, swimming or cycling.

Assmann, too, recommends getting plenty of exercise outdoors despite the rain and chill, saying it improves one’s general

sense of well-being and strengthens the immune system. “The body becomes cooler.

It learns to withstand stress and cope with it better,” he said.

According to Assmann, the increased blood flow distributes antibodies evenly throughout the body and puts the immune system in a state of alert. And sufficient sleep is essential for good health, he added.

People should take care that

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is just as important.

“Fruit or vegetables at least five times a day,” advised Margret Morlo of Germany’s Nutrition and Dietetic Association. To avoid tedium, the choice need not always be apples or salad.

“The portions should include apple juice and orange juice, pickles and cooked vegetables for lunch,” Morlo said. Zinc, along with vitamin C, helps to

Outdoor exercise is especially beneficial to the immune system. ‘Exercise and long walks stimulate blood flow and boost circulation’ the rooms in their homes are well ventilated. “A brief airing is enough. You don’t have to keep the window open all day,” Zissner said, pointing out that it was sufficient to let fresh air into the home three times a day. “After you get up in the morning, when you come home in the evening and before you go to bed - for five minutes each time.”

strengthen the body’s defences, so beef, pork, poultry, eggs, milk and cheese can be eaten, too.

Morlo recommends mostly domestic fruit and winter vegetables, which she said were usually fresher. “There are all kinds of greens that you can cook in various ways, such as kale, broccoli or kohl rabi,” she noted. Besides apples and pears, mushrooms, potatoes

and turnips are also readily available in autumn.

It is a good idea to steer clear of dietary supplements and vitamin tablets, however. The effects of supplements are disputed, and an overdose of vitamins can even be harmful to one’s health, said Assmann, who warned that “you shouldn’t think that a lot helps a lot.”

Cigarettes and alcohol should be avoided as well. They put a strain on the immune system and make it more susceptible to pathogens.

Sufficient fluids are part of a healthy diet, too. “Preferably, you should drink calorie-free fluids such as tap water, mineral water or fruit tea,” Morlo said.

She recommends at least 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids daily, an amount that should be increased for people who frequently sit in rooms with dry, heated air. This keeps the bronchial tubes moist and washes away bacteria. People who like their drinks a bit tastier can mix mineral water and fruit juice. — dpa

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

H E A LT H

Use Japan nuke disaster to reform mental health system

BRUSSELS: Eric Jonckheere and lawyer Jan Fermon (R) give a press conference organized by ABEVA, a Belgian asbestos victim group, in Brussels, yesterday, on the eve of the trial brought by relatives of Francoise Jonckheere, who died of the asbestos cancer in 2000.— AFP

BERLIN: Japan should use a higher rate of mental health problems after the Fukushima nuclear accident to update outdated attitudes to depression in the country, a top health official said yesterday.

Speaking at the World Health Summit in Berlin, Shekhar Saxena, from the mental health division of the World Health Organisation, said the mental aspects of disasters tended to be ignored in the aftermath of a natural disaster. “Mental health treatment is needed for almost everyone who is affected by the disaster,” Saxena told a packed audience at the summit.

“Unfortunately, some neglect occurred.” Officials have previously warned of an increase in depression cases in a country where this illness still carries a stigma largely overcome in the West.

It is only recently that urban areas of Japan have begun to tackle

the taboo surrounding depression, a condition euphemistically known as “heart ‘flu” in the country. After a disaster such as the Fukushima accident, the prevalence of severe mental disorders, such as psychosis, increase from two to three percent of the population to three to four percent, said Saxena. More mild mental disorders like depression increase from one in ten people to one in five, he added. Treating such disorders is best done within the community rather than in medical institutions, he said, arguing for an overhaul of attitudes and the system in Japan.

“In Japan, mental health care is largely undertaken by specialised institutions whereas it is more effective if it is undertaken at a community level,” he said. “We recommend for Japan to utilise the opportunity presented by the disaster to actually change the system

Aggressive children like violent computer games STUTTGART: Aggressive children in the 8-to-12 age group have a preference for violent computer and video games, according to a new study by academics from two German universities. It found that the games preferred by problem boys and girls who were seen as at-risk were more violent than those of their less-troublesome peers.

The research suggested there was a risk that this preference for violent video games would become entrenched in these children. However, the researchers found no evidence in the group they studied that the converse was true - that violent computer and video games led to increased aggression in real life.

“This is the good news from our study into the educational effects of media,” said Jens Vogelgesang of Hohenheim University. “But it should be noted

that this applies expressly only to the group of 8-to12 year olds that we looked into in a study on the effects.” In the case of older children, the negative effects from violent games on their behaviour has already been documented, said research team leader Maria von Salisch - and this remains a cause for concern. “We are unable to rule out the possibility that an entrenched preference for violent computer and video games might over the course of a game-playing career lead to greater readiness to commit acts of violence.”

The researchers studied the behaviour of 324 Berlin primary school pupils who provided information on their computer game habits twice over the period of a year. The subjects, from schools in different parts of the ethnically diverse German capital, had previously been assessed by their fellow pupils

and teachers with respect to their aggressive behaviour, both physically and verbally.

The results of the study showed that aggressive primary school pupils preferred games in which blood flows. “Less aggressive pupils certainly also experiment with violent games, but they more rarely develop a preference for this kind of game,” said Vogelgesang. Computer and video games are extremely popular with primary school children, with 91 per cent of 8-to-12 year olds indicating they had at least one favourite electronic game.

At the second sampling after a year, there were often completely different games at the top of the list of preferences. “Most children start out by trying out different types and then over the course of time develop a preference for a particular game or type of game,” said Von Salisch. — dpa

to make it more community-oriented.”

Shunichi Fukuhara, from the Kyoto University School of Medicine and Public Health, told AFP that Japanese people were tending to bottle up their feelings about the tragedy, making treating them harder.

“It’s a real issue in Japan, and throughout Asia, especially among men ... Maybe it’s the Samurai spirit. People don’t like to admit they are depressed.” Another expert, Shunichi Yamashita, from Fukushima medical university, said the tragic war-time history of the Japanese had sparked greater anxiety than might have been the case elsewhere in the world. “People in Japan are very much aware of the risks from radiation from the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, so they worry more,” said Yamashita. Yamashita, who moved

from Nagasaki to Fukushima to assist in the response to the accident, said Japan needed an “unprecedented effort” to monitor the health impact of the disaster.

He is currently working on a survey of two million people. “There are uncertainties about the risks of chronic low-dose radiation exposures for human health but there is no alternative than to take the responsibility of monitoring the health condition of people around Fukushima.”

The March 11 earthquake triggered a tsunami that tore into Japan’s northeast coast, leaving 20,000 people dead or missing and sparking meltdowns and explosions at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. It was the world’s worst nuclear disaster since the Chernobyl meltdown and prompted a raft of health fears, both physical and mental. —AFP

Hundreds fall ill at Cambodian factory PHNOM PENH: Hundreds of workers were hospitalised after falling ill yesterday at a Cambodian garment factory-the latest in a string of such incidents in the industr y, police and union officials said.

Nearly one thousand employees at the Anful G arments Fac tor y (Cambodia) Ltd in the southern province of Kampong Speu described feeling weak, nauseous and dizz y during their shift, Free Trade union leader Chea Mony told AFP. “I am investigating the case,” he said, adding that many of them had lost consciousness in the incident, which

happened after the plant had been sprayed with insecticide over the weekend.

Provincial police chief Keo Pisei confirmed that scores of workers at the factory had passed out, but he said the number was “less than one thousand”. It was not immediately clear which clothing brand the factory supplies. There have been around a dozen reported incidents of mass fainting spells in Cambodian garment factories this year. They are mostly blamed on workers’ poor health, bad ventilation in the workplace or exposure to dangerous chemicals. — AFP

y

A

30

e niv rsar n

Years

W H AT ’ S O N

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Announcements Graphic design program The Graphic Design Program at the American University of Kuwait will be hosting an art exhibition featuring the works of Stefan Kirov Kanchev on October 24-27, 2011. The exhibition will be open from 4-6 on October 24th and from 10 am - 6 pm from the 25-27. This exhibition is open to the public.

Art competition The eleventh Onam celebrations of Pathanamthitta District Association will be held on Friday, October 28.

The association is holding an art competition in poetry and short story writings and the association is inviting poems and short stories from talented individuals among Malayalees in Kuwait. Persons interested in participating may send their writings with photograph to the following address Email: pta@ptadistrict.org, pdakuwait@gmail.com for more information, contact 97863052 or 66501482.

Indian Lawyers’ Forum Onam Indian Lawyers’ Forum will celebrate Onam, the unique, secular, harvest festival of Kerala on 18th November, 2011 Friday 10.30 am at HiDine Restaurant Auditorium, Abbassia.

Celebrations will include traditional variety entertainments, with the grand ‘ONASADHYA’.

All Indian Lawyers & Law graduates working here in Kuwait are invited with their families.

For details contact Panicker 97203939, Pulikkal 97260159. Email: advpanicker@gmail.com Tulukoota talent hunt Tulukoota Kuwait will hold a “Talent Hunt 2011” a chance to prove an inborn trait in you that confirms your individuality, uniqueness. For more information and registration form kindly log on to our Website: www.tulukootakuwait.org or visit our facebook page - Tulukoota Kuwait Talent Hunt 2011. You could also email your form request to: secretary@tulukootakuwait.org or contact our area coordinators mentioned below. Mangaf, Fahaheel, Abuhalifa : Ronald Dsouza- 60035824, Shalini Alva- 23726164, Suma Bhatt- 97834578 Salmiya & Hawally: Swarna Shetty- 99006934, Kripa Gatty- 66044194 Kuwait City, Jahra, Sharq: Rekha Sachu- 65044521,97862115 Farwaniya, Abbassiya, Shuwaikh & Khaitan: Sathyanarayana- 66585077 Sanath Shetty67712409.

Diwali celebration at the Indian Embassy

T

he Ambassador of India, Satish C. Mehta, hosted a reception at India House on 22nd October, to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and is an occasion to strengthen the bonds of friendship and goodwill amongst all people. A large number of Kuwaiti friends

of India, ambassadors, diplomats and dignitaries joined the celebration on this happy occasion. The ambassador conveyed Diwali greetings and best wishes for health, happiness and prosperity to all members of the Indian community in Kuwait.

—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

BEC T10 Cricket tournament The BEC T10 Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament will be organized & played from 7th October to 11th November, 2011. The Tournament being organized by RED N BLACK CRICKET CLUB and sponsored by BEC EXCHANGE will be played out in Abu Halifa cricket grounds. For registration and other queries please mail at mail@rednblack.org or call 66820148/ 66130940/ 66841653.

Brain Bang Calling all students aged 11 and above, Support Group for Accelerated learning under the umbrella of FOCC (Friends of CRY Club, Kuwait), BRAIN-BANG invites you to join us in our fortnightly Friday Class from 11.45 am to 13.45 pm in Salmiya starting October 7th for the next 6 months. Successfully running for the seventh consecutive year.

KGA Alemao Memorial Football Tournament The 3rd edition of Eslinda Alemao Memorial Football 7-a-side tournament will be held on first day of Eid Al Adha Festival (6th November 2011) to be held at the MOH Grounds, Al-Sabah Hospital Premises, Shuwaikh under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF). All KIFF affiliated teams are requested to contact the organizers, Kuwait Goan Association (KGA). For more info, Email: kgakuwait@gmail.com Tel: (+965) 94963677.

Youth Chorus competition Youth Chorus is organizing the sixth Christian Malayalam Group Song Competition on Friday, 18th November 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the United Indian School Auditorium, Abbasiya.

The team has to present one Christian Malayalam song within seven minutes. The minimum number of members in the team should be 7 and the maximum 20, including the orchestra persons.

The first, second and third prize winners will be awarded with rolling trophies and certificates. The following prestigious trophies will be awarded to the winners.

First Prize - Youth Chorus Ever Rolling Trophy Second Prize- Omana Jose memorial Ever Rolling Trophy Third Prize- Youth Chorus Ever Rolling Trophy All the other participating teams will be awarded a Youth Chorus memento. Please register the name of your team with the conveners on or before 10th November 2011. Tel: 66853100, 6651093 or to our e-mail address youthchorus@gmail.com

Konkani drama

K

uwait Goan Association (KGA) after presenting popular Konkani tiatrs ‘Ghor Bandlem ghorabo Modlo’ and ‘Tujea Moga Passot’, now all set to present Tragedy King Mario Menezes most popular Konkani drama “Hatachim Panch Bottam” in Kuwait on Friday, 18th November 2011 with full troupe.

Await for more details or email: kgakuwait@gmail.com

Romanians hold cultural evening

R

omanians community in Kuwait organized the 5th edition of Romanian cultural evening in Kuwait on 20th October at Holiday Inn Hotel where 3 famous Romanian singers Sanda Ladosi, Gabriel Dorobantu, Mioara Velicu were flown from Romania to promote the culture and tradition of Romania here in Kuwait.

The event was organized by Lucian Anisia and Romanians in Kuwait Group.

The event was sponsored by big companies. At this event over 120 persons from Romanian community took part.

The special guest was the Romanian Ambassador in Kuwait Vasile Sofineti.

y

A

31

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA The Embassy of the Argentine Republic to Kuwait will hold Argentinean National Elections on October 23. Argentinean citizens already registered in the Embassy electoral register can vote at the Argentina Embassy, located in Mishref, Block 6, St. 42, Villa 57, from 08:00 am until 18:00 pm. Citizens visiting Kuwait or not registered in the embassy Electoral Register can also justify their “No Vote” at the same day and time at the Argentinean Embassy. For further information, contact us on phone no. 25379211, Email: ekuwa@mrecic.gov.ar ■■■■■■■

Al Bayan Bilingual School receives applause from Private Education

A

l-Bayan Bilingual School invited the Assistant Undersecretary from the Ministry of Private Education, Fahad Al Ghais, to visit the school and tour its newly constructed buildings and facilities. Among the visiting entourage was Abdullah Al-Basri, the Director of Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Private Education. The guests were welcomed by Tariq Al Samerrie, Chairman and Managing Director of FAWSEC Educational Company, which owns Al-Bayan Bilingual School. Thomas Quinn, the school’s Director; the Deputy Director; and school division principals K-12.

The delegation toured all the school’s buildings and facilities that were built according to the modern standards and

designs of international schools, such as the libraries that are equipped with advanced means of educational and technological resources and references; gymnasiums built according to international standards; and classrooms constructed in agreement with the international standards of school measurements and equipped with Interactive “smartboards,” offering students the latest in technological education. The delegation concluded the visit with a prayer in the school’s mosque. Ghais expressed his high regard for BBS achievements and praised its continued success on all levels, wishing that other private schools would emulate BBS and consider it as a role model.

Al-Bayan, the first school to apply a

bilingual curriculum in the State of Kuwait and most probably in the entire Arabian Gulf region, was founded by the late Fawzia Hamad Al Sultan in 1977 with the help of several virtuous women, including Aziza Essa Al-Saleh, Sheikha Hessa Sabah Al Salem, and Sheikha Altaf Salem Al Ali. BBS is owned by Fawzia Sultan Educational Company; FAWSEC, which is a not for profit organization that uses its surplus funds to achieve the company’s goals. A live example is BBS’s newly completed campus in Hawalli which cost KD 7 million to construct.

Since its establishment, BBS has graduated nearly a thousand students, most having Kuwaiti nationality, who have completed their university education in

international universities such as Harvard and MIT in USA and other prestigious universities, and many times move into senior positions in both Kuwaiti and international societies. Two such graduates, Dr Naif Al Mutawa, founded the global magazine, “The 99,” that earned the personal admiration of President Obama, and Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, who founded the American University of Kuwait. BBS also takes pride in the fact that its graduates, especially in the previous five years, regularly claim a high number of the special scholarships that are granted by the Ministry of Higher Education for outstanding students.

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait.

Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form.

All previous Temporary Resident Visa application forms will no longer be accepted by CIC and instead will be returned to applicants. Should old applications be submitted prior to January 15, 2011 they will continue to be processed.

To ensure that the most recent version of the Temporary Resident Visa application form is being utilized, applicants should refer to the CIC website. As of January 15, 2011, forms are to be filled in electronically. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday.

The forms are available on the internet at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM 5257E.PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/52 56E.PDF. ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF GERMANY The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kuwait wishes to announce that as of 1 May 2011, the external service provider Al Qabas Assurex is operating a Visa Application Centre in support of the German Embassy. Short-term visa applications for travels to Germany (e.g. for tourism, visits, business) are to be submitted to the service provider Al Qabas who for your convenience will ensure that all relevant documents are included in your application. Your personal appearance at the Application Centre is not required. Address of the Visa Application Centre: Al Qabas Assurex Sanabel Tower (Al-Babtain) Mezzanine (M3) opposite Sharq Mall Kuwait 22924444 Fax: 22924442 Further information are available on the following websites: www.kuwait.diplo.de www.qavisa.com ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF INDIA The Embassy of India will remain closed on October 26, 2011 (Wednesday) Diwali.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF NEPAL The Embassy of Nepal will remain closed on Wednesday, October 26 on the occasion of Laxmi Puja festival. The Embassy of Nepal requests all concerned to use the telephone numbers and fax no of the Embassy whenever they wish to contact us for any reason during the office hours (09:00 - 1500 Hrs) for any business, as follows: Tel No: Reception and Operator / Consular and visa services: 25243254/57.

Ambassador’s Office: 25243275 Fax: 25243250 Email: Kuwait@mofa.gov.np ■■■■■■■

IIS experiences ‘A conduit towards professionalism’ Condolence message

O

n 23rd October, Mohtarma Begum Nusrat Bhutto wife of shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, former chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party and the mother of shaheed Benazir Bhutto, died at the age of 82 in Dubai. A condolence statement issued by Muhammad Salim Arshad Secretary General of PPC Kuwait on behalf of all office bearers, members and president of PPC Attiq Adnan.

Condolence was send to Asif Ali Zardari, all members of Bhutto family and peoples of Pakistan. Today we, the people of Pakistan have lost a great leader and a courageous woman of the Muslim world. She remained an iron wall in front of military dictatorship from 1977, July to 1988. She faced many tortures but did not compromise with the military rulers. She will be remembered forever in the women history of Pakistan. May the Almighty Allah bless her soul.

A

workshop for the English faculty of India International School was held on Monday, October 17.

Cathy Thomas, in-charge Principal of Integrated School, Kuwait had been invited to share her vast knowledge and experience. The Director, Moosa Koya, also graced the occasion.

F.M. Basheer Ahmed, the Principal of IIS welcomed Cathy Thomas and Shifana, HOS (KG) presented her with a bouquet.

With refreshing enthusiasm and liveliness, Cathy Thomas

shared information and tips on how to instill basic grammar, increase vocabulary and also improve usage of the English language among students. She skillfully covered all these aspects for classes ranging from primary up to higher secondary level.

Cathy stressed the need for the English teachers to be confident and thorough in the language as they are the backbones of an institution. With her passion and devotion, she has instilled confidence among the teachers. The concept of vocabulary building

was adapted by the teachers, which they are going to implement in their future endeavors.

The workshop was extremely interesting, inspiring and illuminating. The positive impact of this experience is sure to be reflected in the future performance of the teachers. The workshop came to an end with a vote of thanks by the Vice-Principal.

EMBASSY OF US The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Leadership for Democracy Fellows Program is now accepting applications - deadline Nov 1, 2011. The MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) Program is an exciting, selective 3-month program in the United States for 20-25 young civic leaders from the Middle East and North Africa. The program begins with 6 weeks of academic coursework, where fellows focus on the concepts of leadership, democracy, communication, and conflict resolution among other issues. After completing the academic portion of the program, participants engage in a 6week professional assignment with a political, nongovernmental, or public policy organization in Washington, DC. For more information about the program, please email: kuwaitmepi@state.gov Visit us @ USEmbassyQ8 http://www.facebook.com/USEmbassyQ8 ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE Dear compatriots!

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.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

00:45 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 01:40 Swarm Chasers 02:35 Bad Dog 03:30 Untamed & Uncut 04:25 Maneaters 05:20 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 06:10 Animal ER 07:00 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 07:25 The Really Wild Show 07:50 Natural Born Hunters 08:15 Jeff Corwin Unleashed 08:40 Breed All About It 10:05 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 11:00 Animal Cops Miami 11:55 Pit Bulls And Parolees 12:50 Wild Africa Rescue 13:45 Swarm Chasers 14:40 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 15:30 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Natural Born Hunters 17:00 Jeff Corwin Unleashed 17:25 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 18:20 Dogs 101 19:15 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 20:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 21:05 Swarm Chasers 22:00 Wild Animal Repo 22:55 Untamed & Uncut 23:50 Your Worst Animal Nightmares

00:00 00:30 01:05 01:50 02:40 03:30 04:00 04:30 04:50 05:05 05:25 05:35 05:40 05:45 06:05 06:20 06:40 06:55 07:00 07:05 07:25 07:40 08:00 08:10 08:15 08:20 08:40 08:55 09:15 09:25 09:30 09:40 10:10 10:40 11:25 12:15 12:45 13:15 14:10 14:40 15:10 15:40 16:30 17:15

Keeping Up Appearances Keeping Up Appearances The Weakest Link Holby City Five Daughters Doctors Keeping Up Appearances Tweenies Gigglebiz Me Too Charlie And Lola Buzz & Tell Buzz & Tell Tweenies Gigglebiz Me Too Charlie And Lola Buzz & Tell Buzz & Tell Tweenies Gigglebiz Me Too Charlie And Lola Buzz & Tell Buzz & Tell Tweenies Gigglebiz Me Too Charlie And Lola Buzz & Tell Buzz & Tell Keeping Up Appearances Keeping Up Appearances The Weakest Link New Tricks Doctors Eastenders Holby City Keeping Up Appearances Keeping Up Appearances Keeping Up Appearances New Tricks The Weakest Link Doctors

00:45 Come Dine With Me 01:35 What Not To Wear 02:00 Antiques Roadshow 02:55 Antiques Roadshow 03:45 Gok’s Fashion Fix 04:30 Gok’s Fashion Fix 05:20 Come Dine With Me 06:15 What Not To Wear 06:40 Daily Cooks Challenge 08:10 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 08:35 The Hairy Bikers Ride Again 09:00 Eating In The Sun 09:25 Eating In The Sun

09:55 10:45 11:40 12:30 13:15 14:40 15:25 16:15 17:10 18:00 18:25 18:55 19:20 19:50 20:40 22:25 23:10

Come Dine With Me Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow Bargain Hunt Daily Cooks Challenge Bargain Hunt Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow Come Dine With Me The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook Indian Food Made Easy Eating In The Sun Eating In The Sun Come Dine With Me Antiques Roadshow Bargain Hunt Design Star

00:00 BBC World News 00:30 World Business Report 00:45 Sport Today 01:00 BBC World News America 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Sport Today 02:00 BBC World News 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Newsday 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Sport Today 06:00 Newsday 06:30 Hardtalk 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:00 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 Hardtalk 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 14:30 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:30 World Business Report 22:45 Sport Today 23:00 BBC World News America 23:30 Hardtalk

00:20 00:45 01:10 01:35 02:00 02:25 02:50 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:15 04:35 05:00 05:10 05:35 06:00 06:15 06:30

Droopy: Master Detective The Flintstones Johnny Bravo Duck Dodgers King Arthur’s Disasters The Scooby Doo Show Popeye Classics Tom & Jerry Popeye The Jetsons The Flintstones Looney Tunes Pink Panther & Pals Tex Avery Yogi’s Treasure Hunt The Garfield Show New Yogi Bear Show Bananas In Pyjamas

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

TV PROGRAMS 06:55 07:20 07:45 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:20 11:35 12:00 12:15 12:40 12:55 13:20 13:45 14:15 14:40 15:05 15:30 15:55 16:20 Doo 16:45 17:10 17:35 18:00 18:25 18:50 19:00 19:25 19:50 20:15 20:45 21:10 21:35 22:00 22:25 22:55 23:05 23:30 23:55

Baby Looney Tunes Gerald Mcboing Boing Jelly Jamm Pink Panther And Pals Puppy In My Pocket The Garfield Show Dastardly And Muttley The Flintstones Tom & Jerry Pink Panther And Pals Top Cat New Yogi Bear Show Puppy In My Pocket Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Bananas In Pyjamas The Jetsons Duck Dodgers Looney Tunes Scooby Doo Where Are You! Tom & Jerry The Perils Of Penelope Pitstop Droopy: Master Detective Wacky Races Scooby-Doo And ScrappyDastardly And Muttley Tom & Jerry Puppy In My Pocket The Garfield Show The Flintstones Pink Panther & Pals Gerald Mcboing Boing Bananas In Pyjamas Top Cat Wacky Races Tom & Jerry The Scooby Doo Show Dastardly And Muttley Tom & Jerry Johnny Bravo Dexters Laboratory The Garfield Show Scooby Doo Where Are You! The Perils Of Penelope Pitstop

00:05 Robotboy - Elements 00:30 Squirrel Boy 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 Cramp Twins 01:45 Chop Socky Chooks 02:10 Best Ed 02:35 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 03:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 03:25 Generator Rex 03:50 Adventure Time 04:15 Flapjack 04:40 Chowder 05:05 Powerpuff Girls 05:30 Ed, Edd n Eddy 05:55 I Am Weasel 06:20 Squirrel Boy 06:45 Cow & Chicken 07:00 Eliot Kid 07:04 Cow & Chicken 07:12 Eliot Kid 07:25 Angelo Rules 07:50 Best Ed 08:15 Flapjack 08:40 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 09:05 The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 09:30 Courage The Cowardly Dog 09:55 Cow & Chicken 10:20 I Am Weasel 10:35 Adventure Time 11:00 Ben 10 11:25 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 11:50 The Secret Saturdays 12:15 Samurai Jack 12:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 13:05 Codename Kids 13:30 Skunk Fu! 13:50 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 14:15 Flapjack 14:40 Ed, Edd n Eddy 15:05 Camp Lazlo 15:30 Chowder 15:55 The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 16:25 Cow & Chicken 16:50 Courage The Cowardly Dog 17:15 I Am Weasel 17:40 George Of The Jungle 18:05 Casper’s Scare School 18:30 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 18:55 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 19:20 Generator Rex 19:45 Star Wars: The Clone Wars

ROCKY IV ON OSN ACTION HD

20:10 20:35 21:00 21:25 21:50 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:15 23:40

Hero 108 Bakugan: New Vestroia Total Drama Action Adventure Time Billy And Mandy Ben 10 Bakugan Battle Brawlers The Secret Saturdays Samurai Jack Megas XLR

00:00 00:30 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 Call 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00

Backstory World Sport The Situation Room World Report World Business Today Piers Morgan Tonight Anderson Cooper 360 World Sport African Voices World Report Backstory World Report World Sport Inside Africa World Business Today American Morning: Wake-Up News Special World One Piers Morgan Tonight News Stream World Business Today International Desk

18:00 The Brief 18:30 World Sport 19:00 Prism 20:00 International Desk 20:30 News Special 21:00 Quest Means Business 22:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 23:00 Connect The World With Becky Anderson

00:15 00:40 01:35 02:05 02:30 03:25 04:20 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:15 08:45 09:10 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 15:05 15:30 16:00 16:25 16:55 17:20 17:50 18:45 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20

Swamp Brothers Swords: Life On The Line Stunt Junkies Time Warp Dirty Jobs Ultimate Survival Mythbusters How It’s Made How Stuff’s Made Dirty Jobs Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Stunt Junkies Time Warp How It’s Made Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings LA Ink LA Ink Ultimate Survival Swords: Life On The Line Swamp Brothers Cash Cab Us Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Stunt Junkies Time Warp Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Cash Cab Us LA Ink Animal Cops South Africa Pit Bulls And Parolees

00:05 The Tech Show 00:30 Mega Builders 01:20 Stunt Junkies 01:45 Monster Moves 02:35 Brainiac 03:25 The Gadget Show 04:15 How Stuff’s Made 04:45 Mega Builders 05:40 One Step Beyond 06:10 Nextworld 07:00 Scrapheap Challenge 07:55 Bad Universe 08:50 The Tech Show 09:15 Weird Connections 09:40 The Gadget Show 10:35 Nextworld 11:30 Sci-Fi Science 11:55 How Stuff’s Made 12:25 Monster Moves 13:15 Bad Universe 14:05 One Step Beyond 14:30 Stunt Junkies 14:55 Mega Builders 15:45 Weird Connections 16:10 Catch It Keep It 17:00 Brainiac 17:50 Sci-Fi Science 18:15 The Tech Show 18:40 Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman 19:30 Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman 20:20 NYC: Inside Out 21:10 The Gadget Show 22:00 Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman 22:50 Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman 23:40 The Gadget Show

00:00 00:25 01:15 02:00 02:50 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:00 06:20 Cody 06:45 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:35 09:00 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:40 10:05 Cody 10:30

Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperor’s New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Emperor’s New School The Suite Life Of Zack And Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction The Hive Handy Manny Imagination Movers The Suite Life Of Zack And Phineas And Ferb

10:50 Good Luck Charlie 11:15 Phineas And Ferb 11:35 Suite Life On Deck 12:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 12:25 Sonny With A Chance 12:45 Good Luck Charlie 13:10 Hannah Montana 13:30 Suite Life On Deck 13:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 14:20 The Adventures Of Disney Fairies 14:55 Good Luck Charlie 15:20 Phineas And Ferb 15:45 Fish Hooks 16:10 Shake It Up 16:35 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 17:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 17:25 Good Luck Charlie 17:50 Fish Hooks 18:15 Shake It Up 18:45 Suite Life On Deck 19:35 Good Luck Charlie 20:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 20:25 Jake & Blake 20:50 Hannah Montana 21:15 Sonny With A Chance 21:35 Good Luck Charlie 22:00 Shake It Up 22:25 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 22:50 Sonny With A Chance 23:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:35 Jonas

00:55 The Soup 01:25 15 Most Shocking Political Sex Scandals 03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 10:15 THS 12:05 E! News 13:05 The Dance Scene 13:35 The Dance Scene 14:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:35 Giuliana & Bill 15:30 E!es 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Khloe And Lamar 17:25 Khloe And Lamar 17:55 E! News 18:55 THS 19:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 20:25 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Giuliana & Bill 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:30 The Haunted 01:15 A Haunting 02:05 Nightmare Next Door 02:50 Nightmare Next Door 03:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner 04:25 A Haunting 05:15 The Haunted 06:10 Life Or Death: Medical Mysteries 07:00 Murder Shift 07:45 Forensic Detectives 08:35 Mystery Diagnosis 09:20 Real Emergency Calls 09:45 Street Patrol 10:05 Disappeared 10:50 FBI Files 11:40 Murder Shift 12:25 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones 13:15 The Prosecutors 14:00 Mystery Diagnosis 14:50 Street Patrol 15:15 Real Emergency Calls 15:35 Disappeared 16:20 FBI Files 17:10 Forensic Detectives 18:00 Murder Shift 18:45 Real Emergency Calls 19:10 Mystery Diagnosis 19:55 Street Patrol 20:20 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones 21:10 The Prosecutors 22:00 Couples Who Kill 22:50 Couples Who Kill 23:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 03:30 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:30

Ultimate Traveller Banged Up Abroad Extreme Tourist Afghanistan Going Bush Finding Genghis Which Way To Endurance Traveller Ultimate Traveller Banged Up Abroad Extreme Tourist Afghanistan Going Bush Finding Genghis Which Way To Endurance Traveller Ultimate Traveller Meet The Amish Banged Up Abroad Graham’s World Eccentric Uk Weird & Wonderful Hotels Somewhere In China Earth Tripping A World Apart Meet The Amish Banged Up Abroad Graham’s World Eccentric Uk Weird & Wonderful Hotels Somewhere In China Earth Tripping

00:00 01:45 03:30 05:30 PG15 07:30 PG15 09:45 12:00 14:00 PG15 16:15 18:00 20:00 22:00

Jason X-18 The Spirit-PG15 Rocky IV-PG G.I. Joe: The Rise Of CobraThe Manchurian CandidateThe Karate Kid I-PG15 Speed-PG15 The Manchurian CandidateTracker-PG15 Speed-PG15 S.W.A.T.-PG15 S.W.A.T.: Firefight-PG15

THE GREAT DEBATERS ON OSN CINEMA

01:00 Winter Of Frozen Dreams-18 03:00 Private-PG15 05:00 Crazy On The Outside-PG15 07:00 My Son, My Son, What Have You Done?-PG15 09:00 Private-PG15 11:00 Make It Happen-PG15 13:00 The Sunset Limited-PG15 14:45 Just Wright-PG15 16:45 The Great Debaters-PG15 19:15 The Losers-PG15 21:00 The Tender Hook-PG15 23:00 Jack Goes Boating-PG15

00:00 Seinfeld 00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 01:30 Party Down 02:00 Seinfeld 02:30 Seinfeld 03:00 Friends 03:30 Friends 04:00 According To Jim 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Malcolm In The Middle 06:00 Coach 06:30 Weird Science 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 According To Jim 08:30 Friends 09:00 Malcolm In The Middle 10:00 8 Simple Rules ...

10:30 Coach 11:00 Weird Science 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 According To Jim 13:00 Friends 13:30 Malcolm In The Middle 14:00 Coach 15:00 8 Simple Rules ...

15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 16:30 Weird Science 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 8 Simple Rules ...

19:30 Raising Hope 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Bored To Death 22:30 Entourage 23:00 Party Down 23:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00

Desperate Housewives Boardwalk Empire Big Love Revenge The Invisible Man Good Morning America Law & Order: Criminal Intent Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Martha Stewart Show The View Desperate Housewives Revenge Live Good Morning America The Invisible Man The Ellen DeGeneres Show Emmerdale Coronation Street Grey’s Anatomy Private Practice House Big Love Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Law & Order Rescue Me Boardwalk Empire Desperate Housewives Revenge The Good Guys Law & Order Two And A Half Men Coronation Street Burn Notice The Good Guys

10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Desperate Housewives Revenge Two And A Half Men Coronation Street Burn Notice Law & Order Two And A Half Men Coronation Street Burn Notice Grey’s Anatomy Private Practice House Rescue Me The Good Guys

01:00 Maximum Risk-18 03:00 Rocky IV-PG 05:00 Rage: Carrie 2-PG15 06:45 What Lies Beneath-PG15 09:00 The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course-PG15 11:00 Dolan’s Cadillac-PG15 13:00 Bodyguard: A New BeginningPG15 15:00 The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course-PG15 17:00 Arctic Predator-PG15 19:00 Ninja Assassin-18 21:00 S.W.A.T.: Firefight-PG15 23:00 Penny Dreadful-18

00:00 Everybody Wants To Be Italian-PG15 02:00 Mr. Wrong-PG15 04:00 Ghosts Of Girlfriends PastPG15 06:00 What’s The Worst That Could Happen?-PG15 08:00 Born Yesterday-PG15 10:00 One Fine Day-PG15 12:00 Like Mike-PG 14:00 Saved!-PG15 16:00 Everybody Wants To Be Italian-PG15 18:00 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs-PG 20:00 She’s Out Of My League-18 22:00 Alfie-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:15 13:00 15:00 17:15 19:15 PG15 21:00 23:15

Cheri-PG15 Blame It On Mum-PG15 The Wronged Man-PG15 The Fantastic Water Babes-PG Capitalism: A Love Story-PG15 Hachiko: A Dog’s Story-PG15 A Simple Twist Of Fate-PG15 The China Syndrome-PG Me And Orson Welles-PG Jesse Stone: No RemorseJungle Fever-18 Mona Lisa Smile-PG15

01:30 Without A Paddle-PG15 03:15 16 To Life-PG15 05:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea-FAM 07:00 Sleepover-PG15 09:00 Remember Me-PG15 11:00 A Lot Like Love-PG15 13:00 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs-PG 15:00 Sherlock Holmes-PG15 17:15 Remember Me-PG15 19:15 Dance Flick-18 21:00 The Tender Hook-PG15 23:00 Howl-18

00:00 Inspector Gadget’s Last Case: Claw’s...-FAM 02:00 Furry Vengeance-PG 04:00 Ulysses-PG 06:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea-FAM 08:00 Hua Mulan-PG 10:00 Delgo-FAM 12:00 Furry Vengeance-PG 14:00 Gladiators: The Conspiracy-PG 16:00 Astro Boy-FAM 18:00 Delgo-FAM 20:00 Flicka 2-PG15 22:00 Astro Boy-FAM

00:00 01:00 02:00 05:30

RWC Tournament Highlights UFC 137 Countdown Premier League Snooker Trans World Sport

06:30 07:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 23:00

RWC Matchday Highlights Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Currie Cup WWE SmackDown Trans World Sport RWC H/L Weekly Speedway FIM World Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Rugby World Cup Trans World Sport The Ultimate Fighter Season UFC 137 Countdown RWC Tournament Highlights WWE Bottom Line

00:00 Trans World Sport 01:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 01:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 02:30 Golfing World 03:30 Futbol Mundial 04:00 Masters Football 07:00 RWC Highlights 08:00 Rugby League International 10:00 Masters Football 13:00 Golfing World 14:00 Anglo Welsh Cup 16:00 ICC Cricket World 16:30 Currie Cup 18:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights 19:00 Golfing World 20:00 FIVB Beach Volley Ball 20:30 Futbol Mundial 21:00 Trans World Sport 22:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 22:30 Scottish League Cup

00:00 Scottish Premier League 02:00 Premier League Snooker 05:30 SPL Highlights 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 09:00 SPL highlights 09:30 FEI Equestrian World 10:00 Spirit of Yachting 10:30 Golfing World 11:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 12:30 Scottish Premier League 14:30 SPL highlights 15:00 Premier League Snooker 18:30 FEI Equestrian World 19:00 RWC Match Day Highlights 19:30 RWC Weekly Highlights 20:30 ICC Cricket World 21:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 22:00 Futbol Mundial 22:30 Premier League Snooker

01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:30 15:30 17:30 18:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

WWE Tough Enough WWE Vintage Collection WWE SmackDown UFC 137 Countdown UFC Unleashed WWE NXT WWE SmackDown Power Boats F1 Power Boats F1 Highlights Intercontinental Le Mans Cup V8 Supercars Championship WWE SmackDown Aquabike World Prizefighter UFC Wired UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 137 Countdown

01:45 03:10 05:15 07:05 08:40 10:05 11:35 13:00 14:35 16:10 18:30 20:24 22:00 23:30

Ninja Vengeance Who’ll Stop The Rain?

Ulee’s Gold Body And Soul Sibling Rivalry Mosquito Squadron Road Rage Danielle Steel’s Heartbeat Breakheart Pass Irma La Douce Play Dirty Dirty Dozen: Deadly Mission Heart Of Midnight Hammer

Classifieds TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

FOR SALE Chevrolet Captiva, 2007 model, silver color, Price KD 3,400/-. Contact: 66526872 Nissan Pathfinder 2003 model, 3.5 engine immaculate condition, only genuine buyers contact, price KD 2,400/-. Contact: 99705708 / 66228340.

(C 3711) Bus Mitsubishi L300 9 seater 2008 model, NATIVA 2007 model. Contact: 66052331.

(C 3713) 24-10-2011

ACCOMMODATION

2BR C-A/C apartment in Abbasiya with complete items as good as new from 1st December.

Ample parking and decent locality KD 1250/-.

Tel: 99556160.

(C 3712) 24-10-2011 Sharing furnished single room available in 2 BR/2 bath flat in Farwaniya for a Muslim working lady.

Contact: 90027245.

(C 3709) 23-10-2011

SITUATION VACANT

No: 15250 Wanted female Sri Lankan or Indian cook and one driver for a Kuwaiti family in Surra. Attractive salary will be paid. Contact: 22431872/4 / 99771850.

(C 3710) 24-10-2011

SITUATION WANTED Mechanical Engineering graduate, with immaculate English language skills, looking for a job in Kuwait.

Transferable residency.

Contact: 67078742.

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines RJA JZR THY ETH UAE DHX ETD FDB GFA QTR JZR KAC FAH JZR JZR KAC BAW KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE ABD IRA QTR ABY QTR ETD GFA IRA MEA MHK JZR KAC MSR UAL RJA KAC FDB QTR VOS KAC

Flt 642 267 772 620 853 370 305 67 211 138 529 544 201 505 555 412 157 416 206 302 53 332 352 284 855 612 605 132 125 6130 301 213 619 404 711 201 672 610 982 640 512 57 140 93 562

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 25/10/2011 Route AMMAN BEIRUT ISTANBUL ADDIS ABABA DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA ASSIUT CAIRO BAHRAIN LUXOR ALEXANDRIA MANILA/BANGKOK LONDON JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR ISLAMABAD MUMBAI DUBAI TRIVANDRUM COCHIN DHAKA DUBAI HAHN ISFAHAN DOHA SHARJAH DOHA ABU DHABI BAHRAIN LAR BEIRUT BAGHDAD/NAJAF DAMASCUS DUBAI CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN TEHRAN DUBAI DOHA DUBAI/KANDAHAR AMMAN

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:10 3:15 3:20 3:35 4:40 5:30 5:50 6:10 6:15 6:30 6:35 7:15 7:50 7:55 7:55 8:05 8:10 8:25 8:30 8:55 9:00 9:10 9:10 9:30 9:35 10:25 10:55 11:00 12:45 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:15 14:15 14:20

SVA KAC KAC QTR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY RBG JZR FDB ALK JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JAI KAC FDB OMA MEA KAC MLR MSR DHX KLM KAC UAE JZR GFA QTR UAL AIC JZR MSR DLH AXB JZR BBC PIA

500 546 746 134 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 3561 213 63 227 177 104 166 502 542 786 774 674 790 572 1702 61 647 402 552 1405 618 372 443 614 859 183 217 136 981 981 135 612 636 389 539 45 205

JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA ABU DHABI/DAMMAM DOHA ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH ALEXANDRIA DEIREZZOR DUBAI COLOMBO/DUBAI DUBAI LONDON PARIS/ROME BEIRUT CAIRO JEDDAH RIYADH DUBAI MEDINAH MUMBAI MEDINAH DUBAI MUSCAT BEIRUT DAMASCUS COLOMBO/DUBAI ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM BAHRAIN/DOHA DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN CHENNAI/AHMEDABAD BAHRAIN CAIRO FRANKFURT KOZHIKODE/MANGALORE CAIRO DHAKA LAHORE/PESHAWER

14:30 14:30 15:05 15:15 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:50 17:50 17:55 18:00 18:00 18:35 18:40 18:45 18:50 19:00 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:35 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:15 20:50 20:55 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:15 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:05 22:10 22:50 23:00 23:10 23:30 23:45 23:55

Airlines KAC DLH AIC PIA THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD QTR RJA GFA JZR KAC BAW FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY IRA KAC QTR ETD GFA ABD QTR IRA KAC MEA KAC JZR JZR JZR MHK KAC JZR MSR RJA FDB KAC UAL

Departure Flights on Tuesday 25/10/2011 Flt Route 501 BEIRUT 637 FRANKFURT 976 GOA/CHENNAI 240 SIALKOT 773 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 200 DAMASCUS 545 ALEXANDRIA 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 671 DUBAI 745 DAMMAM/ABU DHABI 561 AMMAN 511 TEHRAN 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 604 ISFAHAN 101 LONDON/NEW YORK 133 DOHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 612P IRAQ 6131 DOHA 618 LAR 165 ROME/PARIS 405 BEIRUT 541 CAIRO 776 JEDDAH 212 DEIREZZOR 238 AMMAN 712 NAJAF/BAGHDAD 785 JEDDAH 176 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 641 AMMAN 58 DUBAI 789 MEDINAH 982 BAHRAIN

Time 0:00 0:40 0:50 1:10 2:15 2:45 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 5:00 7:00 7:10 7:15 7:40 8:25 8:40 9:00 9:05 9:15 9:15 9:40 9:50 9:55 9:55 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:30 10:40 11:25 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:20 13:30 13:40 14:20 14:30 14:35 14:40 14:45

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

KAC KAC KAC SVA KAC QTR KAC JZR VOS JZR ETD QTR UAE GFA ABY RBG JZR SVA FDB ALK JZR KAC KAC JAI FDB JZR KAC KAC OMA MEA MLR MSR KAC DHX KLM UAE GFA FAH KAC QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR KAC UAL MSR

1701 551 673 501 773 141 613 538 82 182 304 135 858 216 128 3563 266 511 64 228 134 283 361 571 62 528 343 351 648 403 1405 619 543 373 443 860 218 102 381 137 301 205 502 554 411 981 613

MEDINAH DAMASCUS DUBAI JEDDAH RIYADH DOHA BAHRAIN/DOHA CAIRO BAGHDAD DUBAI ABU DHABI DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH ASSIUT BEIRUT RIYADH DUBAI DUBAI/COLOMBO BAHRAIN DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI ASSIUT CHENNAI COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT COLOMBO ALEXANDRIA CAIRO BAHRAIN BAHRAIN/AMSTERDAM DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DELHI DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA BANGKOK/MANILA WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO

14:50 14:55 15:10 15:45 16:05 16:15 16:20 16:40 17:00 17:05 17:35 17:45 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:30 18:35 18:40 19:10 19:10 19:30 20:20 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:50 21:55 21:55 22:00 22:05 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:40 23:40 23:50

34

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

stars CROSSWORD 479

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) Expect the best and you will receive the best. The day may have a slow start but your attitude will bring things around to what you want to accomplish. Be prepared—this could be a stressful day—it is certainly a busy day. The positive results will depend on your actions. Support and recognition from the public, family and from friends will be happening soon. You feel at home in the world—and it takes care of you. You could have deep insights into your own feelings and inner, spiritual nature. Enjoy the season! At home you might decide to decorate with splashes of color and the fun traditions of the season. You may be attending a social affair this evening. You may, in fact, find yourself all dressed up in the best costume of the party.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You may be very forceful in what you say and think. With all of this emotional energy, you could speak or communicate very well.

Everything conspires to value to bring out your unique and unusual qualities. This is a very idealistic time when it comes to business concerns. You have imagination when it comes to reducing any excessive overhead—getting down to basics. This evening you could be entertaining. Your creative side is showing. You may have lots of fun decorating and preparing little specialties—there will be lots of good smells coming from the kitchen. Everything conspires to reveal you at your most elegant, particularly in social situations. You may insert a theatrical or vaudeville style to your handiwork— your guests enjoy your efforts.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. A plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots.

4. The 11th letter of the Greek alphabet.

10. Of or relating to a member of the Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong river in Laos and Thailand.

13. Resonance of protons to radiation in a magnetic field.

14. Any of various deciduous or evergreen ornamental shrubs of the genus Abelia having opposite simple leaves and cymes of small white or pink or purplish flowers.

15. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

16. Wood of a sumac.

18. A person with unusual powers of foresight.

19. Electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field.

20. (British) Traditional jazz as revived in the 1950s.

22. Australian shrubs and small trees with evergreen usually spiny leaves and dense clusters of showy flowers.

24. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

26. King of Denmark and Norway who forced Edmund II to divide England with him.

28. A port city in southwestern Iran.

30. Wild ginger.

34. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element.

37. Avatar of Vishnu.

38. A member of a seafaring group of North American Indians who lived on the Pacific coast of British Columbia and southwestern Alaska.

41. Any of a group of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain and so allow monoamines to accumulate.

43. A sharp projection on an edge or surface.

44. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill.

45. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic protozoa that form temporary pseudopods for feeding and locomotion.

50. A member of an agricultural people of southern India.

56. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

57. A fictitious name used when the person performs a particular social role.

61. A castrated tomcat.

62. A police officer who investigates crimes.

63. A hunt in which beaters force the game to flee in the direction of the hunter.

64. The executive agency that advises the President on the federal budget.

65. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice.

66. A city in western Germany near the Dutch and Belgian borders.

67. Bright and pleasant.

DOWN 1. In or of the present month.

2. An Asian river between China and Russia.

3. A large fleet.

4. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects.

5. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

6. Flat tableland with steep edges.

7. Offering little or no hope.

8. Small cubes with 1 to 6 spots on the faces.

9. Port city of Denmark in eastern Jutland.

10. An accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape.

11. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

12. Predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin.

17. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

21. A decree that prohibits something.

23. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flowers.

25. A small cake leavened with yeast.

27. Small tree of dry open parts of southern Africa having erect angled branches suggesting candelabra.

29. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

31. A Hindu prince or king in India.

32. A benevolent aspect of Devi.

33. A periodic paperback publication.

35. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone else.

36. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism.

39. Being nine more than ninety.

40. An informal term for a father.

42. That is to say.

46. A piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep.

47. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

48. (Jungian psychology) The inner self (not the external persona) that is in touch with the unconscious.

49. Someone who drives a taxi for a living.

51. In bed.

52. Small European freshwater fish with a slender bluishgreen body.

53. An amino acid that is found in the central nervous system.

54. A primeval personification of air and breath.

55. Highly excited.

58. (of securities) Not quoted on a stock exchange.

59. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series.

60. The dialect of Chinese spoken in Canton and neighboring provinces and in Hong Kong and elsewhere outside China.

61. North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This just may be your lucky day as misunderstandings become understood, puzzles become solved and questions become answered. There are new opportunities to increase your pay or whatever else you may need. There is an increased confidence and a more outgoing manner in your life just now. You are very imaginative when it comes to other people and relationships of all kinds. You have a sense of the ideal, almost like an otherworldly feeling that you bring to your partnerships, social or private. You have an interest in real union—marriage or yoga—and may find yourself looking for a mate or improving a relationship. A splash of decor at your front door presents an intriguing invitation and welcomes all the little neighbors to your good graces.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

You will prosper by pursuing your ideas of how life could be.

Don’t be afraid to project your thinking—make those dreams real.

Ideas of group cooperation and communion could further your career. You could bring imagination and religious understanding to physical and scientific studies.

Communications, computers and the whole electronic revolution are perfect career choices for you. You enjoy listening to some of the old radio shows and may create quite a following as you talk up your hobby during your break time today. Unusual ways of appreciating and loving may also be possible now. You may discover something new about love or you may adopt a different and unconventional value system, temporarily. Enjoy the seasonal changes.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Challenging authority and rocking the boat will likely play a bigger role in your life today. The new broom sweeps clean; old patterns of organization and power are ripe for an innovative approach. Radical and inventive ideas hold the key to realizing your ambitions and advancing your standing—a shake-up is in the works but this time it is your turn to speak, so to speak. Real power is always hidden—finding it means delving into hidden places, and that’s where you are bound to look now. The forbidden, the taboo areas, the great mysteries that no one speaks about in polite company seem to hold the answers and you seem compelled to deal with them now. You get plenty of compliments tonight on a creative seasonal centerpiece for the dinner table.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) This is a perfect time to be assertive and to move forward in your career decisions. You have all the energy you could want and it should be easy to channel it. You may find yourself lecturing, teaching or attending a class on organizing your goals. Perhaps this is the best time for productive, serious thinking—getting down to the important thoughts. Studies of all kinds are in order, perhaps some night classes. Events make it easy for you to find new solutions to old problems. You may find yourself able to put your ideas into practice. Your career direction gets some encouragement at this time. You have some great ideas for decorating your living area this fall. You also have great ideas for the kids, for instance, the old bobbing-for-apples game.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

A project in the workplace seems to be proceeding at a positive pace. If there are any problems with the process of this project, you are able to correct things quickly. A complicated task is far easier to manage when you approach it calmly and positively. You are willing to take on challenges, no matter what the risks. You can be a little impatient. You will prosper through new insights, inventions and an independent point of view. Daring to implement new approaches or techniques may be the secret to your success at this time. Your friends are in a festive mood this evening and you may find the interaction with them quite enjoyable— take pictures. You have a great deal of enthusiasm this evening—this may be your favorite time of year.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You have a lot of energy to pour into practical and career decisions today. Careful—you may appear commanding and assertive.

In summary, from this time forward, expect a more confident, outgoing attitude, for you have brought to close some inward examination. A growing sense of direction and self-worth will find you reaching out and establishing yourself. You can be very communicative, flexible, mental and other-oriented. Perhaps you can be all things to all people, giving them what they require. Others will find you a smooth talker with a quick wit and ready tongue. You may have found a way to make a bit of extra money this fall. This may include ways to aid in the safety of young peopleís fall activities. Set a timer for tonightís baking agenda.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) When obtaining a loan, be careful to ask for just what you need and not necessarily what you want—you will be granted the loan— but ask for a long enough grace period to recover before having to begin the payback. You could be seen by others as just the person to be put in charge of some project requiring a conservative mind. Blocks and all manner of hot spots may be discovered and have to be worked through. You will, however, work through these blocks quickly; your attitude is in keeping things simple and moving forward. Nothing seems to slow you down today. Interaction with authority figures or seniors may be in the forecast. Working with—rather than against—the flow should be easy to do. Plan the next social affair on your turf.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

Professional advice may work in your best interest today. A relentless getting down to essentials makes your sense of management and practical vision very useful. You have a sense of mass psychology: how to organize and manipulate sensitive areas of the public mind. Work and career may become a primary focus at this time. There are opportunities to make good decisions. You are at your most practical—what happens now may have a lasting effect on your professional direction—and it is all good. Don’t be afraid to project that image—make those dreams real. Things are happening and your career is on an upswing. You and your co-workers celebrate this time of year by contributing or helping out a charity—good for you!

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Take your time with a complicated situation in the workplace now—you will be glad you did. Any shortcuts you might be tempted to take may not help at this time. You may find more than just thanks for your efforts by the afternoon. This is indeed a great time to work with others. Obtaining and exchanging information takes on more emotional significance. You value personal contact with your neighbors or friends, cutting through all the externals and getting to the heart of things. You may be thinking about the trials and tribulations of parenting this evening. If you have no children, you may be thinking about how you would fare as a parent in the future. There could be many opportunities to laugh with the young this evening.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

This is a meaningful day that you can use to your advantage. A day that is not too stressful—time for accomplishing tasks or setting things up to work in your favor. This is a great time to be with others and to work together. You may be sought after as the person for a particular job. You are social by nature and may find yourself guiding or introducing new co-workers to the gang in the office today. Feeling successful is the first step toward being successful—and you feel successful. People like being around you because you have such a good attitude. A friend may bring your attention to some needed changes around your neighborhood and you volunteer to help. You may enjoy helping with some fall decorations.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

i n f o r m at i o n

FIRE BRIGADE

112

Al-Madena

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

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

24812000

Al-Jahra

25610011

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Al-Salmiya

25616368

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

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

POLICE STATION Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha’a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

Clinics 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

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

PHARMACIES

AIRLINES

ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Hawally

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

Kuwait Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways FlyDubai Qatar Airways KLM Air Slovakia Olympic Airways Royal Jordanian Reservation British Airways Air France Emirates Air India Sri Lanka Airlines Egypt Air Swiss Air Saudia Middle East Airlines Lufthansa PIA Alitalia Balkan Airlines Bangladesh Airlines Czech Airlines Indian Airlines Oman Air Turkish Airlines Aeroflot

22433377 177 22924455 22414400 22423888 22425747 22434940 22420002/9 22418064/5/6 22433388 22425635 22430224 22425566 22438184 22424444 22421578 22421516 22426306 22423073 22422493 22421044 22414427 22416474 22452977/8 22417901/ 2433141 22456700 22958787 22453820/1 22404838/9

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist 25340300

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)

Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581 22641071/2

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Salem soso

22618787

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Neurologists

Dr. Adnan Ebil

22639939

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Mousa Khadada

22666300

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists

25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291 22666288

Rheumatologists:

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

Dentists

Internists, Chest & Heart

25339330

25655535

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

General Surgeons

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677

Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

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 Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antiga Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands

0093 00355 00213 00376 00244 001264 001268 0054 00374 0061 0043 001242 00973 00880 001246 00375 0032 00501 00229 001441 00975 00591 00387 00267 0055 00673 00359 00226 00257 00855 00237 001 00238 001345

Central African Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Cyprus (Northern) Czech Republic Denmark Diego Garcia Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador England (UK) Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia

00236 00235 0056 0086 0057 00269 00242 00682 00506 00385 0053 00357 0090392 00420 0045 00246 00253 001767 001809 00593 0020 00503 0044 00240 00291 00372 00251 00500 00298 00679 00358 0033 00594 00689

y

A

36

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

lifest yle G o s s i p

anet Jackson is rescheduling part of her Australian tour so she can support her family during the trial of the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in her brother Michael’s death. Dr Conrad Murray is on trial in Los Angeles. He is accused of being negligent in his care of the superstar, who died in 2009 of an overdose of the anesthetic propofol at age 50. The prosecution is wrapping up its case this week, and the defense is about to present its case. The Jacksons have been a regular presence at the trial; Janet Jackson was there at the beginning. “When I planned these shows, the schedule in California was completely different,” she said in a Sunday statement to The Associated Press. “After talking with my family last night, I decided we must be together right

J

ans of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” can get a firsthand look at the gym-tanlaundry lifestyle by renting the house where the reality series is taped.

Just bring $2,500 a night and your own drama. Renters to the home in Seaside Heights have access to the duck phone and the double bed in the Smush Room.

But they won’t find the usual mess because the landlord cleaned the place.

Renter Joe Ambrosini of Philadelphia tells the Asbury Park Press people took his picture anytime he went out of the deck. The 33-year-old says it was like “buying 15 minutes of fame.” Jennifer Bauer of Toms River says it’s cool sleeping in the same bedrooms where the cast stayed. But Bauer says she brought her own sheets.

now. .... This saddens me in so many ways.” The shows for her “Number Ones” tour were scheduled in Melbourne on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; to make them up, she’ll perform one night, on Nov 3, in Rod Laver Arena. She thanked her fans for their support and understanding. Jackson also has the support of her promoter. “It is important that Janet is with her family at this critical point in the hearing. While Janet and our company apologize for any inconvenience for the reschedule of the Melbourne shows, we thank Janet for the great and successful concerts in Perth and Adelaide and eagerly await her return. ... Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet and the entire Jackson family,” promoter Paul Dainty said. — AP

Lindsay Lohan has split with her business manager

F

he troubled actress - who was last week told she had to clean morgues for 16 hours a week as part of a court order until a probation hearing on November 2 - has parted ways with Lou Taylor because she felt like her finances were not being looked after properly.

According to TMZ.com, the 25-year-old star was also concerned Lou - who also manages Britney Spears - could not put enough time into her and not give her the attention she requires because she works from Tennessee. Despite the claim, Lindsay’s representative Steve Honig has said the split between the two was “amicable” and they “remain friends”. The ‘Mean Girls’ star faced trouble on her first day at the morgue last week because she turned up late. However, when she did arrive on time for her next session, she was forced to undertake menial work such as cleaning toilets and washing soiled bed linens.

She was seen enjoying a cigarette break with two of her colleagues while she was there, and reportedly tried to apologize to staff by buying them burgers and cupcakes to make up for her tardiness the previous day, but they were rejected.

T

ashion legend Karl Lagerfeld is to prelaunch his own brand after a yearlong break, unveiling two new lines and a direct sales website. Lagerfeld, head designer at Chanel for nearly 30 years, will launch two lines of menswear, women’s wear and accessories. “Karl” will launch on January 25 featuring about 100 items priced between 60 and 300 euros to buy through the Internet. Meanwhile, “Karl Lagerfeld Paris”, a label featuring items costing between 300 and 1,500 euros, will launch in the autumn of 2012. The letter “K” will feature prominently, as well as an immediately recognizable silhouette of the designer in his trademark black glasses. “We are working on a lot of amazing ideas which are all about making luxury affordable and accessible. I’m very excited about bringing this vision to life with this brand,” Lagerfeld told AFP. The brand’s new president, German Pier Paolo Righi, started in August and said the Lagerfeld name would add immediate cachet to the line. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s a great global name, of global reach that talks to every age group.” Major investment will be made in the new projects, including offices in New York and Amsterdam, he said, without providing details.

F

Jackman

opens charity coffee shop

ugh Jackman has opened his own charity coffee shop.

The ‘Real Steel’ actor created the Laughing Man Coffee & Tea in New York - which sells tea, coffee and chocolates to raise money for good causes - and he even brought beverages out to young fans as they visited the opening of the store. The 43-year-old star got the idea for the shop which is part of the Laughing Man organization and charity he founded with his friends Barry and David Steingard - when he met a coffee farmer named Dukale during a trip to Ethiopia in 2009. Following the visit, Hugh felt “inspired” to give something back and this coincided with his family friends’ plans to re-enter the coffee business. Previously talking about the Laughing Man brand, he said: “I met a man who changed the way I looked at the world. As Dukale and I planted coffee trees together, I began to see the potential for one man’s hard work to transform an entire community. “While working with Dukale that day, I was so inspired by what I learned from him and his community. I made Dukale a promise to do my bit to help. Laughing Man Worldwide is the fulfillment of that promise.” — Bang Showbiz

H

im Kardashian was “inseparable” from husband Kris Humphries as she celebrated her 31st birthday this weekend. The socialite - who has been married to the basketball star for two months - spent a whirlwind two days marking the occasion in both New York and Las Vegas. Joined by her older sister Kourtney and her boyfriend Scott Disick on the New York leg of the celebrations, Kim and Kris appeared “unfazed” about rumors their marriage was in trouble after the sportsman was seen without his wedding ring. An onlooker at the city’s The Darby restaurant told the New York Daily News newspaper: “They were sitting next to each other, kissing a lot. They were unfazed by the rumors.” In addition to enjoying a special cake to mark the occasion, the couple were treated to an impromptu performance by fellow diner Pink, who took to the stage to perform a rendition of ‘Killing Me Softly’. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the pair partied alongside Khloe Kardashian and her husband Lamar Odom and Kim’s mother Kris Jenner at Las Vegas’ Cosmopolitan Hotel, where they were treated to a sports car-shaped cake that featured dolls of the couple at the wheel. However, the night was not without drama, and Kris Jenner was forced to tell off her sonin-law when he started knocking on random doors of the hotel as a joke. A source said: “Kris was trying to move him along but Kim found it funny for a minute.”

K

ennifer Lopez was “overwhelmed” when she cried during a performance on Saturday. The 42-year-old singer who has three-year-old twins Max and Emme with her estranged husband Marc Anthony - broke down on stage while discussing love this weekend, and admits she was overcome with emotion because of the way the crowd reacted. She told ‘Access Hollywood’: “After I sang the song, I’m standing there and I realized that I did bare a little bit of my thoughts in this song. I also acted it out, kind of, for the audience.

The way they received it was very touching. “I think that they felt what I felt, which is, you know, I’m just a girl, just like everybody else, trying to find my way. I felt like they got that, and they understood it, and we were all like one at that moment. It was very, very touching, I think they felt that and I felt it from them. It kind of overwhelmed me.” Jennifer performed while lookalikes of her exboyfriends, including P Diddy and Ben Affleck were on stage, and a source adds she was upset because she is “confused” about her emotions towards husband Marc. A source told Us Weekly: “She can’t help but feel sad over the loss of a marriage that went on for so long. She’s emotional about the whole thing still. “Part of her dislikes him so much. But another part still loves him in a way, he’s the father of her children. It’s confusing. She’s going through a whole array of emotions right now.”

J

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

M u s i c

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

&

M o v i e s

Pete Seeger enters 9th decade as activist

ao Rodriguez-Seeger was halfway through Friday night’s march down Broadway to support the Occupy Wall Street movement, a guitar strapped over his shoulder and his grandfather Pete Seeger at his side. Suddenly a New York City police officer stepped from the crowd and grabbed his elbow.

“Are you Tao Seeger?” the officer asked tersely. “Was this your idea? Did you think of this?” Rodriguez-Seeger was certain arrest was imminent. The officer reached for his hand and he readied for the cuffs. Then something unexpected happened.

“He shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you, thank you. This is beautiful,’” Rodriguez-Seeger said. “That really did it for me. The cops recognized what we were about.” That moment affirmed the message that his grandfather has preached tirelessly across nine decades. The causes and movements have changed from time to time over 75 years, but his message has always been the same: Song is the key to understanding and change. “Music does something to you,” Rodriguez-Seeger said. “It can cross rivers of meaning that entire books can’t get across. . You take any one of Bob Dylan’s songs and you get to the heart of the matter where it took Homer volumes and volumes of books to get to the same point.”

Today, Pete Seeger is approaching the far end of a life lived walking hand in hand with American history, often at odds with the government that runs things. It failed to shut him up.

T

37

LIFESTYLE

The courts had no chance. Changing tastes and values? Never. Even time seems to have taken a step back in deference to the musical rabblerouser’s resolve and determination.

This time around, Seeger was carried along by two canes, not the sound of his banjo. But his presence, in a crowd of nearly 1,000 with guitar players and chanting sign-holders and police swirling around, gave the new protest movement something it seemed to lack over the last month.

A momentary clarity, longtime friend Guy Davis thinks, A purpose. A direction.”It’s his humanity,” Davis said.

Seeger’s voice first rose in the 1930s against Hitler. He met Woody Guthrie, Alan Lomax and Lead Belly, and began to advocate for migrant workers and miners in the 1940s. He stared down anti-communist Sen. Joseph McCarthy and endured a blacklisting he simply shrugged away. In middle age, he was a key figure in the folk revival that produced Dylan and, later, the protests that helped shape modern America. Seeger still takes delight in lending his presence to important things, even if his voice doesn’t carry like it used to. He found himself attracted to the studied in organization of the Wall Street protesters.

“Be wary of great leaders,” he said Sunday in a phone interview full of songs and stories when asked what he identifies with in the Occupy Wall Street message. “Hope that there are many, many small leaders.” Other than the canes and snowy beard, Seeger hasn’t changed much since he began

singing out against fascism in the mid-1930s after dropping out of Harvard in frustration. “ The sociology professor said, ‘Don’t think that you can change the world. The only thing you can do is study it,’” Seeger said. “... But this was 1937 and Hitler had taken power. He was murdering people and was ready to go to war.” You could say Seeger inherited his activism. His great-great

message transcends time, speaking to his children and their children and on and on. The son of a musicologist and a violinist, he began leading others in song at 8 and was introduced to protest music around 12. Early on, he saw beauty and possibility in traditional songs often considered regional hokum or race records unfit for an upstanding white audience.

His message found an eager audi-

Pete Seeger, age 92, joins Occupy Wall Street by marching after a concert at Symphony space to Columbus Circle in New York Friday night. —AP grandfather came to America seeking self-determination after reading the Declaration of Independence. His great-grandfather was an abolitionist.

His father was a socialist who spoke out against World War I. Seeger’s influence is incalculable.

He’s the rare artist whose music and

ence in the young generation of kids who would go on to define rock ‘n’ roll, changing American and world culture in myriad ways. He introduced Martin Luther King Jr to “We Shall Overcome.” In his hands, songs like “If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song)” and “Turn, Turn, Turn!” became galva-

nizing anthems. He remains a voice for the disenfranchised - the poor of Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta and victims of racism and greed. Kira Moyer-Sims, a 19-year-old participant in the Occupy Wall Street movement, was introduced to Seeger’s music on mix CDs from her high-school social studies teacher. Those songs, from a time that seems far away in the age of the iPod, spoke to her with modern urgency and helped push her into the protest ranks.

“Hearing this new music for me was huge and made me realize totally the importance of our nation’s history and the fact that we can change it if we want to,” she said. “Seeing Pete Seeger there in solidarity with the thing I’ve been living the past 38 days ... was phenomenal for me.” The idea of protesting for progressive change seemed to have gone out of vogue in the US or at least disappeared from public view. After the flower children moved on to mid-life and minivans, Americans turned their focus inward.

Fewer people had time for simple songs with complex meanings.

Rodriguez-Seeger said he was attracted to the nascent Occupy Wall Street movement when he joined a support march two weeks ago in Las Vegas. He was drawn to the antiestablishment message but noticed immediately that something was missing. “I saw a lot of people getting angry at us for marching, getting out of their SUVs and giving us the finger and screaming obscenities” and using anti-gay slurs, Rodriguez-Seeger said.

“I thought, if we were singing right now my gut tells me they’d be less inclined to behave like that because it’s very difficult when you’re hearing music to get that angry.”

Davis, a 59-year-old Bronx bluesman who has been friends with the Seegers for 50 years, saw more than a little something of the grandfather in the grandson when he looked over at the pair Friday night. RodriguezSeeger helped organize the march, which came together in 30 hours and was driven for the most part by socialmedia sites like Twitter, Facebook and now YouTube, where dozens of videos mark the night.

“Pete is seeing his life come to fruition,” Davis said. “He is seeing the fruits of his labors. All the years he invested in Tao, all the years I used to see him take Tao around when Tao was just a teenager, have paid off beautifully.” And the grandfather doesn’t mind the fact that a new generation of Seegers is lifting its voice, even as he gladly slides into the background. Pete Seeger, in fact, says he’s a little bemused by all the attention.

“Of course it’s a great honor, but I’d just as soon be anonymous,” he said.

He would like to go down to Zucotti Park, the heart of the movement, but he hopes he can just do it on the sly without the star power. Maybe next week on Halloween. “I won’t be recognized,” he muses. “Everybody will be in costume.” —AP

HOLLYWOOD S HOLIDAYS range from Muppets to Marilyn O nly Hollywood could assemble a holiday guest list that ranges from the Muppets, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Puss in Boots and dancing penguins to J. Edgar Hoover, Margaret Thatcher, Marilyn Monroe and a steed in the trenches of World War I. The latter are among a batch of potential Academy Awards contenders from past winners and nominees: Leonardo DiCaprio as the FBI boss in director Clint Eastwood’s “J Edgar”; Meryl Streep as former British Prime Minister Thatcher in “The Iron Lady”; Michelle Williams as Monroe in “My Week with Marilyn”; and Steven Spielberg directing “War Horse,” the Tony Award-winning play that arrives in theaters just days after the US debut of Spielberg’s action tale “The Adventures of Tintin.”

The rush of holiday films starts early with the pre-Halloween release of “Puss in Boots,” an animated prequel about an early caper of the daring cat that became one of the ogre’s sidekicks in the “Shrek” movies. Antonio Banderas, who returns to provide the voice of Puss, said much of the character’s charm arises as the tiny cat struts and boasts with a bravado that’s out of whack with his size. “We just provided him with a voice that doesn’t go, actually, with the body,” said Banderas, who is joined by voice co-stars Salma Hayek, Zach

over his own lack of dance moves. The voice cast includes Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and pop star Pink. During an ocean cruise, the talking, singing rodents find themselves stranded on a deserted island in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.” The liveaction and voice cast features Jason Lee, Justin Long, Amy Poehler and Christina Applegate.

James McAvoy provides the voice of the title character in “Arthur Christmas,” an animated adventure that explains how Santa Claus manages to deliver gifts all over the world in one night. “The Muppets” return as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the rest of the gang team with two human pals (Jason Segel and Amy Adams) for a telethon to save their old theater from a greedy oilman (Chris Cooper).

The once omnipresent Muppets have been long absent from movies and TV, and Segel, who co-wrote the screenplay, said that has been incorporated into the story. “We didn’t try to skirt away from the fact that they’ve been dormant,” Segel said. “We made that a major plot point. The Muppets have not been around for a while, and so we decided to create a story as to why and try to fix it, simple as that.”

Real lives “My Week With Marilyn” chronicles the trials

In this image released by Paramount Pictures, from left, Tintin, voiced by Jamie Bell, Haddock, voiced by Andy Serkis, and Snowy await rescue in a scene from ‘The Adventures of Tintin.’ —AP Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris. “He thinks that he’s bigger. He thinks that he’s more arrogant. It’s something that goes against the image, and that produces comedy.”

Other top holiday titles include the next-tolast installment of “The Twilight Saga”; Robert Downey Jr’s “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”; Hollywood’s take on Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” with Daniel Craig; Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol”; Martin Scorsese’s first 3-D film, “Hugo”; Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller’s action romp “Tower Heist”; George Clooney’s family comic drama “The Descendants”; Adam Sandler’s dual-role comedy “Jack and Jill”; and Charlize Theron’s romance “Young Adult.” Here are details on some of the highlights: Family fare Joining “Puss in Boots” on the family front are three familiar casts of cuddly creatures and a new animated look at the CEO of the Christmas season. “Happy Feet Two” brings the return of tap-dancing cartoon penguin Mumble (Elijah Wood), whose son is in a crisis

of a young assistant (Eddie Redmayne) as he ushers sex bomb Monroe (Williams) through the production of “The Prince and the Showgirl,” co-starring Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh). Streep could add to her Oscar record of 16 acting nominations as Thatcher in “The Iron Lady,” a portrait of the conservative prime minister that co-stars Jim Broadbent. Also on the London front is director Madonna’s “W.E.,” which blends the story of a modern woman (Abbie Cornish) in an unhappy marriage with the 1930s scandal over the abdication of King Edward so he could marry divorcee Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough).

“A Dangerous Method” follows the birth of psychoanalysis through the professional and personal clash of Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) and Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), and their relationships with a patient (Keira Knightley). On “J Edgar,” DiCaprio teams with Eastwood for a portrait of Hoover, who ran the FBI and its predecessor for nearly 50 years and drew accusations of abuse of power in his declining years. “He was somebody that just stayed in power too long,”

DiCaprio said. “Toward the end of his regime, he was out of touch and out of date with what was going on in this country.”

Action and adventure Director Spielberg teams with producer Peter Jackson for “The Adventures of Tintin,” which opens overseas well ahead of its December release in the United States, where the youthful adventurer is virtually unknown despite his global renown from the storybooks of Belgian writer Herge. The film sends eager reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell) on a treasure hunt with seafaring pal Capt. Haddock (Andy Serkis), the production created through a performance-capture shoot layered over with digital animation. Downey as the great detective and sidekick Watson (Jude Law) meet criminal mastermind Moriarty (Jared Harris) in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” James Bond star Craig stars with Rooney Mara in “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” an English-language remake of the Danish film based on the Swedish best-seller about a troubled computer genius aiding a journalist investigating a decades-old crime. “Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol” has Cruise’s elite team going rogue after an attack on the Kremlin.

Murphy and Stiller star in “Tower Heist,” an action comedy about a band of defrauded workers who plot a break-in against the billionaire (Alan Alda) who swindled them.

“Immortals” casts Freida Pinto, Mickey Rourke and Henry Cavill in a battle among humans and the gods of ancient Greece. Then there’s “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1,” the first of two movies based on Stephenie Meyer’s final novel about teen Bella (Kristen Stewart) and her supernatural suitors (Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner). Given how well fans already know what’s coming from Meyer’s novel, director Bill Condon is not too concerned about spoiler alerts over the epic events of “Part 1.” “Bella gets married, she has a honeymoon, she has sex for the first time, she gets pregnant, she gives birth, she dies, she becomes a vampire,” Condon said. “All in one movie.” “Breaking Dawn: Part 2” is due out in November 2012.

Family matter The season is heavy on families coping with loss and other domestic troubles. Clooney stars as a neglectful husband and father forced to take charge of his spirited daughters after an accident puts his wife in a coma in “The Descendants,” which centers on a large extended family that is heir to a priceless piece of unspoiled Hawaiian land. “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” features Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock in the story of a boy searching New York City for the lock that fits a key left behind by his father, who was killed in the Sept 11 attacks.

Martin Scorsese directs the 3-D adventure “Hugo,” the story of an orphan boy living in the walls of a Paris train station who joins with an eccentric girl as he seeks answers about the father he recently lost. The live action feature is based on Brian Selznick’s children’s book, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.” Roman Polanski’s “Carnage” stars Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, John C Reilly and Christoph Waltz in a drama about parents whose civility slips away as they meet to talk over a playground fight between their sons. It is based on Yasmina Reza’s Tony Award-winning play, “God of Carnage.”

In “We Bought a Zoo,” Matt Damon plays a dad trying to hold his family together by doing just what the title says - moving with his kids to a rundown zoo that they begin to rebuild.

In this image released by Warner Bros, Leonardo DiCaprio is shown in a scene from the upcoming film, “J.Edgar.” —AP photos Sounds sappy, concedes Damon, who interrupts himself when he describes the movie to point out that it’s directed by Oscar winner Cameron Crowe (“Jerry Maguire,” “Almost Famous”). “It’s one of those movies that sounds like it could be the worst Disney movie ever,” Damon said. “My pitch for it normally is, ‘So this guy buys a broken-down zoo and in the course of rebuilding the zoo - look, Cameron Crowe directed it.’ ... So you go, OK, this could work.”

War stories Angelina Jolie makes her directing debut with “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” a romance set against the turmoil of the war in Bosnia during the 1990s. Set amid the Cold War in 1973, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” stars Gary Oldman as author John le Carre’s unassuming spymaster George Smiley, brought out of retirement to finger a Russian mole in British intelligence circles.

Ralph Fiennes gives Shakespeare an update, directing and starring in “Coriolanus,” with the action moved to modern times as an exiled Roman general enlists a former rival (Gerard Butler) and lays siege to his old city. Based on the book that inspired the Broadway play, Spielberg’s “War Horse” chronicles the horrors

We have real horses. We don’t use puppets. I have to hasten to point that out.”

Romance and laughter Charlize Theron is a wannabe home wrecker in “Young Adult,” playing a writer who returns to her hometown and sets about reclaiming her high school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson) from his wife. Jonah Hill proves a nightmare of a baby sitter as he takes his neighbor’s kids along for a wild night on the town in “The Sitter.” The holidays are the backdrop for some of the season’s comedies: “Jack and Jill” stars Sandler as both a solid family guy and his needy twin sister, who comes to visit for Thanksgiving; “New Year’s Eve” features an ensemble including Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert De Niro, Ashton Kutcher and Michelle Pfeiffer as New Yorkers ringing in another year; “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas” reunites the party-boy pals (John Cho and Kal Penn) for a stoner journey through New York City.

One of the season’s most-unusual releases is a throwback to old, old Hollywood. “The Artist” follows the downfall of a movie star (Jean Dujardin) and the rise of a starlet (Berenice Bejo) as silent film gives way to sound pictures

Humpty Dumpty, voiced by Zach Galifianakis, Kitty Softpaws, voiced by Salma Hayek, and Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas, are shown in a scene from ‘Puss in Boots.’—AP of World War I through the eyes of an English farm horse that is sold to the army and later captured and pressed into service by the Germans.

Spielberg saw the play in London, a production using elaborate life-sized puppets as horses. Dazzling as the puppets were, Spielberg said it’s the core of the horse’s journey that really resonates. “I walked out of that marvelous experience with a deep desire to make the movie,” Spielberg said. “The reason it endures with audiences and it really touches the heart is because of the story, and it was a story I wanted to turn into a motion picture.

- and it’s told as a black-and-white silent film.

The movie has charmed audiences at film festivals, winning Dujardin the best-actor prize at Cannes. But can a quaint throwback to the silent era click with today’s paying crowds?

“The most difficult thing to do is to actually manage to drag these people into the room,” Dujardin said. “But once they’re in the room, there’s no problem. I’m kind of convinced that they will stay.” —AP

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Years

lifestyle T r a v e l

This undated photo provided by EarthCam, shows the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, in New York, through a fisheye lens mounted in its torch. — AP photos

L

ady Liberty is getting high-tech gifts for her 125th birthday: webcams on her torch that will let viewers gaze out at New York Harbor and read the tablet in her hands or see visitors on the grounds of the island below in real time. The five torch cams are to be switched on Friday during a ceremony to commemorate the dedication of the Statue of Liberty on Oct 28, 1886. The ceremony caps a week of events centered around the historic date, including the debut of a major museum exhibition about poet Emma Lazarus, who helped bring the monument renown as the “Mother of Exiles.”

The statue, designed by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, was given by the French government to the US as a token of friendship between the two countries and dedicated by President Grover Cleveland. And while today it is known as a symbol of liberty for millions of refugees and exiles, initially the famous sonnet by Lazarus in the voice of the statue asking for “you’re tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” did not appear on the statue. It was not until 1903 that “The New Colossus” was placed on the pedestal.

The statue’s webcams will offer views

from the torch that have been unavailable to the public since 1916, said Stephen A Briganti, the president of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Inc. Through the webcams, Internet users around the world will have four views, including a highquality, 180-degree stitched panorama of the harbor with stunning views of Ellis and Governors islands. They will be able to watch as ships go by Liberty Island and observe as the Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center goes up floor-by-floor in lower Manhattan.

They can get a fish-eye look at the torch itself as it glows in the night.

The five cameras, which will be on 24 hours, seven days a week, were donated to the National Park Service by Earthcam Inc, a New Jersey-based company that manages webcams around the world. The cameras put viewers on the balcony of the torch and high above the crown, said Brian Cury, the founder of Earthcam. “This is not your dad’s picture of the Statue of Liberty,” he said. “This is not a view from a tourist helicopter. This is unique.” Friday’s ceremony also will be marked by a water flotilla, actress Sigourney Weaver reading Lazarus’ poem and a naturalization ceremony for 125 candidates for citi-

This undated image provided by Sonja Rohde, center, shows her weightlessness training session on a Zero G flight that took off from Cape Canaveral, Fla. — AP

F

The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor from a camera mounted in its torch.

ew people know British billionaire Richard Branson better than his mother. After all, some say she instilled in him much of his resourcefulness and thirst for adventure. From flying around the world in a balloon to swimming with sharks, the 87-year-old Eve Branson says her baby - as she calls him - has been in plenty of difficult and dangerous situations. All of his adventures have turned out fine, and she expects it will be no different with his efforts to get paying customers to the edge of the Earth on his Virgin Galactic spaceline.

“Everything he does is usually done pretty thoroughly,” she says. “He tries very hard, my little baby.” Eve Branson acknowledges that her family is anxious to see the day when the first mothership and rocket take off from Virgin Galactic’s remote desert base at Spaceport America in southern New Mexico. But this adventure goes way beyond Richard Branson and his usual stuntman antics.

The aim, the daring businessman says, is to one day make traveling to space safe and affordable for the masses, not just those who can afford a $200,000 ticket. While some might think the venture is dangerous, the thoroughness Branson’s mother brags about has left hundreds of prospective space tourists with no second thoughts about flying with Virgin Galactic. More than 450 people from 46 different countries have already plunked down deposits.

The futuristic Spaceport America and the nearly 2mile (3-kilometer) concrete runway are complete, and the spacecraft being developed for Virgin Galactic are done. All that’s lacking are more rocket tests and powered test flights. Branson said in an interview following Monday’s dedication ceremony at Spaceport America that he expects enough tests to be done by Christmas 2012 so commercial flights can begin soon after. He and his children plan to be among the first to fly. The hard part is waiting. But Branson didn’t waste an opportunity during his visit to share his excitement with some 150 space tourists.

“Are you all pinching yourselves? Because I know I am,” he told them while inside the spacious hangar. Sonja Rohde of Hagen, Germany, was among those listening.

She was one of the first 100 people to sign up after bumping into Branson while on safari in Africa and learning about his plan. Rohde, who is in her early 30s, had dreamed of becoming an astronaut when she was young. The more practical desires of her parents won out, but she didn’t give up the dream of one day making it to space. “I saw a documentary that said space travel would be possible for private individuals from 2050 on. I said ‘OK, I’ll do it even as a toothless grandmother, but I will do it,’” she said.—AP

zenship representing over 40 countries.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, with ferry service available between Manhattan and Liberty Island. The interior of the statue - from the pedestal down to the museum base - will close after the 125th anniversary celebration for up to a year so that stairwells, elevators and mechanical systems can be upgraded. The park itself will remain open to visitors. Lazarus is the subject of a new exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in lower Manhattan, which has views of Lady Liberty. It’s to open Wednesday to coincide with the anniversary of the statue’s dedication.

Curator Melissa Martens said Lazarus was born into the fourth generation of a Jewish family in New York prominent since colonial times. “They were some of the early people to articulate the Jewish experience in dialogue with the challenges of freedom and religious liberty,” she said. Featuring over 83 original objects from 27 institutions and individuals, “Poet of Exiles” is the first full-fledged artifact exhibit at a major museum to robustly explore the life of Lazarus, from her work as an advocate for immigrants fleeing the Russian pogroms of the early 1880s to her

The Statue of Liberty’s torch glows against the evening sky .

pioneering support for a Jewish homeland.

Lazarus died in 1887 at age 38 from Hodgkin’s disease, never having known her poem would be united with the Statue of Liberty. — AP

EarthCam’s CEO and founder, Biran Cury poses for a photo on the torch of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Years

lifestyle A w a r d s

Will Ferrell

Actor Will Ferrell, who is receiving the nation’s top humor prize, gives a comedic thumbs down to the audience at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Sunday in Washington. — AP photos

W

Actor, screenwriter, and comedian Adam McKay talks with reporters at the Kennedy Center.

Actor Jack Black

Comedian Conan O’Brien arrives at the Kennedy Center.

Actor Andy Samberg and girlfriend, Joanna Newsom

ill Ferrell, who refined his impersonation of President George W Bush on “Saturday Night Live” and later took his presidential act to Broadway, was awarded the nation’s top humor prize Sunday night. The TV star went on to make movies and co-found the popular website FunnyorDie.com in a career that won the 44-year-old the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It was the Bush impression, though, that might have made the Washington crowd laugh - and cringe - the hardest Sunday. “Washington is not a city much known for its comedy - at least not the intentional kind,” said PBS news anchor Gwen Ifill, who mentored Ferrell on his journalistic skills for the movie “Anchorman.” She introduced a clip of Ferrell playing Bush in “You’re Welcome, America: A Final Night with George W Bush” on Broadway. Dressed in a flight suit under a banner that read “Mission Accomplished” in a mock Oval Office he explained how Morocco had sent a special unit of 2,000 trained monkeys to fight terrorism “and make children laugh.” With that kind of comedy, Ferrell had accomplished something amazing, Ifill said. “He got Democrats to pay and see and applaud George W Bush,” she said.

Conan O’Brien, Jack Black, Matthew Broderick, Ben Stiller and Billie Joe Armstrong from the rock band Green Day performed Sunday in Ferrell’s honor, joined by Molly Shannon, Tim Meadows and Andy Samberg from Ferrell’s “SNL” days. The show was taped for broadcast Oct 31 on PBS stations nationwide. Black opened the show with a song-anddance routine for his friend and tried to lead the crowd in chanting “Will, Will, Will, will rock you.”

“Will Ferrell, did you notice how I changed it from ‘We Will Rock You?” he said. “It’s about time he got some official Washington, DC, props,” Black said, noting that Ferrell had “reigned supreme” on “SNL” for seven years.

“He’s crazy funny. He makes you laugh so hard you cry and pee simultaneously.” O’Brien saluted Ferrell for giving so much of himself to his comedy. He said Ferrell had his sides physically softened and his “buttocks lowered with magnets” to prepare his body for spandex routines and at times streaking naked.

“Will magnifies and celebrates his flaws, just to entertain us,” O’Brien said. O’Brien also thanked Ferrell for being his first guest and his last guest when he was host of NBC’s “Tonight Show.” “It’s a rare friend who’s going to stick with you for five-and-a-half months,” he said.

Shannon, who met Ferrell while she was a waitress in Los Angeles, said that contrary to his TV persona, Ferrell is very serious and sweet to work with. As for the award, she joked “Will’s

Actor and Comedian Molly Shannon

Will Ferrell is seen greeting the audience

agents and manager clearly bought this for him.” Some of Ferrell’s famous sketches from “SNL” were played on the big screen, including his “Cow Bell” routine and “Craig the Spartan Cheerleader.”

When he was finally awarded the prize, a bronze bust of Twain, Ferrell promptly dropped it on stage and tried to pick up the broken pieces. He joked that he had turned the prize down 13 times before but decided to accept this time because of the prize money (there isn’t any) and to be watched on PBS “by hundreds of people across this country.” He thanked the Kennedy Center as “one of the few places that uphold comedy as what it truly is, an art form.”

Ferrell is the son of a teacher and Roy Lee Ferrell, a guitarist for the Righteous Brothers.

He grew up in Irvine, Calif, went to college at the University of Southern California and got his start in comedy with the Los Angeles improve group, The Groundlings. That’s where he was discovered by “SNL.” Ferrell went on to make some outlandish movies including “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of

Ricky Bobby” and “Old School.”

He has also tried his hand at drama, including this year’s independent film “Everything Must Go.” One of his upcoming projects is a Spanish-language comedy, “Casa de Mi Padre.” Ferrell told The Associated Press he has tried different avenues as movie studio budgets tightened. He opted for projects with smaller budgets but more creative freedom. Longtime collaborator Adam McKay and Ferrell also took their comedy to the Internet with the 2007 creation of the popular video website FunnyorDie.com. Since then, it has drawn an audience of millions for its original Web programming.

McKay, a former head writer on “SNL,” said it was Ferrell’s “Cow Bell” sketch that has always made him laugh the hardest. Before the show, Ferrell said playing the Bush character is one of his favorite memories for its political laughs, especially when he took the character to Broadway. “We hit it at the perfect time when people wanted some sort of comedy after the eight years we just went through,” he said.

Thirteen other people have won the Mark Twain Prize since 1998, including Tina Fey, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg. It recognizes people who have followed the tradition of Samuel Clemens, the writer known as Mark Twain who used social commentary and satire to have an impact on society. — AP

Comedian Tim Meadows

Actor Ed Asner

Actor Paul Rudd

Will Ferrell and his wife, Viveca Paulson, arrive at the Kennedy Center.

38

e niv rsar n

y

A

Torch cams to give masses views from Lady Liberty

Years

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

Women wearing bridal dresses throw their bouquets as they take part in a bride parade, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 23, 2011. Around 40 brides took part in the event organized to promote family tradition, marriage and maternity. —AFP

Here come the brides

M

ore than 40 would-be bridesand some former ones-got dolled up in white just for fun Sunday, joining a bridal parade being held for the first time in Brazil. “I don’t think there is any woman who doesn’t like to put on a wedding dress,” said Mara Bastos, 36, who said she would like to renew her vows with her husband in a chapel in the US city of Las Vegas.

Bastos joined the dizzying blur of makeup, hair and heels in an event here akin to ones that have been held in Portugal and Russia. The participants had free expert hair and makeup, and some pictures shot at a famous park in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s financial and industrial center and South America’s largest city. To cap it off, the women tossed bouquets of flowers to curious onlookers. —AFP

JOYALUKKAS presents amazing Diwali offers D

iwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights is a time for sharing gifts and greetings with family, friends and relatives. The buying of gold, silver, diamond and other precious stones are considered especially auspicious during the Festival of Lights.

For this upcoming Diwali, prepare to be amazed by some astounding offers from Joyalukkas, the world’s favorite jeweler. To meet the huge popular demand for gold and diamond jewelry that arises during the annual Festival of Lights, Joyalukkas has planned some very exciting offers to make the celebrations special for jewelry buyers this year.

In preparation for the approaching Diwali celebrations, Joyalukkas has completely refreshed the designs in their branded collections that are available in Diamond, Gold, Pearl, precious stones and Platinum. All the

collections will also feature a special design for the celebration of the Festival of Lights. These exquisite designs will be made available under popular Joyalukkas brands like Tyohaar, DiRoyale, Eleganza, Masaaki, Navaratna, Ratna and Sumangal, Boutique and Mirage.

John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director, Joyalukkas said, “On behalf of Joyalukkas, I wish all our patrons a happy and prosperous festival. The Festival of Lights is a great occasion to spread and share happiness. We are delighted to add a touch to the festivities by offering our customers dazzling offers to make their celebrations extra special.”

“Since inception, the Joyalukkas brand has stood for, and is committed to, the best in design and quality for jewelry lovers. With our commitment to deliver only the finest, they have always trusted us to make

their celebrations special at Joyalukkas. Our Diwali offers are tailored to enhance the auspiciousness and joy of this festive period,” added John Paul Joy Alukkas. Knowing that receiving gold is considered very propitious during Diwali, and due to popular demand, Joyalukkas will continue its annual tradition of offering a free gold coin, on the auspicious days of 24th, 25th and 26th October, 2011, with every purchase of KD 400 and over.

Other offers and special prices designed to dazzle jewelry shoppers this Diwali, and valid from 13th October to 26th October across all Joyalukkas showrooms in the GCC, includes: l A whopping 50 percent discount on all Diamond and Polki jewelry with a 5 percent cash back voucher l For the first time, a 4-in-1 diamond set from Tyohaar which can be worn in 4 different ways for an incredible price of KD 1,770/-. Under Tyohaar, Joyalukkas has also designed another diamond pendant set, which will be available for only KD 270/l A festival special Eleganza Polki diamond set for a special price of KD 1,500/-. Under Eleganza Polki collection, Joyalukkas will offer two additional

l

l

l

l

l

jewelry pieces i.e. An Eleganza Polki bangle set for KD 950/- and an Eleganza Polki Pendant set for KD 640/-.

A Diroyale diamond necklace set which is specially designed for this festive season for the amazing price of KD 1610/-.

Under Sumangal one of the Joyalukkas branded collections for weddings, customers can buy a Diamond mangalsutra set for only KD 490/-.

Some of the other offers include a Bouquet diamond ring for KD 270/-, a Mirage Diamond Bangle for KD 560/- and the renowned Navaratna Pendant set for KD 320/-.

For the customers who prefer and love jewelry made in precious stones Joyalukkas has created a special collection under Ratna, this can be purchased for only KD 610/Since Pearl jewelry is currently a craze interna-

tionally, Joyalukkas has created two exquisite sets under their renowned Masaaki brand. These exciting designs have been created in a mix of Pearl and Diamonds and will be available to customers for KD 185/- and KD 120/-, respectively.

Joyalukkas will also be offering easy payment plans with zero percent interest to its customers for up to 12 months in association with select banks; this will provide easy and convenient options to customers to purchase jewelry during the festival period.

In addition to the special offers and prices, all the exciting range of jewelry at Joyalukkas will continue to remain available to its patrons. Customers can choose from a range of over one million designs at Joyalukkas in Gold, Diamond, Precious Stone, Platinum and Pearl.