RI PT IO N BS C SU THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF
40 PAGES
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2010
Thai poll body says ruling party must be dissolved
RABI ALTHANI 28, 1431 AH
Vaccination drive launched KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health said yesterday it will launch a fresh nationwide children vaccination campaign against measles, rubella and mumps on Thursday. The 10-day campaign of 1- to 7-year-old children comes at the directive of the World Health Organization (WHO) against potential infection, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Health Yussef Al-Nisf told KUNA. As many as 320,000 children are to be vaccinated during the campaign, he said. A sum of KD 400,000 has been allocated for the campaign, which will involve some 90 doctors, 230 nurses, 200 health inspectors and 90 administrative workers. The vaccination will take place at 55 health centers nationwide.
US charges Agility subsidiaries ATLANTA: Two subsidiaries of a major military food supplier charged with inflating prices and defrauding the US government have also been charged in federal court. Prosecutors said in a court hearing yesterday they have extended charges to include Agility’s subsidiaries in the US and Kuwait. The charges are under seal, although a judge could decide to make them public later. Agility called the decision “regrettable” and said the charges taint firms that have strong track records.
IIG defaults on $200m sukuk MANAMA: Kuwait’s International Investment Group (IIG) said it was unable to pay the coupon of a $200 million sukuk, in at least the third regional default of an Islamic bond since the financial crisis began. “Kindly be advised that IIG has communicated to the sukukholders through IIG Funding Limited (issuer of its $200 million sukuk) of its inability to make the periodic distribution amount of $3,353,062.50, due on April 12...”, IIG said yesterday in a filing to Nasdaq Dubai.
Najaf airport closed NAJAF, Iraq: An airport south of Baghdad used by thousands of Shiite pilgrims has been closed over security concerns and a row with the Kuwaiti company responsible for its passenger operations. Najaf airport, 150 km south of the Iraqi capital, was shut on April 7 on orders from the transport ministry, causing daily losses of $100,000 according to provincial authorities angered by the move. Transport ministry spokesman Akeel Kawthar said the decision had been taken on safety grounds after the Kuwaiti company, Al Aqiq, failed to meet its contractual obligations to provide security equipment at the hub.
Arabs slam Israel rule DAMASCUS: The Arab League and Syria yesterday slammed new Israeli military orders that Israeli human rights groups have warned could lead to the expulsion of tens of thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank. Syrian President Bashar Assad denounced the new rules as an attempt at “ethnic cleansing”. The new rules specify that anyone caught living in the West Bank without an Israeli permit could face expulsion within days or be sentenced to up to seven years in prison. Assad told visiting Arab League chief Amr Moussa that the Arab and the international community should urgently work “to achieve a clear stand on Israel’s attempts to apply the policy of ethnic cleansing in the West Bank and to expel the Palestinians from their homeland.”
Anger mounts after US troops kill 4 Afghan civilians in bus
Emotions run high as Mickelson wins US Masters
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Finance panel rejects Amiri decree on loans Committee to meet defense minister on Rafales By B Izzak KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s financial and economic affairs committee yesterday rejected an Amiri decree which included the government’s rejection of the debt relief law that was passed by the National Assembly in January, the head of the committee said. MP Youssef Al-Zalzalah said that the decree will be sent to the Assembly, which has the power to override the government’s rejection of laws with a two-thirds majority. The controversial law, passed despite stiff government opposition, stipulates that the government purchase around KD 6.7 billion of bank loans of Kuwaiti citizens and then reschedule their repayment after scrapping the interest - estimated at between KD 1.5 and 1.8 billion. Under Kuwaiti law, the government has the right to reject laws passed by the Assembly and this has to be done in an Amiri decree within 30 days of passing the law. The government has done so by rejecting the debt relief law and sending it back to the Assembly. To override the government rejection, the Assembly has two options to have a fresh vote on the law in the current term and pass it a second time with a two-thirds majority. If supporters of the law cannot garner the backing of 44 MPs in the 65-member house, including Cabinet ministers who can vote, they can delay the voting until the next term starting in October and then vote on the law with a simple majority. If the law is passed in either case, it becomes mandatory and the government has no power to reject it a second time. Supporters of the law admit that they don’t have the required two-thirds majority now, but they have the required numbers in the next term. Continued on Page 14
CAIRO: Egyptian archaeologists discovered an intricately carved plaster sarcophagus portraying a wide-eyed woman dressed in a tunic in a newly uncovered complex of tombs at a remote desert oasis, Egypt’s antiquities department announced yesterday. It is the first Romanstyle mummy found in Bahariya Oasis some 300 km southwest of Cairo, said archaeologist Mahmoud Afifi, who led the dig. The find was part of a cemetery dating back to the Greco-Roman period containing 14 tombs. “It is a unique find,” he said, confirming that initial examinations indicate a mummy is inside the coffin. The carved plaster sarcophagus is only 1 m long and shows a woman wearing a long tunic, a headscarf, bracelet and shoes, as well as a beaded necklace. Colored stones in the sarcophagus’ eyes gave the appearance she is awake. Afifi said they had not dated the new find yet, but the burial Continued on Page 14
MoH nixes PCR testing for hep C By A Saleh KUWAIT: A committee formed by the Health Ministry to study the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for hepatitis C that exclude hepatitis B for those who wish to travel to Kuwait has recommended that the test not be applied on all expats, informed sources said. The sources said the issue has been shelved and the test will not be used, adding the previous PCR tests are not accurate as laboratories to test such viruses are not available. It added that as the tests are not accurate, limiting the test to hepatitis C will be dangerous, in addition to its high cost. The sources said the non-approval of the test and the difficulty of its application are due to several reasons, as some of the labs where the PCR test is conducted do not meet the conditions and standards set by the international conference of genetic engineering in Australia in 1993 which stipulated that there should be three separate rooms in the labs exclusively for these tests in order to prevent contamination, and workers in the field of genetic engineering inside medical laboratories must have at least two years’ experience. Sources said all test stages must be conducted under a controlled atmosphere that does not allow contamination of the surroundings. They said this is one of the biggest complications of the test, as the atmosphere contains protein particles that can interfere in the reaction, leading to false results. The Cabinet issued a decision on March 1997 that added patients of hepatitis B and C to the lists of diseases expats must be free from to be allowed in the country.
Dubai jails two for Chechen’s murder Ex-minister gets suspended term
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama (right) meets Jordan’s King Abdullah II during the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington yesterday. — AP
Obama opens nuke summit Ukraine to dispose all uranium • Iran slams meet WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama opened a 47-nation summit dedicated to keeping nuclear arms from terrorists yesterday and planned to seek momentum with China in his push for a new round of sanctions on Iran. Obama began the unprecedented two-day gathering with a series of meetings with some of the world leaders gathered for the summit, one of the largest international groupings ever staged by the United States. Ukraine, the scene of the world’s worst nuclear accident, pledged yes-
terday to dispose of all its stocks of highly enriched uranium by 2012, Ukrainian and US officials said. The landmark commitment from the former Soviet republic came af ter Obama met for the first time with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who took office in February. “President Yanukovych announced Ukraine’s decision to get rid of all of its stocks of highlyenriched uranium by the time of the next Nuclear Security Summit,” the two leaders said in a joint state-
ment. “Ukraine intends to remove a substantial part of those stocks this year,” it added. “President Obama praised Ukraine’s decision as a historic step and a reaffirmation of Ukraine’s leadership in nuclear security and nonproliferation.” Ukraine’s promise to dispose of all highly enriched uranium by 2012 marked the first concrete achievement of the summit. It was also a highly symbolic act by a country that gave up its Soviet-era nuclear missiles. Continued on Page 14
DUBAI: A Dubai court jailed two men for life yesterday for assisting in the assassination of Sulim Yamadayev, a prominent foe of the Kremlinbacked Chechen president, Ramzan Kadyrov. Yamadayev, one of Kadyrov’s top commanders until he fled Chechnya in 2008, was shot dead last year in the underground car park of a luxury apartment block in Dubai with a gold-coloured Russian handgun. Dubai police have accused a close adviser to Kadyrov, former deputy prime minister Adam Delimkhanov, of masterminding the assassination. Delimkhanov has denied involvement. Four other suspects are believed to have fled the United Arab Emirates. Russian analysts said Yamadayev’s death, one of a string of recent high-profile killings in Dubai, removed one of the last remaining powerful opponents of Kadyrov’s increasingly strong control over mainly Muslim Chechnya. Makhsood Jan
Asmatov of Tajikistan and Iranian Mehdi Taqi Dahuria were both convicted of aiding and abetting the murder. Dahuria had been accused of monitoring Yamadayev from his arrival at Dubai airport to his house, and providing his address and the murder weapon to the assassins. Prosecutors said Asmatov also monitored Yamadayev. Dahuria’s lawyer said he would appeal. Russia fought two wars during the 1990s against Chechen separatists and eventually tamed the province by allowing rebels from the Kadyrov clan who switched sides to take over the local government. Kadyrov has pleased the Kremlin by calming Chechnya, but rights activists have expressed alarm at extrajudicial killings and forced Islamisation. Kadyrov’s spokesman has dismissed any suggestion that Yamadayev’s killing was linked to Kadyrov. Continued on Page 14
Female mosque head seeks middle ground
Roman-era mummy unearthed in Egypt
BAHARIYA, Egypt: A sarcaphogus recently discovered at a site in the Bahariya Oasis is seen. — AP
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Russia points to human error in fatal Polish crash
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in the news
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HYDERABAD: Pakistan’s former cricket captain Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza pose during their marriage ceremony yesterday. — AP
Malik, Mirza tie the knot HYDERABAD, India: Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza married yesterday after a troubled engagement in a union that bridges the two nations’ bitter sporting and political divide. The wedding was the final chapter in a complex and often contradictory saga during which Malik consistently denied claims by an Indian woman, Ayesha Siddiqui, that she had married the cricketer in 2002.
The ceremony took place in the presence of family and friends at a hotel in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, Mirza’s spokeswoman Rucha Naik said. “The (wedding) has just been completed. Please pray for the couple,” Naik told reporters. The marriage was originally scheduled for April 15. The Press Trust of India cited family sources as saying it had been brought forward after Muslim clerics Continued on Page 14
AMSTERDAM: Yassmine ElKsaihi doesn’t see herself as a feminist rebel. She covers her head and wears modest clothing. She learned to read the Holy Quran at age 5 and promotes traditional Muslim values. Yet there is something pioneering about her nonetheless: At age 24 she is the administrator of a large mosque, an unusual position of authority for a young woman in the world of Islam, even in Europe. In a first for the Netherlands, men and women pray together in the Polder Mosque - albeit segregated, with the women praying in the back of the red-carpeted prayer hall. Sermons are in Dutch rather than Arabic. Non-Muslims are welcome. Across Europe, Muslims are seeking a formula that lets them fit into their country while maintaining loyalty to their faith, and Ksaihi’s mosque, which melds some Western secular values with deep attachment to Islam, is Continued on Page 14
AMSTERDAM: Yassmine El-Ksaihi poses in the prayer hall of the Polder Mosque on March 2, 2010. — AP
NATIONAL
2
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
KCBB praises public support
Appeal for donation of O-Negative blood By Abdullah Al-Qattan
KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah receiving chairman and members of the Scientific Club board yesterday.
kuwait digest
Unemployment and lack of govt initiatives eferring to his previous column that appeared in Aljarida titled ‘The danger of unemployment and government plans,’ Dr Bader Al-Daihani wrote that there are still no concrete government programs that tackle unemployment problem. Unemployment creates political, social, health and moral problems, he opined. ‘I had said that the government’s ‘plan framework’ that was approved by the National Assembly as the five-year plan did not express how the government would tackle the unemployment problem that has been on the rise among citizens. This means that the problem will escalate and grow as a consequence. At the start of the first year of the plan, we would like to see a new, transparent government policy that deals with the unemployment problem in which new employment opportunities available for our youth in the near future are presented,’ he reminded readers. The answer to the question is, no. Just two days after the abovementioned question was posed, the government presented its annual plan 2010-2011 which was ‘literal and was non-ambitious’ as MP Dr Rola Dashti described. Al-Daihani went on to write that
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she was ‘shocked’ with the annual plan, which she had previously defended. The annual plan ignored the employment problem and failed to create job opportunities for citizens, which proves the lack of a serious government policy. He quoted MP Dr Dashti’s statement to a newspaper that appeared on April 2nd this year, “We are counting on the annual plan that acts as a catalyst for the fiveyear development plan. But we were shocked that it does not meet our ambitions and was literal, ignoring many important basic requirements, the most important of which was to employ nationals and create job opportunities for them.” He also noted that Dr Dashti’s criticism that “the government body that prepared this plan because it has demonstrated its lack of awareness in the five-year plan requirements.” The writer expressed disappointment at the existence of a new government policy that deals with the escalating unemployment problem every year. The figures are likely to increase if the National Assembly approves the new proposed law on privatization that included in the 26th report of the finance and economy committee, Al-Daihani observed. The law allows, the liquidation of the state’s
Four brigades tackle blaze in institute By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD) official revealed that firefighters from four local brigades tackled a blaze that broke out yesterday in the women’s section of a local commercial educational institute. Firemen from Shuhada, Hilali, Hawally and the Technical Rescue Center were quickly at the scene of the fire, evacuating the building before extinguishing the blaze. Bad idea A Kuwaiti woman and her female friend were briefly detained at Hawally police station on charges of insulting a police officer, before both were released on bail. A police official explained that the sister of one of the detainees had been arrested on charges of public drunkenness and called her family to inform them of the incident; her sibling and a friend then turned up and hurled abuse at the officers, for which they were taken into detention themselves. Bumper sticker shop Hawally commercial investigators discovered a shop in Hawally selling bumper stickers which contain explicit and inap-
propriate language, reported AlWatan. The shop was busted after authorities started a campaign to limit the use of offensive stickers on cars and motorcycles. During the investigation, authorities were led to a shop where they found the illegal material before the shopkeepers could hide it. The shopkeepers confessed to bringing the materials from outside the country. The investigations department asserted that similar operations will continue in pursuit of shops selling such illegal goods. Kuwaiti gunfight A Kuwaiti man in Saad AlAbdullah took fatherly love to a whole new level recently, marching round to a neighbor’s house armed with a gun, which he fired three times in the air before demanding that the neighbor’s son, who had hit his own son, come outside to be chastised. When the neighbor’s son came out, the gunman forced his own son to take retaliation for the earlier fight before returning home with his son, reported Al-Shahed. His celebration was short-lived, however, since his amazed neighbor immediately took the bullets to the local police station and reported the incident.
economic activity, which contradicts with the Constitution’s provisions, and transfer ownership from the public to the private sector. He feels that privatizing the fields of finance, natural resources and general commodities will not only increase unemployment rates but also threaten the country’s democractic character. He feels that this is because authority will be ‘automatically’ transferred with ownership. ‘It is known that there is no popular authority over private ownership at all, and so, citizens cannot hold the private sector accountable because only owners are responsible, and they are the ones who hold them accountable.’ This means the end of the nation’s authority and control over its wealth and resources like oil, water and electricity or general sectors like education, health, housing and others. This also means the end of its role in public accountability and supervision. ‘So, we hope that the National Assembly will take a solid stance on important issues, such as privatization and unemployment. They will have many negative and dangerous affects on the future. Will the Assembly fulfill our hope or will it disappoint us as the government did?’ the writer concluded his article.
in the news Traffic jam crisis KUWAIT: A solution for the current traffic crisis in a country where five percent of its total 17 thousand kilometer area is used remains a mystery. According to traffic department statistics, the number of issued driver’s licenses has reached more than 1.181 million while the number of vehicles on the road has exceeded 1.507 million. The department also indicated that there are around 9,632 taxis roaming the street in addition to 3,719 other public transportation vehicles. The rapid increase of vehicles on the road, while the streets remain unprepared to handle such an increase, is a warning of a crisis that could occur sometime in the near future. The state needs to reconsider the street structure every two to three years in order to avoid an escalation of the traffic jam crisis. Failaka development study KUWAIT: The technical committee tasked with studying development projects has rejected a Public Works Ministry proposal to develop the Failaka island. A meeting on this regard was held last week and chaired by the Finance Minister, Mustafa Al-Shamali. The study was rejected on the grounds that it was ‘weak.’ He indicated that it lacked several main points including aspects like environmental study, and the fact that it contradicts with the Build-Operate-Transfer system, reported Al-Qabas. The cost of this study had exceeded KD 300,000. Women’s allowance KUWAIT: The government has expressed conditional approval for one of the amendments to the civil service legislation proposed by the parliamentary women’s affairs committee. The committee has suggested amending Article 18 to give Kuwaiti women and foreign women married to Kuwaitis social allowances so long as their husband or father is not in receipt of the allowances in question, reported Al-Anba. The government argues that the current children’s allowance is sufficient, insisting that there is no need for a an additional ‘married women’s allowance,’ although it will consider approving the proposed allowances if non-Kuwaiti women are exempted, given the high cost involved. Power, water return KUWAIT: Power was returned to the areas of Sabah Al-Salem, which suffered a temporary power outage recently, reported Al-Watan. The outage occurred when a malfunction in the network between the area’s main power plant and its secondary plant was being repaired, announced Talal Al-Enizy, head of the public relations and media department with the Ministry of Electricity and Water. Meanwhile, the power outage that occurred in Jahra recently caused the water pumps that feed the Waha and Oyoun areas with desalinated water to go out of service. The ministry was able to fix the problem shortly after reconnecting the power, Al-Enizy confirmed.
come forw ard to help provide life-saving blood transfusions. Dr Rana Abdulrazzaq, the KCBB’s Director of KUWAIT: There have recently been a number of appeals Medical and Donor Affairs, said that w hile the blood broadcast on various local media for donors w ith rare bank’s overall reserve is acceptable, w ith a little over blood types to give blood to the Kuw ait Central Blood 1,000 units of blood available for transfusion, “that doesn’t Bank (KCBB), w hich turned to local TV and radio stations, mean that w e’re not short of certain rare blood types, even appealing via SMS messages, to request donors to especially O-Negative.” Dr. Abdulrazzaq said that the KCBB Dr. Abdulrazzaq revealed that O- as plasma, but unfortunately the actual numNegative is the blood type most commonly bers aren’t even close to satisfying local meets its responsibility to spread awareness in the community of the critical nature of used, especially in cases such as those hospitals’ needs. The senior KCBB official said that this issue and the dangers of neglecting involving newborn babies requiring blood transfusions and in emergency cases where thanks to all the invaluable help that the such a moral duty through its regular blood the patient’s blood type is unknown, being blood bank received from parents, as well as donation campaigns, which it usually carries safe type for all recipients. However, she appeals broadcast over a number of radio out in coordination with other organizations said, with only 10 percent in any population stations, it was now closer to securing and groups. “One of the key factors in keeping people being O-Negative, it is hard to obtain suffi- enough donors with other rare blood types cient supplies of this blood type, with regu- than it was recently, although the number of coming back as regular donors is making lar O-Negative donors being unfortunately O-Negative donors was still woefully small. sure that they have a good experience while She asserted that blood stock levels are donating blood,” she explained. rare. Dr. Abdulrazzaq concluded by revealing Dr. Abdulrazzaq said that the need for a usually a good indication of how well-educoncerted drive for more rare blood type cated and responsible a community’s mem- that this year’s World Blood Donors’ Day on donors first became evident with an increas- bers are towards each other and towards June 14, has a theme of ‘New Blood For the ing number of messages from worried par- those in need of blood transfusions. Since World,’ in an attempt to recruit more young ents of children in need of regular, life-sav- blood is an organ, she explained, it is inter- people to come forward as regular donors ing blood transfusions. The KCBB needs at nationally illegal to trade in it as a commod- and to spread the culture of giving blood as least 250 donors per day to cover its ity, making voluntary donors the only a duty for all so that young people can become more involved. requirements for blood and derivatives such source.
90,000 nationals apply for Kuwait housing KUWAIT: Up to 90,000 nationals submitted housing applications to the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) for 2009, a ranking official with the authority announced yesterday. The Deputy DirectorGeneral of the PAHW for Investment Affairs and Private Projects, Issa Khedadah, confirmed that the government “is proceeding with the necessary measures to meet these applications.” The authority distributed 880 land lots in the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad City, said Khedadah in a statement upon the inauguration of a real-estate and investment exhibition organized by the Top-Expo Group for holding fairs and conferences. Up to 6,000 more lots will be distributed according to set plans and sketches, Khedadah said, alluding to the enormous amount of work the staff is charged with handling. —KUNA
MEW projects budget slashed KUWAIT: The Ministry of Finance has slashed the budget allocated for Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) projects in the first annual fiscal plan for 2010/2011 from KD 2.03 billion to KD 873 million, a cut of more than half the funds, approximately KD 1.165 billion. The massive cuts were made for a number of reasons, said a finance ministry official, including the repetition of some projects in different areas and the fact that others were not required. Another issue cited as a reason for the major cuts was an apparent increase in budget requests based on payments to contractors, reported Al-Qabas.
KUWAIT: Mansour Al-Ajmi, Saeed Tawfeeqi and Ahmed Al Barrak. — Photo by Joseph Shagra
Kuwait to host ‘Economic Media during the Crisis’ By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The Kuwait Journalist Association (KJA) held a press conference yesterday to talk about the upcoming ‘Economic Media during the Crisis’ conference taking place next May. The conference will be organized by the Media House for Advertizing and be held on May 17 and 18. The goal of the conference is to promote and develop ideas to benefit Kuwait. The conference will be held under the auspices of Sheikh Ahmad AlFahad Al-Sabah. The economic crisis began near the end of 2007 with the real estate financing bubble in the United States, and grew until the American Investment Bank (Lehman Brothers) announced its bankruptcy on September 15, 2008. “In the beginning we were dealing with the crisis as if we were living on an island far away from those affected by the crisis,” said Saeed Tawfeeqi, an economic reporter and member of KJA during the press conference. “We were later hit by the crisis and this was seen on the Kuwait Stock Exchange. Some companies announced having financial problems and were unable to pay off their debts. The media only started to pay attention to the issue
when it became local.” “After research and studies were made, it became clear that the role of the media was important in the world economic crisis,” he added. That’s how they came up with the idea to host a conference on this issue. “We saw that there is hope to make the economy better. To reach this goal, we invited a large number of economic and media specialists and experts to participate in the conference,” Tawfeeqi said. This conference is important as it will discuss vital, relevant issues. “Even though it’s important, no conferences have been held to discuss this issue before. The conference will allow different parties to review their experience in this field while the world economy still suffers from the impacts of the economic crisis. He added that the crisis provided an opportunity for specialists to learn many lessons. “If not, we will all lose a great opportunity,” he pointed out. “When I first started in this field I learned that the media is a part of the market,” he pointed out. “When the economic situation is good, the media is a partner in making the success. On the other hand, journalists should admit their responsibility in case of any economic crisis.” he said.
KUWAIT: Within its field training programs, the Interior Ministry’s education and training sector recently organized a visit for second year warrant officer cadets to Kuwait Central prison. They toured the prison sections and departments and attended a lecture delivered by First Lt Khaled Al-Janfawi on the work process within various correctional facilities.
NATIONAL
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
3 Heated debates in Kuwait
Vox populi on dual citizenship issue By Hussain Al-Qatari KUWAIT: The issue of dual citizenship has become the local buzzword lately, present in politicians’ statements, diwaniyas and newspaper columnist. The community has been set ablaze with heated debates orbiting around two opposing opinions: One that is pro the government’s decision to force dual citizenship holders to revoke one, and the other is against this decision, seeing it as a limitation on the freedom of choice.
KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday in Al-Seif Palace Head of the Voluntary Work Center Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah accompanied by AbdulRahman Essa Al-Asosi and Salah Al-Saif, who briefed HH the Crown Prince with their awareness campaign “smoking and its damage to human health and society.” HH the Crown Prince praised the voluntary efforts in the service of the society. — KUNA
kuwait digest
Deteriorating quality of dialogue
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n his column yesterday with Al-Qabas, Abdulmuhsin Jamal wrote on how obscene language in the Parliament is significantly hurting the country’s democracy. ‘The message HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah entrusted to Jassem Al-Khorafi, the Parliament’s Speaker, was highly speculated upon by those on the local scene,’ he wrote. ‘To many people’s surprise several MPs abstained from the meeting Al-Khorafi held to deliver HH the Amir’s message on the deteriorating quality of dialogue in the Parliament. Some even went so far as to attack the Speaker’s integrity.’
‘Through his successive tenures as the Parliament’s speaker, Al-Khorafi has created a reputation for being able to lead the Parliament with wisdom and morality,’ Jamal continued. ‘He was able to maintain control through the most intense interpellation sessions while being able to absorb the tension between MPs.’ He added that Al-Khorafi has been successful when addressing MPs who cross the line by temporarily adjourning the session. This is the only procedure he is entitled to against offensive MPs as per the Parliament’s internal regulations, he explained.
The speaker cannot take any punitive measure against an MP unless a majority vote from other members of the Parliament agree, he added. ‘Sadly enough, Al-Khorafi’s commitment to the rule has encouraged some MPs to abuse the regulation by casting votes as punitive actions against other MPs based on their relation or potential interest,’ he pointed out. ‘I urge all MPs to abstain from using deteriorating levels of dialogue inside the Parliament’s building, especially when it comes to dealing with the Speaker of the Parliament.’
in the news Informatics contest KUWAIT: The names of the 18 participants winning His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah’s Informatics Award will be announced today, revealed the award’s Director Dr. Khalil Abul said yesterday. The names of the 11 winners from Kuwait and eight from various Arab countries will be announced at a press conference at KUNA’s headquarter, he said, voicing hope that the competition would help contribute towards the establishment of a developed and advanced informatics society. The prize estimated at 100,000 KD is the largest in the IT field in the Arab world. The competition is open to both individuals and institutions, being divided into three categories: the Kuwait Prize for those contributing to Kuwaiti society in the informatics field; another category allocated for contestants from the Arab world, and the third section for those contributing to the development of this area in Kuwait and the wider Arab world. — KUNA
KUWAIT: The Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah yesterday received newly graduated male and female officers at the ministry’s ceremonial hall.
Computerized system KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi has praised the introduction of the computerized system at the ministry’s labor department, despite the recurrent problems that have dogged it. Dr. Al-Afasi called for people to give the system a chance to prove its worth before evaluating its success, emphasizing its significance in helping to combat illegal activities such as residency visa trading, human trafficking and the establishment of bogus companies. The computerized system regulates the transactions of 1.2 million private sector workers, and is connected with 54 other government bodies, enabling it to exchange and update data and information, reported Al-Qabas. “The system became a necessity to end the use of paperwork in dealing with labor issues, which are easier to manipulate,” said Dr. Al-Afasi. The minister also stated that the reason behind the backlog of work and overcrowding in labor departments that followed the system’s introduction was the failure of firms to commit to updating their data in time, with many rushing to finalize these procedures as the deadline approached.
The Kuwait Times spoke to a number of Kuwaitis on the subject to find out more about what is worrying them. Abu Yousif, a Kuwaiti in his mid thirties claims that it is impossible to force people to revoke their other citizenships. “In Kuwait, we have always had non-Kuwaitis living amongst us and help us build the country. We have had Saudis, Iranians and Egyptians and Palestinians, and to question their loyalty to Kuwait is insulting; this is the only home they know,” he said. Abu Yousif believes that those holding other citizenships do not necessarily mean to show less loyalty and devotion to Kuwait. It is a matter of personal interest. “I have friends who have Saudi passports, Saudi relatives and have the opportunity to go live in Saudi Arabia forever,” he says stressing that their love and loyalty to Kuwait is what keeps them in the country despite the fact
that the conditions are unstable with what he calls a ‘child-play parliament.’ Echoing similar sentiments. Noor AlQatam thinks that the issue has been blown out of proportion to distract people from more crucial issues. “This is only creating more divides amongst the people; it could be dealt with in a more swift way where the government would start a policy to apply all rules—with no exceptions,” she says. AlQatam believes that the never-ending cycle of accusations between Parliament and Government is having a negative effect on the people. “If the government is serious about this, it should apply the laws alreadyit has been months and we’re still stuck on the same issue. Is it even going to be solved?” asks Al-Qatam. Omar Al-Boloushi, 30, believes that the government has every right to force dual citizenship holders to revoke one citizen-
ship and choose one. “If you are benefiting from this country, if you’re living here all your life and you have the full right as a citizen, why would you need to hold another passport of another country? You can’t convince me that security is an issue; we are past the Saddam Hussein era; these people hold passports and are affiliates of other intruding forces from outside the country, from neighboring governments that have their own agendas,” he claims. The internet community has been no exception, or perhaps the anonymity has provided a better battlefield for the members of both beliefs. With accusations of affiliation with Iran, Saudi, the US or Iraq, the launching pad for a cyber war has been set, with blunt accusations of betrayal during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and more extreme destructive criticism that is racial and sectarian in nature, using foul language.
Fish resources provide 60% of food requirements KUWAIT: Even though Kuwait is capable of achieving self-reliance in regards to food security, the country imports the majority of its foodstuff, said the Minister of Public Works and Municipality Affairs. Dr Fadhel Safar made his comments during the inauguration of the 1st food security conference in Kuwait, reported AlWatan. The minister noted that Kuwait owns a great supply of its fish resources, which provides the country with 60% of its needs. He conveyed the commitment of the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) to achieving environmental reform and improve production. He said that several steps need to be made including reversing desertification, using treated sewage water in soil treatment and irrigation, as well as focusing on growing plants most suitable for the Kuwaiti environment. Furthermore, Dr Safar announced that the Cabinet has agreed to establish a public authority for food, which will be responsible for all directorates dealing with food production, testing and trading. He added that the Kuwaiti government supports local food production and conveyed their commitment to introducing the latest technology to increase production and improve the quality of local products.
Qatar visas KUWAIT: Under new regulations introduced by the Qatari authorities, citizens of other Arab nations living in other GCC nations, including Kuwait, will now be eligible to obtain visit visas for the country. US citizens and citizens of many European countries will also be able to take advantage of the new visa allocation system, which covers nationals of 33 countries in total, reported AlQabas. Previous reports of the new system were confirmed by an official from the Qatari consulate in Dubai in a recent interview with ‘Arabian Business’ magazine.
KUWAIT: Austrian Ambassador Mag Marian Wrba (left), Sheikh Mubarak and the head of Austrian business delegation Dr Gerd Duckelmann-Dublany attending the seminar recently.— Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat
Austrian delegation in town to woo Kuwaiti businessmen By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: A delegation of Austrian businessmen hosted a seminar on Sunday evening at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuwait City. The Trade Mission to Kuwait headed by Dr. Gerd DuckelmannDublany urged Kuwaiti investors to invest in Austria, also voicing enthusiasm for the benefits of investing in Austria’s thriving business sector in Kuwait. Austria is a great country with great culture and hospitable people, said Duckelmann-Dublany, adding, “Our country is open for business and investment; we invite you to come to Austria and try doing business with us. I can assure you’ll never regret our hospitality.” During his presentation, the senior official briefed the attendees on Austria’s geographic position in Europe, as well as its rich cultural heritage and valued ‘treasures,’ which he said many people might not even be aware of. “Porsche cars, which I have seen that many of you have in Kuwait, was first founded in Austria by an Austrian automotive engineer,” he revealed. “Up to now, most of the Porsche engines are made in Austria. We also have the famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, we have great horses, we are home to the biggest brick manufacturing industry in the world and Austria is home to the biggest supplier of various dental instruments and equipment, water purification systems, solar panels and environmentally friendly buildings.”
Speaking to the Kuwait Times on the sidelines of the seminar, Dublany said that the trade mission is here in Kuwait to seek partnership and establish contacts. “Kuwait has recently come to rapid economic development. We toured the city today [on Sunday] and I have seen massive construction projects that are going on around the city; cranes are all over the place. This is interesting for us and it means a lot to business people like us.” The trade mission delegation comprises representatives from Austrian companies involved in various fields, including health, bio-technology and environmental interests, along with firms hit hard by the result of recent global economic crisis seeking foreign business opportunities. “They [the businessmen] are fine, there’s nothing wrong with their companies, but they also need to look for some business opportunities outside Vienna,” he said, The Austrian Ambassador to Kuwait Mag Marian Wrba noted that the relationship between Kuwait and Austria is in excellent shape, especially after the visit of the Austrian president last year. “The highlight was demonstrated during our president’s visit in February last year,” he said. “We have excellent bilateral relations and those at the ministerial level are currently working hard and negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding in the areas of economic, financial and technical cooperation. We are hoping that this agreement will be signed this year.”
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Asian driver killed in traffic accident near Abdaly Co-op KUWAIT: An Asian man was killed in an accident in front of the Abdaly Co-op when a truck he was driving was struck by a half lorry, reported Al-Watan. Collapse An Asian man fell unconscious and died in Mubarakiya, reported Al-Watan. Paramedics responded to the scene following an emergency call but were too late to save the man’s life. He was pronounced dead after all attempts to revive his pulse failed. Thief nabbed A Pakistani thief was arrested after he attempted to rob a house in Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh, reported Al-Watan. Police officers responded to the scene after they received an emergency phone call from a man informing them that someone broke into his home and attempted to steal his wallet. Authorities found the criminal hiding in a nearby location and brought him to the area’s police station. Fugitive held Farwaniya police arrested a Syrian man wanted for several criminal cases, reported AlWatan. The fugitive was arrested during a routine police patrol for
acting suspiciously and trying to avoid authorities. The fugitive was taken to the proper authorities. Suicide A 35-year-old Indian man committed suicide in his home in Jahra, reported Al-Qabas. Police, accompanied by criminal investigators and paramedics, responded to the scene after receiving an emergency call. Bootlegger in custody An Asian man was arrested on King Fahad Highway after a large amount of imported liquor was found in his possession, reported Al-Qabas. The discovery was made after police pulled the man over for breaking the speed limit. He was taken to the proper authorities. Body found A senior citizen was found dead inside his home where he lived by himself after his driver broke into his house when he could not reach him for seven days, reported Al-Rai. Criminal investigators and police responded to the scene in order to bring the man’s body, which was in an advanced decomposition stage, to the coroner in order to determine the cause
and time of his death. Arson An Iranian worker set the diwaniya of a Kuwaiti woman on fire, reported Al-Rai. He set the diwaniya on fire after she refused to pay him because she did not approve of his work. The woman informed police about the incident and a case of arson was filed against the worker. Father turns in son Police received an emergency call from a man informing them that his son was seriously intoxicated inside his room and playing music loud enough to disturb the neighborhood, reported AlRai. Police from the Waha police station responded to the scene and arrested the intoxicated son. He was brought to the local police station and charged with consuming alcohol and disturbing the peace. Unlicensed weapons Police arrested two citizens for being in possession of four unlicensed shotguns and ammo in Wafra, reported Al-Seyassah. The discovery was made after the SUV was pulled over for a tinted windows violation. They were referred to the proper authorities.
‘Obscene’ shirts confiscated KUWAIT: Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) officials have confiscated a number of shirts and other items with “obscene messages and pictures” on them, and the ministry is taking legal action against those involved in importing and selling them. According to Kuwaiti
media, the MCI confiscated the “morally offensive” items and products from shops and is contacting the Public Prosecutor to take action against those involved in bringing the items to Kuwait and putting them on sale here. The pictures and messages on the items reportedly contradict against public morals
and incite debauchery, the ministry said. Under Kuwaiti law, anyone found guilty of publicly inciting immoral acts, including prostitution, or of printing, selling, exhibiting or distributing immoral material faces penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to KD 3,000.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Political delegation visits Kuwait
Fourth estate faces credibility test, says Indian media expert By Sajeev K Peter KUWAIT: The Fourth Estate is facing a credibility test today as a result of constant value erosion in the media industry, stated the head of an Indian television channel here on Sunday. Talking to the Kuwait Times in an interview on the sidelines of a discussion organized by the Malayali Media Forum
(MMF), John Brittas, Malayalam Communications Ltd Managing Director said, “Every journalist must aspire to become part of a responsible media institution. It is the need of the hour.” Brittas arrived in Kuwait on Sunday as part of a high-ranking political delegation from Kerala. Giving an overview of the emerging trends in media industry, Brittas cited some of the daunting tasks journalists face today following the Internet revolution.
“Media industry is undergoing fast-paced changes today. Whatever we have learned in journalism classes may appear outdated with media losing its conventional form and format. Today, media is being redefined in the context of the fast emerging global scenarios,” he said. Events that used to take hours or days to become common knowledge are fed instantaneously to consumers via radio, television, cell phones and the Internet. Today, a debate is going on globally as to what constitutes a good news item. A minor or probably an irrelevant incident of the yesteryear has today become a breaking news story. The entertainment aspect of a news item makes it more appealing today than its news content itself, he said. “Sensationalization of news items has become the order of the day,” he said citing the example of Mumbai terror attacks. He said that the media has turned it into a celebration. Unfortunately, the power of money plays a very critical role in shaping news stories today. Things have come to such as pass that even money could create or buy news. “Compare a newspaper being published today with a newspaper that was printed a decade ago. The appearance may be more attractive with its glossy and multi-color printing,
but the quality of the content would have definitely taken a beating over the years,” he argued. “Media is a mind industry,” Brittas said. Admitting the fact that the concept of a ‘free media’ or ‘independent media’ is just an illusion, he said a media person can aspire to become part of a responsible media. “But unfortunately, we often fail to approach news reports with the sanctity they demand. This irresponsible approach by media over the years has resulted in a credibility crisis of the industry,” he points out. Even though value erosion in the Fourth Estate is widely discussed across the world today, nothing concrete has been done to restore the credibility of the media, he said. “Despite certain compulsions, journalists still have a free space to move,” he said citing examples of exemplary journalistic works done by celebrated media persons who worked under trying circumstances. With the advent of the Internet, ‘Sunset of Editors’ has become even more real. Western print media industry is in the throes of turmoil today with hundreds of newspapers being shuttered in the last few years. “Efforts of media moguls like Rupert Murdoch to monetize the Internet also have failed. In fact, the technology has moved forward even
Birth certificates for bedoon women’s children
Praise for creative Kuwaiti women
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health’s (MoH) undersecretary has assured a lawmaker that birth certificates may be soon issued to citizens whose mothers are bedoon. Bedoons in general, suffer from the complications that arise from the fact that official documents are not issued to them, reported AlWatan. The undersecretary Dr Ibraheem Al-Abdulhadi promised to end this crisis by coordinating with the Health and Interior ministry,” MP Askar Al-Enizi said.
Malayalam Communications Managing Director John Brittas faster than they could catch up with,” he stated. However, he said that the interest in the print media may be regenerated as the appetite for reading still remains strong among people.
SOUSSE, TUNISIA: Director of the 15th Creative Arab Women Festival Najwa AlMinstiri hailed here yesterday the role played by creative Kuwaiti women in developing and consolidating modernism, along with adhering to traditions and honoring the components of the Arab and Muslim identity. Al-Minstiri said on the occasion of making preparations for launching the upcoming 15th edition this year in Sousse under the theme of “Modernism in the Creative Works of Arab Women” that this gathering anticipates, as usual, a distinctive Kuwaiti participation. The Tunisian cultural official said in this context that “Kuwaiti participation in such gathering of creative Arab women cannot be dispensed with as Kuwait produced a big number of creative women in various fields.” She also stressed “the outstanding presence of Kuwaiti women in every gathering on the Arab women in general and the creative Arab women in particular.” Al-Minstiri also noted the good benefits always brought by the Kuwaiti participation, pointing out that the participation of Kuwaiti women enriches the festival’s events in view of the “creative and pioneering role played by the Kuwaiti women in various lit-
Even though, there are hundreds of verticals of partiality, media persons acknowledge only one or two. It is time journalists realized these verticals and develop an etiquette for themselves in a responsible
erary, cultural, artistic, social and scientific fields in the Arab world.” Further, she said that the festival looks forward to a distinctive Kuwaiti participation in its upcoming edition through the contribution of Kuwaiti novelist and researcher Fatma Youssef Al-Ali who will talk about “Kuwaiti Creative Women and Modernism”. The 15th edition of this festival, which will be held under the supervision of chairperson of the Arab Women Organization (AWO) and Tunisian first lady Laila bin Ali, will certainly “benefit from Kuwaiti women as they have a rich and pioneering experience regarding adherence to their identity and traditions along with opening to modernism and other civilizations and cultures,” Al-Minstiri explained. She also drew attention that this year’s edition which will be held from 15 to 17 April in Sousse on the Tunisian eastern coast will be attended by Arab creative women from 14 Arab countries including Tunisia, Kuwait, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Palestine. In the same vein, Al-Minstiri referred to the “special importance” of this year’s edition as it coincides with Tunisia’s presidency of the AWO in what further helps increase the opportunities supporting
manner. As the torchbearers of society, such an etiquette will be more helpful for them than a code of conduct. It will also help check the value erosion in the media industry,” Brittas concluded.
women and the principle of gender equality. The forthcoming 15th edition of the festival will tackle questions related to the concept of modernism and its presence in the women creative texture, particulary under the civilizational, political, social and cultural transformations seen by the Arab societies and the Arab women integration into the fields of science, work and creativity, Al-Minstiri pointed out. She also stressed that “women’s widescale participation in public affairs is a precondition for making the modernist efforts a success in any society.” Finally, she said that the festival’s functions will revolve around five themes which are “modernism in the Arab concept”, “modernism in the creative works of Arab women, voluntary choice or cultural inevitability”, “modernism products in the women creative texture”, “frame of references of Arab creative modernism” and “horizons of modern Arab women creativity and its impact on global cultural scene”. The festival, which was launched some 15 years ago, had tackled in its previous edition the theme of “Dialogue of Civilizations and its Impact on the Creative Works of Arab Women” with the participation of 12 Arab countries including Kuwait. — KUNA
Kuwaiti youngest participant in Cannes TV event
BRUSSELS: Dinner reception for a delegation of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials visiting the Belgian capital. — KUNA
GCC delegation holds talks with EU BRUSSELS: The Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Brussels, Nabila Al Mulla, hosted a dinner reception here on Sunday night for a delegation of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials visiting the Belgian capital for the annual political and economic dialogue between the 27-member European Union (EU) and the GCC. The economic talks, chaired by the GCC’s Secretariat General, were held yesterday, while the European Commission will chair the meeting from the EU side. The talks on political issues will be held today, with discussions focusing on bilateral, regional and international affairs.
Kuwait currently holds the Presidency of the six-member GCC. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held their economic dialogue here yesterday to prepare for the EU-GCC Ministerial Council meeting due in Luxembourg on June 14. “The meeting went excellent,” Hamad al-Bazie who led the GCC delegation at the oneday meeting told Kuwait news agency, KUNA. He said the talks covered the areas in the EU-GCC cooperation agreement including energy, economic dialogue, climate change, science and technology. Al-Bazie who is Saudi
deputy finance minister and GCC’s coordinator general for the negotiations with the EU said they did not discuss the issue of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) noting that today’s meeting was mainly a preparatory meeting for the EU-GCC ministerial council meeting. “The EU is the largest trading partner for the GCC and the GCC is the fifth largest trading partner of the EU. The EUGCC economic relation is very strong and growing and there are a lot of opportunities and potentials to join hands and strengthen the relationship and it needs efforts, “ he told KUNA. Al-Bazei added that “we in
the GCC would like to see more effort on part of the EU to help for hopefully resolving the remaining issues that are still standing on the way towards concluding the FTA”. The GCC which groups Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, has been holding FTA talks with the 27member EU for nearly 20 years now. Meanwhile, the EU-GCC political dialogue will be held here today. Kuwait which currently holds the GCC Presidency will chair the meeting for the GCC side and Spain which holds the current EU Presidency for the EU side in tomorrow’s meeting. — KUNA
CANNES, France: Suleiman Al-Rifai of Kuwait is the youngest participant in the international entertainment content market (MIPTV) conference currently taking place here, according to the event’s organizing committee. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Rifai expressed great satisfaction at participating in the event, explaining that his company specializes in media production in all sectors. He stressed that he had received support from Gulf and Kuwaiti media figures, mainly Kuwait’s Information Undersecretary Sheikh Faisal Al-Malik Al-Sabah, adding that he had also received support from the organizers of the event, in which more than 15,000 people from over 120 countries are taking part. Taking part in the MIPTV event is an opportunity to get to know about media production from experts around the world, he said. Arab media are currently preparing productions for the month of Ramadan, while other international channels are making preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup which will be held in South Africa in June and July, he noted. The MIPTV event began on April 12 and will conclude on May 16. — KUNA
NBK draws new customers KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the leading bank in Kuwait and highest rated the Middle East launched a first of its kind salary acquisition campaign designed to reward new salaried customers who transfer their salaries with a chance to win KD 5000/-. Entitled “What Would YOU Do With KD 5000/-?” the campaign offers 8 chances at winning, over a period of 3 months. Customers who chose to transfer their salaries in the first month of the campaign were interviewed via viral video at the various malls and gave testimonials regarding what they would do with a lump sum of KD 5000/-. Responses were enthusiastic and varied from the practical to the aspirational, such as the desire to finance a wedding, furnish their new home to purchasing a luxury watch or putting a down payment on the car of their dreams.
The three-month period salary transfer campaign was launched on March the 7th and will until June the 3rd 2010. One winner will be selected on a weekly basis for a total of 8 grand cash prizes (KD 5,000 each) that are up for grabs over this 3-month period. The last date to enter the draw is June the 3rd 2010 and last draw will be conducted on June the 6th. Entry into the weekly draws is very simple, convenient and automatic. No forms or coupons are required. Just transfer your salary at NBK and once you are an account holder you will get automatic enrolment into the 8 weekly draws that will be conducted at the following dates: May 9th, May 16th, May 23rd, May 30th and June 6th, June 13th, June 20th and June 27th. NBK has pioneered many firsts in both the local and regional markets with offering of innovative products and value added services.
NATIONAL
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
5 Kuwait hosts conference, expo
Private sector to get major ‘health’ role By Ahmad Saeid KUWAIT: The First Kuwaiti health contractors conference and exhibition opened yesterday morning at the Movenpick Hotel in the Shuwaikh duty free zone. The event is hosting a number of local and international specialist health sector contracting companies, in addition to firms which provide the latest innovations in medical equipment and devices. The conference is being held under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Hilal Al-Sayer, who said in his opening speech that the conference and exhibition come at a critical moment in Kuwait’s history, with the launching of the government development plan.
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Hilal Al-Sayer touring the exhibition.
local spotlight
Hands off politics, warning to expats By Muna Al-Fuzai
S
tay out of politics or you will be deported! That was the exact message conveyed by an official statement that warned expatriates in Kuwait against expressing antagonism against the leadership or their country. Last Friday, Kuwaiti police arrested and deported a group of Egyptians who had organized a small demonstration in support of Egypt’s high profile opposition figure Mohammad ElBaradei. Despite the strong opposition shown by Kuwaiti MPs, and vociferous protests voiced by international human rights organizations against their expulsion from the country, the Ministry of Interior issued a statement warning expatriates against participating in mass protests with, ‘legal
and administrative measures that will be taken against those who violate laws that prohibit public gatherings and meetings.” So, maybe the Kuwaiti authorities wanted to hint at Egypt that none of its 400,000 citizens will be allowed to make any comments about internal political issues in future. We are not talking about a group of ignorant workers but educated men. I can see some sense in the way the Kuwaiti government acted, but does the situation require such a harsh punishment? Simply because they said that they seek reform in their country, should we have punished them so severely? Only a small group took part in protests, why was the issue blown completely out of proportion? There have been rumors about forty Egyptians being arrested and half the number were reportedly released. If this is true, what worked toward their advantage? Do they happen to wield more wasta? As far as I know, there is no harm in let-
ting these people express their opinion. If we really are a democratic country as we claim, then we should not act in a manner that debases our image among the international community and make us fall prey to human rights organizations. In the progressive West, people express their likes or dislikes. No one gets deported for doing so. Prudence needs to be practiced during such situations. We cannot use violence to make a point. We cannot convince the world that we support the cause of human rights when we arrest and deport people. Of course, I am not too sure that the newly updated labor law was a god send that is fool proof. So maybe, arresting those who manipulate the law should be reason enough. This act will put across the clear message that no expatriate will be insulted for any reason! It is also time to examine Kuwait’s international reputation. muna@kuwaittimes.net
“This conference confirms the seriousness of the Ministry of Health about involving the private sector, represented by local and international companies, in contributing to the implementation of mega projects, beginning with Jaber Hospital and followed by a series of new hospitals,” said Dr Al-Sayer. The health minister indicated that the ministry aims to increase Intensive Care Units (ICU) bed capacity, and expressed hope that the conference would encourage donors from medical charity projects to take part in enhancing Kuwait’s medical services. “I hope this gathering will identify medical charity donors with qualified international companies to carry out charitable projects, adhering to the latest specifications and international standards,” said Al-Sayer. The chairman of the event’s organizing committee Nasser Al-Enezi, explained that the conference aims to increase the role played by the private sector in the implementation of the national development plan. “This conference was conceived to foster greater involvement from the private sector in future plans by creating the appropriate opportunity for potential services and capabilities to be examined by decisionmakers at the government authorities planning to construct future medical facilities,” said Al-Enezi. The two-day event includes a number of workshops addressing the latest trends in hospital planning and the newest technologies used in providing medical services.
15 dual citizens set to lose Kuwaiti citizenship
KUWAIT: One of the boy’s teams that took part in the auto mechanical inspection contest.
Students auto mechanics contest concludes
KUWAIT: A girl’s team participating in the contest.— Photos by KUNA
KUWAIT: Kuwait Scientific Club’s 18th auto mechanical inspection contest, in which 332 students from 83 high schools competed, concluded. The winning girls’ schools were Tulaitila (95 points), Al-Tahira Bint Al-Haris (90.5 points), and Maria Al-Qitbiya (87.5 points), said the contest’s technical committee. Meanwhile, the winning boys’ schools were Abdullah Jaber Al-Sabah (89 points), Saleh Shihab (87 points), and Imam Malik (84 points), it added. Head of the contest’s technical committee Khalid AlHasan said the competition among participating teams was strong. Students were keen on teamwork, organization, and compliance with safety and security regulations, he added. He stressed that the contest covered different aspects related to car inspection like regular maintenance and safety equipments. A total of 41 schools of girls were represented by 164 students at the contest. Meanwhile, 168 students from 41 boys’ schools took part. — KUNA
KUWAIT: State security services are reportedly considering withdrawing the citizenship of 15 Kuwaiti nationals who were recently found to have dual nationality. Among those whose citizenship may be withdrawn are two sisters of a Kuwaiti MP and a man convicted in a drugsrelated case, reported AlWatan. The 15 dual citizens were arrested after entering the country via one of the land border checkpoints, and the cabinet is currently studying the possible withdrawal of their citizenship if they are found guilty of violating Article 11 of the Kuwaiti citizenship legislation. In another development, MP Daifallah Buramya slammed the finance minister Mustafa AlShamali over “conflicting statements which he made regarding the insolvency fund.” The MP was referring to AlShamali’s recent statement that he would be pushing for amendments to the regulations governing the fund, which contradict his previous denial of any such amendments being planned. Buramya further criticized the fund itself, saying, “It’s like presenting a problem to solve a preexisting problem.” Meanwhile the parliamentary investigation committee looking into last year’s Mishref power station crisis has reportedly received responses to their enquiries from the Minister of Public Works and other officials at that ministry. The committee is expected to issue a final report detailing the findings of its investigation following its meeting on Thursday, outlining their recommendations regarding the responsibility for the breakdown at the sewage plant. A committee member has confirmed reports that the committee is leaning towards holding the Ministry of Public Works accountable. Following its completion, the report will be submitted to the parliament.
KUWAIT: Al-Sayer delivering his speech at the opening of the Health Contractors Conference. — Photos by Joseph Shagra
Special education conference features six workshops KUWAIT: Six specialized workshops have been held on the sidelines of an ongoing conference on special education, with lectures delivered by a galaxy of Arab and foreign scholars. Sponsored by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and organized by Kuwait University’s College of Education, the three-day conference is held under the title: “Preparing the Teacher of Special Education for Minor and Moderate Disabilities”. The first workshop dealt with ways and means of revamping mixed education and promoting effective methods of mixed education. Speakers at the workshop suggested practical and concrete solutions to problems and obstacles facing mixed education. The second workshop focused on the evaluation of functional behaviors and methods of supporting positive behaviors. Experts presented the functional analysis of behaviors and even proposed practical programs to change misconducts and misbehaviors. A new concept of special education, which is based on the provision of educational methods to more categories of learners according to their different capabilities and needs, was promoted during the third workshop. Divergent capabilities of students and strategies of access to ideal special education were thrashed out at the fourth workshop. The lecturers believed that it differs from
learner to another in view of the so-called education examples, saying that the ability of teachers to respond to learners’ needs rests on the determination and treatment of such examples by means of revising educational methodologies. The fifth workshop entitled: “Building the Use of Maps of Concepts” aimed to improve and boost participants’ skills of designing and using maps of concepts through teaching them the theoretical framework of such maps. Such maps of concepts help learners fathom out new information by linking it to previous information or reorganizing what they know, a lecturer opined. The sixth workshop focused on autism and how to tackle this problem by educating parents about such a nervous malfunction. Meanwhile, participants in the three-day conference, which kicked off here on Sunday and will wind up tomorrow, presented several working papers on how to train efficient teachers to help children with minor and moderate disabilities. They defended the right of disabled children to have high-quality educational services that could help in their growth and development. They stressed the significance of enacting fresh pieces of legislation targeting better health, educational and financial services to the disabled. The participating experts went on to say that teachers should be well-trained to assist children with special needs in boosting and developing their capabilities and skills. —- KUNA
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Al-Jassar calls for educational reforms KUWAIT: MP Salwa Al-Jassar asserted the importance of restructuring the country’s higher education sector. She remarked that enhancing the quality of higher education will uplift the country’s political, social and economic aspects. The lawmaker was speaking at a seminar organized by the Basic Education
Faculty of the Public Authority of Applied Education and Training (PAAET) to discuss Kuwait’s higher education scenario. Al-Jassar expressed discontent at the outcome of education in the state’s educational facilities. She also called for the launch of a prompt development and reform process, reported Al-Watan.
Furthermore, Al-Jassar, who serves as the head of the parliament’s educational committee, made note of certain problems that need to be addressed like the challenge of accommodating more students, failure to provide updated scientific knowledge, and rectify infrastructurerelated flaws.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Stage set for conference
Award for distinction in public works field KUWAIT: The Second Public Works conference due here on April 20, to be held under the patronage of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah will be marked this year by its special preparations, director of the public relations department Hamid Boshahri said here yesterday. Boshahri said that the recommendations made by the first conference held in 2007 included the biennial holding of this specialized gathering and earmarking an award for distinction in the field of public works. This award will be given to the most distinctive project according to the engineering criteria along with taking architectural, economic, traffic and environmental matters into account, he added. He also said that the first conference recommended the permanent coordination among all ministries and bodies in order to put the development plans into effect along with accelerating the announcement of bids for the development projects and implementing the subway project to link the capital city to other governorates. There were three seminars preceding the conference with the first one held under the theme “Traffic Jams and Public Transport” and recommending the establishment of an independent body for transportation in Kuwait that is to organize and supervise the transport sector, Boshahri explained. He also said that this seminar recommended the setting of a time limit for implementing recommendations made by the cabinet’s traffic jams committee after revising
and activating the traffic law aiming at reducing the current traffic chaos and decreasing accidents. Boshahri went on to say that the seminar recommended a streamlining of the movement of cabs in what helps traffic on roads along with setting up compulsory side parking lots on the pavements similar to those allocated for buses and developing the systems used in the parking lots of private cars. The first seminar was concluded by a recommendation on supporting the public transport projects and accelerating the train project as a solution to the traffic jams and in preparation for being linked to the Gulf Cooperation Council network of trains. It also urged various institutions to provide buses to transport employees and students and to work to develop the research centers of the transport sector and linking
them to development projects. As for the second seminar, it recommended the development of projects of tapping into the processed agricultural and industrial water and expanding in using them along with setting priorities for the use of such water and distributing it through quotas to demanding bodies. It also recommended the establishment of an independent body for preserving the water sources in Kuwait along with securing its just distribution and optimal use under the predictions that portends a scarcity in water. As for third seminar, it came under the theme of “Implementing Strategic Projects - The Documentary Session” and recommended raising the minimal value received by the state audit bureau in return for monitoring to KD 1,200 million for advisory agreements. — KUNA
MPW maintenance budget KD 55m KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works’ maintenance engineering sector has an annual budget of KD 55 million, an official said here yesterday. The budget is mainly spent on the maintenance and renovation of public utilities and installations, Assistant Undersecretary of the Maintenance Engineering Sector Fadhel Al-Ajmi addressed an open gathering at the ministry. There are 61 maintenance contracts for
roads, highways, health, buildings and construction as well as infrastructure deals, he said, adding that there are also 30 contracts being in the process of awarding and inking. The main task of the sector is to carry out periodical maintenance works for public utilities and facilities, he added. The sector is responsible for the maintenance and renovation of all governmental buildings, implementation of small construction works and erection of rainwater
and sewage networks, he noted. For his part, Chief Maintenance Engineer at the Ministry Shareeda Al-Asmi said the sector is fully responsible for the maintenance of roads, pavement and sewage networks. He listed the key maintenance contracts by the sector as a contract worth KD seven million for the repaving of AlAbdelli Road and another contract valued at KD six million for the repaving of Al-Salmi Road. — KUNA
Yemen envoy praises Kuwaiti aid KUWAIT: Yemen’s Ambassador to Kuwait Khalid Al-Sheikh yesterday praised the Gulf state’s financial and moral support for his country. Al-Sheikh was speaking on the occasion of the fourth batch of humanitarian aid being sent from Kuwait for those displaced from Yemen’s Saada province by the recent turbulence there. Yemen appreciates the stance of the Kuwaiti leadership and people, said Ambassador Al-Sheikh, adding that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) has already delivered a great deal of aid to the Yemeni camps. Six trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies and food, in addition to a fully equipped ambulance, headed to Kuwait yesterday through Saudi Arabia with volunteers from KRCS. In February, KRCS sent six trucks to Yemen loaded with 4,000 blankets, 2,000 tins of food and 2,000 food
RIYADH: Saudi and Kuwaiti officials in the field of providing care for autistic children. — KUNA
Saudi center hails contributions of Kuwaiti autism activist RIYADH: The Saudi center of Prince Faisal bin Fahad’s mother for autism honored the Chief of Gulf Autism Union Dr Samira Al-Saad for her contributions in the domain. The honoring encourages others to take part in the field of autism, volunteer and humanitarian work in general, Al-Saad said on the sidelines of Autism Scientific Forum held Sunday under the patronage of the Prince of Riyadh Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz. Al-Saad, who is also the Director and Founder of
Kuwait Center for Autism said that Islamic teachings of Sharia along traditions promoted voluntary and humanitarian work. She hailed the contributions of Prince Salman and that of autism center’s chief Princess Al-Jawhara bint Faisal bin Tirky for holding the forum. Al-Saad said that she cofounded the classes for autism in Jeddah back in 2002 in cooperation with the female society of Al-Faisaliya headed by Princess Fahda bint Saud.
Kuwait-base Gulf Autism Union provided autistic people in the region with a number of services and helped in allocation of April 2 as the International Autism Awareness Day at the UN since 2008. Kuwait Center for Autism is a pioneer in providing help for people with autism which is a chronic behavioral disorder affecting the brain. Autisim is detected at early age and though it is not curable, performance of those with autism could be improved with practice. —- KUNA
Coach’s salary KUWAIT: The national team football coach Saleh Al-Asfour recently lodged a complaint with the Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS) stating that Jahra Sports Club has forfeited his salary without issuing a prior notice. He asserted that his contract was not terminated, and that a car provided to him was also recalled. Al-Asfour had previously tendered his resignation in protest against the Club’s decision to sign a Bosnian coach as the head coach. However, the Club reportedly rejected this resignation, and made a press statement announcing its commitment to the national coach, and promoting him to the post of technical advisor, reported Al-Watan. Meanwhile, PAYS has confirmed that it will resort to legal recourse to settle the dispute.
Municipality hands over 200 sites KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality handed over to government bodies 200 sites which had been allocated by the Municipal Council in the first quarter of 2010, a senior official said yesterday. Two sites of the government mall were given to the Cabinet, 39 to the Ministry of Public Works and 49 to the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Deputy DirectorGeneral of Kuwait Municipality for Survey Affairs Eng. Abdullah Asad Emadi told reporters here.
The Ministry of Public Works plans to use the plots of land for water, sewage, and road networks as well as parking, while the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs will use the sites for building mosques and parking areas, he revealed. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor received 15 sites where it will launch branches of cooperative societies, stores and a ballroom. The Ministry of Education received 21 sites to launch pri-
vate colleges and schools and a new ministry building, Emadi pointed out. The Ministry of Finance was given three plots of land where it will launch bank branches, an international faculty of law and the Ministry of Communication received 13 sites. The Ministry of Health received seven sites for launching clinics, emergency centers, the Ministry of Electricity and Water 29 sites and the Ministry of Oil received one site, Emadi
affirmed. Other sites were given to the Environment Public Authority (EPA), the Public Authority for Industry (PAI), Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), Kuwait Fire Service Directorate, the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), Kuwait General Administration of Customs (KGAC) and the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), he added. — KUNA
KUWAIT: A group photo of the maintenance team in Yusuf Ahmed Al-Ghanim and Sons Company. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat
Al-Ghanim celebrates golden jubilee By Rawan Khalid KUWAIT: Yusuf Ahmed Al-Ghanim and Sons Company, the engineering division, celebrated its 50th year’s anniversary yesterday at the Jahra’s street off the Seventh Ring Road. Celebrations were began with the company offering distinguished customer services. Nearly 200 cars were parked on the street to greet customers, and the maintained cars form the largest fleet in the company’s history. The colorfully decorated cars also carried large banners with the slogan of the Air Conditioner Maintenance team. Many people and customers offered their greetings on the occasion of the company’s golden jubilee celebrations. The Deputy Head of Engineering group, Ahmed Qasem Hamoud spoke during the occasion “Because of the support we received from our customers, Yusuf Ahmed Al-Ghanim and Sons Company has continued to operate for 50 years. We are very grateful to all the customers who have supported us all these years. Also, we promise them that we will continue to be as we are, and maybe better than old days, in addition to offering them new technology and good services.”
KUWAIT: Usama Shehebar, Maintenance Manager in Engineering Projects Group (left), Ahmed Qasem Hamouda, Deputy Head of Maintenance Group (middle) and Abdulaziz Al-Awadhi, Marketing Manager Assistant in Maintenance Group (right).
INTERNATIONAL
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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On Holocaust day, Israel warns of Iran threat JERUSALEM: Israel used the solemn occasion of yesterday’s annual Holocaust memorial day to call on the world to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to draw new attention to the plight of the dwindling number of survivors. The wail of air raid sirens pierced the air for two minutes as the country came to a standstill in a yearly ritual remembering the 6 million Jews who perished in World War II. People stood at attention and traffic halted during the moment of silence, as radio stations played mournful music throughout the day. Israel was built on the ashes of the Holocaust, and preserving the memory of the Nazi genocide plays a central role in the country’s identity. At the memorial’s opening ceremony late Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to draw parallels to the rise of Nazi Germany and the development of Iran’s nuclear program. Israel, like the West, believes Iran is developing nuclear weapons, and Netanyahu derided the world’s response to curbing Tehran’s atomic ambitions as limp. “If we have learned anything from
the Holocaust, it is that we must not be silent or be deterred in the face of evil,” Netanyahu said. Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran an existential threat, underscored by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s repeated references to the Jewish state’s destruction and Tehran’s support for anti-Israeli militant groups. Israel has hinted at taking military action against Iran if diplomacy fails. This year’s commemoration coincides with a summit in Washington aimed at stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. Netanyahu hoped to highlight the threat from Iran there, but officials said he called off his trip after learning that Israel would be targeted because of its own barely concealed nuclear weapons program. The Yad Vashem memorial authority picked “Voices of the Survivors” as the theme of this year’s commemoration. Sixty-five years after World War II, about 207,000 aging survivors, many of them destitute and alone, live in Israel, down 63,000 from just two years earlier. In Jerusalem, Yad Vashem opened a new art exhibit yesterday displaying
works by survivors. Among the collection was a painting by Shoshana Noyman, 78, who lost her father and sister during a six-week death march in Ukraine. The painting shows a bearded man, eyes closed with exhaustion, carrying a young girl on his shoulders. She said her father dropped dead of exhaustion at the end of the march, while her sister died from typhus. “I have no pictures of my family. I drew this from memory. This is how I remember them,” said Noyman, who was forced to stand guard by her sister’s body for more than a week before it could be removed. At the Israeli parliament yesterday, Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, other officials and survivors read names of loved ones who perished. Peres recited the names of his family members killed “with 2,060 of their community members in the town of Vishneva in August 1942,” saying the “Nazis and their accomplices assembled the town’s residents in the synagogue that was made of wood and cruelly shot and burned them to death.” The reading is an annual rite known as “Every Person Has a Name” that
tries to break down the 6 million number into stories of individuals, families and communities wiped out during the war. Memorial ceremonies were also held at schools and military bases, while restaurants, cafes and theaters were closed. The front page of the Yediot Ahronot daily carried a black-and-white photo of a bearded Polish Jew, wrapped in a prayer shawl, kneeling before two Nazi soldiers, his arms raised, fists clenched, before he was executed. The man was the maternal grandfather of Meir Dagan, chief of the Mossad spy agency, who told the newspaper: “I see that photo every day and vow that something like that will not happen again.” The Simon Wiesenthal Center yesterday praised Germany for bringing accused Nazi war criminals John Demanjuk and Heinrich Boere to trial over the past year, but said a “lack of political will” continues to be the major obstacle to punishing others, particularly in post-Communist Eastern Europe. The center singled out Hungary’s failure to try Sandor Kepiro, whom it accuses of organizing the mass murder of at least 1,200 civilians in Serbia in 1942. — AP
Gazans face new challenge: Taxes
Who are world’s nuclear powers? US President Barack Obama will host top officials from 46 nations at a summit this week aimed at preventing nuclear terrorism. The main goal of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington yesterday and today is to find ways to prevent the spread of nuclear materials and know-how. Here are some details of official and unofficial nuclear powers and their weapon stocks: OFFICIAL NUCLEAR POWERS UNITED STATES Under a new treaty, a successor to the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the United States and Russia will limit the number of operationally deployed nuclear warheads to 1,550 - 30 percent lower than the ceiling the 2002 Treaty of Moscow established for each side by 2012. The new treaty, which was signed on Thursday, will not come into force without its ratification by lawmakers in both countries. According to the START counting rules, as of January 2009 the United States had an estimated 5,200 nuclear warheads and 2,700 operationally deployed warheads (2,200 strategic and 500 nonstrategic). The 2002 Treaty of Moscow (the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty, or SORT) between the United States and Russia, states that each country must reduce their deployed strategic nuclear forces to 1,700-2,200 warheads by 2012. Obama’s “Prague Speech” in April 2009 committed the United States to the longterm goal of zero nuclear weapons. RUSSIA Russia is estimated to have around 14,000 nuclear weapons, although the total is uncertain because there is no accurate count of tactical weapons. Under provisions of START I, the Russian nuclear arsenal has been reduced to around 3,909 strategic nuclear warheads as of January 2009. FRANCE France has been a party to the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) since 1992. In 2008, President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the country would leave its submarine missile arsenal in place while cutting its stock of air-launched weapons by a third to around 290 warheads. As of September 2008, France had already pared its arsenal to about 300 nuclear warheads. BRITAIN Its nuclear stockpile consists of fewer than 200 strategic and “sub-strategic” warheads on four Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. As the first two submarines of the fleet will be retired in 2024, in early 2007 British lawmakers accepted a plan to design a new class of replacement nucleararmed submarines. However, with a new Strategic Defense Review due to be conducted after next month’s general election, the merits of renewing Britain’s Strategic Trident system will again be an issue of contention. CHINA China is estimated to have about 250 strategic and tactical nuclear weapons and sufficient stocks of fissile material to produce a much larger arsenal. It acceded to the NPT in 1992 as a nuclear weapon state. China has pledged not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states. OTHER ‘DECLARED; NUCLEAR NATIONS NORTH KOREA: North Korea promised to abandon its nuclear programs in 2005 but later backed away from the agreement, testing nuclear devices in October 2006 and in May 2009. It has refused to resume “six-party” talks with South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States on curbing its nuclear ambitions. Experts believe North Korea, which announced its withdrawal from the NPT in January 2003, has produced enough plutonium for six to eight bombs. INDIA: India has formally declared itself a nuclear weapon state. New Delhi is likely to have manufactured weapons-grade plutonium for at least 100 warheads. A 2007 report from the International Panel on Fissile Materials estimated 50-60 warheads had been assembled. PAKISTAN: Pakistan is believed to have stockpiled about 580-800 kg (1,279-1,764 lb) of highly enriched uranium, sufficient to build 30 to 50 fission bombs. According to the United States, China helped Pakistan by providing nuclear-related materials, scientific expertise and technical assistance. Pakistan’s poor record of preventing attacks on even secure military targets has raised concern that militants could penetrate a nuclear facility. Analysts say that while there is minimal risk insurgents could get their hands on a nuclear missile, there is a danger they could steal some fissile material which could be used to build a “dirty bomb.” Neither India nor Pakistan are signatories to the NPT. OTHER UNDECLARED NATIONS ISRAEL: Israel is widely believed to possess a sizable nuclear arsenal but maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity. Based on estimates of the plutonium production capacity of the Dimona reactor, Israel has about 100-200 advanced nuclear explosive devices. Officially, Israel has declared that it will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons into the Middle East. Israel has not signed the NPT treaty. IRAN: Iran has been a non-nuclear-weapon state party to the NPT since 1970. It has a uranium enrichment program which it says is to produce energy. Western powers suspect Iran is trying to develop the means to make atomic bombs because of its past failure to declare nuclear facilities to the UN nuclear watchdog and continued restrictions on UN inspections. Iran is under UN Security Council sanctions for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment and the United States is leading a push at the United Nations to impose additional punitive measures on Tehran. US officials cite estimates that Iran, which denies it is seeking to build nuclear weapons, could have a nuclear weapon by the middle of this decade. — Reuters
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu covers his face during a ceremony marking the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem yesterday. — AP
Egyptian wall jeopardizes tunnel smuggling network SANAA: Abdullah Al-Dulaimi (left) and Walid Sharaf Al-Din sit behind bars during their trial in Sanaa yesterday. — AFP
Iran’s spies in Yemeni court SANAA: Yemen put four Shiite rebel supporters on trial yesterday on charges of spying for Iran in a move that could strain a truce to end a northern war that drew in neighboring oil giant Saudi Arabia last year. Prosecutors asked for the death penalty for the men, a prosecution official said. The four were accused of handing Shiite Iran photographs of security and military installations as well as ports and islands, the indictment said. “During the period between 1994 and Aug 25, 2009, they undertook to spy for a foreign state and hold illegal communications with those working for Iran’s interests,” the indictment said. The men were arrested in July and August. “They received support and funding to carry out intellectual and political projects serving Iranian interests, and submitted to them reports on the political, economic and social situation in the country.” Yemen, under international pressure to end its northern
conflict, sealed a truce with the rebels in February to end the long-running conflict that has raged on and off since 2004 and displaced 250,000 people. But implementation of all the required steps of the truce has been slow. Yemen, strategically located next door to Saudi Arabia, jumped to the forefront of Western security concerns after Al-Qaeda’s Yemen-based regional arm claimed responsibility for an attempted December attack on a US-bound plane. Western countries and Saudi Arabia want Sanaa to calm the situation in the north to focus on fighting a resurgent AlQaeda, which the West fears is exploiting instability in Yemen to launch attacks in the region and beyond. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh declared the war definitively over last month. Previous truces to end the northern war have not held and analysts are skeptical the latest ceasefire will last as it fails to address insurgent complaints of discrimination by the government. — Reuters
GAZA: Hamas has begun taxing Gaza street vendors and shopkeepers, raising speculation the ruling Islamist group is in a financial crisis fuelled partly by Egypt’s building of a border wall to stop smuggling tunnels. Experts said yesterday that perhaps only a few dozen of the hundreds of tunnels are still functional as a result of the steel wall being pounded deep into the ground along the 14km -long frontier. For Gaza’s Hamas government, which takes a cut from Palestinian merchants who move items ranging from cars to fuel to food along the subterranean route, that means lower revenues in an impoverished enclave under an Israeli-led blockade. Weapons, and it is widely believed cash, also come in via the tunnels. “There is a real financial crisis,” Palestinian economist Omar Shaban said. The Hamas administration, he said, employed 34,000 people in the Gaza Strip and had put much of its liquidity into the purchase of buildings and land. “The crisis may also indicate either a lack of foreign financial support, Arab and Islamic, or a difficulty to get that support into the territory for some reasons,” Shaban said. For the first time since Hamas seized the Gaza Strip from the rival Fatah movement of Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007, it has begun to collect taxes from
Iraq’s premier accuses neighbors of meddling BAGHDAD: Iraq’s prime minister accused neighboring states yesterday of meddling in his country’s internal affairs in efforts to influence government building after March 7 elections produced no clear winner. Nouri Al-Maliki told a government committee meeting he was upset to hear representatives of neighboring states talking on television as if they were Iraq’s “guardians.” “Our message is clear: do not interfere in our affairs,” Al-Maliki said. He didn’t specify which of Iraq’s six neighbors - Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria or Turkey - he was referring to. “We want good relations with our friends, brothers, Arab neighbors, Muslim neighbors,” he stressed. But, he added “such good relations can only be built on the basis of mutual respect, noninterference in internal affairs and the end of paternalism.” The election left Al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition trailing former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s Iraqiya alliance by two seats. Neither side won enough to govern
alone and has been scrambling to cobble together a coalition. Both coalitions, as well as other parties, have been rallying neighboring countries for support. Al-Maliki has led a government dominated by religious Shiites for the past four years, while Allawi, a secular Shiite, drew most of his support from the country’s Sunni minority on a campaign pledge that he was looking to transcend ethnic and sectarian divides. Both coalitions, as well as other political parties have been holding talks with neighbors in the wake of the balloting. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani met Sunday in Saudi Arabia with King Abdullah and other officials in the influential Sunni powerhouse. Ahead of the trip, Saudi Foreign Minister Saud alFaisal said the kingdom plays no favorites and views Iraq’s political blocs from “the same distance.” Tehran’s ambassador in Baghdad said Saturday that all political blocs - including Sunnis - should play a role in the new Iraqi government. The state-
ment was unusual for a representative of Iran, which traditionally backs fellow Shiites in Iraq. Al-Maliki made a veiled allegation yesterday that other countries were trying to influence the probe of some 750,000 ballots his party has questioned. “Leave Iraqis to present their complaints and to judge these complaints according to law,” he said, again without identifying specific countries. Al-Maliki has tried to dispel fears that Sunnis would be neglected by a Shiite-led government. He spoke yesterday at a meeting of the Committee for National Reconciliation with former Sunni fighters known as Sons of Iraq who sided with American forces against AlQaeda. Many of the fighters were former insurgents who switched sides, but Al-Maliki said recent attacks against them by al-Qaida in Iraq show that they are to be “trusted” by the government. “We promise that we and the security services will be on your side,” Al-Maliki said. — AP
street merchants and small business owners. “They asked me to pay 1,100 shekels ($290) a month. How much did I earn to give them what they asked for?” asked the owner of a shop selling falafel (fried chickpea) snacks. “Instead, I asked them to take the store and pay me the 1,100 shekels every month. It would be a better deal for me,” he joked. Taher Al-Nono, a Hamas government spokesman, denied it was going through any financial problems. “We have not imposed any new tax that did not exist in the past and we are charging tax only to those who are doing great business,” Nono said. One lucrative levy is a $6,000 license fee that Hamas charges a car buyer to bring a new vehicle into the Gaza Strip through a tunnel. The buyer also pays the tunnel owner $5,000. Three months ago, the Hamas government presented an annual budget of $540 million, of which only $50 million was listed as local revenue, with the rest of the funds slated to come from undisclosed foreign donations. Iran and Qatar have been major financial supporters of Hamas and it is widely believed that much of the cash they provide comes through the tunnel network now in jeopardy. “So the crisis was expected but I do not think there was a genuine thinking about immediate solutions,” Shaban said. — Reuters
GAZA: Palestinian protesters burn tires during a demonstration against the blockade on Gaza in the village of Abassan east of Khan Younis, near the border between Gaza and Israel yesterday. —AP
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INTERNATIONAL
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Car bomb explodes near MI5 headquarters in Ireland Blast mars N Ireland power handover
BELFAST: British and Northern Ireland leaders vowed yesterday that the province’s peace process will not be derailed after a car bomb exploded in a hijacked taxi on the day key powers were handed over from London. Nobody was seriously hurt in the blast near the offices of Britain’s MI5 security agency, but the timing was symbolic, just minutes after the devolved power-sharing administration in Belfast took over policing and justice control. The device exploded shortly after midnight in a vehicle at the rear of Palace Barracks, a former British army complex just outside Belfast which now houses hundreds of MI5 employees, said a police spokeswoman. Security services later confirmed the bomb was in a hijacked taxi which was driven to the rear of the barracks. The taxi driver then jumped from the car, shouting: “It’s a bomb.” A number of houses in the area were evacuated and residents moved to a local community centre, police said. “I was just dazed, I did not know what was happening. There was just this loud bang and I thought something had blown in the house,” said Jackie Budd, who lives yards away. Politicians vowed that the attack
on the offices of MI5 — the agency responsible for monitoring paramilitary behavior in the province-would not blow the political process off course. “The important thing is to keep the political process in the driving seat,” said Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein, an ex-commander of the militant Irish Republican Army (IRA) now at the heart of political power. “The vast majority of the people on the island of Ireland know where we are coming from,” he told the BBC. Britain’s Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward said: “Today Northern Ireland will complete devolution with the transfer of policing and justice powers. “That democratic transition stands in stark contrast to the activity of a criminal few who will not accept the will of the majority of people of Northern Ireland. They have no support anywhere,” he added. Northern Ireland endured three decades of civil strife between Catholics who wanted the province to become part of the Republic of Ireland and Protestants who wanted to stay within the United Kingdom. The violence largely ended with the signing of the 1998 Good Friday peace accords, which paved the way for the current power-shar-
ing administration between the Protestant DUP and the Catholic Sinn Fein parties. The main paramilitary groups including the IRA have laid down their arms, but sporadic violence still plagues the province, including the killing of two British soldiers and a policeman last year. Dissident republicans opposed to the peace process are usually blamed. The policing and justice powers were transferred from London to Belfast at midnight April 11, resolving one of the most sensitive issues here. Britain seized control of policing and justice from Northern Ireland’s local ministers in 1972, at the height of the violence known as “The Troubles”, in a bid to control the worsening security situation. But it prompted the fall of the devolved administration and London retained control throughout the conflict, in which more than 3,500 people died. When lawmakers approved the power transfer deal last month, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown hailed it as the “final end” to decades of strife. David Ford, leader of the crosscommunity Alliance Party, was widely expected to be selected as the new justice minister in a vote by lawmakers later yesterday. — AFP
Moscow, Washington to ink plutonium deal Medvedev renews warning on missile defense BELFAST: A army robot checks bomb damage outside a British army base, Palace Barracks in the Belfast suburb of Holywood, Northern Ireland yesterday. — AP
Nigerian former military leader Babangida to run for president Babangida wants slim federal govt; gives states more power ABUJA: Nigeria’s former military leader Ibrahim Babangida is planning a political comeback by running for president nearly 25 years after he first came to power in a bloodless coup, his spokesman said yesterday. Babangida, 68, seized power in the OPEC member state in August 1985 and went on to rule Africa’s most populous nation for nearly eight years. He was forced to step down in 1993 after he cancelled an election that was generally regarded as fair. “Yes, General Babangida has decided to contest for the presidency under the (People’s Democratic Party) in the 2011 presidential election,” spokesman Kassim Afeagbu said. “He is only waiting for the party timetable before he will formally declare.” He is the first major politician to publicly announce his intention to run, and he will campaign for a smaller federal government focused mainly on defense, foreign policy and the economy, leaving the rest to the states and local councils. The ruling PDP party is expected to hold primaries in the next few months to choose their presidential candidate for the general election, which must be held by April 2011. The race for president is expected to be wide open since many believe ailing President
Umaru Yar’Adua will not seek re-election. Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has assumed executive powers in the absence of Yar’Adua, who remains too sick to govern and has been out of the public eye since November. Though 17 years have elapsed, Babangida’s reputation has not fully recovered since he annulled the poll, in a move that paved the way for another army dictator Sani Abacha to take over. AGE OLD PROBLEM Analysts say voters will also be concerned about his age, reluctant to vote for another leader who may not survive a full four-year term. “After his June 1993 election problems. He will have considerable challenges in terms of his credibility,” said Bismark Rewane, head of Lagos-based Head of Financial Derivatives. “He will also have a generational problems at his age. You need someone with a lot of vigour and energy to deal with Nigeria’s huge problems.” Rewane said Babangida would be good for business as he initiated crucial economic reforms during his administration. “There’s so much bureaucracy in government. It makes government too expensive,” Afeagbu said. “He wants to run a slim government that will be less bureaucratic and less
expensive at the federal level. ACTING PRESIDENT PROMISES FAIR ELECTIONS Nigeria’s acting president is promising free and credible elections in 2011 in Africa’s most populous nation. Acting President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday in an appearance at the Council on Foreign Relations that was his clear goal that could be achieved in a year. Jonathan has little time to address the country’s growing insecurity, religious problems and corrupt elections. The next presidential election will come in January or April of next year, and the ruling People’s Democratic Party has said it won’t back Jonathan as a candidate. In his remarks to the council, Jonanthan made just a passing reference to ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua, saying only that he continues to pray for him. Yar’Adua hasn’t been seen publicly since he left Nigeria in November for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. He returned to the presidential palace in February, but hasn’t been seen in public since then. He’s in Washington to attend the Nuclear Summit hosted by US President Barack Obama. Jonathan met with Obama on Sunday. — Agencies
Bakiyev emerges from hiding Ousted Kyrgyz president addresses supporters in south TEYYIT: Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev emerged from five days of hiding yesterday to address a crowd of followers in his southern stronghold, and warned of bloodshed if the new government tried to arrest him. It was Bakiyev’s first public appearance since he fled the capital on April 7 as opposition protesters seized control in the face of security forces who fired into the crowds, killing dozens. Bakiyev struck a defiant tone as he spoke to least 2,000 supporters at a rally in his home village of Teyyit, saying his opponents in the capital were out for blood and calling on followers to join rallies across the south. “I am the president and no one can depose me,” Bakiyev told the rally in a 25-minute speech that was interrupted by chants of “Bakiyev, Bakiyev, Bakiyev” and loud applause. “I appeal to all of you who gathered here, to those who travelled from the regions, please convey all of my words to locals and please tell them I am here in Kyrgyzstan, that I have not fled anywhere,” Bakiyev said. During the turmoil, which has opened up the specter of conflict in an impoverished Central Asian country where the United States operates an air base, Bakiyev fled to his stronghold in the southern region of Jalalabad. When asked by reporters about a special operation that the interim government said it planned against him, Bakiyev warned that it would end in bloodshed. “Let them try to seize me. Let them try to kill
TEYIT: Kyrgyzstan’s deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiyev prays during a meeting in the village of Teyit, in Jalal-Abad region in southern Kyrgyzstan yesterday. — AP me,” he said outside his family tent, or yurt. “I believe this will lead to such a great deal of bloodshed, which no one will be able to justify.” RALLYING SUPPORTERS “Tomorrow we plan to hold a rally in the central square of
Jalalabad where I will be meeting my people,” he told supporters to rapturous applause. Bakiyev, who was guarded by about a dozen armed men, spoke in Kyrgyz on a podium under a green tarpaulin and was watched by locals including bearded vil-
lage elders. He said rallies would be held across the southerly regions of Osh, Jalalabad and Batken. Traditional plov-spiced rice with meat-was handed out to supporters. “My main goal is to stay with my nation. If you support me, I will continue working,” he said. “I turn to those leaders who have not yet been replaced. Hold on. You are the legitimate authorities.” Supporters said people from the south would rally. “Kyrgyzstan’s south is entirely for Bakiyev. He worked well and honestly and he will improve Kyrgyzstan,” said Meder, an 18-year-old finance student in Teyyit. Bakiyev has denied ordering riot police and troops to shoot into crowds of opposition protesters and says he was nearly killed several times on April 7 by a sniper and by protesters who attacked his car as he fled the government compound. “The opposition is out for blood because their rallies and pickets have failed to topple me. I was saved by my armor-plated car. Otherwise I could have been killed,” he said. He said that he had been forced to disband some of his guards because of threats against their families, but that he was still surrounded by a core of loyalists. “I do not intend to step down merely at the whim of this gang of bandits,” he said. “I am still surrounded by armed people, but when these tragic events are over, they will turn in their weapons.” — Reuters
MOSCOW: Russia and the United States will sign a deal today on reducing stocks of weapons grade plutonium, the Russian foreign ministry said. Under the agreement, each country is to dispose of 34 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium removed from military programs by burning it in reactors, US officials said. The United States and Russia initially reached a similar deal on plutonium disposal in 2000, but it never went into force. “Tomorrow in Washington a bilateral protocol will be signed to the agreement on the disposal of surplus weapons-grade plutonium,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview broadcast on Ekho Moskvy radio station yesterday. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama are among four dozen leaders due to take part in a nuclear security summit that begins in Washington yesterday. The two leaders last week signed the ‘New START’ treaty committing them to reduce their atomic arsenals. Warning Meanwhile, Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev warned in an interview yesterday that he could walk away from a nuclear disarmament treaty signed last week if a US missile defense program in Europe creates “imbalance.” Medvedev said former Cold War foes Russia and the United States negotiated specific language in the preamble of the new START treaty he signed last week with US President Barack Obama. This “formula” states that there is an “interconnection between the strategic offensive arms and missile defense,” Medvedev told ABC News. “So if those circumstances will change, then we would consider it as the reason to jeopardize the whole agreement.” If the United States “radically multiplies the number and power of its missile defense system, obviously that missile defense system is indeed becoming a part of the strategic offensive nuclear forces, because it’s capable of blocking the action of the other side,” he added. “So an imbalance occurs, and this would be certainly the reason to have a review of that agreement.” Obama’s Republican foes have cautioned they will oppose the pact if it ham-
pers the US missile defense plans bitterly opposed by Russia. The issue had been a main point of contention during months of arduous negotiations between the two countries. They have also warned that Obama must submit a comprehensive plan for upgrading US nuclear laboratories and modernizing the US nuclear arsenal before senators take up the treaty, which must be ratified by the US Senate and Russia’s parliament, or Duma. Medvedev said that while Russia might consider bringing a “premature end” to the agreement if it feels threatened by the US missile defense program, he hopes “something like that would not happen” and the two sides would consult one another. The new START slashes limits on the number of deployed warheads by 30 percent from levels set in the last major US-Russian disarmament treaty in 2002, specifying limits of 1,550 nuclear warheads for each of the two countries. The ABC interview was conducted on Friday, a day after Medvedev and Obama signed the nuclear arms reduction treaty in Prague. It first aired yesterday. — Agencies
9 dead as landslide derails Italian train CASTELBELLO: A landslide threw a passenger train from its tracks in northern Italy near the border with Austria yesterday, killing nine people and injuring 28, officials said. The regional three-carriage train came off the rails at around 9:00 am when the landslide hit the front passenger car near the city of Bolzano, a rescue official said. Seven seriously injured people have been hospitalized. The toll, which was revised down from 11 because of an error, is not final, since “there could still be someone buried in the mud,” said Bolzano provincial governor Luis Durnwalder, according to the ANSA news agency. After being hit by the landslide in the rugged mountain area, the front car lodged between two large trees which stopped it from falling into the Adige River several meters below between the towns of Laces and Castelbello. The wagon was left hanging precariously over the river and firefighters used cables to prevent it from slipping further down the mountainside. Rescuers had to climb up from the forested riverbank to reach the train, comprising a passenger carriage at each end and a locomotive in the middle. “We are speechless over this catastrophe, whose magnitude and causes are not completely clear yet,” the head of the Bolzano provincial council, Dieter Steger, said in a statement. Consumer advocacy group Codacons, calling the accident “a massacre of innocents,” demanded an investigation into any “omissions or neglect on safety or maintenance over the entire rail line.” According to a preliminary reconstruction, the landslide was caused by a broken irrigation pipe in a field above the rails, “drenching the terrain below,” a provincial spokesman told Italian television. The railway line, inaugurated in 2005, is considered one of the most modern in the country. Yesterday’s accident was the worst in Europe since a Belgian train crash in February in which 18 people died when two rushhour commuter trains collided outside Brussels. — AFP
MERANO: Firefighters search the wreckage of a train that derailed in northern Italy yesterday. — AP
Top anti-racism judge shot dead in Moscow MOSCOW: A top judge from Moscow’s city court who had tried high-profile racist murder cases was shot dead yesterday as he left his apartment in the Russian capital, investigators said. “Unknown assailants shot the federal judge of the Moscow city court, Eduard Chuvashov, on the third-floor landing in the first entrance of building 24 on Strelbishchensky Street,” the investigative committee said in a statement. “He died on the spot from gunshot wounds to the head and chest. The attackers fled the scene.” Investigators were working at the crime scene and hunting for the man who pulled the trigger in the apparent contract-style killing, the committee said. The crime was likely related to Chuvashov’s work, it added. His court dealt with “difficult criminal cases”, a spokeswoman for Moscow’s court, Anna Usacheva, said on the Echo of Moscow radio. “For the court and colleagues, he was a kind-hearted, compas-
MOSCOW: This undated image shows Eduard Chuvashov, a judge of Moscow’s City Court, who Russian officials say has been shot to death in the stairwell of his apartment building yesterday. — AP
sionate man and the highest of professionals,” she said. The 47-year-old judge had presided over at least two cases of hate crimes perpetrated by ultra-nationalist groups last year and afterwards threats against him were posted on several radical websites, said Galina Kozhevnikova of the Sova Centre, a rights group that tracks racist crimes. “They published his picture and extracts of audio tapes from court, profiling him as a danger to all Russians,” she said. Just last week Chuvashov jailed three ultra-nationalists for race-motivated murders, Usacheva said. In February, he sentenced members of a skinhead group called the White Wolves to up to 23 years in jail for murders motivated by ethnic hatred. The nine young gang members were found guilty of the murders of six people, most of whom were migrant workers from Central Asia, knifed and clubbed to death. — AFP
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
INTERNATIONAL
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Brazilian slum residents evacuated after killer rains RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian authorities have evacuated thousands of shantytown residents so their houses could be demolished after heavy rains that killed 224 people last week threatened further landslides. Rio mayor Eduardo Paes said residents of the Morro de Urubu favelas (shantytowns) were being evacuated starting Saturday ahead of demolitions. The mayor decreed late last week that residents could be forcibly removed from their neighborhoods, perched precariously on hillsides. “There is still a risks of rains in the city. We cannot let people stay in danger zones,” he said, noting that some 10,000 people live in the designated “risk areas.” Families will receive a “social pension” of 141 dollars each month to pay for tem-
porary housing until new houses are built, the mayor said. On a visit to the Morro do Bumba slum in Niteroi on Sunday, Rio state Governor Sergio Cabral announced the federal government would provide a loan of some 2.3 billion dollars to cover damages. The slum, where dozens of houses were destroyed by landslides, was built on an old garbage dump, compacted by time. The hillside gave way after the heavy rains, burying alive some hundreds of people, according to official estimates. Labor Minister Carlos Lupi has said a 30-year credit line of 567 million dollars, with a three-percent interest rate, has been set up to finance construction of public housing. The federal government meanwhile already released 113 million dollars in aid for municipalities in Rio state
affected by the floods and mudslides. Last week’s floods tore through the metropolitan area’s precarious hillside slums. The Niteroi shantytown was hardest hit, with at least 141 dead, according to the civil defense authorities. Across the bay, another 63 bodies were found in Rio de Janeiro. The heavy rain forced some 50,000 people to leave their homes, officials said, either because their homes were damaged or because they were ordered to leave due to fear of fresh landslides. Focus has quickly turned on responsibility for the huge death toll and damage. Experts blamed government “complacency” for allowing the country’s poorest to build housing haphazardly in areas at risk of natural disasters, such as on the sides of steep hills.— AFP
Nuke pact, court fight for returning US lawmakers NITEROI: Residents watch a damaged area after a landslide in Niteroi, outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. — AP
US First Lady to visit Mexico WASHINGTON: Michelle Obama travels to Mexico from April 13-15 on her first solo international trip as first lady. The self-proclaimed “mom in chief” says her principal responsibility at the White House is to make sure her daughters Malia, 11 and Sasha, 8, are well taken care of and have settled in to their new city and schools. Here are some questions and answers about the first lady and what she has been doing at the White House: WHAT ARE HER PET CAUSES? Since her husband Barack Obama took office in January 2009, Michelle Obama has had a relatively low profile role as first lady. She has focused on children’s health and nutrition, gaining much attention by planting the White House Kitchen Garden-an organic vegetable garden on part of the South Lawn of the White House. As part of an effort to battle childhood obesity, she also launched the “Let’s Move” campaign to get people exercising. Obama has also focused on supporting military families and encouraging Americans to perform national service. HOW HAS SHE CHANGED THE WHITE HOUSE? After the inauguration, Obama said she felt a “responsibility to make it feel like the People’s House.” As part of an effort to cement that idea, the Obamas decided to surprise visitors on White House tours after the inauguration. This year on the one-year anniversary of the inauguration, Michelle Obama and family dog Bo did the same thing. The Obamas have opened up another room-the China Room- to tours, and visitors are also occasionally invited out to the South Lawn to watch the arrival or departure of Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Some visitors are also given tours of the Executive Residence. On St Patrick’s Day, the fountain in front of the White House is dyed green-a nod to the Obama’s hometown of Chicago, which dyes its river green on the Irish holiday. Obama has invited groups of school children to various events at the White House. Some local high school girls were invited to a formal dinner with her and cooking students were invited to talk to the head chef and first lady as they prepared for the Obama’s first state dinner last November. Obama also holds different themed music events, like bringing in jazz musicians to play with students from a local performing arts high school. When she moved in, Obama said she planned to make the first family’s residence more family friendly, with comfortable couches where the children can hang out or use the cushions to make forts. But she also insisted that her daughters make their own beds, set the table and be treated as normal kids. HOW IS SHE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER RECENT FIRST LADIES? Despite fears by some and hopes from others that the Ivy League lawyer would take on a strong role in the White House, Michelle Obama has had a surprisingly low profile. This sparked a Washington Post columnist recently to dub her “Michelle Milquetoast”, calling her low profile and light schedule one of the biggest surprises of the Obama presidency. Laura Bush, a former teacher and librarian, focused mainly on education and literacy when she was first lady. In contrast, Hillary Clinton played a major policy role in the government of husband Bill Clinton, who promised voters “two for the price of one” during the campaign. After taking the unusual step of having an office in the West Wing, Hillary Clinton took control of the administration’s plans to overhaul the nation’s health-care system-a mission that failed. Barbara Bush, like her daughter-in-law Laura, was more of a traditional first lady, focusing mainly on literacy. IS THE FIRST LADY POPULAR AT HOME? Yes. In fact, she’s more popular than her husband. During the campaign, critics seized on her comment that “For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country” as evidence of a lack of patriotism. She was also criticized during the campaign for talking about her husband’s bad habits, like not picking up his dirty socks, and said he was “stinky” when he woke up. She became only the second first lady (after Clinton) to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. Though she wears designer clothes and has become a fashion trend setter, Obama has worn off-the-rack sweater sets on TV interviews and shorts and casual clothes while on vacation. She also likes to show off her well-toned arms, and is often photographed sleeveless. Compared to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Obama’s poll numbers improved after becoming first lady when she focused on her children and on issues like family, the homeless, military families and fighting childhood obesity. Her approval ratings sit above 70 percent, while her husband’s have dropped to just over 50 percent. WHAT DOES PRESIDENT SAY ABOUT HIS WIFE? Barack Obama regularly refers to his wife as “my rock” and said he was lucky his wife never did not enter politics. In his book “The Audacity of Hope” he wrote “If I ever had to run against her for public office, she would beat me without much difficulty.” Describing his impression of his wife, Obama wrote in the book “Most people who meet my wife quickly conclude that she is remarkable. They are right about this-she is smart, funny and thoroughly charming.” He also recalled during an interview that Michelle was asked what it was like to be a political wife, and she responded that it was hard. “And that’s why Barack is such a grateful man,” she said. Her husband agreed. “As usual, my wife is right,” he wrote in “The Audacity of Hope.” Obama also calls his wife “the boss” in the family and says their daughters see her that way too. In speeches with an element of showing how normal their family is, both Obamas mention that they struggled financially with all their loan payments for college and law school and that at times it caused friction in their marriage. — Reuters
A world without nuclear: Utopia, threat or reality? WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s vision of a world without nuclear weapons earned him a Nobel Peace Prize. But foes are also dismissing the controversial project as naive utopianism or even a threat. In unveiling his ambitious goal in Prague a year ago, Obama was careful to acknowledge he likely would not see it come to pass in his lifetime. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov echoed those comments this winter. His generation will not see the end of the atomic bomb, he told experts gathered in Munich. But if no efforts are made today, today’s grandchildren will not live to see a nuclear weapons-free world either. There are three chapters to nuclear disarmament, as the world’s biggest nuclear power sees it: reducing the military’s strategic dependence on nuclear arms, halting proliferation and eliminating these weapons of mass destruction. The path toward a world without nuclear weapons is a slow, progressive one. “Improvements in security relations among key states will facilitate arms control and disarmament steps, which in turn beget further improvements in security relations, and so on,” explained George Perkovich of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The steps are sure to be many and filled with treacherous pitfalls detractors are quick to seize upon, leaving supporters struggling to gather steam. And with the Cold War now fading into memory, the threat of nuclear war is not necessarily topping the long list of international concerns. “We no longer live in constant fear of a global nuclear war,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Friday. But just a day later, she warned that the biggest threat now facing the world was the possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of violent extremist groups like Al-Qaeda. If nuclear disarmament is back on the agenda today, 42 years after the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed and two decades after the fall of the Iron Curtain, it’s also because states like North Korea and Iran risk relaunching the nuclear arms race. Isolated, these so-called rogue nations pursue their nuclear ambitions while thumbing their nose at international demands and obligations. The heightened risk is also seized upon by opponents of nuclear disarmament who criticize Obama’s steps, including the new START treaty that reduces US and Russian nuclear stockpiles and the revised US nuclear doctrine that limits the use of nuclear weapons. If the major nuclear powers let down their guard, non-proliferation critics argue, what deterrent will they have left to prevent other countries from using the atomic bomb? “It’s kind of like getting out there on a playground, a bunch of kids, getting ready to fight,” conservative darling Sarah Palin said this week in mocking Obama’s nuclear disarmament ambitions. “And one of the kids saying, ‘Go ahead, punch me in the face and I’m not going to retaliate. Go ahead and do what you want to with me.’” Rob Leonard of the Ploughshares Fund acknowledged the nuclear deterrent, but said it was less important than the threat of nuclear weapons proliferating among a growing number of states. During the Cold War, human error and misunderstandings brought the world not once, but several times on the brink of nuclear war. “It’s reasonable to imagine that accidents and miscalculations could happen with every country that would have weapons and that is destabilizing. If you start to multiply the number of countries, that just increases the risk,” Leonard said. “You don’t want to replay the Cold War, because you’re not sure it would end up the same way.” — AFP
WASHINGTON: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogon (left) arrive for the Nuclear Security Summit at Andrews Air Force Base. — AP
WASHINGTON: US lawmakers returned to work yesterday to wage historic fights over a nuclear treaty with Russia, a US Supreme Court vacancy, and new rules for Wall Street-all with November mid-term elections looming. The US Congress, back after a two-week recess, also faces calls from President Barack Obama to act swiftly on legislation to battle climate change, enact sweeping education reforms, and tackle high unemployment. “It’s pretty rare to have an agenda of this size, and especially as you move into the final months before the November elections,” said Norman Ornstein, an expert on Congress at the American Enterprise Institute think-tank. Obama, still flush from his historic health care victory but keenly aware of forecasts his Democratic allies will suffer heavy losses in the fall contest, has spurred lawmakers to act quickly on key priorities. But his Republican foes, largely in lockstep behind a strategy of delay or outright opposition since he took office in January 2009, have shown little inclination to help him score political victories ahead of the vote. “They very successfully slowed down, gummed up the works, energized their base,” said Ornstein. “So politically they have incentive to do the same thing. But I don’t think it succeeds.” Obama has challenged the Senate to approve, by June, legislation to toughen financial industry regulations in a bid to prevent a repeat of the 2008 global economic meltdown that has bedeviled the US economy with high unemployment. Republicans, backed by an allout push from the industry, have sought to water down key provisions in the Senate bill, which is not as tough as a House version passed late last year. But because of voter anger at big banks and rich investment houses, many of which survived only thanks to titanic taxpayer bailouts, “that’s the toughest one for Republicans to oppose,” said presidential politics expert Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institution think-tank.
Democrats, Republicans set for battle
WASHINGTON: Vice President Joe Biden meets with New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Phillip Key, who is attending the Nuclear Security Summit at the White House. — AP Experts say even a more moderate version of this measure is likely to go further than any bill since the Great Depression in giving regulators power over the financial industry. “It is hard to think of anything of this magnitude since 1933-34,” said Harvard Business School professor David Moss. The president is expected to face a bitter confirmation fight from Senate Republicans over his as-yet unannounced choice to succeed retiring Justice John Paul Stevens in a lifetime appointment to the US Supreme Court. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed “a sustained and vigorous” debate and did not rule out parliamentary tactics to delay confirmation, which requires a mere majority vote. And Obama has said his choice will be someone ready to take on “powerful interests” that threaten “to drown out the voices of ordinary citizens”-a direct challenge to conservatives who say
they oppose judicial activism. “Any way you look at it, we’re going to have time, energy, resources of the Senate soaked up for weeks by this process,” said Ornstein. Obama has also called for ratification this year of a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia, a process that requires 67 votes in the Senate, where his Democrats and their two independent allies control just 59. Republicans have expressed concerns but stopped short of vowing to oppose the pact, but say Obama must commit to modernizing the US nuclear arsenal and ensure that US missile defense plans are not affected. “The president should get that, but nothing is easy in Washington anymore, and nothing is easy when you need 67 votes in the Senate,” said Hess. The US Senate will also be a battleground for legislation to battle climate change, with a compromise Democratic-Republican plan
set to see the light of day the week of Earth Day, April 22. Republicans, backed by industry, have opposed tough new rules they say could be “job-killers” and rejected the “cap-and-trade” carbon emissions market at the core of the bill the House passed last year. Democrats have said they will keep pushing for programs aimed at creating jobs and pulling down the US unemployment rate-widely seen as their biggest liability in the November elections that will decide control of Congress. Republicans have repudiated their free-spending ways under then-president George W Bush and now paint the ballooning deficit as a threat to a US economic resurgence. Other conflicts have been brewing over legislation to toughen sanctions on Iran or extend unemployment benefits, and lawmakers are expected to have their usual battles over annual spending bills.— AFP
US summit highlights threat of nuke terror WASHINGTON: Nearly 50 countries meet in Washington this week for an unprecedented summit aimed at agreeing concrete action to prevent bomb-grade nuclear material from falling into the hands of terrorists. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE SUMMIT? In a speech in Prague last year, US President Barack Obama warned that nuclear terrorism was the “most immediate and extreme threat to global security.” He wants to use the summit to galvanize countries to take the issue more seriously. The goal of the summit is to reach a common understanding on the threat posed by nuclear terrorism and to agree on a plan of action to secure all loose nuclear material within four years to stop terrorists from getting their hands on it. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the April 12-13 gathering of 47 nations is the largest conference hosted by the United States since 1945. Two countries not on the guest list are Iran and North Korea, both of which are locked in their own nuclear standoffs with the West. HOW CREDIBLE IS THREAT OF NUCLEAR TERRORISM? Experts describe the threat of a crude fissile nuclear bomb, which is technically difficult to manufacture and requires hard-to-obtain bombgrade uranium or plutonium, as a “low probability, high consequence act.” In other words, unlikely but with the potential to cause massive harm to life and property. On the other hand, a “dirty bomb”, where conventional explosives are used to disperse radiation from a radioactive source, is a “high probability, low consequence act” with more potential to terrorize than cause large loss of life. US concerns about nuclear terrorism are not shared by everyone, especially developing countries facing more pressing issues, including rising energy demands that may require greater reliance on nuclear reactors in the future. HOW IMMINENT IS THE DANGER? Nuclear experts say there is no sign that terrorists have got their hands on weapons-grade nuclear material but note there have been at least 18 recorded cases of such material being stolen or going missing since the early 1990s. “We know that terrorist groups, including AlQaeda, are pursuing the materials to build a nuclear weapon, and we know that they have the intent to use one,” said White House Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes. Experts say making a crude nuclear bomb is technologically challenging for terrorist groups but not impossible. They would need about 110 pounds (50 kg) of highly enriched uranium and a machine shop to cast it into metal form. One mass of uranium would then be fired at high speed at another mass of uranium in a “gun-type” bomb to cause a nuclear explosion. WHAT ARE COUNTRIES DOING TO SECURE NUCLEAR MATERIAL? Until now, the effort to secure weapons-grade material has focused mainly on Russia and former Soviet republics. The United States has
helped fund efforts to better protect such materials from theft. There is a patchwork of ad hoc international agreements aimed at combating theft, smuggling and non-proliferation, including the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. Washington wants more countries to sign up to them so that they can become more effective. Non-proliferation experts do not expect the summit to single out countries that are failing to make the grade. Pakistan, for example, is due to attend, but no mention is likely of Abdul Qadeer Khan, the scientist who was at the center of the world’s biggest nuclear proliferation scandal. Experts say the biggest area of risk is Pakistan, which has a heavily guarded stockpile of weapons-grade material but faces huge internal security threats from the Taleban and Al-Qaeda. WHAT IS ‘LOOSE NUCLEAR MATERIAL’ AND WHERE IS IT KEPT? Loose nuclear material refers to stockpiles of highly enriched uranium and plutonium that are typically kept in military installations, nuclear reactors, research reactors and defense laboratories. Nuclear experts say the summit should also focus on securing radioactive material that, for example, can be found in diagnostic equipment in hospitals and could be used to make dirty bombs. US officials say they are more worried about the potential catastrophe of a nuclear bomb exploding. There are about 1,600 tons of highly enriched uranium and 500 tons of plutonium worldwide, enough to make 120,000 nuclear bombs, according to non-governmental groups. REALISTICALLY, WHAT CAN THE SUMMIT ACHIEVE? Leaders will pledge to toughen prosecution of traffickers, improve accounting for weapons-grade nuclear material and better protect vulnerable stocks, according to sources with access to a draft communique. The communique may urge nations to convert nuclear reactors using highly enriched fuel into reactors using low-enriched fuel, which is harder to adapt to produce nuclear weapons. It also calls for strengthening the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in enforcing nuclear treaties. Individual countries are expected to make announcements about specific steps they will take to secure vulnerable material and reduce the risk of nuclear terrorism. WILL IRAN, NORTH KOREA BE DISCUSSED AT THE SUMMIT? Iran and North Korea are not on the agenda, but US officials say they will be discussed when Obama holds bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, including China’s Hu Jintao, on the sidelines of the summit. Obama is seeking to impose tough new sanctions on Iran over its refusal to stop uranium enrichment, but has yet to win over a skeptical China. He also wants North Korea to return to nuclear disarmament talks. — Reuters
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Protesters’ funeral parade turns Bangkok into sea of red BANGKOK: Waving flags and shouting “Abhisit get out,” thousands of anti-government “Red Shirts” paraded through the Thai capital yesterday bearing the bodies of two dead protesters and empty coffins. In cars, trucks and even tuk tuks, the Reds flooded the streets of Bangkok to mourn comrades killed after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government ordered a crackdown on monthlong protests. Pick-up trucks bore the bodies of two slain protesters as well as 14 empty caskets draped with Thai flags and festooned with flowers at the head of the procession that snaked its way through the city. Protesters held up pictures of other dead
demonstrators whose bodies had been sent for autopsy. “We need to show the people the government is murderers. They shot people who had no guns,” said 45-year-old Pradit Yomma, describing himself as a businessman from Bangkok. Seventeen civilians, including a Japanese cameraman, and four soldiers were killed Saturday after the army launched a crackdown on supporters of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, following weeks of mass demonstrations. Authorities appeared to surrender Bangkok to the protesters yesterday, as Red Shirts in their disjointed motorcade shielded themselves with umbrellas from the afternoon sun, occasionally
spraying water and passing out drinks. “We are going all around Bangkok to show why the Red Shirts died,” said Pradit Yonna, a 53-year-old construction worker who followed the parade on his motorcycle. A monk rode on a car roof at the front of the parade, sprinkling water and talking over a microphone as the marchers moved haphazardly through the city towards Abhisit’s home. Sometimes clumped together on sidestreets, other times diluted among traffic on thoroughfares and highway underpasses, the mourners passed pockets of cheering supporters and curious office workers standing with their arms folded. Police mostly stood by as the
parade passed, leaving Red Shirts to negotiate the gridlock in the city of more than 10 million people. Bhunbit Bhunyongkul, a 40year-old insurance salesman from Bangkok, held a walkietalkie as he directed traffic on Sukhumvit road, near the premier’s house. “I’m taking care of traffic jams,” he said as he directed cars onwards. One policeman half-heartedly waved vehicles by for a while before retreating to the roadside to join two colleagues. The Red Shirts, who hail from mainly poor and rural areas of Thailand, insist they will not end their campaign until the government calls fresh polls and Abhisit stands down and leaves the country.
After several hours on parade, the caskets were returned to Democracy Monument, one of the Reds’ two main demonstration sites. Then thousands of protesters massed outside Abhisit’s house, which was guarded by hundreds of police. Some Reds chatted with the police, offering them water. Then nearly all the protesters began to cheer, clap and dance to music from speakers mounted on the back of a truck. “People died! Push out Abhisit!” said one of the Red Shirt leaders, Kwanchai Phaipannu, receiving cheers from the crowd who filled the street, looking like they were in no mood to end their protests. — AFP
China ‘dislikes’ proposed Iranian energy sanctions US draft calls for ban on new energy investments in Iran WASHINGTON: China has made clear to the United States and four other world powers that it dislikes a proposed ban on new investments in Iran’s energy sector as part of a new round of UN sanctions, diplomats said on Sunday. After months of delay, China reluctantly agreed to join the other per-
manent members of the Security Council and Germany- a group often referred to as the “P5-plus-one”-in New York last week to begin drafting a sanctions resolution against Iran for refusing to suspend its uranium enrichment program.
Support for Japan’s PM sinks below 30% TOKYO: Public support for Japan’s Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has sunk below 30 percent, in part because of a simmering row with Washington over a US base, according to opinion polls released yesterday. One poll found that half of the voters surveyed said Hatoyama should resign if he fails to hammer out a solution to the dispute over where the controversial base on the island of Okinawa should be relocated. The surveys were released as the centre-left leader headed to Washington for an international nuclear summit, where he said he hoped to raise the base issue in informal talks with US President Barack Obama. A poll by private broadcaster Nippon Television said the approval rating for Hatoyama’s seven-monthold government had fallen to 28.6 percent, down 7.6 points from the previous month. Almost half of the more than 2,000 voters questioned by Nippon TV said Hatoyama should step down if he cannot find a solution to the row over where to relocate the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Another poll by TV Asahi put support for Hatoyama’s cabinet at 28.5 percent, down 1.5 percent from last month. Hatoyama’s government has also come under attack over political donations scandals and its management of the economy, but most criticism has focused on the base row and the premier’s perceived dithering on the issue. Ties between Tokyo and Washington have been strained by the question of where to move the base, now located in an urban area on Okinawa where many residents complain of aircraft noise and other problems. US base Japan’s prime minister will hold talks with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of a global summit this week as he nears a self-imposed end-of-May deadline to resolve a row over a US Marine base on Okinawa. Washington wants Tokyo to implement a 2006 agreement to relocate the Marines’ Futenma
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama waves before boarding a plane to leave Haneda Airport in Tokyo for a two-day visit to Washington.—AP airbase to another site on Okinawa as a prerequisite for shifting up to 8,000 Marines to the US territory of Guam, part of a broader realignment of US forces. But Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama raised hopes ahead of his election victory last year that the base could be moved off the island entirely, and some in his own party have said he might have to resign if he fails to resolve the row by the deadline. Following are some possible scenarios : HATOYAMA BROKERS A DEAL Hatoyama said he would urge
Obama to cooperate to reach a solution on time, but the chances of progress at the Washington meeting are considered low. Hatoyama has insisted he will reach a deal between all parties by the end of May and even told parliament last month he had a plan in mind, though he refused to make details public. If he manages to pull it off, he would likely gain voter approval ahead of an upper house election expected in July or August, which the Democrats must win to avoid policy gridlock. Angered by the noise, crime and pollution they associate with
the bases, many residents want him to stick to the stance of moving them off altogether. Media say several options are being floated, one involving building a new runway within the existing Camp Schwab base on Okinawa. This would reduce the bases’ overall footprint and avoid landfill in a bay frequented by the dugong, a rare marine mammal. Another involves construction on landfill off another part of Okinawa, media say, but neither option is likely to find favor with local residents. —Agencies
South Korea nabs North Korea’s spy SEOUL: A South Korean man has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pyongyang and working with its military to kidnap activists who helped North Koreans defect, officials said yesterday. The 55-year-old man, who was arrested last week and who denies the charges, is accused of taking up the spy job after meeting a female North Korean agent in 1999 in China’s eastern Shandong province, where he was believed to be engaged in drug trafficking, the official said on condition of anonymity because an investigation was ongoing. The man, surnamed Kim, allegedly traveled to Pyongyang in 2000 for 15 days of spy training and received $10,000 and 4.4 pounds of narcotics from the North, the official said. The suspect was sent back to China and started abducting South Korean activists who were helping North Koreans
defect from their impoverished, authoritarian homeland. The kidnapped Koreans were sent to the North in cooperation with the female agent, the official said. The man also kidnapped North Korean defectors hiding in China and forced them back to the North. He also tried to gather information on South Korean intelligence officers operating in Chinese towns near North Korea, the official said. Prosecution spokesman Oh Se-in confirmed the man’s arrest, saying he allegedly violated the National Security Law, which carries the death penalty as a maximum sentence. The suspect denied the charges, Oh said. Oh declined to disclose how many activists and defectors the man has allegedly kidnapped. Activists claim tens of thousands of North Koreans live in hiding in China after fleeing the North to avoid a harsh polit-
ical system, poverty and chronic food shortages. If repatriated, they could face severe punishment such as forced labor and years in prison, experts and activists say. An undisclosed number of South Korean activists and missionaries also secretly operate in China to smuggle North Koreans from their homeland and shelter and feed defectors before they take refuge in South Korea, the US and elsewhere in the world. The man was arrested Thursday while making a temporary visit to South Korea, the official said. The two Koreas remain in a state of war, divided by a heavily fortified border, because their three-year conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, in 1953. More than 18,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea since the war’s end, with most of them coming via China.— AP
But the diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity said that Chinese UN Ambassador Li Baodong indicated his displeasure at the proposals affecting Iran’s energy sector during the 3-hour meeting with his US, British, French, German and Russian counterparts on Thursday. “In general, the Chinese ambassador did not want to discuss specifics of the text,” a diplomat said, referring to a US sanctions proposal that is the basis of talks among the six. “The first meeting in New York was for an initial exchange of views on the US draft,” the diplomat added. Another envoy confirmed his comments. The Chinese did convey the impression that Beijing had problems with the proposals regarding Iran’s energy sector, a diplomat said. “It was perceived that the Chinese do not agree with the energy proposals,” one of the diplomats said. Those proposals include a ban on new investments in Iran’s energy industry, several diplomats have told Reuters. The US draft does not include a call for import or export restrictions on Iran’s oil and gas industries, as some in the United States and Israel had hoped for, the diplomats said. Baodong told reporters after last week’s 3hour meeting of the six powers that it was “a very constructive negotiation.” He said the group planned to meet again this week. RUSSIAN CONCERNS Several diplomats familiar with talks said the delegations remain far from agreement on a fourth round of UN sanctions on Iran. They are expected to gather again in New York in the middle of this week to continue their discussions. It was not clear whether the Russians also disliked the idea of banning new investments in Iran’s energy sector. Such a measure would have no impact on the Bushehr nuclear reactor that Russia is building in the Islamic Republic. Russian officials have told the Americans that they also have problems with the US draft, diplomats say. Moscow wants any new sanctions to focus on Iran’s nuclear and missile industries, as three previous rounds of UN sanctions have. Iran, a major oil and gas exporter, says its nuclear ambitions are limited to generating electricity and refuses to suspend its enrichment program. The Security Council has passed five resolutions ordering it stop enriching uranium. The US draft was agreed upon with the three European powers and passed on to Russia and China a month ago. It targets the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and shipping and other firms, and calls for a ban on the establishment of new Iranian banks abroad and new foreign bank branches in Iran. Although the US and European delegations would like a resolution adopted this month, diplomats say negotiations could continues at least until June as China and Russia are expected to work to dilute any proposed punitive steps before handing a draft resolution to the Security Council.—Reuters
BANGKOK: Hundreds of anti-government protesters gather during a funeral procession yesterday in Bangkok. —AP
in the news Hello Mr Death! BEIJING: Unhappy with your name? Then spare a thought for those rare Chinese families who surnames mean “zero”, “ghost” or even “death”. A man in China’s southern province of Jiangxi has spent the last 20 years compiling a list of unusual family names, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Most Chinese people share a few common surnames, like Zhang, Wang, Li, Liu and Chen. The Chinese expression for “ordinary people” literally means “the old one hundred surnames”. But Cheng Yinglian’s interest was piqued after reading a newspaper many years ago and discovering a person with the surname Gui, meaning “ghost”, CCTV said. Since then, he has scoured newspapers, books and other publications to find similar rare surnames, coming up with about 2,000 to date. Those he has found include Ling, or “zero”, Cu, or “vinegar”, Miao, or “second” and Yi, or “one”. Superstitions related to names are still strong in China, and many parents go out of their way to give their children auspicious names which suggest they will grow up to be healthy, strong and rich. Toxic chives poison nine BEIJING: Authorities in China have destroyed nearly two tons of pesticide-tainted chives after nine people were poisoned by eating food containing the toxic herb, state media said yesterday. The tainted chives are the latest scare in China’s notoriously unsafe food industry following the discovery of pesticide-tainted string beans and cooking oil made from recycled food waste in recent weeks. Inspections of more than 2,000 batches of chives at vegetable wholesale markets in the eastern city of of Qingdao found 1.9 tons contained excessive levels of organic phosphorus, a highly toxic pesticide, the China Daily said. Nine people complained of headaches, nausea and diarrhea after eating dishes containing the toxic herb at the same restaurant in the coastal city, the paper said, citing local health authorities. The victims are seeking compensation from the food vendor, it said.
Chinese ex-soldiers detained BEIJING: Security forces detained about 100 retired soldiers after they protested yesterday over military benefits at the headquarters for the People’s Liberation Army in the capital, one of soldiers said. Wang Deyi, a retired soldier from Pingyao in central Shanxi province, said he and about 100 other military officers from six provinces submitted their petitions to the political department of the Central Military Commission in central Beijing, which is in charge of the 2.3 million-member armed forces. Wang, who spoke to the Associated Press by phone, said about 25 of the petitioners were rounded up by security forces and taken to the Majialou processing center, while other petitioners were taken away by police from local provinces. He said it was “not convenient to talk” because he was surrounded by police and being taken to an unknown destination. Suspected terrorist killed BANDA ACEH: Indonesian police killed a suspected terrorist wanted for the “mutilations” of students and arrested four others during two raids in Aceh province yesterday, a senior officer said. The raids came as police revealed that six alleged terrorists detained elsewhere on Sumatra Island on Sunday included suspects who took part in the 2004 truck bombing of the Australian embassy in Jakarta. Aceh police chief detective Esa Permadi said the man killed at a house in Aceh Besar district was Enaltao, 38, who had taken part in the “mutilation” of three students in Poso, Sulawesi, in 2005. He did not elaborate but it is understood he was referring to the beheading of three Christian girls who were assaulted that year as they walked to school outside Poso, an area of strife between Christians and Muslims. One of the girls’ heads was dumped outside a local church. “Police arrested four terror suspects and shot dead a suspect in two anti-terror raids today,” Permadi said.
Taiwan developing ‘carrier killer’ TAIPEI: Taiwan has unveiled the first images of a high-tech missile corvette specifically designed to counter the threat of China acquiring an aircraft carrier, officials and media said yesterday. A computerized graphic of the 1,000-ton “carrier killer,” which has so far been kept secret from the public, has gone on display at Taipei’s military museum, run by the defense ministry. The vessel will be capable of cruising at speeds of up to 55 kilometers an hour and boast technologies helping it to evade radar detection, the Taipei-based Apple Daily reported, citing military officials.
The navy hopes to arm the corvette with Taiwan’s homegrown Hsiungfeng III supersonic ship-to-ship missile, according to the report. The military museum did not provide any details, while the defense ministry declined to comment on the report. The report came after the head of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, Tsai Tehsheng, told parliament in November that China has started building its first aircraft carrier. Taiwanese military analysts expect China to need at least 10 years to build its first operating carrier group complete with carrierbased fighters and other war-
ships. But they warn that once the Chinese arms build-up is completed, it will have a farreaching strategic impact on the region. Ties between China and Taiwan have improved markedly since China-friendly Ma Ying-jeou became the island’s president in 2008, vowing to adopt a non-confrontational policy towards the mainland. But China still regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, although the island has governed itself since 1949 when the mainland’s civil war ended.—AFP
TAIPEI: This undated computer-generated handout image shows a 1,000-ton ‘carrier killer’ being developed by Taiwanese navy. —AFP
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
INTERNATIONAL
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Six dead as furious mobs clash with police ISLAMABAD: Six people were killed yesterday when furious mobs protesting at plans to rename Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province after its Pashtun majority clashed with police, officials said. More than 200 ethnic Hazara people gathered in the northwestern city of Abbottabad chanting slogans against the government and demanding a separate province, local administration chief Muneer Azam said. The protesters set a police station on fire, torched a police vehicle, pelted police with stones and blocked roads, he said. Police fired tear gas shells
ABBOTTABAD: Pakistani youths gather around the wreckage of a police truck torched by demonstrators during a protest in Abbottabad yesterday. Furious mobs clashed with Pakistani police in deadly riots that killed six people yesterday to protest against plans to rename North West Frontier Province after its Pashtun majority. —AFP
Obama ‘very fond of Pakistan’ WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama said Sunday he was “very fond of Pakistan” and pledged a long-term commitment to the frontline US partner as he met with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. Gilani was among a handful of leaders Obama met separately on the eve of a major nuclear summit in Washington as his administration makes a concerted effort to reduce anti-American sentiment in Pakistan. Obama opened the meeting “by noting that he is very fond of Pakistan, having visited the country during college,” the White House said in statement. Obama voiced appreciation for Pakistan’s response to an attack last week on the US consulate in Peshawar, offering condolences over the assault and a separate bombing against a rally that together left 46 people dead. “These two attacks on the same day are important to note because the extremists do not distinguish between us and we are truly facing a common enemy,” Obama was quoted as saying by the White House.
The White House said the relationship between Pakistan and the United States was “of significant importance because of the shared values of our countries and the fight we are both engaged in against extremists operating in South Asia.” Obama “also noted that our multi-faceted and long-term strategic relationship goes far beyond security issues,” the statement said. The United States last year approved a 7.5-billion-dollar aid package to Pakistan in hopes of developing the economy and democratic institutions of the Islamic world’s only declared nuclear power. But Obama has had to strike a careful balance as he also seeks to develop warmer relations with Pakistan’s historic rival India. Obama met earlier in the day with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who urged the US leader to put pressure on Pakistan to rein in extremists responsible for the grisly 2008 assault on Mumbai. The White House made no explicit mention of the Indian concerns in its account of the meeting with Gilani. — AFP
New province name sparks deadly riots in Pakistan and opened fire to disperse the crowd as the authorities had banned public gatherings in the city, senior police official Imtiaz Altaf said. “Our information is that six people have died in the violence,” provincial information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain told reporters. Hospital officials said more than 100 people were wounded in the clashes. A landmark constitutional reform bill to strengthen parliamentary democracy and devolve greater power to the provinces seeks to
replace the British-colonial name of North West Frontier Province with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The 18th amendment was voted through the lower house of parliament in a unanimous vote last week and is due to be presented yesterday to the upper house of parliament, from where it is expected to pass into law. The demonstrators included supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q faction led by an ally of Pervez Musharraf-the general who seized power in a
1999 coup and was replaced by the current elected civilian government in 2008. The party has said it would oppose constitutional reform package, which accepts ethnic majority Pashtun community’s longstanding demand to rename the province, in the senate or upper house. The package curbs President Asif Ali Zardari’s powers to fire the prime minister, dissolve parliament and appoint chiefs of the armed forces. Its passage could be delayed if the senate returns the bill for
a review over the controversy triggered by renaming the province. North West Frontier Province chief minister Amir Haider Hoti condemned the protest, accusing the protesters of wanting to create chaos and unrest. Hoti, who leads secular the Awami National Party government dominated by Pashtuns, told reporters his government was trying to resolve the issue through negotiations. Pashtu speakers make up 70 percent of the population in North West Frontier Province and the non-Pashtuspeaking Hazaras 30 percent, Hussain said. — AFP
41 militants, 2 troops killed as Pakistan pounds Taleban Over 200,000 flee military offensive ISLAMABAD: More than 200,000 people have fled Pakistan’s latest offensive against Taleban militants in the northwest, the United Nations said yesterday, as fresh clashes in the remote region killed 41 insurgents and two soldiers. The military has pounded the Orakzai tribal region with airstrikes and
artillery in an attempt to rout insurgents from the rugged, mountainous area near the Afghan border. Many Taleban fighters fled to Orakzai last year to escape a separate army offensive in their tribal stronghold of South Waziristan. occurred yesterday when dozens of militants armed with rockets and automatic weapons attacked two security checkpoints in the villages of Shireen Dara and Sangrana, local administrator Samiullah Khan said. Security forces successfully repelled the attack, but two soldiers were killed and three others wounded, he said. “More than 100 militants attacked the security checkpoint in Shireen Dara,” Khan said. “They fought a gunbattle for two hours and fired several rockets.” After the battles subsided, authorities found the bodies of 15 dead militants around the two checkpoints, said two intelligence officials. Insurgents removed the bodies of at least 26 others who were killed, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. More than 300 suspected militants have been killed in Orakzai since mid-March, including 10 on Sunday when fighter jets destroyed three militant hide-outs in Sangram village, Khan said. Government reports are almost impossible to independently verify because journalists are prohibited from traveling to the country’s semiautonomous tribal areas. — AP
The exodus of civilians from Orakzai adds to the more than 1.3 million people driven from their homes by fighting in the northwest and unable to return. The UN warned yesterday it faces a severe shortfall in funding needed to aid those displaced, saying it has only received about $106 million, or 20 percent, of the $538 million appeal it launched in February for the next six months. Last year, the UN had received 40 percent of its appeal by this time, it said. “Already some of our NGO partners ... providing a humanitarian response are canceling lifesaving projects and laying off their well-trained and well-experienced staff who are able to implement these projects efficiently in the affected areas,” said Martin Mogwanja, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Pakistan. The projects affected include those providing water, food, health care and sanitation for the displaced, said Mogwanja. Almost 210,000 people have fled Orakzai since the fighting first started at the end of last year, including nearly 50,000 people who have left in the last month as the military has intensified its offensive in the area, said the UN. The latest violence in Orakzai
Civilian deaths trigger anti-American protests WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama (right) meets with India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Blair House in Washington. —AP
Pakistan to expand nuclear production India presses Obama on Pakistan, terror suspect WASHINGTON: Pakistan is gearing to expand production of nuclear weapons-grade fuel and blocking talks on a treaty that would halt global production of new nuclear material, the New York Times reported yesterday. Quoting a senior US official, the paper said President Barack Obama used a meeting Sunday with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to “express disappointment” that the country was leading opposition to a treaty that would end production of new nuclear bomb fuel. Pakistan is building two new reactors for making weapons-grade plutonium, and one plant for salvaging plutonium from old reactor fuel, the Times said as Obama prepared to open Monday an unprecedented nuclear security summit. The 47-nation meeting is aimed at safeguarding unsecured uranium and separated plutonium stockpiles and averting the nightmare scenario of extremist groups acquiring nuclear weapons. Three months ago, according to the Times, American intelligence officials examining satellite photographs of Pakistani nuclear facilities saw the first wisps of steam from the cooling towers of a new nuclear reactor. It was among the three plants under construction to make fuel for a second generation of nuclear arms, the report said. Pakistan has insisted it had no choice as a US nuclear deal with India signed during the administration of Obama’s predecessor George W Bush ended a long moratorium on providing New Delhi with the fuel and technology for desperately needed nuclear power plants. Critics of the Indian nuclear deal say the agreement may free up older facilities that India can devote to making its own new generation of weapons, escalating a regional nuclear arms race. Pakistan has been seeking a civilian nuclear deal along the lines of a landmark agreement that the United States struck with India in 2008. The South Asian rivals stunned the world in 1998 by carrying out nuclear tests.
The United States has longstanding concerns about proliferation from Pakistan-and policymakers are said to have quietly drafted a crisis plan in case the nuclear arsenal falls out of government control. The father of Pakistan’s bomb, Abdul Qadeer Khan, has admitted leaking nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea, although he later retracted his remarks. The level of separation between Pakistan’s military and civilian nuclear programs also remains a matter of dispute. Pakistan returned to civilian rule in 2008 and President Asif Ali Zardari a year later handed over control of the nuclear program to Gilani. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has urged the United States to pressure Pakistan to rein in Islamic extremists as President Barack Obama walked a fine line with the rival nations’ leaders. On the eve of a 47-nation summit on nuclear security, Obama met separately with Singh and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani as part of his administration’s efforts to build relations with both countries. Addressing one sore point, India said Obama promised Singh to give access to David Headley-the US-born son of a former Pakistani diplomat who admitted scouting sites for the bloody 2008 siege of Mumbai. US prosecutors have promised not to extradite Headley in return for his guilty plea, setting off indignation among Indians who wondered the reaction if the United States were denied access to a culprit of the September 11 attacks. Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, who attended the meeting, said Obama was “fully supportive” of Singh’s requests for access to Headley but declined to give a time-frame. But Rao said that India also wanted the United States to turn up the heat on Pakistan to rein in Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Islamist movement accused of carrying out the Mumbai attacks that left 166 people dead. —Agencies
KANDAHAR: International troops opened fire on a bus carrying Afghan civilians yesterday, killing four people, officials said, setting off anti-American protests in a key southern city where coalition forces hope to rally the public for a coming offensive against the Taleban. Elsewhere in the city of Kandahar, three suicide bombers attacked an Afghan intelligence services compound, but security forces who opened fire repelled them, said the spokesman for the government of the surrounding province, also called Kandahar. Four intelligence agents and six civilians, including a teacher at a nearby school were injured in the attack, said the spokesman, Zelmai Ayubi. Kandahar, the largest city in southern Afghanistan, was the birthplace of the Taleban regime ousted in 2001 and insurgents remain active there despite a heavy presence of foreign forces. Securing it is key to the US military and NATO’s aim of turning around the more than eight-year war, but anger stirred by civilian deaths threatens to undercut local support for the central government in Kabul. Yesterday’s pre-dawn shooting on the bus in Kandahar province’s Zhari district left four dead and another 18 people wounded, Ayubi said. He said international forces took 12 of the wounded to a military hospital. NATO and Afghan authorities declined to identify the international forces involved by nationality, although numerous Afghans said they were American. More than 80,000 US troops are in Afghanistan, many of them deployed to volatile southern provinces including Kandahar. A passenger interviewed at Kandahar hospital, Rozi Mohammad, said they had just
4 civilians killed by NATO troops left the Kandahar terminal when the bus pulled over to allow an American convoy to pass. Shooting broke out as the third or fourth American vehicle went by, he said, with gunfire coming from the direction of the convoy. “They just suddenly opened fire, I don’t know why. We had been stopped and after that I don’t know what happened,” said Mohammad, his left eye was swollen shut and his beard and clothing matted with blood. Doctors said he had suffered a head injury but did not yet know how serious it was. NATO said the bus had approached a slowmoving patrol from behind at a high speed and ignored flares and other signals to slow down. “Perceiving a threat when the vehicle approached once more at an increased rate of speed, the patrol attempted to warn off the
vehicle with hand signals prior to firing upon it. Once engaged, the vehicle then stopped,” NATO said in a statement e-mailed to reporters. Accounts of such confrontations often vary widely, and NATO said it was carrying out further investigations together with Afghan authorities. Within hours of the shooting, scores of Afghans had blocked the main highway out of Kandahar city with burning tires, chanting “Death to America,” and calling for the downfall of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, himself a Kandahar native. “The Americans are constantly killing our civilians and the government is not demanding an explanation,” said resident Mohammad Razaq. “We demand justice from the Karzai government and the punishment of those soldiers responsible.”
Karzai issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing condolences to the victims. “This shooting involving a civilian bus violates NATO’s commitment to safeguard civilian life,” Karzai said. In the attack on the intelligence compound, Afghan forces with automatic weapons engaged the bombers who attempted to scale the wall of the compound, wounding one who then detonated his explosives belt, Kandahar Gov. Tooryalai Wesa told reporters. A second bomber also blew himself up, but the third, identified as Najibullah, was captured and being questioned, Wesa said. He said the man told them he was a native of Parwan province just north of Kabul, and had been brought to Kandahar four or five days before. NATO is gearing up for a long-anticipated allied oper-
KANDAHAR: Afghan protesters burn tires to block a road during an antiAmerican protest in Kandahar yesterday. — AP
ation to push the Taleban out of Kandahar, from which the hardline Islamic movement emerged as a political and military force in the 1990s. The city’s mayor said yesterday’s shootings would likely deal a major setback to coalition hopes of winning popular support for that upcoming offensive. “I’ve told the Americans and NATO that people are very angry about these kinds of attacks,” Gulam Hamidi told The Associated Press. “I’ve told them ‘You’re making enemies.”‘ The top NATO commander in Afghanistan, US Gen Stanley McChrystal, has issued strict orders to his troops to try to reduce civilian casualties. But these still occur regularly, unleashing raw emotions that highlight a growing impatience with coalition forces’ inability to secure the nation. With troop levels rising amid heightened violence, at least 2,412 Afghan civilians were killed in fighting last year, an increase of 14 percent from 2008, according to the United Nations. The UN attributed 67 percent of those deaths to insurgents who use ambushes, assassinations and roadside bombs to spread terror, undermine development and punish Afghans seen as cooperating with foreign forces and the Karzai government. NATO earlier this month confirmed that international troops were responsible for the deaths of five people, including three women, killed Feb12 in Gardez, south of Kabul. An Afghan government report on the incident claims US Special Forces had mistaken their targets and later sought to cover up the killings by digging bullets out of bodies, according to investigators who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with the media. — AP
OPINION
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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India microfinance IPO sparks debate By Rina Chandran
A
n initial public offer by India’s SKS Microfinance is likely to set the stage for more such offers in the world’s largest microlending market, but it has also sparked a debate on the ethics of profiting from the poor. The IPO, a first in India and one of only a handful by microfinance institutions (MFIs) around the world, is expected to raise about $250$350 million for SKS and its private equity investors. It has drawn keen interest from countries with major microfinance industries such as Bangladesh, Mexico and South America, as well as the private equity firms who have recently piled into the sector. But it has also drawn sharp criticism from some MFIs and non-government organisations who do not favour going to capital markets or the strong flows of private equity that have pushed up valuations. “The job of microfinance is to alleviate poverty, so the question to ask is: who’s going to benefit from the IPO?” said Olivia Donnelly, executive director of UK-based Shivia Microfinance, a nonprofit firm that focuses on India and Nepal. “It’s OK to do an IPO because you need to scale up, or upgrade your IT systems, but is it correct to make millionaires out of shareholders when your borrowers are so poor?” Microfinance has been around since the 1970s, but jumped into the spotlight in 2006 when the Nobel Peace Prize went to Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus and his Grameen Bank, which pioneered giving tiny unsecured loans to the poor to buy cows or sewing machines. Some Indian MFIs including SKS have switched to a for-profit model and registered as non-banking financial corporations. MFIs’ expanding client base and nearzero defaults have drawn investors ranging from Singapore’s Temasek, CLSA Capital and International Financial Corp to private equity firms Sandstone Capital, Unitus and Matrix, which have put money in SKS, Share Microfin, Spandana, Ujjivan and other MFIs. Advocates say rapid growth and the drying up of traditional sources of capital have driven MFIs to consider other options. “When we are growing 75 percent year-on-year, the sort of equity we need to maintain 15 percent capital adequacy ratio cannot come from old-fashioned sources such as philanthropists or banks,” said Vijay Mahajan, president of lobby group MFI Network. “So we’ve had to move to new sources like PE, the capital market and debt instruments. This is something to be celebrated.” Sumir Chadha, managing director of private equity firm Sequoia Capital India, which holds more than a fifth of SKS, said the IPO would improve the reputation of microfinance lenders. “MFIs tend to be regarded badly. It is very frustrating. This IPO will dramatically increase visibility and bring in greater trust for the entire MFI eco-system,”
Chadha said. Earlier this year, India’s finance minister said non-banking financial corporations (NBFCs), including some like SKS, can be granted banking licences, signalling a greater role for MFIs. But India’s central bank has pulled up MFIs for their high interest rates - about 25-27 percent. That is about double the rate at which they borrow from banks, but still lower than moneylenders. There is also criticism of high valuations, which private equity has helped push to about 5.9 times book value, or nearly three times the global average, JPMorgan and the World Bank’s Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) said in a report. Listed MFIs, including Mexico’s Compartamos, have outperformed mainstream banks, but valuations of Indian MFIs are “unsustainably high” and not justified by their recent growth or current and future earnings expectations, it said. Delinquency levels, kept low because borrowers must repay funds before getting access to more funds, may not be sustainable. Overheating was already evident in some southern Indian states, the report said, and profitability will also decline as operating costs rise as MFIs expand outside the southern states. Private equity’s role in MFIs has also been criticised. “PEs can bring greater efficiency, development plans and good management, but they can also create tension because investors tend to want to exit in three to five years,” Xavier Reille, a co-author of the report, told Reuters from Washington. “There may be potential rifts because with such high valuations, you obviously want to sell even higher. And the high multiples may discourage fresh capital from coming in,” he said. SKS has drawn investors including Sequoia, Kismet Capital, Unitus, venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and Infosys Technologies founder N R Narayana Murthy. Vikram Akula, a former McKinsey consultant, has been named one of the most influential people by Time magazine, and SKS, which he first founded in 1997 as a non-profit, is today India’s largest MFI with about 5.5 million clients. But activists and NGOs see no reason for cheer. “MFIs are ignoring their social mission. They have a duty to educate their clients and not lend money for buying a TV or pay dowry just to add to their loan books,” said Shivia’s Donnelly. “It’s the wrong path to take. It’s sub-prime all over again.” There are few regulations and no accountability, they say. “MFIs talk about their valuations, but no one talks about social performance: are we really lifting people out of poverty?” said Royston Braganza, chief executive of Grameen Capital India. With about half a dozen big Indian MFIs contemplating IPOs, SKS’ offering will be a milestone, the JPMorgan/CGAP report said, and could help advance a stalled microfinance bill in India. — Reuters
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Abhisit running out of options after clashes By Claire Truscott
T
hai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s failure to end political protests in Bangkok after deadly weekend clashes has left the Oxford-educated leader with few options to stay in power, experts say. The eloquent head of the ruling Democrat Party tried to negotiate to end weeks of class-based rallies before turning to his army backers to restore order, but weekend violence that left 21 dead put Abhisit under heavy pressure. Now faced with protesters who are unwilling to talk and the choice of either calling polls he is likely to lose or ordering another crackdown, Abhisit’s main strength is that the establishment still backs him. “He doesn’t have many options left. He tried it the safe way, he tried it the hard way and neither worked,” said William Case, Director of City University’s Southeast Asia Research Centre in Hong Kong. “I don’t see what Abhisit can do next... he may be forced out.” “About the only thing that’s going to placate the Reds at this stage is to hold elections, which he can’t do because the Democrats will lose,” Case said, referring to the red-shirted protesters defying the government. Elections are due by the end of 2011. Abhisit has offered to call the vote a year early but protest leaders have demand he dissolve the lower house immediately, blaming him for the violent eruptions late on Saturday. The premier stood firm yesterday, insisting “terrorists” were to blame for the violence, which also wounded more than 800 people. Despite the deadly clashes,
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is seen during a press conference in Bangkok yesterday. – AFP the Reds have vowed to continue their campaign in the capital until they bring down Abhisit, accusing his government of being illegitimate and elitist. Thailand is deeply riven between the mainly rural Red Shirts and their opponents in the country’s establish-
ment circles of the military, bureaucracy and palace, who backed Abhisit’s rise to the top job. Abhisit came to power on the back of a parliamentary vote in Dec 2008, rather than through a popular election, while the Red Shirts, the supporters of fugitive ex-premier
Thaksin Shinawatra, remain the biggest electoral force. The Reds consider telecoms tycoon-turned-politician Thaksin a champion of the masses, while Bangkok’s powerful elite see him as corrupt and a threat to the monarchy.
On becoming prime minister with a fragile six-party coalition, Abhisit pledged to be a leader for all Thais, but he has failed to deliver on promises of national reconciliation. Born in England, Abhisit -whose name means “privilege” - was schooled at Eton before reading politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford University and becoming Thailand’s youngest ever MP at the age of 27. Since then he has kept close to the country’s elite powerbrokers, and his best chance of survival now is to remain so, said Thai academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun. “Who else do they want in power apart from Abhisit? I think the military see it’s in their interest to have Abhisit in power. We are really at deadlock once again,” said Pavin, a visiting research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. Another outcome would be for the country to once again abandon its fledgling democracy with a military intervention, in a country that has seen 18 coups or coup attempts since 1932. The army took charge after the Sept 2006 coup that deposed Thaksin and remained in control until polls were held in Dec 2007. But that ouster triggered the political turmoil that continues today and the military is desperate to avoid a repeat, said Case. “I’m sure they’re not keen to take power directly. They have got no appetite for another military coup, it just went so badly the last time,” said Case. Scores of academics put forward a petition yesterday calling for the government to resist using force after Saturday’s unrest, calling on leaders to “govern in a democratic fashion”. — AFP
Belligerent Erdogan raises misgivings By Burak Akinci
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ith bruising criticism of Israel and defence of Iran, and onslaughts against Turkey’s army and secularists, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stoked questions on where he is steering his country. During a visit to Paris last week, Erdogan branded Israel once Turkey’s top regional ally - “the principal threat to peace” in the Middle East, and objected to fresh sanctions against Iran a new-found friend - over its nuclear activities. Such outbursts have become an Erdogan hallmark since Israel’s devastating war on the Gaza Strip last year, feeding doubts - both at home and abroad - on what vision he is nourishing for Turkey, NATO’s only mainly-Muslim member and a candidate to join the European Union. The rupture in ties with Israel has been accompanied by an unprecedented drive by Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted government for closer links with the Arab world, notably Syria. Much to the bewilderment of Western allies, Erdogan has also jumped to the defence of Sudanese leader Omar al-
Beshir, indicted for war crimes in Darfur, arguing that “no Muslim could perpetrate a genocide.” Is Erdogan turning his back on the West? Not quite, according to Deniz Zeyrek, a foreign policy analyst at the liberal daily Radikal, who sees in Ankara’s new attitudes a desire to act as a weighty mediator in conflicts in the Middle East and the Balkans, while keeping close ties with both East and West. Despite some ostensible differences, Turkey continues to share many common interests with the United States and the pillars of its foreign policy remain unchanged, he said. “Each time Washington has a disagreement with Israel like last time over the issue of settlements - Erdogan rushes to criticise Israel,” he said. And when the moment of truth comes over Iran, Zeyrek believes, Turkey - a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council -will join the Western block in voting for new sanctions against the Islamic republic. “The Turkish emancipation has limits. Erdogan is a pragmatist,” he said. Ankara’s policy is based on the logic that “turning our face to the West does not mean we
French Prime minister Francois Fillon (right) shakes hands with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Hotel Matignon in Paris on April 7, 2010. – AFP are turning our back to the East” - a historic Ottoman area of influence. Could diplomatic choices displeasing the West reflect Turkey’s frustration with its struggling EU membership bid and vocal opposition to its accession by some bloc
members? “It is not that simple,” said Sedat Laciner, head of the Ankara-based USAK thinktank. “The multi-dimensional ambitions of Turkish diplomacy are marked first of all by a desire for trade.” Revived contacts with
Muslim nations have served to boost economic exchanges and Turkey has secured visa-free travel regimes with a series of regional countries. Erdogan’s domestic policies have also raised concern and sparked accusations that his Justice and
Development Party (AKP), the offshoot of a banned Islamist movement, is aiming to build an authoritarian regime with an increased profile for Islam. The party is currently pushing in parliament a package of constitutional amendments aimed primarily at curbing the powers of key judicial bodies, dominated by strict secularists and seen as hostile by the government. “If these amendments are adopted, an important part of the positions still occupied by the secularist establishment will be destroyed,” said Jean Marcou, an Istanbul-based French analyst. The most dramatic blow on the secularist camp came in February when dozens of soldiers, among them senior figures, were rounded up in a probe into an alleged 2003 plan to overthrow the AKP. Prosecutors have yet to prove that the controversial plan existed, but the staunchly-secularist Turkish army, which has unseated four governments in as many decades, has seen its traditional political clout and reputation wane. “It is logical for a government to want to control the military,” said Laciner, asking how any government could carry on under the threat of coups. — AFP
ANALYSIS
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
13
Serra bets on experience to succeed Lula By Raymond Colitt
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razilian opposition candidate Jose Serra will launch his bid for the presidency on Saturday, buoyed by an opinion poll lead and extensive experience ahead of what promises to be a tough race until the Oct 3 poll. Beaten to the top job by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2002, Serra must develop a strategy to overcome Lula’s disciple, Dilma Rousseff who can count on the president’s huge popularity and a rebounding economy. Those advantages make her the favorite for most pundits. But analysts say that Serra’s broad executive experience and national profile make him a formidable rival for Rousseff of the center-left Workers’ Party, who is untested in elections. “The race is only really beginning now and it won’t be easy but Serra stands a real chance,” said Rio de Janeiro-based political analyst Amaury de Souza. A member of the centrist PSDB party, Serra is favored by some investors for his perceived fiscal discipline and reputation as a competent administrator, even though neither he nor Rousseff are seen as straying much from the current, largely market-friendly economic policies. The 68-year-old former health minister resigned as Sao Paulo state governor last week in line with election laws and will be endorsed as candidate in the capital Brasilia this weekend.
Former Sao Paulo state Governor Jose Serra delivers a speech during the launching of his presidential candidacy for the centrist Brazilian Social Democratic Party (PSDB) in Brasilia on April 10, 2010. – AFP Rousseff also quit her post as Lula’s chief of staff to run in the election. The official campaign begins in July, with Serra hoping he can extend an opinion poll lead that dwindled to a few points from 20 points six months ago as the little-known Rousseff gained from a jump in national exposure. The latest poll showed him rebounding to a nine-point advantage. Opposition leaders say they plan to play up Serra’s vast experience and try to prevent Rousseff making the elec-
tion a plebiscite on Lula’s eight years in power that have seen Brazil’s economy power ahead, lifting millions out of poverty. The economy recovered quickly from the global crisis, and Lula’s popularity at around 80 percent is at historic highs. “They want to make this a plebiscite on Lula; we want to know who is the best candidate to lead Brazil for the next four years,” said Jose Anibal, a former PSDB president. With training in engineering and a
PhD in economics from Cornell University, Serra has held eight public jobs, including Sao Paulo mayor, and posts as both planning and health minister in the PSDB administration before Lula came to power. A long-time critic of Brazil’s high interest rates and inefficient public spending, Serra has the advantage of a successful spell as governor of Brazil’s most populous state - the country’s economic powerhouse and a strong election base. Still, the former student leader who was exiled in Chile and the United States for much of Brazil’s 1964-85 military dictatorship may struggle to hold a lead that pollsters say is in part due to him being better known than Rousseff. Former leftist militant Rousseff has already reaped some of the benefits of having Lula on her side by tagging along with him to dozens of public works inaugurations, gaining valuable media exposure and helping her rise in the polls. That “Lula effect” will also help her during the campaign as the president, who by law cannot run for a third consecutive term, joins her on the trail. “It won’t be an easy election. We’re facing a populist government that is using the state apparatus to its advantage,” said Geovani Pereira, secretary-general of the PSDB Youth, in reference to Rousseff’s shared public events with Lula. Serra advisers say one of his biggest tasks will be to focus the campaign on the future, stressing that he
will improve Lula’s advances rather than disrupt them. Serra must also tackle a widespread image that the PSDB is elitist, concerned more with middle-class issues than those of the poor, who make up the majority of the electorate. In contrast to Lula’s everyman touch and simple language that appeals to a broad range of Brazilians, Serra sometimes comes across as arrogant and pedantic. Asked who would be his finance minister if he won, two PSDB leaders had the same answer: “He himself.” But Serra shows signs he is changing his approach. In an effort to reach out to average citizens he has in recent weeks stressed his workingclass origins as the son of an Italian immigrant. To break his often stiff demeanor he opens speeches by talking about soccer, a sure way to break ice with a Brazilian audience. He also has begun to praise some of Lula’s policies, modifying the questionable PSDB strategy of heavily criticizing a popular president. Lula may be well liked, but an outgoing president’s popularity is no guarantee of victory, said analyst Souza. He cited the failure of Chile’s president Michelle Bachelet to elect her candidate this year despite similar approval ratings to Lula’s. Lula himself, who ran for Brazil’s top office five times, admitted Serra will be a tough adversary. “I sincerely think we won’t have any easy campaign,” Lula said on Thursday. — Reuters
China faces nuke diplomacy with awkward baggage By Chris Buckley
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hinese President Hu Jintao takes tricky baggage to the nuclear security summit that opened yesterday, representing a superpower in the making that is a relatively small nuclear arms state, wary of its big peers. The meeting in Washington DC hosted by US President Barack Obama will focus on making atomic sites and materials safer from theft and terrorist attack, not broader questions about arms controls and cuts. But the unprecedented 47-nation meeting that could test China’s approach of staying inside the exclusive club of five official nuclear weapons states and yet sometimes acting as an outsider, critical of the biggest nuclear powers. “China wants to be grouped with the recognised (nuclear) weapons states, but also wants to be seen as a voice for the demands of the non-nuclear developing world,” said Jing-dong Yuan, an expert on China’s nuclear arms policies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California. For all its rising wealth and military spending, China keeps a relatively small stockpile of perhaps 200-240 nuclear warheads. Since China conducted its first nuclear test in 1964, it has said it will never be the first to use such weapons in any conflict. (For more on China nuclear activities see) Yet China is gradually upgrading its nuclear missiles, developing new submarines capable of firing nuclear missiles. It also has not ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, probably until the United States does. Washington has urged Beijing to be more candid about its nuclear arsenal to avoid possible catastrophic miscalculations. China is likely to counter those pressures by urging the other powers to embrace its “no-first-use” vow, demanding the two biggest atomic powers make firmer arms cuts, and calling for greater heed to the needs of developing countries wanting to develop nuclear energy, said several experts. “I think that during the NonProliferation Treaty review (in May)
and in future nuclear non-proliferation treaties, we’ll certainly give more due to the voice of the developing countries”, Major General Zhu Chenghu of China’s National Defence University told a forum in Beijing this month. “Although there have been major reductions, their symbolic significance far surpasses their practical significance.” After a bout of quarrels between Beijing and Washington that prompted speculation President Hu would not attend the summit, his presence will be a reassuring signal that Beijing values both bilateral ties and nuclear security. China faces no pressing threats to the security of its atomic plants and stockpiles and is not among the problem countries grabbing attention in Washington, said Li Bin, an expert on nuclear proliferation at Tsinghua University in Beijing. “This (summit) is a largely symbolic promotional exercise,” said Chu Shulong, also a professor at Tsinghua, who studies international security. “The issues are important but it is also about setting the right tone for subsequent negotiations.” The Obama administration’s recent nuclear posture review urged greater “transparency” from China. After signing the new arms cut pact with Obama, Medvedev said other nuclear states should do more to follow their lead. “Nobody expects China to provide exact numbers” about its nuclear arms, said Yuan, the California-based expert. “But what they want is a clearer sense of why China is modernising its nuclear arsenal, where this leads.” Members of the US Senate could make an issue of China when debating whether to ratify the new arms cut pact with Russia, and also if Obama asks the Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Some US opponents of deep nuclear arms cuts have said the reduction could allow China to “sprint to parity”. Beijing has no such intentions and will not take well to demands to disclose more about its nuclear weapons, said Chu. “At the same time that the United States is pushing the world to do more to prevent nuclear
proliferation, it can’t even ratify this (Test Ban) treaty,” he said. “China’s doesn’t like feeling subjected to double standards,” he added. But Chu said there was much in Obama’s nuclear ini-
tiatives that China will welcome, including reducing the number of countries that could be targeted by US nuclear strikes. Unlike a nuclear posture review by the Bush administration released in
2002, Obama’s did not mention conflict over disputed Taiwan - the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own being a potential trigger for using US nuclear weapons. — Reuters
It’s now up to Greece By Hugh Dent
T
he eurozone has loaded its rescue gun for Greece with enough bullets to avert debt default at least this year, but the Greek government is still at risk, analysts said yesterday. The rate or yield demanded by the market to lend to Greece fell to 6.498 percent on the 10-year bond from 7.126 percent late on Friday. This was far below a record high point above 7.5 percent on Thursday, and the euro also rose strongly. The chief European economist at Goldman Sachs, Erik Nielsen, picked up a metaphor from Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou last week that the EU had put a gun on the table pointing at speculators. Nielsen said that the gun would be fully loaded only once the IMF had agreed details of its participation and after votes of agreement by the other 15 eurozone members’ parliaments. “For the Greeks to fire the loaded gun, they’ll have to ask the Europeans to activate the loan.” He said he thought “it’ll be late April before the gun gets fired and the first money starts to flow.” The sudden changes in bond yields and the value of the euro were in response to details of a stand-by rescue agreed on Sunday to re-align market interest rates for Greece in urgent weekend talks between eurozone finance ministers. The agreement completes an offer in principle last month for the European Union and International Monetary Fund to offer Greece help, if asked. That deal left many vital questions unanswered and consequently fund managers turned away from Greek bonds, thereby pushing up the interest rate which Greece must offer to unbearably high levels. The announcement on Sunday plugged many of the gaps, but opened up others, analysts said. It put the amount on offer from the eurozone at 30 billion ($41 billion) in the first year of a three-year facility and EU officials said the IMF could contribute a further 15 billion. The IMF has yet to confirm this figure. Analysts warned that the Greek government still faced a Herculean task and must now work hard and fast to enact huge reforms and retrieve credibility, the line taken by Germany from the start and taken up in statements by the Greek government last week. Barclays Capital analysts said the agreement “should calm the markets in the short term” but warned that the problems in Athens remained “extremely difficult”. Although the details eased the risk of immediate default, the analysts said it was not evident that the German parliament would approve
the terms and asked whether the EU-IMF loans if made would rank before other bonds in the event of default. “The EU-IMF bailout may not be without risks for bondholders,” they warned. Many analysts say that the standing of the EU, eurozone and European Central Bank have been damaged by the fact and handling of the Greek crisis, while also observing that a partial default would have been worse. Financial Times commentator Wolfgang Munchau said that although “Greece will not default this year” he thought that “Greece will eventually default.” At Dutch bank ING, analyst Padhraic Garvey said that now “default risk is not an issue for 2010 at the very least” but in the next three years “Greece will have to continue its efforts to reduce its fiscal deficit” and might be rewarded by the markets through lower yields. The “medium-term Greek story remains uncertain,” he said. At BNP Paribas bank in Paris, analysts said the deal removed damaging uncertainty and was “good news for the euro and can help Greek government bond yields to decline significantly.” At Natixis bank in Paris, analyst Philippe Waechter underlined the importance for Greece of rebuilding credibility in its structural reforms, but he warned that the crisis had already weakened the standing of some other eurozone countries. Analysts have also expressed concern about the standing of the European Central Bank, saying it had made U-turns on a role for the IMF, and on easy terms for loans to eurozone banks. Barclays Capital economist Thorsten Polleit told AFP on Friday that “there is of course political pressure now, and Greece may be a precedent” if problems arise in other eurozone countries such as Portugal or Spain. Munchau commented that the agreement on Sunday “came too late, and only after the financial markets had “forced the European Union to put up or shut up”. He said there were still holes in the scheme, for example concerning how much funding would be available over the full three years, noting that some reports put the figure at 50-60 billion euros. Greek newspapers said it would total 80 billion euros. In the European edition of the Wall Street Journal, Irwin Stelzer forecast that “Greece will ask for and get a bailout”. He suggested that once German elections on May 9 were out of the way, Germans who hated the idea of bailing people out, might prefer that to the collapse of the “European project”. — AFP
Rajapakse wins again, but battle for unity remains By Amal Jayasinghe
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t seems Sri Lanka’s president, Mahinda Rajapakse, just can’t stop winning. His ruling party’s landslide triumph in parliamentary elections this week capped a trio of historic victories following the military defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels a year ago, and a thumping presidential re-election win in January. Now with his ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in firm control of parliament, the opposition divided and his main political rival under court martial, his position appears unassailable. The alliance may have fallen just short of the two-thirds majority that would have allowed Rajapakse to amend the constitution, but with a predicted 140 seats in the 225-member house, it would only need 10 outside votes to make up the required number. The UPFA secured 117 seats in Thursday’s poll and is expected to win at least half of the 45 that have yet to be declared. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) was reduced to 46 seats. But while the president may have tightened his already formidable grip on power, analysts say he still faces serious challenges in genuinely uniting the Indian
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse addresses media representatives after casting his vote at a polling station in Tangalla, some 195 km from Colombo on April 8, 2010. – AFP Ocean island, especially when it comes to its large Tamil minority. In his campaigning for the parliamentary election, Rajapakse had asked the electorate to grant him an unequivocal mandate that would put aside political divisions in the pursuit of economic growth after decades of ethnic conflict. In terms of seats, that mandate
was delivered, but on the back of a record low turnout of just 55 percent that raised questions over his claims to have the country behind him. “This turnout shows people have lost faith in the system,” said author and political commentator Victor Ivan. “The president has a serious challenge before him to restore that confidence and
address outstanding political issues,” Ivan said. Previous parliamentary polls have registered average turnouts of around 75 percent, even when voters were faced with the threat of attacks by the Tamil Tiger rebels who routinely attempted to disrupt the electoral process. The lack of voters this time around was
quickly seized upon by the opposition as evidence of widespread dissatisfaction. “For the first time, we have a parliament which has no mandate from the people,” said UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. The clearest signal of the divisions that remain came from the Tamil minority, which has always been deeply suspicious of Rajapakse’s nationalist leanings and also turned out in record low numbers. The president had campaigned in the Tamil heartland of Jaffna and Wanni with promises of billions of dollars to rebuild the regions worst affected by the long war with the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). But his party failed to win a single Tamil district, with Tamil voters instead electing 12 MPs from the moderate Tamil National Alliance, which wants greater autonomy for the Tamil minority. “The results show that Tamils have no confidence in the (majority Sinhalese) government,” said human rights campaigner Nimalka Fernando of the National Democratic Council. “The electoral map shows the divisions very clearly.” With his second presidential term secured and a powerful parliamentary majority, Rajapakse would have no excuses
for failing to deliver on pledges to address Tamil grievances, Fernando said. “We have a situation where he can act now,” Fernando said. “But it remains to be seen if he will deliver on the promises of peace and national reconciliation.” The Tamils are demanding a genuine devolution of political power, as well as redress for their complaints that discrimination by the Sinhalese majority has deprived them of jobs and education. “The president’s next move will decide the direction of the national (ethnic) question,” said Colombo University history lecturer Nirmal Devasiri, who warned that failure to resolve the Tamil issue could lead to fresh ethnic conflict. Rajapakse’s response will also be carefully monitored outside Sri Lanka, with Washington pressing the president to bring the minorities into the political mainstream. “I think it’s important for the administration of President Rajapakse to reach out to the Tamils,” US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake told the BBC in an interview. “It’s important that they feel they’re going to be able to live a future of hope and of opportunity,” Blake said. —AFP
focus
Are Republicans a party of ‘no’? By Ron Fournier
S
ocialist. Secularist. Liar. National security naif. Republican leaders are calling US President Barack Obama all that and more as they jockey early for the party’s 2012 presidential nomination. But name-calling alone won’t beat the Democratic incumbent. Even a firebrand like former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich concedes that the Republicans must be more than naysayers to reclaim control of Congress in November and to seize the White House two years later. “What the left wants to do is say we’re the party of ‘no,”’ Gingrich told the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, a conservative convention that gave several potential Republican presidential contenders a chance to audition for the 2012 nomination fight. “I think we should decide we’re going to be the party of ‘yes’.” “Republicans can say yes to a balanced budget,” he said - and yes to more jobs through tax cuts and yes to getting tough on terrorists. But, it turns out, saying yes is no easy task. Gingrich and his fellow Republican presidential aspirants struggled at the conference to articulate a winning vision. Theirs is a delicate balance: Offer voters a positive, concrete agenda while defining Obama in a negative light something conservative voters expect, or even demand, of their candidates. Mississippi Gov Haley Barbour, a former lobbyist and strategist who may seek the presidency, said it will take some time for the Republican Party to iron out its two-sided message. “It is important to give people something to vote for. I believe that very sincerely,” Barbour told state party chairmen and activists Saturday, the conference’s closing day. “There are some people who act like that means we’ve got to have something like that today.” For now, party leaders can’t even agree on whether the Republicans are the party of yes or no. Texas Gov Rick Perry voted no, insisting that Republican congressional candi-
dates must be against Obama and government itself to win in November. “It’s going to take men and women going to Washington, DC, and saying no,” he said, urging Republican candidates to say to voters, “Elect me and I’m going to Washington, DC, and will try to make it as inconsequential on your life as I can make it.” Despite speculation to the contrary, Louisiana Gov Bobby Jindal told the crowd he’s not interested in a 2012 bid. Still, he took a side in the yes-versusno debate. When it comes to bad ideas, Jindal said, “shame on us for not saying so” and for not saying no. On that, Gingrich agreed, and he spelled out what he considers the bad ideas offered by Obama, particularly the health care overhaul bill. An hour or so before his conference address, Gingrich unloaded on Obama. Calling him a terrible president, Gingrich accused Obama of running a “socialist, secularist machine.” Speaking of Democrats, he quickly added, “They lie about” the so-called machine. As is often the case with political hyperbole from the left and right, Gingrich didn’t support his accusation. He also called Obama “the most radical president in American history.” The crowd favorite, former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, delivered a speech filled with sound bites and invectives. Whatever passing stabs she made outlining fresh policies or vision may have gotten lost in the chorus of negativity. “There is no shame in being the party of no,” she said to loud applause. “When they’re proposing an idea that violates our values, violates our Constitution, what’s wrong with being the party of no? We’re the party of hell no!” And so she mocked Obama’s national security credentials, pointing dismissively to the “vast nuclear experience that he acquired as a community organizer”. Some in the crowd responded with a “Run, Sarah, Run” chant. She didn’t say whether she would seek the presidency, but Palin left little doubt where she stands on the definitive issue of yes or no.— AP
Obama faces dilemma over court nominee By Tom Raum
US
President Barack Obama faces a classic political dilemma in picking a new Supreme Court justice. He must decide whether to nominate someone liberal enough to carry on John Paul Stevens’ legacy on issues such as abortion rights and the death penalty or move toward a more moderate candidate in hopes of winning enough Republican support to avoid a debilitating Senate confirmation battle. His decision is likely to dominate the political landscape this summer, just months before midterm elections that will determine who controls Congress. A bitter fight threatens Democratic hopes of focusing on the economy and job creation. It also would be a major distraction to Obama as he tries to push ahead on other parts of his agenda, including education and energy legislation. If the president chooses an outright liberal nominee, it might help rally his Democratic base - crucial for the party in midterm elections - but would surely provoke a knockdown fight with Republicans. At the same time, if he picked someone less objectionable to Republicans, it could further alienate dispirited liberal Democrats who complain that Obama sold out on elements of the healthcare overhaul. And it might not even work in attracting Republican votes. As the anti-government tea party movement revs up, rankand-file Republicans are sounding more energized, more eager to court the party’s base - and possibly more likely to portray anyone Obama picks for the Supreme Court as too liberal. “The Republicans are going to do everything possible just to drag this out,” said American University political scientist James Thurber. “It’s going to be ugly.” Stevens, the strongest liberal voice on a conservativeleaning court, said Friday he
will step down when the court finishes its work in late June or early July. His long-anticipated announcement came 11 days before his 90th birthday. Obama praised Stevens as an “impartial guardian” of the law, and said he would move quickly to name a nominee. “It is in the best interests of the Supreme Court to have a successor appointed and confirmed before the next term begins,” Obama told reporters in the Rose Garden. But the mood in Washington soured noticeably and the dynamics in the Senate have changed since Obama named Sonia Sotomayor to the high court last year. Democrats then had the 60 votes needed to stop Republican efforts to block a final vote on a nominee. Even so, Sotomayor won some Republican votes and a serious effort by Republicans to block her nomination was never attempted. That majority is a luxury Obama no longer has. Democrats are now able to deliver only 59 votes at most, with some senators worrying about their re-election prospects. Obama couldn’t find a single Republican vote in the Senate for his health care overhaul and Republicans have marched in lock step against nearly all of his other top domestic priorities. Republicans aren’t ruling out an attempt to block the president’s nominee, even though they risk overplaying their hand - or trying to postpone the vote until after the November elections in hopes of holding more Republican votes. Even before Stevens’ announcement, Republicans were taking a hard line on Obama’s judicial nominees. Top Republican senators on Friday were quick to signal a rocky time ahead by asserting that Obama’s new nominee would be subjected to the closest of scrutiny.“There’s going to be a whale of a fight if he appoints an activist to the court. —AP
NEWS
14
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Abhisit under pressure Russia points to human after election body call error in fatal plane crash ‘Red Shirts’ parade dead in streets BANGKOK: Thailand’s election body called yesterday for the dissolution of the ruling party, piling the pressure on embattled Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva after the bloodiest political unrest in 18 years. The move, which centres on allegations of an illegal multi-million-dollar donation to the Democrat Party during 2005 elections, raised the stakes in the stand-off between Abhisit and “Red Shirt” protesters. The demonstrators, who have been rallying for a month demanding snap elections and the resignation of Abhisit, paraded their dead through Bangkok’s streets yesterday after 21 people were killed in bloody clashes on Saturday. Abhisit alleged “terrorists” had incited the violence and insisted the government remained united in tackling the crisis, which pits Thailand’s military-backed rulers against the impoverished rural poor. “The government is unified and determined to solve this problem,” he said in a nationally televised address. Both the government and protesters appeared more deeply entrenched than ever following the deadly unrest that also left more than 800 people injured and caused a trail of destruction in popular tourist areas. A spokesman for the Democrat Party, Buranaj Smutharaks, said it would challenge the election commission’s recommendation, which refers to a donation made when Abhisit was deputy leader of the party. “The case is not over yet. It must be investigated by the attorney general and then go to the constitutional
court,” he said. “We can prove that we have not violated the law.” But experts said the commission’s call was significant in a country where the last government in 2008 was brought down by a court ruling. The Reds charge that the current government is illegitimate because it came to power in 2008 after a court ousted allies of former prime minister and telecoms tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra from power. “The prospect of the party being dissolved will really spook the Democrats and this could really change the political landscape very quickly,” said Michael Montesano, a fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. The Red Shirt movement, which has been pushing the election authorities to act on the Democrat Party allegations, said earlier Monday that the time for negotiating with Abhisit’s government was over. “There will be no talks with the government. We will not talk with killers,” said Reds leader Jatuporn Prompan. “What else is there to talk about?” He said the protesters would not go home until Abhisit dissolved parliament, despite the election body’s recommendation, which could take months to resolve. Seventeen civilians, including a Japanese cameraman, and four soldiers were killed after the army launched a crackdown on the Thaksin supporters who have staged weeks of mass demonstrations. Thailand’s queen and crown prince attended a memorial for one of the dead soldiers yesterday. The Red Shirts have appealed for the country’s revered king,
who has no official political role, to intervene to resolve the crisis. Army chief Anupong Paojinda said he supported early elections to end the turmoil that has gripped Thailand since Thaksin, who is now living in exile, was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006. “We must return to politics to solve the problem. It must be ended by political means,” Anupong told reporters, suggesting that he was reluctant to use force again to put down the protests after the weekend bloodshed. Pick-up trucks carrying two slain protesters and 14 empty caskets adorned with Thai flags and flowers paraded through Bangkok yesterday and thousands of protesters later massed outside Abhisit’s house, guarded by hundreds of police. The Red Shirts, who hail from mainly poor and rural areas, insist they will not end their campaign until the government calls immediate polls and Abhisit stands down. Many are seeking the return of Thaksin, hailed by the poor for his policies for the masses, such as cheap healthcare. The rallies in Bangkok have dealt a heavy blow to the vital tourist sector, and fears about the impact of the crisis sent Thai stocks plunging more than five percent at one point yesterday. Shaken tourists have been seen packing up and leaving the capital after bloody clashes spread into the Khaosan Road backpacker district. Saturday’s violence erupted when troops tried to clear one of two sites that have been occupied by the protesters for the past month. — AFP
Dubai jails two for Chechen’s murder Continued from Page 1 Yamadayev fought against Russia in the first Chechen war of 1994-96 when Moscow suffered a humiliating defeat. After changing sides with Kadyrov, he became the commander of the Vostok battalion, battle-hardened former rebels who played a key role in subduing largescale armed resistance to Russian rule. In 2005 he was named a “Hero of Russia”. Yamadayev challenged Kadyrov for control of the local security forces until 2008, when he was dismissed from his command post and forced to flee. He was the fifth Chechen living abroad to be killed in the space of six months. Four other suspects in the case are wanted by Dubai police, including Delimkhanov, who since 2007 has been a member of parliament in Moscow for the pro-Kremlin United Russia party. Interpol issued an arrest warrant for Delimkhanov last year, although Russia’s constitution bans the extradition of Russian nationals for crimes committed abroad. In 2008, Yamadayev’s brother Ruslan, also a for-
mer commander in Chechnya, was gunned down in a busy central Moscow street. Kadyrov at the time denied involvement and said the killers wanted to discredit him and destabilise Chechnya. The Chechen’s killing in a beachfront parking lot in March 2009 stunned Dubai authorities as the first major political assassination in the Gulf city-state. It came just months after another contract killing, of Lebanese pop star Suzanne Tamim, in a luxury high-rise apartment in the emirate. Both those high-profile killings have since been eclipsed by the slaying of Hamas commander Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh by a hit squad in January. That case, involving multiple suspects carrying fraudulent passports widely suspected of ties to Israel’s Mossad secret service, has strengthened Dubai’s image as a city of international intrigue. Separately, a former UAE minister, Khalifa Bakhit Al-Falasi, was sentenced to a one-year suspended jail term yesterday on corruption charges, a newspaper reported. Dubai’s cassation court also
gave one-year suspended jail sentences and ordered the deportation of two codefendants from the United States and India only identified in the Gulf News report by their initials S A and P M. A civil lawsuit related to the case was still pending, the daily said. Falasi, 51, was sentenced to two years in prison on Feb 24, 2009 for fraudulently taking control of a company after the death of his Lebanese business partner. The American and Indian received the same sentence for complicity. The trio were acquitted on appeal on May 28, but Dubai’s high court threw out that ruling in July, ordering the former minister without portfolio and his co-defendants to be tried again before the appeals court by new judges. The defendants were acquitted in November in a second appeals court trial, but the cassation court, the UAE’s highest tribunal, reversed that ruling yesterday, handing down the suspended sentences instead. Falasi’s 26-year-old son was acquitted of wrongdoing in the initial trial. — Agencies
Finance panel rejects Amiri decree on loans Continued from Page 1 In another development, the head of the Assembly’s interior and defense committee MP Askar Al-Enezi said yesterday the panel will meet with Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah on Sunday to study the controversial issue of the planned purchase of the French-made Rafale warplanes. Enezi said that all MPs are invited to attend the meeting, which is very crucial
to understand the government’s viewpoint on the multi-billion-dollar deal. Members of the Islamist Reform and Development Bloc warned on Sunday that if the government signs the deal, they will grill either the prime minister or the defense minister. The bloc insisted that the Rafale jet is technically inferior to modern warplanes available in the market and is more expensive. They also showed what they said were documents of the Kuwaiti
army recommending against the purchase of the planes. The group also said that the Audit Bureau was unable to conduct an investigation into the Rafale and other proposed arms deals because the defense ministry refused to provide the necessary documents demanded by the bureau. Meanwhile, the Assembly yesterday sent out invitations to MPs for a special session on Thursday to discuss the privatization draft law.
Malik, Mirza tie the knot Continued from Page 1 in Hyderabad criticised the fact that Malik was living in his future bride’s house before the wedding. Mirza was dressed in a traditional red sari that her mother wore at her own wedding 25 years ago, PTI reported. Last week, Farisa Siddiqui, Ayesha’s mother, announced that a settlement had been reached and “divorce papers signed”, allowing Malik’s marriage with Mirza to go ahead. Ayesha had initially lodged a complaint with police in Hyderabad, prompting officers to quiz Malik over the saga and confiscate his passport. Muslim elders in Hyderabad, where both Siddiqui and Mirza live, were understood to have negotiated the settlement after days of frenzied press coverage and lurid speculation. Even without the added drama provided by Ayesha’s revelations, the marriage of two of South Asia’s best-known sports personalities across one of the world’s most volatile borders was always going to make headlines. Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence and broke off all official contact following the 2008 Mumbai
attacks, which Indian blamed on Pakistanbased militants. The stand-off extended to the sporting world, with a freeze on nontournament matches between their respective national cricket teams. Malik and Mirza’s sporting marriage is unprecedented in the perennial rivalry between the south Asian nations, and some rightwing Hindu groups in India had denounced the union, accusing Mirza of betraying her country. The only similar union came when former Pakistani Test batsman Mohsin Khan, who is now Pakistan’s chief selector, married Indian actress Reena Roy in the 1980s. The couple later separated. The Pakistani government is preparing lavish celebrations to welcome the couple during a widely expected visit. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will treat the newlyweds to a reception and Pakistan’s minister for population welfare, Firdous Ashiq Awan, told AFP that she would travel to India to attend the wedding reception. “It is a very happy occasion for both Malik and Mirza and for millions of people in both the countries and we are having a detailed discussion as to how we could celebrate the occasion in Pakistan,” Awan
told AFP. Teammates of Malik, a former Pakistan cricket captain who is serving a one-year ban on charges of indiscipline during Pakistan’s tour of Australia and New Zealand, also passed on their congratulations. “It’s a happy occasion that Malik has wed Sania. I congratulate him and wish him the best in his married life,” said Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi. Mirza, whose short tennis skirts have drawn the ire of Islamist groups in India, has been a nationwide celebrity since 2005 when, aged 18, she became the first Indian woman to win a WTA Tour title. She is currently recovering from a wrist injury that has seen her world ranking slip from 27 in 2007 to 89. The couple, who are both Muslims, are thought likely to base themselves in Dubai. Malik had admitted beginning a telephone relationship with Siddiqui in 2001 after she sent him photographs - but said he later believed the pictures were of another woman. Before the divorce settlement, Siddiqui appeared on television news channels to denounce Malik as a cheat who dumped her because his teammates said she was overweight. — AFP
Roman-era mummy unearthed in Egypt Continued from Page 1 style indicated she belonged to Egypt’s long period of Roman rule lasting a few hundred years and starting 31 B.C. He said his team first thought they had stumbled across a child’s tomb because of its diminutive stature, but the decorations and features indicated it was a woman. Afifi said it was still unclear who the woman was but said it was most likely she was a wealthy and influential member of her society, judging by the effort taken on the sarcophagus. “We are sure (the mummy) is female. Either she was a small woman, and mummies always shrink, or she could have been a young woman,” said Zahi Hawass, chief of the Supreme Council
of Antiquities. Mummies of people of diminutive stature have been unearthed in other parts of Egypt, where they appeared to have importance in local religions at the time, he added. The archaeologists also found a gold relief showing the four sons of the Egyptian god Horus, other plaster masks of women’s faces, several glass and clay utensils and some metal coins. The metal coins are being checked to see whether they can date the era of the tomb more precisely. Afifi said the find suggested the presence of a larger tomb complex, but said humid weather in the area may have destroyed similar sites. He said none of the other 13 graves were as complete as that of the woman.
The find was made after archaeologists had made a series of exploratory digs ahead of a local council plan to build a youth center on the land. The area is known for its relics from the Greco-Roman period. Bahariya Oasis rocketed to fame a decade ago with the discovery of the “Valley of the Golden Mummies”, a vast cemetery that has yielded up hundreds of mummies, many covered in gold leaf, from the Greco-Roman period. Those sarcophagi were decorated in a more traditional ancient Egyptian style, rather than the Roman style of the current find. The discoveries from this period indicate the comparative wealth and prosperity of the oases at the time due to their location on major desert trading routes. — Agencies
WARSAW: Russian investigators suggested human error may have been to blame in the plane crash that killed the Polish president and 95 others, saying yesterday were no technical problems with the Soviet-made plane. The Tu154 went down Saturday while trying to land in dense fog near Smolensk airport in western Russia. All aboard were killed, including President Lech Kaczynski and dozens of Polish political, military and religious leaders. They had been traveling in the Polish governmentowned plane to attend a memorial at nearby Katyn forest for thousands of Polish military officers executed 70 years ago by Josef Stalin’s secret police. The pilot had been warned of bad weather in Smolensk, and was advised by traffic controllers to land elsewhere - which would have delayed the Katyn observances. He was identified as Capt. Arkadiusz Protasiuk, 36, and the co-pilot as Maj. Robert Grzywna, 36. Also in the cockpit were Ensign Andrzej Michalak, 36, and Lt. Artur Zietek, 31. In Warsaw, there was concern the pilots may have been asked by someone in the plane to land at Smolensk instead of diverting to Minsk or Moscow, in part to avoid missing the ceremonies. In Warsaw, Polish Prosecutor General Andrzej Seremet said Polish investigators talked to the flight controller and flight supervisor and “concluded that there were no conditions for landing.” “The tower was advising against the landing,” Seremet said. The plane was equipped with an instrument landing system, or ILS, said Col Wieslaw Grzegorzewski of the Polish Defense Ministry. “I can confirm the pilots were preparing for landing without the ILS system,” he said. “The airport didn’t have the ILS system.” Russian media reports said the Smolensk airfield is a former military air base that lacks equipment for automatic landings. The business daily Kommersant said yesterday that about 50 military personnel maintain the airport which is used only sporadically for
official visits. It said the airfield has no permanent traffic controllers, and they are brought from the city of Tver when it’s necessary. Kommersant also said that that the pilots had been informed about the bad weather in the area while the plane was still over Belarus, but the captain said he would see conditions for himself and then make a decision. Polish investigators said they will listen to the cockpit conversations recorded on the black boxes to see if there were “any suggestions made to the pilots” from other people aboard the plane. Other Russian officials said the pilots were offered the chance to land in Moscow, Minsk or Vitebsk, but they chose Smolensk, despite four failed attempts before the fifth and fatal approach. Polish media reported in Aug 2008 that pilots flying Kaczynski to Tbilisi refused the president’s order to land there because of the country’s war with Russia, diverting instead to Azerbaijan. In remarks on Russian television, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov told a government meeting including President Dmitry Medvedev that the data recorders on the plane were found to have been completely functional, which will allow a detailed analysis. “It is reliably confirmed that warning of the unfavorable weather conditions at the North airport and recommendations to go to a reserve airport were not only transmitted but received by the crew of the plane,” he said. Russian investigators have almost finished reading the flight recorders, said Alexander Bastrykin, Russia’s chief investigator. “The readings confirm that there were no problems with the plane, and that the pilot was informed about the difficult weather conditions, but nevertheless decided to land,” Bastrykin said during a briefing with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Smolensk. The wreckage will remain on site through midweek to speed the investigation, Russian Deputy Transport Minister Igor Levitin said. Both Russia and Ukraine declared a day of
mourning yesterday, as Poles struggled to come to terms with the tragedy that eliminated so many of their government and military leaders. Tens of thousands watched as Kaczynski’s body, returned Sunday to Warsaw, was carried in a coffin by a hearse to the presidential palace. His twin brother, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the former prime minister, was present. Adam Bielan, an aide to Jaroslaw, said the two brothers spoke briefly Saturday morning when the president called his twin just before the plane crash to say they would be landing soon. At UN headquarters in New York, the UN’s blue and white flag flew at half-staff yesterday in Kaczynski’s memory. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated his “most profound condolence at such a tragic passing away of President Lech Kaczynski with whom I have been working very closely, especially on climate change.” Forensics experts from Poland and Russia were working to identify other bodies, including first lady Maria Kaczynska, using DNA testing in many cases. Jacek Sasin, a spokesman for the Presidential Palace, said Kaczynska’s body would be sent to Warsaw today. He said the bodies of the first couple would lie in state at the palace beginning today, their coffins closed, and the public would be permitted to view them. “We want every Pole who wants to pay tribute to the president, to be able to come and stand by the coffin,” he said. Sasin that officials are now planning the funeral for Saturday but a final decision depends on when the bodies of all 96 victims are returned home. So far, 87 bodies have been recovered. Medvedev has said he wants to attend, according to Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski. Sasin said nothing has been changed in the living quarters of the president and his wife since they were there for breakfast Saturday. “I don’t think there is anyone who would want to change anything there. We still cannot believe what has happened,” he said. — AP
Obama opens nuke summit Continued from Page 1 Obama’s talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao were expected to go some way toward determining whether China is prepared to join the United States, Britain, France, Russia and Germany in a fourth round of UN sanctions against Iran. Tehran says its nuclear program is peaceful and it does not intend to build a weapon. Hu’s agreement to attend was perceived as a positive sign in Washington after US-Chinese relations were strained by Obama’s meeting with the Dalai Lama, China’s Internet censorship, and US pressure over China’s currency. Diplomats believe China might be willing to join the latest Iran sanctions push but it was still unclear how far Beijing would go to penalize a country with which it has significant economic ties. China has made clear that it dislikes a proposed ban on new investments in Iran’s energy sector as part of a new round of UN sanctions, diplomats said on Sunday. Russia is also skeptical about energy sanctions on Iran. Financial markets will be seeking further signs of China giving ground over its currency valuation. The United States agreed to delay its planned mid-April determination of whether China was considered a currency manipulator, sparing Hu from potential embarrassment. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner attended Obama’s talks with Hu. Geithner made a brief visit to Beijing last week to discuss US concerns that the yuan is seriously undervalued and that this contributes to a trade imbalance. Iran dismissed the US summit and said it would not be swayed by any decisions made there. “World summits being organized these days are intended to humiliate human beings,” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in Tehran. Ahmadinejad had harsh words for politicians who claimed to represent the inter-
national community: “These foolish people who are in charge are like stupid, retarded people who brandish their swords whenever they face shortcomings, without realizing that the time for this type of thing is over.” Iran has said it will complain to the United Nations about what it sees as Obama’s implied threat to attack it with nuclear weapons. Addressing the United States, Ahmadinejad said: “Your gift to the world is a nuclear bomb while Iran presents ... humanity.” Obama began his one-on-one meetings by seeing Jordan’s King Abdullah, who like many Arab leaders is worried about the potential for Iran developing a nuclear weapon and triggering a Middle East arms race. The two leaders agreed on the need for advancing Middle East peace efforts through indirect talks that would quickly transition to face-to-face negotiations. Iran also came up. “President Obama stressed the importance of international efforts to pressure Iran to ensure that it upholds its international obligations, including through the imposition of sanctions,” the White House said. After a meeting between Obama and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, the White House said they agreed the international community should “send a clear signal” to Iran that while it has the right to develop nuclear en energy it must not make nuclear weapons. Obama was also meeting other leaders inside Washington’s downtown convention center, which was surrounded by a heavy security cordon of troops and police and high fences. The summit is the culmination of a hectic period of nuclear diplomacy for Obama. Last week he signed a new treaty to cut US and Russian nuclear arsenals and unilaterally announced the United States would limit its use of nuclear weapons, a plan that came under heavy fire from his conservative critics. The summit - the biggest US-hosted assem-
bly of world leaders in six decades - will be a test of Obama’s ability to rally global action on his nuclear agenda. In a sign of progress on the issues, the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow said Russia and the United States would sign a deal today on reducing stocks of weapons grade plutonium. Speaking on the eve of the conference, Obama said he expected it to yield “enormous progress” toward the goal of locking down loose nuclear materials worldwide. “We know that organizations like Al-Qaeda are in the process of trying to secure a nuclear weapon, a weapon of mass destruction that they have no compunction at using,” Obama told reporters, calling it the biggest threat to national security. A draft final communique shows leaders will pledge to work toward safeguarding all “vulnerable nuclear material” within four years and take steps to crack down on nuclear smuggling. Iran and North Korea are not on the guest list or the summit agenda. But their nuclear standoffs with the West were likely to weigh heavily in Obama’s talks with Hu and other leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She will sit down with the US president on Tuesday after the summit is over. “I think time is pressing and a decision on potential sanctions will need to be made soon,” Merkel, referring to Iran, said in Berlin before leaving for the United States. The list of leaders in attendance ranged from heads of state of traditional nuclear powers like Russia and France to nuclear-armed foes like India and neighboring Pakistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani assured Obama in talks on Sunday his government has “appropriate safeguard” for its nuclear arsenal. Experts say Pakistan’s stockpile of weapons-grade material poses a high risk because of internal security threats from the Taleban and Al-Qaeda. — Agencies
Female mosque head seeks middle ground Continued from Page 1 one solution toward resolving such tensions. Experts say it’s part of a European trend: many young Muslims on the continent are staying away from traditional mosques and meeting in more casual settings for prayer and study groups. Fitting into European society while remaining rooted in Islam is no easy task among native populations that often resent the growing number of Muslims, and - many Muslims feel - discriminate against them in jobs and education. Across Europe, conservative politicians are pushing to limit further immigration or to compel Muslims to abandon foreign ways. In the Netherlands, where Muslims comprise 6 percent of the country’s 16.5 million people, an anti-Islam party has become the country’s fastest growing political movement. Its leader, Geert Wilders, complains that Muslims reject European liberalism, that they deny women equal rights and that they are intolerant of alternative lifestyles like homosexuality. Wilders’ popularity is partly a reaction to a spate of Islamic radical violence that sent shudders through the nation a few years ago. In 2004, a young Muslim from the Slotervaart neighborhood murdered Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh, who had produced a short film portraying alleged oppression of Muslim women. Police have broken up other alleged radical networks, and the Dutch secret service has warned that Holland remains a potential target for homegrown terrorism. The Polder Mosque tries to find middle ground between Islamic radicalism and rightwing xenophobia. And it may be at the forefront of the effort to find, if not a European style of Islam, at least grounds for coexistence with European norms. Ksaihi seeks to make Islam more accessible to young Muslims born in a secular nation and make Muslims more acceptable to their neighbors. She wants congregants to embrace the religion and culture while extracting it from the homeland of their immigrant parents. “We choose Dutch as the main language because we focus on the young people. Most of them can only speak Dutch,” she said. “If non-Muslims enter the mosque, they will hear what we are discussing. There
is nothing scary about what we do.” As administrator, Ksaihi is in charge of finances and hires the imams who lead the prayers and deliver sermons. She says she finds imams that reflect the diversity of the Amsterdam Muslim community, including preachers from Malaysia and Indonesia as well as from Morocco and Turkey where most Dutch Muslims come from. The mosque is a cultural center as much as a house of worship. “This is a traditional model of Islam. It’s not new,” she said. “We are going back to the roots. There is only one Islam.” Mona Siddiqui, a professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Glasgow, says the Amsterdam mosque is part of wider movement that is just beginning to be felt in Europe. “The mosque does stand for something - namely that Muslims in Europe are carving out new ways of addressing their own communities away from traditional and sometimes oppressive structures,” she said in an email. “That is a good thing in my opinion, but I am not sure that it is a defining moment. There are a huge variety of different Muslim communities in Europe and women have been making and continue to make their voices heard in all kinds of ways, even if this journey is a struggle sometimes,” she wrote. Europe has an estimated 20 million Muslims, making Islam the continent’s second largest religion. “Many young people have moved away from traditional mosque settings and organized their own ways of conducting worship,” said Siddiqui. That “bears witness to the changing pattern of worship in Europe.” Little evidence of change can be seen in France, however, home of western Europe’s largest Muslim population. For years, authorities have been prodding Muslim leaders to inculcate what they call an “Islam of France” that would fit seamlessly into French society - and embrace moderate interpretations of the religion. They have found it is easier said than done. The estimated 5 million Muslims in France reflect a multitude of tendencies within Islam, from moderates to Salafists seeking an uncompromising return to Islam’s origins. In addition, imams often do not speak French and mosques are funded with money from foreign benefactors - often seen as a source for
terror cell funding. Financing is another departure from the European norm for Amsterdam’s Polder Mosque, which refuses to accept foreign money. “That is one of our main pillars,” Ksaihi said. “It’s a Dutch initiative so we have to keep it 100 percent Dutch.” Slotervaart, the neighborhood where the mosque is located, was the first district to benefit from the government’s €28 million ($38 million) grant in 2007 to combat radicalism through education and dialogue. Ksaihi’s mosque is a one-story former community center set amid tall apartment buildings in an overwhelmingly Muslim neighborhood, but it has no minarets. Young men, some with long beards and robes and some in Western garb, mingle together at the mosque entrance ahead of the Friday prayers. It takes its name from a uniquely Dutch feature: a polder is an area of land that has been reclaimed from the marsh or sea and often turned into rich farmland. Historically, it is a symbol of cooperative effort. Apart from fighting entrenched discrimination against women, which she considers an affront to Islam, Ksaihi says her mosque provides a platform for interfaith dialogue. A non-Muslim Dutch woman, Marloes Kuijer, is a member of the board of directors. “I am not religious,” said Kuijer. “I feel at home here because it’s a meeting place for everyone, young or old, Muslim or nonMuslims.” It also invites Muslims of all views, even sympathizers with the “jihadists,” or radicals. “We don’t discriminate,” said Ksaihi. “You have to let everyone in, regardless of their views. You can only help someone if you understand their views.” That all-embracing policy may have a positive impact, says Jean Tillie, a University of Amsterdam political scientist, who conducted a six-year research project on the radicalization of Muslim youths in Amsterdam. “The chance that they will become more moderate is bigger than the chance that if you exclude them they will become extremists,” he said. Momamed Choupi, an imam who preaches at the Polder Mosque, says the people who brought Islam with them to Holland from Turkey and Morocco must adapt to the local context and find “a Dutch way of experiencing Islam”. — AP
SPORTS
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
15
MLB results/standings Major League Baseball results and standings on Sunday. Detroit 9, Cleveland 8; Florida 6, La Dodgers 5; Washington 5, NY Mets 2; Cincinnati 3, Chicago Cubs 1; Toronto 5, Baltimore 2; NY Yankees 7, Tampa Bay 3; Philadelphia 2, Houston 1; Chicago White Sox 5, Minnesota 4; Boston 8, Kansas City 6; Texas 9, Seattle 2; Colorado 4, San Diego 2; Oakland 9, LA Angels 4; San Francisco 6, Atlanta 3; Arizona 15, Pittsburgh 6; Milwaukee 8, St. Louis 7. American League Eastern Division W L PCT GB Toronto 5 1 .833 NY Yankees 4 2 .667 1 Boston 3 3 .500 2 Tampa Bay 3 3 .500 2 Baltimore 1 5 .167 4 Central Division Detroit 5 1 .833 Minnesota 5 2 .714 .5 Chicago White Sox 2 4 .333 3 Cleveland 2 4 .333 3 Kansas City 2 4 .333 3 Western Division Oakland 5 2 .714 Texas 3 3 .500 1.5 LA Angels 2 5 .286 3 Seattle 2 5 .286 3 National League Eastern Division Philadelphia 5 1 .833 Florida 4 2 .667 1 Atlanta 3 3 .500 2 Washington 3 3 .500 2 NY Mets 2 4 .333 3 Central Division St. Louis 4 2 .667 Milwaukee 3 3 .500 1 Cincinnati 3 3 .500 1 Pittsburgh 3 3 .500 1 Chicago Cubs 2 4 .333 2 Houston 0 6 0 4 Western Division San Francisco 5 1 .833 Arizona 4 2 .667 1 Colorado 3 3 .500 2 LA Dodgers 2 4 .333 3 San Diego 2 4 .333 3
PHOENIX: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Daniel McCutchen throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game.—AP
Pedroia, Beltre lead Red Sox past Royals KANSAS CITY: Red Sox left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was helped off the field after colliding with third baseman Adrian Beltre in the ninth inning of Boston’s 8-6 win Sunday over the Kansas City Royals. Ellsbury and Beltre were chasing Mitch Maier’s foul fly ball when they ran into reach other. Ellsbury remained on the grass for several minutes and isn’t sure if he’ll be able to play Monday at Minnesota. Beltre had three hits and three RBIs. Dustin Pedroia got four hits, including a home run. Jose Guillen homered twice and drove in four runs for the Royals.
Thome’s long drive as Chicago held off Minnesota. Hardy singled with two outs against Bobby Jenks and took off when Thome hit a shot into the left-center field gap. Left fielder Juan Pierre retrieved the ball on the warning track and threw to third baseman Mark Teahen. Teahen’s relay to catcher A.J. Pierzynski arrived in plenty of time, and Hardy was beaten by so much that he didn’t slide or go barreling home. Pinch-hitter Andruw Jones singled home the go-ahead run in the eighth. Mark Buehrle (2-0) pitched eight innings and Jenks held on for his first save.
capping a three-run ninth inning and lifting Detroit over Cleveland. Guillen hit an RBI double to get the Tigers within a run. After Brandon Inge grounded out, Perez (01) issued consecutive walks to Ramon Santiago and Johnny Damon to force home the tying run. His next pitch bounced past Lou Marson, allowing Guillen to scamper home. Perez is serving as Cleveland’s closer while Kerry Wood is on the disabled list with a strained muscle below his right shoulder. Phil Coke (1-0) pitched a scoreless ninth for the Tigers.
White Sox 5, Twins 4
Tigers 9, Indians 8
At Chicago, J.J. Hardy became the final out when he tried to score on pinch-hitter Jim
At Detroit, Carlos Guillen scored on fill-in closer Chris Perez’s wild pitch with two outs,
At Anaheim, California, Adam Rosales homered in his first American League at-bat, added a go-ahead single and finished with four
Athletics 9, Angels 4
Rossi wins Qatar season-opener DOHA: Valentino Rossi began the defense of his MotoGP world title with victory in the floodlit Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday after Australian Casey Stoner crashed out early on. The Italian took the lead on the sixth of 22 laps when Stoner, who had started on pole position and was chasing his fourth successive Qatar win, fell while holding a two second advantage.
From there Rossi controlled the pace, pulling clear of the pack only in the final few laps to win the night race at the Losail circuit by 1.022 seconds. “A great way to start the season for us, for me, for my team, for Yamaha,” said the Italian. “Another first and second and these 25 points in this track are like gold for us, for our championship. “I think it was from 2005 (that) I didn’t win the first
race (of the season), so we try to continue like this.” Rossi’s Yamaha team mate Jorge Lorenzo worked his way through the pack to finish second. The Spaniard, riding with stitches in his right hand after an accident in testing, took third place from Ducati rider Nicky Hayden on the 20th lap and then went up the inside of Honda’s Andrea Dovizioso on
DOHA: First placed Valentino Rossi of Italy celebrates on the podium at the end of the Grand Prix of Qatar at the Losail International Circuit.—AP
Bolt, Liu to compete in Diamond League SHANGHAI: Usain Bolt and Liu Xiang will compete at the IAAF Diamond League meet in Shanghai next month. The Olympic gold medalists will race in the second stop of the 14-meet Diamond League circuit, following the opening event in Doha, Qatar. Bolt won the 100, 200 and 4x100 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in worldrecord time. He’s also the reigning world champion in the 100 and 200. Liu is coming back after recovering from a foot injury that forced his withdrawal from the Beijing Games, disappointing millions of Chinese fans hoping to see a repeat of his 2004 victory in Athens. “I am very excited that so many world
class athletes will come to China and my hometown Shanghai to participate in the IAAF Diamond League,” Liu said yesterday in a statement. The Diamond League circuit begins on May 14 in Doha, with the one-day event at the Shanghai Stadium on May 23. Bolt will also run at the Van Damme Memorial in Brussels, Belgium, in August, and at the meet in Paris in July. The Diamond League, which replaced the six-city Golden League, offers $6.63 million in total prize money across 32 track and field disciplines, each staged seven times over the series. A four-carat diamond will be presented to the season-ending points leader in each event. —AP
the final lap to give his team the one-two. “I struggled a lot at this track with the sliding and I was riding at the limit physically and also on my riding style,” he said. “At the end I did the maximum I can to overtake Hayden and Andrea. I am also very tired. This second position is fantastic and also the victory of Vale for Yamaha is perfect.” Hayden passed Dovizioso two turns from the end, but the Italian powered past down the front straight to take the final podium spot by .011 secs. “It was a strange thing, because to overtake a rider inside at the last corner is not normal,” said Dovizioso. “But (Hayden) made a small mistake so I can exit in the same level and my bike in the straight is so strong, so fast so I can get to the podium.” Japanese rider Shoya Tomizawa became the first rider to win a Moto2 race, the class which replaced the 250cc World Championship. The 19-year-old gave no indication of his potential in 2009, with 10th his best finish, but he put on a masterclass on the Honda-powered Suter chassis. Starting ninth on the 41-rider grid, Tomizawa took the lead on the sixth of 20 laps and never gave it up as he went on to win by 4.656 seconds. Spaniard Alex Debon stole second place from Frenchman Jules Cluzel six turns from the end of the race. Nicol Terol began the night’s action by leading a Spanish sweep of the first four places in the 125cc race for a tactically brilliant third career win. The Aprilia rider was among the seven strong leading pack when he hit the front on the 15th of 18 laps with the fastest race lap and went on to win by 2.395. Efren Vazquez and Marc Marquez filled out the podium, with Pol Espargaro a close fourth. The next race is the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi in two weeks’ time. — Reuters
RBIs as Oakland beat the Los Angeles Angels. Rosales, a backup infielder with Cincinnati the last two seasons, hit a solo home run in the second inning and sprinted around the bases. His drive was Oakland’s only hit through the first six innings against Joe Saunders (0-2). Saunders retired 13 in a row before giving up three straight hits to start a three-run seventh. Rosales capped the rally with a two-run single, dropping the AL West champion Angels to 2-5.
Yankees 7, Rays 3 At St. Petersburg, Florida, A.J. Burnett pitched seven strong innings, and Jorge Posada and Alex Rodriguez drove in two runs each to lead the New York Yankees over Tampa Bay. Burnett (1-0) allowed two runs and six hits
as the World Series champions wrapped up a season-opening six-game road trip with a pair of wins after dropping the opener of a weekend series at Tropicana Field. Posada’s two-run homer off Randy Choate (0-1) gave the Yankees a 3-2 lead in the sixth.
Rangers 9, Mariners 2 At Arlington, Texas, Scott Feldman pitched seven solid innings and Michael Young homered to help Texas beat Seattle. Vladimir Guerrero finished with three hits for Texas, boosting his average to .500, and Joaquin Arias had his second straight three-hit game. Feldman (1-0) allowed two runs and seven hits in his second start of the season. Ian Snell (0-1) lasted only three innings, allowing five runs, four earned,
and eight hits.
Blue Jays 5, Orioles 2 At Baltimore, Jose Bautista and Alex Gonzalez hit consecutive home runs in the eighth inning after a two-out error by Miguel Tejada, as Toronto beat Baltimore for a three-game sweep. Kevin Millwood (0-1) took a three-hitter and a 21 lead into the eighth. He retired the first two batters before Tejada _ a career shortstop now playing third base _ misplayed a sharp grounder by John McDonald. Bautista then homered and Gonzalez followed with his second home run of the game. Casey Janssen (3-0) won in relief and Kevin Gregg finished the Blue Jays’ first sweep in Baltimore since August 2004 by getting three outs for his second save.—AP
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Masters no longer strikes fear into Asians, says Choi AUGUSTA: The US Masters has brought some of golf’s greats to their knees and crushed the dreams of others but struck no fear into South Korea’s KJ Choi, who came close to claiming the year’s first major on Sunday. Starting the day four strokes behind overnight leader Lee Westwood, Choi briefly joined Phil Mickelson in a share of the lead with eight holes to play before slipping back with bogeys on 13 and 14. He hit back with a birdie at the 15th but could not mount a late charge, returning a three-under 69 to finish in a tie for fourth with Tiger Woods, five shots behind Mickelson, who claimed his third Green Jacket. “In the past ... the mindset of the Asian players was that when it comes to the Masters, there was a fear factor there, that
we can’t do it,” Choi told reporters. “Now I hope that this gives motivation for the younger players, other players, that they can do it at big tournaments like the Masters.” If anything, it is the Korean contingent that is starting to send a shiver through the locker rooms after coming close to capturing a second successive major title. Yang Yong-eun provided the breakthrough last year when he spectacularly overhauled Woods to win the PGA Championship while Choi had the Masters in his sights until a back nine wobble. “I think the back nine was definitely exciting,” said Choi. “The course was a lot longer on the back nine this year and you saw a lot of birdies and eagles and it just made the game much more exciting for the
fans.” An unflustered Choi, who had the added challenge of partnering Woods for all four rounds as the world number one made his return after admitting to a string of extra-marital affairs, displayed remarkable cool under the spotlight. During the final round Choi looked in control as the leaders faltered but in the end was unable to improve on his third place finish at Augusta National in 2004. “It was exciting like 2004, but only this year I think it was, on a personal level, it was better for me because my playing level has improved a lot compared to 2004,” said Choi. “I think it was more gratifying for me this year and the fans were very supportive and just playing with Tiger for the last four days it was a very good experience for me.”
Meanwhile, Britain’s Lee Westwood fell just short of a first major title with a runner-up finish at the US Masters but took strength from a knowing counselor on Sunday. Champion Phil Mickelson was the first to tell him it was just a matter of time for the six-times European Ryder Cup player and twice European Tour money leader, who has finished third, third and second in his last three majors. “Phil was just saying in the scoring hut after we had finished that he’d been that man that kept knocking on the door — finishing seconds and thirds and wondering if it ever does come, and suddenly it does and winning majors becomes easier in your own mind,” Westwood told reporters. “He says I’ve been playing some of the
best golf out of anybody recently and just to keep plugging away and eventually it will happen.” Westwood entered the final round with a one-shot lead over playing partner Mickelson, but failed to build on it during an up-and-down front nine and slipped a stroke behind. After the turn he was outplayed by the left-hander. “I shot 71 at the end of the day, which is not a terrible score around Augusta when you’re in the lead,” said Westwood, whose 13under-par 275 total put him three shots behind. “Phil shot 67, which generally wins major championships when people are there or thereabouts going into the last round. “He hit good shots when he needed to around the back nine. “I think Phil won that one fair and square.” Westwood said
he was proud of how he handled the day. “I wasn’t nervous at all. It was amazing out there. Before the round I was excitedly nervous but once we got out there and got going I felt really calm and just enjoyed the experience.” “I’ve never come close to getting to 13under around here,” added Westwood, whose previous best total score at a Masters had been three-under-par in 1999 and a tie for sixth. “The closer I get to winning these major championships, the more I want the next one (the US Open at Pebble Beach in June) to come around. “If you sat me down at the start of the year and asked me to rate which ones suit me, I would probably put the Masters last. So to finish second is obviously a massive boost.” — Reuters
Mickelson seals emotional win with four late birdies
AUGUSTA: Phil Mickelson of the US receives his green jacket from last year’s winner Angel Cabrera of Argentina (left) after winning the 2010 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.—AP
Woods fades from spotlight AUGUSTA: A week that began under intense scrutiny for Tiger Woods ended quietly on Sunday, as the world number one was pushed into the background by a rival’s heart-warming victory at the US Masters. Golf’s bad boy after admitting to a string of extra-marital affairs, Woos gave way to a player considered to be one of the “good guys” as Phil Mickelson birdied four of the last seven holes to claim his fourth major title, and a third Green Jacket, by three shots over Briton Lee Westwood. Playing his first event since news of his affairs drove him into hiding for nearly five months, Woods remained in the hunt for a 15th major title right until the end, finishing in a tie for fourth, five shots behind Mickelson. But the result was not good enough for a combative Woods, who arrived in Augusta expecting to win a fifth Green Jacket. “I wanted to win this tournament,” Woods told reporters. “As the week wore on I kept hitting the ball worse. “I entered this event and I only enter events to win and I didn’t get it done. “I didn’t hit the ball good enough and I made too many mistakes around the greens, consequently I’m not there.” The US Masters at one of the world’s most exclusive clubs at Augusta National rep-
resented the first cautious step in Woods’s comeback and the tight security proved to be the perfect re-entry point, shielding him from the tabloid media that had tormented him. The galleries were mostly welcoming and the reviews of his performance, on and off the golf course, generally positive but the same cannot be guaranteed when he next appears. The 34-year-old American will have much to consider and his comeback now enters unknown and possibly hostile territory- wherever that may be. “I’m going to take a little time off and kind of re-evaluate things,” said Woods. Despite the disappointment of not adding the title, Woods will have to be pleased with the state of his game. There were definite signs of rust, which were to be expected, but there were also plenty of positives, including a single Masters record equaling four eagles. The layoff had also done nothing to dull Woods’s competitiveness which was on full display during a roller coaster final round. After a stumbling start to the day with three bogeys in the first five holes, Woods stormed into the turn going eagle, birdie, birdie from the seventh. He continued his upand-down play on the back nine, mixing bogeys
at the 11th and 14th with a birdie at the 13th followed by another eagle at 15 before signing off with a six-foot birdie putt at the last. “It was a really tough day,” he said. “I felt very uneasy on every shot I hit out there. “I tried as hard as I possibly could to post a number and give myself a chance. “I really dug deep to find something and that’s something I’m pretty proud of.” Gaining control of his game is sure to be easier than gaining control of his emotions, which Woods has made a priority as he tries to repair his battered image. He had been on his best behavior since arriving at Augusta as he launched a major charm offensive in an effort to win back fans and sponsors. He had pledged during an interview yesterday to give fans and the game more respect and try to tone down his anger and occasional profanity-laced outburst. For the second consecutive day, Woods allowed his emotions to get the better of him during the final round and once again he was unapologetic for his intensity on the course. “I think people are making way too much of a big deal of this thing,” said Woods. “I’m not going to be walking around there with a lot of pep because I hadn’t hit a good shot yet.” —Reuters
AUGUSTA: Tiger Woods takes the first of two shots to get out of a bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Masters golf tournament.—AP
AUGUSTA: A week that began with Tiger Woods making his highly anticipated return to competition ended on Sunday when Phil Mickelson wrapped up an emotional three-shot victory at the US Masters. The American left-hander birdied four of the last seven holes to win his fourth major title, and a third Green Jacket, in front of huge galleries that included his wife Amy and three children. A stroke behind pacesetting Briton Lee Westwood overnight, Mickelson fired a flawless fiveunder-par 67 in the year’s opening major to post a 16-under total of 272 at a sun-splashed Augusta National. Cheered on by the crowds as he walked up the 18th fairway, the popular world number three put the seal on a heart-warming win with a 10-foot birdie putt at the last. He thrust both arms skywards in triumph before hugging his caddie Jim Mackay and he then walked off the green to embrace his wife, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. “This has been a very special day and a very special week,” a beaming Mickelson said after being helped into the Green Jacket by 2009 champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina. “To have Amy and my kids here to share it with, I can’t put into words. It just feels incredible, especially given what we’ve been through in the last year.” “To be able to share this kind of joy means a lot to us,” added the American, who was dressed entirely in black with a pink ribbon stitched on to his cap to promote breast cancer awareness. Westwood, who had been seeking his maiden major title and Britain’s first since Paul Lawrie won the 1999 British Open, finished in second after carding a 71. American Anthony Kim closed with a sparkling 65 to finish third at 12 under, a stroke in front of world number one Woods and KJ Choi of South Korea, who returned matching 69s. “I am a little bit disappointed because I came so close to winning the tournament,” said Westwood, who had tied for third in his two previous majors and trailed Mickelson by one at the turn. “I didn’t get off to a fast enough start today. “Phil hit some good shots around Amen Corner and they are not easy shots that he has pulled off there so he is a deserving winner.” Mickelson, who won his first two Masters crowns in 2004 and 2006, effectively wrapped up the title with back-to-back birdies from the par-three 12th, where he rolled in a curling 14-footer. He narrowly missed an eagle from just three feet at the par-five 13th, after hitting a stunning blow with a six-iron from 207 yards through a four-foot gap between two pine trees, before holing out from a similar distance coming back. That put him two strokes clear before he picked up another shot at the par-five 15th, where he reached the green in two and two-putted, to tighten his grip on a third Green Jacket. “When I get here to Augusta, I get very relaxed and feel very comfortable,” said Mickelson, whose fourth major title puts him one ahead of Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Padraig Harrington and behind only Woods in the modern era. Kim began another calm, sunny day at Augusta seven strokes off the pace but he surged into contention with a sizzling birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie run from the 13th. Choi, aiming to become only the second Asian male to win a major after compatriot at Yang Yong-eun last year’s PGA Championship, briefly joined Mickelson in a share of the lead before slipping back with bogeys on 13 and 14. — Reuters
Taufik Hidayat seen in action in this file photo.
Hidayat renews rivalry with Lin NEW DELHI: Former Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia will renew his rivalry with reigning Olympic and world champ Lin Dan of China this week at a Badminton Asia Championship staged under heavy security at the Indian capital. The Asia championship, starting tomorrow after two days of qualifying, will be without some other top Asian shuttlers, including defending men’s champion Bao Chun Lai of China who is preparing for the showpiece Thomas Cup and Uber Cup team tournaments scheduled for Malaysia next month. Lin, winner of the 2008 Olympic gold and the past three World championships, has enjoyed an edge against Hidayat in recent competitions. Hidayat, ranked No 5 in the world and the reigning Asian Games gold medalist, leads the Indonesian challenge and has been given the topseeding in men’s singles, while Lin is seeded second. After his hat-trick of world titles, Lin is currently No 4 in the world rankings. Hidayat is seeking to play down his rivalry with Lin, who he beat in the final of the 2006 Asian Games in Doha. “We both have a competitive attitude. Our on-court rivalry is an appreciation of the each-other’s talent,” says Hidayat, who won the Asian championships men’s singles in 2000, 2004 and 2007. Hidayat said he is eager to win more titles. “I have random pictures in my memory of my three Asian championship triumphs. I remember feeling ecstatic,” said Hidayat. India’s Saina Nehwal, currently ranked sixth in the world, has been topseeded in the women’s singles in the absence of the Chinese players who occupy the top five
places in world rankings and have decided to focus on their training for the Uber Cup. Posing a stiff challenge to Nehwal would be second-seeded Zhou Mi of Hong Kong. Lin’s last World championship came seven months ago in the southern Indian city if Hyderabad, where the tournament was shifted after construction work at New Delhi’s Siri Fort Badminton Stadium fell behind schedule. The Siri Fort Stadium is among several venues in the Indian capital that are being refurbished or constructed for this year’s Commonwealth Games. Work at most venues began behind schedule and construction deadlines had to be rescheduled several times, attracting severe criticism and leading to escalating costs. Some venues are now ready and are staging events to test the facilities, but construction work continues at some few major venues like the athletics and aquatics arenas. The Asia championships will help organizers test the facilities at the venue that will stage the badminton event in the Commonwealth Games in October, the biggest multiple-sport event staged by India since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. Players, officials and spectators will all have to pass through multiple security cordons as Indian agencies seek to iron out any potential problems that could affect the foreign athletes’ outlook ahead of the Commonwealth Games. England’s badminton team returned home from Hyderabad before the start of the World championship, expressing security concerns after which the organizers increased the number of security staff around the stadium and team hotels. —A P
ORLANDO: Suzann Pettersen of Norway poses with a Canadian hockey jersey as she prepares to defend her title at the CN Canadian Women’s Open.—AFP
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NHL results/standings NHL results and standings on Sunday. Detroit 3, Chicago 2 (OT); Philadelphia 2, NY Rangers 1 (So); Boston 4, Washington 3 (So); Los Angeles 2, Colorado 1 (OT); New Jersey 2, Buffalo 1; Pittsburgh 6, NY Islanders 5 (OT); Tampa Bay 3, Florida 1. (OT indicates overtime win; SO denotes shootout victory). Eastern Conference Atlantic Division New Jersey 48 27 7 222 Pittsburgh 47 28 7 257 Philadelphia 41 35 6 236 NY Rangers 38 33 11 222 NY Islanders 34 37 11 222
191 237 225 218 264
103 101 88 87 79
Buffalo Ottawa Boston Montreal Toronto
Northeast Division 45 27 10 235 44 32 6 225 39 30 13 206 39 33 10 217 30 38 14 214
207 238 200 223 267
100 94 91 88 74
Washington Atlanta Carolina Tampa Bay Florida
Southeast Division 54 15 13 318 35 34 13 234 35 37 10 230 34 36 12 217 32 37 13 208
233 256 256 260 244
121 83 80 80 77
Chicago Detroit Nashville St. Louis Columbus
Western Conference Central Division 52 22 8 271 44 24 14 229 47 29 6 225 40 32 10 225 32 35 15 216
209 216 225 223 259
112 102 100 90 79
Vancouver Colorado Calgary Minnesota Edmonton
Northwest Division 49 28 5 272 43 30 9 244 40 32 10 204 38 36 8 219 27 47 8 214
222 233 210 246 284
103 95 90 84 62
San Jose Phoenix Los Angeles Anaheim Dallas
Pacific Division 51 20 11 264 50 25 7 225 46 27 9 241 39 32 11 238 37 31 14 237
215 202 219 251 254
113 107 101 89 88
Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L)
UNIONDALE: Jordan Leopold No. 4 of the Pittsburgh Penguins scores in overtime to defeat the New York Islanders 5-4 at the Nassau Coliseum. —AFP
Penguins down Islanders, Lightning strike Panthers UNIONDALE: Sidney Crosby finished the regular season with a flourish, scoring twice to reach 50 goals for the first time and adding three assists that helped the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the New York Islanders 6-5 in overtime Sunday. Crosby’s second-period breakaway gave him 51 goals this season, tying him with Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos for the Maurice Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer. Jordan Leopold scored at 4:25 of overtime for the Penguins, who will be the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference when the NHL playoffs begin this week. Evgeni Malkin complemented Crosby’s big game with two goals and two assists. Eric Godard also scored for the Penguins. John Tavares had two goals, and Matt Moulson, Kyle Okposo and Jon Sim also scored for the Islanders. Lightning 3, Panthers 1 At Sunrise, Florida, Steven Stamkos got his 51st goal of the season, and Vincent Lecavalier and Alex Tanguay also scored to
lead Tampa Bay past Florida. Stamkos chased down a loose puck and scored into an empty net with 13 seconds left to tie Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby for the league lead. Washington’s Alex Ovechkin remained at 50 after he was held scoreless in the Capitals’ loss to Boston. Mike Smith made 30 saves for the Lightning, who finished the season with three straight wins. Rostislav Olesz scored for Florida and Scott Clemmensen stopped 28 shots. Devils 2, Sabres 1 At Newark, New Jersey, Jamie Langenbrunner scored an empty-net, power-play goal with 3 seconds left as New Jersey earned the No. 2 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres needed to win the game in regulation to earn the No. 2 seed and they pulled goalie Patrick Lalime with about 10 seconds to go to put an extra skater on the ice. It backfired seconds later when Langenbrunner took a pass from Zach Parise and found the empty net.
Travis Zajac also scored and Martin Brodeur stopped 22 shots, including a great leg save on Toni Lydman with 2:35 to play. The Devils will meet seventh-seeded Philadelphia in the opening round of the playoffs. Thomas Vanek scored for Buffalo. Flyers 2, Rangers 1 At Philadelphia, Brian Boucher stopped Olli Jokinen on the final attempt of the shootout to send Philadelphia into the playoffs while eliminating the New York Rangers. The Flyers earned the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and will play New Jersey. The Rangers forced what was essentially a one-game playoff when they beat the Flyers on Friday night. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was sensational, but Matt Carle tied the game at 1 early in the third period. Daniel Briere and Claude Giroux scored in the shootout for the Flyers. P.A. Parenteau scored for the Rangers. Red Wings 3, Blackhawks 2 At Chicago, Brad Stuart scored at 3:11
of overtime as Detroit prevented Chicago from winning the Western Conference. Stuart took a pass from Dan Cleary to beat Antti Niemi as the Red Wings continued their late-season surge and locked up the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. They will face Phoenix in the first round. A victory would have allowed the Blackhawks to tie San Jose (113) for most points in the Western Conference and Chicago would have won a tiebreaker because it had more victories. Instead the Blackhawks had their sixgame winning streak end, finishing with 112 points and now have the No. 2 seed. They will open the playoffs against Nashville. Kings 2, Avalanche 1 At Denver, Dustin Brown scored 1:31 into overtime, helping Los Angeles head into the postseason with a burst of momentum. The Kings are still waiting to see who they will face in the Western Conference playoffs. It will be the sixth seed and face
Vancouver in the first round. The Avalanche enter the postseason as the eighth seed and will face San Jose. Los Angeles tied the game late in the third when Jarret Stoll redirected a shot past Craig Anderson. Kings goalie Erik Ersberg had 31 saves filling in for Jonathan Quick. Ryan Stoa scored the lone goal for Colorado. Bruins 4, Capitals 3 At Washington, two-time reigning most valuable player Alex Ovechkin was held without a point as Boston beat Washington in a shootout. David Krejci and Miroslav Satan scored in the shootout for the Bruins, who ended the regular season on a three-game winning streak. Marco Sturm tied the game with 4:18 remaining in regulation for Boston. Mike Knuble had given Washington the lead by redirecting Mike Green’s drive with 10:01 to play. Alexander Semin reached the 40-goal mark for the first time in his career and
Castroneves wins Indy Grand Prix BIRMINGHAM: Helio Castroneves held off Scott Dixon to win the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, coasting to the finish line after coming off caution with two laps to go. The threetime Indianapolis 500 winner took over in the stretch run when Marco Andretti headed to pit road with seven laps to go. Castroneves treated the new IndyCar venue to his “Spiderman” move, climbing a chain link fence in front of the grandstands and pumping his fists to the fans. Castroneves won by just over half a second over Dixon and nobody else was closer than 7 seconds to the lead, making it a two-man chase at the end. He didn’t offer any opening for Dixon to get by him on a narrow track that offers few easy spots to pass and makes pit strategy as important as any daring on-track maneuvers. “He was driving more patient and reminded me of his father, Michael Andretti,” Castroneves said. “When I was behind him, I was saving fuel. We were able to actually go a little further.” Dario Franchitti was third. Will Power had won the first two races and was dominant in qualifying and practice but had to settle for fourth, still comfortably hanging onto his points lead. He came in with a 44-point lead; Castroneves made a 50point jump to move into second place, ahead of Franchitti, Justin Wilson and Dixon. Power pitted first while Castroneves waited. His patience paid off late as well.
“The only way to stop Power was trying to do something different,” he said. “Today was an opportunity to do that, and it worked out perfectly.” Added Dixon: “We were of the notion that whatever Will was going to do, we were going to do the opposite.” The race marked the first time since Indy Racing League was formed in 1996 that every driver who started the race was still running at the finish. It was another big day for Penske Racing even with Power failing to become the first driver to win the opening three IndyCar races. Castroneves, Power and Ryan Briscoe made up half the top six. Danica Patrick continued to struggle, finishing 19th right where she started. Mike Conway started in a careerbest No. 2 spot and finished ninth. Castroneves had plenty to celebrate, winning for the third time since returning to the car from his acquittal on tax charges last year. It was the 17th career victory for the charismatic Brazilian and former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant. Castroneves got his first win as a father. Girlfriend Adriana gave birth to daughter Mikaella on Dec. 28. Castroneves also treated some fans to a show before the race and his celebratory fence scaling. A couple of hours before the event, he joked with NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley - the event’s grand marshal and obligingly posed for pictures with fans outside the Penske hauler.
Eric Belanger also scored for the Capitals. Michael Ryder scored twice in the first period for the Bruins. Ducks 7, Oilers 2 At Anaheim, California, Teemu Selanne scored his 606th goal in possibly his final NHL game as Anaheim beat Edmonton in the league’s regular-season finale. Ryan Carter scored twice for the Ducks, who didn’t know whether they were bidding farewell to Selanne or captain Scott Niedermayer. Both mainstays of Anaheim’s 2007 Stanley Cup championship team haven’t decided whether they’ll return to the Ducks, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Honda Center was ringed with dozens of signs and banners in English and Finnish, praising Selanne and demanding another year from him and Niedermayer, the 36-year-old defenseman. Ryan Whitney scored for the Oilers, who finished last in the NHL. —AP
English rugby to step up illicit drug testing
BIRMINGHAM: Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, celebrates his win in the IndyCar Series’ Indy Grand Prix of Alabama auto race at Barber Motorsports Park. —AP Power started on the pole and led 12 laps before taking a pit stop. Andretti was up front for 58 laps, raising hopes of his first win for team owner and father, Mario Andretti, since his rookie season in 2006 at Infineon. Spectators lined the trackside hills for the first
IndyCar event in a state long dominated by NASCAR races at Talladega about 20 minutes down Interstate 20. The 7-yearold track, initially built for motorcycle races, drew praise from drivers for the scenery but also the assessment that the narrow layout would provide
scant opportunities to pass without risky moves. It proved true in a race with no significant mishaps and only a handful of near-misses. Both cautions, totaling five laps, came because of mechanical troubles not dustups. There were seven lead changes and three leaders. The
first caution came early when Takuma Sato’s car stopped on lap 12 with a broken throttle cable. It spoiled what could have been a big day after he started sixth in just his third IndyCar race. Simona de Silvestro’s late car troubles prompted the second caution. — AP
TWICKENHAM: English rugby union is introducing outof-competition testing for illicit drugs to fill what ruling bodies said yesterday is a hole in existing testing run by Britain’s anti-doping authorities. Reacting to the case of England prop Matt Stevens, who is serving a two-year ban for cocaine use, the Rugby Football Union, Premier Rugby Limited and the Professional Rugby Players Association have created a program that will test for cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine and ecstasy during training. UK Anti-Doping tests for performance-enhancing substances both in and out of competition but only tests for recreational drug abuse on match days. Although Stevens tested positive on a match day and was therefore punished under UKAD’s World AntiDoping Association accredited program, PRL rugby director Phil Winstanley said the case had been “a shot across the bows for rugby union.” Every player in the English Premiership will be tested at least once throughout the season under the program, which will be implemented before this season ends next month. The bodies say the program is the first of its kind in world rugby. Testing will be a mix of random and targeted, through urine samples for at least the first year of the program, with clubs allowed to request certain players to be tested. But unlike under WADA regulations, an offending player’s
identity will be kept confidential unless they reoffend or fail to keep to the terms of an RFU-funded treatment program. “It sits alongside WADA,” RFU head of sports medicine Simon Kemp said. “We’re not filtering or screening. We’re filling a gap.” Offending players are named publicly under WADA regulations, but Kemp said that a similar program in Australian rules football had shown that offending rates dropped significantly without such exposure. “The illicit drug working group debated at length how best to balance the need for a clear and strong anti-drugs message, protect the image of the game and maximize the deterrence value of a sanction, whilst providing an opportunity for players to achieve a successful rehabilitation,” Kemp said. “This policy reflects these objectives and is a mature, well-researched and evidencebased response to an important issue.” Seven out of 24 positive in-competition tests conducted between 2004 and 2009 were for illicit drug use. An initial offense by a topflight professional will incur a fixed penalty of 5,000 pounds ($7,686) or 1,000 ($1,537) for a youth player. Winstanley said that proportional fines would have ensured that richer elite players were punished as harshly as those at lower levels, but that such a system was unworkable on confidentiality grounds. —AP
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Players’ chief joins Wembley’s pitch battle LONDON: English Players’ chief Gordon Taylor has become the latest high-profile figure to pour scorn on the Wembley pitch after last weekend’s FA Cup semifinals. The surface at England’s national stadium came under fire after players from Chelsea, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Portsmouth struggled to keep their feet due to the wet grass and hard soil beneath it. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp and his players were especially angry after Michael Dawson slipped at a crucial moment in extra-time against Portsmouth, allowing Frederic Piquionne to score the goal that set his side on the way to a shock 2-0 win. Redknapp called the turf a disgrace, while Spurs striker Peter Crouch said: “It was ridiculous. Everyone was slipping all over the place and it proved more costly for us because it caused Michael Dawson
to slip for their goal. “No one could stand up, there is no getting away from it.” With England due to play their penultimate World Cup warm-up against Mexico at Wembley on May 24 after the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Portsmouth on May 15, there are serious fears about a member of Fabio Capello’s squad getting injured. So far the English Football Association, the organisation responsible for Wembley, have opted not to comment, but Professional Footballers Association boss Taylor was quick to describe the pitch as an embarrassment. “The pitch is a big concern. It is becoming an embarrassment for the FA and it needs to be addressed and addressed properly,” Taylor said yesterday. “There is no point worrying about the finances of Wembley if people are going to be wary of playing there because the pitch is not up to it and you don’t get a fair contest.”
In order to complete their 757 million pounds revamp of the stadium, the Wembley authorities committed themselves to holding a number of events, aside from football and the Rugby League Challenge Cup final, which had traditionally been held at the stadium. This weekend, Saracens will be in action at the stadium, which has also hosted NFL games and even speedway. Taylor added: “It is a matter that has been brought to our attention on more than one occasion. “You expect the priority for a stadium which is going to be predominantly used for top football games would be the quality of pitch. There is great experience in this country about the building of new stadiums and the difficulties you can have. “You would have thought this is the one area they would have concentrated on, knowing it was going to get a great
deal of use. “There is no point having the stadium if we don’t have a pitch that is worthy of staging big international games, cup finals and a World Cup final in years to come.” Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp refused to blame the Wembley Stadium pitch for his team’s shock 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final but described it as a “disgrace”. The pitch, which has been re-laid 10 times since the new Wembley opened in 2007, played havoc in both the weekend’s semi-finals with Chelsea and Aston Villa’s players struggling to keep their footing on Saturday while Spurs and Portsmouth had the same problems on Sunday. The pitch also had a direct bearing on Portsmouth’s opening goal in the ninth minute of extra time, when Spurs captain Michael Dawson lost his footing as he was about to make a routine clear-
ance and Frederic Piquionne took advantage to score. “I am not making any excuses because we missed our chances,” Redknapp said, “but the pitch is an absolute disgrace. I’m not using the pitch as an excuse-it was the same for both teams but for any professional team to have to play football on that is farcical,” he told reporters. “How can you play on a pitch that you can’t stand up on? You have to spend the whole time trying to make sure you don’t fall over. It can’t be right can it? Michael Dawson slipped on it. I was here yesterday and saw people slipping over on it. It’s unreal how they can end up with a pitch like that. “I said before the game anyone can slip over. I saw goalkeepers trying to kick a ball yesterday and falling over. That’s how the pitch is, it’s rock hard and wet on top. It’s impossible to play on.” Portsmouth manager Avram Grant
agreed. “The pitch is a disgrace even though it is the same for both teams,” he said. Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill condemned the pitch on Saturday after his team lost 3-0 to Chelsea, joining England manager Fabio Capello, and Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who have criticised the pitch previously. For many years the pitch at the old Wembley Stadium was regarded as one of the finest playing surfaces in the world. But after the League Cup final in February, Aston Villa midfielder James Milner described it as “one of the worst I have played on all year,” and thought the current pitch, relaid since then, no better. “It is just as bad,” he told reporters after Saturday’s match, “Half the time you are worried about slipping and making a mistake. The ball does not run true either. They should rip it up and start again, and get it right next time.” — Reuters
Chelsea closes in on Premier League title
LONDON: Chelsea’s John Terry (left) and Frank Lampard celebrate in this file photo. — AP
Pompey’s Grant enjoys limelight after adversity LONDON: Two years after steering Chelsea’s princes into the Champions League final, Avram Grant was celebrating again on Sunday after Premier League paupers Portsmouth booked a place in the FA Cup equivalent. Portsmouth’s unlikely 2-0 extra time victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley was arguably an even greater feat for the Israeli who took over in November with the south coast club apparently heading towards the financial rocks. With debts of around 70 million pounds ($107 million), problems paying the players salaries and the club finally going into administration in February, triggering a nine-point sanction that made relegation a virtual certainty, the odds have been stacked against Grant. Yet in adversity, with no cash to spend, players suffering serious injuries and all hope apparently gone, Grant has retained a sense of spirit in a squad who could just have easily gone through the motions before jumping ship. Pompey, whose fans sung their hearts out on Sunday in what most observers felt would be the club’s last day in the sun for some time after relegation was confirmed 24 hours earlier, were given no chance against Harry Redknapp’s resurgent Tottenham. However, they hung on doggedly during the second half of normal time and, for once, Lady Luck, was on their side. Nine minutes into extra time Tottenham skipper Michael Dawson lost his footing on the Wembley turf, gifting Frederic Piquionne the opener. Spurs then had an equalizer ruled out and finally KevinPrince Boateng sparked wild celebrations with a penalty three minutes from time. “What has happened this season, and with players also being injured in the last few weeks... to see these players give everything and never give up, it was a crazy story, Grant told reporters as he
contemplated a Wembley clash on May 15 against Chelsea, the club that sacked him after losing to Manchester United on penalties in the Champions League final. “We have been living on a day-to-day basis and despite this we have reached the final. We decided to keep fighting but it’s not easy. To come every day to work and not know what’s next. If we won today with all these problems on the pitch it means that anything can happen. It’s unbelievable. These fans this year, I will not forget it all my life. This achievement belongs to the fans and the players. They deserve it.” Everything that could go wrong for Portsmouth has done in recent months. Team leader Hermann Hreidarsson, who along with goalkeeper David James is one of the few survivors from the Redknapp’s Portsmouth team that won the Cup in 2008, ruptured his Achilles at Spurs recently, ruling him out of the semi-final. Jamie O’Hara, Portsmouth’s most impressive player, could not play as he was on loan from Tottenham, while on the eve of the game Nadir Belhadj was also crocked. “Right up to the last minute we didn’t know who could play,” Grant said. “Players were out of position but despite that we played good football, scored two goals. It’s more than an honor to be in the final. “With what has happened these three months the players did not take the easy solution which would have been to give up. It’s a good lesson to everybody not to take the easy solution and not to give up. When I came (to the club) it was a paradise compared to now because it has been a nightmare but we fought on.” Grant, who has criticized the footballing authorities for the nine-point deduction, said Sunday’s victory was for the fans and the players who have suffered the consequences of the club’s spiral towards financial meltdown. “It was unfair for the people who didn’t do anything wrong,” said Grant. — Reuters
LONDON: Portsmouth’s coach Avram Grant reacts on the final whistle after his team won the FA Cup semifinal soccer match against Tottenham Hotspur in this file photo. — AP
LONDON: Chelsea can open up a four-point lead over Manchester United in the Premier League title race by beating Bolton today. United’s 0-0 draw at Blackburn on Sunday gave Chelsea more good news after the Blues reached the FA Cup final by beating Aston Villa 3-0 Saturday. The match against Bolton at Stamford Bridge is one of the five remaining league games for Chelsea, which last won the title in 2006. “We are playing well, the confidence is high. We have let the lead in the league slip once and we are determined not to let it slip again,” Chelsea captain John Terry said. “It is three years since we won the Premier League and we are really determined to get it back to the Bridge. We have seen the team working hard in the last four or five weeks and that is the key. “The quality has always been there and always will be in the top four or five teams in the Premier League but if we can work hard, win our tackles and do the basics very well then we should be OK.” A team meeting after Chelsea’s draw at Blackburn last month helped the Blues turn things around when United seemed to be on target for a fourth straight league title. “A few weeks ago it didn’t look as though we were in the running for anything really,” Terry said. “We had the discussion between the management and players and everyone spoke honestly. It was a chance for everyone to get things off their chest.” But Arsenal remains a threat, sitting only three points behind Chelsea in third place going into Wednesday’s north London derby against Tottenham. While Arsenal will be without several key players, including Cesc Fabregas and Andrei Arshavin, Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar joined his team’s injury list in Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal loss to Portsmouth. Midfielder Wilson Palacios will also be missing for Spurs after picking up his 10th booking of the season at Wembley Stadium. “We’ve got to try and get a fit team out for Wednesday,” Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better game. If I could choose a game it would be Arsenal at home. “This wasn’t ideal preparation, that’s for sure, but the players will have a rest now and we’ll get ready to go again.” Also Wednesday, Wigan will be looking to beat relegated Portsmouth to move seven points clear of the drop zone, while Aston Villa can move ahead of Liverpool and into sixth place by beating Everton. — AP
LONDON: In this Saturday Sept. 12, 2009 file photo, Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor, wearing green and yellow Togo colours on wrist bands, celebrates after scoring against Arsenal. — AP
Togo’s Adebayor retires from international duty LONDON: Manchester City and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor retired from international football yesterday, saying he was “still haunted” by the attack on his country’s team bus at the African Nations Cup. Adebayor looked on in horror as bullets riddled the bus in an attack that killed an assistant coach and the squad’s spokesman and led Togo to pull out of the tournament in January. The former Arsenal star later admitted he feared his life was about to end during the assault in the northern Angolan province of Cabinda and he has been unable to shake off the mental scars of the incident. “Following the tragic events during January’s African Cup of Nations, in which two of my fellow countrymen were killed by terrorists in Angola, I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football,” Adebayor told his club’s website. “I have weighed up my feelings in the weeks and months since the attack, and I am still haunted by the events which I witnessed on that horrible afternoon on the Togo team bus. We were just footballers going to play a football match and represent our country, yet we were attacked by people who wanted to kill us all. It is a moment I will never forget and one I never want to experience again.” The coach’s Angolan driver also died in the attack, while defender Serge Akakpo and goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale were among a number of passengers injured. Obilale was initially reported to have been killed but was flown to a South African hospital for life-saving surgery and remained there for two months, with Adebayor paying for the GSI Pontivy player’s partner and sister to travel to South Africa and accompany him during his recovery. Togo were banned by the Confederation of African Football for the next two editions as a result of their decision to pull out of the tournament, a sanction over which they are currently embroiled in an appeal process. The 26-year-old Adebayor scored 16 goals in 38 appearances for Togo and helped his team reach the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He insisted he will always have a special bond with the team-mates who were on the bus in Cabinda. “The people who were on that coach together will forever be joined by a special bond - we are all brothers,” he said. “I will always have the team and the people of Togo close to my heart and wish them every success in the challenges that they will face in the future. “For nine years I have played for the Togo team and, despite the events in Angola, I have some very good memories of my international career. “I feel very proud to have been trusted with the position of captain of the Togolese football team. Leading your country in international competition is the ultimate honour for any player.”
With his international career now over, Adebayor will turn his focus to helping City become one of English football’s superpowers. Adebayor has scored seven times for City since returning to action after the tragedy and struck twice in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Birmingham as Roberto Mancini’s side consolidated fourth place in the Premier League. The club, backed by their Abu Dhabi-based billionaire owners, has already spent millions in an attempt to secure qualification for the Champions League and Mancini’s men are within touching distance of reaching that goal. Whatever Adebayor achieves at City, he admits he will always retain fond memories of his time with Togo and he hopes the team can make their country proud in the future. “Togo have some very talented players, and I dearly hope the players who remain will be able to put their memories of Angola behind them and go on to be a success for the nation,” he added. “I have enormous belief in each and every one of them, players, coaches, staff and their families.”— AFP
Panathinaikos clinches Greek title in 6 years ATHENS: Panathinaikos clinched its first Greek league title in six years on Sunday, beating Iraklis 20 after first-half goals by Djibril Cisse and Sotiris Ninis to spark wild celebrations among the 50,000 plus fans. With one round left in the season, Panathinaikos has 67 points, six more than Olympiakos despite the 2009 champions defeating relegated Panthrakikos 2-0 on Sunday. Olympiakos had won 12 out of the previous 13 titles, but the team has been in turmoil this season with two head coaches being fired. Cisse scored his 23rd goal of the season with a close-range shot after only 34 seconds and has easily won the league’s scoring title. Panathinaikos missed at least two chances before Ninis made it 2-0 with a blistering shot from outside the box in the 45th minute. Panathinaikos’ other scoring chance came when a shot by captain Giorgos Karagounis, after a melee in front of the goal, hit the post in the 54th minute. At the final whistle at Athens Olympic stadium, the fans celebrated as Panathinaikos also clinched a berth in the group stage of the Champions League. Also Sunday, it was: Asteras 2, Aris 1; Ergotelis 3, Giannena 1; Levadiakos 0, AEK Athens 0; Panionios 0, Larissa 3; PAOK 1, Kavala 0 and Xanthi 2, Atromitos 1. — AP
SPORTS
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
19
Real trying to get past Barca disappointment MADRID: Real Madrid will have to quickly get over the disappointment of a Spanish league defeat to Barcelona if it wants to maintain its hopes of winning the title. Barcelona has a three-point advantage following Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Madrid, which cannot afford any kind of slip-up if it is to overtake the defending champion to win the championship. With Barcelona hosting the head-to-head tiebreaker, Madrid must win its last seven games to have any chance, starting Thursday against Almeria. “The objective is to win every game and see what Barca does,” defender Alvaro
Arbeloa said. “What we can’t do is give up on the games we have left thinking that everything is lost. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” Madrid will have to rediscover the confidence that was running high before its record fourth straight loss to its closest rival, which snapped a 12-game winning streak. Madrid had won all previous 15 league games at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. A dramatic title win may not even be enough to save coach Manuel Pellegrini, who took a team flush with over $364 million in signings and seen it fall out of the
Champions League and the Copa del Rey early. “We’ve had serious problems managing ourselves,” Madrid director general Jorge Valdano said. “We haven’t reached the right level in important games and that deserves profound analysis.” Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said the numbers Madrid had put up this season - 77 points - were “scandalous” but the Spanish powerhouse worries over trophies not points, and that doesn’t even guarantee the coach will stay on. Just ask Fabio Capello. “We’re a team that if you give us time in the future we’ll go far,” Arbeloa was quoted
as saying in El Pais newspaper. “We’re angry, hurt, frustrated and upset.” Barcelona is just the opposite heading into Wednesday’s game against Deportivo La Coruna, which hasn’t won in six games. Lionel Messi scored his league-leading 27th goal — and 40th overall -and, like his team, is full of confidence. “Once again the team showed today we are superior to anybody else when we want to be,” Messi said. “We can keep making history. (But) you have to try to win every game and that’s what we try to do, always.” Captain Carles Puyol echoed that sentiment as the European champions look to making a place
in football history. “This is a team filled with hunger,” Puyol said. “After winning six titles it’s said that motivation wouldn’t exist, but here it is.” Barcelona could be without striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (calf) and Eric Abidal (thigh), while Kaka (groin) is likely to remain sidelined for Madrid. Valencia needs to rediscover its game against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday after losing two of its last three games and dropping out of the Europa League. Valencia was officially eliminated from the title race with a 3-2 loss at Mallorca on Sunday, but now it has to consolidate third-place with
Sevilla and Mallorca only five points back. Athletic trails in fourth-place - the last qualifying spot for the Champions League by only three points following an emphatic weekend win over Almeria. Sevilla plays Valladolid, which is battling to get out of the drop zone with new coach Javier Clemente going for his first win in his second match. Mallorca is at Zaragoza, which is looking to put further distance between it and the bottom three. In other midweek games it’s: Sporting Gijon vs Tenerife; Getafe vs Villarreal; Atletico Madrid vs Xerez; Racing Santander vs Espanyol; and Osasuna vs Malaga. — AP
Mallorca stun Valencia to stay in Europe hunt MEXICO: Santos’ Felipe Baloy (front) of Panama, and Pumas’ Marco Palacios fight for the ball during a Mexican soccer League match. Pumas won 1-0.—AP
Mexico’s Clausura season losing edge MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s Clausura season is losing some of its edge with many of the league’s top players leaving their clubs to train with the national team. Chivas Guadalajara, the top team all season, played without five of its regulars and was drubbed 3-0 by Morelia. Among the missing was Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who announced last week he is set to join Manchester United next season. Guadalajara has 31 points, the same as defending champion Monterrey which drew 1-1 on Saturday with San Luis. Both clubs are sure of making the playoffs. Morelia, Pumas and Santos have the next best point totals with 24. Santos lost 1-0 to Pumas on Sunday with veteran striker Francisco Palencea scoring from a 79th-minute penalty. Pumas was playing without three key players away with the national team - Pablo Barrera, Israel Castro and Efrain Juarez. The Mexico squad will play four friendlies in May before traveling to Europe to pick its Europe-based players. The World Cup is also cutting into the Copa Libertadores, Latin America’s top club tournament and an equivalent of Europe’s Champions League. The tournament will take a break after the quarterfinals and resume when the World Cup ends on July 11. This kind of scheduling would be unthinkable for the Champions League. In Brazil, the state tournaments in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are nearing an end. Vagner Love scored a goal in each half Sunday to help Flamengo defeat Vasco da Gama 2-1 in the semifinals of the Rio Cup, the second stage of
the Rio de Janeiro state championship. Flamengo will play Botafogo, which beat Fluminense 3-2 in Saturday’s semifinal. Botafogo won the first stage, the Guanabara Cup, and can automatically secure the overall state title if it beats Flamengo in the Rio Cup next Sunday. In Sao Paulo, defender Durval scored a 90thminute winner to give Santos a 3-2 win over Sao Paulo in the first leg of the Sao Paulo state tournament semifinals. Santo Andre defeated Gremio Prudente 2-1 in the other semifinal. In Argentina, league leaders Independiente stumbled to a 1-0 loss to San Lorenzo after Nelson Benitez scored the winner with a powerful early header. Independiente stayed on 27 points after 14 matches and still leads the Argentine Clausura tournament. But the loss opened the door for Godoy Cruz and Argentinos Juniors - both with 25 points - to move into first place with victories on Monday. Godoy Cruz faces Tigre and Argentinos Juniors play Colon in the 14th round. Sunday was a dud in Argentina. There were three matches and not a goal in any of them. The results: Lanus 0, Rosario Central 0; Velez Sarsfield 0, Banfield 0; Atletico Tucuman 0, River Plate. 0. In a highly anticipated match, Boca Juniors - 19th in the 20-team league faced Arsenal yesterday with new coach Roberto Pompei in charge. Pompei took after Abel Alves resigned. Alves, the third Boca coach to resign in 10 months, stepped down following a 3-0 loss to Colon on Thursday. — AP
Humiliated Celtic look for quick fix GLASGOW: Celtic, still reeling from Saturday’s humiliating Scottish Cup exit to First Division Ross County, have the chance to bounce back when Motherwell visit Parkhead today. The Hoops crashed to one of their worst ever defeats when their lower league opponents dished out a giant-killing performance at Hampden in the cup semi-finals. The defeat, Celtic’s 14th of the season, seriously dented the chances of caretaker manager Neil Lennon landing the role on a full-time basis in the summer. Rangers are 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League and any slip-up from Celtic against Motherwell could see their Old Firm rivals crowned champions at Tannadice tomorrow. In-form Dundee United are also breathing down the necks of the Parkhead side, trailing them by just five points in the race for second place and a potential spot in the Champions League qualifiers. Lennon, a former Celtic captain, has challenged his players not to hand Rangers the title on a plate. “As a player you have to have it in you to want to bounce back after humiliating results,” said Lennon. “You have to take the bad with the good and the humiliation that comes with it. It’s being able to pick yourself up again and show a bit of bottle.” The interim manager said he would recommend to the board a summer clearout of the current players whether he
remained at the helm or not. And he urged disgruntled supporters to continue to back his side despite admitting some of his players were unworthy of their loyalty. “The majority of them (the fans) will probably stay with us, but the players don’t deserve that,” he said. Rookie Celtic central defender Josh Thompson was one of those involved in the shambolic performance at Hampden. The 19year-old, who joined from Stockport County in the summer, says the players owe their manager and fans a decent performance against Motherwell. “The defeat was horrible,” Thompson said. “The fans deserved more and we let the manager down. Everyone knows it wasn’t good enough, it’s not what Celtic are about. “We have to redeem ourselves to the fans. That’s the motivation now.” Celtic will be without Thomas Rogne, Jos Hoovield, Shaun Maloney and Glenn Loovens as they continue their recovery from injury. Goalkeeper Artur Boruc is expected to remain on compassionate leave in Poland following the death of his father. After a run of 12 games without defeat in the league, which took them up to fifth place in the table, Motherwell have lost their last two games. However with a European spot up for grabs Craig Brown’s side will provide a tough test for a Celtic side in crisis. —AFP
MADRID: Surprise package Real Mallorca stayed in the hunt for a spot in next season’s Champions League when they won 3-2 at home to Valencia on Sunday to draw level on 51 points with fourth-placed Sevilla. With seven matches remaining and four berths in Europe’s elite club competition up for grabs, Mallorca are fifth, below Sevilla, who won 2-1 at Malaga on Saturday, due to an inferior head-to-head record. Defeat for third-placed Valencia shrinks their lead over the chasing pair to five points and they are a massive 21 behind Real Madrid, who lost 2-0 at home to champions Barcelona on Saturday to surrender top spot to their arch rivals. Mallorca were seen as likely candidates for relegation due to their financial difficulties but the Balearic Islanders have defied expectations and have now won 13 of their 15 home matches this season. Gonzalo Castro set them on their way in only the sixth minute at a half-empty Ono Estadi with a deflected strike that Cesar Sanchez could only parry into the net. Cameroon striker Pierre Webo doubled the home side’s lead with a superb diving header in the 21st and Jordi Alba pulled a goal back for the visitors just after the break. Valencia’s Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes had a torrid time filling in at centre back after an injury to Hedwiges Maduro and his attempted clearance flew into the roof of his own net in the 63rd. Mallorca looked to be cruising before Pablo Hernandez slipped the ball under Mallorca goalkeeper Dudu Aouate with four minutes remaining and Fernandes’s night went from bad to worse when he clashed with Aritz Aduriz shortly after and was shown a straight red card. Athletic Bilbao pressed their claim for a European place when they trounced Almeria 4-1 earlier on Sunday to climb to sixth, the second of Spain’s two Europa League spots, on 48 points. Javi Martinez scored either side of halftime, Fernando Llorente netted one and had a penalty saved and Igor Gabilondo was also on target before Pablo Piatti grabbed a late consolation goal for visiting Almeria.Europa League semifinalists Atletico Madrid stay in 10th after they suffered a 3-0 drubbing at Espanyol and had Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi sent off late on for a wild lunge on Juan Forlin. Racing Santander moved six points clear of the relegation places after a 1-1 draw at mid-table Deportivo Coruna and are 15th on 32 points, above Real Zaragoza (32) and Malaga (31). Promoted Tenerife (26) and Real Valladolid (25), who drew 0-0 on Saturday in Valladolid coach Javier Clemente’s first match in charge, are 18th and 19th respectively. Xerez (23), making their La Liga debut, are bottom after Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Getafe. —Reuters
SPAIN: Mallorca’s Cameroonian forward Pierre Webo (left) vies with Valencia’s Dutch defender Hedwiges Maduro during their Spanish League football match.—AP
Marseille go 2 points clear PARIS: Playmaker Lucho Gonzalez produced a dazzling display to steer Olympique Marseille to a 4-1 home win over Nice that took the Ligue 1 leaders two points clear on Sunday. Argentine Lucho was involved in all four
goals as Marseille, who have a game in hand, moved on to 62 points from 31 matches and boosted their hopes of landing their first league title since 1992. “There’s always something you can complain about but I have to
say it was a really good performance from us tonight,” Marseille coach Didier Deschamps told French television channel Canal Plus. “We were strong physically and combined well with some really nice moves.”
Todayʼs matches on TV (local timings) English Premier League Chelsea v Bolton.....22:00 ShowSports 1 Spanish League Valladolid v Sevilla ...21:00 Al Jazeera Sport +3 Getate v Villarreal - 23:00 Al Jazeera Sport +2 Italian League Fiorentina v Inter...21:45 Al Jazeera Sport +1
FRANCE: Marseille’s Evaeverson Lemos Brandao (back) vies for the ball with Nice’s Renato Civelli (front) during their French Division One soccer match.—AP
Ivory Coast forward Bakari Kone latched on to a through ball from Lucho to open the scoring from close range late in the first half. Lucho then sent in a cross for defender Stephane M’Bia to head home early in the second period. The Argentine also set up the third for Mathieu Valbuena and it was from his 74th-minute corner that Souleymane Diawara headed the fourth. Nice pulled one back through midfielder Emerse Fae deep in added time. A late goal by Daniel Niculae gave Auxerre a 1-0 win at Nancy which put them in second place. The Romanian forward struck from close range two minutes from time to put his team on 60 points from 32 games. Olympique Lyon are third, four points off the lead, after a 1-1 home draw with Lille. Forward Pierre-Alain Frau put Lille ahead with a deflected shot on 62 minutes but the home side levelled nine minutes later with a header from Brazilian defender Cris. Lille’s Portuguese defender Ricardo Costa and Lyon midfielder Maxime Gonalons were sent off in the second half. Girondins Bordeaux’s title dreams were dented by a 3-1 defeat at Paris St Germain on Saturday. The champions are fifth, six points off the pace, but have a game in hand on the leaders.—Reuters
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India hopes mud-pit wrestling can lead to gold NEW DELHI: Far from the hype that surrounds India’s wealthy professional cricketers, a group of young men learn to wrestle in mud pits, hoping their skills may one day lead to fame and glory. Wearing only a langot, or loin cloth, the boys-some as young as 12 - pump weights before entering the pit to learn the nuances of wrestling, one of India’s traditional rural pastimes. Enduring Spartan training and living conditions, the boys are determined to escape forever the poverty of their home villages and make it big on the world stage. Akharas, as the mud pits are called in
Hindi, are a key part of India’s efforts to succeed at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October. Over the years the akharas have produced India’s finest wrestling talent, including Sushil Kumar, who won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. In the 1990s, the Wrestling Federation of India tried to ban akharas on the grounds that young men found it difficult to adjust from mud pits to the mats used for international competitions. But Kumar, who hopes to add Commonwealth glory to his Olympic success, says he owes his success to a youth spent in akharas. “They shaped
both my body and my thinking,” Kumar, 26, told AFP. “If you want to learn wrestling, learn it the traditional Indian away. There is nothing like it.” The most famous wrestling school in India is Guru Hanuman’s Akhara, located since 1925 off a bustling by-lane in old Delhi and named after a legendary trainer who died in a car accident in 1999 at the age of 98. A dilapidated door separating the akhara from the outside world opens onto a small courtyard littered with unwashed utensils and gas stoves. In the centre is the sand and mud pit where boys train under the watchful eyes of chief coach Maha
Singh Rao, who took charge of the akhara after Guru Hanuman’s death. Some 125 trainees, many of whom live on the premises, follow Rao’s strict regime, which begins before dawn with a long run on roads outside the akhara, followed by exercises and weight training. They train for three hours after breakfast before taking time off to cook their own food and rest ahead of another strenuous session in the pits in the evening. Meals are vegetarian, cooked in ghee-rich clarified butter-with a generous helping of nuts and dried fruits, washed down with fruit juice and milk. “The key to making a good
wrestler is speed, technique, strength and stamina,” said Rao. “But it’s not all about strength. You also need to use your brains.” Some wrestlers, like Kumar, go on to attain international glory. Others with similar talents struggle due to a lack of financial support and poor development programs. Rao said despite their successes, wrestlers frequently don’t get the credit they deserve. “The media and sponsors have time and money only for cricket,” he said. “Boys come to the akhara to do well in the sport, so that it can get them a career and jobs.
Some are fortunate enough to make a name for themselves.” Kumar’s bronze at Beijing was India’s first Olympic wrestling medal since Khashaba Jadhav’s third place at the 1952 Melbourne Games. Wrestling did not feature in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, but India won three golds and three silvers in the seven events contested in Manchester four years earlier. Many of Rao’s pupils hope to take part at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, and the trainer believes India can claim the majority of the 14 gold medals on offer for men. — AFP
NBA results/standings NBA results and standings on Sunday. Orlando 98, Cleveland 92; Portland 91, La Lakers 88; Chicago 104, Toronto 88; Miami 111, NY Knicks 98; New Orleans 114, Minnesota 86; Golden State 120, Oklahoma City 117; Phoenix 116, Houston 106. Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT Boston 50 30 .625 Toronto 38 42 .475 NY Knicks 28 52 .350 Philadelphia 27 53 .338 New Jersey 12 68 .150 Central Division Cleveland 61 20 .753 Milwaukee 45 35 .563 Chicago 39 41 .488 Indiana 32 48 .400 Detroit 26 54 .325 Southeast Division Orlando 57 23 .713 Atlanta 51 29 .638 Miami 45 35 .563 Charlotte 43 37 .538 Washington 25 55 .313 Western Conference Northwest Division Denver 52 28 .650 Utah 52 28 .650 Portland 49 31 .613 Oklahoma City 49 31 .613 Minnesota 15 65 .188 Pacific Division LA Lakers 56 24 .700 Phoenix 52 28 .650 LA Clippers 28 52 .350 Sacramento 25 55 .313 Golden State 25 55 .313 Southwest Division Dallas 53 27 .663 San Antonio 49 31 .613 Houston 41 39 .513 Memphis 40 40 .500 New Orleans 36 45 .444
GB 12 22 23 38 15.5 21.5 28.5 34.5 6 12 14 32
3 3 37 4 28 31 31 4 12 13 17.5
LOS ANGELES: Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge goes up for a shot during the second half of their NBA basketball game agaisnt the Los Angeles Lakers.—AP
Magic make James-less Cavs disappear, 98-92 CLEVELAND: Mickael Pietrus scored all 12 of his points in the fourth quarter, and Jameer Nelson hit a late 3-pointer Sunday to help the Orlando Magic to a 98-92 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, which is resting LeBron James for the playoffs. Pietrus made two 3s to open the fourth, and Nelson connected with 2:53 left to make it 9688. Dwight Howard had 22 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks for Orlando. Delonte West had 21 points, and Mo Williams had 19 points and nine assists for the Cavaliers, who finished the regular season 35-6 at home. Trail Blazers 91, Lakers 88 At Los Angeles, Martell Webster hit three
free throws with 3.1 seconds left, and Portland tied San Antonio for seventh place in the Western Conference to improve its chances of avoiding Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher combined to miss three free throws in the final 6.9 seconds, and Pau Gasol missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the top-seeded Lakers. LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Blazers, who lost leading scorer Brandon Roy at halftime because of sore right knee. Gasol led the Lakers with 23 points and 12 rebounds, Lamar Odom added 16 points and 15 rebounds, and Bryant had 20 points on
8-of-23 shooting. Bulls 104, Raptors 88 At Toronto, Derrick Rose scored 26 points, and Joakim Noah had 18 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists as Chicago beat Toronto to take a one-game lead over the Raptors for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Luol Deng scored 14 points, Taj Gibson had 11 and Ronald Murray and Hakim Warrick each scored 10 points for the Bulls, who led by 25 points. Sonny Weems and Andrea Bargnani each scored 18 points for the injury-riddled Raptors, who lost their fifth straight. Hedo Turkoglu had a career-high 19 rebounds and nine assists but shot 2 for 12 and scored just six points.
Suns 116, Rockets 106 At Phoenix, Amare Stoudemire had 35 points and 13 rebounds as Phoenix used 3pointers to pull away at the finish. Phoenix moved into a tie with Utah and Dallas for the third playoff spot in the West, a half-game behind No 2 Dallas, with two to play. Nash had 23 points and 11 assists for the Suns, winners of 12 of their last 14. Luis Scola scored 20 of his 30 points in the second half for Houston. Warriors 120, Thunder 117 At Oakland, California, Monta Ellis scored 27 points in his return following a two-week absence, Stephen Curry added 25 and Golden
State overcame a 20-point deficit to beat playoff-bound Oklahoma City. The Warriors missed three free throws in the final 53 seconds but held on to win when Kevin Durant’s 3-point attempt with a second left bounced off the back of the rim. Durant finished with 40 points for Oklahoma City, which dropped into the eighth seed in the Western Conference with two games remaining. The Thunder are tied for sixth with Portland and San Antonio, but the Blazers and Spurs hold the tiebreakers. Heat 111, Knicks 98 At New York, Dwyane Wade scored 32 points as Miami pulled into a tie for fifth place in the Eastern Conference with Milwaukee.
Chela beats Querrey in US Clay Court Championships
Wozniacki wins at Ponte Vedra
HOUSTON: Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina won his first tournament in over three years with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory over American Sam Querrey at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships on Sunday. The unseeded Argentine pulled away from the hard-serving Querrey in the second set for his fifth tour championship and his first since beating Carlos Moya at Acapulco in March 2007. “I was feeling strong, but I did notice that he was starting to get tired so I started to have a lot of chances in the third set,” Chela said. “I didn’t take all of them but due to his fatigue.” Ranked 82nd in the world, Chela stayed steady on his favorite surface and wrapped up the title on the first match point when Querrey returned a serve out of bounds. Chela earned $79,900 and Querrey took home $42,000. Querrey, ranked No 25, hit 19 winners to two for Chela in the first set. By the end of the second set, Chela was matching Querrey winner for winner. “He was playing aggressive and I was playing defensive,” Chela said. “I did get aggressive at times. After I lost the first set, I figured I had
PONTE VEDRA: Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki took advantage of Olga Gorvotsova’s numerous mistakes and successfully defended her title in the MPS Group Championships with a 6-2, 7-5 victory Sunday. Gorvotsova, who had 41 unforced errors, committed five of her eight double faults in the first set, but then jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the second set against the second-ranked player in the world. The unseeded Gorvotsova, who knocked off No. 2 seed Alona Bondarenko and thirdseeded Dominika Cibulkova to reach the final, led 5-4 in the second and lost a pair of set points, including a backhander into the net aimed at an open court. The game lasted 22 points and she lost on a double fault. “I think that broke her a little bit,” Wozniacki said. “At 5-all I had the advantage that point.” Gorvotsova, who was chasing her first title, agreed. “I got a little tired after that,” she said. Wozniacki won $37,000. “I took the chances I believed that I could go for it a little more when I had my opportunity,” Wozniacki said. “It was important for me that I was the one opening the court and I was the one dictating the points.” She said she was pleased with where her game is. “I know I belong,” she said. “I’ve got to believe I can do it and if someone wants to beat me they have to play very well.” The top-seeded doubles team of American Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Yan Zi beat Chia-Jung Chuang and Peng Shuai, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 to capture the title. “This is my second time here,” Mattek-Sands said. “And it is awesome.” She won in 2008 with Vladkova Uhlirova. The winners split $11,000. — AP
to play a little more aggressive otherwise playing so defensive, I wasn’t going to win it.” Chela started to take control in the ninth game of the second set when he held after Querrey hit four straight errors. Querrey served two aces in the 10th game but he also double faulted and lost the first set point with a forehand that sailed out of bounds. Querrey held his serve after two break points in the third set to even the games at 33. That was his last charge. Chela held in the seventh game and broke Querrey at love in the eighth game. Querrey won just one point in the final game. “I learned that I need to take more chances, hit the ball bigger at big points,” Querry said. “I was babying the ball around too much. If you fly or the ball goes long, you’re going to lose the way you want to lose.” Chela beat fourth-seeded defending champion Lleyton Hewitt of Australia and sixthseeded Horacio Zeballos of Argentina en route to the finals. “Once I won my first match, I started feeling confident,” he said. “Then as I got closer to the end I did feel like I could take it.” — AP
HOUSTON: Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina holds the first place trophy over his head after defeating Sam Querrey of the United States in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships.—AP
Michael Beasley added 16 points, and Udonis Haslem and former Knicks forward Quentin Richardson had 14 apiece for the Heat, who won for the 10th time in 11 games. David Lee scored 26 points for New York. Hornets 114, T’wolves 86 At New Orleans, Emeka Okafor scored 23 points, Marcus Thornton added 22 and Darren Collison had 17 points and 11 assists to help New Orleans snap a five-game losing streak. Julian Wright added a season-high 16 points, and David West had 10 points and 12 rebounds in the Hornets’ final home game of the season. Ryan Gomes scored 18 points for Minnesota. The Timberwolves have lost five straight and 21 of their last 22 games. — AP
Rafael Nadal
Nadal aims for historic sixth Monte Carlo title MONTE CARLO: Rafael Nadal starts a quest for tennis history here lator yesterday when he takes aim at a sixth straight Monte Carlo Masters title. Nadal is seeded second behind Serb Novak Djokovic, the man he beat for the title a year ago at the elite Country Club overlooking the Mediterranean. There is plenty on the line for Nadal next week, with the Spaniard failing to win an ATP trophy since the Rome Masters nearly a year ago. With various months off for knee problems, Nadal’s confidence would be hugely boosted by a return to form on his favored clay. The world number three Spaniard’s record of
perfection in the principality is impressive with his lone loss in 32 Monte Carlo matches (he didn’t play in 2004) coming a year earlier when he went out to Argentine Guillermo Coria in the third round after qualifying into the field. Following his exit in last week’s Miami semi-finals to eventual champion Andy Roddick, Nadal unwound at home on the island of Mallorca, recharging after an indifferent - by his standards - month on American hardcourt. “At home resting, calm and preparing the Monte Carlo tournament,” he wrote on his Facebook page. — AP
Burgan Bank extends credit facilities to KGL Ports Int’l
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Kuwaiti ad firm Caviar celebrates 10th anniversary
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Qatar Airways adds Ankara to global network
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
www.kuwaittimes.net
Markets salute euro-zone deal on Greece Germany raises hitch • Fresh doubts hit Europe’s bailout offer LONDON/ATHENS: Markets saluted a euro-zone deal on a huge standby rescue package for Greece, slashing the debtladen country’s borrowing costs and buying its stocks and bonds yesterday as fears of a near-term default evaporated. But awkward questions remained over whether Greece would use the bailout fund, how it would be activated, and how the weakest of the single European currency’s 16 members would cope with its 300 billion euro debt mountain in the longer term. The euro rose, the yield on short-dated Greek bonds fell by over a point to around 5.9 percent and the cost of insuring Greek debt against default narrowed dramatically from Friday’s close as the bigger-than-expected rescue plan impressed markets. “It’s almost a market that’s in disbelief that we’ve seemingly got a solution to this problem,” said Sean Maloney, a rate strategist at Nomura. But a German government spokesman raised a new hitch by saying a special summit of euro-zone leaders would be needed to activate the aid mechanism, in which Germany would be the biggest contributor with 8.4 billion euros ($11.4 billion). That could take days rather than hours to arrange and contradicted statements by the head of the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers and the European Commission that a decision by the ministers would be sufficient and could be taken by teleconference like Sunday’s deal on the rescue plan. Fresh doubts emerged yesterday over the readiness and scale of a European financial rescue package for debt-stricken Greece, taking the shine off early enthusiasm seen in a rising euro. The single currency surged to 1.3629 dollars but fell back to 1.3588 dollars in the afternoon following Sunday’s agreement by Greece’s 15 euro partners to offer 30 billion euros ($41 billion) in loans over the course of 2010. European stock markets also gave up initial gains, and while Greece’s borrowing rate dropped under seven percent, comments from Germany fuelled analysts’ doubts over how and when the aid could become a reality. As Europe’s biggest economy, Germany would be expected to cough up more than a quarter of the European total, but Berlin said the 36-month loans at a roughly five percent rate would only ever materialize as a “last resort.” Greece itself has said it hopes to be able to cope without the loans. “The fact that a fire extinguisher has been mounted on the wall does not mean that it will be used,” Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman Christoph Steegmans told a regular briefing in Berlin. Michael Offer, a German finance ministry spokesman, also voiced caution, saying: “Most fire extinguishers just get refilled after one or two years and nothing happens.” Berlin underlined that any bailout would first have to be agreed at an EU summit, with Greece’s 15 partners in the euro-zone each also having to pass a series of domestic political hurdles. Key regional elections in Germany on May 9 and a hamstrung Dutch interim government which has to abide by parliamentary refusal to pay up ahead of a fresh vote there in June each present significant blocks. Meanwhile talks in Brussels yesterday between European and International Monetary Fund officials were expected to offer greater clarity on the extent of the IMF’s involvement in any potential rescue package.
ROME: Fiat deputy chairman John Elkann (background left), chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, (second from left) and CEO Sergio Marchionne pose next to a new Alfa Romeo ‘Giulietta’ model, presented in the courtyard of Rome’s Chigi Premier’s Palace yesterday. The new ‘Giulietta’ model will go on sale in Italy from May. —AP
Several banks express support for restructuring plan AUB stake being sold to Qatar investors ADCB sees response to Dubai Bidders plan to convert lender into Islamic bank DUBAI: Up to five Qatari individuals are aiming to buy a 25-percent stake in Ahli United Bank, Bahrain’s biggest lender, with the aim of turning it into a wholly Islamic bank, a source familiar with the matter said. AUB said last week Kuwaiti investment firm Tamdeen and other unnamed shareholders had agreed to sell the stake in the Bahraini bank to an undisclosed buyer from the Gulf Arab region, in a deal estimated at about $1.3 billion. The lack of details about the deal, particularly there being no name of the buyer, cast doubts on whether it would go through, which weighed on AUB’s stock after it initially gained. “The group is made up of four to five high net worth individuals from Qatar,” the source said yesterday. “They are conducting their due diligence and will make a decision in sixty days.” “The buyers plan to convert the bank into a fully Islamic operation,” said the source, who
declined to be identified. AUB’s Kuwaiti unit is currently being converted into bank compliant with Islamic law, or sharia. The source said Masraf Al-Rayan, Qatar’s fourth biggest bank by market value, is advising on the deal. A Masraf spokesman was not immediately available for comment. If approved, the deal would make the buyer the single largest shareholder in the bank. AUB said the shares would be sold at $1.10 each. AUB shares ended up 9.6 percent at $0.74 on the Bahraini bourse yesterday. Bahrain’s central bank said on Sunday it was aware of the sale but did not know the identity of the bidder. Bankers expect merger-andacquisition (M&A) activity to pick up again in 2010 in the Gulf Arab region, driven by sovereign wealth funds and as companies restructure in the wake of the global economic crisis. The number of M&As in region have slowed down as capital has dried up and there has been a valuation gap between sellers and buyers. — Reuters
KARACHI: Pakistani stockbrokers monitor the latest share prices on a monitor during a trading session at the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) yesterday. The benchmark KSE-100 index was 10548.33, down 38.13 points in mid of the day’s session. —AFP
World debt talks in weeks DUBAI: Dubai World will give their response to the indebted conglomerate’s debt restructuring proposal within weeks, one of its main lenders said yesterday. “We have to reply to Dubai World first, there is a timeframe. In weeks we will get back to Dubai World (on the creditors’ proposals),” Ala’a Eraiqat, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) told reporters. ADCB is one of two local banks on a seven-member panel leading
negotiations with Dubai World, which unveiled a $9.5 billion debt plan last month. Several of the main seven banks, who are believed to have the most exposure among Dubai World’s 97 creditors, have expressed their initial support for the restructuring plan. UAE lenders have seen profits declining in the wake of the global economic slump, raising concerns about their capital rations. ADCB in January posted a fourth-quarter loss of 1.2 billion UAE dirhams ($326.8 million) after booking
impairments of 2 billion dirhams in that period alone. Analysts expect the bank to post an average first-quarter net profit of 270.06 million dirhams. “Every restructuring will have implications on provisions,” Eraiqat said yesterday. But ADCB’s chairman Eissa Al Suwaidi, speaking at the same event, said “banks have enough liquidity and do not need more”. He also said ADCB doesn’t have any plans to issue new bonds. — Reuters
Saudi firm to raise $533m for farm investments RIYADH: Saudi-based agricultural investment firm Agroinvest is close to obtaining approval from the regulator to raise about 2 billion riyals ($533 million) for foreign and local farm investments, its chairman said. Agroinvest, or the International Agriculture and Food Investment Co, is the biggest of many private firms involved in foreign farm investment that were set up in the kingdom since importreliant Gulf Arab countries started buying or leasing land in developing nations to ensure food supplies. But farmland acquisitions by foreign investors have sparked some opposition in developing nations and the United Nations last year voiced concern that farmers’ rights in developing nations could be compromised. Usamah AlKurdi, who chairs Agroinvest’s founding committee, said his firm would not want to tarnish Saudi Arabia’s image by buying farmlands abroad. “Everybody is getting philosophical about this issue,” he told Reuters in a telephone interview. “Agroinvest is not a real estate firm. We are in agriculture
and we want to do this with firms and farmers unions in these countries.” The ideal scenario for Agroinvest, Kurdi said, would be to “forge partnerships with local firms or farmers unions who have a project ready. If leasing the land is an option, then we will do it with our partners.” Seeking approval from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) for the private placement “was not a legal requirement,” he said. “We have taken the initiative to seek the CMA’s approval to show how serious we are,” said Kurdi. “We hope to raise about 2 billion riyals from private and institutional investors to add to the capital raised by the founders,” he said. He declined to say how much capital had so far been raised from Agroinvest’s founders. Kurdi said in April that 25 percent of the capital will come from founding shareholders and the remainder from institutional investors and a public offering. Several Saudi firms have already started farm investments in countries stretching from Indonesia to Ethiopia
after a sharp rise in global food prices in 2008 and after authorities prioritized safeguarding water over self-sufficiency in some crops such as wheat. In addition to investments abroad that would include rice, grains, oilseeds and soybeans, Agroinvest plans to invest in grain silos and in funds with exposure to farm investments. Kurdi declined to go into detail and said only that several propositions were being examined for investments in Australia, Romania, Senegal, Turkmenistan and Vietnam. “Foreign investments will take 60 percent of our total investments and 40 percent will be invested locally,” Kurdi said. “We plan investment in logistics through funds and Djibouti is being considered as a potential location.” The company will start announcing its foreign investments after it obtains regulatory approvals to start operations “within eight to 10 weeks,” he added. Agroinvest’s most advanced plans are in Saudi Arabia where it plans to invest in shrimp farms, poultry and greenhouses, he said. — Reuters
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BUSINESS
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Talks at advanced stage on properties in Riyadh, Khobar
Shuaa hospitality fund eyes Saudi acquisitions RIYADH: Shuaa Capital’s Saudi arm hopes to raise more money for its hospitality fund through a second closing in October and to make more acquisitions this year as market conditions improve, its chief executive said. The fund, which had its first closing in 2008, aims to raise close to 2 billion riyals ($533 million), said Omar Al-Jaroudi, chief executive of Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia. “We did the first closing of 410 million (riyals) and we are hoping for a second closing between now and October (to get) as much as we can up to the 2 billion,” he told Reuters in an interview. Shuaa launched its private
equity hospitality fund with an aim to acquire hotels to be managed by Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, Jaroudi said, but it only made one acquisition last year as market conditions were uncertain.
“In 2010 we have better clarity and we are going ahead with executing the plan that we have in mind,” he said. In March Shuaa bought a plot of land in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah for a hotel development worth more
than $130 million. “We acquired one plot of land in Jeddah and are finalizing another one in Jeddah as well and we are in advanced discussions on several properties in Riyadh and Khobar,” he said.
Shuaa Saudi Arabia, whose parent firm is based in Dubai, is also considering launching a logistics fund in the autumn, he said. “The size will be determined by the result of the feasibility study.” — Reuters
Burgan Bank extends credit facilities to KGL Ports Int’l KUWAIT: Burgan Bank, one of the leading local commercial banks in Kuwait has announced its grant of credit facilities to KGL international for Ports, Warehousing & Transport, KSC (Closed) to execute a project for the Kuwait Ports Authority. KGL Ports International (KGL PI) was recently awarded by the Kuwait Ports Authority the contract of construction, supply, installation and operation of the Shuwaikh Port container handling equipment - the main commercial port of Kuwait Ports Authority. The project encompasses the supply, installation and operation of six ship-to-shore cranes, six gantry cranes for handling the containers in the storage yards and 70 specially equipped vehicles for handling the containers and other backing equipments. The project, which is expected to be completed within five years has a total value of KD44.5 million, approximately
$156 million against the credit facilities granted by Burgan Bank. KGL PI is considered one of the leading companies in the Middle East specialized in the development, operations and management of container terminals and Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) operations. KGL PI is a Kuwaiti shareholding company, 41% owned by Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company. The project is one of the major infrastructure contracts approved by the State of Kuwait under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait aimed at boosting the country’s economy. With this, Burgan Bank solidifies its belief and confidence in the local business community as it looks ahead to more partnership ventures with local firms to contribute further to the sustainable development of Kuwait.
Oman Air commences flights to Kuala Lumpur High-five for the high-flying airline
Hublot — Laila Galeria
Hublot — Salhiya showroom
Morad Yousuf Behbehani Group launches new Hublot Watch Corners KUWAIT: Being the representatives of Swiss watchmaker Hublot in Kuwait, Morad Yousuf Behbehani Group, has launched their new “Hublot Watch Corners” within their stores at the Salhiya and Laila Gallery shopping malls. Being well known for their stellar designs and luxurious precision, Hublot watches have inspired thousands of watch fanatics within Kuwait for many years. Hublot watches are inspired by the “Art of Fusion” ideology whereby a diverse mix of materials including ceramics, carbon, tantalum, titanium, magnesium and others are combined to develop the most unique
watches one can own. Hublot boasts a collection of series including the 2005 “Wristwatch of the Year”, the “Big Bang”. Building on its own success, while maintaining its attractive shape, the “Big Bang” series was later released in various other sizes now manifesting further complications such as Tourbillion, a large date indicator, Power reserve indicator, split second timer as well as a minute repeater. The “Hublot Watch Corners” offer an array of carefully picked selections for customers to choose from including limited edition watches with limited quantities. Some of these limited
edition watches include: • Alinghi - Defender 33rd American Cup. • African Wildlife Foundation. • Ayrton Senna • Diago Maradona • Manchester United • Morgan Cars Also being up to date with the latest trends that exceed customers’ expectations, Hublot has launched their new collection with very limited quantities for their elite buyers including: • African Wildlife Foundation (Ltd. 500pcs) • Diego Maradona Watch (Ltd. 250pcs)
• Aero Bang Skeleton Watch (Ltd. 500pcs) • Minute Repeter Tourbillion (10pcs) • Alinghi Watch (Ltd. 500pcs) • King Power Chrono Tourbillion (Ltd. 28pcs) • King Power Tourbillion (Ltd. 30pcs) • King Power GMT Tourbillion (Ltd. 28pcs) Further to Hublot, Morad Yousuf Behbehani Group is the agent of a wide selection of prestigious and well renowned international brands including Cartier, Piaget, IWC, JLC, Penarai, Breguet and Omega to name a few and are located at all of the major malls within Kuwait.
MUSCAT: The fifth month of the year will see Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, open five new destinations to its rapidly expanding network. The first one is Kuala Lumpur, the colorful capital city of Malaysia which will be inaugurated on the 1st of May, with four weekly flights between Muscat and Kuala Lumpur. With this addition, Oman Air will mark its 33rd destination and the second one in the Far East, the other being Bangkok. The other four destinations to be opened in May are Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Islamabad and Lahore. Peter Hill Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer says: “This new destination will be a welcome addition to the ever expanding Oman Air network. Kuala Lumpur has been a much-anticipated destination and I’m positive it will be a real winner with our customers, especially from the region and the Sub Continent. This beautiful country, which seamlessly weaves in the true wonders of Asia, is as diverse geographically, as it is culturally. Known to provide the perfect getaway for those who want to have a complete
change of scenery, one can have a holiday of their life time by exploring the many splendors of Malaysia. Holidays in Malaysia will introduce Oman Air customers to a fantastic travel and holiday experience.” The new route will be operated by Oman Air’s recently introduced Airbus A330 aircraft featuring First, Business and Economy class seating. Situated almost in the centre of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is home to amazing world heritage sites, world’s best known dive sites, children theme parks and national parks. Very few countries can match the pulsating city adventures, shopping experience and the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is just 300 kilometres (187 miles) from Singapore.
Oman Air is the flag carrier of the Sultanate of Oman. Founded in 1993, the airline has since witnessed massive growth and has played a major role in making Muscat an important traffic hub in the Middle East, supporting the commercial, industrial and tourism sectors. The airline currently operates direct international flights from Muscat to major Gulf destinations, such as Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh and Kuwait. In addition, Oman Air flies to ten destinations in India Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Delhi, Lucknow, Bangalore, Kozhikode and Jaipur; to Chittagong in Bangladesh and Karachi in Pakistan, Cairo, Beirut and Amman, Jordan, besides London and Bangkok.
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
.2820000 .4410000 .390000 .2695000 .2830000 .2660000 .0045000 .0020000 .0778010 .7579950 .4020000 .0750000 .7430810 .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 .2866000 .4436660 .3920980 .2714370 .2855850 .0526670 .0403050 .2677130 .0369390 .2065000 .0030780 .0065130 .0025250 .0034420 .0041990 .0780690 .7606000 .4053320 .0764660 .7447910 .0064400
US Dollar Sterling pounds Swiss Francs Saudi Riyals
TRANSFER CHEQUES RATES .2887000 .4468000 .2733600 .0769530
Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 3.096 Indian Rupees 6.483 Pakistani Rupees 3.416
.2920000 .4490000 .3965000 .2777000 .2900000 .2720000 .0075000 .0035000 .0785830 .7656130 .4170000 .0790000 .7505500 .0072000 .0580000 .2887000 .4468000 .3948670 .2733600 .2876070 .0530400 .0405910 .2696040 .0372000 .2079620 .0031000 .0065590 .0025430 .0034670 .0042290 .0785670 .7654500 .4082030 .0769530 .7495410 .0064850
Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash
2.525 4.075 207.600 37.124 4.155 6.423 8.932 0.301 0.292 GCC COUNTRIES 76.813 79.140 748.300 765.000 78.443
Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound Yemen Riyal Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham
ARAB COUNTRIES 55.000 52.250 1.284 209.100 406.740 193.220 6.303 35.680
EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 287.900 Euro 393.300 Sterling Pound 446.000 Canadian dollar 287.330 Turkish lire 194.400 Swiss Franc 272.630 Australian dollar 268.640 US Dollar Buying 286.000 GOLD 225.000 115.000 60.000
20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram
SELL CASH 272.400 765.470 4.370 290.400 565.200 15.800 52.600 167.800 54.190 397.500
37.800 6.780 0.035 0.293 0.257 3.190 408.600 0.194 92.200 47.000 4.240 209.800 2.183 49.500 747.700 3.500 6.590 79.610 76.850 208.710 42.180 2.728 449.500 40.800 276.100 6.400 9.260 217.900 78.540 288.200 1.380
10 Tola
GOLD 1,258.400
Sterling Pound US Dollar
37.650 6.500
406.860 0.193 92.200 4.080 208.300
SELL DRAFT 270.900 765.470 4.155 288.900
208.700 52.256 396.000
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
Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees
2.537 4.184 6.457 3.075 8.929 6.312 3.077
Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency
747.520 3.430 6.435 79.180 76.850 208.710 42.180 2.527 447.500 274.500 9.120 78.540 287.800
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 447.500 287.800
288.500 3.440 6.520 2.545 4.175 6.450 78.630 77.120 766.700 52.345 449.100 0.000032300 4.100 1.550 409.600 5.750 394.800 294.700
Al Mulla Exchange
Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd
Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash
Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal 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
289.350 293.915 446.300 392.170 269.830 709.215 765.875 78.760 79.455 77.125 408.315 52.586 6.523 3.459
Currency 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 287.500 394.500 446.500 287.500 3.100 6.480 52.240 2.527 4.155 6.430 3.425 764.500 78.350 76.750
BUSINESS
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
23
Kuwait looks to expand its foreign account balance KUWAIT: With the world’s fourth-largest oil reserves and synonymous as an energy powerhouse, many would find it surprising to learn that Kuwait is presently a net importer of gas. Therefore the discovery and development of its domestic gas resources are of vital importance to the country as it looks to not only secure and expand its foreign account balance, but also fulfil its growing domestic utility needs with a cleaner and more efficient alternative to oil. Kuwait is estimated to possess 8 percent of global oil reserves and presently produces 2.78m barrels per day (bpd), accounting for roughly 3.5 per cent of global production, according to the “BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2009.” While it is ranked 18th in gas reserves, it currently extracts a very modest 140m cu feet per day (cfdp), a figure that is not sufficient to meet even its
local requirements. Kuwait is also one of the world’s largest per-capita consumers of electricity, especially in summer months when demand soars. It is expected that during the peak demand period of April 1 to late October of this year, Kuwait will be importing liquefied natural gas from global companies at a rate of 500,000 cfpd. In 2005, an estimated 35trn cf of nonassociated gas was discovered in the country’s northern fields. But to date, little extraction has taken place. The field contains gas with high concentrations of toxic and corrosive hydrogen sulphur, and are considered technically challenging to manage. In February, the country reached a deal with Royal Dutch Shell, valued at an estimated $700m that will entail the energy giant providing expertise and technology to help tap the complex reservoirs. The five-
Oxford Business Group year “technical services contract” could ultimately see the output from several northern gas fields reach 1bn cfpd. The move is considered a landmark deal in that not only will it provide a significant boost to the country’s domestic utilities capacity, but it also signals a move towards greater collaboration and participation of international oil companies (IOCs) in the country’s upstream activity. Sara Akbar, the managing director of Kuwait Energy, an independent oil and gas company operating across the region, said, “The Shell deal is a major turnaround for Kuwait, and should pave the way for IOCs to do more work in the country.” With operating oil fields maturing and
newly discovered oil and gas reserves requiring enhanced recovery techniques, Kuwait is considered to be behind its production potential, partly as a result of a clause that bars foreign ownership of hydrocarbon resources. Saedeldeen A Akashah, the chairman of Kuwait Catalyst Company, a solutions provider to the regional refining industry, said, “Oil for Kuwait is a symbol of sovereignty and the country is reluctant to relinquish control. It’s a very sensitive issue as in the constitution it states openly that oil belongs to the Kuwaiti people. The government needs to figure out how to strike the right balance between ownership and competitiveness.”
Industry players commend the decision to involve Shell in the northern gas fields, pointing to the advances made in other Gulf states’ gas output through an open engagement with international companies. Walid K Al Hashash, chairman of Aref Energy Holding Company, told OBG, “Qatar’s success in gas, and more recently Saudi Arabia’s, came from their national oil companies realizing they cannot produce gas without outside help and expertise. Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) has built up the know-how over the years to deal with oil, but gas and heavy oil is new to them. So the Shell deal is a good move and hopefully we’ll see similar agreements in gas.” At present, there has been no indication of the new gas capacity that could come online being allocated to exports. And instead, it will most likely all be consumed domestically for electricity generation, water
desalination and as feedstock to the country’s industrial sector - in particular, the petrochemicals sector. Ahmed Mouti, the chairman and managing director for Shell Kuwait, told OBG, “If more gas is produced domestically, not only will this reduce the need for costly imports required to meet local electricity demand, but it can help grow the local petrochemicals industry, which will serve as a critical diversification effort for the country by providing a value-added export revenue stream.” With oil revenues accounting for nearly 90 percent of the national treasury, many point to the advancement of the petrochemicals sector as a logical and viable means for the country to increase its industrial base and diversify its dependence on oil exports for future income generation. — Oxford Business Group
Goal: Bring new ideas to market
Kuwaiti ad company Caviar celebrates 10th anniversary By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Caviar, a unique Kuwaiti advertising company, celebrated their 10th anniversary this past Sunday. Caviar, founded by Kuwaitis and employ-
(From Left to Right): Surour Alsamerai, General Manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank, Roy Watson General Manager of Arabian Motors Group and Dhari Al-Wazzan, Founder of Proud to Be Kuwaiti.
Gulf Bank holds annual staff open day A new Ford Crown Victoria is the grand prize KUWAIT: Gulf Bank recently held its Annual Staff Open Day at the Hilton Kuwait Resort, Mangaf. This yearly initiative demonstrates Gulf Bank’s commitment to its employees and is one of the ways the bank recognises their hard work and their loyalty. Present at the event were Gulf Bank’s Chairman Ali Al-Rashaid Al-Bader, Michel Accad, Gulf Bank’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief General Manager, and Surour Alsamerai, General Manager - Human Resources. Throughout the day, many staff members and their families enjoyed the wide range of activities and games. The open day included a raffle prize draw for a Ford Crown Victoria, courtesy of Ford (Arabian
Motor Group), which was won by Naeem Irshad, Assistant Branch Manager, who works at the Bank’s Mishref branch. Alsamerai said, “We thank Ford (Arabian Motor Group) for their participation and support in this year’s staff prize draw. Gulf Bank and Ford have maintained close business ties for many years and we look forward to continuing this special relationship in the years to come. “ “At the heart of Gulf Bank’s success is our highly motivated and experienced staff. We are very proud of our people and hosting events like this helps to demonstrate how much we value their dedication and commitment,” added Alsamerai.
Indonesia takes US to WTO over clove cigarette ban GENEVA: Indonesia is launching a formal dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the United States over a US ban on cloveflavored cigarettes, an official at Indonesia’s WTO mission said yesterday. Like many trade disputes, this one involves health standards and whether they are being abused for protectionist purposes. It centres on the clove and tobacco blends known as kretek that dominate the tobacco market in Indonesia but are little smoked outside the southeast Asian country. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned cigarettes with fruit, confectionery or clove flavors in September last year, arguing that such cigarettes were particularly attractive to children. But the US ban does not include menthol-flavoured cigarettes that are widely produced in the United States and smoked by about 19 million Americans. Indonesia argues this discriminates against foreign producers of flavoured tobacco to help domestic manufacturers. “They have to prove that menthol doesn’t have a bad impact,” said the official, who asked not
to be identified. US tobacco companies told the Food and Drug Administration on March 31 that adding menthol did not make cigarettes more harmful or addictive. Under WTO rules, the two countries now have 60 days to resolve their differences through consultations, otherwise Indonesia can ask the WTO to create a panel of experts to rule on the issue. The case is only the fifth brought by Indonesia, the world’s 21st biggest exporter, at the WTO. Kretek cigarettes account for the bulk of tobacco consumption in Indonesia, the world’s fifth biggest tobacco market, although unflavored or “white” sticks are gaining in popularity. Indonesian exports of cigarettes and cigars totalled $357.8 million in 2008, the last year for which data is available. Only a relatively small number of kretek cigarettes is exported, and anecdotally they are coveted by young people in the United States who see them as an alternative to more conventional brands. Foreign tobacco producers, keen to gain a bigger share of expanding markets for cigarettes in emerging economies,
have been buying up Indonesian manufacturers to acquire kretek brands and expertise and build on the potential for white stick sales. In June last year the world’s number two cigarette maker British American Tobacco bought an 85 percent stake in Indonesia’s fourth largest cigarette maker by volume, PT Bentoel Internasional Investama. Philip Morris International acquired the majority of Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna in 2005. Other Indonesian manufacturers include Gudang Garam and unlisted conglomerate Djarum. Supervising the consultations with Indonesia will be one of the first tasks of the new US ambassador to the WTO, Michael Punke, whose Senate confirmation was held up for six months by a Republican senator from the tobacco-growing state of Kentucky. Senator Jim Bunning wanted President Barack Obama’s administration to challenge Canadian anti-smoking legislation- including a ban on flavoured tobaccos-that he said hurt his state. Obama finally put Punke into office at the end of March with a recess appointment. — Reuters
Enhanced Twitter for BlackBerry launched KUWAIT: The new Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones application launches in BlackBerry App World today, allowing BlackBerry users to engage with the popular social media platform. The application allows users to: Get direct messages as soon as they arrive (making use of BlackBerry(r) push) • Reply to tweets, re-tweet and send direct messages • Post a link from their BlackBerry(r) browser • Take pictures and upload them direct from the camera application • Share thoughts and join conversations • Find and follow friends or search for popular topics Launched in a closed beta in February, RIM
has taken onboard your feedback to enhance the functionality of the app, ahead of today’s launch. During beta testing, the following additional features have been developed: • Notifications of new tweets and @replies/mentions • Lists support • Profile editing • Personalisation settings • Show/Hide Nav. Bar and Tweetbox • Font size/style • Enlarged profile avatar viewing • Additional in application caching Available for free from mobile.blackberry.com Twitter for BlackBerry app is available for download now.
Caviar started off with limited staff. “We started out as small as can be; two principles, a driver and a tea boy. With God’s blessings, the support of the general public and of corporations with the foresight to give us an opportunity, we’ve managed to break out into the Kuwaiti market and establish a unique and storied history”, said Haitham Al-Hajji, Caviar’s CEO. He made his comments on Sunday during Caviar’s 10th anniversary celebration at the Sheraton Hotel. Caviar’s first project was a TV ad for MTC (now Zain) in 2000, which proved successful. This was followed by TV ads for Mercedes and Wataniya telecom. “Our entry into the field was more coincidence than intention. We were given an opportunity and were determined to make the most of it. The faith and trust our early clients showed us is something we appreciate greatly,” added Al-Hajji. This was followed by campaigns that left an indelible mark on the marketing filed. Yabeela (NBK), Burashid (KAMCO) and the GubGub (MTC Vodafone) ad were key turning points in how corporations communicated with their audiences, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when TV audiences are at their peak. “All our ads were risky and we needed to take risks to have a chance at success. You can guarantee failure, but success can never be guaranteed,” he said. Caviar’s goal was to bring new ideas to the Kuwaiti market. “Speaking to the public in their own voice and addressing their own sensibilities, the ads created a long lasting emotional link between Kuwaiti corporations and Kuwaiti audiences. We quickly realized that the public was waiting for someone like us,” noted Al-Hajji. “Caviar is well known for using light-hearted, sometimes comedic approaches to commu-
ing Kuwaiti talent, is responsible for some of the region’s most memorable ads. Yabeela, Bu Rashid, Ramadi, and NBK’s camel are among the many campaigns Caviar has transcended from being mere advertisements into a part of Kuwaiti colloquialism.
Haitham Al-Hajji, Caviar’s CEO addresses the gathering. —Photo by Joseph Shagra nicate a corporate message. This came at a time when Kuwaiti businesses were reticent to use humor in their communication. This was especially true in the banking and financial services sectors,” he explained. Caviar began using international cinematography techniques, such as shooting ads on 35mm film regularly. The company preserved the Kuwaiti heritage of its work by integrating popular games, crafts and traditions in its creative concepts. “It’s been said about us that we create Kuwaiti ads, as if that were a bad thing. It’s a source of great pride. If we were in Britain, we’d be creating British ads. If we were in the French market, we’d be creating French ads. It’s only natural that we’d create Kuwaiti ads when speaking to a Kuwaiti audience,” added Al-Hajji. Throughout its journey the company has tried to give back to the community whenever possible. Caviar arranged workshops and seminars at local uni-
versities, gives internships to those aspiring toward a career in the field and works with charities and public service foundations whenever possible. “We’re very proud of our CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) campaigns. We feel it’s our duty to give back to
society whatever way we can,” highlighted Al-Hajji. Caviar has produced TV ads in various places around the world. From Mumbai to Paris and everywhere in between. Caviar recently produced its first television program, which will premier this coming
Ramadan. “We started our business with big companies only because we had limited staff and abilities. Now, we are expanding our business and look forward to working with small and medium sized companies,” he concluded.
Wataniya Airways conquers Europe with 3 weekly flights to Vienna KUWAIT: Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s premium service airline, have announced yet another new destination in its expanding network with new regular service to the magical Austrian capital Vienna, renowned as home of the waltz, Sacher torte and Mozart, from June 2nd. With the new announcement, Wataniya Airways is quickly conquering Europe with Vienna being its third destination after the recently announcement of Istanbul and Rome which are due to start on May 2nd and May 31st respectively. Vienna is the 11th destination for the growing Wataniya Airways since it began commercial operations in January of last year. The premium carrier has three weekly scheduled flights scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from the Wataniya Airways’ exclusive Sheikh Saad Terminal to Vienna International Airport with convenient daytime flight times to satisfy guests’ needs. Abdulsalam Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director
of Wataniya Airways said: “We are delighted to start services to Vienna, our third major destination in Europe, and we expect it to become a key part of our global flight program.” “This new service will enhance the already strong established links between Kuwait and Austria and help the expanding commercial relationship that Kuwaitis and Austrians share.” Guests wishing to travel on Wataniya Airways can book their tickets by logging on to wataniyaairways.com or calling the Kuwait Guest Contact Centre on 118 or +965 24379999 or make their reservation through their preferred travel agent. Wataniya Airways currently runs five class-leading Airbus A320 aircraft and a sixth aircraft is scheduled to be received in June. This new aircraft and a seventh, later in the year, will help Wataniya Airways continue to provide quality services and a wider choice of destinations, in addition to the current flights and upcoming launches.
BUSINESS
24
KSE stocks face sell-off KUWAIT: The Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended yesterday’s trading on a mixed note with marginal declines witnessed across the board. The price index ended in the red yesterday, marking three consecutive sessions of declines. While Global General Index (GGI) ended in the green second session in a row. GGI added 0.63 points (+0.30 percent) during the session to reach 214.08 points. However, the KSE Price Index decreased by a marginal 2.60 points (0.03 percent) yesterday and closed at 7,549.40 points. Market capitalization was up KD204.86mn yesterday to reach KD35.22bn. Market breadth During the session, 131 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards decliners as 47 equities retreated versus 45 that advanced. A total of 118 stocks remained unchanged during today’s trading session. Trading activities ended on a positive note yesterday as volume of shares traded on the exchange increased by 18.52 percent to reach 360.11mn shares. Furthermore, value of shares traded gained by 10.80 percent to stand at KD90.67mn. The Services Sector was both the volume and value leader yesterday, accounting for 35.07 percent of total market volume and 40.89 percent of market value. Bayan Investment Company was the volume leader yesterday, with a total traded volume of 27.92mn. Agility was the value leader with a total value of KD16.80. In terms of top gainers, Housing Finance Company took the top spot for the day, adding 9.43 percent and closed at KD0.116. On the other hand, Strategia Investment Company shed 8.62 percent and closed at KD0.035, making it the biggest decliner in the market. Sector-wise Regarding Global’s sectoral indices, they ended the day on a mixed note except for Global Insurance Index which was unchanged during today’s trading session. Global Banking Index was the top gainer yesterday with a 1.14 percent increase backed by heavyweights National Bank of Kuwait and Gulf Bank ending the day with gains of
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Agility surges, markets rise on global sentiment MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS
GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT 3.28 percent and 4.05 percent, respectively. Global Food Index posted a 0.86 percent increase today, making it the second biggest gainer in the market. Livestock Transport & Trading Company, which made the top five gainers list in the market, was the top gainer in the sector and ended the trading session with a gain of 8.06 percent and closed at KD0.335. Furthermore, Danah Al Safat Foodstuff Company also aided the sector by ending the day up 2.08 percent and closed at KD0.196. In terms of decliners, Global Real Estate Index took the top spot with a
0.66 percent loss yesterday. Tamdeen Real Estate Company, the biggest decliner in the sector, ended the day down 5.56 percent and closed at KD0.340. Furthermore, Mabanee Company also ended in the red yesterday, thereby contributing the index’s decline. The scrip ended the day by shedding 1.41 percent from its value and closed at KD0.700. Regarding Global’s special indices, they all ended on a negative except for Global Large Cap Index being the only gainer. The index ended the day with a gain of 0.49 percent backed by Agility ending the day up 6.67 percent.
Oil news The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $81.97 a barrel on Friday, compared with $81.60 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. Market news Agility’s Board of Directors proposed cash dividend at 40 percent of par value, or 40 fils per share, for the FY that ended on 31/12/2009. Shareholders of record on the general meeting are eligible for this distribution. This recommendation is subject to the approval of shareholder meeting and competent authorities.
DUBAI: Kuwait’s Agility surged 6.7 percent after resuming trading yesterday, while most Middle East markets rose on the back of favorable global sentiment and expectations of strong first-quarter results. “There is a good recovery happening globally and economic fundamentals of the region are a lot better than what it was a while back,” said Keith Edwards, head of asset management at Doha-based investment company The First Investor. Trading in Agility’s stock had been halted on the Kuwaiti bourse since April 1, as it delayed release of its 2009 financial results pending clarity on its negotiations with US authorities over fraud charges. Kuwait’s index eased 0.03 percent to 7,549 points as Agility’s gain was partly offset by a 1.5 percent drop in telecom operator Zain. On Sunday, Agility posted a 22 percent rise in fourth-quarter profit and declared a surprise cash dividend. However, analysts remained skeptical on the stock in the absence of a settlement on US fraud charges. “Markets seem to be happy about the earnings and dividend announcement. This may be pushing the optimists but still the margin of risk is very high in the stock” said Naser Al-Nafisi, general manager for AlJoman Center for Economic Consultancy in Kuwait. Bahrain’s biggest lender, Ahli United Bank surged 9.6 percent. Up to five Qatari individuals are aiming to buy a 25-percent stake in the bank, with the aim of turning it into a wholly Islamic bank, a source told Reuters. Emaar Properties rose 2 percent to help Dubai index close higher for the second straight session. The index gained 0.5 percent to 1,834 points. Qatar’s index rose for the eighth straight session helped by Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ) which climbed 2.3 percent. “I think the market is really on its way to levels of 8,000 points,” said Samer Al-Jaouni, general manager of Middle East Financial Brokerage
Co. Analysts say investors are expecting better first-quarter results and hence building positions ahead of announcements. “It looks like investors pretty much expect first-quarter results to be better on a sequential basis,” said Robert McKinnon, ASAS Capital chief investment officer. In Egypt, market heavyweight Orascom Telecom climbed 2.9 percent on continued speculation that the mobile firm will sell its Algerian unit Djezzy. The index rose 0.9 percent to 7,515 points. Saudi Arabia’s Riyad Bank suffered its biggest one-day drop in 17 months as the lender’s stock plunged 6.8 percent after saying it booked $66.7 million in first-quarter provisions. The index dropped 0.2 percent, snapping a three-day rally. Oman’s index rose for the third straight session as shares of investment holding companies rose on expectations of positive results. HIGHLIGHTS DUBAI The index climbed 0.5 percent to 1,834 points. ABU DHABI The measure rose 0.6 percent to 2,865 points. KUW AIT The measure slipped 0.03 percent to 7,549 points. EGYPT The measure climbed 0.9 percent to 7,515 points. SAUDI ARABIA The benchmark fell 0.2 percent 6,883 points. QATAR The index rose 0.2 percent to 7,738 points. OMAN The benchmark rose 0.7 percent to 6,934 points. BAHRAIN The index rose 2 percent to 1,568 points. — Reuters
BUSINESS
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
25
7 Gulf stock markets remain bullish A report prepared by KAMCO Research that analyzes the performance of the 7 GCC Equity Markets during the month of March 2010 in addition to assessing the latest key economic and market developments and their effect on the performance of each stock market. KUWAIT: Maintaining the momentum of last month; all seven equity markets in the GCC region ended the month of March-10 on a positive note as investors sentiment remained upbeat on positive global cues, the rise in the world’s average oil prices, and the announcement of Dubai World’s debt restructuring proposal. The world’s average oil price for Mar-10 stood at $77.2/b, an average not seen since September-08, thus indicating a possible stabilization in oil prices. Moreover, led by the gains registered by the market heavy weight Real Estate Sector, Dubai Financial Market, rallied with a 15.73% gain; thus ending the month as the best performing market in the GCC region. The double digit gain registered by DFM is attributable to the boost among investors sentiment on the much awaited announcement of Dubai World’s debt restructuring proposal, which includes $9.5 billion of aid from Dubai. An estimated $8 billion of the $9.5 billion, according to the announcement of the proposal, will go to Nakheel - the real estate subsidiary of Dubai World - through the Dubai Financial Stability Fund to enable the company to fund its operations and settle its obligations. Although the restructuring proposal is awaiting the approval of local and international creditors, investors embraced the proposal announcement positively as once the massive sums of money are injected and eventually find their way into the wider economy, their effect will be positive; hence enabling investors to look forward on Dubai’s future prospects. Qatar Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, on the other hand, followed as the second and third best performing markets after gaining 8.58% and 7.58% respectively. Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL) In Saudi Arabia, Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) maintained its previous month upward trend to gain 5.65% and close at 6,801.01, thereby ending as the fourth best performer amongst its GCC peers. Renewed investor optimism that the performance of local banks is set to improve in Q1-10 coupled with sector heavyweight Al Rajhi Bank’s share price surge of 13.3% enabled the market heavyweight banking sectors market cap to increase 5.67% during the month. Market heavyweight Petrochemical sector, on the other hand, witnessed its total market cap rise 9.33% amid renewed investor confidence that rising oil prices coupled with demand from China would underpin a profit recovery in 2010. In other developments during the month, in an attempt to make the Saudi Stock Exchange more accessible to foreign investors, the CMA approved its first ever exchangetraded fund (ETF). Total market capitalization at the end of Mar-10 reached SAR 1.34 trillion, up 5.7% as
process. In reaction to the news, the Real Estate and the Banking Sectors recorded significant gains of 23.8% and 9.1% respectively during March to lead the ADX General Index to a gain of 7.58%.
KAMCO Research - GCC Equity Markets Review
Qatar Exchange Driven by the positive performance of mid and large cap stocks among the Banking Sector and Industrial Sector, which together represent 49% of Qatar Exchange’s total market capitalization, and upbeat global news; investors’ sentiment was maintained throughout the month thus leading the QE 20 Index to end the month with a 8.58% gain to close at 7,462.49 points. Total market capitalization for the month rose 5.15% to reach QAR 403.2 billion (110.7 billion) as compared to Feb-10 market cap of QAR 382.7 billion ($105.3 billion). The rise in market cap came on the back of the gains witnessed among most stocks of the Banking & Finance Sector, which represents 31% of the total market cap. The announcement by Qatar Financial Market Authority to enable banks to operate brokerage firms and reactivate their trading activities was positively embraced by investors due to the expected increase in liquidity, market depth, and an additional revenue generating stream for banks which translates to improved profitability levels.
compared to the previous month. Gains recorded during the month enabled the TASI YTD-10 gains to rise to 11.10% and thereby end as the second best performer in the GCC region. Kuwait Stock Exchange In Kuwait, the KAMCO TRW Index continued its previous month positive trend to gain 2.85% to end at its highest monthly close since Sep-09 at 2,761.11 points. Gains in regional and global markets coupled with rising oil prices boosted investor sentiments during the month. Also, market heavyweight ZAIN’s announcement of its BOD approval to sell its African operations, excluding Morocco and Sudan, for $10.7 billion to India’s largest mobile operator Bharti Airtel added to the positive sentiments during the month. As a result, ZAIN, which dominated the course of trade on the KSE since Sep-09, witnessed its share price gain 6.25% to close at KD 1.360. On the corporate earnings front, 178 out of 200 listed companies with fiscal year ending December announced their FY-09 financial results. The aggregate net profits announced so far stood at KD 86.9 million, as com-
pared with a net loss of KD 201.3 million for FY-2008. Total market capitalization, during the month, surged 3.1% to KD 34.47 billion ($120.3 billion). Gains recorded during the month enabled the KSE Weighted and KAMCO TRW Index YTD-10 gains record 14.33% and 10.38% respectively and thereby end as the best performing market in the GCC region for Q1-10. Dubai Financial Market In Dubai, the Government unveiled its long-awaited plan to restructure state-owned conglomerate Dubai World’s $26 billion debt which aided the index to gain around 15.73% during the month or 250.56 points to close the month at 1,843.47 points. Most of the gain recorded this month came during the three weeks preceding to the proposal announcement where the index gained 16.43% between March 4th and 25th adding 260.4 points. The deal, which includes a $9.5 billion aid from Dubai Government, is now awaiting the approval from almost 100 creditors. Furthermore, Dubai and Abu Dhabi were in talks on a possible merger of the emirates’ exchanges during
the month. The move offers the possibility of lower costs and higher trading volumes in the gulf, where there is an increasing interest in modernising market structures to attract trading interest. A merger between publicly listed Dubai Financial Market and the Abu Dhabi Exchange would create a larger and more liquid platform, which would better reflect the size of the United Arab Emirates’ economy, the Gulf’s second largest economy after Saudi Arabia. Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange The positive trend in the ADX General Index performance from February continued during March on the back of the relieving updates on Dubai World restructuring plan, as negotiations with the lenders got underway on a positive note, in addition to Dubai’s government pledge to provide $9.5bn of funds in support to Dubai World where Nakheel would be provided directly with $8bn to repay obligations and enhance operations. Furthermore, Dubai’s government offered to convert their $8.9 billion claims to Dubai World into equity which adds to the effectiveness of the support provided by the emirate in easing the restructuring
Bahrain Stock Exchange In Bahrain, led by gains recorded on the heavyweight banking sector, the BSE All share Index maintained its previous month upward trend and rose by 1.91% to close the month of March at 1,547.13 points. During the month, the banking sector witnessed its market cap gain 5.82% mainly on the back of the gains recorded on market heavyweight Ahli United Bank (AUB), which witnessed its monthly share price surge 15.25%. In due course of the month, AUB had announced that that it acquired a 40% stake in Libya’s United Bank for Commerce & Investment (UBCI). Total market capitalization increased 1.90% to BHD 6.49 billion in March. Muscat Securities Market The MSM 30 index was able to end the month with a marginal gain of 0.12% adding 8.20 points at 6,697.51 points, keeping the positive trend for the fifth consecutive month, and to be ranked as the lowest among others in the region. The marginal increase was supported only by the heavyweight sector the Banking and Investment sector as market sentiment earlier during the month was mixed after the index failed to identify a specific trend however stocks in the banking sector dominated movements.
Four flights a week to Turkish capital from Kuwait via Doha hub
Qatar Airways adds Ankara to global network ANKARA: Qatar Airw ays is celebrating the launch of scheduled services to Ankara follow ing the arrival of its inaugural flight from Doha to the Turkish capital on the 5th of April. With the touchdow n of flight QR462 at Esenboga
A press conference in Ankara hosted by Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, pictured centre, celebrated the airline’s new route to the Turkish capital, non-stop from Doha. With him are the airline’s Country Manager Turkey, Greece and Offline Balkans, Eric Willems (left) and Vice-President Europe Paul Johannes.
EADS says still mulling bid for US air tanker deal PARIS: European aerospace giant EADS said yesterday it was still considering whether it will bid for a huge US in-flight refuelling tanker contract and has set no cut-off date. Louis Gallois, the head of EADS, said “we have not taken a decision (and) we do not have a cut-off date. “The only cut-off date is July 9 when bidding companies have to submit their offers (to the US authorities),” Gallois told LCI in a program to be broadcast later yesterday. The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co, the parent of Airbus, originally won the contract worth $35 billion (25.7 billion euros) but then lost out when the US government accepted arguments by US rival Boeing that the work should be put it up for tender again. The US Department of Defense announced on March 31 it would extend the deadline for bidding by 60 days if it received formal notification from EADS that it intended to make an offer. EADS had asked for a 90-day extension after its US partner Northrop Grumman dropped out of the high-stakes contest, saying the contract requirements, known as a request for proposal (RFP), favored Boeing’s plane. Boeing, which has vied for years with EADS over the tanker plane project, has accused its rival of trying to manipulate the contest. The winner of the contract to supply 179 planes to update an aging 1950s era Boeing fleet of tankers is expected to be declared by “early fall,” a Pentagon spokesman said recently. — AFP
China’s Geely Auto 2009 net profit up 35% HONG KONG: Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd said yesterday its 2009 net profit rose 35 percent from a year earlier, helped by government incentives aimed at driving up sales of small cars. Geely-the Hong Kong-listed unit of Zhejiang Geely Holding, which is buying Volvo Cars-said full-year net profit rose to 1.18 billion yuan ($173 million) in 2009 from 879.1 million yuan in the previous year. “The increase was partly helped by the government’s policies to promote economy sedans but also as a result of the improving product quality and rising customers’ satisfaction over Geely’s products,” the company said. Revenue more than tripled to 14.1 billion yuan from 4.3 billion yuan. Gui Shengyue, chief executive of Geely Automobile, said its parent group plans to eventually inject Volvo into the listed company. But he was vague on the timetable. “Definitely this won’t take too long. Maybe three years?” he told a press conference. Gui also said that the parent group, one of China’s largest private car makers, planned to bring Ford Motor’s loss-making Swedish brand Volvo back into the black by the end of this year. “We believe Volvo’s business can break even in the fourth quarter of this year,” he said, without disclosing further details. Geely said last month it would spend 2.7 billion US dollars taking over Volvo, ending a decade under the ownership of the US auto giant. China’s auto sales soared to 13.64 million units in 2009 on government policy incentives, outstripping those of the United States for the first time in January last year to make the Asian giant the world’s biggest car market. The measures included slashing taxes on cars with engines smaller than 1.6 litres and subsidizing clean-technology vehicles. — AFP
By adding four services a week between Kuwait and Ankara, the new route strengthens the airline’s operations in Turkey, where it already operates daily flights to Istanbul. On board the maiden flight into Ankara was Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, who led a high-profile delegation, including the Chairman of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi, and key media from across the Middle East. Qatar Airways is the only Gulf carrier flying to Ankara, operating an Airbus A320 with 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy. Ankara becomes the awardwinning airline’s 88th destination and third new route of 2010. Over the past few weeks, the airline launched scheduled flights from Doha to both Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Copenhagen. Addressing media at a press conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Ankara yesterday, Al Baker said: “We are delighted to add Ankara to our international route network and further consolidate our presence in Turkey, clearly proving how important this dynamic market is for Qatar Airways. “Since we entered Turkey in 2004 with flights to Istanbul, the route’s performance has exceeded our expectations year on year. “We are confident that our new service to Ankara will be equally as successful helping facilitate travel to and from this wonderful city and beyond for both the business travel community and leisure travellers.” The new route comes at a time of strong trade between Qatar and Turkey, whose relations have grown from strength to strength and which go beyond political and economic ties. With a population of 72 million with an average age of 28.5 years, the Republic of Turkey is the 15th largest and one of the most vibrant economies in the world.
International Airport, w here the aircraft w as w elcomed by a dramatic w ater salute and met by senior airport officials and local dignitaries, the airline’s expansion into Turkey took yet another major leap forw ard.
Pictured at the cake cutting ceremony at Esenboga Airport in Ankara following Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to the Turkish capital are, from left, General Director of the State Airport Authority of Turkey, Orhan Birdal; TAV Chief Executive Officer Dr Sani Sener; Governor of Ankara’s Esenboga Airport Fevzi Gunes; Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker; Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi; Qatar Airways Vice-President Europe Paul Johannes; and the airline’s Country Manager Turkey, Greece and Offline Balkans, Eric Willems. Added Al Baker: “Commercial ties between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey remain strong and continue to grow year on year. The two countries very much share the same cultural values and have a likeminded vision, with deep rooted relations, increased bilateral ties and growing commercial exchanges.” Bilateral trade between the two countries increased five-fold from $21 million in 2007 to over $1.2 billion in 2008 with the aim of boosting commercial trade even further to $10 billion by 2015. Due to Turkey’s strategic location between the East and West, it represents a robust platform for Qatar Airways’ expansion, as well as for Qatar itself, which is investing into major Turkish projects in the field of real estate, energy and agriculture. “More than 25 Turkish com-
panies have projects worth over $8.3 billion in Qatar, including interests in the New Doha International Airport, which is due to be completed next year,” said Al Baker “There is strong collaboration in fields such as energy, food and agricultural products, infrastructure and health services. Such strong links enable Qatar Airways to facilitate travel and further drive economic ties.” From Qatar Airways’ Doha hub, passengers can connect to an exciting range of business and leisure destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and South Asia. These include Maldives, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Osaka, Delhi, Muscat and Melbourne. Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, cosmopolitan cities and historical sightseeing attractions, remains a highly popular tourist
hotspot. According to the United Nations agency, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Turkey is in fact the third fastest growing tourism destination in the world. For foreign visitors to Turkey, the new route to Ankara is an ideal gateway when visiting, for example, the famous Cappadocian region, best known for its moonlike landscape with underground cities and houses carved in rocks. Passengers flying Qatar Airways’ First Class or Business Class through Doha onto connecting cities with the airline will be able to transit through the airline’s exclusive Premium Teminal, where they can unwind and relax enjoying creature comforts of the facilities, including fine dining, spa treatments and duty free shopping. Ankara is one of Qatar Airways’ seven new routes for 2010. In February, the airline launched daily flights to India’s IT
capital city Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore. Copenhagen flights started on March 30; Tokyo services begin on April 26, complementing the airline’s existing operation to the Japanese city of Osaka; and the Mediterranean port city of Barcelona will be added on June 7. A highlight for Qatar Airways will be the expansion into South America this summer - completing the airline’s global jigsaw through the addition of another continent to its international route map. Beginning June 24, Qatar Airways will serve the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo and the Argentine capital Buenos Aires with daily scheduled flights direct from Doha. The addition of South America will ensure Qatar Airways becomes a truly global airline - a remarkable feat in just 13 years since its launch.
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BUSINESS
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Cyprus could stay in recession through 2010: CB NICOSIA: Cyprus will struggle to come out of recession in 2010, central bank governor Athanasios Orphanides warned yesterday, calling for urgent action to cut state spending on the Mediterranean island. “The real economy is getting worse, something which is confirmed by new and revised statistics,” Orphanides told a parliamentary committee on the economy. “Unfortunately, it seems the economy is still in recession and we can’t exclude negative economic growth in 2010,” he added. Orphanides said inflationary pres-
sures continued to be stronger in Cyprus than in other euro-zone countries and expressed alarm over mounting public expenditure. He called on the government to rein in spending and said delays in introducing correctional measures had compounded negative economic growth. “Either we go ahead with measures which will help us minimize the problem and create opportunities for long-term growth, or we avoid making the necessary cuts to state finances and damage the future welfare of this country,” he said.
The government knows that its euro-zone economy could come under tighter scrutiny from Brussels as it tries to tackle a fiscal deficit that it says could reach seven percent of GDP this year if public spending is not checked. A stagnant property market and a fall in tourism receipts-by 16.7 percent-created a revenue shortfall in 2009 of one billion euros ($1.35 billion). This saw GDP shrink by 1.7 percent in 2009, the first year of negative growth since the aftermath’s of Turkey’s 1974 invasion.
The decline followed growth of 3.6 percent in 2008 and 4.4 percent in 2007. In its stability program sent to Brussels earlier this month, the government envisages a budget deficit of 6.1 percent of GDP this year falling to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2013. The plan also seeks to contain public debt at 61 percent of GDP by 2013, while it projects “positive but slow” growth of 0.5 percent in 2010 and gradual recovery thereafter to growth of 3 percent by 2013. Fiscal consolidation measures seek to freeze salaries and slash the number of
employees in the public sector by a target of 1,000 staff a year. The public sector payroll is around 2.24 billion euros, almost a third of the state budget. Cost cutting at the ministries is expected to save an extra 150 million euros per year. Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and his cabinet have pledged to take 10-percent salary cuts as part of the government’s austerity drive. The program also includes legislation to combat tax evasion, as well as the introduction of a town planning amnesty for
buildings constructed with minor irregularities that would accelerate title deed issues. Overhauling tax evaluation on property, raising VAT on services for which the normal 15-percent rate is not applied and reducing social benefits are also on the agenda. Finance Charilaos Stavrakis has warned that if the government does not act now in making cuts it could end up like debt-ridden Greece. Cyprus has seen a one percent fiscal surplus in 2008 degenerate into a 6 percent deficit this year. — AFP
Abu Dhabi’s IPIC agrees $3.6bn loan; Pricing for Gulf loans falling
Middle East firms sign $6.6bn of loans in Q1 LONDON: Middle Eastern companies signed $6.65 billion of syndicated loans in the first quarter, up 30 percent from $5.13 billion in the same quarter a year before, according to Thomson Reuters LPC data. Speculation over Dubai World’s $26 billion debt restructuring cast a
shadow over the Middle East loan market in the first quarter, but that began to lift with the emergence of several deals that showed lender appetite for strong, government-backed credits and well-structured deals.
HONG KONG: (From left), Oleg Mukhamedshin, Deputy CEO of UC Rusal, Vladislav Soloviev, First Deputy CEO, Oleg Deripaska, CEO and Vera Kurochkina, Deputy CEO, attend a news conference on the company results announcement in Hong Kong yesterday. —AP
Rusal reports $821m profit HONG KONG: Russia’s UC Rusal, the world’s largest aluminum producer, said yesterday it earned $821 million in 2009 despite a plunge in revenues, in its first earnings report since its controversial debut on the Hong Kong stock market in January. The result compared with a net loss of just under $6 billion in 2008, the Moscowbased company said. Rusal sold shares in Hong Kong in January in an effort to pay down heavy debt. The sale was overshadowed by a lawsuit against chief executive Oleg Deripaska. Hong Kong regulators limited purchases to investors willing to buy at least $1 million Hong Kong dollars ($128,900) in shares and potential investors were warned about significant risk. Rusal’s 2009 revenue plunged 48 percent to $8.2 billion due to lower aluminum prices and sales volumes, the company said. But it said reduced sales and production also helped to reduce sales costs by 39 percent.
Aluminum production dropped 11 percent to 3.9 million metric tons after the company cut production at inefficient smelters. Alumina production contracted by 36 percent to 7.3 million metric tons as production at high-cost refineries was suspended. Rusal said it expects to increase aluminum production by 3 percent this year as market conditions improve, driven by economic growth in China and India and economic recovery in developed countries. China’s contribution to its revenues doubled from 3 percent in 2008 to 6 percent in 2009. China is the world’s largest aluminum consumer and accounts for 35 percent of global demand. The aluminum giant said the $2.2 billion it raised in Hong Kong — along with shares issued on the Euronext exchange — helped it pare down its debt to $12.9 billion as of Feb. 1. The company said it plans to repay another $3.3 billion by the end of 2013. Rusal is also considering a ruble-denom-
inated bond sale in Russia, deputy chief executive Oleg Mukhamedshin said at a press conference in Hong Kong. The Russian company has been trading below its IPO price and lagging Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index since its Jan. 27 debut in Hong Kong. Deripaska was dismissive when asked about the stock’s lackluster performance. “Two months represents almost nothing. We’re very positive about Rusal’s ability to deliver value to our shareholders from our operations, from our investments,” he said. But executives were cautious when asked whether they would lobby Hong Kong regulators to lower the minimum amount of shares that retail investors are required to buy. “We are here to obey the rules. We are not here to question them,” Deputy Chief Executive Artem Volynets said. Rusal edged up 0.85 percent to close at HK$9.48 yesterday. —AP
China’s foreign reserves hit $2.45 tn BEIJING: China’s foreign reserves, the world’s biggest, rose to a new high of $2.45 trillion by the end of March, up 25 percent over a year earlier, the central bank reported yesterday. China’s reserves increased by $47.9 billion in the first quarter of 2010, $40.2 billion more than that of the same period last year, the People’s Bank of China said on its Web site. The reserves are closely watched in the United States, which is looking to Beijing to help finance its stimulus spending by continuing to recycle its trade surpluses into buying Treasury securities and other government debt. It took China a decade to accumulate its first $1 trillion in foreign reserves by 2006 but growth skyrocketed as trade boomed and the total passed $2 trillion last April. It surged to $2.4 trillion by the end of 2009. China, which overtook Germany last year as the biggest exporter, reported a $196 billion trade surplus for 2009. Beijing keeps nearly $900 billion of its reserves in US Treasury debt and has appealed
to Washington to avoid taking any steps in its response to its financial crisis that might fuel inflation and erode the value of the dollar and Beijing’s US assets. Premier Wen Jiabao, the
country’s top economic official, appealed publicly in March to Washington to take “concrete steps” to reassure Treasury investors. China is the US government’s biggest foreign creditor but has
trimmed its Treasury holdings by several billion dollars in recent months, raising concern that Washington might have to pay higher interest rates to finance its soaring budget deficits. — AP
BEIJING: A bricklayer works near a real estate project in Beijing yesterday. China’s top planner said last week that tougher measures to cool housing prices are needed. —AP
Abu Dhabi state-owned IPIC’s $3.6 billion, three-year loan was the first UAE loan to be launched after Dubai World’s standstill request in November and the biggest corporate Gulf loan since its $5 billion loan of 2009. The deal proved extremely popular and marked the reopening of the Gulf loan market, raising nearly $5 billion and increased from $2.5 billion as a result. The loan market also benefitted from fears of bond market contagion from Dubai World. Both IPIC and Emirates Aluminum originally planned to raise funds in the bond market but abandoned their plans in favor of loans in the first quarter. FALLING PRICING Fierce competition among banks for relatively scarce mandates helped to drive down pricing in the Gulf. Falling pricing for loans in Europe have put pressure on Middle Eastern margins to drop, although Gulfbased companies continue to pay a premium over their Western counterparts. IPIC was able to slash its cost of borrowing to 150 basis points (bps) over LIBOR, compared with 250-400 bps on a one-year tranche from 2009 it refinanced. Abu Dhabi’s government investment body Mubadala is close to agreeing a 75 bps margin having called on its relationship banks for a $2.5 billion, three-year club loan, bankers said. The revolving credit includes usage fees that will boost pricing by 20 bps if more than 33.3 percent of the loan is drawn and 40 bps for more than 66.6 percent-but the deal is priced closer to European loans than any recent Gulf deals. Mudabala’s pricing matched the 75 bps margin agreed on Q1 deals for A- rated European corporate borrowers such Austrian OMV, German Henkel and Dutch Philips, but as a AA higher-rated company Mubadala continues to pay a slight premium. Qatar Telecom is looking to capitalize on market conditions and downward pressure on pricing to reduce its borrowing costs and has approached banks to refinance a $2 billion forward start loan that signed last year. State-owned Qatar Aviation Leasing’s $650 million loan proved immensely popular, raising $2 billion in the market. The three-year revolver paid a generous 250 bps over LIBOR, and its appeal was further boosted by the fact the loan was fully underwritten, pre-funded and included a sovereign guarantee. Abu Dhabi’s state-owned Emirates Steel is refinancing a $1.5 billion loan, while Emirates’ Aluminium is also in talks for a $700 million export credit covered loan for its smelter. Saudi Arabia dominates project financing in the Gulf, but international banks are still reluctant to lend to Saudi companies after Saad and Algosaibi defaulted on $22 billion of debt last year. Financings backing the Jubail 2 refinery-led by stateowned Aramco and French oil major Total — Aramco’s Yanbu refinery and the Riyad PP11 power plant have proved popular, but Saudi firms wanting corporate loans have little option but to tap local banks for funds. — Reuters
REYKJAVIK: Iceland’s Prime Minister Geir Haarde (right), flanked by his Commerce and Banking Minister Bjorgvin Sigurdsson, at a press conference in Reykjavik. An official probe yesterday said several former leaders, including an ex-premier, were guilty of ‘extreme negligence’ in the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis that crippled Iceland’s economy. — AFP
Iceland bank meltdown under microscope REYKJAVIK: A report into Iceland’s devastating 2008 banking collapse has criticized the Nordic nation’s former government and regulators for allowing the financial sector to become overheated without adequate restraint. The 2,300-page government-commissioned report detailed a litany of mistakes made by lawmakers, the central bank and other regulators in the lead-up to the bank meltdown, an event that wreaked political and economic havoc in the tiny island nation. Pall Hreinsson, the supreme court judge appointed to head the Special Investigation Commission, called on the Althingi, the Icelandic Parliament, to begin a review of the country’s financial laws. The report found that the tiny country’s banks simply got too big and overwhelmed its financial system when they ran into trouble with excessive risk taking. “The commission is of the opinion that the main reasons for the fall of the banks, among other things, was that the finances of the banks and the loans made by them had grown and surpassed the infrastructure of the banks themselves,” said Sigridur Benediktsdottir, a Yale economics lecturer and commission member. “The main reason for the fall of the banks was their growth and their size when they fell.” By the time the country’s three main banks fell, dominolike, within a week of each other in October 2008 after failign to acquire short-term funding, the banking sector had grown to dwarf the rest of the economy. Bank assets were nine times annual gross domestic product of around $19 billion. In one major blunder detailed in the report, staff at the Icelandic Central Bank, Sedlabanki, forgot to extend a $500 million loan agreement, reached in March 2008, with the Bank of International Settlements in Basel. A belated attempt to receive an extension was not granted by the international bank. The report said that it was a key error at a time when few things were more important than building up Iceland’s foreign currency reserves. It adds that Sedlabanki turned to the Bank of England in April 2008, asking for a currency swap agreement between the two countries. Mervyn King, the British central bank’s governor, refused, but
offered to help Iceland to sustainably reduce the size and burden of its banking sector. David Oddsson, the former Icelandic prime minister who was then Sedlabanki governor, rejected that offer. In a special section on foreign issues, the report criticized the former government and regulators for their role in the failure of the online Icesave bank, which left the country owing $5.3 billion to Britain and the Netherlands. The central bank, Sedlabanki, should have been aware its foreign currency reserves would be too small to bail out Landsbanki, the parent of Icesave, the report said. Landsbanki collapsed alongside fellow domestic majors Glitnir and Kaupthing. The report stressed that investigators found no evidence that Icelandic authorities tried to change Landsbanki’s structure _ despite concerns being discussed by several lawmakers, the central bank and the Financial Supervisory Authority. The Icesave dispute has held up vital money promised by the International Monetary Fund to help Iceland back on its feet after the banking collapse brought the economy to its knees, its krona currency plummeted and protests toppled the government. The IMF has already paid out about $1 billion from the agreed $2.1 billion package, but further reviews on the country’s progress — a requirement for the release of further funds — have been delayed. The government was pushed into a national referendum on the issue after public anger about the terms imposed by Britain and the Netherlands over the payment of $5.3 billion _ the return of funds that those government used to compensate their citizens who had accounts in Icesave. Negotiations about finding a new deal are ongoing, but Icelandic lawmakers have expressed concern that pending national elections in both Britain and the Netherlands could delay attempts to resolve the dispute. The stalemate has heightened concern about the tiny island nation’s ability to tap the foreign credit it needs to stay afloat, prompting Moody’s Investor Service to downgrade Iceland’s debt ratings outlook to negative from stable earlier last week. — AP
French workers told to drop threat to blow up plant PARIS: The French government told workers at a car accessories plant yesterday to drop their threat to blow up the factory if they wanted talks on layoff compensation to move ahead. Employees at the Sodimatex plant north of Paris placed petrol bombs near a large gas tank at the plant and began issuing threats two weeks ago to ignite them unless they were given better redundancy packages. Sodimatex bosses and union representatives held talks last week after workers agreed to drop the threat. But Industry Minister Christian Estrosi said in a statement that “this promise has obviously not been kept” and ordered a government mediator to pull out of the negotiations. Estrosi said the “government is no longer able to play a mediating role” after
workers on Friday set fire to rolls of carpet produced by the factory and blocked access to the plant in Crepyen-Valois. Sodimatex, which produces car carpets, last year announced plans to shut down the plant and scrap all 92 jobs. Workers are demanding compensation of 21,000 euros ($28,000) each, much more than the 15,000 euros on offer from the owners. The industry minister has stepped in to cool down the situation at the plant, urging workers to opt for talks and telling them that “violence and threats will only lead to a dead-end.” Workers at a breast implant factory in southern France were meanwhile yesterday occupying their plant and threatening to burn it down if the state did not step in and guarantee they would be given a
decent redundancy package. The Poly Implant Prothese company in La Seyne-sur-Mer was shut down by authorities last month pending an investigation into its allegedly fraudulent use of non-authorized silicone gel in its products. France is struggling with its highest unemployment rate in a decade, at 10 percent, with the car industry among the hardest-hit by the global slowdown. The sector employs 10 percent of the total French workforce. Last year, French workers hit by a wave of layoffs carried out a series of “bossnappings” to press demands for better redundancy packages, but the radical action has subsided over past months. President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke out against the detentions, saying they were illegal, and vowed to take action. — AFP
TECHNOLOGY
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
27
Protecting your personal information online WASHINGTON: Is your privacy protected online? Find out the answer to this question too late, and you could be facing some serious hassles: identity theft, compromised financial information, or simply dozens of annoyances coming through your inbox in the form of spam. That’s why the best way to ensure that your privacy is protected in cyberspace is to take precautionary steps beforehand. Here are a few. • Keep personal information personal There are more opportunities than ever to give away personal information online knowingly or inadvertently. Social networks, forums, blogs all encourage interactivity. And, as you get comfortable with your online friends, it’s tempting to reveal personal details. Just remember that when you write something on a social website, its usually there for all to see. So be very careful about what information you divulge about yourself voluntarily. How closely does your screen name or user name resemble your real name?
Have you posted your age, location, or other identifying information on any web sites? In the course of conversing online, do you routinely drop details about yourself that someone with less than altruistic intentions could use to invade your privacy or compromise your security? And how about members of your family? Do you have kids who might unwittingly be providing personal information about themselves, you, or your family? All of the security software in the world wont protect your privacy if you or your loved ones arent careful with personal information online. Its a good idea to have a chat with family members about what information is and is not acceptable to divulge online to complete strangers. • Use good security software Good security software can go a long way toward protecting you. And these days, this type of software does not have to cost you much, if anything. Windows users have it easy. Microsoft’s new Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Esse ntials) combines antivirus, anti spyware,
and malware protection in one product. Even better, the tool is well rated by AVComparatives.org and free to registered Windows users. Avira AntiVir Personal (http://www.free-av.com), also free, is another popular option. Both can protect you from websites that contain harmful code. Mac users looking for a free security solution can try PC Tools iAntiVirus, which contains not only antivirus protection, but can also guard against infiltrations designed to allow hackers to access your files and personal information. • Use current web browsers Aside from enhancing features, updates to the major web browsers invariably contain the latest technology designed to safeguard your data and your privacy - on multiple levels. For instance, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome contain technology that will warn you if you stumble upon sites known to contain privacy-compromising threats. They also now include “private browsing” modes that make it
easy for you to leave no tracks whatsoever regarding which websites you’ve visited - useful if you’re sharing a computer, for example, and wish to keep the details of your browsing session away from prying eyes. In short, don’t stay stuck in the past with old browser technology. From a security standpoint, it just doesn’t make sense. • Use disposable email addresses Sometimes the best way to protect your privacy on the internet is to safeguard your main email address, for email can be a primary means to reach you and thereby to try to gain personal information. One solution to this problem is to use so-called disposable email addresses useful when you must hand out an email address to an unknown party, such as when you’re registering for a forum or seeking access to a download. There are several disposable email address services online, including Mailinator (http://www.mailinator.com). There’s no registration or signup required to use Mailinator. All you do is
make up an email address with “@mailinator.com” at the end, and you’re done. You don’t even need to visit the Mailinator site before making up the address. If you need to check a confirmation email or response sent to your made-up Mailinator email address, you simply visit the Mailinator site, type your newly created email address into the Check Your Inbox! form on Mailinator, and you’ll see any mail that was sent to your Mailinator email address. If you need a temporary email address that allows you to respond to messages you receive, consider GuerillaMail (http://www.guerrillamail.com). With GuerillaMail, you make up an email address on the GuerillaMail site, or you can have GuerillaMail automatically generate an email address for you. That address is then good for one hour. When you receive an email message sent to your GuerillaMail account, it will show up on the main GuerillaMail home page. There will be “show” and “delete” links to the left of the messages. Clicking “show” will reveal the entire message,
along with a large Reply link at the bottom. • Do not reply to spammers You may be so tired of receiving spam that you would like nothing more than to respond to the latest unsolicited message, giving the sender a piece of your mind. Don’t do it. Responding to spam tells the spammer you exist, which will make it that much more difficult to rid your inbox of unwanted email. Also, under no circumstances should you click any links embedded in an unsolicited e-mail message or open any files attached to one. Either action could introduce spyware onto your computer that can potentially compromise your privacy. If you don’t get a lot of spam, just delete it. Otherwise, use a reputable anti-spam filter. Good programmes include Cloudmark Desktop (http://www.cloudmark.com/desktop) and Vanquish vqME (https://www.vqme.com/pk/index). The bottom line when it comes to protecting your privacy online is this: combine common sense, know-how, and a few choice security tools, and you’ll probably be safer online than in the real world. — dpa
‘Our product shows a far brighter image’
Sharp to sell 3-D TVs in Japan, US, Europe, China TOKYO: Sharp is trying to play catch-up in 3-D TVs with powerful rivals Samsung and Panasonic with displays the Japanese electronics maker says are brighter and clearer. Osaka-based Sharp Corp., which makes Aquos brand liquid-crystal display
TOKYO: A model puts on a pair of 3D glasses to take a close took at the images shown on Sharp Corp.’s 3-D TV during a demonstration in Tokyo, yesterday. — AP
Google doesn’t expect other firms to take on China WASHINGTON: Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said Sunday that he does not expect other companies to follow the Internet giant’s lead and take on the Chinese authorities. “Google is an unusual company,” Schmidt said in a speech here to the annual conference of the American Society of News Editors (ASNE), which brings together top US newspaper editors and members of other news organizations. “The principles of the company were set out pretty early when we went public,” he said. “We have the ability to make decisions without a lot of short-term financial focus. “I expect that most other companies either don’t agree with our principles or, more likely, they agree with our principles but mechanically they can’t do it,” Schmidt said of the decision to challenge Beijing over Web censorship. “And so I suspect that you won’t see a lot of others but there’s always the possibility,” he said.
Google’s decision last month to stop censoring its Chinese-language search engine to protest censorship and Chinese-based cyberattacks has not been met with any similar moves from other US technology giants. Schmidt, whose company has come under fire from some US newspaper editors for linking to their stories through Google News without paying for them, also challenged US newspaper editors to take advantage of the power of the Internet. He said the newspaper industry, which has seen advertising revenue plummet and circulation erode as readers consume free news online, has a “business model problem” and not a “news problem.” “You’re going to have to run some experiments,” he said. “The good news is you have lots of readers and they’re spending more and more time looking at your content.” “New forms of making money will develop,” he said.
“I am convinced that highquality journalism will triumph because I am convinced that it is essential to the functioning of modern democracies.” Schmidt said devices such as Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad offer new opportunities to the newspaper industry through subscriptions. “Eventually that model should have higher profitability because there’s lower cost of goods, you don’t have the newspaper printing costs and the distribution costs,” he said. Schmidt said Google wanted to help newspapers make money and that Google News drives traffic to newspaper websites. “We want you to have tools and technologies which will allow you to make a lot of money from those users,” he said. “There’s every reason to believe that eventually we’ll solve this and ultimately bring some significant money into this thing,” he said. — AFP
MAINZ: Matthias Kurth, president of the German telecoms regulator “Bundesnetzagentur” (Federal Network Agency), pushes the button of a clock to start Europe’s first 4G auction, yesterday in Mainz, southwestern Germany. The agency started the auction to sell 4G or fourth generation mobile licenses. With the new technology promising nothing less than a revolution, interest among firms like Britain’s Vodafone and T-Mobile is strong. The 4G technology, known as Long Term Evolution (LTE), will allow data to be transferred at breakneck speeds. — AFP
Yesterday, the company promised 3-D TV sets this summer for Japan, and before March 31, 2011, for the US, Europe and China. Sharp said it will disclose prices and other details next month. Sharp also said it had several original cutting-edge technologies to make its 3-D TVs brighter and produce more vivid color, especially yellows. The sets still require special glasses. Another technology makes the images flash faster than existing 3-D TVs. The change is meant to reduce the flickering or blurring characteristic of 3-D TVs because different images are being sent to the right eye and left eye to create the illusion of depth. Shigeaki Mizushima, group general manager, said shoppers walking into any electronics store will spot out the superiority of imagery on a Sharp 3-D set compared to those of rivals. “Our product shows a far brighter image,” he told reporters. “The difference is going to be clear to anyone. Brightness is just so easy to understand.” Sharp, which sold more than 10 million TV sets during the fiscal year through March, has been financially resilient compared with Japanese rivals such as Sony Corp. because it sells displays to other manufacturers as well as making TVs under its own brand. But it has always lagged behind TV global leader Samsung Electronics Co. in brand recognition, especially abroad. Sharp’s entry into 3-D will intensify the competition among Japanese and Korean electronics makers, which are already fighting to woo global consumers. Samsung of South Korea is already selling 3-D TVs. Japanese rival Panasonic Corp. is having success with its 3-D TVs, while Sony plans 3-D sets for this year. The Japanese have been beaten by Samsung in flat-screen TVs in the US and China but hope to compete in high-end TVs, including bigger sizes and 3-D, said Osamu Hirose, analyst with Tokai Tokyo Securities in Tokyo. Hirose believes 3-D technology will catch on only with early adopters at first but competition will heat up in the year-end shopping season. “Panasonic is still leading in creating the 3-D market,” in Japan, he said. “Sharp had fallen behind in 3-D.” Executive Vice President Masafumi Matsumoto said he expects 3-D sets to make up 5 percent to 10 percent of Sharp’s TV sales in the initial year but to rapidly climb to 20 percent or 30 percent in following years. Sharp says its new technology for clearer, brighter images can be applied to regular TVs as well. The company showed reporters how a TV image of a field of sunflowers and golden brass instruments was clearer with its new technology compared to old-style displays, although the difference was less easy to discern with other colors such as pinks and greens. — AP
TVs, initially played down the urgency of selling 3-D TVs, questioning whether consumers wanted them. But with 3-D growing hotter not only with Hollywood releases but also flat-panel TVs for living rooms, Sharp is switching gears.
TOKYO: A model wears special 3D glasses while watching the new 3D LCD panel for 60-inch sized televisions unveiled by Japanese electronics company Sharp in Tokyo yesterday. Sharp developed the world’s first four-primary-color technology for the 3D LCD panel, adding yellow to the three conventional primary colors of red, green and blue, which offers 1.8 times higher brightness than a conventional display. — AFP
Technology advances means anyone could be listening BERLIN: In a television interview last year, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was asked if he was concerned about his phone being tapped. “What do you think? Of course,” Erdogan answered. “Therefore I watch what I say over the phone. I’m not comfortable speaking over the phone. I tell people who want to speak on the phone to come visit me.” Most Turks would not be surprised to hear that even the prime minister is worried about having his phone conversations tapped. In the last few years, wiretaps - both legal and illegal have been increasingly used in investigations and as smear weapons by warring camps in Turkey, unleashing an almost national sense of paranoia in the country. “I think right now, the legal and illegal wiretapping going on in Turkey, most of it by people in official positions, could be described as more or less out of control,” says Asli Aydintasbas, a columnist with Milliyet, a daily newspaper. “Me and most of my colleagues do not feel that our conversations are private. Turkey has reached a point where nobody wants to talk to you on the phone if you are a journalist. Nobody wants to give you a quote on a critical topic.” But Erdogan and his countrymen are far from the only ones who should be worried about their privacy. Advancing technology and a keen sense of curiosity have combined around the world to make it easier for
anyone to snoop on anyone else, be it a politician on his rival or a concerned parent who wants to keep track of his teenager. While Turkish retailers report a booming business in listening and anti-bugging devices, they are far from the only market where these devices are available. A few clicks on the internet can provide parents with tracking chips for their younger children or hidden global positioning system devices to sneak into their teenager’s car to make sure they’re at the library when they say they are - as opposed to Friday night’s party. Employers who want to track productivity also have the option to install tracking software onto employees’ computers to make sure workers are doing their job and not, say, spending time on social networking sites. Modern browsers have responded with options to selectively erase viewing history so people can delete the part of their surfing history that they might not want others to know about. But still, people track down secrets. For example, a UKbased Latvian hacker gained notoriety this year when he seized more than 7 million tax records and fed details about how the elite are dodging austerity measures to the press. It seems, there is nowhere to go and nothing to do that couldn’t theoretically leave one open to a privacy invasion. Nor is Erdogan the only one worried about his personal
information. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi routinely complains that he is the victim of surveillance, claiming telephone transcripts of his conversations have been leaked to the media for political reasons. Berlusconi has used the issue to build momentum for legislation to punish journalists who publish certain transcripts. Critics say this is just
Berlusconi trying to bottle up potentially embarrassing information. Nonetheless, several scandals have resulted from leaked transcripts, including most recently some suggesting that Berlusconi allegedly tried to pressure Italy’s communications watchdog to block state television talk shows critical of his government. — dpa
Google CEO says newspapers can make money online WASHINGTON: Google Inc. Chief Executive Eric Schmidt told a group of editors Sunday that he is confident that newspapers will find new ways to make money online by harnessing the vast reach of the Internet. Media executives have accused Google of draining readers and advertising from newspapers’ Web sites. But in a speech to open the annual conference of the American Society of News Editors, Schmidt said Google recognizes that newspapers are vital to democracy and provide a critical source of online content. “We understand how fundamental your mission is,” he said. Schmidt predicted that the news business will find a new model, based on a combination of advertising and subscription revenue. He said Google hopes to facilitate that, but he offered no specifics. “We have a business model problem. We don’t have a news problem,” Schmidt said. He added: “We’re all in this together.” Schmidt encouraged his audience to experiment with everything from social media to personalized content to engage readers. “Technology allows you to talk directly to your users,” he said. He also said the news business needs to reach out to readers using mobile technology, delivering content through wireless devices such as Amazon.com Inc.’s Kindle, Apple Inc.’s iPad and Google’s own Android smart phones. Reaction to Schmidt’s speech was mixed. Anders Gyllenhaal, executive editor of The Miami Herald, said that even though Google drives a lot of traffic to his newspaper’s site, he remains unconvinced that Google sees newspapers as true partners. “We really are going in different directions,” he said. Still, Jonathan Wolman, editor and publisher of The Detroit News, said he was “heartened to hear the Internet geniuses talk about newspaper content as an essential ingredient.” — AP
HEALTH & SCIENCE
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Australia refloats Barrier Reef oil spill ship SYDNEY: Australian authorities yesterday refloated a huge Chinese ship that had been stranded on the Great Barrier Reef for more than a week after running aground, averting a potential environmental crisis. Emergency workers successfully moved the 230-metre (750-foot) Shen Neng 1 coal carrier apparently without adding to the two-tonne oil spill that spread a three-kilometre (two-mile) slick after the ship crashed on April 3. “They have moved it to a position off
the shoal. It has been stabilised and will probably be floating there for another hour,” a Maritime Safety Queensland spokesman told national news agency AAP. The accident, described as “outrageous” by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, evoked anger in Australia and raised questions about the environmental impact of the country’s mineral exports boom. The giant ship, still carrying 68,000 tonnes of China-bound coal, was due to be towed to a more sheltered point before a
stormy weather front brings high winds and heavy seas to Australia’s northeast coast today. Emergency workers had pumped nearly 1,000 tonnes of fuel from the vessel before the approaching storm forced them to rush the after-dark refloating. Australia’s transport minister has accused the ship’s crew of taking an illegal route at the heritage-listed reef, by far the world’s biggest, and said prosecutors would be “throwing the book” at those responsible.
The ship strayed about 15 nautical miles from the recognised shipping lane before ploughing into Douglas Shoal at full speed, sustaining heavy damage. Australian officials immediately promised to investigate allegations that ships were taking short-cuts through the giant reef, which sprawls along 1,800 miles of coast and is a major tourist attraction. Yesterday, three crew of another large carrier appeared in court on charges of entering a restricted part of the reef without permission, and were bailed to reap-
WHO sets up swine flu probe ‘A lot of criticism is political’
GENEVA: Health experts yesterday began a WHO probe into the controversial response to the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century, nearly a year after global alarm was raised over the new swine flu strain. “We want to
know what worked well. We want to know what went wrong and ideally why,” World Health Organisation Director General Margaret Chan told the 29 health experts as they held their first meeting in Geneva.
GENEVA: World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Margaret Chan (R) listens to Professor Harvey Fineberg, president of Washington’s Institute of Medicine and chairman of the committee of experts at the opening of a health experts meeting at the WHO headquarters yesterday in Geneva. Health experts began a WHO probe into the controversial response to the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century, nearly a year after global alarm was raised over the new swine flu strain. — AFP
Beating springtime lethargy BERLIN: Winter has receded, spring and summer are in sight. The cold, dark season’s reign of listlessness would be over were it not for springtime lethargy. The first warm, sunny days beckon, but many people feel tired and sluggish. The hour’s sleep lost when clocks are advanced to summer time lowers energy levels further. Springtime lethargy can be beaten, though, according to Juergen Steinacker, professor of sports and rehabilitative medicine at Germany’s Ulm University Hospital. “Many people become inactive during the winter,” he said. “They exercise less because of the bad weather and are also exposed to less sunlight.” They not only feel less productive as a result, they are less productive. “People lose about 10 per cent of their
productivity during the winter,” Steinacker estimated. There is only one thing that helps, he said: “Get out of the house!” Taking a walk in sunshine and fresh air can be mood-lifting. People sensitive to the sun should not overdo it, however, since the bright light in the first days of spring can cause mild migraines. So wearing a hat and sunglasses is advisable, Steinacker said. Workers often find it difficult to leave their workplace to get fresh air. They can go for a short walk during their lunch break, though. And those who tend to be “couch potatoes” should not plop onto the couch as soon as they get home from work, Steinacker warned. Elderly people restrict their winter activities more than younger ones do, so their
Remote control with the wave of a hand HAMBURG: As if by magic, in the future you will be able to operate appliances and equipment with a simple wave of a hand, according to a team of German scientists. They say their newly developed “iPoint Control” allows people to communicate with a 3-D display via simple gestures, without actually touching it and without 3-D glasses or a data glove. With its iPoint Control, the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute presents a system that enables people to intuitively control not just multimedia applications, but also devices and lamps by using familiar gestures alone, without any need for direct contact or auxiliary aids. Control by gesture is important in all places where direct contact is unhygienic or impractical or simply not possible, such as in the medical world, in kitchens or public spaces. “The heart of iPoint Control is a recognition device, not much larger than a keyboard, that can be suspended from the ceiling above the user or integrated into a coffee table. Its two builtin cameras detect hands and fingers in real time and transmit the information to a computer,” says Paul Chojecki, a research scientist at the HHI, explaining the technology.
The two infrared cameras mounted in this unit record the user’s finger movements with millimetre exact precision while at the same time special software developed by the Heinrich Hertz Institute converts them into predefined computer commands. In this way users can rotate, scale, drag or drop objects displayed on a screen with a high degree of precision, and press or turn buttons. By overlapping the field of vision of the two obliquely set infrared cameras and with the aid of sophisticated algorithms, it is possible to recognize the changing positions of fingers in three dimensional space and real-time, thus enabling gestures to be interpreted as input commands. The system can detect up to ten fingers and various hand movements, which can all be programmed to a range of requirements. Also, iPoint Control can add a new dimension of fun to computer games, replace remote controls in the home or office, enable contact-free downloading of information in the kitchen and touchfree control of a variety of kitchen devices. In the medical world too or with interactive information systems, iPoint technology offers a host of advantages over previous types of input device. — dpa
springtime lethargy is especially pronounced. “We advise seniors to go outdoors nonetheless, but to stick to safe areas” such as the route to a neighbourhood store or a park free of obstacles, he said. In addition to getting lots of exercise, eating properly is important. “When it comes to diet, the old rules apply: It should be rich in vitamins. Eat a lot of fruit and vegetables - whatever is in season,” Steinacker remarked. “Heavy fare should be avoided if possible.” People are mistaken if they think that getting more sleep will combat springtime lethargy. “Surrendering to your tiredness won’t help,” Steinacker said. On the contrary, you have to get your blood circulation going. —dpa
Toxic chives poison nine in China: Media BEIJING: Authorities in China have destroyed nearly two tonnes of pesticide-tainted chives after nine people were poisoned by eating food containing the toxic herb, state media said yesterday. The tainted chives are the latest scare in China’s notoriously unsafe food industry following the discovery of pesticide-tainted string beans and cooking oil made from recycled food waste in recent weeks. Inspections of more than 2,000 batches of chives at vegetable wholesale markets in the eastern city of of Qingdao found 1.9 tonnes contained excessive levels of organic phosphorus, a highly toxic pesticide, the China Daily said. Nine people complained of headaches, nausea and diarrhoea after eating dishes containing the toxic herb at the same restaurant in the coastal city, the paper said, citing local health authorities. The victims are seeking compensation from the food vendor, it said. “I bought a box of fried eggs with chives for three yuan (40 cents) last Wednesday. I was not thinking about the chives at all. Instead I wondered if I was having some heart problems,” a woman was quoted as saying. Local authorities vowed to improve supervision and inspection of chives sold in Qingdao. Last month, the food safety watchdog issued a 2010 plan calling on all levels of government to step up inspections at every link in the food production chain, including the edible oil and dairy industries. The order for inspections came after press reports said up to one-tenth of Chinese cooking oil supplies were illegally made from recycled food waste containing cancer-causing agents. China has launched high-profile crackdowns in the past, but problems with product quality continue to emerge. In 2008, the nation’s dairy sector was rocked by a tainted milk scandal that the government said resulted in the deaths of six babies and made 300,000 others ill. —AFP
“We want to know what can be done better and ideally how,” she added. The WHO formed the panel of experts following accusations that the agency-led international reaction to A(H1N1) influenza was overblown and may have been tainted by commercial interests. The committee of experts from 28 countries will be chaired by Professor Harvey Fineberg, president of Washington’s Institute of Medicine. After the formative three-day meeting, the International Health Regulations review committee’s work is expected to take about nine months, WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said. Chan promised an “independent credible and transparent” examination of the way the bolstered threeyear-old International Health Regulations, which are designed to counter sudden threats from infectious diseases, had worked. She said there would be no restrictions on its scope and emphasised that the WHO’s management would come under scrutiny. Specialists broadly defended the alarm over the discovery of A(H1N1) cases in Mexico and the United States in April 2009 as well as the WHO’s declaration of a pandemic in June as the flu swiftly spread. It has affected 213 countries and territories since then. “I think they gave a terrific lead and were very authoritative. I think we have a lot to thank them for,” John Oxford, a virologist and professor at Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry in Britain, told AFP. “A lot of the criticism is political. I’ve not heard criticism from any virologist,” he added, also highlighting the need to cater for impoverished countries with poor surveillance, care and health conditions. Parliamentarians conducting a Council of Europe probe have criticised the transparency of decision-making and especially the potential influence of the pharmaceutical industry on a decision last year to press for vaccination. That inquiry was set up after several governments sought to cancel mass orders of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of swiftly developed special pandemic vaccines after fears about the severity of swine flu died down. Chan said the WHO had been “vigilant” in seeking out possible conflicts of interest among review committee members, who are mainly attached to national public health authorities in the WHO’s 193 member states. Although specialists also acknowledged flaws in the reponse, they insisted that vaccines were an essential weapon with the virus expected to surge again in forthcoming flu seasons. “There’s a tendency to have a post mortem at this stage but the patient is not dead,” Oxford remarked. David Heymann, a former head of infectious diseases at the WHO who left the agency in early 2009, insisted that public reticence towards vaccination in generally healthy Western populations had to be overcome. The response to swine flu has been dogged by doubts since the early stages. By the WHO’s annual assembly in May 2009, several health ministers publicly urged Chan not to rush into declaring a pandemic, highlighting relatively mild symptoms and public doubts. Heymann, chairman of Britain’s Health Protection Agency, suggested that ways should be found to take into account severity of disease in pandemic alerts that primarily denote global geographic spread. “The trouble is that early on, if you don’t know the disease well, you have to take the most stringent measures,” he cautioned. Heymann and Oxford also emphasised that the effort was hampered by poor knowledge about the origins of A(H1N1) and its path from animals into humans, a general surveillance flaw that Chan also acknowledged last week.— AFP
pear on Friday. South Korean Gang Chun Han, 63, master of the Panama-flagged MV Mimosa, and Vietnam’s Tran Tan Thanh and Nguyen Van Sang are facing maximum fines of 225,000 dollars (205,000 US). Conservationists say the incidents highlight the risk to Australia’s environment posed by rocketing resources exports to Asia, which are fuelling a strong recovery from the global financial crisis. The reef, which is visible from space and counted as one of the world’s foremost ecological treasures, has already come
under pressure from rising sea temperatures and pollution. The government of the northeastern state of Queensland on Monday announced dramatically increased penalties for oil spills on the Great Barrier Reef, including fines of up to 10 million dollars. The accident comes after a ruptured cargo ship leaked 270,000 litres (70,000 gallons) onto Queensland beaches last March. In August, a well platform caught fire and dumped 28,000 barrels of oil into the seas off northern Australia. — AFP
Acupuncture effective even when needles applied wrongly MUNICH: Acupuncture appears to be effective in relieving pain even when the needles are applied in the wrong positions, according to a team of German researchers. The startling findings stem from medical research conducted by a team at the Technical University in Munich led by Dr Klaus Linde and published in the online journal Cochrane Review. The researchers conducted two sets of tests on patients with chronic migraine pain. In one test, acupuncture needles were applied in strict adherence with established practice. But in the other test, the needles were inserted either in the wrong positions or else the needles did not penetrate the skin at all. Amazingly, the patients who had received the “fake” acupuncture procedure showed a reduction in pain levels. “Collectively, the studies suggest that migraine patients benefit from acupuncture, although the correct placement of needles seems to be less relevant than is usually thought by acupuncturists,” Linde wrote. “We reviewed 22 trials which investigated whether acupuncture is effective in the pro-
phylaxis of migraine. Six trials investigating whether adding acupuncture to basic care (which usually involves only treating acute headaches) found that those patients who received acupuncture had fewer headaches,” Linde said. “Fourteen trials compared true acupuncture with inadequate or fake acupuncture interventions in which needles were either inserted at incorrect points or did not penetrate the skin,” he explained. “In these trials both groups had fewer headaches than before treatment, but there was no difference between the effects of the two treatments. In the four trials in which acupuncture was compared to a proven prophylactic drug treatment, patients receiving acupuncture tended to report more improvement and fewer side effects,” Linde added. “Much of the clinical benefit of acupuncture might be due to non- specific needling effects and powerful placebo effects, meaning selection of specific needle points may be less important than many practitioners have traditionally argued,” he said in a statement. —dpa
Brain drain, low investment hamper African science LONDON: Africa’s contribution to the global body of scientific research is very small and does little to benefit its own populations, according to a report from Thomson Reuters released yesterday. Like India and China, Africa suffers from a “haemorrhage of talent”, the report said, with many of its best brains leaving to study abroad and failing to return. “The African diaspora provides powerful intellectual input to the research achievements of other countries, but returns less benefit to the countries of birth,” Jonathan Adams, director of research evaluation at Thomson Reuters, said in a statement as the report was published. “Africa’s overall volume of activity remains small, much smaller than is desirable if the potential contribution of its researchers is to be realised for the benefit of its populations,” said Adams. The report found that part of the problem was down to a “chronic lack of investment in facilities for research and teaching”-a deficit the authors said must be remedied. Adams said the reason behind this was not simply money: “The resources available in some African countries are substantial, but they are not being invested in the research base.” In fields of research relevant to natural
resources, however, the study found a relatively high representation of African research as a share of world publications. South Africa’s 1.55 percent share of research in plant and animal science is the continent’s biggest share in any field, it said, with this output surpassing Russia’s 1.17 percent but well behind China’s 5.42 percent share in the same field. The report pointed to a few examples of countries which, despite low output, produced much higher quality research than larger neighbours. Malawi, for example, with one-tenth the annual research output of Nigeria, produces research of a quality that exceeds the world average benchmark while Nigeria hovers at around half that impact level, the report said. “The challenges that the continent faces are enormous and indigenous research could help provide both effective and focused responses,” it added. The study is part of a series showing the changing landscape and dynamics of scientific research around the world. Previous studies found that China had more than doubled its output of scientific papers to rank second only to the United States in terms of volume, while Russia’s influence in science and scientific industries was rapidly shrinking. — Reuters
HIGASHIMATSUYAMA, Japan: A pair of Caribbean flamingos extend their heads and necks in a heart shape as flamingos perform courtship dances at the Saitama Children’s Zoo in Saitama prefecture north of Tokyo on Sunday. —AFP
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
HEALTH
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Krankcycles: Spinning the body’s other half NEW YORK: A new exercise machine is cranking up the cardio room. Stationed amid legions of ellipticals, treadmills and stair steppers, the krankcycle is a hand-powered exercise cycle that lets your fingers, not your feet, do the pedaling. Industry experts are welcoming the krankcycle as a versatile and inclusive device, and “kranking” as a calorie-burning cardio challenge as well as strength training for the often neglected upper body. “We have 12 krankcycle machines at our largest club. They’re awesome, amazing and our members love them,” said Erica Ingham, program director of Club One, a Californiabased fitness chain. “You feel so much more vital when you’re able to work upper and lower body,” said Ingham, who was in charge of launching the equipment at Club One’s 18 fitness centers. “We made it mandatory for spinning instructors to learn how to incorporate the krankcycle into class,” she said, “so maybe after an eightminute hill climb the instructor will cue a switch to the krankcycle. And in small group classes it’s used as a (circuit training) station.” The krankcycle is another brainchild of fit-
ness guru Jonathan Goldberg, also known as Johnny G., whose stationary bicycles brought the mega-trend of spinning classes to gyms everywhere. This time he modified a physical therapy tool called the Upper Body Erometer (UBE), which is used primarily for injured individuals who need to engage the upper body, to allow exercisers to stand as well as sit while cranking their arms. A recent study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) found that the krankcycle provided an effective workout that can build upper-body muscular fitness, boost aerobic capacity and burn calories. “The krankcycle burned about nine calories a minute for the average participants in the study,” said Cedric X. Bryant, ACE’s chief science officer. “That’s a reasonably vigorous workout.” Bryant said it could prove particularly useful for women, who tend not to go in for weight training. “This could be a nice way for women in group classes to see some improvements in their upper body fitness levels. Women tend to feel more comfortable in a cardio environment
than in a traditional resistance-type environment,” he said. “It’s also a great cross-training alternative for runners and cyclists because emphasis with those activities can be lower-body,” Bryant said. Andy Speer, a personal trainer for Equinox Fitness in New York, says he uses the krankcycle for all his clients, regardless of age or skill levels. “They’re near the cardio equipment on the gym floor,” he explained. “I use them to incorporate some high intensity interval work for the upper body. I’ll combine it with a lower body exercise like a squat or kettle bell swing.” Ingham says the machine allows more people to experience the gym. “The nice thing about krankcycle is there’s a removable seat so a wheelchair can wheel up,” Ingham explained. “So someone who could not previously attend a group fitness class because they’re injured or paraplegic now can.” She added that it is the only thing that is inclusive in that way. “Our industry is not rapidly changing but this has been the biggest change I’ve seen in the industry in the last 10 years. That’s very cool.” — Reuters
Canada smoking ban leads to drop in hospitalizations WASHINGTON: Hospital admissions for patients with heart and respiratory problems have dropped by around a third in Canada since anti-smoking laws were introduced in 2001, a new study showed yesterday. The 10-year study was carried out in the city of Toronto and aimed to measure the effects of banning smoking in restaurants and bars. “Research delineating the impact of smoke-free legislation on cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes could have an immense impact on public health, given that
an estimated one billion people are expected to die during the 21st century as a result of tobacco-related disease,” wrote lead author Alisa Naiman from the University of Toronto. Since smoking was banned nine years ago, hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions dropped 39 percent and 33 percent respectively, according to the article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. It recalled that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death
in the world, and that second-hand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable poor health and premature death in the developed world. The authors added their findings were “consistent with the evidence that exposure to secondhand smoke is detrimental to health and legitimizes legislative efforts to further reduce exposure.” Additional research should be carried out to determine in which public places smoking bans are most effective, they concluded. — AFP
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WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Embassy information EMBASSY OF LAO The Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic will be closed tomorrow and 18th April 2010 on the occasion of Lao’s New Year and will reopen on 19th April 2010. EMBASSY OF SRI LANKA The Embassy of Sri Lanka will be closed for public tomorrow in lieu of “Sinhala & Tamil New Year of Sri Lanka.
Intercultural Day at KNES uwait National English School in Hawally celebrated the Rapprochements des Cultures on April 8. This celebration falls in line with the philosophy and Mission of Statement of Kuwait National English School within the framework of school activities week dedicated to intercultural dialogue as the year 2010 is declared by UNESCO and United Nations the year of the Rapprochements des Cultures (intercultural approach).
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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. 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
Youth India sports 2010 Kuwait indulging KFH
outh India, the youth wing of KIG organizes Sports - 2010 for the Keralite community (gents only) on April 23 at Khaifan Amateur Athletic Federation stadium. “Sporting for the well being of the human society” is the slogan of the event and it is open to the entire Keralite community living in Kuwait, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. The event will kick start with a colorful parade of the team members from 6 participating zones of Youth India, namely, Kuwait City, Salmiya, Abu Halifa, Fahaheel, Farwaniya and, Abbasiya, in a march past at 3pm and continue till 11.00pm in flood lit stadium. The team with the highest points will be awarded with the Youth India rolling trophy and individual trophies will be awarded to champions in each category. An individual can participate in a maximum of 3 items and the competitions will be held for Men, Senior Boys, and Junior Boys and Sub Junior Boys categories in track and field events as follows: Men: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4*100 relay, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot put, Discus
Y
throw, Javelin throw , Tug of war. Sr. Boys: 100m, 200m, 400m, Long jump, High jump, 4*100 relay, Shot put , Discus throw , Javelin throw, Jr. Boys: 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, High jump Sub Jr. Boys: 50m, 100m, 200m, long jump, Sack race Those who wish to participate can contact the zonal captains. Saji Pappachan - 97345407 Abbasiya Zone (Abbasiya, Hasawi, Ardiya) Hajinas - 66327183 Farwaniya Zone (Farwaniya , Khaitan, Sabhan) Navas - 66581915 Salmiya (Salmiya , Hawally) Shaheer - 97884737 Fahaheel (Fahaheel , Mangaf , Sabahiya) Subair - 99212817 Abu Halifa ( Abu Halifa, Mahboula, Fintas). Asimon 66123045 Kuwait City (Kuwait City , Riggai , Amghara) For more info please contact 67714948/97939049 Alternatively, you can register online on www.youthindiakuwait.com . The last date for registration is 21 April, 2010.
clients with discounts KFH partners with Sheraton and Four Points
Former CBI director to release Frontliners book F
rontliners - Part 14 will be released at the grand annual function on April 30, 2010 by former CBI Director Jogindhar Singh IPS. The book has been complied with the theme “Service to Community” and would outline service works by the Indian Embassy, Indian School and other Indian voluntary organization at Kuwait. Jogindhar Singh was conferred with various awards such Panth Rattan, Delhi Rattan, Millennium Sikh Gold Award & Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sadbhavana Awards and his tenure as CBI Director would always be remembered for its achievements.
Special Invitee for the evening would be prominent educational Consultant and Media popular Ramesh Praba an alumnus of IIM. To add glitter for the celebration a Variety Entertainment program is planned by Cine & TV fame Raghav & Preetha. Local talents and Indian school children are also welcome to join with them. It may be classical, western or cinematic but must be in groups. Kindly enrole your names on or before 10th April. For more information, contact: 23710869, 23720319, 23719208, 99413279,99545296, 66179149, 99852331 & 99816937.
The Radisson Blu Hotel and Qatar Airways honours the lucky winner
he Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait is pleased to announce Ms. Rania Hijawy as the lucky winner of the ‘Dine and Win an Amazing trip to Rome’ promotion. The promotion was organized by the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait with courtesy of Qatar Airways and Radisson Blu Hotel, Rome.
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The Winner’s certificate and the airlines tickets were presented to Ms Rania Hijawy’s brother in her absence by the General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait - Philippe Pellaud together with Mohammed Yusuf Al Jumairi, Country Manager - Qatar Airways Kuwait.
ver 100 restaurants participating in ‘Bon Appetit’ - The Restaurants promotion for KFH Credit and Prepaid Cardholders! Kuwait Finance House ‘KFH’ has signed up with Sheraton Kuwait, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait to join the “Bon AppÈtit” promotion and provide special discounts to all KFH Credit “Visa and MasterCard” cardholders plus KFH Prepaid “Al-Kheir and Al-Ousra” Cardholders. This promotion runs till June 30th, 2010 “We are pleased to partner with Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait to provide our customers with a unique experience while savoring the best of international cuisine” said Mr. Salem Al Duwaisan, Deputy Manager - KFH Banking Card Department. “KFH clients, whether holding Visa or MasterCard credit cards or even Al-Kheir or Al-Ousra prepaid cards, can now dine out with their families or friends and enjoy 10% off food bill at any of the Sheraton Kuwait or Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait restaurants. He added “we are keen to offer the best promotions to our valued clients as a reward for their infinite trust in our products and services that have always been sought to meet their needs and aspirations”. Mrs Caroline Zaher Public Relations Manager of Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait commented “It is a great honor that we collaborate with KFH by participating in the ‘Bon AppÈtit’ program, which would fortify the bonds between the bank and the hotel”. “KFH clients can now dine at the,
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Riccardo, Shahrayar, Bukhara, Le Tarbouche, Al Hambra, Asseef and the English Tea Lounge while enjoying a special 10% discount”. It’s worth noting that KFH has recently launched the ‘Bon Appetit’ campaign for its Credit and Prepaid cardholders, where one hundred international, prominent restaurant chains and cafes have taken part in this promotion by offering discounts up to 20%.
The Embassy of India has further revamped and improved its Legal Advice Clinic at the Indian Workers Welfare Center, and made the free service available to Indian nationals on all five working days, i.e. from Sunday to Thursday every week. Kuwaiti lawyers would be available at the Legal Advice Clinic daily from Monday to Thursday, while Indian lawyers would be available on Sundays. Following are the free welfare services provided at the Indian Workers Welfare Center located at the Embassy of India: [i] 24x7 Helpline for Domestic Workers: Accessible by toll free telephone no. 25674163 from anywhere in Kuwait, it provides information and advice exclusively to Indian domestic sector workers (Visa No. 20) as regards their grievances, immigration and other matters. [ii] Help Desk: It offers guidance to Indian nationals on routine immigration, employment, legal, and other issues (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iii) Labour Complaints Desk: It registers labor complaints and provides grievance redressal service to Indian workers (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iv) Shelters: For female and male domestic workers in distress; (v) Legal Advice Clinic: Provides free legal advice to Indian nationals (Embassy premises; Kuwaiti lawyers 3 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Thursday; Indian lawyers 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday); and (vi) Attestation of Work Contracts: Private sector worker (Visa No. 18) contracts are accepted at the Embassy; 9 AM to 1 PM; Sunday to Thursday; Domestic sector worker (Visa No. 20) contracts are accepted at Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Offices (KUDLO), Hawally, Al-Othman Street, Kurd Roundabout, Al-Abraj Complex, Office No 9, Mezzanine Floor; 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday. EMBASSY OF PHILIPPINES The Embassy of the Philippines wishes to inform the Filipino community in the State of Kuwait, that the recent supreme court decision to extend the registration of voter’s applies only in local registration in the Philippines under Republic Act no. 8189 and does not apply to overseas voters which is governed by Republic Act no. 9189, hence it has no impact on the plans and preparations on the conduct of overseas absentee voting. The overseas absentee voting for presidential elections will continue uninterrupted until May10, 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.
Information on Cuba he Government of Cuba decided last February 16, that all travelers, foreign and Cubans living abroad, coming to the island from May 1, 2010 and thereafter shall take out a medical insurance policy. To meet such requirement, travelers shall have a travel insurance which covers medical expenses or a policy for medical expenses with coverage in Cuba. For more information when planning your trip to Cuba please, visit our web site or any Cuba embassy or consulate next to you, or any Cuban Tourism Office. You can visit www.cubatravel.cu or at www.asistur.cu
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WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Announcement
American Embassy, KU present blue music The Embassy of the United States of America in Kuwait in cooperation with Kuwait University presents Little Joe McLerran Quartet tomorrow at 7:30 pm. Kuwait University, Shuwaikh Campus Faculty of Law Othman Abdul Malek Theater An Evening of Blues Music “This ensemble presents blues and American roots as a ‘Soup Recipe,’ which has been stirred, mixed, handed down, and revised by generations of people who brought their music from all over the world to America.”
Men’s Voice - Kuwait Easter musical service As part of its 10th year celebration, Men’s Voice Kuwait and Choral Society is back this year with the message of Easter in “Lamb of Glory” on Thursday 15th April 2010 at 7 pm at Church & Parish Hall, National Evangelical Church Compound, Kuwait. The musical group that has proved its caliber in the art of music will blow the horn to mark the end of this lent season this year. The stage will also be shared by the choirs of St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Maha Edavaka, St.Thomas Marthoma Church, Salmiya, St.Peters C.S.I Congregations, Seraph’s and Praise Ministrels. All are cordially invited to attend this program New mega traffic projects in Kuwait You are cordially invited to our diwaniya Tuesday April 13th about, “New mega traffic projects in Kuwait,” by Dr. Yousef Yaqoub (an engineer lecturing at the College of Technological Studies). Road traffic density and congestion is an international daily problem. It is prevalent around the globe with the severity of the problem varying from country to country. Kuwait is no exception as we too, have serious issues related to traffic jams, safety & pollution. Solutions have been suggested/applied, mega projects are/will be executed and plans are being implemented as we speak. Join Engineer Dr. Yousef Yaqoub, to gain further insight on this frequently discussed topic. Basil Arts revival meeting A revival meeting of The Basil Arts will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 7 pm at Hidine Auditorium, Abbasiya. All duly registered members are requested to attend the meeting on time. CHRISCCAA annual meeting Christian College Chengannur - Alumni Association, Kuwait Chapter (CHRISCCAA), executive committee, have decided to conduct its annual general body meeting on Saturday, 24th April, at United Indian School, Jleeb, from 8 pm onwards. Presentation of Annual Report, Annual Accounts, selection of Office bearers and executive committee will be held during the meeting. All the association members are requested to attend the meeting. Contact any of the following office bearers for more details. Mathew Alexander, President (99553036), George Mathew, vice president (94060522), Sunil Thomas, Gen.Secretary (66265702), Jacob Varghese, Treasurer (66223348). Al Thaalib Scholarship 2010 Al Thaalib Scholarship is a financial aid scheme for under privileged school students in Kuwait, sponsored by Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) & Ministry of Awqaf in association with Friday Forum and Pakistan Kuwait Welfare Association. Last year we were able to provide financial assistance to nearly 900 students of various Indian & Pakistani Schools in Kuwait for the academic year 2008-09. These scholarships were given to the needy students irrespective of their religion or nationality. We are pleased to inform that the process for Al Thaalib Scholarship for the current academic year, 2010-11, has begun for all Indian, Philippine and Pakistani Schools in Kuwait.This year we shall endeavor to reach the scholarship to as many needy students as possible to help them continue with their education without any financial hindrance. In order to avail this scholarship, applicants are requested to collect the Application Form, from Al Thaalib Office located in CAMS, Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Darwaza, Near Warba Insurance Co., Int’l Islamic Charity Organization Building, 2nd Floor, Al Sharq. The duly filled application form shall be submitted to Al Thaalib office on or before 30-Apr2010 along with all supporting documents specified in the Application Form. For more information, you may contact 55046318 or 22418934 ext 204/202.
Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20
ICSK Amman nursery sports day ports is a combination of exercise, adventure, action, competition, thrill and excitement. It is essential for our physical and emotional well-being. The Indian Community School, Amman branch, held the annual sports for Preprimary wing on 15th March to fulfill these aims. The occasion was graced by Chacko George Kutty, Parent Representative on the Board of
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Trustees. The programme commenced with a prayer song followed by the national anthems of Kuwait and India. The little champions of LKG and Prep presented a variety of stretching and bending movements according to the music. The adoring parents encouraged them with a loud applause for their effort. The young athletes were ready to give
their best in the final events. Each race was planned in such a way that it helped the children to develop their hand-eye co-ordination and concentration. Threading the beads, lemon and spoon race, packing the bags etc. were included. Hoppity hop, getting ready for the party, potato picking etc. exhibited their presence of mind and brought a good deal of excitement to the spectators.
Parents were overwhelmed when the winners climbed the victory stand to receive the medals. The chief guests and many of the PAC members graced the occasion with their esteemed presence. Each sports day is an occasion where parents and teachers inculcate the idea of “get up and try again” “It was a fun filled day”, commented an admiring parent.
Kindergarten graduation day at Pakistan Academy School akistan Academy School celebrated the 4th graduation day ceremony of its kindergarten on 8th April, 2010 held in the school premises. The ceremony was held to encourage the skills and minds of our future generation. The chief guest of this auspicious occasion, Madam Aliya Al Munir Al-Mohanna was welcomed with a bouquet followed by a melodious “welcome” number. Programme started with the recitation of the holy Quran followed by a heart-warming “hamd”. The principal of the faculty Prof Zakir Ali welcomed the chief guest and parents and presented the
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recent progress report of school including the inauguration of classes from the University of Cambridge. The young graduates were honored by the chief guest for their extraordinary achievements and excellence. Later shields were presented to the chief guest, principal and vice principal, who is incharge of KG section. The occasion was made colorful with dances on English, Arabic and Urdu poems and songs. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the teachers and the ceremony ended with the distribution of gifts to the young graduates.
Stage set for ‘Shaastrotsav’ reparations are in final stages for ‘Shaastrotsav’ Festival of Science, which will be held on Friday, April 23, 2010 at Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) campus, Mishref. Schools, many technical and professional organizations and well known companies will be participating in the day-long events of Festival of Science. Kuwait Oil Company, KISR, Indian Doctors Forum (Affiliated to Kuwait Medical Association), American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), and The Institution of Engineers (India) are some of the companies, scientific and professional organizations participating in Shaastrotsav - Festival of Science. The attractions of Shaastrotsav include science
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exhibition, contest for designing air or gas propelled car/craft, multimedia shows, animations, movies on science & technology and medical and technical seminars. Indian Doctors Forum will be conducting a seminar on ‘Lifestyle Disorders’ as part of Shaastrotsav. A panel of doctors will be available for clarifying doubts of people on all health related issues. Dr. Vidula Mhaiskar of Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), India will conduct science activity workshop for science teachers and students. Dr. Keshavadas, Professor, Buffalo University New York, who is an internationally renowned expert in virtual reality, will deliver keynote speech
and a demonstration on virtual reality. Dr Kesavadas is the Founder-Director of the UB-Virtual Reality Laboratory. His research areas include virtual reality, haptics and bioengineering. Dr. Kesavadas was profiled by the ‘Business Week’ as one of the ‘Five Gurus of Medical Technology’ for his work on medical virtual reality. Indian ambassador Ajai Malhotra and GUST Chairman Dr Mohailam will also attend the program. Science enthusiasts in Kuwait consider Shaastrotsav - Festival of Science as a premier science event for students, teachers, professionals and general public. Shaastrotsav will start at 10 AM on 23rd April and entry is open to all.
Shaastrotsav - Festival of Science is organized by Kuwait Chapter of NSS College of Engineering (India) alumni in association with Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST). Visit www.shaastrotsav.org or call 66699504 / 97241170 / 99379966 to know more about this science & technology extravaganza. About 150 students from 14 schools are participating in science exhibition contest in Junior, sub junior and senior levels. Exhibition will start at 10am. All the sessions of the festival are open to all. Karthikeyan, Anil Kumar, Juatin Joseph from NSSCE alumni and Anwar Al-Sabah (GUST) were present during press conference.
TV PROGRAMS
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Orbit / Showtime Listings
00:15 Streets Of Hollywood 00:40 E!es 01:30 Extreme Hollywood 02:20 Sexiest 03:15 Ths 05:05 Dr 90210 06:00 40 Smokin’ On Set Hookups 07:45 Style Star 08:10 Style Star 08:35 E! News 09:00 The Daily 10 09:25 Pretty Wild 09:50 Pretty Wild 10:15 Ths 11:05 Ths 12:00 E! News 12:25 The Daily 10 12:50 Kendra 13:15 Kendra 13:40 20 Best And Worst Celebrity Plastic... 15:25 Behind The Scenes 15:50 Behind The Scenes 16:15 E!es 17:10 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 17:35 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 18:00 E! News 18:25 The Daily 10 18:50 Streets Of Hollywood 19:15 Battle Of The Hollywood Hotties
00:00 House 01:00 Dawson’s Creek 02:00 Bones 03:00 One Tree Hill 04:00 Dawson’s Creek 05:00 Supernatural 06:00 CSI 07:00 House 08:00 Hawthorne 09:00 Saving Grace 10:00 Bones 11:00 One Tree Hill 12:00 CSI 13:00 Supernatural 14:00 Bones 15:00 Dawson’s Creek 16:00 Hawthorne 17:00 Saving Grace 18:00 House 19:00 CSI 20:00 Dollhouse 21:00 Flash Forward 22:00 Burn Notice 23:00 The Janice Dickinson Modelling Agency
00:45 01:40 02:35 03:30 04:25 05:20 05:45 06:10 06:35 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:20 11:50 12:45 13:10 13:40 14:35 15:00 15:30 16:25 16:50 17:20 17:45 18:15 19:10 20:10 21:05
Animal Cops Phoenix Untamed & Uncut Human Prey Animal Cops Houston Miami Animal Police Monkey Business Animal Battlegrounds E-Vets: The Interns SSPCA: On the Wildside Wildlife SOS Pet Rescue Planet Earth Austin Stevens: Most Dangerous... Britain’s Worst Pet The Planet’s Funniest Animals The Planet’s Funniest Animals Monkey Business SSPCA: On the Wildside Miami Animal Police E-Vets: The Interns Pet Rescue Animal Cops Houston Wildlife SOS SSPCA: On the Wildside Planet Earth The Planet’s Funniest Animals The Planet’s Funniest Animals Britain’s Worst Pet Animal Battlegrounds Cell Dogs Crime Scene Wild Animal Cops Phoenix Untamed & Uncut
00:45 01:35 02:10 02:45 03:45 04:45 05:35 06:20 06:45 07:05 07:25 07:50 08:10 08:30 08:55 09:15 09:40 10:25 11:15 11:45 12:15 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:45 15:15 15:45 16:15 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:45 21:15 21:45
Days That Shook The World Red Dwarf 2 Point 4 Children Holby City Holby City Days That Shook The World Bargain Hunt Teletubbies Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Me Too Tweenies Bargain Hunt Days That Shook The World 2 Point 4 Children 2 Point 4 Children The Weakest Link Eastenders Doctors Bargain Hunt Cash In The Attic 2 Point 4 Children 2 Point 4 Children The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Holby City The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Silent Witness
00:25 00:50 01:15 01:40 02:10 02:55 03:45 04:35 05:05 05:30 05:50 06:40 07:35 08:05 08:25 09:10 10:00 10:55 11:15 11:40 12:05 12:35 13:20 14:05 14:55 15:40
Come Dine With Me Come Dine With Me Saturday Kitchen Saturday Kitchen Cash In The Attic How To Find A Husband Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes Daily Cooks Challenge Cash In The Attic USA Hidden Potential How To Find A Husband Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes Cash In The Attic USA Cash In The Attic USA Bargain Hunt Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic USA Hidden Potential Saturday Kitchen Saturday Kitchen Cash In The Attic How To Find A Husband Bargain Hunt Bargain Hunt Antiques Roadshow
The Oxford Murders on Super Movies 16:30 16:55 17:20 17:45 18:10 18:55 19:45 20:15 20:40 21:10 21:35 22:00 22:45 23:35
Cash In The Attic USA Hidden Potential Saturday Kitchen Saturday Kitchen Cash In The Attic Antiques Roadshow Daily Cooks Challenge Come Dine With Me MasterChef Goes Large Chuck’s Day Off Chuck’s Day Off Bargain Hunt 10 Years Younger New British Kitchen
01:30 03:15 05:30 07:30 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00
The Company You Keep-18 Gomorra-18 Moll Flanders-PG15 Dragon Hunters-PG Sunset Park-PG Calendar Girls-PG15 Xanadu-PG Bopha!-PG15 Looking For Richard-PG15 Almost Famous-PG15 Brassed Off-PG15 Casualties Of War-18
00:00 Border Security 00:30 Destroyed in Seconds 01:00 Miami Ink 02:00 Street Customs 2008 02:55 Twist the Throttle 03:50 Mean Machines: Transatlantic Challenge 04:20 Mean Machines: Transatlantic Challenge 04:45 Mythbusters 05:40 How Stuff’s Made 06:05 Dirty Jobs 07:00 Mean Machines: Transatlantic Challenge 07:30 Mean Machines: Transatlantic Challenge 07:55 Top Trumps 08:20 Street Customs 2008 09:15 Mythbusters 10:10 Ultimate Survival 11:05 Twist the Throttle 12:00 Border Security 12:30 How it’s Made 12:55 How Stuff’s Made 13:20 American Chopper 14:15 Miami Ink 15:10 Mythbusters 16:05 Dirty Jobs 17:00 Verminators 18:00 Border Security 18:30 Street Customs 2008 19:30 Destroyed in Seconds 20:00 How it’s Made 20:30 How Stuff’s Made 21:00 Street Customs Berlin 22:00 Mega Engineering 23:00 Extreme Explosions
00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:50 04:45 05:10 05:40 06:10 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:55 10:20 10:50 11:45 12:10 12:40 13:35 14:30 15:25
Nextworld NYC: Inside Out Kings of Construction Beyond Tomorrow Race to Mars How Stuff’s Made Green Wheels One Step Beyond Nextworld Junkyard Mega-Wars Race to Mars NYC: Inside Out How Stuff’s Made Stunt Junkies Nextworld Mean Green Machines One Step Beyond Race to Mars NYC: Inside Out Mighty Ships How Stuff’s Made
15:55 16:50 17:45 18:40 19:30 19:55 20:20 20:45 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:15 23:40
Junkyard Mega-Wars Brainiac Mega World Ecopolis Green Wheels Green Wheels How It’s Made How It’s Made Mythbusters Ecopolis Green Wheels Green Wheels Mega World
00:00 00:20 00:45 01:10 01:35 02:00 02:25 02:45 03:10 03:35 04:00 04:25 04:45 05:10 05:35 06:00 06:10 06:35 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
My Friends Tigger And Pooh Lazytown Special Agent Oso Imagination Movers Jungle Junction 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 Higglytown Heroes My Friends Tigger And Pooh Lazytown Special Agent Oso Imagination Movers Jungle Junction 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 A Kind Of Magic 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
06:00 06:25 06:50 07:15 07:40 08:05 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:25 12:50 13:20 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00
American Dragon Power Rangers Jungle Fury Kid vs Kat Phineas & Ferb The Suite Life of Zack & Cody American Dragon Pokemon DP: Battle Dimension Phineas & Ferb Zeke & Luther Phil Of The Future Suite Life On Deck Kid vs Kat Power Rangers Jungle Fury Aaron Stone The Suite Life of Zack & Cody Pokemon DP: Battle Dimension NEXT X EUROPE Phineas & Ferb Zeke & Luther The Suite Life of Zack & Cody American Dragon Kid vs Kat Phineas & Ferb K9 ADVENTURES Suite Life On Deck Aaron Stone Iron Man: Armoured Adventures
00:00 00:00 01:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 05:00 06:00 06:00 07:00 07:00 08:00 08:00 09:00 09:00 10:00 10:00 11:00 11:00 12:00 12:40 13:00 14:00 14:20 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:00
Food Network Challenge Great British Menu Grill It! with Bobby Flay Iron Chef America Grill It! with Bobby Flay Barefoot Contessa Iron Chef America Barefoot Contessa Chopped Food Network Challenge Everyday Italian Iron Chef America Great British Menu Iron Chef America Chopped Giada At Home 30 Minute Meals Kitchen Criminals 30 Minute Meals Best Thing I Ever Ate Barefoot Contessa Food Network Challenge Iron Chef America Barefoot Contessa Teleshopping Teleshopping Kitchen Criminals Teleshopping Grill It! with Bobby Flay Teleshopping Barefoot Contessa Teleshopping Barefoot Contessa Teleshopping Tyler’s Ultimate Tyler’s Ultimate Food Network Challenge Throwdown With Bobby Flay
00:30 01:20 02:10 03:05 04:00 04:55 05:20 06:10 06:35 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40
A Haunting FBI Files Forensic Justice Dr G: Medical Examiner Forensic Detectives Real Emergency Calls Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghosthunters Ghosthunters Forensic Detectives FBI Files Disappeared Mystery ER Forensic Detectives FBI Files Guilty Or Innocent? Diagnosis: Unknown Fugitive Strike Force Forensic Detectives FBI Files Disappeared Mystery ER Forensic Detectives FBI Files Guilty Or Innocent? Diagnosis: Unknown Fugitive Strike Force Deadly Women Undercover Dr G: Medical Examiner
01:10 03:10 05:05 07:00 08:35 11:00 12:40 14:05 15:30 17:05 18:40 20:10 22:00 23:40
Madonna: Truth Or Dare The Big Man Ulee’s Gold The Little Death Elmer Gantry The Winter People The King And Four Queens The Glory Stompers Operation Lookout Interiors Signs of Life Juggernaut The Silver Strand Modern Girls
00:00 00:30 01:30 02:30 03:30 04:00 04:30
Chasing Time Lonely Planet Departures Which Way To... Bondi Rescue Cycling Home With Rob Lilwall Surfer’s Journal
05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:30 08:30 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:30
Treks In A Wild World Madventures Chasing Time Lonely Planet Departures Which Way To... Bondi Rescue Cycling Home With Rob Lilwall Surfer’s Journal Treks In A Wild World Madventures Chasing Time Lonely Planet Weird And Wonderful Hotels Weird And Wonderful Hotels Cruise Ship Diaries Bondi Rescue Cycling Home With Rob Lilwall Surfer’s Journal Treks In A Wild World Madventures Chasing Time Lonely Planet Weird And Wonderful Hotels Weird And Wonderful Hotels Cruise Ship Diaries Bondi Rescue
00:00 Billable Hours 00:30 The Office 01:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 01:30 The Colbert Report 02:00 Best of Late night with Jimmy Fallon 03:00 Monday night Stand Up 04:30 South park 05:00 Billable Hours 05:30 Best of Late night with Jimmy Fallon 06:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 07:00 Just Shoot me! 07:30 Malcolm in the Middle 08:00 Frasier 08:30 Yes dear 09:00 The Nanny 09:30 Drew Carey 10:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:30 Just Shoot me! 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Eight Simple Rules 12:00 Best of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson 13:00 The Office 13:30 Yes dear 14:00 The Nanny 14:30 Malcolm in the Middle 15:00 Billable Hours 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 Just Shoot me! 19:00 Scrubs 19:30 The Office 20:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 21:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
00:00 The Martha Stewart Show 01:00 10 Years Younger 01:30 Turn Back Your Body Clock 02:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 03:00 Moms Get Real / Now you know / Amplified 04:00 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (Best Of) 05:00 GMA (repeat) 07:00 Parenting 07:30 Popcorn 08:00 The Martha Stewart Show 09:00 Turn Back Your Body Clock 09:30 10 Years Younger 10:00 The Best of Jimmy Kimmel 11:00 The View (repeat) 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 The Martha Stewart Show 14:00 GMA Live 16:00 GMA Health 16:30 What’s the Buzz 17:00 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (Best Of) 18:00 Turn Back Your Body Clock 18:30 10 Years younger 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 The Monique Show
00:00 Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead-18 02:00 Let Him Be-PG15 04:00 Mostly Ghostly-PG 06:00 Perfect Holiday-PG 08:00 And When Did You Last See Your Father-PG15 10:00 Dragonlance-PG 11:45 Ghost Town-PG15 13:30 Brideshead Revisited-PG15 16:00 And When Did You Last See Your Father-PG15 18:00 Bedtime Stories-FAM 20:00 Bran Nue Dae-PG15 22:00 Halloween 2-18
01:00 Art Of War II: Betrayal-18 03:00 Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation-18 05:00 Spy Game-PG15 07:10 The Collective-PG15 09:00 Ba’al-PG15 11:00 Redbelt-PG15 13:00 The Square-PG15 15:00 Ba’al-PG15 17:00 Polar Storm-PG15 19:00 Child’s Play-18 21:00 Bitch Slap-PG15 23:00 Bronson-R
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Tadpole-PG15 How To Be-PG15 Superhero!-PG15 First Kid-PG Picture This-PG15 Life Or Something Like It-PG15 Blonde And Blonder-PG15 Two Weeks-PG Tadpole-PG15 The Matchmaker-PG15 Down To You-18 Wieners-18
00:00 Barbie In The Nutcracker-FAM 02:00 Alexander The Great-FAM 04:00 War Of The Buttons-PG 06:00 Moondance Alexander-FAM 08:00 Elias And The Royal Yacht-FAM 10:00 War Of The Buttons-PG 12:00 Santa Buddies-PG 14:00 Alexander The Great-FAM 16:00 Piper Penguin And His Fantastic Flying Machi-PG 18:00 Cinderella-FAM 20:00 Little Hercules In 3-D-PG15 22:00 Santa Buddies-PG
00:00 01:00 02:00 02:30 03:00 04:00 04:30 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 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 23:30
Ugly Betty Desperate Housewives Sex and the City Sex and the City Survivor : Samoa Every Body Loves Raymond Coach 24 Emmerdale Coronation Street Law & Order Every Body Loves Raymond Coach Survivor : Samoa 24 Law & Order Emmerdale Coronation Street Every Body Loves Raymond Coach Ugly Betty Desperate Housewives 24 Survivor : Samoa Emmerdale Coronation Street Lost Special Lost Law & Order 24 Sex and the City Sex and the City
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Premier League Classics Barclays Premier League Premier League Review Show Scottish Premier League Highlights Premier League Classics Premier League Premier League Review Show Premier League Premier League Review Show Premier League Premier League Classics Premier League Classics Scottish Premier League Highlights Premier League World Barclays Premier League
00:00 00:30 02:30 04:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:30 09:00 11:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:30 17:30 18:00 20:00 21:00 21:30
Scottish Premier League Highlights Scottish Cup Goals On Monday Scottish Cup Premier League World ICC Cricket World Goals On Monday Scottish Premier League Highlights Super 14 Super League ICC Cricket World Futbol Mundial Goals On Monday NRL Premiership FEI Equestrain World Super 14 Barclays Premier League Highlights Futbol Mundial Brazil League Highlights
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Goals On Monday Super 14 Super 14 SPL Highlights Premier League Classics NRL Premiership V8 Supercars Goals On Monday SPL Highlights AFL Toyota Premiership Super League Scottish Cup V8 Supercars Scottish Cup Super League
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UFC 112 Bushido NCAA Basketball UFC Unleashed WWE NXT
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FIM World Cup UAE National Race Day Rat Race WWE Vintage Collection Bushido WWE Bottomline NCAA Basketball Rat Race FIM World Cup LG Action Sport WWE Bottomline UFC 112 UFC Wired UFC Unleashed
00:00 The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor-PG 02:00 Cat City-PG15 04:00 Racing Daylight-PG15 06:00 Australia-PG 09:00 Christmas In Wonderland-PG 11:00 Genghis Khan-PG15 13:30 Impact 1-PG15 15:00 Impact 2-PG15 17:00 Christmas In Wonderland-PG 19:00 Tennessee-PG15 21:00 Balibo-PG15 23:00 z-18
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Anchors Aweigh Grand Prix Edge Of The City Gone With The Wind The Honeymoon Machine Man Of La Mancha It Happened At The World’s Fair The King And Four Queens Hannibal Brooks Skyjacked The Survivors Cannery Row
00:30 Deep Sea Detectives 01:20 Battlefield Detectives 02:10 Modern Marvels 03:00 Deep Sea Salvage 03:55 Modern Marvels 04:50 Battle Stations 05:40 Battle 360 06:30 Deep Sea Detectives 07:20 Battlefield Detectives 08:10 Modern Marvels 09:00 Deep Sea Salvage 09:55 Modern Marvels 10:50 Battle Stations 11:40 Battle 360 12:30 Deep Sea Detectives 13:20 Battlefield Detectives 14:10 Modern Marvels 15:00 Deep Sea Salvage 15:55 Modern Marvels 16:50 Battle Stations 17:40 Battle 360 18:30 Deep Sea Detectives 19:20 Battlefield Detectives 20:10 Modern Marvels 21:00 Hi Tech Hitler 21:55 The American Revolution 22:50 Secret Japanese Aircraft Of World War II 23:40 Shootout!
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Dr 90210 Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane The Dish How Do I Look? Split Ends Dr 90210
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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 Fat Free Fiancés Ruby Clean House Clean House Comes Clean Dress My Nest What I Hate About Me What I Hate About Me Split Ends Dallas Divas & Daughters The Dish Running in Heels Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane Split Ends Clean House Dress My Nest
01:04 01:45 02:00 02:45 05:04 05:18 08:04 08:45 13:04 13:50 16:04 17:00 18:00 18:45
RNB Playlist Urban Hit Playlist Guest Star Playlist New Playlist Urban Hit Playlist Hit US Playlist Urban Hit Playlist
00:00 01:00 01:30 02:00 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 VH1 00:00 00:30 01:00 02:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 12:00
Globe Trekker Angry Planet The Thirsty Traveler Planet Food Floyd Uncorked Travel Today Culture Shock Essential Globe Trekker Planet Food The Thirsty Traveler Angry Planet Globe Trekker Essential Dream Destinations Distant Shores Distant Shores Chef Abroad Entrada Planet Food Globe Trekker Chef Abroad The Thirsty Traveler Sophie Grigson in the Souk Entrada Planet Food Globe Trekker Essential Journey Into Wine... Chef Abroad The Thirsty Traveler Globe Trekker Spring Chef Abroad Chef Abroad Top Travel Inside Luxury Travel-Varun Sharma Vh1 Rocks Smells Like The 90’s Greatest Hits Vh1 Music Chill Out Vh1 Hits Vh1 Music Aerobic Top 10 ¬†Bruce Springsteen
Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead on Show Movies
Star Listings (UAE Timings) STAR 21:00 22:35 23:05 00:40 02:30 04:10 05:45 07:20 09:10 11:00 12:40 14:10 15:40 17:30 19:05
Movies Blonde & Blonder VIP Access Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation The Air Up There Say Anything Blonde & Blonder Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation Enchanted The Air Up There Say Anything The Delphi Effect Urgency No Way Out Lava Storm Renaissance Man
STAR 20:00 20:50 21:00 21:50 22:00 23:00 00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30
World Reaper Charlie’s Angels Stone Undercover Who’s The Boss? October Road [V] Tunes [V] Tunes [V] Tunes 7th Heaven Scrubs The King Of Queens According To Jim Samantha Who?
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Criminal Minds Jackie Chan Adventures Grey’s Anatomy Charlie’s Angels October Road Who’s The Boss? Reaper Jackie Chan Adventures The King Of Queens The Bold And The Beautiful 7th Heaven Charlie’s Angels Grey’s Anatomy Who’s The Boss? [V] Tunes Criminal Minds Scrubs The King Of Queens According To Jim Samantha Who? American Idol Boston Legal Who’s The Boss? American Idol
Granada TV 20:00 Piers Morgan’s The Dark Side of Fame Mickey Rourke 21:00 Young, Posh and Loaded 21:30 The Sunshine Girls 22:00 Emmerdale
22:30 23:00 23:30 00:00 01:00 02:00 04:00 05:00 05:30 06:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00
Coronation Street Young, Posh and Loaded The Sunshine Girls Trinny And Susannah Undress (Series 2) The Paul O’Grady Show Mystery Tuesday: Painted Lady Warzone Emmerdale Coronation Street Trinny And Susannah Undress (Series 2) Mystery Tuesday: Painted Lady The Paul O’Grady Show Warzone Emmerdale Coronation Street The Crunch Mystery Tuesday: Painted Lady The Paul O’Grady Show Emmerdale Coronation Street The Crunch Mystery Tuesday: Painted Lady
Channel [V] 21:00 [V] Countdown 23:00 Backtracks 23:30 Double Shot 00:00 Loop 00:30 [V] Tunes 01:00 [V] Plug 01:30 Loop
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Backtracks XO [V] Tunes [V] Plug The Playlist [V] Countdown Backtracks Double Shot Loop [V] Tunes [V] Plug Loop Backtracks XO [V] Tunes [V] Plug The Playlist Parental Control Double Bill [V] Tunes Amp Around Asia Backtracks Double Shot Loop [V] Tunes [V] Plug Loop Backtracks XO [V] Tunes
20:00 [V] Plug 20:30 The Playlist Fox News 00:00 Happening Now 01:00 The Live Desk 03:00 Studio B with Shepard Smith Live 04:00 Your World with Neil Cavuto 05:00 Glenn Beck with Glenn Beck 06:00 Special Report with Bret Baier 07:00 The FOX Report with Shepard Smith 08:00 The O’Reilly Factor 09:00 Hannity 10:00 On the Record with Greta Van Susteren 11:00 The O’Reilly Factor 12:00 Hannity 13:00 On the Record with Greta Van Susteren 14:00 Glenn Beck with Glenn Beck 15:00 Fox Report 16:00 Special Report with Bret Baier 17:00 The O’Reilly Factor 18:00 FOX & Friends First Live 19:00 FOX & Friends Live 21:00 America’s Newsroom 22:00 America’s Newsroom 23:00 Happening Now National Geographic Channel 20:00 Don’t Tell My Mother... -Don’t Tell My Mother : Pakistan S2
21:00 Generals At War -The Battle Of Kursk 22:00 Warplanes -Airplane To Air Force 23:00 Theme Week -Inside: Undercover In North Korea 00:00 Air Crash Investigation -Air Crash Investigation Specia : Ripped Apart 01:00 ABOUT ASIA -Secrets Of The First Emperor 02:00 Situation Critical -Taliban Uprising 03:00 Animals Like Us -Adoption 04:00 Shark Men -First Bite 05:00 ABOUT ASIA -Secrets Of The First Emperor 06:00 Locked Up Abroad -Hooked In Havana 07:00 Street Monkeys -Exiles 08:00 Situation Critical -Taliban Uprising 09:00 Health Secrets Behind Korean Cuisine 10:00 Theme Week -Inside Iraq’s Kill Zone 11:00 Air Crash Investigation -Air Crash Investigation Specia : Ripped Apart 12:00 ABOUT ASIA -Secrets Of The First Emperor 13:00 Long Way Down -Malawi To Bostwana 9 14:00 4Real -Yawanawa 1 14:30 4Real -City Of God 2 15:00 Theme Week -Inside Iraq’s Kill Zone 16:00 Don’t Tell My Mother... -Don’t Tell My Mother : The Balkans S2 17:00 Air Crash Investigation -Air Crash Investigation Specia : Ripped Apart 18:00 Long Way Down -Malawi To Bostwana 9 19:00 4Real -Yawanawa 1 19:30 4Real -City Of God 2
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
33
ACCOMMODATION Single room accommodation available for bachelor (1 or 2) in Abbassiya opposite to Choice restaurant from 01.05.2010. Tel: 60630829. (C 2124) Accommodation available for family or working ladies in Abbassiya opp German clinic in front of bus stop. Contact: 66455687. (C 2118) Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya behind Caesers bakery with Keralite family in two bedroom flat only for Christian Keralite bachelor. Call: 99153497. (C 2119) Accommodation available bachelor Manglorean or Goan with food opp Jabriya bridge, near Al Bahar complex. Contact: 22662734. (C 2120) Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya working ladies or small couples near Neethi store. Contact: 97501647. (C 2122) 13-4-2010 Sharing accommodation available for bachelor with
an Indian family near Mecca street Fahaheel. Call: 23927458. (C 2117) Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya near Hi-Dine supermarket with Keralite family for couple or working ladies. Contact: 65139705. (C 2116) Sharing accommodation available for single working ladies/couple/executive bachelor in a 2 bedroom, 2 toilets. Only for Indians from Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Hyderabad. New apt in Farwaniya. Contact: 24716975/66625901. (C 2113) 11-4-2010 Fully furnished independent room available for single lady from 1st May 2010, location Salmiya, Balajat street, rent KD 100. Tel: 65895389. (C 2109) An Indian lady (nurse) from Kerala looking for a working lady, (preferably Keralite) in a fully furnished central A/C flat in Amman Street, opp to Apollo hospital Salmiya, flat having tel, internet, cable TV, rent KD 35. Contact: 94914817/7919485. (C 2110) 10-4-2010
FOR SALE Mitsubishi Nativa GLs model 2006, silver, done 81,000 kms only, excellent condition, cash price 2500. Contact: 55107856. (C 2121) 13-4-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, 2002, black, lady driven, km 121,000, well maintained. Mob: 60685236. (C 2107) Home furniture most from Ikea, electrical appliances for sale at Salmiya. Phone: 66799157, 66491539. (C 2111) 10-4-2010
SITUATION VACANT
A nursing student requires assistance in microbiology, biochemistry pharmacology, & pathology. Call 66385870 after 4 pm. 10-4-2010
MATRIMONIAL Christian Jacobite boy 27 years, 160cms, Perumbavoor, Ernakulam dist, going on leave April 23 -
June 3 seeking proposal from parents of suitable girls. Email: eldhopaulc86@gmail.com (C 2125) RC, SC, 168 cm, M.Tech hailing from financially sound family working in Kuwait as sales engineer looking for professionally qualified girls. Email: antony45@gmail.com (C 2114) 13-4-2010 Marthomite parents invite proposal for their daughter, 24 years, MA B.Ed working in an international school, Delhi. Reply with details: mvarghese19@yahoo.com (C 2115) 11-4-2010
SITUATION WANTED I need suitable job as accountant, I am B.Com + MBA, three years experience in Kuwait, valid driving license. I can handle financial packages and good management reporting skills. Please call: 55355954. (C 2108) 10-4-2010
Flight Schedule Arrival Flights on Tuesday 13/04/2010 Airlines Flt Route Royal Jordanian 802 Amman Wataniya Airways 188 Bahrain Kuwait 544 Cairo Wataniya Airways 306 Cairo Gulf Air 211 Bahrain Turkish A/L 772 Istanbul Ethiopian 620 Addis Ababa DHL 370 Bahrain Emirates 853 Dubai Pakistan 239 Sialkot Etihad 305 Abu Dhabi Qatari 138 Doha Air France 6782 Paris Jazeera 503 Luxor Jazeera 637 Aleppo Jazeera 527 Alexandria Jazeera 529 Assiut Kuwait 412 Manila/Bangkok British 157 London Kuwait 416 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur Jazeera 481 Sabiha Falcon 201 Bahrain Kuwait 206 Islamabad Kuwait 382 Delhi Kuwait 302 Mumbai Fly Dubai 053 Dubai Kuwait 332 Trivandrum Kuwait 676 Dubai Kuwait 284 Dhaka Emirates 855 Dubai Arabia 121 Sharjah Iran Air 605 Isfahan Qatari 132 Doha Etihad 301 Abu Dhabi Jazeera 425 Bahrain Iran Air 619 Lar Wataniya Airways 182 Bahrain Gulf Air 213 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 102 Dubai Jazeera 165 Dubai Jazeera 447 Doha Egypt Air 610 Cairo Kuwait 672 Dubai United A/L 982 Washington Dc Dulles Wataniya Airways 432 Damascus Royal Jordanian 800 Amman Jazeera 257 Beirut Wataniya Airways 422 Amman Kuwait 562 Amman Saudi Arabian A/L 500 Jeddah Kuwait 744 Dammam
Time 00:05 00:30 00:50 00:50 01:05 01:15 01:45 02:15 02:25 02:55 02:55 03:25 03:25 05:15 05:45 06:05 06:10 06:15 06:30 06:35 06:40 07:00 07:15 07:20 07:50 07:55 07:55 08:00 08:10 08:25 08:40 08:55 09:00 09:25 10:25 10:40 10:45 10:45 11:05 11:05 11:10 12:55 13:15 13:35 13:35 13:35 14.10 14:10 14:20 14:30 14:40
Syrian Arab A/L Qatari Kuwait Saudi Arabian A/L Mihin Lanka Etihad Emirates Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Saudi Arabian A/L Jazeera Jazeera Arabia Jazeera Jazeera Srilankan Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Singapore A/L Kuwait Kuwait Rovos Fly Duabai Oman Air Indian Middle East KLM Jazeera DHL Gulf Air Emirates Global Qatari Jazeera Jazeera Jazeera Lufthansa Jazeera India Express Pakistan Jazeera Wataniya Airways
341 134 546 9556 403 303 857 215 402 510 493 239 125 367 343 227 304 104 166 106 502 542 786 618 177 614 674 774 458 552 512 093 061 647 993 402 0443 459 372 217 859 091 136 429 117 449 636 185 389 205 263 108
Damascus Doha Alexandria Jeddah Colombo/Dubai Abu Dhabi Dubai Bahrain Beirut Riyadh Jeddah Amman Sharjah Deirezzor Sanaa/Bahrain Colombo/Dubai Cairo London Paris/Rome Dubai Beirut Cairo Jeddah Doha Dubai Bahrain Dubai Riyadh Singapore/Abu Dhabi Damascus Tehran Kandahar/Dubai Dubai Muscat Chennai/Mumbai Beirut Amsterdam Damascus Bahrain Bahrain Dubai Baghdad Doha Bahrain Abu Dhabi Doha Frankfurt Dubai Kozhikode/Mangalore Lahore/Peshawer Beirut Dubai
14:45 15:05 15:30 15:30 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:40 17:55 18:00 1835 18:35 18:40 18:45 18:50 18:50 18:55 18:55 19:05 19:20 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:40 19:45 20:00 20:05 20:15 20:15 20:20 20:40 20:55 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:30 21:35 22:15 22:25 22:25 22:30 23:05 23:10 2355 23:55 23:55
Departure Flights on Tuesday l3/04/2010 Airlines Flt Route Jazeera 528 Assiut Indian 576 Goa/Chennai Lufthansa 637 Frankfurt Turkish A/L 773 Istanbul Ethiopian 620 Bahrain/Addis Ababa DHL 371 Bahrain Emirates 854 Dubai Etihad 306 Abu Dhabi Pakistan 240 Sialkot Qatari 139 Doha Air France 6782 Dubai/Hong Kong Wataniya Airways 101 Dubai Royal Jordanian 803 Amman Jazeera 164 Dubai Jazeera 422 Bahrain Jazeera 446 Doha Gulf Air 212 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 181 Bahrain Rovos 094 Dubai/Kandahar Wataniya Airways 431 Damascus British 156 London Kuwait 545 Alexandria Jazeera 256 Beirut Fly Dubai 054 Dubai Kuwait 671 Dubai Jazeera 342 Bahrain/Sanaa Wataniya Airways 421 Amman Kuwait 561 Amman Arabia 122 Sharjah Kuwait 101 London/New York Emirates 856 Dubai Iran Air 604 Isfahan Qatari 133 Doha Etihad 302 Abu Dhabi Wataniya Airways 401 Beirut Gulf Air 214 Bahrain Iran Air 618 Lar Kuwait 165 Rome/Paris Wataniya Airways 303 Cairo Kuwait 743 Dammam Kuwait 541 Cairo Jazeera 492 Jeddah Jazeera 366 Deirezzor Jazeera 238 Amman Kuwait 501 Beirut Kuwait 785 Jeddah Egypt Air 611 Cairo Kuwait 551 Damascus Wataniya Airways $05 Dubai
FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161
Time 00:05 00:50 01:15 02:15 02:30 03:15 03:45 04:00 04:10 05:00 05:15 06:50 07:00 07:00 07:35 07:40 07:45 07:50 08:00 08:10 08:25 08:35 08:35 08:40 09:00 09:00 09:10 09:15 09:20 09:30 09:40 09:55 10:00 10:10 11:35 11:35 11:40 11:45 11:50 11:55 12:00 12:15 12:20 12:30 13:00 13:30 13:55 14:20 14:30
Royal Jordanian Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Syrianarab A/L Saudi Arabian A/L Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Qatari Saudi Arabian A/L E11had Mihin Lanka Wataniya Airways Emirates Gulf Air Jazeera Global Arabia Sadi Arabian A/L Jazeera Jazeera Jazeera Srilankan Jazeera Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Singapore A/L Fly Dubai Kuwait Kuwait Oman Air Middle East Wataniya Airways KLM Gulf Air Kuwait DHL Kuwait Emirates Falcon Kuwait Qatari Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait United A/L
801 176 673 617 511 342 501 458 773 613 135 2057 304 404 305 858 216 262 092 126 511 116 448 184 228 428 107 283 361 457 062 343 351 648 403 187 0443 218 801 373 675 860 102 381 137 301 480 526 502 411 981
Amman Dubai Dubai Doha Tehran Damascus Jeddah Damascus Riyadh Bahrain Doha Jeddah Abu Dhabi Dubai/Colombo Cairo Dubai Bahrain Beirut Baghdad Sharjah Riyadh Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Dubai/Colombo Bahrain Dubai Dhaka Colombo Abu Dhabi/Singapore Dubai Chennai Cochin Muscat Beirut Bahrain Bahrain/Amsterdam Bahrain Cairo Bahrain Dubai Dubai Bahrain Delhi Doha Mumbai Sabiha Alexandria Luxor Bangkok/Manila Washington Dc Dulles
14:30 14:55 15:10 15:35 15:40 15:45 15:45 15:50 16:05 16:20 16:20 17:00 17:35 17:40 18:05 18:05 18:05 18:15 18:15 18:20 18:35 18:40 18:55 19:00 19:10 19:10 19:40 20:00 20:20 20:45 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:20 21:35 21:40 21:55 22:00 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 23:05 23:20 23:30 23:40 23:40
SPECTRUM
34 CROSSWORD 957
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Calvin Aries (March 21-April 19) You desire to be noticed for your hard work and this will not go unrewarded today. Earned success is yours. You have achieved your success through your own hard work and you continue to seek to enhance and improve your present status. You are usually pleased to be considered for a job other than your usual work. You must know that your acceptance of extra jobs may put you at risk of being taken advantage of in many different ways. Express your desire to learn and achieve without having to do the work for others that are lazy. You will know just what to say. You may find yourself competitive this evening while playing a card or casino game with family or/and friends. You work hard and you play hard. You will rest easy tonight. Taurus (April 20-May 20) This is a great time to work with others. Someone requests you for a particular job. In-depth discussions and probing conversations find you at your mental best. Your analytical abilities are strong and if you are being tested, you will do very well. You have insight into what it takes to make your own business work and may find yourself talking about your ideas with great enthusiasm. You could find that you are valued for your ability to act and get things done, but you may find a lot of work falls to you for that very reason. There may be a great deal of panic with your monetary concerns and it may be difficult to make definite plans regarding extracurricular expenses. It is best to listen to family members before making any firm plans.
Pooch Cafe
ACROSS 1. A caustic detergent useful for removing grease. 4. The battle in 202 BC in which Scipio decisively defeated Hannibal at the end of the second Punic War. 8. The compass point that is one point south of due east. 11. (British) A waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric. 12. Advanced in years. 13. (Scotland) A small loaf or roll of soft bread. 14. A benevolent aspect of Devi. 15. Mentally or physically infirm with age. 16. The compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north. 17. British physicist (born in Hungary) noted for his work on holography (1900-1979). 19. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element. 21. A radioactive element of the actinide series. 22. Freed from illness or injury. 25. A lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood. 28. The cry made by sheep. 29. A mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues. 30. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum. 32. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae. 35. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens. 37. The Mongol people living the the central and eastern parts of Outer Mongolia. 41. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread. 45. A branch of the Tai languages. 46. A city in northern India. 47. A plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots. 50. A master's degree in business. 51. Being or occurring in fact or actuality. 52. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves. 53. Tag the base runner to get him out. 54. English monk and scholar (672-735). 55. An enclosed space. 56. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. DOWN 1. Marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction. 2. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism. 3. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike. 4. The capital of Croatia. 5. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). 6. The number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros. 7. A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people. 8. The compass point that is one point north of due east. 9. A small cake leavened with yeast. 10. A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work. 18. A midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region. 20. A public promotion of some product or service. 23. An associate degree in applied science. 24. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects. 26. A person forced to flee from home or country. 27. A chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints). 31. An esoteric or occult matter that is traditionally secret. 33. A state in northwestern North America. 34. Any of several small ungulate mammals of Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes. 36. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group. 38. A genus of Lamnidae. 39. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables. 40. Jordan's port. 42. American novelist (1909-1955). 43. Toward the mouth or oral region. 44. Slanting diagonally across the grain of a fabric. 48. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism. 49. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).
Gemini (May 21-June 20) There are good practical job-related thoughts and ideas today. You will have an understanding for concrete ideas with the ability to present or share your ideas with others. The ability to communicate with superiors or describe what you see proves to be an important part of this day. You may be called upon to relay information to others. This could mean having contact with higher ups from other companies or dignitaries; dress for the occasion. The noon break may turn into a luncheon. Expect a sense of good will from those around you and you will not be disappointed. Social affairs, group meetings and neighborhood gatherings are all coming up soon. Pick and choose as everything conspires to reveal you at your most sophisticated stage.
Non Sequitur
Cancer (June 21-July 22) You may cuts new and promising ideas in work gold business. This is the day to start new ventures. Creative Your thinking is enhanced and your eager mind will learn things quickly. You should enjoy great success and attention through your profession. Being in the spotlight may Be common to you At this time and you will see where your efforts edge best help others. This afternoon you may need to relaxed and C has bit off daydreaming. Friends may not appreciate gold Be has share off your dreamy side just now. You may not Be whitebait to roofing stone yourself in your imaginings because off all the interruptions. Allow yourself has little time tonight for delving into your favorite hobby but creative art; later, there is love song. Leo (July 23-August 22) Deliberation and some research will help you stay within the facts of an on-going situation today. You look for ways to improve or remove problems that others may ignore or excuse away. Be prepared to gain some clear progress in your problem-solving abilities. The price is right, the product is right and with your expertise, you will be pleased with the end result of your efforts. Ambition and achievement are qualities you hold in special regard now. This is a time for getting ahead, a time for combining business and pleasure and a time to enjoy your career and savor its rewards. You have a growing need to learn many of lifeís mysteries and could seek an in-depth understanding of esoteric subjects as well. A good book would also be fun.
Zits
Virgo (August 23-September 22) You tend to form close relationships to dynamic authoritative individuals at this time. You tend to be more outgoing today and you may find that anything in public relation has positive results. This could mean that you help people to solve problems and set things right, especially when it comes to disagreements in the office. Coworkers touch a soft spot in your heart today. You are lucky to have them around. You may find yourself thinking big when it comes to your creative talents. This could mean you push yourself to perform in front of others or you enlarge the piece of advertisement or art with which you work. You may be called upon to draw or design back-drops to some stage play. Whatever the case, you will have plenty of help, if you need it.
Libra (September 23-October 22) Others will find you quick-minded and full of enthusiasm today. Your comprehension of issues is excellent, which helps you to have some insight into the workings and progress of a particular business program now. You could be working on ways to broaden the scope in which your company can increase their assets. You will also have a higher amount of sales this week. You are coming into a creative and competitive phase; one in which you want to be admired and appreciated for what you do and who you are. You come up with new solutions or inventions. If the weather is nice, get out and enjoy nature this afternoon. Think about some flowers around your home or apartment and how you could compliment your living area with the color yellow.
Mother Goose and Grimm
Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Let go of a losing situation. Someone close to you may be a bit difficult. There is a lot of enthusiasm behind what you say and think; you will be able to make some wise decisions. You communicate with feeling and strength. Work at completing the unfinished work around your area today. Your request for peace and quiet on the home scene this afternoon will be granted. There is a strong wish to make the home place as desirable as possible. This is a good time to consult with a loved one about a move or a new color scheme. Later, you may decide to clean and move furniture around and perhaps it is time to look for a new lamp to bring more light to your reading area. With the workday stress completely forgotten, you can enjoy the evening.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There are indications that today will be an extremely busy day. Be prepared to work hard! You are particularly communicative to associates around you. As you combine your authority with your sensitivity, you will succeed in relationships of all kinds. In-depth discussions and probing conversations find you at your mental best. Your analytical abilities are at a high point. Communicating with higher ups and group meetings may bring compromises that make a more workable, work place. This is a great time to reflect and understand your own situation, just how you feel about yourself. There is plenty of physical energy left after work today to enjoy some form of sports or exercise. Relax this afternoon by visiting a nearby park.
Yesterday’s Solution
yester
Yesterday’s Solution
to
INTERNATIONAL CALLS Kuwait Qatar Abu Dhabi Dubai Raas Al Khayma Al-Shareqa Muscat Jordan Bahrain Riyadh Makkah - Jeddah Cairo Alexandria Beirut Damascus Allepo
00965 00974 009712 009714 009717 009716 00968 009626 00973 009661 009662 00202 00203 009611 0096311 0096321
Tunisia Rabat Washington New York Paris London Madrid Zurich Geneva Monaco Rome Bangkok Hong Kong Pakistan Taiwan Bonn
0021610 002127 001212 001718 00331 004471 00341 00411 004122 0033 00396 00662 00852 0092 00886 0049228
Word Sleuth Solution
Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You can enjoy life whether you are working or not. You may feel especially kind towards a friend or loved one. Someone pays you compliments. You may enjoy being with a group of friends or co-workers this afternoon and could find yourself involved in several conversations where you persuade others to your point of view. You may tend to react and speak from rational rather than emotional viewpoints. People are more inclined to pay attention to suggestions for change, as long as the arguments are based on the rational. You are clever—be patient with those that are slow. Until the end of the month, you will receive many psychic hunches. You may even follow or work to change one or two of them—as in changing a dream.
Aquarius (January 20- February 18) All-in-all, this is a productive and satisfying day. Others value you for your ability to make practical decisions concerning group issues. It is time to consider that raise, promotion or new job. You are at your best and can present yourself to others in a positive way. You appear perhaps more charming and refined than usual. If you want, now could be the right time to accept or make a special date; or otherwise put your best foot forward. You appreciate beautiful things and while you are looking for that particular outfit; be sure to compare the prices. You may find this price comparing is well worth the effort. Turn the television off this evening and perhaps record to view later if you must. Enjoy an evening out or some special one-on-one conversation. Pisces (February 19-March 20) You may find yourself a little more emotional than usual. Someone that works with you may say something that hits you the wrong way; no response necessary. A mystery evolves this afternoon and you may find the answer to some office problems of late. Secrets, conspiracies and the hidden links that unite all things take on greater importance now. Digging into the past for hints about the present and future uncovers many answers to questions that do not seem to go away. As the planets move through their cycle, you will learn to ask yourself questions that pertain to truth and realistic thinking. Your psychic abilities are strong and you may receive confirmation on your hunches. Someone will surprise you with an act of extreme kindness this evening.
INFORMATION
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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SPECTRUM
36
he former ‘Baywatch’ actress is considering purchasing a £4 million property in the plush area of South Kensington, which is close to the British capital’s main museums, to use as a base when she works in the UK. A source told The Sun newspaper: “She has fallen
he couple’s first engagement was called off in 2005 following revelations Jude had been having an affair with his children’s nanny Daisy Wright but the 37-yearold actor and Sienna rekindled their relationship on a Caribbean beach holiday in December 2009. The 28-yearold actress has now been seen wearing the same vintage diamond ring Jude gave her in 2005, but on her right hand to try and avoid speculation. A source told the Mail Online website: “They do not want to make the engagement official which is why Sienna is wearing the ring on the wrong hand. “They are keeping it secret,
but are very happy and really hope it’s going to work out. “Jude has been to visit Sienna’s parents and her sister Savannah and has worked hard to redeem himself.” Meanwhile, Jude has admitted having a fourth child has made him more mature. The ‘Alfie’ star - who has three children with ex-wife Sadie Frost, Rafferty, 13, Iris, nine, and Rudy, seven, and another daughter, seven-month-old Sophia, with model Samantha Burke - told Parade magazine: “My daughter made me realise if there’s anything that’s going to make a man of you it’s having your will broken by a little girl. Eventually you have to grow up.”
Lopez is not a diva he 40-year-old singer-and-actress claims she is not the difficult star many assume she is and admits she gets upset by the accusations. She said: “I never like stories where people say I misbehave or act like a diva, because I don’t. Or that I make terrible demands, because those are always fabricated stories, and always have been. “But they’ve become such a strong part of my image that I have no control over it. They’re not true, though, and that’s always bothered me.” Despite her frustrations, the ‘Jenny from the Block’ hitmaker tries to ignore the more outlandish claims because she knows she is a good person. She told the New York Daily News newspaper: “You have to keep a sense of humor. There’s something that people want about that diva idea, and I don’t understand it and it bothers me because it’s not the type of person I am, but what can I do? “What’s always served me throughout my career is that when people get to know me, or talk to me, and they actually get a chance to see what I’m like, it combats the negative stuff - when they get a chance to see who I am as a person and what I’m about, and that I laugh and giggle and that I’m normal. The truth always comes out at the end of the day.” Jennifer - who has two-year-old twins Max and Emme with husband Marc Anthony - also revealed her recent break from acting reinvigorated her career. She said: “I feel like it’s a new beginning. It’s a bit like when I was a teenager about to embark on this career but it’s much more challenging, difficult and harder. “I have so much more experience now but I feel just as fresh as I did back then and I’m excited about my life.”
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a far cry from California, where all the people are tanned and beautiful. And she may find the pebble beaches take a little getting used to. “But she has a real affection for the place and would love to have somewhere she can call home. “She hasn’t decided where yet, she’s still look-
ing at the options.” Former Playboy model Pamela - who is currently competing in US TV talent show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ - stayed in London over the Christmas period, when she starred as the genie of the lamp in a pantomime version of ‘Aladdin’.
he ‘Iron Man’ star’s mother, actress Blythe Danner, claims five-year-old Apple - Gwyneth’s eldest child with husband Chris Martin - is already showing signs of wanting to follow in the footsteps of her famous family. Blythe told In Touch magazine: “I definitely think she has that certain something. She’s very funny and beautiful. She adores her mother, and I think she likes me, and I think she probably likes to follow in footsteps.” While the ‘Waiting For Forever’ actress admits her grandson, four-year-old Moses, is currently more interested in “‘Star Wars’ Lego”, she believes he may also want to become an actor eventually. She added: “It’s in their blood.” Blythe - whose husband, director Bruce Paltrow, died in 2002 - also praised her daughter as a “phenomenal” mother to Apple and Moses. She said: “She really, really invests herself in an unusual way. She spends a lot of time with them - she answers everything, she anticipates, she never surprises them. “They’re well-prepared for the travel and all the things that go on. They’re very happy kids.”
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Swank wants to kiss Gere and McGregor ilary Swank wants to kiss Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor all day long. The Oscar-winning actress had a great time working on her new film ‘Amelia’ which is about the life of the female pilot Amelia Earhart and grew so close to her hunky co-stars, she thinks about them all the time. Hilary - who is dating her agent John Campisi said: “I could talk about them all day and kiss them all day. Richard is an incredible actor and I grew up watching his work. He is an icon in his own right. Then there’s the wonderful Ewan McGregor, who’s gorgeous and a gem - I’ve loved his work for a long time and he’s become a dear friend.” The 35-year-old actress - who grew up on a trailer park in America - holds her mother Jude Swank responsible for her Hollywood career, because she made her believe in herself. She told Britain’s Cosmopolitan magazine: “My mum has been a great role model. She gave me the gift of believing in me, which in turn made me believe in myself. She told me, ‘You can do anything you want, as long as you work hard enough don’t let anyone get in the way.”—BangShowbiz
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he Oscar-winning actress, who has three-year-old son Henry with director fiancee Darren Aronofsky, admits her home life is ordinary despite being in a showbiz relationship. She said: “Of course, it’s not ordinary to get dressed in frocks to walk down red carpets and travel all over the world and stay in five-star hotels. “I’m not working in a factory. But I drop Henry off at school, I pick him up. I try my hardest to keep everyone together. “I am interested in playing extra-ordinary women, but I have an ordinary life.” The 40-year-old Brit also admits she loves acting because there is always a new project for her to get involved in. She told Culture magazine: “That’s the great thing about acting. I can never imagine being satiated. It’s just like some math problem to figure out. I’m just getting started.” Recently fellow British actress Gemma Arterton admitted she wanted to have a career like Weisz’s, saying she admired the variety of her roles. She said: “I’d really like the type of career Rachel Weisz has. I have a lot of respect for her, brilliant, talented, intelligent, a witty sort of woman. You know, she’ll do a rom-com - not that I ever want to do a rom-com - but then she’ll go off and do ‘The Constant Gardener’, have a family and live quite a normal life, it seems. I respect that.”
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Paltrow’s daughter wants to be an actress
Rachel Weisz leads an ʻordinary lifeʼ
Jude Law and Sienna Miller are engaged again T
ing for a second property on the English coast, with Bournemouth, Blackpool, Brighton and Morecambe Bay all possible locations. Her agent, Toby St Just, said recently: “She loves it in England and is looking at buying two houses, one in London and one by the sea. “It’ll be
Pamela Anderson is house-hunting in London
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in love with South Kensington and the way of life. She is interested in history and arts. She’s considering an offer on a four-bed by the museums.” In addition to a London base, the 42-year-old star - who has sons Brandon, 13, and Dylan, 11, with exhusband Tommy Lee - is also look-
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Boyle is looking for her ‘prince’ he ‘Wild Horses’ singer - who remains a spinster at 49 - still hopes there is time to find the man of her dreams. Although she is still single, Susan has been having the best time of her life since she shot to fame after appearing on Simon Cowell’s show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. In a TV interview in Australia, she said: “I go on looking. Some day my prince will come. “But I have never been in a better place. It’s absolutely brilliant for me right now.” After appearing on the series, Susan asked out a fellow churchgoer - 66-yearold Helmut Glaser - in her hometown of West Lothian in Scotland, but he turned her down saying he was too old. Susan - whose debut album, ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, became the biggest-selling worldwide female solo album of 2009 - also admitted she is still getting used to being recognized in the street but remains down to earth and still uses public transport. She added: “It takes a wee bit to get used to it. I had to learn to be a bit different, people recognize you in the street. At the beginning I couldn’t go out on my own. I still catch the bus.” Meanwhile, the pressures of fame appear to be getting to Susan as she has reportedly had a public falling out with her personal assistant, Joanne Crawford, who is also her niece. The pair are said to have been at loggerheads during a recent trip to Japan, then upon their return to the UK, Susan blasted Joanne after being informed a private plane scheduled to take her from London’s Heathrow airport to Edinburgh was delayed. A source said: “It all kicked off in public at the baggage carousel at Heathrow Terminal Three.
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SPECTRUM
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
37
Lifestyle
In this film publicity image released by DreamWorks Animation, Shrek, voiced by Mike Myers, is shown in a scene from ‘Shrek Forever After.’ —AP
Pop star Shakira prepares to build school in Haiti olombian pop star Shakira met child survivors of Haiti’s earthquake on Sunday as her charity prepared to build a school in the disaster-stricken Caribbean country. The singer, who has already joined Hollywood actors and other global celebrities to raise funds for the victims of the Jan 12 earthquake, flew into the
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wrecked Haitian capital Port-au-Prince aboard a private jet. At the planned site of her Barefoot Haiti school, she met about a hundred children, some of whom danced to her songs. She then toured a camp housing nearly 50,000 people on a golf course. There, she met US actor Sean Penn, whose own charity is also helping vic-
tims. “We’ve come to make all the preparations to be able to start the building of a Barefoot school here in Haiti,” Shakira told Reuters in a brief interview. She explained that the school would be modeled on similar establishments created by her Pies Descalzos (Barefoot) Foundation, a charity that provides education, nutrition and psychological sup-
port to over six thousand Colombian children displaced by violence. “We think we can employ what we’ve learned (in Colombia) here, apply it in this country which needs it so much at the moment,” Shakira added. The Haitian school would be built and run with other non-governmental organizations. The Haiti quake, described by some
experts as the deadliest natural disaster in modern history, may have killed more than 300,000 people, the Haitian government says. It also left more than a million people homeless, many of them young orphans. Shakira said that providing education to Haitian children would be a key part of the reconstruction of the quake-shat-
tered country, which even before the disaster was already the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere. “We need to think about the future of this country and of how Haiti’s children can be useful to their societies tomorrow ... Education is one of the fundamental tools with which to develop and rebuild Haiti,” she said. —Reuters
In death as in life, Wagner clan at war memorial service for Richard Wagner’s grandson Wolfgang Wagner, who died March 21 aged 90, was the scene of fresh squabbles among the composer’s descendents, German newspapers reported yesterday. More than 1,000 personalities from music and politics including Chancellor Angela Merkel attended Sunday’s memorial in the opera house on the famed Green Hill in Bayreuth designed by the composer himself. But several seats were vacant with the four children of Wolfgang Wagner’s late brother Wieland Wagner boycotting because they were not afforded front-row places, media reports said. However Wolfgang Wagner’s own two daughters Eva Wagner-Pasquier and Katharina Wagner, whom he nominated to run the prestigious Bayreuth festival after his death, had ringside seats with Merkel. Wolfgang and his more talented brother Wieland jointly ran the annual Bayreuth festival dedicated to their grandfather’s music in 1951. But Wieland died in 1966, allowing Wolfgang to emerge from his sibling’s shadow and take sole charge. Wolfgang sowed the seeds for a bitter internecine battle when he divorced his wife Ellen Drexel in 1976 to marry his secretary Gudrun. Before the split, Wolfgang and Ellen’s daughter Eva had been close, so much so that she came to be seen as his “right-hand man”. But Eva took her mother’s side and was cast out of Bayreuth. So deep was the rift that when the festival’s ruling body, the Stiftungsrat, officially named the experienced Eva as Wolfgang’s successor in March 2001, the white-haired autocrat openly rubbished her abilities. —AFP
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In this Aug 11, 1966 file photo, John Lennon of the Beatles, center, is flanked by bandmates George Harrison, left, and Ringo Starr as he apologizes for his remark that ‘the Beatles are more popular than Jesus,’ at a Chicago news conference. —AP
Vatican makes peace with Beatles after 40 years he Vatican has finally made peace with the Beatles, saying their drug use, “dissolute” lives and even the claim that the band was bigger than Jesus are all in the past - while their music lives on. Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano paid tribute to the Fab Four in its weekend editions, with two articles and a front-page cartoon reproducing the crosswalk immortalized on the cover of the band’s album “Abbey Road.” The tribute marked the 40th anniversary of the band’s breakup. “It’s true, they took drugs; swept up by their success, they lived dissolute and uninhibited lives,” said the paper. “They even said they were more famous than Jesus,” it said, recalling John Lennon’s 1966 comment that outraged many Catholics and others. “But, listening to their songs, all of this seems distant and meaningless,” L’Osservatore said. “Their beautiful melodies, which changed forever pop music
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and still give us emotions, live on like precious jewels.” It is not the first time the Vatican has praised the legendary band from Liverpool. Two years ago, Vatican media hailed the Beatles’ musical legacy on the 40th anniversary of the “White Album.” And last month the Vatican paper included “Revolver” in its semiserious list of top-10 albums. Now, L’Osservatore says that the Beatles’ songs have stood the test of time, and that the band remains “the longest-lasting, most consistent and representative phenomenon in the history of pop music.” Giovanni Maria Vian, the editor in chief of L’Osservatore Romano, said Monday that he loves the Beatles. He said that at the time of Lennon’s sensational statement, Osservatore “commented that in reality it wasn’t that scandalous, because the fascination with Jesus was so great that it attracted these new heroes of the time.” —AP
Meryl Streep elected to American Academy of Arts
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An orchestra plays during a memorial service for Wolfgang Wagner, the grandson of composer Richard Wagner, in the southern German city of Bayreuth on April 11, 2010.—AFP
DreamWorks rolls out ‘Kung Fu Panda’ virtual world fter 2-1/2 years of work and an investment of about $10 million, DreamWorks Animation has started rolling out its first online virtual world-a browser-based Web theme park tied to its “Kung Fu Panda” movie franchise. The marketing push for “Kung Fu Panda World,” which comes at a subscription cost of $5.95 per month, but can also be sampled after watching an online ad, kicks off yesterday after a soft launch at the end of March. DreamWorks’ first effort in the virtual world space targets 8- to 12-year-olds, and follows the creation or acquisition of virtual worlds for young demos in recent years by such rivals as Walt Disney (Pixie Hollow, Club Penguin) and Viacom (Neopets, Petpet Park).
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John Batter, DreamWorks’ co-president of production, and Rick Rekedal, head of production for DreamWorks Animation Online, told the Hollywood Reporter that the virtual playground will allow “Panda” fans to pick a kung fu style fitting their personality (monkey, tiger or panda) and customize the look of their character. In tests, girls spent a lot of time on this activity. Users can then play in-world games (from dance/rhythm to jump-and-run and fight games with such names as “Manis and Crane” and “Kung Fu Beats”), unlock additional abilities and games over time and use in-world virtual coins they earn to buy items, such as clothing or scrolls and potions to enhance game play. The goal is to boost their kung fu mastery by earning colored sashes that stand for ever-improv-
ing levels of skill. To make the virtual world experience fun for the long-term, DWA also plans to add locations, games and features over time. The idea is to simulate the growth and journey of Po the Panda, the title character of the 2008 film, which is due for a sequel next year. “Kids want to be challenged and rewarded,” which is why games are simple to learn, but difficult to master, said Batter. “We’re kind of teaching them what a quest is. And we wanted to make them feel that this is their world and they have a say.” For example, Dreamworks will let members vote on what additional games and features will be launched. A lot of work went into making the experience kids-friendly to avoid frustrating or confusing young users. For example,
eryl Streep has another academy to thank. The star of films such as “Sophie’s Choice” and “Julie & Julia” has been named an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, an elite club that includes Toni Morrison, Stephen Sondheim and Jasper Johns. Not even two Oscars, seven Golden Globes and a lifetime achievement prize from the American Film Institute prepared Streep for this. “I have to say that I was stunned, and when they sent me the roster of people in the academy I just burst into tears,” Streep said in a recent telephone interview. “I couldn’t believe that I’d be even allowed in the kitchen.” The 112-year-old academy announced Monday that Streep and conductor James Levine had been elected to a special category, established in 1983, for “Americans of great distinction in the arts whose work falls outside the traditional departments” of music (composition), literature and art. Architects Fumihiko Maki of Japan and Alvaro Siza of Portugal were added to the academy’s honorary category for foreign artists. Directors Woody Allen (with whom Streep worked in “Manhattan”) and Martin Scorsese and choreographers Twyla Tharp and Paul Taylor are among the current members. While Allen and former member Orson Welles both worked extensively on screen, Streep is the first to be chosen solely for acting. —AP
click buttons were made large enough to make navigation easy. Users can add friends who show up on a map when entering the world, which allows kids to go on “play dates” inside the world. And tests showed that kids were concerned that if they hit “quit,” they would exit games in the virtual world and lose all their accomplishments and points. So, Dreamworks changed “quit” to “keep rewards and return to the world.” And since parents often tell kids they shouldn’t download programs, DreamWorks built the virtual world as an in-browser experience without the need to download or install programs. Will DreamWorks build more virtual worlds? “The experience of building this will help,” said Batter, adding that a “How
to Train Your Dragon” world is currently in the works. “Not every franchise makes a great online world,” said Rekedal. “But Kung Fu Panda, its story and its characters lend themselves to such treatment. And so do dragons.” DreamWorks also took care to ease parents’ concerns. For example, college graduates and software moderate chat interactions to keep things clean and ensure players are not taken advantage of in the trading of virtual items. And parents must confirm their kids’ membership and clear them to use the virtual world’s chat function. Also, they can turn off game play for certain days or hours to ensure kids do their homework or the like. Parents can even play games, too, and win bonus points for their kids. —Reuters
SPECTRUM
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Travel
Battlefields recall forgotten conflict of Colonial era
The outer walls at Pennsylvania’s re-created Fort Ligonier stretch 1,700 feet and enclose 3.5 acres.— MCT photos ort Ligonier is an impressive wooden fort-within-afort and an interesting place for families to learn a little history. The outer log walls stretch about 1,700 feet and enclose 3.5 acres. The outer walls are topped by sharpened wooden pickets or oversize stakes set at a 30degree angle to thwart enemies. The inner fort is 200 feet square with three gates, four bastions and seven interior buildings. An artillery battery is located on the western edge, flanked by a moat and bundles of wooden sticks to buttress the walls. Outer buildings include the hospital, sawmill, smokehouse, bake oven, forge and a log dwelling. The grounds are also filled with imposing portable wooden obstacles, called cheaux de fries, used to slow or halt oncoming troops. It is the most authentic French and Indian War fort of wood and earth in the United States. The British fort, built in September 1758 on a knoll overlooking Loyalhanna Creek, came under attack twice by French and Indians. Both attacks were repulsed. Unfortunately, today the re-created fort in southwestern Pennsylvania tends to be overlooked. That’s because it goes back to the French and Indian War, a conflict between England and France for control of North America, a war that far too many Americans never learned about in history class. The war was a key training ground for Col George Washington, first as a diplomatic courier and then as a soldier in the British Army. Washington was at the fort in 1758. Fort Ligonier is one of about 10 historic sites tied to the French and Indian War within what is called the Historic Triangle, an hour southeast of Pittsburgh. In 1758, the fort was a staging ground for the campaign by Gen. John Forbes to regain British control of the Ohio River Valley. Forbes, with 5,000 men, ordered construction of a road across Pennsylvania, guarded by a chain of forts, including Fort Ligonier. His goal: the French-held Fort Duquesne in what is now Pittsburgh. The French abandoned Fort Duquesne,
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Defenses at Pennsylvania’s Fort Ligonier, where Col. George Washington served in the British Army, included portable wooden stakes called “cheaux de fries.”
and it was occupied by Forbes on Nov 25, 1758. Fort Ligonier was decommissioned and abandoned in 1766. It was rebuilt starting in 1954 on the original site. The Daughters of the American Revolution had purchased the land in the late 1940s. The fort and the adjoining museum are at US 30 and state Route 711 in Ligonier, about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. The facilities are operated by the nonprofit Fort Ligonier Association. Artifacts on display include two saddle pistols given to Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette and later owned
by President Andrew Jackson; Washington’s Remarks, an autobiographical 11-page handwritten manuscript of his military experiences on the Pennsylvania frontier; and a painting of Washington by Rembrandt Peale. The museum features five galleries with displays from around the world focused on the French and Indian War. In addition, the art gallery features 13 bigger-thanlife paintings of key figures on both sides. The museum has more than 130,000 artifacts recovered during archaeological digs at the site. The association has an impressive collection of re-
Pennsylvania’s Fort Ligonier, built in 1758 and abandoned in 1766, was rebuilt starting in 1954 on the site of the original fort.
A total of 5,000 British troops were stationed at Pennsylvania’s Fort Ligonier. They twice came under attack; both attacks were thwarted.
created British artillery and wagons parked outside. They include cast bronze howitzers, mortars and cannons. The original parlor from Arthur St Clair’s house, the Hermitage, is preserved behind glass walls in one exhibit. St Clair was a major general in the Continental Army, was elected to the Confederation Congress after the Revolutionary War and was governor of the Northwest Territory. The museum features a 14-minute video to inform visitors of the role Fort Ligonier played in the French and Indian War. Nine buildings within the fortress feature interpretive displays. Fort Ligonier hosts a major military re-enactment on the second weekend in October, Fort Ligonier Days. The season runs April 15 to Nov 15, 10 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults and $5.50 for children 6 to 14. Group rates are available. The fort is 12 miles north of the Donegal exit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For information about the fort, contact Fort Ligonier Association, 216 S Market St, Ligonier, PA 15658, 724-238-9701,http://fortligonier.org. There is another often overlooked battlefield in southwestern Pennsylvania: Bushy Run. The 213-acre site, near Greensburg, marks the place of the Aug 5-6, 1763, battle between British Col. Henry Bouquet’s 400 troops and Indians in what has been called Pontiac’s War (176364). After the French had abandoned the Ohio Valley, Ottawa chief Pontiac resisted British policies and colonial settlement. His warriors seized nine British forts, attacked frontier settlements and lay siege to Fort Pitt. Bouquet won at Bushy Run and that ended the threat to Fort Pitt. The battlefield is managed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The state historical park outside Jeannette in Westmoreland County offers self-guided hikes, guided tours and interpretive programs. Park hours are 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday. The visitor center is open from 9 am to 5 pm
the music city Scott Collier (middle) of the Scott Collier Band performs on the bar to a full crowd in Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Broadway Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee . —MCT
ashville’s “Music City” nickname has always been pronounced with a Southern accent. Nashville is, after all, the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the stomping grounds of Hank Williams and a magnet for talented country artists. But a person can satisfy just about any musical urge in a relatively small area you can cover on foot. That’s how Maureen Ovington figured it. Ovington, of Coloma, Mich, drove down with a couple of friends for some R&R. “When I started on the road trip, I wanted to hear all country,” she said one Friday afternoon at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, the downtown honky-tonk that’s as good a place as any to kick-start a long weekend. “I said I wanted to see all live bands. Tonight we’re seeing blues and rock bands. Tomorrow is country.” She gets it. Most people, though, don’t see beyond the old Music City image. “Still the ‘Hee-Haw’ hangover,” is how Jason Moon Wilkins puts it. Wilkins founded the Next Big Nashville, a music festival and conference featuring 200 mostly local bands every October. “The business side (of the music industry in Nashville) is extremely diverse, and the music is, too,” Wilkins said. “I think that’s shown now by Jack White, Ben Folds, Kings of Leon (all Nashville-based) and so forth. Sometimes, people don’t necessarily associate any of them with the city.” Still, one type of music dominates the three-block strip along Broadway, though you get a taste of Nashville’s alternatives. Among the souvenir shops, clothing stores and life-size Elvis statues, you’ll find some venues that are a must. “Tootsie’s and Robert’s and Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, some of those places, they offer something that’s pretty rare,” Wilkins said. “It goes from just guys who are trying to do their own thing to stars to the working-class musician who has been in Nashville the last half-decade. They go down there either to hone their chops or do it for fun. ... That part’s really cool.” Let’s see for ourselves. Like Maureen Ovington, we start at Tootsie’s.
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Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: Originally called Mom’s,
are the ever-present empty mayonnaise jars for tips. It can get packed, but tables are small, and there’s room for dancing. Robert’s Western World: Another classic, Robert’s sits next to Layla’s. It has a nice beer list, a wall of dollar bills with messages written on them, and plenty of space, which fills up quickly Fridays and Saturdays. At 10 on those nights, owner Jesse Lee Jones’ band, Brazilbilly, takes the stage for a four-hour set. They’re not to be missed.
Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom: This two-room downtown venue, in a renovated 125-year-old building, offers touring indie, rock and underground acts as well as local bands. The downstairs ballroom holds 1,000, the upstairs lounge 500. It’s considered one of the best, if not the best, live music bars in town.
12th & Porter: Another downtown favorite of the under-30 crowd, it brings in nationally known groups and locals as well six nights a week. Good sound, excellent place to see a show-and a much-better-than-average menu.
Layla’s Bluegrass Inn: Just down from Tootsie’s, Layla’s offers country, rockabilly, Western and other genres on the stage in the front window. Scattered about
The Second Fiddle: The walls of this roomy bar, between Tootsie’s and Layla’s, are lined with dozens of old radios and musical instruments, including a guitar
If you go It’s a 10-minute, $25 cab ride from Nashville International Airport to downtown. • Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, 418 Broadway, laylasbluegrassinn.com • Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom, 1 Cannery Row, mercylounge.com • Robert’s Western World, 416 Broadway, robertswesternworld.com • Rocketown, 401 6th Avenue South, rocketown.com • Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Avenue North, ryman.com • The Second Fiddle, 420 Broadway, thesecondfiddle.com • Station Inn, 402 12th Avenue South, $10 cover, stationinn.com • Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, 422 Broadway, tootsies.net • 12th & Porter, 114 12th Avenue North, 12thandporterlive.com
Bottle collapses for travelers What it is: Vapur Inc is a California company that makes the Vapur-16 Anti-Bottle, a collapsible BPA-free “fold and go” plastic water bottle. It comes with a sport-bottle spout and a carabiner clip and is available in five colors: blue, pink, green, smoke and purple, though green is currently out of stock. It’s designed for maximum flexibility and can stand when full or roll up or lie flat when empty. Vapur’s Web site points out that the financial expense and environmental impact of drinking bottled water is immense and most US tap water is among the best in the world.
Members of the Howling Brothers Band perform, fronted by a tip jar, at Layla’s Bluegrass Inn on Broadway Avenue in Nashville.
this landmark underwent a name change after being bought by Hattie Louis Tatum Bess, aka “Tootsie,” in 1960. “Orchid” was added when, according to legend, an unsupervised worker painted the exterior that color. One legend that’s verifiable: Stars from the Grand Ole Opry, then performing across the alley at Ryman Auditorium, would slip in the back door and enjoy a beverage between their Opry sets. Live music starts at 10 every morning and goes till 2:30 am .You get the idea.
Saturday and noon to 5 pm Sunday from Nov 1 through March 31. From April 1 to Oct 31, the center is open from 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5 pm Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for senior citizens and $2 for children 6 to 17. For information, contact Bushy Run Battlefield, P.O. Box 468, Harrison City, PA 15636, 724-527-5584, http://www.bushyrunbattlefield.com. Washington first came to western Pennsylvania in 1753-54. He was 21 years old and an envoy to the Virginia governor. He traveled more than 450 miles on foot in winter, visiting French forts with a letter demanding that they abandon the country. The French declined. Washington was nearly shot by his Indian guide on that trek, and he nearly drowned crossing the Allegheny River near what is now Pittsburgh. Washington played a key role during the French and Indian War at another southwestern Pennsylvania site: Fort Necessity National Battlefield at Farmington. It is about 60 minutes from Fort Ligonier. At this site, now an 852-acre national park, Washington and his troops built a wooden stockade in 1754 in defense from the French. Washington was forced to surrender, the only time that happened in his military career. Not far from Fort Necessity is the grave of British Gen. Edward Braddock, who was killed in 1755 with his army in retreat from the Battle of Monongahela; and Jumonville Glen, where Washington had his first military engagement in 1754 during the first battle of the French and Indian War. You can also visit the old National Road that opened Ohio and the Midwest to development in 1811. It ran from Cumberland, Md, to Vandalia, Ill. For information, contact Fort Necessity at 1 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437, 724-329-5512, http://www.nps.gov/fone. For Laurel Highlands information, contact the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, 120 E Main St, Ligonier, PA 15658, 800-333-5661, http://www.laurelhighlands.org.—MCT
The good: The Vapur makes it easy to be a more ecofriendly traveler wherever the tap water is good to drink. It takes the hassle out of wanting water on the plane or in the airport. I carry my empty Vapur either rolled up in a pocket or attached by its carabiner clip to my suitcase. Once I clear the security checkpoint, I fill it up at the nearest water fountain. For road trips, you can fill it, then freeze it, so you have cold water to drink while traveling. signed by Mother Maybelle Carter, among others, and two crossed, full-size bass fiddles over the bar. Again, great music. “You sit back and listen to some of the guys, especially at night, and you wonder why they’re not on the road,” said guitarist David Lane, who was doing a Sunday-morning shift. “They’re better than what you hear on the radio.”
The bad: The top of the sports cap is easy to lose, and I lost mine within a couple of months. I wish it could accommodate hot beverages, but then it wouldn’t be a collapsible plastic container. Cost: $8.95 or a Family 4-pack for $29.95. Available from: vapur.us and amazon.com. — MCT
The Station Inn: It’s not downtown proper, but it’s so worth the hike (or short cab ride). For Wilkins’ money, this is the best bluegrass in town. “There’s nothing to it,” he said of the unimposing building on 12th Avenue South, “but it’s real. ... It’s an absolute rite of passage for any serious bluegrass or old-time music player.” The seven-nights-a-week schedule packs ‘em in. “If you’re a bluegrass or acoustic musician-and there are hundreds of them in Nashville-this is their ‘Cheers,’” said bartender Jill Crabtree. “They come in and 25 people know them because bluegrass is such a tight-knit community.” Rocketown: Part concert venue, part indoor skate park, this facility was founded in 1994 by Robert W Smith to keep kids off the streets. “It’s the place for all the emo and hard-core and Christian bands coming through town,” Wilkins said. “If you’re over 18, you feel old.” Ryman Auditorium: We saved the best for last. Opened in 1892 as a tabernacle, the Ryman featured church services, plays, speeches and performers from Rudolph Valentino to Enrico Caruso. It became “the mother church of country music” after the Grand Ole Opry arrived in 1943. The Opry left in ‘74, and the glorious building was nearly demolished. But it was saved and renovated to its former glory-perfect acoustics and all-and today hosts concerts for every taste. Even the Opry returns for three months every year. Catch a show there. And take the tour (especially the backstage version; ask for Henry). — MCT
Vapur Inc is a California company that makes the Vapur-16 Anti-Bottle, a collapsible BPA-free ‘fold and go’ plastic water bottle. —MCT
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SPECTRUM
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Travel
Sunshine’s a side dish at New York restaurants’ outdoor tables utdoor cafes aren’t usually the first thing visitors think about, but New Yorkers consider alfresco dining one of the city’s premier treats. As with everything else about New York City, there are broad variations by price and by neighborhood. Happily, there is sunshine dining for all. The Upper East Side is a residential area, but it holds Museum Mile (along Fifth Avenue) and the city’s greatest stretch of high-end boutiques (on Madison Avenue). Visitors often dine there after experiencing the classic shop-till-you-drop effect or coming down with “museum leg,” that can’t-walk-another-step affliction of cultured people worldwide. In the summer, whenever it isn’t too hot, the neighborhood’s outdoor tables will fill up first. If New Yorkers love only one thing more than New York itself, it’s a bargain. Le Magnifique had its first summer season only last year, but by delivering a fine $20 three-course dinner (before 6:30 pm), it became an instant hit with those who want French food at American prices. Patrons appear to include a large segment of the French expat community. The outdoor tables stretch along a charming and quiet block of East 73rd Street. As you dine on chicken paillard or a Kobe beef burger, and as you answer your waiter’s French with the best you can muster, you can feel you’re an American in Paris, even as others gracefully tackle being French in New York. For a long time, the canteen of the upper class was Mortimer’s. When the owner died, the site was transformed from a clubby den into Orsay, an authentic and airy copy
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Grab an outdoor table at JG Melon for what loyalists consider the best hamburger in New York.
of a French bistro. Orsay has always been fun, but it has recently rediscovered its culinary heritage with refined interpretations of classic French bistro dishes. Dining outside in New York can be a challenge if your table is so close to the street that passersby get to nose into your food. (It has been known to happen.) Orsay has raised the platform for its outdoor tables off street level and discreetly fenced it in, making the restaurant a popular alternative for summer brunches and dinners at what, by the neighborhood’s standards, are generally moderate prices. If you go on a weekend, you will see a good number of local families, the grandparents doting over neatly scrubbed grandchildren, the parents ever on the watch for flung croissants. One block east, virtually facing each other, are two places that offer outside tables for American cooking. JG Melon is inexpensive, yet it serves what loyalists believe is the best hamburger in New York. It’s popular for its publike feel, but in the summer, if you’re quick enough (that is, if you come before noon), you can grab an outdoor table. Across the street, Tony Fortuna transformed his popular Lenox Room into T-Bar Steak & Lounge. T-Bar is a New York rarity, a steakhouse that has an active following among both men and women, because Fortuna is too skilled a restaurateur to fall into the black hole of steakhouse dining: the fatty porterhouse with creamed spinach. It’s the kind of carefully balanced place where socialites can dress down and relax and where others can dress up and feel pampered.
The menu includes salads light enough to make a fashion model happy and a long selection of wines by the glass. There are few outdoor tables, but in the summer, the big windows are thrown open for lunch, and if you’re sitting at a window table, you can have that cafe feeling while remaining air-conditioned. Just up the road is the Atlantic Grill. Ordinarily, it’s a seafood restaurant, but it’s one of the most popular egg-based brunch venues in town because the prix fixe menu is cheap and includes the nearly obligatory mimosa. You’re a bit exposed to street life when seated outside, but alfresco stalwarts like what they get. You cannot write about dining on the Upper East Side without mentioning Italian food. One of the neighborhood’s longtime favorites, Baraonda, has many outdoor tables, but such is the loyalty for good Italian among locals that they can easily book up during brunch and dinner. Less well known, however, is the outdoor dining at the neighborhood’s member in the three-restaurant Caffe Buon Gusto chain. The small group deserves its reputation for its always fresh and surprisingly inexpensive pasta dishes. When you arrive at the East Side location wondering if you can dine outside, you will see that there are a handful of small tables set up on the front porch. But if you know to ask, you will be escorted through a narrow, twisting corridor, past the kitchen and down the back stairs, to a quiet backyard patio, there to enjoy an open-air meal undisturbed by city life. New York is about nothing if not surprises. —MCT
Orsay raised the platform for its outdoor tables and discreetly fenced in the area.
If you go
The outdoor tables can easily book up for brunch or dinner at neighborhood favorite Baraonda on the Upper East Side in New York. — MCT photos
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Atlantic Grill, 1341 Third Ave at 77th Street; 212988-9200; www.brguestrestaurants.com (search “our restaurants”)
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Baraonda, 1439 Second Ave at 75th Street; 212288-8555; www.baraondany.com
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Caffe Buon Gusto, 236 E. 77th St, between Second and Third avenues; 212-535-6884; www.caffeboungusto.com
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JG Melon, 1291 Third Ave at 74th Street; 212744-0585
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Le Magnifique, 1022 Lexington Ave at 73rd Street; 212- 879-6190 —Orsay, 1057 Lexington Ave at 75th Street; 212-517-6400; www.orsayrestaurant.com
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T-Bar Steak & Lounge, 1278 Third Ave at 73rd Street; 212-772-0404; www.tbarnyc.com. Lunch Monday-Saturday; dinner every evening. — MCT
Tony Fortuna’s T-Bar Steak & Lounge is a place where socialites can dress down and others can dress up.
Foreign correspondence: Guatemala’s secret charms come to light it like to live in a far-off place most of us see only on a vacation? Foreign Correspondence is an interview with someone who lives in a spot you may want to visit. Al Argueta, 34, is a New Yorker whose parWhat’s ents are from Guatemala. He divides his time between there and Austin, Texas, where he resides. Argueta is the author of the just-published “Living Abroad in Guatemala” . Q. We hear a lot about going to Costa Rica or Belize. Why is Guatemala under the radar? A. You don’t hear much about Guatemala in terms of people wanting to move there. For travel, it has gotten a bit more popular, and actually is right behind Costa Rica when you measure by arrivals and tourism income. Maybe it’s a marketing thing. I’ve met a number of Americans who left Costa Rica because it’s too saturated with Americans. Guatemala still feels authentic, but has all the modern conveniences-and then some-of its neighbors. I’ve lived in San Jose (Costa Rica’s capital) and would rather be living in Guatemala City. It feels more like a city than San Jose. Guatemala could be the best-kept secret around. Q. What’s the capital like? A. Guatemala City has about 4 million people. It’s the largest city in Central America. You have the opportunity to live in high-rise condos, which you don’t in capitals like Managua (Nicaragua) and Belize City. It’s also the most modern, aside from Panama City, and has the most modern airport. The city has a lot of good cultural attractions, like excellent museums. Guatemala City has wide boulevards and a totally different feel than those other places. This is partly because at one time it was the colonial capital of all Central America. And it’s topographically beautiful-surrounded by mountains and with views of volcanoes.
Q. Doesn’t Guatemala have a higher percentage of indigenous people? A. Sure. Tourists who want to see that aspect go straight to Guatemala’s Mayan ruins or villages. Half the population of the country is Mayan. That culture runs beneath the social fabric of everything. There’s the colonial heritage, too. Most people get off the plane and go to Antigua, which is Mayan as well as colonial.
Al Argueta, 34, is a New Yorker whose parents are from Guatemala. — MCT
Q. How far from the capital do you have to go to see this? A. Antigua is 45 minutes away _ literally over the next mountain. Once out of Guatemala City, it’s completely rural and scenic in any direction. Go down the Pan American Highway and two hours from Antigua is Lake Atitlan, another hot spot for Americans, who’ve been settling there for a long time. You can live on the lakefront for a lot less than in the US. The area has at least 12 Mayan villages, and the villages still have the weekly market day. Villagers wear traditional dress, and each village has its own attire. Q. How do economics and language play out in Guatemala? A. There’s a lot of wealth in Guatemala, but it’s not well distributed. A strong upper class kind of dominates things. The good side is that it has given Guatemala an infrastructure it would otherwise lack. On the other hand, it creates a huge chasm between rich and poor. Guatemala’s experience and social and political dynamics give it a personality of its own. Things are always eventful. It’s like living inside a novel. About 75 percent of Guatemalans speak Spanish. There are also 21 different Indian dialects. Some are in remote areas where the dialect is all they speak. Spanish is the common denominator. Maybe 40 percent of the people in Guatemala City or the other major tourist areas speak English.
Q. Tell me something I ought to know-but don’tabout visiting there. A. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines are really underrated. From Guatemala City, the Pacific is only 90 minutes south on a fast highway. People move there for the atmosphere. There’s also great fishing and nice black sand beaches that makes it a little exotic. The Caribbean coast is a sliver on a peninsula near Belize. It’s remote, not easy to get to, and has some nice areas. There’s a beautiful jungle river-Rio Dulce-that’s popular with Caribbean boaters who go there during hurricane season. It’s also popular with expats. The river actually connects the Caribbean to Guatemala’s largest lake, Izabal. Q. How do the seasons work? A. It depends on the altitude. In general, May through October is the rainy season. In September and October, you can get socked in all day with rain. The rest of the time, it’s mostly an afternoon thundershower. In January and February, highland areas-elevations of 8,000 to 12,000 feet-can get downright cold. Guatemala can get cold fronts that move down from the United States; temperatures dip to the 50s and 60s for daytime highs. Guatemala City is at about 5,000 feet. It’s always warm on the coast, but it’s not like that everywhere. — MCT
Al Argueta’s book cover
www.kuwaittimes.net
ʻSuch tweet sorrowʼ
MM’s therapy couch up for sale
Romeo and Juliet as never b4 he Royal Shakespeare Company gave Romeo and Juliet an interactive modern makeover yesterday with the Bard’s classic lines replaced by Twitter messages such as “Jules is over and out!!!”. A cast of six RSC actors are improvising a story, loosely based on Shakespeare’s classic romance, in real time over the next five weeks on the microblogging site. Using postings limited to 140 characters or less, the British-based actors have been asked to respond to each other, to the Twitter “audience” and to real events as they happen around the world.
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The actors’ ‘dialogue’ will be relayed to computers from their mobile phones. Juliet, played by 19-year-old RSC actress Charlotte Wakefield, is a teenager who has never had a boyfriend, but finds solace by chatting incessantly on the Internet. For the purposes of the story, her mother, Susan Capulet, 34, was killed in a car crash a decade ago. In one early tweet Juliet linked a YouTube video she had made of her room, pausing on the framed photo of her dead mother. On her way to school she tweeted, complete with grammatical errors: “Ok
now dads beeping at me from the car!! Gotta dash!! Wish I could tweet at school but... I can’t :( I promise I’ll be back on after school. “Jules is over and out!! Xxx” A typical tweet from Juliet’s brother Tybalt, who risks being expelled from school because of bad behaviour, was: “Gonna be late for class coz i’ve gotta have breakfast. Couldn’t give a crap!” The actors have been asked to improvise around a prepared story “grid” set in modern Britain, rather than the Verona of the original, to ensure events happen at a certain time. They are writing the tweets
themselves, taking inspiration from their character backgrounds and a detailed diary that has been given to them. The project, named “Such Tweet Sorrow” in a play on the words “parting is such sweet sorrow” from Romeo and Juliet, is a coproduction with a company that produces entertainment on mobile phones, TV and the Internet. RSC artistic director Michael Boyd said the worldrenowned theatre company’s aim was always “to bring actors and audiences closer together”. “We look forward to seeing how people engage with this new way of playing,” he said. —AFP
Royal Chie fur collection
Models display the 2010/2011 Royal Chie fur collection, designed by Chie Imai at a Tokyo hotel yesterday. —AFP
In this Sept 9, 1954 file photo, Marilyn Monroe poses over the updraft of a New York subway grating while in character for the filming of ‘The Seven Year Itch’ in New York. —AP photos ust when you thought every last bit of Marilyn Monroe had been put up for auction, including the crypt above hers at a local cemetery, along comes the couch from her shrink’s office. Darren Julien of Julien’s Auctions says the psychiatric sofa will be offered June 26
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and 27 during the Hollywood Legends auction at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas. Other Monroe-abilia up for grabs: her Chanel No 5, personal photos, bank statements, scripts, signed checks, and the chair used in the star’s final photo shoot. —AP
(Above) A mid-century modern daybed from the office of Marilyn Monroe therapist, Dr Ralph Greenson. (Left) This image, taken in 1954, released by Julien’s Auctions, shows an original black and white vintage photograph of Marilyn Monroe in Korea. (Below) Marilyn Monroe’s change of rate card from 20th Century Fox dated May 11, 1953. Monroe’s weekly pay rate changed from $750.00 to 1,250.
Japanese designer Chie Imai acknowledges the audience at the finale of the 2010/2011 Royal Chie fur collection at a Tokyo hotel yesterday. —AFP