28th Nov

CR IP TI ON BS SU

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Israel’s Livni returns to politics to head new party

Graph suggests Iran working on bomb

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Japan firm offers 3D model of foetus

Thunder build huge early lead, beat Bobcats

13 28 20 Pomp as Amir begins

state visit to Britain Sheikh Sabah gets royal welcome from Queen Elizabeth

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conspiracy theories

Justice lost in history

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

T

omorrow the Palestinians are approaching the United Nations to change their status from an observer to “nonmember observer state” despite all the obstacles that they faced from Israel and the pressure from the US not to go ahead with these plans. But Abbas is heading to New York to demand a status for the Palestinians in the world.

The most important thing is to be accepted as a state even if it is a non-member one because the Palestinians automatically get the recognition of the UN Security Council and then go back to the 1967 borders. The most interesting thing is if the Palestinians are victorious, they can be recognized in all UN agencies and they can file a case against Israel in the International Criminal Court and in the International Justice Court. They are already a member of UNESCO, which helps. The case will recognize the borders and the verdict will show Israelis as occupiers.

If the Palestinians are lucky, they can canvass the majority of votes to support them - already France and Austria have announced their support and so did most of the European countries. Do not forget Russia and China and the non-aligned countries which number around 75. The United Kingdom has announced that it remains “undecided”. The US as usual announced it is against the move until the Israelis and Palestinians resolve the conflict between themselves. When will this happen?

My prediction is that the Palestinians will get the vote despite the Israeli and US resistance and all their efforts to abort the whole scenario. Luckily, the Palestinian factions are united over this issue Hamas, Abbas and PLO are all in for this. I think the Gaza issue played a big role in the Palestinians overcoming their differences and becoming united. Many casualties in Gaza exposed the ruthless nature of the Israelis around the world. Many people who used to buy the Western propaganda about Palestine now saw the truth and how kids were killed and houses were destroyed.

The bid coincided with the exhumation of Arafat’s body. It was the West who prompted the investigation of the reason for his death and that he could have been poisoned with radioactive polonium. A team of experts from France, Switzerland and Russia are going to conduct investigations. Let’s wait and see if, for a change, the world will be just with the Palestinians after nearly 64 years of Israeli occupation.

WINDSOR: HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II stand together during a welcoming ceremony at Windsor Castle yesterday as the Amir began his state visit to Britain yesterday. (Inset top) Queen Elizabeth is followed by Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales (left) and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, as she talks to Sheikh Sabah after his arrival. (Inset below) Sheikh Sabah and Queen Elizabeth look at a gold sword that was presented to the Queen by Kuwait for her coronation in 1953 in the Green Room at Windsor Castle. — AP/AFP WINDSOR, United Kingdom: Queen Elizabeth II welcomed HH the Amir of Kuwait to Britain yesterday with a gilded carriage ride at the start of a three-day state visit. The trip, aimed at cementing the strong relations between London and its Gulf ally, kicked off with a traditional display of ceremonial pomp in Windsor, west of London.

Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, accompanied Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to the town, where he was met by Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip before a glittering state procession and a guard of honour. The queen arrived in a carriage procession with an escor t provided by the Household Cavalr y Mounted Regiment dressed in breastplates and

Sports law amended after IOC warnings KUWAIT: Kuwait has amended its sports law in response to IOC threats to suspend the state because of government interference in the national Olympic committee. No details were immediately given on the decree by HH the Amir. But the official Kuwait News Agency quoted Kuwait’s Olympic committee chairman, Sheikh Ahmad AlFahd Al-Sabah, as saying yesterday it “ensures” that Kuwaiti athletes can compete under their national flag. Sheikh Ahmad also expressed gratitude for the Amir’s support of Kuwaiti sports organizations and athletes. Last week, the International Olympic Committee said it will consider imposing the suspension on Kuwait and India at a meeting in Lausanne on Dec 4-5. — Agencies

Kuwait eyes ban on plastic bags by 2020 Clampdown on sellers of tainted products KUWAIT: In addition to a gradual switch to using shopping bags made of paper or bio-degradable material, Kuwait aims at zero plastic use by the year 2020, according to the Environment Public Authority. EPA Chairman Salah Al-Midhi said in a presentation late Monday that the new types of bags will be used even for bread and bakery products, as well as for grocery and all types of shopping.

The switch in the type of carry bags targets a goal of less than 10 percent of the current use of plastic in this area.

By 2014, items such as table spreads, plastic dry clean-

Arafat’s remains exhumed RAMALLAH: The remains of iconic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat were exhumed yesterday, eight years after his death, with experts set to test for evidence he was poisoned by polonium. Shortly after the grave was briefly opened for forensic experts to take samples, an official warned that if there was evidence that Arafat was poisoned, the Palestinian leadership would petition the International Criminal Court to open an investigation. The exhumation process began before dawn and was carried out in secrecy, with the grave carefully shielded from the public eye. “At 5:00 am (0300 GMT), experts began to remove the stones and began opening the grave in an orderly fashion,” a Palestinian source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Only a Palestinian doctor was allowed to directly touch the remains and remove the samples, but the process was carried out in the presence of the Swiss, Russian and French Continued on Page 13

plumed helmets.

Sheikh Sabah later decorated the Queen with the prestigious Mubarak Al-Kabir Medal, while the Queen decorated the Amir with The Most Honourable Order of Bath. They also exchanged official gifts and toured an exhibition of Kuwaiti items from the Royal Collection. It is the first state visit from Kuwait to Britain since 1995.

Today, the Amir will have a private audience with Charles, attend a meeting with British industry leaders hosted by the queen’s second son Prince Andrew and hold talks with Prime Minister David Cameron. Sheikh Sabah is accompanied on the trip by his finance, foreign and commerce ministers. —- Agencies

RAMALLAH: Palestinian honour guards leave the mausoleum of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat yesterday at the Muqataa following the exhumation of Arafat’s body. — AFP

ing bags and plastic sheets used in construction and agricultural activity will also be modified. Imports of non-biodegradable plastic bags will be banned from 2015, and all state bodies are to cooperate to reach the ultimate goal of this campaign, which is “no consumer product made with non-bio-degradable plastic by 2020”.

The EPA is meanwhile working on promoting and introducing materials that are added to render plastic biodegradable. Such materials will be exempt from customs fees and penalties will be introduced to guarantee realiza-

tion of this target, Midhi said. The issue of plastic is of particular concern to Kuwait because it is a small country which cannot afford to waste valuable space for waste dumps for much longer. The pollution caused by disposal and treatment of such waste is also a great concern for the population, he added. “The new bags are cheaper and soil- and environment-friendly, which is a big bonus.

There is the added bonus of not having to worry and spend on disposal of the bags after use.”

Continued on Page 13

pressure piles on Morsi CAIRO: Tens of thousands packed Tahrir Square yesterday to protest a power grab

by Mohamed Morsi, piling pressure on Egypt’s Islamist president as he faces his most divisive crisis since taking power in June. The huge turnout in the iconic square in the heart of Cairo, as well as in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and most of Egypt’s 27 provinces, marked the largest mobilisation yet against the president. “I’m here to protest Morsi’s autocratic decisions,” said Mohammed Rashwan, an engineering graduate who voted for Morsi in the country’s first presidential election since a popular uprising toppled Hosni Mubarak last year. “I have discovered that he is pro-Muslim Brotherhood and not the revolution,” Rashwan told AFP from the packed square.

Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, marches poured into Tahrir Continued on Page 13

CAIRO: People carry a giant Egyptian national flag as tens of thousands take part in a mass rally yesterday against a decree by President Mohamed Morsi granting himself broad powers. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

LOCAL

Female candidates confident about election chances ‘Tribal’ nominees look to break social barriers KUWAIT: Unlike the previous three elections, the current one recorded a notable drop in the number of female candidates with only 14 women registering themselves across the state’s five constituencies. However, they all seem to agree that the single vote system adopted for the first time could improve their chances. In fact, this factor was an added motivation to run for parliament in which they seek membership as independent MPs affiliated with no political group.

The third constituency has the largest number of eight female candidates among 71 registered in the district. Meanwhile, there are two candidates running from the fifth, two from the first, and one each in the fourth and second constituencies. It is a considerable drop from the 29 women candidates registered in last February’s elections (10 in the second constituency, 9 in the third, 4 in the first, 4 in the fourth and 2 in the fifth), and 28 in the 2008 elections (12 in the third, 5 in the fourth, 4 in the first, 4 in the fifth and 3 in the second). It is worth mentioning though that the 2009 elections which featured 19 female candidates (9 in the third, 4 in the fourth, 3 in the first, 2 in the second and 1 in the fifth) saw the largest number of female representation in the parliament with four women becoming MPs. Former MP and minister, Dr. Maasouma AlMubarak’s name stands out in the first constituency given her political history, while the same district includes first-time candidate Jenan Bushehri who ran despite being a member in the Municipal Council.

Incidentally, Bushehri was the first woman in Kuwait’s history to run for elections, contesting the 2006 Municipal Council elections shortly after female citizens won political rights in Kuwait. She never made it to the council until 2009 when she was selected as an appointed member.

Bushehri believes that members of the scrapped 2012 parliament “focused extremely

on the monitoring side at the expensive of the legislative side,” which she said led to the economic stalemate in the state. “We need quick and clear legislations that help attract investment, support small projects and diversify sources of income,” Bushehri told AlQabas recently as she explained the vision her campaign is based on.

Former MP Dr. Salwa Al-Jassar is the sole female candidate running from the second constituency. An associate professor in Kuwait University’s Faculty of Education, Dr. Al-Jassar has a Master’s degree in teaching methods and a Ph.D. in philosophy.

Meanwhile, the third constituency is witnessing a strong competition among eight female candidates, some of whom have unsuccessfully ran for parliament earlier such as Safa Al-Hashem who, as per her statements, adopts an agenda focusing on protecting Kuwait from the danger posed by Islamist political groups.

Among the first-time candidates in the third constituency is Muna Al-Fuzai, a regular columnist who is also a longtime human rights activist. She said in recent statements to Al-Qabas that she expects better luck for female candidates this time compared to previous elections, and added that prior activity is key to a candidate’s success.

Hana’a Bujurwa, a 31-year-old lawyer who competes from the third constituency, says that she is in the running to “represent the young generation.” With a Master’s degree in private law under her belt, Bujurwa’s priorities include legislations to “end administrative corruption and achieve decent life for citizens.”

She also agreed in her statements to Al-Qabas that female candidates have a “high chance” to be elected this time, but recognized at the same time “the tough competition in the third constituency due to the circumstances the country is going through.”

Abeer Al-Fawaz, an attorney in her midthirties, says that the single-vote system

adopted for the first time was behind her decision to contest for the first time in her career. She told Al-Qabas that the previous four-votes-per-voter system allowed certain parties to “control the political scene” and decide the outcome early, limiting independents’ chances in the process. “Fighting corruption and wasta” are among the top priorities for Al-Fawaz, who believes that strong representation for women in the parliament is necessary “for women’s issues to receive adequate attention.”

Meanwhile, attorney Thekra Al-Rashidi expects to become a first time lawmaker after nearly making it in previous elections, including in 2009 when she got almost 5,000 votes in the mostly tribal-dominated fourth constituency.

The fifth constituency is another district that is tribal-dominated and has never been represented by a female member in the parliament. Anwaar Al-Qahtani and Sameera AlShatty are trying to be the first to make the significant milestone.

Al-Qahtani who took an unsuccessful shot at parliamentary membership earlier believes that female residents in the fifth constituencies “are subjected to some controlling ideologies that have to be changed.”

“Such ideologies are the reason why 80 percent of female workers in the fifth constituency are only allowed to work as teachers due to their families’ refusal for other jobs,” she explained.

Such social barriers would be broken if a woman is finally elected in the fifth constituency, Al-Qahtani said.

Having a son who is still looking for a job after graduating from college this year, AlQahtani said that her priorities include “creating jobs for young people and opening opportunities for them in the craftsmanship field.” Al-Qahtani has 23 years of experience working at the auditory department in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

Garbage everywhere!

By Abdullatif Al-Sharaa KUWAIT: As I saw garbage all around, I wondered what was going on. I checked the drums and found them empty, except for swarms of flies. For me, this was a rather new but serious “phenomenon” because I was sure it had nothing to do with the elections.

As I took pictures, a gentleman approached me and asked why I was clicking such nauseating scenes. When I told

him it was just my journalistic instinct, he opened up and told me that the municipality had signed a contract with a new company which was supposed to become effective on Nov 25 but so far, nothing has happened and garbage has been piling up. I hope this does not carry on for much longer because stray dogs and cats are everywhere in huge numbers. Just imagine the state of things to come if these critters were to prise open the garbage bags.

Businesses urged to disregard notions of limitation

Medical emergency expo opens

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A conference and an exhibition relating to National Assembly Council elections 2012 was held at the medical emergency administration’s premises in Subhan. The exhibition was inaugurated by the head of ambulance department, Fareed Al-Yahyooh, deputy undersecretary of the Ministry of Health.

The exhibition featured preparations made with elections in mind.

These included medical equipment, wireless equipments, field clinics and

an exhibition of ambulances besides a plan of action on the election day.

The exhibition was attended by heads of several departments and a delegation from the American Embassy, accompanied by Mr. Abdul Redha Abbas.

The media coordinator at medical emergency department, Abdul Aziz Buhaimed, said that the administration has made preparations for the 2012 elections and a supreme committee was formed. He said that 64 field clinics have been set up and these will be located across various

electoral constituencies as per the number of voters. Of these, 45 clinics would cater to women while 19 will cater to men. A total of 24 ambulances with 48 technicians will be on duty on the election day. In the women’s clinics, 88 nurses will be on duty with their working hours coinciding with the voting hours. Medical emergency technicians are still working on men’s clinics. Anyone can access medical emergency personnel at the election centers by dialing the number 132. A two-hour advance notice will be preferred.

Infant’s body extricated

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

timing of death and other details.

KUWAIT: Security men cooperated with technicians from the Ministry of Public Works to extricate the body of a newly born infant which was dumped in the sewage system.

The Ministry of Interior had received a report about the body yesterday morning. The body was taken to medical examiner to ascertain the

Angry gunman A man fired several shots, many of them from a machine gun, at a pastry shop in Sabah al Nasser area in the wee hours of the day after the shop attendant refused to let him have pastries without paying for them. The suspect, who spoke in local dialect, entered one of the

many pastry shops in the area seeking to buy some pastries but when he refused to the pay the price, the shop attendant did not let him take away the goodies.

Enraged, the man fired gun shots and then brought out a machine gun from his car and fired more shots in the direction of the shop.

However, no one was reported injured in the firing.

KUWAIT: Businesses in Kuwait were yesterday urged to disregard notions of limitation and innovate a bolder, better run future at the first ever SAP Forum in Kuwait City. During his keynote at the high-profile knowledge and networking conference, Sam Alkharrat, Managing Director, SAP MENA, claimed that the business sector in Kuwait is undergoing an encouraging shift towards innovative, value-added business software solutions.

“Companies don’t have unlimited funds-they never have,” said Alkharrat. “Today’s technologies allow them to take the cost out of non-value add activities and put it back into the value and innovation layer. Fundamentally, companies need to change the way they run the business and think globally. Whether it’s private or public sector, urban or rural, every organization needs a shared vision, the right people to rally around that vision and the advanced technologies so they can innovate.”

“IT is no longer on the side-line.

IT is the business,” added Alkharrat. “By combining vision with technology, astute business leaders can outperform the competition, create opportunities, and be truly successful in a global economy.” Now in its 40th year, SAP is the world’s leading business software company, and recently concluded a successful Q3 2012 as global software revenue increased 17% to euro1,026m (12% at Constant Currencies). There was also triple digit growth in the key innovation areas of cloud, SAP’s in-memory computing flagship offering HANA and mobility.

Kuwait represents SAP’s third largest market in the Gulf, with IT market intelligence firm IDC noting the country’s 2011 IT spend stood at US $1bn. The company recently inaugurated a new office in Kuwait City. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is at the heart of SAP’s long-term global growth strategy that includes doubling its addressable market, reaching 1 billion people and generating global revenue of euro20bn by 2015.

SAP aims to achieve these goals through a multi-pronged innovation agenda comprising synchronized investments in five interconnected elements: extending a leadership position in Applications, broadening its footprint in Analytics, expanding its reach through Mobile, becoming a profitable leader in the Cloud,

and growing the fastest in Technology and Database.

In particular, excitement is building across MENA, including Kuwait, about the potential of HANA, a ground-breaking platform rooted in-memory computing that transforms business by streamlining applications, analytics, planning, predictive analysis, and sentiment analysis on a single platform to empower businesses in real-time.

SAP HANA customers worldwide include Colgate-Palmolive, Adobe, Bosch and Siemens.

Yodobashi, a large Japanese retailer, recently highlighted the technology’s transformative potential when it accelerated the calculation of incentives for loyalty customers from three days of data processing, once a month, to two seconds - a performance improvement of over 100,000 times. A further 18 companies have achieved a similar or better performance boost using HANA. “Groundbreaking innovations like SAP HANA help our customers access and deliver information at unprecedented speeds and empower them with fundamentally new ways to run their businesses better,” said Alkharrat.

The SAP 360 Customer solution is the latest innovation to run on HANA. The solution harnesses the power of in-memory computing, cloud, enterprise mobility and collaboration to allow organizations to revolutionize the way they engage with their customers beyond traditional customer relationship management (CRM).

Giving customers comprehensive, 360 degree real-time insight by combining their customer data from transactional systems (CRM/ERP/SCM) with social web data, organizations can personalize each customer engagement through any channel to build loyalty and trust.

Through the real-time execution capabilities of SAP 360 Customer, organizations can execute end-to-end customer processes effectively and efficiently in the cloud, on-premise or on mobile devices “This is a game-changing solution that will help companies market better, sell better, service better and truly create remarkable experiences for their customers,” Alkharrat explained. “With SAP 360 Customer powered by SAP HANA, companies gain true 360-degree customer insight that is real-time, actionable and available any-

where.” Alkharrat was also keen to pay tribute to the “power of small” during his keynote, noting that nearly 80% of SAP’s customers hail from small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. “SAP understands the unique needs of small and midsize businesses and entrepreneurs,” Alkharrat explained.

“We want to see SMEs in Kuwait that are more agile and able to operate around the clock.

We want to see SMEs with enhanced visibility and decision making that can not only lead to better employee productivity, customer engagements and responsiveness, but also help them keep pace with larger companies and gain a competitive edge in their marketplace.”

SAP is currently in the midst of executing a four-year additional spend plan across MENA. Highlights include recruiting more than 500 additional employees, opening several new offices and expanding the company’s partner ecosystem and the SAP University Alliances program.

Additionally, significant increases will be made in the availability of comprehensive, innovative and localized service offerings.

The plans also includes the region’s IT-specific Training and Development Center, which will certify more than 2,000 new consultants within the next four years, triple the company’s existing consulting capabilities in the region, as well as accelerate and extend the localization and Arabization of SAP solutions.

The first mover initiative is also structured to shape the region’s IT future through co-creating and innovating solutions with partners, customers and independent software vendors in fields such as mobility, HANA, cloud, urban management, smart city functionalities, and Islamic banking.

“SAP’s investment in Kuwait is hugely welcome, and is set to play a vital part in the country’s development and economic diversification,” said HE Frank Marcus Mann, German Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, speaking at the recent inauguration of SAP’s new office in Kuwait City.

“The German government places the highest importance on the development of IT infrastructure in Germany. IT innovation is worldwide more important than ever before, and I am delighted that a German company shows its commitment to contribute to this development in Kuwait.”

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

LOCAL

LONDON: His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlSabah (C), walks with Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh as he enters the Queen’s carriage after officially arriving in Windsor, west of London, on Monday.

H H t h e Am i r S h e i k h S a b a h Al - Ah m a d Al - S a b a h i s fo l l owe d by Britain’s Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh as he inspects members of the First Battalion Irish Guards at Windsor Castle in Windsor yesterday.

HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is assisted by Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh as Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales (left) and Queen Elizabeth II look on as he prepares to inspect the troops in Windsor Castle yesterday. —AFP photos

Kuwait third largest trading partner of UK in Gulf LONDON: The State of Kuwait is the third largest trading partner of the United Kingdom in the Gulf region, where the volume of trade exchange between the two countries topped $3.59 billion, the Chairman of Gatehouse Bank Fahd Boodai said. Boddai, a member of the economic delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah in his state visit to the United Kingdom, said in a statement, late on Monday, there are about 50 British com-

panies operating in Kuwait, mostly in construction, oil, defense, real estate, logistics and banking sectors.

“We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to play a part in this monumental visit, and under the leadership and guidance of His Highness, we will undoubtedly see further strengthening and reinforcement of the reciprocal economic relationship between Kuwait and the UK,” he commented. “In particular, I am delighted to see the extent to which the UK Government is

working to support Islamic finance and bridge the gap between the West and the Islamic world, and Gatehouse Bank remains committed in its own capacity as we endeavour to support and further strengthen the historic bilateral relations that bind the State of Kuwait with the UK”, he added.

He also spoke about Gatehouse Bank which was founded in 2008 and established a global investment portfolio in excess of 1.25 billion pounds ($2 billion) spread across Real Estate assets, capital investment

Al-Saadoun slams premier for criticizing Majority Bloc Campaign against upcoming parliament

By A. Saleh KUWAIT: Leading opposition figure Ahmad Al-Saadoun slammed the state’s premier for criticizing the majority opposition in the scrapped parliament, reiterating the opposition’s “cooperation” with the cabinet before the house was annulled by a June court ruling.

Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Sabah had stated on Monday that the Majority Bloc - a coalition of 34 oppositionists who dominated the 50-seat parliament following last February’s elections was “unsuccessful”, arguing at the same time that the Kuwait Constitution’s philosophy does not support the presence of a majority either in the parliament or in the cabinet.

“It is a problem when our prime minister is of this type,” Al-Saadoun said in a statement yesterday. He reiterated the bloc ’s suppor t “which saved him from a grilling motion” that was filed against him in March.

Meanwhile, Al-Saadoun continued the opposition’s campaign against the upcoming parliament “which must not be allowed to start or continue.” He announced “ongoing efforts to prevent the upcoming cabinet from gaining public legitimac y,” and also described the still-to-be-formed next parliament as “part of the government’s plan to undermine the constitution.”

The opposition plans a demonstration on Friday afternoon, the eve of election day, hoping to convince the people to boycott voting as a protest against an emergency decree that altered the voting

mechanism. The Ministry of Interior authorized the gathering on Monday under certain conditions, the key one being that the organizers keep it peaceful.

In the meantime, a candidate for the upcoming elections claimed that the government gave the necessary license based on requests made by two persons, one of whom is facing legal charges.

“What stopped authorities from arresting the person who has a subpoena order issued against him instead of handing him the license?” said third constituency candidate Abdullah Al-Ma’youf yesterday. Meanwhile, Al-Ma’youf criticized the disqualification of candidates “based on legal verdicts regarding reputability-related subjects.” He added that if a female candidate was to be disqualified for ‘failure to meet conditions of good reputation,’ things would be different. “It would mean huge insult and defamation,” he explained. Third constituency candidate Ahmad Al-Mulaifi commented on the upcoming procession in the meantime, which he said was acceptable “as long as it is legal.” He said such activities “reflect the civilized side of Kuwait.” However, the former education minister wished that participants at the procession are required to produce their Kuwaiti IDs “in order to ensure credibility.”

Technicalities hinder KAC compensations?

An Iraqi team arrived in Kuwait recently to discuss problems pertaining to a $500 million settlement reached regarding compensations owed to Kuwait Airways for the

Invasion period. According to sources privy to the developments, a situation has arisen since “Iraq asked to deposit the payment at an international bank until Kuwait drops cases filed against the Iraqi Air ways.” “On the other hand, Kuwait demands to receive the payment directly before the charges are dropped,” said the sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The Iraqi team included officials representing the foreign affairs, finance and transportation ministries, the sources added.

Former MP applauds court order Former MP Fahad Al-Khanna applauded a recent court order which found his company not guilty of wasting public funds and said “the governmental departments helped spread” such accusations. The Appeals Court approved on Monday a Court of First Instance ruling which had acquitted the AlWaseelah project from suspicions of theft of public funds. Al-Khanna was accused of committing the scam with the help of officials in the Industrial Public Authority who were also found not guilty by the court.

Union wary of promotions The labor union in the Oil Sector Ser vices Company warned in a statement yesterday about allegedly unfair promotions and appointments planned today in the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. It called upon Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah to “inter vene personally ” to stop “tyrannical decisions that Oil Minister Hani Al-Husain wants to pass in the parliament’s absence.”

Special precautions during elections KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior drew up a comprehensive plan to secure parliamentary elections due on December 1 and personnel would stationed at the electoral stations round the clock to ensure order, a rank ing MoI official announced yesterday.

Maj Gen Abdul Fattah Al-Ali, the chief of the electoral security command, the fourth constituency, said in a statement that the ministry, in coordination with other authorities, would provide facilities for the elderly, the sick and citizens of special needs. These nationals

would be aided for casting the ballot.

Medics, volunteers and medical emergenc y staff would be stationed at the ballot centers, said Maj. Gen. Al-Ali, adding that wheelchairs would be provided to citizens in need for such aid.

He urged voters to abide by relevant laws and cooperate with the security personnel and the police.

The official called motorists to abstain from parking their vehicles at locations used by voters as paths to the centers, refrain from celebratory gunfire shooting and

other illegal actions.

Meanwhile, the director general of the civil defense, Maj Gen Abdul Aziz Al-Roudhan, affirmed in a statement readiness for offering help for the old voters, the ill and citizens of special needs during the electoral process.

Field teams of personnel and volunteers will work in coordination with staff and groups from various authorities such as the ministry of health, the minister of elec tricity and water and the municipality and Kuwait Red Crescent Society. — KUNA

Praise for KRCS overseas humanitarian work KUWAIT: Former Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah said that Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) has highlighted Kuwait’s brilliant and laudable humanitarian actions.

“The KRCS has made great strides in offering relief and humanitarian

aid to disasters-ravaged regions around the world,” Sheikh Mohammad during a visit to KRCS HQs in Kuwait.

Chairman of the KRCS’s Board Barjas Al-Barjas has accompanied Sheikh Mohammad during his tour to the different departments of the society.

Sheikh Mohammad noted that “KRCS’s efforts are source of pride for Kuwait in all international arenas”.

He also spoke high about the KRCS’s administration and staff whose professional work and kind hands have left great hallmarks in different parts of the world. —KUNA

and term deposits.

Supported by its Kuwaiti shareholders and working in close partnership with GSH, its sister company in Kuwait, the bank specialises in the long-term management and preservation of wealth for its high net worth and institutional investor clients.

“With its client focus in the GCC and covering markets in the UK as well as Asia via Malaysia, the bank operates as a natural bridge between the world’s key financial markets,” said Boddai.

HH the Amir arrived, late on Monday, for a state visit at the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As part of the state visit’s official program, Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will host His Highness and the Kuwaiti delegation in an official dinner in honor ofHis Highness in Windsor Castle tonight. The delegation accompanying His Highness includes a number of ministers, senior officials, political and economic figures. — KUNA

Defense ministers meet in Riyadh RIYADH: The 11th session of Joint Defense Council of Ministers of Defense of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States kicked off here yesterday with the participation of Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalid AlHamad Al-Sabah.

The meeting was inaugurated by Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and attended by GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.

“We will discuss what has been achieved by committees and working groups that met during the past few months,” Saudi Defense Minister said in the opening session.

“I thank all for their great efforts and recommendations. Our meeting today comes at the conclusion of these meetings aiming to enhance the efforts of all armed forces in the GCC States to confront the risks

that might emerge.” For his part, GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani underlined the importance of the meeting in buttressing military cooperation and coordination among GCC states.

He also welcomed Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalid AlHamad Al-Sabah’s participation in the Council meeting for the first time. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalid, accompanied by senior military officials, arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday morning to attend the 11th GCC defense ministers’ meeting.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalid was received at the airport by the Saudi Deputy Defense Minister, Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, GCC Secretary General Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Kuwaiti ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad AlSabah and Kuwaiti Military Attache Brigadier Musaed Al-Mutairi.—KUNA

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

LOCAL kuwait digest

kuwait digest

Working for a better Kuwait

Opposition’s last resort

By Dr Moudhi Al-Hmoud

By Mohammad Al-Sabti henever the word opposition is mentioned in any context, what it means is its leaders, not the young people and activists who follow the opposition’s approach.

They do so without knowing the consequences.

Having said that, I believe that the opposition is left with no other option to save face except to actively seek confrontation. By confrontation, I mean a direct clash with police that leads to bloodshed. This would help the opposition ‘improve’ its public image to some extent since it would be able to project itself as the victim suffering from the government’s oppression, and seek international attention through media coverage.

There are many reasons why I believe this is the last option for the opposition to take. When it decided to boycott the elections and stage demonstrations in protest, the opposition thought that it will score a quick success against the government by giving it little choice but to accept their demands. It thought that that was the only option available to the government to stop the kind of chaos that it hoped to create.

With such a purpose in mind, the opposition resorted to ‘revolutionary’ slogans during its campaign, using phrases like “dignity of the nation” or “we will either be what we want to be or we’d rather not be at all.” However, their plan failed because the government not only stuck to its position, but also showed a resolve to quell any chaos.

Meanwhile, HH the Amir’s speeches showing his commitment to deal with chaos effectively convinced the people that he meant what he said. After all their demonstrations and revolutionary sloganeering, the opposition found itself having gained nothing.

After that, the opposition leaders locked themselves out of the political scene by refusing the opportunity to participate in the organized political process. At the same time, they resorted to spreading canards to buttress their argument in favour of boycott of polls, and claimed that voting would be an equivalent of treason. Now, when even that has failed, the opposition is left with no other option but to go in for direct conflict with the police in order to find a way out of their dilemma and play the victim.

Therefore, we need to be cautious about any attempts to create chaos, something that the opposition might want to happen. The society needs to be always prepared to defend the country and its stability. —Al-Rai

n an event that reflected beautifully on the Kuwaiti community, a large gathering of Kuwaiti students studying in the United States attended the annual National Union of Kuwait Students - USA conference recently in Washington DC, titled “Working for a better Kuwait.” The event featured various activities including debates and seminars, as well as cultural, artistic and economic activities. One thing that these activities had in common was the positive reaction they elicited from the nearly 2,500 male and female students who attended the conference.

The event was organized under the patronage of Kuwait’s Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Sabah, and witnessed proactive participation of Kuwait’s ambassador in Washington DC, Dr. Saleb Al-Sabah. Specialists in education, economy, politics, arts and petroleum sector, who were invited, engaged in discussions and debates with students.

Students engaged in debates in which each tried to lay out his or her respective view point in a sophisticated manner, avoiding unnecessary verbal skirmishes and instead discussing things in a fashion that reinforced fraternal feelings. The Kuwaiti young men and women presented an example in debating coherently, and displayed enthusiasm and orderly conduct, thus showcasing their energies and capabilities.

Having gone through this experience, I am left to wonder how such creative energies can be showcased abroad, while they end up igniting strong conflicts back home which could sometimes even turn violent. Why do a majority of young people indulge in politics instead of focusing on productivity or creativity in other aspects of life? Why is it that politicians work hard to attract young people since it only results in luring them away from productive work? Instead, it goads them towards destructive controversies that kill their creative ability.

These questions should weigh on the mind of every person who is tasked with protecting young people from political extremism and keeping them out of frustration’s way. It is important to look for answers to these questions as we desperately seek reform that can pull Kuwait out of the current imbroglio it is going through.

I left the students to come back home in order to vote in the parliamentary elections, hoping that we can all elect candidates capable of drawing the roadmap for reform which can transform the title of the NUKS-USA conference into a reality that the students can live in, in the future. —Al-Qabas

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kuwait digest

Participate and amend

By Hamad Al-Sarie watched an interview of Jordan Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Nosour on Al-Arabia TV channel, in which he dwelled in detail on the recent political crisis in Jordan involving protests by the opposition.

He spoke about the decisions he took regarding lifting subsidy on oil products and explained the reasons behind that decision as also its effect on the Kingdom’s budget. When his interviewer pointed out that Jordan’s opposition is boycotting the elections because of a dispute about a change in the election law, he answered, “I personally was the first person to oppose this law and refused it. I announced publicly before being appointed as Prime Minister that I am not refusing to amend the law, but through which mechanism can the law be amended?”

The law cannot be amended in the streets; that can only happen in the Parliament’s hall. Democratic countries do not amend their laws in the streets. The majority opposition had a different viewpoint and came up with a draft law. But to get out of this problem, it is necessary to first participate in the elections and then amend the law in whatever way you deem fit.

The opposition is demanding democracy in an undemocratic way by hitting the streets and demon-

I

strating. Demonstrations and rallies are the right of the opposition to underscore their protest against any law or decision. But the law’s amendment can only happen in the Parliament’s precincts, and not the street. The opposition in Kuwait has made up its mind and is boycotting the election to demand the cancellation of the decree of necessity issued by the Amir but it will not happen through demonstrations and rallies.

Such decrees issued by His Highness the Amir will remain valid if approved by the next council, and will then become the law. The other option for challenging the one man-one vote decree was to approach the constitutional court, which will not accept any plea to contest it except one from a concerned party affected by the decree. It could be a voter or a candidate in the last elections but the important thing is that he must have participated in those elections.

For certain sections of the opposition, their political life is almost over. They are, in fact, at the fag end of their political life and are even now calling upon His Highness the Amir to withdraw the decree of necessity, as only then can there be a possibility of a revival of their political life. —Al-Anbaa

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

LOCAL

Candidates highlight need to address social problems Election campaign in full swing KUWAIT: Candidates in the December 2012 National Assembly elections continue to present their priorities to convince voters to tick their names at ballot stations. In the Second Constituency, candidate Rashid Al-Hubaida said the most important priority for the nation in the near future is to overhaul services in all sectors, whether healthcare, education, housing care, or other areas. There is also a need, he said, for a comprehensive economic vision and plan that encourages industry, promotes investment opportunities, and boosts tourism to create reliable alternatives for state revenue aside from oil.

Second constituency competitor Anwar Al-Hasawi for his part said his priority would be to get many projects and draft bills passed, having been kept untouched although all related studies were completed and their feasibility proved. He added many of our problems could be solved or dramatically reduced simultaneously, and that the overall development of the country would come hand in hand with new opportunities for the thousands of graduates that are kept waiting for longer and longer periods to get employment. A more active private sector and more attractive private sector employment with higher pay would also reduce the burden on state bodies in terms

of employing nationals.

He also said that “wasta” is a bigger problem than ever across the board. “Only once law is upheld with no exception, once the diligent is appreciated and those at fault held accountable” would we be able to develop our country in a satisfactory manner.

Whatever shape the development plans take, there should be stress on finding alternative sources of revenue for the country aside from oil and related industries and activities, he said.

Candidate Meshaal Al-Shatti of the Fifth Constituency said it is vital at this point in time to amend legislation in the country to keep up with ongoing developments.

He stressed the issues affecting retirees and unemployment are major concerns for him.

The candidate expressed satisfaction with the new single-vote system which he believes help counter the bi-elections and other un-sound political practices.

In the same constituency, candidate Mubarak Al-Dosiri noted there is particular deterioration in standard and availability of service in his constituency. In terms of healthcare, there is dire need for new hospitals and specialized centers, as well as services by specialized doctors, and effort to unify prices of medicines and healthrelated items across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

He also addressed the housing care dossier, noting there had been dramatic increase in cost of construction material and rent rates, which needs to be assessed to find solutions, which include increase of the rent allowance given to citizens.

Also in the fifth constituency, Faleh Mhawash said that to improve the overall situation in the country, there must be cooperation between the legislative and the executive authorities. First step along the long path to development, he stressed, is countering corruption, most particularly among those in managerial posts.

State positions should also be for “the qualified”, away from any other considerations, he further added. He, too, stressed there is great need for improvement of healthcare in the constituency. The traffic crisis was another priority he pointed out, and there is much that need be done regarding employment and leisure and sports facilities for the youth.

In the Third Constituency, Abdelrahman Al-Bloushi said more needs to be done at parliament about legislation to safeguard national unity and counter separatism, and bolster cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities.

The principle of “Rule of Law” needs to be re-bolstered as well, and more work is needed on

development and on investment in human resources to enable the new generations to cope with and stay abreast of the latest developments both locally and internationally, he remarked. He also said the chronic issue of illegal residents must be addressed along with issues related to women’s rights and social partnership.

Abdullah Al-Hajri in the same constituency said it is a national duty to take part in the elections and to play a part in building the homeland’s future. He urged all countrymen, each befitting his position and capacity, to counter corruption and support state reforms. On his other priorities, he mentioned sports, women’s rights, justice and equality, and national unity. In the Fifth Constituency, Rakan bin Hithleen noted healthcare, education, housing care, and employment are red-hot dossiers that need attention and addressing them is crucial for progress in development efforts.

He also stressed the issue of national unity and solidarity is a current priority. The regional state of affairs brings much challenge and threats to our stability, which means we need to pay more attention to this area. “Due to the circumstances around us at present, we need to seriously assess and reconsider our stances and actions and whether they stand to bring the desired result.” —KUNA

Abrams to hold workshop on small businesses KUWAIT: Prominent American author and small business expert Rhonda Abrams will be visiting Kuwait to hold an interactive workshop on December 11 titled “Start, Improve and Operate Your Personal Project Successfully.” The event is being organized by the Kuwait Small Projects Development Company (KSPDC) in cooperation with the Leaders Group for Consulting and Development, and will be held at the JW Marriott. “ The workshop’s idea was inspired by the huge success of a forum on the ‘small projects and their active contribution to the development plan’ which took place earlier this year, and led to the idea to invite experts for presenting workshops in the field,” KPSDC General Manager, Mr. Hassan Al-Qanaei, said in a statement yesterday.

He described Abram’s visit, her

Rhonda Abrams

Nabila Al-Anjari

Hassan Al-Qanaei

first to Kuwait and the Middle East, as “an encouragement for young Kuwaitis to start small projects that play an active role in creating job opportunities and diversify sources of national income.”

Meanwhile, the General

Manager of the Leaders Group, Ms. Nabila Al-Anjari, expressed her enthusiasm about hosting the event which she said is held “simultaneously with increasing commitment from the public and private sectors to provide necessary facili-

tations for the improvement of the medium and small projects sector.”

She urged people “who plan to start projects in the future or have used loans from state departments financing private projects” to attend the workshop.

Kuwaiti bags ‘Seatrade’ award in Dubai DUBAI: Director General of Kuwait Ports Authority Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ali was awarded the ‘Seatrade Personality of the Year’ prize at the Seatrade Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards in Atlantis Hotel, late on Monday.

The figure, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Arab Sea Ports Federation, said he was honored by the award, and expressed admi-

ration of the UAE which is a world-class hub for trade and transport, “due to the diligent effort of its own nationals”.

Asked whether a Gulf Cooperation Council ports union was feasible, he said he believes establishing such bloc would further the bloc’s integration effort and benefit all GCC economies. The seatrade activities last three days as of Tuesday, with the awards ceremony

held a day ahead. This is a key maritime transport event in the region with major authorities, corporations, financiers, insurers, and other interested sectors all represented.

The conference and exhibition is held under the patronage of UAE Vice President and Premier and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, with over 7,000 participants from 67 countries. —KUNA

‘Unite to address social problems’ 61% of young men ‘affected’ by Twitter KUWAIT: At least 55 percent of Kuwaiti young men have Twitter accounts compared to nearly 38 percent young women, says a recent academic study on usage of social networks among the state’s youth community which was carried out by four sociology professors in the Kuwait University.

But when it comes to text messaging services such as WhatsApp and BBM, the study revealed the dominance of women with a margin of nearly 48 percent.

The 2012 study released by Dr. Yaqoub Al-Kandari, Dr. Maha AlSajari, Dr. Hamad Al-Aslawi and Dr. Falal Al-Baloul covered 564 young citizens (263 male and 301 females) aged between 17 and 25 (average age of 21.8 years) who were either high school graduates or studying at the KU or the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training. It shows that 58.4 percent use WhatsApp and BBM, 54.3 percent use Twitter, 7.1 percent use YouTube and 5.4 percent use Facebook.

The study published by Al-Qabas yesterday also found that Twitter has a dominant effect on male citizens with 61.9 percent agreeing, compared to 44.6 percent for female citizens.

Meanwhile, women were more affected by WhatsApp and BBM compared to men with 58 percent and 34.9 percent, respectively. In general, 52.5 percent agreed that Twitter is the most influential social network for young people in Kuwait, followed by WhatsApp/BBM with 47.2 percent, Youtube with 12.8 percent, and Facebook with 4.3 percent, while 25 percent mentioned other networks.

Regarding the topics discussed on social networks, entertainment was found by the study to dominate young people’s discussions on Facebook (33.9 percent), WhatsApp/BBM (70.7 percent) and YouTube (66.7 percent), followed by social topics on these three networks.

Meanwhile, entertainment came in second place on the list of most discussed topics on Twitter with 58.2 percent, after social topics with 60.6 percent. Politics came third on Twitter (49.1 percent) and Facebook (14.5 percent), and fifth on WhatsApp/BBM (33.9 percent) and YouTube (28.9 percent).

The survey also draws some conclusions as to what young people use social networks mostly for. Most participants agreed that these four social networks provide a reliable source for political, economic, social and sports information, but agreed that they also help spread rumors.

KUWAIT: Candiates from the third constituency for the 2012 National Assembly elections yesterday voiced hope for cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities in addressing the social problems and promoting the economic development.

Adel Al-Mutawwa’ said the country is in need of urgent steps to promote the role of the youth in socio-economic development in the framework of a long-term capacity-building strategy.

Addressing reporters this evening Al-Mutawwa’ said: “My platform prioritizes measures to boost security and the rule of law since social stability is the key to comprehensive development.”

“To improve healthcare, upgrade the oil sector, and combat corruption are among the key issues of public concern,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fahad Mohammad Al-Saqer urged for more protection of the civil liberties and maintaining the social stability of the country. “We need tougher legislations for combating all forms of corruption and ensure equitable treatment to all citizens,” he pointed out. Al-Saqer added that the desired development is the one that is comprehensive and sustainable and could benefit all citizens without exception.

Abdullah Youssof Omran said the government and the coming parliament should work together to prod development in all domains. He voiced hope that the coming parliament will be able to chart a map for Kuwait’s future in line with the call by His Highness the Amir on everybody to abide by the constitution and law. “What matters is the quality, not the quantity, of the legislations to be adopted by the legislature,” Omran said, expecting the new laws to be more viable and effective.

Similarly, Khaled Al-Khabbaz, highlighted the need to enforce the law on consumer protection, end monopolies, and curb the rising trend of prices.

“The social insurance law needs to be amended in a way that could reduce the burdens of female civil servants, promote the role of the private sector in development, and solve the unemployment problems,” Al-Khabbaz stressed.

Mohammad Nasser Al-Jabri reaffirmed confidence in the ability of the Kuwaiti people to reach the targets of development.

He voiced hope that the coming parliament will adopt legislations that could enhance national unity, belongingness, combat all forms of discrimination, and increase family income in keeping with the rising prices. The country needs more universities and more care for modernization of educational curriculums as well as improved healthcare services, Al-Jabri added. —KUNA

KUWAIT: The Fire Department participated in the safety and security exhibition at Kuwait University held under the patronage of University’s secretary general, Bader Al-Thiab. From the Fire Department’s side, representatives of public relations, technical rescue center, marine rescue center, operation center, protection administration and Mubarak Al Kabeer center for dangerous material were present.Fire Department personnel exhibited fire fighting equipment and explained their usage.

—By Hanan Al-Saadoun

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

LOCAL

NA candidate, actress charged with adultery Two hospitalized after fight KUWAIT: A candidate in Kuwait’s parliamentary elections and an actress, both claiming to be husband and wife, now face adultery charges since they failed to provide a marriage certificate to prove that they were legally married. The incident happened when the woman approached officers at a Hawally police station to file a case of harassment against the first constituency candidate. When summoned for interrogation, the man claimed that the complainant was his wife, a version that she also confirmed. However, the two failed to provide a marriage certificate requested by the police, prompting officers to press adultery charges. The police’s action was based on the fact that the man is married to another woman while the actress is divorced. The couple was taken to the Public Prosecution building on Monday night where they were being held pending further investigations.

Man killed in accident A Kuwaiti man died on the spot when his vehicle collided with a truck recently on the Nuwaiseeb road. The man was pronounced dead on the scene and his body taken to the forensic department. Investigations were on to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Farm roof collapse Three Bangladeshi workers were seriously injured when the roof of the cottage they had rented at an Abdaly farm collapsed while they were inside. The victims were taken in ambulances to the Jahra Hospital where they were admitted to its intensive care unit. Preliminary investigations indicated that the roof collapsed due to heavy rain and strong winds.

Salmiya fight Two people were hurt seriously and three were arrested when fight broke out amongst five

Kuwaiti friends at a coffee shop in Salmiya recently. Police rushed to the spot and arrested three of the men involved in the brawl while the other two were rushed to the hospital with stab wounds.

Interrogation of those detained revealed that the fight started over some old disputes among the five friends. The three remain in custody pending legal action while the two injured are expected to join them after they are discharged from the hospital.

Dirty trick A man resorted to a rather dirty trick to force his friend into repaying him a loan - he threatened to post private images of his friend’s wife online. After losing all hope of recovering his money that he had lent for business reasons, the Kuwaiti man won back his compatriot’s trust by pretending that he no longer wanted the debt back. Having regained the trust, he managed to get his hands on his friend’s cell phone

and transferred personal images of his friend’s wife to his own phone. Then he called the wife and threatened her to either convince her husband to pay back the debt or he would post the pictures online. The couple reported the case at the Salmiya police station. A warrant was issued to summon the man for investigations.

Addict caught A man faces multiple charges after he was arrested in Jabriya on Monday night for driving under the influence and possessing drugs and drug related paraphernalia. The Kuwaiti man was pulled over for driving dangerously but patrol officers arrested him after they recovered six drug pills, two empty syringes and two syringes loaded with a suspected drug in his possession. He was taken to the Drug Control General Department where investigations will also focus on the source of the drugs.

Kuwait reaffirms commitment to Kyoto Protocol DOHA: Director General of Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) Ali Abbas Haidar stressed Kuwait’s agreement with the GCC countries on Kyoto Protocol of climate change. On sidelines of his participation at the 18th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference, which kicked off Monday in Doha, Haidar said that Kuwait’s commitment to this international convention is not mandatory, but is on a voluntary basis, as is the case for the developed countries.

He noted that the conference includes many

of the working groups that the participating countries seek through to reduce emissions from various industries, which constitute the phenomenon of global warming that led to unprecedented levels of temperature.

It was expected that the temperature would increase to 2 degrees above average, but because of the non-compliance of the developed countries with the required reduction, the temperature rose to 4 degrees, which was very dangerous and led to the melting of ice in the North Pole, the rise of sea-level and the sinking of many coastal areas in several countries, he

added. The unprecedented levels of temperature escalated many natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods, he continued.

He expressed optimism that the 18th session of UNFCCC’s conference would achieve positive results that contribute to resolving climate crisis and that Kyoto Protocol’s second commitment period would succeed. In addition, Haidar hoped that the conference would reach a specific framework for how to implement the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, which is to launch in January, especially that the first phase will conclude by the end of the year. — KUNA

Two Asians arrested for drug trafficking

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Drug enforcement agents arrested two Asian expats and recovered a kilogram of marijuana, 200 grams of heroin and other drugs from their houses.

Acting on a tip off about the expats being involved in drug trafficking, the agents completed legal formalities and arrested them. At the time of arrest, five joints containing marijuana ready for sale were recovered from them. A search of their houses yielded 1 kilogram of marijuana, 200 grams of heroin, 50 grams of ‘Chabow’ drugs, 20 grams of hasheesh and 3000 drug pills, apart from a drug sensitivity measuring scale. The arrested persons confessed their crime and were sent along with the drugs to the concerned authorities.

Mobile operators must enter network-sharing deals KUWAIT: Today, operators could save 30 to 40 percent of the cost by joining forces with rivals in their markets to build, run, and maintain mobile networks. The truth is, operators have long been exploring the possibility of sharing their mobile network infrastructure. Yet, surprisingly, to date few arrangements have been made in this regard that aim to capture the full benefits from sharing.

In private, operators offer a variety of reasons for not engaging in sharing deals, often fearing the operational complexity they may bring, the up-front transformation costs, and the potential loss of control over their own destinies. In line with this, an analysis by management consulting firm Booz & Company found that, in reality, these justifications reiterated by operators are often unfounded. In fact, sharing mobile networks can reap substantial benefits for operators- especially given the potential for cost savings, the flexibility on the scope of the sharing deal and the range of governance models that sharing parties can choose from.

With revenues under pressure, the ongoing explosion of data demanding that networks be upgraded, and next-generation LTE requiring further investments in networks, mobile network operators today are scrutinizing their cost structures more than ever before. As a result, they have been actively pursuing the potential of network sharing as a way to increase their returns on capital and reduce costs.

“In actuality, we estimate that mobile sharing offers the potential to save the European mobile industry Ä20 billion to Ä40 billion annually over the next five years, given its expected sales of around Ä150 billion in 2012,” explained Hilal Halaoui, a Partner with Booz & Company.

“This translates to annual savings in the range of Ä1 billion to Ä2 billion for an individual large operator with revenues of Ä50 billion - no small drop in the bucket.”

Despite this hefty potential, and the relative technical and financial flexibility of sharing arrangements, few operators have actually taken the plunge. In Europe, many operators have engaged in limited cell site sharing, but so far only about 10 comprehensive, large-scale deals have been closed and implemented. Recently, Vodafone and Telefonica agreed to pool their network infrastructure in the UK under a joint-venture setup; by joining their combined 18,500 mast sites they aim to improve coverage and could each save between Ä1.2 billion and Ä1.5 billion according to analysts (1).

“More network-sharing deals have been made in emerging markets, but that is because the larger number of ‘greenfield’ situations requiring entirely new networks make them ripe for collaboration among new entrants,” said Chady Smayra, a Principal with Booz & Company. “In developed markets, operators are also concerned about the significant tax implications of transferring assets to a new sharing entity and the subsequent impact on profits. However, given relatively low corporate tax rates in the Middle East, in most cases this is a lesser concern for regional operators.”

In effect, the factors behind such hesitations generally fall into four categories strategic, financial, technical, and transactional - and the solutions to them should provide a way for every mobile network operator to discover the benefits to be gained in sharing.

Many operators - particularly mobile incumbents whose early entrance into their markets has given them the best coverage and network quality - assume that sharing their network with others would dilute their competitive advantage. Some even feel that they would not be able to control the direction that their network would take in the future, their rollout

Chady Smayra

strategies, and their choices about hardware and vendors. Finally, they point to the regulatory risk: that their market share might become so large that regulators would impose a fully regulated new entity to run the entire market’s mobile network. The question remains: can an operator’s network really be a strategic differentiator?

“Not in the case of ordinary 2G and 3G networks,” said Dany Sammour, a Principal with Booz &Company. “Recent surveys have shown that their subscribers donor notice any difference between networks.

Operators looking for strategic advantage through newer technologies, such as LTE, can still share their networks because each partner to a deal can decide which technology to deploy on their shared equipment, and the network footprint to be shared.”

As mobile networks of challengers in the Middle East have evolved, there is growing recognition amongst incumbents in the region that network coverage and quality is no longer a source of competitive advantage and that there are substantial benefits to infrastructure sharing.

Accordingly, there is an increasing trend towards mobile infrastructure sharing as is already the case in KSA, with passive tower infrastructure being shared between STC, Mobily and Zain on selective basis.

“Moreover, the fear of losing control over the future direction of their networks is simply misguided - as operators can always keep independent control of selected strategically important sites and also of technology layers in their network where they can really differentiate from their competitors”. In addition, worries about regulators might render deals involving shared spectrum unrealistic at this stage. Yet, in several countries, operators whose joint market share exceeds 50 percent have already implemented other types of active sharing. Depending on the market’s regulatory context, clarifying the differences between a commercial merger and a technical sharing deal will likely help regulators appease any concerns.

Some operators assume that network sharing doesn’t work for their particular case. Those with mature networks and few plans for future expansion argue that most of the potential savings eludes them and that their sunk costs are irrecoverable.

Meanwhile, market leaders claim that they have no prospective partner of similar size and a deal with a smaller competitor will unfairly benefit the partner. “The initial cost of a network-sharing deal can also be daunting,” added Halaoui.

“Despite these seeming setbacks, the overriding benefits of sharing are clear”; the initial costs involved in the transition stage typically range between Ä20,000 and Ä30,000 per site - about a third the cost of building a new site. And, even after the transformation cost is factored in, the business case typically remains attractive: the initial capital expenditures required will be gradually paid for through the savings generated over the life of the deal, and the ongoing reduction in operating expenses will guarantee a lasting benefit.

Even if the partners enter negotiations with different assets, a deal can still be made, as long as they are willing to concede these initial differences and it is clear that the outcome benefits both.

Lastly, some operators are turning to outside investors to finance the initial costs involved in a network-sharing deal.

Investors can then make further gains by offering other mobile operators the option to join in the network-sharing arrangement, and financing their up-front costs. This will provide the parties involved with a strong incentive to participate as well as mitigate potential regulatory concerns regarding the increased market power of the original deal.

Dany Sammour

Hilal Halaoui

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

4 more Tibetans set themselves ablaze

No eternal rest for the dead in crowded Singapore Page 11

Page 12

last Jews head for ‘Promised Land’ The end of an ancient chapter of Ethiopian history

news Saudi beheads two RIYADH: Saudi authorities yesterday beheaded two nationals for murder, including one who stabbed his wife to death and burned her corpse, the interior ministry said. Ali Mohammed Mahrazi was convicted of stabbing his wife Hunayna Khabrani repeatedly before he “poured kerosene on her body and set it on fire until it was charred,” the ministry said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency. He then cleared the traces of his crime and complained to police that his wife has disappeared, but a probe revealed that he was the culprit, it said. He was beheaded by the sword in the southwestern city of Jizan. In another case, Ahmed Mahmud Al-Yazidi was beheaded in the city of Makkah over shooting dead another man, Ayed Awad Al-Yazidi.

‘Sexiest Man Alive’ BEIJING: The online version of China’s Communist Party newspaper has hailed a report by The Onion naming North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un as the “Sexiest Man Alive” - not realizing it is satire. The People’s Daily on Tuesday ran a 55-page photo spread on its website in a tribute to the round-faced leader, under the headline “North Korea’s top leader named The Onion’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2012.” Quoting The Onion’s spoof report, the Chinese newspaper wrote, “With his devastatingly handsome, round face, his boyish charm, and his strong, sturdy frame, this Pyongyang-bred heartthrob is every woman’s dream come true.” “Blessed with an air of power that masks an unmistakable cute, cuddly side, Kim made this newspaper’s editorial board swoon with his impeccable fashion sense, chic short hairstyle, and, of course, that famous smile,” the People’s Daily cited The Onion as saying.

Bombs kill 6 in Iraq KIRKUK: Car bombs killed four people in Kurdish areas of the disputed northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk yesterday, while roadside bombs killed two more in a nearby Arab town, a security official and a doctor said. The attacks come a day after top security officials from the federal government and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region reached an agreement aimed at easing high tensions in disputed areas of northern Iraq, which the country’s parliamentary speaker has warned could lead to civil war. One car bomb exploded in a Kurdish area of east Kirkuk near a Kurdistan Democratic Party youth club, one of the two main Kurdish parties in Iraq, killing two people and wounding seven, a security official said. About 10 minutes later, a second car bomb exploded in another Kurdish area in the city’s northeast, killing a Kurdish security forces member and wounding four other people, the official said.

Inmates go ‘Gangnam Style’ BANGKOK: A day before South Korean rap sensation Psy brings his “Gangnam Style” to Thailand, nearly 100 inmates have danced to the hit behind barbed wire and bars in a Bangkok prison. Seventy out of 4,500 prisoners at Bangkok Remand Prison put on a show Tuesday for the media and corrections department executives after competing in a “Gangnam Style” dance contest last week. Officials said the program was to relieve inmates’ stress and help them keep fit.

Psy’s “Gangnam Style” this month became the most watched video ever on YouTube. It has spawned hundreds of parodies and tribute videos, including a popular one earlier this year by members of the Thai navy.

Psy will perform in Thailand today night - his first show in Asia outside of South Korea.

GONDER: Jewish worshipers gather at a makeshift synagogue established by the Jewish Agency for Israel for Ethiopian Jews in Gondar, Ethiopia. — AFP GONDAR: It was one of the most daring operations in Ethiopian history: Israel’s 1991 airlift of Ethiopian Jews, when nearly 15,000 people were crammed into a series of non-stop flights lasting 36 hours.

Clutching only a few belongings, in planes with seats removed to make more space, they left a nation their ancestors had called home for two millennia for a land they knew only from scripture. More than two decades later, some 2,000 descendants and relatives of those Israel had identified as original Jews are set to join them in the Holy Land.

All that’s left of Ethiopia’s Jewish population, called the Falash Mura, or “wanderers” in Ethiopia’s Amharic language-is expected to move to Israel over the next 18 months, the end of an ancient chapter of Ethiopian history. “It is God’s promise to us to go to the Promised Land and fulfill his prophecy... but that doesn’t change the fact that I am Ethiopian,” said Gasho Abenet, 25. Ethiopia’s remaining Falash Mura live in Gondar in the north of the country, supported by the Jerusalembased organization The Jewish Agency for Israel, where many have waited for years to complete bureaucratic hurdles and win approval to move.

Many say they feel frozen in limbo, not quite at home in Ethiopia, eager to become Israeli, and suffering from a long separation from family members who have already left. “Once... you’re in this halfway status of being internal refugees,

you’re certainly better off in Israel than being internal refugees in Ethiopia,” said Steven Kaplan, professor of religion and African studies at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University. Many Jews in Ethiopia-a small minority in a country where officially 62 percent are Christian and 34 percent are Muslim-say they have been misunderstood and even discriminated against.

Housing rents are arbitrarily hiked, some say, and many report name-calling from those who do not understand or accept Judaism. “It is difficult to live here in Ethiopia as an Israelite because we get insulted,” 22-year-old Amhare Fantahun said. For Gasho, it means never feeling fully at home in the land of his birth. “The life that we are living here is a nightmare, we can never settle,” he said, donning a black and white skullcap and a Star of David pin.

Dictator tried to trade Jews for weaponsDespite their feeling of apparent transience, the history of Judaism in Ethiopia dates back about 2,000 years.

The precise roots are disputed: some say Ethiopia’s ancient Jews-called Beta Israel, or “House of Israel”-are descendants of Jewish nomads who travelled first to Egypt, then on to Ethiopia. Others say they are direct descendants of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. The Falash Mura, descendants of the Beta Israelimany of whom were forced to convert to Christianity in the 18th and 19th centuries-have observed a unique interpretation of Judaism for generations. Practices

include separating menstruating women from men and bur ying their dead in Christian cemeteries. They must learn Rabbinic law and Hebrew before moving to Israel.

In skullcaps and draped in prayer scar ves, they gather ever y week in Gondar’s makeshift synagogue, a corrugated iron shed painted the blue and white of Israel’s flag, chanting verses from the Torah in Ethiopia’s Amharic language.

The push to transport Ethiopia’s Jews to Israel began in the 1980s, under Ethiopia’s brutal Communist dictator Mengistu Hailemariam, who used Ethiopia’s Jews as pawns and tried to trade them for weapons from Israel. Many left Ethiopia illegally, travelling by foot to Sudan, where 20,000 people were eventually flown to Israel in Operation Moses in 1985, the precursor to the 1991 airlift from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

The airlift, k nown as Operation Solomon, came as Mengistu lost his grip on power. There are about 130,000 Jews of Ethiopian descent in Israel today. By March 2014, the immigration of Ethiopia’s Jews to Israel is expected to finish, closing an ancient chapter of Ethiopia’s history.

Under Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie, departure for Israel was blocked as he said the country would lose a key cornerstone of its heritage. “Haile Selassie said, ‘If we did that we would lose one of the key elements in the Ethiopian tapestry. They represent a tradition that we all think we’re

descended from,’” said Stephen Spector, author of a book about the airlift.

But for Israeli ambassador to Ethiopia Belyanesh Zevadia-who was born in Ethiopia and lived in Israel for 28 years-the end of the returns to Israel merely marks a new chapter in relations between the two countries. “Maybe (we are) losing the culture, the Jewish culture,” she said. “But there are so many of them coming back and investing here... so we are building the bridge between the two countries.”

Gasho said the heritage lives on in other ways too, even though most of the Falash Mura have left the country. “We Jewish who are living here in Ethiopia, we taught our wisdom and knowledge,” he said. “Our culture is well understood throughout the community... learning, metallurgy, handcraftsmanship, it is all passed on,” Gasho added. At Addis Ababa’s transit centre, where the Falash Mura gather before boarding a flight to Israel, new shoes and clothes are passed around as children play table tennis and table football under the beating afternoon sun. Despite not knowing what to expect when they reach Israel, there is a sense of happiness from those about to leave Ethiopia for good. “I am going to miss Ethiopia, of course, but this is life, so I have to go to Israel, and that is the path decided for me,” said Malefeya Zelelu, 84, who waited in Gondar for 14 years before being approved to leave. “I am now going to be an Israelite,” he added, smiling widely.— AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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

Taiwan media deal sparks protests TAIPEI: Asian media mogul Jimmy Lai’s expected sale of his Taiwan holdings to a Taiwanese group that includes an outspokenly pro-China businessman has sparked protests in Taipei as fears grow it will rein in a source of lively, independent reporting on the democratic island. Lai spokesman Mark Simon said yesterday he expected the Taiwan dollars 17.5 billion ($601 million) deal to be signed late in the day in Macau. It involves the sale of the Taiwanese editions of Apple Daily and Next magazine, as well as Next TV to businessman Tsai Engmeng, banking scion Jeffrey Koo Jr, and Formosa Plastics Group president Wang Wen-yuan.

The deal still requires approval by Taiwan regulators. About 100 protesters gathered outside the Cabinet offices to protest the sale, focusing their attention on Tsai, who made a fortune selling rice crackers on the Chinese mainland, and whose China Times newspaper is a strong supporter of Chinese policies. Taiwan Reporters Association head Chen Siao-yi said Tsai’s participation in the deal would have a chilling impact on Taiwanese

democracy and press freedoms. “China is having more and more control over Taiwan’s politics and economy,” she said.

“Now they want public opinion too, because it is the missing piece of their puzzle.” Since coming to power 4 1/2 years ago, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has made better relations with China the centerpiece of his administration, taking a series of bold steps to link the island’s high-tech economy ever closer to China’s lucrative markets. The sides split after a civil war in 1949, and though China insists it will ultimately bring Taiwan under its control, Ma has promised that any change in its de facto independence will not occur on his watch.

Reacting to Tuesday’s demonstration, the Taiwanese government said that regulatory agencies would handle the Next Media case according to the law. But it also said it would be “inappropriate for the government to intervene or interfere because of a certain party’s political stance.”

In a preliminary look at the deal, Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission raised serious questions

about the propriety of Koo’s participation because of his family’s controlling interest in China Trust Financial Holdings, one of the island’s most powerful banks.

It suggested that financial institutions should not be involved in media ownership. Earlier this year the National Communications Commission, the government’s media watchdog, approved Tsai’s purchase of Taiwan’s second largest cable TV provider, but made the deal contingent on his selling his cable TV news station and other cable TV outlets. Tsai has since reneged on the promise and the case is in the courts.

Tsai was roundly condemned by Taiwanese of virtually all political stripes earlier this year after he told a Washington Post reporter that accounts of Chinese security forces killing hundreds if not thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators near Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989 were vastly overinflated. The accounts are widely accepted in the West as well as in Taiwan. Tsai returned to the political limelight in September when he underwrote the voyage of a flotilla of 50 Taiwanese fishing vessels to a

TAIPEI: Young demonstrators scuffle with police during a protest against the proposed sale of influential media outlets to a pro-China businessman yesterday. — AP group of islands between Okinawa and Taiwan claimed by Japan, China and Taiwan. While the fishermen themselves said their action was meant only to underscore their fishing

rights in the area, Tsai’s China Times newspaper quickly followed through with an editorial calling on China and Taiwan to work together to pursue a joint claim to the islands. — AP

Livni returns to politics to head ‘The Movement’ Israel’s Likud primary draws party further right

ALEPPO: A Syrian man carries his wounded daughter outside a hospital in the northern city of Aleppo. Syrian troops shelled several districts in Aleppo. — AFP

Syria launches air strikes as combat rages in Damascus BEIRUT: Syrian aircraft attacked towns in the country’s north and east and killed at least five people in a strike on an olive oil press as fighting raged in the capital Damascus yesterday, opposition activists said. Rebels battled government forces in the Damascus suburb of Kfar Souseh, on the edge of the centre of the capital housing the government of President Bashar Al-Assad, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britishbased monitoring group.

There was also combat in the Baba Amr district of Homs city, an area that was overrun by government troops in February, said the Observatory, as well as fighting in Aleppo, Deir Al-Zor, Deraa, Idlib province and Hama province. A government jet fired barrel bombs-cylinders packed with explosives and petrol-at the Abu Hilal olive oil press, 2 km west of Idlib city, activist Tareq Abdelhaq said. At least five people were killed and five wounded in the attack, the Observatory said.

Abdelhaq said at least 20 were killed and 50 wounded. The victims were civilians, according to activists, who acknowledged rebel fighters were in the area.

Such reports are difficult to verify as the government restricts access to foreign media.

An estimated 40,000 people have been killed in Syria since March last year when protests inspired by the Arab Spring broke out against Assad, whose family has ruled autocratically for four decades. Assad has relied on fighter jets, helicopters and artillery to subdue the revolt, which started peacefully but has become a full-scale civil war. Rebels have

captured at least five army and air force installations in the past 10 days, putting pressure on Assad’s forces in the northern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib and the eastern oil region of Deir Al-Zor. The opposition are calling for international military aid, particularly against air attacks, but Western powers who support the uprising are wary of radical Islamist units among the rebels.

AIR STRIKES The government also launched air strikes on the eastern city of Deir Al-Zor and on the strategic town of Maraat alNuman in Idlib province yesterday. The rebel takeover of Maarat al-Numan last month effectively cut the main northsouth highway, a key route for Assad to move troops from the capital Damascus to Aleppo, Syria’s largest city where rebels have taken a foothold. Most foreign powers have condemned Assad, and Britain, France and Gulf countries have recognized an umbrella opposition group, the Syrian National Coalition, as the sole representative of the Syrian people. But Assad has been able to rely on his allies, especially regional powerhouse Iran, to withstand the international assault. Russia and China have also vetoed three United Nations Security Council resolutions that condemn Assad.

Nonprofit news website ProPublica reported yesterday that Russia sent 240 tonnes of banks notes to Damascus this summer. US and European sanctions include a ban on minting Syrian banknotes. — Reuters

Syria Kurds seeking to re-unite divided ranks ARBIL: Rival Syrian Kurdish parties have agreed to re-unify their ranks and push for federalism in Syria after a previous pact that was not implemented, but the new deal has already been undermined by the reluctance of one faction to fall into line.

Syria’s Kurds see the civil war ravaging their country as an opportunity to gain the rights they have long been denied under President Bashar al-Assad and his father before him, who deprived thousands of citizenship.

But they are divided over their role in the Syrian conflict and where they stand in relation to the Arab-dominated opposition, which some regard as inherently antiKurdish. Under firm pressure from Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, representatives of two main camps: the Democratic Union Party (PYD), and the Kurdish National Council (KNC) met and renewed their commitment to a joint higher council. “We agreed to adopt federalism as a working draft,” said Aldar Khalil, a member of another council that presides over the PYD. They also said they would create a joint security apparatus, control border

checkpoints together and merge their military wings. But an armed unit known as the Popular Protection Committess (YPG), which is affiliated with the PYD, issued a statement saying it would not unite with any other military force, according to media close to the group. There is also discord regarding the new Syrian opposition coalition, which the PYD rejects as a proxy of Qatar and Turkey. The KNC, itself a coalition of more than a dozen smaller parties, has yet to decide whether to join the body.

The KNC is broadly accepted by the political mainstream, unlike the PYD, which is aligned with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Turkish Kurd militant group listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.

Barzani already brought the two sides together in July, but the KNC repeatedly accused the PYD of flouting that accord, blaming the group for kidnapping one of its members and harassing rival activists. A source close to the talks said he doubted the latest agreement would make much difference, citing suspicions of complicity between the PYD and Assad. — Reuters

TEL AVIV: Israel’s former foreign minister Tzipi Livni announced her return to politics yesterday at the helm of a new party called The Movement, nearly seven months after stepping aside following a primary defeat. “I have decided to return to politics... and to create a political party that I have named ‘The Movement’,” she told a press conference in Tel Aviv eight weeks before snap elections on January 22. Her announcement came the day after the ruling rightwing party of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slid sharply to the right following a vote to chose the party’s electoral list, which saw hardliners win top spots.

“Netanyahu lost yesterday and he could lose the elections,” Livni said, referring to the results of the Likud primary. “Israel’s situation is deteriorating,” she warned, saying: “I came to fight for peace... I won’t let people turn peace into a dirty word. “I came to fight for security but for international support,” which would allow Israel to act to defend itself, she said. “I came to fight for Israel as a Jewish state... for a democratic Israel.” Livni resigned from parliament on May 1, a month after she lost the leadership of the centre-right Kadima party, the main opposition party, to challenger Shaul Mofaz.

During her tenure as opposition leader, Livni was strongly critical of Netanyahu and his rightwing coalition government, and said she had no regrets about her efforts to revive stalled peace talks with the Palestinians. Livni is a lawyer by training and became head of Kadima after its former leader Ehud Olmert resigned in the face of corruption charges. A

mother of two, she hails from a family of nationalists and began her political career in the Likud party now led by Netanyahu, leaving it in 2005 along with thenprime minister Ariel Sharon for the newly formed Kadima faction.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud faction shifted further to the right on Monday, with the more moderate members of the ruling party faring poorly in a primary vote ahead of January elections. The two-day poll, extended from Sunday after technical failures in the computerized system caused significant delays, ended on Monday night with nearly 60 percent of the Likud’s 123,000 members casting their vote. Official results announced from the podium, with hundreds of exuberant activists cheering on the winners, showed the strength of the settler lobby, led by Moshe Feiglin, who

has said that Likud needs to reassure the right.

Feiglin himself won the 14th place on the list, which will be adjusted to reflect spots reserved for regional representatives and the merger with Foreign Minister Avidgor Lieberman’s ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu faction but almost certainly ensures him a spot in the next Knesset. “Dear friends, this is not the end, just the beginning, until we build the Temple on the Temple Mount and fulfill our destiny in this land,” Feiglin said in a statement following his victory. Knesset member Danny Danon, who led a number of campaigns against Arab lawmakers and attempted to promote controversial right-wing laws, told AFP that the results “prove that Likud members vote according to their loyalty to the Land of Israel and the values of the movement.” Meanwhile liber-

TEL AVIV: Israel’s former foreign minister Tzipi Livni announces her return to politics during a press conference in Tel Aviv yesterday. — AFP

al Likud members, most notably ministers Dan Meridor, Benny Begin and Michael Eitan-the first two who are part of Netanyahu’s Forum of Nine advisory groupwere pushed lower down the list and are unlikely to be elected into the parliament. “I’m very upset over the results, and think they could harm the quality of our list,” Culture Minister Limor Livnat, who came in 17th, told army radio. Netanyahu’s position as party leader was already confirmed by Likud’s governing central committee in February. While the rightward shift could draw votes from hawkish Israelis dissatisfied over Wednesday’s truce deal that ended eight days of conflict between Israel and Gaza militants, it could also frighten away more centrist voters in the January 22 polls.

In a speech concluding the event, Netanyahu praised the new “team.” “This team comes from all segments of society, and represents all segments of society,” he said. “Today it has been proved again that the Likud is the people’s party, for the people, and together we’ll continue leading Israel in the upcoming years.” Addressing Meridor and Begin, who weren’t present in the hall, Netanyahu noted the he and them had a similar liberal political upbringing, based on the Revisionist Zionism that espoused the ideology of the original Likud movement. “I will uphold these values in the next government that, God willing, I will form, and I want you by my side,” he said, implying he could appoint them as ministers even without being members of the Knesset. — Agencies

Troubled Iranian reactor in focus at UN nuclear agency VIENNA: Iran is set to be in focus at a UN atomic agency board meeting starting tomorrow, not only because of ongoing suspicions of a covert weapons drive but also over safety concerns over its only operating nuclear power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s latest report on Iran on November 16 showed that despite sanctions pressure, Iran has continued to expand its capacity to enrich uranium to purities of 20 percent, close to the 90 percent mark needed for a weapon.

Iran says that this process is to produce nuclear medicines but Western countries and independent experts say that it is producing far more enriched uranium than can be justified by Tehran’s civilian program in its current form.

In particular, the IAEA said that Iran had finished installing centrifuges machines that enrich uranium gas by spinning it at supersonic speeds-at Fordo, a facility dug into a mountain that Iran only told the IAEA about in 2009. Once Fordo is fully up and running, Iran will be able to produce 45 kilos of 20percent uranium per month, up from 15 kilos at present, or enough for a nuclear weapon’s worth-although it would have to be further enriched-every five and a half months.

This adds to pressure on the US, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany to

renew efforts to seek a diplomatic solution, with a meeting with Iran expected in early 2013 or possibly sooner, the first since June.

Parallel talks between the IAEA and Iran are set to resume on December 13 in Tehran, meanwhile, focused on what the agency calls “overall, credible” evidence that until 2003, and possibly since, Iran conducted nuclear weapons research. Israel, the Middle East’s sole if undeclared nuclear-armed state, has refused to rule out resorting to military action if diplomacy fails.

REACTOR PROBLEMS As well as highlighting Iran’s continued expansion, the IAEA’s report this month also said that fuel has been unloaded at Iran’s Bushehr reactor, shutting it down. Iran’s envoy to the IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, told AFP that the move was a “normal technical procedure” but Western diplomats said it raised fresh questions about safety at the 1,000-megawatt plant.

“This is not a routine matter or something that is ordinary. This is a matter of great concern,” one senior Western official said. The facility on the Gulf coast, started by Germany’s Siemens before the 1979 Islamic revolution and completed by Russian firm Rosatom, was only plugged into the nation grid in late 2011 after years of financial, technical and political delays. Although spent

fuel from Bushehr could in theory be used to produce plutonium for a nuclear weapon, Western countries do not see a risk that the plant could be used for this purpose.

“Light-water” reactors like Bushehr do not produce plutonium of a quality appropriate for a bomb, and any move to adjust it to do so would quickly be detected by the IAEA, which conducts regular inspections there. Of more concern is the “heavy-water” reactor at Arak that Iran has told the IAEA it intends to begin operating in the first quarter of 2014.

Such a reactor would be far more suitable for producing weapons-grade plutonium.

But Bushehr’s latest setback-not the first-is another example of Iran shooting itself in the foot by its “opacity,” said Mark Fitpatrick from the International Institute for Strategic Studies think-tank in London.

This newest suspected problem at Bushehr “is probably not something to be overly worried about, either on proliferation or safety grounds,” Fitpatrick said. “It is probably some glitch and Iran is taking proper precautions.” “But because of the way Iran does this, without giving any details, it naturally creates concerns,” he said. Iran is the only country with an operating nuclear reactor that does not adhere to the Convention on Nuclear Safety, drawn up after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in order to improve transparency and safety, he said. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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

With cash and clout, Jeb Bush pushes school reforms FLORIDA: Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush soared to rock star status in the education world on the strength of a chart. A simple graph, it tracked fourth-grade reading scores. In 1998, when Bush was elected governor, Florida kids scored far below the national average. By the end of his second term, in 2007, they were far ahead, with especially impressive gains for low-income and minority students. Those results earned Bush bipartisan acclaim. As he convenes a starstudded policy summit this week in Washington, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential education reformers in the US Elements of his agenda have been adopted in 36 states, from Maine to Mississippi, North Carolina to New Mexico.

Many of his admirers cite Bush’s success in Florida as reason enough to get behind him. But a close examination raises questions about the depth and durability of the gains in Florida. After the dramatic jump of the Bush years, Florida test scores edged up in 2009 and then dropped,

with low-income students falling further behind. State data shows huge numbers of high school graduates still needing remedial help in math and reading.

And some of the policies Bush now pushes, such as vouchers and mandatory online classes, have no clear links to the testscore bump in Florida. Bush has been particularly vigorous about promoting online education, urging states to adopt policies written with input from companies that stand to profit from expanded cyber-schooling. Many of those companies also donate to Bush’s Foundation for Excellence in Education, which has raised $19 million in recent years to promote his agenda nationwide.

Sherman Dorn, a professor of education at the University of South Florida, says some of Bush’s policies as governor, such as an intense focus on teaching reading, made a real difference to Florida students. “It’s pretty clear Governor Bush should get credit for giving a damn,” he said. But by teaming with for-profit corporations to push cyber-schools,

which have produced dismally low test scores in many states, Bush is “throwing away whatever credibility he had coming out of Florida,” Dorn said. Bush’s allies disagree. For them, the former governor - widely considered a top contender for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination - is a visionary striving to build on his record of success.

“I’ve been very impressed with the thoughtfulness of his policies,” said Joel Klein, who ran New York City schools for eight years and now heads News Corp’s education division, Amplify, which donates to the Bush foundation.

Klein and officials at several other education companies that support Bush’s foundation say they do so not for their own financial interest but to promote a broad policy debate. Any implication “that corporate donors give to us for us to advance their agenda” is simply false, said Patricia Levesque, the foundation’s executive director. Bush, who declined to comment for this story, says often that he has one abiding goal: to give all students the

chance to reach their “God-given potential.” His “Florida formula” rests on the principles of increasing accountability and expanding parental choice. Among its tenets: Grade schools on an A-to-F scale, based mostly on student scores and growth on standardized tests. Give students in poorly ranked schools vouchers to attend private and religious schools. Hold back 8-year-olds who can’t pass a state reading test rather than promote them to fourth grade. Expand access to online classes and charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately managed, sometimes for profit. In Florida, Bush paired his tough-love measures with generous support. Schools that improved their grade or got an “A” received extra funding.

Teachers got bonuses for successes like getting more kids to pass Advanced Placement tests. And students required to repeat third grade got intensive help at free summer reading camps. States adopting the policies now, in a time of austerity, tend to leave out the costly support systems.

Jeb Bush That has stirred protests from school superintendents, school board members, teachers unions and parents who see the policies as punitive, humiliating and too narrowly focused on a single test as a measure of success. Voters have spoken loudly, too. In this month’s election, overwhelmingly Republican electorates overturned Bush-style reforms in Idaho and South Dakota and ousted the Indiana state schools chief, who had enacted much of the Florida formula. In Florida,

meanwhile, the durability of the Bush-era gains has come into question. High school graduation rates rose during Bush’s tenure but remain substantially lower than in other large and diverse states, including California, New York and Ohio, according to new federal data. Students’ average score on the ACT college entrance exam has not improved and remains well below states such as Missouri and Ohio, where a comparable percentage of students take the test.—Reuters

Another blow for state’s anti-eavesdropping law Top court will not revisit Illinois eavesdropping law

CALIFORNIA: The surf at Big Lagoon beach creates a moderate undertow near Trinidad, Calif. A family that tried to rescue their dog from powerful surf at the beach in Northern California were swept out to sea. — AP

Family swept out to sea in attempt to save dog SAN FRANCISCO: Howard Kuljian and his family were out for a walk on a damp, overcast morning at Big Lagoon beach, playing fetch with their dog Fran as 10-foot surf churned the water just feet away like a washing machine. Signs near the beach warned of “sneaker waves,” the kind that suddenly roar ashore. Kuljian tossed a stick that took the dog down to the water’s edge, and in an instant, authorities said, a wave swallowed it, setting off a nightmarish scramble.

“Everything kind of snowballed from there,” Coast Guard Lt Bernie Garrigan said.

Kuljian’s 16-year-old son, Gregory, ran to save the dog, only to be captured by the surging surf himself. Kuljian, 54, followed, and then his wife, Mary Scott, 57. On shore, their 18year-old daughter, Olivia, and Gregory’s girlfriend could only watch. Both parents’ bodies were later recovered, but the boy - presumed dead - is still missing.

The dog eventually made it back to shore.

News of Saturday’s tragedy shocked many in the small college town of Arcata on the rough Northern California coastline about 280 miles north of San Francisco. Students at Gregory’s high school wore green in his memory Monday. By late afternoon, more than 1,300 people “liked” a Facebook page set up by the teenager’s friends called “Wear Green for Geddie” - using his nickname.

Dozens tweeted tributes with the hash-tag (hash)WearGreenForGeddie.

“I will always remember him no matter how long,” wrote Emmalaya Owen on the Facebook page. “Especially how he was such an upbeat happy person or how he tried to put up ‘Be Happy’ propaganda posters he drew around school.” Others were trying to come to terms with the deaths. His sister

graduated last year. “He was just a friendly guy, and everyone who knew him liked him, and his family was very close,” said Day Robins, a high school senior. She said Gregory and his family were active in school athletics and sailing. At Big Lagoon beach, a short drive from Arcata, signs posted near the parking lot warned beachgoers not to turn their back to the surf and to pay special attention to sneaker waves. “Because the beach is designed that way, when that 10foot wall breaks, it surges up on the beach and surges back really fast,” said Garrigan, the Coast Guard officer. “It’s like a cyclical washing machine.” As the family walked along the beach, Howard Kuljian threw the stick and the dog gave chase, said Dana Jones, a state parks district superintendent. Seeing his son in the water, Kuljian leapt to action, and disappeared into the frigid water. Gregory managed to pull himself back onto the sand, but after realizing his father was drowning, both he and his mother went in to save him.

As Olivia and the girlfriend watched in horror, a nearby bystander called police. By the time help arrived, it was too late. Jones said the officer wasn’t able to get to the family members because of the high surf.

Garrigan said the search for the teenager was stopped because a person without a wetsuit could not survive for long in the cold surf. The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and two motorized life boats to find the teenager, but thick coastal fog made the search difficult. The parks department also called off its search. “When there is shorebreak like that, you don’t even have to go into the water to be pulled into the sea,” Jones said. “It’s a reminder to be real careful around the ocean.”— AP

Two men sentenced in ‘Fast and Furious’ case PHOENIX: Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a gun smuggling ring that was part of the US government’s botched Operation Fast and Furious, an investigation that unraveled after illegally purchased weapons turned up at the scene of a fatal Border Patrol agent shooting. Jacob Anthony Montelongo was sentenced in federal court in Phoenix to nearly 3 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and dealing guns without a license. Sean Christopher Steward received a nine-year sentence for conspiracy and making false statements to authorities.

According to the US Justice Department, Steward and Montelongo were among socalled straw buyers who illegally purchased weapons for traffickers and Mexican drug cartels in a wide-ranging Phoenix-based gun trafficking ring. In Operation Fast and Furious, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives used a controversial tactic called gun-walking, where instead of intercepting all weapons believed to be purchased illegally almost immediately, they wanted to track the guns back to high-level arms traffickers who had long eluded prosecution, in an effort to dis-

mantle their networks.

But federal agents lost track of many of the guns purchased at Arizona shops before they ended up in Mexico, where many of them have been recovered at crime scenes.

The operation ultimately identified more than 2,000 illicitly purchased weapons, and some 1,400 of them have yet to be found.

Two guns in Operation Fast and Furious were found on the US side of the border at the scene of the 2010 fatal shooting of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

Five men have since been charged in Terry ’s death. One pleaded guilty last month and faces life in prison. Three others remain fugitives. In his guilty plea, Manuel Osorio-Arellanes admitted he was part of a rip-off crew that sneaked into the United States from Mexico about a week before Terry’s death. He said they stashed guns and food supplies on the US side of the border, aiming to rob marijuana smugglers and illegal immigrants. Operation Fast and Furious has led to widespread congressional criticism. President Barack Obama has invoked executive privilege in the case, and Attorney General Eric Holder has been found to be in contempt of Congress.—AP

CHICAGO: The US Supreme Court has delivered another blow to a 50-year-old antieavesdropping law in Illinois, choosing to let stand a lower court finding that key parts of the hotly debated law run counter to constitutional protections of free speech. In that critical lower-court ruling in May, the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals found that the law one of the toughest of its kind in the country violates the First Amendment when used against those who record police officers doing their jobs in public.

Civil libertarians say the ability to record helps guard against police abuse. The law’s proponents, however, say it protects the privacy rights of officers and civilians, as well as ensures that those wielding recording devices don’t interfere with urgent police work. The Illinois Eavesdropping Act, enacted in 1961, makes it a felony for someone to produce an audio recording of a conversation unless all the parties involved agree. It sets a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison if a law enforcement officer is recorded.

As it drew the ire of civil liberties groups, state legislators endeavored to soften the law earlier this year, but those efforts stalled. The high-court’s decision could prompt a renewed push to overhaul it. But state Rep Elaine

Nekritz, a vocal opponent of the law, said court decisions hitting at its constitutionality could effectively nullify the most contentious aspects of the law and make further legislative action unnecessary. “If it’s unenforceable, it’s unenforceable,” the Northbrook Democrat said. “I think (the law’s opponents) would be pretty happy with that” and wouldn’t feel the need to formally strike it from the books.

The Washington, DC-based high court didn’t hear arguments or issue an opinion, but its decision to do nothing amounts to a rejection of a plea from Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez to overturn the decision by the 7th Circuit in Chicago. In their 33-page petition to the Supreme Court, prosecutors argued the 7th Circuit had ignored privacy rights and created “a novel and unprecedented First Amendment protection to ubiquitous recording devices.” “The decision (of the 7th Circuit) diminished the conversational privacy of speakers in favor of a heretofore unrecognized First Amendment right to audio record the discussions of such speakers,” the petition said. Especially in an era where recording devices can pick up conversations from far away, a lack of restraints could make civilians uneasy and make them reluctant to speak frankly to officers about criminal activity -

endangering the public, the petition argued.

What the prosecutor’s office sought most was “legal clarification and guidance,” a spokeswoman for Alvarez, Sally Daly said on Monday.

She said it was disappointing the high court didn’t agree to hear the case. It stems from a 2010 lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union seeking to block Alvarez from prosecuting ACLU staff for recording police officers performing duties in public - one of the group’s long-standing monitoring missions.

The ACLU of Illinois on Monday welcomed the high court’s decision not to touch the lower court’s ruling.

“We are hopeful that we are moving closer to a day when no one in Illinois will risk prosecution when they audio record public officials performing their duties,” Harvey Grossman, legal director of the ACLU of Illinois, said in a statement. “Empowering individuals and organizations in this fashion will ensure additional transparency and oversight of public officials across the state.” The case now gets kicked back to a US District Court in Chicago, where the ACLU will ask a federal judge to make a temporary injunction against the law permanent. If a judge agrees, that could amount to a final death knell for the law as it’s currently written.— AP

Supreme Court turns to workplace harassment WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court turned to workplace harassment Monday, taking up the issue of whether an employer is responsible if the alleged tormentor is not strictly a boss. The ninemember panel pondered how best to define “supervisor”-as those few in a company who can hire and fire, or more widely, as those who oversee others on a daily basis. Under American law, an employer is held accountable if a supervisor torments a subordinate but cannot be legally pursued if the harassment takes places between two employees of the same rank unless the employer is shown to be “negligent” and turned a blind eye to the goings-on.

To answer the question, the country’s top court examined a case of racial harassment in which the harassment victim was an African American employee of Ball State University, an institution of higher learning in the state of Indiana. Maretta Vance worked in the university’s food service where she claims she was harassed by another employee, a white woman named Saundra Davis, who insulted her with references to the white supremacist organization Ku Klux Klan.

A Chicago court of appeals court ruled in June 2011 that the university could not be held accountable. It said negligence could not be proven and that Davis was not the supervisor of the plaintiff because she did not have the power to hire or fire her. “It is clear that Ms Davis was not qualified as a supervisor,” Gregory Garre, a lawyer for the university, told the panel. But Daniel Ortiz, a lawyer for Vance, countered that “Davis told her what to do and what not to do ... Davis gave orders in the kitchen.” Justice Samuel Alito asked what the most unpleasant thing was that Davis could have assigned Vance to do.

“Could it be chopping onions all day, every day?” he asked. “Certainly,” Ortiz answered, adding that cleaning the toilets was also on the list of unpleasant tasks. Chief Justice John Roberts asked if an employee tasked with choosing music for his workplace could be considered a supervisor if he told another employee: “if you don’t date me, it’s going to be country music all day long... that affects the daily activities of that other employee.” To that, Alito said: “Isn’t the authority to decide who cleans the toilets the same as the authority to decide what the music is going to be?” The court is expected to issue its ruling in 2013. The decision could set a precedent on employer responsibility for other harassment cases.— AFP

WASHINGTON: Sen John McCain, R-Ariz, ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee (center) flanked by fellow committee members, Sen Kelly Ayotte (left) and Sen Lindsey Graham (right) speaks on Capitol Hill yesterday, following a meeting with UN Ambassador Susan Rice. — AP

Rice meets McCain to douse Libya row WASHINGTON: US envoy to the UN Susan Rice met Senator John McCain yesterday in an apparent bid to defuse a bitter row over Libya that could hurt her chances of becoming the next secretary of state.

McCain has led Republican attacks against Rice, accusing her of misleading the public over the September 11 assault on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya that left Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans dead.

“My concerns are obviously that she told the American people things that were patently false, that were not true,” McCain said, confirming yesterday’s meeting, which stoked speculation Rice is the frontrunner for the nomination. US media reported that the closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill, arranged at Rice’s request, would took place at 9:30 am and that Republican senators Lindsey Graham and Kelly Ayotte also attended, along with acting CIA director Mike Morell.

Several leading Republicans have vowed to oppose Rice’s elevation to become America’s top diplomat at all costs, but McCain, the party’s 2008 presidential nominee, has softened his criticism in recent days. Asked on Fox News if Rice could change his mind, McCain said: “Sure.

She can. I’d give everyone the benefit of explaining their position and the actions that they took. I’d be glad to have the

opportunity.” Republicans singled out Rice because she appeared on Sunday political talk shows five days after the Benghazi attack and said it was the “best assessment” of the US government that the strike was not pre-planned.

Rice said the assault appeared to have started from a “spontaneous” reaction by protesters angry at an amateur anti-Muslim video made on American soil, as had been the case in an earlier assault on the US embassy in Cairo. President Barack Obama’s administration subsequently admitted the attack had been carried out by militants linked to Al-Qaeda, and State Department and FBI probes are currently under way to find out what happened. Rice appeared to be largely absolved of blame when the office of the Director of National Intelligence confirmed the terms “AlQaeda” and “terrorism” had been removed from the “talking points” brief she was given. In his first press conference after being re-elected, Obama rushed to Rice’s defense, accusing the Republicans of an “outrageous” attempt to “besmirch her reputation” and challenging them to go after him instead. Rice broke her silence on the row last week, saying she had been the victim of “unfounded” Republican attacks. “Let me be very clear. I have great respect for Senator McCain and his service to our country.—AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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

After bombing, Bulgaria frets over Muslims SARNITSA: A bucolic painting of snowy mountains and traditional Bulgarian craftwork mingle in Said Mutlu’s office with Arabic books and a calendar depicting Makkah. The room reflects the mixed identity of Mutlu and Sarnitsa, a lakeside town in Bulgaria’s remote south where women wear headscarves, men chat over coffee on the square and houses cluster around a mosque rather than a church.

Bulgaria is an EU country where Muslims are a centuries-old community, not recent immigrants; but some feel that long co-existence is in peril.

Mutlu is on trial facing charges of running an unregistered branch of Al Waqf-Al Islami, a foundation funded mainly by hardline Salafi Muslims from Saudi Arabia who preach an ultra-conservative brand of the religion. He denies the charge. “There is tension among people here. They are deeply shocked by the trial,” said Mutlu, a quietly spoken and earnest 49-year-old man wearing tracksuit trousers striped with the colours of Bulgaria’s national flag.

Mutlu is charged that he had preached, in one of Sarnitsa’s mosques and in a coffee shop, an anti-democratic ideology promoting imposition of sharia law and inciting religious hatred. Citing confiscated Islamic literature and witness statements, prosecutors say Mutlu and 12 other religious leaders and activists in southwest Bulgaria had been on Al Waqf-Al Islami’s monthly payroll to spread radical ideas.

All deny any wrongdoing and many of the witnesses questioned have changed their statements in the courtroom.

ELECTIONS The case, combined with the bombing of a bus carrying Israeli tourists this summer, has highlighted splits in society. Nationalists have charged that the Balkan country could be an easy route into Europe for radical Islamists.

Protests by both Muslims, who make up some 15 percent of Bulgaria’s 7.3 million people, and nationalists have rocked the town of Pazardzhik, a larger town at the foot of the Rhodope mountains where Mutlu’s trial is taking place.

“When things in the country do not go well, they try by creating ethnic tensions to divert attention from the real problems,” Mutlu said, fixing his glasses and shrugging his large shoulders. Protesters led by far-right parties Attack and VMRO wave banners at demonstrations reading “Our religion is Bulgaria” and “Tough sentences for fanatics”. “Today they bring radical Islam and tomorrow they surely will ask for Islamic autonomy,” said retired teacher Pavel Petkov. “We must wake up while it is still not too late.”

Mutlu, who studied Islam in Saudi Arabia, has been an imam in Sarnitsa since 1998 and has won wide respect in the local community for a knowledge of theology and soft-spoken manner. “As far as I know him, the man is clean.

He has been an imam here for over 20 years.

We cannot say anything bad about him,” said Mustafa Alikanov, mayor of Sarnitsa. “The town stands behind him”. Some Bulgarian Muslims are ethnic Turks, others Bulgarians whose ancestors converted under Ottoman rule that ended in 1878. The Islamic population is the highest proportion in any European Union member state.

The trial has revived memories of the 1980s when hundreds of Muslims were forced to change their names to Bulgarian ones and over 300,000 left the country due to a campaign by communist dictator Todor Zhivkov to revive mainstream Bulgarian culture - a policy that contributed to his fall from power in 1989.

With an election due next summer and rightist Prime Minister Boiko Borisov unsure of securing a second term, many in the Islamic community suspect the charges against Mutlu and others are cooked up and designed to bolster government support.

They say the government of the EU’s poorest country neglects their needs and an economy which is recovering only slowly from a deep recession, with the number of jobless at 11 percent and rising, is fostering discontent among both communities. Areas where Muslims live tend to be poorer and the community feels neglected over the more than 20 years since the fall of communism. The defendants deny receiving money from Al Waqf-Al

Islami, though some studied in Saudi Arabia.

“We have the alienation, the disappointment and this on top,” said Mikhail Ivanov, minority issues lecturer at Sofia’s New Bulgarian University. “The balance is broken. We have a country which is indifferent to 1 million of its people.”

FAULT LINES The fault lines became clearer after a suicide bomber killed five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian driver at the Black Sea port of Burgas in July, an attack Israel blamed on Iran and the Lebanese Islamist group Hezbollah. Iran has denied the charge and accused Israel of carrying it out. Some of the concern centres on Bulgaria’s efforts to join the EU’s passport-free Schengen zone. Once immigrants were in Bulgaria, they would be free to travel throughout the bloc.

“The public was terrified by Burgas and this fuelled an idea that there’s a problem under the sur face that’s going to explode any moment,” said Ioannis Michaletos, an independent Athens-based security analyst for southeast Europe. The office of the Chief Mufti is keen to limit troubles between the communities and chief secretary Ahmed Ahmedov said it has known the defendants for a long time and not observed anything unusual in their behaviour. But things can escalate.

“When you persistently mess in the hive, sooner or later it may blow out,” Ahmedov said.

“People should know we are not raising suicide bombers in the basement.”

Another of the defendants, Hairi Sherifov, runs a youth soccer club in Rudozem, 10 kilometers from the Greek border. Accused of teaching the children extreme Islam, which he denies, Sherifov said the 50-odd boys doing soccer drills at a crumbling stadium were both Muslim and Christian and there was no religious element in the club. “In the mixed communities (like) Rudozem, where we all know each other, I think it will be hard not to say impossible - for tensions to escalate,” he said. “But people who are far from us, and they do not know us, they may get it wrong.” — Reuters

Half of EU nations fail to tackle hate crimes Russia warns EU of visa retaliation VIENNA: Half of EU countries are failing to tackle hate crimes, thereby violating European conventions, by not keeping track of offences linked to race, religion or gender, a report said yesterday. Thirteen out of the bloc’s 27 member states could provide only “limited data” on hate crimes, said a study by EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA).

This meant that few incidents were recorded, data was rarely published and the motivation behind the crime, if specified, was usually restricted to racism, the study said.

These countries included Spain, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Hungary and Bulgaria, among others. In Romania, evidence of data collection on hate crimes was missing altogether, the report said. Only four countriesBritain, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands-had comprehensive data, consistently recording attacks on individuals due to their gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or race, and published this information. “EU member states with limited data collection-where few incidents are reported, recorded and therefore prosecuted-can be said to be failing in their duty to tackle hate crime,” the report concluded.

“If the criminal justice system overlooks the bias motivation behind a crime, then this amounts to a violation... of the European Convention of Human Rights,” it went on, noting that hate crime was “a daily reality throughout the European Union.” The tendency to focus only on extremists also meant “‘everyday’ forms of prejudice and abuse-such as the bullying of persons with disabilities ... remain unnoticed and therefore unaddressed,” said FRA director Morten

Kjaerum. To remedy that, EU states should make sure hate crimes were clearly defined in their legislation.

Brussels should also pass new laws forcing its members to more accurately report on crimes motivated by racism and prejudice, to bring the problem further into the open, FRA urged.

In another development, Russia yesterday warned the European Union that Moscow was considering retaliation if the bloc further delays dropping visa requirements for Russians. Moscow has pushed for years to loosen the visa requirements for Russian citizens and drop them altogether for certain kinds of travelers, in an issue that has now become a major diplomatic bone of contention. The issue is expected to be President Vladimir Putin’s top concern at an EU-Russia summit next month in Brussels, said Russian foreign ministry special envoy Anvar Azimov.

“He will put the question pointblank: are we moving forward or not?” Azimov said, RIA Novosti reported. “The next year will be the moment of truth and we will be making decisions at the end of the year.” “If there is no breakthrough on this agreement by the end of 2013, Russia will be making conclusions from this,” Azimov said. “We are sometimes slow on the uptake but we can hit back sufficiently,” he said, without elaborating on the nature of the retaliation. Moscow has previously accused some European countries of being stuck in a Cold War mentality on the visa issue, using it as a political lever against Russia. The European Union also appears itself divided, and Azimov said he believed that 17 EU states were in favor of swiftly loosening

PARIS: French President Francois Hollande (left) greets Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev prior to their meeting at the Elysee Palace yesterday. — AP visa controls and 10 were opposed.

Azimov added that starting in December, Russia will demand that foreign flight crews obtain visas on Russia-bound flights, after failing to agree on visa-free travel for Russia’s diplomatic and military passport holders. Some European politicians have criticized Russia for cracking

down on protestors and giving them excessive jail sentences.

Lawmakers in the Council of Europe passed a resolution on Russia in October noting “serious concerns” with recent restrictive laws and jailing of punk band Pussy Riot, causing a storm in Russia’s political circles.— Agencies

French right-wing heads for a split over leadership row PARIS: France’s right-wing opposition UMP yesterday appeared headed for a split after a poisonous leadership battle as the twice declared winner JeanFrancois Cope rejected demands for a fresh vote.

The UMP, the political heir to the party founded by Charles de Gaulle after World War II, faces one of the worst crises in its history after accusations of rigging marred a November 18 election pitting former premier Francois Fillon against hardline rival Cope.

Cope, an ally of former president Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday brushed aside Sarkozy’s suggestionreported by several informed sources-for a fresh ballot, as his defeated rival also dug in his heels.

“The time is not right in the heat of the moment, in the bitterness ...to say we must vote again right away,” Cope said on France Info radio. But Fillon struck back yesterday after a meeting with his supporters, who said they were launching a new parliamentary faction which would be dissolved as soon as a new vote was held.

At a peacemaking lunch Monday with Fillon, Sarkozy said holding a new vote would “avoid an escalation of the conflict”, a party source said-an

account confirmed by both Fillon and Cope loyalists in the party. Cope also said he had spoken to his mentor at length and denied that Sarkozy wanted a revote. “This is what is being attributed to him. I have not personally heard him say that,” he said.

Cope said under party statutes a new election would take at least six months to allow time for campaigning.

“The time has now come to prepare for the future, to see how the statutes can be modified” to make the party play its rightful role as an opposition group, he said. “The time has come to turn the page. An election was held and its result was confirmed twice.” Saying one cannot bring down a fever by breaking the thermometer, he took a swipe at Fillon saying: “Maybe the reason why one lost was that the campaign did not fulfill the expectations of the people.” The ridicule foisted on the party over the leadership debacle has done serious damage to the UMP’s image, benefitting Socialist President Francois Hollande as he struggles with a flat economy and dropping popularity. The breakaway from the party’s parliamentary faction could deprive it of

crucial public funding. Such a move would strip the UMP of the 42,000 euros ($54,000) in annual funding it receives for each of its members in the lowerhouse National Assembly and upper-house Senate.

Lawmakers have until Friday to declare their party affiliation for next year’s funds. France’s conservative Le Figaro daily said the right was committing “live suicide.” Fillon, 58, and Cope, 48, have traded accusations of fraud and ballot-rigging.

A party appeals commission on Monday confirmed Cope’s win, raising his margin of victory from 98 votes to nearly 1,000 following an examination of complaints over alleged irregularities. Fillon’s camp has accused the commission of bias and said he will pursue legal action including a civil suit to have the results overturned. The UMP has 183 members in France’s 577-seat National Assembly, the second-largest group after the Socialists. Both Fillon and Cope are fiscal conservatives advocating free-market policies and economic reforms, but Cope has carved out a niche on the right flank of the UMP with his tough-talking approach to immigration and Islam.— AFP

Belarus leader relishes reputation as dictator

MINSK: Bailiffs speak to Natalia Pinchuk (left) the wife of Ales Belyatsky, the imprisoned leader of Belarus’ Vyasna (Spring) human rights group in the group’s office in Minsk. The leading human rights group in authoritarian Belarus says officials evicted it from its office in Minsk, following the conviction of Belyatsky, its leader.— AP MINSK: He is a pariah in the West, viewed suspiciously by Russia and loathed by opponents in exile or jail, but Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is relishing his notoriety as Europe’s last dictator. After 18 years in power, the blunt, forceful and heavily built former state farm manager shows no sign of bowing to Western pressure to relax his grip on the former Soviet republic squeezed between Russia and the European Union.

Always defiant, often cantankerous and sometimes provocative, Lukashenko has added irony to his armory to deflect Western politicians’ criticism, touting their dictator tag as a badge of honor. “I am the last and only dictator in Europe. Indeed there are none anywhere else in the world,” he told Reuters in a rare interview in the capital Minsk in which he repeatedly referred to himself as a dictator and to his rule as a dictatorship. “You came here and looked at a living dictator. Where else would you see one? There is something in this. They say that even bad publicity is good publicity.”

Lukashenko’s words are delivered with a wry grin and a wave of his immense hands, and appear intended to taunt the critics whose calls for more economic and political freedom have gone largely unheeded since he first became president in 1994. The 58year-old leader does not tire of telling guests that Belarus is the geographical centre of Europe. But the country of 9.5 million does not share the same democratic values as its western neighbors.

Minsk’s broad thoroughfares are still lined with monolithic Soviet-era buildings. There are streets named after Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin and philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, though some may now boast smart Western shops, such as a showroom for Porsche cars and McDonald’s fastfood restaurants. There is not a single opposition deputy in parliament. Lukashenko, if reelected, can rule indefinitely following a referendum that allowed term limits to be lifted, and the opposition has been all but crushed into submission.

His strongest rival, Andrei Sannikov, once a deputy foreign minister, took political refuge in Britain last month after 16 months in prison in which he said prison staff tortured him and tried to get him to commit suicide. Years of diplomatic spats with the West have left Belarus isolated, but a European Union travel and assets ban on people and companies associated with his government has had no obvious impact on Lukashenko’s policies. He is promising to modernize the largely state-run economy and possibly one day build a party-based political system. But he scoffs at talk of rapid change or the possibility of upheaval like the “Arab Spring” that swept away Middle East leaders. “There’s no point in comparing the policy of Belarus and the Middle East. A few people tried through social networking to make the situation explosive,” he said, re ferring to “silent” protests last year when opponents gathered in public places to applaud ironically. “But nothing came of it. Nor will anything come of it. Every day we have changes here. There is no scope for revolutions coming to Belarus,” he said, sitting in an ornate armchair in a luxurious room with green carpets and a chandelier in his cavernous presidential residence.

“You do not like the fact that we have good relations with Russia. This is determined by our history. During the last war we fought together in the trenches against the Nazis. We saved you, Europe, from being slaves to your own Fuehrer.” In a veiled threat to Europe to stop “choking” Belarus, he reminded Europe that it receives much of its oil and natural gas from Russia via pipelines that run through the country. “Who needs these double-standards? Who needs instability in the heart of Europe? Not you, not us, not Russia. Let’s talk, we are people,” he said.

Lukashenko rejected Western charges of holding political prisoners, saying specific cases raised by the West relate to people who committed criminal offences. Asked about alleged abuse of human rights, he waved the question to one side, saying he was the guarantor of the most important right - the right to live. He seethes too as he recalls a prodemocracy stunt by a Swedish PR company in which hundreds of teddy bears were dropped from a light airplane over Belarus last July.

“You recently sent over a plane with humorous toys and this was a violation (of Belarus’s air space). And what if the military had opened fire and people had been killed?” he said.

YEARS OF DEFIANCE In mid-2010, after signs Lukashenko was easing pressure on the political opposition, it seemed that Western governments might be ready to relax their harsh criticism of him. But all that ended in December 2010 when, after he was voted in for a fourth consecutive term, riot police broke up rallies by tens of thousands of people against his re-election.

Several politicians who ran against him for office were detained by security forces, including Sannikov, and scores of opponents were picked up in their homes. The EU and the United States tightened sanctions on Lukashenko and his inner circle.

This week the Justice Ministry closed down the Minsk office of the human rights organisation Viasna whose head Ales Beliatski is serving a four and a half jail term after a trial for tax evasion described as unfair by Amnesty International. Lukashenko’s message to the West is one of defiance, coupled with a sense of seething injustice at being ostracized for not following Western-style policies. “You (Europe) do not like the course Belarus is taking. You would like everything here to be sold off - in the interests of Russia or in the interests of Western companies,” he said, shifting forward in his chair and almost shouting as he denounced the West, his face coloring with anger.

STABILITY AND KEEPING POWER Lukashenko has sought to foster an avuncular image and revels in the affectionate sobriquet of Bat’ka - meaning ‘father’ - in his dealings with ordinary people, many of whom tune in to his earthy way of handling problems. He has kept the loyalty of industrial workers in big factories by awarding them pay rises when economic times get hard, even though critics say this has contributed to the country’s economic problems and rising debts. Inflation in 2011 was 108 percent and, although it fell to 18 percent in the first 10 months of 2012, this is a coinless society where all banknotes and bills end in zeroes.

Belarus also has a $12-billion debt pile, a large amount for a country which Lukashenko says has an annual gross domestic product of about $60 billion. Despite this, stability has been his by-word for two decades as he waged war on corruption and as neighboring Russia wilted under mafiastyle crime, violence and sometimes political chaos. “A simple nation put me in this chair. I have never moved away from my promises to people,” he said. Dismissing any concern about economic instability after a parliamentary election in October, he blamed fluctuations in the value of the Belarussian rouble last month on opponents he often describes as a “fifth column”.—Reuters

BALANCING ACT Despite his hostility to western Europe over criticism, he is wary of Belarus being drawn back in to Moscow’s orbit. Lukashenko has long played Russia’s interests off against those of western Europe - but he has also gone to lengths to shut out large-scale Russian investment from an accessible market of potentially rich pickings for the Russian investor. Despite their economic inter-dependency, and moves towards a customs union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, Moscow still shows signs of wariness about Lukashenko’s unpredictability and, Belarusian political analysts say, he and Putin do not enjoy a particularly warm relationship.

The balancing act appeared to tip in Russia’s favor last year, however, when it bailed Belarus out of a financial crisis. Under the bailout package, Belarus made pledges to allow the privatization of some state companies that could interest Russian investors, and allowed the sale of the Beltransgas pipeline network supplying western Europe.

Lukashenko hopes for a new deal with the International Monetary Fund to help Belarus through an anticipated debt repayment crunch in 2013, if the international lender stops “playing politics”. The country has to find $1.6 billion in repayments to the IMF alone next year under an old programme.

There is nothing in the constitution to stop Lukashenko seeking a fifth five-year term in 2015, or then a sixth. But the president, who has two adult sons and an eightyear-old son, Kolya, who attends some official functions, denies he is grooming a successor.

“I am reproached for allegedly preparing my children, my eldest son as a successor. But I swear to you: I have never discussed this idea even with my family or with my sons. These are dreamed up by the Fifth Column in our country,” he said. “I shan’t be holding on to this job for life. As soon as people decline my services, I’ll put my brief case under my arm and I’ll be off.”

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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

No eternal rest for the dead in crowded Singapore SINGAPORE: Eternal peace does not last long in Singapore. Starting early next year, workers with heavy machinery will begin constructing an eightlane highway across the small country’s oldest surviving major cemetery, overriding the objections of nature lovers and heritage buffs. Singapore, with its 5.3 million people crammed onto an island less than half the size of London, is already more densely populated than rival Asian business centre Hong Kong, making permanent burial space unfeasible.

The whole of Bukit Brown - the resting place of more than 100,000 people, including some of Singapore’s pioneering business and clan leaders and their large, intricately carved tombs - will eventually be used for residential

development. At least 30 people buried there have streets named after them.

Some families have begun removing the remains of their ancestors, and authorities plan to dig up the remaining graves in January.

But Nature Society (Singapore) and other groups want Bukit Brown left alone, describing the forested area as “a natural and historical treasure trove”.

Another body, the Bukit Brown Community, has been conducting weekly tours to raise awareness of the area’s rich past.

“There is no other cemetery like Bukit Brown. The amount of historical information that we can find there and the amount of Chinese culture, heritage and custom is unique,” said Raymond Goh, a founding member of Bukit Brown

Community. Photographer Shawn Danker, who recently held a photo exhibition to generate awareness about Bukit Brown, cites as an example preindependent Singapore’s links to the Nationalists who overthrew the Ching Dynasty in 1911.

On the headstone of community leader Tan Boon Liat’s grave are 12 rays of sunlight, showing his longtime association with Sun Yat Sen’s Kuomintang whose logo is a white sun with twelve rays on a blue background.

Tan, who died in the 1930s, was a great grandson of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng, for whom one of Singapore’s largest hospitals is named. “If there is any Singapore site that is worthy of UNESCO nomination, it is Bukit Brown,” said Bukit Brown Community’s Goh,

referring to the United Nations body whose Heritage Site designations are keenly sought for the boost they can give to tourism.

In 1998, the Singapore government announced a policy to limit the burial period to 15 years. Bodies are then dug up and either cremated or interred in small plots to save space in the case of Muslims and other groups whose religions require burials. “The above measures have helped to intensify the land use at the cemetery and overcome our land constraints,” a spokeswoman for the National Environment Agency said.

Term limits for graves are even stricter in Hong Kong, which requires the removal of bodies from public cemeteries after six years. If families do not remove the remains, authorities will

exhume and cremate them, burying the ashes in a communal grave.

Singapore’s environment agency says more people are opting for cremation over burial, with the proportion rising from 66 percent in 1992 to 80 percent in 2011. That is nearly the entire population if those whose religions require burial are excluded. Ang Jolie, funeral director at Ang Yew Seng Funeral Parlour, whose customers are mostly Chinese, who make up about 75 percent of Singapore’s population, said the need to remove the body after 15 years is the main reason why many opt for cremation. “The younger generation is more pragmatic and they may not want to trouble the future generations with the exhumation,” she added. — Reuters

Japan ruling party casts itself as reasonable and diplomatic Prime Minister vows to defend national interests

DHAKA: Bangladeshis prepare to bury the bodies of the victims of Saturday’s fire in a garment factory in Dhaka. — AP

Bangladesh mourns fire victims, blames sabotage DHAKA: Bangladesh said yesterday a fire that killed 111 textile workers was sabotage as protesters took to the streets for a second day and garment factories across the world’s second biggest clothes exporter stopped work to mourn.

The country’s worst-ever industrial blaze broke out on Saturday and consumed a multi-storey building of a Tazreen Fashions factory. More than 150 workers were injured.

The fire has put a spotlight on global retailers that source clothes from Bangladesh, where the cost of labor is low - as little as $37 a month for some workers - and rights groups have called on big-brand firms to sign up to a fire safety program.

The interior minister, Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, said according to a preliminary inquiry, the fire was the result of arson.

He promised to bring the culprits to justice. “We have come to the conclusion that it was an act of sabotage. We are finding out as of now who exactly the saboteurs are and all culprits will be brought to book,” Alamgir said. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she suspected the fire was an act of sabotage but she did not identify any suspect or say why she thought the cause might have been arson.

More than 1,000 workers, some carrying black flags, demonstrated in the Ashulia industrial belt on the outskirts of the capital where the factory is located.

They blocked traffic moving on a highway and vowed to avenge the deaths of their colleagues, witnesses said. “Never shall we give up demands for punishment for those responsible for the tragedy,” one worker said. Dhaka district

police chief Habibur Rahman told Reuters his men were investigating complaints from some survivors that factory managers stopped workers from running out of the building when a fire alarm went off. Representatives of the Tazreen Fashions factory, including the owner, were not available for comment.

RECORD OF POOR CONDITIONS Bangladesh has about 4,500 garment factories and is the world’s biggest exporter of clothing after China, with garments making up 80 percent of its $24 billion annual exports. Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the world’s largest retailer, said one of its suppliers subcontracted work to the factory without authorization and would no longer be used. A number of other retailers such as Gap Inc and Nike Inc rushed to deny any relationship with the plant.

Hundreds of protesters, mostly from labor and rights groups, also gathered in the capital demanding to know the cause of the fire and calling for punishment of those responsible. All of Bangladesh’s garment factories closed as the nation observed a day of mourning.

Flags flew at half-mast on government buildings. Working conditions at Bangladeshi factories are notoriously poor, with little enforcement of safety laws. Overcrowding and locked fire doors are common. More than 300 factories near the capital shut for almost a week this year as workers demanded higher wages and better conditions. At least 500 people have died in garment factory accidents in Bangladesh since 2006, according to fire brigade officials. — Reuters

S Korean church to end car venture with North SEOUL: One of the more bizarre joint ventures in car-making is set to come to an end following the death of the head of South Korea’s Unification Church which it is to give its stake in the Pyeonghwa Motors operation to North Korea. Pyeonghwa, which produces models based on ageing Fiat SpA designs as well as those of Brilliance China Automotive Holdings, is the sole carmaker in isolated North Korea, although few of its impoverished citizens are able to afford its products.

“Pyeonghwa Motors’ South Korean side is planning to pull out from the joint automaker and donate its 70 percent stake to the North,” said a source familiar with the transaction, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Spokesmen for the church were not immediately available for comment. Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church and a sprawling business empire, died in September aged 92.

He was born in what is now North Korea.

The church’s joint venture with North Korea, set up in 2002, was one of the few to survive a freeze in relations between the North and South following the shooting of a South Korean tourist in 2008 by North Korean troops. “The Unification Church’s Moon made a will to give back the auto business with the North before he passed away. It is not

because its business wasn’t doing well,” said the source.

Pyeonghwa produces about 2,000 vehicles a year, according to the source, in a country where most independent estimates say that gross domestic product per capita is less than $2,000. Other estimates put Pyeonghwa’s output at 1,000 cars a year or less. While many North Koreans can only dream of owning a car, it appears that the country’s top leadership prefers something a little more upmarket.

When leader Kim Jong-il died in December last year, he took his final journey atop an aged Lincoln Continental, which was accompanied by a fleet of black Mercedes sedans.

Pyeonghwa is based in the North Korean city of Nampho and the company says on its website (http://www.pyeonghwamotors.com/eng/) that its 10.76 million square foot factory has the capacity to produce 10,000 vehicles a year. It listed sales as 1,873 vehicles in 2011.

North Korea has vowed to become a “strong and prosperous nation” by 2012, although initial expectations that its youthful new leader Kim Jong-un would open the country for more business appear to have been dashed. Investors from China, the North main diplomatic and economic backer, have complained that they have been shaken down while doing business there. — Reuters

TOKYO: Japan’s ruling Democrats cast themselves yesterday as the voice of reason on diplomacy and the economy as they headed for a general election, highlighting a contrast with the hawkish rhetoric and aggressive monetary policy recipes of their rivals. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and his party vowed to defend national interests, including a chain of rocky East China Sea islets controlled by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan, but would do so with diplomacy and “responsible defense.” “There are issues concerning sovereignty, territories and territorial waters, but we must adhere to the peaceful path we have followed since World War Two,” Noda told journalists while unveiling the manifesto for the Dec. 16 general election. “At the same time, we must respond in a cool-headed, practical and strategic manner.”

Noda’s Democrats trail the opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), whose leader Shinzo Abe, 58, stole the thunder early on with promises to stand up to Beijing and calls for “unlimited” monetary stimulus from the central bank. Abe, who hopes to return to the prime minister’s post he quit in 2007 after just one year on office, has called for reversing a long decline in Japan’s defense spending and changes in its pacifist constitution to allow its military to play a more active role. He also wants the Bank of Japan to agree with the government on an inflation target. Despite criticism that this could infringe on central bank independence, Abe repeated his call yesterday.

“The 1 percent ‘goal’ already announced by the bank won’t do. It must instead be a ‘target’ of 2 percent,” Abe told a symposium on Japan’s growth strategy. While commenting on tensions with Beijing that flared up in September after Japan bought the disputed islands from their private owners, Abe stressed the importance of ties with China.

But he also said: “China shouldn’t attack Japanese companies, boycott our products or do other things that break rules, for the purpose of achieving its political goals.” “China is doing just that and if Japan yields to that, it will just keep on doing so,” he said. “We need to tell China that it cannot break the rules.”

Noda has warned that Abe’s foreign and economic policy ideas could backfire.

Appearing on a TV show on Sunday, Noda said Abe’s plan to deploy personnel on the uninhabited islands risked further escalating

tensions with Beijing while his thinking on monetary policy was “dangerous”, raising questions about central bank independence.

For its part, Noda’s party echoed the LDP’s vow to battle the deflation that has plagued the world’s third-largest economy for nearly two decades hand in hand with the central bank, but stopped short of mentioning any targets or suggesting changes to the central bank law, as their rivals have.

the 2030s. I want to move forward steadily with that policy without wavering.” But while analysts noted the deliberate tone of the ruling party’s message, some were skeptical whether it would be enough to change their fortunes. “They may be the calm voice of reason but they have proven themselves to be unable to govern effectively,” said Jesper Koll, head of equity research at JP Morgan in Tokyo. “In my view the Democrats have done a lot of good things but they were not able to

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who is also leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), announces DPJ campaign pledges at the party’s headquarters yesterday, ahead of the general election on December 16. — AFP market themselves as the party of leadership.”

NUCLEAR POWER The Democrats also reiterated their goal of The LDP leads in opinion polls with 22-25 perphasing out nuclear power by the 2030s fol- cent of voters saying they will cast their ballowing last year’s Fukushima radiation disas- lots for the once-dominant party.

That is about 10-15 points ahead of the ter, another contrast with the LDP. The Liberal Democrats advocate more debate before Democrats, who have struggled to close the deciding on Japan’s energy mix and Noda gap since Noda called for the snap election pointed out that his party was more in tune earlier this month. The Democrats swept to with public opinion. “The feeling of the peo- power in 2009 promising to change how the ple after last year’s nuclear disaster is not to country is run after more than half a century rely on nuclear power in the future, to make of nearly non-stop LDP rule characterized by the future one without nuclear power,” he cosy ties between the powerful bureaucracy, big business and ruling party lawmakers. But said.

“Based on that view, we decided on the support for the Democrats has plummeted broad policy to mobilize all policy resources since then due to policy flip-flops and internal to aim at zero nuclear power generation by bickering. — Reuters

Malaysia bans sexist remarks KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian lawmakers yesterday approved a ban on sexist remarks in parliament after a number of cases in which male MPs in the mostly Muslim country have drawn anger with their comments on the floor. The amendment to the rules of conduct in the Dewan Rakyat, or lower house of parliament, bars lawmakers from making “a sexist remark”, opposition lawmaker Fong Po Kuan said, with violators facing a reprimand or even suspension. “It’s good that it’s provided expressly now so all MPs take it seriously,” she said. “It’s unacceptable.

No circumstances can justify sexist comments.”

Several Malaysian MPs have sparked controversy in the past with comments in parliament viewed as insulting to women. In 2007, Fong was the target of remark that referred to her menstrual cycle when ruling coalition MP Bung Mohktar said during a discussion on a leaking parliament roof: “Where is the leak? The Batu Gajah MP also leaks every month.”

Fong described the amendment as a “good move” but added that the speaker, who determines which comments are inappropriate, must be “gender-sensitive and impartial”.

She suggested a gender-sensitivity training course for all members of parliament. De facto law minister Nazri Aziz was quoted by The Star daily as saying the change aimed to stop sexist remarks “once and for all”. “Lately, there have been a lot of such incidents. We want to put a brake on it... This is to safeguard the honor of women,” she said. In 2011, an opposition lawmaker reportedly blamed wives for unfaithful husbands, saying: “When the husband has the need and she’s cooking, she’ll say, ‘Please hold on, I’m cooking.’ From a Muslim perspective, the wife has to drop all of this. She must give priority to her husband’s needs.”

Samy Vellu, a former lawmaker and long-time president of the Malaysian Indian Congress, which is part of the ruling coalition, reportedly once said: “Toilets are like new brides after they are completed.

After some time, they get a bit spoiled. — AFP

Maoist chief offers opposition top jobs KATHMANDU: The leader of Nepal’s Maoists proposed a new unity government yesterday, offering political rivals the pick of the top cabinet posts in a bid to end a deadlock crippling the restive Himalayan nation.

Maoist party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said he would let his rivals in the two largest opposition parties choose their ministries if they agreed to unite behind a Maoist premier in a cross-party administration. “We are willing to allow Nepali Congress to choose the ministries.

Factions within both the Nepali Congress and the Unified Marxist Leninists are positive about this,” Dahal said in a rare interview.

The deal would provide hope of lasting consensus among Nepal’s warring political factions, who have been ordered by the president to form a new unity government by Thursday and end

Pushpa Kamal Dahal

months of uncertainty in the impoverished country. Dahal, better known by his civil war nom-de-guerre Prachanda, or “the fierce one”, even entertained the possibility of one of the opposition groups leading a new government. But he added this would be unlikely to work with the parties still squabbling over the wording of a new peace-time constitution.

Nepal has been run by a caretaker Maoist-led government since the collapse in May of an interim assembly that had failed in its main task of drawing up the constitution following the 10-year insurgency that ended in 2006. The caretaker administration, unable to win support for a full budget, has so far allocated just 45 million dollars to roads, hospitals, schools and other development projects, a tenth of its normal spend. The government called elections last week to vote for a new parliament in April or May next year.

But President Ram Baran Yadav has set a deadline of Thursday for parties to form a unity government and the Maoists have since been in frantic talks to resolve the crisis. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said last week he was ready to resign if the opposition parties could come up with a credible candidate to succeed him. “Baburam Bhattarai himself said to me: ‘Shall I resign or what?’

We discussed this issue in the party and decided that he shouldn’t resign now. He will resign some day but only after political consensus,” said Dahal.

The 57-year-old spent years hiding in jungles and hills, directing a guerrilla war that brought Nepal to its knees. — AFP

12

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

international

Sex tape used to bribe Chinese official goes viral BEIJING: A 5-year-old sex tape of an 18-year-old woman allegedly hired by developers to sleep with a city official is causing yet another scandal for China’s ruling Communists in the city formerly led by fallen politician Bo Xilai. The 50-something official, Lei Zhengfu, was fired from his position as district party secretary after the video, an apparent extortion attempt, went viral earlier this month and his jowly, pop-eyed mug became the butt of numerous Internet caricatures.

But the scandal may still be growing, as a whistleblowing former journalist says he may release similar tapes of more city officials soon. The party is already reeling from the scandal that triggered Bo’s purge and further battered the party’s reputation in the public mind. Chongqing, the city that he ran, has been depicted by prosecutors and state media as rife with cover-ups, abuse of power and corruption. Bo’s wife was convicted of murdering a British businessman, and Bo himself faces allegations of corruption and obstruction of justice in the murder case.

News of the sex tape, which was apparently shot in 2007 but only leaked this month, comes as China’s newly installed leadership ramps up anti-corruption efforts as it deals with a steady stream of bribery and graft cases that it fears has undermined its authority. The

tape exploded on the Chinese Internet Nov. 20 when screenshots of it were uploaded by a Beijingbased former journalist Zhu Ruifeng to his Hong Kong-registered website, an independent online clearing house for corruption allegations.

The lurid images, apparently

taken secretly from a bedside table, show Lei having sex with a woman. Zhu told The Associated Press that the woman, whose face is not visible in the screen grabs, was hired by a construction company to sleep with Lei in return for construction contracts.

The company later tried to use

the tape to extort more business from Lei, he said. Zhu says he obtained the video from someone inside the Chongqing Public Security Bureau who gave it on condition of anonymity. He said he was also given tapes implicating five other Chongqing officials but is trying to verify their con-

SICHUAN: A Long March-3B carrier rocket is launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang, southwest China’s Sichuan Province yesterday. China successfully sent a French-made communication satellite APSTAR-7B into orbit with the carrier rocket launched yesterday. —AP

tent before releasing them.

Zhu said that after the blackmail attempt, Lei reported the case to Chongqing officials sometime around 2009, which led to the construction boss being jailed for a year on unrelated charges and the woman being detained for a month. Xinhua reported Monday that Chongqing’s corruption watchdog had pledged a thorough investigation of Lei, who was dismissed Friday, but said it had yet to formally receive a report about the allegations against Lei or the footage. The China Daily in an editorial Tuesday said the case showed that the “Internet is worth being embraced by the country’s corruption busters as a close ally.”

It also called for greater transparency in handling this and other cases, and listed a few of the lingering questions that the salacious case has thrown up.

“Strangely, the mistress was once detained and the contractor jailed for blackmailing Lei,” it said.

“What had happened? ... These are crucial questions waiting to be answered.” With a younger set of incoming leaders announced this month in Beijing, the government is keen to show that those in power are worthy of their posts and that wrongdoers will be weeded out. In his first remarks to the press after being appointed as the new Communist Party

chief, Xi Jinping vowed to tackle corruption.

The party’s corruption watchdog underlined its zero-tolerance for graft on Monday. “There is no place for corrupt figures to hide away within the party,” the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement quoted by the official Xinhua News Agency. Many Chinese, however, are cynical about the allegations against high-profile party members and that they signal a true crackdown on corruption. Many think Bo was no more or less dirty than the average Chinese politician and that he was deposed not for his behavior but because he was on the losing end of factional power struggle.

Xiao Weilong, 30, an insurance salesman in Beijing, bemoaned how “ordinary people can’t do anything about” cases such as Lei’s. “These sorts of abnormal things have become the norm, and we don’t have any say,” he said Tuesday. Zhu, the journalist who broke the Lei story, said the fact that his website had not been blocked despite the allegations it outlined was a possible sign that the government is more serious than in the past getting tough on corruption. “Possibly what we are seeing is that the new leaders are perhaps taking steps toward enforcing the constitution, a sliver of a new dawn,” he said. —AP

Images suggest looming North Korea missile test Satellite photo shows increased activities SEOUL: North Korea could carry out a longrange missile test in the next three weeks, with new satellite images showing increased launch site activity, according to satellite

trucks, people and numerous portable fuel/oxidizer tanks, should North Korea desire-it could possibly conduct its fifth satellite launch event during the next three

PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, waves to the crowd as they inspect the Rungna People’s Pleasure Ground in Pyongyang, North Korea. —AP operator DigitalGlobe Inc. The global provider of commercial high-resolution earth imagery said Monday that the new pictures showed significant movement at North Korea’s Sohae (West Sea) Satellite Launch Station. “Given the observed level of activity noted, of a new tent,

weeks,” it said.

DigitalGlobe said the type of activity was consistent with preparations observed before North Korea’s failed launch of its Unha-3 missile in April. Pyongyang insisted the April launch bid was aimed at putting a satellite in

orbit, but the United States and United Nations denounced the mission as a disguised ballistic missile test. The test put a halt to international efforts to engage the isolated nation, with the United States calling off plans to deliver badly needed food assistance. The North is in the final stage of preparations for a launch after missile parts were transported to the launch site early this month, an unnamed senior military official told Yonhap news agency. “(The South Korean military) is judging that there is high possibility of (the North’s) firing off the missile between December and January of next year,” the official was quoted as saying.

Any test in the next three weeks would cast a heavy cloud over South Korea’s presidential election on December 19. There have been widespread concerns in Seoul that the North would seek to influence the ballot by conducting a missile launch or provoking a border clash. The Japanese Asahi Shimbun newspaper had reported last week that the US government had already warned Japan and South Korea that an imminent test was possible.

Last month, the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said satellite images showed North Korea had conducted motor tests at the Sohae site to improve its longrange missiles. Some analysts believe that a North Korean rocket, if successfully developed, could eventually reach the range to hit the United States. North Korea is known to have an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) in development-the Taepodong-2 - but it has never been tested successfully. Days after the failed April test, North Korea raised eyebrows by displaying what appeared to be a new set of ICBMs at a military parade to mark the 100th birthday of the North’s late founder Kim Il-Sung. But Western military analysts and UN sanctions experts concluded that the display models were simply mock-ups.—AFP

Red Shirt protest leaders face trial BANGKOK: Thai leaders of “Red Shirt” opposition protests that rocked Bangkok in 2010 are set to stand trial Thursday for terrorism, in a case that risks inflaming the kingdom’s political tensions. The 24 accused, who include five current lawmakers, could in theory face the death penalty for their roles in the demonstrations, which at their height drew around 100,000 people, mostly supporters of ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

About 90 people were killed and nearly 1,900 were wounded in a series of street clashes between demonstrators and security forces, which culminated in a bloody military crackdown. Two foreign journalists were among those killed. The Reds were demanding immediate elections, accusing the previous government of being undemocratic because it took office in 2008 through a parliamentary vote, after a court stripped Thaksin’s allies of power.

The Red Shirt leaders, most of whom surrendered to police after the government sent in armored vehicles and troops firing live rounds, say they are confident they can prove their innocence. “In many countries, those in power will find any accusations to support their use of force against the people,” said top Red Shirt Nattawut Saikuar, now

deputy commerce minister in Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s cabinet. He denied the protest leaders incited their followers to cause violence. “I’m certain that the protesters did not need any speeches to provoke them.

They saw more and more people injured and dying. The situation was already very heated,” Nattawut told AFP in an interview.

After the May crackdown, protest leaders asked their supporters to disperse, but authorities accused hardcore demonstrators of setting fire to dozens of buildings, including a shopping mall and the stock exchange.

The leaders pleaded not guilty in August 2010 to terrorism charges. Their trial is expected to last months or even years because hearings can only be held when parliament is not in session as sitting lawmakers have immunity.

No government or military officials who oversaw the riots have been charged over the deaths, prompting accusations by the Red Shirts of double standards. Their hero Thaksin, adored by many poor Thais for his populist policies while in power, was toppled by royalist generals in a 2006 coup that unleashed years of street protests by the Reds and the rival royalist Yellow Shirts. The bloody 2010 crackdown followed weeks of

rallies by the Red Shirts which brought parts of central Bangkok to a standstill.

Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who oversaw the military crackdown, insisted the protest leaders should accept responsibility and said his government had no choice but to take tough action. “It was the job of the government of that day to also restore order,” he said ahead of the trial.

Rights campaigners, however, said both the protesters and the authorities of the time should be held accountable. “The military, the security forces were responsible for larger casualties but both sides were clearly responsible,” said Sunai Pasuk, a Thai researcher with New York-based Human Right Watch.

Elections in 2011 brought Thaksin’s Red Shirt-backed Puea Thai party to power and swept his sister Yingluck into office. A proposed amnesty might allow Thaksin back from self-imposed exile, to the dismay of his opponents who staged their own anti-government protests in Bangkok on Saturday, sparking clashes with the police. Activists fear an amnesty would let perpetrators of the unrest on both sides off the hook. “It may help political leaders and military leaders to co-exist and the survival of the government is guaranteed but this is not justice for victims of violence,” said Sunai. —AFP

NEW DELHI: Tibetan exile Jamphel Yeshi, 27, runs as he is engulfed in flames after he set himself on fire during a protest in this file photo. —AFP

4 more Tibetans set themselves ablaze BEIJING: Four more Tibetans have set themselves alight in protest at China’s rule, overseas media said yesterday, taking the total to more than 20 this month.

The spate of burnings in recent weeks began in the run-up to the Chinese Communist Party’s set-piece congress, where Xi Jinping was named as the organization’s general secretary in a 10-yearly power handover. According to the USbased Radio Free Asia, the latest incidents on Sunday and Monday-two in Gansu province, one in Qinghai and one in Sichuan-brought the number to 21 this month and 85 since 2009.

Three of the latest victims, all in their teens or early 20s, died and one person was taken away by police with his condition currently unknown, it said. In a statement London-based campaign group Free Tibet gave details of three incidents.

“We are now receiving reports of selfimmolation protests on an almost daily basis,” said Free Tibet director Stephanie Brigden.

“Allied to the many other forms of protests which Tibetans are undertaking marching, leafleting, displaying banned images and exerting Tibetan culture it forms an unimpeachable argument for an end to Chinese occupation.” The burnings came as authorities in a Tibetan area of Qinghai province in northwestern China apparently fuelled anger by issuing school booklets ridiculing the acts, Free Tibet added. As many as 1,000 students from a school in Chabcha county

took part Monday in a protest believed to have been triggered by the booklets, with up to 20 hospitalized after police and security forces arrived, it said.

“Although we cannot confirm whether security forces beat students or not, it would appear that the change in Chinese leadership has not led to a change in the brutality which passes for government in Tibet,” Brigden said. One Tibetan in Chabcha county confirmed to AFP by phone that there was a protest on Monday but she was unaware of any clashes with police. Phones at government and police offices in Chabcha were not answered yesterday. Most of the 85 who have set themselves alight since 2009 have died, rights groups said.

Beijing has accused exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader the Dalai Lama of inciting the self-immolations.

He has preferred to remain neutral on the acts in public statements, but has urged the Chinese government to investigate, saying: “China does not look into it seriously and tries to end (the incidents) only by criticizing me.” Many Tibetans in China accuse the government of religious repression and eroding their culture, as the country’s majority Han ethnic group increasingly moves into historically Tibetan areas. China rejects the allegation, saying Tibetans enjoy religious freedom. Beijing points to huge ongoing investment it says has brought modernization and better living standards to Tibet.—AFP

Vietnam refuses to stamp on new Chinese passport HANOI: Vietnamese immigration officers said yesterday they were refusing to stamp entry visas into controversial new Chinese passports which feature a map of Beijing’s claim to almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam has said the computer-chipped passports violate its sovereignty and has demanded Beijing withdraw the documents, which show the contested Paracel and Spratly Islands as Chinese territory. “We do not stamp the new Chinese passports,” said an official at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, the country’s main international gateway. “We issue them a separate visa,” said the official, who did not want to be named.

A border guard in northern Lang Son province said they were also not stamping the new passports but issuing separate visas to Chinese arrivals. Even with the new passports, however, “Chinese citizens can still travel normally through the border gate,” the guard

added. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said yesterday that he was not aware of Vietnam’s refusal to stamp visas in China’s new passports. Beijing has attempted to downplay the diplomatic fallout from the recently introduced passports, with the foreign ministry arguing the maps were “not made to target any specific country”.

Microblog users in China complained the immigration rules for the new passports were causing inconvenience and delays on arrival.

“Immigration is requesting a separate visa form.

This is causing lots of trouble, and is very time consuming,” one user wrote on Weibo, China’s version of Twitter. Beijing has long infuriated southern neighbors such as Vietnam with its claim to vast swathes of the South China Sea, with Chinese maps showing a “nine-dash line” that runs almost to the Philippine and Malaysian coasts. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

NEWS pressure piles on Morsi Continued from Page 1 Square, swelling the numbers, amid an electrifying atmosphere many said reminded them of the 2011 uprising. The protesters are angry at the decree that Morsi announced last Thursday allowing him to “issue any decision or law that is final and not subject to appeal”, which effectively placed him beyond judicial oversight. The decree put him on a collision course with the judiciary and consolidated the long-divided opposition which accuses him of taking on dictatorial powers and raises concerns that the Islamists will be further ensconced in power.

The demonstrations come a day after Morsi stuck by his decree after a meeting with the country’s top judges aimed at defusing the crisis that has sparked deadly clashes and prompted judges and journalists to call for strike. “The solution is to cancel the constitutional declaration... We won’t replace a dictator with another,” said Asser Ayub, 23, waving an Egyptian flag. In the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, thousands gathered in Qait Ibrahim square. Members of the Muslim Brotherhood, on whose ticket Morsi ran for office, staged their own rival rally, but marched away after a few hours without any confrontations.

“Down with the rule of the Supreme Guide,” the protesters chanted, in reference to the head of the powerful Islamist group, a chant echoed in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where hundreds took to the streets.

Demonstrations were also staged in the Nile Delta cities of Mansura, Tanta and Mahalla and in the central provinces of Assiut, Sohag and Minya. A rival rally in Cairo

by the Muslim Brotherhood in support of the president was called off to “avoid potential unrest” but that has done little to abate the division among supporters and foes of Morsi. “The Muslim Brotherhood stole the revolution” read one banner in Tahrir.

After the meeting on Monday with top judges, Morsi stuck by his controversial decree. There was “no change to the constitutional declaration”, presidential spokesman Yasser Ali told reporters at the end of the meeting. But he added Morsi sought to clarify that any irrevocable decisions apply only to issues related “to his sovereign powers” and stressed the temporary nature of the decree.

In a statement, the head of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) - the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood said the meeting between Morsi and the judges had been “fruitful”. But judges at the meeting said the crisis was not over. “The meeting failed,” Judge Abdel Rahman Bahlul, who attended the talks, told the independent daily AlMasry Al-Youm. “We cannot say this is the end of the crisis between the judiciary and the presidency,” another judge who attended the talks, Judge Ahmed Abdel Rahman, told the paper. A judicial source told AFP that even if immunity were limited to sovereign powers, “which appears to be a compromise, there are still concerns that the text itself remains unchanged”.

Morsi’s decree has led to charges that he is taking on dictatorial powers. The decree also bans any judicial body from dissolving a controversial panel that is drafting the country’s new constitution. Liberals, leftists and the country’s three churches have already walked out of the Islamist-dominated panel because they say it fails to represent all Egyptians. — AFP

Arafat’s remains exhumed Continued from Page 1 experts, he said. Palestinian officials had originally planned a military ceremony as his remains were reburied, but a source told AFP that the samples were collected without removing the body from the grave, so no reburial was necessary. “The samples were taken from Arafat’s remains from inside the grave and the samples were then transferred to the mosque,” the source said, referring to a building adjacent to the Muqataa presidential complex in Ramallah.

Speaking shortly after the exhumation process was completed, Tawfiq Tirawi, who heads the Palestinian investigation into Arafat’s death, said Ramallah would petition the International Criminal Court in The Hague if it found proof that the veteran leader was poisoned. “If it is proved that Arafat was poisoned, we will go to the international court,” said Tirawi, referring to the ICC, while stressing that nothing would be done until the results were available, which was likely to take several months.

The ICC can only open an investigation if it is asked to do so by the UN Security Council or by a recognised state, with the Palestinians poised to seek an upgrade in their UN status later this week. Should they successfully win the upgrade at the General Assembly tomorrow, as expected, they will apply to become party to the Rome Statute, after which they would be able to petition the ICC. “This would be the first case for Palestine after getting international recognition as a (UN) non-member state,” Tirawi said.

The samples taken yesterday will be flown to labora-

tories in Paris, Geneva and Moscow with the results expected within several months. The samples are to be tested for polonium as part of a new investigation into whether Arafat was poisoned after evidence emerged that abnormal amounts of the radioactive substance were found on his personal effects. Polonium was the substance that killed Russian ex-spy and fierce Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006.

The revelation, which was made in a documentary screened by Al-Jazeera news channel in July, prompted France to open a formal murder inquiry into his death a month later at the request of his widow, Suha Arafat. A team of French investigating magistrates arrived in Ramallah on Sunday, followed by a group of Swiss and Russian experts a day later. Arafat died at a French military hospital near Paris on Nov 11, 2004, with doctors unable to say what killed him. At the time, an autopsy was never carried out - at his widow’s request.

The veteran leader’s nephew Nasser Al-Qidwa opposed the exhumation process, saying it would desecrate the grave and was unlikely to reveal new information. And some experts have even questioned whether anything conclusive will be found because polonium has a short half-life. Jean-Rene Jourdain of the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), said it would take weeks of analysis to be sure that the traces were man-made polonium rather than chance elements of a naturally-occurring polonium.

“Even if traces of polonium are found, it doesn’t mean that they are man-made,” he told AFP. Israel has denied any involvement in Arafat’s death and dismissed the probe as irrelevant. — AFP

Graph suggests Iran working on bomb VIENNA: Iranian scientists have run computer simulations for a nuclear weapon that would produce more than triple the explosive force of the World War II bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, according to a diagram obtained by AP. The diagram was leaked by officials from a country critical of Iran’s atomic program to bolster their arguments that Iran’s nuclear program must be halted before it produces a weapon. The officials provided the diagram only on condition that they and their country not be named.

The International Atomic Energy Agency - the Vienna-based UN nuclear watchdog - reported last year that it had obtained diagrams indicating that Iran was calculating the “nuclear explosive yield” of potential weapons. A senior diplomat who is considered neutral on the issue confirmed that the graph obtained by the AP was indeed one of those cited by the IAEA in that report. He spoke only on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue.

The IAEA report mentioning the diagrams last year did not give details of what they showed. But the diagram seen by the AP shows a bell curve with variables of time in micro-seconds, and power and energy both in kilotons - the traditional measurement of the energy output, and hence the destructive power of nuclear weapons. The curve peaks at just above 50 kilotons at around 2 microseconds, reflecting the full force of the weapon being modeled.

The bomb that the United States dropped on Hiroshima in Japan during World War II, in comparison, had a force of about 15 kilotons. Modern nuclear weapons have yields hun-

This Iranian undated diagram allegedly calculates the explosive force of a nuclear weapon. — AP dreds of times higher than that. The diagram has a caption in Farsi: “Changes in output and in energy released as a function of time through power pulse.” The number “5” is part of the title, suggesting it is part of a series.

David Albright, whose Institute for Science and International Security is used by the US government as a go-to source on Iran’s nuclear program, said the diagram looks genuine but seems to be designed more “to understand the process” than as part of a blueprint for an actual weapon in the making. “The yield is too big,” Albright said, noting that North Korea’s first tests of a nuclear weapon were only a few kilotons. Because the graph appears to be only one in a series, others

might show lower yields, closer to what a test explosion might produce, he said.

The senior diplomat said the diagram was part of a series of Iranian computer-generated models provided to the IAEA by the intelligences services of member nations for use in its investigations of suspicions that Iran is trying to produce a nuclear weapon. Iran denies any interest in such a weapon and has accused the United States and Israel of fabricating evidence that suggests it is trying to build a bomb. Asked about the project, Iran’s chief IAEA delegate, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, said he had not heard of it. IAEA spokeswoman Gill Tudor said the agency had no comment. — AP

Kuwait eyes ban on plastic bags by 2020 Continued from Page 1 The average consumption in Kuwait per capita is six plastic bags per day, Midhi said. Initiatives such as the one by the “Friends of the Environment” in 2007 when a million environment-friendly bags were distributed to 12 co-ops contribute to this cause and to spreading awareness.

Separately, Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas AlSaleh issued a ministerial resolution yesterday forcing companies and importers to withdraw from local markets any of their products with manufacturing defects or those which do not comply with standards. In a press statement, the ministry identified cases in which the new resolution will be applied. The first is in the case of the producer’s or

importer’s admission of defects or violations of standards or when the original producer withdraws the same product from any other market even if the local subsidiary or importer claims that similar products available in Kuwaiti markets do not have these defects.

The second case is when the ministry’s inspectors and laboratories discover the defects during routine checks or upon complaints from consumers. The new regulation also obliges the producer and importer to launch an advertisement campaign in different media outlets to warn and urge consumers and vendors to return their stock of the suspect products. The producers and importers must also present to the ministry a detailed report on the product recall process, the statement added. — KUNA

14

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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Issues

Are 10,000 GIs in Afghanistan too many for Obama?

By Phil Stewart

President Barack Obama publicly scoffed at the idea of keeping 10,000 troops in Iraq. So could he really be persuaded to keep that many in Afghanistan after the war formally ends in 2014? The 10,000 figure is well within a preliminary range put forward by the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen, and which is informing deliberations by the Obama administration, one US official said. But the optics could be tricky for Obama, who must balance his promise to end the war in Afghanistan in 2014 with the need to keep enough forces there to prevent the destabilization of the country and a return of Al-Qaeda. He also must get Kabul to agree.

“As long as (US troops) are in a war zone and putting their lives on the line, it’s hard for any president to say the war is over,” said Juan Zarate, a former counterterrorism adviser to President George W Bush and a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Allen’s preliminary suggestions for a post-2014 training and counterterrorism mission ranged from around 6,000 to 15,000 troops, said the US official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The figures were still in flux, the official said. The estimate was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. By comparison, there are around 66,000 American forces in Afghanistan now.

The timing of Obama’s decision is unclear but Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said earlier this month the he hoped for a figure to be finalized within weeks, raising the possibility of a December announcement. The timing of any announcement is also tied to discussions in Kabul, where a longterm US-Afghan security agreement is being hammered out. The Pentagon sought to tamp down speculation about the deliberations on both the post-2014 force and the pace of the drawdown over the next two years. Panetta, who was to speak yesterday with Allen in Kabul via video-conference, has not yet forwarded a recommendation to Obama, a spokesman said. “It’s entirely premature to speculate on troop numbers in Afghanistan between now and the end of 2014 or beyond,” Pentagon spokesman George Little told reporters.

But with the election over, the future scope of the American military presence in Afghanistan is the subject of intense debate in Washington - with some analysts saying far more than even 16,000 troops are required. Kimberly and Fredrick Kagan, two experts on the Afghan war, recommended keeping American forces in Afghanistan at the current level through the end of 2014. They envisioned a residual force of more than 30,000 troops.

“At that level US forces in Afghanistan could do nothing beyond the minimum necessary to allow us to continue counterterrorism operations in South Asia,” they wrote in an opinion piece published in the Washington Post.

Obama could benefit from some contributions of trainers or counterterrorism troops by NATO allies, helping him off-set the total number of US forces present in Afghanistan past 2014. But it would be difficult to imagine Obama agreeing with the Kagans. In his final debate with Republican challenger Mitt Romney before the US presidential election, Obama blasted the idea of keeping a sizeable troop presence in Iraq - a war he opposed.

“What I would not have had done was left 10,000 troops in Iraq that would tie us down,” Obama said at the time.

The Kagans’ recommendation that the United States keep all of its forces in the country until the end of the NATO mission in 2014 also seems unlikely to gain much sway at the White House.

Asked about the pace of the drawdown in 2013 and 2014, Little echoed remarks from Obama last year suggesting troop levels would decline. “As the president made clear in June 2011, our forces will continue to come home at a steady pace as we transition to an Afghan lead for security,” Little said. —Reuters

US

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.

Pro-nuke party could win power in Japan

By Linda Sieg apanese voters look likely to hand victory to a party that favours nuclear power in the first election since the March 2011 Fukushima radiation disaster a result a baffled Greenpeace activist likens to one of the “wonders of the world”. But even if the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) wins the Dec 16 election, it will not reflect any groundswell of popular support for nuclear power.

Instead, it would underline a lack of credible anti-nuclear political standard bearers in Japan and the ability of the LDP to focus the debate on security matters and the stalled economy.

An LDP win would also signal successful lobbying by Japan’s “nuclear village”, a web of vested interests including utilities, bureaucrats and lawmakers that remains powerful despite the world’s worst radiation crisis in a quarter century. “This is the first election since the Fukushima nuclear disaster and if it does not result in an antinuclear government, that will be one of the wonders of the world,” said Kazue Suzuki, a campaigner at environmental group Greenpeace. “Since Fukushima, Germany rejected nuclear power and Italy rejected nuclear power. If Japan can’t, the world will be amazed.”

The March 11, 2011 massive earthquake and tsunami killed nearly 19,000 people and devastated Tokyo Electric Power Co’s Fukushima Daiichi plant, triggering meltdowns, spewing radiation and forcing some 160,000 people to flee their homes, many never to return. The disaster

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destroyed a carefully cultivated myth that nuclear power was cheap, clean and safe. It also mobilised Japan’s often apathetic voters in huge anti-nuclear demonstrations during a summer of discontent.

Media surveys have shown a majority of Japanese want to exit nuclear power by 2030 if not sooner. But opinion polls also show the pro-nuclear LDP with a big lead over Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), although a hefty chunk of voters remain undecided ahead of the lower house election. “The LDP is the likely winner and is pro-nuclear, but it will not win because it is pro-nuclear but because the DPJ is so hapless and the economy is in trouble and people figure it is time for a change,” said Jeffrey Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University’s Japan campus.

The DPJ swept to power in 2009 for the first time, promising to put more money in the hands of households through such steps as child allowances and to boost the economy by re-orienting spending and cutting waste. But critics say its promises were honoured mostly in the breach, and the economy is now widely believed to be in its fourth recession since 2000. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who as LDP head aims to get his old job back after quitting in 2007, is calling for hyper-easy monetary policy to rescue the economy and tough diplomacy toward a rising China as the core of his campaign. “It’s as if public opinion doesn’t matter at all,” Kingston said, referring to the sidelining of the nuclear issue by the main opposition party. “It reinforces perceptions about

Japan’s democracy deficit.”

The small Japan Communist Party and tiny Social Democrats are firmly against nuclear power but unlikely to win many seats given that few voters back their anticapitalist ideologies. A group led by former DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa has made opposition to nuclear power a key plank and could tie up with other similarly inclined small parties - among them a new one launched on Tuesday by Yukiko Kada, the female governor of Shiga Prefecture in western Japan.

Critics say the veteran deal-maker Ozawa, who quit the DPJ over Noda’s plan to raise the sales tax to curb debt, lacks credibility given his checkered record of political flipflops, although Kada might offset his negative image and help bring together disparate anti-nuclear mini-parties. Noda, for his part, is trying to strike a contrast between the Democrats as committed to phasing out nuclear power and the LDP, which promoted atomic energy during its nearly six decades in power and remains vague about the future even now.

The LDP says it will decide gradually on restarting reactors deemed safe by a new regulatory agency over the next three years and reach a conclusion on Japan’s “best energy mix” in 10 years. In its campaign manifesto Unveiled on Tuesday, the DPJ included a goal of cutting Japan’s reliance on nuclear power to zero by the 2030s, echoing a government strategy unveiled in September after months of public and expert debate.

That sharp shift in energy policy was met with howls of criticism from business

lobby Keidanren. Before the Fukushima disaster, Japan had planned to boost atomic power to more than half of electricity supply from nearly 30 percent. Manufacturers argue the DPJ’s shift would raise electricity rates and force production and jobs offshore. “Noda is trying to emphasise nuclear policy to distinguish the Democrats from the LDP. Unfortunately, as a standard bearer for getting out of nuclear, Noda lacks credibility,” said Andrew DeWit, a professor at Tokyo’s Rikkyo University who researches energy policy. “Keidanren pulled out all the stops and made it very difficult for them to stand their ground.”

A new party set up by popular Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto to woo disaffected voters also blotted its anti-nuclear copybook by dropping a target for ditching nuclear power after merging with a small pro-nuclear party led by the nationalist octogenarian ex-mayor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara. Whether an LDP victory would spell business as usual for energy policy, however, remains far from clear. Some changes are already afoot, including the introduction of a feed-in-tariff (FIT) program under which utilities must buy power from suppliers of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power at pre-set premiums for up to 20 years and moves toward more competition in the utilities sector. “There are a number of factors that would likely stand in the way of a return to business as usual. But it’s not impossible,” DeWit said. “I think we can’t dismiss the capacity of the nuclear village to ram through a ‘back to the future’ scenario.” —Reuters

Syrian regime draws battle lines

By Sarah Benhaida resident Bashar Al-Assad is increasingly relying on militiamen and members of the Alawite community to defend his regime as rebels advance in Syria’s north and east and inevitably towards a final showdown in Damascus, analysts say. As the conflict becomes more drawn out, greater numbers of recruits from a massive pool of Sunni Muslims - 70 percent of the country’s population - are joining the insurgency, which enjoys backing from Turkey and Gulf countries. At the same time, the army is facing difficulties in attracting new recruits, says Aram Nerguizian, visiting fellow at the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

“The regime is ... working to better organise Alawite and other militias, like the shabiha, into more capable forces,” Nerguizian told AFP. Barah Mikail, researcher at Madrid-based think tank FRIDE, concurs that the regime is increasingly turning for support to the Alawite community, an offshoot of Shiism, to which Assad belongs. “The army has called on reserve troops in Alawite regions to try to avoid new defections,” said Mikail. “Intimidating and very violent, shabiha play a paramilitary role,” the Middle East expert told AFP. “They aim at terrorising the population, to dissuade people from joining the uprising” against Assad that erupted in March last year.

Meanwhile, the army struggles to bring in new conscripts, said analyst Karim Bitar of the French Institute of International and Strategic Relations

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(IRIS). “For logistical and sectarian reasons, the same battalions have frequently been called up and moved from one part of the country to another since March 2011,” Bitar told AFP. The army now relies on some 120,000 experienced fighters and conscripts forced to stay on after completing their military service, according to European military experts.

“Naturally, troops’ morale is suffering, as they understand full well the fact that the regime is becoming increasingly isolated,” Bitar added.

Trained for conventional warfare, the army has focused on besieging and bombing rebel-held areas, including towns in Damascus province, where insurgents have set up rear bases. “There seems to be a deliberate decision to try

to hold terrain in northern Syria where possible, but accept strategic retreat when necessary,” analyst Nerguizian told AFP. With more than 10,000 soldiers killed and twice as many injured, the army has shifted to a “drawn out cycle of attrition that includes the growing use of air power, but more critically the use of indirect fire and artillery, resorting to direct combat only as a last resort,” he added.

While rebels relied on hit-and-run tactics for several months of the insurgency, the tables are now turning. Insurgents have cut off access to Aleppo - Syria’s commercial capital turned rebel heartland - and in recent days seized large swathes of the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, on the Iraqi border. But the army

An injured rebel fighter is helped away during heavy fighting with Syrian government troops some 50 m away in Aleppo’s northern Izaa quarter in this Sept 27, 2012 photo. —AFP

still has a stranglehold on major cities, and that is its main objective, a Syrian security source told AFP on condition of anonymity. “So far, no major cities have fallen, and we are capable of holding them,” the source said.

The regime has also kept control of the most developed parts of the country, from the south to the Alawite northwest, passing through Damascus and its province. The army aims to take total control of Damascus and an eight-kilometre radius around it, to create the conditions necessary for dialogue in future, the source said. For weeks, battles between rebels and troops have raged outside the capital, where insurgents have set up rear bases.

While the regime has regularly claimed to be launching its final crackdown on the rebellion in Damascus province, such announcements have rarely borne fruit. “If it feels the pressure build up further, the regime might turn into a militia, and that would be the start of a process of disintegration in Syria,” said Bitar. “The atmosphere and characteristics of the battle for Aleppo will likely be reproduced in Damascus” if all-out war breaks out there, he added. “The battle for Damascus will likely be even deadlier than Aleppo, and it might change the rules of the game. It will really be an existential battle for the regime, and such battles tend to give way to all kinds of madness and excess,” said Bitar. “If the rebels make real progress around the capital, it could be the beginning of the end for Assad,” the analyst said. “But the regime has not said its last word, and the coming weeks are full of danger.” —AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

sp orts

Kompany fit to lead City LONDON: Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will be fit to lead his side in their Premier League match at Wigan Athletic today, first-team coach David Platt said. Kompany hurt his knee in City’s Champions League draw with Real Madrid last week but played the full match against Chelsea on Sunday, despite being on crutches 48 hours before kickoff. Platt told a news conference yesterday that two games in a week was not too much for the Belgium defender. “Vinnie would have still been feeling the effects of the injury that he picked up last Wednesday in the (Chelsea) game but he got through the game and got through it very well,” he said. “There were no after effects, he iced it straight afterwards as a precaution.

We don’t really have any concerns for him for Wednesday night.” Gael Clichy (ankle) and Jack Rodwell (hamstring) remain sidelined for the champions, while Joleon Lescott is available. —Reuters

‘Golf war’ players win case

Probe into doping breach

SINGAPORE: Four professional golfers forced the Asian Tour to pay back fines and legal costs and let them play on the rival OneAsia circuit after winning a lengthy court battle yesterday.

The players-Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris and Matthew Griffin, Manila-based Dutchman Guido van der Valk and Malaysia’s Anis Hassan-emerged victorious after a yearlong restraint of trade case at the Singapore High Court.

The players launched the legal action after they were fined and barred from Asian Tour events for playing OneAsia tournaments in 2010.

“The judge declared that all of those rules which allowed the Asian Tour to prohibit its players from playing on other tournaments... were restraint of trade and therefore null and void,” their lawyer, Christopher Anand Daniel, told AFP. He added the players may also be able to claim for damages as compensation for potential earnings while they were forced to sit out events. —AFP

MOSCOW: Former world and Olympic shot put champion Svetlana Krivelyova is being investigated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over a possible breach of doping rules at the 2004 Athens Games where she won bronze.

Valentin Balakhnichyov, president of the Russian athletics federation (VFLA), said Krivelyova was aware of the probe. “The IOC has notified the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and the ROC then asked us to get in touch with the athlete,” Balakhnichyov told Reuters yesterday.

The IOC is set to discuss potential doping cases from the 2004 Games at its executive board meeting in Lausanne next week, an Olympic movement source told Reuters on Monday.

Krivelyova was awarded the bronze medal in the women’s shot put in Athens after her Russian team mate Irina Korzhanenko was stripped of her gold after failing a drugs test for the anabolic steroid stanozolol. —Reuters

Alonso: Ferrari needs to improve for 2013

LONDON: In this Aug. 5, 2012, file photo, Ben Ainslie of Britain celebrates winning the gold medal during the Finn dinghy class sailing medal race at the London Summer Olympics. — AP

Ben Ainslie retires from Olympic sailing NEW YORK: Four-time gold medalist Ben Ainslie of Britain says he is retiring from Olympic sailing in order to try and end his nation’s long drought in the America’s Cup. Ainslie’s decision wasn’t a surprise.

While he said he wanted to take some time after winning the gold medal in the Finn class at the London Olympics, he’s already sailed in two America’s Cup World Series regattas with his Ben Ainslie Racing team, finishing second in one of them.

The 35-year-old Ainslie became the most successful Olympic sailor ever when he won his fourth straight gold medal at Weymouth in August. He also won a silver medal at Atlanta in 1996 in his first Olympics.

“When I look back there are so many special memories; from that first medal in Atlanta 16 years ago to carrying the flag at the closing ceremony in London 2012,” Ainslie said in a statement. “London was an incredibly special Olympics, competing on home waters and in front of a home crowd, I don’t think anything will be able to top that experience. But you have to move forward and it is time to move onto the next challenge in my career.”

Ainslie was so successful as an Olympian that he was called Britain’s greatest sailor since Admiral Lord Nelson, who was killed while leading his fleet to victory over the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar. A statue of Nelson rises high above London’s Trafalgar Square.

Ainslie, known for an intense focus and work ethic, felt that comparison was hype.

“I didn’t rescue the nation from the depths of Napoleon Bonaparte,” Ainslie said after winning his final Olympic gold. “You do the best you can do in your style of racing.”

Ainslie was 19 when he took silver in the 1996 Olympics in a bitter loss to Brazil’s Robert Scheidt in the Laser class. Scheidt induced Ainslie into a penalty at the start of the final race and then sailed to gold.

It was the last time Ainslie didn’t stand atop the medals podium. Four years later, Ainslie expertly exacted his revenge on

Sydney Harbor to beat Scheidt for the gold.

After moving up to the heavyweight Finn class, Ainslie had another remarkable performance at Athens in 2004.

Disqualified from his second-place finish in the second race due to a protest by a French sailor, the British star fought back from 19th overall to win the gold.

Now his racing shifts to bigger, faster boats. He’ll skipper his 45-foot (14-meter) wing-sailed catamaran in the remaining regattas in the America’s Cup World Series and then will sail with defending America’s Cup champion Oracle Racing in the 34th America’s Cup on San Francisco Bay in 2013. It’s expected that he’ll helm one of Oracle’s two 72-foot (22-meter) catamarans in the buildup to the America’s Cup match.

Oracle suffered a setback when its first 72foot (22-meter) catamaran capsized on San Francisco Bay in mid-October, destroying its giant wing sail. Oracle’s second 72-foot (22-meter) cat is under construction.

Ainslie’s goal is to then launch a British challenge for the 35th America’s Cup. Britain has never won the America’s Cup, which began in 1851 when the schooner America beat a fleet of British ships around the Isle of Wight. Ainslie lives in Lymington, across the Solent from the Isle of Wight.

“The America’s Cup has always been a goal for me,” Ainslie said. “With the new format of the America’s Cup World Series and the increased commercialization of the event, I feel confident that we can continue to build toward creating a commercially viable team, with the ultimate goal of challenging for the 35th America’s Cup.” John Derbyshire, performance director of the Royal Yachting Association, said Ainslie “has nothing left to prove in Olympic terms and there can be no question that he’s more than achieved his first goal. It’s therefore entirely understandable that he should now want to turn his attentions to the second, and hopefully lead a British team to win the oldest trophy in sport for the very first time.” — AP

Squash under the IOC microscope HONG KONG: Frustrated by two failed bids to get squash into the Olympics, world number one Nicol David and her fellow players have embarked on a campaign to raise the sport’s global profile in an attempt to win over IOC chiefs in Hong Kong this week.

One sport will be added to the programme for the 2020 Games with squash up against karate, the Chinese martial art of wushu, baseball, softball, roller sports, wakeboarding and sport climbing.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will make its decision on a host for the 2020 Games, as well as which sport to add, at its session in Argentina in September 2013.

IOC observers are inspecting the Hong Kong Open as part of their squash evaluation and David said the tournament was the ideal setting to show the sport deserved a place at the Games.

“Hong Kong is the perfect place for the IOC’s inspection,” the South China Morning Post quoted the Malaysian as saying. “They have always put on a good show and the players love coming here. I have no doubt that we can impress the IOC.” Determined to

avoid rejection for a third time, squash examined how to make the game more fan-friendly and appealing to television. Players have also been trying to raise its profile by staging flash mob dances in Malaysia and New York.

“Yes, we have done everything, the players even dancing on the streets of Brooklyn and Kuala Lumpur this year to raise the sport’s profile,” said the 29-year-old David.

“We have become more fan-friendly. In the past squash was regarded as a bit too sterile where you couldn’t cheer. But now if there is a great shot and the fans cheer, the rally will continue. The players won’t stop playing, we have to move with the times and we have adapted.

“This is partly due to the fact that the game is now being taken to the fans. We are playing in shopping malls and in outdoor courts in exotic locations like the Hong Kong harbour or Grand Central Station in New York, where there is outside noise anyway.

“You can’t stop that noise so how can you stop a fan from cheering?” added David, who is looking for her eighth consecutive title in Hong Kong. — Reuters

SAO PAULO: Ferrari must improve its car to be able to contend for the Formula One title again next season, according to Fernando Alonso.

Alonso said he needed the best season of his career to stay in the hunt until the final race, but still came lost the title to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel by three points after finishing second at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

“I think we have the best team in terms of approaching the races, preparing the races,” Alonso said. “Zero mechanical problems, zero problems for the year, good pit stops, good starts, good strategy ... but we were too slow.”

The two-time world champion said Ferrari never had the pace to stay close to its competitors throughout the year.

“We were behind the Red Bulls, behind the McLarens, and now in the last couple of grands prix, behind Williams, Force India,” Alonso said.

“We were clearly slower than them in pace. So this is something we must improve next year because we cannot fight for a world championship if we are too slow.”

The 31-year-old Spaniard said the team was fortunate to still be in the hunt by the final race.

“We can be a little bit slower but not that much,” he said. “And this year it was something strange, combinations that allowed us to fight until the end but I’m not sure we’ll be this lucky in the future.” Alonso stayed atop the standings during most of the season after picking up all of his three wins by the German GP in July. He was consistent the rest of the year, reaching the podium in seven of the final eight races.

“Apart from the competitiveness of the car, if I repeat the 20 races, it would be difficult to do anything different of what we did because everything was so good for me,” Alonso said.

He started seventh at Interlagos having to overcome a 13-point deficit to Vettel. He moved to fifth after the first corner and eventually finished second to Jenson Button of McLaren, but he would have needed the victory after Vettel recovered from a first-lap crash to cross the line in sixth place and secure the title. Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said he knows Alonso deserves a better car in 2013.

“We cannot ignore the fact we were unable to give him and Felipe a quicker car, especially at the start of the season,” he said. “Our main aim for 2013 should be precisely that of giving our drivers the equipment with which they can win immediately. We owe our drivers and we want to wipe out that debt as soon as possible.”

Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo agreed.

Fernando Alonso in action in this file photo “We must immediately concentrate on next season, because, right from the start, we must have a car that is competitive at the highest level,” he said. Alonso said it will be crucial to have a “quicker car,” but having the same team effort will be just as important.

“Most of all I’d like to see the same effort and professionalism the team displayed when it reacted to our initial difficulties,” he said. “Even if maybe we didn’t manage to reach the performance level of the best, everyone demonstrated total dedication.” Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel knows he is in good company. A few seconds after he crossed the finish line at the Brazilian Grand Prix, he started discussing the names of other three-time Formula One champions.

Including Vettel now, there are nine threetime champions in F1 - Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, Jackie Stewart, Jack Brabham and Juan Manuel Fangio are the others.

“I’m extremely happy in the position I am. It’s incredible what we have achieved,” said Vettel, who was still celebrating when Red Bull team principal Christian Horner reminded him of the significance of his triumph.

“Christian came on the radio after the race and mentioned the names that have achieved

similar, and he forgot Prost, so I told him, but I had no radio so he couldn’t hear me,” Vettel said.

The German driver lost radio communication back to the team early in the race. He overcame that and a first-lap crash to finish sixth and clinch the title over Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso.

“He started with Michael, that was the obvious choice, which is quite easy to remember, Senna, Lauda, Piquet and then it was starting to get all loud and noisy. I think he mentioned all of them except Prost, so I told him, ‘you forgot Prost, he’s got four (titles).’”

Vettel has outdone them all in one aspect, though - becoming the youngest three-time champion at age 25. He also is the first to achieve three straight titles since Schumacher won five consecutive from 2000-04. The only other driver to win at least three straight titles was Juan Manuel Fangio from 1954-57.

“It’s difficult to find the right words,” Vettel said. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think there are only two guys who have done that before.

Obviously you need to be in the right place at the right time but I also believe that you can create your own luck and work for what is coming up.” Vettel said it was special that he won his third title at Interlagos, the home track for the

Balancing wins, losses with dollars and cents NEW YORK: Deciding whether to fire a college football coach often comes down to balancing wins and losses with dollars and cents.

Five coaches were fired Sunday, including Gene Chizik at Auburn just two years after he led the Tigers to a national championship.

The five schools are on the hook for about $14 million in buyouts to their former employees. Auburn owes Chizik $7.5 million.

That’s a lot of money to pay someone to not work for you, but it can be even more costly to keep a coach who is not only losing but draining a program in other ways. “What we all look for is: Is there a plan in place? Is the plan showing signs of progress? Is there energy around the program?” Ole Miss athletic director Ross Bjork said Monday.

“If there is no energy, no sign of hope, we’re not gaining traction in recruiting or in people investing in our program, and we’re not winning, you’ve got to make a change.”

The 39-year-old Bjork is in his first season at Ole Miss after quickly working his way up the ladder in intercollegiate athletics. Before he was hired by Mississippi in March, he was the AD at Western Kentucky. He didn’t hire Rebels coach Hugh Freeze, but he’s definitely not in the market for a replacement after a promising 6-6 first season in Oxford.

Making the decision to change coaches in any sport is as much about the future as the present. Colorado fired Jon Embree on Sunday after only two seasons, a rarity even in today’s win-now atmosphere. The Buffaloes were one of the worst teams in the country, going 1-11 with an inexperienced roster and a first-time head coach.

At a news conference Monday, Colorado AD Mike Bohn said he was most concerned about the “trajectory” of the program. “The importance of the third year, and if you don’t have the momentum ... you begin to think we did not make the decisions quick enough,” Bohn said.

Bohn said lagging ticket sales and waning

interest from fans was a factor. It always is. As much as athletic directors can’t be expected to make decisions that satisfy the whims of fickle fans, the folks who buy tickets definitely have a say.

“You operate off a zero-base budget,” Bjork said. “Let’s say looking at past trends you budget $14 million in football ticket sales and halfway through the season you are projecting $11 or $12 million. That’s a problem.”

Especially after a university spends a few hundred million to renovate its stadium - as California just did.

The school invested $321 million on renovations and the newly remodeled Memorial Stadium opened this season. Jeff Tedford could not have picked a worse season to have the worst record of a mostly successful 11year tenure as Bears coach. He went 3-9 and AD Sandy Barbour faced this choice: Fire a coach the school still owes $6.9 million or face the prospect of brand new luxury boxes being left vacant. Barbour decided the short-term loss would be outweighed by the long-term

Gene Chizik

gain of a new coach revitalizing the fan base.

Cal is one of 12 FBS schools with a head coaching vacancy, including four in the Southeastern Conference.

Ole Miss made a similar decision after last season when it fired Houston Nutt, who had three years left on his deal and a $6 million buyout. “Right now that’s holding us back in terms of our full commitment to football because that’s looming out there,” Bjork said.

The Catch-22 is no coach is going to take a contract without a significant buyout these days because schools are so quick to cut guys loose in search of the next big thing. And once a coach does have some success, schools feel obligated to quickly give long extensions because, well, what recruit is going to commit to play for a coach with two years left on his contract?

“That’s always a tough balance,” Bjork said.

“If you’re not investing are you committed? If you’re over invested and you negotiate a big buyout are you making a mistake you’ll have to pay for later?” — AP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

sp orts

SA relishing Perth after fighting draw MELBOURNE: South Africa head into the third and final test against Australia believing that if all else fails their deep reservoir of grit and determination can still be counted on to confront the most daunting of challenges.

Dominated by Australia for much of the epic, drawn Adelaide test will feel like more of a victory for Graeme Smith’s injury-hit Proteas, whose batsmen turned a seemingly hopeless cause into a brilliant save on the final day.

The series remains locked at 0-0 after Brisbane and Adelaide, and South Africa’s status as the top-ranked test side will be re-examined in Perth when the final match begins on Friday.

The Proteas skipper, however, paid credit to the resilience of his players, who remain unbeaten on tour since Feb. 2010.

“It’s really a strengthening point for us considering we haven’t played very well,” Smith said of the Adelaide draw.

“We had another couple of big injuries in this test match that created a little bit of hassle for us and we still managed to scrape through after not being in great positions. “We haven’t been at our best but we still haven’t been beaten, and that’s a very rewarding feeling for us.”

Having already lost all-rounder JP Duminy for the series with an Achilles injury, the Proteas withdrew frontline paceman Vernon Philander from Adelaide after he pulled up with a back injury.

All-rounder Jacques Kallis strained a hamstring early on day one to compound South Africa’s woes, but the 37year-old battled on to score a half-century to help his team avoid the follow-on and then a gritty 38 in the fourth innings.

Duminy’s injury opened the door for Faf du Plessis to produce a sensational debut, with 78 in the first innings and superb century in the second to guide South Africa to safety on day five and earn man-of-the-match honours.

Philander’s replacement Rory Kleinveldt also made the most of his opportunity, taking three wickets to be the pick of South Africa’s bowlers in the second innings after a wicketless debut in Brisbane.

Kleinveldt’s performance, along with a dogged effort from paceman Morne Morkel, did gloss over a patchy test for South Africa’s bowlers, who were blasted for 482 runs on day one.

Queries over Dale Steyn’s fitness remain after he had treatment for a leg strain. Legspinner Imran Tahir’s international career may be over after he went wicketless for 260 runs, the most runs conceded without taking a wicket in test cricket.

Philander is expected to be fully fit for Perth, but Smith had his fingers crossed that Kallis could be retained, despite the team’s doctor all but ruling him out. “To watch him be able to still perform with the bat was a crucial factor in the game,” said Smith. “He played two very important knocks and his experience and skill definitely shone through.

“Ideally, we’d love to have him fit for Perth. He’s definitely not going to bowl, but if we can have him just as a batter, that would be the ideal case.” Australia’s bowlers were dead on their legs after toiling for a day and a half in the Adelaide heat without the support of injured paceman James Pattinson.

Australia captain Michael Clarke has already said Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle may not be fit enough for Perth and has called in a bullpen of back-up quicks as cover.

“Obviously, we’ve had an extra day of rest from a bowling perspective,” Smith said. “Both teams will be pretty battered and bruised. “We have five days left on this tour and an opportunity to create something special. That’s what we were fighting for.” — Reuters

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Suraj Randiv (right) plays a shot as New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum (left) attempts to field the ball in front of wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk during the third day of their second Test cricket match. —AP

Samaraweera’s defiance keeps Sri Lanka in touch COLOMBO: Thilan Samaraweera defied the discomfort of an injured hand and the threat of the New Zealand attack to ensure Sri Lanka retained a foothold in the second Test yesterday.

Samaraweera, who had three stitches inserted into the webbing on his right hand on Monday after dropping a catch, made an unbeaten 76 to help steer the home side very slowly to 225 for six by the close of play on the third day.

It meant Sri Lanka still trailed by 187 runs following New Zealand’s first innings total of 412, but it was a vast improvement on their position midway through the afternoon session when they had slipped to 128 for six.

Samaraweera, a veteran of 77 tests stretching back to 2001, was his usual calm and assured self despite his injury and by the close of play which came 25.4 overs early because of bad light, he had batted for 209 minutes, facing 156 balls and hitting five fours.

The unbeaten innings took his tally at the venue to 597 runs at an average of 99.50, including two hundreds. Samaraweera found a willing ally in off-spinner Suraj Randiv as the pair added an unbroken 97 runs for the seventh wicket to frustrate the efforts of Ross Taylor’s side to force a victory that would level the two-match series.

Samaraweera and Randiv’s partnership was a record for the seventh wicket at the venue which has staged 17 tests including Sri Lanka’s first against England in 1982 - eclipsing the previous mark of 85 set by Pakistan’s Inzamam-ulHaq and Wasim Akram in 1994.

The Sri Lanka duo defied everything that New

Zealand could throw at them with Taylor using six bowlers in an attempt to break the stand. The visiting side’s most successful bowler was Tim Southee (four for 51), who followed up his opening burst of two for 16 on Monday with two more victims.

Resuming at 43 for three, overnight batsmen Tharanga Paranavitana (40) and Angelo Mathews (47) took their partnership to 90 and the total to 102 before Paranavitana, who had resisted for more than three hours, edged Southee to Kruger van Wyk behind the stumps.

That was after Paranavitana was dropped by Taylor at first slip off the luckless Trent Boult (one for 34) when the batsman had scored 32.

There was no such reprieve for Mathews, who

became Southee’s fourth wicket when Martin Guptill produced a superb diving one-handed catch to his right at second slip.

The other wicket to fall yesterday was wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene, playing in his 50th Test, who was dismissed in identical fashion to the first test in Galle. He top-edged a sweep off spinner Jeetan Patel to be held at deep backward square-leg by Kane Williamson.

That was New Zealand’s last success of a truncated day as Samaraweera and Randiv resisted for 37 overs. Play during the shortened final session was held up briefly as a cat made its way across the ground. The first Test of the series in Galle was won by Sri Lanka by 10 wickets inside three days. —Reuters

SCOREBOARD Scoreboard at the close of the third day of the second cricket test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Colombo yesterday: New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat New Zealand first innings 412 Sri Lanka first innings (overnight 43-3) T. Paranavitana c Van Wyk b Southee 40 T. Dilshan b Southee 5 K. Sangakkara c Boult b Southee 0 M. Jayawardene c Williamson b Boult 4 A. Mathews c Guptill b Southee 47 T. Samaraweera not out 76

P. Jayawardene c Williamson b Patel 12 S. Randiv not out 34 Extras (lb-3, w-1, nb-3) 7 Total (six wickets; 86.2 overs) 225 To bat: N. Kulasekara, R. Herath, S. Eranga Fall of wickets: 1-7 2-7 3-12 4-102 5-103 6-128 Bowling: Southee 19-3-51-4 (1nb), Boult 17-534-1 (2nb, 1w), Patel 22-3-47-1, Astle 13-2-410, Bracewell 13-1-44-0, Williamson 2.2-1-5-0

CETAA cricket: AECK retain Cup

KHULNA: Bangladesh Cricket Board XI cricketer Farhad Reza plays a shot during a practice match between a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI and Bangladesh at The Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium. — AFP

We want Ponting firing for the Ashes: Arthur MELBOURNE: Australia selectors want Ricky Ponting to be part of the back-toback Ashes series in 2013, coach Mickey Arthur has said, but the third and final test against South Africa in Perth may be his last chance to reverse a run of wretched form.

Ponting scored a duck, four and 16 in three innings against the Proteas, sparking renewed calls for the ageing former captain to give up his place for a more youthful successor.

Ponting told Australian television earlier this week that he expected to have a “conversation” with selectors about his playing career in the near future, but Arthur said the 37-year-old already enjoyed their full backing.

“We back Ricky, we unanimously back Ricky Ponting to get us some runs,” Arthur, who is on Australia’s selection panel along with captain Michael Clarke, told reporters.

“By his own admission, Perth is a big test for him and that’s by his own admission. “He’ll leave no stone unturned in his preparation going into Perth and I’m backing him for a big score in Perth, no doubt about that. “If Ricky’s scoring runs we certainly want Ricky Ponting around for six months, certainly the next six months. We want Ricky Ponting to go to the Ashes.

“Like any batsman, you’ve got to keep scoring runs, and that’s by his own admission.” Ponting remains the only specialist batsman in Australia’s side to

have not made a half-century in the series, which is tied 0-0 after drawn tests in Brisbane and Adelaide.

While Ponting will be fighting to keep his place in the side, all-rounder Shane Watson can expect to slot back in at Perth after missing the first two tests with a calf strain. Rob Quiney, who replaced Watson at number three in the batting order for the two tests, has been dropped from Australia’s 14-man squad for Perth.

Watson would be fit enough to bowl as well as bat at Perth, Arthur said, in a boost for the Australians, who have lost fast bowler James Pattinson to a rib injury for the next four tests.

There are question marks over pacemen Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle as to whether they can recover in time for the Perth test starting on Friday, having bowled long spells in baking heat at Adelaide Oval without the support of Pattinson.

Australia have named four pace bowlers as back-up, including Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson, who both have test experience, and uncapped quicks Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings.

“I can’t see them bowling any balls at training,” South African Arthur said of Hilfenhaus and Siddle. “We’ve got to see how they pull up, see how they come up in Perth. We’re in a position where we could go with a totally different attack into Perth.” — Reuters

KUWAIT: Defending champions AECK beat last year’s opponents TEC to retain the cup in a closely fought finals of the 15th Prof.

Ramachandran Memorial Cricket organized

by CETAA and sponsored by M’s GTE Olayan Company. Earlier in the semi-final matches, defending champions AECK beat 7 time winners KEA and TEC defeated TKM to make stage for the repeat of last year’s finals.

In the first semi-final match, batting first after winning the toss, KEA lost wickets at regular intervals and was restricted to a meager 72 for the loss of 6 wickets in 15 overs due to accurate bowling attack by AECK. For KEA only Shiva (25) and Biju (19) offered some resistance. For AECK, Smithosh (3 for 12) was the pick of the bowlers, where as Remon and Sajeeb took one wicket each. In reply, AECK also failed to put up any big partnerships. But KEA could not make a match out of it due to the low target set by them and 17 runs given as wide. In form Batsman Mahesh (33) made sure AECK reach home in 11.4 overs. Smithosh (AECK) was declared as the ‘Man of the Match’.

In the other semi-finals, put to bat by TKM after losing the toss, TEC made a defendable score of 109 for 7 wickets, thanks to useful knocks by Captain Girish (45), Ramesh (19) and Dinto (19). For TKM, Captain Anfar took 3 wickets for 27 runs and Ajmal and Ziad took one wicket each. In reply, TKM failed to build up any worthy partnership and lost wickets at regular intervals. They were bowled out for 67 runs in the 15th over. Only Ziad (25) offered some fight. For TEC, Merton (3 for 10) and Dinto (2 for8) made maximum damage, where as Jinesh, Suresh, Sunil and Ramesh shared other 4 wickets. Girish (TEC) was selected as the ‘Man of the Match’.

In the finals that followed, winning toss and batting first, AECK out up a formidable 132 for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 15 overs, thanks mainly to yet another splendid batting display by Mahesh (79 not out). For the unbroken 4th wicket partnership Mahesh and Remon (19 n.o) added 74 runs. For TEC, except for Girish (1 for 12), no other bowlers could contain the onslaught from AECK. In reply, TEC lost the wickets of openers Suresh, Sunil (20), Captain Girish and Dinto at regular intervals and were reduced to 49 for 4 wickets in the 8th over. But a brilliant 61 run partnership between Ramesh (38) and Pramod (23) raised the hopes of last year’s runner up. But dismissal of both in quick succession and a match winning bowling spell by

Winning Team AECK with Cup

Nithin (5 for 19) saw TEC fall short by 15 runs in the end of 15th over. Nithin was picked up as the ‘Man of the Match’.

In the Presentation ceremony that followed the finals match, Tappan (Regional Manager, M/s GTE- Olayan Company), Mohd. Nooh (GTE- Olayan), Shaji Jose (M/s NCC), Suresh Krishnan (GC Elect - KEF), KG Mohan (President - CETAA), Harikumar (CETAA), Jose (Org. Committee) and

Runner-up team TEC

Mohan (Org. Committee) gave away Cups to the Winners (AECK), runners-up (TEC), ‘Player of the Tournament’( Mahesh AECK), ‘Best Batsman’ (Mahesh - AECK), ‘Best Bowler’(Remon - AECK) and ‘Promising Youngster’ (Rohan Roy Paul MACE) and the ‘Man of the Match’ of the Semi-Finals matches and Finals. Venu (Gen. Secretary-CETAA) proposed the vote of thanks.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

S P ORT S

NFL playoffs taking shape, and still a month to go NEW YORK: More than a month from the end of the NFL season, nearly every division race is decided.

The Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos have fourgame leads and can earn titles with victories on Sunday, although the Falcons also need the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose - coincidentally, to the Broncos, who don’t need any help if they win to walk off with the AFC West.

The Falcons (10-1) get an early start by hosting New Orleans on Thursday. Considering the rivalry, and that Atlanta’s only defeat this season has been to the Saints, taking the NFC South crown merely adds to the team’s already soaring incentives.

“Ten and one is great, but I’ll tell you what I’ve said since the beginning of the season: We’re just jockeying for position,” star Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “We just want to put ourselves in the best position, playing the best football. Right around this time is when you want to start jelling as a team and take it on into the playoffs because that’s the most important thing.”

Denver (8-3) already has swept San Diego, so one more victory puts Peyton Manning back in the playoffs with his new team. Oddly, Manning’s

Indianapolis Colts didn’t always fare so well after winning their division early, but every coach, including his latest one, John Fox, will say that owning a postseason berth overrides any potential negatives.

“We can’t influence what everyone else does over the last five games,” Fox said. “We know we have to take care of this week and that’ll be our mindset.” Manning’s mindset is to keep the foot on the accelerator regardless of the standings.

“You certainly always want to get better late in the season,” he said. “You either get better, or you get worse and our goal is to get better every week.”

The Baltimore Ravens (9-2) can grab the AFC North crown by beating visiting Pittsburgh and having Cincinnati lose at San Diego. A division race that most projected to be tight barely will get into December if that happens.

The Ravens should be thankful if that occurs, because they are as banged-up as anybody and they wouldn’t need to rush defensive leader Ray Lewis back onto the field.

Baltimore also would like nothing more than to spend the entire playoffs at home, where it is 5-0 especially if it can avoid a trip to Houston, where the

NFL results/standings Philadelphia 93, Toronto 83; Indiana 89, Washington 85; Charlotte 101, Dallas 97 (OT); Chicago 87, Minnesota 80; Houston 96, Detroit 82; Boston 96, Milwaukee 92; Utah 94, Phoenix 81; San Antonio 112, Portland 109; Denver 107, Golden State 101 (OT).

American Football Conference AFC East W L T OTL PF PA PCT New England 8 3 0 0 407 244 .727 Miami 5 6 0 2 211 226 .455 NY Jets 4 7 0 1 221 290 .364 Buffalo 4 7 0 0 243 319 .364 AFC North Baltimore 9 2 0 0 283 219 .818 Pittsburgh 6 5 0 0 231 210 .545 Cincinnati 6 5 0 0 282 247 .545 Cleveland 3 8 0 1 209 248 .273 AFC South Houston 10 1 0 0 327 211 .909 Indianapolis 7 4 0 0 230 273 .636 Tennessee 4 7 0 1 238 335 .364 Jacksonville 2 9 0 3 188 308 .182 AFC West Denver 8 3 0 0 318 221 .727 San Diego 4 7 0 1 245 237 .364 Oakland 3 8 0 0 218 356 .273 Kansas City 1 10 0 1 161 301 .091

National Football Conference NFC East NY Giants 7 4 0 0 305 226 .636 Washington 5 6 0 0 295 285 .455 Dallas 5 6 0 0 242 262 .455 Philadelphia 3 8 0 1 184 282 .273 NFC North Chicago 8 3 0 0 277 175 .727 Green Bay 7 4 0 0 273 245 .636 Minnesota 6 5 0 0 248 249 .545 Detroit 4 7 0 2 267 280 .364 NFC South Atlanta 10 1 0 0 294 216 .909 Tampa Bay 6 5 0 0 310 254 .545 New Orleans 5 6 0 1 308 304 .455 Carolina 3 8 0 1 214 265 .273 NFC West San Francisco8 2 1 0 276 155 .773 Seattle 6 5 0 0 219 185 .545 St. Louis 4 6 1 0 205 254 .409 Arizona 4 7 0 1 180 227 .364

Unbeaten tour ends Boks season on high note JOHANNESBURG: South Africa returned unbeaten from their European Tour for a climactic end to coach Heyneke Meyer’s first season at the helm that saw the side jump from fourth to second in the world.

The Springboks finished the year with 12 games, seven wins, three losses and two draws. They bowed twice against world champions New Zealand and once to Australia.

Saturday’s win against England clinched the Boks’ victorious tour of Europe following wins over Ireland (16-12) and Scotland (21-10).

The England match was especially important, since their last clash during the Roses’ South African tour in June ended with a 14-14 draw in Port Elizabeth. “I’m very happy with the first year. You always know it’s going to be tough if you lost a lot of guys, but a reasonable start and I think we can only grow as a team from here,” said Heyneke after the tour to Europe. “We’ve lost three out of 12 and the great thing for me is we started at number four in the world and ended number two.

There’s a lot of better things we can do if we keep our feet on the ground.”

Already 2013 looks like the year Meyer tackles the club rugby system that leave players too exhausted to play for the national team. “We have to manage the players better, we have to look at the systems,” he hinted.

Meyer had traveled with an inexperienced team after injuries forced him to leave many senior players home. The likes of wing Bryan Habana, the country’s rugby player of the year, centre Pierre Spies, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and loose forwards Schalk Burger were not considered for the tour. The season started with England’s tour to South Africa in June, where the Boks won the first two and drew the last.

They were tied with Australia in second place after the Rugby Championship, where they lost against the side away but won at home, beat Argentina once and drew another, and lost twice against the Kiwis.

New Zealand ended the year firmly dominating the game, but the Springboks nevertheless had a good season. The team drew criticism all the same, notably from respected commentator Naas Botha. Along with former

Bryan Habana

South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallet, Botha likened their playing style to “watching paint dry”.

“We have the skills and players to play a similar brand of rugby to the All Blacks, if not better,” said Botha. “But one has to wonder if we have become so focused on dominating physically that we have lost all our creativity. I think this team is capable of much more.”

Botha has said the team plays as a group of individuals, and pointed out their preference of kicking over playing running rugby.

“Why is the team’s first option always to get rid of the ball?” he asked. Others, like rugby columnist Archie Henderson, have bemoaned former Pretoria-based Bulls coach Meyer’s fear of taking risks.

“The overwhelming impression ... is that Meyer is a coach lacking in enterprise,” Henderson wrote recently. “He is a coach whose fear of losing is greater than his sense of adventure.” But Meyer, a self-confessed “slow starter”, said he was proud of the team’s progress.

“There’s a lot of youngsters under 21, babies when you picked them. After a long year and a really long tour, suddenly those guys have become men, the (Eben) Etzebeths of the world, and Marcel Coetzee and Pat Lambie,” he said, naming a few young players who have excelled.

He’s also played down the season’s 58 percent win ratio. “If you take the draws then it’s 75 percent. Our best seasons, 2009 and 2007, we lost more than we lost this year.”

“With a management team that started late, a lot of those guys were still in Super Rugby, the planning wasn’t where it should be, and we’ve ended number two,” Meyer added.

He has also avoided growing debate over his team selections, with a notable lack of black players. He picks “the best side”, he says.

With the season now over the Boks can look forward to a carefree Christmas, and next year start preparing for the 2015 World Cup in England with Northern Hemisphere experience gleaned during their last tour. — AFP

Texans routed the Ravens 43-13 last month.

Houston (10-1) is in the unusual position of owning the AFC’s best record, yet not being in line for an immediate clinching. Even if the Texans win at Tennessee on Sunday and the AFC South runner-up, the Colts, fall at Detroit, the division remains unsolved because Indianapolis and Houston meet twice in the final three weeks. A wild-card berth is within reach for the Texans, but that’s hardly what they’re aiming for.

No team wants to trek to Foxborough in the playoffs, even if the New England Patriots have been eliminated from the Super Bowl chase at home in two of the last three years. New England (83) can wrap up the AFC East by beating Miami on Sunday because the Patriots would own all of the necessary tiebreakers in the division.

Coach Bill Belichick is not likely to let up a bit even when that happens. Did anyone notice how long quarterbackTom Brady was on the field during the 49-19 romp over the Jets on Thanksgiving, a game decided in the second period?

The only truly close division through 11 games is the NFC North, where the Chicago Bears (8-3) have a

one-game edge on Green Bay, but have lost to the Packers. The Bears also lost a handful of starters to injuries last Sunday, so holding off the Packers could be problematic. Of course, Green Bay also is plagued by injuries to stars such as Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings and Charles Woodson.

That one could go down to the season finales, when the Bears are at Detroit and the Packers visit the Minnesota Vikings, who are in the wild-card race. Green Bay is at Chicago on Dec. 16.

Both of last season’s NFC championship game teams are in good shape in their divisions, but could be tested before clinching. The Super Bowl champion New York Giants are two games up on the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys, and they are at Washington on Monday. The Redskins have a better record within the NFC East and might push New York to the limit if they can win.

The San Francisco 49ers’ rare tie has not hurt their standing in the standings. At 8-2-1, they lead Seattle by 2 1/2 games, and the Seahawks have dropped all three NFC West contests. The teams meet on Dec. 23 at Seattle, but by then it could be too late to make any difference. — AP

Panthers shoot down Eagles PHILADELPHIA: Even an eye-catching NFL debut by running back Bryce Brown failed to halt Philadelphia’s downward slide as the Carolina Panthers beat the nose-diving Eagles 30-22 on Monday.

Brown, a rookie who had never even started in college, lit up the Panthers for 178 yards rushing and two touchdowns but it was not enough to avoid a seventh successive Eagles defeat. Both NFC teams have disappointing 38 records.

The Panthers have seen most of their losses come via late-game mishaps, but Cam Newton made sure there was no such outcome in Philadelphia. “We wanted to get the momentum back on our side and finish,” the second-year quarterback told reporters.

“It means a lot (doing it) on prime-time in front of America. We just have to get our confidence back and finish the season strong.”

Carolina trailed 22-21 in the third before one of Philadelphia’s three lost fumbles set up a go-ahead field goal by kicker Graham Gano.

Newton took over from there, capping a 60-yard drive in the fourth quarter with a twoyard running score for the winning margin.

Newton had a rare banner day in a tough season as he finished with 306 yards passing, two scores in the air and another two on the ground.

The Eagles played without concussed starters Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy, which opened the door for Brown, who provided some spectacular plays in another Philadelphia loss. Newton put the Eagles in a hole early with two long TD passes in the first quarter that gave the Panthers a 14-3 lead, triggering boos from the Philadelphia crowd.

In the second quarter, Brown exploded onto the scene with a 65-yard scoring run and Philadelphia added two Alex Henery field goals to take a 15-14 edge at halftime. For all of his head-turning plays, Brown fumbled twice and was also stopped on a fourth-and-one run attempt in the fourth. “The most important thing for me was for us to get the win and that didn’t happen tonight,” said Brown. “I felt like a lot of that had to do with my two turnovers. It really cost us.” Philadelphia’s final possession ended with Brandon Boykin fumbling a kickoff return, giving Carolina the ball back and letting them run out the clock, underlining their season so far. — Reuters

PHILADELPHIA: Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) hurdles Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Nate Allen (29) to score a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game. —AP

London Olympic Park gets $468m makeover LONDON: London’s Olympic Park has taken on the air of a construction site again, with work under way on a 292 million pound ($468 million) transformation before Britons can use facilities like the swimming pool and cycle trails.

Builders in hard hats were yesterday dismantling temporary seats towering above the pool where American Michael Phelps won a record 18th Olympic gold in August.

However, the failure to settle on a tenant for the centrepiece Olympic Stadium, built at a cost of some 430 million pounds, has taken some of the gloss of a successful Gamesthat silenced the sceptics.

Premier League club West Ham United remain the most likely tenant but wrangling over the division of the costs of turning the stadium into one also suited for topflight soccer has slowed the process.

The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the public body responsible for the site, is scheduled to discuss the stadium issue again next week and there are hopes that a decision will be announced before the end of the year.

However, the LLDC has warned the stadium will not open before 2015, prompting a frustrated UK Athletics Chairman Ed Warner to denounce the delay as a farce. The Olympic Stadium will hold the 2017 World athletics Championships and is on the list of potential venues to host matches during the 2015 rugby World Cup but that deadline is beginning to look tight.

The Games cost the British public around 9 billion pounds and spending during the Olympics helped to give a one-off boost to Britain’s struggling economy.

London has restarted free bus tours around the Olympic Park, keen to maintain the goodwill generated by the Games and show that it will have a viable future as part

of plans to regenerate what was long a rundown part of east London.

Workers on the site on a bleak November day were focused on getting it ready to reopen to the public next July - a year on from the Games - with a new name of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“We want the park to open as quickly and as safely as possible,” Colin Naish, director of infrastructure at the LLDC told reporters, adding the target was for a phased reopening to be completed by the middle of 2014.

Contractors Balfour Beatty and BAM Nuttall are expected to employ up 1,000 workers on the conversion. The swimming pool is scheduled to be used as a public leisure centre from 2014, although London has also bid to stage the European swimming championships at the venue in 2016. Britain is seeking to build on the good publicity generated by the Olympics to attract lucrative international events. It has also applied to stage the 2016 world track cycling championships on the London site. — Reuters

LONDON: Scaffolding is seen inside the Olympic Aquatics center as work to dismantle and downsize the facility continues at the Olympic Park, Stratford, east London. Four months after Michael Phelps ended his glittering Olympic career in London, the final seats of the aquatics center have been removed. — AP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

S P ORT S

Cech urges patience ahead of Chelsea’s derby clash

Mathieu Valbuena

Marseille, Lyon clash for top spot MARSEILLE: Marseille host Lyon in today’s sole Ligue 1 clash in a game postponed from last month because of bad weather with top spot in the French championship at stake.

The south coast club currently share the lead on 26 points with Paris Saint-Germain but are behind on goal difference but a draw would be enough to reclaim sole pole position, which they last held over five weeks ago.

Marseille are riding high after getting back to winning ways with Sunday’s hardfought 1-0 success over Lille, after falling by the same scoreline against Bordeaux the previous weekend.

Coach Elie Baup revealed that a number of players were still nursing knocks but added: “We have to do everything in our power to recover energy.” His side has, however, been boosted by the return from injury of midfielder Mathieu Valbuena and defender Nicolas Nkoulou, who both featured against Lille.

Loic Remy, also back but doubtful against Lyon, could offer Baup an alternative up front, with Jordan Ayew, scorer of

Sunday’s winning goal in his fourth match this season, set to fill in again for injured Andre-Pierre Gignac (foot).

Left-back Jeremy Morel and goalkeeper Steve Mandanda are also expected to be fit after suffering knocks against Lille, as well as England’s Joey Barton, still lacking physical fitness after his 12-match suspension, but an important player midfield as shown in his first game for his new club at the weekend.

Lyon are just one point behind Marseille in fourth place, and will be looking to recover from their 3-0 hammering at Toulouse at the weekend, in a Velodrome Stadium where they have a good record coming away with draws from the past two seasons.

“Given the negative result in Toulouse, it is especially important not to squander (the match),” warned Lyon coach Remi Garde, whose side could also finish the night as Ligue 1 leaders should they take three points. “In my opinion Lyon have what it takes to cause Marseille problems.

I’m counting on the players to show another attitude than against Toulouse.” — AFP

Anderson hopes for Man United chance MANCHESTER: Midfielder Anderson could return to the Manchester United team at home to West Ham United today as injuries and suspensions unsettle the Premier League leaders’ squad.

United manager Alex Ferguson has several decisions to make about his starting line-up, with the midfield area particularly problematic. Paul Scholes is suspended after being booked in the weekend victory over Queens Park Rangers, while Darren Fletcher may be rested, despite scoring against QPR, as he fights his way back from a careerthreatening bowel disease. Winger Antonio Valencia is also expected to miss the visit of Sam Allardyce’s team,

Manchester United’s midfielder Anderson

after being absent from the 3-1 win over Rangers with a hip problem, while fellow wide player Nani has been ruled out with a hamstring complaint.

It all points to a more significant role for Brazilian Anderson, who has failed to scale the dizzy heights expected of him when he signed for �20 million ($32 million, 24.7 million euros) from Porto in 2007.

The 24-year-old’s development has been hampered by injury and an apparent lack of focus at times, to the extent that he has started just 60 league games in over five years at the club, and only one in the current campaign.

But his performance as a substitute against QPR helped change the game, with United transforming a 1-0 deficit

into a 3-1 victory thanks in no small part to the inspirational performance of Anderson. “The substitutes definitely made an impact. Anderson came in and turned the game around,” said goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

“He is one of the best players in the world at running with the ball, passing it and keeping that dynamic motion.

He showed that by turning the game around, a brilliant player.”

Anderson could be handed a rare start against West Ham, although Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Nick Powell and Ryan Giggs are in contention as well. Ferguson must also decide whether to select Fletcher, only four days after he started a league game for the first time in a year.

Valencia, however, appears unlikely to be fit.

“He has a hip injury, he’s been in a bit of pain the last couple of weeks, he’s been playing with it,” said Ferguson. “The type of guy he is, he never mentioned it until we asked him and he says it’s sore. It won’t be too long. He should be ready for next week.”

United will be anxious to avoid continuing a remarkable sequence of having gone behind in nine of their 13 league games to date this season. Only the fact that they have managed to collect 18 points from losing positions has saved them from disaster.

“It’s a bad habit that we have to go behind to start playing,” added Lindegaard. “We have turned games around but it’s something we have to look at and be stronger to take our chances and score goals when we get our opportunities.”

West Ham will head to Old Trafford on the back of a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur that was overshadowed by allegations of antiSemitic chanting by some Hammers fans, prompting a Football Association investigation.

Victory at White Hart Lane would have moved Allardyce’s side up to fifth but with Chelsea due to visit Upton Park three days after the United clash, West Ham know they face a testing challenge if they are to avoid slipping down the table.

“We have got a tough week, obviously, with Manchester United and then Chelsea and Liverpool coming up,” said striker Andy Carroll, who scored his first West Ham goal against Spurs. “It’ll be tough so we just have to put this behind us now and focus today. “This game (at Tottenham) is all gone now so we’re going to have to concentrate 100 per cent on Wednesday, which is going to be another tough game.” —AFP

LONDON: Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says Rafael Benitez must be given a chance to make his mark at the club, ahead of a potentially stormy Premier League derby with local rivals Fulham today.

Benitez can only hope the club’s dissenting supporters eventually accept him, although the evidence of the new interim manager’s first game in charge suggests that is unlikely to happen soon. Benitez will take charge of his second game since succeeding Roberto Di Matteo when Fulham visit Stamford Bridge, three days after Chelsea were held to a scoreless home draw

by Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Spaniard was given an early indication during that game of the depth of resentment held towards him by some of the club’s fans, who have not forgiven him for his role in the intense rivalry that has existed between Chelsea and Benitez’s former club, Liverpool.

Some supporters have suggested the protests will continue, ensuring another difficult atmosphere for the home side as they attempt to revive their flagging season.

“I think there’ll always be a resentment,” said Tim Rolls, a shareholder in Chelsea Pitch Owners, the fan-led group that owns the freehold of the Chelsea ground. “If he has a lot of success in winning games, then I think there’s likely to be a solemn acceptance, but the supporters aren’t going to sing his name.” Chelsea’s performance against City offered few distractions and Benitez will expect an improvement when his side confront the club’s near neighbours and attempt to revive their title ambitions.

Lying fourth, five points behind leaders Manchester United, Chelsea can ill afford to drop points and Cech admits they cannot afford a bedding in period.

“We, as players, need to adapt quickly and start thinking positively in order to work with the manager and give him what he needs to help get results,” he said. “We need to put things right. We got a good point (against City), and hopefully today

Chelsea’s interim head coach Rafael Benitez.

we’ll win our game and push on from there. “(Benitez) is here to change things, to put us in a winning mode, and he needs to be given a chance.”

Cech insists there were positives to be drawn from Chelsea’s display against City.

“We’ve been on a spell where we haven’t been winning games and we’ve been losing, so we wanted to stop that,” he said.

“We played the champions, it was an interesting performance in a way, but we kept a clean sheet and, at times, we were a danger, so it was a good start. “It’s never easy when a new manager comes in because he doesn’t have time to work, so it’s good to start with a positive result.”

Fulham will attempt to claim a first win at Stamford Bridge in 33 years on the back of successive defeats and a run of five games without a win. That has left them in mid-table after an enterprising start to the

season and they will again be without influential centre-back Brede Hangeland, who serves the second game of a three-match ban after being sent off against Sunderland.

Fulham manager Martin Jol felt his side had been overwhelmed by Stoke City’s physical presence in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat, but the Cottagers will be presented with a different type of test when they face Benitez’s team.

“A few weeks ago I was there, and I saw Chelsea against Juventus. It was my first time at Stamford Bridge and it was a good game,” said Sascha Riether, the Fulham right back. “I thought, ‘Yes, soon you will play there.’ It will be my first time playing there and I hope we get a good result. “I’m not really aware yet of how big a game it is for Fulham, but it’s nice to know we will be big heroes if we win there. “Every game is special, but if it’s a derby, it’s a little bit more.” — AFP

Celtic players back Lennon GLASGOW: Celtic star Efe Ambrose has urged the Parkhead club’s supporters to lay off manager Neil Lennon ahead of today’s trip to Tynecastle to take on Hearts in the Scottish Premier League.

The Nigerian defender was left shocked after the Celtic manager stated on Saturday he would walk away from the club if the fans wanted him out following an angry confrontation with a section of supporters during their shock 1-0 home defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premier League - a point above Aberdeen and Hibernian with a game in hand - and Lennon has led the club to the brink of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to a memorable run in the group stages which included a famous win over Barcelona earlier this month.

But domestically the club have struggled with the Hoops dropping 17 points in 14 games, 12 of them after Champions League matches and 10 at home, as they have made the worst start to any title campaign since 1998.

Following the defeat to Inverness, the Highland club’s first ever win at Parkhead, Lennon said he’d do the “honourable thing” if the club’s fans want him to leave. But Ambrose reckons the critics are wrong and fans should stick with the boss and his team as patience will see them rewarded. “I believe these things come with desperation,” the defender said.

“The fans want us to win but when we cannot win, you see the other side of them, the ugly side. “But this is football. I believe with patience, everything works out better than they think. “The team is just building up and injuries coming along do not help. It’s affecting the team a bit. When the team is back, you are going to see a better Celtic.

“The fans should stay behind us and stick with us. They are here to see what this team can do but we are just starting out and have not even reached our second stage.

“We believe in ourselves and we’ll work extra hard to do it.” His thoughts were echoed by captain Scott Brown, who pointed to Lennon’s achievements since taking charge two years ago.

“The gaffer has been great with every single player here and the club has made a lot of progress since he has been in charge,” the Scotland midfielder said.

“We are possibly only one game away from reaching the knockout stage of the Champions League, we have won away from home for the first time in the competition and we have managed to defeat Barcelona. “The players know that we need to start picking up more points in the league, especially at home, but the manager has built a good enough team, brought players in from nowhere and made them an important part of the team and that is to his credit.

“And we are still top of the league and in two cup competitions as well.” The match will be a welcome distraction for fans of the Tynecastle club, which is currently facing a financial crisis.

Hearts sit ninth in the table but could break into the top six with a win over the Hoops.

Elsewhere, Hibernian, who are just a point behind the Hoops, will look to end a two-match losing run when they travel to McDiarmid Park to take on St Johnstone.—AFP

‘Big Phil’ touted for Brazil return — reports SAO PAULO: Brazil are set to delve back into their glorious past by re-appointing 2002 World Cup-winning coach Felipe Scolari to deliver further success on home soil in 2014, the country’s media reported yesterday.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) sacked Mano Menezes last week after just two years in the job, with the Selecao having lost in the quarter-finals of last year’s Copa America and then going down to Mexico in the Olympic final in London.

Although one CBF director, Andres Sanches, has spoken out against the decision to fire Menezes, whom he insisted was leading the squad along the right track, pressure was mounting for fresh impetus-but only from a home-grown manager.

That would rule out the likes of former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola-currently on sabbatical in New York-with CBF chairman Jose Maria Marin on record as saying that a Brazilian ought to be found who knows exactly what the job entails.

His comments have fuelled speculation that 64-year-old Scolari, who recently parted company with Palmeiras and who says he will not speak on the issue before the domestic league ends next weekend, will be given a second crack of the whip.

Asked about potential choices and having previously said he would wait until January before deciding on his man, Marin said: “I have faith in our Brazilian coaches. “We won five (world) titles with them. That’s why it would be very difficult to call in a foreigner,” A Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper quoted Marin as saying.

On Manezes and Sanches’ support for the man who failed to live up to the CBF’s demanding requirements, Marin said the organisation had to move on swiftly.

“The past is the past-we must now think of the future,” he said. A Folha said that means bringing back “Big Phil”: the Lance sports daily added that CFB vice-chairman Marco Polo Del Nero had also come round to that view.

“We do have other Brazilian coaches to take the helm (for the Confederations Cup which Brazil host) in 2013 and (the World Cup) in 2014 but I don’t think bringing in foreigner would solve the problems,” he was quoted as saying.

Five-times world champions Brazil are

Felipe Scolari

eager that the new man should use the Confederations Cup to blood new stars as they prepare for the tournament that matters most to the auriverde-a first World Cup in the country since 1950.

In his first stint, Scolari was forgiven for a pale Confederations Cup showing in 2001 after he led the Selecao to World Cup glory in Japan the following year. He later coached Portugal and led them to the final of Euro 2004 on home soil before a disastrous spell with Chelsea in 2008. —AFP

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

SPORTS Jordan Henderson

Liverpool hope to find form LONDON: Liverpool midfield player Jordan Henderson believes his team will continue their recent improvement in form when they visit Tottenham Hotspur today.

Brendan Rodgers’ team are still laboring just outside the Premier League’s top 10 and have won just one of their six away league games to date this season.

But a solid performance at Swansea City on Sunday brought a goalless draw that extended Liverpool’s unbeaten league run to eight games-a sequence dating back to the end of September.

It is a run that has convinced Henderson, himself now coming into better form, that the Reds can continue to move forward. “Yes, I definitely think we believe we can keep pushing on, keep getting higher in the league and keep putting on performances,” said Henderson.

“There is a lot of confidence and togetherness growing in the team. “To be fair, everybody has taken on board what the manager wants really well and I think over the last few weeks we have seen improvements and played quite well, so we will look forward today.”

Henderson, a £16 million ($25.6 million, 19.8 million euros) signing by Kenny Dalglish less than 18 months ago, will also be hoping he can retain his place at White Hart Lane, having started for the first time this season at Swansea.

“It was my chance to get my first start, work hard, try to get forward as much as I could,” said Henderson. “I was happy with the way things went, but I have to improve an awful lot of things.

“It has been a bit different, obviously, at Sunderland and in my first season at Liverpool I played a lot of games, but I still feel as if I am learning and the manager is helping me progress my game and improve my game.” Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over

West Ham United brought an end to an alarming run that had seen Andre Villas-Boas’ side lose four of their five previous Premier League games. Aside from Jermain Defoe’s brace and a fine display from Gareth Bale, the game was notable for the display of Clint Dempsey, who produced his best performance for the club since his August move from Fulham.

The United States international, 29, has taken time to settle in north London and has only offered flickering glimpses of the form that brought him 23 goals last season.

Dempsey admits it has been a frustrating period. “I’ve been looking at videos with the manager and just trying to figure out a way to make an impact and help the team,” he said.

“Every team is different and there’s a period of adjustment. I didn’t have a pre-season at all, so I’m trying to play catch-up a little bit. “I’ve been frustrated at not really getting on the ball or affecting games. I’m better when I can go on the half-turn and face my opponents, rather than playing with my back to goal. “Against West Ham, I did a better job in that respect and I thought I did well.”

Michael Dawson also caught the eye against West Ham, on his first Premier League start of the season.

The centre-back has been out of favour under Villas-Boas and came close to leaving the club during the last transfer window, but his display means he is in contention to retain his place. He said: “Of course, it has been frustrating. Every player wants to play, not just me.

“The important thing is that from the first minute against West Ham, we pressed them everywhere and put them on the back foot, and that makes a defender’s job much easier.” Striker Emmanuel Adebayor will again be missing while he sits out the second game of a three-match ban following his red card in the 5-2 defeat at Arsenal.—AFP

FIFA pledges help to rebuild Gaza stadium SAO PAULO: FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke has pledged that football’s world governing body will help rebuild the Palestine Stadium in Gaza City, after it was partially destroyed in Israeli air strikes.

“We see it our mandate to rebuild football infrastructure which has been destroyed,” Valcke was quoted as saying on fifa.com. “We will also rebuild the stadium in Gaza, which has been destroyed.

“Football brings people together and we will support any re-construction necessary when football infrastructure is destroyed through disasters,” added Valcke, who is in Brazil for the draw of the Confederations Cup. Israeli fighter jets opened fire on the venue in the Gaza Strip earlier this month, severely damaging an indoor hall and a neighboring building as well as leaving four large holes on the pitch.

Reports have estimated that the cost of the damage at the 10,000-seat stadium could run into millions of dollars. The venue is one of three international stadiums used by the Palestine national football team, with a second the West Bank and a third in annexed east Jerusalem.

The Israeli military claimed that the stadium had been used for launching Fajr 5 rockets towards Israel’s two major cities. “The stadium’s compound was used to launch rockets at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,” a military spokeswoman told AFP yesterday, referring to an Iranianmade rocket which has a range of up to 75 kilometres (46 miles).

FIFA, a non-political body that has previously supported football develop-

ment projects in the Gaza Strip and West Bank as well as Israel, similarly pledged to rebuild the stadium after it was attacked in 2006.—AFP

Matches on TV (Local Timings)

English Premier League Tottenham v Liverpool

22:45

Abu Dhabi Sports HD 5 Chelsea v Fulham

22:45

Abu Dhabi Sports HD 3 Everton v Arsenal

22:45

Abu Dhabi Sports HD 7 Southampton v Norwich

22:45

Abu Dhabi Sports HD 9 Stoke City v Newcastle

22:45

Abu Dhabi Sports HD 8 Swansea v West Brom

22:45

Abu Dhabi Sports HD 10 Wigan Athletic v Man City

23:00

Abu Dhabi Sports HD 4 Man United v West Ham Abu Dhabi Sports HD 6

23:00

Mancini seeks striking improvement at Wigan WIGAN: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is demanding a return to the ruthless accuracy from his strikers that fired the club to their first league title since 1968 in May. City travel to the DW Stadium to face Wigan Athletic today after a goalless draw at European champions Chelsea on Sunday left them a point behind leaders Manchester United in the Premier League.

In itself a point from Stamford Bridge is no disgrace, but the alarm bells have begun to ring for the City manager. No rivals possess a stronger strike force than City’s attacking roster of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli, all of whom were given a chance to break the Chelsea deadlock. But while only neighbors United have scored more than City’s 25 goals, a comparison with last season reveals why Mancini is anxious. City had scored 43 goals by this stage a year ago, winning 6-1 at Old Trafford and 5-1 at Tottenham Hotspur, while Aguero and Dzeko each had 10 goals to their name.

Dzeko currently has six, the same number as Tevez, while Aguero has scored five times.

With Champions League ambitions dashed for this season at least, Mancini wants an end to the misfiring as he readjusts his sights on retaining the Premier League title; a feat so far achieved by only United and Chelsea.

Nor has he forgotten that only goal difference separated City and United after both finished on 89 points last season on one of the most exciting final days of modern times.

“I don’t know how many times we crossed (at Chelsea) and didn’t have any players in the box. This can’t happen,” said Mancini.

“We have four good strikers, but I want them to work harder and to score when they have a chance-they are strikers, and this is what they are there for, not to defend. “They have to defend as well, of course, but they need to put chances away.

They are top strikers. “Sometimes it can happen, especially when you play a team like Chelsea, but we lost two points. We are in second position, and we don’t like that.”

Wigan was the scene of one of City’s 10 away wins last season, thanks to a solitary goal from Dzeko, and the Latics’ 3-2 victory over Reading on Saturday was only the second in seven home games for Roberto Martinez’s side. Jordi Gomez scored a ‘perfect’ hat-trickright foot, left foot, header to spare the blushes of goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

The 30-year-old Oman goalkeeper scored a comical own goal to allow Reading to make it 2-2 with 10 minutes to play, but Martinez retains full confidence in him. “I’m quite hap-

Manchester City’s manager Roberto Mancini py for him to make a mistake. For every mistake, there are 20 good saves. I’ll take that ratio any time,” said Martinez.

“Ali didn’t have to say anything after the game. If anything, we had to thank him for the save he had previously made to keep us in the game. “You need to judge a keeper over their achievements, to look back and compare. But I wouldn’t take any other keeper to replace Ali-that’s how much we rate him.

“He’s the perfect goalkeeper for us. He fits

in in the way we want to play. And he’s someone who’s still developing, growing and getting better. “I still feel he’s got another step to make and once he gets there, he’s a keeper who can compete to win a title, a Champions League, a World Cup.” Martinez is certain that Al Habsi, who was signed from Bolton Wanderers reserves three years ago, will be unfazed by his error. “It won’t affect his confidence,” said the Spaniard. “If anything he’s a more focused character. He will want to be perfect.”—AFP

FIFA, Brazil try to highlight healthy partnership SAO PAULO: In an agitated week in Brazilian football, FIFA and local World Cup organizers are trying to show nothing is affecting their partnership and everyone is on the same page.

FIFA has arrived to finalize an inspection tour of host cities Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba and Sao Paulo. It will also participate in a board meeting of the local World Cup organizing committee on Wednesday, and oversee the draw for next year’s Confederations Cup on Saturday.

The activities come at a tumultuous time. Brazil is without a coach amid internal disputes at the federation, a local member of FIFA’s executive committee had his home raided in a police operation targeting financial crimes, and some World Cup projects have been removed from the list of infrastructure work planned by the government. At a time when tighter deadlines are magnifying the challenges of getting Brazil ready for the Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, FIFA and local organizers stress they are in sync. “There’s no problem with the relationship between FIFA and the LOC,” FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said. “We don’t have a problem with the Brazilian government or with any of the 12 host cities. They are our representatives.” FIFA says it trusts the Brazilian government and is confident it will solve whatever needs to be solved.

Football’s governing body gave local organizers a big vote of confidence this month when it made an exception to approve the Confederations Cup with six host cities despite knowing that some stadiums won’t be ready until just before the tournament in June.

“Two stadiums will be delivered in the middle of April, well behind schedule, though our technical team said everything was fine and we have to trust them,” Valcke said. “The government has given its word the work will be finished and we have to believe people.”

Valcke was responsible for igniting a controversy with the government this year after criticizing the country’s preparations. FIFA President Sepp Blatter had to apologize after the government threatened not to deal with the secretary general anymore. But when Valcke was upset on Monday with the Rio de Janeiro government for announcing a friendly at Maracana Stadium without FIFA’s authorization, he was backed by Brazil’s sports ministry. Rio de Janeiro Gov. Sergio Cabral publicly announced that Brazil will face England to reopen the renovated stadium on June 2. Cabral, however, didn’t realize the stadium will be under FIFA’s control from May 27 for the Confederations Cup. “For the time being, we have not authorized the game,” Valcke said on Monday. The state said it will work with FIFA to try to gain permission.

Valcke said he was not worried about the police investigation of FIFA official Marco Polo del Nero, who was also the vice president of the Brazilian federation and the president of the Sao Paulo state federation.

Police entered his home and checked information on his computers as part of a nationwide probe on the sale of confidential information and financial crimes. Thirty-three people were arrested, but Del Nero was only interrogated and denied any involvement. Police said the operation was not related to football, and Del Nero said he was questioned only because a company he hired for a personal business transaction was among those investigated. Valcke called it an “internal” issue.

Del Nero was one of the top federation officials directly involved in the decision to fire coach Mano Menezes last week.

The federation director who made the announcement, Andres Sanchez, said he was against the decision, and was expected to leave the entity this week, likely creating an opposing force to president Jose Maria Marin.—AP

Arsene Wenger

Giroud talks of another Henry return LIVERPOOL: Olivier Giroud has encouraged Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to add Thierry Henry to his squad this January, ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Everton in the Premier League today.

New York Red Bulls striker Henry is currently training with Arsenal to maintain his fitness during the Major League Soccer offseason and Wenger has hinted at the possibility of completing a loan move for the forward. Henry, Arsenal’s record scorer, made a similar switch last season and Giroud said he would relish the prospect of teaming up with the 35-yeard-old if his fellow striker were to join the club for a third time.

“Henry misses the enthusiasm around the Premier League. But he didn’t tell me if he will be back. It would be a great joy to play with him,” Giroud told French sports newspaper L’Equipe. Wenger’s more immediate concern is his side’s visit to Goodison Park to face Everton, where they will attempt to return to winning form after the disappointment of the weekend’s scoreless draw at Aston Villa. The manager’s decision to replace the in-form Giroud with defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin late on provoked an angry reaction from some travelling supporters.

Giroud will return to the starting line-up at Everton, where he will hope to maintain the steady improvement he has shown in recent weeks after a frustrating start to his season. “I have to improve my statistics again and again. I have been patient and worked,” he said. “When you come into a new club, there is a time to adapt. Even Thierry Henry experienced it. If I could achieved just half of what he achieved...” Jack Wilshere remained an unused substitute at Villa and Wenger admitted the midfielder had suffered some inflammation to the problematic ankle that helped keep him sidelined for 17 months.

“First, it’s a relief that he’s had no setback

(since returning to action),” said Wenger. “He had a little bit of inflammation of scar tissue but it’s nothing. It’s very minor. The rest (against Villa) will help him get rid of it. “Apart from that, he has done very well. He has not played for 17 months. People forget what that means.

“Seventeen months in a career is massive.

But I’m very happy with the way he is progressing.” Arsenal’s failure to beat Villa means they sit one point behind Everton in sixth position and full-back Carl Jenkinson admits this is an important game for the Gunners.

“We go into every game to win it,” Jenkinson said. “On Saturday (at Villa) it wasn’t meant to be, but we’ve got a huge game against Everton. There’s no hiding, we need to win that.”

Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes has admitted that he is reviewing the form of goalkeeper Tim Howard and centreforward Nikica Jelavic following a disappointing sequence that has seen his side lose ground in the contest for fourth place and Champions League qualification. Moyes claims he needs greater competition for places if his team are to recover from a run that has seen them win just one of their last seven games.

“We are looking for a bit more from him at the moment, because we are a bit short,” said Moyes of Croatia striker Jelavic, who has scored just once in seven games for club and country. “He is looking to try to find a bit of form and we could look to get him a bit better service. “We need competition in all areas and that extends to Tim Howard in goal, absolutely. Everybody has got to make sure they are at the top of their game.”

Moyes hopes he will be able to bring midfielders Kevin Mirallas and Darron Gibson back into his thinly stretched squad after they recovered from injuries.—AFP

Samaraweera’s defiance keeps Sri Lanka in touch

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Panthers shoot down Eagles

17

Cech urges patience ahead of Chelsea’s derby clash

Page 18

LOS ANGELES: (Left to right) Caron Butler No. 5 of the Los Angeles Clippers, Ryan Anderson No. 33 of the New Orleans Hornets, Greivis Vasquez No. 21 of the Hornets and Chris Paul No. 3 of the Los Angeles Clippers battle for a loose ball in the second half at Staples Center.—AFP

Thunder thrash Bobcats, Nets roll OKLAHOMA CITY: Kevin Durant scored 18 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder opened a 40-point halftime lead in one of the most lopsided first halves in NBA history on their way to a 114-69 blowout of the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night.

Russell Westbrook had 12 points and 11 assists before he and the rest of Oklahoma City’s starters were pulled less than 5 minutes into the second half with the Thunder leading 79-25. Westbrook powered home a right-handed slam to put an exclamation point on the first half and put Oklahoma City up 64-24. It was the fifth-biggest halftime lead in NBA’s shot clock era and the largest since Golden State set the record with an 88-41 edge on Sacramento on Nov. 2, 1991, according to STATS. It was the largest blowout ever for Charlotte, which had shown promise with seven early wins the same number it had last season while setting an NBA record for futility.

Nets 96, Knicks 89 In New York, The Nets worked overtime to pull out the opener of their new-look rivalry with the Knicks, winning to tie their city rivals for first place.

Jerry Stackhouse, wearing the No. 42 Jackie Robinson made famous in Brooklyn, made the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 3:31 left in overtime as the Nets controlled the extra period of a playoff-like game that neither team led by more than seven.

Brook Lopez had 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Deron Williams added 16 points and 14 assists as the Nets improved to 7-1 in their new home and tied the Knicks atop the Atlantic Division at 9-4.

Carmelo Anthony had 35 points and 13 rebounds, but was only 10 of 16 at the free throw line. Tyson Chandler finished with 28 points and 10 boards, but no other Knicks player was in double figures.

Pistons 108, Trail Blazers 101 In Auburn Hills, Brandon Knight scored 16 of his 26 points in the first half, outplaying Damian Lillard in a matchup of young guards and leading the Pistons to a victory over the Trail Blazers.

Lillard entered the day as the NBA’s top rookie scorer, averaging 19.6 points per game. He missed his first 12 shots from the field against the Pistons.

Detroit is 4-3 since dropping its first eight games.

The Pistons won for the first time when allowing more than 90 points.

LaMarcus Aldridge was back in the lineup for Portland after missing a game with back spasms.

He scored 32 points but didn’t have enough help with Lillard struggling.

Spurs 118, Wizards 92 In Washington, Boris Diaw scored 16 points, Tiago Splitter had 15 points and 12 rebounds and Tony Parker added 15 to help the Spurs win their fourth straight over the still-winless Washington

Wizards. The Wizards are the 12th team in NBA history to start the season 0-12 according to STATS and are six away from equaling the New Jersey Nets’ record 0-18 start in 2009-10. In their first 11 games, Washington lost by a total of just 72 points and never by more than 16.

The Spurs had seven players in double figures as they continued their successful road trip. Tim Duncan had 14, Gary Neal 13, Manu Ginobili 12 and Matt Bonner had 11. After winning the first four games of the six-game trip, they’re now 8-1 on the road and 12-3 overall.

Grizzlies 84, Cavaliers 78 In Memphis, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol scored 19 points each and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a lethargic performance to escape with a victory over the Cavaliers.

Rudy Gay scored 15 points, and Quincy Pondexter had 10 points, including 2 of 3 from outside the arc as Memphis won its second straight and maintained its position with the best record in the NBA. Anderson Varejao and Dion Waiters scored 15 each to lead Cleveland, Varejao grabbing 22 rebounds, including eight offensive board.

Daniel Gibson scored 11 for the Cavs, who lost their third straight and ninth in the last 10. The Cavaliers still held the lead with 8:28 left, but Memphis closed the game on a 13-4 run, part of the Grizzlies outscoring Cleveland 22-9.

Bucks 93, Bulls 92 In Chicago, Ersan Ilyasova scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half and the Bucks overcame a 27-point deficit in a stunning win over the Bulls.

Richard Hamilton scored a season-high 30 points for the Bulls but missed a shot at the buzzer that could have won it.

Ilyasova led a 31-4 second half-run as the Bucks snapped a nine-game losing streak to Chicago and prevented the Bulls from moving past Milwaukee into first place in the Central Division. Ilyasova scored 12 points in the fourth quarter when Milwaukee outscored Chicago 30-12. Milwaukee played the entire fourth quarter with five reserves: Ilyasova, Epke Udoh, Beno Udrih, Mike Dunleavy and Doron Lamb. John Henson, Udrih and Udoh all scored 11 points while Monta Ellis added 10. The Bucks hadn’t beaten Chicago since April 6, 2010.

Jazz 105, Nuggets 103 In Salt Lake City, Al Jefferson scored a seasonhigh 28 points and Derrick Favors made three free throws down the stretch, helping the Jazz remain unbeaten at home with a win over the Nuggets.

The Nuggets had a chance to tie it with 3.6 seconds left but Ty Lawson was double-teamed and passed too late for Corey Brewer to get off a final shot. The Jazz, who improved to 6-0 at home, trailed by as many as 16 in the first half and were down 12 with 7:27 left in the third before going on

Napoli labor to victory struggled to link up midfield with attack and frequently found themselves chasing the ball against a hard-working Parma team.

The hosts had most of the possession in the first half but failed to make it count with Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic comfortably dealing with a tame Amauri shot and also keeping out attempts from the lively Jonathan Biabiany and Gabriel Paletta. With Parma snapping at their heels and closing down the midfield, Inter struggled to find space despite the best efforts of seasoned campaigner Esteban Cambiasso, whose 36th-minute header was cleared off the line by Jaime Valdes. The visitors had a bit more bite after the break but Parma held their nerve and continued to cut off the supply lines to Inter’s ineffective front pair Diego Milito and Rodrigo Palacio.

Parma took a 75th-minute lead when Sansone ran 40 metres, easing his away from two defenders before calmly slotting the ball past Handanovic with a neat right-foot shot. Inter immediately set about trying to find an equaliser, with substitute Coutinho, on for Ricardo Alvarez, linking up well with Milito before testing Parma keeper Antonio Mirante.

Parma, who have struggled to find consistency but remain unbeaten at home, showed plenty of team spirit and concentration to cope with Inter’s constant pressing towards the end leaving the visitors frustrated and, at the final whistle, deflated. “That was our worst second-half performance of the season,” Stramaccioni told Sky Italia. “Usually we improve after the break, but tonight it just didn’t happen for us. “I don’t know if it’s a physical problem but we can’t allow goals like Sansone’s. He ran 50 metres without anyone marking him. “We’ve now got just one point in three games. We’re angry. But this isn’t a problem of individuals. This is my fault,” he added. Parma’s delighted coach Roberto Donadoni said: “It was a great collective performance, a fully deserved victory. I have to compliment my players. “I played with a 4-3-3 system, because I wanted to send a message to the team that we don’t have to be defeatist. “I thought Inter, needing to win, might concede space, and that’s pretty much how it went.

Probably Inter weren’t at their best tonight...” —Reuters

Hornets 105, Clippers 98 In Los Angeles, Greivis Vasquez had 25 points and 10 assists and the Hornets’ defense took Blake Griffin completely out of the game en route to a victory over the skidding Clippers, ending the Hornets’ seven-game losing streak.

Griffin made only one of nine shots in 35 minutes, finishing with a career-low four points and six rebounds before fouling out with 2:36 left in the game. It marked only the fourth time he failed to reach double digits in scoring in 173 NBA regular season and playoff games.

Ryan Anderson and Jason Smith each scored 17 points for the Hornets and Austin Rivers added 14.

Anthony Davis, the top overall pick in the June draft, missed his fifth straight game because of an injured left ankle.

Caron Butler made a career-high nine 3-pointers on 15 attempts and finished with 33 points, becoming the first Clipper this season to score at least 30. The two teams combined for 33 3-pointers on 62 attempts.—AP

UEFA consider scrapping Europa League — Platini

Inter lose 1-0 at Parma

ITALY: Napoli jumped to second place in Serie A thanks to a labored 1-0 win at lowly Cagliari while fellow title hopefuls Inter Milan suffered a 1-0 defeat at Parma in Monday’s late game.

Napoli are within two points of leaders Juventus thanks to Marek Hamsik’s second-half goal which moved them above an Inter side undone by Nicola Sansone’s fine individual late strike.

Juventus, who lost 1-0 at AC Milan on Sunday, have 32 points from 14 games with their lead cut from four points with Napoli now on 30 above Fiorentina and Inter who are level on 28.

Napoli, without suspended striker Edinson Cavani and the injured Goran Pandev, made hard work of beating Cagliari, with Hamsik’s 73rd minute goal enough to earn the three points. The visitors looked flat at times although young striker Lorenzo Insigne went close to scoring either side of the half-hour mark, hitting the post and later dragging a shot wide. Cagliari appealed for a penalty when Alessandro Gamberini upended midfielder Daniele Conti, who then directed a Thiago Ribeiro corner against the post just before the break. Napoli were on the back foot for much of the second half but scored when Juan Zuniga ran into the box in the 72nd and found Hamsik who struck the ball past keeper Michael Agazzi, sparking Cagliari protests that the Slovakian was offside.

“It was a difficult game, but we did really well,” Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri told Sky Italia. “We suffered a bit during the second half, but I have to compliment my team. Turning to his side’s chances of winning Serie A, he added: “I’m really not thinking about the title. We’ll see where we are at the end of the season.”

Inter’s recent mini-slump had seen them lose at Atalanta and draw against Cagliari and their fortunes were not about to improve at Parma, who have moved up to seventh on 20 points.

To add to their woes the Nerazzurri were without suspended creative outlet Antonio Cassano while the saga surrounding Wesley Sneijder’s future has been an unwelcome distraction, the Dutchman having been asked to accept a reduced wage package. Coach Antonio Stramaccioni had called for “hunger and grit” on the eve of the game but instead Inter looked timid and tired,

a 14-2 run to tie it at 77. The Nuggets played the rest of the way without Andre Iguodala, who was ejected with 3:24 left in the third. He had 10 points, three rebounds and three turnovers. Favors added a season-high 19 points and seven rebounds, including two in the final minute. Kenneth Faried led Denver with 21 points.

ITALY: Napoli Slovak midfielder Marek Hamsik (foreground) and Cagliari Swedish defender Albin Ekdal challenge for the ball during a Serie A soccer match.—AP

RENNES: European football’s governing body are considering scrapping the Europa League in favor of extending the Champions League, UEFA president Michel Platini told yesterday’s edition of the daily Ouest-France.

Asked about possible plans to extend the elite Champions League at the expense of the second-tier Europa League, Platini said: “There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018. We’re discussing it, we will make a decision in 2014.

Nothing is decided yet.”

One of the options being looked at is the possibility of extending the final phase of the Champions League from 32 to 64 teams. The Europa League generates far lower revenue for clubs than the Champions League and has been criticised since it evolved from the UEFA Cup in 2009.

Meanwhile, the UEFA president said that he was not worried by talk of the creation by Europe’s rich clubs of a competition to rival the Champions League. “It’s a question that is regularly brought up,” said the former French midfielder.

“It doesn’t worry me. I can’t see how it could work outside the UEFA framework. Who will referee them? In what stadiums will they play? A lot of people want them? I don’t think so.”—AFP

Business

Financing challenge overhangs huge Dubai real estate projects Page 22 Portugal parliament approves budget

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Page 23

HK car park investment craze raises bubble fear

Culture building crucial for risk management: Expert

Page 25

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PARIS: OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria looks on as he presents the OECD Economic Outlook at the OECD headquarters in Paris yesterday. Global growth is set for a sharp slowdown next year and the eurozone debt crisis “remains the greatest threat to the world economy at present,” the OECD warned yesterday. — AFP

Global economy set for slowdown: OECD Unemployment to rise from 8% this year to 8.2% in 2013 PARIS: Global growth is set for a sharp slowdown next year and the eurozone debt crisis “remains the greatest threat to the world economy at present,” the OECD warned yesterday. In its latest Economic Outlook, drafted before the eurozone and IMF unblocked almost 44 billion euros ($57 billion) in emergency loans for Greece, the OECD also cautioned that “the risk of a new major contraction cannot be ruled out” after a global slump in 2009.

The organisation slashed its outlook for the 34-member OECD area, which includes most of the world’s industrialised economies, in 2013 to 1.4 percent from a previously expected level of 2.2 percent.

On a global level, the OECD cut the 2012 growth forecast to 2.9 percent from 3.4 percent, and its estimate for 2013 to 3.4 percent from 4.2 percent.

Another threat to business activity worldwide is a potentially catastrophic budget standoff in the United States, where automatic tax increases and spending cuts are to take effect in January unless Democrat and Republican lawmakers can come to a compromise.

The world’s economic fortunes thus hang next year in large part on the ability of political leaders in Europe and the US to deal with a crippling combination of unsustain-

able debt and cramped business activity.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development also downgraded its growth estimates for this year and next for the United States and Japan, and its data showed that the eurozone recession could be deeper than last forecast in May. The 17-nation bloc is “projected to remain in or near recession until well into 2013,” the report said. OECD economies are expected to expand by 1.4 percent in 2012 and 2013, and then pick up to a pace of 2.3 percent in 2014. Unemployment is forecast to rise from 8.0 percent this year to 8.2 percent in 2013 before easing back to 8.0 percent in 2014. Inflation should decline from 2.1 percent in 2012 to 1.7 percent next year, and then edge up to 1.9 percent in 2014. “Economic prospects are very uncertain and highly dependent on the risks associated with the nature and timing of policy decisions related to the euro area crisis, (and) the US fiscal cliff,” OECD analysts said in reference to Washington’s looming budget deadline.

They pointed to falling household and business confidence that led to a payoff of debts and said the climate was also morose because “unemployment is set to remain high or even rise further in many countries.”

Emerging economies such as those in Brazil, China and India, which are not OECD members, would fare better, but were nonetheless subject to “spillover from the euro area crisis” that has undermined global trade. “World trade will strengthen only gradually” over the next two years, the OECD estimated.

A breakdown of its forecasts put growth in the US economy, the world’s biggest, at 2.2 percent this year and 2.0 percent in 2013, compared with the previous forecast in May of 2.4 and 2.6 percent.

For Japan, gross domestic product (GDP) is now expected to expand by 1.6 and 0.7 percent this year and next, down from 2.0 and 1.5 percent, while the eurozone economy is tipped to contract by 0.4 and 0.1 percent.

That compared with the earlier OECD eurozone estimate of a eurozone decline of 0.1 percent this year and growth of 0.9 percent in 2013. Outside the OECD, growth in Brazil from 2012 to 2014 was put at 1.5, 4.0 and 4.1 percent, in China at 7.5, 8.5 and 8.9 percent, and in India at 4.4, 6.5 and 7.1 percent. The eurozone should have the highest unemployment, with rates of 11.1 percent and 11.9 percent of the workforce, an increase from the earlier forecasts of 10.8 and 11.1 percent.

US business spending plans improve WASHINGTON: A gauge of planned US business spending increased by the most in five months in October, raising cautious optimism the sharp cutbacks in capital investment during summer are abating. Fears of deep cuts in government spending and tax increases early next year, known as the fiscal cliff, had caused firms to hunker down and last month’s rebound offered some relief.

The Commerce Department said on Tuesday that non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely watched proxy for business spending plans, rose 1.7 percent last month after falling 0.4 percent the prior month. Economists, who had expected these so-called core capital goods orders to drop 0.5 percent, said the rise was encouraging, but cautioned that uncertainty surrounding U.S. fiscal policy and the debt crisis in Europe would continue hurt investment.

“The overall tone of business capital investment has been largely disappointing, as ongoing domestic and global uncertainties have continued to weigh heavily on investment decisions,” said Millan Mulraine, a senior economist at TD Securities in New York.

Despite last month’s bounce back, economists expect business investment to remain a drag on economic activity in the fourth quarter, noting that shipments of core capital goods declined in October for a fourth straight month. Core goods shipments are used to calculate equipment and software spending in the gross domestic product report. Businesses have been cutting back on capital spending, wary of automatic government spending cuts and tax increases, known as the fiscal cliff, that are scheduled to kick in early next year unless the US Congress

and the Obama administration can agree on a plan to cut the budget deficits.

The fiscal cliff could drain about $600 billion from an already fragile economy.

Business spending is also being undermined by the long-running debt problems in Europe and slowing global demand, especially in China. Business spending fell in the third quarter for the first time since the 200709 recession ended. While business spending has suffered a setback, the housing market recovery is gaining momentum and consumer confidence is more bullish, which should help to support the overall economy.

Single-family home prices rose for an eighth straight month in September, a separate report showed. The Standard & Poors/Case Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas gained 0.4 percent in September on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Home building is expected to add to growth this year for the first time since 2005 and firming home prices bode well for residential construction activity.

“The strengthening in home prices is a plus for growth through various channels, including increased consumer spending because of wealth and confidence effects,” said Jim

AMHERST: Mary Ann Rotolo shops for a microwave oven at Orville’s Home Appliances store in Amherst, NY. US companies in October increased their orders of machinery and equipment that signal investment plans by the largest amount in five months, a hopeful sign for future economic growth. — AP

O’Sullivan, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics in Valhalla, New York.

A third report showed consumer confidence hit a 4-1/2 year high in November. The Conference Board’s index of consumer attitudes rose to 73.7, the highest level since February 2008, from 73.1 in October.

Stocks on Wall Street were slightly lower as investors focused their attention on the ongoing talks to avoid the fiscal cliff. Prices for U.S. Treasury debt rose, while the dollar firmed against a basket of currencies.

Despite the headwinds from the fiscal cliff and slowing global demand, the manufacturing sector remains on a modest growth path after a strong run that helped to pull the economy out of recession. Durable goods orders were unchanged in October as gains in machinery, fabricated metal products, and computer and electronic products offset the drag from automobiles, defense and civilian aircraft. Economists had forecast orders for durable goods, items from toasters to aircraft that are meant to last at least three years, falling 0.6 percent last month after rising 9.2 percent in September.

Excluding transportation, orders rose 1.5 percent after increasing 1.7 percent in September. Last month, orders for transportation equipment fell 3.1 percent.

Defense aircraft orders dropped 4.3 percent after surging 32.1 percent in September.

Orders for automobiles declined 1.6 percent after falling 1.9 percent the prior month.

Civilian aircraft orders dived 5.8 percent last month after soaring in September.

While Boeing received nine aircraft orders more than in September, the planes ordered in October were less-expensive models, according to information posted on the plane maker’s website. — Reuters

To battle against the slowdown, OECD economists called for stronger fiscal stimulus, noting that China and Germany in particular should spend more to boost economic activity, as well as monetary stimulus through socalled quantitative easing.

“Lower interest rates, where possible, and much stronger additional quantitative easing would be merited in all economies,” the report said. Japanese authorities were encouraged to draft more credible medium-term budget consolidation measures however, owing to that country’s huge public debt.

In the eurozone, “a complete bank union is needed for the long term; direct ESM injections into banks are necessary in the short term,” the report said in reference to the European Stability Mechanism, the bloc’s rescue fund. In Brussels, a long-awaited deal on aid to Greece was reached late on Monday, with the eurozone and the International Monetary Fund unblocking 43.7 billion euros in loans and agreeing on the need to grant significant debt relief for decades to come. UniCredit economist Tullia Bucco said: “We think that Greece will eventually need a much larger debt relief but any agreement on this is unlikely to happen before German elections next fall.” — AFP

Hollande threatens nationalisation in Mittal dispute PARIS: French President Francois Hollande threatened yesterday to nationalise a plant owned by steelmaker ArcelorMittal in an increasingly heated dispute in which ministers have said the multinational is no longer welcome in the country. Moments before talks steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, Holland said that nationalising ArcelorMittal’s plant in northeastern France remained on the table. “The nationalisation is part of the subjects of the discussion,” Hollande said.

“I will meet in a few minutes with Mr Mittal to see what answer he can give us in respect to this requirement for us to keep the site as it is today,” Hollande said.

The warning came as forty lawmakers from Hollande’s Socialist party said they were in favour of temporarily nationalising ArcelorMittal’s plant in Florange.

“Mittal does not respect our country,” a joint statement by the parliamentarians said, adding that his interests “were clearly not that of France, of its industrial fabric and its workers.”

Mittal, who ranks 21st on the Forbes list of the world’s richest people, is locked in a battle with France over the future of the Florange site in the traditional, but declining, heartland of the French steel industry in the eastern Lorraine region. Hollande’s government has made a priority of protecting jobs as it seeks to revive France’s struggling economy. ArcelorMittal has said that two blast furnaces at Florange, which were damped down for 14 months prior to their full closure, were uncompetitive in a tough trading climate, partly because they are too far from ports for transportation.

The company gave the government two months, which expires on Saturday, to find a buyer for them. The government says it has two offers, but only for the entire Florange site including other facilities which ArcelorMittal wants to retain and keep operating.

ArcelorMittal has refused to sell the full operation and warned that nationalisation of the Florange facilities would threaten the viability of all of its activities across France, where it employs 20,000 people.—AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

BUSINESS

Financing challenge overhangs huge Dubai real estate projects Bonds, not bank loans to play bigger role

LONDON: Incumbent Governor of the Bank of England and Chairman of the Monetary Policy Committee Mervyn King arrives at Portcullis House in London yesterday. — AFP

Banks lead UK shares higher LONDON: Britain’s top shares rose yesterday, with banks leading a broad-based rally as a deal was finally struck between Greece’s international lenders on reducing the country’s debt burden.

UK banks have less exposure to Greece than their French or German counterparts but they are exposed to the euro zone financial system as a whole. Their shares benefited from rising risk appetite after euro zone finance ministers and the International Monetary Fund agreed late on Monday on measures to cut Greek debt by 40 billion euros by 2020, reducing it to 124 percent of GDP and paving the way for Athens to receive its next installment of bailout cash.

“The gains are definitely linked to the Greek deal.

Banks have led it, and by and large there’s only a handful of stocks that haven’t joined that rally,” said Robert Quinn, Chief European Equity Strategist at Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ. “The better performing banks today are all restructuring stories, like RBS and Lloyds, so it’s a risk rally if you like. Some of the stronger banks don’t get the same level of uplift.” Unrevised UK third-quarter growth data, showing the economy expanded 1 percent on the quarter, also supported market sentiment.

At 1145 GMT, the FTSE 100 index was up 24.13 points, or 0.4 percent, at 5,810.85, with financials, a sector that includes banks, insurers and asset managers, adding 7.5 points to the index. Royal Bank of Scotland was the top blue-chip gainer, up 3.2 percent, with the part-stateowned lender’s stock seen benefitting from the regulatory implications of Canadian central bank head Mark Carney’s appointment as Bank of England governor.

“We think the appointment of Mark Carney as the new governor of the Bank of England provides the opportunity for the UK regulatory environment to be recast with a more conciliatory tone,” UBS said in a note.

“This helps reduce the tail risk associated with investing in UK banks and we reduce our cautious stance on the sector by upgrading RBS to buy,” the broker added.

The more optimistic market tone was reflected in strength in miners, which added 0.6 percent and received support from a firmer copper price. The metal rose to a near one-month high as the aid deal for Greece and the approval of new railway projects in China also enhanced confidence about global demand for commodities.

Consumer staples and healthcare stocks gained along with utilities, usually seen as a defensive sector. British American Tobacco rose 0.8 percent, adding 1.9 points to the FTSE index. Despite the broad-based gains, the FTSE was still unable to break through last Friday’s high, set after the index gained 3.8 percent last week, and was unable to recoup its 0.6 percent loss on Monday. — Reuters

percent. Nevertheless, in the aftermath of Dubai’s crisis, it would be difficult to finance much of the projects by pre-selling parts of them, said Craig Plumb, regional head of research at consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle. “ There is natural caution among investors to buy off-plan. There is investor appetite for some small off-plan projects but certainly not at this scale,” he said. “So where the money is going to come from for this project is a question that Emaar and Dubai Holding will have to address soon.”

In contrast to its oil-rich neighbour Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s government does not have the large fiscal reserves needed to finance the projects; it was forced to take a last-minute $10 billion bailout from Abu Dhabi at the height of the crisis to avoid a bond default of a state-linked developer. The International Monetary Fund estimates Dubai’s governmentlinked entities will need to repay about

DUBAI: Dubai is reviving massive real estate projects as its economy recovers from a corporate debt crisis, but this time around, constraints on financing are likely to slow the pace of its building boom.

Memories of the crisis will keep many investors cautious about stumping up money before projects are completed.

That will leave the plans heavily dependent on bank loans and the bond markets - and the global climate is not favourable for banks.

Official announcements over the past few days have recalled the heady days of the mid-2000s, when Dubai was building some of ts most flamboyant projects, including the world’s tallest skyscraper and an archipelago of man-made islands.

Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum unveiled plans last week for Emaar Properties and conglomerate Dubai Holding to build a complex housing 100 hotels and the world’s biggest shopping mall.

He did not say how much the project would cost but one local property analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity in the absence of fuller details, estimated it would cost between $20 billion and $50 billion. The upper end of that range would be well over half of Dubai’s annual economic output.

On Monday, Sheikh Mohammed announced that Dubai planned to build a 10 billion dirham ($2.7 billion) complex of five theme parks. Other projects dusted off by the government and property developers in the last few months include a canal to the city’s business district and a $1 billion replica of the Taj Mahal. It is by no means certain that all these plans will go ahead. Dubai has a history of cancelled projects: plans for a kilometre-high tower, an underwater hotel and a huge waterfront development were mooted in the boom years and never happened.

But unlike projects which ran into trouble during the crisis of 2009-2010, the viability of the new plans will be based to a large degree not on Dubai’s volatile real estate market, but on revenues from tourism and retail spending.

So if the emirate’s tourist boom continues, the projects may pay off. Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport is growing at an annual rate of well over 10

$9.4 billion of maturing bonds and syndicated loans in 2013 and $31.0 billion much of it loans that were extended during the crisis - in 2014. It calls refinancing these amounts “a challenge”.

So Dubai will need to finance its projects from the markets, and the loan markets do not look as attractive as they did in the mid-2000s, when banks were scrambling to lend to the emirate.

European banks have been cutting back their foreign lending because of financial pressures in their home countries, while many have been burned by Dubai debt restructurings since 2009.

“People have not fully forgotten what happened during the crisis,” said one senior Dubai-based banker. Another international banker said he had not heard of any serious financing plan for the shopping mall project so far.

“Given the magnitude of the project the government is talking about, we would be in the loop if there was a seri-

DUBAI: This file picture shows Asian labourers working at a construction site in the Gulf emirate of Dubai, 14 November 2007. Global growth is set for a sharp slowdown next year and the eurozone debt crisis “remains the greatest threat to the world economy at present.” — AFP

ous financing plan. This looks very initial and preliminary to me right now,” he said. With foreign banks cautious, Dubai will need to turn to its local banks. But they may not be big enough, especially since rules introduced by the central bank this year in response to the crisis limit commercial banks’ exposure to state-linked entities. Some banks already exceed the limit.

“Local banks are liquid but I can’t see them pulling something like this alone,” said the first Dubai banker. “Even to finance 50 percent of the project, as it’s planned now, will be a challenge for them.”

That leaves the bond market. Here the climate has improved dramatically this year as investors have regained confidence in Dubai; yields on bonds from the emirate have plunged.

In particular, sukuk (Islamic bonds) from Dubai have attracted massive demand, partly because of a huge supply/demand imbalance among cash-rich Islamic funds. So sukuk could play a big role in Dubai’s financing activities.

However, bond market traders and investors said the Dubai government might not be able to raise more than roughly $3 billion through bond issues in a single year.

State-linked companies would probably find it more difficult to issue bonds and have to pay investors higher yields, especially since the Dubai government has been reluctant to provide explicit guarantees for their bonds.

The result, analysts said, is that Dubai will probably implement its big projects in phases spread over many years, with the financing of each phase contingent on economic and market conditions at the time.

Although Sheikh Mohammed said last week that construction of the shopping mall complex should start “immediately”, he did not give a time frame.

State-backed companies from Abu Dhabi could be invited to join in parts of the projects to improve access to financing. “Abu Dhabi or some of its companies may be part of this mega development,” said an Abu Dhabi government official who did not wish to be identified. “It is early days, let’s wait for the devil in the details.” — Reuters

Saudi utility sees 10-mth power delay from Ras Al Khair KHOBAR: Saudi Saline Water Conversion Corp. (SWCC) expects the start up of a new power plant at Ras Al Khair to be delayed until late 2013, the head of the utility said, which may affect production at a new aluminium smelter relying on it.

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) expects to begin production at the aluminium smelter it shares with US-based Alcoa in December. The smelter is supposed to be supplied by the new 2,400-megawatt (MW) power plant which was expected to have started production by now.

“First production of electricity was supposed to be in October 2012... We are anticipating a 10-month delay,” the head of SWCC Abdulrahman Mohammed al-Ibrahim said on Monday.

“To overcome this delay SWCC has taken the responsibility to provide power to the grid in excess of 450 MW to meet client demand,” he said. Saudi Arabia’s Al Arrab Contracting Co and China’s Sepco III Electric Power Construction Corp. are building the power plant on the Gulf coast.

Neither contractor was available for comment and

Maaden did not respond to an email request for comment on the possible impact of the delay on operations at its new smelter.

Other parts of the project, including a seawater desalination plant, remain on schedule, Ibrahim said.

The Ras Al Khair complex will be able to remove salt from over 1 million cubic metres of water a day, which will be distributed by SWCC. Maaden has rights over 1,350 MW of the power plant’s capacity and the other 1,050 MW has been allocated to Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC). — Reuters

Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

51.100 732.800 3.080 7.060 78.040 75.330 232.320 34.430 2.687 456.200 43.700 307.800 4.000 9.560 198.263 76.930 282.500 1.360

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

10 Tola

GOLD 1,850.630

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 Egyptian pounds

.2750000 .4480000 .3620000 .3010000 .2810000 .2920000 .0040000 .0020000 .0762570 .7429510 .3880000 .0720000 .7283310 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2809000 GB Pound/KD .4504510 Euro .3648330 Swiss francs .3028730 Canadian dollars .2829090 Danish Kroner .0489170 Swedish Kroner .0425950 Australian dlr .2944960 Hong Kong dlr .0362450 Singapore dlr .2299820 Japanese yen .0034180 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0765080 Bahraini dinars .7453890 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0749270 Omani riyals .7298950 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

3.426 5.084 2.936 2.164 3.183 232.910 36.439 3.446 6.868 9.207 0.271 0.273

.2850000 .4600000 .3670000 .3080000 .2910000 .3000000 .0067500 .0035000 .0770240 .7504180 .4070000 .0770000 .7356510 .0510000 .2830000 .4538190 .3675600 .3051380 .2850240 .0492830 .0429130 .2966970 .0365160 .2317010 .0034440 .0051090 .0021800 .0029550 .0034980 .0770800 .7509620 .4002830 .0754870 .7353510 .0069640

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 75.337 77.625 733.790 750.370 76.927

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 47.800 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.291 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.318 Tunisian Dinar 179.870 Jordanian Dinar 398.500 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.895 Syrian Lier 3.863 Morocco Dirham 33.420 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 282.400 Euro 367.830 Sterling Pound 454.100 Canadian dollar 287.280 Turkish lire 157.460 Swiss Franc 307.630 Australian dollar 298.210 US Dollar Buying 281.200 GOLD 332.000 167.000 86.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria

SELL CASH

299.000 750.350 3.690 287.700 554.100 46.000 50.100 167.800 47.920 370.800 37.100 5.500 0.032 0.161 0.246 3.540 399.840 0.191 95.490 45.400 4.340 235.800 1.828

306.300 4.000 9.390 76.830 282.100

COUNTRY

Currency

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 454.200 282.100

SELL DRAFT

297.500 750.350 3.447 286.200

232.300 46.184 369.300 36.950 5.080 0.031

SELL DRAFT

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

299.98 288.81 308.20 368.59 281.70 454.80 3.51 3.472 5.062 2.169 3.179 2.937 76.76 750.07 46.24 401.33 733.15 77.79 75.33

SELL CASH

300.000 297.000 310.000 368.500 283.000 456.000 3.690 3.580 5.500 2.310 3.650 3.150 77.500 750.000 47.950 400.000 732.000 77.850 75.900

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 399.800 0.190 95.490 3.190 234.300

Rate for Transfer

Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro

282.950 284.075 451.020 361.410

299.925 749.110 77.015 77.665 75.415 398.860 46.326 2.169 5.123 2.946 3.462 6.863 694.080 4.450 9.310 4.390 3.300 9.310

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY

Sterling Pound US Dollar

732.710 2.956 6.915 77.610 75.330 232.320 34.430 2.168 454.200

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

282.100 2.936 5.075 2.175 3.457 6.930 76.910 75.384 749.900 46.178 457.900 2.990 1.550 372.200 289.900 3.183

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

282.850 368.250 454.050 286.300 3.485 5.063 46.172 2.166 3.452 6.872 2.946 750.550 76.800 75.300

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

BUSINESS

UAE telco Etisalat backs Saudi unit after SIM ban DUBAI: Etisalat, the United Arab Emirates’ No. 1 telecom operator, is committed to its Saudi Arabian affiliate Mobily, the former monopoly’s CEO said yesterday after the kingdom’s regulator banned it from selling pre-paid SIM cards.

Etisalat, formally known as Emirates Telecommunications Corp., also reiterated it wants to up its stake in Mobily if given the chance. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s industry regulator suspended Mobily’s sales of new pre-paid, or pay-as-you-go, SIM cards until it meets “pre-paid service provisioning requirements”, a reference to a September order

on SIM registration rules.

“Etisalat is committed to this relationship and support of Mobily,” Chief Executive Ahmad Julfar said in an emailed statement to Reuters. “Etisalat has always maintained its keenness to strengthen its investment in Saudi Arabia through Mobily as it views the Saudi market as a very important and key market in its portfolio.”

The UAE firm has enjoyed mixed fortunes in expanding abroad and now operates in 15 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa, with Mobily Saudi Arabia’s No.2 operator - one of its more suc-

cessful investments after more than tripling its annual profit from 2007 to 2011.

Etisalat owns a 28-percent stake in Mobily and has previously talked of increasing its holding.

“We are still eager to do so,” Julfar said yesterday.

Mobily said this indefinite ban would have little impact on earnings, but analysts warned it would hurt revenue if the dispute was not resolved quickly.

Etisalat had 12.18 billion dirhams ($3.32 billion) of cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet as of Sept. 30, so has the means to up its Mobily stake.

Some analysts warn Mobily’s recent stock perform-

ance would make it a costly deal and that Etisalat should have made its move earlier.

Mobily’s shares stood at 71.75 riyals on Tuesday afternoon, taking its gains to 67 percent since March 2011’s 15-month low. The company’s market value is $13.44 billion, according to Reuters data.

Saudi bourse rules are unclear on foreign companies raising stakes in Riyadh-listed affiliates, but there is a precedent for telecoms, with Kuwait’s Zain upping its holding in loss-making Zain Saudi to 37 percent from 25 percent as part of the latter’s capital restructuring earlier this year. — Reuters

Culture building crucial for risk management: Expert Kuwait wrests ERM initiative in Gulf

By Sajeev K Peter KUWAIT: Culture building from the risk management point of view will play an extremely crucial role in helping organizations make a difference, said a risk management specialist here yesterday.

“The global financial crisis has dramatically altered the perception about risk management prompting organizations in the Gulf countries to adopt drastic measures,” Rajagopal Parthasarathy, Regional Head & Director, Financial Strategy & Risk Management Advisory Services, Protiviti Member Firm (Middle East region), told Kuwait Times in an exclusive one-onone interview.

Parthasarathy arrived in Kuwait to speak at a one-day conference on Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) yesterday at the Holiday Inn, Salmiya. The conference sought to provide insight and ability to build a framework for a successful risk management program for

aftermath of the crisis, other organizations also started to put ERM initiatives in place.

Talking about Kuwait’s ERM initiative, he said it has been wonderful as it has become a stepping stone for organizations and people who could improve their risk management mechanism radically in the region.

“Traditionally, risk management used to be more of a control function. But the landscape has changed significantly following the crisis.

Now it is perceived more as a value-adding function. Today, there is a lot of interaction and coordination among departments of strategy, finance and risk as they are important from any organizational point of view, be it banking, investment banking or corporates per se,” he mentioned.

“Conventionally, departments of strategy, finance and risk used to be in silos. But following the financial crisis, they have begun to come together and understand each other’s

Raj Parthasarathy talks during the interview. organizations.

GCC advantage Though the GCC economies remained by and large insulated during the crisis, some sectors such as real estate, banking and finance were affected. This has created a lot of awareness among business leaders and financial experts resulting in certain breakthroughs in terms of how corporates must restructure their management and how risks have to be managed at core levels. Institutions started searching for people who worked in industries and had relevant experience and could contribute to the risk community, he pointed out.

Traditionally, Kuwait banking industry has a better risk management system than other sectors as it is a properly regulated industry. In the

perspectives,” Raj said. “When you try to develop a strategy for an organization, it is about how you are going to generate revenues for the next three to five years. Whilst you are doing so, it is important to know what are the potential risks likely to be. So the linkage among these departments are critical,” he mentioned.

A speaker at several leading forums, Raj is the steering committee member of the Professional Risk Managers International Association (PRIMIA), Bahrain. According to Raj, boards have become more sensitive to risk management needs today.

“The crisis clearly illustrated the fact that the people at the top, especially the board members, must clearly understand the risks involved in their business, since they are the custodians of stakeholders’ money,” he pointed out.

Tone of the top Similarly, organizations have to ensure that there is sufficient liquidity coverage in conjunction with the risks organizations are taking. The board awareness of risk management is continuously improving especially after the financial crisis. It starts with the ‘tone of the top’ and cascades down to all other business units. The business units and the staff need to be very clear about the link among strategies, finance and risk and take operational steps that align the risk strategy with the business strategy.

“It is like stepping into something dangerous with your eyes open. Now lessons are very clear.

Board members have to get real serious and there should be sufficient awareness about the key risks organizations could potentially face. The tone of the top has to be set straight,” he said.

“It is also imperative to translate the strategic objectives into operational objectives. It is not just about implementing methodologies and models. It is about building the right kind of culture, because when you set the tone of the top, you enable the senior management and all the people underneath to act responsibly, making them realize what the risks are and prodding them towards the target,” he pointed out.

Consequently, several international regulations have been enforced with a view to improving governance, creating considerable board awareness and understanding risk appetite.

Parthasarathy joined as a director in the Financial Strategy & Risk Management practice of Protiviti Member Firm in March 2009. He is involved in a regional role, providing advisory services for corporates, banks, insurance firms, asset management companies, and regulators in developing risk and governance frameworks spanning strategy, appetite, policies and models.

Basel III Organizations in the GCC countries are poised to adopt Basel III, a global regulatory standard on bank capital adequacy, stress testing and market liquidity risk.

It has been agreed upon by the members of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in 201011, and scheduled to be introduced from 2013 until 2018. Basel III strengthens bank capital requirements and introduces new regulatory requirements on bank liquidity and bank leverage. A couple of GCC countries have already adopted the recommendations and others will follow suit soon, he said.

Having led several large engagements in the Far East and GCC, including governance and strategy, risk appetite setting, credit and investment rating models and stress testing, Raj has played a pivotal role in the Corporate Governance Awards, a program instituted by Capital Market Authority (CMA), Muscat to award the best governed entities based on the corporate governance practices.

Prior to this stint at Protiviti, he had worked with Ernst & Young and KPMG in the FRM advisory services. Raj was involved in a similar regional advisory role and had been instrumental in commencing the regional practice.

LISBON: A protestor dressed as clown bangs on a bank window with a pillow during a protest against the 2013 national budget planned by the Portuguese center-right coalition government in Lisbon, yesterday. Portugal’s parliament yesterday approved unprecedented tax increases despite a broad public outcry and concerns that the latest austerity package will prolong the bailed-out country’s recession. — AP

Portugal parliament approves budget LISBON: Portugal’s parliament gave final approval yesterday to a 2013 budget which promises a third year of recession and the biggest tax hikes in modern history to ensure international bailout terms are met.

Lawmakers from the ruling Social Democrats and their junior coalition partners from the rightist CDS voted for the bill, ensuring passage thanks to their parliamentary majority, but all other parties voted against. “The government is aware of the difficulties we have to overcome,” Finance Minister Vitor Gaspar told parliament before the vote.

The government argues austerity is the only way to ride out Portugal’s debt crisis, which has pushed the economy into its worst recession since the 1970s and increased the jobless rate to record levels, at 15.8 percent. It is seen rising further in 2013 to 16.4 percent.

A few thousand protesters gathered outside parliament to oppose the bill, which farleft opposition lawmakers have promised to challenge in the country’s constitutional court. The heavy reliance on tax hikes included in the budget is in itself the result of a decision by the constitutional court early this year which shot down an attempt by the government to cut holiday payments for civil servants.

The main opposition Socialists voted against the budget, demonstrating the collapse of the consensus that existed in Portugal surrounding its 78 billion euro ($101 billion) bailout. It was a Socialist government that first sought the bailout for

Portugal in 2011 and last year it abstained in the budget vote.

“The country needs a budget to get out of the crisis. Instead it will get a budget that deepens the crisis,” Socialist leader Antonio Jose Seguro told parliament. “These tax increases represent a fiscal nuclear bomb for the Portuguese.”

Lawmakers from the Communist Party and the small Left Bloc have promised to challenge the budget in the constitutional court. The head of the country’s judges’ union has also said the budget may be illegal. But before it can be challenged, President Anibal Cavaco Silva has to sign off on the budget and turn it into law, something which could take several weeks. The president himself could also send the budget to the court to check its legality.

If the court were to overturn the budget, it would represent a big setback for the government in meeting the bailout’s terms.

The budget aims to cut the budget deficit to 4.5 percent of GDP next year from 5 percent this year. It envisages a 1 percent decline in gross domestic product, which many economists think is far too optimistic, after this year’s slump of 3 percent.

The OECD forecast yesterday that the economy will contract 1.8 percent next year and warned that the country risks falling into a downward spiral. Tax revenues fell short this year, undermined by the worst recession since the 1970s. Still, the government is hoping the sharp tax hikes in 2013 will guarantee sufficient income to meet budget goals. — Reuters

Egyptian investor seeks to put stamp on Telecom Italia DUBAI: Egyptian entrepreneur Naguib Sawiris aims to shake up debt-laden Telecom Italia and steer it towards expansion in Brazil if shareholders warm up to his proposal for a 3 billion euro ($3.9 billion) cash infusion.

The billionaire tycoon, who got to know Italy well when he owned the third-biggest mobile operator Wind, has put on the table a capital increase that could make him one of the biggest shareholders in Telecom Italia.

Details on the structure of the proposed transaction are scarce, but Sawiris told Reuters that he proposed that the capital increase be open to all shareholders, not just himself, and that it should be conducted around the current market price of 0.70 euros per share.

That is likely to draw the ire of other Telecom Italia shareholders, including Spain’s Telefonica and the three Italian financial institutions who together own 22.4 percent via an unlisted holding company called Telco.

They value Telecom Italia at 1.50 euros per share in their accounts, and Marco Fossati, whose family’s Findim Group SA owns 5 percent of the Italian operator, on Monday said 1.50 was the “correct price” for any capital increase.

Sawiris, going against a trend of retreating investment in crisis-hit southern Europe, said he might also bring in some of his old Wind associates to put Telecom Italia back on the path to growth. “This proposal will provide a more stable financial structure for Telecom Italia going forward, more growth in Latin America and Brazil, and improved management through the infusion of people who have an excellent knowledge of the Italian market,” Sawiris told Reuters.

Sawiris initially approached Telefonica and the other shareholders in Telco about the pos-

sibility of carrying out a capital increase at the holding company level. He was rebuffed, so decided to approach the Italian group directly.

“We are willing to participate in the capital increase, but shareholders have the choice not to get diluted and join in putting the money,” he said. “If they do not want to, we will come and replace them. But they will benefit from a higher stock price and a more stable company and a company that will grow.”

It remains to be seen whether his vision for the group will be shared by Telecom Italia’s management and core shareholders.

Telefonica, insurer Assicurazioni Generali, and banks Mediobanca and Intesa Sanpaolo had the Sawiris’ offer dropped onto them as a bombshell two weeks ago, insiders have said.

“Sawiris is not a man to go in without being sure he can drive the strategy,” one source familiar with the thinking of the core shareholders said.

Sawiris told Reuters he was also opposed to a current plan to spin off Telecom Italia’s fixed-line network, which is backed by some core investors as a way to raise badly needed cash, and by the Italian government as a means to speed up broadband investment.

“I believe this is a catastrophe,” Sawiris said.

“If Telecom Italia does that, they will lose the only differentiator they have left in the telecom market in Italy.”

Telecom Italia is now in talks with an Italian state-backed investment fund over such a spin-off. Under the plan, the fund would take a minority stake in the new company in exchange for Telecom Italia effectively becoming a wholesaler of broadband capacity to other companies.

Proponents of the spin-off argue the move would help Telecom Italia reduce debt while

accelerating the modernisation of the woeful Internet infrastructure in Europe’s fourthlargest economy.

Telecom Italia’s board will meet on Dec. 6 to discuss the network spin-off and whether to bid for Vivendi’s GVT, a broadband specialist in Brazil, to complement its TIM Brasil mobile business unit in the fast-growing market.

GVT’s owner, Vivendi, is seeking up to 7 billion euros for GVT, which provides fixed telephone, broadband, and TV services in 120 Brazilian cities. Preliminary bids are due in December, sources have told Reuters.

Sawiris is waiting in the wings, though he says he has not had any direct contact from Telecom Italia since sending a letter of interest two weeks ago. However, advisers from both sides - Lazard for Sawiris and Rothschild for Telecom Italia - have been communicating, according to people familiar with the matter.

Meanwhile, sources close to the telecom group’s shareholders have complained of a lack of detail in the Sawiris proposal. Nuno Matias, a telecoms analyst at Espirito Santo bank, said while Sawiris’s arguments about seeking growth in Brazil via the GVT takeover were persuasive, the tycoon could face an uphill battle getting the board and shareholders onside.

“Sawiris isn’t alone; there are controlling shareholders of Telecom Italia, and they have their own interests,” he said. “If Telecom Italia strengthens in Brazil then it sets up a conflict with Telefonica.”

Sawiris pointed out that he tried talking to Telefonica. “I met with them, but my feeling is that they areconflicted. They are happy where they are today holding Telecom Italia as a hostage and preventing it from growing into Latin America.”

Telefonica and Telecom Italia are the number one and number two players in Brazilian mobile, respectively, and also compete in Argentina. The conflict means that Telefonica cannot take part in board deliberations at Telecom Italia over the Latin American units.

Telefonica’s Chief Financial Officer Angel Vila said last week that the group wanted to remain a long-term shareholder in Telecom Italia, and opposed a capital increase.

Telecom Italia has made debt-cutting a priority since late 2008. Cost cuts and asset sales have trimmed net debt more than 4 billion euros to 29.5 billion at the end of September.

Morgan Stanley predicted its net debt was likely to stand at 27.8 billion euros at year-end, or 2.7 times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), above sector averages and in the warning zone for rating agencies. —Reuters

BEIJING: World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, rear right, takes his notebook and other documents from another World Bank official during a signing ceremony in Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse yesterday. The World Bank and China are setting up a knowledge hub to share information about Beijing’s success with poverty alleviation. — AP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

BUSINESS

Thousands march in Rio over oil dispute RIO DE JANEIRO: As many as 200,000 people demonstrated in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to urge Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to veto a bill that local officials say could cost Rio state billions of dollars in lost oil revenue and cripple plans to host the World Cup and Olympics.

Late Monday, a person familiar with the president’s plans said Rousseff is planning to veto at least part of the bill, particularly a portion that redefines royalty payments for existing oil production in Brazil. The president, the person added, instead will propose that Rio and Espirito Santo, the two states with most of Brazil’s oil output, continue to get a level of royalties from current production

similar to what they received last year.

The partial veto would not change parts of the bill that redefine oil royalties from production at new fields.

For Rousseff, the protest raised the stakes on what may be the most sensitive decision she has faced in her nearly twoyear-old government: How to distribute tens of billions of dollars in expected revenues from a massive offshore oil field that Brazil discovered in 2007.

The bill, passed by Congress this month, would spread the windfall more evenly to Brazil’s 26 states and federal district. As submitted for her approval, however, it would also alter royalties on existing production, angering Rio and other southeastern states where most of

Is it possible for consumers to help in reviving global economy? f we assume that consumers can revive the global economy then we have a very good example to believe in 70% of the US GDP components is consumption i.e. consumer spending related items, being durable and nondurable goods. Going back to the 1930’s or the early 1940’s this figure was much smaller but has been rising since then. As we all know the US economy is the barometer of the world economy and whatever shape it builds will over time get copied around the world either directly or indirectly. This is very important for business and goods producers to understand and focus their future strategy on. The present global economic scenario does not bode well for government spending or companies expanding their investments plans. There are reasons why this can’t happen at present time and you all know why. But what I am trying to explain is that global consumers’ numbers are rising much faster than governments can cater for. Apart from The US, there are those countries that are rich enough to spend money on infrastructure or just hand out money to its citizens and there are those who have cut down on government spending and have introduced austerity measures.

Consumers with strong purchasing power are not yet balanced worldwide, but the disparity is gradually narrowing.

I am sure that overtimes the global economy once again will balance itself out. Consumers in the developing economies are in a way subsidizing those in the developed world because their numbers are rising so retailers can afford to offer much bigger discounts to consumers in the developed economies.

This is something has been seen in the Chinese retail industry which has indeed lead to Chinese consumers travelling abroad for shopping or pop into Hong Kong for weekend shopping. Obviously this will not help to revive the world economy to levels of historical trend, but will help on the margin at times of global economic difficulties. However I can see this trend going on for years to come.

Investors should focus on those international companies that are related to consumption, rising income and the growing middle class. Consumption covers all areas of spending being food, clothing, health, education and entertainments. Obviously depending on the country and the age group then consumption will differ accordingly. I expect that once the theme catches up, there will be the need for big capital investment in those areas that sees big consumer spending and at the same time

I

we will see consolidation in the developed economies.

One area which is closely related to the consumer spending expansion is the consumer credit business.

After the crisis in 2008, some retail banks have reduced this segment of their business and by default allowed new comers into the market. Consumers finance companies have indeed filled the gap left behind by the banks and grown their business to include not only the retail side by have entered into giving credit to the small business industry.

The small business industry is another business segment where banks have abandoned. We already have seen the retail business in the developing world growing at a faster pace than the economy, but can it carry on at the same speed. I will leave that question to the experts in the global retail industry.

Retail stocks around the world have outperformed their benchmark indices since the financial crisis back in 2008.

Their performances have been quite remarkable. On an average they have risen by more than 100% in absolute terms. Can this be an indication of what investors around the world are thinking?

And can this trend continue? I believe it can and it will. I think some governments are just waiting for the right time to announce some fiscal measures to boost their economies. This could be in the form of income tax cuts or tax allowances which will have an immediate impact on spending. Again, obviously tax cuts can work for some economies such as US, UK, Australia, Canada and China but in some other economies such as Japan and Germany will not have the same effect as consumers in those countries have the tendency to save more when they earn more. Should we worry if the growth in consumer spending start relying on credit and borrowed money? If the consumer spending revive the economy then there should not be worry in the short term, but in the long term this is an issue for the credit facilitators being banks or credit finance companies. I am sure that since 2008, central banks and government authorities have tightened the rules on credit finance and lending requirements. Let’s not forget that the delinquency rates have been falling since 2008. I think retail companies will maintain a good growth pace as accesses to money improve further and they will once again deliver the good performances which we have seen since 2008.

Hayder Tawfik - Executive Vice President of Asset Management, at Dimah Capital- HT@dimah.com.kw

Brazil’s oil is located. Rousseff has until Friday to veto the bill, but is expected to decide on the partial veto on Thursday, the person said.

Monday’s event had attracted about 200,000 demonstrators by early evening, according to police calculations.

The protest began with a march through Rio’s colonial center and was followed by a series of speeches, concerts, and impromptu revelry that at times gave it a festive air. In recent days, state officials plastered streets and buildings with banners advertising the protest in large black and white lettering and a command in red for the president: “Veto, Dilma.” Rio is spending tens of billions of dollars to build stadiums and other infra-

structure for the 2014 soccer World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics - two marquee events expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Rio Governor Sergio Cabral, an ally of the president, led the protest. He has cast the debate in dire language that analysts say may exaggerate the financial stakes but has nonetheless intensified political pressure on Rousseff.

The bill “would devastate the state budget and compromise the future of Rio. The state would be inviable,” Cabral told journalists after the protest.

He urged Rousseff to veto parts of the bill dealing with royalties for existing production, which he said would cost producer states and cities 6.5 billion reais

Obama to appeal to public on fiscal cliff Obama to meet small business owners at White House WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama plans to make a public case this week for his strategy for dealing with the looming fiscal cliff, traveling to the Philadelphia suburbs Friday as he pressures Republicans to allow tax increases on the wealthy while extending tax cuts for families earning $250,000 or less.

The White House said yesterday that the president intends to hold a series of events to build support for his approach to avoid acrossthe-board tax increases and steep spending cuts in defense and domestic programs. Obama will meet with small business owners at the White House and with middle-class families today.

The president’s visit to a small business in Hatfield, Pa., that makes parts for a construction toy company will cap a week of public outreach as the White House and congressional leaders negotiate a way to avoid the tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.

The trip will mark Obama’s first public event outside the nation’s capital since winning re-election.

Both sides warn the so-called “fiscal cliff” could harm the nation’s economic recovery, but an agreement still appears far from assured. The White House and congressional Republicans have differed on whether to raise revenue through higher tax rates or by closing tax loopholes and deductions.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has pushed for raising additional revenue through the reducing of tax loopholes instead of raising tax rates on wealthy Americans. The White House has countered that the president will not sign legislation that extends current tax rates for the top 2 percent of income earners, or those households with incomes over $250,000.

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, a conservative Republican who opposes Obama’s plan to

increase taxes on the wealthy, said that while a presidential visit to his state “is always welcome,” he remains staunchly against Obama’s strategy for avoiding the fiscal cliff crunch.

“The president seems absolutely determined to inflict a tax increase on the American people,” Toomey told CNN yesterday. He said Obama and congressional Democrats must come up with cuts in entitlement programs like Social Security

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama speaks about the Thanksgiving holiday in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. The White House said yesterday, that the president plans to make a public case this week for his strategy for dealing with the looming fiscal cliff. — AP and Medicare. Obama, only weeks after winning re-election, has signaled his intention to rally the public to pressure Congress to support his agenda, an approach that helped him win passage of a payroll tax cut extension and prevented interest rates on millions of federal student loans from doubling last summer.

Obama campaign manager Jim Messina said in an email to supporters after the election that the president’s volunteer base was crucial to his re-election but said it was not aimed “just to win a campaign. We have more progress to make, and there’s only one way to do it: together.”

Following the election, Obama aides asked supporters to record YouTube videos discussing the need to have the wealthiest Americans pay more in taxes. Some of the people who shared their stories on YouTube planned to join Obama at the White House today.

On Friday, Obama will tour and deliver remarks at The Rodon Group manufacturing facility in Hatfield, Pa., offering the company up as an example of a business that depends on middle-class consumers during the holiday season. The company manufactures parts for K’NEX Brands, a construction toy company whose products include Tinkertoy, K’NEX Building Sets and Angry Birds Building Sets.

Congressional Republicans, led by Boehner, have expressed openness to discussing additional revenue but oppose any plan that raises tax rates on the wealthy. They argue that the higher rates would also hurt some small businesses and hinder economic growth.

Republicans have called for changes to the tax code to eliminate tax breaks and loopholes that primarily benefit the wealthy. Several key Republican lawmakers have also said they would not be bound by a no-tax-increase pledge that they have adhered to in the past.

Boehner and GOP leaders planned to meet Wednesday with members of a bipartisan coalition of former members of Congress and business leaders that has advocated cuts in spending in major health care programs as well as changes in the tax code to raise more money but also to lower rates. — AP

10 winners earn 100,000 points each from Gulf Bank KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced the 10 winners of its loyalty points’ draw, which offers all cardholders the chance to earn 100,000 loyalty points each. This promotion ends January 15, 2013.

The draw took place at Gulf Bank’s Head Office on November 15, 2012 with winners: Souad Khalid Ali AlBahar, Mostafa Abdulhamid Mohamed Hassan, Khadeejah Hardan Shehab Al-Ouda, Khalid Abdulkarim Hassan Jassim, Sheikh Abdullah Jaber Alduaij Al-Sabah, Homoud Katam Muhaisin Sultan Al-Shemeri, Saud Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al-Furaih, Naser Ahmed Naser Al-Shubaiki, Mohammad El-Chammaa, and Khaled Habib Majid Al-Ali each earn 100,000 loyalty points.

Gulf Bank would like to congratulate all the winners in the loyalty points’ draw. Gulf Bank is looking forward to rewarding more of its loyal cardholders with various ongoing promotions. The Bank greatly values its customers and wants them to continue to feel that by trusting Gulf Bank, they are getting the best and fastest banking services in Kuwait whilst also enjoying the opportunity to enter valuable draws. To find out more about Gulf Bank’s promotions, customers can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 branches.

Oil rises above $111 after Greek debt deal

TANJUNG PRIOK: A crane stacks shipping containers at the international container port in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, yesterday. Indonesia, the nation of 240 million people, said that its economy grew 6.2 percent in the third quarter from a year ago, its slowest pace for two years due to a slowdown in major trade partner China. — AFP

($3.1 billion) in 2013 alone. Approving the bill could hurt Rousseff’s relations with Cabral’s PMDB party, a large and ideologically shape-shifting group that is a linchpin of the broad coalition that supports her ruling Workers’ Party.

Rousseff has vowed to further Brazil’s efforts to reduce poverty, in part by redistributing the windfalls from its growing commodity exports - from oil and iron ore to foodstuffs. Throughout the day Monday, police had cordoned off large swaths of Rio’s center, along the river-like bay that gives the city its name. State and municipal officials facilitated attendance by waiving subway and ferry fees and providing buses from far-flung towns outside the capital. — Reuters

LONDON: Oil rose above $111 per barrel yesterday, supported by a bailout payments deal for Greece although worries over a looming US fiscal crisis kept a lid on gains.

Optimism spread throughout financial markets, with European shares at a near three-week high after global lenders clinched a deal to reduce Greek debt and disburse the country’s next aid instalment.

Brent crude was up 14 cents at $111.06 a barrel by 1240 GMT, having reached a high of $111.36 in earlier trade. US crude was up 20 cents to $87.94. “This serves to increase risk appetite, which should attract investors to the oil market,” Commerzbank analysts wrote in their morning report.

Oil dealers cautioned that price gains may be limited due to the fragility of the world economy. The OECD cut its global growth forecasts on Tuesday, saying the euro zone debt crisis is the greatest threat to the world economy.

Analysts said the gloomy growth outlook from the Organisation for the Economic Cooperation and Development suggests that oil market forecasters should cut oil demand growth estimates even further. “Any more negativity coming from the global economy will only result in oil demand growth slowing even further than what has already been forecast,” said Dominick Chirichella of New York’s Energy Management Institute.

Market attention was expected to focus on the fiscal policy standoff in the United States. A lack of progress on that front will muddy the outlook for demand from the United States, the world’s top oil consumer. Republicans in the US Congress on Monday called on President Barack Obama to detail longterm spending cuts to help solve the country’s fiscal crisis, while holding firm against the income tax rate increases for the wealthy that Democrats seek. — Reuters

GEDDANI: In this photograph taken on July 10, 2012, a Pakistani worker pulls on a wire he will connect to a thick chain that will in turn be used to peel away a slab of the outer structure of a beached vessel in one of the 127 ship-breaking plots in Geddani, some 40Kms west of Karachi. Geddani’s ship-breaking yards employ some 10,000 workers including welders, cleaners, crane operators and worker supervisors.

The yards are one of the largest ship-breaking operations in the world rivaling in size those located in India and Bangladesh. — AFP

DSI signs AED 149m MEP contracts for residential tower in India DUBAI: Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI), a regional market leader in integrated design, engineering and construction disciplines of Civil Contracting, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), Water and Power, Oil and Gas, and Rail, has signed today two MEP contracts for a AED 55 million hotel apartment project and a AED 40 million district cooling project in Qatar in addition to a AED 54 million residential tower project in India.

Mobilization on site for the three projects is underway. The hotel apartment project is scheduled for completion in February 2014 and the district cooling project in November 2013, similarly the residential tower is also expected to be completed in November 2013.

On this occasion Khaldoun Tabari, CEO of Drake & Scull International PJSC, commented “Qatar remains a key strategic market for DSI in the region and we expect a stronger momentum of project awards next year as we have not seen many contracts materialize in 2012. The new MEP project award in India is the first for us in the residential sector and we aim to further expand in this sector. Our Water & Power operations are engaged in many tenders across the country and in 2013 we expect

Khaldoun Tabari - CEO of DSI further growth for DSI in the Indian utilities sector through Passavant Roediger, our specialized global Waste Water and Water Treatment German Subsidiary.”

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

BUSINESS

Australian firms lagging on gender equality: Data SYDNEY: Two-thirds of Australia’s top 500 companies had no female executives and less than 10 percent of directors were women, according to data yesterday, which comes on the back of a sexism row in politics. The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) called for Australia to introduce female quotas in the boardroom after finding women accounted for just 9.2 percent of executives in the country’s top 500 firms.

Just 12 of the companies had a female CEO, the government’s biennial EOWA study found, in the wake of a blistering speech by Prime Minister Julia

Gillard who accused her conservative opponent Tony Abbott of sexism and misogyny.

EOWA director Helen Conway said without a quota system and a concerted effort “it will take decades before women achieve any meaningful representation”. She said there had been “negligible” improvement in the data in the past decade despite Australia electing its first female prime minister and a number of female state premiers.

The latest data, she said, put Australia ahead of New Zealand and Britain on gender equality terms, but behind South Africa, the United States and

Canada. “Frankly you’d expect to see more progress,” said Conway. “Companies have failed to develop and maintain a strong pipeline of female talent, and you can see this in the negligible growth in female executive management.” The status of women has been a hot topic in Australia after Gillard blasted Abbott over his “sexist” remarks and footage of her speech went viral online worldwide.

World leaders including French President Francois Hollande and Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Denmark’s first female leader, congratulated Gillard at recent summits on the speech, which gave her a

boost in opinion polls.

Gillard told Abbott she had been offended by many of his remarks over the years and she would not be “lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man”. “I’ve had enough, Australian women have had enough. When I see sexism and misogyny I’m going to call them for what they are,” she said.

Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, who recently reviewed the treatment of women in the nation’s military, echoed Conway’s calls for senior management targets for women. — AFP

Asian markets mostly up after Greece deal China remains a driver of global economy

KUALA LUMPUR: Ground staff prepare a Malaysian Airlines aircraft for take off on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday. Malaysia’s national carrier will announce its third quarter earnings in a press conference later yesterday in Kuala Lumpur. — AFP

Route cuts put Malaysia Airlines back in black KUALA LUMPUR: Struggling flag carrier Malaysia Airlines said yesterday it has swung back to a profit after six straight quarterly losses as the slashing of unprofitable routes helped cut costs. The airline recorded a 37.08 million ringgit ($12.25 million) net profit for its third quarter ending September 30, compared to a 477.6 million loss in the same period a year earlier, it said.

“We are very encouraged by the improved trend in our financial performance in this third quarter especially after six quarters of loss,” chief executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said in a statement. “Our focus remains to increase revenue and manage our costs... Although the journey ahead is long, with focus, we will succeed.”

The improvement in the airline’s bottom line “was mainly due to the route rationalisation programme”, which resulted in a nine percent decrease in fuel costs and a seven percent drop in non-fuel costs, the carrier said.

Lower fuel costs also helped, it said. The airline has battled for years to stay in the black, with analysts blaming a combination of stiff competition, poor management, change-resistant unions, government interference and other factors.

Earlier this year, it reported a full-year

2011 loss of 2.5 billion ringgit and in June announced it was pushing back a planned 2013 return to profitability after a tie-up with rival budget carrier AirAsia crumbled.

Amid the gloom, the airline embarked on a cost-cutting campaign centered on slashing routes, including to Rome, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Buenos Aires, Karachi and Dubai.

Malaysia Airlines said the cost-cutting moves caused revenue to shrink only two percent to 3.5 billion ringgit. Ahmad Jauhari said the airline continued to face challenges including the global economic woes and their affect on air travel, increased competition and high fuel costs.

The airline was still in the red for the first nine months of the year, with a net loss of 484 million ringgit, down from 1.25 billion for the same period a year earlier, it said.

Earlier this year, a tie-up with profitable AirAsia fell apart due to resistance by unions representing Malaysia Airlines.

Analysts had predicted the venture would help the flag carrier by eliminating headto-competition on some routes.

Malaysia Airlines, which in February admitted it was “in crisis”, has announced a series of turnaround plans over the years, the latest major refocusing coming last December. — AFP

HONG KONG: Asian shares mostly rose yesterday after a multi-billion euro loan deal for Greece, but Shanghai closed near a four-year low over growing pessimism about the state of the world’s second biggest economy.

Tokyo closed up 0.37 percent, or 34.36 points, at 9,423.30, Seoul rose 0.87 percent, or 16.69 points, to 1,925.20 while Sydney ended 0.74 percent, or 32.6 points, higher at 4,456.8.

Hong Kong ended flat, slipping 17.78 points to 21,844.03, while Shanghai fell 1.30 percent, or 26.29 points, to 1,991.17 — the lowest close for the index since January 23, 2009.

The International Monetary Fund and eurozone early yesterday agreed to unlock 43.7 billion euros ($56 billion) in loans to debt-laden Greece after talks in Brussels.

The country’s public creditors agreed to take measures to bring down the country’s debt-toGDP ratio from an estimated 144 percent to 124 percent within eight years in exchange for loans.

Eurozone finance ministers, the IMF and the European Central Bank agreed the money would be paid in four instalments from December 13 until the end of March. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said the agreement represented a fresh start for his beleaguered country.

“Everything has gone well,” Samaras told local media in Athens. “All Greeks have fought (for this decision) and tomorrow is a new day for every Greek person.” Europe’s main stock markets rose at the start of trading yesterday with London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index up 0.37 percent and Frankfurt’s DAX 30 advancing 0.70 percent.

But Shanghai stocks fell, with analysts saying the decline was caused by increasing concerns about the domestic economy and the absence of fresh government moves to support growth.

China remains a driver of the global economy and key to Western nations’ hopes of recovery but has been hit by a slowing of its once-spectacular growth. Ahead of the Greek announcement, US markets were feeble in the first session after a slow Thanksgiving holiday week, with the jury still out over how strong the crucial Black Friday holiday sales were for retailers.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished down 42.31 points (0.33 percent) at 12,967.37.

The broad-market S&P 500 lost 2.86 (0.20 percent) to 1,406.29, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 9.93 (0.33 percent) to 2,976.78.

On currency markets the euro was stronger in Asian trade as investors breathed a sigh of relief over the Greece agreement.

The 17-nation currency bought $1.2973 and 106.65 yen in Tokyo trade after earlier briefly top-

ping $1.30 for the first time in about a month.

That was up from $1.2971 and 106.38 yen in New York trade late Monday, although the euro eased slightly after the Greece announcement with investors taking profits and the focus turning towards a budgetary impasse in Washington.

The dollar gained to 82.20 yen from 81.98 yen.

On oil markets, New York’s main contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for January delivery, bounced 23 cents to $87.97 a barrel and Brent North Sea crude, also for January, rose three cents to $110.95.

Gold was at $1,746.42 at 1120 GMT compared with $1,734.47 late Monday.

In other markets Taipei rose 0.31 percent, or 22.83 points, to 7,430.20. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co gained 1.05 percent to Tw$96.3 while leading smartphone maker HTC was 1.00 percent lower at Tw$248.5.

Wellington was flat, falling 2.42 points, at 4,009.61. Telecom Corp was down 0.85 percent at NZ$2.33 and Fletcher Building rose 0.13 per-

HEFEI: This picture taken on November 24, 2012 shows two workers installing steel frames at a construction site in Hefei, central China’s Anhui province. China’s economic growth can only continue if the country reforms, said its expected next premier and newly promoted Communist Party number two Li Keqiang, according to state media on November 23. — AFP

HK car park investment craze raises bubble fear HONG KONG: Investors looking for new places to park their cash in Hong Kong are driving up prices for parking spaces, sparking fears of a bubble in the Asian financial center.

Prices for parking spots in Hong Kong are nearing historic highs, the side effect of government curbs to cool the housing market amid worries of overheating following the latest round of economic stimulus in the UStwo months ago.

Over the weekend, a developer sold about 500 parking spots at a new suburban apartment complex at prices up to 1.3 million Hong Kong dollars ($167,000) per space. In a commercial building near the city’s financial district on Hong Kong Island, an investor has put 34 parking spaces on sale for HK$100 million ($1.3 million), according to a report last week in the Ming Pao newspaper. A parking spot in the exclusive Repulse Bay neighborhood sold for HK$3 million ($397,100), the paper also said, citing Land Registry data.

On Thursday, a single parking spot in a building in the popular Mid-Levels residential neighborhood will be auctioned off with the opening bid at HK$680,000 ($87,740).

Second-hand parking spaces changed hands in the third quarter for an average of HK$640,000 ($82,580). That’s up 16.4 percent over the year before, according to research by property company Centaline. It’s also not far off the record HK$660,000 ($85,160) in the fourth quarter of 1997, shortly before the city’s property market collapsed. The rising prices are a side-effect of recent measures to cool Hong Kong’s housing prices, which have doubled since the end of 2009 and are among the highest in the world.

Hong Kong’s government has introduced three separate sets of curbs on property purchases since the summer in a bid to cool the market. US policymakers’ continuing efforts to stimulate the economy by keeping interest rates at an ultralow level and buying tens of billions in bonds each month has raised concerns in Hong Kong about money flooding into the southern Chinese city, pushing asset prices higher as investors chase profits in the property market.

The latest curbs don’t cover nonresidential properties such as parking spots so investors have been piling in as they look for higher returns. Hong Kong had the world’s third-highest monthly parking charges last year, according to real estate company Colliers International.

There are “a lot of speculators in the market, especially for car parks,” said Buggle Lau, senior analyst with Midland Realty. A bubble is “definitely forming.” “In some car parks, especially in urban areas where supply is limited, the sales price of some car parks (spaces) can be as high as two to three million (Hong Kong) dollars” each, said Lau. Nearly 8,400 parking spaces worth HK$5.6 billion changed hands in the first 10 months of this year, compared to 8,300 such transactions worth HK$5.4 billion for all of 2011, according to Land Registry data compiled by Midland.

Some of that increase comes from developers like Cheung Kong Holdings, Sun Hung Kai Properties and Chinachem Group selling off parking spaces at their apartment complexes. It’s a break from the usual practice of renting them out to residents, and is a sign that the developers realize it’s a “pretty good time” to sell because of the prices they can get, Lau said.

Because Hong Kong’s currency is pegged to the US dollar, policymakers cannot take conventional measures to cool property prices like raising interest rates. So the government tightened restrictions on property purchases, including bringing in a new stamp duty on foreign buyers. But parking spots and other non-residential property are exempt.

“The latest overseas buyers’ stamp duty will just put some fuel onto that fire, and is making the whole parking

cent to NZ$7.98. Manila was up 0.13 percent, or 7.03 points, to close at a record high of 5,586.45.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone rose 1.59 percent to 2,550 pesos and Manila Electric Co. edged up 0.08 percent to 255.20 pesos. ‘ Singapore closed 0.25 percent, or 7.41 points, higher at 3,011.91. Farm commodities supplier Olam tumbled 6.0 percent to Sg$1.56.

Jakarta ended down 37.66 points, or 0.86 percent, at 4,337.51. Retailer Ramayana Lestari dropped 4.86 percent to 1,370 rupiah while cigarette maker Gudang Garam fell 0.76 percent to 52,100 rupiah.

Kuala Lumpur fell 0.60 percent, or 9.71 points, to 1,598.17. CIMB Group Holdings lost 1.1 percent to 7.50 ringgit, while DiGi.com shed 0.7 percent to 4.55.

Bangkok gained 0.48 percent, or 6.18 points, to 1,297.03. Telecoms company Advanced Info Service added 3.05 percent to 203.00 baht, while coal producer Banpu edged up 1.02 percent to 398.00 baht.

Mumbai closed up 1.65 percent, or 305.07 points, at 18,842.08 rupees. — AFP

space investment market go out of control,” said Josh Wong, whose Hong Kong City Parking owns about 200 parking spots at eight lots around Hong Kong.

Many investors who buy spaces rent them out to car owners. Wong said he typically looks for an annual yield, or return, of 5 to 6 percent, but because prices have risen, yields have been falling to about 4 to 5 percent. He said has even heard of investors making as little as 1.8 percent on their investment.

Wong said the parking space market was heating up because investors didn’t need a lot of money to get started.

“One million Hong Kong dollars ($129,000) cannot buy anything in Hong Kong. You cannot buy a shop, you cannot buy anything except car parking and that would help the car park investment go even more crazy,” he said. — AP

SEOUL: South Korean farmers chant slogans with a banner (bottom) reading “Stop Korea-China FTA!” during a rallly calling for more state financial support to reduce their growing debt in Seoul yesterday. About 2,000 farmers rallied against a proposed free trade deal with China saying any deal would flood local agricultural and fisheries markets with sub-standard Chinese products. The two countries launched free trade talks in May. — AFP

NZ economy set for slow recovery WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s economic growth will be slow for the next 2-3 years, with jobs and income growth modest because of cautious business spending, a think tank said yesterday, allowing the central bank to leave interest rates at low levels until 2014.

In its Quarterly Predictions report, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) said the economy would grow 1.8 percent this year, up from 1.7 percent forecast in its last report in August.

It grew 1.3 percent in 2011.

“It is a dreary recovery with the economy almost 10 percent smaller than at this stage of previous recoveries,” said NZIER’s Principal Economist Shamubeel Eaqub said in a statement. He said jobs were coming back only slowly as profits were still under pressure, with slowing global growth a risk.

For 2013, NZIER expected 2.1 percent growth, helped by the reconstruction of the Canterbury region, devastated by last year’s earthquake. The biggest risk to the forecasts was a slowing Australian economy, which accounted for a fifth of New Zealand’s exports.

“An Australian recession is typically accompanied by a New Zealand recession,” Eaqub added, as exports to the neighbouring country fell almost 10 percent in the last six months.

The decline came as the Australian economy was slowing, with the mining investment boom fading on slower Chinese demand. Eaqub said households and firms were optimistic, but slow in spending, as they were repaying debt incurred during the credit boom of the early 2000s, reducing future risks for the economy.

“However, there are signs of overheating house prices, particularly in Auckland,” he said. “If the housing market falls, perhaps because of deteriorating global growth, it could tailspin New Zealand back into recession.”

Eaqub stuck to his call that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will wait until early 2014 to raise interest rates by 25 basis points, from a record low 2.5 percent at the moment, due to ongoing global risks and limited inflation risks.

The majority of analysts surveyed by Reuters expect the central bank to keep rates on hold until the second half of next year. — Reuters

26

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

BUSINESS

Sebamed anti-stretch mark cream KUWAIT: Understanding these needs, Sebapharma Research & Development formulated Sebamed Anti-Stretch Mark Cream to offer your skin the support of effective

skin care, which at the same time protects the health of the biological acid mantle of skin thanks to its pH of 5.5. The unique triple-soft formula helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity.

This helps to prevent new stretch marks from forming, furthermore it also works to treat existing stretch marks, by helping to restore the connective tissue.

Prevention and regeneration of the affected skin This cream with natural ingredients will keep your skin looking its best and help prevent stretch marks from occurring. Even if you have stretch marks Sebamed Anti-Stretch Mark Cream will help to support their elimination. The pH value of 5.5 of Sebamed AntiStretch Mark Cream stabilizes the health of the skin’s natural acid mantle and its barrier function. Thanks to this unique Triple Soft Formula your skin elasticity is improved. Avocado oil and sheabutter together with other lipids provide effective skin care and protection of the upper skin layers.

The exceptional combination of Centella asiatica (Tiger grass) extract and peptides supported by the liquid-crystalline lipid structure of Olivem 1000, an olive oil derived complex, which increases the efficacy of the other active ingredients, supports the connective tissue adapting to the changing body volume to prevent structural damage. Thus perfected, Sebamed Anti-Strech Mark Cream works preventive against the development, as well as, the elimination of existing stretch marks on all the especially sensitive areas of the body like breasts, abdomen, hips, and upper thighs.

Nissan seeks ultimate ‘Nissan Patrol Challenge’ DUBAI: Having conquered everything the Middle East’s environment can throw at it for over 50 years, Nissan is encouraging the region’s people to createa new ‘Nissan Patrol Challenge’ for the unstoppableHero of All Terrain. Nissan Patrol was designed specifically for the Middle East following 13,265 hours of testing in the region before its launch,and has since been confidently carrying its passengers anywhere, anytime.

Now Nissan’s online competition is encouraging fans to designaninnovativetest for the Patrol and give themselves a chance of winning a once-ina-lifetime trip to Japan or other great prizes.

“Meticulously honed for over 60 years and with a 55 year presence in the Middle East, the Nissan Patrol enjoys a rich heritage and passionate following,” said Samir Cherfan, Sales and Marketing Director, Nissan Middle East. “With ‘Nissan Patrol

Challenge’, we are offering the region’s people the opportunity to share their great ideas of how they’ve dreamt of using this iconic vehicle.

‘Nissan Patrol Challenge’ is the next chapter in the Nissan Patrol’s history in the Middle East and we look forward to sharing in our fans’ vision of what that might look like.”

Those wishing to participate in the ‘Nissan Patrol Challenge’ simply log on to the Nissan Patrol microsite at www.NissanPatrol-me.com or Nissan Middle East’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NissanME. From here, they can access the application through which they can tailor their own personal vision of the ultimate test of the Nissan Patrol and submit a description of how it would work. A panel of automotive, creative and marketing experts will then decide on the top ten shortlist and the ultimate winner. That lucky person will win a trip to Japan and may even see their

‘Nissan Patrol Challenge’ come to life*. ● Entry submission: 25th of November to 22nd of December 2012 ● Public voting for top 10 shortlisted ideas will be between 30th of December 2012 and 12th of January 2013 ● First prize for the Nissan Patrol Challenge winner will be a complimentary trip to Japan for two persons -the complimentary trip includeshotel accommodation (Nissan’s selection) for up to five nights, and special visits to Nissan’s manufacturing plants ● The top ten shortlisted applicants will enjoy a Nissan Patrol weekend test drive ● The first 200 applicants will receive gifts from Nissan Middle East ● The viability and practicality of choosing the winning Nissan Patrol Challenge will be assessed solely at the discretion of Nissan Middle East.

Xcite.com announces pre-order of Nokia Lumia 820, 920 online KUWAIT: X-cite by Alghanim Electronics online web portal www.xcite.com continues to be the regions premier ecommerce electronics website bringing the best products first to its customers. xcite.com has launched the preordering campaign of Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia Lumia 820, the world’s most innovative smartphones, and the first devices in Nokia’s Windows Phone 8 range.

The Nokia Lumia 920 is the flagship Windows phone 8 smartphone that includes the latest advances in Nokia PureView imaging innovation. Using advanced floating lens technology, the camera in the Lumia 920 is able to take in five times more light than competing smartphones without using flash.

This makes it possible to take blur free images and video in low light even at night. The Nokia Lumia 820 is a stylish, mid-range smartphone that delivers high-end performance in a compact package.

Although the Lumia 820 has the same look and feel as the other Lumia smartphones, it comes with an exchangeable shell design that not only makes it possible to select from a range of colours, but can also support wireless charging accessories.

Both Nokia Lumia devices come with an impressive list of unique features whereas the Windows Phone 8 provides a more personal smartphone experience. X-cite is bringing these new series of Lumia smartphones first to our customers through its exclusive online pre ordering campaign.

Customers can now pre order their Nokia Lumia handset exclusively from www.xcite.com which will be delivered by early December. Pre-ordering is currently valid only through the X-cite online web portal until December 15th.

X-cite ensures to fascinate Nokia lovers with its breakthrough in the Lumia series which will be available soon in all X-cite stores.

IKEA launches exciting winter sale campaign KUWAIT: IKEA Kuwait announced the launch of its much awaited winter sale campaign. Over 2,000 articles on sale of across different areas of the home are now on even lower prices.

The sale campaign at IKEA Kuwait store will offer visitors and shoppers the advantage to purchase products at discounted prices, where IKEA co-workers will be always around to offer solutions for every corner of the house. The products that are on sale range from living room furniture, bedroom and storage solutions, bathroom accessories, children’s furniture, cookware, textiles, decoration, lighting and many more.

The IKEA Kuwait store offers its customers’ products that reflect value for money. IKEA sale campaign serves as a platform for customers to purchase some of their favorite IKEA products at even lower prices.

All-new 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV unveiled Beauty is in the eye of the key-holder

By Chidi Emmanuel KUWAIT: Stronger, sleeker, and more determined than ever before, the legendary Trailblazer is back in style in the form of the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer. In a special event held at Marina Crescent, Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in Kuwait, unveiled the long-awaited All-New 2013 Trailblazer.

While retaining the true legacy that made it one of the region’s most respected SUVs, the new auto masterpiece has a refined and toned interior and exterior with a rugged and reliable power train within, which gives you the power to blaze your own trails like never before. Its crisp, modern style and sculpted design lines command the kind of respect and admiration that few in its class can even dream of.

The All-New 2013 Trailblazer is available in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations and is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 with Variable Valve Timing matched with a six speed automatic transmission, which delivers an optimal balance of power, performance and fuel economy. It has a flowing instrument panel, Driver

Information Center and steering-wheelmounted controls for audio and cruise control. The class-leading spaciousness and flexibility of the second- and thirdrow seating keep the passengers comfortable and make them feel at ease. The Trailblazer’s lean, athletic stance dominates both on- and off-road trails.

SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR Luxury and spaciousness make you feel at home in the All-New 2013 Trailblazer. With the ‘body-in, wheels-out’ design philosophy combined with a contemporary, Chevrolet-signature dualport grille and dramatic power dome hood, the SUV projects a sense of confidence and power on the road. Its integrated aluminum roof rack system is free of stanchions, creating a sleek and refined look and fully capable of carrying loads up to 100 kg. The Trailblazer also has hexagonal, 18-inch aluminum wheels that have been designed to support the weight of the vehicle as well as its towing capacity.

LED LAMPS; EXCEPTIONAL SAFETY The horizontal LED tail lamps on both the lift gate and the rear quarter surfaces provide depth and detail. A more

“squared off” rear window creates presence and volume to the upper rear portion of the vehicle silhouette and the integrated running boards aid entry and exit from the vehicle and serve as enhanced protection from road debris. A dynamic, dual-gauge instrument cluster combined with LED Ice Blue illumination with contrasting white digits and points creates a sophisticated appearance.

The seven-passenger interior offers intuitive three-row tumble and/or foldflat seat versatility and best-in-class spaciousness in the third row. The All-New 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer is also equipped with an array of safety features which include Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Traction Control, Dynamic Rear Brake Proportioning, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Rear Park Assist, Six Air Bags for Driver and Occupant Protection.

PUSH TO PLAY Its all-new stereo features an available premium 8-speaker Pioneer sound system, with Bluetooth standard on all models that are crafted for your comfort, while the Driver Information Center delivers an ulti-

mate connectivity as you cruise on. In the true spirit of innovation that’s made the company a household name over the last 100 years, the Chevrolet Volt is launched, ushering in a new age of electrically driven automobiles.

TRAILBLAZER FANS Fans of the All-New 2013 Trailblazer who wish to test drive the car may drop

by Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons’ showrooms to witness the legendary vehicle. Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons adds the finishing touch to the ownership experience with high-quality after-sales services. With the world’s biggest and most advanced automotive service center, customers will never have to worry about their service and maintenance needs.

RUGGED SUV CAPABILITY The Trailblazer’s foundation for both its on- and off-road capabilities is its robust body-on-frame architecture. The vehicle’s off-road capability is also backed up by its best-in-class ground clearance and is equipped with Hill Descent Control that allows a smooth and controlled descent in rough terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.

Ford Mustang, F-Series pickup named ‘Hottest Car and Truck’ DUBAI: Ford Mustang and F-Series pickups were officially voted the “Hottest Car and Truck” at the 2012 SEMA show held recently in Las Vegas.

The SEMA Award recognises the most popular vehicles the organization’s members feature in their displays during the weeklong trade show.

Before this year’s show opened, SEMA officials walked the floor of the giant aftermarket expo and counted the number of new 2012 and 2013 cars and trucks exhibited in booths. More Ford Mustangs and F-Series pickups were on display than any other car or truck - testament to the popularity and appeal of Ford vehicles.

“We’re pleased and proud SEMA members agree with what our customers have been saying - that Ford Mustang and F-Series are the industry’s

hottest car and truck respectively,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

Aftermarket exhibitors weren’t the only ones featuring Ford Mustang and F-Series in their booths. Ford was also featuring more than 10 Mustangs and F-Series trucks, showing off the extreme versatility of these iconic Ford vehicles.

Several examples of custom Ford Mustangs and F-Series trucks at SEMA this year included: 2013 Ford Mustang GT built by DSO Eyewear This 2013 Ford Mustang GT by DSO Eyewear enhances Mustang’s aggressive new look with dramatic eye appeal and even more raw power.

The Mustang GT signature curves and

kicked-up haunches feature a 3dCarbon body kit and brilliant BASF tri-coat white exterior finish with deep black contrast paint. The 420-horse-

power 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8, already the most powerful production V8 in Mustang history, is amped to 750 horsepower courtesy of a Ford Racing

Performance Parts intercooled supercharger kit and Whipple Industries 2.9 twin-screw supercharger. Chassis enhancements to the race-inspired GT

suspension include Eibach Pro-R2 coilover kit, Eibach adjustable sway bar kit and Brembo front/rear GT brake systems

2013 Ford Mustang by M2-Motoring The first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line in Dearborn, Mich., on March 9, 1964. Each Mustang generation that followed introduced its own unique style and excitement. This 2013 Ford Mustang concept by M2Motoring combines the ideals of several different Mustang eras with the newest design and engineering technology available today.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

Bitter struggle over Internet regulation to dominate summit SAN FRANCISCO: An unprecedented debate over how the global Internet is governed is set to dominate a meeting of officials in Dubai next week, with many countries pushing to give a United Nations body broad regulatory powers even as the United States and others contend such a move could mean the end of the open Internet.

The 12-day conference of the International Telecommunications Union, a 157-year-old organization that’s now an arm of the United Nations, largely pits revenue-seeking developing countries and authoritarian regimes that want more control over Internet content against US policymakers and private Net companies that prefer the status quo.

Many of the proposals have drawn fury from freespeech and human-rights advocates and have prompted resolutions from the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament, calling for the current decentralized system of governance to remain in place.

While specifics of some of the most contentious proposals remain secret, leaked drafts show that Russia is seeking rules giving individual countries broad permission to shape the content and structure of the Internet within their borders, while a group of Arab countries is advocating universal identification of Internet users. Some developing countries and telecom providers, meanwhile, want to make content providers pay for Internet transmission.

Fundamentally, most of the 193 countries in the ITU seem eager to enshrine the idea that the U.N. agency, rather than today’s hodgepodge of private companies and nonprofit groups, should govern the Internet. The ITU meeting, which aims to update a longstanding treaty on how telecom companies interact across borders, will also tackle other topics such as extending wireless coverage into rural areas.

If a majority of the ITU countries approve U.N. dominion over the Internet along with onerous rules, a backlash could lead to battles in Western countries over whether to ratify the treaty, with tech companies rallying ordinary Internet users against it and some telecom carriers supporting it.

In fact, dozens of countries including China, Russia and some Arab states, already restrict Internet access within their own borders, but those governments would have greater leverage over Internet content and service providers if the changes were backed up

by international agreement.

Amid the escalating rhetoric, search king Google last week asked users to “pledge your support for the free and open Internet” on social media, raising the specter of a grassroots outpouring of the sort that blocked American copyright legislation and a global anti-piracy treaty earlier this year.

Google’s Vint Cerf, the ordinarily diplomatic coauthor of the basic protocol for Internet data, denounced the proposed new rules as hopeless efforts by some governments and state-controlled telecom authorities to assert their power.

“These persistent attempts are just evidence that this breed of dinosaurs, with their pea-sized brains, hasn’t figured out that they are dead yet, because the signal hasn’t traveled up their long necks,” Cerf told Reuters. The ITU’s top official, Secretary-General Hamadoun TourÈ, sought to downplay the concerns in a separate interview, stressing to Reuters that even though updates to the treaty could be approved by a simple majority, in practice nothing will be adopted without near-unanimity.

“Voting means winners and losers. We can’t afford that in the ITU,” said TourÈ, a former satellite engineer from Mali who was educated in Russia. TourÈ predicted that only “light-touch” regulation on cyber-security will emerge by “consensus,” using a deliberately vague term that implies something between a majority and unanimity.

He rejected criticism that the ITU’s historic role in coordinating phone carriers leaves it unfit to corral the unruly Internet, comparing the Web to a transportation system. “Because you own the roads, you don’t own the cars and especially not the goods they are transporting. But when you buy a car you don’t buy the road,” TourÈ said. “You need to know the number of cars and their size and weight so you can build the bridges and set the right number of lanes.

You need light-touch regulation to set down a few traffic lights.”

Because the proposals from Russia, China and others are more extreme, TourÈ has been able to cast mild regulation as a compromise accommodating nearly everyone. Two leaked Russian proposals say nations should have the sovereign right “to regulate the national Internet segment.” An August draft proposal from a group of 17 Arab countries called for

transmission recipients to receive “identity information” about the senders, potentially endangering the anonymity of political dissidents, among others.

A US State Department envoy to the gathering and Cerf agreed with TourÈ that there is unlikely to be any drastic change emerging from Dubai. “The decisions are going to be by consensus,” said US delegation chief Terry Kramer. He said anti-anonymity measures such as mandatory Internet address tracing won’t be adopted because of opposition by the United States and others.

“We’re a strong voice, given a lot of the heritage,” Kramer said, referring to the US invention and rapid development of the Internet. “A lot of European markets are very similar, and a lot of Asian counties are supportive, except China.”

Despite the reassuring words, a fresh leak over the weekend showed that the ITU’s top managers viewed a badly split conference as a realistic prospect less than three months ago.

The leaked program for a “senior management retreat” for the ITU in early September included a summary discussion of the most probable outcomes from Dubai, concluding that the two likeliest scenarios involved major reworkings of the treaty that the United States would then refuse to sign. The only difference between the scenarios lay in how many other developed countries sided with the Americans.

ITU officials didn’t dispute the authenticity of the document, which was published by Jerry Brito, a researcher at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University as part of a continuing series of ITU-related leaks.

TourÈ said that because the disagreements are so vast, the conference probably will end up with something resembling the ITU’s earlier formula for trying to protect children online - an agreement to cooperate more and share laws and best practices, perhaps with hotlines to head off misunderstandings.

“From Dubai, what I personally expect is to see some kind of principles saying cyberspace is a global phenomenon and it can only have global responses,” TourÈ said. “I just intend to put down some key principles there that will lay the seeds for something in the future.”

Even vague terms could be used as a pretext for more oppressive policies in various countries, though,

and activists and industry leaders fear those countries might also band together by region to offer very different Internet experiences.

In some ways, the UN involvement reflects a reversal that has already begun. The United States has steadily diminished its official role in Internet governance, and many nations have stepped up their filtering and surveillance. More than 40 countries now filter the Net that their citizens see, said Ronald Deibert, a University of Toronto political science professor and authority on international conflicts in cyberspace.

Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said this month that the Net is already on the road to Balkanization, with people in different countries getting very different experiences from the services provided by Google, Skype and others.

This month, a new law in Russia took effect that allows the federal government to order a Website offline without a court hearing. Iran recently rolled out a version of the Internet that replaced the real thing within its borders. A growing number of countries, including China and India, order sites to censor themselves for political, religious and other content.

China, which has the world’s largest number of Internet users, also blocks access to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter among other sites within its borders.

The loose governance of the Net currently depends on the non-profit ICANN, which oversees the Web’s address system, along with voluntary standardsetting bodies and a patchwork of national laws and regional agreements. Many countries see it as a US-dominated system.

The US isolation within the ITU is exacerbated by it being home to many of the biggest technology companies - and by the fact that it could have military reasons for wanting to preserve online anonymity. The Internet emerged as a critical military domain with the 2010 discovery of Stuxnet, a computer worm developed at least in part by the United States that attacked Iran’s nuclear program.

Whatever the outcome in Dubai, the conference stands a good chance of becoming a historic turning point for the Internet. “I see this as a constitutional moment for global cyberspace, where we can stand back and say, ‘Who should be in charge?’ said Deibert.

“What are the rules of the road?” — Reuters

Indian inventor wins cash to develop Braille phone ‘Design that bridges gap between users, technology’

NEW DELHI: Sumit Dagar of India addresses the media during a press conference to announce the Winners of Young Laureates Rolex Award for Enterprise in New Delhi yesterday. A 29-year-old Indian inventor yesterday won 50,000 dollars to help him make a new low-cost mobile phone for the blind that uses a Braille display. — AFP

NEW DELHI: A 29-year-old Indian inventor yesterday won $50,000 to help him make a new low-cost mobile phone for the blind that uses a Braille display. Sumit Dagar, an industrial designer from New Delhi, beat thousands to win the money from watch company Rolex, which announced the five winners of its Awards for Enterprise scheme.

Dagar is developing a phone with a display panel of tiny bumps that can be varied in height independently to form characters in Braille, a system of reading for blind people invented by a Frenchman in 1824.

“In design, there is a certain negligence for minority groups as compared with the majority,” Dagar told AFP, explaining why he had decided to take on the challenge.

“Design is something that bridges the gap between users and technology,” he added.

He said the first prototype using a Braille screen that can display text messages and names would be ready in the next six months, with a “smartphone” incorporating maps and GPS technology part of his future plans.

The prototype is “the phone of the

World’s first toilet park flush with success in Korea SUWON: Rodin’s Thinker is pondering even harder than usual as he sits astride a toilet at what has been dubbed the world’s first theme park dedicated to the humble restroom - a monument to one South Korean man’s vision.

The park, located about an hour outside of Seoul in the city of Suwon - otherwise known as the home of Samsung Electronics - centres around a toilet-shaped museum building that was once the home of Sim Jae-duck, founder and first president of the World Toilet Association.

Legend has it that Sim, a former Suwon mayor who made his fortune with a metal products business and was dubbed “Mr Toilet,” was born in his impoverished grandmother’s outhouse.

“He is a man whose life literally began in a toilet and ended at a commode-shaped house,” said Lee Yeun-sook, manager of planning at the “Mr Toilet Sim Jae-duck Foundation”.

Sim, who died in 2009 at the age of 70, shot to fame in South Korea when he provided loos

for soccer fans when the country hosted the 2002 World Cup. The organization he founded has as its mission spreading the benefits of hygienic toilets around the world, joining the like-minded World Toilet Organization based in Singapore.

Before Mr.Toilet’s house was donated to Suwon city, visitors could book it for an overnight stay, but at the cost of $50,000 a night - the charge to raise money for a toilet building charity. There were no takers. Other exhibits at the park include Korean traditional squat toilets, European bedpans, and Marcel Duchamp’s sculpture “Fountain,” a porcelain urinal. Suwon has since dubbed itself the mecca of toilet culture and has pushed to get toilets recognised as a central part of everyday life. It has funded toilet building programmes in developing countries such as the Philippines. At home, toilet conditions have rapidly improved as South Korean living standards shot from poverty to riches in a generation.—Reuters

NEW YORK: Picture taken on May 12, 2012 in Paris shows an illustration made with figurines set up in front of Facebook’s homepage. Facebook, already assured of becoming one of the most valuable US firms when it goes public later this month, now must convince investors in the next two weeks that it is worth all the hype. — AFP

1990s. It’s just that the display is in Braille,” he explained. Phones that convert text into speech are already available for the estimated 285 million people worldwide who are blind or visually impaired, and Dagar faces competition from other designers vying to integrate Braille technology.

South Korean manufacturer Samsung won a design award in 2006 for a prototype Touch Messenger phone that was developed in China allowing users to send and receive text messages in Braille.

But no Braille phone has been commercialised, said Dagar. Experts say the Apple iPhone has also been revolutionary for many blind people in the rich world because of the number of applications designed for them, such as one that announces their exact location.

India is home to about one fifth of the world’s blind people, according to the World Health Organization. A World Bank report published in 2007 found that disabled adults in India were much less likely to be employed than the general population, with just over a third, or 38 percent, in work. — AFP

HP investor sues company for handling of 2 deals SAN FRANCISCO: Hewlett-Packard now has a legal headache to compound its misery as the company tries to recover from a series of setbacks that have hammered its stock price and raised doubts about its future.

An HP stockholder who owns 200 shares is suing the company in a complaint that alleges management concealed problems in two key acquisitions that have turned into financial albatrosses. The lawsuit filed Monday in a San Francisco federal court comes after Hewlett-Packard Co. stunned Wall Street last week with its own allegations of accounting shenanigans at Autonomy, a business software maker acquired for $10 billion last year. HP referred its findings about the alleged fraud to securities regulators in the U.S., and the United Kingdom, where Autonomy was based before the acquisition. Other shareholder lawsuits are likely as investors try to recover some of the wealth that has evaporated since HP replaced Mark Hurd as its CEO in August 2010. The revelations of a suspected accounting scandal within Autonomy caused already skittish investors to dump HP’s stock. HP had already been losing favor because its personal computer and printer businesses have been faltering as more people buy smartphones and tablet computers.

To make matters worse, HP disclosed in August that its $13 billion acquisition of technology consulting service Electronic Data Systems wasn’t working out as well as management envisioned. The trouble in Autonomy and EDS has forced HP to absorb nearly $17 billion in accounting charges in the past two quarters, resulting in the biggest losses in the company’s 73-year history. The Autonomy deal was negotiated while HP was being run by Leo Apotheker, who was ousted 14 months ago. The EDS acquisition closed in 2008 when Hurd was still in charge.

Monday’s lawsuit filed by shareholder Allen Nicolow also alleges that HP knew that the EDS and Autonomy deals were duds long before management acknowledged the problems. The complaint alleges HP’s management tried to whitewash things in an attempt to prop up the company’s stock price. HP, which is based in Palo Alto, Calif., declined to comment on the lawsuit. HP’s shares closed Monday at $12.74, leaving them worth less half their value at the beginning of the year. The shares peaked this year at $30 in February. Nicolow bought 200 shares of HP stock at $21.87 in May, leaving him with a paper loss of about $1,900 at Monday’s close.—AP

PHOENIX: While Andres Munoz, left, gets shipping boxes in place, Gabriel Melendres packs up an order on “Cyber Monday” at the Amazon.com 1.2 million square foot fulfillment center yesterday, in Phoenix. Americans clicked away on their computers and smartphones for deals on Cyber Monday, which is expected to be the biggest online shopping day in history. — AP

Cyber Monday likely to be busiest online sales day NEW YORK: Americans clicked away on their computers and smartphones for deals on Cyber Monday, which is expected to be the biggest online shopping day in history. Shoppers are expected to spend $1.5 billion on Cyber Monday, up 20 percent from last year, according to research firm comScore. That would not only make it the biggest online shopping day of the year, but the biggest since comScore started tracking shoppers’ online buying habits in 2001.

Online shopping was up 28.4 percent on Cyber Monday compared with the same time period a year ago, according to figures released late Monday by IBM Benchmark, which tracks online sales. Sales from mobile devices, which include tablets, rose 10.1 percent. The group does not track dollar amount sales.

The strong start to Cyber Monday, a term coined in 2005 by a shopping trade group that noticed people were doing a lot of shopping on their work computers on the Monday following Thanksgiving, comes after overall online sales rose significantly during the four-day holiday shopping weekend that began on Thanksgiving.

“Online’s piece of the holiday pie is growing every day, and all the key dates are growing with it,” said Forrester Research analyst Sucharita Mulpuru. “The Web is becoming a more significant part of the traditional brickand-mortar holiday shopping season.”

It’s the latest sign that Americans are becoming addicted to the convenience of the Web. With the growth in smartphones and tablet computers, shoppers can buy what they want, whenever they want, wherever they want. As a result, retailers have ramped up the deals they’re offering on their websites during the holiday shopping season, a time when stores can make up to 40 percent of their annual revenue. Amazon.com, which started its Cyber Monday deals at 12:01 a.m. Monday, is offering as much as 60 percent off a Panasonic VIERA 55-inch TV that’s usually priced higher than $1,000. Sears is offering $430 off a Maytag washer and dryer, each on sale for $399. And Kmart is offering 75 percent off all of its diamond earrings and $60 off a 12-in-1 multigame table on sale for $89.99.

Delisa O’Brien, 24, took advantage of some of the deals on Monday. O’Brien, who said she would rather shop online than deal with the crowds in stores, bought an H-P Notebook for $399 on Hewlett Packard’s website for her mother. The company threw in a free Nook ebook reader with her purchase.

“When it comes to Black Friday, I’m a tiny, 5’1” woman and the thought of having to push

and shove my way through hoards of people just to get cheap merchandise is kind of a nightmare to me,” said O’Brien, a Brooklyn, N.Y. resident. “My mom gets a new laptop, I get an ereader, and all without spending too much money ... Everybody wins.”

Chas Rowland, 34, a pastor in Vicksburg, Miss., agrees. He said that he prefers shopping online on his iPad. On Cyber Monday, he bought clothes at several online retailers, toys at Toys R Us and electronics and phone accessories from Best Buy. He got at least 40 percent off everything and free shipping on some items.

“The best part was that I got to sleep while everyone else was standing in lines all night long on Black Friday,” he said. How well retailers fare on Cyber Monday will offer insight into Americans’ evolving shopping habits during the holiday shopping season. With the growth in high speed Internet access and the wide use of smartphones and tablets, people are relying less on their work computers to shop than they did when Shop.org, the digital division of trade group The National Retail Federation, introduced the term “Cyber Monday.”

As a result, the period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday has become busy for online shopping as well. Indeed, online sales on Thanksgiving Day, traditionally not a popular day for online shopping, rose 32 percent over last year to $633 million, according to comScore. And online sales on Black Friday were up 26 percent from the same day last year, to $1.042 billion. It was the first time online sales on Black Friday surpassed $1 billion.

For the holiday season-to-date, comScore found that $13.7 billion has been spent online, marking a 16 percent increase over last year.

The research firm predicts that online sales will surpass 10 percent of total retail spending this holiday season. The National Retail Federation estimates that overall retail sales in November and December will be up 4.1 percent this year to $586.1 billion.

But as other days become popular for online shopping, Cyber Monday may lose some of its cache. To be sure, Cyber Monday hasn’t always been the biggest online shopping day. In fact, up until three years ago, that title was historically earned by the last day shoppers could order items with standard shipping rates and get them delivered before Christmas. That day changes every year, but usually falls in late December. Even though Cyber Monday is expected to be the biggest online shopping day of the year, industry watchers say it could just be a matter of time before other days take that ranking.—AP

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

health & science UN passes first resolution on female mutilation UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly on Monday passed its first resolution condemning female genital mutilation, which opponents say more than 140 million women worldwide have had to endure.

Though outlawed in most nations, the measure represents the first time the traditional practice in African and Middle East nations has been denounced at such a high level in the United Nations.

More than 110 countries, including more than 50 African nations, cosponsored the resolution in the General Assembly’s rights committee, which called on states to “complement punitive measures with awarenessraising and educational activities” to eliminate female genital mutilation.

About 140 million women worldwide are believed to have been subjected to the practice in which a young

girl’s clitoris and labia are removed, in the belief that this will reduce libido and keep a woman chaste. About three million women and girls each year are said to be forced to undergo the procedure. “ We will continue to spare no efforts with a final objective: ending female genital mutilations in one generation.

Today, this goal appears closer than ever,” said Cesare Ragaglini, UN ambassador for Italy, which has played a leading role in international efforts to eradicate the practice.

He called the UN resolution a “powerful tool” against widespread resistance because it would take condemnation and calls for new measures to another level. “It is up to us now to exploit it in a more effective way,” Ragaglini said. — AFP

Traffic pollution tied to autism risk LOS ANGELES: Babies who are exposed to lots of traffic-related air pollution in the womb and during their first year of life are more likely to become autistic, according to a US study.

The findings, which appeared in the Archives of General Psychiatry, support previous research linking how close children live to freeways to their risk of autism, the study’s lead author says.

“We’re not saying traffic pollution causes autism, but it may be a risk factor for it,” said Heather Volk, an assistant professor at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The prevalence of autism has grown over the past few years, and it’s now estimated that the disorder - which runs a spectrum from a profound inability to communicate and mental retardation to milder symptoms seen in Asperger’s Syndrome - affects one in every 88 children born in the United States.

The increase in autism diagnoses has also been accompanied by a growing body of research on the disorder. Volk’s new study, however, is one of a series of looks into how environmental factors may be linked to a child’s risk of being autistic, and done over the past few years. “I think it’s definitely an area that’s been understudied until recently,” Volk said. While Volk and her colleagues used how close a child lived to a freeway as a substitute for pollution expo-

sure in their last study, this time they looked at measures of air quality around the children’s homes. Compared to 245 California children who were not autistic, the researchers found that 279 autistic children were almost twice as likely to have been exposed to the highest levels of pollution while in the womb, and about three times as likely to have been exposed to that level during their first year of life.

The found that children exposed to the highest amount of “particulate matter” - a mixture of acids, metals, soil and dust - had about a two-fold increase in autism risk.

Volk and her colleagues also saw a similar link between autism and nitrogen dioxide, which is in car, truck and other vehicle emissions. “This is a risk factor that we can modify and potentially reduce the risk for autism,” wrote Geraldine Dawson, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in an email to Reuters Health. Dawson wrote an editorial that accompanied the study. The researchers said certain pollutants could play a role in brain development, but that doesn’t prove that being exposed to air pollution makes children autistic. They warned that there may be other factors that explain the association, including indoor pollution and secondhand smoke exposure. “There are some potential pathways that we’re examining in our current research that will be coming up next,” Volk said. — Reuters

TOKYO: Employee Yoko Mitsuyama of Japan’s computer maker Fujitsu holds her dog ‘Ace’ who is wearing the company’s ‘Wandant’, a device developed to maintain a dog’s health, at a press conference in Tokyo yesterday. The device records a dog’s activity level and other data such as number of steps taken, signs of shivering and external temperature which pet owners can access via a cloud service on their smartphones or personal computers to provide to health care services, pharmaceutical and insurance companies. — AFP

Health monitor for dogs TOKYO: Worried the family dog is too chubby?

Japanese information technology giant Fujitsu says it may have the solution with a new health management service that lets owners keep a close eye on their pet’s exercise regimen through a pedometer attached to its collar.

The “ Wandant” counts how many steps the pooch took during its latest outing, with the data then available online for pet owners’ perusal, Fujitsu says. “Wan” is Japanese for “woof”, while

“dant” comes from the word “pendant”.

The device also measures the dog’s temperature, while owners can use an online diary to track how much their dog is eating, its weight and “stool conditions”.

“The data are presented graphically on a custom website that makes trends in the dog’s activities easy to understand at a glance,” according to the firm. “This helps owners get a stronger sense of their dog’s health, while enabling communication with the dog.” — AFP

Japanese firm offers 3D model of foetus ‘Shape of an Angel’ CHIBA, Japan: Expectant parents in Japan who can’t wait to show the world what their baby will look like can now buy a threedimensional model of the foetus to pass around their friends. The nine-centimetre (3.6inch) resin model of the white foetus, encased in a transparent block in the shape of the mother’s body, is fashioned by a 3D printer after an MRI scan.

“As it is only once in a lifetime that you are pregnant with that child, we received requests for these kind of models from pregnant women who... do not want to forget the feelings and experience of that time,” said Tomohiro Kinoshita of FASOTEC, the company offering the service.

The “Shape of an Angel”, which costs 100,000 yen ($1,200), comes with a miniature version that could be a nice adornment to a mobile phone, he added. Many young women in Japan have decorations attached to their cellphone strap.

The company said the ideal time for a scan is around eight or nine months into the pregnancy. For those who would like a less pricey version, the company will start offering a 3D model of the face of the foetus at 50,000 yen in December.

It will use ultrasound images taken at a medical clinic in Tokyo that has forged a tieup with the company.

FASOTEC, originally a supplier of devices including 3D printers, uses a layering technique to build up three-dimensional structures. The technique has been touted as a solution to localised manufacture on a small scale. The company also produces 3D models of internal organs that can be used by doctors to plan surgery or by medical students for training, a spokesman said.

It is also possible that models can be used in hospitals to better inform patients what their problems are, instead of relying on difficult-to-understand diagrams.

The technology “realises not only the form but also texture of the model-for example

making it hard or soft”, the firm said in a statement.

“By making a model that is similar to a real organ or bone, one can simulate operations and practise different surgical techniques.”

Kinoshita said the company hit upon the idea of making 3D models of unborn babies in the hope that people would become more aware of the technology.

The company said some medics could also foresee diagnostic possibilities with the models that may help predict difficulties in the birthing process.

Three-dimensional printers have been around for several decades but advances in

the technology mean it is now gaining in popularity in several fields.

The machines work in a similar way to an inkjet printer, but instead of ink they deposit layers of material on top of each other, gradually building up the product they are making.

Where traditional manufacturing only becomes efficient with economies of scale because of the need to produce moulds, 3D printing is capable of producing single copies of relatively complicated objects.

The technology is not yet advanced enough to build telephones or computers but it is already used to make components. — AFP

TOKYO: This photo taken on Nov 26, 2012 shows Japan’s 3D computer-aided design (CAD) venture Fasotec employee Tomohiro Kinoshita displaying a nine-month fetus and mother’s body image, made of two-colour acrylic resin at the company’s headquarters in Chiba, suburban Tokyo. Expectant parents in Japan who can’t wait to show the world what their baby will look like can now buy a 3D model of the foetus to pass around their friends. — AFP

New land, but also costs, as Nordic nations rise from sea LULEA, Sweden: A Stone Age camp that used to be by the shore is now 200 km (125 miles) from the Baltic Sea. Sheep graze on what was the seabed in the 15th century. And Sweden’s port of Lulea risks getting too shallow for ships.

In contrast to worries from the Maldives to Manhattan of storm surges and higher ocean levels caused by climate change, the entire northern part of the Nordic region is rising and, as a result, the Baltic Sea is receding.

“In a way we’re lucky,” said Lena Bengten, environmental strategist at the Lulea Municipality in Sweden, pointing to damage from Superstorm Sandy that killed more than 200 people from Haiti to the United States.

The uplift of almost a centimetre (0.4 inch) a year, one of the highest rates in the world, is part of a continuing geological rebound since the end of the Ice Age removed a vast ice sheet from regions around the Arctic Circle.

“It’s a bit like a foam rubber mattress. It takes a while to return to normal after you get up,” said Martin Vermeer, a professor of geodesy at Aalto University in Finland.

Finland gains 7 sq km (2.7 sq miles) a year as the land rises.

In the Lulea region just south of the Arctic Circle, mostly flat with pine forests and where the sea freezes in winter, tracts of land have emerged, leaving some Stone Age, Viking and Medieval sites inland. That puts human settlements gradually out of harm’s way from sea flooding, unlike low-lying islands from Tuvalu to Kiribati or cities from New York to Shanghai.

Facebook is investing in a new data centre in Lulea on land that was once on the seabed.

But rising land also means costs.

Lulea is planning to deepen its port by 2020 to let in bigger ships and offset land rise at a cost of 1.6 billion Swedish crowns ($237.86 million).

“Even if we didn’t have the ambition to have larger ships we would still have to do it on a smaller scale just to compensate for the land rise,” said Roger Danell, head of the port. Dredging just for existing ships would cost 400 million crowns as the water gets shallower at the port that was last deepened in the 1970s, construction manager Jeanette Lestander said. Main exports are iron ore and the main import is coal. But a projected rise in sea levels due to global warming means dredging to offset land rise for the next 40 years will be slightly less than in the 1970s. “The rate of sea level fall will be slow-

ing,” Lestander said during a visit to the port. The future sea fall is estimated at 0.7 cm a year from 0.9 cm. In the north of Sweden, 200 km inland and 170 metres above current sea level, archaeologists recently found a 10,700 year-old Stone Age hunters’ camp near Pajala that was originally by the Ancylus Lake, the forerunner of the Baltic Sea. “We carbon-dated burnt bones from a fireplace,” archaeologist Olof Ostlund at the Norrbottens museum said. The hunters would have been near the retreating ice sheet that was once 3 km (1.9 miles) thick. Experts examined sediments that showed the camp was on the shore of the former giant lake, briefly isolated from the North Sea by land uplift in the south before breaking through again. Lulea’s old town, with a 15th century church and bright redpainted wooden houses, was originally built on an island for safety when it was as an outpost of the then Swedish-Finnish Kingdom to counter Russian influence near the Arctic Circle.

Now the village is high and dry, out of sight of the sea. Sheep graze on a field in what used to be the port. In one spot, Sweden’s coastline has risen about 300 metres since the Ice Age ended about 10,000 years ago.

The falling water level puzzled people for generations. Some Christians believed it was caused by still-receding waters after the Biblical story of Noah who built an Ark to rescue the world’s animals from a God-sent flood.

Elsewhere in the world, many nations are worried by potential costs if sea levels rise in line with scenarios by the UN panel of climate scientists for a gain of 18 to 59 cm (7-24 inches) this century after 17 cm in the last century.

The panel says that rising temperatures, caused by emissions of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, are the cause.

The UN projection excludes the possibility of an acceleration of the melt of Greenland and Antarctica, because that is uncertain. Even so, many experts expect a quickening thaw and say that sea levels could rise in total by a metre this century.

Almost 200 governments are meeting in Doha, Qatar, this week to try to revive a UN-led effort to slow climate change that is also projected to cause more floods, droughts, heatwaves and more powerful storms.

Professor David Vaughan, of the British Antarctic Survey, said sea levels will change at widely differ-

ing rates due to land uplift or subsidence, shifts in gravity and variations in ocean currents and winds such as in the Pacific Ocean.

Sea levels near Greenland, for instance, could fall because its ice sheet has a strong gravitational pull that raises the local sea level. If the ice thaws, the water level will sink. “Scandinavia will be emerging ... sea level around Antarctica and Greenland will be going down. Almost every projection I have seen shows the highest rates of rise will be in the equatorial Pacific,” he said.

Near Lulea, local resident Hans Lindberg, 56, looks out of the wooden seaside cabin that his parents built in 1960 towards what was then the island of Kalkholmen a few hundred metres (yards) away.

“We could look out from here and only see the sea,” he said, pointing to a muddy bank where reeds are growing and linking the island to

the mainland. Residents of the former island say they fear the link may bring unwanted visitors-perhaps burglars.

“You can walk to the island now. When I was young my father had a heavy boat that we could pull through the shallow part of the channel.

That’s now impossible,” he said.

As evidence of the change, he shows a faded album with a black and white photo of two young girls-his sister and cousin-playing in a sandpit in the 1960s by the cabin.

It shows an open sea with no sign of the muddy causeway. It was the 18th century Swedish scientist Anders Celsius, after whom the temperature scale is named, who first estimated the rate of land rise by studying 16th property documents that marked offshore rocks, valued by hunters, on which seals basked. — Reuters

US children get enough of sleep NEW YORK: While parents may sometimes despair of their children getting enough shut-eye, especially with age-old stalling tactics of another story or another glass of water, children in the United States do appear to be getting the recommended amount of sleep.

According to a US study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, there has been concern that US children are getting too little sleep, with insufficient sleep tied to issues ranging from behavior problems to heart health risks.

But there hasn’t been much hard evidence on how much sleep children typically get, so a group led by Jessica Williams, a graduate student at the University of California Los Angeles, set out to get estimates of sleep times from birth to age 18.

“These estimates are consistent with the amount of sleep recommended for children, and no evidence was found of racial/ethnic differences,” the group wrote in its report.

The researchers gathered data from a nationwide survey that has tracked families for decades, focusing on parents’ reports of their children’s sleep, beginning in 1997.

At that time, 2,832 children were included, In 2002 and 2007 the families were surveyed again and 2,520 and 1,424 children were included, respectively. Williams’s team found that until their second birthday, babies in the study slept an average of 12 to 14 hours during each 24-hour period. By age four it had dropped to about 11 hours of sleep and by age 10, to 10 hours. By age 16, kids were getting an average of about nine hours of sleep per night.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that toddlers get 12 to 14 hours of sleep, preschoolers 11 to 13 hours, and adolescents aged 10 to 17 from 8.5 to 9.5 hours.

One of the big strengths of this study is that it tracked changes in sleep among the same children as they aged, said Maurice Ohayon, director of the Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center in Palo Alto, California.

“We have an evolution of the sleep during the childhood. That is the unique thing,” said Ohayon, who was not involved in the study. The researchers didn’t find any differences in the amount of sleep between boys and girls, and only a slight gap between white and Hispanic children. Hispanic kids tended to sleep 19 minutes longer than white children after age nine, but Williams said that difference is too small to matter for individual kids. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

health & science

The mystery behind general anesthesia Drug-induced reversible coma MASSACHUSETTS: A video screen shows a man in his late 60s lying awake on an operating table.

Just outside the camera’s view, a doctor is moving his finger in front of the man’s face, instructing him to follow it back and forth with his eyes.

Seconds later, after a dose of the powerful anesthetic drug propofol, his eyelids begin to droop.

Then his pupils stop moving. Only the steady background beeping of the heart monitor serves as a reminder that the man isn’t dead. “He’s in a coma,” the doctor, Emery Brown, explains.

“General anesthesia is a drug-induced reversible coma.”

As an anesthesiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Brown is constant witness to one of the most profound and mysterious feats of modern medicine. Every day, nearly 60,000 patients in the United States undergo general anesthesia, enabling them to survive even the grisliest operations unaware and free of pain.

But though doctors have been putting people under for more than 150 years, what happens in the brain during general anesthesia is a mystery.

Scientists don’t know much about the extent to which these drugs tap into the same brain circuitry we use when we sleep, or how being anesthetized differs from other ways of losing consciousness, such as slipping into a coma following an injury. Are parts of the brain truly shutting off, or do they simply stop communicating with each other? How is being anesthetized different from a state of hypnosis or deep meditation? And what happens in the brain in the transition between consciousness and unconsciousness? “We know we can get you in and out of this safely,” Brown says, “but we still can’t quite tell you how it works.”

Brown, who is also a neuroscientist and professor at MIT, aims to transform anesthesia from a solely clinical tool into a powerful instrument for studying the most basic questions about the brain. Understanding what happens to the brain under anesthetic drugs, he believes, will help make anesthesia safer and more effective, with fewer side effects. It could also lead to novel treatments for coma and other brain conditions-and to insights into fundamental questions in neuro-

science, including the nature of consciousness itself. “Anesthesiology is a form of neuroscience,” says George Mashour, an anesthesiologist and neuroscientist at the University of Michigan. “And what we do on a daily basis is modulate virtually every aspect of the nervous system.”

Neuroscience has often benefited from natural experiments-patients who lose their ability to remember, produce language, or regulate their emotions after parts of their brains are damaged or have to be surgically removed. Anesthesiologists preside over an analogous experiment every day: they watch elements of consciousness disappear.

Under general anesthesia, for instance, patients lose pain perception, awareness, memory, and the ability to move. An anesthesiologist can influence each of these changes in different ways by varying the dosages and types of drugs used. “By taking away different functions that we associate with consciousness,” Brown says, “we might be able to start piecing together parts of the jigsaw puzzle.”

Neuroscientists could begin to do for consciousness what they have done with memory and language.

Brown is part of a small but growing group of anesthesiology researchers who are using the electroencephalogram (EEG), a tool for monitoring the brain’s electrical activity, to systematically probe each aspect of anesthesia in humans and animals. EEG-based brain monitors are already a common sight in operating rooms; some anesthesiologists track the brain activity of their patients with commercially available monitors that use algorithms to transform EEG signals into crude indexes. (Others track only physical signs such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels.) But few of them, he says, spend time looking at the raw EEG data.

Brown, however, has a different perspective from most anesthesiologists; he’s also a statistician. After receiving both an MD and a PhD from Harvard in the late 1980s, he pursued the two paths separately, working in the operating rooms of MGH while heading a research laboratory focused on developing signal-processing algorithms to extract information from biological data. Brown didn’t appreciate the neuroscience

experiments taking place in front of him each day during surgery until one of his colleagues suggested doing a study on anesthetized patients.

Watching the process unfold, “you start realizing that parts of the brain don’t shut down all at the same time,” he says. “There is a hierarchy, there is a gradation to it.”

The same is true when the drugs wear off.

Typically, the most basic brain functions come back first-breathing returns, and then, as the areas of the brain stem controlling salivation and tear ducts revive, patients’ mouths fill with saliva and their eyes water. They swallow and cough as areas controlling sensation to the throat become active. Finally their eyes move, and then they respond to the outside world. Later the grogginess will lift and complex brain functions will resume. “When you pay attention and you watch those transitions, it’s just amazing,” Brown says.

“We would truly be remiss if we didn’t then move forward and try to figure out what these states are, what’s actually happening in the brain, and then think of new ways to improve the anesthesia process.”

One of the things that struck Brown from watching his patients’ EEGs is how quickly and completely drugs like propofol can alter brain activity. As patients enter an anesthetized state, the normal pattern of low-intensity but high-frequency waves shifts to one of less frequent but more intense pulses-as if the constant chatter of the brain had given way to a chant. The location of activity shifts from the back of the brain to the front. Although it’s possible to take patients into such a deep state of unconsciousness that their EEG is essentially flat, in most cases bursts of EEG activity alternate with periods of relative inactivity that can last for minutes. The brain processes appear “highly organized,” he says. “There are very regular patterns in time, and very regular patterns in space.”

Brown says that some drugs will decrease the frequency of brain waves seen in EEG readings, resulting in slow, regular oscillating waves across large areas of the brain. Other drugs cause certain areas to show fast, regular oscillations. Because anesthesiologists usually give a cocktail of drugs to each patient, these effects can happen simulta-

SYDNEY: This file photo taken April 26, 2005, shows a poisonous cane toad sitting on a keeper’s hand at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Australia’s native animals are being fed nauseating sausages of cane toad meat in a bid to train them against eating the foul, toxic species as it spreads into new areas, researchers said yesterday. — AFP

Australian wildlife taught to shun cane toads SYDNEY: Australia’s native animals are being fed nauseating sausages of cane toad meat in a bid to train them against eating the foul, toxic species as it spreads into new areas, researchers said yesterday.

Cane toads, a warty, leathery creature with a venom sac on their heads toxic enough to kill snakes and crocodiles, are advancing across north-western Australia at a speed of 50 km a year.

They were first introduced to Australia from Hawaii to control scarab beetle populations in the 1930s and have now reached pest proportions, breeding prolifically and with few predators. Native animals, particularly small marsupials and lizards, will die if they eat a full-grown adult and conservationists are attempting to give them a repellent first taste of toad to train them against seeing it as food.

Tiny sausage-shaped baits made of cane toad flesh with the poison removed have been laid out in native quoll, dingo, snake and lizard habitats, laced with a salt that induces instant nausea, forcing the animal to spit it back out. “The animals are therefore likely, if they encounter any-

thing and they bite it and it tastes like a toad, smells like a toad, they’re going to remember back to that horrible experience,” David Pearson, from Western Australia’s Department of Environment and Conservation, said. Field trials were already showing success, with motionsensitive cameras at the bait sites recording animals eating and then spitting out the sausages.

Dingoes, a native wild dog, had been seen to “pick up one of these things, go a couple of metres and then spit it out and roll all over it,” Pearson said.

The baits were designed to see native wildlife through the first wave of toads into a new region. The earliest toads to arrive are usually particularly large and toxic, and it was important to avoid them, Pearson added. Quolls, a carnivorous marsupial also commonly known as the native cat, have become endangered in parts of northern Australia due to the spread of cane toads and Pearson said it could take a local population “decades” to regenerate, upsetting fragile native ecosystems. — AFP

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

WHAT’S ON

SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! This summer, let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

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Announcements TASK general body meeting echnical Staff Association of Kuwait (TASK), Kuwait are conducting their General Body meeting on December 7, 2012 Friday 4:00 pm at Hi-Dine Auditorium. Election will be conducted for selecting new office bearers for the year 2013. The committee is inviting all members and technical staff non-residents from India in Kuwait to join hands with TASK and strengthen the association.

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MMF Kuwait media conference alayali Media Forum (MMF), Kuwait will hold ‘MMF Media Conference 2012’ on Friday, November 30, 2012 from 5:30 pm onwards at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan auditorium, Abbassiya. Vidhu P Nair, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy, will be the chief guest. Well-known Indian journalist J Gopikrishnan, the first man to unearth the massive 2G Spectrum scandal in India, will deliver the keynote address. The conference will spotlight the emerging trends in media world with special focus on Indian media especially in the context of the growth of social media networks.

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Basketball Academy he new Premier Basketball Academy offers coaching and games every Friday and Saturday from 10 am onwards for 6 to 18 year olds, boys and girls. Located in Bayan Block 7, Masjed Al-Aqsa Street by Abdullah Al-Rujaib High School. Free Basketball and Tee Shirts for all participants, with certificates and special awards on completion of each 6 week course. Qualified and experienced British and American Coaches, Everyone Welcome.

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Arabic courses WARE will begin Winter 1 Arabic language courses with new textbooks and curricula will begin on December 2, 2012 until January 24, 2013. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed & courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community. For more information or registration, please log-on to our website.

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Winter 2012 AMIE examination

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he AMIE Winter 2012 examinations will be held between Dec 01-07, 2012 as follows:

Section A (Diploma) - December 1-4, 2012 Section A (Non-Diploma) - December 1-7, 2012 Section B - December 1-7, 2012 The last date for submission of examination application forms are given hereunder: Candidates not appeared at Summer 2012 Exam: Aug 21 - Sept 21, 2012 Candidates appeared at Summer 2012 Exam: Sept 21 - Oct 19, 2012.

Candidates who intend to appear for the Winter 2012 examination must apply directly to Kolkata by filling the prescribed application form along with requisite amount of demand draft in favour of The Institution of Engineers (India), payable in Kolkata.

Suhaani Shaam fter hosting ‘Bappi Lahiri Live Concert’ Indian Cultural Society brings you live excitement & entertainment with renowned young Ghazal Maestro Jaswinder Singh for romantic geet & ghazal.

An evening accompanied by laughter machine & Hindi poet sardar Manjit Singh. Special guest of honor & attraction from Bollywood will be famous film actress Raveena Tandon. Join us on 30th Nov at 7 pm at Dr. Kamil Al Rays Auditorium AIS - near police station Maidan Hawally, Kuwait.

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Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait host World Class Concert l Hashemi Grand Ballroom at Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait hosted a world class concert performed by the renowned Krakow Opera to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kuwait Chamber Philharmonia. The Opera featured Mozart Gala, comprising famous arias from Mozart Operas; The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro & Don

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Giovanni, in addition to Romantic Gala with prominent arias from G. Bizet Carmen, G Verdi - La Traviata, Rigoletto, Nabucco, G Rossini - The Barber of Seville, S Moniuszko - The Haunted Manor and others.

The tradition of Opera Theatre in Krakow is over two hundred years old. It has been preserved through decades,

with varying success, by numerous enthusiasts driven by artistic and organizational ambitions, as well as simply by the love of music. Their efforts did not lead, however, to bring an opera scene into being, although the Royal City often resounded to magnificent movements from Halka, Carmen or Faust. The Opera ensemble was conducted by a magnifi-

Alfred D’Cruz honored eteran journalist, author and historian, late Alfred D’Cruz was honored posthumously at the 20th National Awards by the Journalist Association of India (JAI), under the flagship of the Journalists Federation of India, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Journalism at a wellattended award presentation ceremony at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi, recently.

Alfred D’Cruz was the Assistant Editor of The Kuwait Times from 1989 to 1991. He was at the editorial desk when Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990 and was instrumental in breaking the news to the world. Later he put up in tents for months in the Jordan desert along with other Indian expatriates. He was among the last to be evacuated by an Air India relief flight before the Gulf War broke out.

Alfred D’Cruz began his career in Journalism way back in 1947 with The Times of India, Mumbai, India.

Selected by the then British Editor Sir Francis Low, Alfred D’Cruz was the first Indian journalist to work at the Editorial department of the newspaper. “1947 was one of the most exciting times for Indian journalism,” Alfred D’Cruz, who passed away on June 1 this year at the age of 91, would often recount. His headline ‘India wakes up to a new life’ adorned the front page of The Times of India when India gained Independence.

After his retirement as Chief SubEditor in 1982, he continued with The Times of India Group as the Editor of India’s best comprehen-

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sive reference book: ‘The Times of India Directory and Year Book 1984’, including Who’s Who in India, featuring prominent personalities. The book was listed among the best in the Directory of Directories, Michigan, USA and soon became a best seller in India, US, UK and Europe.

Alfred D’Cruz was known for his forte for painstaking historical research and published the Times supplement ‘Metamorphosis and

giving his go-ahead to newspaper proofs and photographic blocks, so that people could enjoy reading their newspapers along with their hot morning cup of tea or coffee.

Usually working the late night shift, he edited and put together countless newspaper pages,” says his son Sunil D’Cruz on accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award on his father’s behalf.

Born on 23rd November 1921, Alfred D’Cruz contributed to the

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Makers of Mumbai.’ When The Times of India completed 147 years in 1985, he brought out a special eight-page supplement titled ‘Down the corridors of Times’ which was a research historical study of the making of the century-old newspaper from its inception.

Thereafter, Alfred D’Cruz worked as the News Editor with The Sunday Observer, Mumbai, India’s first Sunday newspaper, from 1987 to 1989. “Working at a time when computers, Internet and email were yet to become the buzzwords, my father strived zealously, sometimes until 4 a.m., in the hot metal press

enrichment in the field of journalism for 65 years from 1947 to 2012 and is known by the newspaper fraternity as the ‘Eternal Newspaperman.’ Speaking on the occasion of the award ceremony, chief guest Shri Rajeev Shukla, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India and a former journalist, said, “Journalists themselves are seldom recognized. So the Journalist Association of India is doing an excellent job in recognizing the achievements of journalists.”

bearers are Shaju Paul KonnackelPresident; Titto Joseph-Vice President; Jeral Jose

Alex, Sojan Mathew, Navas M P are elected as the Executive Committee Members and Jaison Jacob Kaliyanil

Edavakandathil-General Secretary; Jackson K Chacko- Treasurer and Georgie Mathew ManchappillilJoint Secretary. Biju P Anto, Anish Thomas, Arun Kumar, Jiji Mathew, Babu Chacko, Benny Augustine, Ivy

as Auditor. It was decided in the meeting to work hard for the growth of the association by seeking out and extending membership to each and every person from Idukki district working in Kuwait.

Goan Culinary Club he Goan Culinary Club - Goa encourages you to log on to their website where you can find a video of Odette and Joe Mascarenhas sharing their thoughts on Goan cuisine. These videos were recorded at the launch of the Goan Culinary Club in Goa on March 3, 2012. Thanks to support from all at the Goan Culinary Club, we have made great progress in six months.

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Write to us

Maldives team at SBPK

Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

wiss-Belhotel Plaza Kuwait (SBPK) is honored to accommodate Maldives football team in Kuwait.

“It was our great privilege to assure the team of our paramount service” said General Manager, Ali Haddad. Maldives women’s national football team drew 1-1 in their friendly match against Kuwait

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Sharafudheen nominated as Pravasi Welfare director uwait KMCC congratulated Sharafudheen Kanneth for his nomination by the government of Kerala to the Pravasi Welfare Board.

Pravasi Welfare Board is exclusively dedicated to handle the welfare of expatriates from Kerala living all over the world.

Their rehabilitation and other issues are its main concerns. Sharafudheen who has been in the forefront of social activities in Kuwait for the last two decades is currently the president of Kuwait KMCC, and is in this position for second time. He was in Indian community representatives’ delegation when His Highness the Amir visited India last time.

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‘The role of India in New World Order’

Idukki Association elects office bearers dukki Association Kuwait held its 4th Annual General Body meeting on 15th November at the HiDine Auditorium, Abbassiya. The meeting was presided over by the then President of the association, Sunny Manarkattu. The General Secretary, Sajan Moloparambil presented the Annual Report and the Treasurer, Joseph Mookkanthottam submitted the Statement of Accounts for the year. The vice President Thomas Vezhabhaseri delivered the welcome speech and Preeth Jose Pallikkamalil gave the Vote of Thanks.

Then the new Office Bearers, the Executive Committee and the Advisory Board were elected under the supervision of electoral officers, Sunny Manarkattu and Joseph Mookkanthottan. The new office

cent orchestra of 40 premiere performers including two soprano, one tenor and one baritone who reflected a kind of an outstanding performance as found in the most prestigious opera houses in the world like London and New York cities.

women’s national football team which was played last (25th November 2012) in Kuwait. Maldives women’s team played two friendly games against their Kuwaiti counterpart in their tour in Kuwait and will return to the Maldives on Thursday.

ichar Bharathi team is coming up with yet another addition to its prestigious activities. A talk on ‘The role of India in the New World Order’ is being conducted on November 30, 2012 at Indian Community School, Amman Branch, Salmiya, at 5 pm. UNESCO Peace Chair, Professor of Geopolitics at Manipal University and famous writer M D Nalapat will inaugurate the function. The speaker of the day will be the Indian economist and Chartered Accountant M R Venkatesh. He is India’s highly ranked corporate advisor who has represented Indian corporates at international forums. He is a prolific writer, author, regular columnist and serves as visiting faculty in various professional Institutions, Chambers of Commerce and Universities. The discourse will have a look into India’s foreign policy in the current evolving situation around the world, our economic policies, our political and infrastructural systems and their impact on our growth as a super power.

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Joy of Christmas hristmas is the Season of new beginnings and second chances! Headlines of disease, disaster and death slowly but surely acclimatize us to permanently anticipate the darker side of life. Men’s Voice Kuwait and Choral Society has always carried the message of love, hope and unity, touching the hearts of thousands, regardless of age, creed or religion. Every year we look forward to ring the Christmas season with a night of joyous music. Popular 12-year-old choir draws us to the brighter side with the “The Joy of Christmas” a wonderful Concert on Friday, December 7, 2012 at 7 pm at Carmel School Auditorium, Khaitan.

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WHAT’S ON

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

Embassy Information

GUST Instructors hold Math seminar for GES students ulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Science, Dr Munir Mahmood, and Math Foundation Unit Instructor Sali Hammad were invited to hold a seminar at the Gulf English School (GES) in Salmiya. They presented a lecture entitled “An efficient algorithm for computing the roots of general quadratic and cubic

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equations.” Dr Mahmood and Hammad presented the methods to A-level and IGCSE-level students of the school. The students were led to solve some examples during the lecture. Students showed great enthusiasm in solving the equations according to the given methods. The Head teacher at GES, Talbot and the GES Head of the Department of Mathematics, Rahim were very

welcoming and thankful for the event. GUST appreciates their kind hospitability and cooperation. GUST is always looking for opportunities to give back to its community, promote its programs and create stronger connections with the Kuwaiti high school system.

HOPE School receives Certificate of Recognition ebbie Handler, the representative for the HighScope Educational Research Foundation (Michigan, USA) on Wednesday November 21, 2012 presented Abdulghani Al-Ghunaim, the owner of HOPE School for Special Needs, with a Certificate of Recognition for the school’s implementation of the HighScope educational curriculum. The HighScope Educational Research Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization established in 1960 and is one of the leading US educational research foundations specializing in curriculum development, teacher training, and school improvement.

They are based in the United States with international institutes and teacher education centers around the world. Their program is based on over 50 years of research in child develop-

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EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department.

All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office).

In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm.

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EMBASSY OF CANADA The Canadian Embassy in Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visa and immigration matters including enquiries is conducted by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.goingtocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 7:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 13:00. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday.

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ment and best teaching pracices. HOPE School has been implementing the HighScope curriculum since it opened its doors to children with special needs

in 2006. It is the first school in Kuwait and the Middle East to be recognized

by HighScope for their achievement in providing a developmentally appropri-

ate curriculum for the school population it serves.

‘All Around India Festival’ at Soul and Spice Restaurant

EMBASSY OF CYPRUS In its capacity as EU Local Presidency in the State of Kuwait, the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Member States of the EU and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, would like to announce that as from 2nd October 2012 all Schengen States’ Consulates in Kuwait will use the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central database for the exchange of data on short-stay (up to three months) visas between Schengen States. The main objectives of the VIS are to facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security. The VIS will contain all the Schengen visa applications lodged by an applicant over five years and the decisions taken by any Schengen State’s consulate. This will allow applicants to establish more easily the lawful use of previous visas and their bona fide status. For the purpose of the VIS, applicants will be required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and digital photos) when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a simple and discreet procedure that only takes a few minutes. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, will be recorded in the VIS central database. Therefore, as from 2nd October 2012, first-time applicants will have to appear in person when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints. For subsequent applications within 5 years the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS. The Cypriot Presidency would like to assure the people of Kuwait and all its permanent citizens that the Member States and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, have taken all necessary technical measures to facilitate the rapid examination and the efficient processing of visa applications and to ensure a quick and discreet procedure for the implementation of the new VIS. ■■■■■■■

he renowned Soul & Spice Indian restaurant at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Kuwait celebrated the rich and diverse cuisines all around India with a new food festival called “All Around India”. The festival was attended by His Excellency the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Satish Mehra and his spouse, VIPs, prominent local dignitaries and residents, leaders of the community and eminent Kuwaiti media representatives.

The month long All Around India festival, which was launched on November 26th and will end December 26th, 2012, is providing guests with a much appreciated opportunity to explore the many vari-

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eties of regional Indian food, each of which will boast popular delicacies from the North, South, East and Western regions of India. Guests are invited to dine in the signature ambience of the Soul & Spice while being presented with uniquely local treats straight from the home kitchens of the various corners of India.

Since its inception, the Soul and Spice restaurant has earned a reputation in Kuwait among locals and expatriates alike as being “Kuwait’s best kept secret for Indian food”. To add to the experience, guests can watch their food being prepared in front of them at the contemporary open kitchen. A truly authentic menu will be presented

to stir up a lasting appetite themed under each of the four regional zones to stay true to the diversity of cultural flavors in the Indian subcontinent.

The main course meals include popular dishes as butter chicken, mutton pulao, chicken chettinad, kesari bath, hyderabadi biryani, prawns balchao, dhokla, thepla, macher jhal, and fish orly. “It gives us great pleasure in hosting our guests to this fabulous culinary festival that showcases our original recipes using nutritional and tasty Indian ingredients renowned all over Kuwait. We look forward to welcoming our guests to a memorable dining experience throughout the month,” said Ziad Watfi, Director of Food &

Beverage at the Courtyard by Marriott Kuwait hotel.

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) credit card holders and staff will receive an exclusive instant 10% discount when visiting the restaurant during the promotion days. Members of the NBK Watani Rewards program will also receive an additional 15% discount (along with the 10% discount). The All Around India festival will be held every evening from 7 pm to 11 pm with live traditional entertainment. The restaurant is located on the second level of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Sharq.

Salman Alhajri Lectures on Arabic Calligraphy at AUK he Arts and Graphic Design Department at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted the Artist & Designer, Salman Alhajri to conduct class visits, lectures and workshops on Arabic Calligraphy. He also displayed some of his artwork at the AUK Auditorium. In his lecture, Alhajri discussed the elements that constitute contemporary Arabic calligraphy and graphic art. He also provided a comparison between classical and contemporary forms of Arabic calligraphy.

According to Alhajiri, contemporary Arabic calligraphy, is a form of art where artists can reflect their own identity and cultural background. As for graphic art, it reflects the artists’ feelings and state of

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mind. When filling the white canvas, the artist can subconsciously and for a specific period of time, use or add the same set of colors in his work, based on his current environment.

Comparing between classical and contemporary Arabic calligraphy, Alhajri pointed out that the main difference lies in the degree of freedom allowed within each form. In classical form, there is less freedom to interpret art work, which limits creativity, due to the standards required, such as mathematical measures. With contemporary forms, there is more freedom to use different compositions and create new formats with letters. Speaking about his design techniques, Alhajri demonstrated some of his

artwork and explained the different compositions used and the value of each design. The use of different elements and the value of contrast between colors add to an artist’s style and give a unique identity.

Alhajri also pointed out the importance of experimenting with new forms of art, using new techniques and different compositions. He emphasized how he experiments with the use of laser in printing letters on glass, and how he is always seeking new ways of experimenting with art. Alhajri concluded his lecture by urging students to research and learn the different elements of design, as it is important for artists and graphic designers to practice with an extensive knowl-

edge. He also encouraged students to follow their intuitions and look for main shapes repeated in their artwork as a starting point to define their style.

Salman Alhajri, Omani artist and designer, is also a lecturer at the Department of Art Education at Sultan Qaboos University and, currently, a PhD candidate in Loughborough University, UK. He was invited to AUK through Dr. Marcella Kulchitsky, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, who heard about his work from Dr Raymond Farrin, Associate Professor, and Department Chair of the Arabic Department at AUK. Alhajri is also the designer of Dr Farrin’s latest book “Abundance from the Desert”.

EMBASSY OF INDIA Due to maintenance work being done in Sharq area by the Ministry of Electricity on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, BLS International Sharq Branch will remain closed between 08:00 Hrs and 11:30 Hrs. The working hours on 27-11-2012 will be from 16:00 Hrs to 19:30 Hrs. Fahaheel Branch will remain open during regular working hours 08:00 - 11:30 and 16:00- 19:30.

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TEMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform the Kenyan community residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that the Embassy has acquired new office telephone numbers as follows: 25353982, 25353985 - Consular’s enquiries 25353987 - Fax Our Email address: info@kenyaembkuwait.com.

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EMBASSY OF UKRAINE The Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait would like to remind that the external polling station No 90046 was created in the Embassy’s premises at the following address: Hawalli, Jabriya, bl.10, str. 6, build. 5. The working hours of the polling station: Sunday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Monday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Tuesday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Wednesday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Thursday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 pm; Saturday from 10.00 to 13.00 pm On October 28, 2012 the working hours of the polling station from 8.00 am to 20.00 pm. Please be advised to refer to the Embassy to check your data in the Electoral Register as well as to pick up your personal invitation from the polling station if you did not receive this document by post.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

TV PROGRAMS

00:50 01:45 02:35 03:25 04:15 Irwin 05:05 05:55 Baker 06:20 06:45 07:10 07:35 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 12:55 13:20 13:50 14:15 14:45 15:40 16:35 17:00 17:30 18:25 19:20 20:15 20:40 21:10 21:35 22:05 23:00 23:55

Animal Cops South Africa Amba The Russian Tiger Untamed & Uncut Gator Boys New Breed Vets With Steve Wild France Deep Into The Wild With Nick Going Ape Shamwari: A Wild Life Shamwari: A Wild Life Wildlife SOS Monkey Life Natural Born Hunters Natural Born Hunters Dogs 101: Specials My Cat From Hell Wild France Last Chance Highway RSPCA: On The Frontline RSPCA: On The Frontline Wildlife SOS E-Vets: The Interns Animal Cops Philadelphia Wild France Going Ape The Really Wild Show Too Cute!

The Jeff Corwin Experience Dogs 101: Specials Monkey Life E-Vets: The Interns Gibbons: Back In The Swing Going Ape Wild France Galapagos Mutant Planet

00:00 Extreme Makeover: Edition 00:45 Come Dine With Me 01:35 Antiques Roadshow 02:25 Holmes On Homes 03:15 Holmes On Homes 04:00 The Restaurant UK 04:55 House Swap 05:40 Saturday Kitchen 06:05 The Restaurant UK 07:00 House Swap 07:45 Saturday Kitchen 08:10 MasterChef Australia 09:00 MasterChef Australia 09:25 Holmes On Homes 10:15 Holmes On Homes 11:05 Bargain Hunt 11:50 Antiques Roadshow 12:40 Extreme Makeover: Edition 13:25 Come Dine With Me 14:15 10 Years Younger 15:00 10 Years Younger 15:50 Bargain Hunt 16:35 Antiques Roadshow 17:30 Extreme Makeover: Edition 18:10 Come Dine With Me 19:00 The Hairy Bakers 19:30 The Hairy Bakers 20:00 Rhodes Across Italy 20:45 Come Dine With Me 21:35 Extreme Makeover: Edition 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 23:15 Bargain Hunt

00:05 00:20 00:45 01:10 01:35 02:00 02:25 02:50 03:15 03:40 04:00 04:25 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:00 06:25 06:50

Home

Home

Home

Home

Popeye The Jetsons Duck Dodgers Puppy In My Pocket Tom & Jerry Kids Scooby Doo Where Are You! The Flintstones Pink Panther And Pals Looney Tunes Help! It’s The Hair Bear Bunch Dexter’s Laboratory Tom & Jerry Looney Tunes The Scooby Doo Show Johnny Bravo The Flintstones The Jetsons Wacky Races

07:00 New Yogi Bear Show 07:15 The Garfield Show 07:30 Bananas In Pyjamas 07:45 Gerald McBoing Boing 08:10 Baby Looney Tunes 08:35 Ha Ha Hairies 08:50 Jelly Jamm 09:05 Puppy In My Pocket 09:30 The Garfield Show 09:55 Taz-Mania 10:20 Pink Panther And Pals 10:45 Dastardly And Muttley 11:10 Tom & Jerry 11:35 Scooby Doo Where Are You! 12:00 Looney Tunes 12:25 Duck Dodgers 12:50 Dexter’s Laboratory 13:00 Jelly Jamm 13:15 Baby Looney Tunes 13:40 Ha Ha Hairies 13:55 Gerald McBoing Boing 14:20 Bananas In Pyjamas 14:35 The Flintstones 15:00 Popeye 15:25 Top Cat 15:50 The Garfield Show 16:15 Pink Panther And Pals 16:40 Moomins 17:05 Tom & Jerry Tales 17:30 Taz-Mania 17:55 Looney Tunes (Hannah Barbera) 18:05 Pink Panther And Pals 18:30 The Garfield Show 18:55 Johnny Bravo 19:20 Scooby-Doo And ScrappyDoo 19:45 Dexters Laboratory 20:00 Jelly Jamm 20:15 Baby Looney Tunes 20:40 Ha Ha Hairies 20:55 Gerald McBoing Boing 21:20 Bananas In Pyjamas 21:35 Moomins 22:00 Scooby-Doo And ScrappyDoo 22:25 The Garfield Show 22:50 Taz-Mania 23:15 Dexter’s Laboratory 23:40 Dastardly And Muttley

00:40 Chowder 01:30 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 01:55 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 02:20 Foster’s Home For...

02:45 Foster’s Home For...

03:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 04:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 04:25 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 04:50 Adventure Time 05:15 The Powerpuff Girls 05:40 Generator Rex 06:05 Ben 10 06:30 Ben 10 06:55 Angelo Rules 07:00 Cow & Chicken 07:30 Casper’s Scare School 08:00 Eliot Kid 08:45 Johnny Test 09:05 The Powerpuff Girls 09:55 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:20 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:45 Courage The Cowardly Dog 11:35 Grim Adventures Of...

12:25 Generator Rex 12:50 Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge 13:15 The Marvelous Misadventures...

14:05 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 14:30 Young Justice 14:55 Foster’s Home For...

15:20 Foster’s Home For...

15:45 Ben 10: Alien Force 16:10 Ben 10: Alien Force 16:35 Powerpuff Girls 17:00 Angelo Rules 17:20 Young Justice 17:40 Hero 108 18:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 18:25 The Amazing World Of Gumball 18:50 Johnny Test 19:15 Adventure Time 19:40 Regular Show 20:05 Green Lantern: The Animated Series

20:30 20:55 21:20 21:45 22:10 23:00 23:25 23:50

Ben 10 Generator Rex Level Up Grim Adventures Of...

Courage The Cowardly Dog Ben 10: Ultimate Alien Ben 10: Ultimate Alien The Powerpuff Girls

00:15 01:10 02:05 03:00 03:55 04:20 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 14:35 15:05 15:30 16:25 17:20 18:15 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20

You Have Been Warned Masters Of Survival Ultimate Survival Mythbusters Border Security GI Dough Auction Kings How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made Hillbilly Handfishin’ Wheeler Dealers Mythbusters Ultimate Survival Border Security GI Dough How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made You Have Been Warned Masters Of Survival Ultimate Survival Border Security GI Dough Auction Kings Ultimate Survival Wheeler Dealers Hillbilly Handfishin’ Mythbusters How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made Border Security GI Dough Auction Kings Dynamo: Magician Impossible Mythbusters Dirty Dozen Mythbusters

00:40 The Gadget Show 01:05 The Tech Show 01:35 Colony 02:25 Junk Men 02:50 Junk Men 03:15 Mega World 04:05 Weird Connections 04:35 Colony 05:25 Prototype This 06:15 The Gadget Show 06:40 The Tech Show 07:05 The Science Of Star Wars 08:00 Junk Men 08:25 Junk Men 08:50 How Do They Do It? 09:15 How Do They Do It? 09:40 Head Rush 09:43 Things That Move 10:10 How Stuff’s Made 10:40 The Science Of Star Wars 11:30 The Gadget Show 11:55 The Tech Show 12:20 Mega World 13:10 Prototype This 14:00 Junk Men 14:25 Junk Men 14:50 Sport Science 15:45 How Do They Do It? 16:10 How Do They Do It? 16:35 Weird Connections 17:00 Head Rush 17:03 Things That Move 17:30 How Stuff’s Made 18:00 The Gadget Show 18:25 The Tech Show 18:50 Mega World 19:40 The Science Of Star Wars 20:30 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 21:20 Prototype This 22:10 The Gadget Show 22:35 The Tech Show 23:00 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 23:50 The Science Of Star Wars

00:10 Kim Possible 00:35 Kim Possible

WINDTALKERS ON OSN ACTION HD

01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:30 03:55 04:20 04:45 05:10 05:35 06:00 06:15 06:40 07:05 07:15 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:00 09:25 09:35 09:45 10:00 10:25 10:50 11:15 11:25 11:40 12:05 12:30 12:55 13:20 13:45 14:10 14:35 14:50 15:25 15:50 16:15 16:40 17:00 17:30 17:55 18:20 18:45 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:30 20:50 21:15 21:40 22:05 22:30 22:55 23:20 23:45 23:55

Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Kim Possible Kim Possible Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck Fish Hooks Fish Hooks Recess So Random Good Luck Charlie Doc McStuffins Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Mouk Jonas So Random Hannah Montana Fish Hooks Fish Hooks Kim Possible Shake It Up Wizards Of Waverly Place Phineas And Ferb Hannah Montana So Random Suite Life On Deck Fish Hooks Fish Hooks Shake It Up Austin And Ally Jessie A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie My Babysitter’s A Vampire Suite Life On Deck Austin And Ally Phineas And Ferb A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Jessie That’s So Raven Cory In The House Kim Possible Hannah Montana Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Fish Hooks Fish Hooks

00:00 Programmes Start At 7:00am KSA 07:00 Kickin It 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 07:50 Ultimate Spider-Man 08:15 Bw Rival Destinies 08:40 Kick Buttowski 09:05 Zeke & Luther 09:30 I’m In The Band 09:55 Scaredy Squirrel 10:20 Fort Boyard - Ultimate Challenge 10:45 Rated A For Awesome 11:10 Aaron Stone 11:35 Rekkit Rabbit 12:00 American Dragon 12:25 Kick Buttowski 12:50 Kid vs Kat 13:20 Pair Of Kings 13:45 Zeke & Luther 14:10 Kick Buttowski 14:35 I’m In The Band 15:00 Phineas And Ferb 15:10 Phineas And Ferb 15:25 Ultimate Spider-Man 15:50 Bw Rival Destinies 16:15 Rekkit Rabbit 16:40 Pair Of Kings 17:05 Lab Rats 17:30 Kickin It 18:00 Ultimate Spider-Man 18:25 Zeke & Luther 18:50 Phineas And Ferb 19:15 Phineas And Ferb 19:40 Mr. Young 20:05 Tron: Uprising 20:30 Tron: Uprising 20:55 Scaredy Squirrel 21:20 Rated A For Awesome 21:45 Kick Buttowski 22:10 Phineas And Ferb 22:20 Phineas And Ferb 22:35 Ultimate Spider-Man 23:05 Pair Of Kings 23:30 Kid vs Kat

00:30 01:25 01:50 02:20 03:15 04:10 05:05 06:00 06:55 08:00 08:25 08:55 09:20 09:50 10:15 10:45 11:40 12:05 12:35 13:30 14:25 15:20 16:15 16:40 17:10 17:35 18:05 18:30 19:00 19:55 20:50 21:45 22:40 23:35

M1 Challenge Fantasy Factory Fantasy Factory Pro Bull Riders 2011 World Combat League Enfusion Monster Jam M1 Challenge Pro Bull Riders 2011 Ride Guide Snow 2009 Ride Guide Snow 2009 X-Traordinary X-Traordinary Ticket To Ride – 6 2012 Ticket To Ride – 6 2012 AMA Motocross 2011 Fantasy Factory Fantasy Factory Pro Bull Riders 2011 Mantracker Danger Men World Combat League Fantasy Factory Fantasy Factory X-Traordinary X-Traordinary Ticket To Ride – 6 2012 Ticket To Ride – 6 2012 Mantracker Pro Bull Riders 2011 Danger Men World Combat League Monster Jam Enfusion

00:15 00:40 01:05 01:30 01:55 02:20

Grill It! With Bobby Flay Guy’s Big Bite Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Heat Seekers Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

02:45 Guy’s Big Bite 03:10 Guy’s Big Bite 03:35 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 04:00 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 04:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:50 Heat Seekers 05:15 Guy’s Big Bite 05:40 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 06:05 Unwrapped 06:30 Iron Chef America 07:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 07:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 08:00 Food Network Challenge 08:50 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 09:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 09:40 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 10:05 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 10:30 Kelsey’s Essentials 10:55 Cooking For Real 11:20 Cooking For Real 11:45 Food Crafters 12:10 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 12:35 Heat Seekers 13:00 Iron Chef America 13:50 Guy’s Big Bite 14:15 Cooking For Real 14:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 15:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 15:30 Food Crafters 15:55 Unique Eats 16:20 Unique Eats 16:45 Chopped 17:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 18:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 18:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:50 Heat Seekers 19:15 Guy’s Big Bite 19:40 Unique Eats 20:05 Unique Eats 20:30 Chopped 21:20 Iron Chef America 22:10 Charly’s Cake Angels 22:35 Charly’s Cake Angels 23:00 Unique Sweets 23:25 Unique Sweets 23:50 Have Cake, Will Travel

THE ARTIST ON OSN CINEMA 21:00 Planet Carnivore 22:00 Dangerous Encounters With Brady Barr 23:00 World’s Weirdest

00:15 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 00:45 The Frankincense Trail 01:40 Ultimate Traveller 02:35 Cruise Ship Diaries 03:30 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 04:25 Long Way Down 05:20 Into The Drink 05:45 Into The Drink 06:15 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3 06:40 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3 07:10 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 07:35 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 08:05 The Frankincense Trail 09:00 Ultimate Traveller 09:55 Cruise Ship Diaries 10:50 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 11:45 Long Way Down 12:40 Into The Drink 13:05 Into The Drink 13:35 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3 14:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3 14:30 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 14:55 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 15:25 The Frankincense Trail 16:20 Ultimate Traveller 17:15 Cruise Ship Diaries 18:10 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 19:05 Long Way Down 20:00 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 20:30 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 21:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3 22:00 Into The Drink 22:55 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3 23:20 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 3 23:50 Pressure Cook

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Alaska State Troopers Big, Bigger, Biggest Blowdown Racing To America Alaska Wing Men World’s Deadliest Animals Racing To America Situation Critical Alaska State Troopers Big, Bigger, Biggest Blowdown Racing To America Alaska Wing Men World’s Deadliest Animals Racing To America Trapped Alaska State Troopers Big, Bigger, Biggest Blowdown Sea Patrol Striker!

World’s Deadliest Animals Sea Patrol Trapped

00:00 Rescue Ink 01:00 Snake Underworld 01:55 Wild Mississippi 02:50 World’s Deadliest 03:45 Planet Carnivore 04:40 Nordic Wild 05:35 World’s Deadliest Animals 06:30 Wild Mississippi 07:25 World’s Deadliest 08:20 Planet Carnivore 09:15 Dangerous Encounters With Brady Barr 10:10 World’s Weirdest 11:05 Hunter Hunted 12:00 Swamp Troop 13:00 Wild Russia 14:00 World’s Deadliest 15:00 Planet Carnivore 16:00 Manta Mystery (aka Project Manta) 17:00 Octopus Volcano 18:00 Hunter Hunted 19:00 Wild Mississippi 20:00 World’s Deadliest

00:00 My Bloody Valentine-R 01:45 Windtalkers-PG15 04:00 Mad Max-18 06:00 The Cry Of The Owl-PG15 08:00 Anaconda-PG15 10:00 Jackie Chan’s Who Am I?PG15 12:00 Transporter 2-PG15 14:00 Anaconda-PG15 16:00 True Justice: Violence Of Action-PG15 18:00 Transporter 2-PG15 20:00 Monsters-PG15

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 12:45 14:45 16:45 PG15 18:45 21:00 PG15 23:00

The Adjustment Bureau-PG15 Restless-PG15 The Artist-PG Black Forest-PG15 The Adjustment Bureau-PG15 Muhammad And Larry-PG15 Every Jack Has A Jill-PG15 Certain Prey-PG15 An Invisible Sign Of My OwnJohn Carter-PG15 The People vs George LucasCedar Rapids-18

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 Enlightened 02:00 The Ricky Gervais Show 02:30 Family Guy 03:00 How I Met Your Mother 03:30 Last Man Standing 04:00 Samantha Who? 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Seinfeld 06:30 Friends 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Samantha Who? 08:30 How I Met Your Mother 09:00 Seinfeld 10:00 Modern Family 10:30 Community 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Friends 12:30 Samantha Who? 14:00 Last Man Standing 14:30 Community 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 Friends 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 Last Man Standing 19:00 Modern Family 19:30 The Office 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 Veep 23:00 Family Guy 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00

Body Of Proof Pillars Of The Earth Hawthorne Downton Abbey Private Practice Grey’s Anatomy Body Of Proof Emmerdale Coronation Street White Collar The Ellen DeGeneres Show Grey’s Anatomy Private Practice Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show White Collar Body Of Proof Emmerdale

16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show White Collar Bunheads Warehouse 13 Combat Hospital Smash

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Hustle And Flow-18 Mad Max-18 Hackers-PG15 Judge Dredd-18 The Net-PG15 Hackers-PG15 Kick-Ass-18 The Net-PG15 Lords Of Dogtown-PG15 Carriers-PG15 Circle Of Eight-18 Kill List-R

00:00 Due Date-PG15 02:00 The Men Who Stare At Goats18 04:00 The Ladykillers-PG15 06:00 Little Fockers-PG15 08:00 How The Grinch Stole Christmas-PG 10:00 Baby Geniuses-PG 12:00 Life As We Know It-PG15 14:00 The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy-PG 16:00 Baby Geniuses-PG 18:00 Zero Effect-PG15 20:00 Leaves Of Grass-PG15 22:00 High Fidelity-PG15

00:45 Les Miserables 25th Anniversary-PG15 03:45 25th Hour-18 06:00 Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius-PG 08:15 Bob Roberts-PG15 10:00 Skirt Day-PG15 11:30 Evita-PG 13:45 Love The Beast-PG 15:30 Skirt Day-PG15 17:00 Patriot Games-PG15 19:00 Dragonfly-PG15 21:00 Hindenburg-PG15

00:45 25th Hour-18 03:00 The Bad News Bears (2005)PG 05:00 On Strike For Christmas-PG15 06:45 The Way-PG15 09:00 Rio-FAM 11:00 What’s The Worst That Could Happen?-PG15 13:00 The LXD: The Uprising BeginsPG15 15:00 The LXD: Secrets Of The RaPG15 17:00 Rio-FAM 19:00 The Muppets-PG 21:00 The People vs George LucasPG15 23:00 Blue Valentine-18

01:00 Supertramps-FAM 02:30 The Hairy Tooth Fairy 2-PG 04:15 Mia And The Migoo-PG 06:00 Cher Ami-PG 08:00 Moomins And The Comet Chase-FAM 10:00 Scooby-Doo! Legend Of The Phantosaur-PG 11:30 Teo: The Intergalactic HunterPG 13:00 The Ugly Duckling In The Enchanted Forest-FAM 14:30 The Hairy Tooth Fairy 2-PG 16:00 The Nutty Professor-FAM 18:00 Scooby-Doo! Legend Of The Phantosaur-PG 20:00 Good Boy!-PG 22:00 The Nutty Professor-FAM 23:30 Moomins And The Comet Chase-FAM

00:00 Blind Revenge-18 02:00 Spy Kids: All The Time In The World-PG 04:00 Rat-PG15

06:00 Certified Copy-PG15 08:00 Bright Star-PG15 10:00 12 Dates Of Christmas-PG15 12:00 Hop-PG 14:00 Tomorrow, When The War Began-PG15 16:00 Bright Star-PG15 18:00 Red-PG15 20:00 Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son-PG15 22:00 The Beaver-PG15

00:30 Extreme Sailing Series 01:00 Extreme Sailing Series 01:30 Grand Slam of Darts 03:30 Rugby Union International 05:30 Futbol Mundial 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 Rugby Union International 09:00 Premier League Snooker 12:30 Futbol Mundial 13:00 Grand Slam of Darts 15:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 16:00 Rugby Union International 18:00 Futbol Mundial 18:30 Trans World Sport 19:30 ICC Cricket 360 20:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 21:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 22:00 Futbol Mundial 22:30 Rugby Union International

00:00 WWE Experience 01:00 Futbol Mundial 01:30 Premier League Snooker 05:00 Rugby Union International 07:00 Trans World Sport 08:00 ICC Cricket 360 08:30 Prizefighter 11:30 Futbol Mundial 12:00 Rugby Union International 14:00 Extreme Sailing Series 14:30 Extreme Sailing Series 15:00 Extreme Sailing Series 15:30 Extreme Sailing Series 16:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 17:00 Premier League Snooker 20:30 Rugby Union International 22:30 Grand Slam of Darts 22:30 PGA European Tour

00:00 Trans World Sport 01:00 Beijing Marathon 04:00 MENA Golf Tour Highlights 05:00 Modern Penthalon 06:00 Modern Penthalon 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Pro 12 10:00 Mass Participation 10:30 Mass Participation 11:30 Mass Participation 12:30 Golfing World 13:30 Rugby Union International 15:30 The Ryder Cup Official Film 17:00 Ladies European Tour Highlights 18:00 Golfing World 19:00 Pro 12 21:00 Mass Participation 21:30 Mass Participation 22:30 Golfing World 23:30 MENA Golf Tour Highlights

02:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 11:00 12:00 13:30 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00

NHL UFC Unleashed UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC Unleashed WWE Vintage Collection WWE NXT NHL V8 Supercars V8 Supercars V8 Supercars Extra WWE SmackDown WWE Vintage Collection European Le Mans Series V8 Supercars Highlights V8 Supercars Highlights NHL UFC

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

FOR SALE Executive Office Tables, Cabinets, Chairs, Salon Facial Beds, Massage Bed, Steamer, Beauty Studios, and many more. Contact: 66711141 / 66711140.

27-11-2012 Golden chance Nissan TIIDA HB 1.8 SL 2011, 13,600 km only, full option, power warranty 5 year open mileage, like showroom, 1st owner, mostly lady driven, price KD 3,800/-. Contact: 66489351. (C 4229) MATRIMONIAL Proposals invited for a beautiful girl, aged 28 years, height 164 cms, belonging to Malankara Catholic denomination, working with MOH Kuwait as B.Sc nurse and shortly moving to Kerala on annual vacation. Email: bijily92@gmail.com (C 4231)

age not more than 27 years can contact at email: shah-54@hotmail.com (C 4232) 26-11-2012 Proposals invited for a girl God-fearing (Marthomite, 27 yrs/166cm, B.Sc nurse), working in Kuwait MOH. Professionally qualified boys can contact varghese.aaron@yahoo.com (C 4227) 24-11-2012

ACCOMMODATION Single bedroom flat for rent in old Riggae, sector 1, St. 1, Jada 3, from 1st December to 31st march 2013, rent KD 160/-.

Contact: 97525830.

(C 4222) 20-11-2012

CHANGE OF NAME I, Wahid Hussain, s/o Abdul Hakim Ansari, Vill & PO. Nawada, P/S Barauli, Dist.

Gopal Ganj, Bihar, India, is declaring that my name, Vahid Husen Abdul Hakim Ansari (Surname to Given name order), written in my Passport (No. K7916220) is wrong. The correct name is Wahid Hussain. (C 4233) 26-11-2012 I, Taza, s/o Shabbir Husain Raswala, holder of Indian Passport No. J0977787 have changed my name to Murtaza Shabbir Husain Raswala. (C 4228) I, Rolina Furtado Passport No. J5391581 have changed my name to Roulina Baigustavina Rubiana Santana Godinho.

(C 4230)

SITUATION WANTED Western educated “Project Manager ” with 2 Engineering-Degrees (Civil/Elec.), 4-Master Degrees (Project Mgmt/ Engineering/ Education & Training/ MBA), plus 17years experience in Middle East/ Australia, seeking Executive Position. Contact: 65695468 email: rav@engineer.com (C 4195)

TUITION Learn Holy Quran in prefect way, private tuition available for elders and children,

by Hafiz-e-Quran. Contact: 66725950. (C 4225) 21-11-2012

GOVERNMENT WEB SITES

Proposal invited for my son MBBS Doctor, a Pakistani working in Kuwait from parents of Pakistani lady doctor or highly qualified girl

Kuwait Parliament www.majlesalommah.net

The Public Institution for Social Security www.pifss.gov.kw

Ministry of Interior www.moi.gov.kw

Public Authority of Industry www.pai.gov.kw

Prayer timings

Public Authority for Civil Information www.paci.gov.kw

Prisoners of War Committee www.pows.org.kw

Kuwait News Agency www.kuna.net.kw

Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.gov.kw

Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affair www.islam.gov.kw

Kuwait Municipality www.municipality.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Oil) www.moo.gov.kw

Kuwait Electronic Government www.e.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Electricity and Water) www.energy.govt.kw

Ministry of Finance www.mof.gov.kw

Public Authority for Housing Welfare www.housing.gov.kw

Ministry of Commerce and Industry www.moci.gov.kw

Ministry of Justice www.moj.gov.kw

Ministry of Education www.moe.edu.kw

Ministry of Communications www.moc.kw

Ministry of Information www.moinfo.gov.kw

Supreme Council for Planning and Development www.scpd.gov.kw

Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation www.awqaf.org

Fajr:

04:59

Shorook

06:22

Duhr:

11:36

Asr:

14:30

Maghrib:

16:50

Isha:

18:11

No: 15641

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JAI THY JZR JZR QTR ETH GFA UAE ETD OMA QTR FDB MSR DHX THY JZR JZR BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE KAC GFA KAC ABY QTR FDB ETD GFA BAB ETD IRA JZR MEA KNE IRM UAE MSR CLX GFA FDB IRC KAC SVA QTR JZR

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 28/11/2012 Flt Route 574 MUMBAI 772 ISTANBUL 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 148 DOHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 643 MUSCAT 138 DOHA 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 170 BAHRAIN 770 ISTANBUL 555 ALEXANDRIA 529 ASSIUT 157 LONDON 412 MANILA 206 ISLAMABAD 53 DUBAI 382 DELHI 302 MUMBAI 352 COCHIN 855 DUBAI 344 CHENNAI 223 BAHRAIN 284 DHAKA 121 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 436 BAHRAIN 939 ABU DHABI 603 SHIRAZ 165 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 470 JEDDAH 1190 MASHAD 871 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 792 LUXEMBOURG 219 BAHRAIN 57 DUBAI 6692 MASHAD 672 DUBAI 500 JEDDAH 140 DOHA 561 SOHAG

Time 0:30 0:35 0:45 0:50 1:00 1:45 1:50 2:35 2:45 2:50 3:01 3:05 3:10 5:15 5:30 6:00 6:35 6:40 6:45 7:40 7:45 7:45 7:55 8:05 8:40 8:40 8:45 8:45 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:20 9:55 10:05 10:20 10:40 11:20 11:55 12:10 12:50 12:50 13:05 13:15 13:35 13:50 14:10 14:10 14:30 14:45 14:50

KAC QTR KAC JZR IYE UAE JZR ETD RJA GFA SVA KNE JZR QTR ABY UAL KAC JZR RBG KAC BAB FDB JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC OMA FDB KAC JAI AXB MSR ABY QTR ALK MEA QTR GFA ETD UAE JZR FDB DHX KLM AIC JZR GFA JZR UAL DLH

788 134 538 535 824 857 357 303 640 215 510 462 777 144 127 982 542 177 3553 786 438 63 787 166 618 102 674 774 647 61 614 572 389 606 129 146 229 402 136 221 307 859 135 59 372 417 975 239 217 185 981 636

JEDDAH DOHA SHARM EL SHEIKH CAIRO SANAA DUBAI MASHAD ABU DHABI AMMAN BAHRAIN RIYADH MEDINAH JEDDAH DOHA SHARJAH WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO DUBAI ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH PARIS DOHA NEW YORK DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT DUBAI BAHRAIN MUMBAI MANGALORE LUXOR SHARJAH DOHA COLOMBO BEIRUT DOHA BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM CHENNAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN FRANKFURT

14:55 15:30 16:05 16:25 16:30 16:40 16:45 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:40 17:45 17:50 17:55 17:55 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:40 18:45 19:05 19:10 19:20 19:35 19:35 19:50 19:55 20:00 20:05 20:10 20:20 20:25 20:35 20:45 20:55 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 21:40 21:50 22:00 22:00 22:05 22:30 22:45 22:50 23:05 23:25 23:55

Airlines AIC PIA BBC UAL DLH JAI ETH THY FDB UAE OMA ETD MSR QTR QTR JZR GFA THY KAC JZR FDB BAW JZR KAC GFA KAC ABY UAE FDB KAC ETD QTR GFA KAC JZR BAB KAC IRA ETD JZR KAC MEA KAC KNE JZR MSR IRM UAE GFA FDB CLX

Departure Flights on Wednesday 28/11/2012 Flt Route Time 982 AHMEDABAD 0:05 206 LAHORE 0:10 44 DOHA 1:00 981 WASHINGTON DC 1:10 637 FRANKFURT 1:20 573 MUMBAI 1:30 621 ADDIS ABABA 2:45 773 ISTANBUL 2:55 68 DUBAI 3:45 854 DUBAI 3:50 644 MUSCAT 3:55 306 ABU DHABI 4:00 613 CAIRO 4:10 139 DOHA 4:50 149 DOHA 6:05 164 DUBAI 6:55 212 BAHRAIN 7:00 771 ISTANBUL 7:35 537 SHARM EL SHEIKH 8:10 560 SOHAG 8:15 54 DUBAI 8:25 156 LONDON 8:45 534 CAIRO 9:15 787 JEDDAH 9:25 224 BAHRAIN 9:30 671 DUBAI 9:35 122 SHARJAH 9:45 856 DUBAI 9:55 56 DUBAI 10:00 117 NEW YORK 10:00 302 ABU DHABI 10:05 133 DOHA 10:30 214 BAHRAIN 10:40 175 FRANKFURT 10:45 356 MASHHAD 10:45 437 BAHRAIN 10:50 541 CAIRO 11:30 602 SHIRAZ 11:40 934 ABU DHABI 11:50 776 JEDDAH 12:15 103 LONDON 12:20 405 BEIRUT 12:55 785 JEDDAH 13:00 461 MADINAH 13:10 176 DUBAI 13:50 611 CAIRO 14:05 1191 MASHHAD 14:15 872 DUBAI 14:15 220 BAHRAIN 14:20 58 DUBAI 14:30 792 GIALAM 14:45

KAC IRC SVA KAC JZR QTR KAC KAC JZR IYE ETD JZR QTR UAE RJA GFA JZR SVA KNE ABY JZR QTR RBG JZR UAL FDB BAB KAC FDB KAC KAC OMA JAI ABY MSR DHX ALK MEA ETD QTR GFA KAC KAC FDB JZR UAE DHX KAC KLM QTR JZR JZR GFA KAC

673 6693 503 617 786 141 773 613 238 824 304 538 135 858 641 216 184 511 471 128 266 145 3554 134 982 64 439 283 62 535 331 648 571 120 619 171 230 403 308 137 222 301 381 60 554 860 373 205 417 147 502 528 218 415

DUBAI MASHHAD MADINAH DOHA RIYADH DOHA RIYADH BAHRAIN AMMAN SANAA ABU DHABI CAIRO DOHA DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH JEDDAH SHARJAH BEIRUT DOHA ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DHAKA DUBAI KOCHI TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT MUMBAI SHARJAH ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI DOHA BAHRAIN MUMBAI DELHI DUBAI ALEXANDRIA DUBAI BAHRAIN ISLAMABAD DAMMAM DOHA LUXOR ASSIUT BAHRAIN KUALA LUMPUR

15:05 15:10 15:45 15:45 15:50 16:15 16:25 17:05 17:15 17:30 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:50 17:55 18:15 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:50 19:00 19:05 19:10 19:25 19:30 20:30 20:40 20:45 20:55 20:55 21:10 21:15 21:25 21:50 21:55 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:40 22:45 22:50 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:35 23:50 23:50 23:55

34

s ta rs CROSSWORD 22

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) A high pressure but very lucky day is ahead of you now. You could make decisions and find your way through just about any problem you may discover.

You feel successful and able to deal with any difficulties. Good advice from a guide or older person is available if you need it today. You could be most persuasive with others and your communication is well-expressed. This talent may even reach toward the criminal when you try to persuade a criminal to surrender to the authorities. The situation is a natural for selfexpression and lends itself to your particular ideas and thoughts. You are just plain witty— ideas roll off your tongue. A sense of support for whatever you plan will be most successful.

Missionary work or law could be future possibilities.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This is a great time, when good fortune and plain old luck surrounds you. It is certainly not a time to stay home—you are in a work mode and in the mood to accomplish much. It is easy for you to make correct decisions, find the right path and move forward where career and success are concerned. Stay away from sensitive communications with loved ones until after the sun goes down—there are disturbing energies floating around this afternoon. You may find that someone close to you understands and is supportive of you. Communication with others is important, so do not close yourself off from the input that casual conversation with friends and loved ones can bring—just stay away from the sensitive subjects for now.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. An edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter).

5. A musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text.

12. The syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization.

15. (botany) Of or relating to the axil.

16. United States writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882).

17. Any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all.

18. A message received and understood that reduces the recipient's uncertainty.

19. A Powhatan Indian woman (the daughter of Powhatan) who befriended the English at Jamestown and is said to have saved Captain John Smith's life (1595-1617).

20. Goddess of the dead and queen of the underworld.

21. A town in southwest Mississippi on the Mississippi River.

23. A benevolent aspect of Devi.

25. A river in eastern France.

26. Regularly spaced in time.

28. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element.

30. An audiotape recording of sound.

31. A member of a North American Indian people of central Arizona.

35. Make reference to.

40. An open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle.

41. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

43. Italian painter and son of Fra Filippo Lippi (1457-1504).

44. Stable gear consisting of a decorated covering for a horse, especially (formerly) for a warhorse.

48. An island of central Hawaii (between Molokai and Kauai).

49. (usually followed by `to') Having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something.

50. A republic on the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula on the Indian Ocean.

52. A rapid escape (as by criminals).

53. Aristocratic Italian family of powerful merchants and bankers who ruled Florence in the 15th century.

56. Leave a camp.

59. A warning against certain acts.

60. A person who is rejected (from society or home).

64. Evergreen trees or shrubs of mountains of Australia and Tasmania.

67. A hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers.

69. True firs.

72. A golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer.

73. A case for containing a set of articles.

74. Of or relating to anions.

76. A primeval personification of air and breath.

77. The compass point midway between east and southeast.

78. A poor white person in the southern US. 79. A small cake leavened with yeast.

DOWN 1. (Old Testament) Cain and Abel were the first children of Adam and Eve born after

the Fall of Man. 2. The inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm.

3. A large number or amount.

4. Thick heavy expensive material with a raised pattern.

5. Concrete pavement is sometimes referred to as cement.

6. Affect with wonder.

7. Remaining after all deductions.

8. Flesh of any of several primarily freshwater game and food fishes.

9. The Magadhan language spoken by the Assamese people.

10. A doughnut-shaped chamber used in fusion research.

11. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

12. Tropical woody herb with showy yellow flowers and flat pods.

13. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

14. Goddess of the dead and queen of the underworld.

22. Showing characteristics of age, especially having gray or white hair.

24. (of tempo) Leisurely n.

27. A unit of energy equal to the work done by an electron accelerated through a potential difference of 1 volt.

29. An organism especially a bacterium that requires air or free oxygen for life.

32. Proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles.

33. First in order of importance.

34. An ancient city in Asia Minor that was the site of the Trojan War. 36. A piece of armor plate below the breastplate.

37. Showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others.

38. Any plant of the genus Reseda.

39. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

42. Not out.

45. A wave on the surface of a lake or landlocked bay.

46. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States.

47. A bag carried by a strap on your back or shoulder.

51. A colorless odorless gas used as a fuel.

54. Conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy (100-44 BC).

55. Any of various coarse shrubby plants of the genus Iva with small greenish flowers.

57. Not reflecting light.

58. Manufactured in standard sizes to be shipped and assembled elsewhere.

61. Tropical American tree grown in southern United States having a whitish pinktinged fruit.

62. A unit of dry measure used in Egypt.

63. Doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion.

65. Wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills.

66. Make reference to.

68. Of or relating to near the ear.

70. (usually followed by `of') Released from something onerous (especially an obligation or duty).

71. The longest division of geological time.

75. A colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

You might like to ignore responsibilities and do some socializing today. You will certainly be making appointments with friends so that you can visit with each other. You could come up with new solutions or inventions in the workplace today.

Taxes, investments and other financial opportunities grab your attention this afternoon.

Psychic insights are easy and there may be some things that you see and understand that others with less patience or insight would not grasp. You may find that someone close to you understands you and is, thankfully, supportive of your eccentricities. An emphasis on close relationships and a preoccupation with ideas of fairness and harmony are part of the mental cycle you have just begun.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Someone that has not supported your ideas in the past may come around to your way of thinking. You have support for future endeavors so let nothing slow your progress. There are opportunities to create respect today. You may be helping a group of people to become organized this afternoon. This group of people may be a citizen’s group that gathers information for public awareness. You may be able to enjoy your own life situation today or feel especially kind towards a friend or a loved one. A relationship will seem to repair itself now. There are breakthroughs regarding relationships. In order to get control over finances, dare yourself to put aside all charge cards for one month. Be original with your gifts for the holidays this year.

Leo (July 23-August 22) This could be a frustrating time both at home and at work. There may be a tendency to make poor choices and decisions. Tensions are high, especially this morning, so perhaps just sitting back and letting others take the lead might be in order.

A more outgoing manner is enjoyed. Events make it easy for you to be original, have breakthroughs and find new solutions to old problems. You may find yourself able to demonstrate your ideas and put them into practice. Your perceptive powers are superb—you enjoy finding new ways to be intellectually stimulated. New ways to prepare food may be welcomed in your family. A lean and yet tasty way of eating may be possible for better health now. You are willing to help whomever.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You are up early this morning—ready to conquer the world. High hopes are great, but applied effort is the key to success. This is a great time to be with others and to work together. You may be recommended as the right person for a particular job; perhaps a leader position. Gossip is disturbing this afternoon and you may have to say a few words to stop the chatter. You will have a grasp for abstract and spiritual ideas and the ability to present or communicate well to others. Everything conspires to reveal you at your most elegant, particularly in social situations this evening. Close relationships offer a lot of potential for growth and good fortune now. Faith, optimism and a yearning to explore all kinds of new horizons are enjoyed.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) You have a lot on your mind and feel a strong need to communicate and gather ideas. Good practical job-related thoughts and ideas are available today. You have the ability to communicate with superiors or describe what you see; higherups will listen. A great deal of mental activity has begun for you now. Changes in the neighborhood may get on your nerves this afternoon. Some number of meetings or announcements in the neighborhood may be in order. Personal matters can be quite frustrating but manageable. This may be the perfect opportunity to visit a nearby park. If the weather is good, a bit of exercise with a partner may be just what the doctor would order. Sympathy and understanding for sibling(s) may be in order tonight.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You will need to reach down and do some heavy thinking. Focus is important; there are many things with which you will want to become involved.

This is a time of good fortune when things open up in a very natural way for you. It is however, easy to see which path to take. Secrets, conspiracies and the hidden links that unite all things take on greater importance. Looking at the way certain things were handled in the past gives you hints about the present and future and uncovers many answers to questions that are nagging. Possibly a career turning point may require some careful thought and good judgment on your part. The current flow of events may dictate a path that runs against your best talents—careful. A family conference is in order.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) A friend or loved one may tend to put the damper on what you say or think.

It could be that you have unintentionally distorted a message in some way.

There may be some restriction to your ability to communicate today—out of focus. If this has the possibility of causing frustrations, express the desire to think a matter through before you make any final decision or comment. Your career depends upon your own ambition and drive, which are strong now. You are able to use good common sense, feel the trends and make the right moves. This evening you may find yourself taking notes on the offers that different shops have on the newest electronics or computers. Movies, books and all forms of relaxation could prove very enjoyable this evening.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) There may be obstacles in your path today but if you keep your eyes open, you will have very few problems in navigating through the day. Keep a lid on your temper when someone tries to push you in the wrong direction—it is a test! Your ability to be and act on the spot is strengthened—much intensity. Extra work this evening will bring in some extra money and that is the good news for this working day. After work, you may be successful in persuading some of your neighborhood friends to help encourage the city to make some environmental changes. This afternoon you may be cooking for unexpected company. You are a gracious entertainer. There is talk of travel and you may do a little research and search the Internet for distant places to visit.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Your mind is sharp and others find it extremely difficult to fool you. In other words, you work to stay informed. Very little happens without your knowledge. This can involve world affairs as well as neighborhood pranksters. You read, you listen and you stay on top of the action. If anyone wants to know the best investments, you will probably be able to advise them. Today, this knowledge is beneficial. Someone that has been trying to find answers about strange events in his or her life or business will be pleased when you find the best solution. Characterized by high energy, you may be a little impatient and eager for new adventures. On the home front, the lines of communication are opening. Enjoy family this evening.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) You want to be rich! As do we all! The problem is . . . you want it yesterday and can become very frustrated when is does not come on the day you expected. Easy does it . . . setting out on a new path may be how you reach your goals. Keep moving forward. You are very responsive and value the same in others. You do not play favorites and are quite impersonal when it comes to your responsibilities. You are intuitive and love to help people that have real needs. You enjoy working for the healing services.

Your life path involves very close relationships with others. This could be as a healer, doctor, nurse, etc., or through a marriage or some other form of yoga—union. This is where you find happiness and success.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

ST TATE T OF K KUW WAIT A

Te el.: 161

DIRECTORA AT TE GENE GENERAL OF CIVIL AV VIA AT TION PA ARTMENT METEOROLOGICAL DEP DA AY: Y Tuesday

27/11/2012

Issue Time

Cool with light to moderate freshening at time north westerly wind, with speed of 15 - 40 km/h and some scattered clouds will appear

BY Y NIGHT:

Cool with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 12 - 35 km/h

No Current Warnings arnin a

WARNING A

15 °C

KUW WAIT A AIRPOR RT

21 °C

14 °C

NUW WAISEEB A

27 °C

15 °C

WAFRA A

25 °C

15 °C

SALMI

17 °C

10 °C

ABDAL LY

19 °C

13 °C

JAL ALIY YAH A

19 °C

13 °C

25623444

FAILAKA A

23 °C

15 °C

Bayan

25388462

AHMADI POR RT

24 °C

16 °C

Mishref

25381200

UMM AL-MARADEM

25 °C

19 °C

W Hawally

22630786

WARBA A A - BUBY YA AN

23 °C

14 °C

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Omariya

24719048

N Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

ST TAT TION

SFC. CHART

27/11/2012 0000 UTC

4 DA AYS Y FORECAST Temperatures DA AY

DA AT TE

WEA AT THER

MAX.

MIN.

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

Wednesday e

28/11

cool + scattered clouds

20 °C

11 °C

NW

12 - 35 km/h

Thursday Friday

29/11

partly cloudy

20 °C

11 °C

NW

12 - 32 km/h

30/11

sunny

21 °C

10 °C

NW

10 - 30 km/h

Saturday

01/12

cool

20 °C

10 °C

NW

10 - 30 km/h

PRA RA AY YER TIMES

RECORDED YESTERDA AY AT KUW WA AIT AIRPORT

Fajr

04:58

MAX. Temp.

22 °C

Sunrise

06:22

MIN. Temp.

16 °C

Zuhr

11:36

MAX. RH

92 %

Asr

14:30

MIN. RH

74 %

Sunset

16:50

MAX. Wind

N 43 km/h

Isha

18:11

TOT TA AL L RAIINF FALL A L IN 24 HR.

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

23900322

4.35 mm V1.00

27/11/12 02:55 UTC

T1.06

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Dr. Salem soso General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Mousa Khadada Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Man accused of stealing Tim Allen’s Chevy Impala man suspected of stealing one of Tim Allen’s custom cars says the comedian left the keys so he could drive it to Denver. Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Monday that 34-yearold Faustino Ibarra is being held without bond while awaiting extradition to California after his arrest on Saturday. In a jailhouse interview with KDVR-TV, Ibarra claimed Allen adopted him years ago. Jackson said there is no evidence of any adoption. Ibarra said Allen had left the door to his garage open along with the keys. Police confirmed that the customized 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS belonged to the “Home Improvement” star but said it hadn’t yet been reported stolen when it turned up in Denver. Allen’s publicist Marleah (mar-LEE-uh) Leslie said she wouldn’t comment because it’s a police matter.

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Berry’s ex claims he was victim in Thanksgiving brawl

alle Berry’s ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry on Monday won a restraining order against the actress’s current lover, as the two men fought in the Los Angeles courts over who started their Thanksgiving Day brawl. Releasing photos of himself with a black eye and cuts to his face, Aubry claimed that he was the victim in the Nov 22 punch-up with Berry’s fiance, French actor Olivier Martinez, in the driveway of her Los Angeles house. “I suffered numerous injuries as a result of the attack, including a fractured rib, multiple bruises on my face and a number of cuts which required stitches,” Aubry said in court papers, alleging that Martinez had threatened the day before to kill him. “It all happened so fast and so suddenly; I did not see Mr Martinez’s actions coming and thus I was not ready for it and was not able to

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defend myself,” Aubry wrote. Aubry, Martinez, and the Oscar-winning “Monster’s Ball” actress have been embroiled for months in a custody fight over Berry’s 4year-old daughter, Nahla. Berry wants to take the daughter she had with Aubry to live with her and Martinez in France, but a Los Angeles judge denied that request earlier in November. Aubry claimed in his request for a restraining order on Monday that Martinez told him, “You cost us $3 million,” while the French actor punched and kicked him on Nov 22. Aubry, a Canadian model, was arrested last week for battery after the fist fight, and ordered to stay away from Berry, the child, and Martinez. Neither man has been yet been formally charged in the case.

Lohan befriended by Sheen, loses out as Liz

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Lady Gaga named best loved eccentric ady Gaga has been hailed the world’s best loved eccentric. The ‘Born This Way’ hitmaker is known for her quirky outfits, which have included a meat dress and telephone hat, and often odd behavior but her strangeness has landed her the title. The 26-year-old singer beat a host of famous names to top the poll of 2,000 people, including third placed rocker Ozzy Osbourne, fourth placed Prince Philip and Russell Brand, who came fifth. A spokesman for Nature Valley, who conducted the survey as part of their new ‘Sweet & Nutty’ bar launch, said: “British people tend to have a soft spot for anyone out of the norm - anyone who doesn’t conform to the ordinary. This is why celebrities such as Prince Philip, Lady Gaga and Russell Brand are close to our hearts. “More often than not, eccentric attributes are harmless as they are often have the most brilliant personalities.” Other stars to make the eccentric list include

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comedian-and-actor Stephen Fry (seven), cross-dressing comic Eddie Izzard (eight), Icelandic pop star Bjork, Hollywood megastar Johnny Depp (17) and quirky couple Helena Bonham Carter (12) and Tim Burton (15).

Most Eccentric Celebrities poll top 20: 1.

Lady GaGa 2.

Boris Johnson 3.

Ozzy Osbourne 4.

Prince Philip 5.

Russell Brand 6.

Janet Street Porter 7.

Stephen Fry 8.

Eddie Izzard 9.

Vivienne Westwood 10.

Bjork 11.

Boy George 12.

Helena Bonham Carter 13.

Lembit Opik 14.

Noel Fielding 15.

Tim Burton 16.

Chris Eubank 17.

Johnny Depp 18.

David Bowie 19.

Jedward 20.

Pete Burns

Nikki Sixx to marry Courtney Bingham he Motley Crue rocker proposed to his model girlfriend during a romantic break to the island of St Barts in the Caribbean. He wrote on his Facebook page: “When Courtney and I were in St Barts I popped the question and she said YES ... We would like to thank everybody who has been tweeting and posting online us congratulations ... Both of us and our families are beyond happy. (sic)” Nikki, 53, and Courtney, 27, have been dating since November 2010. She has previously joked about the difference in age between them, saying: “My dad and Nikki are the same age, so that was pretty funny. When I told my dad when we started dating, he was like, ‘Isn’t he the same age as me? Everything else has been really normal, but that’s the only thing that’s been a little awkward. “Our lives are pretty mellow, he got everything out of his system, so we’re a pretty mellow couple, we go out to eat and we’re really homebodies.” ‘Girls Girls Girls’ hitmaker Nikki has previously been married to former Playboy Playmate Brandi Brandt from 1989 to 1996 and actress Donna D’Errico from 1996 to 2007. He has children, Gunner, 21, Storm, 18, and Decker, 17, with Brandi, and daughter Frankie-Jean, 11, with Donna.

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Cyrus couldn’t live with girls iley Cyrus couldn’t live in a house full of girls. ‘The Climb’ singer never got the opportunity to go to college as she started her incredible career before she had finished high school, but she’s not sure if she would have fitted in with the sorority lifestyle. She told Britain’s OK! magazine: “I definitely don’t regret not being in a sorority [formal social group of college girls]. I couldn’t live in a house full of girls. I would definitely not last. I would strangle them in their sleep.” The 20-year-old star - who is engaged to actor Liam Hemsworth - also revealed she feels like a different person since she has cut her hair short and dyed it blonde. She said: “I feel like people have a better understanding of who I am. I felt so lost when I had my long hair, only because I wore it up every day. “I feel like I can be so much more casual, I feel cleaner, more modern. My hair was fake anyway, so it wasn’t as scary to cut it because I just had to unclip it. Now when I see an old photo, I wish someone would have told me that extensions were not cute when I had them. I hate them and I look and I just feel the whole look is not what is in right now anyway.”

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ollywood bad boy Charlie Sheen found a kindred spirit in actress Lindsay Lohan when they worked on the set of “Scary Movie 5” and gave the actress $100,000 to pay off some of her overdue taxes. Sheen’s camp on Monday confirmed that the “Anger Management” star gave the cash gift to the in-and-out-of-trouble Lohan who reportedly owes the US government more than $200,000 in unpaid taxes for 2009 and 2010. “Charlie has a long history of helping out his friends in many ways and this is just another example of that,” Sheen’s publicist Larry Solters said in a statement. Sheen and Lohan worked earlier this year on the horror spoof “Scary Movie 5” which is scheduled for an April 2013 release. Lohan’s latest performance as late Hollywood screen legend Elizabeth Taylor did not go so well. Her role in the TV movie “Liz & Dick” was slammed by critics and largely ridiculed on Twitter. Cable TV channel Lifetime said on Monday that a modest 3.5 million Americans watched the film at the weekend. Lohan and Sheen’s hard partying and off-screen antics have made them tabloid favorites. Lohan, 26, has been mired in legal and financial troubles and since 2007. Sheen, 47, once the highest-earning actor on television, was infamously fired from CBS comedy “Two and a Half Men” in 2011 after making derogatory comments about the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre. During that time Sheen gripped the public in a meltdown of drug use, erratic behavior and Internet soliloquies. Sheen has cleaned up his image in recent months while starring in “Anger Management” on cable television channel FX.

Amy Winehouse’s father blocks Copenhagen play Copenhagen play on the life of late British singer Amy Winehouse has been blocked by the singer’s father, the Danish copyright collecting society said Monday. The show, titled “Amy”, was due to open at the Royal Danish Theatre in January but was cancelled because KODA, a society that administers music copyrights in Denmark, withdrew its permission to use Winehouse’s songs in the play. “It is Amy Winehouse’s father who has thrown a spanner in the works,” KODA spokesman Nicolaj HyltenCavallius told AFP. Mitch Winehouse had contacted the society via his music publisher within the past few weeks, he said. KODA had previously green-lighted the performance, but its decisions are always subject to change if the rights holder withdraws permission, he added.

Grammy-winner Amy Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning at her London home in July last year, aged 27. In October, shortly after the play was announced, Mitch Winehouse called the Scandinavian show “a load of rubbish” and insisted it was only a money-making exercise, according to the Yahoo! UK news website. Emmet Feigenberg, artistic director for the Royal Danish Theatre, responded that “the performance won’t be any cash cow,” and would be performed ony around 13 times on one of the theatre’s smallest stages, according to the website. “We are very sorry about it ... and do not know what to put in place of the play,” David Pepe Birch, a spokesman for the Danish Royal Theatre, told AFP. Written in Danish by an ensemble of 11 people called “Det Roede Rum” (“The Red Room”), the play was to depict Winehouse’s relationship with drugs and alcohol and her marriage to Blake Fielder-Civil.

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Andre to propose to MacDonagh eter Andre is reportedly planning to propose to his girlfriend. The 39-year-old reality TV star has only been dating Emily MacDonagh - who is 16 years his junior - for five months, but he believes he is destined to be with the 23-year-old medical student for life and is being encouraged by his kids Junior, seven, and five-year-old Princess Tiaamii to pop the question. A source told the new issue of heat magazine: “Pete knows it’s quick, but he doesn’t want to wait around any longer. It’s true love and he worships Emily; he honestly believes that fate brought them together ... He’s already spoken to Emily’s dad about it.

He wanted to reassure him he would never stop her pursuing her medical career ... He knows she’s the real deal and he hopes she wants to spend her life with him, too.” Pete’s first wedding to ex-wife Katie Price in 2005 was an extravagant affair which featured a horse-drawn carriage - and he thinks Emily would appreciate a more modest and traditional wedding without a celebrity guest list. The source added: “Pete really wants to get a ring on Emily’s finger and is happy to have a long engagement if that’s what she wants. But the key is he doesn’t want a wedding like his last one. Looking back, he realizes how tacky his wedding to Katie was ... He’s determined this will be Emily’s day - he treats her like she’s a queen.” —Agencies

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

A guest waits for her food at the Food Network Kitchen at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Photo shows freshly made pastries appear on display for travelers at the Food Network Kitchen.

Food Network Kitchen eatery opens at US airport he Food Network is getting into the restaurant business in a location not always associated with good food: An airport. The channel has opened its first Food Network Kitchen at the Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport in South Florida in the JetBlue terminal. “The dynamic of food and travel has changed,” said Sergei Kuharsky, general manager of Food Network’s new business enterprises. “You used to never go in and think about eating at an airport.”

Now, with passengers arriving early to get through security and limited options for inflight food, there’s a market for airport dining.

“We are responding to that opportunity,” Kuharsky said. The Food Network Kitchen is the only eatery serving hot food at the JetBlue concourse. But it’s the brand that gets attention from travelers as much as the lack of alternatives. “I walked by and I said ‘Oh wow, look at that. Food Network restaurant.’ So I came in,” said Richard Wierzbicki of Austin, Texas.

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“And I would look for it again because I thought the sandwich was really good.”

Since opening Nov 8, the Food Network Kitchen has averaged 1,500 customers a day.

“Airport locations are very busy, but this one

File photo shows Nick Lavrie, left, and Steve DeRochemont eat a meal before catching a flight at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — AP photos

The logo of the Food Network Kitchen is seen.

Two items from the menu, a Cuban sandwich and fried pickles, appear on display at the Food Network Kitchen.

The interior of the Food Network Kitchen is seen in the reflection of a mirror.

especially,” said Jean-Pierre Turgot, general manager for Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, which partnered with the Food Network to provide chefinspired meals at the airport and is also a partner in Food Network-branded food sold at concession stands and stadiums. “It’s the highest revenue producer at the airport.”

There are no waiters, so customers sit at tables after ordering at the counter or they can get takeout food, either made to order or

readymade items like sandwiches and salads.

While the recipes are developed and branded by the Food Network, the offerings are not named for Food Network personalities, shows or chefs. Instead, the menu promises organic and sustainable ingredients and offers dishes with connections to local ingredients and regional culture, such as a Florida shrimp po’boy ($13) and a salmon burger with Key lime mayo ($14).

South Florida’s Latin culture is reflected in items such as the Cuban breakfast burrito ($8) and a black beans and rice burger with “mojo mayo” ($12). Also on the menu: fried pickles with Key lime mayo ($6); sweet potato fries with Key lime tartar sauce ($5); and a Cuban sandwich ($12) with cafe con leche mayo pressed on a ciabatta roll.

Wait times can back up when flights arrive and the airport gets busy, so it’s best to arrive early if you plan to sit down, as Liz Lamoureux did before flying back home to San Antonio, Texas. “On our way here, I was saying we wanted to get here early to sit down for a drink,” she said as she nibbled on edamame and sipped on the house pinot grigio.

Beverages range from espresso to entwine,

the Food Network’s wine brand, to locallyinspired cocktails like Lansky’s Run, named for the Prohibition-era gangster Meyer Lansky.

The design of the restaurant resembles the cable network’s test kitchen: a butcher block bar counter, subway tiling, stainless steel surfaces and pots and pans hanging in a row only here, they hang behind a cash register.

The network’s logo is plastered on everything from to-go boxes to brown paper bags filled with jelly beans and chocolate-covered pretzels. Most of the TVs are tuned to the Food Network, though some show sports or news.

There are also some fun facts on display: A poster near the cash register details local ingredients used in the meals, while paper placemats explain how to filet a fish and describe different cuts of beef.

“We really wanted to bring our culinary expertise to the forefront and bring the brand to life,” Food Network’s Kuharsky said. “I think people are going to be drawn to the brand, but it also comes down to taste.” But while the network has already put its name on consumer products like frying pans and candles, along with its concession stand and stadium food, serving quality food at an airport restaurant presents different challenges.

“Branding on the front lines has the most exposure and is different than putting your name on a logo,” said Chris Tripoli, president of A’la Carte Foodservice Consulting Group, who has worked on food concepts in airports across the country. “Now that you have exposed yourself to the end user, your reputation, that Food Network brand, is going to be judged on the temperature of the green beans that day or by every bite of the sandwich.”

Tripoli added that Food Network staffers on the restaurant’s front lines “know their brand is only going to be as good as their last meal.”

The Food Network and Delaware North Companies plan to open more outlets in the spring at the busy JetBlue terminal. Another Food Network Kitchen is scheduled to open at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport by the end of 2013. — AP

Trailblazing chef takes Daughter of Anna Nicole Smith, 6, models for Guess a look back in latest book

World Chefs:

hef, restaurateur and television personality Hubert Keller is known for his modern approach to French cuisine, but in his third book he casts a backward glance over his peripatetic culinary history. The 120 recipes in “Souvenirs: Memories, Stories, and Recipes from My Life,” trace Keller’s journey from his Alsatian childhood, through his haute cuisine training in France, to his innovative restaurants in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and St Louis. “Almost every recipe has a story,” said Keller, 58, who is a James Beard award-winner and a familiar television presence on cooking shows.

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Q: Why did you write this book?

A: “To retrace my career, starting with the foundation. It’s about myself, where I grew up, how I became a chef and the different stages I went through.”

Hubert Keller

Q: Did you always want to be a chef?

A: “I started at 16. In France you usually start at 14, so I had a late start. My parents had a pastry shop and we grew up living above it.

The whole house was filled with the smell of the croissants baking downstairs so I wanted to be a pastry chef, that’s natural. When you live in the neighborhood of a baker you smell the bread.”

Q: Why is your cuisine considered modern French?

A: “Even 15 or 20 years ago French cuisine still had that cloud as rich cuisine, fatty cuisine, not healthy. I started introducing a lighter version. I developed techniques to bind sauces with vegetable purees to cut the calories. The New York Times called me ‘the rebel with a Cuisinart’.”

Q: How do your restaurants reflect this spirit?

A: “You always try to be up on what’s really happening. At Fleur in (Las) Vegas, I introduced nitrogen (tableside to make frozen drinks and ice cream) and when absinthe came out again I introduced that, because it’s also about the wine and the cocktails. We always have to be ahead of the game.”

Q: How did Burger Bar come about?

A: “I was the first one with a chef’s name to put his name on a burger restaurant. It was risky because at that time in our industry they said if you were a loser you’d just go and flip burgers. “But it was based on how I would operate Fleur de Lys, which is the upscale restaurant in San Francisco: choosing the best bread, the best vegetables, even putting in a butcher shop where we would grind everything fresh.”

Q: What is your philosophy of food and cooking?

A: “Quality and consistency: choosing the right ingredients and always giving them the best, from Fleur de Lys to the concept of Burger Bar. Even (at) Fleur, which is more of a tasting menu, we’re really working those details.”

Q: Are the recipes in this book appropriate for the home cook?

A: “Most of the recipes are pretty approachable with ingredients available in a fine grocery store or farmers’ market.”

Q: Can you share any tips on how a home cook can enliven a dish?

A: “Flavored oils are very easy to do but they can change your way of cooking. Make

paprika oil, or vanilla oil, put them in your refrigerator. Then if you’re making, say, a chicken dish, drizzle on a little oil at the last moment. There’s an explosion of flavor. Also, get dried mushrooms: porcini or morels or shitake. They’re expensive, but when you soak them you get a lot for your money. Add three or four to sauce, broth or stew, and you’ll see it completely changes the flavor.”

•Pommes Paillasson Serves 4 •3 large Russet potatoes (about 1 1/2pounds), peeled •Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper •About 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick or 2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted •2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Cut the potatoes into a fine julienne with a mandoline or with the coarse shredding blade of a food processor. Once they are grated, do not rinse the potatoes; you need their starch to hold the potatoes together. Transfer them to a baking sheet, season well with salt and pepper, and let sit for a few minutes. Place the sheet on a tilt; the salt will begin to wilt the potatoes and they will begin releasing water.

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 9- or 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Squeeze the potatoes very hard between your hands to remove as much water as possible and then add them to the pan.

With the back of a large spoon, neaten the edges and lightly press the potatoes to make a flat cake. Cook for a few minutes and then rub all around the edge of the pan with a tablespoonsized nut of butter so that it melts and runs under the potatoes.

Cook over medium heat until crispy and brown, about 10 minutes. Slide the cake carefully out onto a plate, cover it with a second plate, add another piece of butter to the pan, and then invert the plates and slide the cake back into the pan to cook the second side.Cook, adding butter or oil as needed around the edges and tilting the pan, until the cake is crispy underneath and the potatoes have cooked through, another 7 to 10 minutes. Regulate the heat so the cake browns and caramelizes but does not burn.

Slide it onto a cutting board; blot any excess oil with paper towels, cut into 8 wedges with a sharp knife, and transfer to a large round serving platter. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately. — Reuters

he six-year-old daughter of dead Playboy model and reality television star Anna Nicole Smith has stepped in front of the camera like her mother to model for US clothing brand Guess, the company said on Monday. Photos of Dannielynn Birkhead, who was five-months-old when her mother died in 2007, were released as part of a campaign for the brand’s kids line.

Smith - best known for marrying oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall when he was 89 and she was 26 famously modeled for Guess in 1992-93 shortly after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine.

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Dannielynn’s father, photographer Larry Birkhead, told television show “Entertainment Tonight” that his daughter enjoyed herself on the shoot.

“The first thing she asked is ‘When will I be on the shopping bags like Mommy?’” Birkhead said. “I know that Anna’s looking at this and seeing how great this will be.” Anna Nicole Smith died in Florida at the age of 39 from a prescription drug overdose.

Dannielynn was the subject of at least six paternity claims following her birth in September 2006.

Birkhead was later confirmed as the father following a DNA test. — Reuters

Europe’s snakeskin fashions could threaten pythons urope’s love of snakeskin fashion items could threaten the very survival of pythons, according to a report published yesterday. Nearly a half million python skins are exported each year-almost exclusively for use in European fashion-in a massive market with a legal value of more than $1.0 billion (771 million euros), according to the study “Trade in South-East Asian Python Skins.” Many of the skins end up as designer handbags, belts, wallets and other accessories. Italy, Germany and France are the biggest importers, while most of the skins come from Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

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The trade of python products is closely controlled by CITES, a UN-linked organisation charged with protecting the endangered species and other animals whose numbers are dwindling. “Problems of illegality persist in the trade in python skins and ... this can threaten the species’ survival,” Alexander Kasterine of the UN-linked International Trade Centre said in the report.

With supply chains often murky, a huge part of the snakeskin trade may be illegal and unsustainable, said the study, also backed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

lifestyle M U S I C

&

M O V I E S

‘ Les Miz,’ ‘ Zero Dark Thirty’ ero Dark Thirty” screened on Sunday.

How different does the Oscar race look on Monday? From this vantage point, it looks significantly different ... but not totally transformed. The films that were in the driver’s seat before the Thanksgiving holiday are still major awards players. The newcomers are formidable.

And a race that looked far from settled in October and November still has lots of question marks as December nears. Since the Toronto Film Festival in September, conventional wisdom has been that Ben Affleck’s “Argo” is the film to beat, with David O. Russell’s “Silver Linings Playbook” a strong contender because its heart and humor. Then Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” arrived - and since its initial sneak preview at the New York Film Festival, a film that initially seemed too slow and talky to connect with voters has picked up rave reviews and strong box-office numbers on its way to considerable Oscar momentum.

Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi,” meanwhile, has completely dazzled a good number of the viewers who have seen it, and certainly stands in good stead particularly in the nominations phase of voting, where passion counts for everything.But with those four films the clear frontrunners among the movies that had been seen, the weekend’s newcomers are major players as well. “Les Miserables” is epic filmmaking, an invigorating take on an old-fashioned form that never apologizes for or tries to “solve the problem” of its characters expressing themselves by singing, not talking; if the musical form hasn’t really been celebrated at the Oscars since “Chicago” a decade ago, moviemaking this grand is all but guaranteed to impress voters.

Tom Hooper’s extravaganza is the rare musical with vocals that were recorded live and with barely

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any spoken dialogue. The way in which Hooper embraces the form and pumps up the scale of a much-loved, long-running theatrical show will likely prove irresistible to voters with a taste for Broadway theater and supersized filmmaking.

I’m not convinced that it’s the instant Best Picture frontrunner that some have proclaimed: Much of the film left me cold, as musicals often do.

But even well-regarded musicals often leave Academy voters cold, too: witness the 2006 Broadway adaptation “Dreamgirls,” which was considered a Best Picture shoo-in before Oscar voters unexpectedly left it out of the picture, director and lead-acting categories.

“Les Miz” will certainly have enough passionate adherents to give it a truckload of nominations, and probably enough to make it the year’s mostnominated film - and Anne Hathaway might want to start clearing a spot for the Best Supporting Actress trophy that her searing rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” will probably win her. But for now, particularly given the consensus a movie has to assemble in the final round of voting, I can’t call it the favorite to win.

“Zero Dark Thirty,” on the other hand, is a harder sell, a longer shot and to my mind a better movie.

Tough and visceral and uncompromising, the film about the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden is gripping procedural with a sharp edge; it’s a film that could seize the moment and feel realer than “Argo” and timelier than “Lincoln,” particularly if it gets the kind of critical support that Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” received in 2009.

It could conceivably turn off voters with its unsparing depiction of the lengths to which the U.S. intelligence service went to locate and kill the terrorist leader. At almost two hours and 40 min-

upset the Oscar race

utes, “Zero Dark Thirty” is a tightly-wound procedural that makes the search for a cell phone location as gripping as the raid on bin Laden’s com-

pound - but it is also a brutal film that opens with extended scenes of torture, and one whose central character (played by Jessica Chastain in a performance that will make her one of the top rivals for Best Actress honors) deliberately remains a cipher.

I think it’s clearly one of the year’s best movies and a film whose grim details and attention to detail could set it apart from the competition. But it will take a boost to get some viewers to look past its cold, clinical, distinctly un-Hollywood approach to its subject. (This film and “Argo” seem to come from two different universes.)

It could get that boost from the critics or from good box-office numbers (hardly a given for a movie this tough) or just from a growing sense that Bigelow and writer-producer Mark Boal have nailed something true, central and unsettling about the times in which we live. As formidable as they are, though, neither of the films delivers a knockout blow to “Argo” or “Lincoln” or “Silver Linings Playbook” or “Life of Pi.” Of those, I think “Lincoln” and “Silver Linings” currently have the upper hand.

The former looks more like a true frontrunner with every new rave and strong weekend, while the latter has a real ace-in-the-hole (funny, hard-won emotion) that lands it in many voters’ sweet spots.

Of course, we’ve yet to see Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” or Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” the latter of which might have a serious chance to throw the race into even more disarray. Stay tuned. This one isn’t over by a long shot. — Reuters

This file photo taken on November 26, 2012 shows Sydney-born Hollywood star actor Hugh Jackman waving to fans after a press conference to promote his film “Les Miserables” at a hotel in Seoul. — AFP

K-pop acts dropped from Japan year-end music show (From left) Luciana Bozan Barroso, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski attend the IFP’s 22nd Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 26, 2012 in New York City. —AFP

‘ Two and a Half Men’ actor calls his show ‘ filth’ he teenage actor who plays the half in the hit CBS comedy “Two and a Half Men” says in a video posted online by a Christian church that the show is “filth” and that viewers shouldn’t watch it. Nineteenyear-old Angus T Jones has been on the show, which used to feature bad-boy actor Charlie Sheen and remains heavy with sexual innuendo, since he was 10 but says he doesn’t want to be on it anymore. “Please stop watching it,” Jones said. “Please stop filling your head with filth.”

Jones plays Jake, the son of Jon Cryer’s uptight divorced chiropractor character, Alan, and the nephew of Sheen’s hedonistic philandering music jingle writer character, Charlie. Sheen, who has publicly criticized CBS, was fired and replaced by Ashton Kutcher, who plays billionaire Walden. In the video posted by the Forerunner Christian Church in Fremont, Calif, Jones describes a search for a spiritual home. He says the type of entertainment he’s involved in adversely affects the brain and “there’s no playing around when it comes to eternity.”

“You cannot be a true God-fearing person and be on a television show like that,” he said. “I know I can’t.

I’m not OK with what I’m learning, what the Bible says, and being on that television show.” CBS and producer Warner Bros. Television had no comment Monday.

“Two and a Half Men” survived a wild publicity ride less than two years ago, when Sheen was fired for his drug use and publicly complained about the network and the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre. Sheen later said he wasn’t still angry at the sitcom’s producers and the network and acknowledged he would have fired himself had he been in their shoes.

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islands in the Sea of Japan (East Sea), called Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, had played any role in the decision. President Lee Myungbak’s visit to the islands in August angered the Japanese public, and cooled ties between the neighbors.

Korean political leaders and cultural figures, including actors and an Olympic athlete, staged a series of

my Smart, Cocoa Brown, Terry Crews and Eddie Cibrian have joined the cast of Tyler P e r r y’ s “ S i ngl e Mom ’ s C l ub , ” Li ons ga t e announced on Monday. They join Perry, who as previously announced, will star in the film alongside Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Zulay Henao, and Ryan Eggold.

Perry is producing the film with Ozzie Areu and Matt Moore via his Tyler Perry Studios banner. The film is scheduled to be released theatrically on May 9, 2014 by Lionsgate. Written and directed by Tyler Perry, the feature is being filmed at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia and began production Monday.

The story follows a group of single mothers from different walks of life who are brought together by an incident at their children’s school. They create a support group that helps them find humor in the obstacles of life, as well as their inner strength to overcome their personal challenges. Perry’s most directoral project “Madea’s Witness Protection,” opened over the summer and went on to gross over $65 million. His next film, “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor,” opens March 29, 2013. — Reuters

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File photo shows actor Angus T Jones arrives at the Paleyfest panel discussion of the television series “Two and a Half Men” in Beverly Hills, Calif. — AP

The show was moved from Monday to Thursday this season, and its average viewership has dropped from 20 million an episode to 14.5 million, although last year’s numbers were somewhat inflated by the intense interest in Kutcher’s debut. It is the third most popular comedy on television behind CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory” and ABC’s “Modern Family.”

The actors on “Two and a Half Men” have contracts that run through the end of this season.—AP

Solange’ s new EP is good listening

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Smart rounds out Perry’s ‘Single Mom’s Club’ cast

Review:

olange’s new 7-track EP is a fine collection of smooth songs that will continue to help the singer find her spot in the music world outside of sister Beyonce’s immense shadow. The EP is the follow-up to 2008’s “Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams,” a wonderfully crafted retro-soul adventure. Solange continues with that sound on “True,” collaborating with British musician Devonte Hynes, who has also worked with The Chemical Brothers and Diana Vickers. The album finds the 26-year-old singing about a rela-

apan’s widely-watched year-end TV show will feature only Japanese acts this year, with popular South Korean performers left out of the line-up amid territorial frictions with Seoul. Taxpayer-funded broadcaster NHK insisted politics had played no role in the selection of performers for the New Year’s Eve broadcast watched by up to 40 percent of the nation’s TV audience. Korean girl groups KARA and Girls’ Generation and male group Tohoshinki (TVXQ) were among the headline acts last year on “Kohaku Uta Gassen” (The Red and White Song Contest).

The live TV show lasts more than four hours, and features established acts like AKB48, as well as grandees of J-pop like ageing boy band SMAP. Viewers are drawn from a wide crosssection of society on an evening when Japanese families traditionally gather at home, often around a television set. NHK officials told a press conference that Korean performers were dropped after reviewing how popular they were over 2012, and after looking at support for them among Japanese fans.

They denied speculation that the spat over the sovereignty of a pair of

tionship that hasn’t really worked out.

The lead single and opening track, “Losing You,” kicks off things terrifically with its odd (but amazing) beat and Solange’s dreamy vocals.

Each song flows easily into the next, making the EP easy listening and addictive.

At times, Solange is a vocal tease: She starts songs lightly and often adds enjoyable riffs near the end of the tracks. That’s especially on “Lovers In the Parking Lot,” and it’s a voice worth listening to.

Check out this track: “Lovers In the

Big Bang Theory’ Star denies stiffing his former agency for $100K ig Bang Theory” star Kunal Nayyar is professing his innocence in a lawsuit brought against him last week. A lawyer for Nayyar, who plays bawdy-minded brainiac Raj Koothrappali on the hit CBS sitcom, is denying a claim brought by the actor’s former talent agency that Nayyar owes the company $100,000 in commissions for his “Big Bang Theory” role. “We have not yet seen a copy of the lawsuit, but we believe our client has acted lawfully,” Nayyar’s lawyer, Roger S. Haber, told TheWrap in a

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statement. “We will respond with a full statement once we have received a copy of the filing.”

As reported by TMZ on Monday, the Diverse Talent Group filed suit against the actor in Los Angeles Superior Court last week. According to the agency’s suit, Nayyar paid his commission faithfully after landing the acting gig in 2007, but stopped making payments in September 2011. The suit alleges that Diverse is owed in excess of $100,000. Nayyar is now represented by Innovative Artists. — AP

stunts over the following months designed to reinforce Seoul’s control of the islets. At least one popular Korean drama was pulled from Japan’s airwaves after one of its stars voiced support for Seoul’s claim.

Tokyo has also spent several months in bitter dispute with Beijing over the ownership of a different set of islands. — AFP

Slovak filmmaker being persecuted, watchdogs say ights watchdogs in Slovakia have accused authorities of persecuting a documentary filmmaker who made a movie raising allegations of mass corruption in the justice system and could now face up to two years in prison. Zuzana Piussi’s documentary “The Disease of the Third Power” claims that despite the ex-communist country’s successful economic transition into the eurozone in 2009, Slovakia still struggles with an ill-reformed judiciary.

In the movie, Piussi used an image of a judge filmed without consent, placing a black stripe over the woman’s face to protect her identity. The judge, identified by Slovak media as Helena Kozikova, has taken legal action against Piussi, alleging a violation of her right to privacy. Prosecutors are expected to decide soon whether to press charges, which would carry a maximum penalty of two years behind bars.

The legal moves against Piussi “violate freedom of speech as guaranteed in Slovakia’s constitution as well as the European Convention on Human Rights,” the Bratislava-based Via Iuris rights watchdog said in a statement. A petition supporting Piussi has also gathered nearly 3,000 signatures. A July opinion poll found that 67 percent of people do not trust the Slovak courts, perceived as being rife with corruption. “The judiciary is a state within a state where people gravely abuse their power and are supported by senior justice representatives and tolerated by politicians,” Zuzana Wienk from Fair Play, a Bratislava-based democracy watchdog, told AFP Monday. “The corrupt judges are in the minority, but the fair ones are intimidated.”

Slovakia had to overhaul is communist-era judiciary before joining the European Union in 2004.

While judges gained independence from the government and are now appointed by the president, critics allege the reforms failed to create an effective system of checks and balances, thus failing to address corruption.—AFP

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he makers of a Hollywood movie about the US operation to kill Osama bin Laden denied asking for classified material for their film, but say they did conduct interviews with a CIA officer and others at the heart of the decade-long hunt for the al Qaeda leader. “It was all based on first-hand accounts so it really felt very vivid and very vital and very, very immediate and visceral of course which is very exciting as a filmmaker,” Kathryn Bigelow, director of “Zero Dark Thirty,” told ABC News in an interview airing on Monday.

Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal said in a “Nightline” interview that they were originally working on a film about the failed bid to find bin Laden in the Tora Bora mountains of Afghanistan during the US-led invasion there in 2001.

But their plans changed swiftly after US President Barack Obama announced in May 2011 that a Navy commando unit had killed bin Laden in a compound in Pakistan. “I picked up the phone and started calling sources and asking them what they knew and taking referrals and knocking on doors and really approached it as comprehensively as I could,” Boal told “Nightline” according to an advance excerpt.

“I certainly did a lot of homework, but I never asked for classified material,” he said. “To my knowledge I never received any.”

The release of “Zero Dark Thirty” seen as a strong contender for Oscar nominations - was pushed back to December after the film got caught up earlier this year in a US election year controversy.

The US admiral who oversaw the secret operation in May denied a claim that the Obama administration arranged for Bigelow and Boal to be given special access to top officials while researching their movie. The film reconstructs the hunt for bin Laden largely through the eyes of a young female CIA officer, played

by Jessica Chastain, who helps find him through a long-forgotten courier. Obama only makes a fleeting appearance in the film.

“It was a couple of months into the research when I heard about a woman, part of the team, and she has played a big role and she had gone to Jalalabad and been deployed with the SEALs on the night of the raid,” Boal told ABC News reporter Martha Raddatz in the “Nightline” interview.

While some of the dialogue is word for word and based on interviews with the young CIA officer and others, some of the

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An undated handout photo obtained from Warner Bros shows a scene from Peter Jackson’s new movie “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” which has its world premiere in Wellington today. — AFP

he Hobbit” director Peter Jackson yesterday said the low point making his Tolkien epic was when the production almost moved from his native New Zealand to Britain because of a union dispute. Jackson, who will host the world premiere of the first installment of his trilogy in Wellington on Wednesday, said studio executives went as far as scouting locations in Scotland and England when the row erupted in late 2010. The Oscar-winning director feared not being able to use the rugged New Zealand backdrops that were an integral part of his first Tolkien project, the blockbuster “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

“The Hobbit came very close to not being

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filmed here,” he told Radio New Zealand.

“The worst time for me was when a huge box arrived in the office... this large cardboard box arrived and they had sent a location scout around England and Scotland to take photographs. “They literally had the Hobbit script broken down into scenes, and in each scene there were pictures of the Scottish Highlands and England and this and that, to convince us we could easily go over there to shoot the film.” In the event, the dispute was settled when New Zealand’s conservative government amended labor laws to minimize union representation on set, also offering financial incentives to keep the production in the country.

“It was not the happiest time for anyone,”

Jackson said. As part of the deal reached with the government, the New Zealand tourism industry is using the trilogy to try to revive flagging visitor numbers, promoting the country as “100 percent Middle Earth” in a worldwide campaign. The hype will reach a crescendo Wednesday when up to 100,000 people are expected to line the streets of Wellington for the premiere of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”. Jackson also defended his decision to shoot “The Hobbit” at a groundbreaking 48 frames a second, rather than the standard 24, a move that drew mixed critical reactions when a preview was screened in Las Vegas in April.

Countering criticism that the footage was too clear and lacked warmth, Jackson said it offered a “more immersive” experience for movie-goers that eliminated the blur and “stagger” seen at 24 frames a second. He likened the higher shooting rate to the introduction of compact discs, saying it was the way of the future for film. “I personally think it’s fantastic, but it’s different,” he said. “I remember when CDs came in and there was a nostalgic feeling that the sound of a needle on vinyl was what music should sound likesuddenly you’ve got this pristine clarity and a lot of people were nay-saying it.” The first “Hobbit” movie will be released globally in December. The second, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”, is due in December 2013 and the final chapter “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” follows in July 2014. — AFP

A scene from Peter Jackson’s new movie “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,”. —

20-year-old state beauty queen died in a gun battle between soldiers and the alleged gang of drug traffickers she was traveling with in a scene befitting the hit movie “Miss Bala,” or “Miss Bullet,” about Mexico’s not uncommon ties between narcos and beautiful young pageant contestants.

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In this April 26, 2012 photo; Maria Susana Flores Gamez poses for a photo for a story about upcoming representation of Mexico at a beauty pageant in China, in Culiacan, Mexico. — AP

The body of Maria Susana Flores Gamez was found Saturday lying near an assault rifle on a rural road in a mountainous area of the drug-plagued state of Sinaloa, the chief state prosecutor said Monday. It was unclear if she had used the weapon.

“She was with the gang of criminals, but we cannot say whether she participated in the shootout,” state prosecutor Marco Antonio Higuera said. “That’s what we’re going to have to investigate.” The slender brunette was voted the 2012 Woman of Sinaloa in a beauty pageant in February. She had earlier competed for the more prestigious Miss Sinaloa state beauty contest, but didn’t win. Higuera said Flores Gamez was traveling in one of the vehicles that engaged soldiers in an hours-long chase and gun battle. Besides Flores Gamez, Higuera said two people were killed and four detained.

The shootout began when the gunmen opened fire on a Mexican army patrol. Soldiers gave chase and cornered the gang at a safe house near the town of Mocorito. They escaped, and the gun battle continued along a nearby roadway, where the gang’s vehicles were eventually stopped. Six vehicles, drugs and weapons were seized following the confrontation. It was at least the third instance in which a beauty queen or pageant contestants have been linked to Mexico’s violent drug gangs, a theme so common it was the subject of a critically acclaimed 2011 movie. —AP

he last “Twilight” vampire movie clung to the top of North America’s box office for a second weekend, fighting off the latest 007 movie “Skyfall” in second place, figures showed Monday.

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2,” the fifth and final installment of the wildly popular series, took $43.6 million dollars, according to industry tracker Exhibitor Relations. The previous four films, based on novels by Stephenie Meyer and starting in 2008, earned a colossal $2.4 billion altogether.

In second spot was the new James Bond movie “Skyfall,” which earned $35.5 million on its third weekend in theaters, or $51 over the combined five days including last Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday. Third place went to Steven Spielberg film “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis-tipped for an Oscar for his role of America’s assassinated 16th president-which had $25.7 million in ticket sales. Entering the top 10 in fourth place was “Rise of the Guardians,” DreamWorks’s latest animated offering in which Jack Frost is called to help in the battle against evil. It took $23.8 million at the weekend.

Also new was 3D fantasy “Life of Pi” by Oscar-winning Taiwanese-American director Ang Lee, based on a Booker prize-winning novel about an Indian boy adrift on a lifeboat in the Pacific, which took $22.5 million in fifth place. In sixth spot was “WreckIt Ralph,” the animated Disney film about a video game villain with dreams of becoming a hero, which earned $16.6 million on its fourth week in theaters. Another new entry, “Red Dawn,” about a group of

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dialogue is dramatized, said the Oscar-winning makers of 2008’s “The Hurt Locker,” about a US Army bomb disposal team during the Iraq War. The assault on bin Laden’s Pakistan compound was recreated as accurately as possible, using a full-scale version built in Jordan.

The floor, the tile, the carpet, the furniture and the marks on the walls were copied from images seen in ABC News footage that Bigelow said they reviewed frame by frame.

The full interview can be seen on “Nightline” on Monday evening. “Zero Dark Thirty” opens in US movie theaters on Dec 19.

Nominations for the 2013 Academy Awards are announced on Jan 10 ahead of the Feb. 24 Oscar ceremony. — Reuters

Photo dated March 7, 2010 shows film director Kathryn Bigelow accepting her Best Director Oscar for “The Hurt Locker” at the 82nd Academy Awards in Hollywood, California. — AFP

teenagers look to save their town from an invasion of North Korean soldiers, took seventh place with $14.3 million worth of tickets sold.

In eighth spot was “Flight,” a vehicle for Denzel Washington, who is also drawing Oscar buzz for his role as a crash-landing hero pilot with substance abuse problems.

It pulled in $8.5 million. At number nine was “Silver Linings Playbook,” David O. Russell’s dramatic comedy about a man’s recovery from a meltdown, which won the Toronto Film Festival’s top prize in

September, and earned $4.4 million this weekend. Rounding out the top 10 was “Argo,” based on the true story of six Americans spirited out of Iran during the 1979-1980 hostage crisis. The film directed by and starring Ben Affleck earned $3.9 million. — AFP

Berry’s ex claims he was victim in Thanksgiving brawl

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2012

(From left) Bollywood actors Suresh Oberoi and Vivek Oberoi flankand by US national Kia Scherr.

Indian television actress Ragini Khanna.

Bollywood singer Shibani Kashyap.

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Indian tennis player Sania Mirza walks with children displaying creations by designer Neeta Lulla during a fashion show entitled ‘Walk of peace’ in Mumbai. — AFP photos

Bollywood music director and singer Raghav Sachar.

oach, the iconic American accessories brand, is pleased to announce the opening of its first dual gender store in Kuwait City, located atThe Avenues shopping center. This 2,000 square foot boutique is designed by the Coach Architecture Group and reflects the brand’s distinctive Soho design concept, and includes a separate room for the men’s collection. The material palette for the women’s space includes white gloss lacquer fixtures and polished stainless steel accents, as well as mirror details and honed white marble flooring. The men’s space reflects the aesthetic of our original Men’s Shop on Bleecker Street in New York City, with natural wood flooring and industrial inspired furnishings.

Featured in the Avenues store assortment are handbags, outerwear, small leather goods, jewelry and accessories, and most notably styles from Coach’s new Legacy collection, such as the new Duffle Bag in the vivid new colors of the collection such as carnelian and emerald. Select styles from the popular Madison Collection with its sleek handbags and wallets will also be available at this location, as well as a full

Bollywood actress Shazahn Padamsee and actor Rajat Barmeja.

men’s assortment including the Bleecker Collection, named after the downtown shopping area in New York City. This new boutique and its exciting assortment of products allow shoppers to appreciate the full variety, detail and quality of the Coach experience.

First established in a New York City loft in 1941, Coach is a leading fashion accessories brand offering the finest luxury handbags, accessories and gifts for women and men. Now available in over 20 countries around the world, Coach is a global brand that stands behind its unique heritage of quality, authenticity and value.