16 Jan 2010

RI PT IO N BS C SU THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF

24 PAGES

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2010

Realty India 2010 opens door to lucrative Indian market

SAFAR 1, 1431 AH

Beijing police shut down China’s first gay pageant

China plays down Google dispute but US concerned PAGE 9

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NO: 14611

150 FILS

Ivory Coast reach quarters with 3-1 win over Ghana PAGE 24

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6 Qaeda leaders killed in Yemen

Unrest feared in Haiti

Cleric renews call for jihad

US troops begin to arrive • Looters roam streets • Survivors desperate for aid

SANAA: An air strike against an Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) convoy in north Yemen yesterday killed six suspected leaders of the group, a senior Yemeni official said. Qassem Al-Rimi was among 23 people who made a daring escape from a state security prison in Sanaa in February 2006 that left the government red-faced. “Six Al-Qaeda leaders, including the network’s military chief, Qassem Al-Rimi, were killed on Friday,” the official said on condition of anonymity. He added that the raid was targeting eight suspects.

In addition to Rimi, Ayedh Al-Shabwani was also killed when a warplane attacked the vehicles with air-to-ground missiles, the official said without identifying the other four dead. However a security official later told AFP that an AlQaeda “ideologist” identified as Egyptian Abu Ayman AlMasri had been among those killed, along with Abdullah Hedi Al-Tais. Two suspects Ammar Al-Waili and Saleh AlTais - fled the scene. Earlier they were said to have been killed in the strike on a threevehicle convoy in Al-Ajashir, a

Qassem Al-Rimi desert region in eastern Saada province.

A tribal leader told AFP by telephone he saw a warplane target three 4X4 vehicles, and that the first missile missed.

“A second missile threw up a large plume of dust,” he said, adding that he then “saw one of the three vehicles flee the scene.” The tribal leader said the convoy had been en route from Maarib province to Saada province, where AQAP was reported to have a camp at Wadi Al Abu-Jabara. “Rimi was the principal architect of most of Al-Qaeda’s operations in Yemen,” the official said, adding that the man had Continued on Page 18

PORT-AU-PRINCE: US troops began pouring into quake-hit Haiti yesterday to start unblocking tons of aid amid growing fears of violence with millions left destitute and scores still trapped in the rubble. Sporadic looting has already broken out amid mounting frustration in one of the world’s poorest nations, as quake victims clamor for badly-needed food, water and medical aid three days after Tuesday’s 7.0 quake. “As long as the people are hungry and thirsty, as long as we haven’t fixed the problem of shelter, we run the risk of riots,” warned Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim, after a visit to the capital Port-auPrince.

UN officials on the ground pleaded for more medical and food aid for survivors, amid estimates that some three million people - a third of the population - had been affected. “We really need to focus on the living, and what we can do for them,” Nicholas Reader, spokesman for the United Nations Office for the Continued on Page 18

Seven Muslim protesters killed in Kenyan clashes NAIROBI: At least seven people were killed when police fired on about 100 Muslim youth in the Kenyan capital who yesterday protested the

arrest of a radical Jamaicanborn Muslim cleric whose teachings influenced one of the 2005 London transport system bombers. Farouk

NAIROBI: Kenyan Muslims help a man injured from a gunshot wound yesterday during a demonstration demanding the release of Jamaican cleric Sheikh Abdullah El-Faisal after Friday prayers. — AFP

Machanje of the Muslim Human Rights Forum, which organized the protest in Nairobi, said five people have been killed.

An official with an ambulance service said a young man, who had been shot in the head, died as they took him to the main government hospital. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. He said they took 10 other people with bullet wounds to the hospital. An AP reporter saw the body of another young man who relatives said was 25 years old. The reporter also saw three other young men wounded in the protest being treated at a clinic near the downtown Nairobi mosque where it began after Friday prayers.

Police restricted the protesters’ movements by standing at roads leading away from the mosque. Soon after the protesters emerged from the mosque, police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse them.

Continued on Page 18

A composite image shows Osama bin Laden in April 1998 (left) and two digitally enhanced and aged images released Thursday on the US Department of State’s website showing what bin Laden could look like today with a full beard and with his hair trimmed. — AP

Laden photo digitally updated WASHINGTON: The US State Department has updated its 1998 file photo of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, digitally altering it to account for a decade of age and possible changes in his facial hair.

There is a $25 million bounty on bin Laden’s head for the

Sept 11, 2001 attacks and the 1998 US embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya. Bin Laden is now 52.

And he is believed to be hiding in the lawless Pakistan frontier bordering Afghanistan, though his exact whereabouts have been unknown since late

2001, when he and a small contingent of body guards walked out of the Tora Bora mountains, evading air strikes and US special forces and Afghan militias, The photos and bounty on bin Laden is on the State Department’s website rewardsforjustice.net. — AP

PORT-AU-PRINCE: A body is buried in the rubble of a hotel yesterday in the aftermath of an earthquake that hit Haiti Tuesday.

(Inset) Cindy Terasme cries after seeing the feet of her dead 14-year-old brother, Jean Gaelle Dersmorne, in the rubble of the collapsed St Gerard School on Thursday. — AP

Debt-laden Dubai offers to host UN DUBAI: Dubai said yesterday it has offered to host the headquarters of the United Nations should the global organisation want to leave New York, a sign the Gulf emirate’s ambitions

remain high despite its debt problems.

“The government of Dubai announces that it is fully prepared to host the UN headquarters on its territory in the event its officials take the decision to

move from New York,” the Dubai government said a statement.

Dubai’s offer comes days after an article by an academic and a real estate developer on the website of Forbes

magazine called for the United Nations to relocate to Dubai. “Bringing the United Nations to Dubai makes sense,” wrote Joel Kotkin, a fellow in urban Continued on Page 18

France moves closer to banning the niqab LA VERRIERE, France: The man she married is French, her four children were born in France and she speaks French with only a trace of her native Arabic tongue. Faiza Silmi contends her clothes - a head-to-toe robe and filmy tissue Faiza covering her face - are the reason France has denied her citizenship in her adopted land. The 32year-old Moroccan may soon be facing an even fiercer blow.

A top French lawmaker submitted a draft law this week that would ban such Islamic dress anywhere in public, a measure that would set a European precedent and trap thousands of women between their religious convictions and the law of the land.

“They say I’m too attached to my religion,” Silmi told AP at an empty restaurant near her home southwest of Paris, her large eyes peering from a slit in her veil. “Lots of Christians live in Morocco and we don’t make them wear scarves.” Unlike Muslim headscarves, full-body, facecovering robes are a rare sight in the streets of France, home

to an estimated 5 million Muslims, the largest such population in western Europe.

France’s main Muslim leaders have declared that Islam does not require women to cover their faces with niqabs or burqas.

In a country whose national Silmi emblem is Marianne, a bare-chested woman, there is deepening concern over the all-encompassing garb, often black or brown and worn with gloves, attire typical in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. Here, it is widely viewed as a gateway to radical Islam, an attack on gender equality and other French values, and a gnawing away at the nation’s secular foundation. President Nicolas Sarkozy opened the door to a possible ban in June, telling a parliament session in Versailles that such dress “is not welcome” in France. A parliamentary panel set to work in July on a six-month mission gathering information on the garments.

On Tuesday, the head of Sarkozy’s conservative UMP Continued on Page 18

JEDDAH: Saudi men use tinted glasses to watch a partial solar eclipse in this port city yesterday. —AFP

‘Ring of fire’ eclipse millennium’s longest THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India: A solar eclipse that reduced the sun to a blazing ring surrounding a sombre disk plunged millions of people in Africa and Asia into an eerie semidarkness yesterday. The spectacle, visible in a roughly 300-km band running 12,900 km across the globe, set a record for the longest annular eclipse that will remain unbeaten for more than a thousand years.

An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun but does not completely obscure it, thus leaving a ring - an annulus - of sunlight flaring around the lunar disk. The Moon’s shadow first struck the southwestern tip of Chad and western Central African Republic at 0514 GMT and then reached Uganda, Kenya, and Somalia before racing across India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and China.

Continued on Page 18

BAGAN, Myanmar: An annular solar eclipse is seen formed over the sky of Myanmar’s ancient historic city of Bagan yesterday. — AP

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NATIONAL

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Clubs to tackle IOC’s suspension Al-Afasi astonished by decision, vows action

Late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad...

A man of initiatives, achievements KUWAIT: Yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of the death of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah. While head of the country, he positively influenced the country with his many economic, political and social initiatives. A few of his several accomplishments were proposing the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), the future generations fund and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). Dean of the College of Social Sciences at Kuwait University (KU), Dr Abdul Ridha Aseeri, said that talking about the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah means talking about a major era in the history of Kuwait that involved great challenges and threats.

With great wisdom, Sheikh Jaber was able to protect Kuwait and its national unity during the Iraqi-Iranian war, Aseeeri said. He also encouraged Kuwaiti resistance during Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, contributed to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 and sped up the liberation of Iraq, he added. Sheikh Jabar Al-

Sabah’s achievements are a major part of in the political, military, economic and social history of Kuwait, he said. He praised the joint accomplishments of the late Amir and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-

Sabah and encouraged people to learn from the history and challenges during that era.

KU’s economy lecturer, Dr Riyadh Al-Faras, said Sheikh Jaber was a man of economy, administration, and a man of

politics. He stressed the significance of the late Amir’s contribution toward developing Kuwait’s economy by establishing the KFAED and the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), he said.

Sheikh Jaber played a significant role in promoting the importance of corporate action and helped establish many economic corporations in Kuwait, he pointed out. This helped improve Kuwait’s economic status internationally, he added. While under Sheikh Jaber’s administration, Al-Faras said, Kuwait witnessed many domestic, international, economic and political crises such as the stock exchange crisis and the fall of world oil prices in the 1980s. He also saw Kuwait through the Iraq-Iran war and the Iraq invasion of Kuwait in 1990, which destroyed much of the state’s infrastructure and natural resources. It was Sheikh Jaber’s leadership that ensured the continued development of the country’s economy, he said. Sheikh Jaber’s diplomacy based foreign policy guaranteed international support for Kuwait during the country’s most trying moments, he concluded. — KUNA

Disabled community supporters KUNA chief recalls recognized at awards ceremony late Amir’s epoch

By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: The Special Team, a group of volunteers who promote awareness about those with intellectual disabilities, won the 2009 Seventh Volunteering Sharja Award on Dec 30. They were recognized for producing a documentary and for issuing a magazine about the disabled. The documentary, which they produced 36 thousand copies of, contained five six-minute documentaries that thanked 30 individuals and institutions for their support of the disabled.

The Special Team held a press conference on Thursday at the Kuwait Society for Guardians of the Disabled (KSGD) in Rawdha. “In each documentary we thank a different person or institution for their support of the disabled,” stated Jasim Al-Rsheid, President of the Special Team.

“The documentary also teaches parents of the disabled how

to interact with their disabled children and how to react in public. For instance, it shows some parents carrying their disabled child in a park, swimming with him and not being ashamed of his disability. This should be an example for parents here in Kuwait to follow.”

“The documentaries are not only addressed to the parents of the disabled. It also teaches people how to interact with the disabled in public when meeting them. Also, it shows parents that many disabled children can achieve goals in sports or other activities,” he added.

Financial prizes were given to the Kuwait Sports Club for the Handicapped, KSGD, Emirates Society for Special Olympics, Kuwait Down Syndrome Society, Special Olympics for the Arabic Region, poet Saleh Al-Haded and media personality Manar Saleem.

“The prize is for those

whose volunteer work is continuous and serious,” stated Rihab Burisli, President of the KSGD. “We are looking forward to some of our other scheduled activities such as participating in the hygienist art exhibition and hosting awareness seminars for youngsters. We invite anyone to participate with us.” The KSGD efforts were also recognized by being awarded the Martyr Fahad Al-Ahmad Award.

Currently, The Special Team is working on a big project and needs support from companies and other sponsors. “We are willing to build a yacht that doesn’t sink. We already made the design and just need a partner to finance it. Besides supporting the disabled and society in general, the partner will have their logo on the yacht and will speak to the media after we finish the almost two month long trip around the world,” said Al-Rsheid.

KUWAIT: (From left) Jasim Al-Rsheid, Rihab Burisli and Badi Al-Dosari.

KUWAIT: The people of Kuwait will remain deeply faithful to the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah, recalling his great achievements and deep affection to the homeland, affirmed the chief of the national news agency.

Director-General and Board Chairman of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Sheikh Mubarak Dujaij AlIbrahim Al-Sabah, said in a statement on the fourth anniversary of the demise of Sheikh Jaber, the late Amir spared no effort for progress, prosperity and promotion of Kuwait.

Era of the late Sheikh Jaber constituted a summary of Kuwait’s modern history, where he shouldered state responsibilities at an early age, made many accomplishments, left visible changes at all departments and posts where he had served, Sheikh Mubarak said.

Some of Sheikh Jaber’s major achievements were establishment of the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Reserve Fund for the Next Generations and AlZakat (Alms) House, the KUNA chief noted.

Recalling the late Amir’s steadfastness in the face of the 1990 blatant Iraqi aggression, Sheikh Mubarak said Sheikh Jaber, along with the late Father Amir Sheikh Saad AlAbdullah Al-Sabah and HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-

Ahmad Al-Sabah, spearheaded an international diplomatic campaign that resulted in establishing an unprecedented international military alliance for the liberation of Kuwait and reinstating legitimacy in the country.

The late Amir was a unique leader, one of the most popular in the world, a leader who succeeded in making Kuwait a pivotal and influential state, vis-avis various Arab and international causes.

Sheikh Jaber was loved by his people, respected and admired by leaders of the world for his humane traits, modesty, classy manners, wisdom and courage, particularly in difficult situations and crises.

His Highness devoted all his life for the service of the homeland, shouldered enormous responsibilities at the expense of his health and comfort and fulfilled his duties in full till the last moment of his life, Sheikh Mubarak said in his impassioned recall of the late Amir.

“The best means to honor our late Amir can be through maintenance of the achievements he had made, through keenness on cooperation and pursue the work for the construction and development of the Kuwait, under the leadership of HH the Amir, the HH the Crown Prince and HH the Prime Minister, Sheikh Mubarak concluded. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Local sport clubs adopted several measures to confront the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) suspension of Kuwaiti sports activities.

After a meeting that grouped representatives and presidents of local clubs in Al-Arabi Sports Club on Thursday evening, a decision was made to form a committee representing the clubs to tackle the IOC suspension and take legal and reform measures needed in this respect, including calling for an extraordinary general assembly and clubs confederations to assemble as soon as possible.

The assembly would find a mechanism to protect the country’s sports activities and its laws, Al-Arabi Sports Club said in a press release.

The clubs reiterated their support to Kuwait’s legislation issued by the legislative branch in this regard, expressing its dismay at the level of interference committed by IOC and its confederations.

They also noted that they will send various cables supporting the country’s regulations and asserting on its legitimacy and sovereignty concerning sports laws in this regard.

The Olympic charter stipulates that the IOC has no right to take any sanction against any national Olympic committee temporary or permanently suspend. It also states that the IOC should not take any measures even by the withdrawal of recognition only after notifying the National Olympic Committee, including reviewing responses, refute and justification sent by the IOC, the statement added.

The statement noted that the formed committee that includes Al-Qadsiya Sports Club, Al-Naser Sports Club, Kazma Sports Club, and Sulaibikhat Sports Club, in addition to Al-Arabi Sports Club will hold its first meeting soon.

The clubs also called on all Kuwaiti sports figures who are taking international posts to participate and confront this vicious campaign against Kuwait’s sports.

Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi had previously said he was sur-

prised when he received a letter from Pere Miro, Director of the International Olympic Committee’s IOC Relations Department, about suspension of Kuwait National Olympic Committee.

“I have made correspondence with OIC Chairman and with all respect to Mr. Miro but he should not address a minister in the government of the State of Kuwait,” Al-Afasi told reporters after a meeting with the parliamentary youth and sports committee.

IOC Chairman should have had read the letter Al-Afasi sent before enforcing the suspension decision, he said. “The letter arrived (to the IOC) on Dec 31 which coincided with an official holiday but we expected him (IOC Chairman) to read the letter in the next day before adopting the suspension decision.”

Al-Afasi said Miro’s letter was unacceptable “and it is humiliating which we don’t accept... I don’t agree with its contents and it will be answered back.”

As to the dissolution of board members of 10 sporting clubs in Kuwait, Al-Afasi said the suspension decision did not address this issue. He, however, said FIFA approved the dissolution decision of the clubs and extension of the interim committee running the affairs of Kuwait Football Association (KFA).

Al-Afasi called for respecting judicial decisions as stipulated

by IOC Charter.

The minister said the next move would be approving the

amendments of sports laws during the second reading by the parliament. But if the IOC insisted to keep the suspension even after the approval of amendments, then “we will act through Kuwait NOC and in line with rules of the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS).”

Meanwhile, Abdullah bin Oqlah Al-Hashim, the Assistant Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said yesterday that Kuwait will host the 63rd meeting of the executive office of heads of National Olympic Councils of the GCC states today.

Al-Hashim said in a press release that hosting such meeting in Kuwait was out of the country’s keenness on Gulf sports and Kuwait Olympic Committee’s vital role in supporting joint Gulf work.

The official praised efforts exerted by the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee to ensure success of such meeting. The meeting will discuss preparation for a meeting of heads of Olympic committees’ council due in Kuwait next March, Al-Hashim said.

The official noted that the meeting will also review a report prepared by the Secretariat General regarding decision made in the 62nd meeting of the executive office of Olympic heads of committees’ council.

The meeting will discuss as well the holding of the first beach games in the Gulf which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain next October, the official added.— KUNA

kuwait digest

Haiti... So far yet so near

T

he recent earthquake to hit the Caribbean nation of Haiti is considered to be the most devastating natural disaster in Latin America for the past 200 years, wrote Al-Qabas in its editorial column yesterday. The quake has left all vital facilities, including hospitals and ministries, completely ruined and many members of international convoys and humanitarian organizations have been killed in the disaster, continued the editorial.

As nations and organizations from all over the world work to send emergency aid to a country where the majority of its citizens live below poverty averages, we in Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ought to commit our humanitarian obligation and jump to the aid of the Haitian people, read the editorial.

Helping other people in need is nothing new

to Kuwait as our country was among the first nations to aid those affected by the tsunami tragedy a few years ago. These actions demonstrate the essence of giving and assistance that our Islamic teachings and humanitarian principles have taught us. This role stems not only from the teachings and principles of Islam but also as a form of gratitude to all the nations of the world who rushed to support Kuwait during the Iraqi Invasion. It is also an opportunity to return feelings of solidarity to those Latin American countries who support GCC countries when they face threats of terrorism.

The obligation of helping the people of Haiti through their crisis is a reflection of the deeprooted values in our hearts. Haiti is a very small country located in a very distant part of the world, but today it is very close to the whole world and the entire human race.

KUWAIT: KISR Director General Dr. Naji Al-Mutairi meets with members of NUKS in the United Kingdom and Ireland. — KUNA

KISR pledges continued support for student union KUWAIT: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has stressed that it was keen on continuing cooperation with the National Union of Kuwait Students (NUKS) - UK and Ireland branch.

KISR Director General Dr. Naji AlMutairi said in a press statement that he discussed with members of the union the situations of Kuwaiti students in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

He underlined in the importance of providing more care and encouragement to scientific research “which is a base for development.” He also emphasized on the significance of NUKS - UK and Ireland branches in following up the situations of Kuwaiti students.

For his part, head of the union Ali AlBathal praised KISR’s role, achievements on different fields, and expertise.— KUNA

NATIONAL

Saturday, January 16, 2010

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Kuwait bans Saudi cleric’s entry KD 10,000 grant proposal irrational, says finance minister

File picture of Saudi Sheikh Mohammad Al-Areefi.

KUWAIT: Controversial Saudi cleric, Sheikh Mohammad Al-Areefi, was informed at his residence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that he has been added to a list of people banned from entering Kuwait. He was banned from the country after making statements on TV in which he criticized Shiite clerics of allegedly backing Houthis in Yemen. It was indicated later that the decision, urged by several MPs and other individuals, was not directly made by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, reported Al-Watan.

Al-Areefi would come to Kuwait each Saturday on his route from Saudi Arabia to Qatar where he hosts a weekly TV show. The recent ban leaves Al-Areefi in

a dilemma regarding how to get to Qatar on a weekly basis, considering no direct route exists between KSA and Qatar on the day of his show. This may result in his shows temporary hiatus.

MP Mohammad Hayef, upset with the recent decision, released a statement criticizing the decision. He said in an act of retaliation he has prepared a list of people that should be added to the banned list.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Mustafa Al-Shamali, responded to the recent proposal by MP Saleh Ashour to grant each Kuwaiti family a KD 10,000 grant. Al-Shamali described the proposal to solve the hardship of indebted citizens as “illogical” and repeated that the best

Salafi Movement meets with Hamas delegation KUWAIT: The Hamas delegation, led by the head of Hamas’ political bureau Khalid Meshal, met with representatives of the Islamic Salaf Movement at their General Secretariat office during their stay in Kuwait.

There, they discussed various issues and represented their political and legitimate perspectives, reported AlQabas.

Head of the Salaf’s political office, Fuhaid Al-Hailem,

said in a statement to the press that “Meshal’s visit indicates Kuwait’s leading and ongoing role to support the Palestinian cause.” He said that the two groups discussed the best ways to support the Palestinian people in the face of “Israeli impudence”.

Al-Hailem expressed appreciation to Meshal and the rest of the Hamas delegation for recognizing the role that all parts of Kuwaiti

society plays in supporting Palestinians and their right to seek liberation from their occupiers. He said they recalled Kuwait’s restless support since the beginning of the Palestinian crisis and during the Israeli war against Gaza. He added that they further acknowledged the role of the Salafi movement, and all other political forces in Kuwait, as well as the official and public support Kuwait shows for the Palestinians.

solution for this is through the insolvents fund. He then said that discussions are in place to find a suitable solution to the problem that adheres to the regulations of the constitution and does not hurt the state’s assets, reported Al-Qabas. The Minister spoke at a ceremony held in honor of several retired personnel from the Public Institution For Social Security (PIFSS). He also addressed the financial losses of the PIFSS, which are estimated to be at KD 1.7 billion, and said that the deficit occurred only in the form of assessment losses only. He further pointed out that most similar institutions around the world suffered similar losses and that the PIFSS had successfully managed a full recovery.

MPs to ponder interpellation against information minister

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: A number of MPs are set to meet early this evening at the diwaniya of MP Dr Faisal AlMislem. They will discuss the details of the interpellation to be presented against the Minister of Information, Sheikh Ahmad AlAbdullah Al-Sabah, such as the date of the grilling and the names of its presenters.

During the meeting the subject and clauses of the interpellation will be discussed, reported Al-Rai. They will also discuss a report made by a

Non-Kuwaiti teachers to be exempted from ‘experience’ condition

MOROCCO: A project model of the group on display at the third Marrakesh International Exhibition for Tourism and Travel.

Group stimulates Morocco’s tourism MARRAKESH: The Moroccan-Kuwaiti Development Group plays a great role in stimulating tourism in Morocco, Director of Public Relations at the group says Siham Qabazard.

The group which is participating in the in the third Marrakech International Exhibition for Tourism and Travel is a primary partner of a number of investment corporations in Morocco, Qabazard

MOROCCO: Director of Public Relations at the MoroccanKuwaiti Development Group Siham Qabazard.

—Photos by KUNA

told Kuwait News Agencu (KUNA) on the sidelines of the exhibition’s inauguration held Thursday night.

“The participation of the group in the exhibition falls within the investment strategy adopted,” she said, adding that the strategy underlines finance, real estate and development-oriented sectors.

Qabazard said that the group aimed at promoting for its products and establishing a link with local market and outside participations in the field of tourism and real estate as part of its search for strategic partnerships.

“Kuwaiti capital shares at the Moroccan-Kuwaiti Development Group established in 1976 reached 84 percent,” she said, adding that the group was directed towards coming up with competitive and premium development projects in the fields of tourism, investment, and real estate to meet Morocco’s development plans.

The group’s tourism-oriented projects of Beladi, such as that of mountainous Ifrane, and that of Sidi Abdeen, 98 kilometers southern Casablanca are designed to offer middle income Moroccans highstandard tourism and traveling opportunities with reasonable prices, she pointed out.

Qabazard said that a number of big projects are listed on the group’s agenda to attract tourists. Sh added that the group is guided by the wise leaderships in both countries.

The 216-meter-pavilion at Marrakesh’s exhibition which ends on Jan 17 showcases the group’s history and projects.

Meanwhile, seminars are held on the sidelines of the exhibition with the participation of international experts. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Expatriate, GCC and bedoon (stateless Arab) teachers will be exempted from the condition of providing experience certificate upon applying for employment in government schools, says a senior Education Ministry official, who added that the exemption would help to fill the shortage of teachers in various levels at the ministry.

“This recommendation has been referred to Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Moudhi AlHomoud in the form of a memorandum by the ministry’s Deputy Assistant for Public Education Muna Al-Lughani,” said the official, adding that the recommendation is set to be activated as soon as it obtains the Minister’s approval.

This announcement was made by Al-Lughani during her tour to a number of schools affiliated to the Ahmadi Educational District. The tour aimed to check on the flow of the examination process and student performance.

The ministry official indicated that a new system has been implemented to analyze students’ percentage of success and rates achieved by them in the examination.

She added that the new assessment would allow ministry officials to detect cases of

“unusual and overly-difficult” exam questions and avoid them in future test papers.

Al-Lughani commented on the issue of students’ absence from exams, stating that no absence cases will be tolerated unless an official medical excuse is provided from a local polyclinic, and delivered personally by a student’s parent on the same day of the exam.

Meanwhile, 50 male and female teachers, including citizens and expatriates, working at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor’s special needs schools recently demonstrated outside the Ministries Complex to demand further job benefits including salary hike.

The striking teachers, who were banned by police from staying at the complex, shifted their sit-in outside minister AlAfasi’s office, reported Aljarida.

Police forces immediately rushed to the scene and prevented the demonstrators from getting into the building after some of them had already managed to do so.

Some ministry officials who rushed to the scene advised the teachers to calm down and promised them to refer demands to the minister.

Two teachers were permitted to address their demands to the minister.

parliamentary committee with the membership of MPs Musallam AlBarrak and Jaman Al-Harbash. The grilling is expected to be presented at the end of the upcoming week and discussed on Feb 2.

Al-Barrak said that the main reasons for Al-Abdullah’s grilling has yet to be revealed and asserted that they will “adhere to the points mentioned in the statement released by the National Rescue Committee.” He also indicated that the identity of the grilling motion’s

presenters have yet to be determined.

Al-Barrak also mentioned that members from outside the committee will be invited to attend future meetings so that their opinions can be shared before coming up with the final formula of the interpellation. Al-Barrak accused the Minister of failing to activate the clauses of the multimedia law and said that “the flaw is in the governmental practice, not in the law itself.”

Study highlights Kuwait’s pioneering endowment role

TUNISIA: Mohammad Al-Jalahema addresses the international seminar on youth and future in Tunisia yesterday. —KUNA TUNIS: A Kuwaiti banker has stressed the significant role of Awqaf (endowments) institutions in supporting governmental and voluntary efforts for improving the conditions of youth.

In his working paper on Awqaf contributions to backing youth development on the sidelines of an international seminar on youth and future in Tunisia yesterday, Mohammad Al-Jalahema, Deputy Secretary General of the Kuwaiti Awqaf Banks, hailed Kuwaiti’s pioneering Awqaf experiment as showing that Islamic endowments had greatly contributed to caring for social categories in general and youth in particular.

“Since its establishment, the Kuwait Public Awqaf Secretariat has been catering for youth with their diverse age levels as part of its vision of all-out development involving all social categories,” he said.

Key participants in the conference, mainly Director-General of ISESCO Abdelaziz AlTuwaijri and ALESCO Director-General Mohammad Ashour, were impressed by Kuwait’s pioneering Awqaf experiment, he added.

Earlier in the day, President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali inaugurated the seminar to mark the International Youth Year under the rubric: “Youth and the Future: Current Challenges, Capacity Building and Participation Mechanisms.

It was attended by the secretaries-general of political parties, chairmen of the national organizations, official bodies and consultative councils, representatives of regional and international organizations and non-governmental organizations as well as experts, thinkers and researchers from Gulf and Arab countries. —KUNA

Over 3,000 liquor bottles seized KUWAIT: More than 3,000 bottles of liquor encased in 220 boxes were seized by the General Department of Anti-narcotics, it was announced late Thursday.

The seizure comes within the department’s ongoing efforts to combat such actions, official spokesman of the Interior Ministry Colonel Mohammad Al-Saber told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

“The smugglers have been arrested and refereed to investigation,” he noted, adding that the dispatch was intended to be smuggled into the country through the Shuwaikh Port. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Liquor bottles that were seized at the Shuwaikh Port. —Photos by KUNA

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INTERNATIONAL

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Iraq’s electoral board bars 500 candidates

WEST BANK: Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli soldiers during clashes yesterday in the village of Nabi Saleh Halmish near a Jewish settlement west of the West Bank city of Ramallah in protest against the expansion of the settlement on Palestinian territory that belongs to the village. — AFP

Authorities launch a new wave of arrests

Iran arrests dissident cleric, warns against protest calls TEHRAN: Iran has stepped up pressure on the opposition, arresting a dissident cleric and warning against using SMS and email messages to organise anti-government protests, reports said yesterday. Mid-ranking cleric Mohammad Taghi Khalaji, who was close to late dissident Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, was arrested at his home in the city of Iranian authorities have launched a new wave of arrests following bloody protests during Shiite mourning rituals of Ashura on December 27, when eight people were killed.

The detained cleric’s son, Mehdi Khalaji, is a senior research fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and two members of the US House of Representatives condemned the arrest.

“The regime’s intimidation and imprisonment of clerics critical of the current government must cease at once,” Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Howard Berman said in a joint statement.

“We are deeply concerned by reports that the Iranian regime has arrested Ayatollah... Khalaji and confiscated both his and his family’s personal possessions and passports, thereby preventing them from leaving Iran,” they added.

Norooznews did not say whether

passports and possession had been seized.

Iranian clerics backing the opposition have faced mounting pressure by hardliners since the death of Montazeri, whose December funeral was attended by thousands of opposition supporters.

An outspoken critic of the Islamic regime he helped create, Montazeri joined the opposition by calling for protests and branding Ahmadinejad’s government as illegitimate.

The disputed June 12 election triggered mass street protests for a week which were met by heavy crackdown.

Since then opposition supporters have taken to the streets on every possible occasion to stage anti-government rallies, especially alongside state-sponsored events.

Iran’s police chief, meanwhile, has warned opposition supporters against using text and email messages to organ-

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s electoral commission barred 500 candidates from running in March’s parliamentary election, including a prominent Sunni lawmaker, in a decision that is sure to deepen Iraq’s sectarian divides.

Hamdia al-Hussaini, a commissioner on the Independent High Electoral Commission, said the commission made the decision after receiving the list from a parliament committee that vets candidates for ties to Saddam Hussein’s outlawed Baath party.

The decision to bar the candidates — most of whom are believed to be Sunni — potentially threatens the country’s fragile security because it risks leaving Sunni voters feeling targeted and disenfranchised.

The Sunni boycott in a January 2005 election is considered one of the key factors that deepened the insurgency. The candidates have three days to appeal, al-Hussaini said.

Among those barred is prominent Sunni leader Saleh al-Mutlaq, a strident critic of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Al-Mutlaq has already said he would appeal any ruling against him.

Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, speaking before the decision was announced Thursday, described the effort to bar the candidates as intimidation.

Allawi and al-Mutlaq are political allies in the Iraqi National Movement, a coalition challenging Al-Maliki in the vote.

“This is a process of severe intimidation and threats,” Allawi said in an interview with The Associated Press. “It’s clear that they want to get rid of their opponents.” Allawi, a fierce critic of Al-Maliki, called on the prime minister to put a stop to what he described as the parliament committee’s intimidation.

“This is where he shoulders responsibility,” the former prime minister said. “His speeches are encouraging these guys.” A spokesman for the prime minister was not immediately available for comment.

The de-Baathification policy was created

under the US-run Coalition Provisional Authority, which ran the country after the 2003 invasion and stripped senior Baathists of their jobs. In 2008, the policy was relaxed and thousands of former Baathists who were not involved in past crimes were allowed to take government jobs. But as the March 7 election approaches, former Baathists — a term often perceived as being aimed at all Sunni Arabs - have once again been singled out, especially by al-Maliki, who has blamed a string of high-profile bombings last year on Baathists.

Allawi said the de-Baathification process designed to root out supporters of Saddam’s ousted regime is being used for political gain in the run-up to the election. Allawi, who was once a member of Saddam’s Baath party, became the first postwar prime minister in 2004 at the head of an interim government. A member of a prominent Shiite merchant family, Allawi broke with the Baathists in the mid-1970s. He later survived an assassination attempt widely believed to have been ordered by Saddam and then went on to create the Iraqi National Accord, an opposition group dedicated to overthrowing Saddam’s government.

His backing of the US offensives to take back the Sunni city of Fallujah in Anbar province in 2004 and against the Mahdi Army of anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Najaf won him animosity across the Iraqi religious spectrum. But some Iraqis see him as one of the few politicians able to lead the country away from the religious parties that have dominated politics here for the last four years.

Allawi warned that as the US prepares to draw down its forces from the country, Iraq has not made the necessary political reforms to foster reconciliation between the country’s Shiite majority and Sunni minority.

“We are being thrown back into the sectarian divide in the country,” Allawi said. — AP

Qom on Tuesday, reformist website Norooznews said. “The (reason for) his arrest is not known yet but he had on several occasions backed protests against election results” which saw President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad returned for a second term amid allegations of massive fraud, the report said. ise rallies amid reports new demonstrations are being planned, ISNA news agency said yesterday.

“These people should know where they are sending the SMS and email as these systems are under control. They should not think using proxies will prevent their identification,” Esmail Ahmadi Moghaddam said.

“If these people continue, their (data) records will be examined and those who organise or issue appeals have committed a worse crime than those who come to the streets,” he warned.

Iran’s cyber-savvy young opposition supporters have used the Internet effectively since unrest erupted after the disputed election to organise demonstrations and spread news and pictures.

Reports are now circulating that the opposition plans to take to the streets again on the anniversary of the Islamic

revolution on February 11.

The authorities have taken to blocking text messaging and slowing down Internet speeds on protest days and vowed to show no tolerance towards any new protests as hardliners demand severe action against demonstrators and opposition leaders.

Some senior hardline clerics have gone as far as declaring them as “Mohareb”-or enemies of God-who deserve execution.

Hundreds were arrested during the Ashura protests and ISNA Friday reported that the Iranian judiciary has indicated it will soon put on trial 16 of those rounded up, with one among them accused of being a “Mohareb.”

The judiciary did not identify the defendants and said that the other 15 were charged with “gathering and conspiring against security and propaganda against the system.” — AFP

BAGHDAD: Iraqis survey the scene of destruction in the Shiite Muslim shrine city of Najaf 150kms (95kms) south of Baghdad yesterday, following several bombs that detonated last night. As many as 15 people were killed and dozens more were wounded when three bombs exploded simultaneously in a rare attack in Najaf, officials said. — AFP

Turkey, Israel on track to close drone deal: Official Teacher accused of veil snatching

BEIRUT: Hareth Al-Dhari, Secretary General of Iraqi Sunni Muslim Scholars, attends the Arab and international forum in support of resistance movements in Beirut yesterday. The forum was attended by Hamas’ exiled leader Khaled Meshaal while Lebanon’s Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah addressed the meeting via video link. — AFP

Egypt bars activists after Copt deaths CAIRO: Police yesterday barred 20 activists from a tense town in southern Egypt where Muslim gunmen killed six Coptic Christians earlier this month, a senior security official said.

The group, which included bloggers and political activists, planned to meet and express solidarity with victims’ families, said the official, who did not want to be identified.

The activists were put on the next train back to Cairo, he said, adding that local authori-

ties feared their presence could “inflame public opinion and calls for protests.”

On January 6, the eve of the Coptic Orthodox Christmas, three gunmen raked worshippers emerging from mass in Nagaa Hammadi with bullets, the deadliest attack since 2000 when 20 Copts were killed in sectarian clashes.

Three people were arrested and charged with premeditated murder after the latest attack, in which one Muslim policeman also died.Copts,

who account for nearly 10 percent of Egypt’s mainly Muslim population of 80 million, are the Middle East’s largest Christian community but complain of routine harassment and systematic discrimination and marginalisation.

Visiting US Assistant Secretary for Human Rights Michael Posner said on Thursday that the killings of Christians revealed an “atmosphere of intolerance” in Egypt, a key Middle East ally of Washington. — AFP

ANKARA: Turkey and Israel appear to be on track to finalise a long delayed multimillion-dollar deal for the delivery of 10 drone aircraft for the Turkish air force, a Turkish official said yesterday.

The project, launched in 2005, was under threat of cancellation amid delays and rising tensions between the two countries over Israel’s devastating offensive in the Gaza Strip last year.

“Turkish experts are currently in Israel to test the drones,” the defence ministry official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Should the systems pass the tests, six aircraft will be brought to Turkey’s southeastern province of Batman, on the border with Iraq, for further tests, the official added.

“If there are no problems, we will take the drones. We expect the delivery to take place in the first six months of this year,” he said.

The announcement came ahead of a visit by Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak to Turkey on Sunday for talks on mending battered ties following the latest diplomatic row.

On Wednesday Israel was forced to apologise after Ankara threataned to with-

draw its ambassador over Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon’s public dressing down of the envoy. The drone project had been expected to be completed in the second half of 2009, but it was delayed by technical problems, forcing Turkey to give the two contractorsIsrael Aerospace Industries and Elbit-a deadline until early 2010 and threaten to cancel the tender.

Last week, Defence Minister Vecdi Gˆn¸l said that negotations were under way on the compensation the Israeli companies would pay for the delay, but refused to give a figure.

Media reports have suggested that the compensation could be somewhere around 12 million dollars (8.2 million euros).

The drone contract was part of an 185-million-dollar project that involved the manufacture of 10 aircraft, surveillance equipment and ground control stations, with Turkish firms providing subsystems and services. Under a 1996 military cooperation deal, Turkish-Israeli ties have flourished greatly until last year when the two countries fell out about Ankara’s almost daily criticism of the Jewish state over the Gaza war. — AFP

TRIPOLI: A Lebanese Muslim man said yesterday he has filed a complaint against a Christian teacher for trying to snatch a veil from his daughter’s head, a sensitive issue in this multiconfessional nation.

“After the year-end holidays, a Christian teacher tried to tear off the veil of my 12-year-old daughter, Ghawa, and banned her from entering the classroom veiled,” Ahmad al-Baarin told AFP. “The teacher made offensive remarks ... and tried to snatch the veil. He even made

her fall over by pushing her when she tried to defend herself,” he told AFP. Baarin said he has also filed a complaint against the school’s director for complicity after the principal “expressed solidarity with the teacher.”

Contacted by AFP, director Yussef Beshara insisted “the student was not mistreated or forced to remove her veil” at the public school in the mixed region of Kura whose teachers are all Christian and half its pupils Muslim.

But the father won support from the Muslim community.

“This case is contrary to the law and the spirit of coexistence in the country. It undermines Muslims,” said Ihab Nafeh, president of the Muslim students association in northern Lebanon. The constitution bans any abuse of religious symbols in Lebanon, a country of 18 different religious communities and where a 19751990 civil war was fought at least partly across a MuslimChristian divide. —AFP

BEIRUT: Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, right, meets with US National Security Advisor James Jones, at Hariri’s house in Beirut, yesterday. Jones is in Beirut to meet with Lebanese officials. — AP

INTERNATIONAL

Saturday, January 16, 2010

5

US said to eye Washington for Guantanamo trial WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is considering a criminal trial in Washington for the Guantanamo Bay detainee suspected of masterminding the bombing of a Bali nightclub that killed 202 people, a plan that would bring one of the world’s most notorious terrorism suspects just steps from the US Capitol, The Associated Press has learned.

Riduan Isamuddin, better known as Hambali, was allegedly Osama bin Laden’s point man in Indonesia and, until his capture in August 2003, was believed to be the main link between Al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah, the

terror group blamed for the 2002 bombing on the island of Bali. Other terrorism trials also may occur in Washington and New York City under a proposal being discussed within the Obama administration, according to US officials briefed on the plan, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss private planning meetings.

Authorities already have begun discussing the intense security measures needed to bring Hambali and others before a Washington federal judge, the officials said. Conducting a trial in the nation’s capital would be a

symbolic repudiation of the policies of former President George W. Bush, who portrayed Hambali as a success story in the Bush administration’s program of interrogating terror suspects in secret CIA prisons overseas.

Bush said such interrogations, which included the simulated drowning technique of waterboarding, helped crack alleged Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and led authorities to Hambali. Under intense questioning at a CIA “black site,” Hambali revealed a plan for another wave of suicide hijackings in the US, Bush said. Obama already has decided that Mohammed will face

trial in New York and has said he believes criminal courts can handle even the most dangerous terrorists.

If Hambali’s trial were held in Washington’s federal courthouse, the country’s most significant terrorism trials in generations will be conducted in the two cities targeted in the Sept. 11. 2001, attacks.

But as Obama tries to close the military-run detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he has found that moving detainees into US courts is more difficult than he spelled out during his presidential campaign.

Hambali was among 14 of what the US said were key Al-Qaeda opera-

tives moved from CIA custody to Guantanamo Bay in 2006. Some Guantanamo prisoners have been cleared for release for more than a year, but the US can’t find any country to take them. Other detainees are deemed too dangerous to release, but prosecutors don’t have enough evidence to charge them in court. And prosecuting people like Mohammed and Hambali, both of whom spent time in secret CIA prisons, risks revealing more details about the classified interrogation program.

Attorney General Eric Holder is sorting through the files of the nearly 200 detainees, deciding who can

be brought to court and who should remain in a military commission system, where rules of evidence are more lax and prisoners have fewer rights.

Justice Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Hambali’s fate remains undecided.

“The attorney general has made no decision on forum for this case, let alone on where such a case would be tried if it were sent to federal courts,” Miller said.

The Washington courthouse has a courtroom shielded by bulletproof glass.

Recently, US marshals stepped up security for a terrorism trial involving Simon Trinidad, the Colombian

rebel leader convicted of taking US hostages.

After announcing that Mohammed would face trial in New York, Obama drew criticism from Republicans who said it would make New York even more of a terrorist target, an argument that is certain to be repeated if Hambali is brought to Washington.

Obama is one week away from his self-imposed deadline to close Guantanamo Bay, a deadline he acknowledges he will miss.

In 2007, Hambali appeared before a preliminary military tribunal and denied any connection with AlQaeda. —AP

Yanukovich to hold rally billed as ‘celebration gala concert’

Ukraine hopefuls in final push for embittered voters KIEV: Ukraine’s presidential election candidates yesterday made a final effort to appeal to voters deeply disillusioned with the Orange Revolution on the last day of campaigning. Opinion polls show pro-Russian opposition politician Viktor Yanukovich-the defeated candidate in 2004 when the Orange

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses a press conference following a meeting of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leadership yesterday. —AP

Under-pressure Merkel declares she’s the boss BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a swipe at critics of her aloof leadership style yesterday after a shaky start to her second term, saying she was in charge when it came to important decisions. “I think I am someone who is always there when there are decisions to take. And when I have taken them, I announce them,” Merkel told a news conference in Berlin. The comments came after a new opinion poll showed a majority of German voters thought Merkel was a weak leader, less than four months after the 55-year-old won a second term at the helm of Europe’s biggest economy.

More than half of respondents - 52 percent said Merkel “was doing little to set the course for the government” versus 37 percent who approved of her management of the centre-right coalition.

Meanwhile a strong majority - 61 percent - said the government, Merkel’s hand-picked alliance of her conservative bloc with the pro-business Free Democrats, had had a “bad start” since their term began in late October. And only about one in three - 32 percent - said they thought Merkel’s Christian Democratic party fully backed her, down from 49 percent in October.

Critics accuse Merkel of an above-the-fray style that has allowed battles over economic policy among the ruling parties to rage on as Germany struggles to emerge from its worst post-war recession. Merkel “is so far not ensuring calm and efficiency in her coalition but instead is watching her partners squabble,” the weekly Die Zeit said in an editorial. “Without more resolve she will endanger her success.”

Half of respondents said a planned meeting Sunday between the leaders of the three governing parties would likely do little to clear the air,

while 44 percent expected an improvement. At the crux of the dispute were the Free Democrats’ demands to uphold plans for even deeper tax breaks from next year after the government pushed through Ä8.5 billion ($12.2 billion) in tax relief from January 1.

Further areas of contention include Germany’s mission in Afghanistan, Turkey’s bid to join the European Union and a new museum about the fate of millions of ethnic Germans expelled from Eastern Europe after 1945. Leading Christian Democrats as well as several state and local leaders say a tax giveaway now would be disastrous in the face of the tattered state of Germany’s public finances. The economic downturn has blown a huge hole in the budget, with Merkel’s government predicting last month it will have to take on a record 85.8 billion euros in new debt in 2010.

Yesterday’s poll, conducted for ZDF public television by independent opinion research institute Forschungsgruppe Wahlen, found that a full 64 percent of respondents rejected the planned tax cuts, up from 58 percent in November. Only 31 percent were in favour. The poll was conducted among 1,256 randomly selected eligible voters January 12 to 14.

A separate survey released last week showed that 59 percent of voters were satisfied with Merkel, down 11 percentage points from December, with 67 percent unhappy with her new government, up seven points. The poll by ARD public television and the Welt daily showed that 66 percent thought the quarrelsome coalition was divided and rudderless, while 82 percent wanted Merkel, Forbes magazine’s most powerful female on the planet, to show clearer leadership. —AFP

Controversy hits pope’s Rome synagogue visit ROME: Pope Benedict XVI’s planned visit to Rome’s main synagogue tomorrow has sharply divided Italian Jews, with some angered by his moves to push World War II Pope Pius XII toward sainthood.

Some Jews and historians have accused Pius of not doing enough to stop the Holocaust.

A top rabbi and at least one other prominent community member have announced they will not attend the synagogue visit in protest. And the tension, which comes on the heels of other mishaps in Jewish-Catholic

relations, has raised fears of demonstrations, although both sides insist they will not let the event be marred by controversy.

Jewish leaders from around the world have traveled to Rome for the German-born Benedict’s third visit to a synagogue as pope after seeing ones in Cologne, Germany, and New York.

He will be following in the steps of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, who became the first pontiff to set foot in a synagogue when he visited the monumental synagogue in Rome near the Tiber River in 1986.

Judge boots woman linked to Al-Qaeda NEW YORK: A Pakistani scientist prone to courtroom rants was at it again on the second day of jury selection at her attempted murder trial in New York. A Manhattan judge had Aafia Siddiqui removed Thursday after she interrupted questioning of potential jurors about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

She told them she had nothing to do with the attacks and suggested Israel was behind them, but insisted she’s not an antiSemite. Authorities have linked the 37-year-old Siddiqui to AlQaeda. She’s not facing terrorism charges. She’s accused of grabbing a US Army officer’s rifle during an interrogation following her capture in Afghanistan in July 2008 and exchanging gunfire with US soldiers and FBI agents. Opening statements are set for Tuesday. —Reuters

“It will be a meeting of peace, friendship and mutual respect,” said Rome’s chief rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni. “But above all it will be an example of how to coexist even if he have differences.” But Rabbi Giuseppe Laras, head of the Italian Rabbinic Assembly, told the Corriere della Sera daily on Thursday that he will not be at the synagogue because he felt that such a step on Pius so close to the visit was a “less than friendly” gesture.

Cardinal Walter Kasper, the top Vatican official in charge of relations with Jews, said “problems and difficulties will be open until the last day of history,” but “the visit will not speak about the problems, but about what we have in common.” Last month, Benedict sparked outrage among some Jewish groups by signing a decree on Pius’ heroic virtues, paving the way for him to be beatified once a miracle attributed to Pius’ intercession is confirmed. Beatification is the last formal step before possible sainthood.

Some Jews and historians have argued that Pius, pope from 1939 to 1958, was largely silent on the Holocaust and should have done more to prevent the deaths of 6 million Jews at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators. —AP

He is expected to be joined in a run-off by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, famed for her traditional golden hair braid, whom analysts believe still has time to make up the difference over the next three weeks.

President Viktor Yushchenko, the figurehead of the Orange Revolution who championed EU and NATO membership for Ukraine, is expected to be punished for the Revolution’s failures and be eliminated in the first round.

“I think that the intrigue is not yet over,” Volodymyr Fesenko, director of the Penta centre for political studies in Kiev, told AFP. “I think Tymoshenko has chances to win if she succeeds in mobilizing post-Orange voters wanting European integration and wins voters from the defeated candidates.”

Yanukovich is to hold a rally billed as a “celebration gala concert” in central Kiev at 1700 GMT with Ukrainian glamour pop singers Taisia Povaliy and Svetlana Loboda, before a ban on campaigning enters into force yesterday.

Tymoshenko meanwhile will want to ensure her second-place standing is not endangered by a late surge from a third-place candidate, businessman Sergiy Tigipko, who appears to have made gains over the last weeks.

The election race between a total of 18 candidates is overshadowed by huge public disappointment with the Orange Revolution, which despite ousting the old elite failed to bring about major reform or end corruption.

Yushchenko fell out spectacularly with his former Orange ally Tymoshenko and has spent most of campaign seeking to destroy her character, to the delight of Yanukovich strategists.

The president, criticised for concentrating on grandiose historical issues rather than reform, spent the last campaign day presenting a book entitled “To the Nation” which compiled the main speeches of his term.

During the book presentation he took a parting shot at Tymoshenko, accusing her of destroying the country, and declared: “I am not a politician. I would prefer to be called a statesman.”

Yanukovich meanwhile denied in a late night television appearance that he had ever been given orders by the Kremlin. But he also said any provocative moves in relations with Moscow must be avoided.

“This is not a joke, or a toy.

These are two enormous countries who are hugely dependent on each other in many aspects,” he said.

Yanukovich draws his strongest support in the industrial and largely Russian speaking east of Ukraine, whereas Tymoshenko’s heartland is the more agricultural west where the Ukrainian language predominates.

As a final card, Tymoshenko could raise Yanukovich’s convictions and jail sentences in 1967 and 1970 for theft and assault, which were both erased by the courts in December 1978.

One of the stranger contenders is Vasyl Gumeniuk, a local politician from western Ukraine who registered his candidacy after changing his surname to Protyvsikh-or “Against All” in Ukrainian. —AFP

Revolution street protests forced a re-run of rigged polls-well ahead in first place. Yanukovich, a dour ex-mechanic once jailed for theft, hopes to win tomorrow’s election outright but it is almost certain that he will fail to win a majority and that the poll will go to a second round on February 7.

SUMY: Supporters greet Ukraine’s Prime Minister and Presidential candidate Yulia Tymoshenko (unseen) during her campaigning rally in the Sumy region on January 14. —AFP

INTERNATIONAL

6

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Taleban bombs sap Pakistan wedding party spirit PESHAWAR: When Sara Qaiser celebrated her wedding, her dream day was attended by armed guards and guests who had been frisked by Pakistani soldiers.

Gripped by fear of bomb attacks, her family whittled down guest numbers to avoid the attention of militants and relocated the nuptials from a picturesque park that they worried was too insecure.

As suicide attacks and bombings by the Taleban and other Islamist radicals become more deadly, Pakistanis are reluctantly adapting their lives and scaling down events to lessen the threat to loved ones.

“People marry once in life. I had a lot of desires about how to celebrate my marriage ceremony with pomp, but

I was told the situation wasn’t suitable,” said Sara, 22, who requested that her real name not be used.

“All the plans I had in mind were drowned in fears,” she added.

All her father thought about was keeping his guests alive.

“The ceremony was changed from night to day and the venue from a park to a walled, secure wedding hall,” said Qaiser Khan, a government employee, recalling his daughter’s wedding in early December.

“There were many fears and worries, fears of bomb blasts, suicide blasts and even a direct attack, so we had no other choice but to change the style of the function,” he said from his home in Peshawar’s upmarket Hayatabad township.

“My wife started weeping. Tears in my daughters eyes were visible, but there was no other way. It was not possible to take a risk,” he told AFP. Hayatabad borders Khyber tribal district, where the Taleban and another feared militia, Lashkar-e-Islam (Army of Islam), are active. Pakistan sent troops into the area last year and residents are on edge.

Bomb attacks in Peshawar are rising. They have killed over 280 people in three months as the Taleban avenge army assaults on their northwestern strongholds.

In one of the worst attacks in Pakistan, a suicide car bomb killed at least 125 people at a packed Peshawar market on October 28.

Weddings have also been hit. On

October 23, a land mine killed 16 wedding guests in Mohmand district, just north of Khyber and Peshawar.

Another problem for Sara was that her marriage procession-or barat-had to pass through an area rife with militants and patrolled by the army.

A normally festive occasion with drummers, music, and gaily decorated cars, the procession moved solemnly through risky territory.

“Passing through Darra Adam Khel was a difficult experience. The army was checking every vehicle and even a body search was carried out,” said the groom, 28-year-old Javed Khan.

After the wedding and as night fell, the youngsters wanted some music, but one elderly man cautioned them: “You know they are targeting every

place. Why are you inviting danger on yourselves?”

Residents of Peshawar, home to 2.5 million people, say they avoid public gatherings. Hosts confess to dropping police, soldiers and government officials from guest lists for fear of inviting Taleban attack.

Khalid Ayub, the owner of a wedding hall in Peshawar, said Lashkar-eIslam leader Mangal Bagh and Taleban figures called him and told him to stop playing music at the ceremonies, claiming that to do so was un-Islamic.

Although the northwestern region bordering Afghanistan has born the brunt of militants’ ire, violence has hit cities nationwide, with more than 2,890 people killed in Islamist attacks since mid-2007.

The moneyed youth of cosmopolitan Lahore in eastern Pakistan are also playing it safe, after six attacks this year killed 123 people, including 51 civilians in a suicide attack at a busy night market in December.

“I used to be a frequent guest at parties and weddings, but I haven’t been at a party or event for four months,” said Faran Shakir, a 25-yearold student. “If I try to leave the house after 9:00 pm, my parents ask where I’m going.”

Rai Farooq Afzal, general manager of an events group, said his business had suffered as Lahore found itself in the Taleban’s sights.

“During the last year, business has dropped more than 75 percent and in the last six months, we haven’t

arranged a single party in Lahore,” he said.

“There was a big New Year’s Eve function at a club, but there was a threatening phone call and they cancelled it,” he added.

In Pakistan’s most populous city, Karachi, authorities have ordered that all weddings wrap up before midnight, both to save electricity in a nation suffering a power shortage and to allay security fears.

The financial capital suffered one of its most devastating attacks last month, when 43 people were killed in a bombing at a religious procession.

“Now, I go to a wedding, hand my gift over to the couple and leave. I don’t stay for dinner,” said lawyer Asif Rashid. —AFP

Targets included Bollywood, temple and National Defense College

Chicago businessman charged over deadly Mumbai attacks CHICAGO: A Chicago businessman was charged with helping an old friend from military school in Pakistan plot the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, officials said. Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 49, has been held in jail since his October arrest on charges of helping plot an attack on the Danish

newspaper that published incendiary cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in 2005. Prosecutors allege that Rana helped his friend David Coleman Headley, a key suspect in the Mumbai attacks, by allowing him to use his immigration company as a cover for surveillance trips to India and Denmark.

Rana was charged Thursday with three separate counts of providing material support for terrorism in the Mumbai attacks, the Denmark terror plot, and to the banned Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Also indicted on conspiracy charges related to the Denmark plot were Ilyas Kashmiri, an alleged terror kingpin in Pakistan who prosecutors accuse of being in regular contact with Al-Qaeda leaders, and Abdur Rehman Hashim Syed, a retired major in the Pakistani military. Neither man is in US custody.

Headley, 49, has pleaded not guilty to 12 terrorism-related charges and remains in custody, where he is cooperating with prosecutors.

The Washington-born son of a former Pakistani diplomat and American mother, Headley reportedly befriended Bollywood stars and even dated an actress during his lengthy surveillance trips to Mumbai.

The indictment alleges that Rana acted as a messenger while Headley scoped out the Mumbai terror targets, taking photos and video and entering their positions on a GPS device.

Nearly a year after the bloody 60-hour siege, which began November 26, 2008, Headley was allegedly recorded discussing five future targets with CHICAGO: This December 15, 2009 courtroom drawing shows Tahawwur Hussain Rana (R) and Magistrate Rana.

Judge Nan Nolan in Chicago. Chicago businessman Tahawwur Hussain Rana was charged on January 14, 2010 Prosecutors said the targets with helping an old friend from military school in Pakistan plot the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 included: Bollywood; the Indian temple Somnath; the National people, officials said. —AFP Defense College in Delhi; Shiv Sena, a political party in India with roots in Hindu nationalism; and the Danish newspaper.

Headley had already begun the planning for a second Indian attack during a March 2009 surveillance trip whose targets included the National Defense College and Chabad Houses in “several cities” in India, the indictment alleges.

KUALA LUMPUR: A dispute with policies that pander to He was also working on the over the use of the word “Allah” Muslims to win votes.

Danish newspaper plot weeks “Although the fire-bombing

by Christians in Malaysia is the before the Mumbai attack was churches alarmed latest sign of growing hard-line of carried out, the indictment Islamic influence in what has Malaysians, it underscored the alleges. been a relatively moderate magnitude of the real problem,” Headley is accused of once Muslim-majority country. The said Charles Santiago, an oppoagain using Rana’s immigration dispute has spawned attacks on sition member of Parliament. business as a cover in order to “It showed that after 52 10 churches and has hardened a arrange a visit to the long-standing sense of alien- years of living together, nation Copenhagen and Aarhus offices ation among the non-Muslim building and national unity is in of Jyllands-Posten, Denmark’s minority, threatening 40 years tatters. The church attacks highest circulating daily. of ethnic peace and stability that shattered notions of Malaysia as During a February meeting underpins Malaysia’s economic a model secular Muslim nation in Pakistan, Kashmiri allegedly success. Tensions rose further in the eyes of the international told Headley that they should Thursday after lawyers repre- community.” Prime Minister use a truck bomb to attack the senting Christians in their legal Najib Razak, who inherited the newspaper and directed him to fight for the right to use “Allah” friction that grew largely during meet with European contacts discovered their office had been his predecessor’s 2003-2009 who could provide the money, ransacked and a laptop was tenure, strongly condemned the weapons and manpower for the missing. Also Thursday, a church attacks and vowed to attack. church in the southern state of protect the minorities.

Headley and Rana were “As a multiracial community Johor was found to have been arrested in October on terror we must practice respect for vandalized with red paint. charges related to the plot to “We are continually treated one another ... it cannot come attack Jyllands-Posten and kill as second-class citizens,” said under threat from anybody,” he an editor and the cartoonist.

Benjamin Poh, a 47-year-old said.

Headley was charged last A separate statement by his executive who is ethnic month with spending two years Chinese. He added that he is office said, “Malaysians of all casing out Mumbai, even taking saving money so his son, now faiths are angered by these inciboat tours around the city’s har10, can attend university over- dents and stand together in solbor to scope out landing sites seas to escape discrimination at idarity. These are criminal acts for the attackers. committed by individuals and home.

He has allegedly admitted to The church attacks over the are not representative of attending a Laskar terror trainpast week — most were fire- Malaysia.” A nation of 28 milbombed — followed a Dec. 31 lion people in Southeast Asia, ing camp in Pakistan in 2002 court decision overturning a Malaysia is a multicultural mix. and 2003.

KUALA LUMPUR: A police officer holds fake US$1 government order that forbade About 60 percent of the populaRana, a Pakistani-born million and US$100 banknotes during a press confer- Canadian citizen who owns the a Catholic newspaper from tion is Malay, who are required using the word “Allah” as a to be Muslim by the ence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Thursday. Chicago-based First World translation for God in its Malay- Constitution. Another 25 perMalaysian police have arrested a Lebanese man Immigration Services that cent are ethnic Chinese, mostly language edition. allegedly carrying fake currency with a face value of Headley allegedly used as a The opposition parties have Buddhist, and about 8 percent cover, insists that he is a paci$66 million after he tipped a hotel staff with a $500 fist who was “duped” by his been quick to blame the govern- are Indians, who are mostly note, news reports said yesterday. —AP ment for inflaming tensions Hindu. —AP friend. —AFP

SRINAGAR: Paramedics and Kashmiri civilians carry a wounded policeman out of an ambulance for treatment at a local hospital in Srinagar, India, yesterday.

Suspected rebels attacked a police station yesterday in the Indian portion of Kashmir with hand grenades and automatic weapons. —AP

Two killed in Kashmir police station attack SRINAGAR: A policeman and a civilian were killed and eight people were injured yesterday when suspected Islamic militants launched a grenade and gun attack on a police station in Indian Kashmir, police said.

The assault in Sopore town, about 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of the state’s summer capital, Srinagar, sent people running for cover. It was the latest incident in a sudden upsurge in violence in the volatile region.

“After the attack on the police station, security forces have sealed off the area and launched a search out operation,” Abdul Waheed, a senior police officer in the town, told AFP. He said the injured comprised four policemen and three civilians, including Latief Mirchal, a proIndia politician who had unsuccessfully contested 2008 state elections.

Waheed said police returned fire on the militants and the exchange continued for nearly 30 minutes. The militants are believed to have fled

after the assault.

Kashmir had been relatively stable in recent months but Indian police have reported a spike in violence over the past 10 days.

On Thursday last week, Indian commandos stormed a hotel in Srinagar and killed two gunmen who had been holed up in the guesthouse for nearly 24 hours. A civilian and a policeman were also killed during the siege.

Suspected rebels have also killed three former accomplices during the last week, police said.

The latest attack came as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was engaged in a security review meeting in Srinagar with top police and intelligence officers, an official spokesman said.

Abdullah flew into Srinagar yesterday morning from Jammu, the state’s winter capital.

The insurgency erupted in 1989 against Indian rule of the Muslim-majority region and has claimed more than 47,000 lives, according to an official count. —AFP

Malaysia minorities fear Islamization in ‘Allah’ row

TOKYO: Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya (R) shakes hands with his Japanese counterpart Katsuya Okada prior to their talks at Okada’s office in Tokyo yesterday. Kasit is now here to attend the 4th Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation Foreign Ministers meeting, which will be held in Tokyo today and tomorrow. —AFP

Sri Lanka lied to UN over heavy weapons COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s opposition yesterday accused the government of misleading the UN over the use of heavy weapons during the final stages of fighting against Tamil rebels last year.

Sri Lanka is under pressure from the United Nations and Western nations to submit to a war crimes investigation after a host of allegations about the killing of prisoners and the use of weapons.

A top aide to President Mahinda Rajapakse disclosed on Thursday that Colombo ordered a halt to the use of heavy weapons only in April, two months after a UN envoy was promised that such armaments would not be used.

Former foreign minister and key opposition leader Mangala Samaraweera seized on the disclosure by the aide, Lalith Weeratunga, who said the use of heavy weapons was eventually stopped

as part of a political deal with the Indian government.

The statement “indicates that despite claims to the contrary, both to the public of this country and to (the) UN... in February 2009, in fact the government had sanctioned the use of heavy weapons until April, when the Indian general election was in full swing,” Samaraweera said in a statement.

Weeratunga said neighbouring India had asked for a complete halt in the offensive because it affected Tamil votes in southern India during national elections last year.

The UN estimates that at least 7,000 civilians were killed in the first four months of last year as Sri Lankan troops moved to finish off the Tigers, who had fought for an independent Tamil homeland since 1972. —AFP

BUSINESS

Saturday, January 16, 2010

7

HE Ajay Malhotra, Indian ambassador to Kuwait opens the Realty India 2010 expo yesterday.

Realty India 2010 opens doors to lucrative Indian market KUWAIT: With a ceremonial scissoring of ribbon and lighting of the traditional auspicious lamp, HE Ajai Malhotra, the Indian ambassador, opened the doors to Realty India 2010 - the largest gathering of Indian real-estate properties under one roof in Kuwait.

Speaking on the occasion, the Indian ambassador expressed his delight at inaugurating a show which showcased the properties of wellrenowned Indian real-estate companies. “This show provides a wide variety of prop-

erty selections in one location, and it is an opportunity for Indians in Kuwait to look at various options without having to travel vast distances in our great country. If they want to decide between buying a property in Bangalore or Chennai or Goa or Delhi, rather than visiting all these different places, they can easily do so by coming to the show,” the ambassador added, before expressing his best wishes to everyone participating in the exhibition and all success to the show.

PRA brand of repute PRA has established itself as a brand of repute in the exponentially growing and increasingly crowded real estate market of India. PRA offers an integrated approach to realty that is worldclass. Starting from the fundamental stages of land acquisition, PRA handles the entire breadth of development, including preconstruction, construction management, sales and marketing.

The Lake District at Kondhwa – Pune offers the perfect locational advantage. One that allows you to enjoy all the advantages of city life without the crowds and pollution. The perfect locale for those who expect more out of life and refuse to compromise.

Starting with stylish residences in the form of the apartments for those who would like to live life without compromise.

The homes on offer include 2 BHK, 2.5 BHK and 3 BHK residences in phase 1. The following phases will also include premium town houses, bungalows and ultra luxurious villas. There is a lot to discover at every step here. Undulating hills, lush greenery, open spaces and beautiful gardens, all embracing a central lake and a whole range of well designed amenities.

Presented by Indian media behemoth Times of India and organized by Mindspace Events and Exhibitions, in association with Response Events and Exhibitions, Kuwait, the Realty India 2010 exhibition showcases over a thousand properties from more than 30 reputable and leading Indian real-estate developers. Speaking about the event, Ajay Parashar, Chief Manager, Times Response, a division of the Times of India Group, said the presence of a large number of Indians from all over the country, made Kuwait an attractive option for realtors having property developments across India. He added that, with investment opportunities in real-estate expanding rapidly, now, was a good time for Indians in Kuwait to be actively involved in investing in Indian property market.

Indian real-estate is once again proving to be among the most rewarding investment opportunities. A survey commissioned by Barclays Wealth and conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit in September 2009, showed the growing appeal of emerging markets as property invest-

ment destinations - with India listed among the top-five countries in the priority list.

Property consultants Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj predict that India is expected to outperform global markets with growth rates of more than 710 percent. Local demand is also fuelling a huge interest in affordable homes, to the tune of 25 million additional housing units in urban India alone.

As this momentum grows, Indian developers are moving out into newer areas, building a wide range of properties with features and amenities to suit all budgets.

Offering everything from luxury villas to budget-friendly 1BHK apartments, from resorts for avid golfers to sports cities, from beach resorts to bungalows in the hills, in addition to various financing options, the Realty India 2010 show is a wellplanned, high-profile integrated property exhibition. With properties on display specifically selected to be of potential interest to NRI audiences, and with property choices ranging from high-end luxury villas to affordable properties priced around Rs 12 lacs, the exhibition has a wide array to suit

every budget and lifestyle.

Among the real-estate developers participating at Realty India 2010, are renowned builders like Unitech, Tata Housing, Supreme, Royal Palms, Jaypee, IREO, Emaar MGF, Ekta and a host of others including housing financing giants, HDFC. Speaking on the sidelines of the show, Rajkumar, Executive Director Mindspace, said, “After being marred by the economic decline during 2008, realestate has experienced a sharp rally since March 2009; this resurgence has mainly been on the back of increased sales volume in the residential segment. Evidence of further confidence in the potential for growth in Indian economy is the increasing inflow of Foreign Direct Investments to the country. For its part, the Indian government is also investing large amounts of money in infrastructure development that create more jobs, which directly or indirectly fuels real-estate growth.” This is probably the best time to invest in the real-estate market in India, while it sits poised for rapid upward growth, he added.

Supreme Universal creating enduring ties with customers Supreme Universal, which embarked on a maiden venture in Mumbai in the year 1982, has in the 37-year period grown in strength and stature to become one of the most reputed and trusted realestate developers in the country. With the singleminded focus of creating well-planned high-end luxury residential and commercial masterpieces, Supreme Universal has developed more than 50 engineering and architectural marvels in Mumbai and Pune that are both environment-friendly and energy-efficient.

Today, Supreme Universal is synonymous with luxury and unmatched quality, state-of-the-art design, high-tech engineering, international construction and finishing benchmarks. Quality, efficiency and professionalism in every project have earned the faith and trust of more than 2500 happy families and commercial establishments that chose the company for their real-estate development.

One of a handful of ISO 9001:2000 companies in the realty sector, Supreme Universal has over the years emerged as one of the most preferred developers in the country. The exquisiteness of their project is nonpareil, from stylish lobbies, to private pools in select apartments, from individual terrace gardens to a podium construction, anyone who enters the premise is sure to feel the allure of Supreme Universal. They truly live up to their maxim of, “Enduring Relationships - with vendors, suppliers, contractors, architects, interior designers, bankers, financial institutions and private equity partners, and above all with customers.”

Some of their current projects in Mumbai and Pune include the prestigious Waterfront Heights in up-market Colaba area, Supreme Pallacio at Baner

in Pune and 444 - The Corporate Lounge at Linking Road, Khar. Supreme Signature and Lake Supreme are two other signature projects coming up in the suburb of Chembur and along the lake front in Powai.

Waterfront Heights with futuristic facilities will have exclusive 3 BHK apartments with one spacious apartment per floor. As an investment, this property located in Mumbai’s exclusive enclave is bound to appreciate in the coming years.

Supreme Pallacio a premium project slated to come up in the near future at Baner, one of the most upcoming locations in Pune, boasts of 3 an4 BHK partments with private landscaped terraces.

Large duplex apartments with private swimming pool are also available in this project.

444 - The Corporate Lounge is an integrated corporate office and commercial complex, with a striking design that is bound to turn heads is located right in the heart of the suburbs. The project will double as a world-class office space and a shopping arcade for retail brands.

Supreme Signature located at Union Park in the suburb of Chembur, is as unique as your signature and redefines luxury lifestyle. Aesthetically perfect and excelling in design elements the 4BHK apartments at Signature are all about the wondrous art of fine living. Lake Superior, rising up 22-stories along the shores of Lake Powai, is an architectural paradigm with unparalleled finesse, design extraordinaire and is truly an inspiration in excellence that lives up its sobriquet of Villas in the Sky. Superior is undoubtedly superior in every aspect, from its innovative and contemporary design to its excellence in quality.

Agency warns of risks to OECD recovery

IEA downgrades ’10 oil demand forecast DETROIT: Warren Harris, Tata Technologies president and COO, unveils the Tata Nano at the Detroit Science Center Thursday. – AP

Cheap Indian car ‘Nano’ could cost $8,000 in US DETROIT: The world’s cheapest car is being readied for sale in the US, but by the time India’s Tata Nano is retrofitted to meet emissions and safety standards, it won’t be that cheap. Tata Technologies Ltd, the global engineering arm of the Tata group conglomerate, brought the tiny car to Detroit as a publicity stunt for the engineering group. Tata officials, while maintaining that they couldn’t speak for Tata Motors, maker of the $2,500 Nano, said they were involved with the Nano from concept until it launched last July in Mumbai.

They wouldn’t say when the Nano might arrive in the US or how much it might cost here, although Ratan Tata, chairman of the group of Tata companies, has said it should be ready for US distribution in about three years.

Tata Motors already has made a European version of the four-seat car that will cost about $8,000 when it debuts in 2011, and a Tata

Technologies official said privately that the US version is expected to have a comparable price. The official did not want to be identified because the price has not been made public.

Warren Harris, Tata Technologies president, would only say that the price would be more than the roughly $2,500 charged in India.

“The structural changes that would need to be made, the changes that would be required as far as emissions are concerned, and some of the features that would be appropriate to add to the vehicle for the North American market, obviously that would drive up the price point,” he said.

Tata Technologies could be involved in bringing the car up to US standards, said Tony Jones, associate vice president of the global automotive practice.

Before it can be sold here, the car’s two-cylinder, 623cc engine would have to be engineered to meet stronger

US pollution standards, he said. Airbags would have to be added, the roof strengthened and the front bumper lengthened to meet US requirements to limit damage in a 5-mph crash.

The Spartan interior, with flat bucket seats, three knobs, a horizontal switch and a steering wheel, also would have to be changed to comply with US safety standards that limit movement of passengers not wearing seat belts. Jones said the Nano Europa has airbags and has passed European safety tests with flying colors.

The Nano, with 30.5-cm diameter tyres, electric windows in the front and crank windows in the back, gets 21.26 kpl on the highway and has a top speed of 105 kph.

If the $8,000 price tag holds true, it would cost far less than the $9,970 Hyundai Accent, currently the car with the lowest base sticker price in the US, according to the Edmunds.com automotive website. The price excludes shipping. — AP

PARIS: The International Energy Agency yesterday revised down its forecast for world oil demand in 2010, saying trade would be “sluggish” in rich nations and growth would come only from emerging economies. The IEA forecast that demand would be 1.44 million barrels per day (mbd) this year, compared to its 2010 estimate made last month of 1.47 mbd. The Parisbased agency also warned of possible “downside risks” to economic recovery in the member nations of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a grouping of 30 of the world’s richest economies.

“Oil demand recovery in the OECD will likely remain sluggish,” it said, adding: “Demand growth in 2010 derives entirely from outside the OECD.” The IEA said 2010 demand would rise 1.7 percent from 2009 to 86.3 mbd. The report also explained that much of that increase would come from Asian markets and some of it from Latin America and the former Soviet Union.

In the United States, the world’s biggest economy and largest oil consumer, the IEA said “demand continues to fall relative to a very weak baseline”. “The US economy remains fragile,” the IEA added. Oil prices extended their losses after the publication of the report, with New York’s main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in February, falling 45 cents to 78.94 dollars a barrel in trading. “The IEA is still more optimistic than the US Department of Energy that forecasts a demand increase of 1.08 mbd for 2010 and whose projection has also been revised slightly downwards,” Germany’s Commerzbank said in a note.

In its report, the IEA said top producers such as Russia and Saudi Arabia were now increasingly switching their supplies to growth markets in Asia away from traditional big buyers in Europe and the United States.— AFP

ATHENS: A woman walks past a shop window advertising sales in central Athens yesterday. European finance ministers will seek on Jan 19, 2010 to pressure Greece to improve the reliability of its economic statistics, after scathing criticism from Brussels. Greece unveiled crisis plans on Thursday to put its fiscal house in order and to restore international credibility, especially among its eurozone partners, in the management of its struggling economy. – AFP

Man Group stung by losses, client exits LONDON: Hedge fund firm Man Group said yesterday assets had fallen back as poor performance from its flagship AHL strategy and fresh client withdrawals knocked the group’s recent recovery off course. The world’s largest listed hedge fund manager, which in the autumn began to see assets recover from the effects of the credit crisis, said that AHL saw poor performance wipe $1.2 billion off assets in the three months to December. The computerdriven strategy tries to make money by following trends in global futures markets. At 1045 GMT Man Group’s shares were down 5.25 percent at 297.9 pence.

Net outflows from private investors, who in the previous two quarters were net buyers of Man’s products, were $100 million. Institutional investors withdrew a net $1 billion, above the $700 million of gross redemptions the company flagged up in November. These institutional outflows included $200 million of sales from partowned firm Ore Hill’s funds and client exits from distressed and convertibles strategies,

which performed strongly in the 2009 rally.

“Might we have sold more if AHL was performing better? Yes, we may have done,” Chief Executive Peter Clarke told Reuters in an interview. The industry is seeing modest net inflows ... (but) I don’t feel we’re missing out.”

Overall assets under management at the end of Man’s third quarter to endDecember fell 4 percent to $42.4 billion.

The firm said it had been selected this month by a large pension fund as preferred provider for a mandate over at least three years that could lead the firm to manage up to around $1 billion. Clarke, who told Reuters in November he expected institutions to become net buyers of Man’s products at some point before March, said on Friday the recovery in flows might now be delayed into Man’s next financial year starting in April. Like most hedge fund firms, Man, whose assets stood at $74.6 billion in March 2008, suffered from investor outflows and performance losses during the credit crisis.

“We continue to be bearish about Man Group,” analysts at Credit Suisse said in a note, adding that the outflows were “extremely disappointing”. “We continue to believe that the market underestimates the impact of weak investment performance at AHL on future sales.” The flagship AHL Diversified Futures strategy was down 16.4 percent in the 12 months to Dec 28, 2009, in what was a boom year for the hedge fund industry as markets recovered. The strategy, which is important both for sales to private investors and to the movement of Man’s share price, was one of the big winners in a tough 2008. However, while the strong and sustained rebounds in equity and metal prices have helped, like many such funds it was hit by sharp market reversals and a lack of clear trends in currency and bond markets last year. In a letter to investors this week, AHL chief executive Tim Wong said 2009’s losses were “commensurate with the types of drawdowns we have experienced in the past and within our statistical expectations”. — Reuters

8

BUSINESS

Saturday, January 16, 2010

For Iceland’s economy, Icesave casts a long shadow REYKJAVIK: Eight months ago, Ulfar Eysteinsson vowed he would not shave until interest rates in Iceland fell below 10 percent. For a while it looked like he would be breaking out his razor any day, but the “Icesave” row with Britain and the Netherlands has changed all that, raising doubts about further rate cuts from their current 11 percent. “I just hope they won’t raise interest rates.

It’s getting hot with all this growth,” said Eysteinsson, a chef in his 60s.

Like many Icelanders, he is weary of the Icesave affair, which has clogged up Iceland’s financial arteries

for more than a year and which now threatens growth and IMF aid.

Icelanders are to vote by March 6 on a deal to repay money lost in Icesave accounts, which lured online savers in Britain and the Netherlands.

Those governments compensated savers when the bank collapsed and now want their money back from Reykjavik.

But opinion polls show voters are likely to reject what are seen as the harsh terms of the agreement. While ordinary Icelanders grapple with high interest rates needed to shelter the currency while the Icesave dispute is

being resolved- businesses suffer from a lack of capital.

“The basic reason why we need to have this settled is to re-open access to foreign capital markets and our access to foreign loans and financial services,” Vilhjalmur Egilsson, secretary general of the Confederation of Icelandic Employers. “The markets are essentially closed except for the loans that the government is securing.”

The lack of capital is crippling investment in everything from energy to aluminium plants, while the government has been too distracted

by Icesave to get on with other business. “It’s been difficult to get other things addressed and we see that on very specific bills as regards fishing policy,” said Eggert Gudmundsson, chief executive of fishing and fish processing company HB Grandi.

“There is just no time to even discuss them,” he said. “Partly, this has paralysed the management of the country.”

Under the terms of the deal, Iceland must pay up to 4 percent of GDP growth after an initial grace period. Many Icelanders fume at the 5.55 percent interest and that Iceland

would remain saddled with the debt even if it is not paid in full by 2024 as planned.

In an outlook drawn up before the president unexpectedly rejected the Icesave deal and forced a referendum, the government saw gross domestic product edging up to 1.52 trillion Icelandic crowns ($12.2 billion) this year after a dismal 2009.

But this forecast includes 282 billion crowns of private and public investment, money which is in doubt unless the Icesave dispute is cleared up, uncorking the flow of foreign capital. “That would of course mean less

economic growth, a bigger fiscal deficit, problems with the currency and certainly we would have a much harder time lifting the capital controls and easing interest rates,” Economy Minister Gylfi Magnusson said.

For the moment, the only substantial foreign capital available is through an International Monetary Fund aid program supported by Iceland’s Nordic neighbours.

Magnusson said this week this might be delayed due to the Icesave dispute. The $2.1 billion of IMF aid, with a further around $3 billion pledged by European countries, is vital for

Iceland to be able to finance a recovery from its worst economic downturn.

“If we are going to do that through domestic savings it is clear, at least to me, that the recovery will be much more difficult, because we have households that have a big job in just rebuilding their own balance sheets,” Icelandic Central Bank Chief Economist Thorarinn Petursson said.

In addition, private capital flows across the world tended to closely follow the progress of IMF programs, he added. “It’s like a health warranty,” Petursson said. — Reuters

State regulators fault federal counterparts

US financial crisis panel to call Greenspan, Cox WASHINGTON: US regulators admitted to failing to head off the 2008 financial crisis as they appeared before a panel whose chairman said he plans to seek testimony from former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. As President Barack Obama proposed slapping a special fee on banks and criticized bankers’ bonuses, the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission heard regu-

lators confess that they were lulled into inaction by soaring bank and Wall Street profits. To learn more, commission chairman Phil Angelides said on Thursday he will seek testimony from Greenspan, current Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and former chairmen of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including Christopher Cox.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California: In this photo made Dec 8, 2009, a butcher puts out meat at Costco.

Consumer prices rose 2.7 percent for all of 2009 because of a surge in energy prices which offset the biggest drop in food costs in nearly a half century. – AP

US consumer price rise slows WASHINGTON: US consumer prices rose modestly last month while a cold snap lifted industrial output, suggesting the economy was growing but not generating enough inflation to trouble the Federal Reserve.

The Labor Department said on Friday its Consumer Price Index rose 0.1 percent last month from November on modest gains in food and energy costs. It rose 0.4 percent in November.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast consumer prices rising 0.2 percent in December. In a separate report, the Fed said industrial production rose 0.6 percent in December as electric and gas utilities stepped up output in an unusually cold month. That matched the consensus forecast from economists polled by Reuters.

The December gain also matched November’s increase, which was initially reported as a 0.8 percent advance.

The Fed said, however, that manufacturing production slipped 0.1 percent, disappointing expectations for a gain. Still, anoth-

er set of data from the New York Federal Reserve Bank showed factory activity in New York State gained steam this month as new orders and shipments surged, suggesting a manufacturing recovery remains in place. US stocks opened lower after JPMorgan Chase & Co reported that losses on mortgages and commercial loans, two of the economy’s weakest points, continued to mount.

“CPI does not appear to be flashing significant inflationary pressure ... and the Fed has nothing to worry about for now,” said Michael Woolfolk, senior currency strategist at Bank of New York Mellon in New York. The Fed has kept benchmark overnight interest rates near zero for more than a year and vowed at its last meeting to hold them low for “an extended period.”

Officials next gather on Jan 26-27 to plot the course for monetary policy.

Price rises in December slowed as gasoline costs increased 0.2 percent after surging 6.4 percent in November. Food costs

increased 0.2 percent last month after gaining 0.1 percent in November. Compared to Dec 2008, prices rose 2.7 percent, the largest gain since 2007, the department said. Excess slack in both the industrial sector and the labor market are keeping inflation pressures muted. The Federal Reserve has promised to keep overnight lending rates near zero for an extended period of time to help the economy recover from its worst recession in 70 years.

Stripping out volatile energy and food prices, the closely watched core measure of consumer inflation edged up 0.1 percent in December after being flat the prior month.

That was in line with market expectations for a 0.1 percent gain. Core prices were lifted by rising prices for used cars and trucks, but shelter costs were flat and prices for new vehicles fell. High vacancy rates are keeping rentals depressed. Compared to Dec 2008, the core inflation rate rose 1.8 percent, after increasing 1.7 percent in November.— Reuters

Egypt expects GDP growth of 5% in ’10

JAKARTA: Imported textile fabrics are displayed as Indonesian shop attendants wait for customers at a textile shop yesterday. A new regional trade pact with China is on track, the ASEAN secretary general and Jakarta’s foreign minister said Thursday despite concerns from some Indonesian businesses.— AFP

SINGAPORE: Egypt is aiming for economic growth of about 5 percent in 2010, slightly higher than last year as exports pick up, its trade minister said yesterday. “We are hoping this year to be around 5 percent growth, last year we achieved around 4.5 percent GDP growth,” Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Minister for Trade and Industry, told Reuters in an interview in Singapore. Rachid said he expected the country’s exports to increase 10 percent this year, making up for a 10 percent slide in 2009.

Singapore was the last stop in a Southeast Asia trip for Rachid to attract investment, as funds from the Gulf states and Europe - the two biggest investors in Egypt - are expected to slow in the coming years.

“We feel the overall environment remains challenging as far as exports and FDI are concerned,” Rachid said, having visited Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Egypt and Singapore agreed to conclude negotiations on a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement within 12-18 months, a pact that could boost bilateral trade to $3-5 billion over a five-year period from less than $1 billion now, Rachid said. “Egypt is economically looking more and more to Asia in areas of trade, investment, services, logistics, infrastructure, tourism. We believe Singapore can play a very significant role as a hub and base for us to link us to some of the major economies.” He said Singaporean firms were looking to invest in Egypt in logistics, ports, water treatment, heathcare and education, and use it as a link to the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean. Singapore is home to water treatment firms such as Hyflux and Keppel Corp, and regional education and heathcare providers such as Raffles Education and Thomson Medical. — Reuters

“We’ll be asking them to come before us because they were the watchers, and I will assure you, we will be as probing of the regulators who were on the scene at the time as we will be of people in the private sector,” said Angelides, a former state treasurer of California.

In testimony that urged stricter oversight in future while admitting past errors, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp Chairman Sheila Bair headlined the commission’s second day of hearings. “Not only did market discipline fail to prevent the excesses of the last few years, but the regulatory system also failed in its responsibilities,” she said. When financial firms are making money, even amid questions about how they are doing it, it can be difficult for regulators “to take away the punch bowl,” she told the commission created by Congress.

Obama on Thursday proposed imposing a fee of up to $117 billion on Wall Street to repay taxpayers for the government bailouts that stabilized the financial system in 2008 and 2009. He slammed bankers for massive profits and obscene bonuses. “My commitment is to recover every single dime the American people are owed,” Obama said.

The 10-member inquiry commission, in its first public hearing on Wednesday, heard a tale of misjudgments and regret from top banking executives, but got no outright apology or any new explanations for the debacle that shook world markets. The bankers acknowledged taking on too much risk and having choked on their own financial cooking in the subprime mortgage market, but they defended their pay packages and the huge size of their businesses in the face of proposals to break them up.

The banking titans set off a media circus on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, but the regulators met with a half-empty hearing room. Discussion between them and the panel was more subdued than the sometimes combative exchanges with the bankers. A day after Goldman Sachs’ business practices were questioned by Angelides, the company went to the defense of Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein, insisting his testimony exonerated the firm of any wrongdoing.

“Mr Blankfein does not believe, nor did he say, that Goldman Sachs had behaved improperly in any way,” the company said in a statement, charging that media reports had falsely portrayed Blankfein as admitting to improper practices. Angelides compared Goldman’s practice of creating, then betting against, certain subprime mortgage-backed securities to “selling a car with faulty brakes and then buying an insurance policy on the buyer.”

In addition to Bair, the commission heard Thursday from Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro, who said a program set up by the SEC in 2004 to supervise investment banks was a failure. The program was ended in Sept 2008. — Reuters

NEW YORK: The J P Morgan Chase headquarters in New York is seen in this March 17, 2008 file photo. – AP

JP Morgan reports big jump in profits WASHINGTON: Banking giant JP Morgan Chase reported yesterday a big jump in net profit to $3.27 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009, highlighting renewed health in the troubled sector. The New York-based financial giant doubled its profits for the full year to 11.7 billion dollars, and quadrupled the numbers put up in the fourth quarter of 2008. The results highlight a return to health in the banking sector after more than a year of crisis, but were expected to fuel public resentment over hefty profits and compensation of firms bailed out by the government and at a time when much of the US economy continues to struggle and unemployment remains high.

Chairman and chief executive Jamie Dimon said he was “gratified” by the results but said they “fell short of both an adequate return on capital and the firm’s earnings potential”. “While we are seeing some stability in delinquencies, consumer credit costs remain high, and weak employment and home prices persist. Accordingly, we remain cautious,” he said in a statement. The profit for the quarter amounted to 74 cents a shares, better than the 62 cents expected by analysts. Revenues in the period rose to $25.2 billion from $19.1 billion a year earlier for the banking group, one of the strongest to emerge from the global financial crisis. For 2009, the profit was $11.7 billion on $100.4 billion in revenues, up from earnings of $5.6 billion in 2008 on revenues of

$67.3 billion.

The results come with banks in focus for hefty executive pay schemes - which some blame for encouraging risky practices that led to the global crisis. The earnings report for JPMorgan Chase did not include specific bonus amounts, but reports have indicated that many banks are set to pay record bonuses. A Wall Street Journal analysis found Wall Street banks and securities firms were on track to pay employees $145 billion for 2009, a record amount.

President Barack Obama on Thursday proposed a tax or fee to be assessed on major banks that would recoup the government’s bailout for the sector. JP Morgan, the second largest bank by assets, said its investment banking arm posted a profit of $1.9 billion for the quarter, rebounding from a loss a year earlier.

Another big profit driver was corporate and private equity, with $1.2 billion. But its retail banking including home lending lost $399 million and credit card operations lost $306 million. Commercial banking operations resulted in a profit of 224 million dollars while Treasury and securities operations earned $237 million. Despite Dimon’s comments, some analysts said the banking giant was hitting its stride.

“The bank blew through expectations,” said Douglas McIntyre at 24/7 Wall Street. That leaves a lot for Bank of America and Citigroup to live up to.”— AFP

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani factory worker loads steel rods onto a truck at a steel mill yesterday. Electricity and gas shortages in recent years has affected the industrial production of factories and steel mills in Pakistan. The country is facing a crippling energy crisis, producing only 80 percent of its power needs, causing debilitating blackouts and suffocating industry. – AFP

BP, CNPC pay $500m signing fee for oilfield BASRA: British oil major BP and Chinese partner CNPC have paid a $500 million signature bonus due on the contract they won to develop Iraq’s supergiant Rumaila oilfield, a senior Iraqi oil sector official said. The Iraqi Oil Ministry and the BPled consortium also agreed to set the baseline production level at Iraq’s biggest oilfield at 1.066 million barrels per day, Dhiya Jaafar, current head of the South Oil Co, told Reuters in the southern oil hub of Basra. “The effective date for the Rumaila contract was Dec 17 and they (BP and CNPC) notified us in recent days that we would receive $500 million. We have concluded the bank transfer,” Jaafar said.

The contract to develop the workhorse field of the Iraqi oil industry was the first of a series of deals that Iraq struck with foreign oil firms last year as it sets the foundations to catapult itself into third place among oil producers. If all goes as

planned, Iraq could reach an oil output capacity of 12 million barrels per day in under a decade, rivalling top oil powers Saudi Arabia and Russia and giving it the billions it needs to rebuild after years of war and economic decline.

The contracts are subject to hefty signature bonuses. In the Rumaila agreement, which emerged from a first round of tenders in June, the signature bonus is considered a soft loan that will be repaid through 20 quarterly payments, starting from the ninth quarter after the effective date.

Iraqi officials have said they are willing to repay the bonus either in cash or in the form of oil, depending on the companies’ wishes. BP has a 38 percent stake in the venture and CNPC a 37 percent stake. The South Oil Company is a 25-percent partner. The consortium intends to increase output from the 17-billion-barrel field to 2.85 million barrels per day. — Reuters

Saturday, January 16, 2010

TECHNOLOGY

9

Microsoft says no plans to pull out of China

China says ways to resolve Google issue, US cautious BEIJ ING: China sought yesterday to play dow n a threat by Google Inc to quit the country on hacking and censorship concerns, saying any decision by the Internet search giant w ould not affect US trade ties. The United States said it w as too soon to tell how economic ties w ould be affected, but added free

NEW YORK: Ha Mok-Min (left) and Yeong-Ho Bae celebrate with others competitors after winning the LG Mobile World cup World texting championship Thursday. – AP

South Koreans named world texting champs NEW YORK: Two South Korean teenagers have been crowned fastest texters in the world. The team of 17-year-old Bae Yeong Ho and 18-year-old Ha Mok Min went thumb-to-thumb against competitors from a dozen countries to win the title in a competition Thursday in New York City. The LG Mobile World Cup challenged nimble-fingered youths on both speed and accuracy. The winning team took home a $100,000 prize.

Second place and $20,000 went to the US contestants - 16-year-old Kate Moore of Des Moines, Iowa, who is the 2009 US National Texting Champion, and 14-year-old Morgan Dynda of Pooler, Georgia, the 2009 runner-up. An Argentinian team came in third and the Brazilians took fourth. With many languages at play, English was the texting language of the US competitors and those from Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Other nations represented were Indonesia, Portugal, Russia, Mexico and Spain. Interpreters were hired for non-texting communication.

“My thumbs are up for the challenge,” Moore announced hours before the afternoon start time.

But inside Manhattan’s Gotham Hall, with the pressure on to text for about two intense minutes at a stretch, she and Dynda fell behind the Koreans by 20 seconds after a good hour of competition dubbed “Race of Death”. “New York sure is an active, lively city!” said Bae, the Korean national champion for 2008 and 2009, basking with his teammate in a crush of admirers. He has a beautiful bass voice and

is saving his $50,000 share of the prize to study to become an opera singer. And Ha said she’s saving for studies to become an engineer.

The drill of the third annual Mobile World Cup was simple: Copying words and phrases in one’s native language off a monitor correctly, with no typos or abbreviations, and as fast as possible with the required capitalization and punctuation. Some words were intentionally misspelled to test alertness. Privately, Moore averages 12,000 texts per month, entering up to 3.5 characters per second.

The event is sponsored by LG Electronics Inc.’s mobile-phone division, a company based in Seoul, South Korea, that supplies its latest handsets for the contest. Each participant was mailed an LG enV phone several weeks ago, to get accustomed to the keyboard. It’s texters’ preferred model, said Moore, noting that the device opens up to a full keyboard larger than most. She said that although she’s almost always “carrying on a conversation with someone, texting, “the habit doesn’t detract from face-to-face social life. “I can talk and text at the same time, without looking at the phone.”

The 26 finalists who made it to the World Cup were chosen from more than 200,000 wannabes in a global text-off that began in May. Before they even got to New York, female texters had the advantage - hands down, Moore said. “Girls are faster ‘cause their hands are smaller,” she said, adding, “I have perfect hands for texting - thin, long fingers. And fast, of course.” — AP

LAS VEGAS: In this Jan 7, 2010 file photo, people are silhouetted in front of the Intel sign at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Intel Corp said Thursday its fourth-quarter profit ballooned as a strong rebound in the personal computer market overcame a hefty payment Intel made to its biggest rival. — AP

Intel results bode well for rebound SAN FRANCISCO: Intel Corp’s fourth-quarter results roared past Wall Street forecasts and it gave a bullish margin outlook on higher prices and firm demand for server chips, reinforcing hopes for a strong recovery in technology. Intel, whose stock extended gains after rising 2.5 percent in regular trading, said on Thursday its gross profit margin in the fourth quarter rose to a record 65 percent. While it forecast a drop to 59 percent to 63 percent in the typically weaker current quarter, that still surpassed analysts’ average projection of 58.8 percent.

“That will alleviate a lot of the concerns people had over whether the surge in buying at the end of the year was one that was going to peter out,” said FTN Equity Capital Markets analyst Joanne Feeney. “That will have a positive spillover to other stocks” yesterday. Some technology stocks rallied after-hours on the news. Intel chip rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc gained 1.7 percent, while Microsoft Corp climbed nearly 1 percent.

Japan’s Nikkei average hit a 15-month high, lifted by tech shares such as chip equipment supplier Advantest.

Many analysts predict a return of corporate spending in the second half of 2010 that would lift the tech sector out of its worst downturn in decades. Some say new spending has already begun. “The big picture is that tech remains investable,” said Wedbush Morgan’s Patrick Wang. “They’re giving us reassurance that the PC sector remains intact and more importantly, that we’re seeing incremental improvements in the economy and that we’re probably well on our way to recovery. What they did on the gross margin line was extremely impressive, which was due to the massive upside in revenue.”

Intel said average selling prices of its microprocessors rose from the third quarter, driving a 21 percent revenue increase in its data center business which makes server chips, and a 10 percent revenue rise in its PC business. Despite the blowout quarter, shares of the world’s largest microchip maker were up just less than 1 percent in extended trading, after rallying 7 percent in the past two weeks. The stock initially rose as much as 2.1 percent to $21.94 after Intel reported earnings.

“People had real high expectations going into this quarter. So they may be looking for other ways to play this positive move besides Intel,” said Robert Burleson, analyst at Canaccord Adams, recommending other chip names such as AMD. Chief Executive Paul Otellini told analysts on a conference call that corporate spending should return “modestly in 2010”. “What we are benefiting from in the second half of the year, and what we’ll continue to benefit from throughout this year, is the extraordinary return on investment that is incurred by deploying new server technologies,” he said.

And consumer spending will remain strong, analysts say. “The fact that consumers came out and spent so much even in the midst of the recession is a signal of how important the PC has become to the household,” Feeney of FTN Equity Capital Markets said. As the economy recovers and the spending power of consumers and businesses in emerging markets such as China grows, Intel will benefit, she added. “Combine those things and you have a pretty significant demand driver for this year.”

Net income totaled $2.3 billion, or 40 cents a share, in the three months ended Dec 26, beating expectations for 30 cents according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. That was many times larger than the net income of $234 million, or 4 cents a share, in the year-ago period when the company incurred a $1.1 billion write-down mainly because of an investment in wireless service provider Clearwire Corp. “The gross margins were better than we had even expected,” said Broadpoint AmTech’s Doug Freedman. “We’re encouraged by the low capital spending and the projection that gross margin would continue to operate within a very tight range.”

Revenue rose to $10.6 billion from $8.2 billion a year ago, above the Wall Street target of roughly $10.2 billion. Intel, based in Santa Clara, California, forecast current-quarter revenue of $9.7 billion, plus or minus $400 million. This exceeds the $9.3 billion average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. — Reuters

“Any decision made by Google will not affect Sino-US trade and economic relations, as the two sides have many ways to communicate and negotiate with each other,” spokesman Yao Jian told a regular news briefing in Beijing.

“We are confident about developing healthy trade and economic ties with the United States.” The issue risks becoming another irritant in China’s relationship with the United States, already strained by arguments over the Chinese currency’s exchange rate, trade protectionism and US arms sales to Taiwan.

The United States has backed Google’s decision to no longer support China’s censoring of Internet searches, and has raised the issue at a diplomatic level. “It seems to me that the principles that Google is trying to uphold are not just important in a moral or rights framework, but are also of very considerable economic importance,” senior White House economic adviser Lawrence Summers said. “I think it’s too early to assess what all of the effects will be,” he added when asked if the dispute would mark a turning point in the US economic relationship with China.

Washington has long been worried about Beijing’s cyber-spying program.

A congressional advisory panel said in November that the Chinese government appeared increasingly to be penetrating US computers to gather useful data for its military. Playing down the concerns raised by Google, rival Microsoft Corp said it had no plan to pull out of China. “I don’t understand how that helps anything. I don’t understand how that helps us, and I don’t understand how that helps China,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of the world’s largest software maker.

Microsoft has high hopes for its Bing Internet search engine in China, which has only a small share of the market but could benefit if Google, the No. 2 player behind dominating local rival Baidu Inc, pulls out. China’s population of Web users grew to 384 million by the end of 2009, a jump of nearly one-third in one year, an official report showed on Friday, underscoring the growing scope and business allure of the country’s Internet.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Shear met a Chinese diplomat in Washington on Thursday to seek an explanation about the cyber-attacks and censorship. “The incident raises questions about both Internet freedom and the security of the Internet in China,” State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said. “We have serious concerns about this and its ramifications, and we’re going to continue our dialogue with China on these and other kinds of issues,” he said.

A US official said Shear received no reply from China. China has defended its censorship, and Chinese media are stressing that foreigners must abide by Chinese laws. “China is a sovereign country, not a 19th century (colonial) concession, and foreign businesses don’t have legal extra-territoriality,” Jin Canrong, a China-US relations scholar at Beijing’s Renmin University, told the Global Times. “To want to do business in China while remaining beyond the bounds of Chinese law is to misread 21st century China.”

Most of the filters on Google.cn were still in place on Friday, though controls over some searches, including the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, appear to have been loosened. The spat has ignited heated debate among Internet users in China, with some viewing it in strongly nationalist terms and others lamenting the company’s possible passing. “I feel I can no longer breathe in this China which is more and more controlling. We are only 50 metres away from North Korea and Iran,” wrote “Budabuxiangshi” on the Global Times’ website (www.huanqiu.com) Google said on Tuesday that in midDecember it detected an attack on its corporate infrastructure originating from China that resulted in the theft of its intellectual property. It said that more than 20 other companies had been infiltrated, although cyber experts say 34 firms were attacked. Security firm McAfee Inc said the recent cyberattacks exploited a previously unknown flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. Microsoft later sent out an advisory to help users mitigate the problem. It is still working on a patch that would solve it.

But Microsoft’s CEO downplayed the hacking attacks. “There are attacks every day. I don’t think there was anything unusual, so I don’t understand,” Ballmer said. “We’re attacked every day from all parts of the world and I think everybody else is too. We didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.” — Reuters

information flow w as crucial to China’s maturing economy. A spokesman for China’s Commerce Ministry said there w ere many w ays to resolve the Google issue, but repeated that all foreign companies, Google included, must abide by Chinese law s.

BEIJING: A Chinese Google user keeps a book titled “Google Planet” and “What will Google bring?” in front of a Google sign outside Google China headquarters building yesterday. — AP

Google reclaims ‘Don’t Be Evil’ mantle SAN FRANCISCO: In drawing a battle line with Chinese Internet censors, Google is reclaiming a “Don’t Be Evil” mantle lost in a global business arena where profits routinely trump morals.

While critics challenge whether Google’s motivation is altruistic, the search engine seized the high ground by declaring it will not filter query results in China even at the price of being shut out of the booming market. “I do think a good part of this is they want to do the right thing,” Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group said of Google. “But none of these decisions are simple.”

Google announced on Tuesday that it would stop bowing to Chinese Internet censors and could pull out of the world’s largest online market of 360 million users. Internet rights activists are hoping that such a stand by an Internet company of Google’s stature will reverse the practice of technology firms siding with government censors as a price of admission to China. “I do think that Google is a bit idealistic; they have a streak there,” said Colin Maclay, managing director of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. “They also have a streak of arrogance and of pride; and they have a big streak of strategy. They’re really smart. At least thus far, they’ve come out smelling like a rose.”

The new stand on China hearkens back to days after Google was launched in 1998, when the California firm founded by college students Sergey Brin and Larry Page coined an unofficial motto of “Don’t Be Evil”. An “Our Philosophy” page at Google’s corporate website on

Thursday outlined principles including “You can make money without doing evil.”

Google’s saintly image was tarnished in 2006 when it launched a self-censored version of its search engine in China to appease the Communist regime. It has been further impugned by controversies involving tracking people’s online behavior to target advertising; indexing copyrighted works such as news stories, and trying to digitize all the books in the world. “Google believes that one of its asset values is righteousness,” said Gartner vice president and analyst Whit Andrews. “It believes if it was not righteous, it would not make as much money as it does.”

Google announced Thursday it is donating a million dollars and Internet technology to relief organizations on the ground in Haiti to help in the aftermath of a deadly 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

During recent international climate talks in Copenhagen, Google unveiled a free tool for monitoring deforestation around the world. Google also provides an online service that lets people track the spread of flu viruses. The company has also offered a free tool that allows users to control energy consumption in homes and an initiative to cheaper renewable energy. A “20 percent” program at Google allows workers to devote one paid day weekly to outside causes.

Google executives agonized over the decision to make compromises to get into the China market. At the time, the company argued a short-term sacrifice would result in long-term good by opening China up to an Internet lifestyle of limitless information. “Google went in

saying we’re going to do this responsibly and hopefully we can do more good than harm,” Maclay said. “Now, they are annoyed. They were pissed off at being jerked around a whole bunch and they don’t like it. I totally respect their decision to depart.”

China-based cyber spies struck Google and at least 30 other unidentified firms in apparent bids to steal intellectual property and hack into the email accounts of rights activists around the world, according to security experts.

“Google is establishing this as a moment when they can draw a line,” Andrews said. “They got hacked even though they censored themselves against their corporate ethos.”

The short term cost to Google is relatively small, according to analysts.

Google has been losing ground to Chinese search engines and has no major investments in facilities there.

The move makes Google a champion in Western countries where it earns the bulk of its money, and could make the company a less tempting target for antitrust regulators. US political leaders have praised Google for defending Internet freedom in China. “If you are the hero of the current administration, no one wants to be the bureaucrat taking that hero down,” Enderle said. “It would be impolitic for someone to go after Google at this time.”

Google could formally exit China, then make a deal for a partner to deliver its search services in that country. “If China came to a point in the next 10 to 20 years where censorship ends, even with a slow retreat, Google’s stand will be remembered,” Andrews said. — AFP

US videogame Dec sales hit record high SAN FRANCISCO: NPD Group reported Thursday that US sales of videogame hardware and software hit $5.53 billion in December, setting a new monthly record and giving a blockbuster end to a lackluster year. “The big sales (in December), particularly on the hardware front, is a positive move for the industry headed into what will hopefully be a recovery year in 2010,” said NPD analyst Anita Frazier.

Videogame industry revenues for 2009 totaled nearly $19.66 billion, an eight percent drop from the record-high $21.4 billion seen in the prior year, according to NPD. “Clearly, 2009 was (a) tough year for consumers and the national economy,” said Michael Gallagher, chief executive of the Entertainment Software Association that represents computer and videogame publishers. “That said, our industry’s structure is solid, and I anticipate a strong 2010 with a pipeline full of highly-anticipated titles.”

Sales of videogame consoles and hand-held devices hit an unprecedented high in December, with Sony selling more than 1.3 million of its PlayStation 3 models in its best monthly showing to date. “We knew 2009 would be a turning point for the platform due to the new price and a content line up that is fueling unprecedented consumer and industry interest,” said Sony Computer Entertainment of America communications director Patrick Seybold.

Launches of hot titles such as “God of War III” and a new motion-sensing controller this year should bolster the popularity of PS3 consoles, according to Seybold. Nintendo also set new US records, selling 3.81 million Wii consoles and 3.31 million DS hand-held gaming devices here in December, according to NPD. “Wii, Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendo DSi combined to sell more than 7 million units in the month of December alone,” said Nintendo of America executive vice president of sales and marketing Cammie Dunaway. “Clearly there is overwhelming consumer demand for fun games, motion controls and value.” Microsoft weighed in with a strong showing also, selling 1.31 of its Xbox 360 videogame consoles in December, according to the industry tracking firm. NPD expects videogame sales to be buoyed this year as millions of console owners go shopping for titles to play.

“Hopefully, the big increase in the overall install base of hardware systems will bring good things for software sales in 2010,” Frazier said. —AFP

TOKYO: Stanford University biology professor Peter Vitousek (left) shakes hands with Shunichi Iwasaki, Director of Japan’s Tohoku Institute of Technology at a press conference for the announcement of Japan Prize winners at a Tokyo hotel yesterday. Vitousek will receive the biological field award for his analysis of nitrogen and other substance cycles in the global environment.

Iwasaki will receive the production technology field award as he developed the perpendicular magnetic recording method on the hard disk drive (HDD). — AFP

HEALTH & SCIENCE

10

Saturday, January 16, 2010

BANGKOK/JHARKHAND: The moon begins to travel a path across the sun during a partial eclipse visible yesterday. (Right) A man watches the formation of an annular solar eclipse through special filter eyeglasses over the skies of Ranchi in India yesterday. — AP

Easy test may cut cancer deaths in weaker nations LONDON: A simple “see and treat” approach using a test costing $2 could help doctors prevent 100,000 cervical cancer deaths a year in women in poorer countries, British scientists said yesterday.

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in developing nations where the main barriers to tackling the disease are poor health service infrastructure and high costs of screening and vaccines.

But British researchers said visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) — which costs significantly less than $9 human papillomavirus (HPV) or cervical cell lab

Approach could prevent 100,000 deaths among poor tests more commonly used in developed nationscould be the answer. Around 300,000 women worldwide die from cervical cancer each year and up to 85 percent of those deaths occur in developing countries.

“VIA is an effective and affordable tool to screen women for pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix in under-resourced countries,” said David McGregor of University College London, who led the research.

“Coupled with simple treatment measures, VIA could potentially reduce these cancer deaths by a third, which means nearly 100,000 women saved each year.”

VIA is a simple test where a very small dose of acetate acid solution is applied to the cervix to detect pre-cancerous lesions. A positive result can be treated immediately. This is referred to as the “see and

treat” approach and experts say it can work well in small clinics without advanced equipment and laboratories.

Drug firms Merck & Co and GlaxoSmithKline make Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines which protect against a number of strains of HPV-the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world and the main cause of cervical cancer. But unlike in developed

‘Lazy’ obese workers face office prejudice LONDON: Overweight people miss out on jobs and are overlooked for promotion because employers think they are lazy, according to a British weight-loss organization. Those who are very overweight are twice as likely to earn a low salary, four times more likely to suffer bullying about their weight and six times more likely to feel their appearance has caused them to miss out on a promotion, Slimming World said in a statement on its website.

Slimming World Head of Nutrition and

Research Jacquie Lavin said the survey was one of the greatest indications yet of the scale of obesity discrimination in the workplace. “It’s unfortunate that only 16 percent of people who are obese feel supported by their work colleagues in their efforts to lose weight and disappointing that one in four say they have suffered negative comments about their weight while at work,” she said. More than 2,000 British adults over the age of 18 were surveyed by pollsters YouGov in the study for Slimming World. Of these, 227 were employers.

Respondents were asked to comment on their attitudes towards obesity in the workplace. Their responses were matched to their size measured according to a calculation of height and weight known as the Body Mass Index (BMI). The survey found that people in the highest weight category (BMI 40+) were four times more likely to “never” feel confident and twice as likely to dread applying for a new job.

Male employers were particularly prejudicial.

One in four of the surveyed male bosses say they

would turn down a potential candidate because of their weight and one in 10 admitted to having already done so. Slimming World highlighted the case of its Man of the Year Roberto Enrieu who lost his IT consultant job. “My confidence was shattered and as a very overweight person looking for work I was faced with a huge amount of prejudice,” he said in the statement this month. Enrieu subsequently lost 159 kg (350 lb) on a slimming regimen and has since become a swimming instructor. — Reuters

Headache from religious fast?

Researchers may have a cure NEW YORK: Every year millions of Muslims fast for the month of Ramadan-and every year, as many as 40 percent of those fasting develop serious headaches. But given the prohibitions against taking anything by mouth, there’s little these observers can do until the fast ends - nightly for Muslims, and after 25 hours for Jews. Now, a team of researchers in Israel, reporting in the journal Headache, think they have a solution-a cousin of Vioxx (rofecoxib), the drug Merck pulled from the US market in September 2004 because it increased the risks of heart attacks and other serious complications.

The drug, etoricoxib (Arcoxia), also made by Merck, is approved in several European countries, as well as Israel, but was refused FDA approval in the United States in 2007 because it works the same way Vioxx does. Dr Michael Drescher, of Hartford Hospital, Connecticut, and colleagues at two hospitals in Israel recruited more than 200 volunteers before Yom Kippur in October 2008.

Just before the holiday, half of them took etoricoxib, and half were given inactive placebo pills.

Neither the volunteers nor the researchers knew which was which until after the study.

Among the 195 study participants who responded to a survey after the holiday, about 36 percent who took etoricoxib developed headaches, compared to about 68 percent who took the placebo.

Those who took etoricoxib also had less severe headaches, and they had an easier time fasting.

Yom Kippur headache is a well documented phenomenon but the causes are unclear. Doctors have suspected withdrawal from caffeine, nicotine, oversleeping, and dehydration.

Balancing religion with medical problems Drescher told Reuters Health

that the fast doesn’t allow people to start taking medicines but “there are different folk remedies, including suppositories, but really no good solution.” In fact, there is an entire book on how to treat medical conditions during Yom Kippur, noted Dr Edward Reichman, an associate professor of emergency medicine at New York’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and a rabbi and medical ethicist.

Because of the 25-hour fast, Drescher’s team knew they needed a headache drug that wouldn’t wear off quickly. Most painkillers only last 12 hours or less, but Yom Kippur headache usually kicks in at about 15 or 16 hours. That led Drescher and a colleague to Vioxx, which has what scientists refer to as a long half-life - 17 hours - that means it acts longer.

Before their study, however, they asked “every credible rabbinical source” possible whether taking a drug to prevent headaches would be in the spirit of the fast. They said it was, to coin a phrase, kosher. “Rabbis told us it’s not a matter of suffering,” Drescher said. “It’s about divorcing yourself from the day to day.”

When they did a study of Vioxx during Yom Kippur in September 2004, they saw similar results to those in the current report. But within days of that study, Merck withdrew the drug.

Then the researchers came upon etoricoxib, which Drescher said has an even longer half-life and good study results. “It’s a simple yet elegant study,” Reichman told Reuters Health. “It’s very welldone, and addresses a need in the community.” One of the paper’s authors, Dr Rafael Torgovicky, works for Merck Sharpe & Dohme Israel, a Merck unit that funded the study. Drescher has already applied for a grant for his next project-figuring out whether etoricoxib will work for Ramadan headaches. — Reuters

In this product image provided by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, an experimental artificial pancreas is shown. The device, being developed by the foundation and health care giant Johnson & Johnson, will soon be tested in diabetes patients, potentially sparing them the hormonal disorder’s most dangerous complications and frequent blood sugar checks and insulin injections. — AP

Battle of bulge a global issue according to poll NEW YORK: Brazilians feel the most pressure to be thin, the Finns are acutely aware of the dangers of obesity and Americans have the toughest struggle to lose weight, according to a global survey. The Reader Digest poll also revealed that Russians smoke the most to try to drop excess weight, and along with Germans and Indians they are most likely to blame genetics for their penchant for piling on the pounds. “Our poll makes it clear that people around the world are struggling with their weight,” said Peggy Northrop, the vice president and global editor-in-chief of the magazine.

“People are both very concerned about weight and think that people pay too much attention to weight,” she added in an interview. About 1.6 billion people around the world are overweight or obese. Excess weight also contributes to 2.5 million deaths globally each year, according to the WHO. But people are trying to lose weight. More than 80 percent of Finns have tried to slim down, followed by 73 percent of the Dutch and 72 percent of

Australians and Americans. But Mexicans had one of the best approaches to losing weight.

“In Mexico, people have a healthy attitude about what you’re supposed to do if you want to lose weight. The majority of people there understood that eating a healthier diet was key and getting more active was key,” Northrop said. “In the United States people were still on the deprivation cycle and we know that doesn’t work,” she added. Around the globe women were more likely than men to diet, according to the survey of 16,000 people in 16 countries. In the United States, 85 percent of women have tried to diet at some time during their life, and 70 percent thought there was too much of a focus on weight. In Brazil, the land of the bikini, 83 percent of people said there is too much emphasis on weight.

It’s not just women In addition to being unhappy with their own weight, 51 percent of wives in the United States thought their husbands could benefit

from dropping some weight. It was also an issue in India where 48 percent of men and 46 percent of women admitted to being dissatisfied with their spouse’s weight. People around the globe had excuses for their bulging bulk, but the Russians topped the chart at 70 percent in blaming their problem on genes, followed by 61 percent of Germans and 50 percent of Indians.

In the Philippines lack of willpower was cited as the main culprit for the battle of the bulge, while 20 percent of Americans blamed their parents. The magazine also cited cultural tips for a gaining and maintaining a healthy weight. In Thailand it said spicy food was recommended, including hot peppers that raise metabolism and burn extra calories. High-fiber muesli is a favorite in Switzerland to control weight, while in Brazil rice and beans is a staple. Exercise is also a key component to a svelte physique, with yoga a favorite activity in India, walking in Finland and cycling in the Netherlands. — Reuters

nations, where cervical screening programmes are well established and vaccination programmes against HPV are growing, access to tests and vaccines in many countries in Africa, Asia and southern America is limited.

The study in the Obstetrician & Gynaecologist journal said research in rural and isolated communities had shown that VIA is accurate, acceptable to women, and cuts cancer death rates. But it said raising awareness about screening programmes to ensure higher uptake in the population was also a challenge. — Reuters

Use of psychotic drugs on rise in young kids BOSTON: The number of children aged 2 to 5 who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed powerful antipsychotic drugs has doubled over the past decade, according to research released yesterday. The research suggests that while it is still rare to prescribe powerful psychiatric drugs to 2-year-olds, the practice is becoming more frequent. The data, compiled from 2000 to 2007, and published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, could inform testimony at the upcoming Boston-area murder trials of the parents of 4-year-old Rebecca Riley. The girl died of an overdose of mood-stabilizing medication in 2006.

A Boston child psychiatrist, Kayoko Kifuji, diagnosed Riley with bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when she was 30 months old, and placed her on several powerful drugs: Depakote, an antiseizure medication also used for bipolar disorder, and clonidine, a blood pressure medication. Kifuji’s testimony may be crucial to the fate of Michael and Carolyn Riley, who face first-degree murder charges. A grand jury and a review by the state’s medical licensing board cleared the doctor of wrongdoing.

Prosecutors claim the Rileys deliberately overmedicated their daughter to subdue her. The couple say they were following Kifuji’s instructions and their daughter died of pneumonia. The case has shone the spotlight again on a debate within the psychiatric profession about whether bipolar disorder can be diagnosed in very young children and whether it is wise to prescribe powerful medications.

Bipolar toddlers?

Bipolar disorder, characterized by severe mood swings, was once thought to emerge only during adolescence or later. But Dr Joseph Biederman, a child psychiatrist at Harvard University, transformed views on the subject by arguing that children could have the disorder at extremely young ages. He is credited with spearheading a more than 40-fold increase in the number of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder over the past decade.

Biederman was accused in 2008 by Republican US Senator Charles Grassley of failing to fully disclose payments by drug companies, including some that produced medication for bipolar disorder.

Biederman declined to be interviewed about the latest study. “The psychiatric diagnosis of very young children is anything but an exact science,” said Harry Tracy, a psychologist and publisher of NeuroInvestment, a monthly publication specializing in central nervous system disorders.

“Such disparate causes as ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, sexual abuse, and family dysfunction can produce very similar symptoms in a toddler.” The report’s author, Mark Olfson, professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, said about 1.5 percent of all privately insured children between the ages of 2 and 5, or one in 70 children, received some sort of psychotropic drug- whether an antipsychotic, a mood stabilizer, a stimulant or an antidepressant-in 2007.

If a child is diagnosed with bipolar disorder between the ages of 2 and 5, about half are prescribed an antipsychotic, such as Eli Lilly & Co’s Zyprexa, AstraZeneca Plc’s Seroquel, and Johnson & Johnson’s Risperdal. They are prescribed to about one in 3,000 2-year-olds, according to his report. “There might be a role for these drugs but only after you’ve tried other interventions, with the parents, or with the parents and child together, but that is not happening when you examine the billing records,” Olfson said. — Reuters

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he German supermodel - who gave birth to daughter Lou last month - is struggling to adapt because her newborn baby demands a lot of her time and attention. Heidi - who is married to singer Seal - told German magazine Gala: “Of course this is all very tough for me at the moment because Leni, Henry and Johan want to continue to do things with their mama and papa. They are not really interested in the fact that you have just had a baby. Seal and I have a lot of work because we have to divide everything among us. But it’s great! We are incredibly happy and the family really satisfies me. “At the moment Lou

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Shakira’s boyfriend wants her to be less sexy

says it’s ‘tough’ having four kids

he Columbian singer admits Antonio de la Rua - the son of former Argentinean President Fernando de la Rua - was shocked the first time he saw her revealing outfit for the video for ‘She Wolf’, in which she cavorts in a cage appearing to wear just a black belt and stilettos. She said: “He did not expect that at all. When he saw me in my flesh-toned leotard bodysuit, he was like, ‘Could you not have worn a scarf at least.’ “ However, the 32-year-old star has no plans to tone down her raunchy image and is planning a private show to make it up with Antonio. She added: “I kept the cage

Beyonce Knowles says she sacrificed her life to be successful

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Madonna set to include rock in her next album he ‘Celebration’ singer is working with both rap producer A-Trak and rock producer Brendan O’Brien - who has previously worked with Pearl Jam - and attempting to merge the two genres on the follow up to her hip-hop influenced 2008 LP, ‘Hard Candy’. A-Trak, real name Alain Macklovitch, told the Daily Star newspaper: “It’s my production, turned into song structure - halfway between rap and electronic and whatever else I listen to.” Madonna, 51, is said to be set on making a track to match the success of Run DMC’s groundbreaking 80s hit ‘Walk This Way’, which defined the rap/rock genre - and went on to spawn acts such as Korn, Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock in the 90s. Madonna has a long history of working with hip-hop producers, including Pharrell Williams and Timbaland on ‘Hard Candy’, but she is also keen to play up a more guitar-heavy sound after spending time mastering the instrument and insiders say she’s working on perfecting a balance between the two. The resulting album could be released this year.

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from my ‘She Wolf’ video. I may use it some other time.” The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ singer recently admitted she wants to settle down and have children with 36-year-old Antonio but only when she feels ready to stop working. She said: “All my energy is so adrenalized, I can’t think of anything else but putting together my next world tour, and the ideas are flowing and the wheels are in motion. I’m like a train who can’t stop right now. But I think that when it does stop, the next station will be baby station. “But I wouldn’t stop for long. I need to continue being creative. It’s my nature.”

he ‘Single Ladies’ singer said that the pressures of celebrity have taken everything away from her that would allow her to enjoy a normal lifestyle. She said: “I just sacrificed life. Being able to walk down the street and being able to make mistakes and not have it recorded for ever. “Being able to have regular relationships and dates. Just regular, normal things that people probably don’t even think about.

Sometimes it’s hard.” Beyonce, 28, also said that during her career - which has so far spanned 14 years recording with Destiny’s Child and as a solo artist - she has hardly ever had any chance to take a break.

She added: “I haven’t had longer than a couple of months off ever in my life, since I was 15. “But I was raised that any-

thing that’s worth anything takes a lot of sacrifice. And when anything is too easy for me I get scared.” The ‘Halo’ hitmaker also said, however, she’s promised to take some time out of her recording and touring schedule to keep for herself next year. She added: “After a couple of dates in February and a couple of award shows, I promised myself that that it’s time to smell the roses.

“I’m going to take - hopefully a couple of months off. I’m not going to plan anything. I’ll perhaps take some art classes, I’ll visit some museums and I’ll check out some shows on Broadway. I’d like to travel somewhere - maybe Egypt without anyone, without any security, and focus on things I’ve always wanted to do myself.”

needs me enormously. Not only because of breastfeeding but also because she needs to be close to her mother. She will sleep now for a year with us in our bedroom - just as her siblings did. It’s easier at night if she is hungry.” The 36-year-old beauty keeps her other children - daughter Leni, five, and sons Henri, four, and Johan, three - happy by making sure they’re kept busy. Heidi - who along with Seal have released photographs of their new daughter on the 46-year-old musician’s official website, Seal.com explained: “You must always think of new things - this is sometimes a challenge. We often make play dates with other kids or we go to the park. On weekends we like to go to Disneyland.”

Katie Holmes wants Tom Cruise to become a talent show judge horeographer Mary Murphy recently revealed she would love to see the ‘Valkyrie’ star join her on the panel of US dance contest ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and the actor’s wife who dazzled viewers with a Judy Garland-inspired routine on a special edition of the programme earlier this year - thinks he would be the perfect person to judge the contestants.

Speaking at the Dizzy Feet Foundation gala at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, she said: “He would be great. He really would.” While Katie is keen for Tom to make an appearance on the programme,

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she is unsure if she would accept any offers to make a return. When asked about the possibility of appearing again, Katie said: “I don’t know. I don’t know, but it was a great time.” Despite the ‘Mad Money’ star’s comments, Mary admitted she has so far been unable to approach Tom about appearing. She said: “I’m going to try. If I can just slide my way in there, I will.” Katie’s appearance on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ earlier this year was to launch The Dizzy Feet Foundation, which aims to support, improve and increase access to dance education.

Simon Cowell was terrified of working in America he music mogul was concerned viewers would react badly to his ‘Mr Nasty’ persona if he agreed to be on the judging panel of ‘American Idol’ after appearing on the UK version ‘Pop Idol’, but was eventually persuaded. Nigel Lythgoe - who worked on the show with creator Simon Fuller - said: “We took it to Fox and Rupert Murdoch told his team, ‘You want Simon Cowell, he’s tough. I want it to stay tough.’ “At first Simon didn’t want to come to America. We twisted his arm but he was worried they wouldn’t like him. Amazing if you’re going to be nasty that you still want people to like you.” ‘American Idol’ went on to be one of the biggest successes on US TV but Nigel says they were careful not to let viewers get bored with the star-search talent show. He explained to the Guardian newspaper: “We made sure we only did one season a year - I think that in the UK, once something is successful it’s wrung out like a sponge and gets overdone.”

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Megan Fox buys her boyfriend a car from eBay he ‘Jennifer’s Body’ actress was searching the auction website with lover Brian Austin Green when she came across the classic red 1966 Mustang Fastback at a bargain price, although the vehicle needed a lot of repairs. She said: “We were going through cars on eBay and I found one in really good condition that was beautiful and for a good price.”

The 23-year-old actress also revealed her mother banned her from learning to drive until she was almost 18 because she used to sneak out of home so often - but that didn’t stop her from driving. She added to US TV talk show host Jay Leno: “I used to steal my mom’s car all the time when I was like 14 and 15 right before I got my license. “She used to drive a teal Kia and I would steal it and sneak over to my boyfriend’s house. She didn’t let me get my license until I was almost 18 because she thought I would never come back once I had it. “I was grounded constantly. She would put me in my room and then I would climb out the second-story window.”

— BangShowbiz

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Shopping in Kabul: Life goes on in the war zone capital he security check at the entrance to a French restaurant in Kabul can be both cursory and confusing. “Anybody got a weapon?” the guard asks as a small group crowds into a holding chamber-called a “cage”-before being admitted into the restaurant complex. “Yes, I’ve got a gun,” says one man. “OK,” says the guard, and waves everybody through. A diner in the upmarket Heetal Plaza Hotel, meanwhile, might find a thickset man chomping a hamburger at the next table, with a large pistol in a holster on his hip.

But while Kabul is the capital of a country at war, it doesn’t always feel that way as the sun glints off distant snowcapped peaks and street life reflects a vibrancy uncowed by three decades of conflict. Guns, guards and soldiers are everywhere. But so are markets and shoppers, who risk their lives crossing chaotic roads crammed with everything from trotting donkey carts to smart four-wheel drives and menacing military vehicles.

In the labyrinth of dusty streets and back alleys, deep potholes determine the side of the road drivers choose to use, leading to skilful weaving of traffic which would do credit to an Afghan carpet-maker. Walk through Chicken Street-of hippy-trail fame before the Soviet Union invaded on

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Christmas Day 1979 — and it is possible to forget there is a war on. Shops offering jewelry, furs, Afghan scarves and hats vie for attention alongside butchers and money changers plying their trades at stalls in the street itself.

Heavily bearded men in flowing, baggy clothes-wrapped in scarves and turbans against the nose-numbing cold-chat and make deals. But women are scarce. Of the few who venture out, some wear the allenveloping blue burqas derided in the West as symbols of the extreme subjugation of women under the former Taleban regime.

But many of them carry babies and beg, suggesting the face-concealing burqa may sometimes play a bigger role in hiding shame than in conforming to Taleban dress codes years after the Islamists were ousted by the US-led invasion in 2001.

Despite the threat of kidnap, whether by Taleban or criminal gangs, a brief stroll down Chicken Street by a Westerner is likely to be disturbed by little more than the enthusiastic attention of street urchins.

But the sudden roar of a fleet of military helicopters overhead is a reminder that Afghanistan has had little relief from conflict in the past 30 years. Despite that, like urbanites around the world, many love their city.

An Afghan woman buys carpet in Kabul on January 14, 2010. — AFP “I’ve lived all my time in Kabul,” says Mohammad Siddique, 48, a driver for an international company who describes him-

self as “a living history” of the years of conflict. “I saw a lot of war, but I never moved from Kabul, and I like my city.” Doug

Wankel, a former US Drug Enforcement Administration chief of operations, who lived in Kabul for two years before the

Soviet invasion of 1979, returned in 2004 and has lived here ever since.

“I like the Afghan people, they are very strong, proud and independent. They make good friends and you can rely on them,” says Wankel, now managing partner of security firm Spectre Group International.

Windows in his home were blown out by the most recent suicide attack in Kabul, opposite the Heetal Plaza Hotel on December 15, which killed eight people and wounded 40 others. “It’s a cost of doing business in Afghanistan-but it’s still worth it,” he told AFP. Despite the devil-may-care attitude of Kabul’s citizens, they face a rapidly escalating war. The number of civilians killed in the conflict jumped last year to 2,412, making 2009 the deadliest year for ordinary Afghans since the US-led invasion, the United Nations said. Last year was also the deadliest for foreign forces fighting the Taleban, with 520 troop deaths, up from 295 for the year before, as the insurgency has escalated and spread. But carnage is nothing new for Afghanistan and Kabul. In the courtyard of the Gandamack Lodge, named after a battle in 1842, an ancient cannon stands as a reminder of Britain’s disastrous and bloody invasion of Afghanistan more than 150 years ago. — AFP

Hollywood stars take lead in Haitian quake charity drive aiti’s devastating earthquake has moved Hollywood and pop music stars to lead a rally for disaster relief donations and open their own wallets. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were the first to reach out to Haiti by donating $1 million from their foundation to Doctors Without Borders, which has been tending to victims of the quake that demolished buildings in Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday. Tens of thousands are feared dead.

Actress Alyssa Milano, a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, on Thursday used her blog on The Huffington Post to challenge US corporations to match her donation. She said the funds would go to buy medical supplies, tarpaulins, food and water kits for Haiti.

“I cried and then I did the only thing I could do ...

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I wrote a check to the US Fund for UNICEF for $50,000,” she wrote. Haiti-born hip-hop musician Wyclef Jean launched a texting campaign, calling on fans to donate $5 to his Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund charged to their cell phone bills by texting “Yele” to

Tuesday’s earthquake, the music network said on Thursday.

The event will be broadcast on all MTV Network channels on Jan 22. Clooney is expected to be joined by as yet unnamed pop music and movie stars.

Clooney to host MTV telethon 501501. Jean has already raised more than $1 million for the disaster relief effort and is in Haiti “giving aid and assessing the situation,” according to his www.yele.org website.

Actor George Clooney will host a telethon on MTV next week to raise funds for victims of

Grammy-winning Latina pop singer Shakira asked her fans for donations to help rebuild Haiti to be channeled through UNICEF and Wyclef Jean’s foundation. Coldplay musician Chris Martin called for donations through Oxfam, whose global ambassador, actress Scarlett Johansson, also appealed for

contributions for Haiti.

Oprah Winfrey got involved on Wednesday by asking viewers of her popular show to donate to the Red Cross. Actor Ben Stiller, who has been raising money for a school in Ceverine in Haiti through Save the Children, also made an appeal on CNN’s “Larry King Live” for $10 donations charged to phone bills by texting “Haiti” to 90999. First lady Michelle Obama made a public appeal for this texting campaign, which had raised $5.9 million dollars for the red Cross by late Thursday. Cycling legend Lance Armstrong’s LiveStrong Foundation pledged $250,000 to help Haiti’s recovery, according to its website. The money will go to Doctors Without Borders and Partners in Health founded by Harvard professor Paul Farmer. — Reuters

Globe nominees benefit long after show is over Kimmel tweaks Leno, NBC O over late-night argument

Pictures show scenes from the television film “School” in Moscow. — AFP

Resolute teenage drama breaks taboos in Russia fter a fight in the hallway, the camera lingers on blood dripping from a boy’s mouth. A slouching teenager boasts of “knocking up a chick”, while his classmates swig cans of beer at break time. That’s the brutal picture of school life in “School”, a hard-hitting TV drama that started this week on Russia’s Channel One television and has provoked outrage from teachers and officials. The series, directed by 25-year-old film maker Valeria Gai Germanika, has been compared to the award-winning British drama “Skins”-showing a raw, gritty real-life take on teenage pupils as they drink, smoke and fight, without shying away from references to sex and Internet pornography.

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“Shows like this shouldn’t be on television,” the head of the Moscow education department, Olga Larionova, told the city government after watching the first episode this week, Russian agencies reported.

Communist deputy Vladislav Yurchik told MPs that the show was “a planned sabotage against our children and young people”, and called for Channel One’s director to pull it off the air, RIA Novosti reported. The film’s director argued Wednesday that she had simply tried to show the truth about school life.

“I sincerely grieve for the people who are outraged by the show, but as an artist I can’t film it differently,” Gai Germanika told AFP, saying that the show reflects her own school years. “I’m a post-perestroika child, and school was already

like that,” she said. Gai Germanika is a well-known film maker who specializes in close-to-the-bone portrayals of teen life. She won a special mention at Cannes film festival in 2008 for her movie “Everyone Dies But Me” about teenage girls at a school disco that becomes a traumatic rite of passage.

The school series was the idea of Channel One director Konstantin Ernst, she said. “He really likes me as a director, my approach, and so he invited me to be the author.” The 60-episode series has a starry lineup of writers involved in contemporary Russian drama, including playwrights Vyacheslav Durnenkov and Yury Klavdiyev. “I understand that it’s very unfamiliar for a national channel because they usually show soap operas,” Gai Germanika said of the show.

Channel One gave “School” an early evening slot and openly promotes what it calls its “extreme documentary style” as a radical departure from standard Russian TV fare-meaning formulaic cop series, sentimental family sagas and the like. “No one has shown life at school like this before,” it boasted before the premiere on Monday.

“What do you know about us at all?” the show’s trailer asks. The show portrays the school as run by out-oftouch dinosaurs. A grey-haired teacher calls students “monkeys”, and a 70-year-old teacher complains that he hasn’t encountered a “personality” since the 1980s.

“As a teacher and a public figure, I’m against this series-and I’m 22,” Anatoly from Yakutsk wrote on Channel One’s web site. The channel defended the director in a statement sent to AFP saying that the show aims to “understand the problems of schools, not to hide them”.

“As for the concerns of the Moscow education department, we would like to point out that the series is fictional, not a documentary, and it doesn’t take place in Moscow,” the channel added. The show is filmed in a real Moscow school, with some of the students appearing on screen, Gai Germanika said, however. The headmistress of the school where the show is made insisted to RIA Novosti news agency on Wednesday that the show doesn’t reflect reality. “Just let one of my children try smoking on the school grounds,” said the school head Tatyana Rybina.—AFP

ne of the surprises when the Golden Globes nominations were announced in December 2008 was the attention given “The Reader,” a Holocaust drama that earned nods for best picture, director, screenplay and actress Kate Winslet. Although the film was not an overwhelming critical favorite, the Weinstein Co’s strategy of opening it in limited release the weekend of the Globes announcement was prescient. It racked up more than $21,000 per screen in eight theaters that first weekend, jumping 615% to $1.2 million two weeks later and another 140% to $3.6 million two weeks after that.

“The Golden Globes is the first big awards nomination that comes in and it’s a great platform,” says David Glasser, Weinstein’s president of international distribution. “They look at a picture early and it says, ‘Hey, this is worth rooting for.”“ The nominations for “Reader” set it on a path to more than $100 million in worldwide box office, an impressive achievement for any drama, especially one with such a difficult theme. Winslet, who played a Nazi, also ended up winning an Oscar for best actress.

In this film publicity image released by Summit Entertainment, Jeremy Renner is shown in a scene from, “The Hurt Locker.” — AP The timing of the Globes nominations-just as awards season is kicking into high gear and before the all-important holiday moviegoing season-has made the 90-member Hollywood Foreign Press Assn hugely influential. But just how much is a Globes nomination worth?

It’s hard to quantify, but for a film that is positioned properly after the nominations are announced, as

“The Reader” was, or expanded to many more theaters after the exposure on the January telecast, there is clearly a major benefit.

That was the case for “Capote” in 2006. Even though the film scored only one Globes nomination, for Philip Seymour Hoffman as lead actor (drama), the film’s box office take rose 50% in the week leading up to the show and then jumped

70% the week after Hoffman won, when Sony Pictures Classics tripled its screens. “It causes your film to really hold up,” says Sony Classics co-president Michael Barker. Still, he cautions, “I don’t think it could ever cause your film to go into the stratosphere like the Oscars.”

“The figures speak for themselves,” insists Philip Berk, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. “If a film opens around the time we announce our Golden Globes nominations it has either a bigger-than-expected opening or a huge jump from the previous week. That is why the studios use the Golden Globes as a marketing tool, which is self-evident. It definitely works to their advantage.”

The Globes nominees and winners also set the tone for the Academy Awards nominations because the Oscar polls close about at week after the Globes winners are announced. “It sets an agenda,” says Bob Berney, whose Apparition label launched “The Young Victoria” after this year’s Globes nominations were revealed and the film’s star Emily Blunt was nominated for best actress (drama).—Reuters

Simon Wang, a participant dressed up for Mr Gay China pageant, poses for photographers even after the event was canceled by authorities in Beijing, China, yesterday.

— AP

Beijing police put halt to China’s first gay pageant eijing police blocked China’s first gay pageant yesterday shortly before it was to start, stopping an event billed as heralding a new Chinese openness about homosexuality.

Organizers said police arrived at the upscale restaurant and club where the Mr Gay China contest was to be held and told them they did not have the proper license. The sudden cancellation came despite considerable pre-event media coverage this week, even in China’s state-run press, that had touted the pageant as a coming out for Chinese gays. “It’s a disaster.

I’m full of disappointment. I thought the government was becoming more and more tolerant,” said Jiang Bo, 29, a contestant from

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Sichuan province in southwestern China.

“They were making a big step. The whole world was thinking China was doing a very good thing. But now I think everybody will be disappointed.”

Contestants in the pageant-which was to have included an underwear segment-were to vie for the right to represent China at the Worldwide Mr Gay pageant in Norway next month. “Police said we didn’t have the proper license,” said Ryan Dutcher, one of the organizers, who said they were still trying to negotiate with police late on Friday to let the event proceed. “I’m very disappointed but I can’t say I’m very surprised.” “(Police) came here just

before the event. We didn’t have any advance warning,” he added.

The pageant also was to have included a fashion show segment and a question-andanswer round, organizers had said previously.

Participants and organizers had hoped the contest would help underline what many have said are growing signs of acceptance of gay men and women in China, where homosexuality has long been viewed with shame.

Homosexuality was a crime in China until 1997 and it was officially considered a mental illness until 2001. Since then, however, an increasing number of visible gay and lesbian events has taken place. —AFP

ate night TV host Jimmy Kimmel stepped into NBC’s late-night fray on Jay Leno’s turf, taking comic aim at him and NBC on “The Jay Leno Show.” Appearing by satellite Thursday for Leno’s “Ten at Ten” question-and-answer segment, the ABC late-night host was asked to relate his best prank ever. Kimmel replied that he told a guy five years ago that he’d give him his show, and “then I took it back.” It was a thinly veiled reference to Leno’s agreement in 2004 to surrender “The Tonight Show” to O’Brien in 2009, after 17 years as host.

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In this file photo, actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld arrives at the NBC Universal Winter 2010 press tour party in Pasadena, California. — AP NBC, which is ending Leno’s prime-time show, wants to return him to 11:30 pm EST (0430 GMT) by bumping O’Brien and “Tonight” to midnight, a plan O’Brien has rejected. The network was in talks with both hosts. Kimmel also joked that Leno had “$800 million, for God’s sake,” and advised him to leave other hosts’ shows alone. Leno might have known what to expect from his guest, who’d already made pointed fun of him on Tuesday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Wearing an exaggerated fake chin to play Leno, Kimmel joked that he was taking over all late-night shows, including Kimmel’s, and announced that ABC stands for “Always Bump Conan.”

O’Brien did some pummeling of his own Thursday, in what is becoming a pattern for him and Leno. “Hi, I’m Conan O’Brien, NBC’s

‘Employee of the Month,”‘ he said in his monologue.

“There’s a rumor that NBC is so upset with me, they want to keep me off the air for 3 years. My response to that is, if NBC doesn’t want people to see me, just leave me on NBC.” Leno delivered a punch in his monologue: “Welcome to the new show, ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Off NBC!”‘ he said. Meanwhile, NBC looked to the future by announcing that new and veteran NBC dramas and a comedy produced by Jerry Seinfeld will take over the bulk of the prime-time slots soon to be vacated by Jay Leno.

The network said Thursday that the freshman drama “Parenthood” and the relocated “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Special Victim Units” will fill three slots. Another will go to the comedy panel series “The Marriage Ref” from Seinfeld.

“Dateline NBC” will fill another 10 pm EST (0300 GMT) slot. The new lineup will debut after NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics from Feb 12-28. For now, though, dramas can claim to be winners in the schedule shake up, reclaiming most of the slots lost when NBC decided to experiment with Leno’s show as a cheaper alternative.

“Law & Order” will return after the Games on Monday, March 1, with a two-hour episode airing at 9 pm EST (0200 GMT). The show, in its 20th season, will begin airing regularly at 10 pm the following week.

“Parenthood,” with an ensemble cast including Lauren Graham and Peter Krause, will debut 10 pm EST Tuesday, March 2 (0300 GMT, March 3) .

The “Special Victims Unit” member of the “Law & Order” family will air in the final prime-time slot on Wednesdays, starting March 3. The other new 10 pm (0300 GMT) show, “The Marriage Ref” with comedian Tom Papa, will air Thursdays beginning March 4 after a Feb 28 sneak peek following the closing ceremony of the Olympics.

“Dateline NBC” will air 9-11 pm EST Fridays (0200 0400 GMT Saturdays) starting March 5. — AP

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Saturday, January 16, 2010

Happy birthday Lexus!

Timeless glamour and technological luxury crafted to impress for 20 years

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NSS, the exclusive distributor for Lexus in Kuwait, is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the luxury automotive brand. The Lexus Covenant is the basis for every decision made, from cars that are designed with the driver in mind to dealers that make customer satisfaction their most important goal. This commitment to excellence not only makes a Lexus more enjoyable to drive, but also a joy to own. On that note Mubarak Al-Sayer the CEO - Units Group MNSS said:” In celebration of Lexus 20th anniversary, we praise our selves for being the sole distributor of Lexus cars, the world’s most progressive automotive luxury brand; TMC has managed to produce “Progressive Luxury” which it is not defined by heritage and tradition alone. It is luxury that does not stand still, tremendous advances in innovative technology and driving capabilities, as well as in environmentally friendly solutions, are changing the way consumers think about luxury vehicles and how they interact with their needs and lifestyles, On our turn here in Kuwait, we are committed to insure our customer’s complete satisfaction with their Lexus cars, Al-Sayer will always continue to be committed to offer the best products and service available in Kuwait, and to always meet the best “World Standards of Lexus” customer care”.

LF Supercar

LFC concept car

The Lexus Covenant his time in 1989, opened the dealership doors in the United States, and have since gone on to become the bestselling Tluxury brand in the country, and the fourth largest luxury car brand in the world. To mark the occasion, it would be fitting to quote the Lexus Covenant, which is meant to influence everything the brand does: •

• •

Lexus will enter the most competitive, prestigious automobile race in the world. Over 50 years of Toyota automotive experience has culminated in the creation of Lexus cars. They will be the finest cars ever built.

Lexus will win the race because Lexus will do it right from the start. Lexus will have the finest dealer network in the industry.

Lexus will treat each customer as we would a guest in our home.

If you think you can’t, you won’t. If you think you can, you will! We can, we will.

LFA 2008

Hybrid concept car

How the Lexus brand was launched Lexus has an unparalleled track record of success in the automotive industry. It started with a secret meeting held back in 1983, when Toyota top management decided that Lexus would take on the challenge of well-entrenched competition, even as this meant going up against all of the many world-famous luxury brands across global markets, some of which had been building cars for almost a century.

Lexus has rightfully earned its place through technical innovation and outstanding quality to become the favorite amongst customers who really do understand cars very well, both in Kuwait and the world over.

It is luxury that does not stand still, Tremendous advances in innovative technology and driving capabilities, as well as in environmentally friendly solutions, are changing the way consumers think about luxury vehicles and how they interact with their needs and lifestyles, the widely praised for its quietness “Lexus” was able to introduce the first full hybrid cars in the world, the first unmatchable by any other competition, the 8 speed gear box transmission, the 1st parallel auto parking, the first NVH, drag, crawl control, and managed to stay among the top rankings for vehicle reliability & customer service according to JD Powers for 14 consecutive years.

Lexus has revolutionized the luxury motoring experience through its passionate commitment to the finest and the most satisfying automobile ownership experience. Lexus vow’s to value the customer as an important individual; to do things right the first time; and to always exceed expectations. These principles in the Lexus Covenant, inspires dealers and associates to treat customers as they would treat guests and to go to any lengths to serve them better.

Mubarak Al-Sayer the CEO - Units Group MNSS added:” We have been innovators in such concepts as customer transport to and from our service facilities, available Lexus replacement during service, and drive-through quick service, all to ensure that we truly provide efficient and quality service, delivered whenever possible within one hour. We place our customers first, and we should always like to hear from you any ideas or suggestions you have, so that we can always strive to provide higher and higher standards of service and customer satisfaction. Just as our friends in Lexus in

LF concept car

Japan continuously pursue perfection in how they design and build your cars, so must we strive to continuously pursue perfection in how we care for our most distinguished customers. We have already opened our brand new exclusive Lexus Service Centre in 2006, and in mid 2008 we have opened our dedicated Lexus Delivery Centre in Ardiyah.

Even so, we are now on the way to building our new exclusive Lexus Center in Shuweikh, which we hope will be opened first quarter in 2010. This will have 33,000 sq meters of space dedicated to Lexus on three levels. It is planned to be a true masterpiece in the world of automotive showrooms, sales and service capabilities and new technology, designed for our customers’ maximum convenience and comfort, crowning the 7 star Lexus centers MNSS has managed to provide for their customer’s satisfaction. We are so proud that we represent the best luxury car brand in the World. We will do everything possible both now and in the future to insure that you, our elite and knowledgeable customers, find that buying and using these exceptional cars is an effortless and pleasurable experience”.

From question mark to landmark-Lexus comes a long way When Lexus introduced the LS 400 luxury sedan and ES 250 entry-luxury sedan at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the primary question was whether a luxury brand from Toyota could compete in the US luxury market. Now, 20 years later, Lexus has proven that it can not only compete in the industry, it can lead it.

And it’s done that by listening to customers and exceeding their expectations every step of the way. Lexus was created in response to Toyota owners’ wishes for a car that had the quality of their Toyota, but came in a more luxurious package.

Since the first Lexus vehicles rolled out of dealers’ showrooms in September 1989, Lexus has emerged a leader in quality, innovation and, most importantly, in customer satisfaction.

This pursuit of perfection began in the early 1980s when then-Chairman Eiji Toyoda challenged a group of engineers to develop the best luxury car in the world.

Hundreds of prototypes and thousands of test miles later, the LS 400 emerged.

Customers flocked to the 80 carefully selected

Lexus dealerships across the country and read media reviews that included Automobile Magazine saying the LS 400 “had come about as far toward the achievement of true automotive perfection as we could come.” Car and Driver said “the Lexus transports you literally

and figuratively into another dimension.”

Motor Trend stated “we are frankly astounded that the LS 400 is this great.”

In 1991, Lexus introduced an all-new ES 300 as well as the SC 400 and SC 300 sport coupes. By this time there were 141 Lexus dealers across the USA and Lexus outsold its competition to become the best-selling luxury import brand in the USA. Through the early 1990s, Lexus continued to hone its brand and its products, as reflected by quality and customer service awards from JD Power and Associates. Lexus also introduced the GS 300 luxury sport sedan in March 1993.

But by 1995, Lexus was facing some new challenges. The economy was weakening, the yen was fluctuating against the dollar, and Lexus spent months in flux as the US and Japanese governments negotiated on proposed 100 percent tariffs on Japanese luxury cars.

The tariffs didn’t happen, and the overall luxury market kept on growing.

Lexus brought out the LX 450 luxury sport utility vehicle in 1995 and new versions of the ES in 1996 and the LS and GS in 1997. Then, in 1998, Lexus showed how it uniquely listened to customers.

When talking to customers about their SUVs, owners consistently said, “I love my SUV, but....” Lexus heard about rough rides, difficult entry/exit and a lack of luxury. To solve those issues, Lexus introduced the RX 300 in 1998, which created the luxury crossover segment. Ten years later, the RX continues to be the segment leader. The same year, the new LX 470 luxury sport utility vehicle debuted. In July of that year, Lexus had higher monthly sales than any luxury competitor - a first for any international automaker.

Lexus became the top-selling luxury brand in the United States in 2000, a title it has held for nine consecutive years. In the early part of its second decade, Lexus starting moving beyond its traditional segments to introduce new vehicles to people who may not have considered Lexus previously. In July 2000, Lexus developed a second offering in the entry-luxury sedan category with the IS 300 sport sedan. The next year, Lexus updated its classic SC model and turned it into a hardtop convertible. The GX 470 mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle was added to the stable in 2002.

With its extensive selection of sedans, luxury utility vehicles and a hardtop convertible, Lexus was offering products in nearly every luxury segment. It was time to start demonstrating Lexus’ passion and its pursuit of innovation. Lexus made its mark by introducing the world’s first hybrid luxury vehicle. The RX 400h went on sale in April 2005. With its lower emissions, improved fuel economy and outstanding luxury, it demonstrated that ecoconscious buyers didn’t need to sacrifice luxury to be kinder to the earth.

Lexus’ second hybrid offering, the GS 450h hybrid luxury sport sedan, went on sale in April 2006, and the LS 600h L premium hybrid sedan, the world’s first full V8 hybrid vehicle, went on sale in July 2007. While Lexus’ image was definitely shifting from its traditional attributes of being reliable and luxurious, it still needed something to showcase its passion for performance. The IS F high-performance luxury sedan was just the answer.

Powered by a 416-hp V8 engine, the Lexus IS F was the most uncharacteristic car Lexus had ever built, and it demonstrated that the brand really could make a car for high-performance enthusiasts. For those customers who wanted more performance on their standard IS 250 or IS 350 sport sedans, the company responded by introducing the F-Sport performance accessories through dealerships.

Whether it’s making performance parts, or introducing new and exciting products, or treating each customer as a guest in our home, Lexus’ pursuit of perfection comes through. Today, Lexus has 226 dealers who have invested billions of dollars in creating state-of-the-art facilities and services to ensure that customers continue to drive the division. The information gathered from dealers, as well as from luxury customers across the country, feeds back into everything Lexus does.

Now, as Lexus gears up for its 20th anniversary, it will once again be demonstrating how it can lead the industry by listening to customers. In spring 2009 the next-generation RX 350 luxury utility vehicle will go on sale, with the RX 450h luxury hybrid going into production a few months later. Just in time for summer 2009, Lexus will offer the all-new IS 250C and IS 350C convertible versions of the popular entry-luxury sport sedan. In 2010, Lexus will bring its fourth hybrid to market. The HS 250h will be the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehi-

cle, meaning it’s not a hybrid version of an existing product. It will provide enhanced fuel economy and lower emissions while giving customers the luxurious features they’ve come to know from Lexus. It will be the perfect vehicle to kick off Lexus’ third decade of pursuing perfection.

Lexus stayed true to form this past year as it was once again ranked Number One in Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service in JD Power and Associates’ annual Customer Service Index (CSI) Study released today.

Scoring 811 of a possible 1,000 points, Lexus holds the top spot for the ninth time in 10 years. CSI results are based on responses from more than 52,000 new-vehicle owners who evaluated their visits to dealership service departments during the first three years of ownership. Lexus dealers have always focused on exceeding customer expectations, and the study reflects their efforts, especially in the areas of service quality, user-friendly service and service delivery.

“Given that Lexus has the highest sales-per-outlet of any nameplate, and with our consistent sales growth, we must stay focused on making sure the increased volume doesn’t jeopardize our customers’ positive experience at their dealership,” said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “JD Power and Associates’ CSI results reflect that our dealers are sticking to the Lexus Covenant of treating each customer as they would a guest in their home.” With the recent launch of the IS 300 compact sport sedan and the upcoming introduction of the all-new LS 430 premium luxury sedan, Lexus is poised to continue its heritage of offering an outstanding product line-up paired with excellent customer service Imad Malaeb, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, MNSS, stated: “When the luxury brand initially entered the Kuwait market it rapidly earned the reputation of satisfying Kuwait’s drivers with the ultimate in style, refinement, technology and safety. Popularity of the brand grew as a loyal body of drivers emerged hungry for the latest models which resulted in a quick succession of new model launches. when MNSS unveiled the first dedicated Lexus showroom, Earlier that year, the new generation RX350 launched in Kuwait featuring ground-breaking technology including many industry firsts such as the Remote Touch control system. More recently, MNSS introduced a stunning new convertible, the IS300C thereby ensuring Lexus’ prominence in every luxury segment in Kuwait.

As 2010 approaches, there will be more surprises in store for Lexus drivers in Kuwait. The flagship Lexus LS600hL, the world’s first V8 hybrid all wheel drive luxury car is scheduled to launch early 2010. Imad Malaeb commented: “The LS600hL will undoubtedly surpass customer expectations. While fulfilling its duty to the environment through the sophisticated Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the vehicle remains a stunning showcase of technological innovation designed to deliver a drive experience and performance unparalleled in its class.”

Furutani concluded: “Lexus has come a long way in 20 years, but the next 10 are even more exciting and important for us. From a product point of view, we will expand our offerings into new segments and introduce exciting new derivatives of existing models, especially aiming to attract young affluent buyers. With every new Lexus, we aim to inject aspects of a more enjoyable or fun to drive feeling as well as more leading edge solutions, like the Lexus Hybrid Drive. Our aim is to be able to rollout new models, but also new technologies, across more markets faster than in the past. In particular, we look forward to the GCC becoming one of our fastest and most important markets in the near future.”

15

WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Embassy information EMBASSY OF GREECE

Greetings

The Embassy of Greece has the pleasure to announce that with a view to promote business interaction and commercial relations between Greece and Kuwait and to present further support for the Kuwaiti importers, it requests all Kuwaiti Companies dealing with or representing Greek Companies in Kuwait to contact this Embassy as soon as possible and to provide by fax or e-mail the following information: (Name of the company, tel no, fax no, e-mail, type of business, name of the Greek companies/clients). The Embassy’s contacts are as follows: email: gremb.kuw@mfa.gr; fax: 24817103, and tel no: 24817100, 24817101, 24817102.

appy birthday to our dearest mum, Sisily John.

Best wishes from Papa John Lazer, kids Prince and Priston, family and friends.

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EMBASSY OF INDIA

International chef to develop new menu for Diva’s Restaurant

D

ear Ruby, two decades ago, a little angel was sent to us from heavens to fill our world with happiness and joy. On the occasion of your birthday, we want to thank you for making our world beautiful.

Wish you many happy returns of the day. With best wishes from Mohammed Zakhir Hussain, Kauser Zakhir Hussain, and Abdul Gafoor.

IKEA products focus on safety

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Seminar on pediatrics health he Institution of Engineers (India) Kuwait Chapter’s has arranged a seminar on “Pediatric Scientific Explanation of Common Disorders and Treatments” Jointly presented by a panel of eminent Child Specialists consisting of 1. Dr. V. Satya Narayan, 2. Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, 3. Dr. N. Ram, 4. Dr. Gaurav Jadon.

The Topics of the Seminar as follows: 1. Childhood Asthma by Dr. V. Satya Narayan.

2. Adolescent Problems by Dr. Bhaskar Gupta.

3. Convulsions in Children by Dr. N. Ram. 4. Prevention of Childhood Accidents by Dr. Gaurav Jadon.

Seminar Date & Time: 22.01.2010, Friday, 10:30 A.M to 1:00 P.M. Seminar Venue: Holiday Inn, Downtown (at Daheya Ballroom, 4th Floor) This seminar is for the family (Children of age 6 and above are only allowed). Lunch will be served at the end of the program.

Those who are interested to attend the seminar are requested to register their names by 16.01.2010 through email vptiwari55@hotmail.com with the Details of Name of the IEI Member, Name of the Spouse, Name of the Children, Contact Nos. For further clarification kindly contact Engr. V.P.Tewari (Mob.: 99560784).

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our menu; adding a magnificent variety of international delicacies” announced Salem Fares, General manager of Diva’s Restaurants .The acquisition is also expected to result in greater efficiencies and significantly increase market share,” Fares added “The visit of Chef Edward was successful due to the spirit of creativity and

he IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people - our customers, co-workers and the people who produce our products.

Consequently, low prices at UKEA must not be achieved at the expense of people or the environment.

That is a condition for doing good business.

We don’t compromise on safety. IKEA products must be safe, both for the environment and for human health. That’s why whenever we develop a new product our designers product developers and technicians factor safety, quality and environmental impact into the equation right from the drawing board.

There are no shortcuts to safety or environmental adaptation. New materials are subjected to extensive

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risk analysis and tests before being used in a product and the product itself is tested continuously.

External laboratories and institutes complement the work done in our own test lab.

The IKEA range complies with the strictest applicable laws and safety standards, and we have detailed regulations on the use of chemicals and other substances in the manufacturing process. If one country tightens its rules, we introduce these new regulations on all IKEA markets, whenever possible. IKEA wants to minimize or totally refrain from the use of chemicals and substances that can be harmful to people and the environment, by choosing better alternatives whenever possible.

PALPAK anniversary celebration

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alakkad Pravasi Association of Kuwait (PALPAK) is conducting its second annual general body meeting on Friday, 19 February at Indian Central School, Abbassiya 9.30 am. The AGM will elect new office bearers auditor, executive committee and area coordinators & Advisory Board Members for the year 2010. Members vision on the activities that PALPAK should concentrate and your appropriate suggestions for executing the same would be much appreciated. All members of PALPAK are kindly requested to treat this as an official Invitation and should attend the said Annual General Body Meeting on time.

On the same day at the same venue at 2 pm onwards PALPAK - conducts anniversary celebrations with various socio cultural programs such as classical & cinematic dances, mimics, thiruvathira, elocution, songs, Kolkkall & Oppana etc for the

productivity which dominated the work-nature of the workforce responsible for launching the Diva’s concept at Olympia Towers”, Salem Fares explained; “We felt this visit was essential to Diva’s, keeping in mind the experiences learned during the first opening of Diva’s Salmiya, which had a success history with chef Edward.”

Announcements

iva’s Restaurant has announced the final preparation for their new outlet, with the assistance of Chef Edward Gresser who visited Diva’s as an expert in International Cuisine, in December 2009. The collaboration between Chef Edward with the Diva’s team will provide our clients with exquisite dishes to be merged in

PALPAK Members, their families and children.

Since this is a program organized exclusively for promoting the gifted talents of our members & children. Your maximum participation and cooperation is a must for the success of this event.

PALPAK has elected a program committee headed by our Vice President Mohan (99781095) supported by Udaya Varrnan (97216434), Suresh Madhavan (97253235), Suresh Pulikkal (97260159), Aravindakshan (66535989), & Sankaranarayanan (66706680) to lead and organize this event in a colorful manner. You may please contact the program committee or your area cocoordinators on or before 31.01.2010 for registering your participation in the cultural programs.

Hence, please encourage your fellow Palakkadans who are yet to be a member of the PALPAK, to join hands with our team and serve the society to uphold the unity and maintain the social harmony.

MARCH 26 CRYcket 2010: the 13th annual crycket tournament is scheduled to be held on Friday, 26th March 2010 at the KOC Hockey Grounds, Ahmadi.

This tournament is organized

by FOCC (Friends of Cry Club). Friends of CRY Club (FOCC) is associated with CRY (Child Rights and You), India and its main objectives are to create awareness of the underprivileged Indian children, help restore their basic rights, strive to provide support in personal development of the Indian children in Kuwait and bring out the qualities of social commitment in them. FOCC has been organizing CRY awareness programmes for children through its two annual events CRYcket (Cricket match for children below 14 years organized annually since 1997) and CRY chess tournament (for children of all ages organized annually since 2005) - and ‘Brain Bang’ programme which is an ongoing bi-weekly Accelerated Learning activity.

CRYcket will be played by 24 teams of children and about 500 spectators are expected for this special one-day event.

The deadline to receive the registration forms is 18th March 2010, however registration may be close earlier if the available slots of 12 teams in each category are filled. A colourful souvenir will be released to mark the 13th year of FOCC’s activities in Kuwait.

For details how to become a sponsor and/or to advertise in the Souvenir or to volunteer as a FOCC member, pls visit www.focckwt.org or email focckwt@yahoo.com

Adopt a pet If you are interested in adopting from Animal Friends, please call 6700-1622 or visit our website at www.animalfriendskuwait.org

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llie is a male persian mix. He is sweet, psychic, and knows when you need a cat in your lap. He is friendly with other cats and is about two years old.

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nar is a 5 month-old male mix. Enar is a handsome fellow that runs up to anyone he can for lots of love and attention. He loves other dogs and will do best in a home with children over 12.

atchon is a very alert white persian cat! His eyes are wide - watching everything going on around him.

Batchon would do best in a home with children over 8.

illy is a 1 year-old female terrier mix. Lilly is a gorgeous dog that is just as happy as can be.

She has a slight deformity to her front right leg that she was born with but she has no idea.

She has a wonderful spirit and will do best in a home with children over 8 and gets along well with other dogs.

The Embassy of India has further revamped and improved its Legal Advice Clinic at the Indian Workers Welfare Center, and made the free service available to Indian nationals on all five working days, i.e. from Sunday to Thursday every week. Kuwaiti lawyers would be available at the Legal Advice Clinic daily from Monday to Thursday, while Indian lawyers would be available on Sundays.

Following are the free welfare services provided at the Indian Workers Welfare Center located at the Embassy of India: [i] 24x7 Helpline for Domestic Workers: Accessible by toll free telephone no.

25674163 from anywhere in Kuwait, it provides information and advice exclusively to Indian domestic sector workers (Visa No. 20) as regards their grievances, immigration and other matters. [ii] Help Desk: It offers guidance to Indian nationals on routine immigration, employment, legal, and other issues (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iii) Labour Complaints Desk: It registers labor complaints and provides grievance redressal service to Indian workers (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iv) Shelters: For female and male domestic workers in distress; (v) Legal Advice Clinic: Provides free legal advice to Indian nationals (Embassy premises; Kuwaiti lawyers 3 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Thursday; Indian lawyers 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday); and (vi) Attestation of Work Contracts: Private sector worker (Visa No. 18) contracts are accepted at the Embassy; 9 AM to 1 PM; Sunday to Thursday; Domestic sector worker (Visa No. 20) contracts are accepted at Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Offices (KUDLO), Hawally, Al-Othman Street, Kurd Roundabout, Al-Abraj Complex, Office No 9, Mezzanine Floor; 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday.

EMBASSY OF PHILIPPINES The Embassy of the Philippines wishes to inform the Filipino community in the State of Kuwait, that the recent supreme court decision to extend the registration of voter’s applies only in local registration in the Philippines under Republic Act no. 8189 and does not apply to overseas voters which is governed by Republic Act no.

9189, hence it has no impact on the plans and preparations on the conduct of overseas absentee voting. The overseas absentee voting for presidential elections will start on 10 April 2010 and will continue uninterrupted until 10 May 2010 daily at the Philippine Embassy.

Registered overseas absentee voters are advised to schedule their days off in advance to avoid complications in their schedules. Qualified voters are encouraged to get out and vote.

EMBASSY OF SOUTH AFRICA The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa’s working hours till Thursday, 31st December 2009 will be from 8 am to 10 am. Please note that the Embassy will be closed on Sunday, 3rd January 2010 on the occasion of the New Year. The Embassy will resume its normal working hours on Monday, 4th January 2010, from Sunday to Thursday. Please note that the working hours will be from 8 am to 16h00 & the Consular section operation hours will be from 8h30 to 12h30.

Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

16

SPECTRUM

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Calvin

CROSSWORD 871

Aries (March 21-April 19) Do not worry about the changes that may take place at work today. Your professional progress will not be affected. Your sense of humor will create some positive feelings around you, especially, where you may sense a tense atmosphere. There are real opportunities to complete and work out difficulties and projects that require both long-term effort and a high degree of discipline. You have attracted a new friend recently because you give others your attention— you listen. This could become an important relationship. This may be a younger person or someone in your near environment. This may be a good time to invite your new friend to dinner. Lovers, children and other people are emphasized at this period in your life.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Work goals are predominant and plans to enhance your skills may be in the making. Continued education is a possibility and someone will help you with the funds for this endeavor—if you need it. This is a time when you can expect a little boost, some extra support or recognition from those around you. This is essentially, a day full of growth and satisfaction. There is a renewed admiration for the work that you perform. A clear-minded insight into your own plans and methods is available now. This is also a very good time to communicate your goals and put them into words—a good time for decisions. If your heart and determination are in your efforts to sell . . . you could sell a phone to the telephone company.

Pooch Cafe

ACROSS 1. Tag the base runner to get him out.

4. A French abbot.

8. The compass point that is one point south of due east.

11. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

12. A lyric poet.

13. An enclosed space.

14. Being one more than two.

15. A small nail.

16. Type genus of the family Myacidae.

17. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

20. A public promotion of some product or service.

21. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (19021984).

23. The organ of sight (`peeper' is an informal term for `eye').

25. Metal or plastic sheath over the end of a shoelace or ribbon.

29. A software system that facilitates the creation and maintenance and use of an electronic database.

31. Committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidates.

33. (informal) Of the highest quality.

34. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

35. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

37. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity.

39. An intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores.

41. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

45. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

47. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

50. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet.

51. The capital of Western Samoa.

52. A master's degree in business.

53. An informal term for a father.

54. Being or occurring in fact or actuality.

55. The network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function.

DOWN 1. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers.

2. (law) A defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question.

3. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Dali region of Yunnan.

4. The jurisdiction or office of an abbot.

5. An aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect.

6. (informal) Exceptionally good.

7. A doctor's degree in education.

8. Electronic warfare undertaken under direct control of an operational commander to locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition.

9. Common Indian weaverbird.

10. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae.

18. Conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy (100-44 BC).

19. A humorous anecdote or remark.

22. (British) A waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric.

24. A federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

26. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects.

27. An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

28. A brittle silver-white metalloid element that is related to selenium and sulfur.

30. A unit of information equal to one million (1,048,576) bytes.

32. Any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Acacia.

36. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

38. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

39. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.

40. South American armadillo with three bands of bony plates.

41. Someone who engages in arbitrage (who purchases securities in one market for immediate resale in another in the hope of profiting from the price differential).

42. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

43. A small cake leavened with yeast.

44. South African term for `boss'.

46. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material.

48. Any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all.

49. The rate at which heat is produced by an individual in a resting state.

Gemini

(May 21-June 20) Your magnetic personality is showing today. Group efforts in the work place are turned into a fun experience as everyone works together successfully. Opportunities to communicate with higher-ups will motivate you to express your ideas.

Your background of reading and research will help you express yourself. You have a sense of ambition and achievement now as you help others with some important projects. You appreciate your responsibilities and enjoy the trust that others show you. The flow of events at this time makes it easy for you to make clear decisions and move forward. Things seem to fall in place—progress is easy. Be careful not to overextend your energies.

Neighbors bring good news your way this evening.

Non Sequitur Cancer (June 21-July 22) Taking care of business is the first order of the day. Financial responsibility is the lesson to be learned at this time in your life. Be cautious, think ahead and plan for the future. Tummy troubles may have you believing in a more balanced nutritional routine. The noon meal today may consist of a good soup and muffin. Your sharp mind and cleaver insights help you to recognize whatever needs changing. You will know the right thing to say in order to assuage someone from bad behavior—you encourage positive change in others. Beware of the temptation to perceive yourself unfairly treated. There is nothing like laughter to bring about a peaceful ending to a rather frustrating day. Perhaps a comedy video would be fun this evening.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Making yourself understood in your place of business is an important element towards good work-relationships. You will need your communication skills now, as you could be challenged by an authority figure. You might question your own motives as well as the motives of someone else. You see what is wrong and you know what to do. This means cooperation and organization, authority and discipline, responsibility—and all these things are what it takes to get you where you know you must go. Leisure activity this afternoon can be loads of fun—just let go! Get a massage or visit a friend. You enjoy getting a psychic reading and you and a friend may decide to do just that. Friends can present an interesting turn of events at this time.

Zits

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You have the ability of combining your artistic talents with some highly intelligent business capabilities. One example is in movie making. You have a great mind for details and if you desired, you could merge your art with your skills and your knowledge in the business world to create some monetary rewards. Your culinary talents are at the top of your abilities—look into making this either a hobby or a way to bring the bacon home. An indifferent attitude may be a sign of ongoing stress. Find ways to express yourself that brings you some good healthy fun. Take advantage of the next few days and express your passion. The tried and true does not cut it anymore: it’s the new, the unique and the original that catches and holds your interest.

Mother Goose and Grimm

Libra (September 23-October 22) Business is a major theme where your emotional orientation is concerned. You crave organization and you will gain some freedom in your area of expertise when questionable situations begin to clear. There is a need for change and a desire to break away from the outmoded patterns of the past. Travel plans are possible now. You may have several contracts, proposals or a multitude of paper work to review or accomplish this afternoon. This is a very full day, but tonight is full of social opportunities. You may find yourself shopping later today for the little extras that will make this evening perfect. Perhaps a play, music or a concert is on the agenda for this evening’s enjoyment. Romantic energies are high as this day ends.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Organizing and keeping particular things in order is a major theme today. At this time, most of your organizing mood is so that the things that are important to you are not forgotten. You may feel you need this particular order for your piece of mind. You are on the right track regarding your dealings with customers. You may feel that if you take more time to visit with the customers, you might find ways to increase sales. Health goals take on a greater importance for you now. You need to prepare your meals at home and bring them to work each day in containers that will keep things cool or hot and fresh. Make eating out with customers or co-workers special events instead of daily occurrences.

You could be most influential to a young person tonight.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Keeping your nose to the grindstone, so-to-speak, is the feeling for today. While you may have turned a negative situation around, you may still feel the need to push someone in a particular direction. Don’t be too pushy; you could make some enemies and defeat your purpose. Recognition for your hard work in the business place will be seen but it may take a while for rewards to come.

You could see some monetary rewards from a lucky guess today as well. Your creativity is at an all time high; do not let it go to waste. Expectations concerning romance may need to be placed on the back burner this evening.

Romantic possibilities are prevalent but not like you would think. Expect a fun evening-whether you are already in a relationship or not.

Yesterday’s solution

Yester

Yesterday’s solution

To

INTERNATIONAL CALLS Kuwait Qatar Abu Dhabi Dubai Raas Al Khayma Al-Shareqa Muscat Jordan Bahrain Riyadh Makkah - Jeddah Cairo Alexandria Beirut Damascus Allepo

00965 00974 009712 009714 009717 009716 00968 009626 00973 009661 009662 00202 00203 009611 0096311 0096321

Tunisia Rabat Washington New York Paris London Madrid Zurich Geneva Monaco Rome Bangkok Hong Kong Pakistan Taiwan Bonn

0021610 002127 001212 001718 00331 004471 00341 00411 004122 0033 00396 00662 00852 0092 00886 0049228

Word Sleuth solution

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Speak out today when an important decision may create unexpected problems for employees. You will discover a new friend and whether it is a relationship that is a lasting one or not, you will be pleased with the connection. Financial savvy and a practical turn of mind are qualities that take on greater importance in your life. You have a knack for knowing how to put people, ideas and things together profitably. Playing the role of a facilitator can be rewarding. This is a time to insert a little more flexibility into your thinking as you may let your fear limit your experiences. You have enough common sense to stay out of trouble, but sometimes too much common sense to relax and have fun.

Home, family or real estate grabs your attention.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Unfinished tasks may have you working late today. You may have a temper flare up when you know that someone is playing games in the business place. If you find proof of wrong doing, make sure you have the paper-trail to back up your findings before reporting the activity. Taking care of business is a major theme now. Work at seeing things as they really are presented to you. You could represent or speak for your company or communicate about your skills this afternoon. This could take the form of volunteering to help with a Junior Achievement project. Whatever the case, be prepared—there could be lots of questions. Tonight you may find yourself feeling more private and in a stay-at-home mood. This is the perfect time for a good book.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) Your personal life and goals keep coming into your mind this morning. It may be difficult to put forth much effort in the work place just now.

Have a note pad handy and write down one-word-thoughts or triggers when you think those personal thoughts. This will allow you to have those thoughts, but by writing the trigger thought down, you will then free yourself to concentrate on the work of the moment. Eventually, the work will win out and you will be more productive.

You can refer to the notes later and see the thoughts from a different slant, therefore, getting better ideas or results. Insert your sense of humor when needed. Enjoy a walk or a visit with a friend this afternoon. This evening you will encourage family discussion time. Use praise often.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

17 ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya decent Keralite couple only, Jan 21st or Feb 1st, double bedroom flat rent KD 80.

Contact: 97142939, 99263083. (C 20197) One room with separate bathroom available in old Riggae, closer to Avenues, near Future Pharmacy in a new C-A/C 2 bedroom 2 bathroom flat for family or working ladies. Contact: 55114836, 67656901.

(C 20201) 16-1-2010 Sharing rooms with bath, C-A/C available in Salmiya and Maidan Hawally, single or couple. Call 97151921.

(C 20194) Sharing accommodation available for two decent bachelors (preferably Keralite) near senior Indian Community School, Salmiya. Contact: 66780615 after 2 pm. (C 20192) Deluxe furnished room accommodation for one decent Pakistani or Indian bachelor, near garden Salmiya, in a very pleasant neat peaceful environment, rent KD 90. Contact: 66639581. (C 20191) Sharing accommodation available in Jabriya Block 12, St 8, for a lady or gent in a C-A/C, 3 BR flat with 2 bathrooms.

Contact: 65135094. (C 20190) 14-1-2010 Sharing accommodation available for couple/ executive bachelor/ working lady in C-A/C flat big room in Salwa street no. 1, block no.

4 with south Indian family, DSL wireless internet available, rent KD 75. Contact: 66492509. (C 20188) Sharing accommodation available in Salmiya near

church central A/C building, separate room, for bachelors/ couple/ ladies. Contact: 99815378. (C 20185) Sharing accommodation available for Goan or Mangalorean small family or bachelors share with a small family two bedroom flat window A/C near Rashid hospital Shara Amman Salmiya.

Contact: 94969047. (C 20178) Sharing accommodation available for Hindu or Christian bachelor share with another bachelor with Keralite family in Abbassiya near Integrated school central A/C 2 bedroom kitchen facility available. Contact: 66172468. (C 20179) Sharing accommodation available for Goan or Mangalorean small family or two non smoking bachelors share with a small Mangalorean family C-A/C flat near Rashid hospital, Shara Amman, Salmiya. Contact: 97528430. (C 20177) One room available for working ladies or family in Maidan Hawally central A/C new building, opposite Maroosh restaurant and Bushari, from 25-1-2010.

Contact: 55216554.

(C 20154) 13-1-2010

Prado 4 cylinder, model 2007, full option, Al Sayer maintained all five tyres new. Price KD 5,750, negotiable. Contact: 66050484.

(C 20202) 16-1-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 2007, run 50,000 km only, silver metallic, one hand used - manager. KD 2000 only (Al Mulla maintained).

Contact: 66601607. (C 20193) Brand new Blackberry Bold 9000 unopened original packing. Call 66781734. (C 20189) Multimedia projector, brand Polaroid, in good condition, price KD 50. Call 99322585.

(C 20195) 14-1-2010 Jeep Suzuki Grand Vitara 2007, 2 door, manual gear, blue color, cruise control, CD, 37 km, perfect condition, agency warranty. KD 2,600.

Contact: 99881982 . (C 20184) Mitsubishi Gallant, model 2008, silver color, 72,000 km, 6 cylinders, options, excellent condition, price KD 2,950. Contact: 66026259/ 55273700.

(C 20181) Laptop Toshiba Satellite 2.0Ghz Core 2 Duo, 2 GB, 250 GB, DVD writer, 15.6

crystal screen, wireless, webcam, windows 7 with 1 year warranty.

Call: 22473767. (C 20182) Household sofa set 3+2+1+1, center table + 2 side tables, dining table with 6 chairs, carpets, and Miscellaneous items. Call: 66422986, 97877993, 66026707. (C 20183) Pentium 4, Intel, 40GB HDD, 256 MB RAM, CD Writer, 56 modem, speakers, 17� CRT monitor, KD 40.

Pentium 4, 3.0 Ghz, 160 GB HDD, 1 GBDDR2 RAM, DVD Combo with 17� LG CRT Flatron monitor KD 60. Contact: 66244192.

MATRIMONIAL Proposals invited for Keralite RCSC girl, 27/158cm, B.Sc MLT, working with MoH Kuwait as lab technologist, from professionally qualified RC boys working in Kuwait.

Contact email: geocee999@gmail.com (C 20196) Malayalee Christian Orthodox parents invite proposals from girls for their son 29/176cms fair, good looking well employed telecom engineer working in Kuwait.

Email:

varughesekurian@hotmail.c om (C 20155) 14-1-2010 Proposals invited for a Tamil, Pentecost Christian girl, 31 years, 169 cm height, occupational therapist working in Kuwait. Email: cmatrimony78@gmail.com (C 20180) Proposals invited for Keralite Orthodox boy Kollam Dist. 30/174, working in reputed company in Kuwait, from employed girls please contact with details to: wilsonklm@yahoo.com (C 20187) 13-1-2010 SITUATION VACANT

Wanted part/full time maid for Indian family in Riggae, preferably Goan. Contact: 99694619. (C 20156) 13-1-2010

No: 14611

FOR SALE Sony TV, Electric oven, boiler/ Coffee maker and dishwasher for sale. Please call 97850290.

Pejot Pointer delivery van, 2008 model, KD 1,350.

Phone: 66052331.

(C 20199) Jeep Ford Escape, model 2001, color yellow, four doors, 6 cylinders, very good condition with original paint, 200,191 km, price KD 1,250 fixed.

Phone: 97786744/ 66804825.

(C 20200)

Flight Schedule Arrival Flights on Saturday 16/01/2010 Airlines Flt Route Jazeera 0263 Beirut K.L.M. 0447 Amsterdam/Bahrain Jet A/W 574 Cochin Wataniya Airways 2103 Beirut Kalitta 537 Sharjah Gulf Air 211 Bahrain Ethiopian 620 Addis Ababa Turkish A/L 1172 Istanbul D.H.L. 370 Bahrain Emirates 853 Dubai Etihad 0305 Abu Dhabi Jazeera 0267 Beirut Qatari 0138 Doha Kuwait 802 Cairo Jazeera 0637 Aleppo Jazeera 0269 Beirut Falcon 201 Dubai Jazeera 0503 Luxor Jazeera 0527 Alexandria Jazeera 0529 Assiut British 0157 London Kuwait 412 Manila/Bangkok Jazeera 0161 Dubai Kuwait 302 Mumbai Kuwait 332 Trivandrum Kuwait 344 Chennai Kuwait 676 Dubai Emirates 855 Dubai Arabia 0121 Sharjah Qatari 0132 Doha Iran Air 605 Isfahan Etihad 0301 Abu Dhabi Gulf Air 213 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 1121 Bahrain Jazeera 0447 Doha Kuwait 204 Lahore Jazeera 0165 Dubai Jazeera 0425 Bahrain Jazeera 0113 Abu Dhabi Wataniya Airways 1021 Dubai Kuwait 772 Riyadh Egypt Air 610 Cairo Syrian Arab A/L 341 Damascus Jazeera 0171 Dubai Kuwait 672 Dubai Wataniya Airways 2301 Damascus Egypt Air 621 Assiut Nas Air 745 Jeddah Jazeera 0525 Alexandria Jazeera 0257 Beirut Wataniya Airways 2001 Cairo Saudi Arabian A/L 500 Jeddah Kuwait 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi Kuwait 562 Amman Kuwait 552 Damascus Jazeera 0457 Damascus Qatari 0134 Doha Kuwait 284 Dhaka

Time 00:05 00:10 00:40 00:50 01:00 01:05 01:45 02:15 02:15 02:35 03:00 03:10 03:25 04:45 05:05 05:10 05:25 05:35 06:10 06:30 06:40 06:45 07:45 07:55 08:05 08:10 08:20 08:30 08:55 09:00 09:15 09:35 10:45 10:45 11:00 11:05 11:05 11:10 11:20 11:20 12:40 12:55 13:00 13:05 13:25 13:35 13:55 14:00 14:05 14:10 14:20 14:30 14:30 14:35 14:40 14:45 15:00 15:10

Kuwait Royal Jordanian Jazeera Mihin Lanka Bahrain Air Emirates Kuwait Gulf Air Etihad Saudi Arabian A/L Jazeera Arabia Jazeera Jazeera Thai Wataniya Airways Sri Lankan United A/L Jazeera Wataniya Airways D.H.L. Wataniya Airways Kuwait Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Iran Air Kuwait Kuwait Singapore A/L Kuwait Jet A/W Wataniya Airways Oman Air Egypt Air Jazeera Jazeera Gulf Air Middle East Qatari Emirates K.L.M. Kuwait Indian Jazeera Jazeera Safi A/W Jazeera Jazeera Egypt Air Egypt Air India Express Lufthansa Bangladesh Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Pakistan

546 800 0173 403 344 857 118 215 0303 510 0493 0125 0217 0433 519 2101 227 982 0427 2003 473 1025 542 0177 674 174 786 614 617 774 104 458 618 572 1201 0647 618 0459 0343 217 402 0136 859 0445 502 981 0449 0429 215 0117 0185 612 606 389 636 043 1029 1129 205

Alexandria Amman Dubai Colombo/Dubai Bahrain Dubai New York Bahrain Abu Dhabi Riyadh Jeddah Sharjah Isfahan Mashad Bangkok Beirut Colombo/Dubai Washington DC Dulles Bahrain Cairo Baghdad Dubai Cairo Dubai Dubai Geneva/Frankfurt Jeddah Bahrain Ahwaz Riyadh London Singapore/Abu Dhabi Doha Mumbai Jeddah Muscat Alexandria Damascus Sanaa/Bahrain Bahrain Beirut Doha Dubai Amsterdam Beirut Chennai/Ahmedabad Doha Dubai/Bahrain Kabul Abu Dhabi Dubai Cairo Luxor Kozhikode/Mangalore Frankfurt Dhaka Dubai Bahrain Lahore

15:30 15:40 16:05 16:40 16:50 16:55 16:55 17:05 17:15 17:15 17:30 17:40 17:40 17:45 17:45 17:50 18:05 18:15 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:40 18:50 18:55 18:55 19:00 19:10 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:45 20:00 20:05 20:15 20:20 20:35 20:40 20:55 21:05 21:20 21:35 21:40 21:55 22:00 22:05 22:10 22:15 22:15 22:25 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:15 23:30 23:40 23:45 23:55 23:55

Departure Flights on Saturday l6/01/2010 Airlines Flt Route Jazeera 0528 Assiut Shaheen Air 442 Lahore India Express 394 Cochin/Kozhikode United A/L 981 Washington DC Dulles Indian 516 Goa/Chennai Bangladesh 046 Dhaka Pakistan 216 Karachi Lufthansa 637 Frankfurt K.L.M. 0447 Amsterdam Jet A/W 573 Cochin Kuwait 203 Lahore Ethiopian 620 Bahrain/Addis Ababa Kuwait 283 Dhaka Turkish A/L 1173 Istanbul D.H.L. 371 Bahrain Emirates 854 Dubai Etihad 0306 Abu Dhabi Kalitta 537 Kandahar Qatari 0139 Doha Jazeera 0164 Dubai Wataniya Airways 1020 Dubai Jazeera 0524 Alexandria Wataniya Airways 2000 Cairo Jazeera 0112 Abu Dhabi Kuwait 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat Jazeera 0446 Doha Gulf Air 212 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 1120 Bahrain Jazeera 0422 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 2300 Damascus Kuwait 545 Alexandria Jazeera 0256 Beirut British 0156 London Jazeera 0170 Dubai Kuwait 671 Dubai Kuwait 551 Damascus Kuwait 561 Amman Kuwait 771 Riyadh Jazeera 0456 Damascus Arabia 0122 Sharjah Kuwait 101 London/New York Emirates 856 Dubai Qatari 0133 Doha Iran Air 606 Mashad Etihad 0302 Abu Dhabi Wataniya Airways 2002 Cairo Gulf Air 214 Bahrain Kuwait 165 Rome/Paris Jazeera 0342 Bahrain/Sanaa Kuwait 541 Cairo Jazeera 0172 Dubai Jazeera 0432 Mashad Wataniya Airways 2100 Beirut Jazeera 0492 Jeddah Kuwait 785 Jeddah Egypt Air 611 Cairo Syrian Arab A/L 342 Damascus Wataniya Airways 1024 Dubai

FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161

Time 00:05 00:15 00:30 00:40 00:50 01:00 01:10 01:20 01:25 01:40 02:20 02:30 02:55 03:15 03:15 03:50 04:10 05:00 05:00 07:00 07:00 07:20 07:30 07:35 07:40 07:40 07:45 07:50 07:55 08:10 08:30 08:35 08:55 09:00 09:00 09:10 09:15 09:20 09:25 09:35 09:35 09:40 10:00 10:15 10:20 11:30 11:40 11:45 11:50 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:05 12:15 13:40 13:55 14:00 14:25

Kuwait Jazeera Egypt Air Nas Air Jazeera Wataniya Airways Jazeera Jazeera Saudi Arabian A/L Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Royal Jordanian Qatari Kuwait Bahrain Air Mihin Lanka Gulf Air Etihad Emirates Arabia Jazeera Kuwait Saudi Arabian A/L Jazeera Wataniya Airways Jazeera Jazeera Jazeera Thai Wataniya Airways Kuwait Sri Lankan Wataniya Airways Jazeera Kuwait Iran Air Kuwait Wataniya Airways Jet A/W Oman Air Jazeera Egypt Air Singapore A/L Gulf Air D.H.L. Kuwait Middle East Falcon Jazeera Qatari Kuwait Emirates K.L.M. Kuwait Jazeera Egypt Air Kuwait Jazeera Kuwait

673 0216 622 746 0176 1200 0426 0458 505 501 773 613 801 0135 617 345 404 216 0304 858 0126 0262 543 511 0184 2010 0116 0448 0428 520 2102 285 228 1028 0532 361 616 351 1128 571 0648 0240 619 457 218 171 675 403 102 0188 0137 301 860 0445 205 0526 613 415 0502 411

Dubai Isfahan Assiut Jeddah Dubai Jeddah Bahrain Damascus Jeddah Beirut Riyadh Bahrain Amman Doha Doha Bahrain Dubai/Colombo Bahrain Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Beirut Cairo Riyadh Dubai Sharm El Sheikh Abu Dhabi Doha Bahrain/Dubai Bangkok Beirut Chittagong Dubai/Colombo Dubai Sharm El Sheikh Colombo Ahwaz Cochin Bahrain Mumbai Muscat Amman Alexandria Abu Dhabi/Singapore Bahrain Bahrain Dubai Beirut Bahrain Dubai Doha Mumbai Dubai Bahrain/Amsterdam Islamabad Alexandria Cairo Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta Luxor Bangkok/Manila

14:30 14:35 14:50 14:55 15:05 15:10 15:25 15:30 16:00 16:10 16:10 16:20 16:25 16:30 16:15 17:35 17:40 17:55 18:00 18:10 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:40 18:50 19:00 19:05 19:05 19:10 19:15 19:30 19:50 20:20 20:25 20:55 21:00 21:10 21:20 21:25 21:35 21:45 21:55 22:00 22:10 22:20 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:50 22:55 22:55 23:25 23:45 23:45 23:50 23:55

NEWS

18

Saturday, January 16, 2010

‘Ring of fire’ eclipse millennium’s longest Continued from Page 1 Local media in the affected areas issued warnings about the dangers of looking directly at the sun, but fascinated onlookers thronged streets to witness the celestial phenomenon. “It’s getting interesting. Birds are singing. It’s actually getting cold here,” said John Saitega, a 34-year-old father of six in Olte Tefi, 50 km south of Nairobi.

In India, where the eclipse was visible from the southern-most tip, astronomers and curious spectators watched in awe, using sunglasses and even ultra-dark welding masks as day turned into darkness.

There were cheers and applause in the city of Bangalore when clouds cleared just in time to show the Moon glide into position to cover about 85 percent of the Sun. Veteran eclipse chaser Daniel Fischer from German astronomy magazine Interstellarum picked a vantage spot on a cliff in Varkala, 62 km north of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in the Indian state of Kerala. “I’m thrilled. My first eclipse was Indonesia in 1983,” said Fischer, who has witnessed 23 eclipses in total. The Bangalore-based Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched

three small rockets on Thursday and another five yesterday to study the effects of the event on the atmosphere. “We will compare the data obtained on normal days with data during and immediately after the eclipse to study the difference,” project director P Ratnakar Rao told AFP from Thiruvananthapuram.

The eclipse, which was followed live on cable television in India and China, temporarily put a halt to the world’s biggest religious gathering in northern India. Temples in Haridwar, site of the Kumbh Mela which sees millions of Hindus bathe in the holy river Ganges, were closed for the duration of the eclipse because the phenomenon is considered inauspicious, an organiser told AFP. Residents in the Ugandan capital Kampala got a good view, although some were afraid of the intensity of the light, with many sharing dark glasses to gaze up at the sky. “Can’t it burn someone? You can’t even look direct because I’m fearing for my eyes.

I’m fearing it can burn me,” said Angela Namukwaya, a shopkeeper in a Kampala suburb.

The maximum duration of “annularity” the time the moon is in front of the sun - was

11 minutes, eight seconds at 0706 GMT, making it “the longest annular eclipse of the 3rd Millennium,” according to NASA. Only on Dec 23, 3043 will this record be beaten.

Astronomers said Male, the main island of the Indian Ocean island nation the Maldives, was the best place on land to witness the eclipse as it lasted there for over 10 minutes.

In China’s capital, Beijing, a partial eclipse made a crescent of the setting orange sun before the lunar shadow expired over the Shandong peninsula at 0859 GMT. “It’s cool. The weather conditions are pretty good. It’s really rather magnificent,” said one male Beijing high school student, one of about 40 observing the eclipse from Coal Hill, overlooking the Forbidden City.

The eclipse, the first of its kind to cross over Sri Lanka since 1955, sent seabirds along the oceanside capital of Colombo looking for a place to roost for the night, shortly after lunchtime. A pelican looped over the city as the skies darkened from the north and the eclipse neared its peak. “Wow, it’s marvellous,” said an army officer, who was on security duty in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo. “This is the first time I have seen this kind of eclipse.” — Agencies

France moves closer to banning the niqab Continued from Page 1

CHIBA, Japan: Japanese automotive accessories company D A D staff Ryota Mizoguchi checks a Mercedes-Benz SL-600 covered by Swarovski’s 300,000 gold shadow crystal pieces, designed by D A D, at Makuhari Messe east of Tokyo yesterday. — AP

Lebanon sniffable powder causes stir BEIRUT: A powder being marketed as the only energy product in the Middle East that is sniffed is creating a stir in Lebanon, and authorities this week cautioned against its use and had it pulled from stores. “Power in a sniff” is the slogan for BullShot, whose Lebanese developers have promoted it as a natural product that gives users an instant energy boost, clearing the mind and increasing concentration and perception. But many have questioned the safety of the product and are concerned it could encourage young people to take drugs. The debate led authorities to ask that the product be taken off the market for now.

“We’ve recalled the product for now following a request by the authorities,” Charbel Khalil, the company’s general manager, told AP yesterday. BullShot is made with guarana, a paste produced from the seeds of a shrub found in the Amazon rain forest that contains caffeine.

It is widely used in carbonated energy drinks in the United States and in Europe. What worries some about BullShot is that it comes in the form of a powder and is used with a metal sniffer, raising concerns that it could encourage the use of drugs such as cocaine.

It was being sold in Lebanese supermarkets, fuel stations and pubs and could also be ordered online. “I read about it in the newspapers and was surprised,” said Bchara Antonios, a 28-year-old electrician. “It may be harmless to one’s health but it’s dangerous for the mind. ... First

you start with this and then you’ll want to sniff other more potent drugs. I’m glad they’ve stopped selling it.”

The country’s health minister expressed the same concern yesterday.

“It’s not a drug, but the way it is used is

not encouraging. We don’t want people to get used to this method because it might lead to addictions,” Mohammed Jawad Khalifeh said at a news conference. He said that because the product is sniffed it hits the nervous system faster than if it were consumed in a drink, making it potentially more dangerous.

On Thursday, the Ministry of

Economy said the product was harmful and cautioned against its use and sale.

Energy drinks containing guarana have generated some debate in the United States. In one case, the US company MillerCoors LLC agreed in 2008 to remove guarana and three other ingredients from its Sparks alcoholic energy drink. Officials in more than a dozen US states had argued the stimulants reduced drinkers’ sense of intoxication and that it was marketed to young drinkers.

After an advertising campaign that included organized events and Facebook announcements, the company producing BullShot began selling the product in a kit for $40 that includes 9 grams of powder in a plastic container and a metal, bullet-shaped sniffer. More than 1,500 kits were sold in the last two months, the company said. Eddie Khalil, a company official, said the fuss is mostly a result of ignorance and insists the product was approved by the Health Ministry after testing. “Just because something is sniffed does not mean it is drugs,” he said.

He said one of the goals of the company was to combat drug addiction by presenting an alternative. “One of the aims is to help drug addicts get rid of their psychological addiction by sniffing natural and healthy stuff instead,” he said. “We wanted to work with anti-drug civil groups toward that purpose, but obviously this is not going to happen anymore,” Khalil said. — AP

Debt-laden Dubai offers to host UN Continued from Page 1 futures at Chapman University, and Robert J Cristiano, the California university’s “real estate professional in residence”.

“New York gets rid of one of its worst welfare cheats, and Dubai finds new tenants to fill its vacant towers,” they said, describing the UN headquarters as a “pain in the butt” which “pays no taxes and annoys hard-

working New Yorkers with its sloth, pretensions and cavalier disregard for traffic laws”.

Dubai, which has gained worldwide attention for its extravagant real estate projects, left global markets reeling in November when it said it would request a standstill agreement on billions of dollars of debt. The global financial crisis saw many real estate projects delayed or shelved in the emirate, but construction has barely

stopped and new projects are still coming on line, raising questions on how the buildings will be filled in the downturn.

Earlier this month, Dubai’s ruler inaugurated the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. “Dubai has already built something that looks the part of a 21stcentury world capital,” Kotkin and Cristiano wrote. “Let it get a cast appropriate for its glittering set.” — Reuters

Seven Muslim protesters killed in Kenyan clashes Continued from Page 1 The demonstrators then threw stones.

They had planned to march to the Immigration Ministry to protest Kenya detaining Sheikh Abdullah El-Faisal.

Crowds of by-standers also joined the chaos, throwing rocks and calling the Muslims, many of them of Somali descent, foreigners and chanting “Kenya yetu”, Swahili for “Kenya is ours”, or “Ua”, Swahili for “kill” as the police charged.

One protester in fatigues and a black balaclava waved the flag of Al Shabaab the Somali rebel group that Washington accuses of being Al-Qaeda’s proxy - and taunted the crowds by drawing his finger across his throat in a slitting motion.

Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed said it was unfortunate Kenyan security had been disrupted in the name of religion.

“I am calling for Somalis to support peace, and respect their host. Kenya, like any other sovereign state, has the right to deport whoever it considers to be a national security threat,” he told Reuters in Nairobi.

“One person, a Jamaican, how can he make the whole country shut down? One person, how come no one in Jamaica is defending him?” said a man in a group that charged the Muslim protesters. “These demonstrators, they can go back home to Somalia if they want to,” he told Reuters Television. After nightfall, Somalis in Nairobi ran the gauntlet of mob justice. A

Reuters witness saw a Somali man being dragged from his car not far from the mosque and beaten by an angry mob.

While the leaders of the protest were Kenyan Muslims, many of the demonstrators from the mosque were Somalis and this perception was fuelling the attacks.

Residents said groups of men were also stopping cars along the two main roads heading to Eastleigh, the eastern suburb of the capital where many Somalis live.

During the clashes, small ambulances shuttled to and fro with sirens blaring. A helicopter clattered overhead and police used water cannon to try to clear the streets. Security forces fired AK-47 assault rifles at pockets of stone-throwing protesters, according to Reuters TV footage. One fleeing demonstrator was grabbed by police and beaten with batons and kicked on the ground. When the police moved on, a medic went to the man, bent down, closed his eyelids and carried him away. It was not clear whether the protestor was unconscious or dead.

At a news conference held a few blocks away from the violence, government spokesman Alfred Mutua declined to answer questions about the demonstration but read a statement explaining the government’s action against El-Faisal.

“The government of Kenya is aware Mr Abdullah El-Faisal has been deported from several countries for alleged recruitment, inspiration and advocating of sui-

cide bombers,” Mutua said. “Mr El-Faisal is a threat to this country, because of his alleged tendencies to recruit suicide bombers.” More than 300 miles away, Muslims in the coastal town of Mombasa held a similar demonstration Friday, which ended peacefully.

Earlier this week Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang said El-Faisal will remain in prison until Kenya is able to send him to Jamaica. El-Faisal’s native country has said it will receive him, but no country is willing to issue him a transit visa that would allow him to make a connecting flight to Jamaica. “This man is so dangerous no country wants to touch him,” said Mutua during a briefing on Thursday.

Britain has said that El-Faisal’s teachings heavily influenced one of the men who carried out the London bombings that killed 52 people. The cleric served four years in a British jail for inciting murder and stirring racial hatred by urging followers to kill Americans, Hindus and Jews. El-Faisal was released in 2007 and deported to Jamaica. He stayed there until early 2009 when he traveled to Africa, Jamaican officials have said. El-Faisal arrived in Kenya on Dec 24, but immigration officials at a border point did not know who he was because a database that has a watch list was shut down while new software was being installed. Kenyan authorities only realized he was in the country a week later. — Agencies

party in parliament’s lower house, Jean-Francois Cope, jumped the gun before the panel’s report was finished, and filed draft legislation on a ban. “No one may, in spaces open to the public and on public streets, wear a garment or an accessory that has the effect of hiding the face,” the draft text reads. The document cites public security concerns, thus includes all face-covering clothes, in a bid to head off challenges from those who might claim such a law would violate constitutional rules on individual rights - a major concern along with how such a law would be enforced. It foresees fines for those who break the law.

The initiative, unlikely to go to debate before spring, would be the second time France targets Muslim dress. A 2004 law born in acrimony bans Muslim headscarves and other “ostentatious” religious symbols in the classrooms of French public schools. Sarkozy’s party dominates parliament and the president reiterated Wednesday his wish for a law on full veils, though it’s too early to say whether it will pass.

Europe’s growing Muslim population has bred tension across the continent.

Wariness is pervasive since deadly attacks in Madrid in 2004 and in London in 2005

by Islamic radicals living in Europe. And some non-Muslims sense a threat by a foreign culture to their way of life. It took only four minarets on Switzerland’s 200 mosques to push the Swiss to vote “no” to minarets in a November referendum.

However, France, which wants an Islam tailored to the West, would be the only western European country to target the all-enveloping robes and niqabs, the cloth hiding the lower face. “We’re going to become the laughing stock of democra-

cies” should France ban the clothing, said Raphael Liogier, a sociology professor who runs the Observatory of the Religious in Aix-en-Provence.

He is among critics who say a ban would be a violation of basic rights and “transgression of the fundamental principles of our republic.” Muslim leaders of all tendencies have warned that a ban risks stigmatizing all Muslims, and anti-terrorism judge Marc Trevidic told Sunday’s Journal du Dimanche that a ban “will maybe push impulsive people to want to commit attacks.”

However, Andre Gerin, who heads the parliamentary panel, says the full-body veil is an “attempt to instrumentalize Islam for political ends” via a “fundamentalist and barbaric ideology” that oppresses women. Gerin, a communist who served for years as mayor of Venissieux, a suburb of Lyon known as a haunt for Muslim fundamentalists, insists the phenomenon is growing. But at Friday prayers recently at a mosque northwest of Paris in Argenteuil, considered a bastion for Salafists who adopt a literal reading of the Holy Quran, only a handful of fully veiled women were seen. Some expressed fear of a ban. “We won’t be able to leave the house,” said Oumeima Naceri, a 19year-old convert draped in black garments, including a filmy “sitar” veil covering even her eyes. “That frightens us enormously ... It’s like asking us to go naked.”

Official statistics on burqas are impossible to gather. A 2004 report by a French intelligence service put the number of women in full veils at some 4,000. More than a quarter had converted to Islam, some experts estimate. Silmi, the Moroccan woman seeking French citizenship, began veiling herself completely only after coming to France in 2000. She said she and her husband Karim, who was

born in Paris to Moroccan parents and has French citizenship, discovered a deepening of their faith through books and cassette recordings not available in Morocco.

She insists her partner did not impose the veil on her - and says she is in the process of divorcing him after 10 years of marriage.

Silmi was refused French citizenship for what authorities said was her failure to assimilate into French culture.

Assimilation is most often defined by a candidate’s ability to speak French, though not in her case. In each of three reports following interviews with Silmi, officials described her clothing. Her pro bono lawyer, Ronald Sokol, an American living in France, said that is what kept her from becoming French. Silmi lost an appeal to the Council of State, in June 2008, which ruled that she “adopted a radical religious practice incompatible with essential values of the French community”. She has now turned to the European Court of Human Rights. “A woman must cover herself. It’s written in the Quran,” Silmi told AP. Lawmaker Daniele Hoffman-Rispal, member of the parliamentary panel, said she sees women clad in all-encompassing robes on market days in her district in eastern Paris and is bothered that “they have a right to look at me ... see my eyes, my smile” but she cannot look at them.

But if a ban were passed, “Will we hire dozens of police to put them on street corners?” she asks. She worries, too, about women who could become shut-ins to avoid getting caught.

As for Silmi, she said she will consult a Muslim sage on the Internet about what to do should a legal ban be passed. “If he tells me not to remove my veil, I prefer to return to Morocco” rather than break French law, she said. — AP

carrying tons of medicines.

An estimated 300,000 people have been left homeless in the devastation wrought by the earthquake, with one in 10 homes in the capital destroyed, the UN said yesterday. With thousands of bodies still piled up on the streets of the capital, rotting in the tropical heat, there was also a race against time to reach any survivors still in the ruins and treat those who were badly injured. For three days and nights, volunteers have clawed through piles of concrete and twisted metal looking for survivors without any heavy lifting equipment. “I did what I could. It’s tough,” said Mark-Henry Cineus, an employee at the city’s tax office who worked in vain for nine hours to save a colleague trapped in the rubble, who finally succumbed to a massive heart attack late Thursday.

President Barack Obama finally reached Haiti’s President Rene Preval by telephone yesterday, and offered “full support” in earthquake relief aid and long-term rebuilding. He warned “difficult days” lay ahead, noting the nation’s main port was closed, roads were damaged and severe logistical problems loomed. “So many people are in need of assistance. The port continues to be closed, and the roads are damaged. Food is scarce, and so is water,” he said later in

a brief White House statement.

UN officials urged countries to stop sending search and rescue teams into the aid logjam but called for doctors and medical personnel to treat thousands of casualties suffering crush injuries or fractures.

Every street has its row of corpses and crowds of wandering refugees. Under the pancaked wreck of a dress store, one woman cried out faintly for help. “They’re going to die. They’re going to die,” spat Jean Rald Rocher as he and other volunteers clawed vainly at the concrete and twisted metal pinning her and at least one other woman who showed signs of life. At a nursing training school, some nurses had had time to huddle together before their building collapsed. One continued to cry under the rubble for a day, witnesses told AFP. None survived.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said the quake, the largest to hit the Caribbean country in more than 150 years, had killed 40,000 to 50,000 people, after Haitian officials earlier warned the toll may exceed 100,000.

Thousands remained unaccounted for, including more than 1,400 Canadians. In the agonizing wait for help, some residents have erected makeshift shelters with sheets and covers; others trekked with their meager belongings, looking for refuge outside the city. — AFP

Unrest feared in Haiti Continued from Page 1 Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) told AFP at the capital’s airport.

There were angry, chaotic scenes at the airport deluged by both incoming aid supplies and people frantic to leave the Caribbean nation. “Back up, back up. I’m not trying to be rude, but you’ve got to back up,” a soldier shouted as a French official tried to lead a group of French nationals into the terminal. Troopers from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne division were the first of an estimated 1,000 due to pour into the country over the course of the day, and swiftly moved to secure the airport and get the backlog of aid flowing.

The United States is deploying as many as 10,000 troops to Haiti over the next few days, although many will remain on an armada of naval vessels gathering offshore, led by the aircraft carrier USS Vinson, the Pentagon said. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the hub of a ballooning international relief effort, is brimming with air force transports from a dozen nations unloading humanitarian and military supplies on the tarmac. The nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson also arrived in the Caribbean nation equipped with 19 helicopters, a water-purification plant and

6 Qaeda leaders killed in Yemen Continued from Page 1 slipped through a dragnet twice before, in 2008 and at the end of 2009.

Yesterday’s air raid came as Britain said it would host an international meeting on battling extremism in Yemen on January 27 in London, rather than on the 28th as originally planned.

In a Friday sermon, meanwhile, powerful cleric Sheikh Abdulmajeed AlZendani said it would be “a religious duty dictated by God” to defend Yemen through jihad, or holy war, if it is occupied by a foreign power. He was responding in part to comments on Wednesday by Carl Levin, chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, who urged Washington to consider targeting AlQaeda in Yemen with drones, air strikes or covert operations, but not invade the country.

US President Barack Obama has said he has “no intention” of sending troops to Yemen. AQAP claimed responsibility for a botched attack on a US airliner on Christmas Day. “From the moment the

enemy invites itself onto our territory and occupies us, our religion imposes (the obligation of) jihad on us,” said Zendani, whom the US administration labels a “global terrorist.” “It is a religious duty dictated by God,” he said during his sermon. “This order of God cannot be annulled by anyone... not a king, not a president, not ulema (Muslim scholars),” Zendani added. Yemen’s council of clerics, which includes Zendani, made a similar call for jihad on Thursday if foreign forces join the fight against AQAP. Yesterday, Zendani urged Arab and Muslim states to support Yemen “before a catastrophe occurs”. “The Islamic nation will not stand by with its arms crossed in the face of these Crusades,” he added. “To defend ourselves and defend our country and our territory, we only fear God... And we are confident in victory,” he said to cries of “Allahu Akbar” (God is greater).

Washington has accused AQAP of training the man who allegedly carried out the failed Christmas Day attack, Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.

Sanaa has intensified operations against the militants, insisting it can tackle them without foreign intervention. Friday’s operation was the latest in a series of blows since December, when the government launched its latest campaign against Al-Qaeda. On Tuesday, security forces killed Abdullah Mehdar, said to be the group’s kingpin in Shabwa province, east of the capital.

Provincial Governor Ali Hassan AlAhmadi said dozens of fighters, including Saudis and Egyptians who had fled Afghanistan, were hiding in Shabwa.

Among them, he said, were current AQAP chief Nasser Al-Wahaishi, his Saudi number two Saeed Ali Al-Shehri and radical US-Yemeni cleric Anwar AlAwlaqi. A week ago, officials announced the capture of key leader Mohammed AlHanq and two other militants believed behind threats against Western interests in Sanaa that caused embassies to close for several days. Yesterday’s attack also came a day after the defence ministry vowed to do “clear” Yemen of Al-Qaeda jihadists. — AFP

SPORTS

Saturday, January 16, 2010

19

Armstrong opens Tour de France bid Down Under ADELAIDE: Lance Armstrong will launch a second attempt at an agedefying Tour de France comeback win when he headlines next week’s Tour Down Under, the curtain-raiser for the new cycling season.

Armstrong is playing down his chances in the sprint-heavy South Australia race, despite a grueling pre-season of six-hour road sessions in Hawaii coupled with extended yoga training.

But the 38-year-old American says he is in far better condition than last year, when he ended a threeand-a-half year “retirement” here and finished 29th, later placing a creditable third in France. And he admits coveting a spectacular new chapter in his fairytale career, which includes surviving testicular cancer to win a record seven Tour de France titles in consecutive years from 1999 to 2005. “For us as ath-

letes, (the Tour de France is) the most important race of the year. For me, as an individual athlete, it’s the one I know and love the most,” he said.

“I know what it’s like to win the Tour, I know what it takes to win the Tour. I’ve got seven of them but I’d like to have an eighth.” Armstrong will lead the all-new Team RadioShack in Adelaide after dumping Astana, where he cultivated a

fabled rivalry with Spain’s reigning Tour de France champion Alberto Contador. He will be in the sights of several big names including Australia’s Cadel Evans, who is ending a four-year absence from his country’s signature race in hopes of avenging two runner-up Tour de France finishes to the American.

Evans will race in a rainbow jersey after winning the coveted road race at September’s cycling world

championships in Switzerland, the first Australian to do so. “It’s a privilege to be able to present my new jersey and my new BMC Racing Team to the Australian public and the rest of the world,” he said. Last year’s winner, Australia’s Allan Davis, heads Astana along with 2006 Tour de France winner Oscar Pereiro, while sprint specialist Robbie McEwen is also considered a serious contender. Armstrong will

be keeping a close eye on Spain’s Alejandro Valverde, who is in strong form despite the distractions of his appeal against a two-year doping ban.

Valverde is already serving a twoyear suspension in Italy over alleged links to the Operation Puerto scandal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport is currently considering his appeal against a worldwide ban.

“From what I’ve heard, I think Valverde is riding very good, he’s

also fast and he can be a factor on some of the ... tough stages,” Armstrong said. “Yeah, I see him being a factor here.” Meanwhile, the newly created Team Sky may spring a surprise as they pursue their ambitious campaign to produce a British Tour de France winner. The sixstage Tour Down Under, which finishes on Sunday, January 24, is the first leg of this year’s 16-stop UCI Protour, featuring 17 teams. —AFP

NBA’s Arenas charged

Rookie’s late shot lifts Jazz over Cavs Chicago get a rare road win SALT LAKE CITY: Rookie Sundiata Gaines hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to end a frenzied series of comebacks and give the Utah Jazz a 97-96 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA on Thursday. LeBron James had led the Cavaliers on a 22-4 run earlier in the fourth quarter and put Cleveland up by six points with 33 seconds left, but the visitors couldn’t clinch it from the free throw line. Zildrunas Ilgauskas went 1-of-2 from the line with 5.6 seconds left and the Jazz needed only a field goal to tie it or 3-pointer to win it.

Utah’s Ronnie Price flipped the ball to Gaines, who launched the

game-winner. Gaines, signed to a 10-day contract when starter Deron Williams sprained his right wrist, finished with nine points. It was Gaines’ first 3-pointer in his five-game NBA career. James led Cleveland with 36 points, scoring 20 in the fourth quarter. Utah’s Carlos Boozer scored 11 points in the final period to finish with 19 points, 13 rebounds and six assists against his former team.

Bulls 96, Celtics 83 In Boston, Chicago got a rare road win at one of the most challenging venues, downing Boston.

Luol Deng scored 25 points to lead Chicago to a third straight win.

The Celtics got within six points with 3:50 left, but the Bulls scored eight of the next nine points, six

by Joakim Noah, to build the lead to 94-81. Paul Pierce scored 20 points and Rajon Rondo added 15 for the Celtics, playing their fourth game in five nights. The loss dropped them to 11-6 at home after they went 35-6 there in each of the past two seasons. The Bulls won for only the second time in their last 12 road contests as they began a stretch of 10 of 12 games away from home. Derrick Rose scored 17 points for the Bulls, while Noah had his 19th doubledouble of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds. —AP

NBA results/standings NBA results and standings on Thursday: Chicago 96, Boston 83; Utah 97, Cleveland 96.

Boston Toronto NY Knicks Philadelphia New Jersey Cleveland Chicago Milwaukee Indiana Detroit Orlando Atlanta Miami Charlotte Washington

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L 27 11 19 20 16 22 12 26 3 35 Central Division 30 11 17 20 15 21 13 25 12 25 Southeast Division 26 13 25 13 19 18 17 19 12 25

PCT .711 .487 .421 .316 .079

GB 8.5 11 15 24

.732 .459 .417 .342 .324

11 12.5 15.5 16

.667 .658 .514 .472 .324

.5 6 7.5 13

Western Conference Northwest Division Denver 25 14 Portland 24 16 Utah 22 17 Oklahoma City 21 17 Minnesota 8 32 Pacific Division LA Lakers 30 9 Phoenix 24 15 LA Clippers 17 20 Sacramento 15 22 Golden State 11 26 Southwest Division Dallas 25 13 San Antonio 24 13 Houston 22 17 New Orleans 20 17 Memphis 19 18

.641 .600 .564 .553 .200

1.5 3 3.5 17.5

.769 .615 .459 .405 .297

6 12 14 18

.658 .649 .564 .541 .514

.5 3.5 4.5 5.5

Colts, Saints try to regain magic touch in playoffs NEW ORLEANS: Indianapolis and New Orleans, who flirted with perfect seasons before poor Decembers, will try to recapture the magic when their National Football League playoff runs begin today. Indianapolis will play host to Baltimore while the Saints entertain Arizona in second-round playoff matchups today.

Dallas will visit Minnesota and the New York Jets will travel to San Diego in tomorrow’s playoff showdowns. Only Green Bay’s 1968 NFL champions

reached the Super Bowl after losing their last two regular season games, as Indianapolis did following a 14-0 start. Colts coach Jim Caldwell chose to rest key players to avoid injuries.

“You’re going to see a totally different team,” Colts center Jeff Saturday said. “You move on and get better as a team. That’s what we chose to do and I’m hoping it works out. This is how you set a legacy, playing well in big games.”

No team ever reached a Super Bowl after losing its last

three regular season games as the Saints did after winning their first 13. “Would we have liked to have played better? Definitely,” Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. “But I don’t think there are any real concerns. We know the level we are capable of playing at.” All host teams are coming off first-round byes, raising an issue of whether or not the extra rest will help or harm the bid to regain momentum. The Colts, seeking a second NFL crown in four years, are 0-3 after playoff byes. —AFP

SALT LAKE CITY: Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jawad Williams (31) falls backward as he puts up a shot while being guarded by Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer (5) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City. —AP

WASHINGTON: Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was charged with felony gun possession on Thursday in connection with a Dec 21 locker room confrontation with a teammate.

Prosecutors charged Arenas with one count of carrying a pistol without a license, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The charges were filed in DC Superior Court in an “information,” a document that generally signals a plea deal.

Arenas is scheduled to appear on Friday before a judge.

Arenas’ lawyer had no immediate comment. The NBA declined to comment. The Wizards said in a statement that they were aware of the charge and were carefully following the legal process. Arenas, who has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA pending the investigation, has said he kept multiple guns in his locker at the Verizon Center.

The 28-year-old three-time All-Star said he wanted to keep them away from his children and didn’t know it was illegal. He says he took them out of the locker on Dec 21 in a “misguided effort to play a joke” on a teammate. League officials have said the locker-room incident stemmed from a card-game dispute between Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton on a plane trip two days earlier. At least seven Wizards players and coach Flip Saunders have appeared before a grand jury or been questioned by authorities.

There are multiple conflicting reports about what happened in the locker room. It’s unclear what role Crittenton played in the incident and whether he had a gun. He has kept a low profile and has said he did nothing wrong. Earlier Thursday, police searched for a gun at Crittenton’s Virginia apartment but did not seize any evidence, according to court documents.

Police were specifically looking for a silver or chrome-colored semiautomatic handgun with a black handle. A search warrant indicated police are investigating crimes including brandishing a weapon and violating the District of Columbia’s gun laws.

Crittenton’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Crittenton was there during the search. —AP

Coyotes Kings hitblank back on home ice, stun Devils Ducks 4-0 GLENDALE: The Phoenix Coyotes belatedly returned to winning ways at home, posting a 4-3 win over the NHL’s Eastern Conference-leading New Jersey Devils on Thursday. Daniel Winnik scored with 8:08 remaining, and Zbynek Michalek added the critical power-play goal 1:16 later for Phoenix.

Matthew Lombardi and Peter Mueller also scored to help the Coyotes snap a four-game home losing streak. Brian Rolston scored twice and Travis Zajac also scored for the Devils, whose Eastern Conference lead over Buffalo was cut to two points.

Bruins 2, Sharks 1, SO In San Jose, California, Zdeno Chara scored the only goal in a shootout as Boston edged San Jose. Daniel Paille scored in regulation for the Bruins, who won their first game in four. Joe Thornton scored for the Sharks, whose Pacific Division lead was trimmed to nine points over Phoenix.

Blackhawks 3, Blue Jackets 0 In Chicago, Cristobal Huet made 24 saves for his fourth shutout of the season as Chicago overcame Columbus.

Brian Campbell, Dustin Byfuglien and Duncan Keith scored for the Blackhawks, who drew level with San Jose for the Western Conference lead.

Sabres 2, Thrashers 1, OT In Atlanta, Derek Roy’s overtime goal gave Buffalo victory over Atlanta, helping the Sabres to their seventh win in eight games. Ryan Miller made 32 saves, and Patrick Kaleta added a goal for the Sabres. Atlanta’s goal came from Ilya Kovalchuk his 27th of the season.

Kings 4, Ducks 0 In Los Angeles, Anaheim’s run of five straight wins was ended abruptly by city rivals Los Angeles. Jonathan Quick made 22 saves for his fifth career shutout and captain Dustin Brown scored his 100th career goal. Michal

Handzus, Scott Parse and Wayne Simmonds also scored for the Kings.

Senators 2, Rangers 0 In New York, Chris Campoli scored the opening goal with just over a minute remaining, as Edmonton broke a five-game losing skid with victory over punchless New York. Senators goalie Mike Brodeur, a distant relative of New Jersey’s star goalie Martin Brodeur, made 32 saves in his second NHL appearance to earn his second career victory. Chris Kelly added a late empty-net goal for Ottawa.

Canadiens 5, Stars 3 In Montreal, Brian Gionta scored twice for Montreal in his 500th career game, as the Canadiens downed Dallas.

Georges Laraque got his first goal in more than 21 months, while Benoit Pouliot and Mike Cammalleri also scored for the hosts. Dallas suffered its ninth straight road loss despite goals from Mike

Modano, Toby Petersen and Steve Ott. Blues 1, Wild 0 In St Louis, Chris Mason stopped 19 shots for his 19th career shutout as St Louis edged Minnesota. TJ Oshie scored the sole goal just 26 seconds into the third period his ninth of the season.

Penguins 3, Oilers 2 In Edmonton, Alberta, Jordan Staal set up Pittsburgh’s three third-period goals as the Penguins came back to beat Edmonton. Tyler Kennedy started the Penguins’ rally with a goal at 3:18 of the third, Matt Cooke tied it at 6:48 and Pascal Dupuis scored the winner with 9:30 left. Andrew Cogliano and Lubomir Visnovsky scored for the Oilers, who have lost six straight.

Panthers 3, Lightning 2 In Tampa, Florida, Cory Stillman and Rostislav Olesz scored third-period goals as Florida fought back to down

state rival Tampa Bay. Nathan Horton also scored for the Panthers, and Tomas Vokoun made a glove save on Martin St. Louis’ penalty shot with 4:55 remaining.

The Lightning’s goals came via Jeff Halpern and Steve Downie.

Maple Leafs 4, Flyers 0 In Toronto, the hosts won their first game in five with a comfortable victory over Philadelphia. Vesa Toskala made 38 saves for his first shutout in 15 months, while Tyler Bozak scored his first NHL goal. Nikolai Kulemin, Luke Schenn and Lee Stempniak also scored for the Maple Leafs.

Red Wings 3, Hurricanes 1 In Detroit, Drew Miller had a goal and an assist, and Jimmy Howard made 37 saves to help Detroit beat Carolina. Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg also scored, and Valtteri Filppula had two assists for the Red Wings.

Tom Kostopoulos netted for Carolina. —AP

NHL results/standings WASHINGTON: National Hockey League results and standings after Thursday’s games: Toronto 4, Philadelphia 0; Ottawa 2, NY Rangers 0; Buffalo 2, Atlanta 1 (OT); Montreal 5, Dallas 3; Florida 3, Tampa Bay 2; Detroit 3, Carolina 1; St Louis 1, Minnesota 0; Chicago 3, Columbus 0; Phoenix 4, New Jersey 3; Pittsburgh 3, Edmonton 2; Los Angeles 4, Anaheim 0; Boston 2, San Jose 1 (SO).

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTL GF New Jersey 32 12 1 130 Pittsburgh 30 18 1 155 NY Rangers 22 18 7 120 Philadelphia 23 20 3 140 NY Islanders 20 19 8 124 Northeast Division Buffalo 29 11 5 125 Boston 23 16 7 119 Ottawa 23 21 4 129 Montreal 23 21 4 124 Toronto 16 23 9 129 Southeast Division Washington 28 12 6 171 Atlanta 20 19 7 144 Tampa Bay 18 18 10 120 Florida 19 20 8 135 Carolina 14 25 7 115

GA 98 133 125 132 144

PTS 65 61 51 49 48

103 112 147 129 164

63 53 50 50 41

132 152 139 147 157

62 47 46 46 35

Western Conference Central Division Chicago 32 11 4 155 102 68 Nashville 28 16 3 136 132 59 Detroit 24 16 6 118 117 54 St. Louis 20 19 7 120 131 47 Columbus 18 22 9 125 161 45 Northwest Division Colorado 26 15 6 138 134 58 Calgary 26 15 6 126 114 58 Vancouver 27 18 2 149 117 56 Minnesota 24 21 3 131 140 51 Edmonton 16 25 5 126 155 37 Pacific Division San Jose 30 10 8 153 121 68 Phoenix 27 16 5 125 118 59 Los Angeles 26 18 3 139 130 55 Dallas 19 17 11 134 152 49 Anaheim 21 20 7 133 150 49 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).

SPORTS

20

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Venus looking to break long-running Aussie drought MELBOURNE: Venus Williams has played 10 Australian Opens but is yet to win the singles crown, in stark contrast to sister Serena, who is a four-time champion and defending her title this year. But she is not beating herself up about her comparative lack of success in Melbourne, insisting a major part of her game plan was staying positive. “I know how to play tennis and I now just have to do it in Melbourne,” she said.

Judging by past performances, she is unlikely to break her duck this year up

against a strong field, led not just by Serena but returning Belgian pair Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, as well as Maria Sharapova.

Ranked six in the world, she is likely to be pitted with Dinara Safina, Jelena Jankovic and Sharapova in her side of Melbourne draw, making her task doubly difficult.

Williams crashed out in the second round last year to Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro and getting past that stage will be her initial aim.

While she has won five Wimbledons and

two US Open titles, the Australian and French Opens have alluded her and she only ever made the Melbourne final once before, in 2003, when she lost to Serena. She explains that she has often entered the first Grand Slam of the season carrying injuries and only settles into her game later in the year, in time for Wimbledon and the US Open. But this year she has worked hard in the off-season to get in shape and warmed up last week at the Hong Kong Classic, beating Caroline Wozniacki and Zheng Jie.

“I have been training really hard on and off the court. It was nice to have some time off but I’m definitely ready to get back on the grind,” the 19-time Grand Slam winnerseven in singles-said on her website. “I have been trying to get back in shape with a hard core training program. My main focus has been trying to get stronger and build up my strength to get me through the whole season.”

Having earned over 25 million US dollars in prizemoney over the years, Williams

could afford to sit back and take it easy. But despite struggling for much of 2009, she is not ready to take her foot off pedal just yet.

“There’s no timeline, if I’m playing well ... as long as I keep playing well, I’ll stay,” she said last week when asked about possible retirement.

With 41 career titles, Williams didn’t fly as high last year as she did in 2008.

There was no Grand Slam title, although she did make it to the final at Wimbledon for the eighth time, only to be beaten by

Serena. But she did win her 40th and 41st WTA Tour singles titles, spurring a rise to number three in the world for the first time since 2003. She also collected three Grand Slam doubles crowns. Despite now being 29, Williams is still one of the most powerful baseliners on tour and packs a wicked serve-holding the record for the fastest at the Open, achieved in 2003 when she sent one down at 201kmh. She is also expected to play doubles with Serena, having won the title here last year. — AFP

Comebacks add mystique to the Australian Open

SYDNEY: Elena Dementieva of Russia celebrates her win over Serena Williams (inset) of the USA in their women’s singles final match at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney yesterday. Dementieva won the match 6-3, 6-2. — AP

Dementieva thrashes world’s number one Hobbling Serena crushed SYDNEY: Russia’s Elena Dementieva defeated a hobbling Serena Williams 6-3 62 at the Olympic tennis centre yesterday to win the Sydney International for the second year in a row. Dementieva completely outplayed the American world number one, who was troubled by a sore left knee that restricted her movement on court.

Williams said later the injury was not serious and would not prevent her from playing at the Australian Open, starting in Melbourne on Monday, but had distracted

her. “It’s Just a little pain and the strapping usually helps the pain go away sometimes,” Williams said. “I haven’t played for two months on a competitive level, so I think it’s good for my body to go through this now, especially since I’m in doubles as well as singles. “I think it’s a great blessing in a way. I played four matches and my body hasn’t been used to it. Now we’re ready and ready to go.”

Dementieva’s win was her fifth in 12 meetings with Williams and provided her

with her 15th WTA title and her second in Sydney after she beat Dinara Safina in last year’s final. “I’m very satisfied the way I was playing today and the whole week,” said Dementieva, who received the winner’s trophy from Margaret Court. “That’s what I was really looking for coming here in Sydney, just playing aggressively and playing with a lot of pressure. “It was a great experience and it’s gonna help me next week.”

Dementieva is still chasing her first

year-old Clement advanced to his 11th career final when he upset 2008 champion Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3 7-6.

Clement, who won his fourth and most recent ATP Tour title in Washington in 2006, controlled the tempo of the match and ran the fifth-seeded German around the court with clever strokeplay.

“It was a very, very good match for me,” Clement told reporters.

“I haven’t played like this for a long time. “I don’t have a big serve like Isner or a big forehand like (Sebastien) Grosjean. I just try to be competitive in all aspects of my game. “Today I was not fantastic anywhere but good everywhere. It was a great feeling for me on court.” The Frenchman, who made the Australian Open final against Andre Agassi in 2001, said Isner would be a tough opponent in Saturday’s final, and not just for the blistering serve.

“It’s harder today ... 10 years ago it was a bit different. The guys with the big serve were not moving well,” he said. “He is a very good player. He has a fantastic serve, but he is also playing well on the baseline now. “He is a good fighter and I think he can beat anyone on the tour when he is playing his best. “It will be hard for me to beat him, but when you are playing a final you want to win (and) if I play like I played today I think I have a chance.” — Reuters

Dementieva seized control of yesterday’s final from the outset, breaking Williams’ in the third game. The American immediately broke back and led 3-2 before Dementieva won the next seven games on the trot to take the first set and a 3-0 in the second. “I think she played well. I made about a thousand and two unforced errors,” Williams said. “I was struggling a little bit, but I hate to make any excuse. I think she definitely deserves all the credit for what she did.”— Reuters

Happy Henin just glad to be back

Big-serving Isner to meet Clement in Auckland final AUCKLAND: Crowd favourite John Isner advanced to his second career ATP Tour final yesterday with an 6-2 7-6 victory over Spanish eighth seed Albert Montanes. Isner, who knocked out top seed Tommy Robredo on Thursday, again used his booming serve to nullify the speedy Montanes, notching up 14 aces in the process. The 2.05-metre tall American set up a final against experienced French campaigner Arnaud Clement with his first victory all week that did not require a third set.

“It felt good to get it done in two sets,” said Isner. “I played really well in the first and he picked it up in the second but I still had chances. “I played a bit too tentative and that is something I can’t do tomorrow.” The 24-year-old American, who also beat Montanes in Auckland last year, seized both of his break opportunities to romp away with the first set.

The Spaniard, however, was more resilient in the second, fending off four break opportunities to send it into a tiebreak, though Isner said he felt that he was always likely to win the shootout. “I served really well,” he said. “Probably the best I served all tournament and that was key. “I told myself in the second set that if it went to a tiebreak I fancied my chances.” The 32-

grand slam title after making the finals at the French Open and U.S. Open six years ago and said her win in Sydney had given her a real boost heading into the Australian Open. “Such a big win gives you a lot of confidence,” she said. “When it comes to the grand slam, it’s gonna be a new challenge and I have to be ready and recover from this week and be ready from the first round. “I feel I had a good preparation here and I just want to keep the good form coming into the next week.”

SYDNEY: The return of Maria Sharapova, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin to the Australian Open has added even more spice to a women’s tournament already overflowing with talent. There is always an element of mystery attached to the first grand slam of the year but the reappearance of the three former world number ones has ensured this year’s tournament will be one of the most open in years. Serena Williams is the favorite and understandably so. She is the current world number one, the defending champion and one of the few players who thrive in the scorching Australian summer heat.

Williams has won at Melbourne Park four times but if she is to make it five she will have to interrupt a winning sequence that has seen her take the title in alternate years since 2003. “This is what I was born to do,” she said. “It’s what I do best. “I’m just super mentally tough, I feel like that’s definitely one of my strengths.” The American’s fighting spirit is unquestioned but she will need to be at her very best to win a fifth title at Melbourne Park. It is no surprise that she has flagged her older sister Venus as her biggest threat but the Russians and Belgians present a more formidable challenge.

NERVES The Australian Open was the last of the grand slams to be captured by a Russian woman but they have weight of numbers this year. Three of the world’s top five are Russian and there are five in the top 15 including Sharapova, who has dropped back to 14 after a shoulder injury that prevented her from defending the Australian Open title she won in 2008.

Sharapova struggled to find her best form when she returned to the circuit late last season but the early signs this year are far more encouraging, beating Venus Williams and Denmark’s U.S. Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki in recent exhibition matches.

Dinara Safina, the world number two and sister of 2005 men’s champion Marat, made the Australian Open final last year. She also made the French Open final for the second time in a row but her nerves have let her down and she is still chasing her first grand slam title.

She has also been troubled by back pain and her early form has been mixed, losing in the quarterfinals of the Sydney International, but she insists she is ready. “I’m looking forward for Australia. If I was not fit, I would not come here,” she said. “It makes no sense if you’re not top fit to come.” Her loss to Serena Williams at last year’s Australian Open final was brutal but if there was any consolation in her defeat at the French Open, it was that she lost to compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova, the current world number three.

Kuznetsova was eliminated in the second round at Sydney, though she too remains unfazed. “I’m not coming in the best shape ... but I’m not worried,” she said. “It’s gonna depend on how I develop during the tournament (but) if I can manage to construct every match well, I may have a good chance.” One Russian woman who has been in great form is Elena Dementieva, the 2008 Beijing Olympics champion, ranked fifth in the world but still chasing her first grand slam after reaching the French and US Open finals in 2004.

BELGIAN TWIST However, the most intriguing twist is the return of the Belgian pair, Clijsters and Henin, who played each other in the 2004 Australian Open final. They both retired in 2008, Clijsters to start a family, and Henin because she was sick of tennis, but could not resist coming back. Clijsters made a fairytale return to the sport when she won the US Open for the second time, beating Serena Williams in the semi-finals when the American was disqualified for abusing a lineswoman then Wozniacki in the final. — Reuters

AUCKLAND: John Isner of the United States hits a return against Albert Montanes of Spain during their semifinal match of the Heineken Open men’s tennis tournament in Auckland yesterday. — AP

MELBOURNE: She smiles a lot more and insists she is calmer, but Justine Henin has shown everyone she still has the game to stun the tennis world and win the 2010 Australian Open. Henin returned to the sport after a 20month retirement at last week’s Brisbane International, where she went down to fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters in a magnificent threeset final. While the 27-year-old still has the steely determination and sheer will to win that has overwhelmed her opponents in the past, and her trademark backhand remains as potent as ever, there is something different about Henin this time. Gone is the intense, sometimes dour woman who agonized over defeat and in her place is a smiling, talkative one who sees positives in almost every situation.

During the Brisbane tournament she talked just as much about how she had matured as a person and how relaxed she is these days as she did about her tennis. After the brilliant final against Clijsters when she came back from a seemingly hopeless position to one where she dominated the third set, only to lose to her arch-rival, Henin was not the slightest bit downcast. “I don’t have any regrets from (leading) 3-0 to the end of the third set because everything could have happened at that time, it was so close, so tight,” she said. “I’m really happy, it gives me the confidence I need before the Open.”

Her long-time coach Carlos Rodriguez has noticed the change since Henin’s return to tennis, saying his charge was now far more relaxed and willing to listen to another point of view. “The most important thing for me is to see another player, another attitude,” he said.

“She’s enjoying it a little bit more-even (in a tough quarter-final against Melinda Czink), when it was not so good, she’s still enjoying herself on the court.” Clijsters agreed with Rodriguez and said the final against Henin was

the most enjoyable match the two had played.

“There were rallies out there where we were both laughing and both having fun-that’s what it should be like,” Clijsters said.

Henin said she had realistic goals heading into the year’s first Grand Slam. “I need a few more months to really be at my top,” she said.

“I have to remember it’s my first tournament back in 18 months. “If someone told me before

coming here to Australia that I would be in the final of my first tournament, I would sign (for it).” Henin, who must play three tournaments before she can get an official WTA ranking, has been granted a wildcard to the 2010 Australian Open.

Her form in Brisbane suggests many a seeded player will be waiting nervously for the draw to be made.—AFP

Nadal to rekindle fire MELBOURNE: A year ago, a relaxed Rafa Nadal walked into the main news conference room at Melbourne Park and faced the assembled media. “Hello guys,” the then 22-year-old said with a beaming smile. “Welcome back. Did you have a good break?” Two weeks later, the Spaniard collapsed onto the court on Rod Laver Arena after an exhausting five-set battle with Roger Federer to claim his first Australian Open crown and sixth grand slam title.

The mantle of the world’s best player had been passed from the Swiss maestro to the muscular Mallorcan, who appeared to have laid the foundations for a lengthy dominance of the men’s game. Less than five months later, that air of invincibility disappeared and the regime was dismantled. A dogged Robin Soderling, with no fear, respect of rankings or history, ended Nadal’s four-year, vice-like grip on the French Open title in June.

Then Nadal’s aching knees, screaming after years of the rapid stop-start nature of the game and sliding on clay courts in his

homeland, finally told him “enough” and forced him out for more than two months.

He missed the defense of his Wimbledon crown, which Federer regained a year after the pair had fought out a tense five-set battle that many described as the one of the greatest grand slam finals of all time. When he returned for the North American hard court season he struggled to rediscover his form, though he still advanced to the quarter-finals in Montreal and semi-finals at Cincinnati, suggesting he could peak for the US Open.

Juan Martin del Potro, however, had other ideas with the Argentine dismantling Nadal 6-2 6-2 6-2 in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.

He then failed to add to his 36 career titles, despite advancing deep into his remaining tournaments and the usually ebullient Nadal cut a sorry figure at the year-ending Tour Finals in London, losing all three of his round robin matches. He admitted at the time he needed to recharge his batteries and find confidence from somewhere.— Reuters

SPORTS

Saturday, January 16, 2010

21

Six share lead at log-jammed Sony Open

HONOLULU: Webb Simpson hits his ball out of a greenside bunker off the first green during the first round of the Sony Open golf tournament in Honolulu. —AP

HONOLULU: Aussie Robert Allenby shrugged off an ailing ankle Thursday to join a six-way tie for the firstround lead at the Sony Open, joining a leading group that was nothing if not diverse. Allenby was joined on five-under 65 by defending champion Zach Johnson, tour veteran Davis Love and PGA newcomer Troy Merritt, along with Ryan Palmer and John Merrick. Love is playing his first tournament in two months, while Merritt was teeing it up on the PGA Tour for the first time in his career.

Allenby almost didn’t play at all, but after the long flight to Hawaii decided to give despite twisting his ankle on Monday.

Allenby arrived at Waialae after victories in the Nedbank Challenge and Australian PGA. But he took a bad step while out walking with his wife. He played with the ankle taped and despite having trouble hitting a fade still managed seven birdies including three in a row from the 14th - to balance two bogeys. “My putting was the best part of the day,” Allenby said. “I did hit some good shots, but my putting was good. It’s the same as I left off last year.”

Despite windy conditions, 10 more players were just a stroke back on 66: Argentina’s Masters champion Angel Cabrera, Sweden’s Carl Pettersson, Jeff Quinney, Pat Perez, Shane Bertsch, Tom Lehman, Steve Stricker, Brian Stuard, Roger Tambellini and Martin Flores. Three more players - Ricky Barnes, Michael Allen and Troy Matteson - carded 67s. Love was among the first in the

clubhouse on 65, completing his fiveunder round without a bogey. “I was optimistic,” Love said of his goals after his long layoff. “But I was anxious about competing. Once I got it going, once I got under par ... I’ve been out here a long time. You don’t forget.”

Merritt didn’t have that wealth of experience to draw on. The qualifying school medalist said he told his fiancee he’d be thrilled with a threeunder effort, but birdied his final hole to join the leaders. He finished with six birdies and just one bogey.

“Things went way better than I thought,” Merritt said. Merritt is so little known that he had played three holes before someone pointed out that his name was wrong on the scoring sign being carried with his group.

It read “Merrick”. “We have lockers right next to each other,” said the real Merrick, who ended up with the same score. “Probably will all year.”

Johnson rebounded from an early bogey with six birdies. “I really played pretty solid all day,” he said. “I didn’t get off to the best of starts, but I was hitting it solid and remained patient. So I kept the golf course in front of me, hit a lot of fairways and hit a lot of greens.” The first round of the 5.5 million-dollar tournament, the first full-field event of the season after last week’s SBS Championship for winners only, wasn’t quite complete. Tom Gillis was facing a 27-foot eagle putt on his final hole when he decided it was too dark to continue, electing to return on Friday morning to putt. — AFP

Barnes earns first British Open spot MELBOURNE: Australian Kurt Barnes earned a first major appearance at this year’s British Open after topping Australasia’s international final qualifying yesterday. The big-hitting Barnes tore up the Kingston Heath course in Melbourne with an eight-under-par 64 to finish on 10 under, two shots clear of Ewan Porter, with 50-yearold Peter Senior third on five under.

A jubilant Barnes told reporters: “I reckon today is one of the best ballstriking displays ever. It’s one of the best rounds of golf I have ever played.” The 2002 Australian amateur champion had an inauspicious start to the day, however, after soaking his shirt with orange juice before teeing off.

“I spilled an orange juice down the front of my shirt so I had to go and donate ninety dollars to the Kingston Heath golf shop for a new one,” said Barnes. “A few of the boys said I might have to do that more often!” Porter and Senior will join Barnes in the field for the July 15-18 Open at St Andrews. Senior clinched his 18th appearance at the British Open and his first since 2000 despite bogeying the final hole and leaving himself a nail-biting wait in the clubhouse. It will be Senior’s fifth visit to St Andrews.

His best previous Open finish was fourth at Royal St George’s in 1993. —Reuters

Federer gets tricky draw Sharapova on long road back to the top inHenin hiscouldquest for 16th slam face Dementieva Serena to play Urszula MELBOURNE: Roger Federer faces a challenging path to glory if he is to extend his record grand slam haul to 16 at the Australian Open next week, kicking off with a first round test against 36th-ranked Russian Igor Andreev. In their last meeting, Andreev took Federer to five sets at the 2008 US Open and should the Swiss continue his march to the fourth round, local hope Lleyton Hewitt or 11th-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon could block his path to the quarter-finals. Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, who the world number one defeated for the 2006 title, also looms as a possible fourthround opponent, ahead of a potential quarter-final against in-form Russian world number six Nikolay Davydenko.

Second seed Rafa Nadal has a much smoother route to the last eight as he sets out to defend the title he claimed in a fiveset thriller against Federer a year ago. The Mallorcan world number two was paired with low-ranked Australian Peter Luczak when the draw was made on Friday but may face a third-round hurdle against big-serving American John Isner, who knocked Andy Roddick out of the US Open last year. In the women’s draw, four-times champion and top seed Serena Williams opens against Poland’s 71st-ranked Urszula Radwanska to start what appears to be a relatively troublefree run to the quarter-finals.

However, Russian fifth seed Elena Dementieva will need to be on her best form early on if she hopes to match or improve on her semi-final run last year after being dealt a possible second-round encounter with former number one Justine Henin.

HENIN HOPEFUL The Belgian reached the Brisbane International final earlier this month in her first tournament back from retirement and should have too many weapons for compatriot and first-round opponent Kirsten Flipkens. Should she continue through the tournament, Henin could set up a mouthwatering quarter-final against either French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova or fellow Beligian Kim Clijsters, who won the US Open on her own comeback last year.

Clijsters, who needed three sets to edge Henin in Brisbane, has drawn a qualifier in the first round. “I didn’t think that someone could come back that fast but Kim proved otherwise,” seven-time grand slam champion John McEnroe told reporters, paying tribute to the former world number one, who gave birth to daughter during her two-year break. “Justine’s one of the great players that played. Certainly to me the three favorites are those two (Belgians) and Serena (Williams).”

Third seed and 2008 champion Novak Djokovic will open against 73rd-ranked Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver, while US Open champion and fourth seed Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina faces 79thranked American Michael Russell. Fifth seed Andy Murray, who carries Britain’s hopes of ending a 74-year wait for a men’s grand slam champion, will play a qualifier in the first round but faces a potential quarter-final showdown with Nadal. The Australian Open starts on Monday. —Reuters

‘Nearly Man’ Roddick chases standout result MELBOURNE: Andy Roddick knows all about a Roger Federer-induced heartbreak with his tennis career littered with demoralizing loses in Grand Slam finals to the man he calls the greatest player of all time.

Roddick is the ‘nearly man’ of contemporary tennis. If not for the commanding Federer, he would be heading into next week’s Australian Open acclaimed as a five-time Grand Slam rather than just the one.

The rocket-serving American had another shattering dose of what it is like to come so close to the thrill of a Grand Slam title when he was denied by Federer in a spellbinding five-set final at Wimbledon last year. The Swiss great prevailed 16-14 in the fifth set, at 95 minutes, the longest deciding set in the history of Wimbledon finals.

It was once again hard to take for Roddick, who shed a few tears realizing that he

dropped serve just once but at the worst possible time the last game of an enthralling contest. Roddick has lost all of his three Wimbledon finals to Federer (2004/2005/2009) and whose career record against the champion reads two wins and 19 defeats. He also lost to the Swiss in the 2006 US Open decider. But for Roddick it’s all a clean slate as he heads into 2010 buoyed by winning the Brisbane International and committed to adding to his 2003 US Open triumph.

Ranked seven, Roddick, 27, is looking to go at least one rung better than his four semi-final appearances in eight trips to Melbourne and hope that he can avoid bumping into his nemesis Federer before the final. Coming off his win over Czech Radek Stepanek in this month’s Brisbane International for his 28th career title, Roddick is happy the way things are falling into place ahead of the

year’s first Grand Slam.

“The preparation doesn’t start when you get to the warm-up tournament, it starts in December and I feel like I’ve done everything I’ve needed to from midNovember on,” Roddick said.

“I feel like I was hitting the ball pretty well all week in Brisbane, but obviously coming out on the good end probably only helped things.

“It’s weird because I’ve played well here-I’ve made the semis in Melbourne four times. “They’re pretty good results, but I don’t have that standout result. I’d certainly like another chance.”

Roddick owns one of the most dynamic serves in tennis and last year led the ATP Tour in first serve percentages and was second in the number of aces (762).

Yet the big challenge confronting Roddick is his ability to finish off the point once his opponent gets his boom serve back over the net. —AFP

MELBOURNE: Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a return during a practice session in the lead-up to the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. The Australian Open will be played from 18-31 January. —AFP

Massa fights to banish demons of ‘near-miss’ MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO: Ferrari’s Felipe Massa has encountered more difficulty coming to terms with his agonizing championship loss in 2008 than his recovery from a life-threatening accident that curtailed last year’s campaign. The Brazilian, who suffered a serious head injury during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix last July, also had a painful experience a year before when he lost the Formula One world title to Lewis Hamilton by a single point.

As if losing the title on the final bend of the final race was not bad enough, the revelation that the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was fixed compounds his misery as the result potentially cost Massa the crown. “Physically I now feel better than I did before the accident,”

he told reporters at a pre-season ski retreat ahead of the season opener in Bahrain on March 14.

“The accident hasn’t changed my life, hasn’t changed the way I think or work.” Massa initially did not realize how serious his injury was. “I was sure after the accident when I was in hospital in Hungary that I was in a position not to miss any races,” he said. “I once almost fought with my wife because she said I wouldn’t race in Valencia (four weeks after Hungary).”

Massa has moved on from the accident but if he wanted to forget Singapore 2008, two recent events have revived the memory.

SCHUMACHER RETURN Former Renault boss Flavio Briatore was found guilty by the FIA of ordering Nelson Piquet to

crash, letting Fernando Alonso win and stopping Massa maybe gaining key points for the title. This month, Briatore’s life ban was overturned by a Paris court but Massa is still wondering if the 2008 standings could not have been amended after last year’s expose of the affair.

“Honestly, if you see something that’s not right in sport and done in a way which is against the rules, I don’t think it would be difficult to change the result even if it would not be great for the sport,” Massa said. “But everybody knows what happened in 2008, we are not going to win anything looking back.” Another reminder of the scandal is Alonso becoming Massa’s new Ferrari team mate.

However, the Brazilian believes

Alonso’s statement that he knew nothing about the incident while a 2007 spat in Germany after a fractious race has been forgotten.

“We had a discussion in 2007 in Germany. Afterwards he said sorry and the thing passed. I have no problems with Fernando,” Massa said, adding there was an immediate difference between the Spaniard and previous team mate Kimi Raikkonen. “I’ve already spoken more with Fernando than I did in three years with Kimi,” giggled Massa, who recently became a father. Another former team mate, seven-times world champion Micheal Schumacher, has surprised pundits by coming out of retirement and leaving his Ferrari consultancy role to race for Mercedes. —Reuters

MELBOURNE: Russian Maria Sharapova has had a frustrating year to forget but feels her fitness is returning and is confident of making a big splash at next week’s Australian Open. Sharapova won the opening Grand Slam of the season in convincing fashion in 2008 but was deprived of defending it last year after failing to recover from shoulder surgery, which kept her out of action until May. She returned to the circuit and won the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in October, but didn’t play again until exhibitions in Thailand and Hong Kong this month and has yet to rediscover the form that took her to world number one.

Now ranked 14, the statuesque 22-year-old said the injury layoff taught her never to take anything for granted. “You realize how fortunate you are to get back,” she told reporters at the Hong Kong Classic team tournament, where she posted encouraging wins against Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki and China’s Zheng Jie. “Obviously I stepped away because I had to. It was frustrating very frustrating.

And boring ... But there is no better healer than time.”

And with the competitive juices again flowing, she is confident that she can make an impact in Melbourne. “I keep getting stronger. I’m ready for the challenges in Australia-mentally and physically. I have great memories of the tournament and I’m sure it will be great to be back,” she said.

Despite her upbeat outlook, Sharapova has a tough task ahead of her with not just the Williams sisters to contend with but the returning Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.

Henin, then top seed, was one of the woman she demolished en route to the 2008 title and any rematch would be eagerly anticipated.

Sharapova, who also made the final in 2007 but lost to Serena Williams, said she welcomed the challenge the Belgian posed. “I think it’s great. I think it adds to the great story line of comebacks we’ve had, with Kim (Clijsters) as well coming back and winning a Grand Slam,” she said. “When you’re doing something you love, you’re a champion, you’re good at it and you don’t have it for a while. To get it back, to get that feeling back as a competitor, it’s always great.”

Despite having slipped down the rankings, Sharapova, a threetime major winner, insists she is not focused on getting the accolade back, instead just concentrating on staying healthy and winning matches. “I don’t think too much about rankings, or even look them,” she said on her website. “I know if I can stay healthy, good things will happen on the tennis court.” For some of her fans, the Russian’s outfit at Melbourne Park will be almost as important as the quality of her forehand or whether her serve is back at full power.

But she is not ready to reveal what fashion statement she might be making. “It’s a surprise, but you will like it,” she said about her choice of dress. Spectators at the 2006 tournament could have been excused for thinking she had rushed onto court straight from bed, as she sported a powder-blue baby-doll nightie. A year late she went for a high-waisted lemon and white chiffon number with an orchid detail on the thigh, before opting for a more restrained outfit in 2008. —AFP

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Saturday, January 16, 2010

Togolese mourn slain team members LOME: Hundreds of mourners have gathered in Togo to remember the two victims of an attack on the national football team in Angola. Assistant coach Amelete Abalo and communications director Stanislas Ocloo were killed when gunmen fired on the teamís bus a week ago. Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor said yesterday that their deaths have ìplunged us into deep despair.î Mourners wept as their coffins, draped in Togolese flags, were brought to the Palace of Congress. The team was headed to the African Cup of Nations when they were attacked, and the team later withdrew from the competition. The teamís Angolan bus driver also was killed.

Eight people were wounded, including a goalkeeper who was flown to South Africa for treatment.—AP

LOME: Pallbearers carry the coffin of Togo National soccer team media officer Stanislas Ocloo past an honor guard, during his funeral procession at the Palais des Congres yesterday.

(Right) Relatives of Stanislas Ocloo react during his funeral procession. —AP

Angola edge towards last eight - but at what cost?

LUANDA: Angola registered their first win at the Africa Cup of Nations to edge closer towards the quarter finals but Thursday’s’ victory over Malawi may have come at a high price. The 2010 hosts lost two key players - Flavio and Gilberto - during an impressive performance which lifted the Black Antelopes up to the top of Group A. Al-Ahly winger Gilberto, one of Angola’s best players and the scorer of a goal in the opening 4-4 draw with Mali, had to come off towards the end of the first half.

Then on 60 minutes influential striker Flavio, who put Angola into a 48th minute lead, was stretchered off with what appeared to be a recurrence of a hamstring problem. Angola had to go into battle against Malawi without midfielder Dede, who had to come off in the first half an hour last Sunday with a thigh problem.

Coach Manuel Jose will be praying this trio recover in time for his team’s remaining first round game against World

Cup qualifiers Algeria on Monday. Jose, noting Gilberto’s importance to his side’s Cup campaign, said: “Gilberto played a great game against Malawi, but I wished he could have stayed on longer.

“If he had played on I think we would have solved this game sooner than we did. “Flavio also had to come off, and Zuela had a problem at the end but these are the sacrifices you make if you want to be crowned champions. “I should not be afraid to trust the players and fortunately we were successful.”

Spurred on by 50,000 partisan fans at the 11 November stadium Angola put the trauma of seeing a four-goal lead evaporate in the last quarter of an hour of their opening game well and truly behind them.

The result put Angola on four points with Malawi and Algeria on three and Mali, beaten 1-0 by the Algerians in Thursday’s first match, propping up the table on one point. Angola, with

President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, sporting the team’s scarf, watching, burst out of the blocks.

They almost took a lightning lead when Manucho volleyed Flavio’s cross only for Malawi keeper Swadick Sanudi to smother the ball.

Djalma, who replaced Dede, then squandered a chance when his shot flew over the bar as the Black Antelopes had the Flames of Malawi on the rack. On 33 minutes Djalma set up former Manchester United and Hull City striker Manucho whose fierce effort was only stopped by a superb save from Sanudi.

There was a touch of artistry from Malawi’s Peter Wadaba in the 40th minute when, with his back to the Angola goal, he flicked the ball with his heel at keeper Lama whose reflex save was equal to the threat.

Then in first half injury time Flavio’s corner found Manucho in the box but the mohican-haired striker headed over the

woodwork from close range. The second half was only three minutes old when Angola got the goal they deserved.

Djalma, enjoying a bright game, raced down the left in a move started by Mabina, and lofted the ball into the box for a charging Flavio, the striker based in Saudi Arabia, heading past Sanudi.

The president, tapping his white trainers excitedly, beamed. His smile was even wider when, on 54 minutes, Manucho beat off Malawi skipper Peter Mponda to score from close range.

Mali had defied greater odds to grab a point last Sunday but Angola weren’t about to be caught napping twice. The one sting in the tail for coach Manuel Jose was the sight of a raft of his troops hit the deck with various degrees of injury - Flavio had to be stretchered off as the hour struck. Group A’s final batch of games are on Monday when Angola play Algeria in Luanda and Malawi take on Mali in Cabinda. — AFP

Smith leads S Africa charge JOHANNESBURG: Graeme Smith survived a controversial umpire decision to score a century and lead South Africa to 215 for two before thunderstorms washed out most of the second day of the fourth and final test yesterday. South Africa, looking to level the series 1-1 after dismissing England for 180 on the opening day, took a 35run lead at the Wanderers as rain allowed only 3.5 overs to be played after the tea break.

Play had also been suspended for an hour before tea. Before the bad weather frustrated the players, captain Smith dominated all the England bowlers and smashed 16 fours while notching up 105 off 187 balls. Ryan Sidebottom ended his run when he had him caught at slip by Andrew Strauss off a delivery that seamed away from the bat, 10 minutes before the rain interruption.

The wicket was especially satisfying for Sidebottom as Smith had survived a strong appeal for caught behind off the seamer when he

had made just 15. The South African cut at a short, wide delivery from Sidebottom and all the England fielders were convinced he had edged the ball to wicketkeeper Matt Prior, calling for a review after umpire Tony Hill gave Smith not out. Television umpire Daryl Harper then upheld Hill’s decision. Smith and Hashim Amla added 165 in three hours for the second wicket, with Amla stroking a composed 73 not out.

Amla’s sweet timing helped him to collect eight fours in his 132-ball innings. Jacques Kallis was on seven not out when play was eventually terminated by bad light. South Africa resumed on the second morning on 29 without loss and the visitors got an early breakthrough when Ashwell Prince was caught at second slip for 19 off Stuart Broad, the bowler extracting extra bounce from the pitch to force the edge. But Amla then cruised to a 75-ball half-century to help Smith put South Africa in firm control.— Reuters

Barcelona target swift revenge against Sevilla

SEVILLE: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the Spanish King’s Cup eighth of finals second leg soccer match against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan stadium in Seville on Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010.— AP

Buffon ‘a boost’ as Juve seek to salvage season ROME: Juventus have received two important boosts ahead of their tricky trip to Chievo tomorrow as they bid to salvage their dismal season. Last week Juve crashed 3-0 at home to AC Milan to slip 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan. The defeat, a sixth in eight games in all competitions during which time they also slumped out of the Champions League, also left Juventus embroiled in a tense race for a place in Europe’s top competition next season.

Napoli in fourth are level on points with them, AS Roma are one point behind and both Palermo and Fiorentina, who have a game in hand, are within one victory of the Turin giants.

On Wednesday, Juventus earned a confidence boost in beating Napoli 3-0 in the Coppa Italia while Italy’s number one goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has declared himself fit for tomorrow’s trip. But while that may seem like a double boost, the truth is that Buffon only missed four matches and was between the sticks during most of Juve’s troubles. Little should be read into the defeat of Napoli either as

the southerners rested all their top players, and unlike Juve they don’t have a huge squad with a bench full of international players. Even so, Juve coach Ciro Ferrara has been happy to see a little of the pressure on his position ease. “It was a very, very important match for all of us, for me but for everyone else as well,” he said after that victory.

“We played with humility and

time. Inter also face a tricky clash away to Bari today with the southerners having only lost once at home all season. They also held Inter to a 1-1 draw at the San Siro on the opening day of the campaign and are in the mix for a top four finish, six points behind Juve and Napoli but with a game in hand.

Bari captain, the Belgian goalkeeper Jean Francois Gillet

Italian League Preview determination, we deserved to win. “Lots has gone wrong recently but we absolutely must buy someone. Many players have gone away and we have some injuries.”

However, Buffon was more reserved in his assessment of Juve’s position. “The win over Napoli in the Cup served to restore our morale but we all know that’s not enough to bring some consistency to our results,” he warned. Ahead of Juve, Milan are eight points behind Inter, although they do have a game in hand and the Milan derby to come in a week’s

vowed to give Jose Mourinho as many problems as they did earlier in the season. “Against Inter in the worst case scenario we hope to repeat the result we previously got against them when we had the Italian champions on the ropes,” he said. Inter have problems as Samuel Eto’o is away on African Cup of Nations duty while the likes of Esteban Cambiasso and Dejan Stankovic are struggling to be fit and Cristian Chivu is definitely out.

If Inter do slip up, Milan will be expecting to capitalize given they are playing at home to rock bottom Siena. —AFP

MADRID: Barcelona have an immediate opportunity to avenge Wednesday’s Kings Cup loss to Sevilla when the two sides cross swords for the third time in 11 days at Camp Nou yesterday.

Sevilla lost 1-0 at home to Barcelona in the last 16 of the cup but progressed on away goals thanks to their 2-1 first leg win and league leaders Barcelona, two points ahead of Real Madrid, have a chance to set the score straight.

Barcelona had won all six pieces of silverware available to them in 2009 so remarkably the Sevilla defeat was their first cup exit since losing to Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final back in April 2008.

“We’re not invincible. We had to lose some time,” said coach Pep Guardiola.

“It is a good sign that a team doesn’t like to lose. “Let’s see how we react. We’re not used to having long weeks. I suppose we’ll be more rested although tiredness is in the head. Now I won’t have to rotate the squad so much. We’ll focus on the two competitions we can win.”

Barca welcome back Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic from a onegame suspension and are only missing Seydou Keita and Yaya Toure who are at the ongoing African Cup of Nations. Sevilla may have come out on top in the cup but in the league they have lost their last three league matches sliding to fifth, a massive 13 points behind the champions. “It would be a historic achievement to win at Camp Nou again,” said captain Andres Palop. “The cup win has given us some confidence going into this match but their pride has been wounded and that could be good or bad for us.”

Real Madrid will be hoping for a Sevilla victory but they have their own challenge with a tough trip to San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao yesterday. Real have lost top-scorer Gonzalo Higuain for three weeks due to a hamstring injury opening the door for Karim Benzema or captain Raul to stake a claim for a first team place.

“First it was Pepe, then Rafael (van deer Vaart) and now (Gonzalo) Higuain....we are losing important players for crucial games at the moment,” said goalkeeper Iker Casillas. “This weekend both Barcelona and us have difficult games and anything can happen.

“I guess we are at a slight disadvantage because we’ll play away from home but Sevilla may surprise everyone, just as they did in the Kings Cup. We just have to focus on winning our match and wait to see what the leaders (Barcelona) do.” Valencia are six points behind Real in third and host rivals Villarreal on Sunday as both sides aim to bounce back from their midweek cup exits to Deportivo La Coruna and Celta Vigo respectively.

Villarreal have been climbing towards the European spots after a horrid start and Valencia will be keen to move further away from a side that finished league runnersup two seasons ago.

Fresh from their thrilling cup win over Valencia, Deportivo travel to Real Mallorca on Sunday in a clash between the two surprise packages of the season.

Depor are fourth while Mallorca are a point behind in sixth going into the game at the Ono Stadium.

Mallorca have a perfect eight wins at home which has been the platform for their impressive season while Depor’s miserly defense has been at the heart of their success with just 16 goals conceded in 17 matches.

A relegation battle takes place tomorrow when Real Zaragoza and Xerez, the bottom two sides, lock horns at the Romareda.

Xerez sacked their manager Jose Angel Ziganda this week after the club won just one of their first 17 matches and technical secretary Antonio Poyatos takes charge of first team affairs on an interim basis. Zaragoza’s new coach Jose Aurelio Gay has only been in charge three games himself and has collected just one point from nine as he waits for a first win. —AFP

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s captain, Graeme Smith plays a shot on day 2 of their fourth test cricket match against England in Johannesburg yesterday. —AP

SCOREBOARD JOHANNESBURG: Scores at close of play on the second day of the fourth Test between South Africa and England at the Wanderers Stadium yesterday.

Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Prince), 2-201 (Smith) England, first innings, 180 To bat: A. de Villiers, J. Duminy, M. Boucher, R. South Africa, first innings (overnight 29-0) McLaren, D. Steyn, M. Morkel, W. Parnell G. Smith c Strauss b Sidebottom 105 Bowling: Anderson 17-3-65-0 (nb1), Sidebottom A. Prince c Swann b Broad 19 17.2-4-49-1, Broad 16-3-52-1 (w1), Swann 9-0H. Amla not out 73 35-0, Collingwood 4-1-9-0 J. Kallis not out 7 Match position: South Africa lead by 35 runs with Extras (b1, lb4, nb1, w5) 11 eight wickets remaining in the first innings.

Total (2 wkts, 63.2 overs) 215

SPORTS

Saturday, January 16, 2010

23

Van der Sar, Ferdinand give Ferguson a boost

DOHA: Manchester United’s head coach Sir Alex Ferguson gestures next to a Qatari official as he directs his team during a training session in Doha. — AFP

Chelsea told to freeze rivals out of title race LONDON: John Terry has told his Chelsea team-mates they must take their chance to put the pressure back on to Manchester United and Arsenal in the most unpredictable Premier League title battle in years. Carlo Ancelotti’s side appeared to be well on their way to reclaiming the trophy after they beat Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates at the end of November.

But a December blip allowed their rivals back into the race and, with last weekend’s trip to Hull falling victim to the weather, Chelsea would have surrendered top spot if United had managed to beat Birmingham. As it turned out, United were held to a draw at St Andrews while Arsenal also dropped points in a 2-2 stalemate with Everton, handing the initiative back to Chelsea as well as allowing Manchester City to creep back into contention.

Ancelotti’s squad have not played since hitting five goals past Watford in an FA Cup tie on January 3 and Terry underlined the significance of Sunderland’s visit to Stamford Bridge today. “We cannot afford any more slip-ups,” the Chelsea captain said.

“Thankfully the teams in and around us have been slipping up as well, but Arsenal are

right back in the frame again. When we beat them 3-0 I thought they were out of it to be honest.

“We need to concentrate on ourselves because apart from the Watford game, when we were brilliant albeit against a lesser side, we haven’t been playing as well.

“Hopefully we can kick on now, and pull away when the other teams are slipping up.” It has been a frustrating start to the new year for champions United, who will seek revenge for a shock defeat at Burnley back in August when the Premier League newcomers visit Old Trafford.

It will be Burnley’s first match under new manager Brian Laws, who was appointed this week as the successor to Owen Coyle, who will be busy preparing his new charges at Bolton for Arsenal’s visit tomorrow. United have yet to register a victory in 2010 with the draw at Birmingham having been preceded by an FA Cup exit at the hands of Leeds. But Darren Fletcher, who misses the Burnley match through suspension, is confident one of the club’s trademark winning runs could come soon.

“It hasn’t been the easiest of times,” the Scotland midfielder said after United’s return from a warm weather training break in Qatar.

“There has been a lot of disruption with injuries.

“But we are still in touch and that is all we could ask for. We need to get everyone fit and for the manager to be able to choose a settled team.

“Nothing has developed into a real run yet but there is a run in this team.” With a 100 percent record since Roberto Mancini was installed in the manager’s seat last month, Manchester City have moved back into the top four, seven points adrift of the leaders.

Today evening’s visit to Everton, who were unlucky not to win at Arsenal last weekend, will however provide a tougher test of the Italian’s management ability than Stoke, Wolves or Blackburn, City’s opponents in his first three league matches in charge.

City’s form has increased the pressure on Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who has faced calls for him to be sacked following the club’s FA Cup exit at the hands of managerless Reading in midweek. —AFP

Mancini City’s magic faces Goodison test LIVERPOOL: Roberto Mancini faces the first significant test of his ability to turn Manchester City into serious Premier League title contendors when he takes his new charges to Goodison Park today. The former Internazionale manager, installed last month after the sacking of Mark Hughes, has enjoyed an encouraging start to life in Manchester with City winning all four of their matches under him.

But skeptics have pointed out that league fixtures against Stoke, Wolves and Blackburn and an FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough hardly constituted the most taxing introduction to English football, and an Everton side beginning to find form after a shaky start to the season will provide a more testing examination of Mancini’s credentials as a footballing alchemist.

Mancini claimed in an interview in his homeland this week that he had succeeded in giving the City players a greater belief in their ability to compete with the best than they had under Hughes, as well as putting pizza and the odd glass of wine on their pre-match meal menus. “The potential is incredible but you need to draw it out,” Mancini was quoted as saying, and it appears that, in that area, he has already enjoyed some success with Micah Richards, who has recovered the kind of form that made him a full England international as a teenager.

Now 21, Richards admits Mancini’s arrival has contributed to the increased confidence manifested in the superb solo run that led to his goal against Blackburn last weekend. “He told me that I was a good player but that if I listened and learned he would turn me into a great player,” Richards said. “Those words were really encouraging but I know that it is down to me to work hard. “I keep saying it but I am still young. There are

aspects of the game that only come with experience and I am gaining that all the time whether I am in or out of the side. “I know I had a dip in form last season but I believe that I have been better this time around and in recent weeks I have done okay.”

Everton were unfortunate not to take all three points in a 2-2 draw at Arsenal last weekend that extended their unbeaten run in the league to six matches, and a win over City could lift David Moyes’s men into the top half of the table for the first time this season.

Landon Donovan impressed on his Everton debut at Arsenal and the on-loan American international admits he was touched by the travelling supporters celebration of his 70minute contribution at the Emirates with chants of ‘USA, USA’.

“It was awesome,” Donovan recalled. “When you have that support it certainly helps you on the field so I’m looking forward to playing at Goodison Park.

“Sitting in the stands at the cup tie against Carlisle the week before made me really want to play. “Hearing how the fans respond and seeing their passion, I loved that. You want to play for them and show them something.

“It is a big game against City and they are a team that are playing very well, but we are playing well too so it will be an exciting match.”

Everton’s cause has been helped by the return of Phil Neville from a three-month layoff and the club captain anticipates a steady increase in confidence as the likes of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin return over the next few weeks. “It is good to come back into a team that is full of confidence now and a team that is fully focused on improving our league form and improving our results,” Neville said. “We are looking to really attack the second half of the season and we must all focus on that.” — AFP

Manchester City’s Italian manager Roberto Mancini

MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been given a twin defensive boost with the imminent returns of Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand. Ahead of today’s Premier League match against Burnley at Old Trafford, Ferguson has revealed that two of his defensive pillars are on the verge of getting back into his plans after recent absences.

Ferdinand has not played for United since the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on October 25 after suffering a recurrence of a back complaint that has caused shooting pains in his calf muscles, while van der Sar has been on compassionate leave following his recovery from a knee injury. The Dutchman’s wife, Annemarie, had a brain hemorrhage before Christmas that required drastic and serious hospital treatment which prompted Ferguson to grant him indefinite compassionate leave but the 39-year-old is now ready to return.

And in further good news for Ferguson, Owen Hargreaves is also edging his way towards a first United start in 16 months as his recovery from severe tendonitis appears to be progressing nicely. Ferguson took his squad to Qatar last week to escape the Arctic conditions in England and is confident that the warm weather training has aided his side’s preparation for this weekend. “We have some light at the end of the tunnel during the week with Edwin van der Sar coming back to training,” Ferguson said on Friday.

“He’s done very well, he’s obviously been out for a few weeks with a personal situation but it’s great to see him back and that experience when he finally does come in will be important to us. “We took Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves with us (on the training camp to Qatar) and both took part in some of the work we were doing and there was good light in the end of the tunnel there, particularly with Rio - he is making good progress now.” Ferguson’s injury concerns are not completely over though as he revealed that United are still having to closely monitor the progress of striker Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian has been struggling with a knee injury for the last month which is restricting his flexibility and movement on the field, but he has told Ferguson he does not want to miss any of United’s season and will put off a thorough examination until the end of the year. “He wants to play through it, he doesn’t want an operation,” Ferguson added.

“The advice was to have an exploratory operation but sometimes he feels it and sometimes he doesn’t. “He didn’t feel it in the warmer climate so he trained every day so it is something you want to keep your eye on - it’ a difficult one.”

Burnley appointed Brian Laws on Wednesday to replace the Bolton-bound Owen Coyle as their new manager.

Laws is set for a daunting first game in charge against the Premier League champions away from home. But, although Ferguson believes Burnley are in for a tough second half of the season, he thinks Laws can help the Clarets climb the table. “Brian has experience, he has been at and Sheffield Wednesday and experience is what they need at the moment,” Ferguson said.

“I think they have to react quickly because they are at the stage of the season.

“When you are in that bottom half of the league, the second half of the season is never easy and they will be battling to avoid relegation obviously and that is not easy for them.” — AFP

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez (right) and new Argentinean signing Maxi Rodriguez pose for photographers before a press conference. at the team’s training ground yesterday. Liverpool signed Rodriguez from Spanish Club Atletico Madrid. — AP

Torres wants Liverpool owners to splash cash Benitez apologizes for Liverpool woes but won’t walk away LIVERPOOL: Fernando Torres has told Liverpool’s owners to ease the pressure on under-fire manager Rafael Benitez by launching a major spending spree.

Benitez faces a fight to keep his job after Liverpool’s woeful season hit rock bottom at Anfield on Wednesday when the Reds were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship strugglers Reading. Torres believes Liverpool, who are already out of the Champions League and may not even finish in the Premier League’s top four, desperately need an injection of new blood to boost morale and strengthen a squad that is weak in several key positions.

The Spain striker, out for six weeks with a knee injury suffered against Reading, hopes George Gillett and Tom Hicks - Liverpool’s American owners - will show their support for Benitez by giving him money to spend in this month’s transfer window and then in the close-season. Torres said: “It’s frustrating. We finished second last season. This season should have been a turning point for us - a chance to do something great. “But it hasn’t been. It’s now the owners’ turn.

They have to sign players so that this does not happen again. “If we want to compete with United and Chelsea we need a much, much more complete squad. We need more genuinely first-class players and we can’t let our best players leave.”

Torres admits Liverpool must now focus on winning the Europa League to salvage something from the club’s worst season in Benitez’s six years on Merseyside. He told Four-Four-Two magazine: “We didn’t want to win the Europa League at the start of the season but it’s a reality now. “Now we have to win it. Anything less than winning the tournament would be terrible. We need to improve, we need to take responsibility and we need to get into the top four and win something. “We have virtually no chance of winning the title now. Now we need to make the best of this situation.”

Apology Meanwhile, Benitez has apologized to Liverpool fans for his side’s woeful season but the under-pressure Reds boss insists he has no intention of quitting.

Benitez saw Liverpool’s troubled campaign hit a new low on Wednesday when Championship strugglers Reading claimed a shock FA Cup third round win at Anfield. The Spaniard had already presided over a Champions League group stage exit, as well as what looks certain to be another failed attempt to end Liverpool’s 19-year wait to win the league title.

It appears unlikely that Benitez will be sacked by Liverpool’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett midway through the season after club sources hinted that the manager’s job was safe for the moment. That may not be the case if he fails to secure the top four finish that guarantees Champions League football and Benitez, speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stoke, was quick to acknowledge that performances have been way below what is expected by the fans.

Recalling his infamous rant at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last season, Benitez addressed reporters from a sheet of paper as he mounted a staunch defense of his reign. “We are not playing well and everyone here feels sorry for our fans,” he said on Friday. “This is a bad moment, we are not doing well during the season and we know have to improve and we have the belief we can do it.

“How can we improve? Winning on the pitch. How can we be sure we win on the pitch? By training well.

“If I am worried about my position or the future of the club at this moment I will lose my focus. “Stoke is the most important game now and we have to prepare properly. I cannot be worried about the other things. My future is Stoke now.” With Liverpool’s financial worries mounting, Benitez could also be protected by the long-term contract he signed in March worth an estimated 20 million pounds. Paying off that deal would be a daunting prospect for Hicks and Gillett, but regardless of what his employers’ may be planning, Benitez is determined to concentrate on getting Liverpool back on track.— Agencies

Why have Liverpool slumped this season?

LONDON: Liverpool’s season went from bad to worse on Thursday when club captain Steven Gerrard, star striker Fernando Torres and playmaker Yossi Benayoun were all ruled out through injury, just a day after the club’s FA Cup defeat at home to second-tier Reading.

This season Liverpool had been tipped to win their first English title since 1990 but now find themselves 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, having already exited the Champions League at the group stage. So how has it come to this for the Merseysiders? Below AFP Sport looks at a few factors that may have contributed to Liverpool’s poor run.

Transfers Manager Rafael Benitez has spent some 225 million pounds on signing players since arriving at Anfield in 2004 and while the likes of Torres and Benayoun have been successes, too many, such as Josemi and Antonio Nunez, have failed to make much of an impact. Meanwhile striker Robbie Keane was sold back to Tottenham just months after arriving at Anfield. And selling Xabi Alonso, one of his best buys, to Real Madrid in pre-season, appears to have left a hole in Liverpool’s midfield that has yet to be filled.

Tactics Benitez has often been accused of excessive caution in the way he sets his teams up for Premier League matches, with critics alleging this puts too much of a burden upon Torres and Gerrard to score goals. They cite December’s 2-0 defeat away to bottom of the table Portsmouth as a case in point.

Boardroom rows Few clubs have managed to be successful on the field against a backdrop of boardroom strife.

The fractious relationship between American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks has destabilized a club looking for finance and the duo were unpopular with supporters before Tom Hicks junior’s foul-mouthed e-mail rant at a supporter. —AFP

Matches on TV (local timings) English Premier League Stoke City v Liverpool..................15:45 Premiere Sport CL1 Premiere Sport CL5 Premiere Sport CL6 Premiere Sport CL7 ShowSports 1 ShowSports 2 Man United v Burnley....................18:00 Premiere Sport CL1 ShowSports 4 Portsmouth v Birmingham..............18:00 Show series extra 1 Wolverhampton v Wigan.................18:00 Show Commedy Extra Tottenham v Hull City..................18:00 Extreme Sport C+ Chelsea v Sunderland....................18:00 ShowSports 1 ShowSports 2 Everton v Man City........................20:30 Premiere Sport CL1 ShowSports 1 ShowSports 2 African Nations Cup Nigeria v Benin.............................19:00 Aljazeera Sport HD Aljazeera Sport +9 Egypt v Mozambique......................21:30 Aljazeera Sport 2 Aljazeera Sport HD Aljazeera Sport +9

Italian League Cagliari v Livorno..........................20:00 Aljazeera Sport +1 As Bari v Internazionale.................22:45 Aljazeera Sport +1 Spanish League Athletic de Bilbao v Real Madrid.....22:00 Aljazeera Sport +2 Aljazeera Sport +3 Barcelona v Sevilla..........................0:00 Aljazeera Sport +2 Aljazeera Sport +3 German League Borussia v VFL Bochum................17:30 Premiere Sport 1 Premiere Start Bayer 04 v FSV Mainz 05...............17:30 Premiere Sport 1 Premiere Start Hannoverscher v Hertha...............17:30 Premiere Sport 1 Premiere Start Eintracht v Werder Bremen...........17:30 Premiere Sport 1 Premiere Start Hamburger v SC Freiburg.............17:30 Premiere Sport 1 Premiere Start VfB Stuttgart v Wolfsburg..............20:30 Premiere Sport 1 Premiere Start

www.kuwaittimes.net

Elephants trample Black Stars Ivory Coast cruise into quarter-finals with 10 men CABINDA: Ivory Coast became the first team to reach the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a 3-1 triumph over severely depleted Ghana in Group B yesterday. It was a polished performance by the Elephants, who were reduced to 10 men on 56 minutes when Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue was red-carded for a vicious tackle from behind on Opoku Agyemang with his team one goal ahead. Victory lifted the title favorites to four points from two matches and they will be joined in the knockout phase by Burkina Faso or Ghana, who clash Tuesday in the final minileague fixture.

Togo, the other country drawn in the group, withdrew before the tournament kicked off last Sunday after the bus convoy carrying them into Angola was attacked in this restive northern Angolan enclave. Lille forward Kouassi ‘Gervinho’ Yao put Ivory Coast ahead midway through the first half at the new, 20,000-seat Chiazi Stadium, Siaka Tiene scored direct from a free-kick after 67 minutes and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba completed the victory in the final minute.

Ghana got a stoppage-time consolation goal via an Asamoah Gyan penalty after he had been fouled by Souleman Bamba.

Coach Vahid Halilhodzic made one change to the Ivorian team that failed to sparkle when held to a goalless draw by Burkina Faso last Monday, with Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou replacing Bakary Kone. Ghana kicked off without eight first-choice players in defenders John Pantsil and John Mensah, midfielders Anthony Annan, Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Laryea Kingson and Sulley Muntari and striker Asamoah Gyan.

The absence of so many regulars meant Wigan goalkeeper

and fourth-choice captain Richard Kingson, a brother of Laryea, wore the armband until Essien came on for the second half with Gyan. Midfielder Didier Zokora stung the fingers of Kingson with a fierce drive that was parried for a corner and captain Drogba blazed a free-kick over during the early exchanges.

Ivory Coast took the lead with a master-class in counter-attacking as a sliding tackle just outside their penalty area deprived Ghana of possession and set in motion one of the slickest goals so far seen in the tournament.

The ball was stroked into the path of Barcelona man Yaya Toure and his superb pass sprang the offside trap for Kalou, who crossed for Gervinho to tap the ball into an unguarded net.

Ghana made little impact in attack until six minutes before half-time when Ivorian goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, often considered the weak link in the team, dived to his left and superbly parried a Kwadwo Asamoah drive. The presence of Essien, playing for the first time since early December when injured in a Champions League clash, offered hope to the four-time champions and the dismissal of Eboue threatened to tilt the balance.

Mathew Amoah was unlucky not to equalize soon after on a pitch that was cutting up alarmingly as his volley struck the base of a post and flew wide with Barry helpless. But midway through the half the Ivorians doubled their lead against the run of play as Tiene curled a leftfooted free-kick from wide on the right over Kingson and into the roof of the net. Playing a man short appeared to be having no effect on the Ivorians as they continued to attack and Drogba headed in a left-wing cross on 90 minutes to complete a handsome success.—AFP

CABINDA: Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure (right) fights for the ball with Ghana’s Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu during their African Cup of Nations Group B soccer match in Cabinda yesterday. — AP

African Nations Cup results/ standings

Holders Lazio oust Palermo ROME: Aleksandar Kolarov and Sergio Floccari were on target to hand Italian Cup holders Lazio a 2-0 home win over Palermo on Thursday and set up a clash with Fiorentina in the quarter-finals.

Kolarov drove in from outside the box to give Lazio the lead against the run of play in the 57th minute after the Serb had tried his luck with a series of long-distance efforts. New arrival Floccari then ran on to a superbly weighted Mauro Zarate pass and produced a cool finish for his fourth goal in three games to ensure Lazio boss Davide Ballardini had cause for celebration after the clash with his former club.

But it made for a sour return to the Stadio Olimpico for Palermo coach Delio Rossi, who led Lazio to victory in this competition last season at the end of a fouryear stint with the Rome side. Senegalese 16-year-old forward Khouma el Babacar

Italian Cup scored for Fiorentina who staged a late rally to progress with a 3-2 win over Chievo Verona. Chievo’s Simone Bentivoglio punished poor defending to put the visitors 2-1 up just before halftime

after Fiorentina’s Adrian Mutu had cancelled out Pablo Granoche’s seventhminute opener.

But Babacar diverted in a low free-kick to level in the 75th and Mutu fired home to complete his double and clinch the tie two minutes later.

Udinese shrugged off their poor league form to progress with a 2-0 win over third tier Lumezzane. Francesco Lodi converted a penalty at the end of the first half and Bernardo Corradi tapped into an empty net just past the hour mark after Giovanni Pasquale had hit the crossbar. Udinese next face AC Milan. —Reuters

African Nations Cup result and standings yesterday (* denotes qualified for next stage).

Group A (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, against, points): Angola Malawi Algeria Mali

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 0

1 0 0 1

0 1 1 1

6 3 1 4

4 2 3 5

4 3 3 1

Group B Ivory Coast* Burkina Faso Ghana

2 1 1

1 0 0

1 1 0

0 0 1

3 0 1

1 0 3

4 1 0

Group C Egypt Benin

1 1

1 0

0 1

0 0

3 2

1 2

3 1

booking for diving. The England striker cut in from the left and went down under Chris Samba’s challenge in the area. But instead of pointing to the spot, referee Mark Clattenburg showed the him a yellow card. When Dunn finally managed to thread Kalinic through, the Croatian was denied

by Richard Dunne’s sliding challenge. Villa could have doubled their lead just before the interval but Robinson pulled off a fine block at the near post from Stiliyan Petrov.

A minute after the restart Milner threatened once again with a powerful low strike that was held by Robinson. And Young rifled straight across Robinson’s six-yard box after a run that beat Rovers substitute Martin Olsson. Kalinic passed up a great chance to level nine minutes after the restart when he headed against the post from Morten Gamst Pedersen’s cross. Dunn also flashed a shot wide after Olsson’s cross from the left caused panic in the Villa defense. Pascal Chimbonda’s cross picked out Kalinic 15 yards from goal but the Croatian’s effort again came back off the post.

Villa continued to threaten on the break and Young could have killed the tie midway through the second half but failed to make contact with Downing’s whipped cross from the left. Young was wasteful once again when he was played through by Steve Sidwell only to fire wide of goal.

Rovers manager Sam Allardyce threw on South African star Benni McCarthy with a quarter of an hour to go. And Australian midfielder Emerton forced a fine save from Bradley Guzan as Blackburn looked for a way back into the game. It could have been even worse for Blackburn if Robinson had not pulled off an impressive late save from Agbonlahor. —AFP

1 1

0 0

1 0

0 1

2 1

2 3

1 0

Group D Gabon 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 Tunisia 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 Zambia 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 Cameroon 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 Togo were disqualified from tournament on Jan. 11 after failing to show up for their opening Group B match against Ghana.

Togo left the tournament in Angola following a deadly attack on their team bus, in which two members of their delegation were killed.

Atletico edge Recreativo

Milner puts Aston in sight of League Cup BLACKBURN: James Milner’s goal gave Aston Villa a 1-0 victory at Blackburn in their League Cup semi-final first leg at Ewood Park here on Thursday. England midfielder Milner scored the only goal of the game half-way through the opening period, finishing off a quick breakaway as Villa took a step closer to a final date against either Manchester City or Manchester United.

Blackburn, whose only victory in the last 12 matches was on penalties in the quarter-finals against Chelsea, were poor throughout.

And even though they managed to hit the post through Nikola Kalinic on two occasions in the second half, Villa are now strong favorites to reach a first final in a decade. Rovers started on the front foot and David Dunn had a shot on the turn deflected wide by Richard Dunne after just a couple of minutes. But Villa quickly got themselves on top and from Stewart Downing’s corner, Ryan Nelsen pulled off a desperate block from James Collins’ header. From yet another corner, Ashley Young cut in from the left and lashed way wide of Paul Robinson’s goal.

Martin O’Neill’s side were still dominating and Gabriel Agbonlahor had a low drive held by Robinson after he was fed by Emile Heskey. And midway through the first half, they grabbed the lead with a quick counter attack. Robinson’s long free kick into the Villa area was headed away by Collins. Milner raced into the Blackburn half and knocked it wide for Downing who guided the ball into the area for Milner to stab in. Rovers looked to be running out of ideas fast and Brett Emerton’s hopeful drive straight at Stephen Warnock summed up their frustration.

Six minutes before the break, Villa looked like they might add a second - but Agbonlahor was

Mozambique Nigeria

Atletico stage thrilling comeback; Mallorca reach Cup last eight

BLACKBURN: Aston Villa’s English defender James Collins (right) vies with Blackburn Rovers’ Norweigan midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen (center) and Blackburn Rovers’ New Zealand defender Ryan Nelsen during the league cup semi final first leg football match at Ewood Park. — AFP

MADRID: Simao’s stunning late freekick put Atletico Madrid into the King’s Cup quarter-finals after an exhilarating 5-1 victory over Recreativo Huelva on Thursday. An epic fightback saw them through 5-4 on aggregate after they overturned a daunting 3-0 first-leg deficit. Portugal winger Simao curled his effort into the top corner six minutes from time after they looked to have blown their earlier good work against the second division visitors.

Simao had set Atletico on their way after 22 minutes and further goals from Sergio Aguero and Tomas Ujfalusi had them 3-0 up at the break.

Aguero’s shot was then deflected into the Recre net by visiting defender Troest after 62 minutes, but Atletico went on to press the self-destruct button.

Midfielder Paulo Assuncao was caught in possession in his own area allowing Carmona to grab an all-important away goal for Recre in the 71st, and then got himself sent off two minutes later for a second bookable offence.

But, despite being a man down, Atletico continued to press and Simao grabbed his second goal to set up a lasteight meeting next week with another second division side Celta Vigo. “It was a spectacular game. We are starting to see

the light at the end of the tunnel in the league as well but we must remain prudent,” coach Quique Sanchez Flores told reporters.

“The player’s are euphoric but the emotions must be for the fans, we have to focus on our next game. We shouldn’t get carried away.”

Earlier, a stoppage-time goal sent Real Mallorca into the quarter-finals after a 3-1 win over second division Rayo Vallecano put the La Liga side through 4-3 on aggregate.

Mallorca substitute Mario Suarez fired in from close range to complete an exciting come-

back and avoid extra time at a rainswept Ono Estadi.

Visiting Rayo, who won the first leg 2-1 last week, had opened the scoring with a breakaway effort from striker Piti on the stroke of halftime. Mallorca, who have won every home game this season, rallied with Victor heading the ball into the net at a corner in the 50th and then firing home at the far post 10 minutes later. Mallorca will meet Getafe in the last eight. The other two quarter-finals see Sevilla, who knocked out holders Barcelona, play Deportivo Coruna, and Racing Santander take on Osasuna. —Reuters

MADRID: Atletico de Madrid’s Simao Sabrosa of Portugal, celebrates his goal against Recreativo de Huelva’s during his Copa del Rey match at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid. — AP