1 Mar 2010

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

40 PAGES

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010

India seeks closer ties with Saudis to fuel recovery

RABI ALAWAL 15, 1431 AH

How nuke equipment managed to reach Iran

Djokovic channels anger to retain Dubai crown

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150 FILS

Owen and Rooney strike as United retain Cup PAGE 20

Violence flares at Aqsa mosque

in the news Kuwait inflation slows DUBAI: Kuwait’s inflation eased to 4.2 percent on an annual basis in June 2009, its lowest level in more than two years, helped by a drop in food prices, the latest available data showed yesterday. The global crisis slashed growth rates across the Gulf Arab oil producing region, reducing consumer price growth from 2008 record peaks, with some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, experiencing deflation in 2009. Inflation stood at 5.2 percent year-on-year in May 2009, Kuwait’s statistics office also said yesterday, well down from a record high of 11.6 percent in August 2008. The office delayed inflation data releases last year. On the month, consumer prices in the world’s fourth largest oil exporter remained flat in June, following a 0.2 percent rise in the previous month, data showed. Housing prices held steady month-on-month in June, while food prices fell 1.1 percent.

Transport prices rose 0.8 percent in June.

Israeli police enter holy sanctuary

Drake wins Kuwait contracts DUBAI: Dubai’s Drake & Scull International (DSI) said yesterday it won two contracts in Kuwait worth over 90 million dirhams ($24.50 million), as it seeks opportunities abroad and weathers a downturn at home. The contracts, which are in the education sector, are the first for Drake & Scull International for Electrical Contracting Kuwait (DSK) since it was bought by DSI in December, DSI said in a statement. DSI bought 75 percent of DSK. “From every angle DSI sees an abundance of opportunities within Kuwait,” the company’s chief executive Khaldoun Tabari said. Earlier in February, Drake said it has $136 million to spend on acquisitions in 2010, which includes three firms.

NO: 14654

KUWAIT: Kuwaitis tour the 2nd International Defence and Police Equipment Exhibition yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

JERUSALEM: Israeli police entered the compound housing Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem yesterday after Palestinians threw stones at visitors to the holy site, and fired tear gas and rubber bullets to break up protests. The confrontation added to tension that is already running high after Israel’s announcement of a plan to restore Jewish religious sites in the West Bank in a heritage project. Witnesses said the violence began after Palestinians threw rocks at visitors touring the site. Palestinian officials said word had spread that religious Jews planned to enter the mosque compound, the third holiest site in Islam.

Judaism’s Western Wall, a Jewish prayer site revered as the remains of a perimeter wall of the second biblical Temple, sits just below the compound. Israeli police arrested seven Palestinians and four policemen were Continued on Page 14

Mabhouh Chile races to find survivors Death toll surges to 708 • Looters roam streets drugged, CIA bomber calls for suffocated

JERUSALEM: Masked Palestinian youths prepare to throw stones and firecrackers at Israeli police as they are backdropped by the Dome of the Rock Mosque during clashes in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Ras Al Amud yesterday. — AP

DUBAI: Dubai police said yesterday forensic tests show a Hamas operative who was killed in his hotel room by an alleged Israeli hit squad was drugged with a fast-acting muscle relaxant and then suffocated with a pillow. The drug, called succinylcholine, is frequently used by doctors to administer a breathing tube or anesthesia. Dubai police said tests discovered the drug in the bloodstream of Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh, the Hamas commander whose body was found in his room at a luxury Dubai hotel on Jan 20. Dubai authorities have accused Israel’s Mossad spy agency of being behind the killing.

Continued on Page 14

CONCEPCION, Chile: Chile’s president sent the army to help police attack looting yesterday in the wake of an earthquake that shattered cities and killed at least 708 people. President Michelle Bachelet announced the sharply higher new death toll after a six-hour meeting with aides and emergency officials struggling to cope with Saturday’s magnitude-8.8 quake. They had earlier said about 300 were known dead, with 500,000 homes severely damaged, before state television quoted emergency officials as saying that 350 people were killed in the coastal Continued on Page 14

jihad against Jordan

CONCEPCION, Chile: Residents look at a collapsed building Saturday after an 8.8-magnitude struck central Chile. —AP

In polyglot Lebanon, Arabic falling behind

TEHRAN: (Left to right) Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader Ramadan Shallah, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Palestinian Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki raise their hands during a conference in support of Palestinians yesterday. — AFP

Ahmadinejad calls Israel ‘a microbe of corruption’ TEHRAN: Israel is “a microbe of corruption” and Islamic resistance will “send it to the bottom of hell,” Iran’s president said yesterday at a conference attended by top Palestinian militant leaders, Iranian media reported. “With God’s grace and thanks to the Palestinian resistance the occupying Zionist regime has

lost its raison d’Ítre,” Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said at a Tehran conference in support of the Palestinians. “Their presence (Israel’s) even in one inch of the region’s soil causes threat, crisis and war,” the state-run television’s website quoted him as saying.

Continued on Page 14

we interviewed were BEIRUT: Lebanon, a not even able to recite tiny, vibrant the alphabet,” Mediterranean counTalhouk told AFP. try, prides itself on its Urban youths are polyglot society but often unable to hold a for the country’s conversation in one youths native Arabic is language, causing not very “cool”. “Hi, amusement but also kifak? Ca Va?” - or irking those around “Hi, how are you them with such homedoing? Okay?” - is a grown expressions as typical multi-linguistic the popular farewell: Lebanese greeting so “Yalla, bye.” “At my popular it now appears school it’s more cool on bumper stickers to speak French. and t-shirts sold Arabic is looked down around the world. upon,” said high English and French school student often replace the local Nathalie. dialect in conversaOn Thursday the tion, especially among JOUNIEH, Lebanon: the urban youth, and A Lebanese woman Tunis-based Arab for one organisation has carries Arabic books Organisation Education, Culture launched a campaign from a library in this and Science decided to preserve Arabic in town north of Beirut to set aside March 1 Lebanon. of each year to cele“Arabic is still very Feb 16, 2010. – AFP brate the Arabic lanmuch alive as a language, but young people are moving guage. A statement from the organisafarther and farther away from it,” said tion said the move was an attempt to Suzanne Talhouk, who heads the “preserve the heritage of the Arab organisation “Fael Ummer” nation in the face of globalisation”.

(Imperative) which is running the The message was heard loud and clear campaign. “Some of our youngsters in Lebanon, which was once the are incapable of writing correctly in Francophone hub of the Arab world.

Continued on Page 14 Arabic, and many university students

Afghanistan’s eastern CAIRO: An Al-Qaeda province of Khost double agent that killed where he’d been invitseven CIA operatives and ed to reveal informaa Jordanian spy called for tion on Al-Qaeda No. jihad in Jordan and 2, Ayman Al-Zawahiri. attacks on its intelligence Al-Balawi said he agency in a posthumous only expected to kill video message posted on his Jordanian handler, extremist websites yesAli bin Zaid, but the terday. Humam Khalil Abu Mulal Al-Balawi also Humam Al-Balawi is addition of the CIA described yesterday in seen in a posthumous members was a windthe 43-minute video his video message posted fall. “We planned for something but got a recruitment by Jordanian intelligence and how he on extremist websites bigger gift, a gift from Allah, who brought us, double crossed them yesterday. — AP through His accompaafter they sent him to Afghanistan to spy on Al-Qaeda. The niment, a valuable prey: Americans, and video was apparently filmed shortly from the CIA. That’s when I became cerbefore the 32-year-old Balawi blew him- tain that the best way to teach Jordanian Continued on Page 14 self up at a CIA facility on Dec. 30 in

LUXOR: A 3,000 year-old red granite head of King Amenhotep III that was discovered at the site of his funerary temple is seen. — AFP

Massive head of Tut granddad unearthed CAIRO: Egyptian archaeologists have unearthed a colossal statue head of the pharaoh whom DNA tests revealed last week was King Tutankhamun’s grandfather, the government said yesterday. The red granite head of King Amenhotep III, part of a larger 3,000 year-old statue, was discovered at the

site of the pharaoh’s funerary temple in Luxor, Egypt’s culture ministry said in a statement.

“The newly discovered head is intact and measures 2.5 metres high,” antiquities chief Zahi Hawass was quoted as saying. “It is a masterpiece Continued on Page 14

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NATIONAL

Monday, March 1, 2010

Three die during festivities

Celebrations turn sour on National, Liberation Days

By Hussain Al-Qatari KUWAIT: The celebration of Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days hit a sour note with the death of a 12-year-old child and two policemen during the festivities. A number of local people have suggested that this indicates that there are problems which must be confronted.

KUWAIT: Children celebrating Kuwait’s National and Liberation Day anniversaries over the weekend.

kuwait digest

Tragic celebrations O ur celebrations to mark the national holidays quickly turned to tragedy after the ‘clashes of the foam celebrations’ left two police officers dead, two children run over by cars on Gulf Road, around 120 people with eye injuries from foam spray and 3,893 traffic citations being issued, along with 324 cars and seven motorcycles being impounded, wrote Mohammad Al-Saleh in Al-Qabas.

Of course, people can’t be banned from celebrating the holidays in the streets, while the sale of foam by markets can’t be proscribed; citizens are entitled to celebrate their annual festivities as they see fit.

That being said, however, there are ways in which the celebrations could be supervised if

they were better organized.

In Europe, the countries’ citizens celebrate their national days in streets specially closed off to traffic and allocated specifically for celebratory events. Revelers in each city attend events held in specific areas set aside for the special occasion.

This sort of planning could be followed in Kuwait, with one street in each governorate selected for closure to traffic, for example, and given over to holding national celebrations. This would at least help to avoid traffic problems and road accidents, which increase in number during these annual celebrations. Lastly, my heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones during this year’s celebrations.

According to media reports, many patients were admitted to emergency rooms in various hospitals and clinics due to the misuse of foam. Al-Bahar Eye Center, Kuwait’s ophthalmology hospital, reported about 200 cases, some of which required serious treatment.

Abdullah Al-Othman, a 47year-old citizen, said that this was not how events were celebrated in his youth.

“In the 1970s when I was a kid, celebrations were organized

by NGOs, schools and employers. They were very organized parades, with fireworks and air shows,” he says. Al-Othman recalled that in those days the celebrations were charged with a patriotic spirit, and one seldom saw a fight break out. Now, he says, on the same streets where these organized parades were held, one sees only chaos, and nothing but disarray. “It is sad.”

Twenty-three-year-old compatriot Sarah Al-Bloushi said that this year’s celebrations were devoid of any sense of patriotism.

“I was there during the celebrations and I must say I had some fun, but you could see that the focus isn’t celebrating the occasion, but on getting someone in the eye with foam,” she told the Kuwait Times. Sarah insists that the revelers themselves shouldn’t be blamed for their over-enthusiastic approach, pointing out that the government failed to organize any alternative festivities.

“There are no other alternatives, and apparently when you leave people to create their own fun this is how it goes here!” she

During the holiday, parades took place in various areas of Kuwait to celebrate the occasion. People of all ages and various nationalities celebrated the event, wearing Kuwaiti flags and playing national songs in their cars while cruising the streets equipped with foam cans and water pistols. All too quickly, however, the celebrations turned from joyful to painful.

KUWAIT: National and Liberation Day anniversary celebrations on the Gulf Road.

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat said.

Another Kuwaiti, 19-year-old Ahlam Al-Ali, argued, however, that the spirit of fun was still present this year, asserting that people shouldn’t focus solely on the negative incidents.

“There were a lot of people who didn’t know how to celebrate; they ruined the fun,” she said. “But you could still see that all these people were out on the street to celebrate; it was fun Personally I choose to ignore the negative and focus on having a good time.”

Ahlam concedes, though, that a few shocking incidents did take place during the celebrations, especially when a fight broke out between a number of adult parents over the misbehavior of some children.

Fellow citizen Noor AlTerkait, aged 26, said that she doesn’t understand the purpose of the foam-spraying that has become a standard part of the celebrations for Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days.

“I don’t get why people should be annoying this way! It is

disrespectful, rude and dangerous,” she stated. Noor revealed that while she was driving to a supermarket, a group of young boys stopped her car and started to spray foam on the front windscreen. “When I am in the car, I am expected to drive and in order to drive I have to see in front of me; I don’t get how this is considered a fun way to celebrate!” she said.

Another disgruntled Kuwaiti citizen, 31-year-old Abdulwahab Al-Qattan, was angry at the rubbish-strewn streets left by the

revelers after they returned home following the celebrations.

“It was shameful,” he said.

“Many fights broke out, the traffic was horrible and there was literally nothing that showed me this was a time for my country to celebrate. I felt like we let out crowds of hooligans and allowed them to misbehave on the street only to clean up after them the next day. It is disgraceful; I am ashamed!”

Al-Qattan insisted that a more organized celebration should be organized for next year.

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has 110 students from China in addition to dozens of students from Yemen, Sri Lanka and other countries. Speaking on the sidelines of the exhibition, the CEO of Petra Education, Dr. P.T. Mathew, agreed with the comments made by Nambudiri, he added that, “Students, especially NRI students who are not in touch with the latest happenings on the college scene in India, are often confused by the amount of detail they have to assimilate before applying for admission. At Petra we provide the students with proper counsel-

ing about courses, colleges, eligibility criteria and other formalities involved in gaining admission to their college of admission.

We also offer convenient college evaluation trips and packages that take care of all the aspects of joining and assimilating into a new college.”

Dharani, the Chief Administrator of M.V.J. Medical College and Research Hospital, speaking about her campus stated that the medical college and the research hospital attached to it had recently been evaluated in a

report prepared by an independent international review group.

The group had thoroughly assessed the college faculty, the campus facility, the cutting edge medical equipment and technologies employed at the college and were of the opinion that it was of par excellence.

The two-day Indian Education Exhibition that runs till Monday, March 1 is organized by Response Events and Exhibitions, Kuwait in association with HariOm, Academy of Higher Education and Research, India.

MOH tackled 143 cases during celebrations KUWAIT: Some 143 cases have been handled during the National Days celebrations, of them 46 were hospitalized, while 97 others were treated on the spot, the Medical Emergency Department of the Ministry of Health declared here yesterday.

Of the cases hospitalized, there were 26 who fell as a result of quarrels, six due to road accidents, besides 14 who fell as a result of tumble and fatigue injuries in various sites of the Gulf Road and the areas of chalets, Wafra, Sabhan and Failaka island, Assistant Deputy of the Technical Affairs of the MoH Dr. Khaled Al-Sahlawi said here yesterday in a press state-

ment. He also noted that the MoH has equipped 20 ambulances in the celebrations’ sites, besides supplying two main clinics at the Gulf Road thoroughfare with necessary medical appliances and technical crews.

The ambulances were distributed to all sites of celebrations and rallies at the Gulf Road thoroughfare, besides the other spots in Shalets, Wafra, Sabhan and Failaka island in order to cover all places in the event of any emergency.

Further, the accident wards in the state hospitals have all necessary appliances and equipment in addition to a standby medical team working around the clock. — KUNA

in the news New Internet cable KUWAIT: The Ministry of Communications is discussing the possibility of establishing new underground and underwater cables with five different countries in order to avoid future disconnection problems.

Confirmed by the Communications Minister, Dr. Mohammad AlBusairi said that negotiations are ongoing and the agreement will put an end to the disconnection problem, reported Al-Watan. In the meantime, a ship carrying maintenance teams were sent to the location of the malfunction in order to fix the fiber optic cable that extends from Kuwait to the United Arab Emirates. The repair is expected to take at least five days. Meanwhile, internet service providing companies are struggling to find a solution to this problem. The temporary solution of exchanging data through Saudi Arabia is insufficient in handling the limited bandwidth and high costs there. All international call services and local internet connections have been effected by the cable’s disconnection because all providers use the same cable. The reason for the disconnection remains unknown.

KD35m for school maintenance KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education accepted a tender to provide schools with comprehensive fire extinguishing systems that meet the standards set by the Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD). The announcement was made by Mohammad Al-Sayegh, the ministry’s Undersecretary Assistant for Educational Construction, reported AlQabas. The KD 20,000 deal will provide each school with 10 fire extinguishers before pre-existing fire extinguishing systems can be fully replaced. Al-Sayegh noted that 125 newly established schools are already equipped with fire prevention systems including fire detectors, alarm bells, fire extinguishers and ventilation devices to help clear smoke. The ministry is required to get full approval of the safety measure by KFSD officials before executing the project, said AlSayegh. Teams of engineers will be sent to ensure that the new fire prevention systems work properly.

Citizen held for beating doctor KUWAIT: A few days after three citizens assaulted the supervisor of heart clinic, a similar case happened at the Fahaheel Medical Center, reported Al-Anba. Another citizen assaulted a medical consultant at the center and beat him with his ‘iqal,’ and head dress. The assault occurred in the doctor’s office and security guards called police. When authorities arrived they immediately arrested the citizen.

Investigations revealed that the citizen disagreed with the doctor’s prognosis and began beating the doctor with his ‘iqal.’ He continued to beat and kick him in front of other patients. A case was filed and the man was detained at the local police station.

KUWAIT: Dr C.G. Suresh opening the India Education Exhibition.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra

India Education Exhibition opens to a large gathering KUWAIT: India Education Exhibition, offering a comprehensive range of professional and vocational courses as well as pre-college counseling, opened to a large crowd of students and parents at the United Indian School auditorium in Abbasiya yesterday.

Opening the exhibition Dr. C.G. Suresh, Chairman, Association of Indian Professionals, said: “The community needs more of such academic exhibitions.

Many of the parents and students are unaware of the multitude of higher educational opportunities available in our country. Exhibitions like India Education Exhibition provide potential students with an opportunity to directly interact with professionals from the exhibiting colleges to gain detailed information regarding admission, courses offered, location, various amenities and hostel facilities on offer, which they can then thoroughly evaluate with their parents before selecting an optimum college.”

The exhibition, which highlights leading educational institutions from the states of

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, is an opportunity for parents, looking at post-high school education opportunities for their children, to examine the wide variety of higher educational options available to them from these states. The exhibition provides prospective students with the unique chance to gain all relevant information about admission requirements to the various diploma, graduate, post-graduate and doctoral qualification as well as continuous learning programs on offer by dozens of professional colleges, under one-roof.

The student can obtain updated college information, fee structure, eligibility criteria and guidance on courses that are in high-demand from a job perspective, from college professionals at the exhibition.

A particular aspect of the exhibition is the pre-college counseling being offered at the show by the Principal Consultant of Hari Om Academy of Higher Education and Research, P.S. Manoj Nambudiri. A veteran of student counseling in India and abroad, Nambudiri, empha-

sized the importance of students having a clear understanding of the courses they were selecting. “Taking up information sciences just because it is course in demand does not make any sense, especially if the student has no aptitude for mathematics.

A proper evaluation of the student, to find out their aptitude, to assess their abilities and capabilities, is needed before you can guide the student in the proper path,” said Nambudiri.

The reputed colleges and institutions exhibiting at the exhibition are further guaranteed through national accreditation bodies like the National Board of Accreditation (for Technical Education) and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (for Higher Education). Moreover, all the exhibiting colleges offer high quality education at competitive fee structures in comparison to colleges abroad and this is attested by the large number of foreign students who are enrolled in many of the institutions. For instance, the Park College of Engineering Technology in

NATIONAL

Monday, March 1, 2010

3

Free medical care day for expatriates in Amghara 500 workers get free treatment

By Ahmad Saeid KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti charity held a free medical care day in the bachelor district of Amghara on Thursday morning. The event, which began early in the morning and lasted until 1pm, was organized by Al-Rahma Committee for Medical Services, a branch of Al-Najat Charity Organization. Dr. Salah

KUWAIT: Indian driver Dastageer is waiting with a group of other expats in the medical care camp.

KUWAIT: A doctor checks the blood pressure of an expatriate laborer.

local spotlight

Think about future

By Muna Al-Fuzai uwait’s 49th National Day and the 19th anniversary of the country’s liberation came at a tough time this year due to various regional conflicts, with many problematic ongoing issues at the local level.

Although it is a matter that’s worth to recall such anniversaries yet, Kuwaitis need to make use of this moment to think about their achievements, accomplishments and mistakes not as one man, but as a nation and a whole. The value of such national holidays lies in learning the wisdom behind celebrating them, if there is any, and considering what exactly are our duties at this stage, rather than what will benefit us, what should we claim and from whom.

I believe that the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait was a turning point in our history, as well as in many of our ideas, objectives, and priorities as Kuwaitis. There was less tension and stress in our lives as Kuwaitis before then; for example, the issue of security was always there but did not occupy our lives or feature as a factor that created concerns and led to nightmares.

This was not solely the outcome of the invasion, of course, but also the international troubles,

K

such as the problems created by Bin Laden and fundamentalist groups whose negative impact has been felt across the world. Of course, even 19 years after Kuwait was freed and some years after the change in the Iraqi regime, the situation still needs some time before it can be fully resolved and it’s possible our ties with Iraq will remain under the microscope for some time yet.

This is among the issues that we need to consider among our priorities and is among those that were not such a subject of focus prior to 1990.

As Kuwaitis we need to reform and update our thinking and adjust the focus of our private concerns to major public ones. We - you, me and everyone living in Kuwait - seriously need to think more about the big picture. What have we given to Kuwait until today? We certainly need to expand our interests to consider what we’ve done to maintain our nation’s prosperity and the welfare of its citizens and its expatriate residents, both in the form of rights and duties.

We need to take a decision on the right system of reform for the country in a way in which we can redirect our energies and settle on what we really want for this country over the next ten or twenty years. How do we want to be seen and understood? Education, morality, major issues National Day is not about spraying foam on every living soul for fun.

I believe we need to think and to call for more for all.

Email: muna@kuwaittimes.net

KUWAIT: Despite the efforts of the Ministry of Interior to clamp down on the use of ATVs and mini bikes, they remain a highly visible danger to those driving them and to other road users.

Citizens call for action on ATVs, mini-bikes on Kuwait’s streets KUWAIT: Increasing use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and mini-motorbikes on Kuwait’s main thoroughfares has led to a surge in the number of accidents involving these vehicles, with the reckless drivers apparently equally indifferent to their own and others’ safety.

Despite the efforts of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to clamp down on the use of such vehicles, they remain a highly visible danger to those driving

them and to other road users.

Interviewed by KUNA about the subject of these vehicles, one Kuwaiti, Saad Al-Ammar, said that without families playing a part by encouraging their children not to engage in such risky behavior, no regulations or rules would enable the MoI to gain the upper hand in this situation.

He added that providing a suitable, safe environment for ATV and mini-bike enthusiasts

to enjoy riding the vehicles would be another way of resolving the problem.

Another Kuwaiti citizen, Ali Al-Kandari, called for a ban on these vehicles on public thoroughfares, saying that most of the victims in accidents involving ATVs and mini-bikes are young people and children.

These vehicles are a menace on Kuwait’s public streets and motorways, with their use leading to the loss of many lives, he added. — KUNA

Malallah added that any mild cases of disease diagnosed receive the necessary medication free of charge immediately, with serious cases being referred directly to the local hospital.

Dastageer, a 30-year-old Indian driver, was among those queuing for treatment at the camp. Helped with translation by a friend, Dastageer told the Kuwait Times that he had attended the camp after experiencing chest pains for some time. “I’ve been feeling this pain in the chest for a while now, and I couldn’t get proper treatment in the regular clinic because of the language barrier,” he explained. “I came today in a hope of finding an Indian doctor who can really understand what I’m suffering from, and give me a proper prescription.”

Hamam Baheej, a 26-yearold Egyptian welder, was also waiting to be treated, in his case for an ulcer on his tongue. He explained that he had previously received treatment for it on a number of occasions, but it had continued recurring.

“I thought since it’s free to receive treatment here, why don’t I come and get it checked out, especially since today is a holiday and we aren’t working,” he said.

Another of those awaiting treatment, 29-year-old Filipino mechanic Oliver Salatan, said that he had come to the clinic to get his eyes checked, “With the recent weather change I started to feel a pain in the eyes, so I decided to come here and use this opportunity of a day off and free medical care to get it treated,” he said.

Saleh Al-Mulla, the executive director of the medical committee said that this is not the first time that Al-Rahma has organized such an event, although this was the first one on such a large scale and requiring such a high level of organization as a result.

“We will continue to hold such events in the future,” he told the Kuwait Times. “We are currently developing a plan to hold a day for free medical care every month, but if we don’t have the capability to do that, we will hold it once every three months.”

Malallah, the medical committee’s executive director, said that the open day saw around 22 doctors specializing in a variety of fields providing basic medical checkups for up to 500 expatriate workers. “We perform general health checkups for expats, which include checking blood pressure, heartbeat and blood sugar level; the camp also contained a dental care unit, as well as eye check lab,” he explained.

KUWAIT: A group of expats waiting in a line to receive medical treatment. — Photos by Ahmad Saeid

Gulf states for peaceful use of nuke energy VIENNA: Gulf states seek to exploit the advantages of nuclear energy in the pursuit of peaceful projects, a Kuwaiti specialist said here yesterday.

Such projects are those useful in the generation of electric power and in the production of oil and gas, said Nader Al-Awadhi, vice-president of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR).

Other applications for nuclear energy, he noted,

were also of great benefit in the fields of agriculture, especially in livestock production, and water and in fighting diseases such as cancer and heart ailments.

Asked about the current extent of cooperation between the IAEA and Gulf states, Al-Awadhi said it involved three areas. One being preparatory plans for the use of nuclear energy; another formulating legislature affecting the proper utilization of nuclear energy,

and still another establishing effective programs to train Gulf citizens on harnessing the immense uses of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Al-Awadhi, who acts as Kuwait’s liaison with the IAEA, indicated that he had attended in Vienna a workshop last week — sponsored by the IAEA — for experts in nuclear energy from Asia, Arab and Gulf countries, aimed at chalking up a framework for nuclear cooperation

among IAEA members for the upcoming ten-year period.

The workshop, he maintained, was useful for states like those of the Gulf region, with a modicum of knowledge in nuclear energy, to rub shoulders with much more experienced ones like Japan, India, and North Korea. To drive home what was learned in the workshop the IAEA is organizing another one in May, he said. — KUNA

NATIONAL

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Kuwait hosts major exhibition

ASEAN products, services displayed under one roof

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: For the fourth time, representatives of the Asian community in Kuwait have gathered under one roof. The embassies of Brunei, Cambodia,

KUWAIT: The booth of Indonesia at the ASEAN Bazar.

The exhibition featured, demonstrations of products and services, information on tourism and extravagant cultural performances presented by participating embassies and independent vendors.

Booths from Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam displayed a variety of handicrafts, tex-

tiles, accessories and apparels. There were also Philippine vendors selling real estate for expatriates and a recruitment agency for professional workers in the country.

Thai exhibits focused on spa services while other embassies offered cultural information and tourism

Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, in cooperation with Asian Cultural Network, organized their annual Association of South East Asian Nations Bazaar (ASEAN) and tourism exhibition at the Hashemi Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday.

opportunities. Other booths offered food, decorations, cosmetics, bags and much more.

The highlight of the evening was colorful and vibrant cultural performances by participating embassies. Members of the diplomatic community, media and guests attended the performance which

showcased the traditional and ethnic dance routines of the different ASEAN nations.

The Asian Cultural Network announced that a tentative tourism and cultural exhibition will be held in March on the grounds of the Malaysian Embassy with a food festival at a nearby

hotel. The 4th ASEAN Bazaar was sponsored by The Noodle House of AlGhunaim Trading Company.

The bazaar was officially opened by the ambassadors of the ASEAN countries at 10 am. The bazaar and tourism exhibition closed at 2 pm and reopened at 5 pm until 10 pm.

New car sales expected to increase

KUWAIT: The representative of Malaysia at their booth. —Photos by Joseph Shagra

United efforts needed KUWAIT: MP Walid Al-Tabtabaei has called for an agreement between the cabinet, parliament and Chamber of Commerce on new legislation for the latter body, emphasizing the need to “address this problem.”

In an interview with Al-Watan TV, AlTabtabaei proposed the establishment of a supreme investment council administered by the Prime Minister or the finance ministry, which would be responsible for supervising the investments of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), the Public Institute For Social Security, the Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation and the Minors’ Affairs Authority.

The MP also controversially described the parliamentary interior and defense commit-

tees as “graveyards controlled by the interior and defense ministers, in which they bury any draft laws they don’t wish to pass.”

Al-Tabtabaei expressed optimism, however, that the current parliament would complete its four-year term “because it has already gained the cabinet’s satisfaction.”

The Islamist MP accused his liberal colleagues of a “dull” performance, alleging that they were “repaying the favor to the cabinet after it helped them reach their positions.”

He said that Islamist MPs had faced “a savage media campaign launched against them for their pursuit of accountability,” suggesting that this had led to “a decision being made to prevent them from reaching parliament.”

KUWAIT: Experts are predicting that Kuwaiti vehicle imports will rise by 20 percent this year to over 127,000, pointing out that the local market has already seen marked improvements over the past two months.

One local specialist said that the improvements in the imported vehicle market are mainly due to marketing campaigns carried out by local distributors and agents, as well as the attractive offers on new cars, reported Al-Anba.

The market has also been strengthened by the recent global financial crisis reducing demand for new cars because of the lack of liquidity and banks’ reluctance to extend credit to purchasers internationally, which saw manufacturers introducing lower prices and better packages.

KUWAIT: The National Bank of Kuwait recently held its annual Open Day for staff and their families at its campsite, with over 2,000 bank staff and their family members turning up to enjoy the great day out that was filled with all kinds of enjoyable activities and entertainment. The weather for the event was lovely and excitement filled the air as children, and parents, took part in the many games, rides and fun activities available.

NATIONAL

Monday, March 1, 2010

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Horrific accident on Seventh Ring Road

Body of Asian woman found in garbage dumpster in Hawally

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The bloodstained body of an unidentified Asian woman was discovered yesterday in a garbage dumpster in Hawally. After crime scene investigators examined the scene, the body was removed for autopsy. An investigation is underway to identify the woman and discover the cause of death.

Gruesome accident A garbage truck driver and a refuse collector were burnt to death in a horrific accident on the Seventh Ring Road at dawn yesterday when the truck crashed into a fuel tanker loaded with 8,000 gallons of petrol, ensuing in a massive explosion. Firefighters from the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Ardiya areas, along with others, rushed to the scene and battled to put out the massive blaze. The two victims’ charred bodies were removed for autopsy, while police blocked off the road until the spilt petrol was cleaned away.

16 injured in crash More than 16 Asians were injured in a massive accident on Jahra Road yesterday, two of them critically. Over ten ambulances rushed to the scene, with all the injured being taken to Jahra Hospital.

KUWAIT: Sheikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the chairwoman of the Supreme Committee for The Ideal Mother and Family Award, visited the security checkpoints established for the celebration of Kuwait’s recent National and Liberation Days. During her visit, she was received by the Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs, Maj Gen Mahmoud Al-Dossari, the Assistant Undersecretary for Operations, Maj Gen Mustafa Al-Zaabi and Ahmadi security director, Maj Gen Tariq Hamada.

Officer’s death The incident in which a police officer, Ahmad Husain Al-Azmi, was killed after his motorcycle slipped during the national holiday celebrations was determined accidental, according to ministry officials. They added that the officer was very qualified and had passed motorcycle training courses after he graduated, reported Al-Watan.

The comment was made following claims that police motorcyclists need further training. The official explained that the victim was part of a team of 30 policemen who enrolled in a training course and passed their tests, proving their ability to ride patrol motorcycles.

Furthermore, the officers were in service for 4 months, allowing them time to gain field experience. The accident occurred when AlAzmi lost control of his vehicle while driving on a road covered with foam and empty cans of foams during the national celebrations. As a result of the littered street, he fell to the ground and suffered fatal injuries. After graduating from academy school, officers were given the opportunity to choose between taking training courses in motorcycles or patrol cars, said the official. He added that it was recommended to increase the allowance of motorcyclists.

KUWAIT: Investigators examine the scene after the bloodstained body of an unidentified Asian woman was discovered. — Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh

No criminal intent Call for ban on party foam behind Sharq blaze

KUWAIT: The Environmental Public Authority (EPA) has added its voice to those calling for a ban on the import of cans of ‘party foam’ spray, with local environmentalists also suggesting that the party foam causes critical short and long-term environmental and health problems.

Dr. Saleh Al-Moudhi, the director of the EPA, said that the Ministry of Health had emphasized the risks which the foam poses to health, adding that the EPA has already contacted the Industrial Public Authority (IPA) to request that it ban the substance, reported Al-Rai. The canned party foam, which is widely used

during the celebration of Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days, contains harmful chemicals which can damage eyesight, said Dr. Hamad AlMuttar, the chairman of Kuwait’s Greenpeace organization, adding that the environmentalist group has urged the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to take the proper decision to ban the random and dangerous use of the substance during celebrations.

Twenty-six people were rushed to hospital during this year’s celebrations for treatment for foam-related problems, while 46 were treated on site.

KUWAIT: Investigators continue to search for the cause of the huge blaze in three, 30storey buildings in Al-Sharq.

Investigators believe that the fire started on the fourth floor while workers were carrying out maintenance operations in the affected buildings.

All evidence indicates that construction workers are to blame for the spread of the fire, reported Al-Watan.

Flammable substances and

materials used by the workers encouraged the spread of the fire.

Any criminal intent or electric short circuit has been ruled out as a possible cause.

Around 60 firefighters from six separate fire brigades participated in extinguishing the flames, which lasted for 35 minutes. The flames caused only material damage to the three buildings and no injuries were reported.

in the news

KUWAIT: One of the Protex Kuwait 2010 booths.

— Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Best Expo hosts second defense exhibition

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Those interested in weapons of all kinds and other related equipment are invited to visit the Second International Defense and Police Equipments Exhibition (Protex Kuwait 2010). The event is being held at the Kuwait International Fair Grounds in Mishref. The exhibition started yesterday morning and will last until March 2, 2010 in Hall Seven.

This fair is directed and organized by the Best Expo Group for Exhibitions and Conferences. “The growth achieved in Protex 2010, compared to the first one in 2008, proves Kuwait’s importance in the Middle East in the international defense sector,” said Abdulhamid Jalout, General Manager of Best Expo Group.

This exhibition gathers leading international and local companies working in the field of weapon industries and police equipment. “The exhibitors are showing the latest in modern technologies that deal with the challenges of the 21st century.

This fair attracts companies specialized in the field of defense systems, anti-terror technologies, telecommunications, training systems, radar and electronic war defense sys-

tems and many other defense industries and services,” he added.

The main goal of the exhibition is to develop Kuwait’s status as a defense center in the Middle East. “Our company hopes to make Kuwait a main world venue for defense and police equipment in the region.

For three days Protex Kuwait 2010 will present an important opportunity for the defense market in the Middle East,” stated Jalout.

Protex Kuwait 2010 includes more than 40 booths and many international exhibitors. “The exhibitors are representing the most popular companies in the defense industry, such as Lacroix Defense and Security from France, Paulson International from Germany, Ruag Aerospacce defense Technology from USA, Blackhawk also from USA, Newcon Optic from Canada and many others,” he explained.

“Also, there are many local companies exhibiting their services in the defense field such as Nayshan, Logistic systems Co., Ghadeer Al-Soor, Mayadeen, Al-Sada and others.

We expect that this huge number of exhibitors will attract thousands of visitors,” concluded Jalout.

Official slams ‘misuse’ of public funds on cleaners

‘Hardship’ suggestion KUWAIT: Official sources have revealed that the Minister of Education, Dr Moudhi AlHmoud, has refused the suggestion, made by a number of MPs, to consider teaching a hardship, reported Al-Anba.

The minister, addressing the Cabinet, said that there is no other country in the world that considers teaching a hardship and that Kuwait has instead offered incentives to teachers.

She added that the ministry has already offered special support to teachers by allowing them an outstanding salary scale. She said that approval of such a decision needs further study and the cooperation of different parties. She also said that such a decision might encourage teachers to retire early, effect the budget and the social security system.

Fraudster caught KUWAIT: A Egyptian conman who managed to cheat customers at the shop where he was employed out of KD 10,000 in a few hours was caught at Kuwait International Airport (KIA) just as he was about to flee the country with his ill-gotten gains. The man had been working at a mobile phone shop in Jahra had put up false advertisements outside the shop claiming that customers who paid over KD 50 for goods would get a ‘silver’ phone line, while those who paid over KD 100 would receive a ‘gold’ line. Ignoring the old adage, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it is,’ customers rushed to obtain the new service, with the conman taking KD 10,000 from his gullible victims in a few hours.

As soon as he had made the money, he fled for the airport, but the shop owner, hearing about the great special offers at the shop, quickly worked out what had happened and called the police, reported Al-Anba.

The fraudster was arrested at the airport as he was about to board a 3.30 AM flight for Cairo the next morning.

KUWAIT: The vehicle on fire on the Seventh Ring Road yesterday.

— Photo by Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: A Kuwait Municipality official has slammed the expenditure of public funds on what he said are unnecessarily large numbers of cleaners.

“This misuse and wastage of public funds should come to an end!” said the official, claiming that new cleaning contracts have been hastily approved with the necessary studies or investigation into the actual requirements.

The municipality is on the verge of signing new cleaning contracts for 12,000 cleaning workers, he said, asking, “On what grounds did the municipality estimate that Kuwait needs 12,000 cleaning workers of at least four nationalities?”

This was a gross overestimate, the official insisted, adding “Ten thousand cleaners would be

KUWAIT: One of the buildings in which fire broke out over the weekend.

MoC to link undersea Internet cable with Iranian system KUWAIT: The Ministry of Communications is waiting for approval from its Iranian counterpart before linking its ‘fogh’ undersea Internet cable with the Iranian cable system in the Gulf extending into the waters of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Concluding the necessary official procedures for the repair work to take place may take up to ten days, said Assistant MoC

Undersecretary Samah Abu Banat.

The undersecretary explained that the repair work on the cable could take two weeks depending on conditions in the Gulf, reported Al-Anba.

Abu Banat explained that the Kuwaiti government will pay five percent of the KD 100,000 cost of the operations, with the other states involved meeting the rest of the costs.

more than enough to cover and clean all of Kuwait if we really want to control and cut down on the number of marginal workers.” Reducing the number of cleaning staff hired in this way would also save the country a fortune, especially bearing in mind that the contract for these workers is for five years.

According to the government’s tender for these workers, the minimum monthly wage per cleaner should be KD 45, plus another KD 25 for food and accommodation, said the official. Despite this, some of the bidding companies had set aside only KD 40 for each worker’s wages and only KD 1 for food and accommodation. “How on earth will any worker be able to live on only one dinar for a whole month?” the official asked.

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Driver kills 21 sheep

Bedoon in custody for possession of drugs KUWAIT: Jahra police arrested a bedoon man in possession of drugs in Al-Sulabiya. The man attempted to escape police when he stopped at a road block. After a short chase on foot police apprehended the man. After searching the man, Co-op theft A thief broke into the Qashaniya Co-op Society and stole 25 boxes of soda. Police responded to the emergency call made by the supervisor of the co-op and police are in investigating the incident.

Road accident An American expatriate motorist drove into a flock of 25 sheep crossing Al-Liyah Road, killing 21 and injuring the other four.

Emergency personnel were quickly at the scene, reported Al-Watan, with the carcasses being removed while the injured animals were taken to a vet. An investigation has been launched into the accident.

Fire A fireman was injured while extinguishing flames in a warehouse containing construction material in Amghara. Attempting to put out the fire were 25 firefighters from three separate fire brigades. The fire was eventually extinguished and investigators are looking into the cause of the fire. No

The Anwar Al-Shami band leads the festivities.

authorities found him in possession of 415 illegal drug pills and found three bars of hashish in his car. The man was also found to be under the influence of drugs and was taken to the General Department for Drug Control.

injuries were reported in the fire.

Worker dies An Egyptian construction worker died after falling from the seventh floor of a building under construction in Hawally. Upon reaching the scene police and paramedics discovered that the worker had already died from his injuries. A case was opened and one of the construction workers claimed that his foot slipped while he was working.

Forgery Three Chinese men were arrested at the front gate of the Al-Shaaibah Oil Refinery after they tried to enter the premises using forged entry permits. They were taken to the authorities and they claimed that they were given the permits by their company’s representative.

Youngsters mugged Two youths were mugged by four men in Waha. The two young men were abducted while going for a walk in the area and forced

into their assailants’ vehicle. The youths were robbed of their cash and cell phones before being released in Mutlaa. They were picked up by a passerby who took them to a local police station. A case was opened and police are investigating the incident further.

Sexual harassment A 45-year-old woman was sexually harassed after exiting her apartment building in Salmiya when a young man approached her aggressively. The youth was forced to flee when the woman started screaming for help. She filed an official report with the Rumathiya police station after the incident. A case was opened and police are searching for the harasser.

Woman arrested A female citizen was arrested and detained at the Rumaithiya police station after she was caught driving under the influence of alcohol during the national celebrations. When inspecting her identity, police discovered that she was also wanted for a

Anwar Al-Shami and his band.

TEC celebrates national holidays at Khairan

By Rawan Khalid KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company celebrated the country’s national holidays at the Khairan Resort. In attendance was the Deputy CEO Khalid Al-Ghanim, Deputy Member of Touristic

Affairs, Meshari Al-Sanousi, and the General Manager of the Resort, Adnan Zain Al-Deen.

Also in attendance were more than 10,000 visitors.

The festival began with a celebratory performance by the Anwar Al-Shami band. After the national anthem was per-

Meshari Al-Sanousi and Adnan Zain Al-Deen.

A view from the festival.

formed, balloons carrying Kuwaiti flags and pictures of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah were released into the air. A cake was also brought on stage, decorated with pictures of HH the

Amir and HH the Crown Prince. The festival featured several activities including patriotic songs and a fireworks demonstration. Gifts were also distributed to celebrators and children were invited to participate in various activities at the kids club.

Khalid Al-Ghanim and Khalid Fawzi.

Al-Ghanim, Al-Sanousi and Zain Al-Deen cut the cake of the festival.

Al-Ghanim, Al-Sanousi and Zain Al-Deen share a laugh with a number of children.

TEC CEO, Sheikh Duaij Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, in a group photo with AlGhanim, Al-Sanousi, and other TEC officials.

Monday, March 1, 2010

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Iraqi PM defends ban of candidates before vote Decision reflects deep sectarian differences

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Christians protest yesterday to denounce violence against Christians in Mosul. —AFP

Christians in Baghdad denounce Iraq killings BAGHDAD: Dozens of Christians demonstrated in Baghdad yesterday to vent their anger over poor security in the wake of a series of killings of Christians in northern Iraq. The protesters, carrying Iraqi flags, shouted “Stop the killing of Christians” and called on authorities to guarantee the protection of Christians at the demonstration in Ferdus Square in central Baghdad.

Since February 14, eight Christians have been killed in Mosul, a city 350 kilometers (220 miles) north of Baghdad, leading to allegations from the minority community of inaction by the government and security forces. Bishop Shlemon Warduni, the second-most-senior Chaldean bishop in Iraq, took part in the protest and called for

more to be done to protect the Christian community.

“The government has done nothing so far,” he said, demanding that the United Nations, United States and European Union “defend the rights of Christians in Mosul.”

“We do not want to be involved in the rivalries of political parties running for election,” he said, referring to nationwide legislative elections set for March 7. Also yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI condemned the violence against Christians in Iraq and asked Iraqi authorities to protect “the most vulnerable religious minorities.” Iraq said on Thursday it will set up an inquiry and boost security in Mosul. — AFP

IAEA lacks independence: Khamenei TEHRAN: Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said yesterday the UN nuclear watchdog lacks independence, as the 35-member body meets this week to discuss a new report on Tehran’s atomic program. Urging the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to refrain from being “influenced by the United States,” Khamenei, in a speech to Tehran’s ambassadors abroad, said some recent “measures and reports of the agency show its lack of independence.”

The IAEA today begins four days of discussions in Vienna on its most recent report, which expresses concern at Tehran’s nuclear program and says the Islamic republic may “currently” be working on a nuclear warhead.

The report also confirms that Iran has started enriching uranium to higher levels, theoretically bringing it close to the levels needed for an atomic bomb.

The IAEA meeting could well pave the way for the fourth round of sanctions by the United Nations Security Council against Iran as world

powers are furious at Tehran for engaging in higher enrichment work. Iranian officials, including the all-powerful Khamenei, steadfastly deny Tehran is making an atom bomb.

Khamenei, in the speech broadcast on state television, said the IAEA’s “unilateral acts erode trust in this institution and the United Nations and it is very bad for the reputation of these international assemblies.” In November, the IAEA censured Iran for building a second uranium enrichment plant near the Shiite holy city of Qom, angering Tehran which then announced plans to build a further 10 new enrichment plants.

Khamenei reiterated yesterday that Iran will continue with its nuclear program.

“The Islamic republic has had several achievements in the field of nuclear technology despite all these pressures and it will advance them as far as is needed to reach self sufficiency in this scientific and technological field,” the cleric said. He also accused the United States, Britain and arch-foe Israel of spreading “lies” about Iran’s nuclear program. — AFP

in the news Hamas to extend detention of British reporter GAZA CITY: Gaza’s Hamas-run government yesterday sought to extend the detention of a British journalist, the first foreigner to be arrested by the Islamist group since it seized power in 2007. “Tomorrow the prosecution will request an extension because it needs more time to complete its investigation,” interior ministry spokesman Ihab Al-Ghussein said in a statement. Journalist Paul Martin was arrested on February 14 in a Gaza courtroom while testifying for a Palestinian friend accused of “collaborating with Israel.” But until now he has not been charged with anything, according to his lawyer Sharhabil Al-Zaim. Britain has expressed concern over Martin’s case, as has the Foreign Press Association, which said he had been freelancing in the region for the last five years and was also a filmmaker. The interior ministry has accused him of “violating Palestinian law and security in the Gaza Strip” without providing further details. Martin is the first foreigner to have been detained by Hamas since it violently seized power in the coastal enclave sandwiched between Israel and Egypt in June 2007, according to Palestinian rights groups. Hamas, which swept the last Palestinian parliamentary elections held in January 2006, is blacklisted by Israel and the

West as a “terrorist organization.”

Qaeda releases audio message from kidnapped Italian DUBAI: Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has released an audio message from one of two Italians kidnapped in Mauritania in December, US-monitoring agency SITE said yesterday. The message is a plea from Italian captive Sergio Cicala and is entitled “Call from the kidnapped Italian to the Berlusconi government,” said SITE, which monitors Islamist websites. It said Cicala’s statement, slightly over a minute long, is delivered in Italian and is dated February 24. Cicala, 65, and his Burkina Fasoborn wife Philomene Kabore, 39, were abducted in southeast Mauritania on December 18 by AQIM. SITE said that on February 5, AQIM issued a message demanding the release of prisoners in exchange for the captives, giving the Italian government 25 days to comply. In a brief statement from AQIM accompanying Cicala’s message, the group called on Italians to pressure their government to meet the demands of the kidnappers. “We reaffirm our call to the families of the kidnapped and to Italian public opinion: If you desire the safety of the captives, then apply pressure on your offending government and ask it to respond to the legitimate demands of the mujahedeen.”

CAIRO: Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa (left) shakes hands with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Murray Stuart McCully after their meeting yesterday. — AFP

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s prime minister yesterday defended a decision to ban hundreds of candidates from the upcoming election, saying the decision was not intended to target the country’s minority Sunni population. In an interview with The Associated Press, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, who is up for re-election in the March 7 parliamentary vote, gave a detailed defense of the decision, saying it was made because the candidates were “blatantly propagating Baath Party ideas.” “It’s not true that it targeted Sunnis,” said Al-Maliki. “The decision will not at all affect the Sunni turnout for the election. The decision was made because some of those were blatantly propagating Baath Party ideas.”

The decision to keep hundreds of candidates from the election, including a prominent Sunni lawmaker, for alleged ties to Saddam Hussein’s ruling party has dominated Iraq’s political debate for weeks and reflects the deep sectarian differences that still divide the country.

Many in the country’s Sunni minority, which dominated the Baath Party leadership, were outraged by the decision, which they felt unjustly targeted Sunni political figures in an attempt to sideline them from the political process. In discussing the ban, Al-Maliki appeared to distance himself from the two men who initiated the process - Shiite politicians Ali Al-Lami and Ahmed Chalabi, who are both running in the election.

The two, who head the Accountability and Justice Committee that vetted candidates for ties to the former regime, shocked the Iraqi political system when they announced a list of hundreds of names of people with ties to the former regime. But AlMaliki emphasized that the legal justification for the ban came not from their initial decision but from a later committee, set up with parliamentary backing, to investigate their findings. The question of whether the Accountability and Justice Committee had a legal basis to take action has been a key source of contention in this debate.

Ever since the fall of Saddam in 2003, Iraq has been torn about how to deal with the former members of the ruling regime. A decision by the US Coalition Provisional Authority to disband the Iraqi army and purge the government of tens of thousands of former Baath Party members has been widely credited with helping incite the insurgency.

In 2008, thousands were allowed to retake government jobs as part of a national reconciliation process, but last fall tensions heightened again when Al-Maliki accused Baathists of being behind a series of bombings targeting government buildings in Baghdad.

The Shiite prime minister gained popularity as a leader who was able to bring relative security and stability to this nation shattered by vicious sectarian fighting, in partnership with US forces. The winner of next Sunday’s vote will preside over a drawdown of US forces that will see all combat troops leave Iraq by the end of August and all American forces go home by 2011. When asked whether he might ask for any US forces to remain after 2011, Al-Maliki said he was not afraid to ask for troops if needed but that he thought it would not be necessary.

“In my estimation as prime minister and with my knowledge of the capability of the Iraqi army and police, I think we are not in need of them, God willing,” he said. The prime minister said security cooperation in the future between the US and Iraq might not require American forces on the ground, but rather an agreement that could be activated if Iraq were to be in danger. — AP

NAJAF: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki waves at a rally ahead of a March 7 general election on February 27, 2010. — AFP

How nuke equipment reached Iran TAIPEI: Early last year, a Chinese company placed an order with a Taiwanese agent for 108 nuclear-related pressure gauges.

But something happened along the way. Paperwork was backdated. Plans were rerouted, orders reconfigured, shipping redirected.

And the gauges ended up in a very different place: Iran. The story behind the gauges shows how Iran is finding its way around international sanctions meant to prevent it from getting equipment that can be used to make a nuclear bomb.

At least half a dozen times in recent years, the Gulf nation has tried to use third countries as transshipment points for obtaining controlled, nuclear-related equipment.

In the case of the pressure gauges, it succeeded. In the process, the Swiss manufacturer and the Swiss government were duped, a Chinese company went around its own government’s prohibition on moving nuclear-related equipment to Iran, and Taiwanese authorities showed themselves unwilling or unable to get into step with the international community.

The deal was a huge victory for Tehran, which had been seeking the gauges for months, said nuclear proliferation expert David Albright, president of the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security. It also reflected the uneven enforcement of international sanctions against Iran, at a time when the US and other Western countries are pushing hard to expand them.

“The (Iranian) government looked everywhere - Russia, Europe, the US, and they were being thwarted by the international community,” Albright said. “It’s really unfortunate they succeeded in using this Taiwan-China connection...This case is a wakeup call of the importance of universal and timely application of sanctions on Iran.” Iran says it wants to enrich uranium to generate nuclear power, but the West fears that it actually seeks weapons capabilities.

It’s impossible to verify how Iran is using the gauges, also known as pressure transducers or capacitance diaphragm gauges, which have numerous commercial applications in machines that employ pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. But experts say the large size of the order suggests very strongly that they are for centrifuges to churn out enriched uranium. As of last November, Iran had 8,692 centrifuges, of which 3,936 were running, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Each centrifuge normally requires a transducer, though a single gauge can also serve up to 10 linked centrifuges.

“The gauges are extremely useful to them,” said Ferenc Dalnoki-Veress, a physicist at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at California’s Monterey Institute of International Studies. “It’s a very big deal.” At first, the transaction seemed above board. A Jan 24,

BAD RAGAZ, Switzerland: In this Feb 9, 2010 photo, an apartment house with a letter-box of Swiss manufacturer Inficon Holding AG is seen. —AP 2009, purchase order shows that Roc-Master Manufacture & Supply Company ordered the gauges for delivery to its Shanghai base. The order - in the amount of $112,303.72 - was placed with Heli-Ocean Technology Co Ltd, the Taiwanese agent for Swiss manufacturer Inficon Holding AG. Inficon, together with MKS of Andover, Massachusetts, produces most of the world’s supply of this type of transducer.

On Feb 6, Heli-Ocean received an initial payment from RocMaster and placed an order with Inficon for the transducers, documents show. Then the situation changed. Roc-Master issued a revised purchase order, backdated to Jan 24, instructing Heli-Ocean to ship the transducers not to Shanghai, but to the Tehran airport. The consignee is named as Moshever Sanat Moaser, an Iranian company described on its website as a provider of specialty alloys and industrial parts. The second purchase order also increased the amount to $145,800, almost $33,500 more than the original, without explanation.

Apparently the change in destination and the nature of the shipment alarmed Heli-Ocean, because in a Feb 18 email seen by the AP, Roc-Master assured the Taiwanese company that the 108 transducers were not for Iran’s nuclear industry. It also said that Chinese law barred the shipment of the transducers from China to Iran. None of this was revealed to the Swiss manufacturer and authorities.

Inficon CEO Lukas Winkler told the AP that had his company known the end-user was Moshever Sanat Moaser, it would never have sold the transducers to Heli-Ocean. He said the gauges fall within Swiss sanctions on exports to Iran. “The end-user certificate we got did not say Iran,” he said. “The deal was done via a Chinese company. And we have a certificate with the name of a Chinese end-user on it.”

Winkler said that before the goods were sent, Inficon reported the transaction to Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, because the number of transducers raised its suspicions.

“We always have the goods checked when it is a big order,” he said. “If someone wants one single device it’s not delicate. But if someone wants 100 at once, that’s very unusual for this type of prod-

uct.” In a statement, the Swiss secretariat said the transducers did not require an export license, because “the exporter was not aware that those goods were destined for Iran”. “Otherwise an approval of the Swiss export control authorities would have been necessary,” the statement continued. “Switzerland would not grant any license for the export of such transducers to Iran.”

European governments have been stopping nine out of 10 Iranian attempts to get pressure transducers, according to European intelligence, Albright said. One European country witnessed 40 procurement attempts from Iran for pressure transducers from August 2008 to August 2009. Taiwan, however, let the shipment go through. For more than 30 years, the island has been the orphan of the international community, denied membership in organizations like the United Nations because of China’s insistence that it has no sovereign status of its own. The result has been a gaping lack of familiarity with push-button issues for the West Iran among them - and a strong interest in building up the trade links that define its place in the world.

Taiwan, unlike Switzerland and China, does not belong to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an alliance of 46 countries that seek to limit the spread of nuclearrelated equipment. However, Taiwan says it enforces export control lists based on NSG protocols. The transducers arrived in Taiwan on March 9, 2009, three days after they were shipped from Switzerland, according to a Taiwanese freight forwarder’s document obtained by the AP. They were reported to Taiwanese Customs on March 10, the document shows.

A Taiwanese official with intimate knowledge of the deal told the AP they were shipped from Taipei airport to Iran sometime in March. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.

The official said Heli-Ocean broke no laws. He said the transducers sent to Iran were not sensitive enough to be placed on the island’s control list and, as such, did not need a special customs declaration.

However, three experts who examined the specifications of the transducers for the AP confirmed

that they were on the NSG watchlist. Their movement to Iran should have been stopped, said researcher Stephanie Lieggi of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Monterey Institute’s Martin Center. “Any country adhering to the NSG lists would likely deny this export to Iran,” she said in an email to the AP. Taiwan may not be so quick to allow such transactions in the future. The Taiwanese official said the government has decided to require Heli-Ocean to declare any further sales to the Iranian company before they are carried out.

“Taiwan had contacts with a foreign intelligence agency after the transaction,” the official said.

“The agency provided us with intelligence that it suspected an Iranian entity could be procuring pressure transducers from a company in a third country and using them for nuclear proliferation purposes.” Taiwanese companies have been caught exporting sensitive items before. In January, a freight forwarder employee was indicted for helping Taipei-based Axiomtek Co move industrial computers to Iran. In 2008 a court convicted Taipei-based Trans Merits Co Ltd of exporting proscribed computing equipment to North Korea.

Albright said Heli-Ocean should never have gone through with the sale to Moshever Sanat Moaser. “Because of Inficon’s status as a major producer of pressure transducers, an Inficon agent like Heli-Ocean should have known about the problematic nature of their export to Iran,” he said. Added Dalnoki-Veress: “This deal is definitely a red flag.

If (Heli-Ocean) gets an order for 100 units they have to check if it’s legitimate.” Steve Lin, the HeliOcean boss, declined to answer specific questions about the deal but insisted he had done nothing wrong. “I don’t support terrorists,” he told the AP in January. “I don’t want to hurt people.”

Officials at Moshever Sanat Moaser in Tehran did not respond to several requests for comment.

As for China, the incident will likely fuel suspicions about its commitment to nonproliferation.

The oil-hungry nation is heavily invested in Iran’s energy industry and has opposed tougher sanctions on Tehran. A blog on RocMaster’s Web site highlights its role in supplying equipment for a natural gas project on Iran’s Kharg Island in March 2008.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said he was unaware of the pressure gauge deal. However, he wrote in a fax: “I would be glad to reaffirm China stands firm and clear on the issue of preventing nuclear arms proliferation. We have already established comprehensive regulations for export control and an effective system to administer them. All illegal exports are forbidden.” In Shanghai, Roc-Master official Liu Xiaofeng initially said he didn’t recall the transaction. But when pressed, he replied, “It’s our company’s secret information, so I don’t think we need to tell the media anything about it.” —AP

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Ukraine’s Prez Yanukovych heads West but looks East KIEV: Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych makes his first foreign trip to Brussels today, but the gesture of goodwill toward Europe may ring hollow days later when he goes to strike concrete deals with the Kremlin. Soon after Yanukovych’s inauguration last week, his critics dismissed the significance of the Brussels visit, in part because the EU flag was removed from Kiev’s European Square for the first time in five years. But Anna German, his

deputy chief of staff, told The Associated Press that Yanukovych would pursue a balanced foreign policy, and would dedicate his first week in office to making Ukraine “a bridge between East and West.” “We will begin building that bridge in Brussels and finish it in Moscow,” she said.

This marks a drastic shift away from Yanukovych’s predecessor, Viktor Yushchenko, who had broken ties with Russia to seek membership in the European Union and NATO, in

both cases without success. “Our policy is dictated by the crisis situation in our economy,” German said. “We are in need of support from our friends both in the West and the East.” The Brussels visit, she said, will involve general discussions about energy security and a possible deal on visa-free travel, while the talks in Moscow on Friday are expected to be more substantive.

“From the Moscow visit we expect concrete agreements,”

German said. “This is not just a cordial visit, but a very pragmantic visit.” Supporters of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko lament what they see as an effort to turn Ukraine into a Kremlin vassal state. Tymoshenko lost the presidential election to Yanukovych and remains his political enemy. “The EU flag was taken down, and that is a bad sign,” the deputy head of her political party, Sergei Sobolev, told the AP. The flag was placed there after

the 2004 Orange Revolution, a series of pro-democracy protests that managed to overturn Yanukovych’s election victory that year. Yushchenko, who led the protests, won the presidency in a revote after campaigning for European integration and freedom from Kremlin influence.

Tymoshenko was the charismatic face of those demonstrations and became the prime minister under Yushchenko. But the two soon fell out, causing gridlock in the govern-

ment and helping Yanukovych to make a comeback in this year’s ballot.

Now analysts say the links to Europe painstakingly built under the Orange leadership will take a back seat to renewed ties with Russia.

“The Russian vector will be the dominant one in Yanukovych’s policies,” said Vadim Karasyov, director of the Institute of Global Strategies, a Kiev think tank. “The Western vector will be used for Yanukovych’s image-making and to calm his crit-

ics.” The gravest concerns have surrounded energy policy. Russia has long sought to re-establish control over the pipelines that carry 80 percent of its gas sales to Europe and account for a fifth of Europe’s supply.

Yanukovych has invited Russia to take part in a consortium along with Western Europe to jointly operate Ukraine’s pipeline network, offering a level of interdependence with Moscow that the Orange leadership had fought to remove. —AP

Rebel group orders UN food organization to quit Somalia Agency accused of covert political scheme

BRIGHTON: The leader of the opposition Conservative Party, David Cameron, delivers a keynote speech yesterday during the Conservative Party Spring Conference. —AFP

British polls are a ‘real fight’: David Cameron BRIGHTON: British opposition leader David Cameron admitted yesterday he faced a “real fight” to revive the Conservatives’ general election hopes as a poll showed their giant lead had all but vanished. The survey in The Sunday Times newspaper found that Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s governing Labor Party had narrowed the gap to two points, the closest the parties have been in two years with the difference sometimes reaching 20.

Cameron was in Brighton on the southern English coast to make a crucial address to the Conservatives’ final conference before the general election expected around May 6. He admitted the poll showed the race was “tightening up” ahead of the election, telling BBC radio he “always believed this election would be close”. “I always thought we would have a real fight on our hands and we have,” he said.

“The British people are quite right.

They are saying: we are going into this election, now prove to me that you have got what it takes.” Cameron added

though he had “never been up for a challenge as much as this”. The YouGov survey in The Sunday Times put the main opposition Conservatives on 37 percent of support, with Labour on 35 percent. The Liberal Democrats were on 17 percent.

The Conservatives were down two points on last week, while Labor were up two, the survey said. The Liberals were unchanged. The Tories have been ahead in the opinion polls since 2008 with their lead over Labour at times reaching more than 20 points. YouGov interviewed 1,436 adults across Britain on Thursday and Friday.

Conservative chairman Eric Pickles told delegates in Brighton that voters were facing “the most single important political choice for a generation”. But he admitted that a Tory victory was “not going to be easy. It’s going to be a long slog.” He accused Brown of having “single-handedly destroyed our country”.

“He has destroyed our economy. He has failed to meet the great social chal-

lenges facing our country. And his legacy will be one of neglect and cynicism.

It is a legacy of failure,” Pickles said.

“Mr Brown: your time is up. Your chances have gone. The excuses well we’ve had enough of them. It’s time to call it a day.”

“I’ll warn you Mr Brown: from what I’ve seen of you, we’re ready for you.”

On Saturday the prime minister told Labor that they could still win a fourth straight term in office. “When people ask if we can win that fight in 2010, I say: we can. We must. And we will,” Brown told the Welsh Labor Conference in Swansea. The Conservatives announced in Brighton that their campaign slogan would be “Vote for Change”. Labor have gone with “A Future Fair for All”. Brown can call the election at any time before parliament expires on May 10. Local elections are fixed for May 6 and many commentators believe the general election will be held on the same day to boost turnout and avoid voters being called to the polls twice in a matter of weeks. —AFP

MOGADISHU: Somalia’s hardline Islamist rebel group AlShabaab has ordered the UN food agency to halt all operations and leave the failed horn of Africa state, a statement from the rebels said yesterday. The World Food Program’s Somalia operation has faced several challenges in recent months including accusations of diversion of food by its workers to rebels. It dismissed the charges after its own internal investigations. “Effective as of today, all of WFP’s operations inside Somalia are terminated and the organization has been completely banned,” Al-Shabaab said in the statement.

The group said the agency’s food distribution had negatively impacted local farmers and accused it of handing out expired food and of harboring covert political aims like offering assistance to Ethiopians. “All Somali persons, businessmen and truck drivers who are currently contracted to or working with WFP are hereby instructed to terminate their contracts immediately,” the statement added.

Anyone found working with the agency after the order was issued would be considered an accomplice to the organization’s schemes and guilty of aiding in the destruction of the economy, Al-Shabaab said in the statement issued by its self-styled Office for Supervising the Affairs of Foreign Agencies.

Asked about the order, Peter Smerdon, a spokesman for the World Food Program in Nairobi, told Reuters: “WFP is determined to help the people of Somalia in need of assistance, regardless of who controls the areas in which they live, as long as it is safe for our staff to do so.”

Al-Shabaab had earlier ordered the agency to stop importing food for relief into the country and to source it from Somali farmers from the beginning of this year. The insurgents control most of the south of the drought-ravaged country, where fighting between the rebels and government troops, has worsened one of the world’s most acute humanitarian crisis.

The UN Food Agricultural Organization estimates that nearly half of the Somali population needs aid and the country has the world’s highest malnutrition levels. WFP, which has been central to the international response to the crisis, last month halted operations in much of southern Somalia, citing unacceptable conditions and demands from armed groups. Fighting in Somalia, which has had no effective central government for 19 years, has killed at least 21,000 people and forced more that 1.5 million from their homes since the start of 2007. —Reuters

Spain says ETA rebels’ top leader detained in France

CAHAN: One of the three suspected members of Basque separatist group ETA (with green coat over his head) is escorted by members of the French antiterrorist squad RAID yesterday. —AP

MADRID: The leader of the armed Basque separatist group ETA was caught yesterday in northern France, the Spanish government said, in the latest blow to a group weakened by 32 arrests in just two months. Ibon Gogeascoechea, wanted for trying to kill Spain’s King Juan Carlos in 1997, was caught along with two other senior ETA rebels in a joint Spanish-French raid near the small town of Cahan in Normandy, the Interior Ministry said.

Gogeascoechea was the fifth top ETA leader to be caught since 2008 and his arrest was just one of a wave of detentions this year, which has also seen the seizure of two tons of explosives, Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said. “I would say these have been the worst two months in ETA’s history,” Rubalcaba told a news conference, adding that he thought the two men caught with Gogeascoechea were receiving their last orders before going on a mission to Spain.

“This was a commando group about to enter

Spain with the worst intentions,” Rubalcaba said.

The government believes ETA, which has killed more than 850 people but whose last fatal attack was the killing of two police officers on the island of Majorca in July, has been severely weakened by hundreds of arrests in recent years. Much of the improvement in police action has been due to cooperation with France and Portugal, which rebels have used as hideouts.

Support for violence ebbing A leading member of ETA’s political wing Batasuna last week called for an end to the armed struggle. A faction of Batasuna now wants to launch a legal political party to peacefully pursue the aim of independence for the Basque Country from Spain. But Batasuna has lost influence over the rebels since the collapse of a peace talks with the Spanish government following a bomb attack on Madrid airport in 2006 which ended a ceasefire and killed two people. —Reuters

COPENHAGEN: A file photo shows Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Meles Zenawi attending a press conference at the Bella center. —AFP

Ethiopia’s main party bids to extend reign of Meles ADDIS ABABA: When a small, rag-tag band of rebels from Ethiopia’s northern Tigray province took up arms against the government in 1975, few thought they could win a minor scuffle, let alone lead a whole country. But the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) saw its members swell in ranks over time, and it joined with other guerrilla movements to finally topple Mengistu Haile Mariam’s brutal regime in 1991.

Thirty-five years after its founding, the TPLFnow well entrenched in power in the EPRDF coalition-celebrated its anniversary this week amid looming elections and pledges of economic prosperity.

“This day is being marked at a time when Ethiopia is registering a growth rate of more than 10 percent for the sixth consecutive year,” Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said in a speech marking his party’s celebrations. The Horn of Africa nation will hold elections on May 23, and the ruling party is already ratcheting up its campaign by lauding its achievements. Under Meles’ 19-year reign, Ethiopia’s education and health coverage has more than doubled, according to UN figures, and the 55-year-old former rebel leader usually flourishes these like trump cards against critics.

Yet for some, the TPLF’s most notable gain was avoiding the “Balkanisation” of the country.

By implementing an ethnic-based federal structure, party members say they have been able to coax Ethiopia’s disgruntled ethnic groups into unity. “Our biggest achievement was implementing the constitution and achieving unity based on equality,” founding member Sibhat Nega told AFP. “We are implementing a revolutionary system that will accelerate economic growth,” he adds.

“But nothing is perfect yet.” Now 76, Sibhat is no longer a member of the tight-knit group’s central committee, but is known to exercise immense influence behind the scenes. In recent times how-

ever, the ruling party has faced scathing criticism over spiraling rights abuses and restrictions on the political oppositions. Ethiopia has passed a raft of legislation since 2007 that many see as obstacles to democracy, including an anti-terror law which Human Rights Watch says can be used for arbitrary prosecution under the guise of national security.

Some experts blame existing hardliners within the party for the backtracking of the democratization process. “They are a concern. Although it is refreshing that they have a vision larger than filling their pockets, they are still the Marxist bush fighters that resist change,” a Western diplomat told AFP. “They have backtracked significantly since 2005, when they realized they could have lost,” another diplomat said.

The 2005 polls ended in chaos when the opposition accused the regime of rigging the vote, sparking massive protests throughout the country. According to a government investigation, 200 people were killed in two bouts of violence, and Meles, once praised by former US President Bill Clinton as a “Renaissance leader” turned villain overnight. Five years on, opposition leaders are once again accusing the ruling party of pulling out all the stops to stay in power, using a familiar arsenal of arbitrary arrests and trumped-up coup charges.

Birtukan Mideksa, chairwoman of Ethiopia’s largest opposition party, was re-arrested 17 months ago after her pardon from a life sentence was revoked on grounds that she denied expressing remorse. Sibhat defends the measures: “The law is the pillar of the country, you can not violate it. All those who do so face the consequences be it from the bullet, lethal injection, or incarceration.” Some experts accuse Western powers like the United States of turning a blind eye in order not to put Ethiopia’s role as a reliable regional ally at risk. —AFP

Somali pirates free freighter for ransom BRUSSELS: Somali pirates released yesterday a Greekowned freighter and its crew of 19, captured two months ago, after receiving a ransom payment, the EU’s naval force announced. “EU NAVFOR can now confirm that the Greek owned Panama flagged Bulk Carrier the Navios Apollon that was hijacked on the 28 of December has been released this morning of 28 February,” the mission’s headquarters said in a statement.

The release of the 52,000tonne ship, its Greek captain and 18 Filipino crew members came the day after an unspecified ransom was paid to the pirates. It was the second such ransom drop and release in days, with governments and companies in a dilemma over the need to recover their ships and crews amid fears that ransoms encourage further piracy.

Britain warned early this month that ransom payments could encourage more kidnaps, but denied blocking an independent negotiator from trying to agree a price for a British couple held hostage in Somalia since October 23. Commander John Harbour, NAVFOR’s chief spokesman, told AFP that the European Union, like the United Nations, was not in favor of paying ransoms but understood the motives of those who do. —AFP

BERLIN: Around 500 greenpeace activists build the word “NEIN” (No) with tables and benches, completed with a banner reading “to genetically modified crops”, in front of the Brandenburg gate yesterday during a protest against genetically manipulated plants. —AFP

INTERNATIONAL

Monday, March 1, 2010

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Clinton faces Latin America test on Iran WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton flew to Latin America yesterday, working to buff a lackluster US image in a region where Brazil is emerging as a regional power with global aspirations. The trip, featuring Clinton’s first stops in South America as secretary of state, includes a visit to Chile tomorrow, although officials said they were assessing the situation after Saturday’s 8.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the country.

Brazil is the centerpiece of Clinton’s five-day visit and she will use her March 3 stop there to seek support for the drive on the UN Security Council to put new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. Brazil-a non-permanent member of the council-has been reluctant to get tough on Iran and analysts say

Clinton faces a diplomatic test as she seeks to bring President Inacio Lula da Silva on board in the final weeks before UN diplomats unveil the sanctions strategy in New York.

But the trip also marks a fresh US start in Latin America, which saw early hopes for better ties with the Obama administration fade amid disputes over last year’s Honduras coup and the continued US embargo on communist-ruled Cuba. That disappointment was underscored this week when the “Rio Group” including Mexico and Brazil agreed to form a new regional bloc that explicitly leaves out the United States-a thumbed nose at a power many feel is still too cavalier in its dealings with its southern neighbors.

“Their early expectations were

very large, and probably impossible to meet,” said Peter DeShazo, director of the Americas program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“There has been a lot more continu-

strategic importance skyrocket as a major new front in the battle against international drug traffickers. “She is making the right stops,” said Roberto Izurieta, head of the Latin America Department at The George

agree on a resolution calling for new sanctions on Tehran.

Russia has sounded more positive about possible sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran says is for peaceful purposes but which

Brazil under pressure on Iran nuke sanctions ity in policy than people expected.”

Latin America-watchers say Clinton’s itinerary speaks volumes.

The first two stops on the trip, Uruguay and Chile, have both recently held smooth elections and are regarded as models of moderate, market-oriented economies.

She winds up with stops in Costa Rica, another stable longtime US ally, and Guatemala, which has seen its

Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management. “She is supporting moderate economic policies and democratic principles. It is the right message.”

Tough sell on iran Despite the Latin America focus, Iran will top the agenda as the United States and other veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council, along with Germany, seek to

western powers fear is a cover for building atomic weapons.

But China has called for more talks, and Brazil-which hosted Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in November-is also reluctant, a position Clinton may not be able to change. Julia Sweig, director of the Latin American program at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Brazil’s own experience with both

nuclear energy and democratic transformation made it leery of US sabrerattling over Iran’s current crisis.

“They see themselves as having had an experience both in shifting toward a peaceful nuclear program and in shifting to democracy that Iran might have the potential to undergo right now,” Sweig said. “They are still insisting on not isolating Iran, though I don’t know how long they will be able to play that out.” Brazil has also pushed for a change in US isolation of Cuba-Lula payed an “emotional” visit to the island last week — and those calls are likely to be repeated during Clinton’s two stops in Central America.

While the Obama administration resumed migration talks with Cuba that had been suspended by former

President George W. Bush in 2004, it has been cautious on any broader policy change despite repeated prodding by its Latin American neighbors.

Clinton is also likely to be pressed on Honduras, which is struggling to return to stability and legitimacy after a coup last year toppled President Manuel Zelaya. The United States helped to broker new democratic elections in November that brought President Porfirio Lobo to power. But Washington was widely accused of failing to take a strong enough line on Zelaya’s ouster-raising bitter memories of U.S. support for past military coups in the region.

“She’s got to make up for lost time, especially over Honduras,” Sweig said. “American credibility has really taken a hit.” — Reuters

Wary Chileans sleep outside after quake affects millions Incoming president faces daunting rebuilding task CONCEPCION: Chileans fearful of aftershocks camped outside yesterday in towns shattered by a massive earthquake, as officials struggled to grasp the scale of the damage to the country’s transport, energy and housing infrastruc-

PORT-AU-PRINCE: In this picture, Petersen Hilan grimaces as he does physical therapy on his recently amputated leg at a field hospital.— AP

Young Haitian loses leg to save his sister’s life PORT-AU-PRINCE: It’s just after 6 am, and Petersen Hilan is waking from a dream where he was rollerblading and playing soccer. The morning sun jolts him back to reality - he no longer has a right leg.

The high school senior looks up at the tangerine light streaming through the canvas tent. Mornings remind him of the feeling just before his leg was amputated three weeks ago. “The serum went in my arm and all I thought was that death probably feels just as sweet,” Hilan says. He looks under his cot to find the grey rollerblades he used to wear and extra crutches stuck in the mud. There is no running water, so he splashes cologne under his arms. He struggles to lift himself up on the cot to pull on a pair of baggy denim shorts.

In Haiti’s apocalyptic landscape of tilted and flattened houses, smiling schoolchildren in smart uniforms and colorful hair bows have been replaced by legions of young amputees. More than 4,000 Haitians have gone through amputations since the quake, hundreds of them without anesthesia. Some lost more of their limbs than necessary because of the lack of equipment and medicine during a crushing influx of broken people.

More amputations are expected. Doctors say some people have been walking around with compound fractures for weeks. Others have never had medical treatment for infections. One of Haiti’s few prosthetics factories, Healing Hands, was severely damaged in the quake, and it could take months to produce enough prosthetics for amputees. The government has said it will develop a plan for the country’s newly disabled - Haiti has few elevators, ramps or accessible buildings - but few details have emerged. In the meantime, amputees like Hilan are struggling to cope in a country where the disabled have long been seen as a drain on their families.

The 21-year-old doesn’t want sympathy. But in another country, he believes, he wouldn’t have lost the leg. Doctors say he’s probably right. “I think eventually there will be a new Haiti,” says Hilan.

“Unfortunately, I lost my leg in the old Haiti.” When the earth shook on Jan 12, Hilan was just a semester away from high school graduation, after several interruptions from hurricanes, floods and political unrest.

He was living with his mother and seven family members in a cement house about 10 blocks away from the Champ de Mars, Port-au-Prince’s central plaza.

As he stood in the tiny kitchen near his 4-year-old sister, Carmel, cinder blocks came crashing down, one by one. “I grabbed Carmel and pushed her outside,” says Hilan. “But then everything became dark and it felt like something was pulling me into the ground. I looked down and my foot was completely broken. I couldn’t move.” A friend extracted Hilan and laid him on the street where other casualties were frozen in a daze, from injuries or shock at the nightmare unfolding around them. As dusk fell, Hilan lay on the ground for two hours while his friend and a cousin searched for a hospital. Many had tumbled. Others were crowded with patients but no doctors or nurses.

They eventually hurried back to report that a tidal wave was coming. Panicked by what turned out to be a false rumor, they moved Hilan to the higher ground of the Champ de Mars. Hilan’s family tried every day for the next six days to get him medical attention.

Constant aftershocks only exacerbated the pain. The gangrene was creeping, the stench of Hilan’s wound worsened. Eventually Hilan went to a hospital near the airport, where an American doctor explained his options.

“He apologized to me but told me that if he didn’t amputate, I would be dead in two days.” These days, Hilan wakes up in an outdoor camp where thousands of earthquake survivors live. He shares a cot with two siblings, while six other family members sleep on a splintered pink door and chairs. Around 9 am, Hilan’s mother slips outside to buy coffee and bread rolls. She’s ashamed to ask him to do such things now. Hilan’s new life has meant abandoning favorite pastimes and chores such as watching out for siblings

and shopping for groceries.

Hilan instructs a friend in the tent to connect the television donated by neighbors. But first they have to see if the overnight rains have shorted out the mud-caked wires. With the flick of the button, Hilan is relieved. Before, he would play soccer with friends or dance kompa - slow, rhythmic music - with girlfriends. Now, he plays video games. An hour passes as he splatters virtual enemies on the old TV screen. “One of the worst things about this is I can’t defend myself,” says Hilan.

Haiti is grueling enough for the able-bodied, but it can be torture for the disabled. Many families have put disabled relatives out on the street or sent them to live elsewhere because they can no longer contribute financially. “We were out on the street and a little boy ran up to us shouting, “Bout Pye!”‘ Hilan’s mother Denise says, using a Creole phrase that means half leg. “I was shocked. It made me feel like I was dying inside, but Hilan just ignored it and kept moving.” By 11 am, Hilan is bored.

He sets out for the hospital. He slowly makes his way through a maze of white tents. A woman is roasting corn on the cob over an open charcoal fire. A rooster pecks at the dirt. A man holds a baby whose leg has been amputated below the hip. The passage between the tents is almost impenetrable because of the mud. Hilan’s crutches get caught on neighbors’ tent lines. Eventually, he makes it to the busy street.

A man in a battered Subaru offers him a lift for 50 gourdes ($1.50). The car takes him to a private hospital that has since gone public to accommodate Haiti’s countless injured. Tents handling the overflow are filled with amputees like Hilan.

A nurse tells Hilan to take a seat, but all are taken. Eventually a young girl in jeweled flip-flops gets up. “I hate having to ask people to do things for me now,” he says. In front of him, a toddler in a frilly dress, her leg also amputated, cries for her mother. A French medic leans down and blows up a pink balloon. Her sobs subside. Hilan fidgets. He is impatient but has grown accustomed to waiting.

Hospital workers say they’ve rarely seen patients so stoic in the face of horrific loss and adversity.

“We’ve created the phrase, ‘Haitian up,”‘ says Dr Justine Crowley, meaning “toughen up or buck up.”

Crowley, an amputations specialist from Colorado Springs, Colorado, says they still don’t have enough doctors, nurses or plastic surgeons to keep up with some 70 patients they see daily - many needing amputations. A few weeks ago, they were seeing between 150 and 200 patients. As Hilan waits, one man is still refusing an amputation. “We just give them antibiotics and hope they don’t die,” Crowley says.

It’s too soon to start fitting new amputees with artificial limbs because their wounds have not healed, she says. Their meager diets hamper recovery.

After some time, Hilan’s name is finally called. He hobbles to get his wound cleaned. “He’s doing extraordinarily well,” says Dr Monica Johnson.

At noon, he ambles down a steep pebbly hill to get physical therapy in a tent outside the hospital. He spots a friend - 22-year-old Herby Michel, a rap musician who lost his left arm inside a recording studio when the quake hit. “There’s the crybaby!” Hilan shouts, laughing and smiling. “This guy was in the bed next to me when I had my leg amputated. And all he did was cry for his mother, saying ‘Mom-my, Mom-my! I didn’t get any sleep because of him!” he says, laughing hysterically. Hilan says he’s never cried since the amputation. The two young men sit for hours, joking about their recoveries. Both were in their hospital beds Jan 20 when a powerful 5.9 aftershock hit.

“Things started shaking and a lot of the patients pulled out their IVs and ran out of the hospital like chickens!” Hilan says, laughing. “We just sat there laughing like crazy.” The wait drags on under a blazing sun. A worker comes out with a pamphlet in Creole showing how to keep wounds clean. The pamphlet shows two white hands under a sink with water running out of a tap. — AP

While the apparently low death toll could be considered a lucky escape from such a strong temblor, the quake dealt a serious blow to infrastructure in the world’s No 1 copper producer and one of Latin America’s most stable economies. A tsunami killed at least four people on Chile’s Juan Fernandez islands and caused serious damage to the port town of Talcahuano. On the other side of the Pacific, Japanese officials warned residents to evacuate northern coastal areas as a tsunami with waves as high as three meters (10 feet) approached.

Residents were also evacuated on Russia’s Kuril Islands after a warning over a potential two-meter-high wave.

Two million people in Chile have been affected by the earthquake, said President Michelle Bachelet, adding that officials were still trying to evaluate the “enormous quantity of damage.”

The earthquake has raised a daunting first challenge for billionaire Sebastian Pinera, who was elected Chile’s president in January in a shift to the political right and who takes office in two weeks.

Daunting task ahead “We’re preparing ourselves for an additional task, a task that wasn’t part of our governing plan: assuming responsibility for rebuilding our country,” he told reporters on Saturday. “It’s going to be a very big task and we’re going to need resources.” Some economists predicted a deep impact on Chile’s economy after the quake damaged its industrial and agricultural sectors in the worst-hit regions, possibly putting pressure on its currency.

Government officials said the copper industry had enough stocks to meet its commitments despite a production shutdown at two major mines due to the quake.

But the government faces the task of helping Chileans rebuild an estimated half a million homes that were severely damaged as well as hundreds of buckled roads and collapsed bridges.

In Concepcion, a city of 670,000 people 70 miles (115 km) southwest of the quake’s epicenter, hundreds of people spent the night outside in tents and make-shift shelters.

The city’s old houses made of adobe appeared to have borne the brunt of the damage, but a 15-storey apartment block also collapsed, likely killing or trapping many people inside.

The city was mostly blanketed in darkness, with the only light coming from bonfires and occasional police cars. Crushed cars, downed power lines and shattered glass littered the streets.

Mauri Arancibia, 23, said she was relieved to learn her aunt emerged unscathed after her adobe house collapsed on her.

But she said she was shaken by the scenes of destruction in Concepcion. “I’m really worried, I don’t know what to do,” she said. — Reuters

ture. One of the world’s most powerful earthquakes in a century hammered Chile early on Saturday, killing more than 300 people as it toppled buildings and triggered a tsunami that rushed across the Pacific toward Japan.

PUECO: A man makes his way through the rubble after a tsunami hit yesterday, the day after a huge 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Chile early morning killing at least 300 people. — AFP

Obama, and US Democrats renew push for healthcare WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats appeared headed toward passing long-sought US healthcare legislation in Congress in the next month or so, confident they could do it without any Republican support.

US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said yesterday he expected that no Republicans would vote for the measure, and Democratic Senator Robert Menendez voiced confidence that his party would provide the needed support.

“I believe we will pass healthcare reform this spring,” Menendez, a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, told “Fox News Sunday.” Democrats are likely to use a procedure known as “reconciliation” that

would let them pass a bill with 51 votes in the 100-member Senate-rather than the 60 needed to clear a solid wall of Republican opposition.

“I think they will pursue the parliamentary device called reconciliation,” McConnell told CNN’s “State of the Union” program.

When asked whether all Senate Republicans would oppose the measure, McConnell said, “I think that’s right.”

Democrats in the Senate and House approved healthcare bills last year that would reshape the troubled US system by cutting costs, regulating insurers and expanding coverage to many uninsured people.

But efforts to merge the different measures and send a final version to Obama col-

lapsed in January after Democrats lost their crucial 60th Senate vote in a special election in Massachusetts. Democrats don’t seem to currently have the votes to pass healthcare reform in the US House of Representatives but may get them, a key Republican congressman said yesterday.

“They (House Democrats) do not now have the votes, from our best count,” Representative Paul Ryan, top Republican on the House Budget Committee, told “Fox News Sunday.”

“I would not count her (Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) out because she is very good at musclingvotes .... The speaker is very good at making deals behind closed doors.” —Reuters

Thousands still lack power after Northeast blizzards CONCORD: Hundreds of thousands of people in the US Northeast struggled to get through another day waiting for utility crews to restore electricity after powerful storms socked the region with heavy snow, rain and hurricane-force winds. The region was left to deal with the fallout of gusting winds that created nearblizzard conditions this week in what was the third strong storm this month for some areas. Parts of New York got more than 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow while some areas of coastal New England were drenched with flooding rains.

More than 1 million customers across the Northeast lost power because of Friday’s storm, and as of Saturday afternoon more than half of them were still without electricity. New Hampshire’s electrical grid was the hardest hit, with more than a quarter-million customers still without power.

New York had more than 160,000 outages and Maine about 67,000.

One man was killed by a falling snow-laden tree branch in Central Park in New York City, and two people in Candia, New Hampshire, died in a house fire caused by

EAST STROUDSBURG: John Katsaros, used car sales manager at Ray Price Honda, cleans snow off cars on the lot at the dealership on Friday, Feb 26, 2010.— AP improperly using a propane heater to stay warm, fire officials said.

The highest wind reported from the storm was 91 mph (146 kph) off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire - well above hurricane force of 74 mph (119 kph). Gusts also hit 60 mph (97 kph) or more from the mountains of West Virginia to New York’s Long Island and Massachusetts.

Frustration was beginning to show

on Charlotte Letteney’s face Saturday at Concord High School, one of 24 shelters in New Hampshire. Letteney, 64, of Allenstown, arrived Friday night with her 66-year-old husband, who is a paraplegic, two granddaughters, her grandson-in-law and 6month-old great-grandson.

The family left their mobile home when the temperature dropped to 46 degrees Fahrenheit

(8 degrees Celsius) and Letteney’s hands had gone numb, leaving behind four parrots in covered cages and a couple of days’ worth of food for their dog, Bosco.

They have no car - a city van brought them to the shelter - and no way to get home to feed the animals or to let the dog out. Some residents were warned they’ll be without electricity for up to a week, as uprooted trees and fallen utility poles hindered utility crews.

Bow, New Hampshire, Assistant Fire Chief Dick Pistey compared the situation two years ago during a powerful ice storm when ice quickly coated trees, bringing down tree limbs and power lines, leaving millions without power - some for two weeks.

“It’s deja vu all over again,” Pistey said. In York, Maine, 70-year-old lobsterman Pat White, was able to use his generator to help cook a pancake breakfast Saturday to feed his neighbors who were without power - a father, his daughter and her baby. White and his wife, Enid, were planning what to serve them for dinner. “We’ve got to use up some of the stuff in the refrigerator,” he said.—AP

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Grenade attacks raise tensions in Thailand BANGKOK: Thailand tightened security yesterday after two grenades exploded outside branches of the country’s biggest bank in a suspected reaction to a court verdict against deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Unidentified attackers fired four grenades at branches of Bangkok Bank late Saturday after judges confiscated 1.4 billion dollars of the fugitive tycoon’s wealth the day before. Two of the grenades detonated, causing damage but no casualties.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he had asked troops to help provide extra security across the country following the attacks, but was not enacting harsh security laws as the government had threat-

ened. “The bomb incidents were expected after the verdict. They are the actions of a small group of people who want to create unrest,” Abhisit said in his weekly television broadcast.

He said police and soldiers were monitoring at checkpoints and that the government would install more closed-circuit television cameras. “Our society is in a challenging situation right now,” the premier added. The attacks came just over a week after Thaksin’s supporters, known as the “Red Shirts”, surrounded Bangkok Bank’s headquarters and forced it to close for the day.

They said the bank had links to chief royal adviser and former Prime Minister

Prem Tinsulanonda, whom they accuse of masterminding the 2006 coup that toppled Thaksin. The first blast shattered the windows and doors of a branch in the Silom business district and the second caused similar damage and wrecked telephone booths in Samut Prakarn, on the outskirts of the capital.

Another two unexploded grenades were defused at other branches. Police have boosted security at 14 branches of Bangkok Bank in the capital and at government offices and the homes of ministers and judges, acting city police chief General Pateep Tanprasert said after a security meeting. His deputy Anand Srihirun told reporters the attackers had

used M67 grenade launchers in all four incidents, adding: “It is believed that the suspects were from the same group, however we need to see more evidence.”

Red Shirt spokesman Jatuporn Prompan denied any connection between his movement and the blasts, saying that the grenades were of a type commonly used by the army and police. “What would we gain from it? We know that the government would like to create publicity and they tried to link it to us,” Jatuporn told AFP. The government had warned of possible unrest after the verdict. Thailand’s bitter political divide in the four years since the coup has been reflected in a number of violent incidents.

The Red Shirts have said they will hold a mass rally in Bangkok in mid-March, although they have promised that their campaign against Abhisit’s government will be non-violent.

Thaksin on Saturday rejected calls from the ruling party to leave the political stage, saying he would “not chicken out”, and dismissed its claims that a compromise had been struck with the return of a portion of his funds.

The Supreme Court seized the moneyabout 60 percent of the 2.3 billion dollars in funds belonging to Thaksin’s family that were frozen after the coup-after finding that Thaksin had abused his power while in office. He is currently living in exile to

avoid a two-year jail term for graft.

The Red Shirts, largely from Thaksin’s stronghold in the nation’s poor north and northeast, loved his populist policies and accuse Abhisit’s government of ignoring their plight since he took power in December 2008.

The tycoon’s opponents accuse Thaksin of being corrupt, dictatorial and of threatening Thailand’s widely revered monarchy.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 82, who is regarded as a stabilizing figure by many Thais, returned early yesterday to the hospital where he has spent the past five months after a brief outing to his palace for a private function, police said. — AFP

Japan struck by 30 cm tsunami after warning Main Japan islands brace for tsunami of 3 meters or more TOKYO: Tsunami waves of up to 30 cm (12 inches) hit Japan’s northern Pacific coast and a tiny southern island yesterday following a massive earthquake in Chile the day before, as the country worried that worse was in store.

Officials have ordered some 245,000 households along Japan’s Pacific coast to evacuate after one of the world’s most powerful earthquakes in a century batSirens wailed in coastal towns on Japan’s main islands and tens of thousands of people were urged to evacuate to higher ground after the JMA issued the tsunami warning for a wide swathe of Japan’s Pacific coast.

“I panicked and couldn’t think of what to bring. In the end I just brought a few things,” an elderly woman at an evacuation centre in northern Japan told NHK. It was the first warning for a major tsunami in 17 years and only the fourth since 1952, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

“Carelessness could be the biggest enemy. In the past, even if the waves were not so big, there has been great damage with 2-metre high tsunami,” Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told reporters. Train services were halted in many areas along the Pacific coast and some highways were closed. Police cars and fire trucks patrolled coastal roads and fishing boats, seeking to avoid any tsunami, headed out to sea under gray skies, with snow flurries in some areas.

The area that could be hit hardest, where around 140 people died in a previous tsunami 50 years ago, has many small harbors that could concentrate the force of a tsunami. “The waves could climb up the land, so for real safety you should evacuate to a place several times higher than the predicted height of the waves,” JMA official Yasuo Sekita told a news conference.

First might not be biggest The agency said the first wave might not be the biggest and that the warning could remain in effect for a long time.

Tohoku Electric Power said it would keep operating its

tered Chile on Saturday, killing more than 300 people. A 30 cm tsunami was recorded in the town of Nemuro, about 970 km (600 miles) northeast of Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. Earlier, a 10 cm (4 inch) tsunami lapped the small island of Minamitori 1,950 km (1,200 miles) south of Tokyo, it said.

SHICHIGAHAMA: Local residents in northern Japan look at a wave washing stairs built on the shore at a fishing port yesterday. —AFP Onagawa and Higashidori nuclear plants on the northern Pacific coast. “Both facilities are high up enough and they are structured so that they would

not be affected by a tsunami,” said Toshiya Aizawa, a spokesman at Tohoku Electric Power.

TV footage showed elderly

China urges checks after deadly fireworks blast BEIJING: China has issued an urgent order to local authorities to strengthen safety measures after an explosion triggered by Lunar New Year fireworks killed 21 people and injured 48 in a southern village.

The State Council’s Work Safety Commission said in a notice that authorities around the country should learn from the mistakes that caused the blast late Friday in the southern province of Guangdong, the deadliest accident of the 15-day Spring Festival.

The celebrations were set to end yesterday with a lantern festival. Fireworks are often a key part. Last year, lantern festival fireworks sparked an inferno that destroyed a nearly completed hotel next to state

broadcaster CCTV’s landmark new office building in downtown Beijing, leaving one firefighter dead. Earlier this month, fireworks started a blaze that destroyed a 1,600year-old city gate in northern China, causing about 1 million yuan ($150,000) in financial losses.

The death toll from Friday’s explosion in a residential area rose to 21 by last morning, Guangdong emergency authorities said in a statement. State media said authorities have so far identified 10 of the dead.

Thirteen bodies were found at the site while eight others died in hospitals from injuries.

Among the remaining 48 people who were injured, six were in critical condition, the gov-

ernment said.

The provincial authority said an initial investigation found that a pile of fireworks were set off in an open space 30 yards (meters) from a residential building and that two people allegedly responsible for the blast have been detained by police. State broadcaster CCTV said some of the fireworks that triggered the explosion were highly dangerous and only meant to be handled by professionals. Television footage showed the explosion had ripped through a six-story apartment building, blowing out windows and a ground floor wall, covering one side of the structure in soot and completely melting the exterior of a car parked in front of it. — AP

Voting brisk as Tajikistan picks new parliament DUSHANBE: Voting was brisk yesterday in a parliamentary election that is expected to strengthen the president’s nearly two-decade grip on power in Tajikistan, an impoverished country on Afghanistan’s border. But the election also has the potential to increase the influence of the only legally registered Islamic party in former Soviet Central Asia. More than half of the 3.5 million eligible voters cast their ballots by midday, the Central Elections Commission said. Many of those voting in the capital, Dushanbe, said they backed the Islamic Revival Party, which currently has only two deputies in the 63-seat parlia-

ment. “They have pure intentions, they have a pure heart and people believe in them,” said Badriddin Rustamov, an engineer. “I don’t know the leader of the party, whom I’ve only seen on television, but I feel that I can trust him and he would do a better job.”

Party leader Muhiddin Kabiri said he believes the party can win at least 10 seats if the voting is fair.

Most of Tajikistan’s largely Sunni Muslim population is secular-minded, and the Islamic Revival Party wears its religious cloak lightly, stressing Tajikistan’s Muslim identity while eschewing calls for the creation of an Islamic republic. — AP

women with cloth-wrapped bundles on their backs gathering at evacuation centers as cars pulled up and other women unloaded shopping bags filled

with belongings. The tsunami warning covered the eastern seaboard of Japan, although for Tokyo Bay and many other areas the warnings were for waves of only around one meter (3 ft), similar to that seen earlier in Hawaii and New Zealand.

In May 1960, a tsunami struck the coasts of Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido and other northern Pacific coastal areas after an earthquake in Chile, killing around 140 people. Since then, many harbors have had sea gates installed to try to protect from tsunami and storms.

Authorities ordered these closed yesterday.

“Coastal barriers have been built since the 1960 tsunami so we can’t simply compare the situation with that time but it is still crucial that people evacuate,’ said Masaaki Kubo of the Kamaishi Eastern Fishery Union in Iwate, in northern Honshu. Bigger boats were heading out to sea ahead of the tsunami’s arrival but smaller boats were staying in the harbor, he said.

The same area has been struck by deadly tsunami in the past. In 1896, a magnitude 8.5 Sanriku earthquake and tsunami left more than 22,000 dead in northeastern Japan. Another 8.1 temblor hit the same region in 1933, killing 3,064.

Japan’s tsunami warning system has been upgraded several times since its inception in 1952, including after a 7.8 magnitude quake in 1993 that almost instantly triggered a 30metre wave before a warning could be given. About 190 of the 230 people killed in the quake were victims of the surging sea. —Reuters

Poll results test Taiwan’s China-friendly president TAIPEI: Taiwan’s China-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday by-election losses this weekend were a warning for his Nationalist party, while pro-government newspapers said it reflected public dissatisfaction with his leadership. On Saturday, the Nationalists, who maintain a strong majority in parliament, suffered their third electoral setback in two months following a string of government blunders in domestic affairs.

They secured only one of four legislative seats up for grabs, losing the other three to the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party, which says Ma’s initiatives to boost ties with Beijing threatens Taiwan’s sovereignty and economy. The Nationalists now control 75 seats in the 113-seat legislature. The DPP has 33. Ma apologized to his supporters Sunday for the poor results. “This is a huge warning for us and this shows we have not worked hard enough,” he said.

Even pro-government newspapers said it reflected public concern over Ma’s leadership on domestic issues, including the administration’s botched response to Typhoon Morakot, which killed 700 people on the island in August. China Times said the government’s decision last year to lift a ban on imports of US bone-in-beef, which stoked public fear of a possible outbreak of mad cow disease, had also hurt the Ma administration.

“The legislative defeats show the public unhappiness with Ma’s governance has yet to hit rock bottom,” the newspaper said in an analysis.

United Daily News said Ma’s public approval rating was now 29 percent, down from 33 percent two months ago - the lowest since Typhoon Morakot. The newspaper conducted the poll by telephone on Saturday night after the election results, with responses from 1,181 people. It had a margin of error of 2.9 percentage points. “After Ma took office, he has disappointed his supporters many times, and this is why the Nationalist party is having difficulties winning in recent elections,” United Daily News said in an editorial.

It appears to signal that voters are less focused than the president on his aim of improving relations with Beijing. Since he took office in May 2008, Taiwan has established regular direct air and sea links with the mainland and allowed Chinese investment on the island.

The keystone of Ma’s policy is a partial free trade agreement with Beijing which would reduce tariff barriers, further liberalize investment regulations and create new structures for financial cooperation. Ma has said he wants to close the deal in the next few months. Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory. —AP

MANILA: This photo shows Vivienne Tan, the daughter of Philippine tycoon Lucio Tan and a candidate for congress, listening to speeches during the covenant signing ceremony. — AFP

Tycoon’s daughter enters big world of Philippine politics MANILA: A daughter of tycoon Lucio Tan says she is defying the wishes of her famous father by seeking to become the first family member to directly enter the Philippines’ wild world of politics. “My family does not understand why I am getting into politics.

(My father) does not really want me to run. His advice to me was to stay in the private sector if I want to help,” said Vivienne Tan, an entrepreneur and educator. Despite this, the slim, smartly-dressed Tan is throwing herself completely into the role of candidate, mixing with the weathered, sun-tanned street vendors and bus drivers whose votes she is seeking.

Tan, 41, is running in the May national elections for a congressional seat in a grimy, blue-collar suburb of the Philippine capital, a long way from the skyscrapers of Manila’s financial district in which her father rules. Her 74-year-old father, who was a close ally of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was listed

by Forbes magazine last year as the second richest man in the Philippines and 522nd richest in the world with a net worth of 1.4 billion dollars.

His business empire includes national flag-carrier Philippine Airlines, while he also has interests in banking, tobacco, real estate and alcohol. Ethnic Chinese tycoons such as Tan have largely avoided running for national posts in the Philippines, usually preferring to wield power behind the scenes by providing funding to politicians. But Tan said she had long dreamed of directly entering politics.

“I am an independent person. I have an independent mind and I know what I am doing and I know what I want to do with my life and what I want to do is to be able to serve,” she said after giving a speech recently on the campaign trail. Tan’s father has long been a controversial figure because of his close ties to Marcos, whose dictatorship ended in 1986 with a “people power” revolution.

The government has for years been trying to prove that Tan’s assets were ill-gotten through illegal deals during the Marcos years, but it has met with little success. Vivienne Tan sought to distance herself from any comparison with her father and insisted she was not running to protect his interests.

“That’s my father. That’s not me. Leave all that to

my father,” she said.

“I can’t do anything (about that reputation). All I can say is when I enter congress; they will know what I can do.” Tan attributed her independence to her experiences in the United States where she studied mathematics, computer science, fashion design and manufacturing. She also worked there in a law firm and a shipping company.

Except for a stint as her father’s assistant in Philippine Airlines, she has also avoided getting involved in her family’s businesses. Instead, Tan set up business schools and worked on social projects promoting entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

However, while Tan said she and her friends were funding her campaign, she conceded she was prepared to dig into her family’s enormous pockets if needed.

“If necessary, maybe I will approach them. We will see when we cross that bridge,” she said.

Despite her powerful family name, Tan is facing an uphill battle in her bid to enter the nation’s lower house. Her opponent is incumbent congressman Vicente Crisologo, a scion of an established political family known to play rough in elections.

Crisologo spent five years in jail for burning down two villages that backed a rival politician in 1970.

“Even I’m a bit scared of him because of his experiences and his reputation,” Tan said. Tan has positioned herself as a reformer against a traditional politician she accuses of not truly helping the people of her district. “It’s time to trash the old politics that does not truly uplift and inspire the people,” Tan told a crowd of supporters, most of them female market vendors, this month. But political science assistant professor Gladstone Cuarteros, of the De La Salle University in Manila, said he doubted Tan’s chances in this election because her opponent was so wellentrenched. “The key is mobilizing voters and, in the case of Mr Crisologo, he started as city councillor and he has been very strong in that area while Vivienne Tan is new in the area,” he told AFP. “That area has a large number of urban poor and these voters will consider the previous help that was given to them,” he said, citing the many times Crisologo resisted efforts to demolish squatter shanties in his district. — AFP

CHEONAN: South Koreans wearing traditional Korean costumes shout as they carry torches in their hands during a ceremony to celebrate the March First Independence Movement Day, the anniversary of the 1919 uprising against Japanese colonial rule yesterday.— AP

INTERNATIONAL

Monday, March 1, 2010

11

43-minute video shows healthy Mehsud in an interview

Video of Taleban chief gives rise to questions NEW DELHI: A 2002 file picture shows passengers sitting on the roof of an Indian Railways local train, plying the Delhi - Rewari route, as it leaves the Palam railway station. — AFP

Indian rail network eyes rooftop train travelers MUMBAI: The sight of people perched precariously on the roofs of trains is an iconic image of India. But the days of deathdefying commuting could be over as one firm gets tough on daredevil travelers.

The Western Railway company, which operates trains on 60 kilometers (37 miles) of track in the western city of Mumbai, is warning passengers to stay inside carriages and says anyone caught outside will face prosecution. “Rooftop travelling per se is dangerous,” said S S Gupta, from the state-run network.

“There’s a danger of falling down and people have been injured or died. Similarly, there’s a danger of getting electrocuted from the overhead wires running above the trains,” he told AFP. And the dangers seem very real indeed: from the end of this month, powerful 25,000-volt power lines will be installed above 30 kilometers of track as part of an upgrade to the network expected to finish by the end of the year.

“A person should not be within two meters (6.5 feet) of the wire or they will be electrocuted,” said Gupta. To drive the

message home, actors began performing plays at stations along the route last Thursday, regular announcements are being made and a media advertising campaign started on Friday, he added. With chronic congestion on the roads of India’s financial capital, the Western Railway and the Central Railway, which serves the central and eastern suburbs, are a lifeline for the estimated 18 million people living in Mumbai.

Nearly seven million people use the cheap suburban trainscalled “locals”-every day to beat the traffic jams, which can turn even the shortest journey into a lengthy, maddening crawl. But although they are the quickest way of getting around the city, peak times can see more than 5,000 people crammed into nine-carriage trains-over three times the capacity. With train doors open to the elements to combat high temperatures and humidity, many opt to hang out of the side of carriages or perch between them, putting themselves at risk of injury and death from trackside pylons.

A staggering 17 people died every day on Mumbai’s subur-

ban rail network in 2008, according to Indian government figures obtained by The Times of London newspaper using freedom of information laws.

Most deaths were trespassers on tracks but more than three people every working day were killed after falling or being pushed from moving trains, the daily said. “It (rooftop travel) happens at certain periods of the day. It’s limited to a certain section of people. Most of them are aged 18 to 30 and men,” said Gupta.

“They may have tickets or not. It’s more a daredevil act than anything else.” Rooftop travel is already illegal in India and carries a sanction of one month in jail and/or a 500-rupee (11-dollar) fine, the official said.

Yet, as in many other areas of Indian life, the law is rarely, if ever, enforced. Gupta said railway police will increase their spot checks of trains and he is confident the campaign will work. But one regular commuter said: “In principle it’s a good idea but in practice I don’t see it working because there’s so many people doing it. You can’t monitor every train crisscrossing the city.” — AFP

in the news India tests war readiness close to Pakistan border POKHRAN: Indian fighter jets pounded mock enemy bunkers close to the Pakistan border yesterday in a symbolic show of air power at a time when the two nuclear-armed rivals are trying to improve relations. The exercise was watched by military attaches from about 30 countries but not Pakistan and China, neighbors who would be keen to take a look at India’s military firepower. It follows the first official talks between India and Pakistan since the militant attacks in Mumbai in 2008. The talks ended with an agreement to keep in touch, signaling relations remain fraught despite a desire to reopen a dialogue that India suspended after the Mumbai killings. “This is not just a firepower demonstration but a clear message about what India’s air force is capable of,” said Uday Bhaskar, a New Delhi-based strategic affairs expert. “It is a message to the neighbors.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan are a problem by themselves but the stakes have risen further with their roles in the war in Afghanistan. In yesterday’s war games, planes including Sukhois and MiG 21s, roared through the sky, bombing simulated enemy targets including militant training camps and bunkers.

President Pratibha Patil and Defence Minister A K Antony watched as targets were hit with bombs and rockets, raising huge balls of fire and dust in the deserts of Pokhran, the site of India’s nuclear testing facility. Defense officials said the exercise would test the air force’s ability at precision bombing of militant camps, particularly those behind enemy lines. India accuses Pakistan of letting militant groups use its territory to train and launch attacks on India, such as the Mumbai raid that killed 166 people.

India, Naga rebels set for peace talks NEW DELHI: The Indian government will hold talks with Nagaland separatists to strike a peace deal, a rebel Naga leader said yesterday.

Leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), which is fighting for the expansion of the mountainous Nagaland state in India’s remote northeast into a “Greater Nagaland”, arrived in the Indian capital on Saturday from self-imposed exile in The Netherlands. Guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah said they were invited by the Indian government to hold talks and were optimistic that several key demands would be accepted. “It is a pretty long time that we have been talking to the government of India. In more than 10 years, they could not solve the

problem so they are responsible for that,” said Thuingaleng Muivah. The rebel group’s demand for a “Greater Nagaland” that would unite 1.2 million Nagas has been strongly opposed by the surrounding neighboring states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Muivah said the group would not withdraw the demand. “No, sovereignty cannot be withdrawn because sovereignty is with the people... We have been told that the government of India has arranged some counter-proposals from their side. I don’t know how far that is practicable or acceptable to us,” he said. Meanwhile, India’s Home Secretary G K Pillai on Saturday said demands for sovereignty or integration of Naga rebel groups were not feasible. New Delhi and the rebels entered into a ceasefire in August 1997 which was indefinitely extended in 2007 but the separatists have accused the Indian government of using the ceasefire as cover to tighten its grip and of jeopardizing a peace process.

Foreign soldier killed in Afghanistan KABUL: A foreign soldier has been killed fighting insurgents in Afghanistan, NATO said, though the death was not associated with major military operations in the south of the country.

In a brief announcement NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said the death was in western Afghanistan on Saturday. “An ISAF service member died today as a result of small-arms fire in western Afghanistan,” it said, adding that the soldier’s nationality would not be revealed according to policy. NATO and the United States have around 121,000 troops stationed in Afghanistan to battle a Taleban-led insurgency, with the number set to rise to 150,000 by August, military officials have said.

US President Barack Obama is deploying an extra 30,000 troops over coming months-supplemented with 10,000 from NATO-most for deployment to the volatile southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, where the insurgency is concentrated. Some 15,000 US, NATO and Afghan troops are currently in Helmand for the first major operation of a US-led counterinsurgency strategy that marries military clearance of insurgents with civilian control and services. The latest casualty brings the total death toll of foreign soldiers in Afghanistan so far this year to 101, according to an AFP tally based on that kept by the independent website icasulaties.org. ISAF has said that 14 of those deaths took place during the Helmand operation, dubbed Mushtarak, meaning “together” in the Dari dialect as an indication of the participation of 4,400 Afghan troops.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Pakistani Taleban released a video of their militant chief, Hakimullah Mehsud, but his taped comments fail to prove he survived a US missile strike earlier this year.

US and Pakistani officials have become increasingly confident that the brash militant commander died of wounds from a drone-fired missile in mid-January, but the Pakistani Taleban have denied he was killed. At the same time, the militants have said they felt no responsibility to definitively prove he’s alive. The 43-minute

undated video, obtained by The Associated Press on Saturday, shows a healthy Mehsud in white traditional Pakistani dress answering questions from an interviewer sitting off-screen.

Another man, wearing a mask, holds a microphone up to Mehsud.

Mehsud extols the virtues of waging holy war in Afghanistan and Pakistan and warns US forces not to enter Pakistan’s tribal belt, a lawless stretch of territory along the Afghan border where his and several other militant networks are based. “If

they make the mistake of entering the Pakistani tribal areas, they will open a new chapter of their destruction in history which may surpass their defeat in Vietnam,” Mehsud says in the video. He also asserts that the US is considering negotiating with the Taleban because it faces defeat in Afghanistan.

Mehsud insists the Pakistani army’s offensive against his network in the South Waziristan tribal region has strengthened the militancy.

The army says the operation has destroyed much of the

group’s infrastructure and put its leaders on the run.

Mehsud never mentions the US missile campaign, but does warn viewers against “media propaganda.” A Taleban associate gave the video to an AP reporter in the North Waziristan tribal region, where the US wants Pakistan to stage another military operation. The area is home mostly to militant networks focused on the war in Afghanistan, unlike the Pakistani Taleban, which have staged attacks across Pakistan.

Mehsud is believed to be at

least partly responsible for a suicide attack on an eastern Afghanistan CIA base that killed seven agency employees in late December. For several weeks after that attack, the US dramatically escalated its missile strikes in the Pakistani tribal belt, with him apparently in its sights. The Pakistani Taleban also denied the death of Mehsud’s predecessor, who was killed by a US missile strike in August, until they chose his successor weeks later. The same dynamic may be at work now. — AP

Wars force US military to reconsider ban on women

NEW DELHI: Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil pays her respects to Indians who died in a Kabul bomb blast as the coffins carrying their remains arrive at Palam Technical Airport on February 27, 2010. — AFP

India brings back bodies of Afghan blast victims NEW DELHI: India on Saturday night flew back the bodies of six nationals killed in a militant attack in Kabul and rushed eight injured Indians to a hospital in the capital New Delhi. Nine Indians died Friday in one of the deadliest Taleban suicide attacks on foreigners in the Afghan capital. It claimed a total of 16 lives and left 20 people critically injured. India sent a military plane to bring back those killed and injured in the assault. It was not clear why only six bodies were returned, rather than nine, or whether the other three were being brought back separately.

Delhi was also reviewing safety arrangements for its nationals in Afghanistan. Indian President Pratibha Patil attended a wreath-laying ceremony Saturday and paid tribute to the victims of the blast. Premier Manmohan Singh conveyed India’s outrage over the attacks to Afghan President Hamid Karzai who telephoned him early Saturday to offer his condolences, a statement from the

Indian leader’s office said.

Karzai pledged a “full investigation”. India has been heavily involved in reconstruction and aid efforts in Afghanistan, giving more than one billion dollars in help since the fall of the Taleban regime in November 2001. The Indians who died in the dawn attack included two army officers, government officials and a musician who was part of a cultural delegation. Another five Indian army officers were injured, along with a government official and two private security guards.

The bombers targeted two guesthouses in central Kabul frequented by foreigners. One, known locally as the “Indian guesthouse”, was occupied by Indian medical staff working at a hospital funded by New Delhi. It was the third major attack on Indians in Kabul in less than two years.

Two diplomats and two security guards from India were killed in a massive car bomb attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul in July 2008 that claimed 60 lives in total.— AFP

FAISALABAD: Pakistani protesters riot after gunmen opened fire on a religious procession marking on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. — AP

WASHINGTON: US commanders are taking a second look at policies that bar women from ground combat, as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have thrust female soldiers into the thick of the fight. The Army chief of staff, General George Casey, told lawmakers last week that it was time to review the rules in light of how women have served in the two wars. His comments came as the military unveiled plans to lift the ban on women serving in submarines, an all-male bastion that navy officers once insisted could never change.

Despite a policy designed to keep women away from units engaged in ground combat, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have placed women in battle with insurgents who do not operate along defined front lines. As a result, women have earned medals for valor and praise for their mettle. “My best combat interrogator was a woman soldier, my best tank mechanic was a woman soldier,” John Nagl, a retired lieutenant colonel who served in Iraq, told AFP. Getting the two women in the unit required “a little paperwork sleight of hand,” as the rules formally barred them from that role, said Nagl, president of the Center for New American Security, a think tank. Nagl and others say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been a watershed for women in the US military, and that policies written in the 1990s will have to be rewritten to catch up with the realities on the ground.

“I believe it’s time we take a look at what women are actually doing in Iraq and Afghanistan and to look at our policy,” General Casey told senators. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has yet to weigh changing the policy but his press secretary, Geoff Morrell, acknowledged that despite the rules, “effectively many women in uniform are in combat missions every day, be they helicopter pilots, be they medics, be they logistical support personnel...”

Even as the military signaled a willingness to break with tradition when it comes to women’s roles, Casey and other top commanders have voiced apprehension and even outright opposition to allowing gays to serve openly. At a senate hearing, Casey questioned if now was the right time to be repealing the ban on gays when the armed forces were under strain of two wars. And the head of the Marine Corps, General James Conway, openly broke with President Barack Obama over the issue, saying

changing the current law on gays in the military could jeopardize “military readiness.”

But advocates of lifting the ban on gays point to women’s experience in the military to bolster their arguments. They say similar objections were raised in the past about women serving alongside men, but that the military’s order and discipline did not break down and that women’s contributions only strengthened the force.

The performance of female soldiers in the 1990-91 Gulf war helped prompt an earlier wave of reform, opening the way for women to serve in combat aircraft and naval warships.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are likely to have the same effect, said Nancy Duff Campbell, co-president of the National Women’s Law Center. Commanders want the most talented people for their units, “and they’re asking why do we have these old rules,” she said.

Future policies should set “gender-neutral standards,” focusing on the skills or physical strength required for a military job instead of assuming no woman could meet the criteria, she said. Sending women to battle remains a sensitive issue, however, and some lawmakers have tried unsuccessfully in recent years to reassert limits.

Right-leaning commentators question whether mothers in uniform, particularly single parents, should be sent in harm’s way and separated from their children, even if they volunteered to serve. “What is watching Mommy go off to war doing to some of those children?” author Mary Eberstadt wrote in Friday’s Washington Post.

Army Specialist Alexis Hutchinson, a single mother, attracted headlines when she refused to obey orders to deploy to Afghanistan, because she said she had no one to take care of her baby boy. She faced criminal charges initially but was eventually discharged.

Advocates of women in combat say such cases are rare, and that the military requires all parents to have firm plans in place for their children before they deploy-or else leave the force.

More than 220,000 women have fought in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more than 120 of them have been killed in the conflicts, according to the Pentagon. Ending the ban on ground combat will come sooner or later, Nagl said, as it is “simply recognizing a truth that’s already been written in blood and sweat on the battlefield.” — AFP

Sectarian clashes kill seven in Pakistan PESHAWAR: Pakistani authorities slapped a curfew on a restive northwestern district yesterday after clashes and gun fights left at least seven people dead at a religious procession, officials said. Sectarian violence erupted Saturday in the town of Paharpur in Dera Ismail Khan district, as hundreds of Muslims rallied to celebrate Eid Miladun-Nabi, which marks the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday. Gunmen opened fire

on a parade by the Barelvi sect of Sunni Muslims, killing one person on the spot and prompting the angry crowd to retaliate by attacking a seminary of the local Deobandi Sunni sect.

“Seven people were killed and 38 others have been injured in these incidents. All the dead are Sunni, there are some Shiites among the injured,” district police chief Gul Afzal Afridi told AFP. Dera Ismail Khan district has in the past been trou-

bled by unrest between followers of the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam, but clashes between Sunni factions are relatively rare. An official in the hospital Dera Ismail Khan hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the 38 people wounded were still being treated.

Authorities early Sunday ordered people to remain in their houses night and day in the main city, also called Dera

Ismail Khan, and other parts of the district including Paharpur town. Security forces patrolled the streets. “We have arrested more than 20 suspects and are carrying out more raids. There is a curfew in the main city and some of the outskirts,” Afridi said. Afridi had refused to comment on Saturday on who might be responsible for the initial shooting, saying the area was troubled by both sectarian unrest and attacks by Islamist

militant groups.

Shiites account for about 20 percent of Pakistan’s Sunnidominated population. The two communities usually coexist peacefully, but more than 4,000 people have died in outbreaks of sectarian violence since the late 1980s. Attacks by Islamist extremists, meanwhile, have killed more than 3,000 people since July 2007. Most attacks are blamed on the Pakistani Taleban. — AFP

OPINION

12

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issues

Politics and posing trump health policy

By Ron Fournier

W

hat happens when you throw 38 lawmakers, four television cameras and the president of the United States together and tell them to fix the health care system? Sniping. Posing.

Serious election-year politics.

And little hope of bridging the gap between Barack Obama and Republicans. Was anything else to be expected? From its conception, Thursday’s health care “summit” was destined to be little more than a stage where Democrats and Republicans would recite their lines and further their political agendas.

Playing their part, Republicans described Obama as arrogant and overreaching for refusing to drop a health care plan that a majority of voters do not favor. The Republicans hope to kill it.

Obama tried to cast the minority party as obstructionists. He hopes to ram his proposal past Republican parliamentary delaying tactics. Measured on that that narrow and cynical scale, the summit was a success. Both teams scored political points. Americans had been led to believe that the goal was to find common ground on getting health insurance to tens of millions of Americans who do not have it and containing skyrocketing costs that threaten the nation’s fiscal well-being.

“I’d like to make sure that this discussion is actually a discussion and not just us trading talking points,” Obama said at the summit’s opening, “I hope that this isn’t political theater.”

By that scale, everybody failed.

Still, that is an account of this day viewed with the lens up close. From a distance, you might focus on the fact that national leaders spent a long day discussing a crucial issue in front of television cameras, where their words could be parsed and recorded. It could be argued that they were working hard at what the Americans pay them to do. Or was it just a lot of talking past each other?

Obama dominated the conversation, barely contained his impatience with Republican statements and at times mocked them for trotting out visual effects (thick stacks of Democratic healthcare legislation) and talking points.

Republicans complained about the time disparity and lectured the president about his policies.

It was not a conversation, rarely even a debate. It was a series of made-for-TV speeches by public servants who treated each other like stage props.

A few snippets: • Republican Sen Lamar Alexander called Obama’s plan a nonstarter. “This is a car that can’t be recalled and fixed,” he said, “and we ought to start over”. As Alexander spoke, Obama’s body betrayed his frustration: He pursed his lips.

He tapped his pen on a pad. Was that a smirk? He cradled and fidgeted with his chin. “Lamar,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said several minutes later, “you’re entitled to your opinion but not your own facts.”

• Obama bristled as Republicans kept raising worries about his overhaul proposal. “The only concern I have,” Obama said, “is if every speak-

er goes through a list of things they don’t like, we won’t get much done.” The criticism kept coming.

• Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell noted sternly that Democrats had spoken for 52 minutes and Republicans only 24 in the first portion of the summit. “You’re right,” Obama replied, “there was an imbalance on the opening statement because I’m the president.” Call it home court advantage.

• Sen John McCain, Obama’s 2008 presidential rival, criticized him for cutting deals with fellow Democrats in exchange for their votes. “It was produced behind closed doors,” McCain said. “It was produced with unsavory - I say that with respect - dealmaking.”

When a lawmaker says something “with respect”, chances are it is not respectful.

Obama got the drift. “We’re not campaigning anymore,” he told McCain. “I’m reminded of that every day,” quipped McCain. Everybody seemed to get the joke, and laughed except Obama. “We could spend all day going over our talking points,” he said. He then turned to his secretary of health and human services, Kathleen Sebelius, and asked her a question, shutting down McCain.

Score another for the home team.

Stagecraft trumped statesmanship.

Obama hoped to convince gridlock-weary voters who might be watching at home that he was sincere in seeking common ground with Republicans.

He repeatedly asked opposition lawmakers to focus on fixes that both parties might agree upon: preventive medicine, allowing children to stay on their parents’ health plans until around age 26, and the Washington chestnut, eliminating “waste, fraud and abuse.”

But Obama might still try to steamroll Republicans. To do that, he needs to stiffen the spines of Democrats who do not want the procedural fight it would take to skirt a Republican filibuster, a stalling tactic that can be ended only by the vote of 60 of the 100 senators; the Democrats lack that number.

And so, even as he talked compromise, Obama insisted on a number of Democratic points and acknowledged that agreement may not be possible. “I don’t know that those gaps can be bridged,” Obama said. “If not, at least we will have better clarified for the American people what the debate is all about.” Yes, it is clear, at least on this day: sniping, posing and serious election-year politics.

At the end of the day, Obama seemed resigned to waging a procedural fight in the Senate to steamroll Republicans, who otherwise can use their 41 votes to curb any legislation. Such a brassknuckled tactic could backfire on Democrats. Win and they get called arrogant. Lose and they are labeled arrogant failures. It is risky business for Republicans, too. Block the bill and they get called obstructionists. Fail to stop Obama and their Democratic rivals have a historic legislative victory to campaign on. “That,” Obama said, “is what elections are for.”

Which is why there is so much sniping and posing. — AP

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China, Russia could back symbolic Iran sanctions

By Louis Charbonneau

W

estern powers pushing for new sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program face a battle with Russia and China, which may only be persuaded to support steps that are more symbolic than painful. For weeks, officials from the United States, Britain, France and Germany have been discussing the kinds of punitive measures they should include in a draft UN Security Council resolution they hope to show to Russia and China as early as next week, diplomats said on condition of anonymity.

“It’s time to start haggling with the Russians and Chinese so we can get a sanctions text to the Security Council in the near future,” one Western diplomat said. “We believe we can get their support, though it will come at a price.”

Another senior diplomat predicted the final result would be a “symbolic” tightening of sanctions against Tehran. “Specific sanctions measures aside, the unity of the six will send a strong signal to Iran,” the second diplomat said.

Tehran has already been hit with three rounds of UN blacklistings, travel bans and asset freezes aimed at individuals and companies involved in its nuclear and missile programs. But Iran continues to reject the Security Council’s demands for a halt to its nuclear enrichment program.

The UN nuclear watchdog in Vienna suggested in its latest report on Iran that the Islamic Republic was actively pursuing a nuclear weapons capability.

Tehran, which says its nuclear program is for civilian and medical use and rejects Western allegations Iran wants atomic weapons, dismissed the watchdog’s report as misleading, unbalanced and incomplete. Russia and China, which both have veto power on the Security Council, have close business ties with Iran. While they supported the three

rounds of U.N. sanctions against Tehran, they fought hard to dilute all three before the votes.

But there are signs China would reluctantly vote for new sanctions. Analysts say it would probably join Russia if Moscow decided to support a fourth sanctions resolution. The Western powers hoped the five veto-wielding permanent Security Council members and Germany could agree on a draft resolution by the end of February, which the six could submit to the full council to be voted on by the end of March. But diplomats said negotiations with the Russians and Chinese would take time and a vote in the full council was unlikely next month. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday it might not happen until late April.

“We hope that in the next 30-60 days we’ll see a sanctions resolution emerge in New York,” Clinton said, adding there may be “bilateral or multilateral sanctions on top of whatever may be the result of the Security Council deliberations.”

European Union diplomats have said the 27-nation bloc hoped to follow up any new UN sanctions with its own tougher measures aimed at curtailing EU business with Iran.

The United States and France have proposed targeting Iran’s central bank, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iranian banks and companies in a fourth round of sanctions.

Israel, which diplomats fear could someday attack Iran’s nuclear installations, has urged Russia to support “crippling” sanctions. France has taken a harder line than Washington in talks on new punitive measures, Western diplomats say. Paris has advocated sanctions against Iran’s energy sector, arguing that oil and gas revenues support its nuclear and missile programs.

Washington, London and Berlin do not reject energy sector sanctions but worry

that pressing for them would unnecessarily drag out negotiations with Russia and China, diplomats say. Moscow has been signaling growing frustration with Iran over its nuclear program, although the Kremlin has given few indications about what sanctions it would be prepared to back. China has kept the four Western

powers guessing about whether it would back any new sanctions at all. Oleg Rozhkov, deputy director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s security affairs and disarmament department, said on Wednesday that Russia would only consider sanctions aimed at strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime. He

rejected the idea of targeting banks and the energy sector. The Security Council has already blacklisted Iran’s Bank Sepah and urged countries to exercise vigilance when dealing with Bank Melli and Bank Saderat. Western diplomats said they hope to blacklist Melli and Saderat with the new resolution. — Reuters

Learning from the Sadat years

By Khaled Diab

N

early three decades after his death, the former Egyptian president, Anwar El-Sadat, remains a controversial figure. In Israel and many parts of the West, he is best remembered for his daring trip to Jerusalem, where he became the first and only Arab head of state to address the Israeli Knesset, and his deadlock-breaking peace accord with Israel.

In Egypt and the Arab world, he is celebrated for the victories he scored in the early parts of the 1973 war, the first time an Arab power had shown the titan of Israel’s military might to be vulnerable and so soon after the crushing defeat in 1967. However, Sadat’s subsequent peace deal with Israel was far more controversial. Although many Arab leaders privately accepted that peace with Israel was necessary and inevitable -including Sadat’s predecessor Gamal AbdelNasser who conducted promising secret peace contacts with then Israeli Prime Minister Moshe Sharett - none at the time were bold enough to say it publicly. Rather than working with Sadat to create a unified Arab position for negotiations, they turned on him instead.

In Egypt, opinion was and remains divided, with many viewing the Camp David Accords as a betrayal. However, most Egyptians, tired of what is widely viewed as the Arab desire to defend the Palestinian cause to “the very last Egyptian”, grudgingly accept the benefits of a cold peace.

Today, with a general Arab consensus on the need for a settlement with Israel, as embodied in the Saudi peace plan, criticism of Sadat has become more muted and nuanced: his vision is accepted, though his unilateral tactics are still widely questioned.

Now, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict looking as dire

and insoluble as ever, what lessons can be learnt from the Sadat experiment? One important lesson is the importance of symbolism and gesture politics in helping prospective peacemakers scale the walls of paranoia and distrust that separate Israelis and Arabs.

On both sides, many will say that the obstacles to peace - an ultranationalist, rightwing government in Israel, the rise of ultra-conservative Hamas in Gaza, the deadly Israeli siege of the Strip and the disarray and infighting among the Palestinian factions - are insurmountable. But things didn’t look particularly rosy back in the mid-1970s either, when war seemed to be the only show in town.

Then, as now, Israel was led by an ideologically rigid right-wing prime minister who, though he talked of the need for peace, was reluctant to negotiate with the Arabs or give up an inch of the dream of creating Eretz Yisrael. By going to Jerusalem and appealing to the Israeli people directly, Sadat forced Menachem Begin’s hand with a deft masterstroke. Today’s Arab leaders could do well to learn that, faced with a powerful opponent who nevertheless fears them, a standoffish offer of peace, no matter how attractive, means little when it comes from a great distance. It needs to be delivered in person wrapped in olive branches.

In fact, the need for direct contact and negotiations between politicians from Israel and the frontline Arab states, not to mention the Arab and Israeli peoples, is greater than ever, given the level of mutual dehumanisation and distrust.

NOTE: Egyptian by birth, Khaled Diab is a Brussels-based journalist and writer. He writes on a wide range of subjects, including the EU, the Middle East, Islam and secularism, multiculturalism and human rights — CGNews

Junta graft crackdown could delay Niger polls, aid

By David Lewis and Abdoulaye Massalatchi

A

drive by Niger’s new military rulers to clean up politics will be welcomed by corruption-weary citizens but could end up delaying a promised transition to civilian rule and the return of muchneeded aid, diplomats warn. The military junta that ousted President Mamadou Tandja in a coup last week said on Wednesday that while it was committed to democratic elections it was also determined to root out corruption in the uranium-exporter.

Any campaign to probe or prosecute leading politicians, civil servants and businessmen implicated in dozens of investigations into graft is likely to complicate hopes for an election over the coming months. A protracted political transition could in turn hurt Niger’s precarious finances. Donors, who fund half of the country’s 700 billion CFA budget, imposed sanctions after moves by Tandja to extend his rule last year and diplomats say they are unlikely to rush back while the military remains in charge.

“It is one thing to bring the confidence back between the population and the authorities

and it is something else to purge the political class,” said one diplomat who follows Niger. “As soon as we start talking about renewing the political class and holding people accountable we are opening the door for people staying longer than they should,” the diplomat added.

Citing the need for all levels of Nigerien society to be involved in the process, the junta has not yet said how long the transition to civilian rule will take. Analysts say a 6-9 month timeframe would be best, but another diplomat warned that an anti-graft campaign would take time and possibly hurt prospects for a quick vote.

Niger’s junta is seeking to balance pressure from the international community for a short transition against expectations of ordinary Nigeriens, who offered them broad support for the coup in part due to promises to root out graft.

Junta spokesman Col Abdulkarim Goukoye has said that cases of alleged corruption during Tandja’s rule will be “dealt with”. But he did not go into any further details and said the military knew it could not tackle everything. “We will set objectives that are seen as reasonable and can be achieved in the timeframe,” he said.

The junta has named Mahamadou Danda, a minister in the government that oversaw the swift return to civilian rule after the last coup in 1999, as its prime minister. A probe would be widely-backed by impoverished citizens of Niger, who face

the threat of serious food shortages at a time when allegations of corruption in the distribution of mining contracts and public tenders are mounting.

Frustrations were deepened by months of bickering between Tandja and those who opposed

his campaign last year to extend his grip on power after his second term expired.

“People fear that if the soldiers leave, politicians will come and ignore these cases. There is a need for social justice,” said Oumarou Keita, managing edi-

Colonel Hassane Mossi, one of Niger’s junta members, speaks to the press on Feb 26, 2010 in Ouagadougou after meeting with Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore. – AFP

tor of weekly newspaper Le Republicain.

Before his ousting, Tandja had launched an anti-graft campaign of his own that led to a handful of high-profile cases, including the sacking of two ministers and some money being paid back by businessmen. But critics say it lost steam as Tandja’s supporters sought to entrench themselves in power and business.

Issa Ousseini, a spokesman for ROTAB, a coalition of Nigerien anti-graft organisations, said powerful members of Tandja’s clan had used their influence to earn millions of dollars by facilitating mining contracts for companies. French state-owned nuclear power firm Areva and China National Petroleum Corp, among other investors, are spending large amounts of money to develop resources in Niger.

Due to Niger’s precarious financial situation, analysts say these large contracts are unlikely to be touched by the military rulers. However, an official close to the justice ministry said all was in place for whatever probe the military had in mind.

“The dossiers are there. There just needs to be some political will,” the official said, requesting anonymity. — Reuters

ANALYSIS

Monday, March 1, 2010

13

Rigi arrest may show easing regional tensions

By Myra MacDonald

I

ran’s arrest of the leader of the Jundollah rebel group, possibly with help from Pakistan, is the latest sign of new cooperation among Afghan regional players positioning themselves for an eventual US withdrawal. Islamabad’s ambassador to Tehran Mohammad Abbasi said on Wednesday Pakistan had helped Iran capture Abdolmalek Rigi, leader of the Sunni rebel group blamed for bombings in Sistan-Baluchistan province, bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan. “I should say that his arrest could not happen without Pakistan’s help,” Abbasi told a news conference in Tehran, without giving further details.

Iran’s accusations that Jundollah operated from bases in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province have been a cause of friction with Islamabad and Rigi’s arrest - in circumstances yet to be fully explained - could go some way to easing tensions. Pakistan and Iran, which have also competed for influence in Afghanistan, have been trying to improve relations recently as regional players prepare for US-led forces to start withdrawing in 2011. “While Islamabad is cooperating with the United States, it must also balance those interests with its need for help from its neighbour, Iran, which, like Pakistan, understands it will be dealing with Afghanistan long after the United States has left,” the STRATFOR global intelligence group said.

Pakistan and India, whose hostility has been exacerbated by deep distrust of each other’s involvement in

An image grab taken from a video broadcast by Iran’s state-run English-language Press TV on Feb 26, 2010 shows captured Iranian Sunni militant Abdolmalek Rigi speaking in a taped statement in Tehran. – AFP Afghanistan, are due to hold talks on Thursday to try to break a diplomatic freeze which followed the Nov 2008 attack on Mumbai. Pakistan accuses India of using its growing presence in Afghanistan to support Baluch separatists - who operate independently of Jundollah - in its Baluchistan province.

India denies this, saying it is funding development in Afghanistan.

India, Iran and Russia supported the then Northern Alliance against the Pakistan-backed Taliban when they were in power in Kabul from 19962001. Western security analysts have long talked of the need for a regional

settlement on Afghanistan to prevent a resurgence of old rivalries which could stoke a renewed civil war - or even a de facto partition - when US-led troops begin to leave. Any signs of renewed cooperation, between Pakistan and Iran, and between Pakistan and India, would go some way towards achieving this - with the caveat that no country is likely to follow the US script as its looks out for its own interests.

Tehran, locked in a showdown with the United States over its nuclear program, has little reason to cooperate with Washington in helping it stabilise Afghanistan. And many analysts saw

Pakistan’s arrest this month of Taleban commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Karachi as an attempt to assert its own influence over any peace negotiations. Baradar was described by some as a potential go-between in talks between the Taleban and either Afghan President Hamid Karzai or even the United States which might have circumvented Pakistan, where many Taleban leaders are believed to be based. His arrest “has damaged the trust-building necessary for the preparation of talks and raised suspicions about the role of Pakistan”, said one security analyst.

There have been contradictory reports about how Iranian security forces detained Jundollah leader Rigi, whose group had claimed an Oct 18 bombing that killed more than 40 Iranians, including 15 from the elite Revolutionary Guards. Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi said Rigi had been arrested on board a plane flying between Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia and Dubai. Television pictures showed him being taken off a plane in handcuffs, accompanied by four masked men.

Pakistan’s ambassador promised more details about Rigi’s arrest and Pakistan’s help - something which should shed clearer light on how both countries are working together on Afghanistan. Pakistan says it wants stability in its western neighbour but denies that it is seeking to reinstall the Taleban in power Kabul, saying that it does not want a “Talibanised” Afghanistan. Its attitude to the movement it once backed has changed after

a wave of bombings from its own Pakistani Taleban.

“As long as that pre-9/11 nexus between India, Iran and Russia is not revived, we don’t want to play favourites. A neutral Afghanistan suits us fine,” said one Pakistani source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

But it is also determined to prevent its old rival India from using Afghanistan to destabilise Pakistan. India, with bad memories of Afghanistan being used as a base by Kashmir-focused militant groups when the Taleban were in power, is equally determined to ensure the country does not return to its state before the Sept 11, 2001 attacks.

The foreign secretaries, or top diplomats, of the two countries met in New Delhi on Thursday to find a way back into talks in which Afghanistan is likely to figure prominently. Russia, meanwhile, whose 1979-1989 occupation of Afghanistan ended in disaster, is concerned both about any resurgence of the Taliban which might destabilise the Central Asia republics on its periphery and looking for a clampdown on the booming heroin trade which is killing thousands of its people.

“I can responsibly say that in the case of NATO’s defeat in Afghanistan, fundamentalists, inspired by this victory, will set their eyes on the north,” Russia’s NATO envoy Dmitry Rogozin said last month. “First they will hit Tajikistan, then they will try to break into Uzbekistan ... If things turn out badly, in about 10 years our boys will have to fight well-armed and wellorganised Islamists somewhere in Kazakhstan,” Rogozin said. — Reuters

Cultures collide with Toyoda testimony

By Ron Fournier

C

orporate leaders in Japan are affable cheerleaders who solicit everyone’s views and avoid confrontation at almost any cost. It’s called “nemawashi.” U.S. lawmakers are cutthroat partisans who clamor for the spotlight, especially in an election year. It’s called politics. These cultures collided Wednesday in the appearance of a polite man from a distant land before a congressional committee stocked with angry men and women with axes to grind.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s moment was one brought by globalization, the integration of economies and societies through a worldwide network of trade and communications. Toyoda’s appearance illustrated two stark realities: Nations are more knitted together than ever, and still oh-so far apart. A generation ago, it was good politics in Congress to bash Japan and buy American. Now US lawmakers grab campaign money from Toyota executives and scramble to save Toyota jobs in their districts. Auto workers used to take sledge hammers to foreign cars.

Now thousands of them work for foreign companies, and US car dealers wear “I am Toyota in America” buttons to Capitol Hill.

And consider the hearing itself, where American directness confronted Japanese subtlety as Toyoda apologized for life-threatening safety lapses and for a corporate culture that may have made things worse. The grandson of the company’s founder noted that the vehicles bear his name. “For me,” Toyoda said in a thin, reedy voice, “when the cars are damaged, it is as though I am as well.” It was a uniquely Japanese way to lead in crisis. How often do troubled US leaders call themselves damaged goods?

Unlike in the United States, where self-promoting corporate leaders cast themselves as buck-stops-here demigods, the heads of Japanese companies are chosen for their skills at team decision-making. Most climbed

the corporate ladder without rocking the boat, and humility is prized. Their job is to ensure stability and harmony.

Harmony? Not a word usually associated with the US corporate culture. Or Congress.

“This is appalling, sir,” said Republican Rep John Mica, waving copies of a July 2009 presentation at Toyota’s Washington office. The confidential document bragged of saving $100 million or more by negotiating an “equipment recall” of floor mats involving 55,000 Toyota vehicles in Sept 2007. “I’m embarrassed for you, sir,” Mica said. Toyoda, who earned a business degree in Massachusetts, is no stranger to the United States. But he probably is unaccustomed to the impatience - and at times the impertinence of US lawmakers.

Their questions came “with all due respect,” a caveat that paves the way for countless slights on Capitol Hill.

Democratic Rep Edolphus Towns pressed Toyoda about whether the company could correct the acceleration problem. Toyoda gave a long, indirect answer - establishing a pattern for the hearing. “I’m trying to find out,” an exasperated Towns said, “is that a yes or a no?” Rep Darrell Issa, a Republican, who received a $1,000 campaign contribution in December from the president of a Toyota dealership in California, jumped to Toyoda’s defense. He explained that a complicated problem required complicated answers.

Toyoda gave his opening statement in heavily accented English. He fielded questions through a translator, but clearly had command of the situation and used the extra time to consider his answers. Early on, the company president reached across the table to pull a microphone closer to his translator, and when asked a question, he nodded to her and said, “Will translate.” And so it went, this lively blend of business and political cultures played out before the cameras - globalization in a box, the 21st century condensed into a single Capitol Hill committee room.

But it was not pretty. Not with so many lives at risk or already wasted by mechanical defects. Not with so many lawmakers and Obama administration officials hoping the accountability stops with Toyoda and Toyota, sparing them.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received more than 2,500 consumer complaints about Toyota before aggressively dogging the

company in late 2009. Congress, which has oversight authority on NHTSA, is only now asking tough questions.

“NHTSA failed the taxpayers,” Towns, the committee chairman, said before swearing in Toyoda. “Toyota failed their customers.” Still, after two days of hearings, there is too much left unknown.

Why did some cars accelerate out of

control? Why did others not stop? What else might go wrong? Is my car safe? At the end of the day, Congress and Toyota delivered more theater than answers.

Cultures collide.

Globalization enters the so-what phase.

Political and business leaders struggle to lead. All true. But whether in Japan or in Congress, in a car accident you’re just as dead. — AP

Toyota’s woes far from over

By Mira Oberman

T

oyota’s woes are far from over despite a contrite appearance by its president before US lawmakers as the Japanese giant now has to battle to repair its global image, analysts said Thursday. Akio Toyoda’s assurances that the company his grandfather founded will return to its roots and renew its focus on safety and quality “will make people feel that they’re going to do the right thing,” said Rebecca Lindland, an auto analyst at IHS Global Insight. But the key to winning back spooked customers and reassuring skeptical lawmakers will be making sure those defects are fully resolved, and Lindland argued the current fixes do not appear to be sufficient. “I’m not convinced the problems have been solved,” Lindland said in a telephone interview.

Eliminating the risks of sudden, unintended acceleration is an “extremely difficult” and complex task, said David Cole, chairman of Michigan’s Center on Automotive Research. Investigators were unable to replicate many of the complaints in order to determine what was happening and how to fix it. And given how much press attention the problem has received people are going to be blaming their cars instead of their poor driving skills, he said.

Fixing the cars is now just part of Toyota’s problem, he added. “The long-term impact here clearly is that the perception generally of Japanese car quality superiority over Koreans and Americans is gone,” Cole told AFP. “What people do now is open up their shopping lists.” Toyota has a host of legal troubles to deal with as well. Three US congressional panels have launched investigations into incidents of sudden unintended acceleration blamed for over 30 US deaths and tied to the recall of some eight million Toyota vehicles worldwide.

Critics have attacked Toyota for its sluggish response to complaints and accused it of covering up the defects and incorrectly blaming accidents on floor mats that jam accelerators or on sticky pedals while ignoring possible electronic problems. The world’s largest automaker has also

been subpoenaed by a US federal grand jury investigating whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal charges, is being investigated by US securities regulators and faces a host of civil lawsuits that could cost it billions of dollars.

Toyoda on Thursday had a “cordial and open discussion” with US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and vowed to put customers first, improve communications and work more closely with the US Transprtation Department, the Japanese company said in a statement. “Mr Toyoda promised to take the initiative to advance safety to the next level,” it added. While Toyota could see its sales and profits take a near-term hit, it “will recover from its current quality and public relations tribulations,” said Efraim Levy, an analyst with Standard and Poor’s Equity Research. “The key for Toyota, in our view, is to get past the current negative news flow,” Levy wrote in a research note.

Toyota has a solid balance sheet with plenty of cash available to spend on winning back consumers with warranty guarantees and incentives. It also has a strong brand reputation that will draw current customers back once they are assured that the problems are fixed, he said. Luring new customers could be more difficult, but with industry volumes rebounding Levy said Toyota should still see sales growth this year despite some market share loss. “The real challenge, in our view, is if Toyota says the current problems are fixed and then announces a new problem,” Levy cautioned. “That’s when real reputational damage could take effect.”

While Toyota has lost some customers as a result of the mass recalls, it is “not as bad as you might think,” said Michelle Krebs, an analyst with automotive website Edmunds.com. Toyota sales are currently trending down about 10 percent compared with February of 2009 and Edmunds forecasts that its market share is expected to fall to 12.6 percent - the lowest level since July 2005. But the sales remain relatively healthy and should pickup next month if Toyota launches major incentives as expected, she said. “There are certainly Toyota loyalists who believe this is overblown,” Krebbs told AFP. — AFP

Turkey still open to civilian-military rows

By Hande Culpan

A

ttempts by Turkish leaders to resolve a row over an alleged coup plot will defuse tensions for now but fresh clashes are likely between the government and the army over who is in charge, analysts said.

After a three-hour meeting, President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and army chief Ilker Basbug vowed to respect the constitution and avoid weakening institutions following the detention of around 50 military figures for plotting to oust the government in 2003.

“The row has been resolved for now, but because we have a systematic problem, a new crisis could erupt for another reason,” Soli Ozel, an academic from Istanbul’s Bilgi University said.

“The role of the army is being redefined,” Ozel said. “As Turkey demolishes its old structure, it is unable to decide what to replace it with. This is the core of the issue.”

Once untouchable, the Turkish military has ousted four governments in 50 years - with with old-fashioned coups d’Etat in 1960 and 1980, and with “coups by ultimatum” in 1971 and 1997

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with chief of staff General Ilker Basbug as they attend a funeral in Ankara yesterday. – AFP

- and wielded significant clout over politics. But it was forced to take a step back as recent reforms clipped its wings coupled with a wave of unprecedented judicial investigations targeting army members accused of acting outside the law.

Political scientist Dogu Ergil said the problem lay in the army’s “ideological” definition of its duty as “protecting the republic and its gains”. “As long as the functions and duties of state institutions are not well-defined, we will see more confrontations,” he said. The latest row erupted after police rounded up around 50 military figures - including the ex-chiefs of the navy and the air force - on Monday over an alleged plan to foment unrest and justify a military takeover.

The general staff described the situation as “serious” as strained ties with the government hit a new low. The government, critics say, is trying to discredit the military to realise its alleged agenda of Islamicizing the country.

Twenty of the suspects have been jailed pending trial while prosecutors on Thursday questioned the former air force and navy chiefs and the general staff’s former number two. The prose-

cutors can either release the three men or ask a court to remand them in custody on charges of involvement in the plot. There have been fears of a stronger military reaction if the former heads of the service are incarcerated, but Ergil said he doubted the army would take a hard line. “They can either say they are going to carry out a coup or the top brass can resign en masse or they can keep quiet and go back to their barracks,” he said. “I think they will just try to keep their distance from the government.”

Wolgango Piccoli, an analyst with the risk consultancy group Eurasia, said tensions were likely to flare anew if the former air force and navy chiefs were charged, but ruled out a strong public reaction from the army. “This could backfire” as a 2007 on-line army statement telling Erdogan to shape up ended with the ruling party boosting its votes in subsequent early polls, he said.

Army chief Basbug could opt for faceto-face meetings with the prime minister to convey the military’s line or engage in an anti-government drive by leaking names of top officials who have tried to undermine the armed forces, he said. — AFP

focus

Ivory Coast leader stalling democracy

By Rukmini Callimachi

H

e got his first oneyear extension in 2005. And another in 2006. And every year since, President Laurent Gbagbo has gone through the motions of organizing presidential elections, only to cancel them at the last minute. His critics say he has taken the country hostage, putting democracy on pause by refusing to hold elections many say he will likely lose. The latest cancellation was two weeks ago, when Gbagbo dissolved the government just weeks ahead of the ballot, claiming the voter roll had been tampered with and postponing the poll by two months.

It prompted riots that left at least five dead in a country that was once a model of political stability and economic prosperity, dubbed the “African miracle” for its roaring growth rate. Ivory Coast is still the world’s top cocoa producer but its people have become increasingly poorer and impatient mobs have taken to the streets. Although Gbagbo is known to have significant support in the country’s south, experts and ordinary citizens say he doesn’t have the numbers to win an election.

“All he is doing is trying to buy himself time,” said political analyst and newspaper owner Abdoulaye Sangare. “It’s so that he can fix his main problem, which is figuring out how to get elected.” Late last year, the country’s election commission produced a voter roll consisting of some 5 million voters whose citizenship had been confirmed and a gray list of 1 million who need to provide proof of their nationality to make the list.

Sangare said that soon after the list was delivered, the government audited it and concluded that the voters were overwhelmingly from ethnicities and regions of the country that favor the opposition. On Feb 12, Gbagbo announced on state television he was unilaterally dissolving the government and its election commission, making it impossible for elections to go ahead as planned. Gbagbo’s continued postponement of the election comes at a time when the population is feeling the economic pinch of higher food prices and growing unemployment.

In Abidjan’s gritty Abobo suburb, where police beat back anti-Gbagbo protesters this week, teacher Yeo Klotioloma said students can no longer afford to buy books. Many don’t eat properly and fall asleep in class, he said. “Each time we think we’re at the end, each time we think it’s over, we suddenly go backward,” said Klotioloma, who said he set fire to tires during the protest. “Gbagbo needs to go. He is just drawing out our misery.”

Gbabgo came to power after a 1999 military coup led

by Gen Robert Guei. Guei organized elections the next year, but disqualified his top opponents - including toppled President Henri Konan Bedie, who was ticked off the list for not properly filling in his health certificate, and former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara, who was accused of not being a fullblooded Ivoirian because his parents were born near the country’s borders.

Guei faced off against Gbagbo - and lost. When the general tried to claim victory, hundreds of thousands of people poured into the streets to prevent him from staying in power. Two years into Gbagbo’s term, an armed uprising plunged the country into civil war.

When Gbagbo’s first term expired in 2005, he argued elections could not proceed

because rebels had not been disarmed.

The United Nations gave Gbagbo one year to hold elections. As the deadline approached, the opposition said they would reject his request for another extension, but he forced it through.

In 2007, he signed a peace deal with the rebels, creating a unity government and a roadmap for elections.

It called for the creation of an electoral commission that would include appointees from all political sides and whose task was to prepare the voter roll.

The commission redefined citizenship as a person that has at least one Ivoirian parent, changing the electoral law which had earlier required both parents to be citizens. The new definition eliminates previous challenges to Ouattara’s candidacy. He was banned from running in both 1995 and 2000 on the argument that one of his parents is from Burkina Faso.

Both he and Bedie, the former president who was disqualified in 2000, are now back in Abidjan, where they lead two top opposition parties which are expected to carve out a significant chunk of the electorate.

“So long as he will be able to avoid elections, he will not hold elections,” said the 68-year-old Ouattara. “This is clear in my mind. He knows he cannot win ...

Therefore - like many dictators - he prefers to take a chance and remain.”

In dissolving the government, Gbagbo blamed the election commission and accused its opposition-allied chief of trying to add 429,000 illegitimate voters to the rolls.

The International Crisis Group said in a report that the delays are part of Gbagbo’s strategy to “slow the process down.”

The report, published last year, predicted that Gbagbo would halt the electoral process at the last moment and accuse those responsible for registering voters of not doing their job properly.

“It was 95 percent done.

We had just 5 percent left to go - and the very next day, he dissolved the government,” said Nicolas Baba, the spokesman for the disbanded Independent Election Commission. The former French colony won independence in 1960 and became an economic powerhouse, overtaking both Brazil and Colombia to become the world’s top exporter of cocoa by 1979. It also became Africa’s top exporter of palm oil and pineapples.

Tens of thousands of immigrants poured in from neighboring countries lured by high-paying farm jobs and a liberal land ownership policy. Jennifer Cooke, Africa program director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Ivory Coast’s stunning economic success allowed its leaders to ignore issues of governance, which are then laid bare when the economy takes a turn for the worse.

That has become clear to municipal street sweeper Therese Ba, one of a dozen workers who gathered at a traffic island leading to the chic Cocody district and begged for coins from passing motorists. The workers started a strike earlier this week because they claim the Gbagbo regime has not paid them for at least three months.

“We are like a baby on the back of its mother,” she said. “We just look up to the person in charge. I don’t know if having elections will change anything ... All I know is that before all this, I used to get paid every month. Now I can’t afford to eat.” — AP

NEWS

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Chile races to find survivors Continued from Page 1

ISTANBUL: Protestors hold placards of former army chiefs reading “Military coup d’etat instigators should be judged” as others read “Never again” yesterday in downtown Istanbul where some 2,000 people gathered to demonstrate against coups d’etat in Turkey. — AFP

Europe storms kill 52 PARIS: Hurricane-force winds, surging seas and driving rain lashed western Europe yesterday, leaving at least 52 people dead and more than a million households without power. Dubbed “Xynthia”, the Atlantic storm crashed against the western coasts of France and Spain overnight, bringing with it a band of foul weather stretching from Portugal to the Netherlands and inland as far as Germany.

The bulk of the casualties were in France, where gusts of 150 km per hour and eight metre waves battered the west coast, flooding inland and sending residents scurrying onto rooftops. Prime Minister Francois Fillon said France would formally declare the storm a natural disaster, thus freeing up funds to help communities rebuild. “We were warned, but I didn’t think it could do this,” said 62-year-old retiree Jean-Francois Dikczyk, who saw the sea surge several hundred metres inland and smash though the windows of his house. “My mother was nearly killed. She’s 83 and disabled.

She was sleeping on the ground floor, and her mattress was floating. My son and I managed to get her upstairs, but it was really catastrophic,” he told AFP. In the western town of La-Faute-surMer, householder Jean-Pierre was left barefoot and homeless. He and his wife woke in the night to find water pouring up the stairs, filling the house in less than

half-an-hour. They climbed onto the roof and waited eight hours to be rescued. All the while the shutters on the house of their elderly neighbours remained shut.

“We don’t know what happened to them,” he said, visibly in shock.

In all, 45 people have been confirmed dead in France since Saturday, according to the interior ministry. Most of those lost were drowned in the flooded coastal towns of the Vendee and CharenteMaritime regions. President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and praised the work of rescuers. His office said he would head for the worst affected areas early today.

Some boat owners ignored warnings and stayed onboard overnight in west coast marinas. “The boat was rolling so much it was like being on the ocean,” said 60-year-old Robert Monne, who came ashore to find his car swept away.

Emergency services plucked families from rooftops with helicopters and rescue launches, and hundreds of refugees sought temporary accommodation.

Shortly after 5:00 pm (1600 GMT) state forecaster Meteo France said the storm had passed into Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, and there were reports of high winds in the Swiss Alps.

In Germany, a motorist in the Black Forest and a female jogger in the western town of Bergheim were killed by falling

trees. In Spain, regional authorities said yesterday that two men aged 51 and 41 died when their car was hit by a falling tree. An 82-year-old woman was killed Saturday when a wall collapsed in the Galicia region. Portugal said Saturday that a 10-year-old boy was killed by a falling branch and flood waters continued to rise yesterday. The northern cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia issued flood warnings as the Douro river threatened to break its banks. A man in his sixties was killed by a falling tree in Belgium, and emergency services were called out repeatedly to deal with fallen power lines.

In France, fallen power lines caused blackouts for around a million homes across a 500 km swathe of the country from the Brittany peninsula to the highlands of the Massif Central. The national power firm EDF said half a million clients were still without power at nightfall yesterday, and Fillon said it would take several days to restore power everywhere. Air France said 100 flights out of 700 were cancelled from its hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle, where an AFP reporter saw sections of one ter minal roof star ting to come loose. Europe 1 radio reported wind speeds of 175 km per hour at the tip of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but “Xynthia” fell short of the record 200-kph levels of a deadly 1999 storm system, which killed 92 people. — AFP

Ahmadinejad calls Israel ‘a microbe of corruption’ Continued from Page 1 “The only way to confront them (Israelis) is through the Palestinian youths’ resistance, and that of the regional nations,” he told the two-day conference that closed yesterday. “This microbe of corruption is no longer feasible for its masters to keep. The European and American people are opposed to Zionism and want an end to the Zionist thoughts,” the ISNA news agency quoted Ahmadinejad as saying. The hardline president called for unity among Palestinian groups to triumph over Israel.

“Unity and readiness of the Palestinian resistance groups are the only ways to control this evil demon and send it to the bottom of hell,” ISNA quoted him as saying.

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, Islamic

Jihad leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah and the head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command, Ahmed Jibril, all of whom live in exile, were at the conference, Iranian media said. “The Palestinian people will not be defeated by Israel, and through intifada (Palestinian uprising) and resistance will defeat Israel,” said Meshaal, whose group controls the Gaza Strip since June 2007. “Israelis who are the thieves of Palestinian lands will be defeated through resistance,” he told the conference.

Islamic Jihad leader Shallah called for “jihad (holy war) and resistance”. “In a word, the future of Palestine is victory and freedom, which will materialise through jihad and resistance,” ISNA quoted him as saying. “This aim may be considered by some to be an exaggeration

and fantasy, but it is a reality and has its legitimacy,” he said.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Palestinian militant chiefs on Saturday that sustained resistance was the key to liberating their land. “Palestine, surely and definitely, will be freed by sustained resistance from the people of Palestine and by maintaining unity among jihadist groups,” Khamenei said. Iran does not recognise Israel and is a staunch backer of Palestinian militant groups.

Tensions have soared between Iran and Israel since Ahmadinejad, a hardliner, came to power in 2005. Ahmadinejad has drawn international condemnation by predicting that Israel is doomed to disappear and dismissing the Holocaust as a “myth,” while Israel has refused to rule out military action to prevent Iran from possibly developing a nuclear bomb. — AFP

Massive head of Tut granddad unearthed Continued from Page 1 of highly artistic quality and shows a portrait of the king with very fine youthful sculptured features,” Hawass said, adding there were still traces of red paint on the head. The artefact belongs to a large statue of the king standing with his hands crossed over his chest and holding the royal insignia, said Hourig Sourouzian who headed the team of archaeologists that made the

find. Sourouzian believes its ceremonial beard is still buried somewhere nearby.

In recent years, a large quantity of red granite statue pieces have been uncovered at Amenhotep III’s funerary temple at Kom Al-Hitan on Luxor’s west bank. Amenhotep III ruled Egypt between 1390 and 1352 BC at the height of Egypt’s New Kingdom and presided over a vast empire stretching from Nubia in the south to Syria in the north. His massive mortuary temple, however, was

largely destroyed, possibly by floods, and little remains of its walls. The expedition, however, has unearthed a wealth of artifacts and statuary in the buried ruins, including two statues of Amenhotep made of black granite found in March. He was almost certainly the grandfather of Tutankhamun, according to the results of DNA tests and computerised tomography (CT) scans on the famed boy king’s mummy announced by scientists on Feb 17. — Agencies

Yesterday, Dubai deputy police chief Maj Gen Khamis Mattar Al-Mazeina told the Gulf News daily that succinylcholine can “cause immediate and temporary paralysis”. He added that the forensic report confirms Mabhouh died of suffocation “using a pillow”. “The assassins used this method so that it would seem that his death was natural,” the statement said, adding that “there were no signs of resistance shown by the victim.” Mazeina said added that results did not indicate the amount injected, as the drug is difficult to trace. Succinylcholine, also known as suxamethonium, is “usually (used) for facilitation of endotracheal intubation” (inserting a tracheal tube) the statement quoted the General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology at Dubai Police as saying.

Dubai police also said a third Palestinian suspect was in custody.Dubai police chief Dhahi Khalfan yesterday told

Al-Arabiya news channel that one of the Palestinian suspects had allegedly provided “logistics assistance” to the hit squad.

The Dubai police “alone and without any outside help” was able to re-enact the murder, Khalfan added. The Gulf citystate’s authorities have linked at least 26 other suspects to the alleged hit squad that traveled to Dubai on fake European and Australian passports to stalk and kill Mabhouh. At least seven of the suspected killers share names with Israeli citizens, further fueling suspicions the Mossad was behind the hit.

Israel, however, has maintained a policy of ambiguity on the killing, neither confirming or denying involvement. On Sunday, the country’s trade minister, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, told Army Radio that while he had no idea who killed Mabhouh, the slaying shows Hamas that “none of their people are untouchable, they can all be reached.”

The comments from Ben-Eliezer, a for-

mer defense minister, were the most direct yet on the by an Israeli official. He said the results were “immediately translated,” claiming that the leader of the Islamic militant group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, recently disguised himself in a wig on a trip to Syria. “He understands that eyes are watching him and that is what is important,” Ben-Eliezer said. The minister’s claim could not immediately be verified with Hezbollah, but Nasrallah has largely lived in hiding since his group battled Israel to a stalemate during a monthlong war in 2006.

In one of Israel’s few comments on the matter, opposition leader Tzipi Livni last week praised Mabhouh’s death as “good news to those fighting terrorism.” Israel says Mabhouh was a major player in smuggling weapons to the Hamas militants that control the Gaza Strip. He was also wanted by Israel for the 1989 abduction and killing of two Israeli soldiers on leave. —Agencies

ed by strong winds and by the time he saw the overpass hanging down over Highway 5 there was no chance of stopping, so he aimed for the spot where he thought he would cause the least damage and brought down the overpass onto his truck. He said he survived “by millimeters.”

As night fell Saturday, about a dozen men and children sat around a bonfire in the remains of their homes in Curico, a town 196 km south of the capital, Santiago. “We were sleeping when we felt the quake, very strongly. I got up and went out the door. When I looked back my bed was covered in rubble,” said survivor Claudio Palma.

In the capital Santiago, 325 km to the nor theast of the epicenter, the national Fine Arts Museum was badly damaged and an apartment building’s two-storey parking lot pancaked, smashing about 50 cars. Santiago’s airport was closed and its subway shut down. Chile’s main seapor t, in Valparaiso, was ordered closed while damage was assessed. Two oil refineries shut down. The state-run Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer, halted work at two of its mines, but said it expected them to resume operations quickly. The jolt set off a tsunami that swamped San Juan Bautista village on Robinson Cr usoe Island off Chile, killing at least five people and leaving 11 missing, said Guillermo de la Masa, head of the government emergency bureau for the Valparaiso region. On the mainland, several huge waves inundated par t of the major por t city of Talcahuano, near hard-hit Concepcion.

A large boat was swept more than a block inland.

State television showed scenes of devastation in coastal towns, where houses were blasted away by water, leaving scraps of wood and metal - and complaints of homeless quake victims that officials had not yet brought water or food. The surge of water raced across the Pacific, setting off alarm sirens in Hawaii, Polynesia and Tonga, but the tsunami waves proved small and did little damage as they reached as far as Japan. — Agencies

In polyglot Lebanon, Arabic falling behind Continued from Page 1 The country of four million was under French Mandate from 1920 until its independence in 1943, and it is still widely considered the most “Western” country in the conservative Middle East.

In Lebanon most schools teach Arabic, French and English to their students from a young age, and the education authorities allow students with dual nationality to waive Arabic classes and government examinations. “Having a second language is an asset, provided students do not forget their native language,” said Talhouk.

Experts are divided on who should shoulder the responsibility, with some blaming schools which they say have placed Arabic at the bottom of the educational pyramid. “Schools often treat Arabic as a secondary subject,” says Henri Awaiss, who heads the department of translation at Saint Joseph University in Beirut. “Also, students are bored because of the way classes are

taught,” Awaiss told AFP. “We have to open the door to more creative teaching methods,” he said.

But some teachers say the problem starts at home. “Many parents tend to speak to their children in English or French,” said Hiba, who teaches Arabic at a primary school. “The problem is that I find myself teaching six-year-olds who do not speak their own language and who are utterly shocked by formal Arabic,” which differs from spoken Arabic, she added. According to Talhouk “some parents even request teachers address their children in French or English if they do not understand Arabic”. “It’s sad. One shouldn’t be ashamed of their language,” she said.

And with the Internet age in full swing, “writing in Arabic is no longer fashionable among the young,” Talhouk said. “Arabic today is a sort of ‘Facebook Arabic’.” The L ebanese have even devised a web-friendly script for their dialect, using Latin font. Numbers such as 2, 3, and 7 are used to represent

Arabic phonetic sounds that do not exist in English or French.

The United Nations cultural body UNESCO designated Beirut World Book Capital of the year (April 2009-April 2010). But reading, generally not a popular activity in Lebanon, is even less popular in Arabic. “I don’t read Arabic novels because they don’t speak to the youth,” said Bilal, a Lebanese university student studying television broadcasting. Leila Barakat, who manages the World Book Capital program, stressed the need for more modern Arabic texts that address the new generation. “We must support and encourage Arabic literature for young adults, which is today underdeveloped,” Barakat told AFP. Talhouk insisted that Lebanon should invest in preserving the nation’s cultural and literary heritage, as well as develop Arabic technological and scientific terms. “Young people should feel that this beautiful language speaks to them too, that it is of their day and age,” she said. — AFP

CIA bomber calls for jihad against Jordan intelligence and the CIA a lesson is with the martyrdom belt,” he said in the video.The secretive eastern Afghan CIA base was reportedly used as a key outpost in the effort to identify and target terror leaders, many of whom were taken out by the drone-fired missile strikes. It was one of the worst losses for the CIA ever and revealed the cooperation between the American and Jordanian intelligence services. Al-Balawi, who appeared in a military fatigues cradling an assault rifle and what appears to be C4 explosives, described the successes of Jordanian intelligence against extremists over the years and their close working relationship with the CIA. “The Jordanian intelligence apparatus is the one that provided the Americans with sensitive data about the location of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi,” Balawi said, adding, “they are the ones who killed” him.

Zarqawi, formerly the head of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, was killed on June 7, 2006 in a US airstrike. “We were able to obtain some oth-

er information, like the role Jordanian intelligence played in the killing of Imad Mughniyah, the military chief of Hezbollah,” Balawi said. “Jordanian intelligence is the one that killed this man... through the planting of a spy,” he said without elaborating.

Mughniyah was killed in a Feb 12, 2008 car bombing in Damascus.

Balawi described Jordanian intelligence as “America’s dogs,” adding that they are trusted by the United States, while “Pakistani intelligence isn’t trusted.” When Balawi was supposedly spying on militants in Pakistan, the country’s intelligence service was kept in the dark, he said. “Pakistani intelligence is too lowly in American eyes to be involved in any action on Pakistan’s own soil,” he said in the video. “The Jordanian intelligence apparatus has a record which emboldens them to such behavior, but with Allah’s permission, after this operation, they will never stand on their feet again,” he said. Balawi, a doctor, hailed from the same hometown of Zarqa as Zarqawi and was a prolific contributor to extremist Web sites, but was never able to realize his dream of

joining the jihad until he was arrested by Jordanian security. In the video he described how they plied him with money and material goods and bragged about their past successes before sending him to Afghanistan to spy on Al-Qaeda there - finally giving him the chance he had long sought to join the insurgency. “I cut ties for four months, then came back to them with some videos taken with leaders of the mujahideen, so that they would think that I was leaking videos and betraying the mujahideen,” he said.

In light of Jordan’s strong support for the United States, Balawi called for attacks on members of its intelligence agency and the need to overthrow its government.

“There is no solution to the situation in Jordan other than mobilizing to the land of jihad to learn the arts of war and train in them, then return to Jordan and begin operations,” he said. The Arabic-language video came with an English transcript and a second version dubbed into English, part of the extremist group’s continued outreach to non-Arabic speaking jihadists, such as in Pakistan. — Agencies

Violence flares at Aqsa mosque Continued from Page 1

Mabhouh drugged, suffocated Continued from Page 1

town of Constitucion, which was hit by a tsunami. Television images from the fishing port about 350 km southwest of the capital Santiago showed houses destroyed by the offshore quake and a tsunami, which washed large fishing boats onto land and flipped over cars.

There were similar scenes of devastation in Pelluhue, another coastal town, where cars were tossed on top of shattered houses.

“We face a catastrophe of such unthinkable magnitude that it will require a giant effort” for Chile to recover, Bachelet told a news conference. She said that a growing number of people were listed as missing and she signed a decree giving the military over security in the province of Concepcion, where looters have pillaged supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies and banks.

A tsunami caused by the quake that swept across the Pacific killed several people on a Chilean island and devastated over coastal communities near the epicenter, but caused little damage in other countries, after precautionary evacuations of hundreds of thousands of people. The tsunami warning was lifted a day after the earthquake. Police said more than 100 people died in Concepcion, the largest city near the epicenter with more than 200,000 people. The university was among the buildings that caught fire around the city as gas and power lines snapped. Many streets were littered with rubble from edifices and inmates escaped from a nearby prison.

Police used water cannon and tear gas to scatter people who forced open the doors of the Lider supermarket in Concepcion, hauling away everything from diapers to dehydrated milk to a kitchen stove. Across the Bio Bio River in San Pedro, others cleared out a shopping mall. A video store was set ablaze, two automatic teller machines were broken open, a bank was robbed and a supermarket emptied, its floor littered with mashed plums, scattered dog food and smashed liquor bottles.

The largest building damaged in

Concepcion was a newly opened 15storey apartment that toppled backward, trapping an estimated 60 people inside apartments where the floors suddenly became vertical and the contents of every room slammed down onto rear walls. “It fell at the moment the earthquake began,” said 4th Lt Juan Schulmeyer of Concepcion’s 7th Firefighter Company, pointing to where the foundation collapsed. A full 24 hours later, only 16 people had been pulled out alive, and six bodies had been recovered.

Rescuers heard a woman call out at 11 pm Saturday from what seemed like the 6th floor, but hours later they were making slow progress in reaching her.

Rescuers were working with two power saws and an electric hammer on a generator, but their supply of gas was running out and it was taking them a frustrating hour and a half to cut each hole through the concrete. “It’s very difficult working in the dark with aftershocks, and inside it’s complicated. The apartments are totally destroyed. You have to work with great caution,” said Paulo Klein, who was leading a group of rescue specialists from Puer to Montt.

They flew in on an air force plane with just the equipment they could carry.

Heavy equipment was coming later along with 12 other rescuers.

The quake tore apart houses, bridges and highways, and Chileans near the epicenter were thrown from their beds by the force of the mega-quake, which was felt as far away as Sao Paulo in Brazil - 2,900 km to the east. The full extent of damage remained unclear.

Ninety aftershocks of magnitude 5 or greater shuddered across the disaster prone Andean nation within 24 hours of the initial quake. One was nearly as powerful as Haiti’s devastating Jan. 12 earthquake.

In the village of Reumen, a tractor trailer slammed into a dangling pedestrian overpass and 40 tons of concrete and steel crunched the truck, covering Chile’s main highway with smashed grapes, tomatoes and cucumbers - one of several overpasses toppled along the highway. Truck driver Jaime Musso, 53, thought his truck was being buffet-

injured by rocks, spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. Palestinian medical sources said three Palestinians had been taken to hospital with injuries caused by rubber bullets. Others were being treated for tear gas inhalation. It was not immediately clear whether Israeli police fired the rubber bullets and tear gas in the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, or in later clashes with youths in alleyways in the Old City.

Nabil Abu Rdainah, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, accused Israel of stoking tensions to undermine US attempts to revive peace talks. Israel’s actions, he said, would “naturally affect the American efforts and destroy them”. Israel and the United States have called on Abbas to begin talks immediately. Abbas first wants Israeli settlement expansion to cease. He is studying a US proposal for indirect talks and will discuss it this week at the Arab League in Cairo. The Palestinians aim to establish a state with East Jerusalem, including the walled Old City, as its capi-

tal. Israel considers all of Jerusalem its eternal and indivisible capital, a claim not recognised internationally.

Mohammad Hussein, the mufti of Jerusalem, said in a statement Israel would bear responsibility for consequences of what he termed the “storming” of the site by “extremist groups”.

Israeli police said around 1,000 tourists had visited the compound in the morning.

Adnan Al-Husseini, the Palestinianappointed governor of Jerusalem, said Palestinian youths spent the night at AlAqsa out of concern religious Jews were planning to enter the area.

OIC chief Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu warned that “any damage to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy places will have serious consequences with unpredictable danger to international peace and security.” The Islamist Hamas movement ruling Gaza slammed what it called a “vile Zionist attack... which targets the identity of the Palestinian people, its faith, and the identity of the entire Islamic nation.”

An Israeli police spokesman said the police, who do not usually enter the com-

pound, had gone into the site when about 20 Palestinians threw stones. The spokesman said the protesters had taken cover in the mosque, which Israeli police do not enter. The second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, erupted in 2000 after a visit by then-Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon to the compound, known by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as Al-Haram al-Sharif.

There have been several days of clashes in the West Bank town of Hebron, home to the Tomb of the Patriarchs, which Israel intends to include in its plan to refurbish Jewish heritage sites. The Israeli plan also includes a site near the West Bank town of Bethlehem.

Witnesses said four Palestinians were shot by Israeli soldiers near the town on Saturday after their car was stopped for inspection. Medics who were treating the casualties said one of them was seriously wounded. An Israeli military spokesman said soldiers had opened fire in response to stone-throwing at them, striking a vehicle, and that the incident was under investigation. — Agencies

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Monday, March 1, 2010

15

Snedeker takes lead SCOTTSDALE: American Brandt Snedeker birdied four of his last eight holes to surge to a onestroke lead over compatriot Scott Piercy at the Phoenix Open on Saturday.

Snedeker withstood windy conditions for a five-under 66 to put him at 14-under for a total 199 after three rounds at TPC Scottsdale. “The back nine the wind kicked up and it was playing really tough,” Snedeker told reporters. “But I played really good.”

The 29-year-old birdied the 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th holes for the strong finish as he seeks his second PGA Tour victory.

“Made one mistake on 14 and was able to make a long putt to save bogey,” Snedeker said.

“Besides that, I’m rolling it great.” He also had birdies at his first and seventh holes.

Piercy used eagles at three and 10 for a 65 to enter late yesterday’s final round at 13-under 200. That put him one stroke ahead of fellow Americans Matt Every (68) and Rickie Fowler (69). Second round co-leaders Camilo Villegas and Mark Wilson were less successful.

Colombian Villegas needed birdies on his final two holes to finish at even par 71. He had four bogeys in the round to trail Every and Fowler by a stroke.

American Wilson shot a 72 to join a group of nine at 203 that includes three-time winner Mark Calcavecchia.

Calcavecchia birdied three of his four final holes to finish at four-under 67.

“Today was basically saved on the last two holes,” said the 49year-old Calcavecchia. “I made two 30-footers after making nothing the first 16 holes.”

Two-time champion Phil Mickelson faded to 208 with a 72.

As usual a boisterous crowd of thousands greeted golfers at the par-three 16th.

“It was crazy,” Snedeker said, “about as insane as I’ve seen it ...

I’m glad I made par and got out of there before I got booed too bad.”

“I love it,” he said of the notorious hole.

“You’ve got to take it with a grain of salt and realize that golf needs that. We need people out here having fun, being excited about being at a golf tournament.”—Reuters

Alisa clinches Malaysian Open KUALA LUMPUR: Alisa Kleybanova won her first WTA title at the Malaysian Open yesterday, beating top-seeded Elena Dementieva 6-3, 6-2 in an all-Russian final.

The 21-year-old Kleybanova dominated the Olympic champion, using her raw power and booming first serve to earn most of her points. Once described as the new Monica Seles due to her aggressive play, Kleybanova served four aces in the first set.

“It has been a tough week with many tough sets and matches. I’m just so happy to finally claim my first title,” the fourth-seeded Kleybanova said.

“I’ve been waiting so long for this moment, training hard and playing in many tournaments.

Everything came together in the final and I would like to thank Elena for the good match.”

Dementieva, considered the best player without a Grand Slam title, had cruised into the final without dropping a set. She had lost her serve only twice in four previous matches, but Dementieva was broken twice in the first set yesterday.

The first occurred in the fourth game and, although Dementieva broke back three games later, Kleybanova broke

again to lead 5-3.

Playing in her first career singles final, Kleybanova turned up the heat in the second set to go 4-0 up. She hit balls to all corners of the court and used her speed to chase every return down.

Meanwhile, second-seeded Zheng Jie of China and Chan Yung-jan of Taiwan defeated sisters Anastasia and Arina Rodionova 6-7 (4), 6-2, 10-7 to win the doubles title.

The Chinese-Taiwan duo won their first title in just their second event together, and earned $22,000 for the victory.

Zheng had previously won 12 doubles titles and Chan nine with different partners.

It was also some consolation for Zheng, who was knocked out in the second round of the singles draw on Thursday.

Anastasia Rodionova, who is now an Australian citizen, and her younger sister Arina, who is still Russian, crumbled in the second set when Zheng and Chan improved their serving. In the super tiebreaker, Zheng and Chan raced to a 4-0 lead. The Rodionova sisters, who were also chasing their first doubles title, managed to get back to 9-7 but couldn’t not clinch the set. —AP

SINGAPORE: Ai Miyazato of Japan holds the trophy after winning the final round of the HSBC Women’s Championship golf tournament.—AFP

LAS VEGAS: Carl Edwards, driver of the No.60 Copart Ford, and Kyle Busch, driver of the No.18 Z-Line Designs Toyota, lead the field during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Sam’s Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.—AFP

Harvick wins Nationwide race LAS VEGAS: Kevin Harvick overcame a pair of horrendous pit stops to win the Nationwide Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Harvick led 83 of the 200 laps Saturday, but had to rally after his crew cost him several spots on pit road.

“You look like a bunch of idiots on pit road,” he told his Kevin Harvick Inc. crew after their first slow stop.

Harvick had to methodically work his way back through the field, and found himself trailing leader Denny Hamlin late in the race. Once past Hamlin, Harvick coasted to his second career win at Las Vegas and 35th in the Nationwide Series.

“I get mad, and they know how I am

and what I expect of them,” Harvick said in Victory Lane. “But I learned a long time ago you can only gripe about it for so long, and then you’ve got to go back and drive the car.” Hamlin was second, followed by Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski and Brian Vickers.

Danica Patrick finished 36th in her third and final NASCAR race before she takes a four-month hiatus to return to IndyCar racing.

She wrecked about halfway through the race when she ran into the lapped car of Michael McDowell. She had just pitted and was on fresh tires, and McDowell said he misjudged her closing rate.

“I guess she was coming out on new

tires, and the closing rate was so fast,” McDowell said.

“I tried to give the outside, I saw her coming into it and I closed the door. It was completely 100 percent my fault. I hate it for everyone at JR Motorsports.

Like I said, I take 100 percent responsibility.”

Patrick, who had climbed as high as third earlier in the race, was livid on the radio and uttered a few profanities immediately after the accident. She finally asked crew chief Tony Eury Jr. where to take her battered car. The hood folded like an accordion, she complained she couldn’t even see where she was going.

“It’s gonna be all right, babe,” Eury

told her. “I can barely see,” she replied.

Once back in the garage, she was biting in her assessment of the accident.

“I guess I should have noticed the tape on his left-rear bumper. I probably shouldn’t have been near his left-rear bumper,” she said.

“Sure enough, he turned down and took us both out. What are you going to do? It was a real bummer because I was really hooked up out there because we had new tires on it and I was probably one of the quicker cars on the track.”

She also praised Harvick for pointing out the correct racing line to her early in the race. “Kevin Harvick was great actually _ leading the race he was telling me to go high with him,” she

said. “That was cool and I was able to run up high and feel that line out.

That’s really cool to see that — he’s leading the race and taking time to help me out.

I learned for sure.” Richard Childress Racing driver John Wes Townley issued a statement late in the race apologizing for a Thursday incident in which he was cited for underage possession of alcohol.

“I made a big mistake and feel terrible about it,” the 20-year-old said. “I have learned a valuable lesson and will do everything I can to make it up to those I have let down.” He finished 15th.—AP

Lagat earns US world team spot ALBUQUERQUE: Former world indoor champion Bernard Lagat used his miler’s kick to win the 3,000 metres at the US selection meeting for next month’s IAAF world indoor championships on Saturday.

Kenyan-born Lagat, twice an Olympic medallist at 1,500 metres, pulled away from Galen Rupp and Chris Solinsky in the final 150 metres to capture his first US indoor championship in a relatively slow 8:12.60.

Rupp was second in 8:13.49 and Solinsky third at 8:13.85 as Albuquerque’s high altitude affected all three.

“I didn’t know how I was going to feel with the altitude,” Lagat told reporters. “I actually didn’t feel anything after about five laps.”

Lagat, who won the 3,000 metres world title for Kenya in 2004, said he had only one strategy.

“I wanted to make sure I was going to be number one,” said the 2009 world outdoor 5,000 metres silver medallist. “I wanted to win and make the team.”

The top two finishers in each event at the US meeting are eligible for the world championships in Qatar on March 12-14, provided they have met the qualifying standards.

Olympian Jesse Williams won the men’s high jump impressively at 2.34 metres and Chaunte Howard Lowe took at the women’s title with a leap of 1.98.

Athens Olympic gold medallist Tim Mack surprised himself by winning the men’s pole vault at 5.70 metres.

“This is the highest I have jumped in indoors in six years,” said Mack, who edged fellow Olympian Derek Miles on misses.

Both are 37. The meeting concludes late yesterday.—Reuters

ATLANTIC CITY: Henry Bruseles of Puerto Rico (right) and Mike Jones of Philadelphia exchange blows during the tenth round of the NABA Welterweight title bout.—AP

Jones dominates Bruseles in Atlantic City ATLANTIC CITY: American welterweight Mike Jones remained undefeated Saturday with a unanimous decision over Puerto Rico’s Henry Bruseles at Bally’s Atlantic City.

Former junior-welterwight champ Kendall Holt did not fare as well. With his close friend Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants looking on, Holt lost his bid to get back into title contention with a sixth-round knockout loss to Kaizer Mabuza of South Africa.

Jones (20-0, 16 KOs) retained his regional belt, which brings with it a top-10 rating in the WBA. He is ranked

eighth by the organization and 11th by the IBF. Bruseles, who had not lost in five years, kept the fight close early, but Jones dominated down the stretch behind a sharp jab and crisp right hands.

Judges Luis Rivera (97-92), Alan Rubenstein (98-92) and Walast Roldan (98-92) all had Jones winning comfortably, as did the Associated Press (9892). “This fight was real important,” Jones said. “I’m not disappointed at all (about going the distance). I like going 10 rounds against better competition.

He’s a veteran.” Mabuza (23-6-3, 13

KOs) became the mandatory challenger for the winner of next Saturday’s junior-welterweight unification fight between IBF titleholder Juan Urango of Colombia and WBC titleholder Devon Alexander at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Mabuza dominated Holt (25-4, 13 KOs), the former WBO champion, using an aggressive style to batter him with body shots and uppercuts. “I could tell right away that I was too strong for him,” Mabuza said. “I could see that he didn’t like getting hit to the body and that my uppercuts were hurt-

ing him.” After the sixth round, referee Lindsey Page stopped the scheduled 12-round fight on the advice of Holt’s trainer, Aroz Gist.

Holt and Gist were not available for comment afterward.

“I thought Kendall won the first round, but after that, it was the fastest downhill (slide) in the ring that I’ve ever seen,” said Carl Moretti of promoter Top Rank. “After a while, it was like (Holt) was a heavy bag and he could hit him whenever he wanted. “I know 20 junior-welterweights that could beat (Holt) right now.”—AP

Fujiwara wins in Tokyo amid tsunami warnings TOKYO: Japan’s Masakazu Fujiwara won a rainy Tokyo Marathon yesterday amid tsunami warnings following a massive earthquake in Chile.

Fujiwara broke clear at the 40-kilometre mark to cross the finish line at Tokyo Bay in two hours, 12 minutes and 19 seconds and become the first Japanese to claim the men’s title.

“It was my third marathon and I just wanted to taste victory,” Fujiwara told reporters after earning a spot in Japan’s team for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China later this year.

“It was so cold but I kept telling myself to suck it up. My goal is to represent Japan at the London Olympics (in 2012) and win a medal there.”

Namesake Arata Fujiwara finished runner-up in 2:12:34 to match his second-place in 2008 while Atsushi Sato rounded out a Japanese 1-2-3 in a time of 2:12:35. Last year’s winner Salim Kipsang dropped out of contention late on in freezing conditions, the Kenyan finishing ninth in a time of 2:13:16.

A record 35,000 began the

42.195km race, including “fun runners” in costume-a panda, Spiderman and a pair of fairies along with several dressed as Japanese salarymen-while thousands wore lightweight plastic raincoats. Russia’s Alevtina Biktimirova won the women’s race in 2:34:39.

Japan’s Kanji Matsuda, the race’s oldest competitor at 83

years old, trotted across the line in 5:26:54 decked out in red and white with matching baseball cap to rapturous applause.

“I got tired but my wife handed me an onigiri (rice ball) which gave me power,” said the bespectacled Matsuda. “I finished for her and everyone else who supported me.”

As the start gun sounded,

Japanese authorities were warning the country’s northern Pacific coast faced a possible tsunami of three metres (10 ft) or more.

Thousands of coastal residents were ordered to evacuate although Tokyo Bay could expect waves of only around one metre, as seen earlier in Hawaii and New Zealand.—Reuters

Masakazu Fujiwara

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Djokovic retains Dubai title

DUBAI: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (right) receives the trophy from Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, after winning his match against Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny during the final of the Emirates Dubai ATP Tennis Championships. —AP

Bulls still top Super 14 WELLINGTON: South Africa’s Bulls retained their lead of the Super 14 rugby standings after weekend third round matches in which all five New Zealand teams were winners — four with four-try bonus points.

Defending champions the Bulls took maximum points from a 48-38 win over the New South Wales Waratahs to stay one point ahead of the Waikato Chiefs and Wellington Hurricanes, who are the only other unbeaten teams after three rounds.

Waikato took a bonus point from its 37-19 win over Australia’s Western Force, ending a threematch road trip undefeated, while Wellington scored four tries in a 3318 win over South Africa’s Lions.

The Canterbury Crusaders bounced back from a second round loss to the Queensland Reds with a 35-6 win over the Sharks, while the Auckland Blues beat Queensland 27-18, by four tries to two, for their second win in three games. The Otago Highlanders posted their first win of the season, scoring three tries to beat South Africa’s Cheetahs 31-24.

The ACT Brumbies beat the Stormers 19-17 in Cape Town leaving the Bulls the only South African team to win in the third round.

The Bulls overcame an early 17point deficit to beat the Waratahs at Pretoria and extend their winning streak at home to 13 games.

Tatafu Polota-Nau and Ben Mowen scored early tries for New South Wales. But the Bulls hit back with two tries from Francois Hougaard and one each from Stephan Dippenaar, Gerhard van den Heever, Wynand Olivier and Jacques-Louis Potgieter.

Bulls No. 10 Morne Steyn produced a flawless kicking display with six conversions and two penalties, taking his points tally for the

season to 79.

“We knew it was going to be tough,” Bulls captain Victor Matfield said. “The Waratahs are a very good team but the guys kept their heads, kept going and we came through in the end.

“We are still making stupid mistakes in the first half. They came out firing but luckily we kept our heads and our fitness came through.”

All Blacks winger Zac Guildford scored two tries in the Crusaders win. Canterbury led 16-6 with nine minutes to play, then seized a four try bonus point with late tries from Guildford, and replacements Adam Whitelock and Quentin MacDonald.

The Crusaders were boosted by the return of All Blacks lock Brad Thorn to their starting XV and New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, who took the field as a second half replacement.

“That was a massive improvement over last week,” Canterbury coach Todd Blackadder said. “We can still improve — our lineout wasn’t as good as it could be. But our scrum was fantastic and the attitude overall vastly better.” All Blacks flyhalf Daniel Carter kicked 13 points to lift his career tally in Super rugby to 960, moving into third place on the all-time list ahead of Australia’s Matt Burke. Wellington Hurricanes captain Andrew Hore scored a brilliant solo try in the 50th minute to help his team to the win over the Lions.

Hore burst from a ruck 30 meters from the Lions’ goalline, fended one player and beat two others to give the Hurricanes a crucial 13-point lead. The Lions had closed within six points, 21-15, with a 48thminute penalty and Hore’s try gave the Hurricanes breathing space.

“I think I ran further for that try than for all my other Super 14 tries

combined,” Hore said. Former All Blacks winger Lelia Masaga returned from injury to score a pivotal try in the Waikato Chiefs’ victory over the Western Force. Masaga pounced on a lost lineout throw to clinch his team’s third straight win and to leave the Force winless from three games. Force captain Nathan Sharpe said errors continued to cost his team dearly.

“We played some good football in the first half, but really didn’t get any reward for it,” Sharpe said.

“Certainly we came out with good expectations, but we just had mistake upon mistake in the second half.”

Stormers fullback Joe Pietersen missed a conversion after the final hooter to end his team’s unbeaten start to the season and hand ACT a win at Cape Town. Wallabies flanker George Smith intercepted a pass from prop Brok Harris and scored under the posts to break a 12-12 deadlock with three minutes remaining.

The Stormers immediately forced a penalty, set up an attacking lineout near the goalline and created a try for flanker Pieter Louw after the final hooter. But Pietersen’s sideline conversion attempt hooked left and the Brumbies celebrated their first win in Cape Town since 2004.

“It wasn’t a pretty performance and we had to work hard and win the battle in the air,” Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles said.

Anthony Boric, Alby Mathewson, Rene Ranger and Rudi Wulf scored tries for the Auckland Blues who overcame a 13-8 halftime deficit to beat the Queensland Reds. Flyhalf Michael Hobbs scored his fourth try in three matches to clinch the Otago Highlanders’ first win over the season over the Cheetahs at Bloemfontein. —AP

PRETORIA: Pedrie Wannenburg of the Bulls, (left) goes for Ben Mowen of the Waratahs with Derick Kuun of the Bulls on the right during their Rugby Super14 match. —AP

DUBAI: Novak Djokovic of Serbia won the weather-hit ATP Dubai Open yesterday, defeating Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in a roller coaster of a final.

The match had been held over from Saturday because of heavy rain with defending champion Djokovic 7-5, 2-0 ahead.

At that stage the second seeded Serb had appeared to be coasting to his first ever defence of an ATP title when the first rain seen in the Emirates since early January sent players and fans alike scampering for cover. But all that changed when the two players got back on court in hot, sunny conditions yesterday.

Youzhny first of all broke back to level at 4-4 and then, helped by two Djokovic double faults, he put himself into position to serve for the second set.

The frustrated Serb was warned for racquet abuse at the changeover but his display of temper appeared to help him refocus as he broke back in the following game to level at 5-5.

Once again though the Djokovic serve failed to function and he was broken to love on the back of three unforced errors.

This time Youzhny, who beat Djokovic in the Rotterdam semifinals two weeks ago, made no mistake, holding his own serve to love to level the set scores.

Djokovic regained the initiative at the start of the deciding set, breaking Youzhny’s serve with a big forehand down the line in the second game as he moved out into a 3-0 lead.

But once again the Russian dug deep to break back two games later, drawing level once more at 33. Youzhny had a break point to go 4-3 up, but blasted wide with a cross-court forehand as Djokovic looked to be out of the rally.

The Russian paid the full price in the following game when two unforced errors gave Djokovic two break points and he converted the second of those when Youzhny hit a forehand long after an energysapping rally.

Djokovic comfortably served out to clinch his first title win of the year and consolidate his world number two ranking behind Roger Federer.

“The ball travels so fast during the day, it’s incredible. It’s like ten times faster than during the night.

It’s much less control during the day, so it’s frustrating,” said the Serb of the problems both players faced adapting to the different Sunday playing conditions.

“Today was another good example of how much I believe in myself and how much I fight till the end,” he added.

Youzhny said that he had gone out to play aggressive tennis to try and turn the match around and that his tactics had almost paid off. —AFP

MEXICO: US tennis player Venus Williams celebrates with her trophy after her victory over Slovakian tennis player Polona Hercog, during the final of the WTA Open in Acapulco. —AFP

Ferrer, Serena lift Mexico Open title ACAPULCO: Venus Williams came from a set down to defend her Mexican Open title, while David Ferrer defeated good friend and fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero to end his 14match winning streak Saturday.

Williams beat Polona Hercog 2-6, 62, 6-3 for her second consecutive title — this one on clay and another a week ago on hard courts in Dubai.

The win pushed Williams’ career total to 43 WTA championships, the most by an active player. Hercog was appearing in her first WTA final.

Ferrer lost to Ferrero at the Copa Telmex last week in Buenos Aires, but got a some revenge with a 6-3, 3-6, 61 victory in Acapulco. Ferrero’s winning streak had included ATP titles in his last two tournaments, in Brazil and Argentina.

Ferrero saw his winning streak stopped just short of his personal record. In 2002 he won 16 straight matches to help propel him the world No. 1 ranking in 2003. Both players said Ferrero’s fatigue played a role, the result of three straight tournaments in three weeks across Latin America.

“I was more aggressive, hitting

harder,” Ferrer said. “It was the other way around in Buenos Aires.” Asked if Ferrero’s fatigue played a role, Ferrer replied: “It was a big key, particularly given the physical level of the match. We are very evenly match, but in the third set he (Ferrero) had a letdown and I took advantage.”

Williams started slowly and got into trouble with an erratic serve and groundstrokes that were often long.

Hercog was showed poise in winning the first set and seldom missed a shot.

The American gained her composure in the second set and began to wear down the 19-year-old, hitting the corners more often and opening the court.

“I played such a good opponent,” Williams said. “In the first set she did not miss one shot and I had to find a way to get into the match.” As she did when she won last year, Williams donned a huge sombrero — known as a “charro,” the type worn by Mexico Mariachi musicians — and turned to salute the crowd. She suggested she’ll be back next year for at shot at three straight.

“I would love to come next year,” she said. “I have to make it three, a hat trick. I think I can do it. It’s not an easy tournament to win, as you can see this year.” It was Williams’ first tournament of the season on clay, and she was pushed to three sets in the last three matches by lower rated opponents.

Williams defeated Spain’s Laura Pous Tio in the quarterfinals (ranked No. 399), Edina Gallovits in the semifinals (No. 164) and the 60th-ranked Hercog in the final.

Williams came from 5-1 down in the final set to win the quarterfinals against Pous Tio, cheered on by fans chanting “Venus, Venus.” The fans were just a vocal in the Saturday’s final.

“It’s too bad Mexican fans can’t follow me around the world and give me that support,” Williams said. “I’m going to miss it.” The victory was Williams ninth of her career on clay, second on the active list to Justine Henin. She disputes any suggestion she’s only an average clay-court player. “I actually feel like I’ve had good results on clay,” she said. —AP

Gulbis in Delray Beach final DELRAY BEACH: Ernests Gulbis of Latvia and Ivo Karlovic of Croatia will play in the final at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships yesterday.

Gulbis reached his first career final with a 6-4, 6-4 semifinal win over Jarkko Nieminen of Finland on Saturday, while Karlovic took out defending champion Mardy Fish 6-2, 6-3.

Karlovic, who is in the hunt for a fifth career title, will face the 21year-old Gulbis for the first time on the same day he celebrates his 31st birthday. “I was playing really well,” said the 33rd-ranked Karlovic, who only lost six points on serve in the match. “I don’t remember when I’ve played like this. “It was really cold so I didn’t have that many aces, but everything else was really good.”

The 72nd-ranked Gulbis of Latvia, who has reached two other semifinals, was serving for the match at 6-4, 5-4 when rain interrupted play for just over three hours. It took him two minutes to serve out the match when they went back on court in front of 61 spectators.

He finished in fine style with a 125 mph (201 kph) ace. “I’m mentally stronger than I was,” Gulbis said. “I feel different on court. I think I’m playing a lot smarter I think, I hope. I was ready from the first point.”

Nieminen is on the comeback after a groin injury, wrist surgery and the swine flu sidelined him for most of last season.

“I thought I didn’t do too much wrong in the whole match,” he said. “He didn’t give me too much margin in making an error because he was serving huge.” Bob and Mike Bryan, the No. 1 doubles team in the world, captured their 600th career match win by beating fellow Americans Taylor Dent and Ryan Harrison 6-7 (6), 7-5 (10-4) in the semifinals. If the Bryans win the title late yesterday, they will have the second-most doubles wins in history. —AP

MALAYSIA: Alisa Kleybanova of Russia holds her trophy during the awarding ceremony, after beating her compatriot Elena Dementieva at their final match of the WTA Malaysian Open tennis tournament. —AP

Alisa bags Malaysian Open KUALA LUMPUR: Alisa Kleybanova won her first WTA title at the Malaysian Open yesterday, beating top-seeded Elena Dementieva 6-3, 6-2 in an all-Russian final.

The 21-year-old Kleybanova dominated the Olympic champion, using her raw power and booming first serve to earn most of her points. Once described as the new Monica Seles due to her aggressive play, Kleybanova served four aces in the first set.

“It has been a tough week with many tough sets and matches. I’m just so happy to finally claim my first title,” the fourth-seeded Kleybanova said.

“I’ve been waiting so long for this moment, training hard and playing in many tournaments. Everything came together in the final and I would like to thank Elena for the good match.”

Dementieva, considered the best player without a Grand Slam title, had cruised into the final without dropping a set. She had lost her serve only twice in four previous matches, but Dementieva was broken twice in the first set yesterday.

The first occurred in the fourth game and, although Dementieva broke back three games later, Kleybanova broke again to lead 5-3.

Playing in her first career singles final, Kleybanova turned up the heat in the second set to go 4-0 up. She hit balls to all corners of the court and used her speed to chase every return down.

Meanwhile, second-seeded Zheng Jie of China and Chan Yung-jan of Taiwan defeated sisters Anastasia and Arina Rodionova 6-7 (4), 6-2, 10-7 to

win the doubles title. The ChineseTaiwan duo won their first title in just their second event together, and earned $22,000 for the victory.

Zheng had previously won 12 doubles titles and Chan nine with different partners. It was also some consolation for Zheng, who was knocked out in the second round of the singles draw on Thursday.

Anastasia Rodionova, who is now an Australian citizen, and her younger sister Arina, who is still Russian, crumbled in the second set when Zheng and Chan improved their serving. In the super tiebreaker, Zheng and Chan raced to a 4-0 lead. The Rodionova sisters, who were also chasing their first doubles title, managed to get back to 9-7 but couldn’t not clinch the set. —AP

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Monday, March 1, 2010

17

After Vanvouver, now it’s Russia’s turn in 2014 VANCOUVER: From the Pacific coast to the shores of the Black Sea. From the peaks of western Canada to the Caucasus mountains of southern Russia. From gleaming North American skyline to palm-fringed resort in the former Soviet Union. Do svidanya (goodbye) Vancouver. Do vstretchi (see you) in Sochi.

As the Vancouver Olympics come to a close, the focus turns across the world to Russia’s first Winter Games in 2014 — taking the Olympic movement to a new territory and a new set of challenges.

“We are next,” Sochi organizing chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said. “The bar has been well and truly raised.” The Russian city’s first big moment in the global spotlight comes during late yesterday’s closing

Ever since Sochi was awarded the games by the International Olympic Committee three years ago, questions have been raised: Can Sochi complete its massive construction projects on time? Will the funding hold up?

Will the games be safe in a city near the separatist Abkhazia region in neighboring Georgia? Putin, Russian president at the time, was instrumental in Sochi securing the games when he traveled to Guatemala City in 2007 and personally lobbied IOC members. He and current President Dmitry Medvedev remain centrally involved in making sure the games are a success.

“It’s so important for Russians that they will not allow it to fail,” senior Canadian IOC member Dick Pound said. “Whatever

ceremony, with the Olympic flag handed from the mayor of Vancouver to the mayor of Sochi.

The world will get a first taste of what Sochi has to offer during an eight-minute segment featuring Russian sports stars, music and dance performers and giant glowing spheres called “Zorbs.”

“This is a historic event for Sochi,” Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov said. “We understand it is a huge responsibility for Sochi and for Russia and we can’t let anyone down.” After the showbiz, the hard work will continue back home as organizers continue to prepare for an event that has the prestige of Russia and its leaders — including Prime Minister Vladimir Putin — on the line.

has to be done will be done.”

Sochi, established as a summer resort under Joseph Stalin, is a city of about 500,000 people in Russia’s Krasdonar region. Olympic organizers hope the games will serve as a catalyst in turning the area into a year-round world-class destination for Russians and foreign tourists alike.

Organizers say the games will feature the most compact layout in Winter Games history, with a cluster of ice arenas situated along the Black Sea coast and snow and sliding venues a half-hour away in the Krasnaya Polyana mountains. A new rail line is being built to connect the two clusters.

“You can swim in the warm Sochi sea, and after 24 minutes on a train, you can

change clothes and go skiing in the mountains,” Pakhomov said.

First, Sochi has to build virtually all of its Olympic facilities from scratch — “literally from nothing,” Chernyshenko said.

All venues are now under construction, with 16,000 workers busy on “what is probably the biggest construction site in the world.” “We are well on track and in some areas ahead of our ambitions,” Chernyshenko said.

Sochi promises that all venues will be ready two years in advance to allow for the holding of Olympic test events. The first trial run will take place a year from now with a second-tier European Cup event in Alpine skiing. More than 70 test events are planned in 2012 and 2013. The cost of the

Olympic infrastructure project is put at $7 billion.

“All the money is allocated and we don’t see any risk for a shortage of finance,” said Chernyshenko, who has a separate operating budget of $1.8 billion. Russia is also spending billions more on other nonOlympic projects, including renovation of the Moscow-Sochi railway line.

Despite the global economic downturn and fluctuating oil prices, Sochi has managed to raise record sponsorship revenues, surpassing $1 billion in domestic deals so far. The IOC has closely monitored Sochi’s preparations and is happy with the progress, although Jean-Claude Killy, who heads the IOC’s coordination for Sochi, has repeatedly warned there is no time to waste. —AP

Canadian gold rush puts hosts on top of the world

VANCOUVER: The Finland’s team poses for a photo after beating Slovakia in the men’s bronze medal ice hockey game at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. — AP

Agonising Finnish for brave Slovaks VANCOUVER: Finland staged a furious third period comeback to beat Slovakia 5-3 and claim the Olympic men’s ice hockey bronze on Saturday to continue their stellar record in recent Games.

Trailing 3-1, the Finns came out flying in the third, scoring three goals in a little over three minutes with Niklas Hagman sparking the rally and Olli Jokinen contributing two before Valtteri Filppula sealed the win scoring into an empty net as the seconds ticked away.

It marked the fourth time in five Olympics Finland have landed on the podium while Slovakia were denied their first ever medal in men’s ice hockey.

“If someone would tell us before the tournament that we’re going to win the bronze medal, I would say we would take it right away,” said Finland’s Teemu Selanne, who leaves the Games as the Olympics alltime leading scorer.

“Obviously gold was our dream but we had no tools to be in the final. I think the two best teams are in the final and hopefully the better team wins tomorrow.”

behind netminder Miikka Kiprusoff, who was solid in a bounce back performance after being shelled for four goals on seven shots in a 6-1 semi-final loss to the United States.

While Slovakia were crushed that they would not be returning home with a medal, the fourth place finish goes into the record books as the country’s best ever Olympic result.

“We wanted a medal so badly,” said Marian Hossa. “It’s just a tough pill to swallow right now because we were in such a great position coming into the third and we got into penalty trouble.

“But I think we can be proud of our guys. We did a lot of good things but it’s not what we wanted to finish fourth.”

Three members of the Finnish team, Jere Lehtinen, Ville Peltonen, Saku Koivu all received their fourth Olympic medals doubling the membership of an exclusive hockey club that includes the Czech Republic’s (formerly Czechoslovakia) Jiri Holik, Soviet Union’s Vladislav Tretyak and Russia’s Igor Kravchuk. — Reuters

Canada will face off against the United States to decide the final gold medal to be handed out at the Vancouver Games late yesterday.

The surprise package of the ice hockey competition with upset wins over top ranked Russia and 2006 gold medallists Sweden, Slovakia had looked poised to end their Olympic adventure with one more shocker after jumping out to a 3-1 lead.

Sami Salo’s power play accounted for all the first period scoring, the Vancouver Canucks defenceman stepping in over the blue line and blasting a slap shot past Jaroslav Halak to nose Finland in front.

But Slovakia hit back with a pair of powerplay strikes of their own in the second period from Marian Gaborik and Marian Hossa and added a shorthanded tally from Pavol Demitra to surge in front 3-1.

After Finland had taken the lead, Slovakia launched an all-out assault in the final minutes in a desperate bid to force overtime.

But they could not put another puck

VANCOUVER: Ice Dance gold medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada perform during the figure skating exhibition gala at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. — AP

Olympics medals table VANCOUVER: Olympic Games medals table yesterday: Canada Germany United States Norway South Korea Switzerland China Sweden Austria Netherlands Russia France Australia

Gold 13 10 9 8 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 2 2

Silver 7 12 14 8 6 0 2 2 6 1 5 3 1

Bronze 5 7 13 6 2 3 4 3 6 3 7 6 0

Total 25 29 36 22 14 9 11 10 16 8 15 11 3

Czech Republic Poland Italy Belarus Slovakia Great Britain Japan Croatia Slovenia Latvia Finland Estonia Kazakhstan

2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 3 1 1 1 0 3 2 2 2 1 1 1

4 2 3 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 4 0 0

6 6 5 3 3 1 5 3 3 2 5 1 1

VANCOUVER: Canada bagged another three golds on the penultimate day of the Winter Olympics on Saturday to ensure they will finish top of the medal standings, triggering wild celebrations across the country.

It is the first time Canada has topped the medal standings at the Winter or Summer Olympics and followed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

Just a week ago, the hosts were languishing on four golds and facing public demands for a full investigation into their failure to win more, but they have piled up nine in six days to soar past their rivals as the national party gathers pace.

Snowboarder Jasey Jay Anderson won the men’s parallel giant slalom and Canada’s men won the speedskating team pursuit and curling finals to take their gold tally to a record-equalling 13 with just two events left on Sunday before the closing ceremony.

Germany won the women’s speedskating team pursuit final to remain second in the medals table with 10 golds and the United States won their ninth, in bobsleigh, to be assured of finishing the Games with the most overall. Italy and Poland both won their first golds.

Giuliano Razzoli, who grew up admiring Italy’s skiing great Alberto Tomba, prevailed in the slalom on a tricky course where poor weather in the first leg tripped up nearly half the racers including Olympic comeback kid Bode Miller.

The 25-year-old Razzoli, who had clocked the fastest time in the first leg through fog and sleet, became the first Italian man to win the title since Tomba, 22 years ago to the day in Calgary.

“I told him, have your eyes open and be fast and ferocious. He handled it the way he had to,” said Tomba, who was at Whistler mountain to watch the race.

Poland also won their first gold in the women’s 30km cross country race as Justyna Kowalczyk sprinted to the finish to deny Norway’s Marit Bjoergen her fourth gold by less than a ski’s length.

Bjoergen’s consolation silver gave her a fifth medal from five events, the most by any athlete at these Games. “It’s going to take a while to understand what I have done during these Olympics,” she said. “I dreamed of taking one gold and now I have five medals, three golds.”

The German women won their speedskating pursuit final following a bizarre semi-final in which Anna Friesinger-Postma belly-flopped on the ice in the final straight and paddled across the line in the nick of time.

The Germans replaced FriesingerPostma for the final, where they beat Japan for the gold. The bronze medal went to Poland. “I thought I had messed it up,” Friesinger-Postma said. “But, you see, impossible things can happen.”

Saturday’s outdoor events were plagued by inclement weather with the snowboarders and Alpine skiers barely able to see their courses because of the heavy fog, not that the winners were complaining.

“Pretty hard to beat, eh? Olympic gold at home,” said Anderson, who won gold at Cypress Mountain by beating Austria’s Benjamin Karl in the final. At the final Alpine event on Whistler mountain, the completion rate in the first slalom leg was just over 50 percent.

Croatia’s Ivica Kostelic finished second behind Razzoli to collect his second silver of the Games and Sweden’s Andre Myhrer took the bronze.

The Americans won gold when their socalled “Night Train,” the four-man bobsleigh team led by Steve Holcomb, earned the US their first triumph in the event since 1948. Germany were second and Canada third. “No more 62 years,” Holcomb said.

“We’ll start the clock over. Now it’s going to be four years.” Canada beat the US in a tight race to win the men’s speedskating pursuit final with the bronze going to the Netherlands. The host nation then defeated Norway in the men’s curling final, the last gold medal decided on Saturday, with Switzerland claiming the bronze.

Canada’s total of 13 golds equalled the record for the most for any country at a Winter Olympics after the Soviet Union won 13 at Innsbruck in 1976 and Norway matched the mark at Salt Lake City in 2002.

Canada would set a new mark by winning either of the two golds on offer on Sunday, the men’s 50km cross-country skiing and a mouth-watering men’s ice hockey final against the United States at a Games in which they have lived up to their promise to “Own The Podium”. — Reuters

VANCOUVER: Italy’s Giuliano Razzoli celebrates after receiving the gold medal in the men’s slalom during the medal ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Whistler. — AP

China hits back at age fraud sanction BEIJING: China has condemned as “extremely regrettable” a decision by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to cancel Dong Fangxiao’s results at the 2000 Sydney Olympics over allegations that she falsified her age.

The FIG said on Saturday they had concluded that Dong was younger than the minimum required age of 16 at the Games and have recommended the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdraw China’s team bronze medal.

“We believe that to date there is insufficient evidence that Dong Fangxiao has age problems when participating in competition in 1999 and 2000, and therefore feel the decision of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is extremely regrettable,” read a statement on the Chinese Gymnastics Association (CGA) website (www.cga.net.cn).

“The CGA will take further steps to understand the situation, and reserves the right to give an additional explanation or to appeal.”

Dong registered a birth date of Jan. 20, 1983 at Sydney but when accredited to act as “secretary” at vault at the 2008 Beijing Games, had declared her birth date as Jan. 23, 1986.

The latter date of birth would have made her 14 at the time of the games, putting the medals Dong and her five team mates won in jeopardy.

Dong has also had her results at the

1999 artistic gymnastics world championships cancelled, along with those obtained at the FIG World Cup Series from 1999 to 2000 and at the 2000 artistic gymnastics world cup final.

A separate probe into Dong’s Sydney team mate Yang Yun, who won a bronze in the uneven bars, found there was insufficient evidence to prove age fraud and she was let off with a warning.

The case against Yang, the wife of China’s three-time Olympic champion Yang Wei, was triggered when she admitted on Chinese television before the Beijing Games that she had been 14 when she competed at Sydney.

Suspicions of age faking have dogged Chinese sport for a number of years.

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the FIG was ordered by the IOC to investigate the age of China’s He Kexin, women’s team and uneven bars gold medallist.

He, along with team mates Jiang Yuyuan, Yang Yilin, Li Shanshan and Deng Linlin, were subsequently declared eligible by the FIG two months after they won China’s first ever Olympic team gold in women’s gymnastics.

The CGA statement said the Chinese had been making constant efforts to improve management of athletes and to enforce the relevant rules of the FIG. “In the future we will abide by this stance as we have done before.” — Reuters

Curling- ‘Old Bear’ claws back pride VANCOUVER: Canada, heralded now as “one of the best teams in the history of curling”, swept aside Norway to take men’s gold, topping off an unprecedented Olympic unbeaten streak in the competition. They also salvaged the country’s pride into the bargain after the Canadian women lost the night before. The Canadians led by Kevin Martin, who came to Vancouver as the favoured team and played like men on a mission throughout the tournament, beat the Norwegians 6-3 and always looked comfortable.

It was a sweet win for Martin, curling’s 43-year-old “Old Bear”, who narrowly lost the gold in Salt Lake City to a different Norwegian team.

“It’s an amazing feeling and it will only get better and better as the day goes on and as it sinks in,” Martin said after the victory. When the sold-out crowd sensed Martin had sealed the deal by the last end, they broke into Canada’s national anthem, a practice initiated earlier in the competition during a game when Britain was threatening to beat the home team.

No other curling team has swept an Olympic tournament since the sport regained medal status in 1998. Virtually all other competitors had said the Canadians, who also include Ben Hebert, Marc Kennedy and John Morris, were the ones to beat.

“We probably played one of the best teams in the history of curling here today,” said Norwegian coach Pal Trulsen,

who was the skip to whom Martin lost in 2002.

Martin said he did not see his squad’s success as vindication for his disappointment eight years ago but stressed all along he aimed to take one more step up the podium.

Canada won gold in 2006 but Martin’s team did not compete. The Norwegians, whose gaudy, diamond-print trousers were the subject of almost more talk than their play, provided few scares for Canada during the game. Skip Thomas Ulsrud missed a few shots early on, allowing Canada to steal points.

“It’s gone,” Ulsrud said. “I thought we could never lose in these pants but those guys played brilliantly today.”

Despite the loss, the silver medalwinners were pleased with the spectacle at the Vancouver Olympic Centre, where the fans raised a mighty ruckus throughout the competition.

“It was great,” Norway’s Torger Nergaard said. “The crowd was great, and it’s something that the Canadian boys are going to remember forever-having the national anthem being sung by 6,000 fans.

It’s the best crowd we’ve ever played.”

With the win, Canada upped its gold medal tally to 13, equalling the record for a Winter Olympic Games. It also allowed the country to exhale after the Canadian women curlers lost what looked to be a sure gold on Friday at the hands of Sweden. Earlier, Switzerland beat Sweden to win the bronze. — Reuters

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Monday, March 1, 2010

India whip Pakistan 4-1 as England end 35-year wait

NEW DELHI: Indian hockey player Shivendra Singh (right) celebrates a goal against Pakistan with teammates during their hockey World Cup 2010 match at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.—AFP

Collingwood, Cook star in England win DHAKA: Paul Collingwood and Alastair Cook hit solid half-centuries to guide England to an emphatic six-wicket win over Bangladesh in the opening oneday international yesterday.

Collingwood scored an unbeaten 75 and skipper Cook 64 as England surpassed Bangladesh’s modest total of 228 with four overs to spare in the day-night match for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Tamim Iqbal earlier topscored for Bangladesh with an attractive 120-ball 125 for his third one-day hundred, but his team still failed to set a stiff target. Bangladesh introduced spin after just three overs on a slow pitch but Cook and debutant Craig Kieswetter (19) batted steadily to put on 73 for the opening wicket.

Off-spinner Naeem Islam (349) provided the breakthrough when he had Kieswetter stumped before left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan got a big wicket, having Kevin Pietersen (one) caught in the slips. Cook’s responsible knock ended when he was trapped leg-before by Naeem after hitting six fours in his fourth half-century in one-dayers.

England looked under pressure at 96-3 but Collingwood and Eoin Morgan (33) kept the spinners at bay with their sensible knocks, adding 88 for the fourth wicket.

Morgan, who survived a stumping chance on 20 off spinner Mohammad Mahmudullah, was caught by Aftab Ahmed in the covers off Naeem but not before consolidating his team’s position.

Matt Prior remained unbeaten with 30. Iqbal, who hit three sixes and 13 fours, was let off early in his innings after the hosts were put in to bat.—AFP

DHAKA: Bangladeshi cricketer Tamim Iqbal (second left) completes a run, as England’s wicketkeeper Matt Prior (right) unsuccessfully attempts to dismiss him during the first one-day international cricket match.—AP

SCOREBOARD DHAKA: Complete scoreboard of the opening one-day international between Bangladesh and England yesterday: Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal b Broad Imrul Kayes c Wright b Bresnan Junaid Siddiqui c Kieswetter b Broad Aftab Ahmed run out Shakib Al Hasan c Prior b Swann Mushfiqur Rahim run out

125 15 0 2 12 22

Mohammad Mahmudullah c Collingwood b Swann 0

Naeem Islam c Morgan b Wright 25 Mashrafe Mortaza lbw b Swann 4 Abdur Razzak c Cook b Sidebottom 2 Shafiul Islam not out 11 Extras (lb4, nb1, w5) 10 Total (for all out; 45.4 overs) 228 Fall of wickets: 1-63 (Kayes), 2-71 (Siddiqui), 3-82 (Ahmed), 4-112 (Shakib), 5-146 (Rahim), 6-146 (Mahmudullah), 7-209 (Naeem), 8-214 (Mortaza), 9-214 (Iqbal), 10-228 (Razzak).

Bowling: Sidebottom 7.4-0-46-1 (w2), Bresnan 9-0-

48-1 (nb1, w2), Broad 9-2-46-2 (w1), Swann 10-032-3, Collingwood 7-1-39-0, Pietersen 2-0-9-0, Wright 1-0-4-1.

England: A. Cook lbw b Naeem 64 C. Kieswetter st Rahim b Naeem 19 K. Pietersen c Siddiqui b Shakib 1 P. Collingwood not out 75 E. Morgan c Ahmed b Naeem 33 M. Prior not out 30 Extras (b4, lb1, w2) 7 Total (for four wickets; 46 overs) 229 Fall of wickets: 1-73 (Kieswetter), 2-74 (Pietersen), 3-96 (Cook), 4-184 (Morgan).

Bowling: Mortaza 6-0-37-0, Shafiul 2-0-11-0, Shakib 10-1-42-1, Razzak 10-1-41-0, Naeem 10-049-3 (w1), Mahmudullah 8-0-44-0 (w1).

Result: England win by six wickets.

Chinese players top Salwa Cup

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: China occupied the top positions of Kuwait’s Sixth International Table Tennis Championship (Salwa Cup), which concluded on Saturday.

The Chinese champions took the top four positions in the single men’s category.

In a surprise result, young Chinese player Shin Sheen took first place and an award of $30 thousand. He beat fellow citizen Maleen, ranked second internationally, during the final match.

Maleen took second place in the championship and a reward of $15 thousand.

The third and fourth places went to Malong and Zahing Jiak respectively, both of China.

Both received an award of $10,000.

The award ceremony was presided over by Homoud Fletih, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS), Mohammed AlMatouq, Deputy of the Organizing Committee and the

KUWAIT: Chinese winner receives his prize at the Salwa Cup. Head of the Kuwait Table Tennis Federation, Sheikha Hayat Al-Khalifa, member of the Bahraini Olympic Committee and Hwang Jimeen, the Chinese Ambassador.

In the single women’s category, Chinese player Lion Shion

took first place and received a $30 thousand prize after beating Japanese player Fokohara Ai. Ai took second place and received a $15 thousand prize. Chaw Zin, also of China, took third place and her fellow citizen, Ding Ning, took fourth. Each of them

received a $10 thousand cash prize. In the doubles men category, Chinese couple Malong and Thehang Jiak took first place and received $4,000 each.

In second place were Wang Likeen and Shon Sheen, also from China. They both won $2,000.

There was a tie for third place where Maleen and Wang Haw of China and Jaw Ning and Yang Ti of Singapore all received $1,000.

In the under 21 men’s youth category Korean player Sio Hion took first place and an award of $2,000. Compatriot Jong Yong took second and received $2,000. Korean players Lee Sang and Kim Meen both took third place and received an award of $500.

In the under 21 women’s youth category Singaporean Yo Ming took first place and an award of 2,000. Japan’s Ishkawa Kasomi took second and received USD 1,000. In third were both Shing Ching of Taipei and Patricia Natalie of Poland.

Each were awarded $500.

NEW DELHI: India outplayed arch-rivals Pakistan 4-1 in the men’s field hockey World Cup yesterday as England stunned hot favorites Australia 3-2 on a dramatic opening day.

Sandeep Singh banged in two penalty corners to help India record their first win in the last four matches against Pakistan before some 19,000 delirious home fans at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Shivendra Singh and Prabjot Singh chipped in with a goal each as India wiped off memories of a 1-7 humiliation at Pakistan’s hands in the Asian Games final at the same venue in New Delhi in 1982.

India led 4-0 before Sohail Abbas, the world’s only player to score more than 300 international goals, narrowed the margin for Pakistan by converting just one of his six penalty corners.

England’s win in another group B match, highlighted by two goals from James Tindall, was their first over Australia in a World Cup match since the 31 scoreline in the 1975 edition in Malaysia.

Australian captain Jamie Dwyer scored twice, including a penalty stroke, but Jason Lee’s European champions played outstanding hockey to rattle their fancied opponents.

Dwyer’s stroke in the 23rd minute put Australia ahead, but England drew level two minutes later through a penalty corner by Ashley Jackson.

Tindall then scored on either side of the break as England led 3-1 till four minutes before the final whistle when Dwyer narrowed the margin with a field goal.

Australia’s Glenn Turner wasted two good chances near the end, while England’s protest against a penalty corner being awarded to the Kookaburras in the last minute was upheld by the video umpire. Australia paid dearly for converting just one of their 13 penalty corners in the match.

“Records are meant to be broken, so doing it after 35 years was pleasing, but not any different because we are also one of the top sides in the game,” said England captain Barry Middleton.

“We are looking to reach the semi-finals, and this win will definitely help. But we gave Australia a lot of chances today and must avoid that in future.”

Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said he was disappointed to lose the first match in the tournament. “We had enough chances, I think we had at least 28 shots at the goal and if we did not take them, the blame is on us,” he said.

“England defended well. We have been in such situations before and come out of it. We just need to play better.”

In the day’s first match, Olympic silver-medallists Spain came back from a 0-1 deficit to defeat a fighting South Africa 42.

All six teams that featured on the opening day are drawn in group B from where the top two advance to the semi-finals.

Group A comprises defending champions Germany, the Netherlands, Argentina, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand.

The 12-nation tournament began amid heavy security in the Indian capital, with some 19,000 security personnel and 200 commandos on guard inside and outside the venue.—AFP

World Cup results NEW DELHI: Collated results from the first day of the men’s field hockey World Cup in New Delhi yesterday: Group B Spain 4 (Roc Oliva 19, David Alegre 21, Rodrigo Garza 46, Pau Quemada 60) S o u t h Africa 2 (Julian Hykes 16, Ian Haley 30) H-t: 2-2 England 3 (Ashley Jackson 25, James Tindall 34, 45) Australia 2 (Jamie Dwyer 23-pen, 66) H-t: 2-1 India 4 (Shivendra Singh 27, Sandeep Singh 35, 56, Prabhjot Singh 37) Pakistan 1 (Sohail Abbas 59) H-t: 2-0

OAKLAND: Golden State Warriors’ Ronny Turiaf (right) takes a shot over Detroit Pistons’ Jason Maxiell during the second half of an NBA basketball game.—AP

Grizzlies dominate Knicks NEW YORK: Zach Randolph had 31 points and a career-high 25 rebounds against his former team as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the New York Knicks 120-109 on Saturday to equal a franchise record with their fourth straight road victory.

Marc Gasol added 25 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists as the Grizzlies overwhelmed the Knicks’ frontcourt. Rudy Gay scored 27 points for Memphis, which outrebounded New York 52-32.

Al Harrington scored 31 points for the Knicks, who got only 15 minutes from Tracy McGrady because of a sore left knee. David Lee added 21 points.

The Pacers snapped a three-game losing streak and won for just the second time in nine games to improve to 20-39. Derrick Rose had 27 points for Chicago.

T Blazers 110, T’wolves 91 At Minneapolis, Nicolas Batum scored a career-high 31 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 21 as Portland cruised to another easy victory over Minnesota. The Blazers have won 12 straight over the Wolves, including four victories this season by a combined 93 points. Al Jefferson led Minnesota with 19 points.

Nets 104, Celtics 96

Warriors 95, Pistons 88

At Boston, Brook Lopez scored 25 points, Devin Harris had 23 and Courtney Lee 21 to help New Jersey beat Boston. The Nets, 6-52 overall and 3-27, took a 29-27 lead on Keyon Dooling’s jumper at the end of the first quarter and never trailed again. Kevin Garnett had 26 points for the Celtics, playing their third straight game without Paul Pierce (thumb).

At Oakland, California, Stephen Curry scored 27 points as Golden State rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Detroit.

Anthony Tolliver added 19 points and 14 rebounds, and C.J. Watson scored 17 points in place of injured leading scorer Monta Ellis (sore back) ass the Warriors snapped a five-game losing streak against the Pistons.

Golden State held Detroit without a field goal for the final 3:52, with the Pistons only point in that span coming on a free throw by Ben Wallace on one of three trips to the line after intentional fouls by the Warriors. Wallace missed five of his six attempts late in the game, including consecutive air balls in the final minute.

Jazz 133, Rockets 110 At Salt Lake City, Deron Williams scored 20 of his 35 points in the first quarter to help Utah set a season high for points.

Williams was 13 of 17 from the field and had 13 assists and seven rebounds. Carlos Boozer, Paul Millsap and Wes Matthews each added 18 points and the Jazz made a season-best 14 3-pointers.

Kevin Martin scored 32 points for Houston.

Pacers 100, Bulls 90 At Indianapolis, Danny Granger had 30 points and eight rebounds, and Dahntay Jones and Troy Murphy each had 17 points as Indiana downed Chicago.

Bucks 94, Heat 71 At Miami, John Salmons scored 18 points as Milwaukee took advantage of injured Dwyane Wade’s absence from the Miami lineup to win its sixth game in a row. Wade missed his fourth consecutive game because of a strained left calf and is doubtful for Sunday’s game at Orlando. Jermaine O’Neal had 14 points for Miami.—AP

NBA results/standings NBA results and standings on Saturday.

New Jersey 104, Boston 96; Milwaukee 94, Miami 71; Indiana 100, Chicago 90; Memphis 120, NY Knicks 109; Portland 110, Minnesota 91; Utah 133, Houston 110; Golden State 95, Detroit 88.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT GB Boston 36 21 .632 Toronto 31 26 .544 5 Philadelphia 22 36 .379 14.5 NY Knicks 20 38 .345 16.5 New Jersey 6 52 .103 30.5

Western Conference Northwest Division Denver 39 19 .672 Utah 38 21 .644 1.5 Oklahoma City 34 23 .596 4.5 Portland 35 27 .565 6 Minnesota 14 47 .230 26.5

Cleveland Chicago Milwaukee Detroit Indiana

Central Division 46 14 .767 31 28 .525 14.5 30 28 .517 15 21 38 .356 24.5 20 39 .339 25.5

Orlando Atlanta Miami Charlotte Washington

Southeast Division 39 20 .661 36 21 .632 2 29 30 .492 10 28 29 .491 10 20 36 .357 17.5

Pacific Division LA Lakers 44 15 .746 Phoenix 37 23 .617 7.5 LA Clippers 24 34 .414 19.5 Sacramento 19 39 .328 24.5 Golden State 17 41 .293 26.5 Southwest Division Dallas 38 21 .644 San Antonio 32 24 .571 4.5 New Orleans 31 28 .525 7 Memphis 30 29 .508 8 Houston 29 29 .500 8.5

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Monday, March 1, 2010

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S Africa small towns hunt for beds for World Cup fans away tomorrow, with the biggest draw likely France playing Mexico.

With just a handful of hotels in this town of 500,000, the city has managed to secure more than 30,000 beds-many through homestays with local families.

“Realising that we might not have sufficient accommodation for this major event, we thought maybe the best thing is to identify a travel agent (for) registering houses as home stays,” said Mike Tauatsoala, Limpopo tourism spokesman.

A travel agency has lined up families willing to rent out a room or an entire house, and is handling bookings for visi-

POLOKWANE: The sleepy town of Polokwane, tucked in rolling farmland that reaches to the Zimbabwe border, is bracing for its moment in the World Cup spotlight and scrambling to make sure fans can spend the night.

South Africa’s major cities are well served by major hotels, but places like Polokwane and Nelspruit have had to get more creative, co-opting student housing, preparing tented camps and recruiting residents to offer up guest beds for the expected surge in visitors.

The new 46,000-seat Peter Mokaba Stadium will host four group-stage matches in the tournament, just 100 days

tors, Tauatsoala said.

Polokwane will also set up a tent city at a smaller stadium, providing backpackers with bathrooms, water, and even gas heating to take the edge off June’s winter chill in a town at an altitude of 1,310 metres (4,300 feet), he said.

The University of Limpopo will also lease out some of its nearly 7,000 beds in student housing, but these will be mainly used by extra police and emergency personnel who will staff the games, Tauatsoala added.

Hoping to cash in on the tournament is Nondlandla Masuku, who three years ago transformed her home near the town

centre into a four-bedroom guesthouse, after seeing the demand for accommodation in Polokwane.

Her crisp white linens and chic African decor have won her an award as the country’s best guesthouse, and she works with major hotel chain Southern Sun to secure bookings.

“I’ve had several enquiries from different people especially from France. I am working together with Southern Sun hotel and tourism department to transfer the enquiries into tangible bookings,” Masuku said.

Vivienne Bervoets, an accommodation manager at FIFA’s hospitality

scheme known as Match, said she was confident the smaller host cities had enough rooms to meet the World Cup’s needs.

“In an event the size of the FIFA World Cup, there will always be a challenge with accommodation over peak matches, and people will expect to travel into and out of these cities on the same day if they are unable to source accommodation,” Bervoets said.

Match had hoped to contract 55,000 rooms, but ended up with 48,000 that it markets directly to fans. About three fourths of those rooms have been booked, according to FIFA.

The surge in demand during the South African winter, typically low season for tourism, has also sent prices soaring.

That’s drawn worries that high prices will put off overseas fans still recovering from the shock of the global recession.

Last week tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said an independent survey would be conducted to determine whether the perception of high prices was accurate.

Even major cities like Johannesburg and Durban have plans to cater to fans on tight budget, with tented camp sites planned for parks and university housing being upgraded for tourists.—AFP

Depleted Inter hang on to four-point lead GLASGOW: Rangers’ Maurice Edu (left) scores the winning goal for Rangers against Celtic during the Scottish Premier League soccer match at Ibrox Stadium.—AP

Rangers edge ten-man Celtic Scottish Premier League results/standings Rangers 1 (Edu 90+2)) Celtic 0 Aberdeen 0 Hearts 1 (Jonsson 64); Dundee Utd 3 (Goodwillie 17-pen, Gomis 30, 87) Falkirk 0; Hibernian 1

(Stokes 3-pen) St Johnstone 1 (Craig 85-pen); Motherwell 1 (Murphy 69) Kilmarnock 0; St Mirren 0 Hamilton 0.

Scottish Premier League table after yesterday’s game (matches played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points):

Rangers Celtic Dundee Utd Hibernian Motherwell Hearts

26 27 27 27 27 27

18 7 1 15 7 5 12 9 6 12 8 7 10 11 6 10 7 10

59 51 40 39 33 26

15 29 35 31 30 29

61 51 45 44 41 37

Aberdeen St Johnstone Kilmarnock St Mirren Hamilton Falkirk

26 24 27 26 26 26

7 7 6 5 5 4

8 7 8 8 7 8

11 10 13 13 14 14

24 38 22 24 18 22

33 43 35 36 37 43

29 28 26 23 22 20

Ribery sends Bayern top of Bundesliga BERLIN; France international Franck Ribery fired German giants Bayern Munich to the top of the Bundesliga yesterday for the first time since winning the title in 2008, beating Hamburg 10.

Following a return to form under Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, Bayern caught up Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the table a month ago but since then, the two rivals have been neck-andneck, with Bayern second on goal difference.

But Leverkusen blinked first this weekend, with their recordsetting 24th game unbeaten counting for little as an heroic Cologne side kept them to a goaless draw on Saturday.

Yesterday, Bayern had the more chances as former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben and midfielders Thomas Mueller and Bastian Schweinsteiger picked holes in the Hamburg defence to pile on the pressure.

It took until the 78th minute for Bayern to find the back of the net, however, with Ribery, in bright yellow boots, firing a bullet of a shot past Ivorian defender Guy Demel to beat Wolfgang Hesl.

In yesterday’s other game, Hanover suffered their ninth straight defeat as defending Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg, fresh from their passage into the last 16 of the Europa League last week, won 1-0.

In a game full of chances for both sides, it was Bosnian midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic who finally made the breakthrough for the visitors on 77 minutes, his 10th goal of the season.

Hanover have now gone 13 games without a win, and now find themselves last but one in the table with only the hapless Hertha Berlin, one of the stars of last season, below them.

Stuttgart maintained their fine recent good run under coach Christian Gross by coming from behind to beat Eintracht Frankfurt at home 2-1, lifting them up to eighth in the table.

Stuttgart’s Brazilian-born striker Cacau continued the form that saw him picked for the squad for Germany’s World Cup warmup friendly against Argentina on Wednesday, scoring twice in four minutes just before the break.

The 29-year-old, who has played four times for Germany, has now scored seven goals in the last three games, including opening the scoring in Stuttgart’s recent Champions League last-16 home clash with Barcelona that ended 1-1. Werder Bremen meanwhile capped a fine week by winning 2-1 at 10-man Mainz on

GERMANY: Bayern Munich’s Thomas Mueller (front) and Hamburg’s Guy Demel challenge for the ball during the German First Division Bundesliga soccer match.—AP

German League results/standings Bayern Munich 1 (Ribery 78) Hamburg 0; Hanover 0 Wolfsburg 1 (Misimovic 77) German League table after yesterday’s late match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Bayern Munich Bayer Leverkusen Schalke 04 Hamburg Borussia Dortmund Werder Bremen Eintracht Frankfurt VfB Stuttgart Hoffenheim Mainz 05 VfL Wolfsburg Borussia VfL Bochum Cologne Freiburg Nuremberg Hanover Hertha Berlin

Saturday to move to within a point of the European qualifying positions, with Germany midfielder Tim Borowski and substitute Sebastian Broedl the scorers.

Bremen booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 4-1 win at home to Dutch side FC Twente on Thursday.

Bottom club Hertha Berlin’s

24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

15 7 2 50 20 52 13 11 0 50 20 50 14 6 4 36 18 48 10 10 4 43 26 40 11 6 7 36 32 39 10 8 6 48 29 38 9 8 7 31 32 35 9 7 8 34 31 34 9 5 10 34 29 32 8 8 8 27 32 32 8 7 9 41 45 31 8 6 10 34 39 30 6 9 9 25 38 27 6 8 10 21 31 26 5 5 14 22 45 20 4 6 14 19 40 18 4 5 15 25 46 17 3 6 15 21 44 15

bid to pull away from the foot of the table received a blow when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Hoffenheim.

Borussia Moenchengladbach drew 1-1 at home to Freiburg, while Nuremberg climbed one place to third-bottom after securing a goalless draw at Bochum.—AFP

GLASGOW: Rangers’ substitute Maurice Edu struck in injury time to seal a 1-0 win over ten-man Celtic here yesterday to send the defending champions ten-points clear in the Scottish Premier League.

The American, who had a goal chopped off in the first-half, popped up to force the ball over the line with the last kick of the match.

Celtic captain Scott Brown received a straight red after clashing with Kyle Laffery in the second-half. The win all but extinguishes Celtic’s faint hopes of catching Rangers in the race for the championship with Walter Smith’s men also having the bonus of a game in hand over their rivals.

“We struggled a bit in the first-half but I felt we played far better in the second,” the Rangers manager said.

“I didn’t think at that stage we were going to get the goal so we were delighted obviously when we did.” Tony Mowbray thought his side had done enough for a draw.

“I think in the first-half we created the best chances. The second-half they started very strongly and it was compounded by our sending off.

“We defended resolutely and it looked like we were going to see the game out but ultimately it wasn’t to be.” Mowbray had named an unchanged side from the one which defeated Dundee United last weekend meaning five players made their Old Firm debuts. The return of Lafferty for Rangers meant Nacho Novo dropped to the bench.

In an explosive start Celtic had a chance within 30 seconds.

Slack defending from Sasa Papac allowed Marc-Antoine Fortune to pick out Robbie Keane with a cutback but his shot from 14 yards was saved by Allan McGregor.

Rangers hit back almost immediately when Steven Davis released SPL top-scorer Kris Boyd after a surging run through the Celtic defence but Artur Boruc forced him out wide and he hit his shot into the side netting.

Referee Dougie McDonald dished out yellow cards to Madjid Bougherra and Fortune in the opening ten minutes as tempers began to flare.

Edu replaced the injured Lee McCulloch in the 26th minute and the American thought he had scored with his first touch.

The ball fell to the midfielder 20 yards out and he rifled a volley past Boruc into the bottom corner of the net but it was disallowed after Kenny Miller was adjudged to have handled the ball earlier in the move.

A minute later Miller had the chance to make amends as he used his pace to race past Thomas Rogne into the box but Boruc stood up and blocked his lofted shot. McGregor showed great reactions to save Keane’s fierce volley from the penalty spot.

Fortune wasted a golden chance to fire Celtic ahead on the stroke of half-time when he waltzed through the Rangers defence but then fired wide of the post with only the keeper to beat.

Rangers were on the front foot in the second-half and were appealing for a penalty when Edu appeared to be pushed in the box as he was about to shoot.—AFP

ROME: Inter Milan survived a late scare and depleted resources to win 3-2 at Udinese and maintain their four-point lead at the top of Serie A yesterday.

AC Milan beat Atalanta 3-1 at home thanks to a brace from Brazilian Pato to remain second but third-placed AS Roma dropped two points in a 2-2 draw at Napoli, despite having led 2-0.

Inter travelled to the north east with coach Jose Mourinho and four players suspended, forcing the Portuguese to play two midfielders in defence.

If ever Inter were going to be stopped this season, this match appeared to be their most likely banana skin, but Inter proved their resilience.

Due to their multiple suspensions, Inter sent director Marco Branca to speak to the press.

“What do we think about these decisions (the suspensions)?

We’ve taken a practical approach,” he said.

“Practical in the sense that we were missing four important players and we’ve had a difficult week physically and mentally. “We especially felt these problems in the second half when the team couldn’t play as well as they did in the first.”

Just 72 seconds in it seemed as if Inter were going to pay for their troubles as Udinese crafted an excellent goal with Serie A top scorer Antonio Di Natale’s clever little pass putting in Simone Pepe behind the make-shift defence to shoot past goalkeeper Julio Cesar - although it was regular rightback Maicon who was at fault in failing to track Pepe’s run.

If anyone thought Inter would be rocking, they would be sadly disappointed as on six minutes the champions were level when Mario Balotelli took a pass from Maicon and hit the bouncing ball from 22 yards as he slipped only to catch it sweetly, leaving Samir Handanovic unsighted in the Udinese goal.

Inter’s second was simply stunning as Maicon fed Diego Milito wide on the right and he played it inside to Goran Pandev who flicked the ball over the defence for Maicon to continue his charge into the area and lash home a fierce volley from eight yards into the top corner, giving Handanovic no chance.

On the stroke of half-time Inter left no doubt as to their dominance as Wesley Sneijder played the ball out to Balotelli on the left and his brilliant in-swinging cross found Milito running across the defence to glance home a header from seven yards.

Udinese pulled a goal back on 52 minutes through Di Natale from the spot but although they pushed hard they couldn’t find the equaliser. They came closest with the last kick of the game but Swiss international Gokhan Inler’s deflected effort hit Julio Cesar’s bar. Milan had a largely comfortable afternoon thanks to Pato’s two first half strikes.

On the half hour Ronaldinho’s back heel freed captain Massimo Ambrosini down the left and he crossed for Pato whose volley bounced over goalkeeper Andrea Consigli’s mis-timed dive.

Ronaldinho turned provider again as his delectable inswinging cross found Pato on the edge of the six yard box and as the young forward took the ball around Consigli, Thomas Manfredini slid in to tackle him only to clear the ball off the Brazilian’s knee and in.

Atalanta pulled a goal back from Valdes early in the second period but then Marco Borriello clinched the victory when he followed in Ronaldinho’s saved penalty.

Milan coach Leonardo complained that his team’s recent heavy schedule had affected their performance. —AFP

ITALY: Udinese’s forward Antonio Di Natale (center) runs with the ball as Inter Milan’s Maicon defends during their Italian League football match.—AFP

Italian League results/standings AC Milan 3 (Pato 30, 41, Borriello 61) Atalanta 1 (Valdes 56); Chievo 2 (De Paula 33, Granoche 78) Cagliari 1 (Astori 51); Genoa 3 (Suazo 8, 38, Sculli 18) Bologna 4 (Busce 11, Adailton 28, 56, 79-pen); Livorno 1 (Lucarelli 11-pen) Siena 2 (Calaio 79, Maccarone 90); Napoli 2 (Denis 75, Hamsik 90-pen) AS Roma 2 (Baptista 59-pen, Vucinic 65); Parma 1 (Zaccardo 54) Sampdoria 0; Udinese 2 (Pepe 2, Di Natale 52-pen)

Inter Milan 3 (Balotelli 6, Maicon 21, Milito 45).

Playing later Juventus v Palermo Played Saturday Catania 4 (Ricchiuti 4, Llama 40, Morimoto 81, Martinez 90) Bari 0; Lazio 1 (Siviglia 7) Fiorentina 1 (Keirrison 90).

Italian Serie A table ahead of yesterday’s late match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Inter Milan AC Milan AS Roma Juventus Napoli Palermo Sampdoria Cagliari Genoa Fiorentina

26 26 26 25 26 25 26 26 26 26

17 7 2 52 16 6 4 46 15 6 5 45 12 5 8 40 10 11 5 34 11 7 7 35 11 7 8 32 11 5 10 41 11 5 10 44 10 5 11 32

22 26 29 33 29 31 32 34 43 31

58 54 51 41 41 40 40 38 38 35

Chievo Parma Bari Bologna Catania Udinese Lazio Livorno Atalanta Siena

26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

10 5 11 26 9 6 11 27 8 8 10 31 8 7 11 30 6 9 11 27 7 6 13 32 5 11 10 21 6 5 15 17 5 6 15 22 5 5 16 27

26 36 34 36 31 39 28 36 38 47

35 33 32 31 27 27 26 23 21 20

Villarreal defeat Depor to ease European pain MADRID: Villarreal bounced back from heavy defeats to Real Madrid and Wolfsburg with a 1-0 home victory over Deportivo La Coruna yesterday to move six points off the European places.

Villarreal had been thrashed 6-2

by Real in the league and then 4-1

by German champions Wolfsburg in the Europa League so needed a shot in the arm and got it with a clean sheet and three points thanks to Joseba Llorente’s 35th minute goal.

A quickly-taken free-kick caught Depor off-guard as Ariel Ibagaza released Nilmar whose shot across goal was finished off by Llorente as Villarreal climbed to eighth.

Depor fall to sixth following their eighth defeat of the campaign with Real Mallorca climbing above them into fifth thanks to a late 2-1 comeback win at Valladolid. An

83rd minute winner from Julio Alvarez clinched only Mallorca’s second win of the season to keep up their European push.

At the other end of the table bottom side Xerez drew 1-1 with Espanyol although the point does little for their survival was tohopes with the club 12 points from safety.

Atletico Madrid host thirdplaced Valencia later yesterday looking to transfer their cup form to the league where they are struggling down in 14th position.

Atletico have reached the Kings Cup final and are going strong in the Europa League to help compensate for their poor league season that began with aspirations to challenge for the title. “We have a lot of goals for the remainder of this season but we are not neglecting the league,” insisted striker Diego Forlan.

Valencia are four points ahead

of fourth-placed Sevilla who host Athletic Bilbao at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium later yesterday.

Jesus Navas has been in fine form for Sevilla - with Real Madrid strongly linked with his signature and coach Manolo Jimenez believes he is the best right winger in the world.

“There is no limit to what Jesus Navas can achieve,” said Jimenez.

“He is a goalscorer and is growing in every aspect. For me he is the best in the world in his position.”

On Saturday Barcelona maintained their two-point gap over Real Madrid at the summit with a 2-1 home win over Malaga that didn’t reflect their dominance.

“All games are important and from here to the end of the season, we have to make sure we make no mistakes,” said Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta. —AFP

Spanish League results/standings Villarreal 1 (Llorente 35) Deportivo La Coruna 0; Valladolid 1 (Bueno 49) Real Mallorca 2 (Ruben 69, Alvarez 83); Sporting Gijon 3 (De las Cuevas 17, Barral 70, Castro 80-pen) Osasuna 2 (Nekounam 38-pen, Vadocz 49); Racing 0 Almeria 2 (Soriano 29, Crusat

67); Xerez 1 (Bermejo 76) Espanyol 1 (Osvaldo 18).

Playing later Sevilla v Athletic Bilbao Atletico Madrid v Valencia

Spanish League table after yesterday’s early matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Barcelona Real Madrid Valencia Sevilla Real Mallorca Deportivo La Coruna Athletic Bilbao Villarreal Getafe Sporting Gijon

24 24 23 23 24 24 23 24 24 24

19 19 13 13 12 11 11 9 10 8

4 1 2 3 7 3 3 7 4 8 5 8 3 9 5 10 2 12 7 9

59 64 41 36 38 26 32 36 31 28

14 18 22 25 28 26 30 37 32 29

61 59 46 42 40 38 36 32 32 31

Osasuna Almeria Malaga Atletico Madrid Espanyol Racing Santander Real Zaragoza Valladolid Tenerife Xerez

24 24 24 23 24 24 24 24 24 24

8 7 6 7 7 6 6 3 5 2

6 8 9 6 6 7 6 11 5 6

10 9 9 10 11 11 12 10 14 16

24 27 29 33 18 24 29 27 20 14

26 33 29 36 32 37 47 42 49 44

30 29 27 27 27 25 24 20 20 12

www.kuwaittimes.net

LONDON: Manchester United’s manager Alex Ferguson celebrates with the trophy. —AP

LONDON: Manchester United celebrate with the trophy after they beat Aston Villa 2-1 to win the 2010 Carling Cup Final at Wembley. —AFP

Rooney fires United to League Cup win LONDON: Wayne Rooney came off the bench to ensure Manchester United retained the League Cup by beating Aston Villa 2-1 on a painfully bittersweet afternoon for his team-mate Michael Owen.

With England coach Fabio Capello watching from the stands, Owen had evoked memories of his glory days with a wonderful, instinctive finish to cancel out James Milner’s early penalty for Villa.

But just as he might have been starting to entertain hopes of an international recall, a hamstring injury ended both his afternoon and any lingering hopes he may have had of making Capello’s squad for the World Cup. “He looked sharp today when he was on and took his goal really

well. Hopefully he’ll be back soon,” Rooney said of his team-mate. The striker said he was thrilled to earn a second League Cup winners’ medal. “It’s a great feeling. I’m delighted,” he said.

“I think we probably created the best chances in the game but full credit to Villa, they played well and it was a good final. I think we knew there were spaces out wide and if we attacked them out wide then we could create chances.

“My sights are the medals. If the goals come, then great but I’m thinking about winning medals, not scoring,” he added.

Gabriel Agbonlahor had scored the winner when Villa won 1-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the season and it was immediately apparent that his pace, unleashed from the

left-side of his team’s attacking trident, would again trouble a United defence missing Rio Ferdinand.

Within four minutes, Ashley Young’s first-time pass had sent him clear of Nemanja Vidic, who resorted first to shirt-pulling and then to a desperate lunge to prevent his opponent from getting a shot away.

the tone had been set for an entertaining, open encounter and United were quickly back on level terms courtesy of a vintage piece of finishing from Owen.

The striker had already served notice that he was in the mood to catch Capello’s eye when, having robbed Carlos Cuellar, he went past James Collins only to have

Dunne 30 yards out.

The Villa defender recovered the uncharacteristic lapse with a superb tackle on the edge of the area but succeeded only in diverting the ball from Berbatov’s toes into the path of Owen, who didn’t break his stride as he steered a controlled low shot beyond Brad Friedel’s right hand.

Heartbreak for injured Owen Vidic, remarkably, escaped sanction but Milner ensured Villa took the lead by sending Thomas Kuszczak the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

With both sides displaying a refreshing commitment to attack,

his progression towards goal arrested by the Villa centreback’s crude lunge.

There was however nothing anyone could do about his e q u a l i s e r, w h i c h c a m e a f t e r Berbatov dispossessed Richard

Milner tested Kuszczak with a drive three minutes later, but as the opening period wore on it w a s U n i t e d w h o l o o ke d t h e m o re l i ke l y t o a d d t o t h e i r score, with much of their drive coming from the energetic for-

ward thrusts of Park Ji-Sung.

The South Korean midfielder sliced one good chance wide after being teed up by Berbatov’s back heel and, having broken from deep inside his own half and combined def tly with Antonio Valencia, saw another effor t blocked by Stiliyan Petrov before being denied by the woodwork in first-half stoppage time.

Valencia was again involved, skipping past Villa’s would-be England lef t-back Stephen Warnock with an ease that will have been noted by Capello before delivering a cross that was deflected to Park 12 yards out.

His first-time shot struck the inside of the post and then Cuellar before finally being scrambled to safety. By that stage

Rooney had replaced the desperately unlucky Owen but it was Berbatov who continued to look the most likely to open up Villa, and another deft backheel from the Bulgarian gave Michael Car rick the chance to force Friedel into a fine save four minutes into the second period.

Villa’s best chance of the second half fell to Young, who was unmarked as Berbatov’s clearing header fell to him just inside the box but shanked his volley into the turf and wide of the target.

Three minutes later, Rooney applied the decisive blow with his 28th goal of the season, beating Friedel with a looping header from Valencia’s cross after the Ecuador winger had combined neatly with Berbatov. —AFP

Torres winner keeps Liverpool’s Champions League push alive Liverpool 2

Blackburn 1 LIVERPOOL: Fernando Torres marked his first English Premier League start of 2010 by hitting the winner as Liverpool triumphed 2-1 in a bruising encounter with Blackburn at Anfield yesterday.

Torres has endured an injuryinterrupted season but the Spain striker made a telling contribution as Rafa Benitez’s side maintained their push to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Keith Andrews scored a shock equaliser for Rovers from the penalty spot to cancel out Steven Gerrard’s 10th goal of the season before Torres struck in

the 44th minute — his 13th Premier League goal of the season — to leave Liverpool sixth in the table, one point behind Tottenham and Manchester City.

The pressure on Benitez’s side to win had been increased by Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool’s city rivals Everton earlier in the day.

Thursday’s excursion to Romania to face Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League round of 32 appeared to have taken its toll on Benitez’s team. The Reds won 31 in the second leg for a 4-1 victory on aggregate.

Not even the presence of Torres could inspire his teammates in the opening exchanges as Blackburn shot out of the blocks, the mid-table visitors going close to opening the scoring four times alone in the first 15 minutes.

Liverpool had recorded clean sheets in six of their previous seven outings but with Argentina

midfielder Javier Mascherano acting as emergency right-back and both Martin Skrtel and Sotirios Kyrgiakos unavailable, the back four looked anything but solid.

The home team’s sluggish start was typified in the 16th minute when Lucas was caught in possession by Morten Gamst Pedersen, who threaded a dangerous pass to Mikola Kalinic inside the Liverpool penalty area.

But Liverpool fans breathed a sigh of relief after the Croatian striker was unable to find the target from an acute angle before Gerrard broke the deadlock with his side’s first real attack.

The England midfielder took his goal tally for the season into double figures after a clever move involving Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun. Gerrard lifted the atmosphere at a subdued Anfield with a neat finish after gliding past Christopher Samba.

Liverpool’s 4-0 win in this fix-

LONDON: Blackburn Rovers’ El-Hadji Diouf, (left) and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium. —AP

ture last year was overshadowed when both managers became embroiled in a spat after Sam Allardyce took exception to a Benitez hand gesture he interpreted as signalling that the game was all over when Liverpool had taken a 2-0 lead.

Benitez tried to clarify the issue by claiming that he was jokingly telling his players not to listen to him after they had ignored his orders and gone on to score.

Allardyce’s anger still simmers, though, and ahead of this game he declared that Liverpool’s recent run of hardfought results had been achieved with the same uncompromising style Benitez had shown last year.

But the only hand gestures coming from Benitez this time were borne out of frustration as Liverpool struggled to build on their lead and found themselves back on level terms five minutes before half-time.

Liverpool had been threatening to press the self-destruct button all afternoon when defender Jamie Carragher needlessly handled inside his own area which allowed Andrews to equalise from the penalty spot.

But Blackburn have established a reputation as notorious poor travellers this season and they found themselves behind again in the 44th minute, Torres sliding in to connect with Maxi Rodruguez’s low cross into the six-yard area.

It was one setback too many for Blackburn to come back from, the visitors finishing a crunching game with five players booked.

Steven Nzonzi was fortunate not to be shown a straight red card after shoving Lucas to the floor in the 50th minute while El Hadji Diouf, who was later booked, became embroiled in a heated exchange with former team-mate Gerrard after Kalinic had gone down too easily for Liverpool’s liking in the penalty area. —AFP

Sunderland 0

Fulham 0

Fulham deepen Sunderland gloom

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Modric (left) and Everton’s Phil Jagielka battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match. —AP

Spurs on target against Everton Tottenham 2

Everton 1 LONDON: Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, fears injuries to midfield players could hamper his side’s bid to qualif y for the Champions League for the first time.

The Londoners remain on course to do just that thanks to a 2-1 victory over Everton at White Hart Lane, with Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Croatia play-maker Luka Modric the men on target.

That lif ted them above Manchester City and into four th place cour tesy of a superior goal difference. Yet the victory was obtained at a cost as Tom Huddlestone was stretchered off early in the second half with a leg injury, with Ever ton gaining the ascendancy as soon as he departed.

The England international will undergo a scan to ascertain the extent of the damage but Tottenham fear he could be sidelined for a number of weeks. If so, he would join a lengthy injury list.

“Obviously we are going to miss Tom, he’s a top player for us,” Redknapp said. “He makes us play. He’s a great passer and when he went off we couldn’t get Luka (Modric) and Niko Kranjcar on the ball as much as we had.

“We don’t know how bad his injury is but it doesn’t look all that good. We are running out of central midfield players.

“We only had three anyway. Jermaine Jenas is having an operation on Wednesday a n d Wi l s o n Pa l a c i o s i s o n nine bookings so it’s not an

ideal situation.”

Kranjcar is set to remain in the unfamiliar role of right winger af ter David Bentley joined Aaron Lennon on the sidelines. “Bentley has a tear in his groin,” said Redknapp.

“He did that in the week.

Lennon has got to rest for six weeks with his groin problem so we are picking up a few knocks to key players.”

Everton manager David Moyes knows all about losing key players to injury as that was the story of the Toffees’ first half of the campaign. —AFP

LONDON: Sunderland extended their unwanted winless streak to 14 matches yesterday when they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Fulham that did little to ease their relegation fears.

Fulham were back in action after a 3,200-mile round trip to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League on Thursday, but if there was fatigue in their ranks, Steve Bruce’s side were unable to capitalise.

A poor game yielded few clearcut chances and the result leaves Sunderland 14th in the Premier League table, three points above the relegation places.

Fulham, who will take on Italian giants Juventus in the last 16 of the Europa League after their heroics in Ukraine, move above Everton into ninth.

Sunderland showed a willingness to attack from kick-off but a couple of disappointing Kieran Richardson free-kicks were the sum total of their early efforts and the game gradually became turgid.

England hopeful Bobby Zamora headed well wide from a Simon Davies pass in Fulham’s first chance of note, while Kenwyne Jones thrashed a volley over the crossbar at the other end. —AFP

EPL results/standings Tottenham 2 (Pavlyuchenko 11, Modric 28) Everton 1 (Yakubu 55) Sunderland 0 Fulham 0; Liverpool 2 (Gerrard 20, Torres 44) Blackburn 1 (Andrews 40-pen).

English Premier League table after against, points): Chelsea 28 19 4 5 Manchester United 28 19 3 6 Arsenal 28 18 4 6 Tottenham 28 14 7 7 Manchester City 27 13 10 4 Liverpool 28 14 6 8 Aston Villa 26 12 9 5 Birmingham City 27 11 7 9 Fulham 28 10 8 10 Everton 27 10 8 9

yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals 65 66 66 50 52 45 37 26 32 39

26 24 31 27 35 28 21 28 29 39

61 60 58 49 49 48 45 40 38 38

Stoke City Blackburn West Ham Sunderland Bolton Wigan Athletic Wolverhampton Hull City Burnley Portsmouth

27 28 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27

8 9 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 5

10 7 9 9 8 7 6 9 5 4

9 12 12 12 13 14 15 13 16 18

27 30 35 32 30 26 21 25 28 23

32 45 43 44 49 53 45 54 57 45

34 34 27 27 26 25 24 24 23 19

Etihad hosts Japanese cultural week in Dubai

23

Merrill Wealth Management names O’Neill as CIO

24

British banking faces major makeover

25

Monday, March 1, 2010

www.kuwaittimes.net

India seeks closer Saudi ties to fuel recovery Singh sees return to 9% growth l Countries mull oil storage facilities in India RIYADH: India said it expects its economy to rebound to 9-percent annual growth rates within two years and wants to expand its energy ties with top OPEC exporter Saudi Arabia to help fuel the recovery.

During a meeting he squeezed in between two rounds of talks on Saturday with Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi, visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged Saudi businessmen to invest more in India’s energy, agricultural, tourism and telecommunications sectors.

The two countries already have close links with 2 million Indian workers in Saudi Arabiathe majority of whom work in the services industry-providing India with the second-biggest source of remittances af ter the United States.

For its par t, Saudi Arabia wants to develop closer ties with Asian countries, such as India, as it seeks to diversify its oil-reliant economy [and expand its oil exports to Asia amid depressed demand from the United States and Europe]. Singh-the first Indian prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia in almost 30 yearssaid Indian companies are wellplaced to develop the country’s economy.

“We believe that conditions are ripe for moving beyond a traditional (oil) buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive energy partnership,” Singh told the gathering.

Singh also proposed new partnerships between the two countries in the area of renewable energy through sharing of clean technologies and joint ventures.

Indian investment in Saudi Arabia stands at more than $2 billion, covering 500 joint ventures, and India wants Saudi Arabia to also invest in agriculture, constr uction, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals as well as energy, Singh said.

RIYADH: Riyadh Chamber of Commerce Chairman Abdulrahman Al-Jeraisy (right), Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (left), and Saudi Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Alireza (center) after a meeting with Saudi and Indian businessmen at the Council of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh yesterday. —AP Singh said bilateral trade reached almost $25 billion in the 2008-09 fiscal year.

Indian Oil Minister Shri Murli

Deora said [in a statement issued yesterday] Riyadh is willing to increase crude supplies to India to 40 million tons from about cur-

rently 25.5 million tons to meet rising energy demand of the south Asian country.

India will add 1 million barrels

per day within two years to its 3.5-million bpd refining capacity which would increase Saudi crude exports by 500,000 barrels per

Morgan Stanley sees 2010 pick-up for Mideast M&A DUBAI: Merger and acquisition activity in the Middle East is expected to recover in 2010, driven by sovereign wealth funds in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, the potential for consolidation in several industries and as companies are forced to restructure, a senior banker said yesterday.

“There is quite a bit of fragmentation, i.e. the region is really ripe for consolidation,” said Peter Fort, executive director in Morgan Stanley’s Dubai office.

M&A levels in the Middle East, like elsewhere in the world, sunk to historic lows in the wake of the economic crisis. Regionally, M&A activity also slowed because of the absence of clear takeover codes, the lack of financing opportunities and the valuation gap between buyers and sellers.

In 2010, “there will be continuing focus on the sovereign wealth funds, particularly in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, driving the M&A activity,” Fort said at an economic workshop. He added these funds may adopt a more regionally-focused strategy.

“We’re hoping the long-awaited consolidation wave will materialize,” said Fort, referring to several recent Qatar deals. Qatar has encouraged several companies from livestock to real estate to merge to help them grow and weather the fallout from the financial crisis, which has upped the pressure on consolidation in the Gulf Arab region.

Morgan Stanley’s Fort also expects a “tremendous amount of further restructuring that is coming down the pipe.” “The peak of restructuring activity comes about 18 to 24 months after the troth of the economic crisis,” Fort said.

“We’ll see over the next 12 months more restructuring activity ... That is going to drive M&A on the sell side,” he said, adding Morgan Stanley was working on a number of restructuring cases. —Reuters

BEIJING: A Chinese airliner flies past the setting sun after taking off from the Beijing International Capital airport on Saturday. China’s airlines returned to profit in 2009 as traffic rose, fuel prices fell and government policies provided a favorable tailwind, but analysts warn they could face fresh turbulence in 2010. —AFP

Reform compromise rebuffed in US senate WASHINGTON: Marathon negotiations in the US Senate on financial regulatory reform were set to continue with a renewed focus on financial consumer protections after key Republicans rejected a compromise offer from the banking committee chairman.

Sources told Reuters Saturday night that neither Democrats nor Republicans had embraced an offer made on Friday

by Democratic Senator Christopher Dodd to scale back President Barack Obama’s proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA).

The consumer watchdog idea remained a stumbling block to a biparti-

san agreement on tightening bank and capital market oversight, a top domestic policy priority for Obama.

Dodd had circulated a proposal to make the CFPA a division of the Treasury Department, instead of an independent agency, which the president recommended in mid-2009 and which the U.S. House of Representatives has endorsed.

But in a setback for Dodd, his offer has been rejected by the banking committee’s top Republican, Senator Richard Shelby, and fellow Republican Senator Bob Corker.

The sources said Shelby and Corker

objected to the rule-writing power Dodd proposed for the consumer division, but not necessarily to the idea of the division itself being located in the Treasury Department or another federal agency.

On the opposite side of the contentious consumer watchdog issue, many Democrats were still holding out for an independent CFPA, said lobbyists and aides close to the talks.

“In our view, this language will change considerably before the bill advances to the floor of the Senate,” said Jaret Seiberg, financial services policy analyst at investment advisory firm Concept Capital. —Reuters

day (bpd) over the same period, said Ashok Sinha, head of Indian refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp (BCPL).

“Virtually all Indian oil refineries are designed to process Saudi oil,” he told the business gathering.

The Indian government has offered a 10-percent stake in the upcoming Paradip refiner y of state-run Indian Oil Corp to Saudi Aramco for about $650 million, an Indian government official said on Thursday.

Singh reiterated India’s economy should grow more than 7 p e rc e n t i n t h e f i s c a l y e a r 2009/10 and return to a 9 percent annual growth rate in two years.

“We expect to get back to the growth level of about 9 percent per annum within two years,” he said.

India’s economy grew by 6 percent in the four th quar ter through December from a year earlier, the government said on Friday. India’s economy grew 6.7 percent in 2008/09, slower than 9 percent or more in the previous three years.

Saudi Arabia’s spending plans-totaling $400 billion in the five years to end-2013 — have attracted an unprecedented wave of visits by foreign dignitaries during a global economic crisis that brought economic activity elsewhere to a halt.

Punj Lloyd’s Chairman Atul said Indian contractors want to bid for more Saudi contracts, but he demanded a similar treatment to that of rival Chinese firms, which are allowed to bring their own labor from China.

Fahad Al-Sultan, head of the Saudi private sector lobby, said India could make visa procedures more flexible for Saudi businessmen. “India’s geographic dependence on the Gulf is likely to become amplified in the coming years due to limited prospects for enhancing domestic energy p ro d u c t i o n , ” Riyadh-based lender Banque Saudi Fransi said in a report. —Reuters

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS

Saudi drops on debt woes; stocks mixed DUBAI: The Saudi bourse suffered its biggest decline in three weeks yesterday as banks faltered on continued concerns over lenders’ provisions, while regional markets were mixed in the absence of new trading catalysts.

Dubai ended higher for a second day, up from Wednesday’s four-week low and Qatar advanced, but Oman and Egypt fell.

The Saudi index dropped 0.6 percent, its largest loss since Feb 6, with Al-Rajhi Bank and SABB falling 2.3 and 1 percent respectively.

SABB’s non-performing loans rose 16-fold in 2009, while Al-Rajhi indicated bad loans rose to 3.87 billion riyals ($1.03 billion) from 2.77 billion riyals in 2008. “Saudi banks don’t have any concerns about survival, but there is probably more to come in terms of non-performing loans,” said Rober t McKinnon, ASAS Capital chief investment officer. “The market is now pricing in that assumption.”

Dubai’s index rose 0.7 percent, but it is down 24 percent since Nov. 25, when Dubai World asked for a standstill on multi-billion dollar debts. The conglomerate has indicated it will unveil a restructuring plan in March.

“Right now, it’s very difficult to frame expectations

... what the impact will be on banks and lending, ... on real estate, so people are sitting on the sidelines,” said McKinnon.

UAE markets face low volumes because there is little expectation of an imminent rally, while more activity is needed for prices to convincingly rise.

“Typically, what needs to get (out) of these situations is some significant fundamental news that will spur buy-and-hold investors to come in and Dubai World is seen as the most likely catalyst for this,” added McKinnon.

Builder Arabtec rose 1.4 percent after extending the due diligence date for its $1.7 billion stake sale to Aabar Investments. Aabar rose 0.9 percent.

“I think Arabtec’s news is encouraging as it shows the deal is live,” said Ali Khan, Arqaam Capital managing director. “Delays in due diligence can be a common occurrence, however some ‘words of encouragement’ from Aabar would be welcomed.”

Banks dragged Oman to a fourth drop in five days.

“Banks have made the biggest gains this year and so are seeing the most selling pressure now as people take profits,” said Adel Nasr, United Securities brokerage manager.

“It’s the end of the

month, so companies don’t usually want to open new margin positions for their clients. After one or two more days, the market should stabilize.”

Egypt fell 1.3 percent, but brokers were optimistic. “We have so many capital increases which are locking up liquidity. Once that liquidity is there, the market will rise,” said Osama Mourad of Arab Finance Brokerage.

Orascom Telecom, whose subscription period for a $800 million issue closes today, fell 3.4 percent. Bourses in Kuwait and Bahrain were closed for a holiday.

HIGHLIGHTS SAUDI ARABIA The index fell 0.6 percent to 6,438 points.

The index rose 0.7 percent to 1,593 points.

ABU DHABI The benchmark rose 0.1 percent to 2,704 points.

EGYPT The index fell 1.3 percent to 6,633 points.

QATAR The measure rose 0.4 percent to 6,873 points.

OMAN The index fell 0.2 percent to 6,689 points.

—Reuters

22

BUSINESS

Monday, March 1, 2010

Kuwait market makes notable gains in February GLOBAL WEEKLY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: The Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) closed the month of February 2010 with notable gains reaching 13.21 percent. The market reached its highest level since October 27, 2009 on February 22 before losing some of its base ahead of the extended holiday.

As measured by Global’s weighted General Index, the Kuwaiti market closed the week up by 0.16 percent at 205.05 point. The index gains for the year reached 10.11 percent on a year-to-day basis. On the other hand, Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) price index moved in the other side, ending the week down by 17.70 points (0.24 percent) and closed at 7,378.8 points as some of the highly prices equities concluded the week with a negative note overweighing the smaller prices stocks. The market capitalization reached KD33.52bn. Market breadth was skewed towards decliners as out of 169 shares traded this week, 77 shares declined against 63 advancing.

Trading activity gradually went lower as the holiday comes closer. Total traded volume during the four trading days of this week reached 1.80bn shares changing hands with a total traded value reaching KD300.85mn. High volume was seen on the Investment sector, accounting for 31.09 percent of the total traded volume this week with 560.20mn shares traded. Three of the investment companies made it to the highest volume list with Al-Deera Holding Company being the most traded among those with 62.98mn shares traded. However, on top of the list came National Ranges Company with 100mn shares traded accounting for 5.55 percent of the total traded volume in the market.

On the value list, the Services sector took the lead, with a total traded value of KD112.50mn, accounting for 37.40 percent of total market value. Zain, the largest listed company in the Kuwaiti bourse, topped the traded value list for the third week, with a total traded value of KD43.57mn. The heavyweight scrip closed flat at KD1.280. Agility, another large cap company in the sector, followed with KD17mn traded.

Agility’s scrip closed 10.14 percent lower at the end of the week. Global Industrial index was the biggest gainer, adding 1.79 percent with several large capitalization industrial stocks ending the week with gains. However, percentage-wise, Gulf Rocks Company made it to the top gainers list with its share price rising by 18 percent. The company announced this week its intention to distribute 10 percent cash dividends and 10 percent bonus shares for its shareholders, despite recording loss for the year 2009, subject to the AGM approval. The banking sector was a prominent mover of the market this week as Global Banking Index added 1.09 percent to its value. Five of the Kuwaiti banks closed higher with Gulf Bank being the biggest gainer in the sector, adding 7.94 percent to its share price. The scrip recorded its highest level since last October 2009. On the other hand, the food sector was the biggest loser for the week with Global Food Index closing down by 4.14 percent with its biggest component, Kuwait Foodstuff Company (Americana) losing 4.76 percent of its share value while Danah Al-Safat Foodstuff Company was the biggest loser in the sector, shedding 9.80 percent of its share value. Global Services Index came second, shedding 0.98 percent of its value as most of its large capitalization stocks closed down for the week. In the same sector, Arabi Group Holding Company and Mubarrad Transport Company topped the biggest gainers list adding 31.75 percent and 24.14 percent, respectively to their share price and helped limiting the sectors’ loss. On the losers list, Al-Madar Finance & Investment Company and Al-Themar International Holding Company topped the list, losing 15.63 percent each.

Global’s special indices ended on mixed notes.

Global Large Cap (Top 10) Index was down, shedding 0.18 percent of its value. Global Islamic Sharia Index was also down by 1.13 percent while Global Small Cap (Low 10) index closed marginally up by 0.04 percent.

review period as US non-core inflation declined by 0.1% indicating that Fed is unlikely to face pressure to increase the interest rates in the short-term. In addition, larger than expected declines in US endproduct stocks, strikes at French refineries and geopolitical situation in the Middle East provided support to oil prices. OPEC basket and Kuwait export crude price followed the same pattern increasing by 0.8% and 3.2% during the review period to settle at $75.17 and $76.09 per barrel respectively.

Macroeconomic News Kuwait’s exports to the 27-member European Union in 2009 totaled 2.844bn euro and imports from the EU were valued at 3.708bn euro leaving a trade balance of 863mn euro in favor of EU, according to figures published by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical bureau. EU-Kuwait trade flows in 2009 compared with the figures of 2008 noted a sharp decline.

Kuwaiti exports to the EU in 2008 totaled 5.222bn euro and imports from the EU totaled 4.603bn euro leaving a balance of 619mn euro in favor of Kuwait.

Crude oil was the main export item from Kuwait to the EU and in lesser quantities food products and chemicals. Machinery, manufactured products, chemicals, food and beverages are the main exports of EU countries to Kuwait. In 2009, trade balance with a few EU countries, the Netherlands, the UK, and Spain was in favor of Kuwait.

Oil related news Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has offered 80,000 tons of the cracked 380-centistoke (cst) fuel oil for March loading, its first parcel for the month, after selling three lots, totaling 240,000 tons for February loading, traders said. Offers for the cargo, for March 12-13 lifting from Shuaiba, were expected by February 22, with validity through the same day. KPC last sold two 80,000-tons parcels of the same oil grade for February loading. The first lot for lifting on February 11-15 was awarded to Middle East trader Bakri at a premium of around $12-13 a ton to Middle East spot quotes, on a free-on-board (FOB) basis. The second parcel for February 16-20 loading was sold to Glencore at an undisclosed premium. Asian fuel oil fundamentals have weakened since the beginning of the month, largely on expectations of heavier supplies from the West in March.

Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC) expects oil production from the Al-Khafji oilfield to reach 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the end of the first quarter, its managing director said. “The company is working on a big number of exploration and drilling operations in the divided zone to reach the set goals of the firm and

its Saudi partner,” Bader Al-Khashti was quoted saying. Kuwait’s current oil production from the field is at 272,000 bpd, Khashti said. Khafji, which is in the Neutral Zone between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, has oil production capacity of around 550,000 bpd. Both countries plan to boost capacity in the zone to 700,000-900,000 bpd by 2030. Current gas production from Khafji is between 60mn to 70mn cubic feet per day, equally divided between the two countries, he said.

The OPEC member aims to reach an oil production capacity of 4mn bpd in 2020 and sustain it until 2030, Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah AlSabah said last year. Kuwait’s state-run Petrochemical Industries Company’s (PIC) planned petrochemical plant will cost about $5bn, a PIC official said. The figure he gave is $2bn higher than an estimate given last month in an Oil Ministry publication.

The plant will produce over 1mn tons per year of ethylene and is expected to be operational by 2015, Yousef Al-Atiqi, PIC deputy managing director for olefins, said at a media event. He said the project would cost around $5bn. The plant would be the firm’s third olefins complex, Atiqi said. Shareholders are not yet finalized and the project is still at a “preliminary studies phase”, he added. Last year, Atiqi said that PIC was planning to shut its fertilizers business and focus on its more profitable petrochemicals division.

PIC’s current capacity at olefins I and II is about 1.65mn tons per year of ethylene and its derivatives.

Other local news Standard & Poor’s (S&P) rating agency said this week that Banks in Kuwait and Dubai will endure a tougher 2010 than their Gulf peers as lenders in the region continue to take provisions against bad credit, which will weigh on their financial performance. On the Kuwaiti banks the rating agency said that they are suffering from a domestic real estate slump and analysts expect credit conditions to remain difficult in the next 18 months. Moody’s also said that it has a negative outlook for the Kuwaiti banks, warning that the economy, despite large-scale government stimulus

plans, remains undiversified and relies too heavily on its oil sector.

KGL Ports International Warehousing and Transport Company (KGLPI) announced the launch of its capital increase through the Private Placement Offering of 150mn new shares. Details of the capital increase will be revealed at a press conference to be held on March 2, 2010 at the KGL Holding Auditorium. In 2009, the total number Private Equity transactions in the MENA region has decreased significantly by almost 71% to 15 entry transactions compared to 51 for the same period last year. On the fundraising front, the year saw only two funds successfully raised. Despite the challenging environment that faced the MENA region in general, the MENA region will remain one of the fast growing.

This will reflect positively on the future outlook of the private equity sector. However, the fundraising is likely to continue to go on a slow pace in 2010 because private equity houses will focus more on deploying the dry powder available in the region. Deal flow will start to increase in 2010 supported by the opportunities available in the defensive sectors. We believe that the IPO market will improve. Nonetheless, it will not be the primary exit route for private equity houses.

Private equity houses will be exiting their investments through trade sale which will expose the MENA private equity sector to more interesting exits structure.

Oil market Oil prices witnessed a W-shaped trend as flow of both positive and negative news pulled oil prices in opposite directions. US crude increased by 5.3% during the review period (22 Jan 10-19 Feb 10) to settle at $79.81 per barrel mark. Debt crisis in Greece and concerns of contagion to other European economies dampened investor sentiments and raised questions over the effectiveness of the currency and economic union. The fears were allayed to a certain extent as the European countries pledged their support to Greece without giving much details on the kind of support. Oil prices rallied in the last two weeks of the

Kuwait Stock Exchange Global Investment House played a major role in bringing the two parties together to the negotiating table in the deal between Zain Africa and Bharti Airtel. Bader Al-Sumait, CEO at Global said that the Kuwaiti market might witness more acquisitions similar to the Zain deal, as well as the acquisition of a bank. He expressed his full confidence that the deal between Zain Africa and Bharti Airtel will be concluded. Global’s Investment Banking Division has successfully managed to become the Regional Advisor for Bharti Airtel and participate in this major deal which is considered one of the largest deals in the world amounting to $10.7bn, Al-Sumait stated.

Shareholders of the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) will vote on a 10 percent capital raise on March 7, the bank announced as the general assembly meeting was set on that date. The bank had said the move was intended to support its strategic expansion plans.

Shareholders will decide on a rights issue at a price of 500fils per share including premium. NBK will raise its capital by KD29.73mn ($102.9mn), to KD359.79mn, according to an ad released on that regards. Kuwait Finance House (KFH) said it plans to increase its capital by eight percent to KD248.98mn ($861.5mn). The capital hike will take place through distributing bonus shares worth KD18.44mn to its shareholders, KFH said. KFH’s shareholders will vote on the capital hike plan on March 8.

Highlights of the week The good Kuwaiti-Syrian relations positively reflected on the economic ties and investments between the two countries, resulting in high figures and constant progress. Economic cooperation between Kuwait and Syria is based on a number of agreements that encouraged the protection of investments, the prevention of double taxation, and increasing trade exchange. Kuwait is one of the first countries to invest in Syria. It established Kuwait united investment company in Syria with a capital of $200mn and established a number of commercial banks like Gulf Bank and Cham Islamic Bank. Kuwait is currently ranked third, after Saudi Arabia and Turkey, in volume of foreign investments in Syria. In 2005, Syrian exports to Kuwait came to about $36mn and trade exchange between Syria and Kuwait reached $345mn.

Between 2005 and 2006, Syrian exports to Kuwait made up 35 percent of the country’s exports.

India’s Bharti Airtel has lined up $9bn in loans from foreign and local banks for its planned acquisition of the African assets of Kuwait’s Zain. The newspaper cited three people familiar with the matter as saying nearly a dozen banks - mostly foreign - had come forward to commit the amount in long-term loans, compared with earlier plans of taking shortterm or bridge loans. Standard Chartered is leading the consortium of banks and has alone committed $5.5bn. The pricing for the 7-year loan could be close to 300 basis points over the London inter-bank offered rate. Barclays has also committed close to $5bn to the company, the source said. Foreign banks including ANZ, BNP Paribas, Citi, DBS, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and JPMorgan were likely to be part of the overseas syndication. Among Indian banks, the State Bank of India and Kotak Mahindra Bank, besides some state owned banks, also want to partner in this deal.

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2830000 .4430000 .3900000 .2650000 .2750000 .2570000 .0045000 .0020000 .0781130 .7610300 .4020000 .0750000 .7460570 .0045000 .0500000

US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian dollars Danish Kroner Swedish Kroner Australian dlr Hong Kong dlr Singapore dlr Japanese yen Indian Rs/KD Sri Lanka rupee Pakistan rupee Bangladesh taka UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi Riyal/KD Omani riyals Philippine Peso

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2877500 .4454860 .3924460 .2677070 .2771310 .0527310 .0399660 .2592620 .0370510 .2043300 .0031390 .0062550 .0025240 .0034050 .0042160 .0783820 .7636460 .4069560 .0767720 .7477740 .0062550

US Dollar Sterling pounds Swiss Francs Saudi Riyals

TRANSFER CHEQUES RATES .2898500 .4486320 .2696030 .0772620

.2930000 .4530000 .3970000 .2740000 .2810000 .2640000 .0075000 .0035000 .0788980 .7686780 .4180000 .0790000 .7535550 .0072000 .0580000

276.100 187.110 268.400 257.830 287.000 ASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

3.221 6.250 3.398 2.526 3.921 205.700 37.290 4.176 6.270 8.744 0.301 0.292 ARAB COUNTRIES

.2898500 .4486320 .3952170 .2696030 .2790940 .0531050 .0402490 .2610920 .0373130 .2057780 .0031620 .0062990 .0025420 .0034290 .0042450 .0788820 .7685150 .4098380 .0772620 .7525420 .0062990

Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound Yemen Riyal Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham

56.250 52.770 1.364 208.100 408.600 194.100 6.318 35.530 GCC COUNTRIES

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

77.161 79.494 751.700 768.430 78.801 GOLD

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

217.000 110.000 58.000

Bahrain Exchange Company

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer Euro Sterling Pound

Canadian dollar Turkish lire Swiss Franc Australian dollar US Dollar Buying

289.200 392.600 447.830

COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash

SELL CASH SELL DRAFT 263.400 261.900 768.920 768.920 4.420 4.175 279.700 278.200 567.800 15.800 53.900 167.800 207.300 56.310 52.781 398.800 397.300

Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

37.920 6.580 0.035 0.296 0.261 3.350 410.440 0.195 87.510 47.400 4.260 206.700 2.183 50.200 751.080 3.440 6.420 79.970 77.200 207.260 40.030 2.777 446.100 41.600 273.700 6.400 9.090 217.900 78.890 289.500 1.390

37.770 6.265

408.700 0.194 87.510 3.930 205.200

272.200 8.950 78.690 289.100

1,204.620

Sterling Pound US Dollar

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Candaian Dollars

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 444.100 289.100

289.250 3.410 6.270 2.535 4.180 6.295 78.740 77.295 768.500 52.740 452.100 0.0000314 3.930 1.550 410.600 5.750 399.400 281.600

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Cyprus Pound Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees

2.525 4.175 6.250 3.235 8.725 5.568 3.922

Currency 750.900 3.410 6.260 79.540 77.200 207.280 40.030 2.522 444.100

GOLD 10 Tola

Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees

289.050 276.915 446.330 397.650 267.725 708.480 766.505 78.675 79.305 77.110 407.890 52.675 6.260 3.400

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal

*Rates are subject to change

Transfer rate 288.900 397.150 444.000 278.050 3.225 6.260 52.690 2.519 4.178 6.265 3.398 768.650 78.675 77.050

BUSINESS

Monday, March 1, 2010

23

DIFC workshop discusses IPOs and M&As in MENA

Etihad hosts Japanese cultural week in Dubai tihad Airways treated residents of the UAE to some unique Japanese festivities as the airline prepares to launch flights to Tokyo, its second new route to the country.

The airline’s Japanese Cultural Week event was held at the Heritage Village, Jumeirah Beach Residence - The Walk, in Dubai until Sunday 28 February. Festivities started at 5 pm each day.

Entry was free and the event featured a wide range of attractions including live Japanese Taiko drummers, an authentic calligrapher, pop culture nail artist and complimentary Japanese sushi samples, desserts, Japanese Oolong tea and green tea refreshments.

The Etihad pavilion offered scenes similar to the street fashion events held in Tokyo district Harajuku which showcased eclectic fashion alongside luxurious boutiques full of international designers. Each day, visitors had the chance to win an Etihad flight to Tokyo.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “Bringing a little taste of Japan to JBR is just one way that we can show Dubai residents the glorious treats on store for them in this amazing country. “The launch of both the Tokyo and Nagoya routes this quarter demonstrates the developing cultural ties between the Middle East and the Far East, and with the launch of these direct routes we would expect to see existing partnerships grow even closer.”

The five flights a week direct service to Tokyo’s Narita airport commences on Saturday 27 March. Etihad started its four flights a week to Nagoya on 1 February.

E

agreement, Abu Dhabi’s Aabar in January had agreed to acquire a 70 percent stake in Arabtec in a deal valued at about $1.7 billion.

Earlier in February, Arabtec’s chief financial officer told Reuters the deal was on track with a possible closure in March.

“I think the news is encouraging as it shows the deal is live,” said Ali Khan, managing director at Arqaam Capital in Dubai.

“Delays in due diligence can be a common occurrence, however some words of encouragement from Aabar would be welcomed as well,” he added.

Audience attending the economic workshop “Over the past decade, we have seen the establishment of several successful SMEs, especially in Free Zones.

These companies are on the lookout for financing to expand. A well structured ‘second tier’ or alternative investment market, which these companies can tap for capital, is critical for the sustained growth of businesses,” said Dr Saidi.

Apart from Dr Nasser AlSaidi, some of the leading speakers at the DIFC Economics Workshop included Josef Schuster, Director, IPOX Schuster; Phil Gandier, Managing Partner, Transaction Advisory Services, Ernst & Young; Peter Fort, Executive Director for M&A, Morgan Stanley; Amjad Ahmed, Senior Managing Director, NBK Capital; and Imad Ghandour, Executive Director, Gulf Capital.

KUWAIT: Dr Nasser Al-Saidi, Chief Economist of the DIFC Authority, delivers his keynote speech

MasterCard Worldwide strengthens management team in MENA region

Dubai’s Arabtec extends due diligence for Aabar deal DUBAI: Dubai’s Arabtec said yesterday the due diligence date for its $1.7-billion merger with Aabar Investments had been extended to April 16, in a move that will encourage investors that the deal will progress.

“Because of the enormity of the task at hand and the limited time frame, both parties agreed to amend the subscription agreement and the term sheet to extend the due diligence date to midnight April 16, 2010,” the United Arab Emirates’ largest contractor by market value said in a statement on the bourse website. Under the

DUBAI: The DIFC Authority yesterday hosted an economic workshop to discuss the prospects for initial public offerings (IPOs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The eighth event in the DIFC Economics Workshop series titled ‘IPOs, M&A & Alternative Investment Markets in the MENA Region’ brought together leaders in the banking and investment sector to discuss how recent signs of economic recovery are driving renewed interest in new listings and mergers and acquisitions.

Dr Nasser Al-Saidi, Chief Economist of the DIFC Authority said: “Though the global crisis has caused a decline in IPO activity in the MENA region, the stabilization in advanced economies and recovery in emerging Asia, the region’s main trading partner, are encouraging the business community to revive plans for new listings.

The pipeline of IPOs and M&A deals is building up and we are likely to witness a resurgence of the market in the coming two years.”

Speaking about the prospects for increased M&A activity, he said: “Regional economic integration, improved business prospects and corporate restructuring are also driving interest in mergers and acquisitions.”

The DIFC Workshop also explored the potential for an alternative investment market that could provide much needed capital for the burgeoning small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in the region.

Arabtec stopped work on one of troubled Dubai developer Nakheel’s largest housing projects because it had not been paid by the Dubai World-owned firm, the National reported on Thursday.

Arabtec’s chief executive said no payments had come through from the developer since December’s $10 billion cash injection from Abu Dhabi. Shares of Arabtec were down 1 percent, while Aabar shares were flat at 0615 GMT. Earlier in February Deutsche Bank cut the Arabtec’s price target to 3 dirhams from 4.5 dirhams. — Reuters

DUBAI: MasterCard Worldwide announced that Denzil Lawson has been appointed head of Regional Business Development for the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region. Lawson joined MasterCard in 2002 and last held the position of General Manager, Middle East and Levant from 2004.

MasterCard has also appointed Michael Miebach as General Manager, Middle East & Africa.

Miebach joins MasterCard from Barclays where he has been Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa, and Managing Director, UAE, with responsibility for all corporate, commercial and consumer businesses in the region.

“Denzil has extensive experience in developing the business for MasterCard in the Middle East and Levant markets, launching new products and growing MasterCard’s share of the payments business. In this newly created position, he will take his knowledge and successes to explore and create opportunities with customer financial institutions across the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa footprint,” said Vicky Bindra, president, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide.

Lawson has built the team and MasterCard business in the Middle

Michael Miebach appointed General Manager, Middle East & Africa

Denzil Lawson regional Development

East and Levant markets, developing strong business relationships with customer financial institutions and merchants. During his tenure, MasterCard Middle East and

Levant opened new offices in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, established a strong position in Islamic and Premium products, introduced payment services to Iraq and

Oman budget deficit $57m in 2009, smaller than plan

X-cite by Alghanim Electronics launches new Cinema 21:9 LCD from Philips KUWAIT: X-cite by Alghanim Electronics exclusively launched in Kuwait the new Philips Cinema 21:9, World’s First Cinema Proportioned 56” LCD TV. The Television brings the Ultimate Cinematic Viewing Experience to movie enthusiasts with superior performance and design.

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Lamplight projects ambient LED lighting from the top and sides of the TV

that absorbs the viewer into the picture and expands the content beyond the confines of the screen. The color and intensity accurately change to match the on-screen action and lock your vision on the screen to immerse you further in the movie. Completing the picture package, Cinema 21:9 is equipped with a Full HD 2560x1080p screen with 8.3 million pixels that guarantees crystal clear and razor sharp images with high definition sources.

Cinema 21:9 is the fastest LCD available in the world today, with a refresh rate of just 1ms. Even the fastest on-screen action is realistically life-like and smoothly rendered thanks to 200Hz Clear LCD. In addition, Perfect Contrast helps boost contrast levels to deliver an 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Picture quality is further enhanced by Perfect Natural Motion that ensures moving objects glide naturally on-screen, eliminating the judder associated with other LCD TVs. Consumers with multiple HDMI

to head business

Afghanistan and promoted a significant Debit business.

In his first two years at MasterCard, he led sales and business development for South Asia, Middle East and Africa. Prior to that, Lawson worked for ANZ Bank in Australia for over 12 years where he held a number of senior executive positions across the gamut of Retail Banking functions, heavily focused on Asia-Pacific; South Asia and the Middle East.

Miebach has worked extensively in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He represented Barclays as a Member of the Board of the Board of Directors in Egypt, Tanzania and Botswana. Prior to Barclays, Miebach held several senior-level positions in Citibank, involved in operations, financial control, customer service, relationship management, cards and consumer finance, corporate and investment banking.

Miebach will be based in Dubai.

“Michael brings with him a wealth of experience in the financial services sector and a deep understanding of the Middle East and Africa, which offer great potential for MasterCard in our core business. We are confident that both Denzil and Michael will put us in a strong position to maximize the substantial opportunities across our high growth region,” added Bindra.

Revenues fell 16.3% to 6.687bn, higher than planned

devices will appreciate the versatile connectivity options of Cinema 21:9, which sports five HDMI 1.3a ports, DLNA and Wi-Fi connectivity.

X-cite invites you to a live demonstration of this LCD at Rai, Avenues & Fahaheel showrooms for a true cinematic widescreen TV viewing experience.

MUSCAT: Oman booked a budget deficit of 22.1 million rials ($57.40 million) last year, a fraction of the Gulf oil producer’s initial plan, helped by recovery in oil prices, central bank data showed yesterday.

The global financial crisis slashed income of the key countries in the world’s top oil exporting region-Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirateslast year.

Smaller Oman fared better because as a non-OPEC member it was not obliged to join the cartel’s output cuts.

The sultanate originally planned a budget shortfall of 810 million rials in 2009 based on an oil price of $45 a barrel and following a surplus of 1.6 billion in the previous year.

The Gulf country’s expenditures rose 4.8 percent to 6.709 billion rials in 2009 from the previous year, above

6.424 billion planned, on higher infrastructure spending.

Revenues dropped 16.3 percent to 6.687 billion last year, but were higher than 5.614 billion projected, as oil prices recovered following a sharp fall from a 2008 record peak of over $147 a barrel, the data showed.

Oman sold its oil at an average price of $56.67 a barrel in 2009, down 44 percent from a year earlier. The country plans a gap of 800 million rials for 2010 based on a conservative estimate of $50 a barrel. The crude price now stands above $79 a barrel.

Oman, which boosted spending by 12 percent this year to finance a range of infrastructure projects, is expected to book a fiscal surplus of 4.0 percent of gross domestic product this year, a Reuters poll showed last month. — Reuters

24

BUSINESS

Monday, March 1, 2010

Bank reports solid income despite market volatility

GIB records $163.2 million operating income for 2009 MANAMA: At their meeting on Saturday, the board of directors of Gulf income of $163.2 million for 2009. This was only 9 per cent lower than the prior International Bank BSC (GIB) approved the consolidated financial statements year operating income of $179.8 million, despite the ongoing market volatility for the year ended 31st December 2009. GIB recorded consolidated operating and the challenging economic environment prevailing during the year.

Total income of $286.0 approach to provisioning, the provision charge, the Bank Bank through the further Importantly, the reduction in million was 11 per cent lower Bank made significant addi- recorded a net loss of $152.6 diversification of funding the loan volume was achieved than in 2008 while total tions to both specific and non- million for the year. This was sources and a reduction in the while maintaining revenue expenses at $122.8 million specific loan provisions in a significant improvement asset and liability mismatch; levels from the Bank’s stratewere 14 per cent down on the 2009. In view of the prevailing over the net loss of $396.2 and the alignment of the gically important GCC lendprior year. Within operating economic conditions, the million recorded in the previ- Bank’s organization and infra- ing activity. Enhancements to income, there was a signifi- Bank increased its non-spe- ous year. A net loss of $132.4 structure, and associated loan margins to reflect the cant year-on-year improve- cific loan provision so as to million was recorded in the costs, in order to maintain its new market dynamics offset ment in trading income maintain provisions at a level fourth quarter being entirely historic efficient cost-to- the impact of lower lending volumes.” resulting from the elimination consistent with the historical attributable to an exceptional income ratio.”

He added “The Bank’s Al-Suhaimi continued “I of trading losses incurred in highest ever corporate default loan provision charge of the prior year following the rates. As a result, the non- $157.3 million. At the pre- am pleased to report that funding profile was signifitermination of all proprietary specific loan provision was provision level, the Bank these key objectives were all cantly enhanced by a groundtrading activities as part of increased by $60.0 million to recorded operating income of successfully achieved. The breaking Saudi Riyal 2 billion bond issue in the Bank’s derisking initia- $240.0 million at the end of $30.2 million in the fourth achievements and develop- 3-year ments in 2009 have put GIB November. This was the first tives.

A year-on-year 2009. This represented 2.6 quarter.

GIB’s Chairman, HE in a considerably stronger, bond to be issued by a finandecrease in net interest times the carrying amount of income was attributable to unsecured past due loans, Jammaz bin Abdullah Al- leaner, and more efficient and cial institution in the the deleveraging of the bal- thereby providing a highly Suhaimi, commented “GIB focused position to begin Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in ance sheet in the current conservative buffer in the entered the year facing a chal- looking forward. I am confi- 2009. The bond issue was challenging environment and current uncertain environ- lenge to its future growth as dent that the Bank is well oversubscribed more than the negative impact on inter- ment and minimizing future one of the region’s leading placed to take advantage of three times. The demand institutions. new business opportunities, from a diverse group of highest earnings of the historical- provisioning requirements. financial ly low interest rate environ- The net loan and investment Accordingly, the Board of continue its key role in Saudi ly respected institutional ment. Market conditions also securities provision charge Directors and Management Arabia and the region as a investors reflected not only contributed to lower fee- for the year amounted to identified and addressed a leading financial institution, the market’s strong confirelated income. A $20.1 mil- $313.7 million. The net provi- number of key issues, name- and ensure prosperity for all dence in GIB, but also manifests the dynamism of Saudi lion or 14 per cent year-on- sion charge principally related ly: deleveraging and derisking its stakeholders.”

Dr Yahya bin Abdullah Arabia’s economy and its year decrease in total expens- to exceptional events for the balance sheet through a GIB’s Chief growing capital markets. GIB es reflected the implementa- which the potential losses managed reduction in the loan Alyahya, an associated Executive Officer stated also signed a $4 billion Euro fully provisioned. portfolio; tion of effective measures to were align the cost base with the Excluding the provisions restructuring of the loan port- “The managed reduction in Medium Term Note (EMTN) Bank’s current operating relating to these events, the folio to reduce undue concen- the loan portfolio has result- program in the fourth quarmodel, and further improve- provisioning requirements in trations and eliminate lower ed in a decrease in the loan to ter, providing a platform to ments in operational efficien- 2009 were limited reflecting rated exposures; the termina- equity ratio from 6.7 at the diversify its investor base the high quality of the Bank’s tion of all proprietary trading beginning of 2009 to a more and the flexibility to further cies.

In keeping with GIB’s tra- loan portfolio. After taking activities; the strengthening comfortable multiple of 5.2 at improve the maturity profile ditional conservative account of the exceptional of the funding position of the the end of the year. of its liabilities.”

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management appoints O’Neill as CIO for EMEA LONDON: Bank of America Merrill Lynch announced the appointment of Bill O’Neill as Chief Investment Officer, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Wealth Management.

Based in London, O’Neill will report to David Jervis, Head of EMEA Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, and Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Investment Officer, Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management.

O’Neill has been a senior member of the Chief Investment Office team since 2007.

The Chief Investment Office plays a key role in providing investment intelligence to financial advisors and portfolio managers. In his role as Chief Investment Officer, O’Neill will further enhance the team’s offering to a growing client base across the region.

O’Neill has 28 years of experience in the institutional market as an economist and strategist, both on the sell and buy-side.

O’Neill joined Merrill Lynch in October 2007 as a consultant for Global Wealth Management EMEA. Prior to this, he worked at Barclays Wealth as a leading member of its asset allocation team covering multi-asset portfolios. From 2001 to 2005, O’Neill worked in the Global Strategy team at JP Morgan Asset Management focused on asset allocation. Before JP Morgan, he was a member of HSBC Investment Bank’s global strategy group for ten years, first in Sydney, Australia, and later in London, UK. David Jervis, Head of EMEA Merrill Lynch

Bill O’Neill Wealth Management said, “The Chief Investment Office is pivotal in providing Merrill Lynch EMEA Wealth Management’s professionals with intelligence to best structure investments for their clients. We are delighted with Bill’s appointment as Chief Investment Officer.”

Masdar to sponsor CNN’s series ‘Earth’s Frontiers’ ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar begins its 2010 commercial association with CNN International with the exclusive sponsorship of the network’s newest monthly environmental series, ‘Earth’s Frontiers’, due to launch to international audiences on 25th February. As CNN seeks to set the agenda for moving the sustainability debate forward, the multi-platform advertising campaign extends the Masdar brand footprint, with their first international program sponsorship, connecting with CNN’s audience of opinion leaders on air, online, in print and through a series of global debates.

Rani R Raad, Senior VP Advertising Sales, CNN International comments: “Masdar’s bold vision and leadership in future energy is a great fit for this innovative programming initiative and we’re very pleased to have them on board as our commercial partners. This advertising campaign is a turn-key international media solution, on every platform and we look forward to seeing the Masdar brand con-

nect with CNN’s high profile audiences - so many of whom have a huge interest in sustainability and the economics of future energy.”

Wadi Ahmed, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications, said: “Masdar is committed to finding viable solutions to the world’s future energy challenges, which is why we are delighted to partner with CNNs new ‘Earth’s Frontiers’ series. These cutting edge programs will not only serve to educate viewers but will also help to raise the profile of the challenges that the world faces in relation to global resources, helping to push these issues to the forefront of political and media consciousness.

The world has started to take notice of the strategic role that Abu Dhabi is increasingly playing on the global stage; exemplified by CNNs recent decision to launch its fourth broadcast facility in the emirate. Our commercial partnership, with what is one of the world’s leading news broadcasters, allows us to communicate Masdar’s unique proposition and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s visionary

approach in the global future energy market to audiences across the world,” he concluded.

The Masdar campaign includes exclusive sponsorship of advertorial vignettes made by CNN Ad Sales’ dedicated in-house production unit Turner Commercial Productions. The series of five vignettes airing throughout the month, will serve to highlight Masdar’s varying initiatives in renewable energy from the Masdar Institute with its partnership with MIT to Masdar City, a groundbreaking project to build the first carbon neutral city of its kind in the world.

Masdar also sponsors four 30-minute quarterly televised debates held in major cities around the world where CNN hosts discussions between leading environmental entrepreneurs, business leaders and personalities, bringing the issues and Masdar branding front and centre with CNN’s audiences worldwide. The commercial partnership affords Masdar the license to leverage Earth’s Frontiers programming assets including the vignettes and debates for internal purposes.

in the news Saudi regulator fines top Islamic lender RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s regulator has fined the country’s biggest Islamic bank, Al-Rajhi, for not notifying it about the resignation of two senior executives, the regulator said yesterday. The fine is the latest action by the Capital Market authority (CMA) to enforce greater adherence to corporate governance following debt defaults at two family owned companies. CMA fined the bank and two smaller listed firms 50,000 riyals ($13,330) each for failing to notify markets about changes in their top management last year, CMA said in a statement posted on the bourse website. A spokesman for Rajhi could not be immediately reached for comment.

Egypt domestic liquidity up CAIRO: Egypt’s domestic liquidity rose at an annualised rate of 9.38 percent to 867.7 billion Egyptian pounds ($158 billion) in January, slower than the 9.46 percent rise a month earlier, the central bank said yesterday.

Sinai Cement 2009 net profit jumps CAIRO: Egypt’s Sinai Cement said consolidated net profit rose 62 percent in 2009 to 671.5 million Egyptian pounds ($122 million), the Egyptian stock exchange reported yesterday. The firm last year reported net profit of 414.1 million pounds for 2008.

The stock exchange gave no other details on the company’s consolidated results.

Sinai Cement’s shares closed 2.6 percent higher yesterday at 54.89 pounds.

SABIC says to hike steel prices RIYADH: State-controlled Saudi Basic Industries (SABIC) will raise prices of steel rebar and wire rod by 100 riyals ($26.7) per ton as of yesterday, the company said. Higher iron ore and scrap metal costs led to the increase, SABIC’s viceChairman for metals AbdulAziz bin Al-Humaid said in a statement emailed to Reuters. This is the first time SABIC has raised steel prices since 2008. SABIC controls the kingdom’s biggest steel producer Hadeed.

French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde says she personally believed that derivatives on sovereign debt, such as credit default swaps (CDS), had to be either tightly regulated, limited or even banned.

French FM says state debt CDS should be banned PARIS: French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said yesterday she personally believed that derivatives on sovereign debt, such as credit default swaps (CDS), had to be either tightly regulated, limited or even banned.

CDS, which are used by investors to hedge against the risk of default by a borrower, together with other derivatives, have been the subject of mounting criticism as they may have helped conceal Greece’s debt problems. The Federal Reserve and securities investigators are currently looking at how Goldman Sachs may have helped Greece disguise the size of its budget deficit though the use of derivatives.

Lagarde had previously called for better regulation of the market for sovereign credit default swaps but had stopped short of suggesting a ban. “I think that derivative products... the CDS on sovereign debt have to be at least very, very regulated, rigorously

regulated, limited or banned, this is a personal position on financial instruments,” Lagarde told Europe 1 radio. Lagarde said she had no doubt Greece would be able to refinance its debt with the help of public, private funds or both. Revelations that Greece’s deficit was three times bigger than originally forecast has plunged the country into a debt crisis.

A German member of European parliament said on Saturday that Germany, France and the Netherlands planned to buy Greek bonds to help Athens refinance its debt.

“I have no doubt that Greece will be able to refinance itself, using means which we are currently exploring, and for which we have a number of propositions,” Lagarde told Europe 1. “It would involve private partners or public partners or both.”

Lagarde declined to give more details on the matter. She added it was “out of the question” that Greece would leave the euro. —Reuters

Iraq to develop Nassiriya after Nippon talks end Iraq sets production levels for Zubair, W Qurna Phase One BASRA: Iraq plans to develop the Nassiriya oilfield on its own after talks with a Japanese group led by Nippon Oil Corp reached a dead end, the head of Iraq’s South Oil Co said yesterday.

Nippon and its partners, oil explorer Inpex Corp and engineering firm JGC Corp, had been negotiating the deal since the first half of last year but a final deal was held up by issues over financing.

“Talks with the Nippon group have reached a dead end, and we will start developing the field through national efforts,” Dhiya Jaafar, head of the SOC told Reuters in an interview in the oil hub of Basra. Jaafar did not give more details. The largely undeveloped Nassiriya field is listed as having reserves of under 5 billion barrels.

Nippon Oil Corp had projected it could pump up to 200,000 bpd within two years, according to Iraqi officials.

Iraq plans to drill 10 oil wells in Nassiriya this year, Jaafar said. “We are capable of boosting production from Nassiriya from 10,000 bpd to 50,000 bpd by the end of 2010,” he said.

Iraq’s Oil Ministry has also agree with foreign oil firms to set baseline production levels for West Qurna Phase One and Zubair oilfields, Jaafar said.

Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell agreed to a baseline production level at the 8.7billion-barrel West Qurna Phase One oilfield of 244,000 bpd.

Italy’s Eni-led group agreed to set the baseline production level at Iraq’s 4-billion-barrel Zubair oilfield at 183,000 bpd.

Iraq has struck a series of deals with foreign oil companies to develop its vast oilfields in a bid to boost production capacity to 12 million bpd, from around 2.5 million bpd now. —Reuters

MindTree efforts to leverage Mideast IT services market DUBAI: MindTree Ltd, a global IT solutions company, has announced that it is stepping up its efforts to leverage the Middle East IT services market, which is expected to hit $3.5 billion by 2011, according to recent reports from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Identified by the company as one of its fastest growing regions, the Middle East forms part of MindTree’s ‘Rest of the World’ (ROW) market along with Japan, Australia and Singapore, which collectively contributed 10.8 per cent to its total earnings in Q3 FY ‘09-’10. MindTree sees the Middle East region to play a key role in its plan to become a USD 1 billion organization.

MindTree is taking particular interest in the State of Kuwait, with EIU forecasting that the country’s IT services market will grow annually by 12 per cent to reach 0.254 billion by 2011. MindTree is gearing up to address the need by further strengthening its alliance management, boosting its sales force, initiating and reinforcing strategic partnerships with local companies, and focusing on key sectors such as the government and the manufacturing industry.

“Following the decline in 2009, the IT services mar-

Anjan Lahiri, president and CEO - IT Services, MindTree ket in the Middle East region is poised for another round of growth in 2010.

Companies in the region are becoming increasingly interested in deploying high-end technologies to gain competitive advantage and save costs,” said Anjan Lahiri, President and CEO IT Services, MindTree.

“Through the years, MindTree has partnered with major technology players in the region, and delivered leading edge solutions to our customers.”

The demand for decision-makers to have access to accurate intelligence at their fingertips is also driving the growth of data warehousing and business intelligence in the Middle

East, particularly in Kuwait. MindTree has outlined specific plans to work with strategic local partners for markets such as Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia following its success in Oman, Bahrain, and UAE. Specializing in IT services and ERP, Independent Testing, Infrastructure Services, and Analytics, MindTree has completed a number of high-profile implementations for several prestigious organizations in the region.

The company also maintains strong relationships with Oracle (Oracle Partner), SAP (Partner Edge Status), IBM and Microsoft (Service Ready Partner).

Five Saudi companies eye IPOs RIYADH: Three Saudi insurance companies, a property developer and an appliance manufacturer will sell shares to the public before the end of May, the bourse regulator said yesterday.

Saudi property developer Knowledge Economic City plans to raise 1.02 billion riyals ($272 million) from its initial public offering, the Capital Market Authority said in a statement.

It will offer 102 million shares at 10 riyals each in the May 24-30 period IPO, it added. CMA also approved IPOs for 30 percent of the capital of three Saudi

insurance companies over the March 22-28 period.

Solidarity Saudi Takaful insurance firm, affiliated to Bahrain-based lender Ithmaar, plans to raise 222 million riyals by selling 22.2 million shares for ten riyals each. Amana Cooperative Insurance company plans to raise 128 million riyals by selling 12.8 million shares at 10 riyals each, the statement said.

Al-Wataniya Cooperative Insurance Company plans to raise 30 million riyals by selling 3 million shares for ten riyals each.

Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co (HGISC) will offer 10.5 million shares over the April 26-May 2 period, CMA said. A book-building process will determine pricing for HGISC’s IPO, it added.

According to its website, HGISC makes and maintains air conditioners and home appliances.

Several Saudi companies have unveiled IPO plans as the Saudi bourse is among the best-performing in the Gulf, but last week travel agent AlTayyar Travel Group cancelled its IPO plansdue to weak demand. —Reuters

BUSINESS

Monday, March 1, 2010

25

British banking faces major makeover LONDON: Britain’s retail banking sector is in the midst of a major makeover as lenders post sharply-improved earnings, bosses relinquish bonuses and new players prepare to join a recovering market.

Half-way into the earnings season, analysts are lauding a 114-percent jump in annual profits at Barclays and a narrowing of losses at state-controlled groups Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Lloyds Banking Group (LBG).

Following the encouraging results, Britain’s leading retail banks have decided to pay out billions of pounds (euros/dollars) in bonuses to staff.

But fearing a backlash over massive rewards, bosses at Barclays, RBS and LBG have all renounced their own bonuses for 2009.

RBS last week said that its chief executive Stephen Hester had decided to waive his bonus “given public controversy on banking pay and the potential for his bonus to divert attention from and weaken support for the RBS turnaround and recovery.”

However, the chief executive defended the bank’s decision to allocate a reported 106-billion-pound bonus pool for other staff, arguing that it was necessary to prevent more workers leaving the beleaguered group.

Lloyds, meanwhile, is preparing to

dole out a smaller bonus pool of 200 million pounds, according to reports.

Britain’s banking landscape has already undergone huge changes since 2008 owing to major lenders such as RBS and LBG being partly nationalized in the wake of the financial crisis.

The government now owns a hefty 84 percent of RBS and 41.3 percent of rival Lloyds.

Meanwhile, Britain’s first new highstreet bank for more than a century is expected to launch in April, according to recent media reports. Following the near-collapse of household names, major tycoons have answered calls from finance minister Alistair Darling for greater competition across Britain’s retail banking sector.

US billionaire Vernon Hill is close to launching Metro Bank-set to be Britain’s first start-up bank with branches for more than 100 years, reports said last week.

Metro Bank is on course to launch in April with two branches in London, once it receives a banking license from British regulator the Financial Services Authority.

A spokeswoman for Metro Bank refused to comment on the precise launch date when asked by AFP, or on suggestions that it planned to open 200 stores across London and towns directly

neighboring the capital within the next decade.

Metro Bank aims to distinguish itself from the high-street’s established lenders by placing customer service at the heart of its business model.

Branches are set to have toilets, open late and at weekends and allow dogs on the premises, as Hill looks to base Metro Bank on Commerce Bankthe US business he set up in 1973 and sold for 8.5 billion dollars three years ago. The billionaire has promised to “make it easy” for people unhappy at the behavior of Britain’s major banks to switch to Metro.

“In London, opening a bank account is like having your teeth drilled. We’re going to open accounts in 15 minutes,” he was recently quoted as saying.

Elsewhere, Richard Branson’s Virgin Money has itself taken big strides towards becoming a major British retail bank. Virgin Money recently agreed to buy regional private bank Church House and to use the lender as a platform to offer savings and mortgage products to customers under the Virgin Money brand, which is known for its popular credit card and insurance offerings.

The purchase is seen as providing a platform for Virgin Money to buy an even bigger bank, providing true competition to Britain’s biggest retail lenders.

In addition, Britain’s biggest retailer, supermarket giant Tesco, has launched moves aimed at attracting savers and borrowers to Tesco Bank-which currently provides services similar to Virgin Money. A more established player, Spanish banking giant Santander, recently declared that it wants to become Britain’s biggest bank.

Chairman Emilio Botin has said that the ambitious group “wants to be the number one bank in the UK” and may buy more assets from struggling rivals.

Santander is Europe’s second biggest bank by stock market capitalization after number one HSBC, which publishes its annual results on Monday.

Santander, which acquired British mortgage lender Abbey in 2004 for 9.2 billion pounds, expanded further into Britain last year by scooping up Alliance & Leicester and assets of troubled lender Bradford & Bingley. Britain’s retail banking sector was thrown into chaos by the global credit crunch, resulting in the nationalization of Northern Rock and multi-billion-pound bailouts of RBS and Lloyds.

LBG was created last year following a government-brokered deal to merge ailing HBOS bank with its stronger rival Lloyds TSB. Virgin Money failed in a bid to buy Northern Rock before it fell into state hands. — AFP

100 new models to be displayed at auto show

Carmakers emerge from gloom into Geneva glitz GENEVA: Carmakers will emerge from the gloom of 2009 by presenting about 100 new models at the Geneva motor show over the coming week, hoping to counter uncertainty by wooing drivers with dreams, “downsizing”

BASINGSTOKE: A woman leaving a branch of The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in Basingstoke, Hampshire. State-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland made a net loss of 3.6 billion pounds (4.09 billion euros, $5.5 billion) in 2009. — AFP

Berkshire’s Q4 profit rebound on paper gains OMAHA, Nebraska: Berkshire Hathaway Inc’s fourth-quarter profit bounced back sharply, thanks largely to an unrealized $1 billion gain on derivative contracts and investments.

Billionaire Warren Buffett’s company said Saturday that its insurance and utility divisions performed well enough to help offset weakness in subsidiaries hurt most by the weak economy, such as NetJets, Acme Brick and other manufacturing and retail businesses.

Berkshire generated $3.056 billion in net income, or $1,969 per Class A share, during the

quarter. That’s up from $117 million net income, or $76 per share, a year earlier.

The three analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected Berkshire to report fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1,208.33 on average.

Berkshire said it generated $30.2 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter. That is nearly 23 percent higher than fourth quarter revenue of $24.6 billion in 2008. At the businesses Berkshire owns, “The earnings continued to struggle across the board,” said analyst

Justin Fuller, who writes about Berkshire online at www.buffettologist.com.

But Fuller, who works with Midway Capital Research & Management in Chicago, said Berkshire’s investment income was a bright spot. It received a boost from loans made to several companies in the depths of the financial crisis in late 2008 and early 2009. Companies such as Goldman Sachs, GE, and Harley-Davidson are paying at least 10 percent interest on nearly $9 billion Berkshire loaned them. — AP

Toyota’s president to visit China today TOKYO: Toyota President Akio Toyoda will speak in Beijing today about the company’s recent quality woes, Toyota said yesterday, in an effort to reassure consumers in the world’s biggest auto market.

Toyoda, who testified at a US Congressional hearing last week about the spate of global recalls plaguing Toyota Motor Corp, will speak to reporters at a Beijing hotel, company spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi said. The number of vehicles being recalled in China is small compared with the 8.5 million vehicles recalled worldwide since October for sticky gas pedals, faulty floor mats and glitches in braking software.

But China is where Toyota has ambitious plans for growth, and where it has been scoring success after entering the market later than rivals like Volkswagen AG of Germany. In China, Toyota announced a recall of 75,552 RAV4 sport-utility vehicles in late January due to the gas pedal problem.

Toyota has said its plans to expand in the Chinese market are unchanged, with its sales in the country expected to rise to 800,000 vehicles this year, up from 709,000 in 2009.

China’s overall vehicle sales soared 45 percent last year to 13.6 million, overtaking the United States as the world’s biggest auto market. The bulk of the recalls are in the US, where doubts are growing about Toyota’s longtime reputation for top-grade quality and where Toyoda visited this past week. He answered questions from lawmakers, met with dealers and went to Toyota’s largest North American assembly plant in Kentucky.

A US Senate committee has scheduled another Toyota hearing March 2. Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, is not scheduled to appear. Separately, Japanese Transport Minister Seiji Maehara, expressed dissatisfaction during a

WASHINGTON: Toyota Motor Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Akio Toyoda, left, and Toyota Motor North America, Inc President and Chief Executive Officer Yoshimi Inaba in Washington. Toyoda will speak in Beijing today about the company’s recent quality woes, Toyota said yesterday, in an effort to reassure consumers in the world’s biggest auto market. — AP news show broadcast nationwide Sunday at Toyota’s “corporate culture,” which he said reflected a reluctance to be forthright on recalls.

“The company is not taking the problem as seriously as it should,” he said, adding the executive vice president on quality, Shinichi Sasaki, came to explain the problems to the ministry only after being asked to do so. — AP

“Now there’s hope of a recovery in the industry, not in Europe but in China and the United States,” he told AFP. Despite this, the European market risks a slump particularly in the second half of the year, when trade-in schemes which propped up the market in 2009, end or are cut back.

This year’s show is taking place in the backdrop of the troubles engulfing the world’s biggest auto maker Toyota, which was forced to recall some nine million cars world-wide.

In this uncertainty, car makers are churning out new models and concepts in a bid to entice buyers.

Some 250 exhibitors representing 700 brands from 30 countries will bring their latest creations to the Geneva show, organizers said. Up to 700,000 people are expect to travel to the fair, when it opens from 4 to 14 March.

Bertrand Rakoto, analyst of RL Polk, said auto makers are aiming to send the message that despite the crisis, “we are still here, we are still alive and we will continue to build beautiful cars.”

Beyond the green focus of previous years, the car makers are also likely to return to the “pleasure of an automobile,” said Rakoto. French auto maker Renault will be showcasing a small coupe-cabriolet Wing, derived from its Twingo.

Peugeot will present its prototype 5 with a hybrid diesel engine, to be marketed as the replacement of the 407. It is also expected to declare its ambitions in the high-end segment.

Citroen should be unveiling its concept DS High Rider, part of the DS chic line.

“There is no reason that pleasure cannot be at the centre of the car,” said Carlos de Silva, analyst of IHS Global Insight.

But the analyst added that it would “once again be a show marked by the color green and the ecologically responsible.”

“We will stay in line with the traditional of the past two years” with “reflections on cars that are a little smaller, a little more compact, and very targeted on savings and on CO2,” he said.

“Even on the stands of Porsche or Ferrari, they must demonstrate that they are coherent with the times,” he added. Indeed, the German sports brand will be showcasing a 911 GT3 with a hybrid petrolelectric engine, while the Italian will be presenting a prototype of its 599 in hybrid version.

A series of novelties will also come to Geneva, including the Audi A1, the Mini all terrain Countryman, the monospace Opel Meriva, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the 4x4 Dacia Duster of the Romanian subsidiary of Renault, the new Nissan Micra and the small Auris HSD hybrid

by Toyota. — AFP

and discounts. “The mood is much better than last year; in 2009 it was the end of the world,” explained Frank Schwope, an analyst at German bank NordLB.

Geneva Auto Show floor (file photo)

Toyota can restore reputation: Experts TOKYO: Toyota’s bungled global recalls has badly damaged its brand image, but while the carmaker faces its biggest-ever crisis, analysts and experts say its reputation is by no means beyond repair.

The Japanese giant, the world’s biggest automaker, has been almost constantly in the spotlight since January over a rash of defects that have prompted the recall of more than eight million vehicles worldwide. But the company’s embattled president Akio Toyoda might be warmed to know that several high-profile firms in the past have recovered strongly from public relations disasters, sometimes even strengthening their positions long term.

Johnson & Johnson’s crisis management over poisoned Tylenol pills in the early 1980s turned the US drugmaker into a hero, say PR industry experts.

When seven people died after taking the cyanide-laced painkillers, the company issued a mass recall and a large media campaign, introduced new tamper-proof packaging and gave customers free replacements.

The difference, however, was that the recalls were issued swiftly, whereas Toyota has been accused of moving far too slowly. On the other hand, big names like Coca-Cola and Exxon Mobil were heavily criticized in the past over delayed public action-although they managed to salvage their repu-

tations. Toyota may belong to this category, communications experts said.“Recovery is much more difficult if you start off badly,” said Jonathan Hemus, who heads British consultancy Insignia. “If an organization seems to grasp the crisis really very quickly in the first few days, then actually it can be perceived more positively afterwards,” Hemus said.

“But if it takes a week or two to grasp the crisis, then it is a lot more difficult. So I think Toyota is in a tough position right now.”

Toyoda, the 53-year-old president who took the reins last June, shunned appearing publicly for two weeks after the

recalls emerged in the United States, and his company was slow to admit the vehicle defects.

He finally faced a roasting by US Congress last week and also appeared on CNN’s Larry King show, offering apologies but few details. “Obviously, a situation like Johnson & Johnson-where they reacted very quickly, where they were prepared, had an immediate response and communicated very openly-is ideal,” said Deborah Hayden of Kreab Gavin Anderson Japan.

“But not every company, for whatever the reason, is as well prepared.” However, even those that delayed their responses

eventually recuperated. Exxon, the precursor to Exxon Mobil, triggered an environmental catastrophe when a tanker unleashed a horrific oil slick in Alaska in 1989. “When the Exxon Valdez sank off Alaska, it took something like a week before the president even talked to the media,” said Hayden.

“In the meantime the world’s television screens had been inundated with views of birds and animals covered by oil. It took them time, but they recovered,” she added. And that could go for Toyota too she said: “Crises are very consuming and move very quickly. But you can get through them.” — AFP

TOKYO: A customer looks inside a Toyota Sai hybrid, a model that was recalled due to brake trouble, at a showroom in Tokyo. While Toyota faces its worst-ever crisis, analysts and experts say its reputation is by no means beyond repair. — AFP

26

BUSINESS

Monday, March 1, 2010

ECB to wrestle with Greek debt, crisis policies FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank faces one of its most important meetings in months on Thursday when policymakers tackle the latest twists in Greece’s debt crisis and refine a roadmap to unwind emergency policy measures.

Questions about raising the ECB’s main interest rate from the current record low of 1.0 percent, or whether German Axel Weber will become the bank’s next president will remain far in the background, though signs of a weakening recovery could give the governing council pause, analysts say.

“The ECB faces an important test next week, when it should announce the next steps in its exit strategy” from policies adopted to prevent the international financial system from collapsing in 2008, UniCredit chief economist Marco Annunziata said in a research note.

The central bank could announce that its last six-month loans to commercial banks and subsequent three-month operations will be subject to variable interest rates rather than the benchmark rate of 1.0 percent.

Variable rates were standard before the financial crisis, and would mark another step towards normalization, but the ECB will almost certainly maintain an unlimited supply of funds for some time, economists say. The debate over whether to withdraw exceptional measures quickly or not is heating up in financial markets, with some warning fragile economies still need support from ample supplies of central bank funds. More signs of a weak eurozone recovery was provided last week as officials revealed evidence of feeble growth, sliding confidence and tight lending.

Annunziata argued however that many bank financing problems were structural, not the result of the global crises that have rocked markets. “History warns us against the risks of premature policy tightening - but it also warns us against the risk of keeping zombie institutions around,” he said.

The ECB’s governing council will also probably have fresh events in the Greek crisis to mull when central bank chiefs gathers for a monthly meeting. Athens was

veering once again towards a cliff edge as Prime Minister George Papandreou called for austerity measures to be implemented immediately and analysts warned of a possibly severe credit crunch in the coming weeks.

“Now is the time for action,” Papandreou told opposition lawmakers Friday in parliament as he appealed for their support. “Are we going to let this country go bankrupt or are we going to react?”

Greece scrubbed the launch of a 10-year bond last week amid a strike and a warning by ratings agency Standard and Poors’ that it might downgrade the country’s sovereign debt within a month.

Commerzbank analyst Christoph Weil wondered “whether Greece will find any buyers at all for the bonds it will have to issue to prevent default by April at the latest.” Alarm sparked by a massive public deficit and debt has also raised pressure on other eurozone members like Italy, Portugal and Spain. The single currency traded for 1.3641 dollars on Friday but got most support from higher

ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet

US jobless benefit claims.

While the European Union has not said how it plans to help Greece get out of its jam, experts are sure assistance will be agreed upon to avoid a catastrophe EU officials might not be able to contain.

Luxembourg Finance Minister Luc Frieden said in an interview published on Friday that euro-zone members would have to step up to aid Greece if necessary.

“We don’t have any other choice,” Frieden told the German business daily Handelsblatt. “We are not going to allow Greece to become a risk for the euro-zone.”

Another theme for ECB watchers is a release of the bank staff’s latest forecasts for euro-zone growth and inflation. “We doubt that the new ECB staff forecasts ... will paint a pretty picture,” said economist Jennifer McKeown at Capital Economics.

Growth in 2010 might be raised a tad above the previous estimate of 0.8 percent while next year’s forecast was “unlikely to be much better than the previous 1.2 percent,” she added. — AFP

Debt-hit Greece must step up spending cuts: Juncker Athens may take more debt steps as EU visit looms

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Board of Investment chairman Saleem H Mandviwalla speaks during an interview with an AFP journalist at his office in Islamabad. Pakistan aims to attract foreign investment worth $5 billion this year, but needs to tackle reform, maximize anaemic growth and stem rampant violence to clinch its ambitious target. — AFP

EDF sale of British power grid back on track: Report LONDON: EDF’s plans to sell its electricity distribution network in Britain are back on track with bids expected by mid-March, The Sunday Telegraph newspaper reported.

The French state electricity giant has relaunched its plans and already aroused interest from four potential buyers, the weekly said, citing sources close to the situation.

The network could change hands for around four billion pounds ($6 billion, 4.5 billion euros), said the broadsheet. The newspaper’s sources said sale documents for the process had been sent out earlier this month. “EDF is also thought to have put a caveat into the sale process that it could still be halted should it decide at the end of March there is not enough interest in the asset,” the weekly said.

A consortium including Australian infra-

structure group Macquarie, the Canadian Pension Plan and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADIA was understood to be working on a joint bid, it said.

Scottish and Southern Energy, in league with Canadian pension fund Borealis, is also keen to bid, the broadsheet reported. Cheung Kong Infrastructure, controlled by wealthy Hong Kong businessman Li Kashing, could also be interested, it said.

EDF said in October it had put its British distribution network in Britain on sale with the aim of raising more than four billion euros ($5.4 billion) to reduce debt.

The French state owns 85 percent of EDF, which operates France’s 58 nuclear reactors, the world’s biggest network of atomic power plants. — AFP

Damage from Chile quake to range between $15-30bn WASHINGTON: The total value of economic damage caused by a massive earthquake suffered by Chile Saturday is likely to range between $15 billion and $30 billion, a US risk modeling firm predicted.

The firm EQECAT said this amount equates to 10 percent to 15 percent of Chile’s real gross domestic product.

Damages in the state of Santiago are expected to exceed 50 percent of the total damages, according to the firm.

While the 8.8 magnitude quake constitutes a major disaster, Chile’s widespread adoption and enforcement of modern, seismic-resistant building practices “has mitigated the potential for devastation,” the firm noted.

CAPITAL MARKETS IN TORONTO “There will be widespread and deep impact on Chile’s economy and financial markets.

“In the immediate future it’s quite likely the Chilean peso will weaken sharply as economic activity will be impaired due to the effects of the earthquake on the industrial and agricultural sectors in the region hardest hit. “It’s likely the central bank will keep liquidity and monetary conditions extremely loose in the near future in order to support the government’s efforts

to stabilize the economy and financial system. “There will be a large fiscal cost to the government in its rebuilding efforts, as well for businesses and individuals. However, the government’s solid savings position should allow it to absorb these costs without significant effect on its fiscal health.

“Over the longer-term, the reconstruction effort should provide a boost to economic activity though this will be spread out over several years.”

ALBERTO RAMOS, SENIOR ECONOMIST AT GOLDMAN SACHS IN NEW YORK “In terms of activity, this will create serious disruptions for a few weeks which will impact real GDP during the first quarter and likely also in the second quarter. After that we will see an extra bounce on activity anchored on the reconstruction effort. “This will have a moderate effect on the peso. The fact that they can bring in onshore some of the saved funds will help stabilize the peso. “On monetary policy, the central bank was on track to start normalizing monetary policy sometime late in the second quarter of 2010. Depending on the impact on the economy, they can keep the current stimulative stance for a while longer.

“In the short term, the retail and most services sectors will be heavily impacted, in the medium-term the construction and materials sectors will benefit.

“The Chileans fortunately have the best managed economy in the hemisphere and will be able to deal with this terrible adversity.

“This will imply extra fiscal spending in 2010 to finance reconstruction efforts.

Fortunately they have a solid fiscal situation and savings abroad that can be marshaled to finance the required increase in spending.”

CURTIS MEWBOURNE, PORTFOLIO MANAGER IN NEWPORT BEACH FOR THE PIMCO EMERGING MARKETS BOND FUND “Preliminary reports don’t indicate any major damage to mining industry, which is largest sector of economy at about 20 percent of GDP and 50 percent of exports. Also the population of Chile is highly urban, with about 50 percent of the entire country living in greater Santiago, which was 200 miles from the epicenter of the quake.

So we expect the direct economic impact of the earthquake to be limited, with the major risks coming from the yet unknown impact of tsunamis. — Reuters

ATHENS: Debt-hit Greece must step up spending cuts as other European “Greece must step up its efforts to limit its public deficit,” Luxembourg taxpayers are not inclined to correct the mismanagement of past Greek Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the eurogroup of ministers governments, the head of the euro-zone finance ministers said yesterday. that oversee the euro-zone, said in a statement to Eleftherotypia daily. that Germany, against aiding Greece, said the due to visit Athens on Monday Saturday On Thursday, the semi“It must focus on further for talks with Greek officials France and the Netherlands reports were nonsense and spending cuts and on ways to state Athens News Agency about the crisis, which has would buy Greek bonds in the that Berlin continued to increase revenue.” “Greece reported that an EU and rocked Europe’s debt market deal, using state-run banks expect Athens to take whatevmust understand that taxpay- European Central Bank misand undermined investors’ such as Germany’s KfW and er steps were necessary to ers in Germany, Belgium or sion to Athens that prepared resolve the crisis. confidence in the euro curren- France’s Caisse des Depots.

Luxembourg are not prepared the ground for Rehn’s visit “Every day brings more It was unclear how cy. to correct Greek fiscal policy had raised “key objections” to The visit has fuelled mar- Chatzimarkakis, who is not a absurd, speculative jabberGreek income forecasts. mistakes,” he said. ket speculation that Rehn high-profile politician in ing,” the official said. “The If austerity measures failed The comments came a day might announce some form of Germany, might know of such ball is in the Greek governbefore the European Union’s to bear fruit then additional emergency aid for Greece in a plan. His comments echoed ment’s court.” The Dutch economic affairs commission- policies to raise 3.6 billion to exchange for a pledge by a similar report on Saturday in government said there were er Olli Rehn arrives in Athens 4.8 billion euros ($4.0 billion Athens to take fresh budget major Greek newspaper Ta no plans at present to buy to inspect progress on the to $6.5 billion) would be necNea, which quoted unnamed Greek bonds, and that the top steps.

Greek government’s plans to essary, the report cited misA German member of the sources. A senior government priority for the Netherlands slash state spending and boost sion members as saying.

European Parliament, Jorgo official in Germany, where was to ensure the stability of Greek Prime Minister tax revenue.

Chatzimarkakis, said on public opinion is strongly the euro. — Agencies Luxembourg has expressed George Papandreou has said readiness to help Greece if he will use the crisis to remeasked but “we must first be dy chronic waste in public persuaded that the (Greek) administration.

Greece may soon announce measures are serious,” Juncker said. Greece has fresh steps to cut its budget come under market pressure deficit, a top official said yesas the weak link in the euro terday, amid signs that Athens since it revealed late last year might be close to reaching a that its public deficit and debt deal with European Union were much worse than initial- governments to ease the Greek debt crisis. ly thought.

Economy Minister Louka The Greek deficit is over four times the allowed EU Katseli said Prime Minister limit at 12.7 percent and the George Papandreou would country is also saddled with a review Greece’s fiscal plans, debt of nearly 300 billion after an EU mission to Athens last week decided that the euros ($408 billion).

The Socialist government country’s austerity measures has pledged to cut the deficit were not strong enough to by four percentage points of reassure financial markets.

“If more measures are to gross domestic product to 8.7 percent this year, but there be taken, they will be are widespread doubts that announced soon,” Katseli told the recession-hit country will state television. “The red line for everyone in this governmeet this goal.

If the program proves ment is that the measures are insufficient, a meeting of EU effective, bringing additional KOLKATA: Indian laborers work at a construction site at ‘New Town’ on the finance ministers could revenues, and that they are outskirts of Kolkata. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee promised to cut demand even harsher correc- socially just.” the budget deficit, currently at a 16-year high of 6.9 percent, to 5.5 percent EU Economic Affairs tive action at a meeting on Commissioner Olli Rehn was March 16. in the next fiscal year to March 2011. — AFP

Euro in most difficult phase: Merkel BERLIN: Europe’s single currency project is facing its toughest period since its launch over a decade ago and

it is essential that Greece tackle the roots of its troubles to restore confidence, German Chancellor Angela Merkel

said.

In an interview with public television station ARD yesterday, Merkel also stressed that

BEIJING: Chinese shoppers buy food at a supermarket in Beijing Saturday.

China is now grappling with how to choke off trillions of dollars in credit so as to keep inflation from spiraling out of control, all without squeezing growth and stoking mass unemployment in the world’s most populous country. — AFP

no decisions had been taken on providing financial assistance to Greece, which is under acute pressure to reduce its debt mountain and bloated deficit.

“The euro is certainly in the most difficult phase since it was created,” Merkel told ARD in the interview, which will be aired later yesterday.

“And that’s why it’s so important that we’re conscious of the fact that, on the one hand, it’s our common currency but on the other hand of the need to really tackle the causes of the troubles at their roots,” she added. “And at the roots are the high Greek deficits and lost credibility.

That’s why I’m very grateful that the Greek government is planning very courageous savings measures and other measures to improve the deficit situation.”

Merkel brushed aside media reports that the German government has been quietly setting aside provisions in its 2010 budget for possible aid to Greece. “That is definitely not the case. We’ve got a treaty that does not include any pro-

vision for bailing states out, to help them out of a jam. We can best help Greece at the moment by making clear that Greece has to do its own homework, just like it is doing at the moment.”

She said the European Commission was monitoring Greece to ensure it took the necessary steps and that no further decisions on aid had been taken. “There have been absolutely no other decisions taken. I would like to say that quite clearly,” Merkel said.

“Greece has to do what’s necessary for Greece. But that is also important for all of us.”

Merkel repeated her view that the European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund needed to endorse the Greek consolidation measures.

“I’ve also said that there have to be assurances now that the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF are convinced that the Greek consolidation and savings program is designed so that the problems are really solved,” Merkel said. — Reuters

TECHNOLOGY

Monday, March 1, 2010

27

Cyber warriors gather as online battles rage SAN FRANCISCO: US national security leaders and top cyber warriors from around the world are gathering here to plot defenses against criminals and spies that increasingly plague the Internet.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and White House Cyber Security Coordinator Howard Schmidt will take part in this week’s RSA conference along with computer defense companies and technology icons such as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Craigslist creator Craig Newmark.

“We have before us more data moving into the cloud and more sophisticated cyber criminals,” said

Qualys chief executive Philippe Courtot, who is among the keynote speakers at the premier event that kicks off tomorrow.

“We need corporations, government and community working closer together.”

Social networking and applications being hosted as services in the Internet “cloud” are among hot Internet trends presenting opportunities for hackers and challenges for those guarding networks.

Gone are the days when protecting computers meant building virtual fortress walls to keep attackers out and then hunting down software viruses by simply matching codes to

lists of known offenders.

Conference topics will include finding ways to let workers visit online social networking sites or let employees or partners access business networks safely from distant spots without opening computers to infections.

Legitimate websites must remain vigilant against being booby-trapped by hackers.

Computer defenses have broadened to include automated systems on constant watch for suspicious behavior, such as online bank account log-in information being entered faster than humanly possible.

Cyber crooks use programs that

enter data quicker than fingers can type.

Organized crime and espionage themes promise to dominate at RSA, in part thanks to a slick online assault on Google and the recent discovery of some 75,000 computers worldwide woven into a “Kneber botnet” by malicious code.

“Malware has become important as the sophistication of the attacks has increased,” said Courtot, whose company was founded in France in 1999 and later moved to California.

“That is underscored by the Google Aurora attack. Now we know for a fact more than a hundred companies were compromised in very

targeted attacks of industrial espionage,” Courtot said.

FBI chief Robert Mueller will detail cyber threats ranging from identity theft to how extremists and hostile foreign powers abuse the Internet.

Former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and Richard Clarke, former chief counterterrorism adviser at the National Security Council, will discuss dealing with cyberspace threats “without creating Big Brother.”

Napolitano is to focus on how online threats hit society.

Schmidt will take part in a “town hall” talk. Technology firms ranging

from big guns such as Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Symantec will join smaller cyber warriors specializing in fields including biometrics, encryption, and online behavior.

“There are so many security topics high on the agenda,” Cellcrypt chief executive Simon BransfieldGarth told AFP. “Certainly one of the topics is how mobile devices are becoming more like computers with the benefits and drawbacks as well.”

A hacker organization recently released online open-source computer code for capturing mobile telephone conversations, according to Bransfield-Garth, whose company

specializes in smartphone defenses.

RSA is expected to be rife with releases of studies highlighting threats, and rich with launches of products or services pitched as defensive weapons.

Startup XyberSecure will challenge those gathered to hack into a website to prove the prowess of its “behavior-based” security.

RSA was created in 1991 for cryptographers to share advances in Internet security but has evolved with the times, according to conference general manager Sandra Toms LaPedis. “Our mission to drive the worldwide information security agenda,” LaPedis said. — AFP

‘Connected Worlds’ is the theme of this year’s fair

Giant tech fair goes 3D to pull in the punters HANOVER: The world’s biggest high-tech fair kicks off tomorrow with a focus on “smart” gadgets as well as “Avatar”-inspired 3D products to make consumers’ lives easier-and more fun. Germany’s CeBIT, traditionally a showcase for computing and software firms to unveil their latest flagship designs, is evolving into more of a consumer-driven event, organisers said, as crisis-hit IT

HANOVER: A worker cleans a poster showing the new 3D glasses ‘Cinemizer Plus’ at the Carl Zeiss stand during preparations for the world’s biggest hightech fair, the CeBIT in the northern German city of Hanover. — AFP

Palm comeback falling short NEW YORK: A year ago, handheld devices pioneer Palm seemed poised for a comeback.

Its new smartphone, the Palm Pre, had just won “Best in Show” at the annual gadget fair in Las Vegas and the company had high hopes that the Pre would help it recapture some of its former glory.

It didn’t happen.

Pre sales have been disappointing and shares in the Sunnyvale, California, firm took a beating last week falling 34.5 percent to close at 6.09 dollars on Friday.

Palm shares were pummelled after the company forecast third-quarter revenue of between 300 million dollars and 320 million dollars, far short of the 420 million dollars expected

by Wall Street analysts.

As a result, Palm said it would be “well below” its annual revenue target of between 1.6 billion dollars and 1.8 billion dollars.

Palm came out with some of the first personal digital assistants in the 1990s, but in recent years it has been lagging behind rivals Nokia, Apple and Research in Motion (RIM), maker of the Blackberry.

The touchscreen Pre was seen as its best opportunity in years to win back a significant share of the highly competitive cellphone market but the weak sales have some analysts wondering about the company’s future.

“Palm moves further down the road to obscurity,” wrote Douglas McIntyre of website 247WallSt.com “Right now, it’s easy to conclude the company is essentially out of options,” independent analyst Carmi Levy told AFP. “Their future has turned dimmer with this latest announcement,” Levy said. “It’s hard to see the company turning things around when time and again they keep saying: ‘The next thing will save us, the next device, the next carrier.

“Time and again, they fail to convert on the promises,” Levy said.

In January of last year, the Pre garnered rave reviews at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and Palm shares surged 35 percent on expectations it could compete with Apple’s iPhone.

Technology analysts praised an operating system that was fast and allowed for the use of multiple programs at once.

But the Pre only hit the stores in June, two years after the iPhone, and was handicapped according to some analysts by its tie-up with Sprint Nextel, one of the smaller US wireless carriers.

The Pre began to be offered by a larger carrier, Verizon Wireless, at the end of the year but failed to get the boost it needed.

Verizon Wireless “acknowledged that their execution of

our launch was below expectations and recommitted to working with us to improve sales,” Palm chief executive Jon Rubinstein wrote in an internal memo obtained by the press.

Morgan Stanley analyst Ehud Gelblum agreed that the Verizon launch was below par but said it is only part of the problem.

“We continue to believe the company could have fared far better if its products had been more aggressively marketed by Palm’s carrier partners, primarily Verizon,” Gelblum said. “(But) what is Plan B?” Levy believes Palm, with its rich trove of patents and talent, could be a prime target for an acquisition and could be eyed by Canada’s RIM as it seeks to make greater inroads into the consumer market.

“Palm is often rumored as a buyout candidate for Nokia or Microsoft,” said 247WallSt.com’s McIntyre.

“The company is so weakened now, no other firm will want it.”

Not everyone is so quick to sound the death knell for Palm.

“They’re still putting out a decent number of units,” said Standard and Poor’s, James Moorman. “You could see rapid growth as you see carrier adoption.

“If you get three or four carriers, if you get big international carriers, that can change the outlook for this company very quickly.” — AFP

BEIJING: A Chinese man plays online games at an Internet cafe in Beijing yesterday. At one of Beijing’s many Internet cafes, near-silence reigns: headphones on, eyes glued to the screen, web users play games online en masse, helping to make China one of the industry’s top markets. — AFP

“Given the economic and financial climate, we consider it a success that our exhibitor numbers are approximately stable,” said Sass.

And he pointed to some giants of the tech world that are visiting the CeBIT for the first time, such as Google and online bookseller Amazon, as well as regulars such as IBM, Microsoft, SAP, Vodafone, Fujitsu or Ericsson.

“Connected Worlds” is the theme of this year’s fair, with companies aiming to exhibit energy and labour-saving devices that use wireless technology to communicate with each other and with users far away.

Using so-called “Smart Metering,” for example, a person sitting at his desk at work can remotely operate household devices such as the washing machine or heating system to take advantage of reduced tariffs, saving money and energy. “Using his mobile phone as a display and control mechanism, the resident can control the energy consumption of his appliances,” said Markus Eisenhauer, a scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering, who developed the system.

“For instance, he can display consumption per room, turn applicances on or off, or dim the lights,” he said.

Microsoft will also unveil the so-called “smart” classroom of the future, where real schoolchildren will take classes with multi-touch whiteboards.

But the CeBIT is not all work and no play.

Inspired by the success of James Cameron’s 3D sci-fi blockbuster “Avatar,” this year’s fair is being seen very much through 3D glasses, with a host of new three-dimensional technologies exhibited.

According to Sass, screens will be unveiled at the CeBIT that use tiny cameras to sense the movement of a viewer’s eyes and adapt a picture to make it appear in three dimensions without the need for special glasses.

The fair will also have a musical bent, with “CeBIT Sounds” presenting new products that use cutting-edge technology for the music industry, currently grappling with the influence of the Internet on the trade.

And among the many mindblowing sci-fi gadgets at the CeBIT’s “future park” is a “silent sound” device that measures the movements of the lips and transforms them into sound.

The technology could help people who have lost their voices due to a larynx disorder, allow people to make silent phone calls without disturbing others in the office-or the trainand speak without risk of being overheard.

Chancellor Angela Merkel will officially open the show on Monday evening with Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the prime minister of Spain, which is this year’s “partner country” and currently holds the EU presidency. The CeBIT is open to the public from March 2 to 6. — AFP

companies stay away. “We’re trying to attract more consumers,” said Hartwig von Sass, a spokesman for Deutsche Messe, that organises the event. Exhibitor numbers dropped by three percent this year with 4,157 firms from 68 countries due to erect stands at the vast centre in northern Germany. At the height of the dot-com boom, more than 8,000 companies set up shop at the CeBIT.

HANOVER: A technician works on a computer at the Microsoft stand during preparations for the world’s biggest high-tech fair, the CeBIT yesterday in the northern German city of Hanover. Some 4,157 companies from 68 countries are expected to display their latest gadgets at the fair taking place from tomorrow to March 6, 2010. — AFP

World’s most powerful atom smasher restarts GENEVA: Scientists have restarted the world’s most powerful atom-smasher overnight, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) said yesterday, as they launch a new bid to uncover the secrets of the universe.

“The LHC is on its way again. First beam of 2010 circulated in each direction by 04.10 CET (0310 GMT),” said CERN in a tweet on its website yesterday.

The 3.9 billion euro (5.6 billion dollars) Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was shut down in December to ready it for collisions at unfathomed energy

levels. It was run for a few weeks after being successfully revived from a 14 month breakdown.

The particle collider-inside a 27-kilometre (16.8-mile) tunnel straddling the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva-is aimed at understanding the origins of the universe by recreating the conditions that followed the Big Bang.

In the weeks before the technical shutdown in December, the collider achieved over a million particle collisions and accelerated proton beams to energy levels never reached before, according to CERN. Collisions

reached a world record energy level of 2.36 teraelectronvolts (TeV), already allowing scientists to gather data.

But CERN now wants to reach 7.0 TeV to try to recreate conditions close to the Big Bang, and run it at those levels for 18 to 24 months.

Subsequently the scientists aim to reach the LHC’s design energy of 14 TeV, but only following another long technical shutdown in the second half of 2011.

Before the LHC experiment, no particle accelerator had exceeded 0.98 TeV. One TeV is the equivalent to the energy of motion achieved by a

flying mosquito.

The LHC, a global effort, aims to resolve physics problems including “dark matter” and “dark energy”, thought to account for 96 percent of the cosmos.

The scientists’ Holy Grail is to find a theorised component called the Higgs Boson, commonly called the “God Particle”, which would explain how particles acquire mass. The experiment, the fruit of decades of experiments and research by physicists from around the world, has even attracted Hollywood in recent years with the fictional blockbuster “Angels and Demons”. — AFP

UK’s UFO unit says it will shred ex-X files LONDON: Britain’s defense ministry says it will shred records of UFO sightings after a huge rise in the number of reports submitted by the public. The Ministry of Defense said yesterday that new reports will be thrown out after 30 days, rather than kept on file. It means

details of the sightings will be exempt from freedom of information laws that have allowed campaigners to force Britain’s government to disclose details of apparent UFO encounters.

The ministry had 634 reports of UFO sightings in 2009, the highest

total since 1978 when the public submitted 750. In December, Britain scrapped a phone line and e-mail account for the public to report details of UFO activity. Britain’s government said the service was a waste of defense resources. — AP

28

HEALTH & SCIENCE

Monday, March 1, 2010

Chile quake in ‘elite class’ like 2004 Asian quake LOS ANGELES: The huge earthquake that struck off the coast of Chile belongs to an “elite class” of mega earthquakes, experts said, and is similar to the 2004 Indian Ocean temblor that triggered deadly tsunami waves. The magnitude-8.8 quake was a type called a “megathrust,” considered the most powerful earthquake on the planet.

Megathrusts occur when one tectonic plate dives beneath another. Saturday’s tremor unleashed about 50 gigatons of energy and broke about 340 miles of the fault zone,

according to the US Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center.

The quake’s epicenter was offshore and occurred about 140 miles north of the largest earthquake ever recorded — a magnitude-9.5 that killed about 1,600 people in Chile and scores of others in the Pacific in 1960. “It’s part of an elite class of giant earthquakes,” said USGS geologist Brian Atwater. If the magnitude holds, it will tie with the 1906 offshore Ecuador quake as the fifth largest since 1900. “We call them great

earthquakes. Everybody else calls them horrible,” said USGS geophysicist Ken Hudnut.

“There’s only a few in this league.”

The Chile quake was smaller than the Sumatra quake of 2004, a magnitude-9.1 and was not expected to be anything nearly as destructive. That quake and ensuing tsunami killed 230,000 people. Another difference is that the Chile quake triggered tsunami warnings hours ahead of time in Hawaii and Pacific islands, allowing people time to flee

to higher ground.

In 2004, there was little measuring technology in place to warn Indian Ocean countries about incoming killer waves. More than 100 aftershocks measuring magnitude5 or larger rattled Chile throughout the day.

So far, the quake death toll has surpassed 300 — a number that will likely rise.

Several more died when tsunami waves swamped an island off the country’s coast.

Chile is no stranger to violent jolts. In fact, USGS geophysicist Ross Stein called

the country an “earthquake hatchery.”

Thirteen temblors of magnitude 7 or larger have hit Chile since 1973.

The latest quake took place at a boundary where two plates of the Earth’s crust grind and dive. While that type of action gave rise to the Andes mountains that form the backbone of South America, it’s also the source of some of the largest quakes.

The Chile temblor struck a day after a smaller earthquake shook the southern coast of Japan. Experts said the quakes

appear to be unrelated.

There’s also no connection between this quake and the disaster in Haiti, said University of Miami geology professor Tim Dixon. A quake like the one that hit Haiti, a magnitude 7, happens somewhere in the world about every month, usually underwater. But the type that hit Chile is among the most powerful recorded in recent history.

The faults in Haiti and Chile are distant enough that stress from one would not affect the other, Dixon said. — AP

Antibody tests suggest meat allergy common globally

Severe allergic reaction to meat may not be rare WASHINGTON: Eating meat may be a much more common trigger for anaphylaxis-a severe and potentially deadly allergic reaction-than previously thought, US researchers said yesterday.

A study of 60 patients who had unexplained severe allergic reactions suggests that a compound in meat known as alpha-galactose may be the culprit, according to research presented at a meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in New Orleans.

They found immune system proteins called IgE antibodies in 25 out of 60

patients who had unexplained allergic reactions.

“We believe that the presence of IgE antibody to this sugar is wider spread in the human population as a whole than we had initially expected,” Dr. Scott Commins of the University of Virginia, who led the research, said in a telephone interview.

“What we’re finding is that this traditional notion of allergy to meat being very rare may, in fact, not be true,” Commins added.

Alpha-galactose is produced in most mammals but humans and great apes

make an antibody to the sugar, Commins said. “So the problem becomes when people make IgE antibody to this sugar and then they eat meat or dairy products that contain the sugar then they get a delayed reaction,” Commins said.

The anaphylaxis may seem to appear out of the blue because the meat or dairy may have been eaten four to six hours earlier, Commins said.

“The typical scenario has been if you don’t react to food within two hours, then it’s not the food, in this case that doesn’t seem to be true, Commins said.

Typically, anaphylaxis occurs within

minutes.

Commins and colleagues screened blood samples from 60 patients, testing for the antibody to alpha-galactose. The people in the study — 22 at the University of Virginia, 20 at the University of Tennessee and 18 at John James Medical Center in Australia, had anaphylaxis and no apparent cause for it, Commins said.

Twenty-five tested positive for alphagalactose and no other patterns were found that would have otherwise explained the cause of their anaphylaxis, the researchers said. — Reuters

Afghans protects newly rediscovered rare bird KABUL: Afghanistan’s fledging conservation agency moved yesterday to protect one of the world’s rarest birds after the species was rediscovered in the war-ravaged country’s northeast.

The remote Pamir Mountains are the only known breeding area of the largebilled reed warbler, a species so elusive that it had been documented only twice before in more than a century.

A researcher with the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society stumbled upon the tiny, olive-brown bird during a wildlife survey in 2008 and taped its distinctive song. Later, a research team caught and released 20 of the birds — the largest number ever recorded.

Yesterday, Afghanistan’s National Environment Protection Agency added the large-billed reed warbler to its list of protected species, which was established only last year.

Mustafa Zahir, the agency’s director-general, acknowledged the difficulties of trying to protect wildlife in a country preoccupied with the Taliban insurgency. On Friday, suicide attackers killed 16 people in

Kabul, the capital, and thousands of Afghan and NATO forces are fighting to root out the hard-line Islamists from their southern stronghold. But Zahir, who is the grandson of Afghanistan’s former king, said the discovery of the largebilled reed warbler provided some welcome positive news.

“It is not true that our country is full of only bad stories,” Zahir said. “This bird, after so many years, has been discovered here. Everyone thought it was extinct.” The bird’s discovery in Afghanistan kicked off a small flurry in conservation circles.

The large-billed reed warbler was first documented in India in 1867 but wasn’t found again until 2006 — with a single bird in Thailand. The Pamir Mountains, in the sparsely populated Badakhshan province near China, is now home to the world’s only known large population of the bird.

The Afghan environmental agency also added 14 other species to the protected list yesterday. It now includes 48 species including the rare snow leopard, the Asiatic cheetah and the markhor, a type of

BETHESDA: President Barack Obama, arrives at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., early yesterday morning for his first scheduled physical exam as president. — AP

Obama getting routine physical exam WASHINGTON: It’s a trip to the doctor for President Barack Obama. The 48-year-old Obama arrived at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, yesterday morning for his first physical exam as president.

During the 2008 White House race, his campaign released a statement from his longtime Chicago doctor saying Obama was in excellent health at

the time of his last exam — in January 2007.

That statement also said Obama had a family history of cancer — and a smoking habit he was trying to break.

The president said at a news conference last June that he still had an occasional cigarette. It was his first public acknowledgment that he hadn’t kicked the habit. — AP

Gene test aids breast cancer treatment

KABUL: Mustafa Zahir, director-general of Afghanistan’s National Environment Protection Agency, shows a photo of a rare bird during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday. Afghanistan’s fledging conservation agency moved yesterday to protect one of the world’s rarest birds after the species was rediscovered in the war-ravaged country’s northeastern mountains. — AP wild goat with large spiral horns.

While conservation efforts are in their infancy in Afghanistan, there have been

some recent successes.

Authorities in Badakhshan last week seized a snow leopard from villagers who had trapped it and planned to sell it. The

snow leopard — one of an estimated 150 left in the wild — will be freed once its injuries from the trap are healed, Zahir said. — AP

Chef Suzanne Husseini

LONDON: Gene-screening has been used to identify women most likely to benefit from one type of breast cancer chemotherapy, it was revealed yesterday.

The technique could lead to a simple test enabling doctors to administer personalised treatment, say researchers. In future the same method may offer a way of predicting which patients will respond to other cancer drugs.

This in turn could make expensive new treatments more cost effective and available on the state-funded National Health Service (NHS), say researchers.

The international team of scientists scanned 829 genes in breast cancer tumour cells. They selected out six which if missing or faulty would prevent the chemotherapy agent paclitaxel working properly.

A patient study then showed how the genes could reveal in advance which women were likely to respond best to the drug. Lead researcher Dr Charles Swanton, from the Cancer Research UK charity’s London Research Institute, said: “A great challenge in cancer medicine is determining which patients will benefit from particular cancer drugs and it is hoped that this

research is a step towards more rapid developments in this type of personalised medicine.

“Since the whole human genome was sequenced, scientists have been trying to understand the role of each of the 21,000 genes contained within it. Our research shows it is now possible to rapidly pinpoint genes which prevent cancer cells from being destroyed by anti-cancer drugs and use these same genes to predict which patients will benefit from specific types of treatment.”

Each year more than 45,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, and around 12,000 die from the disease.

About 15% of these patients will be prescribed paclitaxel. The new findings, reported in The Lancet Oncology medical journal today, suggest that half the women currently prescribed the drug could do without it. Dr Swanton added: “Now the challenge is to apply these methods to other drugs in cancer medicine and to help identify new drugs within clinical trials that might benefit patients who are predicted to be unresponsive to treatment. “These could include treatments that are currently deemed too expensive to fund on the NHS”— KUNA

Chefs busy cutting vegetables to prepare a vegetarian dish.

Revolutionary nutricook cooker from Tefal for health enthusiasts Cooking that preserves food quality to wow food connoisseurs Tefal, the inventors of easy to clean nonstick pots and pans launches a new concept in healthy cooking using revolutionary new products.

Tefal’s “Nutritious & Delicious’’ healthy range of cooking approach from Tefal was born from the desire to combine nutrition and pleasure. It

is based on three main pillars: Nutrition - preservation of nutrients with guaranteed scientific proofs resulting from Research and Development. Pleasure is the other tenet. Thanks to advanced and innovative technologies these appliances allow a high preservation of nutritional quality and maximum flavor of all foods. Convenience is the other

characteristic of the ‘’Nutritious and Delicious,’’ range which are practical and ingenious cooking appliances that make our daily life easier.

“Nutricook is part of Tefal’s Nutritious and Delicious range of products born from the desire to combine nutrition and pleasure and to respond to new requirements and consumer demand,” said Nathalie

Fata Haddad, Product Manager Cookware, Middle East/Indian Sub Continent.

“Research and Development has confirmed that steam cooking is without a doubt the method that best retains the nutritional qualities of food.”

She added that Nutricook uses an air vent system that activates automatically when cooking starts. The

vent eliminates up to 90% of the oxygen present in the pressure cooker. Oxygen has been found to degrade its nutritional quality.

Other features of Nutricook are the optimized steamer basket developed based on cutting edge research on the steam flow inside the pressure cooker during cooking. The steam first flushes out the oxygen

and thus ensures maximum preservation of vitamins and flavor with up to two times more vitamin C in vegetables. The solid wall of the Nutricook basket prevents the oxygen from coming back into contact with the food. The other innovation in this product is the soft steam cooking phase at the end of the cooking process which would ensure a

perfect cooking to the core of the meat for example without overdoing the meat surface.

Ms. Haddad added that Nutricook is the only pressure cooker in the world with four exclusive programmes for meat, vegetables, starchy food, and fish which is being launched in the Middle East simultaneous with the launch in France.

30

WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT

Monday, March 1, 2010

Embassy information EMBASSY OF UKRAINE The Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait informs that it has started updating the information about Ukrainian citizens, who live and work in Kuwait. In this connection, we are asking you to refer to the Embassy and update your file in consular register in order not to be excluded from it.

Please note, that the last day of updating your data is 20th of March, 2010. For additional information please call: 25318507 ext.106 or visit the embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait (address: Hawalli, Jabriya, bl.10, str.6, house 5).

The consular section of the Embassy open every day from 09:30 till 14:30 except Friday and Saturday.

EMBASSY OF INDIA 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, AlAbraj Complex, Office No 9, Mezzanine Floor; 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday.

Kuwait English School celebrates national holidays

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tudents of the Kuwait English School (KES) from all grades (kindergarten, elementary, intermediate and secondary) celebrated the national holidays in ceremonies that lasted for four days, in which several art and traditional works were prepared by the students, including national poetry delivered by students dressed in national dress.

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.

Kuwait African fellowship celebrates soccer victory

T Logos Christian Fellowship of Kuwait headed by Ptr. Rey Bustamante & Ptr Rico Francisco; Elders: Conrado Flores; Alonzo Bayoneta; Nestor & members held a celebration on the occasion of National and Liberation days of Kuwait on February 26.

he Kuwait African fellowship on Friday celebrated its 4th Kuwait African International Football tournament in style. The event featured lots of cultural displays and worship songs. The Nigeria Eagles of Kuwait beat the warriors India 4-3 in the tie-breaker during the grand finale. The 9-nation tournament, which kicked off in October 2009 included Kuwait-

based expatriate national teams from Egypt, Benin, Ethiopia, Yemen, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria and India. The teams were drawn into 3 groups for a round robin league with the top two teams playing in finals.

The event attracted many dignitaries and enthusiastic football fans.

WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT

Monday, March 1, 2010

31

Announcements March 1 India Education Exhibition: For study in India in reputed colleges in Tamil Nadu/ Kerala/ Karnataka + 2/ Graduate students/ Parents welcome college/ course selection guidance & advance booking, individual career counseling with prior appointments, guideance in premium medical colleges and engineering colleges in Kerala/ Tamil Nadu/ Karnataka, overseas career options: Canada/ New Zealand/ Singapore/ Malaysia, immigration guidance to Canada/ New Zealand. Date: Monday 1st March, 2010. Venue: United Indian School Auditorium, Abbassiya, timing: 11 am - 8 pm.

Registration begins: British Institute of Vocational TraininG (BIVT) in this web-sited world of the 21 Century we are expected to know everything. How to write a business report, how to work the latest smart phone, speak six languages, be a perfect parent, trade in China, play a musical instrument, budget for school fees and breathe. At BIVT we truly understand. Our experts in Business, Computing, Media and Journalism, Languages, The Arts, and Life Skills offer you chances to enhance your career prospects and your quality of life without breaking the bank. For information contact Alison Shan Price at 25756110 or send enquiries to admin@britvoc.com and visit our website www.britvoc.com Road Show: Mechanical/ Chemical/ Production/ Industrial/ Instrumentation/ Civil/ Construction/ Petroleum Engineers in Oil & Gas, Chemical Process Industry, Power Sector, Cross Country Piping, EPC Companies, Design Contractors & Consultants, Inspection Agencies, Ship Building Industry, Municipal Corporations in distribution of utilities (gas, water, chilled water), City Gas Distribution etc. Corporates: Companies in the above manufacturing or service sectors. EPC companies servicing the above sectors. For more information on the Road Show or Course Visit: www.CEPGlobe.com or write to: gvkshmi@iitb.ac.in

SPDK holds general elections

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ew “Executive Council” of Society of Pakistani Doctors Kuwait (SPDK) was elected after general elections were held at Quaid-e-Azam Hall of Pakistan Embassy Kuwait on February 11. Dr Shuja Uddin was elected President for next two years along with Dr Jamshaid Iqbal/Vice President, Dr Sohail

Abdul Malik/Secretary General, Dr Amir Javaid/Joint Secretary and Dr Shahid Majid Mian as Finance Secretary. Other elected executive members include, Dr Mohsin Mahmood, Dr Noor Zarnan, Dr Aftab, Dr Ghazala Kamran and Dr Robina Jamshaid.

After due introduction, the office bearers stressed

on enhancing the efforts for welfare of Pakistani residents, ‘more interaction between doctors and families and working for enlightening the image of Pakistan.

Newly elected body also paid tributes to Chief Election Commissioner Dr Muhammad Saeed Khan, out-going President Dr Arshad Ikram and

MARCH 5 World Mother tongue day: Ponguthamizh Manram is happy to announce a function to commemorate “The World Mother tongue Day and The International Women’s Day”. Many challenging competitions and interesting events are being planned for the commemoration. The function will be conducted between 0930 hrs to 1300 hrs on the 5th March, 2010 at Kohinoor Restaurant, Fahaheel, to register for various competitions & for further detailed information, visit us at www.pongutamil.org or call us on 66852906 or Email us thro thamizh@pongutamil.org.

MARCH 26 Ugadi carnival: Kalanjali Kuwait plans to organize Carnival & Musical Nite of Sri Koti, on 26th March 2010, in American International School - Maidan Hawally, on the occasion of UGADI - Telugu New Year’s Day. Sri Koti with his troupe from Hyderabad will present some of his hits. Kalanjali plans to conduct “Painting Competition” for school children & adults, as well as “RANGOLI Competition” for ladies, “Salad Cutting Competitions” for MEN during this occasion. There will be an InterSchool “Youth Festival Competition” among the Indian School Children. Schools interested in participating can contact us. Persons interested to keep Game Stalls, Food Stalls and ready to participate in various games & sports, or present any musical talents / perform any talents, can send an email to kalanjaliq8@gmail.com or contact 55457286 for further details.

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 APRIL 16 Friends of Kannur holds drama competition: Friends of Kannur Expatriates Association (FOKE) is arranging a drama competition for their forthcoming fifth anniversary celebration. Competition will be held on April 16th at Daiya Auditorium. Applications are invited from all art lovers in Kuwait to participate in this drama competition. Drama should be in Malayalam language and should be less than 40 minutes duration. All those who wish to participate in this competition are requested to submit their application along with a copy of their script before February 15th 2010. For further details you may contact 65071434, 99860832.

MAY 6 2010 Mayflower Ball: The Social & Cultural Exchange Group - a multi-lingual, multi-cultural association will present the Mayflower Ball Dinner Dance & Beauty Pageant contest at a gliterring venue with a live music band from the western coast of India and renowned DJs. A galaxy of prizes awaits for the participants and to learn more about the show to be held on Thursday, 6th May 2010, watch out for more details in your favourite newspaper.

general secretary Dr Muhammad Jamil Hashmi for efforts in promoting the cause of society. Dr Shuja also delivered the words of thanks to Noor, the President of Friends Welfare Trust for trust’s cooperation in extending medical services to the Pakistani community.

KPFA provides financial assistance to deserving students, patients

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Congratulations

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ongratulation Mr/Mrs O Adiat as you celebrate the arrival of your baby girl Khadijah Oluwakemi. May God guide her as she grows to be a blessing to the family. Greetings from friends and well-wishers.

Greetings

Happy 6th b’day to Swithin Devassy! Best regards from Sisi Maria.

Happy birthday to Eleena Rajan who turned 7. Loving greetings from Evit Rajan.

uwait Pakistan Friendship Association (KPFA) recently convened the general body meeting of its members, to elect the new Executive Council for the next two years to lead the organization and promote further business, cultural, social and religious ties between the people of Kuwait and Pakistan.

The ceremony started with the recitation of the Holy Quran and followed by a welcoming speech by the general secretary, Saqibís Aftab, in which he highlighted the activities of KPFA for the last two years. The members were also briefed on the activities of the association subcommittees i.e education & medical committees. The chairpersons highlighted their respective committeesí achievements in providing assistance to the needy members of the Pakistani community residing in Kuwait.

Afterwards, the outgoing chairperson of the committee on religious and social activities was invited to the podium to inform those present about the events held by KPFA and their subsequent outcomes.

During 2008 & 2009, KPFA provided financial support to the deserving Pakistani students in need of tuition assistance, and it helped over two dozen students in 2008 and an even greater number in 2009.

KPFA also arranged camps to create awareness about hepatitis C and H(1)N(1) amongst Pakistanis residing in Kuwait, and it has also provided financial assistance to over a dozen patients in need of critical medical coverage.

The general secretary then invited the out-

Pravasee Congress (I) President Jacob Channapetta received Garshom Pravasee award 2009.

Union Law and Justice Minister Veerappa Moiley presented the award Home Minister (Karnataka) Dr VS Acharia, Sarshom chairman Jins Paul were also seen.

Valanaadan Trust celebrates 4th anniversary

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alanaadan Trust celebrated its 4th anniversary in a grand manner on Thursday, 18th of February. The programme commenced with prayers to ‘Tamizhththai’ the mother incarnate of Tamil language and culture - and was ably presented by Valanaadan. (SM.Manuel) Anbarasan welcomed the Chief Guests Professor Periadasan, an eminent expert in Psychology and K

Anbazhagan, President of Kudanthai Tamil Sangam and the owner of Kudanthai Charitable Hospital. The address by both chief guests was hilarious and at the same time thought provoking.

The programme was successfully conducted with the help and assistance of the well wishers of the trust and the donors. The programme concluded with dinner.

going President Mian Ilyas to share his thoughts. He took this opportunity to thank the outgoing executive council and bid farewell to them.

The election officer then announced the names of the new executive board led by Raana Ijaz as president, after which the Joint Secretary Asif Khan announced KPFA plan for 2010 and shared a tentative events & activities calendar. ìThe vision is to make KPFA the premiere networking and community services platform for Pakistanis in Kuwaitî added Asif Khan.

KPFA has been working to promote friendship and camaraderie between Kuwaitis and Pakistanis residing in Kuwait. It intends to play an active role in promoting Pakistani culture and Pakistani businesses in Kuwait and vice-versa.

The names of the new Executive Council are: President ñ Rana Ijaz Hussain , Sr. Vice President ñ Mohammad Fayyaz Qureshi, General Sectary ñ Mohammad Saqib Aftab, Vice President1 ñ Mohammad Fayyaz Chaurdry, Vice President2 ñ Faiz Mohyuddin, Secretary Finance ñ Muzammil Khurshid Ahmad, Secretary Electronic Media & Publication ñ Atyab Tahir, Joint Secretary ñ Asif Shafi Khan, Secretary Public Relations ñ Khalid Amin, Secretary Community Affairs ñ Tariq Nazir, Secretary Islamic & Cultural Activities ñ Professor Dr. Zakaullah, Members Executive Council are: Mohammad Naeem Chaudry, Professor Dr. Sajjad Ur Rehman, Abdul Moeed Khan, Ehsan Ul Haq, Mohammad Tayyab Khan, Mian Mohammad

TV PROGRAMS

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Orbit / Showtime Listings

03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Dawsons Creek Prison Break One Tree Hill No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Kathy Griffin Criminal Minds Cold Case Friday Night Lights Dawson’s Creek No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency One Tree Hill Friday Night Lights Prison Break Criminal Minds Cold Case Kathy Griffin No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Big Love Saving Grace One Tree Hill Secret Diary of a Call Girl

03:35 Untamed And Uncut 04:30 Animal Cops Miami 05:25 Night 05:50 Night 06:20 Animal Cops Houston 07:00 Wildlife SOS 07:25 Pet Rescue 07:50 Animal Precinct 08:45 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 09:45 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 10:10 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 10:40 Rspca: Have You Got What It Takes?

11:05 Animal Cops Houston 11:55 Corwin’s Quest 12:50 Wildlife SOS 13:15 Pet Rescue 13:45 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:10 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:40 Natural World 15:35 Lemur Street 16:00 Monkey Life 16:30 Pet Rescue 16:55 Vet On The Loose 17:25 Wildlife SOS 17:50 Rspca: Have You Got What It Takes?

18:20 Animal Cops Miami 19:15 I’m Alive 20:10 Kingdom Of The Elephants 21:10 Animal Cops Houston 22:05 Untamed And Uncut 23:00 I’m Alive 23:55 Animal Cops Miami

03:45 04:40 05:10 05:40 06:10 06:40 08:00 08:20 08:45 08:50 09:00 09:20 09:40 09:55 10:25 10:30 10:40 11:25 12:25 13:15 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:45 16:15 16:45 17:15 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:45 22:15 22:45 23:45

03:30 04:20 05:05 05:30 06:00 06:30 08:00 09:00 09:25 09:45 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:15 14:00 14:45 15:35 16:05 16:30 16:50 17:15 18:00 18:50 19:45 20:15 20:40 21:05 21:30 22:00

Casualty Doctors Doctors Doctors Doctors Doctors Fimbles Teletubbies Yoho Ahoy Tommy Zoom Balamory Fimbles The Roly Mo Show Tikkabilla Yoho Ahoy Little Robots Bargain Hunt Teen Angels Days That Shook The World The Weakest Link Eastenders Doctors Bargain Hunt Cash In The Attic Red Dwarf (re-Mastered) Red Dwarf The Weakest Link Doctors Cash In The Attic Hustle Antiques Roadshow The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby Blue Holby City

10 Years Younger The Clothes Show It’s Not Easy Being Green Saturday Kitchen Saturday Kitchen Living In The Sun Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic Usa Hidden Potential Rhodes Across India Rhodes Across India Living In The Sun Antiques Roadshow What Not To Wear Rhodes Across India Rhodes Across India Daily Cooks Challenge Daily Cooks Challenge Cash In The Attic Usa Hidden Potential What Not To Wear Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow Daily Cooks Challenge Daily Cooks Challenge Masterchef Goes Large Saturday Kitchen Saturday Kitchen Cash In The Attic Usa

03:15 Ths 05:05 Dr 90210 06:00 Ths 07:45 Style Star 08:10 Style Star 08:35 E! News 09:25 Leave It To Lamas 09:50 Leave It To Lamas 10:15 Ths 11:05 Ths 12:00 E! News 12:50 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 13:15 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 13:40 E!es 15:25 Behind The Scenes 15:50 Behind The Scenes 16:15 E!es 17:10 Kendra 17:35 Kendra 18:00 E! News 18:50 Streets Of Hollywood 19:15 Battle Of The Hollywood Hotties 19:40 E!es 21:20 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:45 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 22:10 E! News 23:00 Dr 90210 23:50 Wildest Tv Show Moments

Confessions Of A Shopaholic on Show Movies 22:20 22:40 23:00 23:45

03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 14:45 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Cash In The Attic Usa Cash In The Attic Usa Coleen’s Real Women The Naked Chef

Nearing Grace-18 Losing Isaiah-PG15 Dragon Hunters-PG Napoleon Part 4-PG Beyond The Mat-PG15 Cj7-PG Terms Of Endearment-PG15 Janis-PG City Of Ghosts-18 The Sun Also Rises-PG Jennifer Eight-18

03:50 04:45 05:10 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:55 Shine 08:50 09:45 10:10 11:05 12:00 12:30 12:55 13:25 13:50 14:45 15:40 16:35 17:30 18:30 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00

American Chopper How Does It Work Destroyed In Seconds Destroyed In Seconds Extreme Explosions Extreme Engineering Hot Rod Apprentice: Hard Street Customs 2008 How Do They Do It? Mythbusters Ultimate Survival Destroyed In Seconds Destroyed In Seconds How Do They Do It? How Does It Work American Chopper Miami Ink Mythbusters Dirty Jobs American Loggers Street Customs 2008 Destroyed In Seconds How Do They Do It? How Does It Work River Monsters Extreme Fishing I Was Bitten

03:10 04:00 04:25 04:50 05:45 06:40 07:10 08:00 09:00 10:00 10:25 10:55 11:20 11:50 12:45 13:10 13:40 14:35 15:00 15:30 16:25 16:55 17:50 18:45 19:40 20:30 21:20 21:45 22:10 23:00 23:50

Future Weapons Sci-Fi Science Sci-Fi Science The Future Of...

What’s That About?

Patent Bending Engineered Thunder Races Race To Mars Sci-Fi Science Sci-Fi Science How Does That Work?

Stuntdawgs Joao Magueijo’s Big Bang Green Wheels One Step Beyond Race To Mars Sci-Fi Science Sci-Fi Science Nextworld How Does That Work?

Thunder Races Brainiac - History Abuse Monster Moves Engineering Thrills Mega Builders How It’s Made How It’s Made Mythbusters Engineering Thrills Mega Builders

07:00 07:20 07:45 08:10 08:35 09:00 09:25 09:45 10:10 10:35 11:00 11:25 11:45 12:10 12:35 12:55 13:20 13:40 14:05 14:30 14:55 15:15 15:40 16:00 16:25 16:45 17:10 17:35 18:00 18:25 18:45 19:00 19:25 19:50 20:15 20:35 21:00 21:25 21:45 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:15 23:35

Special Agent Oso Imagination Movers Lazytown Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Brandy & Mr Whiskers Fairly Odd Parents Hannah Montana I Got A Rocket Wizards Of Waverly Place Phineas & Ferb Suite Life On Deck Replacements American Dragon Kim Possible Famous Five Fairly Odd Parents Phineas & Ferb Replacements I Got A Rocket Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance Fairly Odd Parents Phineas & Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana The Replacements Jonas Suite Life On Deck Sonny With A Chance Hannah Montana Wizards Of Waverly Place The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody The Replacements American Dragon Kim Possible Famous Five Fairly Odd Parents Phineas & Ferb

07:00 Yin Yang Yo 07:25 Iron Man: Armoured Adventures 07:50 Kid vs Kat 08:15 Power Rangers Jungle Fury 08:40 The Suite Life of Zack & Cody 09:05 American Dragon 09:30 Kid vs Kat 10:00 Pokemon DP: Battle Dimension 10:30 Zeke & Luther 11:00 Phil Of The Future 11:30 Jimmy Two-Shoes 12:00 Kid vs Kat 12:30 Phineas & Ferb 13:00 Aaron Stone 13:25 Power Rangers Jungle Fury 13:50 Pokemon DP: Battle Dimension 14:20 NEXT X U.S SHORTS 14:30 Jimmy Two-Shoes 15:00 American Dragon 15:30 Yin Yang Yo 16:00 Phineas & Ferb 16:30 Kid vs Kat 17:00 Power Rangers Jungle Fury 17:30 American Dragon 18:00 Zeke & Luther 18:30 Aaron Stone 19:00 Iron Man: Armoured Adventures 19:25 Kid vs Kat 20:00 Zeke & Luther 20:30 The Suite Life of Zack & Cody 21:00 Phineas & Ferb 21:30 Pokemon DP: Battle Dimension 22:00 Phineas & Ferb 22:25 Iron Man: Armoured Adventures 22:50 Power Rangers Jungle Fury 23:15 Incredible Hulk

06:00 Higglytown Heroes 06:10 My Friends Tigger And Pooh 06:35 Handy Manny

03:10 04:05 05:00 05:55 06:20 07:10 07:35 08:00 08:50 09:40 10:05 10:30 11:20 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:40 15:30 16:20 17:10 17:35 18:00 18:50 19:40 20:30 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50

Forensic Justice Forensic Detectives Undercover Real Emergency Calls Fbi Files Ghosthunters Ghosthunters Forensic Detectives Fbi Files Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls Solved Forensic Detectives Fbi Files Mystery Er The Prosecutors Extreme Forensics Forensic Detectives Fbi Files Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls Solved Forensic Detectives Fbi Files Mystery Er The Prosecutors Extreme Forensics Forensic Justice Dr G: Medical Examiner

03:10 05:10 08:25 10:15 11:55 13:30 15:05 16:40 18:40 20:30 22:00 23:30

Knightriders Bar Girls The Playboys Master Of The World Joey Parker Kane Doc Hair Alice’s Restaurant Access Code Mr. North The Favorite

03:00 Saturday Night Live 04:30 Life & Times of Tim 05:00 Better Off Ted 05:30 Best of Late night with Jimmy Fallon 06:30 Tyler Perry’s House of Payne 07:00 Home Improvement 07:30 Malcolm in the Middle 08:00 Coach 08:30 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 09:00 The Colbert Report 09:30 Drew Carey 10:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Til’ Death 11:30 Eight Simple Rules 12:00 Best of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson 13:00 Will and Grace 13:30 Tyler Perry’s House of Payne 14:00 Home Improvement 14:30 Malcolm in the Middle 15:00 Coach 15:30 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 Drew Carey 17:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 17:30 Frasier 18:00 Eight Simple Rules 18:30 Til’ Death 19:00 Billable Hours 19:30 Will and Grace 20:00 Best of Late night with Jimmy Fallon 21:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Monday Stand Up night

03:00 The Monique Show 04:00 Huey’s Cooking Adventures 04:30 Fresh

05:00 The Tonight show with Jay Leno 06:00 GMA Weekend Live 07:00 Moms Get Real / Now you know / Amplified 08:00 Parenting 08:30 Job Club 09:00 The Martha Stewart Show 10:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live!

11:00 Downsize Me S1 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 The Martha Stewart Show 14:00 Huey’s Cooking Adventures 14:30 Fresh 15:00 GMA Live 17:00 Ahead of The Curve 17:30 Nature’s Edge 18:00 Eat Yourself Sexy 18:30 10 Years younger S3 19:00 The View 20:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live!

22:00 The Tonight show with Jay Leno 23:00 Moms Get Real / Now you know / Amplified

04:00 Bolt-FAM 06:00 Closed For Winter-U 08:00 Sarah Landon And The Paranormal Hour-PG 10:00 Dragonlance-PG 12:00 Confessions Of A ShopaholicPG 14:00 Skin-PG 16:00 Sarah Landon And The Paranormal Hour-PG 18:00 Angus Thongs And Perfect Snogging-PG15 20:00 The Unloved-PG15 22:00 Confessions Of A Shopaholic

03:00 04:45 06:30 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 18 21:00 23:00

Wilderness-18 Born To Defense-18 Black Hawk Down-18 Sasquatch Hunters-PG15 Fire From Below-PG15 Road Of No Return-PG15 Sasquatch Hunters-PG15 Shadows In Paradise-PG15 Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer-

15:00 Premier League 17:00 Futbol Mundial 17:30 Premier League World 18:00 Premier League Classics 18:30 Premier League 20:30 Live Barclays Premier League Review 22:00 Futbol Mundial 22:30 Premier League World 23:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 23:30 Premier League Classics

06:00 Premier League World 06:30 Futbol Mundial 07:00 Rugby League World Cup Challenge 09:00 Super League 11:00 Weber Cup Bowling 12:00 Futbol Mundial 12:30 Premier League World 13:00 Scottish Premier League 15:00 Super 14 17:00 Weber Cup Bowling 18:00 Rugby League World Cup Challenge 20:00 Premier League Classics 20:30 Live Goals On Monday 22:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 22:30 Premier League Darts

04:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 12:30 13:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 22:30

Super League World Sport Premier League Classics Scottish Premier League World Sport Premier League World Premier League Classics Super 14 World Hockey Weber Cup Bowling Live FIH Hockey World Cup Live FIH Hockey World Cup Live FIH Hockey World Cup Super 14 Premier League Classics Goals On Monday

Hush-18 Screamers: The Hunting-18

04:00 Sabrina-PG 06:00 Short Track-PG 08:00 Much Ado About NothingPG15 10:00 Black Knight-PG15 12:00 Ping Pong Playa-PG15 14:00 Touch And Go-PG 16:00 White Men Can’t Jump-PG15 18:00 Trainwreck: My Life As An Idiot-18 20:00 The Foot Fist Way-PG15 22:00 Commandments-18

04:00 The Gold Retrievers-PG 06:00 College Road Trip-PG 08:00 Barney’s Great AdventureFAM 10:00 The Gold Retrievers-PG 11:30 College Road Trip-PG 13:00 Moondance Alexander-FAM 14:40 Amazing Panda Adventure-PG 16:00 Bolt-FAM 18:00 Yogi And The Invasion Of The Space Bears-FAM 20:00 Superman: Doomsday-FAM 21:30 Moondance Alexander-FAM 23:10 Barney’s Great AdventureFAM

03:00 03:30 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Sex and the City Sex and the City C.S.I The Beast Emmerdale Coronation Street Law & Order “24” Every Body Loves Raymond My Name is Earl The Beast C.S.I Emmerdale Coronation Street Every Body Loves Raymond My Name is Earl The Ex-list C.S.I: Miami Law & Order “24” Emmerdale Coronation Street Ugly Betty Desperate Housewives C.S.I Law & Order Sex and the City

07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00

Premier League Premier League Premier League Premier League

03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Bushido UFC - The Ultimate Fighter UFC - The Ultimate Fighter UFC - The Ultimate Fighter WWE Bottomline FIM World Cup UAE National Race Day Brain Cell NCAA Basketball Bushido WWE Bottomline Red Bull Air Race WWE SmackDown WWE NXT UFC 110 UFC - The Ultimate Fighter UFC - The Ultimate Fighter UFC - The Ultimate Fighter

03:00 Greetings From The Shore-PG 05:00 Tribute-PG15 07:00 Aliens Vs Predator - Requiem18 09:00 Lovely Still-PG 11:00 Broken Lines-PG15 13:00 Dan In Real Life-PG15 15:00 Bring It On 5: Fight To The Finish-PG15 17:00 Lovely Still-PG 19:00 Will You Kill For Me-PG 21:00 Blessed-PG15 23:00 Largo Winch-PG15 TCM 08:00 To Have And Have Not 09:40 My Favorite Year 11:10 A Patch Of Blue 12:55 My Favorite Year 14:25 The File Of The Golden Goose 16:15 3 Godfathers 18:00 The Wheeler Dealers 19:45 Travels With My Aunt 21:30 Crazy In Love 23:00 The Year Of Living Dangerously

03:10 04:00 04:55 05:50 06:40 07:30 08:20 09:10 10:00 10:55 11:50 12:40 13:30 14:20 15:10 16:00 16:55 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 22:00 22:55 23:50

Ice Road Truckers 3 Evolve Dead Men’s Secrets Deep Wreck Mysteries Ax Men 2 Extreme Trains Dogfights Ice Road Truckers 3 Evolve Dead Men’s Secrets Deep Wreck Mysteries Ax Men 2 Extreme Trains Dogfights Ice Road Truckers 3 Evolve Dead Men’s Secrets Deep Wreck Mysteries Ax Men 2 Extreme Trains Dogfights Ice Road Truckers 3 Ax Men Battle Stations

03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30 23:00

How Do I Look?

Split Ends Dr 90210 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane Area How Do I Look?

Style Star Style Her Famous My Celebrity Home Style Star Dress My Nest Peter Perfect Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

Ruby Giuliana And Bill Clean House Clean House Comes Clean Dress My Nest How Do I Look?

Split Ends Dallas Divas And Daughters Style Her Famous Running In Heels Split Ends Clean House Giuliana And Bill Dallas Divas And Daughters What I Hate About Me

TRACE 05:04 Playlist 08:04 Sound System 08:45 Playlist 13:04 Urban Hit 13:50 Playlist 16:04 Latina 16:45 Playlist 18:00 Urban Hit 18:45 Playlist 20:04 Hit US 21:00 Playlist

03:00 Raider Of The Lost Snow 03:30 Skier’s World 04:00 Angry Planet 04:30 Photoxplorers 05:00 X-quest 06:00 Globe Trekker 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Globe Trekker 09:00 Essential 09:30 Rudy Maxa’s World 10:00 Distant Shores 10:30 Distant Shores 11:00 Chef Abroad 11:30 Entrada 12:00 Food And Wine Special-varun Sharma 13:00 Globe Trekker 14:00 Chef Abroad 14:30 The Thirsty Traveler 15:00 Taste Takes Off 15:30 Entrada 16:00 Angry Planet 16:30 Photoxplorers 17:00 Globe Trekker 18:00 Skier’s World 18:30 Hollywood And Vines 19:00 Chef Abroad 19:30 The Thirsty Traveler 20:00 Globe Trekker 21:00 Planet Food 22:00 Taste Of The Caribbean 22:30 Travel Today 23:00 Essential

03:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Vh1 Music Chill Out Vh1 Hits Vh1 Music Aerobic Top 10 Muse Music For The Masses Vh1 Pop Chart Vh1 Music Music For The Masses Vh1 Music Vh1 Viewer’s Jukebox Vh1 Viewer’s Jukebox Top 10 Muse

08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:35 09:45 10:00 10:10 10:30 10:50 11:15 11:40 12:05 12:15 12:30 12:55 13:05 13:30 13:50 14:10 14:30 14:55 15:20 15:45 16:10 16:35 17:00 17:25 17:35 18:00 18:25 18:50 19:00 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:15 20:40 20:50

Special Agent Oso Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Imagination Movers Chuggington Chuggington Chuggington Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Special Agent Oso Imagination Movers My Friends Tigger And Pooh Chuggington Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Little Einsteins Handy Manny My Friends Tigger And Pooh Little Einsteins Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jo Jo’s Circus Jo Jo’s Circus Higglytown Heroes Higglytown Heroes My Friends Tigger And Pooh Chuggington Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Special Agent Oso Chuggington Chuggington Imagination Movers Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Chuggington

03:20 Help! It’s The Hair Bear Bunch 03:45 Mike, Lu And Og 04:10 Time Squad 04:35 Sheep In The Big City 05:00 The Perils Of Penelope Pitstop 05:25 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 05:50 Johnny Bravo 06:15 Dexter’s Laboratory 06:40 Popeye 07:05 The Jetsons 07:30 The Flintstones 08:00 Looney Tunes 08:25 Tom And Jerry 08:55 Popeye Classics 09:20 Duck Dodgers 09:45 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 10:10 Dexter’s Laboratory 10:35 Johnny Bravo 11:00 Dastardly And Muttley

Dan In Real Life on Super Movies

Star Listings (UAE Timings) STAR Movies 21:15 Mr. Holland’s Opus 23:40 Life With Mikey 01:15 Hackers 03:00 Mr. Holland’s Opus 05:20 Life With Mikey 06:55 Hackers 08:40 Deja Vu 10:45 Wild Hogs 12:25 Ground Zero: The Deadly Shift 13:50 VIP Access 14:20 Supernova 15:50 Species 17:30 Kinky Boots 19:15 Invasion Of The Body Snatchers STAR World 20:00 American Idol 21:00 Kyle XY 22:00 [V] Tunes 23:00 [V] Tunes 00:00 Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

01:00 [V] Tunes 02:00 7th Heaven 03:00 The Goode Family 03:30 The King Of Queens 04:00 According To Jim 04:30 According To Jim

05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:50 17:00 17:50 18:00 18:50 19:00 19:50

East West Brothers & Sisters Rules Of Engagement Rules Of Engagement Australia’s Next Top Model Worst Week The Bold And The Beautiful 7th Heaven Brothers & Sisters [V] Tunes Asia Uncut The Goode Family The King Of Queens According To Jim According To Jim 90210 Married With Children Ugly Betty Different Strokes Ghost Whisperer Married With Children Criminal Minds S2 Married With Children

Granada TV 21:00 Beyond Boiling Point 21:30 City Cabs (Series 1) 22:00 Total Emergency

23:00 Come Dine With Me (Primetime Series 1) 00:00 The Colour Of Money 01:00 Don’t Try This At Home (Series 2) 02:00 Prime Drama: Suspicion 04:00 Come Dine With Me (Primetime Series 1) 05:00 Vroom Vroom (Series 2) 06:00 Coronation Street WEEKEND OMNIBUS 07:30 Airline (Series 5) 08:00 For One Night Only 09:00 Staff From Hell 10:00 Neighbours From Hell (Series 3) 10:30 Motoring Madness 11:00 Come Dine With Me (Primetime Series 1) 12:00 Who Dares Wins (Series 1) 13:00 I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

(Series 7) 14:00 Parkinson (Series 7) 15:00 All About George (Series 1) 16:00 Come Dine With Me (Primetime Series 1) 17:00 Who Dares Wins (Series 1) 18:00 I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

(Series 7) 19:00 Parkinson (Series 7)

Channel [V] 22:00 00:30 01:00 02:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 09:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00

[V] Plug Double Shot Loop [V] Tunes Backtracks [V] Special [V] Countdown The Playlist Double Shot [V] Special The List Keys To The VIP Double Bill Parental Control Double Bill Backtracks [V] Tunes [V] Plug The Playlist Loop [V] Special

Fox News 00:00 Happening Now 02:00 The Live Desk 04:00 Studio B with Shepard Smith Live

05:00 Your World with Neil Cavuto 06:00 Glenn Beck with Glenn Beck 07:00 Special Report with Bret Baier 08:00 The FOX Report with Shepard Smith 09:00 The O’Reilly Factor 10:00 Hannity 11:00 On the Record with Greta Van Susteren 12:00 The O’Reilly Factor 13:00 Hannity 14:00 On the Record with Greta Van Susteren 15:00 Glenn Beck with Glenn Beck 16:00 Fox Report 17:00 Special Report with Bret Baier 18:00 Hannity (repeat) 19:00 The O’Reilly Factor (repeat) 20:00 FOX and Friends Saturday 21:00 FOX and Friends Saturday 22:00 FOX and Friends Saturday 23:00 Bulls and Bears 23:30 Cavuto On Business National Geographic Channel 20:00 Perilous Journeys -Cracking The Ice Road 2 21:00 Helicopter Wars -Duel In The Desert 22:00 Ground War -Command And Control 23:00 History’s Secrets -The Secrets Of J.

Edgar Hoover 00:00 Against All Odds -Crash S1-1 01:00 Megastructures -Megastructure : Super Sky Tram 02:00 World’s Toughest Fixes -Extreme Lift 03:00 Nat Geo Junior -Wild Chronicles : 20 03:30 Nat Geo Junior -Hayden Turner’s Wildlife Chall : Mona and Colobus Monkeys 4 04:00 Food Lovers Guide To The Planet The New French Revolution 11 04:30 Food Lovers Guide To The Planet New Zealand 2 05:00 Animal Autopsy -Elephant 06:00 Built For The Kill -Ambush 07:00 The Border -Night Shift 08:00 Food Lovers Guide To The Planet India 1 08:30 Food Lovers Guide To The Planet Making Scents 18 09:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy -USA 10:00 Animal Autopsy -Giraffe 11:00 Somewhere In China -Kicked Out Of Gansu 5 12:00 By Any Means -Nepal To Vietnam 4 13:00 Theme Week -Seconds From Disaster : Kobe Earthquake S2-6 14:00 Theme Week -Ultimate Disaster : Tsunami

Monday, March 1, 2010

33 ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available for couple or one/two decent Indian bachelor with an Indian Christian family in Abbassiya in C-AC building, behind telecommunication, near Shrouq Al Kuwait store. Tel: 24331569.

(C 20391) Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya for 2

executive working ladies or couples in fully furnished double bedroom, (2 bathroom attached) new C-AC flat with Keralite couples.

Contact: 66013882. (C 20390) 1-3-2010 Sharing accommodation available in Jleeb near Dhar Al Saha Polyclinic for couples or working ladies in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom CAC flat with Keralite family. Contact: 55256272. (C 20386)

25-2-2010 Sharing accommodation available in Sharq near Amiri hospital, in 2BHK CAC, separate bathroom, with Keralite family, for family, working ladies or executive bachelors. Contact: 97675851.

One room sharing accommodation available for a bachelor or couple in a double bedroom window A/C flat with Indian Mangalorean Hindu family, near Caesars takeaway Salmiya from 1st March onwards. Call: 55964524. (C 20384) Two rooms available in Beneid Al-Gar from March 1st, very near to Al-Salam hospital. Apply decent working ladies only. Mobile: 97879611. (C 20379) Fully furnished single bedroom flat available for rent with household items from March 26th to May 10th, near Integrated Indian School, Abbassiya. Contact: 66835943. (C 20378) Spacious room with attached bath in a CAC flat, a very convenient location in Hawally close to Tunis Street. Suitable for an executive bachelor or spinster.

Contact: 97563283 or 66705749. (C 20381) Spacious furnished room sharing 3 bedroom central A/C flat available from 1st March for a couple (no children), preferably Indian Muslims/Christian. Contact: 66808746, 24768675.

(C 20382) Sharing accommodation in Abbassiya central AC flat, only for Keralite couples or

ladies bachelors. Contact: 97134824. (C 20375) 24-2-2010 Sharing accommodation available one room with separate bathroom in old Riggae new C-A/C two bedroom flat, for family or working women.

Interested please contact 97522921.

(C 20372) 23-2-2010 Sharing accommodation available in Sharq, C-A/C 2 bathrooms, neat and furnished flat, looking for Indian small family or 2 working ladies or one executive bachelor rent KD 100. Call: 99849490. (C 20365) Sharing accommodation available, two bedroom, two bathroom flats in Abbassiya.

Tel: 55845280. (C 20366) Accommodation available for family/bachelors/ working ladies in a two spacious room flat in Abbassiya close to Paradise hotel from first of March. Contact: 99698501/ 94046540.

(C 20368) Sharing accommodation for Indian working ladies, couple, family in a 2 bedroom C-A/C flat in Maidan Hawally opposite Fourth Ring Road with Indian lady.

Contact: 99325130/ 25649970.

(C 20369) 22-2-2010 One room available for Keralites or Indian bachelors in Sharq Kuwait City with cooking and satellite facilities.

Contact: 97964063.

(C 20362) Sharing accommodation with kitchen facility available for three months from 15th

March, 2010 in Chitra studio building, next to Faiha store for a non-smoking, decent couple: KD 75/month. Contact: 97973657. (C 20361) SITUATION VACANT

Indian or Sri lLankan driver with a driving license to work for a family. Tel: 99022294z.

24-2-2010

FOR SALE Pentium 4, Intel, 40GB HDD, 256 MB RAM, CD writer, 56K modem, sound car, speakers 17� CRT monitor, ready for Internet, KD 35. PIII, Intel, 10 GB HDD, 256 MB RAM with 17� monitor, KD 15. Contact: 66244192. (C 20388) 25-2-2010 Doctor owned, single owner, excellent condition, 2000 Pajero 4 WD, 6 cylinder, first come first served. Price KD 1,750.

Contact: 66420040, 24892752.

(C 20376) Toyota Camry XLi, model 2004, 4 cylinders, done 60,000 kms only, golden metallic, excellent condition, cash price KD 2,650. Contact: 66211779. (C 20380) 2006 Mitsubishi Nativa, white color, excellent condition, free accident, lady used, leaving Kuwait. KD 2,700. Contact: 66321932.

(C 20385)

1999 Honda Accord Coupe, excellent condition, black color, full options, cruise control, CD, ceiling window.

Price KD 1,300 (negotiable).

Tel: 55522942. (C 20377) 24-2-2010 Toyota Corolla 2003 model, 1.8 engine, golden color, center lock, excellent condition, cash price KD 1950.

Phone: 55074670.

(C 20371) Mitsubishi Lancer model 2007, km 63,000, color white, excellent condition.

Contact: 97848608.

(C 20373) Pajero IO 2002, 5 door, 112,000 km, color metallic silver, excellent condition, automatic gear four wheel drive. Tel: 94417123.

(C 20374) 23-2-2010

MATRIMONIAL Born again boy, 31 years/163 cm/brownish complexion/B.Com, ITI, working in Kuwait as electrician. Invites proposal from parents of born again girl who is interested to serve the lord.

Email: bcmchira@yahoo.co.in (C 20383) 24-2-2010

CHANGE OF NAME

SITUATION WANTED Indian female (MBA in HR), 10 years experience in HR/Admin functions. Proficient in MS Office and other computer applications.

Commendable in English, multi-tasker and highly efficient. Please contact: 66634322. (C 20370) 1-3-2010

I am B.Sc computers graduate, also bank experience in BPO, looking for bank related job, secretary, clerk or any suitable job. Contact: 55459765, 97175346.

(C 20387) 25-2-2010

I, Borra Hussainaiah Gavaskar, holder of Indian Passport No. E5351841 have embraced Islam and I changed my name to Muhammad Hussainaiah Borra. Hereafter, in all my dealings and documents, I will be known by the name of Muhammad Hussainaiah Borra. (C 20389) 25-2-2010 Old name: Mohd Shaukat Ali Ansari, Indian Passport No: B1589375. New name: Mohammad Ansari.

(C 20367) 22-2-2010

No: 14654

Flight Schedule Arrival Flights on Monday 01/03/2010 Airlines Flt Route Jazeera 0283 Beirut Royyal Jordanian 802 Amman Wataniya Airways 2103 Beirut Gulf Air 211 Bahrain Kuwait 544 Cairo Jazeera 0513 Sharm El Sheikh Ethiopian 3406 Addis Ababa DHL 370 Bahrain Turkish A/L 1172 Istanbul Jazeera 0241 Amman Emirates 853 Dubai Etihad 0305 Abu Dhabi Qatari 0138 Doha Ethiopian 622 Addis Ababa/Bahrain Falcon 201 Dubai Jazeera 0503 Luxor Jazeera 0527 Alexandria Jaeera 0529 Assiut Jazeera 0481 Sabiha British 0157 London Kuwait 412 Manila/Bangkok Kuwait 206 Islamabad Jazeera 0161 Dubai Kuwait 382 Delhi Kuwait 362 Colombo Kuwait 302 Mumbai Kuwait 332 Trivandrum Kuwait 676 Dubai Kuwait 284 Dhaka Emirates 855 Dubai Kuwait 286 Chittagong Arabia 0121 Sharjah Qatari 0132 Doha Etihad 0301 Abu Dhabi Iran Air 603 Shiraz Falcon 203 Dubai Gulf Air 213 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 1121 Bahrain Jazeera 0447 Doha Jazeera 0165 Dubai Jazeera 0425 Bahrain Iran Aseman 6801 Ahwaz Jazeera 0113 Abu Dhabi Wataniya Airways 1021 Dubai Iran Air 615 Shahre Kord Egypt Air 610 Cairo Kuwait 672 Dubai Jazeera 0171 Dubai Wataniya Airways 2301 Damascus Kuwait 512 Tehran Jazeera 0525 Alexandria Kuwait 774 Riyadh Jazeera 0257 Beirut Wataniya Airways 2001 Cairo

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

Saudi Arabian A/L Kuwait Jaeera Qatari Royal Jordanian Jazeera Jazeera Emirates Gulf Air Saudi Arabian A/L Etihad Jazeera Arabia Jazeera Jazeera Wataniya Airways Nas Air Sri Lankan United A/L Wataniya Airways DHL Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Singapore Airlines Kuwait Jet A/L Oman Air Jaeera Wataniya Airways Gulf Air Middle East Qatari Emirates Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera Global Jazeera Jazeera Egypt Air Egypt Air Shaheen Air Lufthansa Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Pakistan

500 562 0457 0134 800 0173 0693 857 215 510 0303 0239 0125 0217 0367 2101 703 227 962 2003 473 1025 502 542 0177 618 674 156 786 614 744 102 458 552 572 0647 0459 2011 217 402 0136 859 502 0449 0429 081 0117 0185 612 606 441 636 2201 1029 1129 215

Jeddah Amman Damascus Doha Amman Dubai Shiraz Dubai Bahrain Riyadh Abu Dhabi Amman Sharjah Isfahan Deirezzor Beirut Medinah Colombo/Dubai Washington DC Dulles Cairo Baghdad Dubai Beirut Cairo Dubai Doha Dubai Paris/Rome Jeddah Bahrain Dammam New York/London Singapore/Abu Dhabi Damascus Mumbai Muscat Damascus Sharm El Sheikh Bahrain Beirut Doha Dubai Beirut Doha Bahrain Baghdad Abu Dhabi Dubai Cairo Luxor Lahore/Karachi Frankfurt Amman Dubai Bahrain Karachi

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

Departure Flights on Monday 0l/03/2010 Airlines Flt Route Egypt Air 607 Luxor Jazeera 0528 Assiut India Express 396 Cochin/Kozhikode United A/L 981 Washington DC Dulles Indian 994 Mumbai/Chennai Ariana 406 Kabul Bangladesh 044 Dhaka Lufthansa 637 Frankfurt Turkish A/L 1173 Istanbul Ethiopian 3407 Beirut/Addis Ababa DHL 371 Bahrain Emirates 854 Dubai Etihad 0306 Abu Dhabi Ethiopian 622 Addis Ababa Qatari 0139 Doha Wataniya Airways 1020 Dubai Jazeera 0164 Dubai Royal Jordanian 803 Amman Jazeera 0524 Alexandria Wataniya Airways 2000 Cairo Jazeera 0112 Abu Dhabi Jazeera 0446 Doha Gulf Air 212 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 1120 Bahrain Jazeera 0422 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 2300 Damascus Jazeera 0256 Beirut British 0156 London Kuwait 171 Frankfurt Kuwait 671 Dubai Kuwait 511 Tehran Kuwait 561 Amman Jazeera 0456 Damascus Jazeera 0170 Dubai Arabia 0122 Sharjah Emirates 856 Dubai Qatari 0133 Doha Kuwait 117 New York Etihad 0302 Abu Dhabi Iran Air 602 Shiraz Kuwait 773 Riyadh Wataniya Airways 2002 Cairo Gulf Air 214 Bahrain Falcon 204 Baghdad Jazeera 0172 Dubai Kuwait 541 Cairo Wataniya Airways 2100 Beirut Iran Aseman 6802 Ahwaz Jazeera 0366 Deirezzor Jazeera 0238 Amman Kuwait 103 London Itan Air 614 Shahrekord Kuwait 501 Beirut Kuwait 785 Jeddah

FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161

Time 00:01 00:05 00:30 00:40 00:50 01:05 01:15 01:20 03:15 03:15 03:15 03:50 04:10 04:15 05:00 07:00 07:00 07:05 07:20 07:30 07:35 07:40 07:45 07:50 07:55 08:10 08:35 08:55 09:00 09:10 09:15 09:15 09:25 09:30 09:35 09:40 10:00 10:00 10:20 10:40 10:45 11:30 11:40 11:45 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:15 12.20 12:25 12:30 12:35 13:00 13:40

Egypt Air Jazeera Wataniya Airways Kuwait Jazeera Kuwait Jazeera Wataniya Airways Jazeera Kuwait Saudi Arabian A/L Kuwait Royal Jordanian Qatari Kuwait Jazeera Gulf Air Etihad Emirates Arabia Jazeera Saudi Arabian A/L Jazeera Jazeera Jazeera Global Nas Air Jazeera Wataniya Airways Sri Lankan Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Jet A/W Oman Air Wataniya Airways Singapore Airlines Gulf Air DHL Kuwait Middle East Kuwait Jazeera Falcon Qatari Kuwait Emirates Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait

611 0692 1024 673 0216 551 0176 2010 0458 617 503 613 801 0135 743 0432 216 0304 858 0126 0262 511 0184 0116 0448 082 704 0428 2102 228 1028 283 361 351 571 0648 1128 457 218 171 675 403 381 0188 102 0137 301 860 205 0636 0526 343

Cairo Shiraz Dubai Dubai Isfahan Damascus Dubai Sharm El Sheikh Damascus Doha Medinah/Jeddah Bahrain Amman Doha Dammam Mashad Bahrain Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Beirut Riyadh Dubai Abu Dhabi Doha Baghdad Riyadh Bahrain Beirut Dubai/Colombo Dubai Dhaka Colombo Cochin Mumbai Muscat Bahrain Abu Dhabi/Singapore Bahrain Bahrain Dubai Beirut Delhi Dubai Bahrain Doha Mumbai Dubai Islamabad Aleppo Alexandria Chennai

13:55 14:00 14:25 14:30 14:35 14:40 15:05 15:10 15:30 15:15 15:45 16:20 16:25 16:30 16:40 16:55 17:55 18:00 18:10 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:50 18:50 18:55 19:00 19:05 19:15 19:30 20:15 20:20 20:55 21:10 21:20 21:30 21:45 21:55 22:00 22:10 22:20 22:30 22:31 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:50 22:55 23:20 23:25 23:30

SPECTRUM

34 CROSSWORD 914

Monday, March 1, 2010

Calvin Aries (March 21-April 19) Your imagination soars!

Awareness and insight into others’ minds is especially acute. Escape the stresses from this last week with some relaxing activity today. Enjoy a good fantasy or romance novel. Do not worry— reality always returns, but today you need a rest.

This evening you will have fun finding new ways to make your dreams come true. A display in a store may allow a little hands-on play. Some very new high-tech equipment may give you ideas about some rather very simple methods that Grandpa used for communicating with others.

Perhaps this would be a good time to think and study—you have a real appreciation for ideas and thoughts. You may find yourself enjoying a long conversation, writing a letter, or chatting on the phone.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) There is a feeling that

anything is possible if you set your sights high enough. There is optimism, faith and a tendency to really concentrate on becoming focused and reaching future goals. To you dreamers of impossible dreams, you just might make some of those dreams come true today. Do not let your high spirits get too far ahead of the discipline you need. Your attention is good and it is a plus that you tend to the details. These are the energies that are necessary for you to make any dream a reality. You are learning to make the most of your personal talents and abilities. Work within your limitations instead of feeling hemmed in by them. This could mean anything from purchasing a product to painting a picture. Enjoy a movie tonight.

Pooch Cafe

ACROSS 1. A caustic detergent useful for removing grease.

4. An informal term for a father.

8. Inquire about.

11. Airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc..

12. A particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography).

13. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar.

14. 100 avos equal 1 pataca.

15. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was formed by an explosion.

16. A room equipped with toilet facilities.

17. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

20. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

23. Flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes.

24. Stout-bodied insect with large membranous wings.

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

30. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

31. The content of cognition.

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

33. A slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water.

35. A bachelor's degree in religion.

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

41. An associate degree in applied science.

43. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

47. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).

48. Tag the base runner to get him out.

49. Erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers.

50. Experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness.

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

52. A set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge.

DOWN 1. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

2. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos.

3. A person regarded as arrogant and annoying.

4. A barrier constructed to contain the flow or water or to keep out the sea.

5. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

6. Lacking or deprive of the sense of hearing wholly or in part.

7. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

8. (Greek mythology) One of the three Graces.

9. A fraudulent business scheme.

10. (Polynesian) An alcoholic drink made from the aromatic roots of the kava shrub.

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

19. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

21. A public promotion of some product or service.

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

25. The sciences concerned with gathering and manipulating and storing and retrieving and classifying recorded information.

26. The corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm.

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

29. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

34. A woody climbing usually tropical plant.

35. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

36. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

37. Negation of a word or group of words.

38. A small cake leavened with yeast.

39. Common Indian weaverbird.

40. A signal transmitted along a narrow path.

42. An honorary degree in science.

44. Light informal conversation for social occasions.

45. A fatal disease of cattle that affects the central nervous system.

46. A bluish transparent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen.

47. Before noon.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) The currents of love that are giving and receiving flow easily today. There is a strong desire to nurture. For the unattached, this could spill over into forming a new relationship, even if it is an unwise decision to do so. Emotions are high—careful. A cooking experience is ahead of you this afternoon. You could be challenged because of someone’s allergies or because of a lack of supplies. Creatively you can find the substitutes you will need . . . have patience. You might use the Internet to guide you regarding substitute items. You and your loved one or family member may enjoy board games, bird watching, cooking together, etc. You enjoy an occasional stay-at-home evening and this is a good evening to spend time with loved ones and family.

Non Sequitur

Cancer (June 21-July 22) The ways you take care of your health and other obligations are important keys to your positive attitude just now. There is a need for focus and coordination of time just now. Set up systems and schedules and stick to them! You are thoughtful to the needs and desires of others and others notice that you put them before yourself. Whatever feelings underscore your life, will be felt more strongly now. If you are going through a particularly trying time, this period could produce a low interest in being motivated. If you are going through some particularly rewarding and loving type of experience, they will deepen and continue. Soon you will find a wonderful burst of passion that will keep you in the pink all month long—pass it around with your great attitude!

Leo (July 23-August 22) This is a good day—a time to enjoy and appreciate your ties to others and to seek and promote harmony. Friendships are a source of great pleasure and you, in turn, should be quite popular today.

This harmony can be very beneficial. You may become involved with teaching, student teaching or tutoring. Helping young people seems to be where your energies are and you seem to enjoy every moment. Your plans and goals are important to you and something you may want to talk about with a loved one. This evening is a good time to sit down and discuss what each of you need from the other. Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations now, as a new cycle gets underway in your life.

Zits

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Today you would rather switch than fight. You are a pushover just now. If there is some issue brewing where you really should stand up for your rights, you would be wise to save it for another day. Socializing and love interests are favored. Watch the calories and avoid the dessert table. You could feel great support from those around you for whatever you want to accomplish. The home and family scene is likely to be in something of a state of change or commotion just now—this may mean moving or an addition to the family, etc. High-tech equipment disturbs the domestic environment later this evening. This could mean a time of reading instructions or occupying more time than necessary learning. These energies will calm . . . patience.

Libra (September 23-October 22) A fascination with the mysterious may be reawakened today. Going beyond just finding a good novel or movie, you may be drawn toward the serious study of some occult subject.

You may find yourself getting comfortable in a used bookstore. You may find a book that shows you how to make money from your hobby. Changes in both you and your environment can help you to better appreciate your situation in life. This may mean some classes to learn, better problem-solving skills or some future environmental change or an upcoming vacation. You have lots to look forward to this whole year and your enthusiasm rubs off on others. There might be something to be said about a positive frame of mind. Get the kids together and plant a tree today.

Mother Goose and Grimm

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You are motivated!

You feel vital—you feel good—you feel in harmony with yourself—the entire world—and everybody in it. Others can feel this, so they in turn are drawn to you; making this a successful day for any kind of group endeavor.

Perhaps some sort of group sports can be enjoyed early afternoon. Best of all, relations with the opposite sex are at a peak. This is a super day to go on a date, be married or be in love! Close relationships take on more emotional depth, power and importance.

Feeling cared for and needed is comfortable and that is what you work to achieve. This evening, you and your loved one will have time to talk about each other’s dreams. For example, if you could travel, take some time to think about where you might travel.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) A loving drive flows into every aspect of your life at this time. Seek out your favorite pastimes, and allow yourself to enjoy this day as a break from the busy, stressful times you have experienced lately. You are appreciated and you feel this from all around you now. A young person needs guidance today and you may find yourself successfully counseling more than one young person. You are willing to listen to the disagreements and find a happy middle ground. This afternoon a luncheon with friends brings about good conversation. You may discover there are more you have in common then you thought. Later today, you may discover that you have a massive yen for warm cuddles, preferably from your significant other. Relax to music tonight.

Yesterday’s Solution

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Believe

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

it or not—you are doing all the right things. Now, however, is the time to let up on yourself so, take it easy and do nice things for yourself. This is often difficult, however, in order to find a balance in your life, some of the work you do can be done by others—leaving you some free time. You strive for a well-ordered life and high standards and you set an example for many others to follow.

Take care of yourself the way you take care of others-and . . . laugh a little! You will begin to notice that others are in a better mood this afternoon—you will probably see your old good-natured spirits return.

Little children or small animals bring much laughter today, maybe, even cheerful tears. If you like tea, consider having a little chamomile tea before bed.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Indulge your curiosity because today your imagination and creativity are at their best. New ideas are easily understood and bring interesting and exciting rewards. Make the most of this exciting day. Someone is watching how you handle things and may mimic your behavior. It is nice to know that we have the power to influence another person’s life.

You are doing much better this year with your budgeting and as you look over your financial situation, you can see improvement. Continue to budget, even after you get those raises and realize a better income.

Ideas and technologies that change the way people live may be much of your conversation with friends and family today. Take time for that special loved one tonight.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) Your productive mind is clear as you separate the most complex concepts into their essential parts for easier understanding. Your objectivity should make it possible for you to talk with others about subjects that may have been too difficult before. This is a good time to think about a change in career. Plans made today should work out, no matter how far down the road. Everything points to your taking the initiative on a humanitarian cause. You could feel great support from those around you. This afternoon is the perfect time to look at the real estate development in your area. You may even be able to find a house that you can afford to move into now. You are inventive—perhaps you will gain ideas on improving your surroundings.

INFORMATION

Monday, March 1, 2010

35 FIRE BRIGADE Operation Room 777 Al-Madena 22418714 Al-Shohada’a 22545171 Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Sabhan 24742838 Al-Helaly 22434853 Al-Fayhaa 22545051 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Ahmadi 23980088 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Al-Jahra 25610011 Al-Salmiya 25616368

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 HOSPITALS Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

POLICE STATION Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha’a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

24874330/9 CLINICS

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

4892674

Al-Omariya

4719048

N.Kheitan

4710044

Rabiya

4732263

Fintas

3900322

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988 AIRLINES

PHARMACIES ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE Ahmadi

PHARMACY Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

ADDRESS Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

PHONE 23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Hawally

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554

EMERGENCY 112

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists: Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr Dr.

Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Abidallah Al-Mansoor Samy Al-Rabeea Masoma Habeeb Mubarak Al-Ajmy Mohsen Abel Adnan Hasan Alwayl Abdallah Al-Baghly

25622444 25752222 25321171 25739999 25757700 25732223 25732223

Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT): Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel25646478 Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners: Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501

Urologists: Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Plastic Surgeons:

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari Dr. Abdel Quttainah

22547272 22617700 25625030/60

Family Doctor: Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581

Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed Zahra Qabazard Sohail Qamar Snaa Maaroof Pradip Gujare Zacharias Mathew

25340300 25710444 22621099 25713514 23713100 24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians: Dr Adrian Harbe 23729596/23729581 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 General Surgeons: Dr. Abidallah Behbahani 25717111 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148

Paediatricians:

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290

(2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535 Dentists:

Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Neurologists:

Internist, Chest & Heart: DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Tel: 25339667 Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Consultant Cardiologist Tel: 2611555-2622555 Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

Internists, Chest & Heart: Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD: Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Endocrinologist: Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari

25658888

Psychologists/Psychotherapists Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677 William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677

Kuwait Airways Wataniya Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways Qatar Airways KLM Air Slovakia Olympic Airways Royal Jordanian Reservation British Airways Air France Emirates Air India Sri Lanka Airlines Egypt Air Swiss Air Saudia Middle East Airlines Lufthansa PIA Alitalia Balkan Airlines Bangladesh Airlines Czech Airlines Indian Airlines Oman Air Turkish Airlines

22433377 24379900 177 22477631 22423888 22425747 22434940 22420002/9 22418064/5/6 22433388 22425635 22430224 22425566 22438184 22424444 22421578 22421516 22426306 22423073 22422493 22421044 22414427 22416474 22452977/8 22417901/2433141 22456700 22412284/5 22453820/1

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36

SPECTRUM

Jim Carrey becomes

a grandfather he 47-year-old actor’s daughter Jane Carrey, 22, gave birth to a baby boy at a Los Angeles hospital on Friday a few days ahead of her March 3 due date. Jane - who fronts rock group The Jane Carrey Band - and her husband, Blood Money singer Alex ‘Nitro’ Santana, have named their new arrival Jackson Riley Santana. A representative for the actor revealed Jackson weighed in at

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7 lbs 11 oz and is 20 inches long. Jim revealed his daughter was about to give birth this week on twitter. On Tuesday , he tweeted: “Something beautiful is right around the corner.”

And on Friday he posted: “Right around the corner!” When Jane announced her happy news last July, Jim - who split from Jane’s mother, his first wife Melissa Womer, in 1995 - predicted his daughter would be a fantastic

parent. He said at the time: “Jane is going to be a great mom.” The ‘Yes Man’ actor’s long-term girlfriend Jenny McCarthy recently admitted she couldn’t wait to become a grandmother to Jane’s baby. The blonde beauty - who has a seven-year-old son Evan from a previous relationship - said: “I think I’m going to be the awesome grandma, the world’s best is what I say.”

Monday, March 1, 2010

The k good. re to loo ear-old son u s s e r p ve-y nder has a fi ngdon r feels u iv Ty le actress - who to Royston La eats if g arriage hat she stunnin m her m careful about w aled: “I do feel o fr o il M s to be movie. Liv reve balanced, but she trie admits rking on a new eat - I try to be e holidays or o I th she is w . I watch what e. “When it’s and eat m e l meals have r ti fu u e s ti u th a e ll pres b a t e k r befo I to coo e stric not to b orking, I want njoy life. Then e days where e w e I’m not h my son and aybe I’ll do thr ups and eat a o it them w g coming up, m moothies and s lly taking a a s in n d th n io e a s a mit to som ices occ does ad espite make ju I’ll just egetables.” D iet, the actress lways tries to d a v lot of pproach to her in fashion and and a striped t a s relaxed genuine interes he said: “Jean e, but I also S m a . r e g fo p a in hts k h v o ha it her s very good lo mpers with tig y u s to s tt o a r e r r is p dres o r e s resse a blaz ts. “I’m top and ear cute little d little Lanvin fla w love to onverse or my t the moment.”

C y m pers a d n a with rom d e s s e obs

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Winehouse to refuse a duet with William

Pattinson and Stewartʼs cozy relationship

my Winehouse turned down a duet with Robbie Williams. The ‘Rehab’ singer’s father Mitch has revealed his daughter was approached by the ‘Angels’ singer to duet with him, but she told Robbie she thought his idea was a “f***ing joking”. Speaking on his online show ‘Mitch Winehouse’s Showbiz Rant’, he said: “I’m a bit worried about Robbie, next thing he’ll be wanting to make a record with Amy. That’s preposterous.” The 58-year-old taxi driver added: “Actually he said that once... he wanted to do a record with Amy. Amy said, ‘Are you f***ing joking.’ “ Amy is currently working on her long-awaited third album which she has recorded in London and Jamaica. Mitch recently spoke about his concerns for his daughter now she has seemingly reconciled with her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil. He said: “I’d be devastated, I’m worried about the situation and I’m going to discourage her in every way I can. Their relationship was a disaster, it was destructive and they’re lucky that one of them didn’t die.

Two addicts can’t be in a relationship.”

Depp likes wearing ‘skirts’

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he actor portrays the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s new movie ‘Alice in Wonderland’ with a Scottish accent, and says he particularly enjoyed one scene where he got to wear a kilt, the national dress of Scotland. He said: “The Scottish accent was something I did mess around with on ‘Finding Neverland’. That was a bit more Aberdeen, and Tim Burton and I talked about the Hatter being made up of different people and going to extremes... go dark and dangerous with the Scottish accent. I hope I arrived there. And I like wearing skirts too!” The 46-year-old star - who last year was named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine for the second time - is also unsure why he is still considered a teen idol.

He added to BANG Showbiz: “Clearly someone’s Photoshop is working really well if people are buying posters of me. “I just keep doing a bunch of movies. I never really thought about whether they were teen movies or not. You always feel that you cross some sort of boundary that allows a film to be enjoyed by kids from the age of five to the age of 85.”

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Sir Elton John is secretly shy

Barrymore is S a ʻpicky eaterʼ T

he 35-year-old actress - who recently made her directional debut with ‘Whip It!’ - believes her vegetarian diet makes her difficult to please at meal times. She revealed: “I’m a bit of a picky eater, but that’s because I’m a vegetarian.” The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ star also confessed her diet isn’t healthy just because it’s meat-free. She added: “I’m like a typical American teenager when it comes to my favorite foods! I love peanut butter with bananas. That’s my favorite. I like grilled cheese sandwiches and I love homemade macaroni with cheese.” Drew - who is dating actor Justin Long - recently claimed her contentment with life is the key to her good looks. She explained: “I’m happy and I think happiness is what makes you pretty. Happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror and they reflect that happiness.”

inger Rufus Wainw right - who sought guidance from the ‘Rocket Man’ hitmaker in 2000 when he was struggling with an addiction to crystal meth - claimed the flamboyant star is very quiet away from his public persona and has little belief in his own abilities. He said: “I don’t think people are aware of how shy he is. He’s a bit like the Wizard of Oz. On the one hand there’s this big pomp and circumstance, but really beneath it all there’s this very sweet little guy who’s constantly feeling very insignificant, which is ironic of course. What I’m saying is, he’s quite shy.” While the 36-year-old star claims it was Elton who persuaded him to seek therapy for drug addiction, his problems got so bad, he even temporarily went blind. Rufus added to Q magazine: “I lost my sight for one or two hours. I can’t quite gauge it exactly. During that period of losing my sight, I was also losing my mind. I could feel my sanity lifting off, and I wasn’t sure it would come back again. But it did and thankfully I’m still here today.”

obert Pattinson and Kristen Stew art got close at a gig this week - just days after the Hollywood hunk confirmed they are dating. The couple - who play Edward Cullen and Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ films - were seen getting cozy at the Halfmoon pub in Putney, South London, while watching Robert’s younger sister Lizzy perform. An onlooker said: “They were very low-key. You would not have guessed they were one of the most famous couples in the world.” The 23year-old screen hunk’s sibling was supporting Starsailor frontman James Walsh at the 300-capacity venue.

‘Good Souls’ singer James was thrilled to have had two of Hollywood hottest young stars watch him perform. The 29-year-old musician said: “Robert and Kristen were there to support

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Lizzy as she took the stage. I was very flattered to learn they stuck around for my set too.” Robert and Kristen - who have reportedly been staying at a London hotel together since last Saturday- were also spotted kissing in a bar earlier this week after the 19year-old actress attended the Burberry Prorsum catwalk show, which was part of London Fashion Week. British councillor Nicholas Clark posted on Twitter: “In Marquis of Granby with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart! A couple of kisses left in separate cars.” After months of speculation, Robert confirmed the couple’s long-rumored romance at a post-BAFTA Awards dinner. He said: “It is extremely difficult but we are together, yes. We can’t arrive at the same time because of the fans, it goes crazy.”

Lady Gagaʼs ʻidentity crisisʼ ady Gaga paid for three hotel suites because she was having an “identity crisis”. The ‘Paparazzi’ singer insisted on extreme secrecy when she checked into Liverpool’s Hope Street Hotel - where she stayed while performing at the English city’s Liverpool Echo Arena earlier this week

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- and even hired decoy transport to ensure no one saw her. A source said: “Lady Gaga loves drama, instead of hiring bedrooms at one of the city’s five star hotels she decided to hire suites at three of Liverpool’s most expensive.

“She demanded to be driven through the secret back entrance of her hotel

away from snooping eyes. “Later she sent a fleet of silver Mercedes to the hotel entrance and to a nearby restaurant as a decoy to fool fans and paparazzi. “Meanwhile, she stayed holed up in her suite enjoying tea and toast.” A hotel source added to the Daily Star newspaper: “Lady Gaga did-

n’t want to be seen by anyone as she was having an identity crisis. She said she wasn’t looking or feeling like Gaga.” As well as her own luxury suite, the eccentric singer also booked rooms at the city’s Malmaison and Radisson hotels, ensuring all of her staff got to spend the night in luxury surroundings.

The source added: “She told staff, ‘Only the best will do.’ She booked the largest suites in the city. “One of her flashy suites included a four-poster king-size bed with views of the River Mersey, a huge wooden bath in the living room, a 42in plasma TV and a double walk-in monsoon shower.” —Bang Showbiz

Monday, March 1, 2010

SPECTRUM

37

Lifestyle

The team of the movie ‘Le prophete’ pose during a photocall at the end of the the 35th Cesars French film awards ceremony at the Chatelet theatre in Paris. —AFP

‘A Prophet’ wins French film industry top prize he French film industry has showered honors on director Jacques Audiard’s Oscar-nominated “Un Prophete” (“A Prophet”), giving the movie France’s coveted Cesar award for best movie.

Audiard was named best director and star Tahar Rahim best actor at Saturday’s awards ceremony. Isabelle Adjani received the best actress award for her role in “La journee de la jupe” (“The Day of the Skirt”).

“A Prophet,” which was nominated for an Oscar in the best foreign-language film cate-

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gory, collected nine awards in the annual French film industry competition. The movie won the second-place prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The prison drama tells the story of an illiterate inmate who educates himself. During his six-year incarceration, he becomes involved in drug and smuggling circles. Rahim, a young Frenchman of North African origin, plays the film’s main character, Malik. Clint Eastwood’s film “Grand Torino” won the Cesar for best foreign film. —Reuters

Stars rock out for Tibet at Carnegie Hall atti Smith, Iggy Pop, Regina Spektor and many others contributed to a potent sonic cocktail that rocked Carnegie Hall at the 20th Annual Benefit Concert for Tibet House US, a non-profit organization charged with preserving Tibetan culture.An avid fan of Tibetan art since his teen years, Pop says the world cannot afford to lose it. “(Tibetans have) been getting kind of a bum deal for like 50, 60 years now ... sort of losing their spot on Earth,” said Pop. Tibet is ruled by China.

China insists Tibet has been part of its territory for four centuries and has governed the Himalayan region with an iron first since communist troops took control there in 1951. But many Tibetans say

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they were effectively independent for most of their history and say Chinese rule and economic exploitation are eroding their traditional Buddhist culture. Tibetans have been fighting for greater autonomy for years led by the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. —AP

File (From left) Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan poses with his wife Jaya, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan at the premiere of the Bollywood Hindi film ‘Paa’ in Mumbai. —AFP

Bachchan wins best actor at awards despite boycott creen legend Amitabh Bachchan has won the best actor title in Bollywood’s top awards, but he boycotted the ceremony because of a row with a tabloid newspaper. The 66-year-old star won for his portrayal of a child with the rapid-ageing condition progeria in “Paa” (Father), which also featured his real-life son, Abhishek. Both Bachchans stayed away from Saturday night’s ceremony, the 55th edition of the Filmfare awards, which are the Oscars of India’s Hindi-language film industry.

They boycotted the awards due to a story in the Mumbai Mirror newspaper-a sister title of Filmfare magazine-alleging that Abhishek’s wife, former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, could not have children. The family has demanded a public apology. It was not immediately clear whether Bachchan would accept the award. “Paa” won

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two awards on the night, with Vidya Balan scooping best actress. But it was Aamir Khan’s “3 Idiots” that virtually swept the board, picking up best film, best director, best supporting actor, best story, best screenplay and best dialogue.

The coming-of-age film-about three students struggling to cope with life at a leading business school-is now Bollywood’s biggest-grossing movie of all time. Other notable Filmfare winners included A.R. Rahman. The composer dubbed the “Mozart of Madras”, who won two Oscars for his work on “Slumdog Millionaire”, won for best music on the film “Delhi 6”. Ranbir Kapoor, touted as Bollywood’s next male superstar, won the critics’ award for best actor for his films “Wake Up Sid”, “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani” (An Amazing Story Of Strange Love)” and “Rocket SinghSalesman of the Year.”—AFP

SPECTRUM

38

Monday, March 1, 2010

Fashion

Ye olde clothier creates costumes for Florida Renaissance Festival ord Mayor Richard Weber walks around the marketplace of Port Isabella, taking a visitor on a tour of his domain. The year is 2010, but it may as well be 1536. One shop offers handcrafted glass, while a nearby pub sells ale. In the distance, lances are piled inside an empty jousting arena. Alas, Port Isabella is situated on Virginia Key, Fla, which means the elaborate Renaissance-era dresses and cloaks of its residents are constantly coated with sand. So Weber spends a great deal of his time stopping to give quick pats to subjects’ clothing to rid them of the wretched grit.

While performing his duties, a maiden walks up to him. “Do you know how to do a spiral?” It’s not a come-on, but rather a reference to the lacing on the back of her corset. The setting is the Florida Renaissance Festival, and Weber is the festival’s costumer and entertainment director. It’s his job to make sure more than 500 costumesincluding men’s tunics, doublets and the billowing, conical farthingale dress worn by ladies-are suitable for a typical Renaissance marketplace, and are in pristine condition.

The festival was staged on Virginia Key last month, and reopened in Deerfield Beach, Fl, on Saturday. Weber, a paid consultant to several festivals around the country, travels with his own costumes and works on site to help those employed by the festival and the volunteers maintain and create new costumes. He also plays the role of Lord Mayor

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Richard Weber during the fair.

“I walk around the festival for quality control,” he says. On this January weekday on Virginia Key, most of the 500 to 600 actors and volunteers who populate Port Isabella are off at their day jobs, so the streets of the marketplace are largely empty save for the occasional knave or wench. A

blond woman in a jewelencrusted, blue-and-red brocade dress with lime green sleeves, boa and blue and pink eye shadow strolls up. “This is Prunella Tawdry, one of the Tawdry sisters,” Weber says.

Descriptive outfit Weber created the costume that Tawdry-actually, she’s played by Theresa Brewer-is

wearing, and af ter they exchange pleasantries, he explains the concept behind her outfit. “An audience member should be able to look at a character 20 feet away and know something about them before they ever talk to them,” Weber says. In Tawdry’s case, that means something akin to a 16th

Century Hilton sister-except this sister’s dress goes past her knees. In fact, it hits the floor and extends two feet from her body.

Though Weber tries to maintain authenticity to the Renaissance period, he sometimes makes allowances. For Tawdry, he used the lime green in her sleeves and boa

to highlight her colorful personality, although lime green dye was unavailable to maidens of any class in the 1500s.

There is something else notable about Prunella’s costume that Weber points out: she has a lace-up back, telling you that she is of a higher class than your ordinary Port Isabella subject.

“With Prunella and our queen, their closures are in the back because they would clearly have servants,” Weber says. The lace-up back is a clear sign that she should be treated with respect.

“Everyone is very class-conscious. If someone is dressed better than you are, then you give them the proper deference,” he says.

He beckons a harpist walking among the shops and notes that her lacing is up the front. “She is a servant and would not have anyone to assist her” with the lacing, he says. Weber, who is 54, knows his Renaissance fashion. A one-time seminary student who then studied acting in college, he got into costuming in 1977 after he was cast as Sanson Carrasco in “Man of La Mancha”. “I said, ‘I know nothing about costuming and I know I can do better than this,’ so it was really personal vanity that got me into it initially.”

A couple years later, he got into the Renaissance circuit when he took the role of an evil sheriff in a Wisconsin fair.

Weber got involved in the Florida Renaissance Festival 10 years ago, and in 2004 became its sole costumer and one of two entertainment directors. As costumer, he

Models display creation as part of Gucci Fall-Winter 2010-2011 ready-to-wear collection during the Women’s fashion week in Milan. —AFP

Theresa Brewer holds the jewels she wears in the Renaissance Festival. —MCT works with the festival and its actors and volunteers to generate new costumes. “I suggest fabrics, styles, colors,” he says. Renaissance fashions can be pricey. “I can do a peasant costume for about a hundred dollars, but full court dresses can be in excess of ten thousand dollars,” Weber says. As with the lime-green sleeve worn by Prunella Tawdry, he often improvises to account for more modern materials and other concerns.

“Back then, they would use whalebone for the skirts and bodices, here we use spring steel,” Weber says. And in olden times, women wore many petticoats to keep warm, creating the conical shape that is the farthingale dress, Weber says. To keep costs down and his actors

comfortable, Weber creates conical frames from pipe and ribbon that are attached to a body to create the look of a farthingale.

Costumes may only last a few years because of wear and tear, but he’s proud of one dress he made in 1985 that has stood the test of timemade from car upholstery.

“When it gets dirty, I just take it outside and hose the thing down,” Weber said. One thing hasn’t changed between Renaissance times and now: sometimes, clothes can acquire a lingering stench.

Weber also has a trick for that: “Febreze is a fairly new thing.

An old ballet trick I use is I take cheap vodka and spray it over the garment and eventually it evaporates and takes out the body odors.” — MCT

39

SPECTRUM

Monday, March 1, 2010

Fashion

Marni goes artsy craftsy in Milan

arni opened the last big day of the shortened fall-winter 2010-2011 Milan fashion week with a highbrow show that was more about workmanship than wearability. Taking an artsy tack to fashion for her winter collection that was shown on Sunday morning, Marni designer Consuelo Castiglione produced true “opere d’arte” (works of art) that for the untrained eye were hard to conceive, let alone to wear. Directly from the art world were graphic prints such as bold polka dots or paint brush wisps, inspired by contemporary British artist Gary Hume. These were fashioned into defined silhouettes where an accentuated shoulder or a stiff pannier waistline made the difference. Detailing in this collection was all-important from the

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Models wear creations of Marni women’s Fall-Winter 2010/2011 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan, Italy, yesterday. —AP

wool and fur intarsia for coats and jackets to the refined materials, including real laurel leaves dipped in metal, burnt wood, bone and crushed stones for “hard to ignore” jewelry.

Among the less complicated styles were pant suits with cropped trousers and loose sculpted jacket. These were richly embroidered for nighttime. The Marni palette is also atypical at least for winter, with contrasting combinations of pink and red as well as beige and lime green, all gleaned from Hume’s work. In the accessories department along with the artsy jewelry, Marni offered high heeled boots in perforated leather, long crotchet driving gloves and bags with a chromed metal frame and rounded resin handles. —AP

Models display creations as part of Moschino Fall-Winter 2010-2011 ready-to-wear collection during the Women’s fashion week in Milan. —AFP

www.kuwaittimes.net

Indian sadhus, Hindu holy men, throw colored ‘gullal’ powder at each other as they celebrate Holi in Allahabad yesterday. Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India at the end of winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month, which usually falls in the later part of February or in March. —AFP

For this poet, bombing at a reading won’t be bad oetry readings have always been a blast for SA Griffin, but the tour that the venerable Los Angeles poet plans this spring may be his most explosive. This time the author of such collections as “Unborn Again” and “One Long Naked Dance” will be packing his poems inside of a Cold War-era bomb and taking them on the road. The idea is to create the constructive from the destructive.

“I’m taking one of the most iconic images of destruction of the 20th century and turning it into something positive,” says the strapping Griffin, who at 6-foot3 is nonetheless dwarfed by the gunmetal gray performance-art companion that rises more than 7 feet tall when tilted on end. He found the dummy bomb, which contains no explosives, on the Internet and bought it for $100. His plan: bring the bomb to a city near you, dropping rhymes and free verse by the hundreds on audiences everywhere from

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Atlanta to Montana, Oregon to North Carolina and points in between. His aim is to get people to wake up to poetry.

“What I’m really doing here is like publishing poetry in a journal,” says Griffin, who is also coeditor of the 1999 journal “The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry,” a sprawling opus of 720 pages that contains the works of everyone from the beats’ Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso to modern-day writers like Luis J. Rodriguez and Jimmy Santiago Baca.

“But when you publish poetry in a journal, usually the only people who pay any attention to it are other poets,” adds Griffin, 55, a member of the so-called outlaw generation of American poets that followed Ginsberg, Corso and the other beats of the 1950s.

Oregon-based poet Scott Wannberg, who has sent along a submission inspired by the bomb, agrees it’s likely to get more attention than any of the work he’s had published in nine volumes over the

Oprah helps chef fulfill Michelle Obama wish

years.

“What’s more devastating, a good poem or a good bomb?” Wannberg asks with a laugh.

Griffin has spent decades attempting to bring poetry to the masses, placing poems on the sides of buses, on billboards, in beer bottles. Several times he’s crisscrossed the country in a vintage Cadillac convertible with a looseknit group of fellow poets called The Carma Bums, giving readings at coffee houses and small theaters around the country.

He plans to go on the road for five weeks beginning in April, making more than a dozen stops around the country, but with just the bomb in tow this time.

He has collected more than 100 poems so far, many penned especially for the tour. They range from Wannberg’s whimsical “Sorry About That Bomb Falling On Your Head” to Ellyn Maybe’s gentle antiwar lament, “Someday Our Peace Will

Come” with these opening lines: “One day poetry dropped from the sky/and the animals grew iambic pentameter tails/and the people breathed in stars.” “I think it’s inspired, a really beautiful idea to transform something like that into something poetic,” said Maybe, cited by Writers Digest as one of 10 poets of the millennium to watch.

Anyone, poet or otherwise, can send Griffin a poem and it will be included. He plans to take poems from the bomb and read them to people along the way. All submissions must be delivered by snail mail, not computer — “I want to see that people made an effort” —and be no larger than 81/2 by 11 inches. Griffin isn’t sure what the Poetry Bomb Tour will cost him. He says he’s raised about $3,000 in contributions over the Internet so far, but spent $6,000 just for the 1995 Ford Econoline van he plans to travel with the bomb in. He may sell the van when he returns home. “If I break even,

Australia’s gay pride march draws massive crowds always disappointing that an evening of celebration ends with arrests and incidents that involve injuries, this year’s operation has recorded fewer arrests and fewer incidents from 2009,” said Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith.

The entire Mardi Gras festival, which runs for weeks either side of the world-famous parade, attracts thousands of international visitors to Sydney and injects 27 million US dollars into the economy. The inaugural 1978 march was staged at a time when male homosexuality was still illegal in New South Wales state and ended with more than 50 arrests as police and protesters clashed. Police and members of the military now join the parade. —AFP

housands of people brought Sydney’s downtown to a standstill as the flamboyant annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade marched, danced and sashayed through the city streets. Balmy weather meant crowds were bigger than last year, with media reports suggesting as many as 300,000 turned out to watch the Saturday night parade, which featured drag queens and scores of George Michael look-alikes.

More than 100 floats with some 9,500 performers took part in the famous gay pride spectacle, which organizers hailed as a “hugely creative parade” and police said was better behaved than in previous years. “It is enormously heartening to see our gay pride

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This Feb 24, 2010 photo provided by Harpo Productions, Inc. shows Oprah Winfrey and Art Smith, in Chicago. —AP hen TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey recently asked her former personal chef what he wanted for his 50th birthday, Art Smith’s first thought was a new treadmill. Aim higher, she told him. How about a check to help fund the sort of healthy eating programs for children another of his high profile clients, first lady Michelle Obama, recently called for? Done.

On Monday, during a party hosted by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, Smith says he’ll formally announce the $250,000 donation from Winfrey to his Common Threads nonprofit. “We’re going to educate a lot of children about taking care of themselves,” Smith said during an interview late Friday at the

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South Beach Wine and Food Festival. “I’d like to take this money to create healthy programs for children that mirror the first lady’s program,” said Smith, who recently lost 90 pounds (40 kilograms) thanks to his own healthy eating reforms.

Earlier this month, Michelle Obama announced her “Let’s Move” campaign, an effort to teach children healthier eating habits and to get better foods into school lunch programs. Smith’s program runs more than 20 afterschool programs around the country. The programs teach children how to cook healthy, ethnically diverse foods. “What an amazing birthday present that I can share with so many friends,” Smith said. —AP

I figure I’ll have come out ahead,” he says. Over the years, Griffin has supplemented his poetic life with work as a character actor, appearing in scores of films and TV shows as everything from a cop to a drag queen. He was the hoodlum Arnold Schwarzenegger beat up in “Twins,” the Marine war hero whose wife Patrick Dempsey’s young Lothario romanced in “In the Mood” and one of the evil cowboys Clint Eastwood killed in “Pale Rider.” The bomb’s previous owner, Robert Demott of Huntington Beach, acquired it nine years ago from a Hollywood movie prop house that was going out of business. For years he kept it in his front yard, in L.A.’s bohemian beach-front Venice neighborhood, just to shake up people. Its provenance before the studio got hold of it isn’t known, but Demott likes to think it could have been stolen from a military base where dummy bombs are dropped for target practice. It appears to have been an old MK

Participants arrive for the judging of the Fashions on the Field at the Pink Stiletto Gay and Lesbian Race Day. —AFP event so eagerly supported by the broader community,” organizer Michael Rolik said. “The parade was at its exuberant best this year. I spoke with many visitors from overseas and the message was clearMardi Gras is the best gay pride event in the world and a great reason to visit Sydney.”

Police said they attended 140 incidents throughout the evening and made 35 arrests and, while they were unable to give final figures for 2009, said this was down on last year’s numbers. However, the night was marred by two stabbings and a brawl in which a police officer was hurt. “Whilst it is

series “dumb bomb” that was popular with the US military during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

By the time Griffin is done customizing it, the bomb won’t look all that deadly. He plans to paint it a flashy color (he hasn’t decided which one yet), pinstripe it like you would a classic car and install a portal with a window under its nose.

“If I get pulled over by the cops I want them to be able to stick their heads in there, look around and be able to see just what it is, an art object.” Already, he has drawn some concerned reactions, particularly when people have ignored his instructions and mailed their poems to his post office box with the words “The Poetry Bomb” on the envelopes. When he showed up to collect a stack of poems at the post office, an angry postal worker told him they “don’t like stuff with the word bomb on it.” “After I told him what it was, he was cool with it,” Griffin said.

“He laughed.”—AP

Marie Osmondʼs son dies in Los Angeles

Entertainer Marie Osmond speaks at a North Little Rock, Ark., Sam’s Club store in this April 27, 2005 file photo. —AP arie Osmond’s 18year-old son Michael Blosil has died, the entertainer said Saturday. Osmond said in a statement through her publicist that her family is devastated by the “tragic loss.”

She did not provide details on the death. Entertainment Tonight reported on its Web site that Blosil jumped to his death Friday night from a downtown Los Angeles apartment building. Officers responded to an apparent suicide jump in the area, but the victim was not identified Saturday, Los Angeles Police Officer Gregory Baek said.

“My family and I are devastated and in deep shock by the tragic loss of our dear Michael and ask that everyone respect our privacy dur-

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ing this difficult time,” Osmond said in the statement.

Blosil reportedly left a note which referred to a lifelong battle with depression.

In 2007, Osmond said Michael was treated at a rehabilitation facility, but she didn’t disclose the nature of his problem.

Donny Osmond, Blosil’s uncle, told Entertainment Tonight: “Please pray for my sister and her family.”

Michael is one of Osmond’s five adopted children. She also has three other children from two marriages. She divorced Brian Blosil in 2007 af ter two decades of marriage. She and her first husband Stephen Craig divorced in 1985. —AP