10 May

ON IP TI SC R SU B

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

West turns a blind eye to Bahrain crackdown

Egypt tightens security amid sectarian tensions

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Belgian cyclist Weylandt dies in fall at Giro d’Italia

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Pakistan rejects Laden accusations as absurd PM warns US on future attacks • Media ‘out’ CIA station chief

Opposition MPs to file to grill PM

By B Izzak KUWAIT: Two opposition lawmakers are due to file a request to grill the prime minister today over allegations of financial and administrative irregularities and squandering public funds. The grilling request will be filed by MPs Khaled Al-Tahous of the Popular Action Bloc and MP Mubarak Al-Waalan and is likely to be debated two weeks later or could be referred to the constitutional court. The request will be submitted immediately after the new ministers take the oath in the National Assembly to become members in parliament in accordance with the Kuwaiti constitution.

It will be the fastest grilling to be submitted in Kuwait’s history since it will come just two days after the new Cabinet was announced. The Popular Bloc had repeatedly warned that if Prime Minister HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad AlSabah was appointed premier to form his seventh government, they will file to grill him. The Popular Bloc and the Islamist Reform and Development Bloc, together having eight MPs, in addition to several other independent opposition MPs and Salafists, are expected to support the grilling. The position of the liberal National Action Bloc, which supported the previous grilling of the premier, is not immediately known.

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KUWAIT: Scuffles broke out at a mosque in Sabhan yesterday after a number of Kuwaitis grabbed the microphone by force from the imam in order to perform funeral prayers in absentia for slain AlQaeda chief Osama bin Laden. More than a hundred people had responded to a call by Islamist activist Mubarak Al Bathali (inset) and arrived at the Al-Ihsan mosque. Police and state security officers surrounded the mosque, and the sources expected the imam to file a case over the incident. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Syria rounds up thousands

BOSTON: This three-photo combination shows Dallas Wiens, the recipient of the first full face transplant in the United States. (Left) A 2008 file photo shows Wiens with his daughter Scarlette prior to an electrical accident that disfigured his face. (Center) A Dec 2010 file photo shows Wiens prior to receiving a full face transplant during the week of March 14, 2011. (Right) Wiens takes questions from members of the media during a news conference at Brigham And Women’s Hospital yesterday. – AP

US man shows off face transplant BOSTON: A young father who was terribly disfigured in an electrical accident showed off his new look yesterday alongside doctors who performed the United States’ first full face transplant.

Visibly moved as he described how his young daughter called him “handsome” and how the first whiff of hospital food was so tantalizing, 26-year-old Dallas Wiens said there were no words to thank the anonymous donor and his family. “I can never express what has been done, what I have been given,” said Wiens at a press conference with doctors who performed the operation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the northeastern city of Boston.

The world’s first full face transplant was unveiled last year by doctors in Spain, a European feat that followed the first partial face transplant in 2005, carried out on a French woman who had been mauled by a dog. Wiens, who lives in Texas, burned his face off in Nov 2008 after the left side of his head touched an electrical wire while he was working up high in a cherry picker. The high voltage electrical wire burned off his nose and lips and blinded him. Wiens lost his left eye in the accident and has no light perception remaining in his right eye.

At the press conference, he wore black sunglasses and a dark goatee beard, and appeared swollen on one side of his face.

“To me the face feels natural. It feels as if

it has become my own,” said Wiens, acknowledging that he still feels numb in some places and needs to continue rehabilitation work to rebuild nerve function.

Plastic surgeon Bohdan Pomahac led the team of physicians, nurses and anesthesiologists who worked for more than 15 hours to replace Wiens’s nose, lips, facial skin, nerves and muscles. “He was quite literally a man without a face,” said Pomahac.

The operation was done in March by a 30-strong team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which hailed the first full face transplant per formed in the United States as a sign of medical progress. “In plastic surgery this represents, at least in my mind, a new frontier of reconstructive surgery, of what is possible now,” said one of his doctors, Jeffrey Janis of Parkland Hospital. “This really opens up an immense amount of doors and represents a lot of hope where maybe before there was none.”

Elof Eriksson, chief of plastic surgery at Brigham Women’s hospital, said Wiens has been through the first three steps the initial workup, the surgery and the post-operation healing. “Dallas has successfully gone through the first three stages, but still has to regain nerve and muscle function,” said Eriksson. Two years ago, doctors at the same hospital performed a partial face transplant on Continued on Page 14

DAMASCUS: Syrian security forces rounded up thousands of men as they went house to house in a bid to crush an anti-regime protest movement in the coastal city of Banias yesterday, as shots rang out in a Damascus suburb surrounded by troops, activists said. Protests organisers meanwhile called for a day of solidarity today with “prisoners of conscience” held in Syrian jails, according to a statement posted on the Syrian Revolution 2011 Facebook page.

Rami Abdul Rahman, head of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said water, electricity and telephone lines have been cut off in Banias, on Syria’s northwest Mediterranean coast.

“There were house-to-house raids overnight and it continued on Monday morning,” Abdul Rahman said, adding that the men were being rounded up for questioning in a stadium based on lists of names.

“Thousands of men, including youths, have been rounded up by the army and security forces... to be interrogated and they are being beaten. More than 400 are still being held,” the activist said.

He denounced the authorities for using brutal force to crush the protests, telling AFP: “The military solution is useless in Syria. Things will only be solved when a democratic society emerges.” “Residents hoped that the army would arrest regime supporters who have terrorised Banias but instead the army arrested unarmed residents,” he said.

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Max 38 Min 27 Low Tide 10:23 & 23:12 High Tide 05:40 & 15:37

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prime minister yesterday dismissed as “absurd” accusations that Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden must have benefited from official complicity or incompetence to hide out in his country.

Addressing parliament in his first comments since bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEALs a week ago less than a mile from a top military academy, Yousuf Raza Gilani promised an investigation, to be led by a top Pakistani general. He also warned the US that any unilateral raids in the future would be met with “full force”.

Pakistan is a key Washington ally in the US-led war on terrorism, but with already tense relations stretched even further by the discovery of bin Laden, Gilani issued thinly veiled criticisms of Washington. He also bowed to domestic opposition of America’s covert action on Pakistani soil, saying: “Unilateralism runs the inherent risk of serious consequences.” Gilani said that he had “full confidence in the high command of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)” spy agency, both accused of failing to spot bin Laden hiding under their noses or even of protecting him.

“We are determined to get to the bottom of how, when and why about OBL’s presence in Abbottabad,” he said. “Allegations of complicity or incompetence are absurd. We emphatically reject such accusations.” The premier has been under mounting pressure from both Washington and his own people after bin Laden was confirmed to have been living in an urban compound only 55 km from Islamabad.

There has been an outcry in the US with President Barack Obama saying the terror kingpin must have had some kind of backing. “We think that there had to be some sort of support network for bin Laden inside of Pakistan,” Obama, speaking on the matter for the first time, told the CBS show “60 Minutes”. “But we don’t know who or what that support network was. We don’t know whether there might have been some people inside of government, people outside of government, and that’s Continued on Page 14

Samoa plans to go Back to the Future APIA, Samoa: Samoa plans to leap 24 hours into the future, erasing a day and putting a new kink in the Pacific’s jagged international date line so that it can be on the same weekday as Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asia. It’ll be Back to the Future for the island nation, offsetting a decision it made 119 years ago to stay behind a day and align itself with US traders based in California. That has meant that when it’s dawn Sunday in Samoa, it’s already dawn Monday in adjacent Tonga and shortly before dawn Monday in nearby New Zealand, Australia and increasingly prominent eastern Asia trade partners such as China.

Samoa has found its interests lying more with the Asia-Pacific region and now wants to switch back to the west side of the line, which separates one calendar day from the next and runs roughly north-to-south through the middle of the Pacific Ocean. “In doing business with New Zealand and Australia we’re losing out on two working days a week,” Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said in a statement. “While it’s Friday here, it’s Saturday in New

Zealand and when we’re at church on Sunday, they’re already conducting business in Sydney and Brisbane.”

Samoa’s change will have a cost: The Polynesian nation has long marketed itself as the last place on Earth to see each day’s sunset. “It will be really confusing for us. I just don’t see the point, and we don’t know the benefits yet,” multimedia company official Laufa Lesa, 30, told AP in an interview from the Samoan capital Apia. “The government says it’s good for the economy, but it’s totally fine the way it is now,” Lesa said.

The prime minister already has a new tourism angle: You can easily celebrate the same day twice, because the nextdoor US territory of American Samoa will stay on the California side of the date line and remain one day behind. “You can have two birthdays, two weddings and two wedding anniversaries on the same date - on separate days - in less than an hour’s flight across (the ocean), without leaving the Samoan chain,” Tuilaepa said.

Tuilaepa has proposed leaping forward by scratching this year’s Dec 31 from the calendar and holding New Continued on Page 14

King Hussein’s legacy grows in sports world

DUBAI: This Feb 20, 2010 file photo shows Venus Williams of the US holding a trophy as she talks to Jordan’s Princess Haya, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, after the final of the Dubai Tennis Championship. — AP

LAUSANNE, Switzerland: A new force is emerging in the Olympic movement, lifting the kingdom of Jordan and the legacy of the late King Hussein onto the world stage. The newest addition in this Olympic capital city highlights Jordan’s growing influence: The International Equestrian Federation and its president, Princess Haya, have opened a modern headquarters in Lausanne named after her father.

Though Jordan has never won an Olympic gold medal, nor qualified for football’s World Cup, King Hussein’s children are giving their country a strong voice in the International Olympic Committee and FIFA. The princess, an IOC member since 2007, was joined on the committee last year by her elder brother, Prince Faisal. An increasingly important figure in the Olympic move-

ment, he will give a keynote speech on achieving peace through sport at a United Nations conference in Geneva tomorrow. Their younger brother, Prince Ali, will formally take his place as an elected vice president of football’s world governing body on June 1.

Princess Haya believes their work reflects public service values taught by their father, who ruled Jordan for 46 years until his death in 1999. “My father always said that, in the Middle East, when peace was achieved there would be a vacuum created by a lack of war,” Princess Haya told AP in the building that bears his name. “The only logical alternative to it was sport.” The princess suggests her father would be “slightly embarrassed” by the naming of the headquarters in his name.

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local

kuwait digest

When opinions cannot be expressed Adel Al-Roumi

Abraham Al-Akkawi

KUWAIT: Partial view of attendees at the opening session of PPP Investment Conference. —Photos by Joseph Shagra

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

I PTB unveils nine priority

development projects HSBC sponsors PPP conference in Kuwait

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Providing a platform for relevant stakeholders involved in the PPP process, network and receive critical information on existing and planned PPPs, a two-day Public Private Partnership (PPP) Investment Conference began yesterday at Hilton Hotel in Mangaf.

During the opening ceremony, presentations were made by the president and technical team leader of Partnership Technical Bureau (PTB).

They said that through PTB, several PPP projects and proposals were carried out in Kuwait.

Speaking at the conference, PTB President and Viva Telecom Chairman Adel Al-Roumi, noted that the PTB’s main objective was to encourage more private companies to participate in the current development projects, “We are a very new agency. Barely two years ago, we turned successful mainly because of the political support we received.” In his words, Al-Roumi added that PTB had already created a system that will help them sustain their work. The PTB was established under Decree No. 146 in the year 2008. He considers government projects and unsolicited proposals forwarded by the Higher Committee to identify potential developmental projects that can be implemented by

establishing a partnership between both the relevant public entity and interested parties from the private sector. This should be done in accordance with the provisions of the Law to regulate all Public Private Partnerships (PPP) projects in Kuwait, “We hope that this initiative will encourage international investors to consider investing in the country, but to also promote human development, encourage scientific research and technological development.”

Dr Hashem Al-Tabtabaei, Technical Team Leader, unveiled current PPP projects including the on-going Um Al-Hayman Waste Water Treatment Plant. It will be completed in 2015.

According to Al-Tabtabei, The Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Hospital currently located at the UN Roundabout in Sulaibikhat area will also be transferred, moved and built in an open space to the north of Kuwait, a space that can house about 500 beds. The Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Plant, a power plant in Abdally combining solar and fuel oil technologies, is also underway. He also mentioned nine major priority projects that are currently being studied and some are underway. It includes Kuwait Rail project (Metro Train), Failaka Island Development, Postal Services Facilities, International Gateways, Fixed Lines, Kuwait

ISTANBUL: Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry Amani Khaled Bouresly (left) arrives in Istanbul to attend the UN conference.

Amir’s envoy attends UN Conference ISTANBUL: Representative of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Minister of Commerce and Industry Amani Khaled Bouresly, arrived in Istanbul Sunday evening to attend the UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC).

Bouresly was received at the airport

by Kuwait’s Ambassador to Turkey Abdullah Al-Thuwaikh. The conference will assess the results of the 10-year action plan for LDCs adopted at the Third United Nations Conference on LDCs in Brussels, Belgium, in 2001 and

adopt new measures and strategies for the sustainable development of the LDCs in the next decade.

The conference involves the participation of all stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society organizations, academia and the private sector. Plans to develop the infrastructure, fight poverty, create employment opportunities in the least developed countries where the individual’s income does not exceed 745 dollars annually are among the issues to be tackled at the conference.

Kuwaiti novelist Ismael honored KUWAIT: Kuwait University, Faculty of Arts, held a ceremony yesterday to honor Kuwaiti novelist Ismael Fahad Ismael on Kuwaiti Man of Letters Day, marked under the motto “Spacious Horizon of Humanity”.

The patron of the event, Faculty Dean Dr Maymoona Al-Athbi Al-Sabah, said Ismael has great works to his credit, including poetry which is very expressive of national sentiment as well as human sentiment, in addition to critical studies of Kuwaiti contemporary poetry.

She hailed Kuwaiti men and women of letters’ contributions, and marked they were the spokespeople of the nation during times of trial, such as the 1990

aggression, and had been a great force behind the international support for the Kuwaiti cause back in 1991.

Head of the Arabic Language and Literature Department Dr Fatma Al-Rajhi meanwhile stressed the novelist is a pioneer in his genre and has an avid readership that thirsts for his linguistic artistry and beauty as well as messages embedded in his works. His works are of great value even if considered from the wider Arab region’s perspective, she stressed.

“He paints telling representations of the Arab society of today with all its troubles, concerns, challenges, imperfections, potential, and aspirations,” she said.— KUNA

University Hotels, Jarah and Zayed Park, 90 more national parks, and the Kuwait Grand Zoo. At a welcome address, Abraham Akkawi, Partner and Head of Infrastructure and PPP Advisory Services, MENA-Ernst & Young, briefed attendees on what to expect during the twoday seminar. He expressed pleasure at the cooperation displayed by the government and acknowledged speakers who were invited from different countries, hailing from different economic, financial and professional backgrounds.

He predicted that after the Arab political upheaval, the PPP would turn into an important avenue in the coming years, especially with the widespread belief that the region will turn into a stronger economy, showing a strong appetite for investment.

The seminar was attended by several prospective investors from all over the world.

Some of the speakers [during day-one] were Mhadi Al-Dakeel, Directorate General of Civil Aviation-Kuwait, Rania Zayed-Director PPP Central Unit, Ministry of Finance-Egypt, Ehab Omar Al-Sherif, Infrastructure Project Developer-Kharafi National and Matthew Nathan-Director Project Finance-HSBC Middle East. The HSBC and Kharafi National were the main sponsors of the seminar. In HSBC’s press

statement distributed yesterday, the bank claimed: HSBC has a long track record in project finance in the MENA region, and has the largest advisory team in the region. Award winning HSBC was named Middle East and Africa Bank of the Year by Project Finance International (PFI) as well as by emeafinance’s Best Project Finance House in the Middle East. It was also voted the Best Project Finance adviser in EMEA/Middle East for three years running. HSBC has a long track record in Project Finance in the MENA region, and has the largest advisory team in the region. Simon Vaughan Johnson, CEO of HSBC Kuwait said, “As financial advisers to the PTB on the recently announced Umm Al-Hayman project, HSBC is ideally placed to sponsor this event.

We believe that the PPP model will play a significant role in supporting Kuwait’s developing project market.” Jonathan Robinson, Head of Project Finance, MENA added, “Private finance provides a timely opportunity for governments to diversify funding over the long term. The financing model enables the Kuwaiti government to gain the best international project development and management practices which will ensure that their projects are built and operated in accordance with stringent international standards.”

n a televised interview, the secretary general of the Salafist movement in Kuwait endorsed Osama bin Laden’s ideologies as “a guideline to the path of good” and “an embodiment of Almighty Allah’s call for jihad.”

The secretary general is not only a senior official in the Islamist political movement, but also a member of the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS); the second largest Islamic advocacy group in Kuwait. It is active both inside and outside the country. It has repeatedly denied terrorism-sponsoring allegations leveled against it on numerous occasions.

Of course, RIHS has the right to deny alleged connections with terrorism, especially owing to the lack of clear evidence that convicts it of being involved in suspicious activities.

Moreover, the RIHS is not particularly responsible for activities carried out by individuals who make donations to illegitimate charities. However, it is unacceptable for the senior Salafist activist to openly praise Osama bin Laden when one of the official activities held by the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society - which he represents - is to provide religious and moral guidance to young people.

What kind of guidance is given to young people who speak highly of bin Laden’s ideologies? I do not question or criticize either the Salafist movement or the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society.

These organizations/ movements are entitled to profess their own beliefs.

However, we have the right to ask our government on the failure to contain inflammatory remarks made in favor of terrorism, as well as the continuous, unsupervised support provided to the activities undertaken by local charity organizations despite suspicion looming large over their involvement. —Al-Qabas

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MPs reject attempts to impose income tax on Kuwait citizens ‘Don’t increase the suffering’

KUWAIT: Chef Dirk Heinen displays the new cookery book. — Photo by Joseph Shagra

KUWAIT: Several MPs have voiced their complete rejection of income tax in any form. “We will not allow our citizens to be taxed”, said MP Saad Znaifer, while fellow lawmaker Salem AlNamlan explained the reasons behind rejecting this idea by indicating that “citizens are already suffering from increasing prices in all fields”. Both MPs were ok with the state taking a fixed amount from commercial and industrial activities as tax.

Meanwhile, MP Husain Mizyed said “while a taxation law for companies could be an acceptable option, the current timing isn’t suitable for the subject to be called up”. Moreover, he insisted that “the MPs’ position will be firm” against attempts to impose income taxes on citizens. MP Saadoun Hammad said that any form of income tax is “entirely unacceptable”, while lawmaker Khalid Al-Adhwa was clear in rejecting the idea of taxing companies.

On their part, MPs Khalid Al-Tahous and Saifi

Al-Saifi believe that the government should focus on improving the ‘quality of life of citizens instead of increasing their suffering’.

Recent reports had released what is said to be a rough draft prepared by the Fatwa and Legislation Department, for a law by which income taxes will be taken from individuals with an average KD2500 monthly pay.

The report further notes that this draft law is being looked at as a prelude for a more comprehensive taxation system that covers wider categories of citizens and residents.

In another development, a power outage that lasted for several hours took place on Sunday night at several blocks in Sulaibiya, much to the chagrin of residents. They had been hoping that the Ministry of Electricity and Water would be able to avoid the recurrence of such incidents during summer. Likewise, power supply was disconnected for a little less than an hour in parts of Industrial Shuwaikh. MEW officials explained

that the power cut resulted from a malfunction in the main transformer that supplies electricity to the affected blocs.

The outage in Shuwaikh was caused due to a similar glitch that took place in one of the main cables of Shuwaikh’s transformer. Both problems were dealt with as soon as possible. Electricity was restored shortly, officials said.

Most employees from the MEW departments are optimistic about the selection of Salem AlOthaina as new minister, given his long experience in the field. Meanwhile, most staff members have also been appreciative of the time spent by former minister Dr Badr Al-Shuraian .

He has inked deals with several main projects enabling the ministry to overcome serious challenges, reported Al-Rai. The question that most people ask the ministry today is if Al-Othaina will follow the footsteps of his predecessor in terms of improving the quality of work to avoid supply shortages.

Sheraton Kuwait launches culinary book

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Many people relish the dishes they enjoy at hotels, especially a luxury one. Many wish to secure the recipes of tasty dishes, which in most cases is not possible as they are treasured trade secrets. However, the Sheraton Kuwait, a luxury chain hotel, launched its own culinary book titled ‘Passion With Perfection.’

A press conference was held to mark the launch, with the event dedicated to the Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH) headed by Dr Hilal Al-Sayer, President of the Association and the Minister of Health.

All proceeds made from the sale of the book will benefit Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice (BAACH). The book will be sold at Sheraton Kuwait properties, to all hotel guests, in addition to all That Es Salasil branches around Kuwait.

It was held under the patronage of Dr Hilal Al-Sayer, Minister of Health, in the presence of Margaret Al-Sayer, Founder and Director of KACCH in addition to the sponsors who contributed to this book namely: Intermarkets, Four Films Printing Group, photographer Mohammed Nasser, Can Translate and the publisher That Es Salasil Group and representatives from different local authorities.

The book contains 50 recipes in English and Arabic prepared by Chef Dirk Heinen, Culinary Director of the Sheraton Kuwait. The recipes vary from starters to main dishes and desserts. All the recipes are designed in a way that can be easily prepared at home by simply following the detailed method of preparation. To complement the recipes, photos are provided against every delicious dish.

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all those who have contributed to this noble activity which is a combination of senses, taste and passion in support of our children in the society, the children of Bayt Abdullah. This project will open its door very soon to allow children with terminal conditions to be looked after at home or in the hospice

itself ,” said Fahed Abushaar, Area Director and General Manager of the Sheraton Kuwait.

Sheraton Kuwait has long been famed for its exceptional service and in portraying the true heritage and culture of the Gulf since its inception in 1966, “Making Sheraton Kuwait a leader in the world of hospitality and this would not have been possible without the continued contribution of the hotel to the social community that has always been a primary objective of Sheraton Kuwait,” he added.

“I am delighted to be here at the Sheraton Hotel to celebrate the launch of the ‘Passion with Perfection’ cookery book written by the Executive Chef of the Sheraton Hotel, Kuwait, Dirk Heinen. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to this wonderful initiative in support of Bayt Abdullah Children s Hospice,” said Margaret Al-Sayer.

“It is probably one of the most satisfying aspects of family life, to sit around a table with our children to share a meal that has been prepared with love and care. This is the feeling we want our families at Bayt Abdullah to experience, and everyone who buys a copy of ‘Passion with Perfection’ will be contributing towards our ability to give our children and their families that comfort,” she added.

Dirk Heinen, Culinary Director of the Sheraton Kuwait said, “I have put in this book, years of experience of hard work, and research on all what is new in the cooking industry, where you will definitely find the influence of my career stations around the world to reach Kuwait, finally being mirrored in combinations, ingredients, tastes and presentation that appeal to different tastes. And I am so proud to launch my first book from Kuwait where people here are recognized for their good taste. Since this book is dedicated to the charity that makes me feel more responsible towards what I am offering.

Wishing that this book will achieve the noble cause behind it.”

Kuwait Digest

New cabinet formation

By Mohammad Al-Moqatea

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KOCHI: Kuwaiti ambassador Sami Al-Sulaiman pictured during the visit.

Kuwait envoy visits India’s coastal city KOCHI: Kuwaiti ambassador to India Sami Al-Sulaiman visited the country’s southern coastal city of Kochi to watch the training of shipmen by the French ship ‘Jean D’Arc Mission’.

The French naval unit is on a five month-long mission to train 134 midshipmen, including 25 ser vice women, to defense drills, naval diplomacy and geostrategic issues. French Navy’s 21,600tonne amphibious assault ship, also called Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Mistral, and Anti-Submarine Warfare Destroyer Georges Leygues, were in Kochi for a three-day port call.

The ships left Kochi for Singapore on

Sunday. The training cruise is slated to conclude at the Mistral’s homeport in Toulon, a town in southern France, in July.

Besides the Kuwaiti ambassador, among those present on the occasion included French ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, Kuwaiti Naval Lieutenant Ahmaed Azam Al Gharaballi, and Kuwaiti Naval Lieutenant Abdullaziz Adnan Al Bahouh.

The mission’s primary goal was to have the cadets discover what was significant in the Indian Ocean, as India was crucial in this part of the world as it was a central country in the region and an emerging super power that used power in a responsible way. — KUNA

Unified accounting system hailed

New academic year after Eid K U WA I T: Th e n e w a c a d e m i c year(2011-2012) will begin following the Eid Al-Fitr holidays at a different school timing, explained Ta m a d h e r A l - S a i d i r aw i , Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education.

She told reporters after holding a

meeting with the Undersecretaries Council that a final review of the decision has been made, reported Annahar. Two other issues, one concerning student exams held during the first and third period and the second held to extend services to senior citizens were discussed.

KUWAIT: The supervisor of charity organizations at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) Ahmad Al Sanie said that the unified accounting system for charity organization is aimed at organizing and regulating the activities of charity organizations in Kuwait.

He said this system was not meant to be an obstacle in the charity organizations path.- On the contrary it came to organize the work and take it out of the gossip circles.

Responding to a question that MSAL puts hard conditions on the organizations, he answered “there are no hard conditions at all”. He said “we are dealing with organized charity organizations which is more than 40 years old, and have the ability to construct and organize thousands of projects inside and outside Kuwait”.

He emphasized that the unified accounting system organize work and the accounts of charity work, making it more transparent.

News

in brief

1,577,254 registered vehicles KUWAIT: There are 1,577,254 registered vehicles in Kuwait, according to the Traffic General Department records which also indicate that the number of valid driver’s licenses in the country reach 1,222,792. According to a statistical report for the first quarter of 2011, nearly 20 thousand new driver’s licenses were issued during that period; 6000 of which released to Kuwaiti citizens, while 15 thousand driving lessons’ forms were issued during the same period; 3500 of which to Kuwaitis. The statistics further shows that out of the total number of driver’s licenses in Kuwait, 461 thousand belong to Kuwaitis, and 20 thousand for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Meanwhile, the number of licenses for stateless residents has reached 29,000 while that of the expatriates reached 713,000.

6,560 customers face travel ban KUWAIT: Only 6,560 people out of a total 150,000 names mentioned in subpoena and travel ban orders in Kuwait, are laible to pay off debts to local banks. A vast majority of them are subscribers to telecommunication companies. This was mentioned in a recent press report that clarified an earlier report that failed to specify the type of companies to which the blacklisted individuals owe money, reported AlQabas. This has led many individuals to speculate that more 150,000 people in Kuwait suffer from serious financial struggles or owe large amounts of money to local banks.

fter nearly 50-day waiting period, the new cabinet has finally been officially announced. Apart from being the seventh in five years, the current cabinet is perhaps His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad’s last chance as a premier.

The cabinet is up for an imminent clash with the parliament. With that being said, it can be noticed from the new cabinet’s formation that it contains a number of former and one current lawmakers who are known for their clear and bold approach in addressing vital and sensitive topics such as constitutional amendments, naturalization, corruption, etc. This can be considered as a plus point in strengthening the cabinet.

At the same time, however, the cabinet still contains some old faces; among whom are ministers who (previously) were subjected to skepticisms over sectarian or tribal based favoritism; and that is a negative point that may weaken the cabinet. Success of the cabinet’s performance will depend on which team of ministers would be more effective.

The cabinet must remain on high alert. Forming quick defensive strategies might not be effective in rebelling strong hits. A spider’s web might seem very organized in its structure as it gives the impression that it is hard to break, however that is not the case as it would immediately collapse with little effort.

There are rumors going around these days, that the cabinet is planning to refer the grilling motions to the constitutional courts. I hope that these rumors are not true. If that is how the cabinet is preparing their confrontations with the parliament, they wouldn’t be able to stand in the face of the MPs the same way a spider’s web wouldn’t be able to take a hit.

Instead, the cabinet should invest its elements of strength to survive and regain its decision making ability for what is good for the country. - Al-Qabas

Car fires comprise 30% of accidents

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Car fires constitute 30 percent of the total fires and accident cases that fire fighters have dealt with in Kuwait, Captain Majid Al-Otaibi, Head of Awareness and Public Relations Department at KFSD said. He said that more cars catch fire during summer owing to extreme heat. The total number of accidents that took place during the third quarter of 2010 is nearly 305, at the rate of four accidents per day, traffic accidents not included. He added that faulty wiring triggers more than 50 percent of the blaze.

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Hacker apprehended at a house in Shuwaikh Neighbor’s wife raped by cousin KUWAIT: Security officials have arrested a hacker who stole nearly KD1 million from several bank accounts. Investigations had been probing several reports about thefts done through online fraud. Initially, it was discovered that the suspect had used a software to change his IP address to make it look as if he is in Europe. Eventually, officers were able to locate the suspect at a house in Shuwaikh, where the personal computer that he used to carry out his criminal activities was also found.

Al-Shimali participates in Doha Forum DOHA: Kuwaiti Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shimali arrived in Doha yesterday to participate in the 11th Doha Forum on Democracy, Development, Free Trade and Enriching the Middle East Economic Future Conference.

Crown Prince of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani will launch the activities of Doha 11th forum and Middle East economic

conference.

A number of political and economic figures will attend the event, besides representatives of civil society institutions, presidents of international universities. In total, the event will group participants coming from 80 countries.

The forum will discuss reforms and developmental issues in the Middle East, free trade, media chalKuwait Digest

Shhh...Saddam is not dead!

By Sheriedah Al-Moasherji

L

ast Thursday, I met with my dear old friend Ghazi Al-Sammar, former Justice Minister. He recalled his university days in Cairo back in the 1960s, when Saddam Hussein was one of his colleagues. He said that during the Kuwaiti-Iraqi crisis, the regime of Abdul Kareem Qassim demanded that Kuwait be annexed to Iraq.

Saddam nursed much hatred toward Qassim and planned to topple him along with his party.

Hussein reportedly supported him on that particular claim and even sent telegrams to support his move.

This story, among hundreds of others, tells us that Iraqis belonging to different religious, political and ideological sects have always dreamt about invading Kuwait. This can explain the recent statement made by the Iraqi official spokesman Haidar Al-Mulla who said that “The Kuwaiti regime was on top of the countries that were hostile to the Iraqi people,” provoking Iraqis against Kuwait and it regime.

Yes, indeed. Saddam Hussein is dead but malicious envy still prevails in the hearts of Iraqis who cannot function unless a crisis that covers up their domestic failure breaks out. This exposes their inability to solve own problems or realize the aspirations of Iraqi citizens who have been striving in poverty and agony. Once upon a time, they lived in one of the richest Middle Eastern countries in terms of natural resources.

Therefore, we have to be beware of them, intensify our media campaigns to highlight historical facts about Kuwait never being a part of Iraq. It has always been an independent, sovereign state long before the modern political Iraqi establishment took shape. — Aljarida.

lenges, freedom of expression and will include a number of workshops.

The economic conference will tackle means of developing the civil society, and visions of the future of Middle East economy that achieves peace and stability.

The outcome of this event is nonmandatory and unofficial, only presenting the participating bodies and individuals. — KUNA

Mechanic dead A car mechanic was found dead inside an Ahmadi shop following an accident that took place while he was working on a vehicle. The victim, an Asian man, was reportedly positioned under the vehicle that was lifted by a hydraulic crane, which snapped unexpectedly, causing the car to fall on him.

Forgery case A citizen filed a case at Sharq police station after he discovered that four cell phone lines were regis-

tered on his name without his knowing. The man first learned about the issue when he received a note from authorities informing him that he is required to pay nearly KD850, which is the total dues of his phone bills from four different lines.

He also explained that he had reported losing his civil ID a couple of months ago, which was likely used by the forgers.

Kuwaiti stabbed A Kuwaiti man was admitted inside the ICU of the Mubarak Hospital with a stab wound he sustained during a fight with another youngster in Salmiya. While an ambulance was rushing the victim to the hospital, policemen were able to apprehend his attacker who initially escaped.

Home robbery An Asian woman is facing charges after she confessed during interrogation that she assisted her friend to steal some jewelries from a house in Al-Zahra where she works as a housemaid. The woman, who is now in police custody, explained

during questioning that she allowed her male friend to get away with jewelries worth of KD5000.

Investigators are searching for her accomplice.

Woman raped An Asian man is filing a case against his cousin, accusing him of assaulting his wife sexually. The man said he shares a Jleeb apartment with his cousin, and that the incident happened while the suspect was drunk. The victim also told police that the suspect used to harass her before. Investigations later revealed that the suspect was able to make his way out of the country before the crime was reported.

Drunkards in custody A man was arrested for alcohol consumption, driving while intoxicated, and assaulting police officers in duty, while his female companion was also arrested for alcohol consumption in Abdullah Port street.

The suspect’s vehicle was pulled over after traffic officers noticed a suspicious movement.

CBK continues its school road show KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait continues on its school road show that started in February and continues throughout this month by having members of the Marketing department visit the Al-Ruqaya Middle School for Girls in Omariya on April 18, 2011 to give a unique presentation created and conducted by the bank called My First Banking Knowledge. It discusses the importance and benefits of saving money as well as other topics and the students from the school greatly benefited from the useful lessons that were conveyed in the presentation.

The Commercial Bank of Kuwait created the presentation and made sure that it wasn’t too difficult for kids to understand but still had all the necessary information on why it is important to save money. It

also talked about online banking, ATMs, the bank’s kids and youth accounts, as well as interest and the various services that the bank provides. The presentation was conducted in the school’s auditorium to the grade 8 students and after it was done, each student was awarded with a certificate signifying that they have completed the My First Banking Knowledge presentation plus gift bags from the bank.

The Commercial Bank of Kuwait considers the younger generation a vital aspect in shaping Kuwait’s bright future which is why the bank constantly strives to educate young Kuwaitis in many ways and help pave their way to success and happiness. Due the positive responses that Al Tijari is getting from both government and private schools, the presentations will continue until June.

Freedom Flotilla III to defy Gaza siege KUWAIT: The preparation for sailing Freedom Flotilla III is afoot with the objective of sending a stronger message than ever against the Israeli siege on Gaza Strip, with utmost effort exerted by all international humanitarian and civil community organizations involved, a campaign coordinator said yesterday.

Huwaida Arraf was speaking to reporters following a meeting with Kuwait Red Crescent Society Chairman

Barjas Hmoud Al-Barjas. She stressed the importance of KRCS support to the fleet, and also hailed the society’s humanitarian support of the people of Gaza in general.

She added the movement is expanding its campaign in the Arab region and aiming at securing support of known personalities and institutions.

The flotilla is to set sail within the next two months and the vessels, chartered

by Arab, Asian, as well as European countries, are carrying humanitarian supplies, construction material, and paper to be used for printing textbooks.

The message of the fleet, Arraf said, is to get international attention and to stress that the situation in Gaza is the worst since the Israeli occupation of the area in 1967, as shown in international organizations’ statistics.

Al-Barjas for his part stressed Kuwaitis

and Kuwaiti societies feel a duty to support Palestinians in their plight, and noted the KRCS feels a duty to extend a helping hand to all those in need across the world.

The Free Gaza Movement was established in 2006 after the Israeli siege on the strip, and includes Human Rights groups and activists and reporters and journalists of different nationalities and associations. — KUNA

Kuwait has shortest school year: Report KUWAIT: Ministry of education recently submitted a comprehensive report to the Cabinet on the challenges facing the public education in Kuwait. These problems, according to the report, had been negatively affecting the academic developments and the quality of the products.

The report stressed that more time had to be allocated for learning. The report says ‘Kuwait has the shortest academic year worldwide’. It added that such limited time hindered developing any curriculum.

It also stressed that the expenditure on education needed to be reevaluated. “Although Kuwaiti students get the highest education expenditure per student in the world - these expenditures are not distributed according to the needs of various educational stages,” the reports said.

It also highlighted that members of teaching staff are discontented with their payrolls. Furthermore, it showed that Kuwait came 31st and 34th in the TIMSS tests in Maths and Science respectively, and 43rd out of 54 countries in the Pearls Reading Tests, which indicates the weakness of the Kuwaiti education system output.

Kuwait pavilion in Tripoli’s book fair BEIRUT: Kuwait’s pavilion in Tripoliís just-concluded 37th book fair caught visitors’ attention, a Kuwaiti official said yesterday.

The visitors voiced utmost admiration of the pavilion’s variety of publications, Faisal Al-Shimmari, representative of the Kuwaiti information ministry at the fair said at the conclusion of the event. The Kuwaiti pavilion, he added, had always been distinguished; encompassing valuable issues of highly-esteemed publications such as Al-Arabi, Alam Al-Maarifa (World of Knowledge), and Al-Kuwait.

Al-Shimmari also highlighted Lebanonís cultural and educational role, which contributed to enriching Arab intellectual movement. — KUNA

TEC launches blood donation campaign KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) spearheaded a blood donation campaign in which staff members from all facilities took part, and was organized in cooperation with the Kuwait Central Blood Bank.

“The campaign] was held as part of the TEC’s commitment towards national duties and in line with the social goals that the company aspires to achieve,” said Public Relations and Media Department Manager Saqr Al-Badr in a recent press statement.

The campaign began on April 29, 2011 at the Khairan resort. It saw the participation of more than 40 staff members as well as a number of visitors. Pre-medical tests were supervised by Agail Al-

Mazdi, Transfusion Services Affairs Supervisor at the Ministry of Health’s laboratories.

Following the donation period which lasted from 1 pm to 6 pm, the TEC staff presented a memorial shield that was received by the a Public Relations official at the Blood Bank, Fatima AlNaqqi.

The TEC blood donation campaign will continue with stops made at the Shaab Sea Club on Friday May 13 (5pm to 8pm)on Friday May 27 at the Green Island (5pm to 8pm), and Friday June 3 at the Ras Al-Ardh Sea Club (5 pm to 8 pm).

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

Thailand sets date for crucial election

Security forces fire on Yemen protest, 3 dead

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Christians protest violence in Cairo demonstration Protesters demanded military ruler step down

CAIRO: Egyptian Christians and Muslims protest in front of the state television building in Cairo yesterday.—AFP

CAIRO: Hundreds of Egyptians, many of them Coptic Christians, demonstrated yesterday in Cairo to protest MuslimChristian clashes that left 12 dead and a church burned. Demonstrators, who numbered about 1,000 by midday, said they feared that some in Egypt seek to create an Islamic state that would marginalize the Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s nearly 80 million population. Most are Coptic Christians.

Some of the protesters gathered outside the building that is headquarters for state-run TV criticized the army’s handling of the weekend clashes and demanded that the military ruler step down. Some stones were thrown toward the building, but the protest was largely peaceful. “We don’t want to bury our heads in the sand,” said Rami Kamel, a Coptic protester. “The issue is bigger than rebuilding a church or arresting the culprits. This is Egypt’s fate. Is Egypt becoming a religious state or can we change course and opt for a civil state?”

The demonstration came as authorities yesterday detained 23 Egyptians, including 2 blamed for sparking the riots starting late Saturday that marked a new low in Muslim-Christian relations.

Egypt’s military rulers are hardpressed to deal with the sectarian tension which have emerged as one of the major challenges in the post-revolution transition following the February ouster of President Hosni Mubarak. Some of the Christian protesters camping outside the

state TV building have demanded that measures be taken to control an increasingly assertive ultraconservative movement of Muslims known as the Salafis, which they say orchestrated the weekend riots in the neighborhood of Imbaba. Last month, tens of thousands of Egyptians led by Islamists believed to be affiliated with the Salafis demonstrated to protest the appointment of a Coptic Christian governor in southern Egypt. The latest riots, sparked by a rumor that a Muslim convert was abducted by the local church, lasted for hours Saturday night and into yesterday morning. Muslim mobs attacked two churches, burning one; 12 people died, and more than 200 were injured.

Later in the day, Muslims and Christians pelted each other with stones in another part of Cairo. Police and soldiers moved in to break up the violence, but it was hours that they effectively cleared the streets around the churches, a delay that prompted neighborhood criticism for perceived military reluctance to interfere. But authorities arrested 190 people after the church attack, sending them to military prosecutions and threatening the maximum penalty against anyone attacking houses of worship.

Among those arrested yesterday were Yassin Thabet, 31, who claimed his wife is held against her will in the church. The authorities also detained the owner of the coffee house opposite the church; witnesses said gunfire originated there.— AP

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Security forces fire on Yemen protest, 3 dead Armored vehicles move in, heavy gunfire heard

BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces inspect the scene of a roadside bomb attack targeting a police patrol, killing and wounding a few civilians, police said, in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday yesterday. —AP

Iraq’s Qaeda pledges support to Zawahri, vows attacks BAGHDAD: An Al Qaeda-linked militant group in Iraq pledged support to the organisation’s second-in-command, Ayman Al-Zawahri, and vowed more revenge attacks for the death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of US forces in Pakistan. In a statement posted on an Islamist website forum yesterday, the caliph of the Islamic State of Iraq (ISC), Abu Baker al-Baghdadi al-Husseini Al-Qurashi, mourned bin Laden’s death.

“I tell our brothers in al Qaeda organisation and on the top of them Sheikh Mujahid Ayman al-Zawahri ... be merry, you have faithful men in the Islamic State of Iraq who are following the right path and will not quit or be forced out,” he said in the statement. “I swear by God, blood for blood and destruction for destruction,” he said in a clear reference to revenge attacks for bin Laden’s death. Zawahri, an Egyptian-born doctor who met bin Laden in the mid1980s when both were in Pakistan to support guerrillas fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan, has long been considered al

Qaeda’s deputy leader.

ISI is believed by intelligence analysts to have been created by al Qaeda in Iraq as a local umbrella group for insurgent organizations.

Iraq’s army and police have been on high alert for revenge attacks since bin Laden’s killing by US commandos in Pakistan. Iraq became an important battlefield for al Qaeda after the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein. Security officials have said bin Laden’s death earlier this month may have little practical impact on al Qaeda in Iraq, a weakened but still deadly Islamist insurgency that could launch strikes for the next decade.

Al Qaeda in Iraq may seek immediate revenge for the killing of the world’s most wanted man but in the long run probably will be more a thorn in the Iraqi government’s side than a destabilising force, security officials said. On Thursday, a car bomber killed more than 20 people and wounded 80 at a police building in the mainly Shi’ite city of Hilla. — Reuters

SANAA: Yemeni forces fired at protesters blockading a government building yesterday, killing a shopkeeper and two protesters in a city that has seen some of the largest demonstrations against President Ali Abdullah, witnesses said. The latest violence came as the Arabian Peninsula country’s main opposition group awaited word on whether Gulf Arab states could revive a deal to edge Saleh out of power within a month.

Security forces, some in armoured vehicles, moved in to disperse the protest, wounding at least 80 protesters in the industrial city of Taiz, which has seen some of the largest rallies demanding Saleh go. Saleh, who refused to sign the transition deal, has clung to power despite three months of street protests that regularly draw tens of thousands of people, even though many of his allies have deserted him including a general who has backed protesters.

“A large force of police and army attacked protesters and then chased them in residential areas. They opened fire and used tear gas heavily,” said Bushra al-Maqtari, an activist in Taiz. A shopkeeper who ran a small kiosk was killed by a stray bullet, and two protesters were also shot dead amid heavy gunfire as security forces tried to disperse a protest near the education ministry, a doctor treating the wounded said.

Thousands of demonstrators in Taiz shouted anti-Saleh slogans and demanded the postponement of school exams, while protests erupted elsewhere in the impoverished country that Saleh has ruled for nearly 33 years. Clashes were reported in the Red Sea port city of Hudaida, where security forces stormed a university campus to break up protests, wounding six, activists said. Six more people were wounded in clashes in Dhamar province, south of Sanaa.

The United States and neighbouring oil giant Saudi Arabia want the Yemen standoff resolved to avert chaos that could enable al Qaeda’s Yemen wing to operate more freely. But neither has been successful in mediation efforts so far.

Yemen’s opposition coalition, which includes

NATO says Gaddafi time up as aid reaches Misrata MISRATA: Time is running out for Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi , NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said, even as the strongman’s forces laying siege to Misrata intensified their assault on the city’s lifeline port.

The Red Cross said meanwhile it delivered a shipment of humanitarian aid including medical supplies and baby food to Misrata, the rebelheld western city that has been besieged by Gaddafi ‘s forces for weeks.

I t expressed concerns about reports Gaddafi ‘s forces had used helicopters bearing the Red Cross emblem to drop mines into Misrata’s harbor. NATO secretar y-general Rasmussen said meanwhile that “the game is over for Gaddafi “ who “should realize sooner rather than later that there’s no future for him or his regime. “ We have stopped Gaddafi in his tracks. His time is running out. He’s more and more isolated,” he told CNN late Sunday.

Rasmussen expressed optimism Gaddafi would ultimately lose his decades-old grip on power given the “wind of change” sweeping the Arab world, the death of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and mounting pressure on the Taleban in Afghanistan. NATO has been bombing Libyan militar y targets since March in a bid to prevent Gaddafi from killing scores of his own people in urban areas as set out under a UN resolution to protect civilians.

Fighting has been raging in and around Misrata, a make-or-break city in the Libyan conflict about 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of the capital.

A thick plume of smoke spread on Sunday over the city, the main source of supplies to rebels fighting to oust the veteran strongman in western

Libya, from blazing fuel depots bombed a day earlier.

Long queues formed at fuel stations amid fears of shortages. Forces loyal to Gaddafi “destroyed the only tanks that were full,” said Ahmad Monthasser, a rebel from Misrata.

Rebels warned residents of Misrata could run out of food and water within a month if they are not provided with “game-changing” weapons to defeat Gaddafi ‘s forces. Because of shelling of the city’s port over the past two weeks, only one aid ship a week is now reaching Misrata, said a spokesman in the eastern rebel bastion of Benghazi.

The latest shipment of aid to land in the port yesterday morning was carrying surgical kits, spare parts to repair water and electrical supply systems, and 8,000 jars of baby food, the Red Cross said in a statement. “We will also continue vital work with a view to reducing the danger of unexploded devices in the streets of Misrata,” said Simon Brooks, the organization’s head of mission in Benghazi. Misrata is seen as key to the Libyan conflict, which broke out in mid-February after Gaddafi ‘s security forces waged a bloody crackdown on protests inspired by regime changing movements in Tunisia and Egypt.

NATO said yesterday that in latest sorties its warplanes hit five rocket launchers, one self-propelled artillery piece, one truck-mounted gun and three buildings “hosting active shooters” in the vicinity of Misrata. It also hit 26 ammunition storages and 16 “vehicle storages” near Hun, eight military vehicles near Brega, two military operational facilities near Tripoli and four ammunition dumps near Zintan. Italian coast guards and fish-

erman, meanwhile, saved all 528 refugees from Libya after their boat hit rocks off the island of Lampedusa in an operation a rescuer described as a “miracle.” Among the refugees were 24 pregnant women.

But the survivors said they saw another boat laden with fellow refugees capsize just off Libyan shores and “many bodies” were in the water, Italian news agency ANSA reported. “It was terrible. There were a lot of corpses,” said a refugee, whose name was not quoted in the report, which said “dozens of dozens” of people had likely died. NATO denied a report in the Guardian newspaper in Britain meanwhile that one of its aircraft carriers left 61 migrants to die in the Mediterranean Sea after they fled the conflict in Libya.

“Any claims that a NATO aircraft carrier spotted and then ignored the vessel in distress are wrong,” NATO deputy spokeswoman Carmen Romero. Nor way, one of the first nations to offer air assets to the NATO, announced it will curb its military contribution to the operation if the campaign runs past June 24. The Red Cross expressed concern about the reports Gaddafi ‘s forces had dropped mines into Misrata’s harbor on Friday using helicopters with its emblem, and that of the Red Crescent.

“The alleged practices, if true, represent a serious misuse of the emblem,” Georgios Georgantas, its deputy head of operations for North and West Africa, was quoted as saying. World powers have promised $250 million (175 million euros) in humanitarian aid to the rebels and said the Gaddafi regime’s frozen overseas assets, estimated at $60 billion, would be used later to assist the Libyan opposition. —AP

SANAA: Anti-government protesters react during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in Sanaa, Yemen yesterday. —AP Islamists and leftists, said it still had hope that Yemen’s wealthy Gulf neighbours, meeting in a summit in Riyadh on Tuesday, could bring the deal to end the crisis back to the negotiating table.

“The Gulf initiative is the last initiative the opposition can work with. We are waiting for decisions of the Gulf summit, and based on that we will take a decision,” said Sultan al-Atwani, a senior opposition leader. “We expect the Gulf leadership to stick to the initiative as it is, and if that does not happen then we will meet to decide what (move) to take,” he said. The opposition had said the deal, which Saleh refused to sign on April 30 in a last-minute reversal, was modified to let Saleh sign as party leader rather than president, as he demands. But Atwani said the opposition did not accept those changes.

The opposition now wants the Gulf states to raise the pressure on Saleh to commit to a transition. Yemeni youth groups leading mass protests have called on the Gulf states, under the umbrella of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to withdraw the plan. Many demonstrators across Yemenwho include students, tribesmen and activistshave vowed to stay on the streets until Saleh goes. At least 153 have been killed in the unrest.

“We expect the Gulf leadership to take a practical position on the distortions of President Saleh and supporting the choices of the Yemeni people,” Atwani said. A deal, if revived, may see Saleh appoint a prime minister from the opposition to lead a transitional government and set a presidential vote for 60 days after he leaves. It would also grant immunity from prosecution to Saleh, his family and aides. — Reuters

Lawyer expects verdict for Americans held in Iran TEHRAN: A lawyer for three Americans charged with spying after they were arrested near Iran’s border with Iraq said yesterday he expected the cour t to issue a verdict at the next hearing on Wednesday. Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal and Sarah Shourd said they were hiking in Iraq when they were arrested by Iranian forces on July 31, 2009 and had not meant to cross the unmarked border.

For almost two years, the case has added to strains between Iran and the United States, already at loggerheads over the Islamic state’s nuclear activities. Shourd was released on $500,000 bail in September last year and returned home while her two male companions remained in jail in Tehran.

Bauer and Fattal appeared in a closed-door court for the first time in Feb. 6 and pleaded not guilty to charges of spying and illegally entering Iran.

Espionage can carry the death penalty in Iran. The defence lawyer told Reuters he believed the case would end soon. “I predict, if I can call it as a prediction, that the court will issue its verdicts,” Masoud Shafie said in an interview. “There is no evidence proving both charges, so it is expected that the court will issue its decision.” Shafie said it was unlikely Shourd would return for the next hearing. “Considering her psychological condition, it could be harmful for her health if she came back to Tehran ... The court

can issue its verdict in her absence,” he said.

Iran’s judiciary, which delayed an earlier hearing because of Shourd’s absence, said yesterday it was determined Wednesday’s hearing would go ahead. “ The hearing will be held on the date which was announced earlier, whether this person (Shourd) appears or not,” judiciar y spokesman Qolamhossein Mohseni-Ejei was quoted as saying by the semi-official Mehr news agency.

The West fears Iran may be trying to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran says it is developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes including generating electricity. — Reuters

France ups Palestinian aid as Israel holds tax funds RAMALLAH: France yesterday announced it would donate 10 million euros ($14.3 million) to the Palestinian Authority after Israel froze tax revenue transfers following a Palestinian unity agreement. The aid infusion came as Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad told repor ters his government was unable to pay employees because of Israel’s decision to halt revenue transfers after Fatah and Hamas inked a unity deal.

“The Palestinian Authority cannot pay the salaries for the month until the Israeli government transfers the money,” he said. “If Israel transfers this money we will be able to pay the salaries immediately.” The French foreign ministry criticized Israel for suspending transfer of Palestinian money after the Fatah movement signed a surprise unity deal with rival Islamist group Hamas. “At a moment when the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority is stretched, these funds are a contri-

bution to the payment of government employees’ salaries,” foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said in Paris.

Valero criticized Israel’s decision to not “transfer to the Palestinian Authority tax revenue to which it has a right.” He said Israel’s decision was “detrimental to the reforms and the establishment of institutions put in place under the authority’s president (Mahmud) Abbas.”

The aid infusion was formalised at a signing ceremony between Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad and France’s Jerusalem consul-general Frederic Desagneaux in Ramallah yesterday. “This payment intervenes in a critical moment and we hope it will have an inducive effect for it is important that the donor countries pursue their efforts in budgetary aid in favour of the Palestinian Authority,” Desagneaux said in a statement.

The European Union announced last week it would offer the

Palestinian Authority an additional 85 million euros in aid after Israel blocked the transfer of tax revenue in the wake of the unity agreement.

Israel’s Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said he had ordered the suspension of the revenue transfers until he could be sure that none of the funds would go to Hamas. But his decision to suspend the transfers has been criticised inside Israel and abroad. Valero yesterday welcomed the EU’s decision to offer the Palestinian Authority additional aid, after Palestinian officials warned they would be unable to pay employee salaries without the tax revenues.

“We consider that the current Palestinian government, under the leadership of Salam Fayyad, has presented all the necessary guarantees of transparency in public finances and good use of international aid,” Valero said. “We expect that any future Palestinian government will maintain these guarantees.”— AFP

Israel investigating tainted airplane fuel

BENGHAZI: Libyan rebel fighters march during the final phase of their military training in the eastern city of Benghazi yesterday as Libyan regime forces laying siege to Misrata intensifyed their assault on the lifeline port and rebels warned they were running low on critical food and fuel supplies. —AFP

JERUSALEM: Mould and bacteria has been found in tainted jet fuel that forced authorities to halt to all departures from Israel’s Ben Gurion airport last week, Haaretz newspaper reported yesterday. The contamination occurred on Thursday, when plane filters began clogging abnormally, leading to the discovery by authorities that aviation fuel being loaded into planes at the airport was tainted.

Virtually all departures were cancelled for 24 hours from Ben Gurion, Israel’s only international airport, and the backlog was still causing delays on domestic flights, Haaretz reported. Initial analysis showed the fuel contained bacteria and mould, but further scrutiny was needed to determine the exact nature of the contamination, and a committee has been formed to

investigate how the fuel came to be compromised.

The newspaper said Israel’s Airport Authority has demanded to know why Paz Oil Company, which supplied the fuel, failed to detect or declare the contamination. Last week, airport officials ruled out deliberate sabotage and said they suspected the source of the contamination was not in the tanks but in the pumps that deliver fuel to aircraft. When the contamination was first discovered, Israel drew on emergency reserves and urged foreign airlines to send planes stocked with enough fuel to complete their journeys.

The news site Ynet reported yesterday that Israel’s national carrier El Al sent two large airplanes to refuel in Cyprus and bring back full tanks to supply smaller aircraft. —AFP

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Defending Pakistani aid not easy in Washington Republicans, Democrats fume WASHINGTON: Within hours of the stunning announcement that Osama bin Laden had been killed by US commandos, a lobbying firm representing Pakistan’s government began contacting members of Congress and their staffs to counter claims Islamabad protected the Al-Qaeda chief for nearly six years. The push by Locke Lord Strategies to turn the tide against criticism of Pakistan and preserve the country’s billions of dollars in US aid - illustrates one of Washington’s enduring realities: No matter the issue or the crisis, lobbyists are working behind the scenes to shape opinions on Capitol Hill.

At stake is the continued flow of US economic aid and military support to Pakistan, America’s iffy par tner in the fight against terrorism and religious extremism. Congress is not expected to shut off the nearly $3 billion in assistance planned for 2012. Despite deep misgivings, the US does not want to allow Pak istan to become unstable and risk having its nuclear arsenal fall into the hands of Islamic radicals.

But bin Laden’s nearly six-year stay at a compound in a militar y garrison town outside Pakistan’s capital has left Locke Lord’s lobbying team with plenty of explaining to do. The relationship bet ween the t wo countries was badly strained even before a team of Nav y SEALs stormed bin Laden’s home a week ago. His body was buried at sea just hours later.

Republicans and Democrats are angry that bin Laden found a safe harbor in Pakistan and want a painstaking review of how the money that goes there is spe nt. CIA Direc tor Leon Panetta stoked emotions on Capitol Hill earlier this week, telling l awmakers during a closed-door briefing: “Pakistan was involved or incompetent.”

Si nce 2002, Pak istan has received more than $20 billion from the US, making the country one of the largest US aid recipients, according to the Congressional Research Ser vice. Nearly $9 billion of

that has been in the form of reimbursements for Pakistan’s costs to suppor t the US-led militar y cam p ai gn in Afghanistan.

Mark Siegel, a Locke Lord par tner, would not identify which congressional offices he and the other five lobbyists working the Pakistan account are calling and vi si t i ng.

Records filed with Congress and the Justice Depar tment show Locke Lord has represented Pak is tan si nce M ay 2008 and has been paid just over $2.7 million. Pakistan is the firm’s biggest client. Siegel is a former assi st ant to t he president in the Carter White House and was chief of staff to New York D emoc rat i c congres sman Steve Israe l from 2001 to 2004. O t he r Loc ke Lord lobbyists wor k i ng t he Pak istan account al so have congressional experience.

In an interview, Siegel said there is no evidence that President Asif Ali Zardari’s civilian government knew of bin Laden’s whereabouts. Cutting aid and militar y suppor t to Pakistan would only weaken the relationship bet ween Washington and Islamabad, leaving Pakistan less able to combat terrorism, he said.

Siegel ack nowledged there were “security lapses” within Pakistan’s military and intelligence service that allowed bin Laden to go undetected for so long in the town of

Abbottabad, just a few dozen miles from Islamabad. Those failures are being investigated at “the very, very highest level” of Zardari’s government, Siegel said. “Hopefully, if there were procedural gaps, errors of judgment, errors of process, that’s going to be taken care of in these investigations.”

President Barack Obama’s national security adviser, Tom Donilon, said bin Laden had a suppor t net work in Abbottabad. But the US has not seen evidence that the Zardari government knew about that, he said. Donilon, echoing comments by other administration officials, said the Pak istanis need to demonstrate persuasively their commitment to cooperating with the US. “We need to work with them to investigate what’s happened, and how Osama bin Laden came to this place as his home for the last - for the last six years,” Donilon told CNN’s “State of the Union.” Skeptical lawmakers in key posts will have to be convinced as well.

Kay Granger, the Republican chair woman of the House Appropriations subcommittee that controls the foreign operations budget, has proposed suspending direct government-togovernment assistance to Pakistan. “My opposition to the program has only been heightened by the discovery of the most notorious terrorist in the world living hundreds of yards

from a Pakistani military installation for more than five years,” Granger wrote in a letter to Secretar y of State H illar y Rodham Clinton.

“This reinforces my greater concern that the government may be incapable of distributing US funds in a transparent manner that allows proper oversight of taxpayer dollars.”

Granger ’s spokesman, Matt Leffingwell, said Locke Lord representatives have not met with the congresswoman or her staff.

Pakistan has supporters, however. Sen John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, underscored the complexity of the relationship during a committee hearing.

More senior Al-Qaeda operatives have been caught or killed in Pakistan than in any other country, Kerry said, and keeping thousands of US troops in Afghanistan “depends on an enormous supply train that requires the daily cooperation of the Pakistani state.” But Kerry also expressed the views of many in Washington seeking answers, saying: “ What did Pakistani’s military and intelligence services know and when did they know it? Who did they think was living behind those 15-foot walls?” Frederick Jones, Kerry’s spokesman, said a member of the committee staff met Thursday with a Locke Lord representative, but said the meeting had no bearing on Kerry’s statements.—AP

Thousands march against violence in Mexico City MEXICO CITY: An anti-violence march that began in a central state with a few hundred people and gathered thousands over a four-day trek reached Mexico’s capital Sunday, led by a poet whose son was killed by suspected drug traffickers. People poured into the main Zocalo square in Mexico City, wearing white T-shirts saying “enough bloodshed” and carrying photos of poet Javier Sicilia’s slain son. A few hundred people set off from Cuernavaca in the central state of Morelos on Thursday, marching silently along the 50-mile route. Turnout estimates varied widely, but the crowd took up less than half of the main square, which is believed to hold about 100,000 people.

It was packed with more than 100,000 in 2008 during another march for peace and justice. Since then crime attributed to drug trafficking and organized crime has only gotten worse in what one of Sunday’s marchers called “la

guerra calderonista” - President Felipe Calderon’s war. In a speech that drew deafening cheers, Sicilia demanded the resignation of Public Safety Secretary Genaro Garcia Luna, lashing out at the government for failing to curb Mexico’s relentless drug violence despite the deployment of thousands of soldiers and federal police to cartel strongholds across the country.

“If we have walked and arrived here in silence it’s because our pain is so great and so profound, and the horror that causes it so immense, that there are no words to describe it,” Sicilia said. “We still believe that it is possible to the country to be reborn and rise from ruin and show the agents of death that the sons and daughters of this country are standing up.” Gruesome violence has surged in the region southwest of Mexico City since drug kingpin Arturo Beltran Leyva died in a December 2009 shootout with marines in Cuernavaca, leading to the splintering of his cartel. —AP

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Russia marks Victory Day with vast parade Procession marks surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II

KOZARAC: Bosnian woman touches the names of 1,226 victims killed in the summer of 1992 at the beginning of the Bosnian war, on a memorial wall in the village of Kozarac, Bosnia Herzegovina yesterday.—AP

Bosnia is in crisis, top intl official tells UN SARAJEVO: Bosnia is facing one of its worst political crises since war ended in 1995, the country’s international administrator warned the United Nations yesterday. The comments from Valentin Inzko came as Bosnia’s Serbs have scheduled a mid-June referendum to highlight the widespread Bosnian Serb rejection of the country’s federal institutions, especially its war crimes court, which Serbs see as biased against them.

Inzko, who has final say over the Balkan nation’s affairs according to the deal that ended Bosnia’s 1992-1995 war, has given Bosnia’s Serbs until the end of the week to call off the vote. Inzko’s warning came in a report to the United Nations in New York, The Bosnian Serb referendum “is a blatant attack” on the 1995 peace agreement “and the achievements made since its signing,” a statement from Iznko’s office said yesterday.

But the Bosnian Serbs wrote UN chief Ban Ki-Moon over the weekend, claiming that Inzko is trying to “deceive” the UN with his report and insisting he is the one threatening Bosnia’s peace by misusing his powers. “The continues abuse of power by the High Representative, a rule based on auto-

cratic decisions ... cannot be further tolerated,” the letter to Ban stated. Since the end of the war, Bosnia has been divided into two ethnic ministates , one for Serbs, the other shared by Muslim Bosniaks and Croats.

The Serbs want to maintain as much autonomy as possible while the international community and the Muslims are pushing for more central institutions so Bosnia can fulfill conditions to join the 27nation European Union.

Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, for some time at odds with the West, says Serbs would rather drop the idea of Bosnia joining the EU if that means they must transfer more power from their regional government to federal institutions.

Dodik has called on old ally Serbia to help. The Russian ambassador to Bosnia, Aleksandar Bocan-Harcenko, has also said his country will not support Inzko’s report.

Bocan-Harcenko told the Serbian news agency Tanjug the Serb referendum does not violate the peace agreement and the international administrator has no reason to ban it. If he does “it will not ease the current tensions, but deepen them,” he told Tanjug.—AP

Ugandan women lead nation’s political rally KAMPALA: Hundreds of women demonstrated in Uganda’s capital yesterday over high food prices and brutal tactics employed by police during recent political rallies. The estimated 200 women carried empty saucepans and cooking utensils while walking through Kampala.

The women, who all wore white, carried posters that read: “Stop police brutality” and “For a country without food, bullets cannot be food.” Uganda has seen at least half a dozen major political rallies in the last month concerning high food prices and government corruption. Security forces have cracked down, and arrested the top opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, in a manner that required a weeklong hospital stay in Kenya after he was temporarily blinded by pepper spray or tear gas.

Human Rights Watch said over the weekend that it documented the deaths of nine unarmed people killed by government forces, none of whom were actively involved in rioting. The group called for a prompt and thorough investigation into the use of deadly force by security forces to counter demonstrations and riots. Security forces have fired live bullets to quell demonstrations.

“For far too long Uganda’s government has allowed a climate of impunity for serious abuses by the police and military,” said Maria Burnett, senior Africa researcher for

the New York-based rights group. No violence was reported yesterday, and a police spokeswoman said the women had asked for and received permission to hold their march. Police provided security during the demonstration.

“We are carrying empty saucepans to show the government that many women in Uganda have no food to cook for their children,” said Ruth Ojambo Ocheing, a protester. “We do not want bullets in our babies. The government should address Ugandans’ problems immediately.” The women presented a statement to the UN’s special representative on human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya, condemning police “brutality” and calling on the government to exercise restraint.

They also condemned media censorship and the arrests of opposition leaders.

Besigye over the weekend told The Associated Press that he has regained most of his sight since being sprayed with tear gas or pepper spray at point-blank range.

Besigye, 55, who has come in second to President Yoweri Museveni in three straight presidential votes, said he would return to Uganda this week and continue to participate in protest marches. The protests have been the first serious unrest in sub-Saharan Africa since a wave of anti-government protests swept longtime leaders in Tunisia and Egypt out of power. — AP

MOSCOW: Tens of thousands of granite-faced soldiers marched in lockstep across Red Square yesterday in Russia’s annual Victory Day display of military might, while President Dmitry Medvedev said the country is committed to peace and global stability. The parade, marking the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II, is the centerpiece of Russia’s most solemn secular holiday, both commemorating the Soviet Union’s enormous sacrifices in the war and asserting the potency of its modern military.

The 20,000 troops who strode in precision formation through the vast square outside the Kremlin were followed by more than 100 pieces of mobile military hardware, from armored personnel carriers to lumbering Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile launchers. It concluded with a squadron of helicopters carrying flags over the square but, unusually for recent years, did not include warplanes.

Although Russian armed forces suffered from severe funding shortages and morale problems in the early years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the parade put forth the image of a spit-and-polish and vigorous military, with an emphasis on discipline and precision. The parade announcer even praised the “maximal synchronization” with which the cars carrying Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Moscow Military District commander Col-Gen. Valer y Gerasimov approached each other in the center of the square. Medvedev told the crowd, which included many war veterans festooned with medals and ribbons, that restoring the military would continue.

“The state will continue to do everything to guarantee the dignity of militar y ser vice, to actively upgrade the armed forces so that the troops will have the most modern equipment,” Medvedev said.

“Today Russia firmly upholds the principles of peaceful cooperation, consistently advocates for a security system and contributes to the overall effort to maintain global stability in the world,” he said in the speech from a tribune set up in

ST PETERBURG: Russian police female cadets march during the nation’s Victory Day military parade on Dvortsovaya Square in St. Petersburg yesterday in commemoration of the end of WWII. —AFP front of the Lenin Mausoleum. The mausoleum, the focal point of the square, was hidden behind an elaborate scrim painted to mark the holiday, reflecting the symbolic delicacy of commemorating a victory achieved by the Soviet regime that is now largely discredited. Some of the marching military units carried period flags bearing the Communist hammer-and-sickle emblem.

In Ukraine, tensions have been high over the use of Soviet symbols since President Viktor Yanukovych said he would sign a bill allowing red hammer-and-sickle banners to be hung from government buildings on Victor y Day. About 50 members of a Ukrainian nationalist group clashed yesterday with a small group of pro-Russian activists who were headed to a war memorial. Last year’s Victory Day period was marked by repeated complaints from Medvedev and other officials that some countries denigrate the Soviet Union’s contribution in WWII, in which some 26 mil-

lion Soviets died, according to some estimates.

But Medvedev made no reference to the issue this year and made of a point of noting the efforts of the other Allies. “Now, new generations are reinforcing the traditions of friendship and cooperation with those nations who together with us celebrate victory.

And I sincerely congratulate the veterans of all countries,” he said.

But in neighboring Belarus, authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko used the day to lash out. “Today we again see a policy of dictation and aggression by an array of countries and militar y blocs, interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign states, the dawn of international terrorism. These occurrences unwillingly call to mind associations with the period of the Great Patriotic War,” Lukashenko said, using the Russian and Soviet term for World War II. He did not denounce countries by name, but made clear the criticism included Western nations.

Sudan’s north, south to withdraw Abyei forces JOHANNESBURG: The United Nations says Sudan’s north and south have agreed to withdraw all “unauthorized forces” from a contested border hotspot, where fears are rising that a new conflict could ignite as Southern Sudan prepares to become the world’s newest country. The northern and southern governments agreed to deploy a joint north-south force in Abyei and withdraw the forces that are stoking tensions in the area, the UN in a Sunday statement. The deal is the latest effort to quell tensions in Abyei, a fertile and oil-producing border region to which both north and south Sudan stake claim. The north and south have signed several UN -brokered deals on the status of Abyei this year, but none of them have been fully implemented and the status of the territory remains unresolved.

The International Crisis Group warned Sunday that “Abyei is on the brink of dangerous new conflict.” “Failure to halt the downward trend toward violence in Abyei could unravel the tenuous peace that has been strong enough to get through the Southern Sudan referendum,” the Brussels-based think tank said

in a statement. Abyei was promised its own self-determination vote in the 2005 northsouth peace deal that ended decades of war.

That referendum was set to occur at the same time as Southern Sudan’s January independence vote, but it did not happen due to a dispute between north and south over who should be eligible to vote.

As southerners headed peacefully to the polls in January, clashes broke out in Abyei. The militarized zone has been on edge since then, with more than 100 people killed in clashes.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Friday that the military standoff is unacceptable and threatens peace. Hollywood star and activist George Clooney’s satellite monitoring project has released images showing hundreds of torched huts and burned villages after some of these attacks.

At least 14 people died in a clash between armed forces earlier this month. Diplomats hope the removal of forces from Abyei could reduce the chances of further violence. Both sides have traded accusations that the other is supporting proxy forces in Abyei. “There was

29 bodies found in new mass grave in Ivory Coast

KAMPALA: Ugandan protester Ruth Ojambo Ocheing protests against high food and fuel prices in Uganda’s capital Kampala yesterday.—AP

“We are seeing the leaders of well-known countries making the decision with insane, terrible ease to bomb peaceful cities, dooming thousands of women and children and the elderly and moreover calling themselves democratic states,” he said after laying a wreath at a war memorial in the capital Minsk.

Medvedev on Sunday released a message congratulating other former Soviet republics on their contribution to the defeat of the Nazis, but Georgia, which fought a brief war with Russia in 2008, complained that the message was not addressed to its president; the other former Soviet republics’ leaders were mentioned by name in the message, as were the leaders of the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which Russia recognizes as independent.

“If this greeting were sincere, it should have been sent in the accepted official form,” said Georgia’s deputy foreign minister Nino Kalandadze, according to the Interfax news agency.— AP

ABIDJAN: A new mass grave containing 29 bodies has been found in a restive suburb of Ivory Coast’s commercial capital, said a resident who said the victims were killed in the aftermath of a political standoff that plunged the country into violence. UN investigators had said they were investigating the reports of a new mass grave.

Yopougon resident Brahima Bakayoko said late Saturday that militants loyal to arrested strongman Laurent Gbagbo swept through the neighborhood amid celebrations over Gbagbo’s April 11 arrest.

He said the militants targeted members of two ethnic groups that supported democratically elected President Alassane Ouattara, the Dioula and the Baoule. “Here, they killed two youths of the Baoule and they forced us to bury them in the same tomb,” he said, adding that he counted 29 bodies in the grave. An Associated Press reporter visited the site late Saturday and spoke to other residents who said their family members were killed. They did not give

their names. The UN human rights office in Geneva announced Friday that their investigators were headed to a soccer field in Yopougon believed to be the site of a new mass grave. “We are told that there is a vast field that is used to play soccer. It is now an open-air cemeter y,” said Hamadoun Toure, spokesman for the UN mission in Ivory Coast.

Yopougon had voted in large numbers for Gbagbo. His militias are believed to have taken cover in Yopougon, and the neighborhood was the scene of pitched battles until Thursday, when Ouattara’s military spokesman announced that the area had been brought under control. Toure said it was not known if the dead were killed by Gbagbo’s forces, or if they were Gbagbo supporters slain in reprisal killings by forces loyal to Ouattara. Human rights groups have detailed massacres by the forces backing Ouattara, who swept the country coming in from the north, east and west.—AP

good will from both sides and we hope to follow-up on this spirit,” said Major Gen. Moses Bisong Obi, the commander in charge of the 10,000 peacekeepers in the UN ‘s Sudan mission, after Sunday’s meeting in the northern town of Kadugli.

However, both north and south Sudan have made official overtures suggesting they control the disputed region. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir threatened last month he would not recognize the new southern nation if it includes Abyei. And the first draft of Southern Sudan’s interim constitution, approved by the cabinet last week, refers to Abyei as part of the south. Al-Bashir and southern leader Salva Kiir pledged earlier this year to resolve the Abyei stalemate by the end of March. That deadline passed with no further progress announced by either side. Sudan has endured various civil wars for all but a few years of its independent history. The oil-rich south will become the world’s newest country on July 9, though analysts say the nation will struggle to address security and development challenges within its borders. — AP

Extradition of Croatian ex-PM Approved

by Austrian court VIENNA : An Austrian court yesterday approved the extradition of former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader to his homeland, where he is suspected of corruption while in office, but his lawyer immediately announced an appeal. Austrian police detained Sanader on Dec 10 after Croatian authorities issued an international arrest warrant for him, and he has been jailed in Salzburg ever since. During a closed-door session yesterday in Salzburg, a judge ruled that Sanader’s extradition was permissible, Salzburg Court president Hans Rathgeb told The Associated Press. However, the 57-year-old will remain in Austrian custody until a court in Linz decides to either grant or reject the extradition appeal, he added.

Sanader, who was in power for six years until he abruptly resigned on July 1, 2009, has proclaimed his innocence in any abuse of office claims. He alleges the charges against him are politically motivated and designed to keep him from returning to high office. Sanader’s lawyer, Werner Suppan, claimed his client would not receive a fair trial in Croatia, the Austria Press Agency reported. But Croatian President Ivo Josipovic said in a statement that “everyone in Croatia can have a fair trial, including Sanader.” “Such a trial will be held under a watchful eye of not only Croatian but also international public,” said Josipovic, who is currently in Italy. “I am certain that our judiciary will bring a legal and just verdict.”— AP

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NATO says insurgency weakened KABUL: NATO said yesterday that it has significantly weakened the Taliban insurgency, capturing or killing thousands of militants in Afghanistan during the past three months.

It also said that the Taliban failed in an attempt to carry out attacks against key government buildings over the weekend in the southern city of Kandahar, birthplace of the Taliban and the economic hub of southern Afghanistan. NATO and its top commander, US Gen David Petraeus, have said that a surge of 30,000 troops last summer helped coalition forces take, and hold, areas of Afghanistan that were long dominated by the Taliban.

NATO spokeswoman Brig. Gen. Christine Whitecross said NATO’s winter operations had sapped the Taliban and that in the past 90 days, NATO carried out 1,400 operations and killed or captured 500 insurgent leaders and 2,700 lower-level insurgents.

She added that NATO also was “taking more weapons away from a weakened insurgency,” adding: “In fact, we have seized more weapons caches in the past six months than in the previous two years.” Still, a highly coordinated attack over the weekend raised new questions about the effectiveness of the yearlong campaign to secure Afghanistan’s south and Kandahar in partic-

ular. Taliban fighters on Saturday attacked the governor’s office, the headquarters of the Afghan intelligence agency, a police headquarters and other buildings. After two days of fighting, Afghan forces supported by the coalition killed or captured all the insurgents. Afghan officials said at least 25 insurgents, two members of the Afghan security forces and one civilian were killed.

At least four were arrested, and 40 people were wounded. The final two insurgents were killed late Sunday making a last stand in the Kandahar Hotel.

“There were no breaches in the compounds, and the areas that coalition forces and Afghan forces took over in the winter season are still in Afghan and coalition control, and all the insurgents involved in the attack are either captured or killed. The attacks in Kandahar were ineffective,” Whitecross said.

The Taliban attack on Kandahar city was the most ambitious since the insurgents declared the start of a spring offensive against NATO and the Afghan government last month. NATO has been expecting the Taliban to stage a series of spectacular and complex attacks, and the group has already carried out a number of them _ but Kandahar was the largest so far.

Indian court urges death penalty for ‘honor killings’ NEW DELHI: India’s top court said yesterday the death penalty should be given to those found guilty of so-called honor killings, calling the crime a barbaric “slur” on the nation. India has seen an upsurge in such killings that mainly involve young couples who marry outside their caste or against their relatives’ wishes and are murdered to protect what is seen as the family’s reputation and pride.

“It is time to stamp out these barbaric, feudal practices which are a slur on our nation,” the Supreme Court said. There are no official figures on honor killings, though an independent study last year suggested that as many as 900 were being committed every year in the northern states of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Many go unreported, with police and local politicians turning a blind eye to what some see as an acceptable form of traditional justice by families seeking to protect their honor.

“All persons who are planning to perpetrate ‘honor’ killings should know that the gallows await them,” Justices Markandeya

Katju and Gyan Sudha Mishra said in their ruling, adding that no one can take law into their own hands. If someone is unhappy with the behavior of a relation, “the maximum he can do is to cut off social relations... but he cannot take the law into his own hands by committing violence or giving threats of violence,” the bench said. The court made the statements as it dismissed an appeal by Bhagawan Dass against a life sentence for strangling his daughter, Seema, in 2006 over an alleged extra-marital affair with a cousin.

India’s Supreme Court only awards the death penalty in what it calls the “rarest of rare” category. “In our opinion honor killings, for whatever reason, come within the category of rarest of rare cases deserving the death punishment,” the court said. However, when the Supreme Court does authorize executions, they are regularly delayed indefinitely or commuted by the president. Last August, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said he would present a bill in parliament which will provide specific, severe penalties to curb such killings. — AFP

“The Afghan forces responded capably.

They kept this from becoming a spectacular attack that the insurgents had hoped for,” Whitecross said. The effectiveness of the Taliban’s long-awaited spring campaign, code-named Badr after one of the Prophet

Muhammad’s decisive military victories, could affect the size of President Barack Obama’s planned drawdown of US troops in July. Petraeus has said the size will depend on conditions on the ground.

The alliance has committed itself to

LAGHMAN: An Afghan man photographs the wreckage of a motorcycle used by a suicide attacker in Qarghayi, Laghman province east of Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday.—AP

handing over control of security in the country to Afghans by 2014. “Conversely, the insurgents have threatened a surge of violence in order to gain a propaganda victory. The insurgents think these attacks will demonstrate they can exert power,” Whitecross said. “This violence will have no lasting impact in light of the gains Afghan and coalition forces have made through the winter.” But despite the progress claimed by NATO, violence is persistent and increases daily.

In eastern Laghman province, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up in front of a compound belonging to Saleh Mohammad Niazi, the chief of the Qarghayi district. Niazi said three people were killed in the blast and an additional 12 were wounded — including two police officers.

The bomber was targeting a NATO convoy.

There were no immediate reports of coalition casualties. In the northern province of Kunduz, insurgents killed a former Taliban commander who had decided to reconcile and begin peace talks with the government.

Maulvi Mohammad Nabi was killed by gunmen along with four of his bodyguards, District chief Mohammad Ayub Aqyar said.

Nabi had left the insurgency four months ago, Aqyar said. — AP

Pak says knew of US raid just after it began DUBAI: Pakistan became aware of the operation that killed Osama bin Laden 15 minutes after it had begun but did not know the target, Al-Arabiya television quoted Interior Minister Rehman Malik as saying. “I was made aware of the operation 15 minutes after it had begun,” according the pan-Arab satellite channel yesterday quoted the minister as saying in an interview. He added that he was also unaware of the target. The minister’s remarks which were published in Arabic on the channel’s website, said that he was first informed that “one of two drones involved in the operation had crashed”.

Malik later yesterday told reporters outside parliament in the Pakistan capital Islamabad that he believed it was a “drone attack” because Pakistan did not have helicopters with night vision. He also sought to clarify remarks published in the Arab media. “I was misquoted. I said I came to know there was a helicopter crash within 15 minutes. I asked relevant authorities and directed the

concerned police official to go to the spot and check since we don’t have night vision helicopters, so maybe it was a drone strike,” he said. “I was informed by the concerned police official two and half hours later that the army had taken control after the helicopter crashed.”

Helicopter-borne US commandos carried out a raid lasting less than 40 minutes, killed bin Laden and took away his body from a mansion near a Pakistani military facility outside Islamabad on May 2. However, one of the US helicopters crashed and was destroyed by US Navy SEALs before they left in other aircraft. Malik in his interview with Al-Arabiya stressed there was “permanent cooperation in the security field” between Islamabad and Washington, despite US concerns about the reliability of their key ally in the “war on terror.”

US President Barack Obama has pressed Pakistan to probe how bin Laden managed to live for years under the noses of its military, saying he must have had some kind of sup-

port network. Under mounting pressure from both Washington and his own people, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also briefed his country’s parliament yesterday on the US operation amid calls for his resignation. The White House is also calling on Islamabad to counter growing mistrust by allowing US investigators access to three of bin Laden’s widows who are in Pakistani custody and could have vital information on AlQaeda.

During interrogation, bin Laden’s youngest wife, Amal Ahmed Abdulfattah, a 29-year-old Yemeni, reportedly told Pakistani investigators that her husband had lived in their Abbottabad house, near Islamabad, for five years. Senior US officials have said they have no proof Islamabad was aware of bin Laden’s hideout. Al-Qaeda formally acknowledged bin Laden’s killing four days after the US raid on his Abbottabad compound, about two hour’s drive from Islamabad, and urged Pakistani militants to act against Americans. — AFP

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Thailand sets date for crucial election Exiled Thaksin set to play a key role

MIYAGI: Men chat by destroyed automobiles stored at a parking lot in an area destroyed by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan yesterday. —AP

Nuclear plant closing while seawall is built TOKYO: A Japanese utility agreed yesterday to shutter three nuclear reactors at a coastal power plant while it builds a seawall and improves other tsunami defenses there. Chubu Electric Power Co. acted at a special board meeting after Prime Minister Naoto Kan requested the temporary shutdown at the Hamaoka plant amid concerns an earthquake magnitude 8.0 or higher could strike the central Japanese region sometime within 30 years. The government’s decision came after evaluating Japan’s 54 reactors for quake and tsunami vulnerability after the March 11 disasters that crippled the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in northeast Japan. The Hamaoka facility sits above a major fault line and has long been considered Japan’s riskiest nuclear power plant. Chubu Electric President Akihisa Mizuno described Kan’s request, which was announced on live television Friday evening, as carrying immense weight. His company’s response reflects its commitment to putting safety first, Mizuno said. “ We believe that our efforts to strengthen safety will restore trust among people in the region and society,” he said at a news conference. The utility will shutter the No. 4 and No. 5 reactors at the plant, Mizuno said. It will also indefinitely delay a planned resumption of the No. 3 reactor, which has been shut down for regular maintenance since late last year. The plant’s non-operating No. 1 and No. 2 reactors were slated for decommission before the disaster.

About 79,800 people live within a 6-mile (10-kilometer) radius of the Hamaoka plant about 125 miles (200 kilometers) west of Tokyo.

Nuclear energy provides more than one-third of Japan’s electricity, and shutting the Hamaoka plant is likely to exacerbate power shortages expected this summer. The three reactors account for more than 10 percent of Chubu’s power supply. The Hamaoka plant provides power to central Japan, including nearby Aichi, home of Toyota Motor Corp. The potential electricity problems only add to the automaker’s woes.

Like other Japanese automakers, Toyota was hit hard in its production capacity when the earthquake and tsunami devastated the country’s northeast coast. The region is home to a network of key auto-parts suppliers whose plants were crippled by the natural disasters and subsequent electricity shortages.

The crisis has cost Toyota output of 400,000 vehicles in Japan, and another 100,000 overseas. Chubu Electric estimates electricity demand will climb to 25.6 million kilowatts per month during July and August when temperatures are highest. Without power from the

Hamaoka plant, it is projecting “a very difficult” situation through the summer, Mizuno said. Kan told reporters he welcomed the news. “It was a very good decision,” he said, adding that his administration would do its best to help Chubu avoid power shortfalls.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Banri Kaieda said the government stands ready to provide financial support to the utility to cover related costs and losses. Reaction from Japan’s biggest business lobby was harsh.

Hiromasa Yonekura, head of the Nippon Keidanran, criticized Kan’s unusually forceful request to Chubu Electric and expressed concern about the economic implications of the shutdown.

“I have no idea how (the government) studied it,” Yonekura said, according to Kyodo. “How can he request it so suddenly?” Investors anticipating Chubu Electric’s move pummeled the company’s shares yesterday. The stock fell more than 10 percent to 1,584 yen in trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Since the March 11 disasters, Chubu Electric drew up safety measures that include building a 40-foot-high (12meter) seawall nearly a mile (1.5 kilometers) long over the next two to three years, company officials said. Chubu also promised to install more emergency backup generators and other equipment and improve the water tightness of the reactor buildings.

The Hamaoka plant lacks a concrete sea barrier now. Sand hills between the ocean and the plant are up to 50 feet (15 meters) high, deemed enough to defend against a tsunami around 26 feet (8 meters) high, officials said. The company said the reactors would be shut down after preparations are made, but it did not specify a target date. The government earlier estimated the improvements could take two years.

The operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant, Tokyo Electric Power Co., has said the tsunami that wrecked critical power and cooling systems there was at least 46 feet (14 meters) high. The March 11 quake and tsunami left more than 25,000 people dead or missing on the northeast coast and triggered the worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl in 1986. At the Fukushima plant yesterday, workers and nuclear inspectors briefly entered the No 1 reactor building to monitor radiation levels, as part of preparations to install a cooling system in the badly damaged unit that had been off-limits for weeks due to high radiation levels.

Workers first entered the building last week to connect ventilation and air filtration equipment to try to reduce radiation in the air. The utility hopes to start allowing workers into the building for fullscale work soon. — AP

Philippine court approves plea bargain with general MANILA: A Philippine anti-graft court approved yesterday a much-criticized plea bargain deal between prosecutors and a former senior general accused of plunder. The court said the evidence of plunder was weak and former Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia had complied with all preconditions for the deal, including returning assets worth 135 million pesos ($3.1 million).

Garcia has pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of direct bribery and facilitating money laundering. He was released on bail in December pending sentencing on the lesser charges.

Plunder, or large-scale graft, is punishable by 40 years in prison, while bribery has a maximum term of 10 years. Garcia has been accused of amassing 303 million pesos ($7 million) while serving as armed forces comptroller. Allegations of Garcia’s illicit assets emerged in 2003 after US Customs informed the Philippines that his sons had been caught trying to enter the United States with $100,000 in undeclared funds.

Corruption is an explosive issue in the 120,000-strong military and has sparked several rebellions by disgruntled troops. Soldiers have been struggling with a dearth of weapons and equipment while dealing with commu-

nist and Muslim insurgencies and terror threats. The plea bargain deal, negotiated by prosecutors headed by then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, has been criticized by many people, including President Benigno Aquino III, for violating public interest.

Gutierrez, who was accused of protecting former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her family from prosecution for alleged corruption, resigned in April, a month after being impeached by Congress. Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said she was disappointed by the court’s decision yesterday.

“We will file a motion for reconsideration,” Solicitor General Joel Cadiz said.

“If our motion for reconsideration is denied, we will go definitely to the Supreme Court.” Cadiz, whose office is normally not involved in trials before the anti-graft court, filed a motion in January for the court to void the deal and for his office to be allowed to intervene in the case. He said then that the plea deal ignored strong evidence against Garcia and was made without notifying the offended party _ the military. The court denied that motion yesterday, saying the government was aptly represented by the Office of the Ombudsman.—AP

BANGKOK: Thailand is to hold a general election on July 3 in what is expected to be a close contest that could reignite a violent political conflict that has dogged the country for five years. Parliament will be dissolved today following endorsement by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the government said yesterday. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is expected to officially announce the decision at 8.30 pm on national television.

The stakes are higher than at any time since a 2006 bloodless coup removed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and plunged Thailand into a crisis broadly pitting the rural and urban poor supporters of Thaksin against the establishment elite.

“Results will be hard to predict this time,” said Siripan Noksuan, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “Most surveys are predicting close polls and the lack of a clear decisive win is making everybody uneasy.

The end of the crisis is difficult to foresee.”

The poll will be Abhisit’s first test of popular support since his coalition government came to power in late 2008 in a parliamentary vote the opposition said was arranged in the army barracks. A court dissolved the previous pro-Thaksin ruling party for electoral fraud, which coincided with an eight-day blockade of Bangkok’s main airports by an anti-Thaksin group.

The election may be an opportunity to heal political divisions but some fear it could also push Thailand back to the brink of chaos following violent anti-government protests last year in which 91 people died. The pro-

Thaksin “red shirts” who battled the military in central Bangkok in April and May last year have said they would respect the results of

the poll as long as there was no blatant, heavy-handed intervention by “unelected powers”.

The voting is expected to be

MIYAGI: Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva greets as he walks on the hallway of the Government House in Bangkok yesterday. Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej has approved a decree dissolving the lower house of parliament and setting a general election for July 3. —AP

very close. Abhisit’s Democrat Party has not won an election in two decades, but analysts said the odds are in its favour because of new electoral rules and disarray inside the opposition Puea Thai party, which still needs to settle on a new leader and line up candidates.

Thailand’s economy, Southeast Asia’s second largest, is performing strongly and Abhisit has rolled out a raft of populist economic policies and subsidies targeting the poor, the vast majority of voters.

But the pro-Thaksin Puea Thai remains popular in the vote-rich north and northeast, strengthened by a sense of alienation and resentment among the red shirts, particularly after the violent end to the protest last year. In a recent survey of 2,143 eligible voters by Assumption University, 36.4 percent of respondents said they would vote for Puea Thai and 34.1 percent for Abhisit’s Democrats.

Puea Thai had better scores than the Democrats on almost all categories, including policies, vision and administrative efficiency. The Democrats led in just one, “integrity and transparency ”.

Near-daily rumours about a coup in a country that has seen 18 military takeovers or attempted putsches since 1932 highlights the uncertainty and risks surrounding the poll. Analysts said the current government’s royalist and military backers are unlikely to give way quietly if Puea Thai wins, possibly using judicial intervention or a coup to restore the status quo. That could in turn lead to a new and stronger wave of anti-government street protests. — Reuters

Vietnam security forces break up Hmong gathering HANOI: Thousands of ethnic Hmong have returned to their homes after Vietnamese security forces broke up more than a week of religious activities near the northwestern border with Laos, a church official said yesterday.

Nguyen Huu Mac, head of the northern Evangelical Church of Vietnam, said he has been in regular contact with church members who were involved in the gathering in Muong Nhe district of Dien Bien province starting April 30. Little information about the incident has been released by the Communist government, and foreign media and diplomats have not been granted access to the area. Provincial officials have said the Hmong gathered after a rumor spread that a supernatural force would arrive and take them to a promised land where they would find health, happiness and

wealth. They accused overseas groups of using the incident to influence some Hmong to call for an independent state.

Mac said church members reported that up to 5,000 Hmong rode horses and motorbikes to the district town and camped out to await for God, expected to take them to the promised land on May 21. He said that while some participants attend his congregation in Hanoi, this was a separate millenarian movement with beliefs not connected to his church. Mac said the church members reported that military helicopters arrived to disperse the crowd, with some security forces in uniform and others in plain clothes. He said he had received no reports of injuries or arrests related to the dispersal. He said buses were called to transport the remaining Hmong home on Sunday. The

US Embassy said yesterday it was aware of reports alleging a clash had occurred between security forces and Hmong followers and urged restraint while trying to verify whether any casualties occurred. US-based Human Rights Watch called for a full investigation and for foreign journalists and diplomats to be given access to the area. The staterun Vietnam News said yesterday at least one child had died from illness and several other followers had become sick after being exposed to bad weather during the gathering.

There is a long history of mistrust between the government and many ethnic hilltribe groups, collectively known as Montagnards. Many anti-communist hilltribe fighters were allied with the United States during the Vietnam War, and many Hmong refugees resettled there after the war. — AP

China tightens nuclear safety SHANGHAI: China is tightening safety standards for its nuclear power industry following the disasters at Japan’s tsunami-stricken Fukushima Dai-ichi facility, though it looks likely the country will persist with its ambitious program to develop the industry. New standards on reporting of accidents and management of radioactive materials took effect on May 1, according to notices posted on the website of the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The ministry’s head of nuclear safety and radioactive safety management, Liu Hua, told a conference in the western Chinese city of Chengdu that his agency may work with the electricity utility State Grid Corp. to prevent any disruptions to power at nuclear plants. “The lesson of Fukushima is that we need to improve emergency procedures, especially coordination among government departments,” the state-run newspaper China Daily’s yesterday edition quoted Liu as saying.

China suspended approvals of new nuclear plants in March after a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake crippled the Fukushima plant’s cooling and backup power systems, causing a partial meltdown in the worst nuclear disaster since the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe. China’s leaders ordered safety checks for existing nuclear facilities, a review of projects under construction and improved safety standards.

Regulators are trying to finish the inspections before August, and a national nuclear safety plan would be issued afterward, Liu said. His comments triggered a rally yesterday in shares in nuclearrelated companies, with SUFA Technology Industry Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corp, jumping by the 10 percent daily limit to 30.50 yuan.

China has not yet reported any major nuclear disasters. But Liu said Beijing is considering fresh precautions to avoid the setbacks seen in Japan, where accidents and explosions early on in the crisis triggered radiation leaks that have hindered progress on stabilizing the plant’s damaged reactors.

“Access to power supplies is vital for nuclear safety,” Liu said. “We are thinking of setting up mobile power generators in nuclear plants,” he said.

Tian Jiashu, deputy chief engineer of CNNC, told the conference the government plans higher stan-

dards for flood control and for the exterior walls of reactors. China needs nuclear emergency procedures to match the quick development of the industry, he said. Despite the safety review, and concerns among some in the industry over a lack of adequately trained personnel to man all of the many projects under way, officials appear to be signaling that Beijing ultimately will stick with its plans for a massive buildup of its nuclear energy sector. China has six nuclear plants in operation, 12 under construction and another 25 under consideration, state media say.

At least one plant under construction near Hong Kong lies within a few hundred miles of the type of geologic fault known to unleash the largest tsunami-spawning earthquakes. China’s nuclear regulators say nuclear plants along the country’s southeastern coast are able to withstand huge storm surges from typhoons, though tsunamis are even more powerful.

Participants of the Chengdu conference, from

both mainland China and Taiwan, proposed setting up nuclear safety information-sharing procedures, China Daily reported. While urging Japan to quickly resolve its own crisis and minimize radiation leaks, China has sought to reassure jittery citizens on the safety of nuclear power. Last week, the Qinshan nuclear plant, west of Shanghai held an “open to the public” day. Among the information experts shared with their visitors were details on equipment at the plant meant to prevent a buildup of hydrogen in its six reactors, to minimize hydrogen explosions similar to those that occurred in March in Japan.

One measure that took effect this month ordered that accidents at nuclear plants and other radiation-related mishaps conform to requirements applying to other sudden pollution disasters. The other rule made all companies making, selling or using radioactive materials responsible for their safe handling, holding them legally responsible for any radioactive pollution damage.—AP

MANILA: People play as waves slam into the seawall at Manila’s coastal community of Navotas yesterday as tropical storm Aere continued to bring heavy rains across large parts of the Philippines. Nine people were killed and thousands fled their homes amid flashfloods and landslides triggered by Aere, the first weather disturbanceto hit the country this year. —AFP

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

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Nuke plant halt may boost Kan, but how much?

By Linda Sieg npopular Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has succeeded in his rare bold move to shut down a nuclear power plant due to safety fears, but the decision may not win enough public applause to be a key factor his messy battle to keep his job. Kan, under fire for his handling of the crisis at another nuclear plant crippled by a huge March 11 quake and tsunami, asked for the shutdown of the Hamaoka plant 200 km southwest of Tokyo on Friday, citing the high risk of another powerful quake. On Monday, Chubu Electric Power Co reluctantly agreed to shut the plant until defences against a massive tsunami can be improved. Already Japan’s fifth premier in as many years, Kan has seen his ratings sink below 30 percent on concerns about his leadership and faces calls from both inside and outside his own party to step down - although few expect him to quit easily and there is no obvious successor waiting in the wings. The political bickering has distracted policy makers from efforts not only to figure out how to fund the massive cost of rebuilding from the triple March 11 disasters, but from tackling the deeper woes of a fast-ageing society and huge public debt.

Japanese mainstream media, which tend to have close ties to Japan’s politically influential nuclear power industry, criticised what they called the abruptness of Kan’s Hamaoka request, although some analysts said many voters would approve. “You can say it was sudden, but the chance of a quake affecting the plant is high, so the public will agree with his decision,” said political analyst Hirotaka Futatsuki.

“But I don’t know if this will go so far as to change Kan’s image.”

An initial poll by broadcaster TBS conducted on the weekend showed Kan’s support rate had slipped three points to 29.5 percent, although more than half said Japan should either reduce its number of nuclear plants or close them all. About 70 percent said that while they were dissatisfied with Kan, they wanted him to stay in his post a while longer. Experts have long warned about the risk to the Hamaoka plant from a megaquake and the tsunami-triggered accident at Tokyo Electric Power Co’s (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi plant northeast of the capital has fanned those concerns.

The temporary shutdown of Hamaoka, which supplies power to central Japan - home to many manufacturers including Toyota Motor Corp - has added to concerns about power shortages in the summer when usage peaks. “It’s good they’re closing Hamaoka. They talked a lot about the earthquake risks ... so I’m glad they are going to shut it down. But I’m worried about power shortages in the summertime,” said a mother strolling in Tokyo with her two-yearold son.

Kan may also face criticism given that Japanese media and many pundits, while typically professing a longing for decisive leadership, often seem uncomfortable when it is exercised. “For a change, he took a risk and made a decision that was quite justified, but the way people are so reluctant to give him credit doesn’t lead me to believe that this is going to be a game-changer (politically),” said Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano.

Members of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) sniped at what they dubbed a hasty, illexplained decision, but some outspoken politicians applauded the move. “The job of elected politicians is to set goals to mobilise the public ... There may be many who oppose the decision but without a doubt, the overwhelming number of people feel that even if there is some burden from halting operations at the dangerous Hamaoka plant, they want to make efforts to achieve that goal,” Toru Hashimoto, the popular governor of Osaka in western Japan, said in a televised interview at the weekend.

Even one ally of Kan’s heavyweight Democratic Party of Japan rival, former DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa, expressed approval. Ozawa’s group probably won’t abandon attacks on Kan, but prospects they lack the numbers to unseat the premier by backing a no-confidence motion mean Kan could last until his term as party leader expires in 2012, said DPJ lawmaker Hirotami Murakoshi. Whether Kan follows his Hamaoka decision by outlining a broader energy policy that points to a shift away from nuclear power over time remains in much doubt, especially given the industry’s deep tentacles in the DPJ as well as the rival LDP. A top government official said on Sunday Japan would not back off from nuclear power, which supplies about onethird of Japan’s electricity needs, while the trade minister added that a target to raise that to half by 2030 would have to be rethought. “Utilities are the ultimate in political power,” said Murakoshi, who favours gradually weaning Japan from reliance on nuclear power over coming decades.— Reuters

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Leadership row weakens Ahmadinejad camp

By Parisa Hafezi

power struggle between Iran’s top leaders could shake the Islamic Republic to its foundations, with no sign that its hardline president can regain the trust of conservative politicians and clerics, analysts say.

The unprecedented public intervention of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in reversing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s decision to dismiss the intelligence minister last month has put Iran’s Supreme Leader in the forefront of a power struggle that could harm the legitimacy of the Iranian government.

Khamenei’s status as lofty arbiter had already eroded when he quickly endorsed Ahmadinejad’s disputed 2009 re-election. Now, he has shown no willingness to back off even after Ahmadinejad stayed at home for 10 days, boycotting cabinet meetings, in an apparent protest over the minister’s reinstatement. The president returned to work last Sunday. The dispute has heightened the anger felt by conservatives over efforts by Ahmadinejad to wrest more control over security and foreign affairs from the clerical establishment. Now conservatives may take off the gloves, analysts say.

Many Shiite clerics and politicians have warned Ahmadinejad over his bucking of Khamenei’s authority.

Chants of “death to opponents of the Supreme Leader” have been heard at Friday prayers and sermons. Even Ahmadinejad’s own religious mentor, Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi, cautioned that disobedience towards the Supreme Leader was tantamount to “apostasy from God”. The president’s official website (president.ir) has dismissed reports of a deadline given to Ahmadinejad to publicly accept the reinstatement of Heydar Moslehi or resign.

Under Iranian law, the president has the right to dismiss ministers. But Khamenei is Iran’s ultimate wielder of power. And conservative parliamentarians have warned Ahmadinejad he could face impeachment if he refused to obey Khamenei. The votes of at least one third of parliament’s 290 lawmakers are required for impeachment of the president. Some MPs argued that Ahmadinejad’s allies wanted to control the intelligence

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ministry to secure a majority in the 2012 parliamentary elections, since the intelligence ministry is in charge of checking backgrounds of potential candidates. The Islamic Republic’s first president was impeached in 1981 for attempting to undermine the authority of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, revered leader of Iran’s Islamic revolution.

Analysts say the outcome of Iran’s power struggle is uncertain but that it could have been kindled in part by concerns over any spillover effect of popular uprisings against dictatorial leaders in the Arab world. “Khamenei feels compelled to confront Ahmadinejad to preserve his own authority and the system,” said analyst Hamid Farahvashi. “Khamenei might want to use Ahmadinejad as a scapegoat if the regional popular crisis spreads into Iran.”

Iran’s leaders maintain that the Arab world revolts have been inspired by its 1979 Islamic Revolution, although analysts abroad say the unrest has been generally secular, not religious. In any case, Iranian leaders are worried about any revival of anti-government protests that buffeted the country after the reelection of Ahmadinejad. The opposition says the vote was rigged. State authorities deny this.

Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards, who quelled anti-government outpourings in the streets after the 2009 vote, have also distanced themselves from Ahmadinejad. “The Islamic Republic cannot survive without the existence of the Supreme Leader,” the Sharq newspaper quoted Guards commander-in-chief Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying. There is no clear political constellation aligned against Ahmadinejad yet but it might yet crystallise, analysts say, if conservatives

decide that Ahmadinejad’s actions threaten the stability of the Islamic Republic.

“Khamenei is Iran’s most powerful spiritual, political and military leader ... Without his backing Ahmadinejad will become a very weak president even if he stays in office,” said analyst Mohsen Sedaghati. Conservatives say Ahmadinejad is surrounded by “deviants” in his inner circle, including his controversial chief of staff, Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaie, who is accused of undermining the central role of Shiite clerics in Iranian politics by touting the nationalist strain of Iranian history and culture.

Many clerics and conservative politicians accused Mashaie and his allies recently of using supernatural powers in pursuing government policies. At least 25 allies of Ahmadinejad and Mashaie have been arrested and several websites affiliated to them have been blocked in the past days.

Some Iranian media reports said Ahmadinejad backed a Mashaie candidacy to succeed him in the 2013 presidential vote.

Abbas Amirifar, the head of prayers at the presidential palace, was also arrested over his alleged role in making a film called “Reappearance Is Imminent”. The film depicts Khamenei and Ahmadinejad as two close companions of the hidden Imam Mahdi, who devout Shiites believe will reappear some day to spread justice in the world. — Reuters

Romney learns from ’08 mistakes

By Steve Holland

ne of the raps on Republican Mitt Romney in the 2008 presidential campaign was he was too stiff, too much the millionaire businessman. So his supporters were delighted to see him unscripted at a New Hampshire gas station recently. Wearing jeans and an opennecked shirt instead of a dark suit, the man greeting customers at the gas pump was Romney The Sequel, a wiser, more experienced politician who is likely to be the Republican front-runner when he officially announces his candidacy.

One of his advisers acknowledges that the Romney campaign defeated by Senator John McCain in 2008 made some mistakes. “We didn’t have the right team together. I think he’d say he made a lot of rookie mistakes as a candidate. We weren’t focused and disciplined enough on message. I think he’d say he had a habit of answering every question as asked, instead of realizing you don’t have to do that,” the adviser said.

In the “lessons learned” category was the feeling that Romney, with his widespread name recognition with voters and prodigious fund-raising ability, can afford to skip some events with other potential Republican candidates, such as a debate last week in South Carolina. He has stayed above the fray and declined to take on tycoon and potential Republican candidate Donald Trump when he boasted, “I’m a much bigger businessman” than Romney. And he has stayed out of the “birther ” debate - most prominently

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pushed by Trump - over whether President Barack Obama was born in the United States.

This sort of discipline will help him, said Republican strategist Charlie Black, a McCain adviser in 2008. “We did get him off message a few times,” said Black. “But I don’t think in his case they were unforced errors. We kind of forced them. Having run before and having come close to getting the nomination will be very valuable to him. I suspect he will be a very disciplined candidate,” Black said.

But Romney has some major hurdles to winning the Republican presidential nomination in 2012. Chiefly, the healthcare plan he developed for Massachusetts when he was governor there bears a strong resemblance to Obama’s overhaul, which is despised by conservatives.

“His big problem last time was authenticity - too many people just weren’t sure who he was, what he really stood for,” said David Yepsen, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University.

“And I think he’s going to have to deal with that this time as well. His healthcare plan is just going to be a real albatross around his neck,” Yepsen said. Romney and his team believe he can satisfy the concerns among conservatives, turn healthcare into a net positive and win the right to face Obama in 2012 with an emphasis on Obama’s handling of the US economy.

Romney told a New Hampshire forum that his healthcare plan was an experiment and “some parts didn’t work,” but that Obama’s plan is u n co n s t i t u t i o n a l and that if elected, he would sign waivers for all 50 US states to withdraw from it. Republican rivals have yet to fully train their fire on the Romney healthcare plan, although a possible harbinger of the fireworks to come may have

been given by Republican Senator Rand Paul, a Tea Party conservative. “I don’t know how a good solid Republican conservative could sign a piece of legislation like that,” Paul told the Manchester Union Leader of New Hampshire. The senator’s father, US Representative Ron Paul, is in the Republican presidential running.

Romney is a former chief executive of the private investment firm Bain Capital, and his phone book includes the numbers of many well-heeled Wall Street types likely to help him build an intimidating war chest. Today, he will be in New York for a fund-raiser chaired by Julian Robertson Jr, a legendary hedge fund manager with a net worth of about $2.2 billion. Romney spent an estimated $44 million of his own fortune on his 2008 campaign for the White House, while collecting about $60 million in contributions from individuals.

This time around, he has a commanding lead over his Republican rivals in polls conducted in New Hampshire, which holds the country’s first primary election next February, a contest that can make or break a candidacy.

And he seems to pair up well in some states at this early stage. A Public Policy Polling survey in Nevada had Romney leading Obama 46 percent to 43 percent, and a similar polling in Arizona had him up 48-44 percent over Obama. Less certain is how he will shape up in Iowa, whose caucuses begin the nomination process next January. Romney spent a lot sweat and money there in the 2008 cycle only to come in second to former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. — Reuters

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West turns a blind eye to Bahrain crackdown BEIRUT: The fate of Bahrain’s protest movement is a stark reminder of how Western and regional power politics can trump reformist yearnings, even in an Arab world convulsed by popular uprisings against entrenched autocrats. Bahrain is not Libya or Syria, but Western tolerance of the Sunni monarchy’s crackdown suggests that interests such as the US naval base in Manama, ties to oil giant Saudi Arabia and the need to contain neighbouring Iran outweigh any sympathy with pro-democracy demonstrators mostly from the Shiite majority.

“The response from the West has been very timid and it shows the double standards in its foreign policy compared to Libya,” said Nabeel Rajab of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. “Saudi influence is so huge on Bahrain now and the West has not stood up to it, which has disappointed many. They’re losing the hearts and minds of the democrats in Bahrain.”

Iran has hardly been consistent either, fiercely criticising Bahrain’s treatment of its Shiites, and praising Arab revolts elsewhere as “Islamic awakenings” - except the uprising in its lone Arab ally Syria, which it blames on a US-Israeli plot. Bahrain’s king said on Sunday a state of emergency, imposed in March after Saudi-led troops arrived to help crush protests, would be lifted on June 1, two weeks before it expires.

That would be two days before a deadline set by Formula One organisers for Bahrain to decide whether to reschedule a Grand

Prix it was to have hosted on March 13. The motor race was postponed because of the unrest then shaking the Gulf island. Bahrain is eager to prove that stability has returned after the upheaval in which at least 29 people, all but six of them Shiites, have been killed since protests erupted in February.

Apart from verbal slaps on the wrist, the United States and its allies have stood by as Bahrain, egged on by Saudi Arabia, has pursued a punitive campaign that appears to target Shiites in general, not just the advocates of more political freedoms, a constitutional monarchy and an end to sectarian discrimination. Some protesters had gone further, demanding the overthrow of the alKhalifa family that has ruled Bahrain for 200 years. Bahrain, which accuses Shiite Iran of instigating the unrest, has detained hundreds of protesters and put dozens on trial in special courts. Others have lost their government jobs.

The dragnet has swept up politicians, journalists and even medical staff. Four detainees have died in police custody. The government denies reports by rights groups of torture and abuse. Last month the main Shiite Wefaq opposition party reported the demolition, often by night, of at least 25 Shiite mosques - described by the authorities as illegal structures. Progovernment media have depicted the protesters as violent traitors, driven by sectarian designs to disenfranchise Sunnis and encouraged by Iran to further its regional influence. — Reuters

PARIS: A picture taken yesterday at the “Grand Palais” shows the inside view of a installation made by Indian born British sculptor Anish Kapoor two days ahead of the inauguration of the “Monumenta 2011” event. Each year Monumenta invites an internationally-renowned artist to turn his vision to the vast Nave of Paris’ Grand Palais and to create a new artwork especially for this space. — AFP

King Hussein’s legacy grows in sports world Samoa plans to go Back to the Future Continued from Page 1 The building was funded by his friends for an organization that has 133 national members.

“By demanding that our staff rise to a new level and change, we needed to give them a good working environment,” Princess Haya said.

The permanent memorial is a short walk from the five-star hotel where, on a family holiday in 1952, the 16-year-old crown prince Hussein received a telegram summoning him to return home as king.

“All of us are very aware of our family’s historical links in Lausanne,” Princess Haya said. King Hussein’s legacy in the city could endure for some time through Prince Faisal, younger brother of the current King Abdullah II. Last week, IOC President Jacques Rogge visited Jordan’s capital Amman to help the prince open a new home for his Generations for Peace institute, which works with young people.

“He’s great on conflict resolution,”

Princess Haya said of her elder halfbrother. “He has a very quiet way about him, the opposite of me.” She describes Prince Ali as “like my twin, but always the much more diplomatic and pragmatic and wise of the two of us. I think he will be an incredible asset to FIFA moving forward. “We certainly aren’t about creating a family force in sport.

Contributions and concrete achievements in the end is what will justify our roles, and nothing else.”

Princess Haya was the first of King Hussein’s children to reach high sports office, and likely will be first to leave. She imposed a two-term limit on FEI presidents and, when she steps down in 2014 aged just 40, her IOC membership will lapse.

“I think that is the most a person can give. I think it will be good for the FEI,” she said. Princess Haya’s urgency to solve problems - creating a new anti-doping program and shaking up some equestrian disciplines - did create tension. “There were definitely a number of very

volatile situations where I did think, ‘Your father was a peacemaker, there’s got to be something in your treasure box of memories that will work here’,” she said.

Her federation is now preparing for the 2012 London Olympics, marking equestrian’s 100th anniversary in the Summer Games. In 2000, Princess Haya competed in showjumping at the Sydney Olympics and carried Jordan’s flag at the opening ceremony. “London is huge for the FEI because the sport is coming home, to a nation steeped in the history of our sport,” said the princess, whose predecessors as president include Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip and daughter Princess Anne.

Princess Haya hopes her father’s reputation can be written into the federation’s traditions. “I very much hope that his name will continue to remind everyone who works for the FEI in generations to come, what is required of them by their members,” she said. — AP

Pakistan rejects Laden accusations as absurd Continued from Page 1 something that we have to investigate and, more importantly, the Pakistani government has to investigate.”

Helicopter-borne US Navy SEALs carried out a raid lasting less than 40 minutes, killing bin Laden and seizing a vast haul of data from the compound in Abbottabad on May 2. Senior US officials have said they had no proof that Islamabad knew about bin Laden’s hideout. But outraged US lawmakers have voiced suspicion that elements of Pakistan’s military intelligence services must have known his whereabouts, and are demanding that billions of dollars in crucial American aid be suspended.

Similarly, Pakistanis are furiously asking whether their military was too incompetent to know bin Laden was there or, worse, conspired to protect him, while at the same time denouncing the perceived impunity of the American raid. Gilani sought to deflect the criticism, blaming “all intelligence agencies of the world” for the failure to locate bin Laden, and declaring: “Pakistan is not the birthplace of Al-Qaeda”.

In an allusion to US funding for Pakistan’s role in the 1990s war against Soviet troops in Afghanistan, which ultimately gave birth to the Taleban and Al-Qaeda, Gilani said it was unfair for his country to take all the blame.

“Collectively, we must acknowledge facts and see our faces in the mirror of history. Pakistan alone cannot be held to account for flawed policies and blunders of others,” he said in his televised speech. We did not invite Osama bin Laden to Pakistan or even to Afghanistan.”

Opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali said that Gilani’s speech “failed to satisfy the nation”, saying that the raid raised “the question of Pakistan’s existence and sovereignty”. Powerful army chief General Ashfaq Kayani also condemned the government’s handling of the affair.

“Public dismay and despondency has also been aggravated due to insufficient formal response,” he said in a statement.

Pakistan’s highly influential military establishment is perceived to be Pakistan’s strongest institution but the debacle has seriously embarrassed it. It has hit back at the allegations, demanding that the United States cut its troop presence in the country to a “minimum” and threatening to review cooperation if another unilateral raid is conducted. Gilani also insisted Pakistan reserves the right to “retaliate with full force,” although he stopped short of spelling what, if anything, would be done if the US staged another high-profile anti-terror raid.

The White House says Obama reserves the right to take action again in the country. In his interview, broadcast Sunday, Obama held out the possibility of further action, saying that the vast haul of data gathered from bin Laden’s secretive compound could lead to other AlQaeda figures. “We’ve got a chance to, I think, really deliver a fatal blow to this organisation, if we follow through aggressively in the months to come,” he said. “We anticipate that it can give us leads to other terrorists that we’ve been looking for a long time, other high-value targets.”

White House National Security Advisor Tom Donilon has said the United States was focusing its attention on bin Laden’s longstanding deputy, the Egyptian Ayman AlZawahiri. Reportedly last seen in Oct 2001 in eastern Afghanistan, close to the lawless tribal regions along the Pakistan border, Zawahiri has released several videos from hiding, calling for war on the West.

Potentially stirring tension further, a Pakistani TV channel and a newspaper published what they said was the name of the undercover CIA station chief in Islamabad.

The US embassy declined to comment, but said no one of that name worked at the mission in Pakistan. Last year, after the chief of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency was named in a US civil case over attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai, the then-head of the CIA’s Islamabad station was named by Pakistani media and forced to leave the country.

On Friday, the private TV channel ARY broadcast what it said was the current CIA station chief’s name. The Nation, a right-wing newspaper, picked up the story Saturday. ARY’s news director, Mazhar Abbas, said the television station’s reporter gleaned the name from a source. He defended the broadcast, saying it was “based on fact”, and denounced allegations that the name was leaked to the television channel by an official with a motive.

Asad Munir, a former intelligence chief with responsibility for Pakistan’s militant-riddled tribal areas, said very few people know the name of the CIA station chief in Islamabad. But he said that releasing it would not necessarily jeopardize the American’s safety. “Normally people in intelligence have cover names,” Munir said. “Only if there is a photograph to identify him could it put his life in danger.”

For a decade, Islamabad has been America’s wary Afghan war ally, despite widespread public opposition and militant bomb attacks across the nuclear-armed country that have killed several thousand people. But Pakistan has never been fully trusted by either Kabul or Washington, which accuse its powerful military of fostering the Afghan Taleban it spawned during the 1980s resistance to the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. The White House has called on Islamabad to help counter growing mistrust by granting US investigators access to three of bin Laden’s widows who are in Pakistani custody and could have vital information on Al-Qaeda.

Bin Laden’s Yemeni wife, who was shot in the leg during the raid, has told investigators that the Al-Qaeda kingpin and his family had lived in the compound in Abbottabad for five years, an official said. Al-Qaeda has acknowledged bin Laden’s death - and vowed to avenge it - but no successor has been announced and debate is now swirling over who might take the reins of the terror network. Hundreds of Taleban rallied in the Pakistani tribal town of Wana yesterday, condemning the killing and vowing revenge against both Washington and Islamabad. It was the first pro-bin Laden demonstration in Pakistan’s tribal belt, which Washington has called a headquarters of Al-Qaeda. — Agencies

Continued from Page 1 Year’s celebrations one night early, though the date hasn’t been confirmed. The original shift to the east side of the line was conducted in 1892 when Samoa celebrated July 4 twice, giving a nod to Independence Day in the US. The date line drawn by mapmakers is not mandated by any international body. By tradition, it runs roughly through the 180-degree line of longitude, but it zigzags to

accommodate choices of Pacific nations on how to align their calendars.

Nearly as many Samoans now live in Australia and New Zealand as the 180,000 living in the islands, which are located about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and rely on fruit and vegetable exports as well as tourism. In 2009, Tuilaepa enacted a law that switched cars to driving on the left side of the road instead of the right, also to bring Samoa in line with

Australia and New Zealand. He said at the time the change made it easier for Samoans in Australia and New Zealand to send used cars home to their relatives. Opponents predicted major traffic problems, but they never happened. “Today we do a lot more business with New Zealand and Australia, China and Pacific Rim countries such as Singapore,” the prime minister said, adding that his latest idea will make commerce with the region “far, far easier”. — AP

Syria rounds up thousands Continued from Page 1 Among those detained were protest leaders and doctors at a hospital which was encircled by the military, the Syrian Observatory said in a statement on Sunday. The military said six soldiers, including three officers, were killed in clashes Sunday as the army pursued “armed terrorist groups” in Banias, the Homs and the countryside around the southern town of Daraa three protest hubs. Tanks rumbled into several districts of the central industrial city of Homs and deployed along the corniche in Banias overnight SaturdaySunday, according to activists. “Banias is cut off from the outside world,” one activist said. Owners of Internet software shops have also been arrested, he said, although detainees aged over 40 had been released.

Hundreds of women have taken to the streets of Banias since early Monday to demand the release of men arrested by security forces and some even charged checkpoints to vent their anger, activists said.

Meanwhile gunfire broke out in the western Damascus suburb of Muadamiya in the morning and telephone lines were cut, an activist said. “Troops and security forces are circling Muadamiya,” said the activist. A witness confirmed the report, saying the main road to the Damascus suburb had been sealed off. The source of the gunfire could not immediately be determined. Despite the heavy-handed repression, the Syrian Revolution 2011, a Facebook group that has been a motor of the protests, said “demonstrations will

continue every day”. It also called for “a Tuesday of solidarity with prisoners of conscience held in the jails of the criminal Syrian regime.”

Embattled President Bashar Al-Assad, quoted yesterday in Al-Watan newspaper which is close to the government, vowed to press ahead with reforms and forecast the political crisis in Syria was nearing an end.

“The crisis will pass and end, and the question of administrative, political and press reforms will advance,” Assad was quoted as telling a delegation of residents the main port city of Latakia, north of Banias.

He stressed the need “to consolidate national unity because the nation is the mother of all of us and we need to unite in the face of this plot.” Syrian officials claim that “terrorist gangs” and foreign hands are behind the unrest.

The military launched its action in Banias and Homs after ending a 10-day lockdown in which dozens were killed and scores detained in Daraa.

Rights groups say more than 600 people have been killed and 8,000 jailed or gone missing in the eightweek crackdown on protesters. The Committee of the Martyrs of the 15 March Revolution puts the death toll at 708 while the Observatory says 621 civilians were killed and 120 soldiers and security forces. The United States has warned it would take “additional steps” against Syria if it continues its deadly crackdown while the European Union decided on Friday to impose sanctions on 13 Syrian officials. — Agencies

US man shows off face transplant Continued from Page 1 a patient named Jim Maki who was making progress, Eriksson said.

The world’s first full face transplant took place in Spain, and doctors at Vall d’Hebron hospital in Barcelona showed off their work to the public in July 2010. The 31-yearold recipient, identified as Oscar, was injured in a shooting accident and spoke at a televised news conference with considerable difficulty.

He could not close his mouth and his face appeared swollen. The first successful partial face transplant was performed in France in 2005 on Isabelle Dinoire, a 38-year-old woman who had been mauled by her dog. Since then about a dozen face transplant operations have been carried out in China, the United States and Spain.

Wiens also spoke to reporters with some difficulty, but said he has already begun to regain his sense of

smell. “The first thing I was able to smell was hospital lasagna. You wouldn’t imagine it, but it smelled delicious,” he said. “The ability to breathe through my nose normally, that in itself was a major gift,” he said. Now he is considering university education and is looking forward to leading a more normal life with his young daughter, who was enamored by his new look. “She actually said ‘Daddy, you’re so handsome,’” he said. — AFP

Opposition MPs to file to grill PM Continued from Page 1 The bloc has six MPs and its support is crucial in case the grilling leads to filing a motion of non-cooperation.

Islamist MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei yesterday hoped to see the Assembly and the new government both dissolved “in order to see the end of this comedy play”. He did not elaborate. Tabtabaei said that the government has the backing of the majority in the Assembly for “its wrong positions”, adding that the Popular Action Bloc’s grilling of the prime minister will bring down the government and if it does not, “our grilling will break its back”. Tabtabaei had said on Sunday that the Reform and Development Bloc will file to grill the prime minister over the gov-

ernment’s “failure to safeguard national security”, adding that the grilling request will be filed after the first grilling is complete.

Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi said that grillings are the constitutional right of MPs and are part of the Kuwaiti democracy and “we have to deal with it”. He expected that the grillings will be debated without any tension or problem, but stressed that so far he had not received any request for any grilling. Khorafi said that if several grillings were filed at the same time, they will be debated in the same session but this depends on the timing of the grilling. A number of MPs have said they will file to grill Health Minister Helal Al-Sayer over financial and administrative irregularities, but they have not fixed a specific date

for the grilling.

Sheikh Nasser has been the target of several grillings in the past.

Since he was appointed to the post in Feb 2006, eight requests were filed to grill the prime minister. Only three of them reached the floor and two were debated, with MP Tahous pulling out from the third after the Assembly voted to hold the grilling debate behind closed doors. The two grillings that were discussed were held in secret sessions and both led to submitting non-cooperation motions which the prime minister defeated, although narrowly in the second one in January this year.

Members of the Reform and Development Bloc meanwhile said they will push for the Assembly to vote on a new pay raise for teachers in today’s session.

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Aboriginal boxer Rose dies MELBOURNE: Lionel Rose, the first Australian aboriginal boxer to win a world title, died Sunday at the age of 62, his family said. Rose, who beat Japan’s Fighting Harada in Tokyo in 1968 to win the world bantamweight title, had been ill for several months. He suffered a stroke in 2007 that left him partially paralyzed.

He finished his career with 42 wins, 12 by knockout, in 53 fights. He was named Australian of the year after his world title win, the first Aborigine to receive the honor. He also was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the same year.

When he returned to Melbourne from Tokyo after beating Harada, an estimated quarter of a million people lined the city’s streets to cheer him.

World Boxing Council official Frank Quill said Rose was one of the first sportsmen in the world to speak out against the apartheid regime in South Africa, refusing a lucrative offer to fight in South Africa in 1970. The offer came not long after Rose had lost his world title to Mexico’s Ruben Olivares and at a time when he was almost certainly in need of money.—AP

Olympics through the ages on display LONDON: Memorabilia telling the story of the Olympics from 776 BC to the modern-day speed machine Usain Bolt will go on display in London during the 2012 Games. Up to 400 artefacts, video and graphics will be on show in a free exhibition called “The Olympic Journey: the Story of the Games” at the Royal Opera House between July 27 and Aug 12. It will form part of a Cultural Olympiad which aims to channel enthusiasm for the Games into cultural creativity, especially among young people.

The definitive list of items has yet to formalized with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, but it will include all the medals since 1896 and Olympic torches since 1936. Lausanne is home to about 100,000 artefacts including Olympic sprint champion Bolt’s Jamaican vest,

the running shoes worn by Emil Zatopek on his way to winning the 1952 Helsinki marathon and the Olympic torch used at the 1936 Berlin Games.

“The exhibition is about the story of the Games ... it brings it to life through the athletes’ stories,” said Jonathan Edwards, who won Olympic gold in Sydney in the triple jump and retains the world record.

“There is the personal view but it also emphasizes the Olympic values, the spirit as well as the history.” The artefacts have been built up over the years through donations and purchases at auctions, and the London exhibition, backed by oil giant BP, will be the biggest outside Lausanne. “Our mission is to keep the items alive,” said museum director Francis Gabet.— Reuters

Ferdinand’s stalker jailed for 10 weeks LONDON: A woman who stalked England soccer player Rio Ferdinand and his family was jailed for 10 weeks YESTERDAY and put on a restraining order for 10 years. Susanne Ibru, 38, made three 400-mile round trips from her south London home to Ferdinand’s house in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, on Feb. 21 last year, then again on June 16 and 18, a court heard. The 32-year-old footballer said Ibru left him fearing for his family’s safety by turning up at his home and demanding to speak to him. Ibru was convicted of harassment of the Manchester United and England defender last month.

District Judge Nicholas Sanders told her at Crewe Magistrates’ Court he was “concerned” by her behavior since she had been in custody, the Press Association reported. “The pre-sentence report describes you as living in a fantasy world, unable to interpret social situations and boundaries,” he said. “You display a predatory and manipulative lifestyle and try to deliberately mislead interviewers.” On hearing the sentence, Ibru said: “I will be appealing against that.” As she was led to the cells, she added: “I stick two fingers up at you.”—Reuters

Marlins thrash Nats 8-0

SAN JOSE: Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Holmstrom (96) celebrates after scoring past San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31), as Sharks’ Joe Thornton (19) and defenseman Niclas Wallin (7) skate nearby during the third period of Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference semifinal playoff series. —AP

Red Wings beat Sharks to stay alive SAN JOSE: Tomas Holmstrom broke a tie with 6:08 remaining as the Detroit Red Wings had three third-period goals to avoid elimination with a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Danny Cleary and Jonathan Ericsson also scored in the final period to send the series back to Detroit for Game 6 on Tuesday night. After winning the first three games, San Jose is clinging to a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski and Devin Setoguchi scored to help the Sharks take a 3-1 lead early in the third period. Then the Red Wings scored two quick goals before Holmstrom redirected the winner past Antti Niemi. Niklas Kronwell also scored, and Jimmy Howard made 39 saves for

Detroit.

The Red Wings took a huge step toward adding to their already storied history. Only three NHL teams have overcome 3-0 deficits to win a best-of-seven series. The 2010 Philadelphia Flyers, 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and 1975 New York Islanders are the only teams to win a series after losing the first three games. With Chicago winning three straight to force a Game 7 against Vancouver in the opening round, there’s plenty of recent precedent that Detroit can push San Jose to the brink. The Red Wings already have overcome a repeat of last season, when they went down 3-0 to the Sharks - just like this year - before being eliminated in Game 5 at San Jose. — AP

MIAMI: Anibal Sanchez took a nohitter into the seventh inning and struck out a career-high 11 batters Sunday to help the Florida Marlins salvage the final game of their series against the Washington Nationals, 8-0. Washington’s first hit came on the 101st pitch from Sanchez, when Laynce Nix led off the seventh with a line single to right, just beyond the reach of a diving Mike Stanton.

Sanchez (2-1) allowed two hits and walked none in seven innings before departing after throwing 117 pitches on a hot afternoon. Gaby Sanchez, swinging a pink bat on Mother’s Day, hit a three-run homer, doubled twice, singled and scored three runs. Greg Dobbs also wielded a pink bat and had two RBI hits.

Braves 5, Phillies 2 At Philadelphia, Jair Jurrjens pitched neatly into the seventh inning and Atlanta got home runs from Freddie Freeman, Alex Gonzalez and pinch-hitter Eric Hinske to beat Philadelphia. Jurrjens (4-0) allowed one run and eight hits in 6 1-3 innings to outduel Cole Hamels. Jurrjens hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in any start, and has a 1.50 ERA. Hamels (42) gave up three runs and five hits, striking out nine in seven innings.

Coming off a complete-game win over Washington, Hamels threw 92 pitches before being removed for a pinch hitter. Jonny Venters pitched out of trouble after allowing a run in the eighth and Craig Kimbrel tossed a scoreless ninth for his eighth save in 10 tries.

Reds 2, Cubs 0 At Chicago, Johnny Cueto was strong in his season debut, allowing five hits and pitching into the seventh for Cincinnati. Drew Stubbs hit his sixth homer for the Reds and Cueto (1-0), who was activated off the disabled list before the game, won a pitcher ’s duel with Ryan Dempster (1-4). Four Reds’ relievers completed the shutout. Francisco Cordero pitched the ninth for his sixth save in seven chances. Cueto began the season on the DL with irritation in his right biceps/triceps.

He left Sunday’s outing after giving up Alfonso Soriano’s leadoff single

MIAMI: Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (18) leaps to avoid Florida Marlins’ Emilio Bonifacio (1) after completing a double play during the third inning of a baseball game. —AP in the bottom of the seventh.

During his 102-pitch outing, he walked one and struck out four.

Giants 3, Rockies 0 At San Francisco, Ryan Vogelsong and two relievers combined on a three-hitter as San Francisco its completed their first series sweep of the season. Cody Ross homered and drove in all three runs to help the defending World Series champions beat the Rockies for the third straight day and pull within a game of the NL West leaders. Vogelsong (2-0) was per fect through five innings and didn’t allow a hit until Chris Iannetta’s leadoff single in the sixth. The 33-year-old right-hander struck out four and walked one in 6

1-3 innings.

Cardinals 3, Brewers 1 At St Louis, unbeaten Kyle McClellan worked into the ninth inning to become the National League’s third five-game winner and the Cardinals’ bullpen labored to get the final three outs. Colby Rasmus had a two-run double and Tyler Greene matched his career best with three hits for the NL Centralleading Cardinals. McClellan (5-0), the Cardinals’ former setup man, took a three-hit shutout into the ninth and left after Prince Fielder’s leadoff single. The Brewers went on to load the bases with two outs and, down to their final strike, pinch-hitter Craig Counsell fouled off seven

pitches with two strikes. The pesky Counsell ended a 13-pitch at-bat with an infield RBI single off Eduardo Sanchez.

Dodgers 4, Mets 2 At New York, Andre Ethier got back on track with a two-run homer and Clayton Kershaw struck out eight as struggling Los Angeles snapped a four-game losing streak.

Ethier also singled after going 0 for 4 on Saturday night to end his 30game hitting streak. Kershaw (4-3) gave up one run on six hits and three walks in 6 2-3 innings to give the Dodgers a much-needed lift after they had lost six of seven.

Vicente Padilla gave up an RBI triple to Jose Reyes in the ninth before finishing for his fourth career save and second of the season. R A Dickey (14) kept New York in the game with his baffling knuckleball, allowing only one unearned run before Ethier’s two-run shot in the seventh inning.

Pirates 5, Astros 4 At Pittsburgh, Ryan Doumit hit a three -run homer in the eighth inning as Pittsburgh improved to .500 this late in a season for the first time in six years. Doumit’s drive to left off Fernando Abad (1-3) was his third homer of the season. The Pirates have won five of seven and are 17-17. Pirates starter James McDonald pitched six impressive innings and left with a 2-0 lead.

Reliever Chris Resop did not retire a batter and was charged with three runs in the seventh. The Astros added another run in the eighth before Doumit’s shot.

Padres 4, Diamondbacks 3 At San Diego, Jorge Cantu hit a three-run homer and Aaron Harang pitched seven solid innings to lead San Diego past Arizona. Cantu, hitting .184 coming into the game, homered in the first to cap a fourrun burst. The Padres, who were shut out for a major league-high eighth time Saturday night, came out swinging against Joe Saunders (0-4). Harang (5-2 gave up two runs as he scattered eight hits. But he walked just one and got two double-play grounders. —AP

Jeter homers twice in Yankees 12-5 win ARLINGTON: Derek Jeter homered twice after going 62 games without a long ball and Curtis Granderson went deep again as the New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 12-5 Sunday despite an erratic outing by CC Sabathia. Jeter had gone 259 at-bats without a homer since last Aug. 24 before leading off the fifth with a liner that barely cleared the eight-foot wall into the Rangers’ bullpen in right-center.

Jeter didn’t wait long for his next homer, leading off the seventh against Arthur Rhodes (1-2) with a deeper shot into the bullpen to break a 4-all tie.

Under scrutiny all season, the 36year-old Jeter had four hits, three RBIs and his first stolen base of the year while raising his batting average from .256 to .276. Granderson, who homered twice in Friday’s 4-1 victory, followed Jeter’s second homer with his AL-leading 11th of the season. Francisco Cervelli hit a grand slam and Mark Teixeira added two-run shot in the eighth, a six-run outburst off rookie Cody Eppley.

Angels 6, Indians 5 At Anaheim, California, Peter Bourjos drove in the tying run in the eighth inning with an infield single, Erick Aybar followed with a two-run double and Los Angeles beat Cleveland to give Mike Scioscia his 1,000th victory as a major league manager. Angels reliever Fernando Rodney (2-1) got credit for the win, despite blowing a 3-2 lead for Dan Haren in the top of the eighth. Travis Hafner had an RBI infield hit and Orlando Cabrera a run-scoring fielder’s choice. Rafael Perez gave up a double to Howie Kendrick in the bottom half and was relieved by Joe Smith (1-1).

Rookie Mark Trumbo had an infield single before Bourjos hit a chopper off the plate that Smith fielded and had no play on. Aybar put the Angels back in front with a drive to left-center for two runs.

four outs for his seventh save in eight opportunities.

Athletics 5, Royals 2 At Kansas City, Kevin Kouzmanoff and Kurt Suzuki each homered for Oakland and Conor Jackson collected three hits to help Tyson Ross win his first game in four starts. Ross (2-2), who moved into the rotation last month when Dallas Braden went on the disabled list, went six innings and gave up two runs on six hits, with three walks and four strikeouts. He has not allowed a home run in 28 2-3 innings. Brian Fuentes pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his ninth save in 11 opportunities. Kevin Kouzmanoff ’s home run off winless starter Jeff Francis with two out in the sixth put the A’s on top 3-0. Suzuki added a solo shot in the ninth off Louis Coleman.

White Sox 5, Mariners 2 At Seattle, Paul Konerko returned to the White Sox lineup and equaled his career high with five hits, including a single in the 10th inning that helped Chicago beat Seattle. Alexei Ramirez drove in the go-ahead run with a double to the left-center field gap. Konerko was lifted for a pinch-hitter Saturday night because of stiffness in his left wrist. He went 5 for 5 and raised his batting average from .295 to .323. Brent Morel opened the 10th with a single to left off closer Brandon League (0-1), who was working more than one inning for the first time this season. Juan Pierre bunted Morel to second before Ramirez hit a 1-0 fastball. Adam Dunn followed with a hard RBI double into the rightfield corner and Alex Rios finished it with a RBI single. — AP

MLB results/standings ARLINGTON: New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (24) drops the ball as Texas Rangers center fielder Julio Borbon (20) steals second base in the fourth inning. —AP Red Sox 9, Twins 5 At Boston, Adrian Gonzalez homered, Kevin Youkilis scored four runs and Daisuke Matsuzaka settled down to pitch six innings after a rough first, leading Boston over Minnesota. Jacoby Ellsbury had three hits and extended his hitting streak to 17 games. Gonzalez, JD Drew and Jed Lowrie each drove in two runs for the Red Sox. Danny Valencia had a solo homer and two-run single for the Twins, who have lost nine of their last 10 games in Fenway Park.

Minnesota committed three errors, one leading to a pair of unearned runs.

Matsuzaka (3-3), gave up three runs in the first and threw 34 pitches. After that, he held the Twins to two hits over the next five innings. He allowed four earned runs, struck out four and walked two.

Tigers 5, Blue Jays 2 At Toronto, Brad Penny pitched well into the eighth inning as Detroit followed Justin Verlander’s no-hitter by beating Toronto. Austin Jackson hit a tiebreaking home run, Jose Valverde struck out the side in the ninth for seventh save and the 200th of his career, becoming the 41st player in major league history to reach the mark. Jose Bautista homered in his return to the lineup after missing five games with a stiff neck. Penny (3-3) responded to the third-inning shot by retiring 10 straight batters and 14 of the next 15.

The right-hander allowed two runs and seven hits in a season-high 7 2-3 innings, walked none and struck out one. Jackson broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run homer to left in the seventh, his second. The drive came off Blue

Jays left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes (0-3.

Rays 5, Orioles 3 At Baltimore, BJ Upton drove in four runs as Tampa Bay beat Baltimore for a three-game sweep. Matt Joyce hit two doubles and scored twice for the Rays, who set a single -season franchise record with their eighth consecutive road win. Tampa Bay is 20-8 overall since starting the season with six straight defeats, including three at home against the Orioles to open the season. After hitting a three-run homer Saturday, Upton had a pair of two-run singles Sunday. He went 5 for 9 over the weekend and is batting .297 with nine homers and 31 RBIs in 39 games at Camden Yards. Tampa Bay’s Wade Davis (4-2) allowed three runs, four hits and five walks in five innings. He has won his past four starts. Kyle Farnsworth got

Baseball results and standings on Sunday.

Detroit 5, Toronto 2; Florida 8, Washington 0; LA Dodgers 4, NY Mets 2; Tampa Bay 5, Baltimore 3; Boston 9, Minnesota 5; Pittsburgh 5, Houston 4; Oakland 5, Kansas City 2; St. Louis 3, Milwaukee 1; Cincinnati 2, Chicago Cubs 0; NY Yankees 12, Texas 5; LA Angels 6, Cleveland 5; San Diego 4, Arizona 3; San Francisco 3, Colorado 0; Chicago White Sox 5, Seattle 2 (10 innings); Atlanta 5, Philadelphia 2.

American League Eastern Division W L PCT GB NY Yankees 19 13 .594 Tampa Bay 20 14 .588 Boston 16 18 .471 4 Toronto 15 19 .441 5 Baltimore 14 19 .424 5.5 Central Division Cleveland 22 11 .667 Kansas City 18 16 .529 4.5 Detroit 17 18 .486 6 Minnesota 12 20 .375 9.5 Chicago 13 22 .371 10 Western Division LA Angels 20 15 .571 Texas 18 17 .514 2 Oakland 18 17 .514 2 Seattle 16 19 .457 4

National League Eastern Division Philadelphia 22 11 .667 Florida 20 13 .606 Atlanta 20 16 .556 Washington 16 18 .471 NY Mets 15 19 .441 Central Division St. Louis 20 15 .571 Cincinnati 18 16 .529 Pittsburgh 17 17 .500 Chicago Cubs15 18 .455 Milwaukee 14 20 .412 Houston 13 21 .382 Western Division Colorado 18 14 .563 San Francisco 18 16 .529 LA Dodgers 16 19 .457 Arizona 15 18 .455 San Diego 14 20 .412

2 3.5 6.5 7.5 1.5 2.5 4 5.5 6.5 1 3.5 3.5 5

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Red Bull ‘learned their lessons’ ISTANBUL: While champions Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel showed in Turkey that they had learned their lessons, the question now is whether Formula One itself needs to do more revision. With four stops the new norm at Istanbul on Sunday, there was more pitlane action and overtaking than ever. That revived debate afterwards about whether the new rules and tyre specification had made passing too easy and races too confusing. Red Bull were celebrating anyway, their first one-two finish of the season following the disappointment of 23-year-old Vettel losing out on strategy to McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton at the previous race in China.

It also came a year after Red Bull squandered a similar one-two when both their drivers collided while fighting for the lead at Istanbul Park.

Neither mistake was ever in danger of being made again on Sunday. China had highlighted the advantage to be gained by keeping back a new set of soft tyres in qualifying, just as Hamilton had done in Shanghai, and Red Bull and others took notice. “I think what’s clear in this racing is that qualifying is probably the least critical thing now and having a good race set-up

with the correct number of (sets of) tyres is the most important thing,” said Ross Brawn, boss of rivals Mercedes GP. Vettel still secured pole position by a huge margin, despite being out of his car before the end of the session while others were still trying to beat him, and controlled the race with considerable ease. “I am very happy with how we communicated during the race and how we reacted,” he said after his third win in four races. “I think since China we have definitely made a step forward. “We have learned our lesson and we have to make sure that we keep this momentum into the next couple of races.”

OVERTAKING CONUNDRUM While fans are getting more action than ever, the end result remains the same. Red Bull still have the fastest car and Vettel is beating everybody with it. The champion now has 93 points out of a possible 100 and is 34 clear of Hamilton in second. Each race has had different characteristics, leaving the strategists with plenty to work on, but there are concerns.

The new driver-activated moveable rear wing

(DRS) has opened up overtaking possibilities but the positioning of the zone where it can be used is critical. Get it wrong, and passing becomes far less of a challenge. “For sure we have never seen so many pitstops and so much overtaking,” said Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali. “It is difficult to follow sometimes, and also difficult for the guys to manage because when you do eight pitstops for the team it is quite heavy and the pressure is high and you may have mistakes. It could be dangerous in certain situations.”

The season-opener in Australia saw Sauber’s Sergio Perez do just one stop, Vettel had two in China to Hamilton’s winning three while Istanbul saw a flurry of pit action. “It’s difficult to produce a tyre that is a two stopper everywhere, because tracks are different,” said Vettel. “But I think the real hard time is really for the spectators in the grandstand. “After the first stint, especially when you have pit stops every 10 to 15 laps, I think it makes it really difficult for the people coming here to visit and to watch, to follow,” added the sport’s youngest champion.

“It’s obviously very early to judge, because we’ve only had four races and (in) one race it was

Australia thrash Pakistan, Britain surge to the top KUALA LUMPUR: World champions Australia thrashed Pakistan 5-1 yesterday to boost their chances of reaching the final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, while Great Britain surged to the top of the table.

For Pakistan, the heavy defeat-their second loss in successive days after they went down 3-2 to Great Britain on Sunday-saw them overtaken in the standings by Australia, who are on seven points having played a game less.

Great Britain went top of the table with an easy 3-1 win over New Zealand. Pakistan, who have six points after four matches, suffered in the humid conditions and it was the Australians who took their chances, forcing errors from their opponents in a fast-paced and open match.

Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said the win was a welcome relief after his side laboured to a draw against India, adding that his players were coming into better form.

“No doubt that this performance was an improvement form the previous day but we are still not there yet. The Pakistanis did play well but our attempts at goal was much better and paid off,” he said.

The Australians looked dangerous from the start with Glenn Turner, Jason Wilson and Simon Orchard testing Pakistan’s goalkeeper Imran Shah early in the first half.

Australia took the lead through a disputed penalty in the 23rd minute with Orchard finally finding a way beyond Shah to give Australia a 1-0 lead. Pakistan drew level in the 28th minute when Sohail Abbas converted a penalty corner, but they were unable to find further momentum.

Poor defending by Pakistan allowed Jason Wilson to collect the ball at the top of the circle and send it crashing beyond Shah in the 34th minute to give Australia a 2-1 first-half lead. Australia continued to dominate in the second-half, with goals from Orchard, Christopher Ciriello and Wilson handing them full points as the Asian champions continued to make mistakes.

Pakistan had their chances, with a couple of penalty corners offering a way back into the game, but they lacked ideas to convert opportunities into goals. Britain have nine points from four matches and hold a twopoint advantage over second-placed Australia. New Zealand have only one point after three matches and their chances of a top-three finish are fading fast.

Great Britain coach Jason Lee was surprised at finding his team top of the standings. “I hope we can keep up the good work.

The players are still coming to grips with the humidity and today they played much better structurally,” he said.

India turned up the heat to beat hosts Malaysia 5-2 to keep their hopes of a final berth wide open. The Indians lost in the semifinals of the Asian Games in November to Malaysia and the win here was sweet revenge for that defeat. Indian coach Harinder Singh was not a happy man despite the big win.

“We did well in the first-half and played badly in the second-half. You cannot lose your concentration in a match or play well for 50 or 25 minutes. It must be for 70 minutes and we didn’t do that,” he said. Today is a rest day for all the teams. — AFP

MALAYSIA: Makbul Singh Kevinder Singh of Malaysia (right) and Pillay Vikram Vishnu of India (left) compete for the ball during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup men’s field hockey tournament. — AFP

possible to one-stop. Here it was possible to fourstop, so we need to see as we go and wait a couple of races.” In China, Red Bull’s Mark Webber went from 18th on the grid to third at the chequered flag as others struggled with their tyres.

On Sunday, he started second yet faced a real battle with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso to keep his position. “He dropped back to (Nico) Rosberg, made a great move to get ahead of him, but worked the tyres pretty hard to do that,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

“That sort of pushed us into doing a four stop strategy with him and then obviously he ended up racing Alonso.” The Australian left little doubt which race had been more satisfying for him, with less overtaking definitely more fun. “A lot more people probably enjoyed my China drive than I did, to be honest,” he said. “It’s not very rewarding in terms of how you pass them. These guys have absolutely nothing to fight back with, so it (China) was a podium which of course I took. “ Of course I had to drive well, consistently on the limit, but...today was a different type of race. It was just fighting with Fernando, with just one guy.”— Reuters

Glover edges Byrd in playoff HAMBURG: British WBA box champion David Haye (right) and WBO and IBF box champion Wladimir Klitschko (left) from Ukraine pose with their champions belts during a news conference at the soccer stadium in Hamburg. — AP

Haye vows to expose Klitschko as a ‘fraud’ HAMBURG: WBA champion David Haye vowed to expose IBF and WBO titleholder Wladimir Klitschko as a “fraud” in their heavyweight unification bout on July 2. The 30-year-old Haye said the Ukrainian had only fought “little fat puddings who turn up for a pay check” when the pair met at a news conference yesterday in Hamburg’s 57,000-seat Imtech Arena, where the bout will take place. “He’s a fraud and I’m good at exposing frauds,” said the Briton, who has a 25-1 record with 23 knockouts. Klitschko (55-3, 49 KOs) is happy the long-awaited fight is finally taking place after negotiations broke down several times.

“David Haye has made a lot of promises before but nothing came of them,” the 35-year-old Klitschko said.

“That’s exactly why I insisted it was written in the contract that Haye has to go into the ring first — so I make sure he’s there before I come out.”

Haye pulled out of a fight with Klitschko in 2009 due to a back injury and subsequent talks between the two camps collapsed, with each side blaming the other. “I will be very upset if

this doesn’t happen,” Klitschko said, adding that Haye’s acceptance of a 5050 money split made the fight happen.

“So you’re going to get a really big check ... to be the 50th knockout.”

Haye, who yawned and rolled his eyes as Klitschko’s achievements were shown on a big screen, said he believed he could have knocked out the Ukrainian when he was the undisputed cruiserweight champion in 2008. “Here’s my time to prove it,” Haye said. “I’m in good shape, so for the first time he’s fighting someone healthy.

Normally he tries to pick people who are injured or coming off long layoffs.

This time he’s got a prime athlete at his peak.

“I believe the people he’s fought make him look spectacular, from the fact that he wears big shoulder pads in his gowns to the fact that he picks the guys who fit his style perfectly. I’m not fooled by it.” Klitschko said he respected his opponent as a “tremendous fighter” but acknowledged “mixed feelings” following years of provocation by Haye against him and his 39-year-old brother Vitali Klitschko, the WBC champion. — AP

CHARLOTTE: Lucas Glover won his first title since the 2009 US Open by beating his former college team mate Jonathan Byrd on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff at the Quail Hollow Championship on Sunday.

Byrd, who played three years with Glover at nearby Clemson University and has competed against him since they were 10 year olds, forced the playoff with a birdie at the 18th to finish the regulation 72 holes locked at 15-under-par 273.

Returning to the 18th, Byrd hit his tee shot into a fairway bunker on the right and then pulled his approach left into rough just behind a creek running alongside the green. His pitch ran well past the hole and he twoputted for bogey, while Glover safely two-putted for par to end his title drought 41 tournaments after his major triumph at Bethpage Black.

Glover, who relied on his putting to make up for erratic play off the tee, shot a final-round of three-under 69, while Byrd posted a par 72. One stroke behind the two Americans was South African Rory Sabbatini, who surged into contention with seven birdies in a flawless 65 to reach 14 under.

“I putted great,” said the bearded Glover, who did not have a single three-putt in the tournament. “The key for me, especially here, is I made a lot of five to eight-footers for par to keep the rounds going.” Glover, 31, curled in a left-to-right, six-footer to save par at the 72nd hole after an adventure that saw his tee shot sail left onto a steep slope and his ball roll down the hillside as he stood over his approach shot. He banged his second shot through the green and chipped past the hole, but made the putt coming back. “It’s not the way you draw up the 72nd hole of a tournament, but I made a great chip shot and left it

underneath the hole,” he said.

Byrd, 33, had won both previous playoffs he had competed in most memorably in extra time last year at Las Vegas with a hole-in-one-but his wayward drive put paid to his hopes of a sixth US PGA title. “I had a hook lie, a little hook lie out of the bunker,” Byrd, who led by four strokes at one point, told reporters. “I just pulled it ... ten yards left of the flag. “If I couldn’t win, I couldn’t pick anybody else I’d want to win other than Lucas, so I’m very happy for him.” The victory gave Glover his third PGA Tour title. “Jon is a great player. He just got a bad break with a tough lie in the bunker,” Glover said.

In fourth place on 13 under, was

Bill Haas, followed by fellow American Kevin Na another shot back. Former Masters champion Zach Johnson made two eagles on parfours to post a four-under 68 and tie for sixth on 277 for his first top-10 of the year. Another shot away in a group on 278 were Phil Mickelson (69) and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington (68). Following the round, they were led back to the tee at the 13th hole where officials looked into whether Harrington had teed off in front of the markers, which would have led to his disqualification. After a long look at the tee markers and what was believed to be Harrington’s divot, it was decided that there would be no penalty imposed. — Reuters

CHARLOTTE: Lucas Glover (left) gets a hug from his mother, Hershey Glover, after winning the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club. — AP

Pacquiao has pick of opponents after victory LAS VEGAS: Manny Pacquiao returned to his corner before the 12th round to an unfamiliar soundtrack of steady boos rising from the MGM Grand Garden crowd. The fans weren’t jeering their beloved Filipino congressman. They were incensed that Sugar Shane Mosley apparently was scared to fight him.

“I told him in the last round, ‘You’ve got to knock this guy out, because it’s embarrassing,”‘ Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said.

“He told me, ‘Coach, I’m trying, I’m trying.”‘ Mosley was in full retreat from the opening round against Pacquiao, backpedaling and scrambling simply to avoid getting knocked out.

Pacquiao, who won his 14th straight fight by lopsided unanimous decision, has seen this embarrassing strategy before. Most everybody agrees Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been dodging Pacquiao for the past year, only outside the ring.

If Mayweather declines another chance to fight Pacquiao in the most anticipated matchup in boxing, Pacquiao will keep busy with his congressional duties until his next fight in early November — yet even his promoter acknowledges it’s tough to imagine any opponent but Mayweather posing problems for Pacquiao. “ The problem is, and this is becoming a pattern, Manny doesn’t allow any opponent to fight his fight,” Bob Arum said. “He takes every opponent out of his fight because of his speed and power.

You’ve got to understand what

you’re watching now. You’re watching a phenomenon, the greatest fighter that I’ve ever seen. Nobody can compete with him. He’ll take every fighter out of his game, every single one.”

Pacquiao’s native Philippines grinded to a halt Sunday, with fans watching everywhere from crowded jails to public plazas fitted with huge screens as Pacquiao flummoxed Mosley, who embarrassed himself in what’s probably the last megafight of his decorated 18-year career. Pacquiao knocked him down in the third round and never stopped chasing him, but Mosley survived on his feet and even got credit for a bogus knockdown in the 10th. Roach said Mosley tarnished his legacy.

“He backpedaled the whole night,” Roach said. “He never took one step forward to try to press the action. His jab is in mothballs. I never saw it. His legs are gone. It wasn’t shocking, but I expected more. I like Shane, he’s a nice guy, but he’d better quit before he gets hurt.” Roach also wasn’t happy with the fight’s collegial vibe, which included touching gloves before every round — something usually saved for sparring sessions — and hugging before the 12th.

“Why are you touching gloves? Is he your friend?” Roach asked his fighter. “I hate that. You’re supposed to be trying to knock this guy out.”

The atmosphere likely won’t be so friendly in Pacquiao’s next fight. The three main candidates for Pacquiao’s next bout haven’t usually

been the hugging types.

A third fight with Mexican star Juan Manuel Marquez apparently is Arum’s first choice, fulfilling the dreams of fans who thoroughly enjoyed their 2004 draw and 2008 split-decision win for Pacquiao. If Marquez doesn’t like the deal, Arum will turn to bruising 140-pound champ Timothy Bradley or veteran Zab Judah, who would both welcome the chance to be on the sport’s biggest stage. Roach would prefer to fight Mayweather, believing it’s the most intriguing matchup

and the most lucrative opportunity for a fighter who says he’s likely to retire after a few more big bouts, although Roach believes Pacquiao could fight into the deep end of his 30s.

But if Mayweather still won’t answer Pacquiao’s calls, Roach hopes they’ll face Marquez.

“All I hear from him and Nacho (Beristain, Marquez’s trainer) is how they got robbed,” Roach said. “I’d like that fight one more time, see how much they’ve both changed since that time. I think we’ve gotten a lot

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates in this file photo.

better.” A meeting with Bradley, the two-belt champion from Palm Springs, Calif., would be a brutally physical bout against a fighter with a reputation — deserved or not — for throwing elbows and headbutts.

“It’s not an easy fight for Manny, but I feel (Bradley) is just not big enough,” Roach said. “He would need a miracle.” Roach said Pacquiao could meet Bradley or Marquez at a catch weight around 144 pounds, but Pacquiao doesn’t want to get much smaller than that.

Roach also wouldn’t put Pacquiao in against British 140-pound champion Amir Khan, saying Khan “is getting better, but he’s not at that level yet. Manny would be too much, too soon.”

Yet the discussion always comes back to Mayweather, who’s facing many more upcoming court dates than fight dates as he whiles away his mid-30s in his Las Vegas mansion, trashing Pacquiao on Twitter and gambling heavily on sports.

Pacquiao has won eight fights since the end of 2007, beating an array of quality fighters and veteran greats from Oscar De La Hoya to Marquez and Miguel Cotto.

Mayweather has fought just twice in that time, enjoying a brief retirement before beating Marquez and dominating Mosley on May 1, 2010.

“There isn’t a day in my life that goes by that somebody doesn’t ask me about that fight,” Roach said.

“People say, ‘Make that fight.’ I wish I could.” —AP

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Olympic gold medalist Liu switches to show business HONG KONG: Liu Xuan energetically walked on stage as the celebrity entertainment for a Mother’s Day event at a Hong Kong mall. The 2000 Olympics balance beam champion had traded her tights for a green blazer, blue jeans and white high heels. Liu made small talk with the host, decorated cakes with two families and watched teenagers carve patterns into different fruits. Fans held up large placards with her name and mobbed her for autographs and photos afterward. Meet the new Liu Xuan, Hong Kong actress-singer.

A decade after taking gold in Sydney, the 30-year-old former gymnast has launched a second career in this financial center, which is also a hub for the Chinese-language entertainment industry. After retiring in 2001, Liu has dabbled as an actress, host, gymnastics judge and commentator. She graduated from the elite Peking University with a degree in journalism in 2005. But she has focused on an entertainment career since signing in 2009 with leading Hong Kong broadcaster TVB, the former training

ground for the likes of Stephen Chow, Wong Kar-wai and Chow Yun-fat.

This has been Liu’s coming-out year - she released her debut pop album with a Hong Kong label in February and starred in a 30episode TVB kung fu drama released in March. Liu said she wants to show that elite athletes can successfully reinvent themselves after their days of competition end.

She serves as an example for mainland Chinese athletes who trade their childhoods for rigorous sports programs that can leave them with little other career skills.

“We have seen in the mainland many past champions are not leading good lives,” Liu told The Associated Press. “What we can do is show that after athletes retire, they don’t just coach or become businessmen or political leaders.

There are so many professions in the world. I hope they can blend into society.”

Others have also had success with the transition, including retired Olympic champions Li Ning and Deng Yaping. Li, also a gymnast, re-emerged as a sports apparel mogul.

Table tennis player Deng studied economics at Cambridge, helped manage the 2008 Beijing Olympics and became a media executive.

Liu discussed her athlete-entertainer career switch in a small, stuffy makeshift dressing room after Saturday’s mall event.

Recording her new album “Beautiful Faces” taught her that making music can be more about building the right mood than any practice-makes-perfect strategy she may have used for gymnastics. “The producer said at the recording studio, ‘You need to be relaxed when you sing. You need to enjoy the process. But now you are just resorting to rote repetition. That won’t work. Come out and take a rest,” Liu said.

She said her gymnastics training came in handy for her role as the feisty wife of a kung fu master in the TVB drama “Grace under Fire,” but she had to learn how to manage the strength of her kicks and punches. She also had to endure the notoriously frantic shooting schedules of the Hong Kong entertainment industry, which

left her with just four hours of sleep per night. Still, she says the hardship pales in comparison to her gymnastics training. Liu lived at a sports institute in her southern hometown Changsha before moving to Beijing to join the national team at age 13.

After she moved to the Chinese capital, she saw her parents once a year or not at all.

Liu’s native dialect is Mandarin and her new career has required her to master Cantonese dialect used in Hong Kong. She is now fluent enough to speak at public events and be interviewed - although her dialogue on “Grace under Fire” was still dubbed.

The initial response to Liu’s career change is promising. Her duet with Malaysian-Chinese singer Michael Wong from “Beautiful Faces” has done well on Hong Kong pop charts. “Once I Fall in Love You Are the One” reached No 10 on RTHK, one of the territory’s leading radio stations.

“Grace Under Fire” has seen its ratings climb steadily since its debut on March 7, with estimated viewership peaking at just over 2 million people in this city of 7 million for the

series finale on April 17. She is in talks about another TVB drama. Liu says she wouldn’t mind becoming an action star although she thinks she can handle nonaction roles.

Her music so far has mostly been the mellow ballads that dominate Chinese pop, but Liu said she prefers an edgier rock sound, citing Avril Lavigne as a favorite Western singer. The former gymnast also has written lyrics, penning one number inspired by a female friend hurt by a selfish boyfriend. Liu is not the only former Chinese Olympic champion eyeing an entertainment career.

Former diver Tian Liang, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is trying his hand at acting. His latest movie, “A Beautiful Life,” in which he plays the male lead’s autistic brother, will be released in mainland China on Friday. Liu said she feels that even though she is a rookie performer, the bar is set higher for her because of her successful gymnastics career. “I need to work even harder,” she said. — AP

Mavs eliminate Lakers

Collective photo of the winners with KSSC officials. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

KSSC organizes 2nd Pleasure Boats race

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The Kuwait Sea Sports Club (KSSC) organized its second Pleasure Boats race at the sea front on the Gulf Road on Saturday. The event attracted lots of fans and dignitaries. Officials of the Club including the Deputy Chairman of KSSC Ahmad Al-Ghanim, the Secretary General Khalid Al-Fodari were also present at the day’s event. This event was organized by the Marine Committee of KSSC as part of the club’s national celebrations of the golden jubilee of Kuwait’s independence, 20th anniversary of liberation, and 5th of HH the Amir’s succession.

Seven boats out of ten participated with 14 competitors in the 40 km race.

Souk Al Salmiah Real Estate Co’s team led

by Khalid Ahmad Hasan took the first position. The Speed Boats team led by Abdulrazag Hasan and his assistant Nayif Al-Rshud ranked second, while the Slip and Slide team led by Naser Al-Khadra and Khalid Al-Kanderi took the third position. The Yamdeek team ranked fourth with The One team ranking fifth.

Winner Souk Al-Salmiah in action There was a strange incident when the engine of one of the boats disconnected from its base. In another development, three boats withdrew from the competition before the start of the race due to engine problems. “The Club will always organize sea games and many of the sportsmen have achieved top positions locally and internationally. The most popular of these are the jet ski competitions,” Secretary General of KSSC Khalid Al-Fodari said as he thanked the organizing committee, and other participating authorities. After the race, the winners were awarded.

DALLAS: Jason Terry tied an NBA playoff record with nine 3-pointers and the Dallas Mavericks matched another postseason mark with 20 3s, powering them to a 122-86 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday and a sweep of their second-round series. The victory puts the Mavs in the Western Conference finals, ends the latest Lakers dynasty and sends Phil Jackson - the most successful coach in NBA history into retirement.

Terry made five 3s in the second quarter, personally outscoring Los Angeles 20-16 in the period and helping Dallas lead by 24 at halftime. When Terry made 3s on consecutive possessions early in the third quarter, he drained whatever comeback hopes the Lakers had left. Early in the fourth quarter, the Lakers were so devastated that Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum resorted to throwing cheap shots. They were ejected 45 seconds apart, with Jackson sitting on the bench looking as if he’d already checked out.

Kobe Bryant soon joined him on the sideline, with deep reserves playing out the final minutes of what turned out to be the second-widest margin of defeat in Lakers playoff history and in Jackson’s storied playoff career. Jackson left the court with a tight smile, accepting hugs and handshakes from Dallas coach Rick Carlisle, Jason Kidd and Mark Cuban. It was the first time he’d been swept in his 21 postseasons on the sideline. It hadn’t happened to Bryant and the Lakers since 1999, the year before the Zen Master arrived in Los Angeles. This is the fourth

time any NBA champion defending multiple titles has been swept, according to STATS LLC. The last was the 1996 Houston Rockets.

For Nowitzki and the Mavs, clearing this hurdle sets them up for a chance to redeem themselves for flopping during the 2006 NBA finals and for flaming out in every postseason since.

Dallas will host either Oklahoma City or Memphis in the conference finals. The Grizzlies lead the Thunder 2-1 going into Game 4 on Monday night. The next round likely won’t start before next Sunday, a layoff that could pay huge dividends for a roster filled with players in their 30s. Then again, they might want to keep playing the way they’re going.

Terry made 11 of 14 shots for 32 points, missing more inside the arc than outside. He fell a few points shy of his most in a playoff game only because the game was such a blowout. JJ Barea set a career playoff-best with 22 points and Peja Stojakovic added 21 points. All three of those guys come off the bench. Nowitzki scored 17 points - his fewest this postseason. Dallas was so good in this game it hardly needed its best player. He was still in during the fourth quarter and took the blindside blow that led to Odom’s ejection.

Hawks 100, Bulls 88 At Atlanta, Josh Smith had 23 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists, and Jeff Teague came up with another big game to lead Atlanta past Chicago, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games each. The Hawks snapped a nine-game home los-

ATLANTA: Hawks guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots as Chicago Bulls small forward Luol Deng (9) defends in the first quarter of Game 4 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series. —AP ing streak in the second round of the playoffs, their misery dating to a May 13, 1996, win against Orlando. Smith, frequently criticized by Atlanta fans for his inconsistent play, stayed away from the outside jumpers, domi-

nated on the inside and found the open man with crisp passes.

Teague has been an even bigger surprise filling in for injured Kirk Hinrich, scoring 12 points and dishing out four assists. Game 5 is today night in Chicago. — AP

Kuwait captures ICC WCL Division 7 trophy Mohammed Murad declared Player Of The Series KUWAIT: Kuwait national cricket team added another feather to its cap by winning the coveted ICC WCL Division 7 tournament played at Botswana. Kuwait’s fine exhibition of all round cricketing skills enabled them to carve an emphatic win over Nigeria by a margin of 72 runs.

Opener Irfan Bhatti’s continuation of fine individual form in the tournament and a magnificent spell of fast bowling by Mohammed Murad was the key to Kuwait’s success. Anyway, remarkable late order batting contributions by Mohammed Ahsan, Mohammed Akunzada, Midhun Pakalapati & Azmatullah enabled Kuwait to post 219 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 50 overs.

Kuwait’s remarkable victory over the African nation was a repeat of their earlier victory in the league match but nevertheless both teams did qualify to Division 6 which will be played in Malaysia in September 2011.

The overnight rain had made the condition quite gloomy and Nigeria after winning the toss rightly elected to field first.

Kuwait’s in form Irfan Bhatti cracked a solid 60 runs and posted 66 runs partnership with Jagath Roshantha that paved way for a good start.

The Nigerian opening bowlers Ratin Gill & Akolade bowled exceptionally well with teasing accuracy and control which forced the Kuwait batsmen into a defensive mould. Sean Philips the leg spinner was introduced and he intelligently varied his flight, line and pace thus restricting the free scor-

ICC and Bermuda Cricket director Neil Speight presents the WCL Division 7 trophy to Kuwait’s Captain Hisham Mirza. ing Kuwait batsmen.

But it was medium pacer OJ Bejide who did the damage by claiming the top three Kuwait batsmen as he bowled so efficiently that it looked very likely that he would ultimately be able to claim his first ever five wicket haul in an ODI. In the space of two overs, Bejedi removed Sibtain Raza; skipper Hisham & Saud Qamar which sent Kuwait reeling to a moderate 113 for 5 wickets in 33 overs.

In an innings in which he had executed very few false shots, Irfan Bhatti was finally caught behind of Ogunlola after the master batsman had scored 60 invaluable runs with 9 boundaries & a neatly flicked six to the fine leg. Sibtain Raza, the lithe left hander played well to score 18 runs but fell to another short pitch delivery so did Kuwait skipper Hisham.

But it was the experienced duo of Azmatullah (19 runs) & Mohammaed Ahsan (26 runs) who rebuild the innings with some handsome looking strokes. After their exit, Midhun & Abdulla Akunzada combined brilliantly to take Kuwait’s score past 200.

Abdulla scored a breezy 21 runs while Midhun remained not out with 16 to his credit. OJ Bejide was the most successful Nigerian bowler with 4-20 while SO Akolade & JO Ogunlola took 2 wickets each.

Nigerian wicket keeper has a great day behind the stumps as he claimed 5 catches which has been the highest in the tournament so far.

Chasing 220 to win the championship, Nigeria lost opener Onikoyi who was comprehensively beaten & bowled by Mohammed Murad.

Murad & fellow fast bowler Saad

Khalid bowled like a well oiled machine and the fierce some duo bowled with great fire under favorable condition. Introduction of spinners from both the end applied brakes on the Nigerian scoring as Azmattulah & Abdulla Akunzada found their rhythm very quickly.

But the experienced duo of Ratin Gill and Nigeria’s most prolific scorer Sean Philips gave some hopes for the African team as they mixed aggression with caution and slowly repaired the damage. As the partnership was flourishing, Midhun Pakalapati cut one through Gill’s defensive blade to knock the leg stump thus ending any hopes Nigeria had. Gill cut & drove with ease and his handsome knock of 45 runs contained 5 hits to the fence.

Sean Philips played a memorable innings of 35 runs but his polished knock was not enough as Kuwait’s bowlers wrapped the tail to end Nigeria’s innings to 147 runs in the 44th over. Murad captured 4 wickets for 20 runs while Saad Khalid (2-31) & Azmat (2-16) took 2 wickets each. Abdulla Akunzada & Midhun accounted for a wicket each.

Mohammed Murad was declared man of the match for his fine spell of fast bowling and also had the distinction of bagging the Player of the tournament for his wonderful performance as fast bowler.

“I don’t think we came into this tournament in Botswana as favorites. We played each game as it came and it worked out well for us as we came out victorious

Kuwait, Winners of Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 7 2011 again,” said Kuwait’s captain Hisham-Mirza.

Kuwait fought off cold, wind, rain, alien Astroturf wickets, their own demons and some feisty opposition to triumph. Germany beat Kuwait by 11 runs in the round-robin stage and had it not been for some enterprising lowerorder batting, in advancing Kuwait from 129 for 6 at the start of the 39th over to 219, the Final could have been much closer.

“I don’t think I can single out one player that performed for me as we are very much a team effort.

However, I will mention my fast bowlers, they’ve been the best in Division 7 and Division 8 in my opinion. They are quick, they are good but we’re in this as a team,” said Kuwait’s ebullient captain.

Left-arm pace bowler Mohammad Murad with 15 wickets at 10.26 over five matches was Player of the Tournament, ably supported by Saad Khalid with 11 at

11.63. Hisham Mirza, Sibtain Raza and Irfan Bhatti (60 in the Final) made important runs too and Kuwait, after years of being the nearly men, may just be setting themselves up for some sustained tournament-winning performances.

Pepsi ICC World Cricket League looms next in Malaysia in the third week of September, where tough opposition lies in wait in the home side, Fiji, Guernsey, Jersey along with Nigeria. To be played on the lushest of turf, something Kuwait’s batsmen haven’t taken that well to in the past.

“I don’t think Malaysia will be that easy - we’ve made a few mistakes during this tournament and the higher the division the harder it gets for us as a team. We need to make sure we’re well prepared for the event and plug the loopholes in the team and hopefully we’ll go there and even better side than we were here in Botswana,” said

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S P ORT S Spanish League Preview

French League Preview

Lille ready to switch tactics in final stretch

SPAIN: Barcelona’s Gerard Pique celebrates his goal scored against Espanyol during their Spanish La Liga soccer match in this file photo. —AP

Barca’s modern ‘Dream Team’ on verge of title MADRID: With Barcelona poised to clinch a third straight La Liga title and through to the final of the Champions League, comparisons with Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team” of the early 1990s are inevitable. The Dutchman’s side, which included current coach Pep Guardiola in midfield, won four domestic league titles in a row between 1991 and 1994.

They also claimed the Catalan club’s first European Cup triumph in 1992 at Wembley Stadium-the same venue where Barca will meet Manchester United in the Champions League final on May 28.

When Barca play at mid-table Levante in La Liga tomorrow they could already have secured the title if Real Madrid fail to beat neighbours Getafe at the Bernabeu today. Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets, whose mobility and distribution have been a key factor in Barca’s success, said it was too early to know whether he and his team mates deserved to be ranked alongside the great Cruyff side of 20 years ago.

“We’ll have to wait to find out if the team is better or worse than the ‘Dream Team’,” Busquets

said in an inter view with the club’s television channel after Sunday’s 2-0 derby win at home to Espanyol. “ What is certain, however, is that we are defining an era, as shown by all the titles we have won.” Guardiola’s outstanding achievement has been to maintain the hunger for success in a squad that had already won every available trophy. He conducted the campaign with a relatively small roster and a raft of injuries, particularly to defenders, towards the end of the season suggests additions are needed over the summer.

BITTER REACTION Real, who reacted bitterly to their elimination at Barca’s hands in the Champions League, have long been assured of second place, with Valencia 17 points behind them in third. The club is focused now on whether Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo can top the La Liga scoring chart ahead of Barca’s World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, as well as on reinforcing Jose Mourinho’s squad for next season. Mourinho has already started preparing for the 2011-

2012 season as Real signed Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin, 22, from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year contrac t. With three games left this term, Ronaldo has 33 goals after his four strikes against Sevilla on Saturday, with Argentina forward Messi on 31.

Ronaldo is still in with a chance of matching or beating the club record of 38 set by Hugo Sanchez in the 1989/90 campaign.

“Breaking the scoring record is possible but it’s not what I am thinking about. I only want to help my team,” Ronaldo said after the 6-2 win in Sevilla. “We earned an excellent result after losing the Champions League semi-final and that isn’t easy to do. “We need to stay on track and win the three matches that we have left.” With bottom club Almeria already down, only eight points separate Osasuna in 14th from Hercules in 19th in a crowded battle to avoid the drop. Real Betis are close to securing promotion from the second division and a win at home to Tenerife tomorrow will be enough for the Seville-based side. —Reuters

PARIS: Lille forwards Moussa Sow and Gervinho have been striking fear into rival teams all season but with the team on the verge of winning their first Ligue 1 crown since 1954, the northerners could switch tactics to make sure they do not blow their title hopes.

Lille-who have averaged almost two goals per game in a tight league where Olympique Marseille could also snatch the title-have a four-point cushion and want to make sure they do not lose their advantage when they travel to mid-table St Etienne today.

“There are four games left and if we are to win them 1-0, I’m okay with it, no problem,” defender Mathieu Debuchy told reporters after his team beat Nancy 1-0 at the weekend. “Nobody will remember how we grabbed our points.” Debuchy explained that Lille’s priority is now to play solidly and not attractively. “At Nancy, we did not play our best game of the season but we were solid from the start until the end and this is how it is going to be until the end of the season,” he said.

Lille will be without striker Gervinho, who will be suspended, and may also have to make do without Eden Hazard. The Belgian midfielder, arguably the best play-

FRANCE: Lille’s players celebrate after scoring during the French L1 football match against Nancy in this file photo. —AFP er in the league this season, is suffering from an ankle injury.

Second-placed Marseille, who lost 3-2 at Olympique Lyon on Sunday, still believe they can have a shot at the title despite trailing Lille by four points. “It is still doable, even if it is less than a week ago,” coach Didier Deschamps said ahead of the champions’ home game against Stade Brest tomorrow. “I still believe we can do it.”

Marseille also need to look over their shoulders as third-

placed Lyon are now only three points behind as they battle it out for a direct Champions League qualifying spot. “We still have four games left and if we win them all, we may be doing better (then third),” midfielder Miralem Pjanic told reporters.

Lyon travel to relegation-threatened AJ Auxerre tomorrow. At the other end of the table, RC Lens will be officially relegated if they fail to beat Girondins Bordeaux and Monaco, Nice and Caen do not lose. —Reuters

PORTUGAL: Porto’s Maicon Roque (right) from Brazil, challenges Pacos de Ferreira’s Javier Cohene, from Paraguai, in a Portuguese League soccer match. —AP

Pacos Ferreira, Porto draw 3-3

Dortmund’s midfielder Nuri Sahin to join Real DORTMUND: Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin has signed a six-year contract to join Real Madrid from Bundesliga champion Borussia Dor tmund. The German-born Sahin was one of the key players for Dortmund in the young team’s

surge to the Bundesliga title this season. Real Madrid called the 22year-old Sahin a “talented, young midfielder” and “a master at free kicks” yesterday.

H is move to M adrid follows Germany midfielders Mesut Oezil

Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin

and Sami Khedira, who left the Bundesliga for the Spanish capital last year. He will reinforce a midfield that also includes Spanish international Xabi Alonso. Madrid needs to beat Getafe today to avoid Barcelona sealing its third consecutive league title. Madrid ended a t wo -season trophy drought by winning the Copa del Rey in April, but was later ousted

by Barcelona from the Champions League semifinals. “ This was a ver y, ver y difficult decision for me,” Sahin said, adding that he would remain a fan and club member at Dor tmund. “I am approaching this with great selfconfidence and have matured into a player who can make it at Real.”

Sahin made his league debut in 2005, when he became the youngest player to play and score in the Bundesliga, before spending the 2007-08 season on loan at Dutch club Feyenoord. His contract at Dortmund had been due to expire in 2013. The club didn’t disclose the transfer fee. The club insisted that coach Juergen Klopp’s championship-winning side will otherwise stay together next season. “Only in this case were our hands tied,” spor ting director Michael Zorc said. Madrid ended a t wo -season trophy drought by winning the Copa del Rey in April, but was later ousted

by Barcelona from the Champions League semifinals. —AP

LISBON: Luis Miguel Afonso scored a second-half hat trick to give 10-man Pacos Ferreira a 3-3 draw at FC Porto on Sunday in the Portuguese league.

Radamel Falcao put Porto ahead in the eight minute, and Hulk made it 20 for the already crowned Portuguese

champion after he dribbled past goalkeeper Cassio three minutes before halftime. Afonso pulled one back for the visitors in the 47th when he took advantage of an error by the Porto defense. Falcao made it 3-1 in the 53rd, before the 21-year-old

Afonso struck again in the 59th.

Nelson Oliviera was shown a red card three minute later for a hard tackle on Porto’s Joao Moutinho, but Afonso equalized for good in the 87th. Porto is one round away from completing its unbeaten league season. —AP

Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia want fantastic four SEOUL: Australia is desperately hoping to have at least one club reach the second round of the Asian Champion League, while Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Japan enter their final group matches with the chance that all four of their teams could advance. Thirty-two teams have completed five games in the first round. Nine are already out of the running to progress to the knockout stage, while ten have booked their places leaving much to play for.

That is true even for teams that have secured their spots because finishing top of the group ensures a home tie in the one-legged second round. qualify for the last 16. Group E is one of the closest, with five points separating Tianjin Teda of China, the only team from that nation to be sure of a place in the last 16, and Melbourne Victory in fourth.

The Australians need to win at Jeju United of South Korea and hope that Tianjin win at Gamba Osaka in Japan. Gamba will qualify with three points while Jeju will move into second with a win and a Gamba failure to win. “It’s up to us. We freshen up, go to South Korea and attack again,” Melbourne’s caretaker coach Mehmet Durakovic said after his

team drew 1-1 with Osaka last week.

“We’ve got to go there and get the three points. Whatever happens is out of our hands. We’ll go over there, attack and do what we need to do.” “The luck hasn’t been with us in the Champions League,” Melbourne midfielder Grant Brebner said.

“It’s going to be tough (against Jeju because) we can’t have a draw.

It’s going to be a good test this game. Jeju have to win as well so it’s going to be a big match and I’m pretty confident we can get a good victory over there.” Jeju coach Park Kyong-hoon feels the same. “We know what we have to do and that is win,” Park said.

“We did that in Melbourne earlier in the competition and we do everything we can to do so in front of our own fans and then see what happens.” Jeju will be without striker Shin Yong-rok, who collapsed during Sunday’s K-League win over Daegu FC. The former international has yet to regain consciousness.

Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors has already qualified, but there is a showdown for second place between Chinese champion Shandong Luneng and Cerezo Osaka. The Japanese team is at

home and needs just a draw.

“I think we still have hope,” Shandong coach Branko Ivankovic said. “What we need to do is to beat Cerezo Osaka in Japan ... We should focus on the last match and go all out for a win.” Even in groups where both the top two are sure of a secondround spot, there are still subplots.

If Suwon Bluewings finish in their current position on top of Group H and FC Seoul stays in second in Group F, the two bitter South Korean rivals will meet in the next stage.

Seoul caretaker coach Choi Yong-soo is unable to stop himself thinking about the game.

“Our players would have a strong will to win that game,” Choi said. “If we played Suwon, then we absolutely could not lose.” Over in the western half of the tournament, Saudi Arabia is also looking for a full house of last 16 participants for the second time in three seasons. The nation’s exploits were overshadowed in Tehran last week. Fans of Iranian club Persepolis clashed with police during the game with Al Ittihad of Jeddah after shouting their opposition to Saudi support for the Bahraini crackdown on anti-government demonstrators. —AP

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FRANCE: Marseille’s Jordan Ayew reacts during their French Division One soccer match against Lyon at Gerland stadium. —AP

Lyon stun Marseille amid controversy PARIS: Olympique Lyon hurt Olympique Marseille’s championship ambitions and fuelled their own outside hopes after a thrilling 3-2 home win on Sunday in which the visitors had a perfectly good goal ruled out early on. Third-placed Lyon moved seven points behind leaders Lille, who won 10 at AS Nancy on Saturday to go four clear of defending champions Marseille with four games left.

Brazilian defender Cris grabbed the winner with a sweet strike six minutes from time after the hosts had surrendered a two-goal lead. Argentine striker Lisandro Lopez netted a 25th minute opener from the penalty spot for Lyon after top referee Stephane Lannoy decided he was fouled

by Marseille centre back Souleymane Diawara. Lannoy had already chalked off an 11th-minute Marseille goal when he wrongly adjudged Andre Ayew to have handled the ball when in fact it struck his chest before forward Loic Remy, returning from a three-game ban, beat Hugo Lloris.

Lyon extended their advantage on 69 minutes through Cesar Delgado after a counter-attack but Marseille hit back a minute later when Lucho Gonzalez turned in a low cross before Remy bagged an equaliser following a corner. “It’s difficult but if we had led 1-0 after 10 minutes who

knows?” Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, whose side next welcome Stade Brest on Wednesday, told reporters.

“The referee saw what no one else saw. It could have put us in a perfect situation but he saw a hand, I know there wasn’t one.

“It’s not been settled tonight. There are still 12 points to play,” he added. Both sides had other chances in a high-quality encounter but goalkeepers Lloris and Steve Mandanda were in excellent form, making several fine saves. Miralem Pjanic also scuffed just wide from a great position for Lyon, humbled 2-0 at mid-table Toulouse last weekend to put their third and final Champions League qualifying spot at risk.

The absorbing victory though was a boost for Lyon boss Claude Puel, whose future at the Stade Gerland is uncertain, but Lisandro going off with what looked like a serious thigh injury was less good news for the coach. Valenciennes, fourthfrom-bottom before kickoff, surged four points away from the drop zone with a 2-0 home win over fifth-placed Stade Rennes.

The defeat meant Rennes’ dwindling hopes of a Champions League qualifying round berth now look over but they have a four-point cushion in a probable Europa League spot.— Reuters

MANCHESTER: Manchester United have no doubt that winning the Premier League is a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ and will hope to wrap it up this weekend to boost their chances of adding a European Cup. The value of being able to rest players was proven on Sunday when United’s first-choice team, who had did not play in midweek, exploded straight from kickoff against Chelsea to score in the first minute and threaten unrelentingly in a 2-1 victory. Beating the champions, who would have gone top of the league on goal difference with a win, left United needing one point from their final two games to secure a record 19th league title.

Their first chance to complete the formalities comes on Saturday when they travel to Blackburn Rovers, who they already beat 7-1 this season, and once it is in the bag they could rest some legs before the Champions League final against Barcelona. “We just need one point now and I think, knowing the players, they won’t muck it up, they’ll get their pointthere’s no doubt about that,” manager Alex Ferguson, who is in touching distance of a 12th Premier League title, said.

“In the next few weeks we’ve got to be doing some work on Barcelona. But we’ve got to get a point at Blackburn (first).” Ferguson had made nine changes for Wednesday ’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Schalke 04 from the side that set up a comfortable lead in the first leg with an eye on the title - decider against Chelsea at Old Trafford. The Scot used a total of 19 different starters in the two matches this week, drawing on nearly a quarter of a century of experience at the club to get full use out of his squad.

If United fail to lift the trophy in Blackburn, they get a second chance on May 22 against relegation-threatened Blackpool in front of a home crowd who were already celebrating on Sunday and have not witnessed defeat on that pitch all season. That would leave them less than a week before the May 28 European showpiece at Wembley against Barca, who are similarly close to securing the Spanish league title. Barcelona have been favorites to win the continent’s elite club competition all season but United’s persistent attack against Chelsea will have given them plenty to think about.

If Park Ji-sung keeps up anything like the energy levels he managed on Sunday and Antonio Valencia ravages the right wing again, United could be hard to contain especially with ‘Little Pea’ Javier Hernandez lurking to shoot at any moment. While United savor the possibilities that lie ahead, one of the sweetest will be breaking the record of 18 titles they share with bitter rivals Liverpool.

When the Merseyside club won the most

LONDON: Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic (second left) celebrates with team mates after beating Chelsea in their English Premier League soccer match in this file photo. —AP recent of their titles 21 years ago, few thought the record would be overtaken any time soonespecially not by a club who at that time had won the honor only seven times. “Fifteen, twenty years ago, you’d never have thought it,” midfielder Ryan Giggs, present in every single one of United’s Premier League titles, said.

“It’s a great achievement by the club and by the manager to haul back our biggest rivals over the 70s, 80s and 90s. We’re nearly there and if we do it, it will be special.”

‘Special’ was not the word being uttered at

Anfield. “ We never thought anyone could knock us off our perch,” former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen wrote in The Daily Telegraph. “Just as United’s fans found it hard to give Liverpool credit when we were the preeminent force, there will be little credit where it is due for Ferguson’s achievement from Anfield. “Instead, Liverpool’s fans will concentrate on the one record they have left: five European Cups to United’s three. And even that may be cut to one by the end of the month.” — Reuters

America, Monterrey kicked out

BUENOS AIRES: River Plate’s Diego Buonanotte (left) fights for the ball with All Boys’ Juan Pablo Rodriguez during an Argentina’s League soccer match.— AP

River lose 2-0 at home to All Boys BUENOS AIRES: River Plate missed the chance to go top of the Argentine standings Sunday with a surprise 2-0 home loss to lowly All Boys. Emanuel Gigliotti opened the scoring for All Boys in the 37th minute after outpacing the River defense and hitting a diagonal shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Juan Rodriguez added a second in stoppage time to leave River on 22 points from 13 matches, two behind leader Velez Sarsfield. Velez played Banfield yesterday.

Godoy Cruz is second with 23 points, while Olimpo is third, above River on goal difference. River’s arch rival Boca Juniors fared better, winning 2-0 at Argentinos Juniors with first-half goals from Martin Palermo and Juan Roman Riquelme.

Palermo stooped to head the first goal after Argentinos goalkeeper Nicolas Navarro pushed a shot straight at him in the fourth minute. Riquelme hit the second with a low free kick that bypassed a

badly positioned defensive wall in the 21st. Boca, which hosts River next Sunday in Argentina’s “superclasico,” has 18 points in 11th spot. Also Sunday, Estudiantes’ title defense faltered again with a 0-0 draw at Lanus, despite the home side losing Mario Regueiro to a red card in the 65th minute. The reigning champion is now a place below Boca on the same number of points.

In the day’s late match, Juan Salgueiro scored the equalizer in the 49th minute as San Lorenzo drew 1-1 at Buenos Aires derby rival Independiente. Facundo Parra opened the scoring for Independiente in the 34th minute. The result pushed San Lorenzo to sixth position on 19 points, while Independiente moved to 16 points but is still in the bottom half of the standings. In Friday and Saturday results it was: Newell’s Old Boys 1, Godoy Cruz 3; Quilmes 2, Gimnasia 2; Huracan 1, Olimpo 2; Tigre 3, Colon 0; Arsenal 1, Racing Club 2.— AP

MEXICO CITY: Mexico City giants America, eliminated from the South American Libertadores Cup in midweek, crashed out at the quarter-final stage of the Mexican Clausura with a 3-2 defeat at Morelia on Sunday. Ecuadorean midfielder Joao Rojas scored twice as Morelia, looking for their second league title, went through 5-3 on aggregate to a semi-final against Cruz Azul, who qualified 2-1 on aggregate against Atlante on Saturday.

Title holders Monterrey lost 2-0 away to Pumas UNAM for a 3-3 aggregate that put them out due to their lower position in the overall standings at the end of the round-robin phase of the championship. In the semi-finals, with the first legs on Wednesday, Pumas meet Mexico’s most popular side Guadalajara, who beat Tigres UANL 4-2 on aggregate. A promotion playoff semi-final on Saturday was marred by a pitch invasion by Leon fans in the 76th minute when their team were losing 2-0 at home to Tijuana. Several people were injured and children had to be sheltered in the players’ tunnels when dozens of angry fans broke down perimeter fencing and stormed onto the pitch. It took truncheon-wielding police 10 minutes to clear the pitch and restore order in the stands where fans were throwing objects onto the field, the sports newspaper Record and website www.mediotiempo.com reported. The match was then re-started and there was no further scoring with Tijuana qualifying 3-0 on aggregate to meet Irapuato in the playoff final for a berth in the first division from which Necaxa have been relegated.

The knockout phase of the first division championship, which began with the first leg of the quarter-finals on Wednesday, has featured controversial water-breaks with matches stopping for one minute in the 25th minute of each half. But the breaks led to complaints when television took advantage of them to broadcast advertisements. Broadcasting giant Televisa said on Saturday it was no longer using the breaks for advertising after critics pointed out it could get Mexico into trouble with world governing body FIFA. The Mexican Football Federation was unavailable for comment. “(FIFA could impose a sanction) because this takes away the essence of football, an obligation to play two halves of 45 continuous minutes that is not being respected,” Rafarel Lebrija, sporting director of first division club Atlas, told reporters. Players complained the breaks disturbed the rhythm of the game and were surprised they should have been implemented in night matches played in moderate temperatures, one of them in rain. “It’s just publicity for the federation, that’s obvious. The rules say 45 minutes, there’s no reason to cut that when it’s 20 degrees,” defender Duilio Davino Monterrey told reporters.— Reuters

Matches on TV (Local Timings)

English Premier League

Man City v Tottenham Abu Dhabi Sport HD 3 Abu Dhabi Sport HD 5

21:45

Spanish League

Deportivo v Bilbao Al Jazeera Sport +3

21:00

Atletico v Racing Al Jazeera Sport +7

22:00

Sporting v Malaga Al Jazeera Sport +6

22:00

Getafa v Real Madrid Al Jazeera Sport +2

23:00

MEXICO: Pumas’ Dante Lopez (left) and Monterrey’s Hector Miguel Morales fight for the ball during a Mexican league soccer game. —AP

Brazil’s Libertadores losers beaten again in state finals RIO DE JANEIRO: South American champions Internacional, knocked out of the Libertadores Cup in midweek, went down to a second consecutive home defeat when they were beaten 3-2 by arch-rivals Gremio in the first leg of the Gaucho state final on Sunday. Cruzeiro, Libertadores favourites who were also upset on Wednesday, lost their “clasico” against Atletico Mineiro 2-1 in the first leg of the Mineiro (Minas Gerais) state championship. Santos, the only one of five Brazilian teams to qualify for the last eight of the Liber tadores, held Corinthians 0-0 in the first leg of the Paulista in Sao Paulo but lost Paulo Henrique Ganso to injury.

Brazil playmaker Ganso suffered a thigh muscle injur y that makes him doubtful for Wednesday’s first leg of their Libertadores quarter-final away to Once Caldas in Colombia. “Players should always be fit but with this tough series (of matches you risk) them ending up hurt.

I’m always going to complain but it doesn’t get us anywhere with this sort of bad luck,” Santos coach Muricy Ramalho told reporters. Ronaldinho’s Flamengo won the Carioca (Rio de Janeiro) title last weekend in the season-opening state competitions, which come to an end before the May 21 start of the Brazilian championship.

Internacional, upset 2-1 by Penarol of Uruguay in the first knockout round of the Liber tadores, took an early lead

through Andrezinho in the Gaucho (Rio Grande do Sul) final first leg at the BeiraRio. But their bitter Porto Alegre city rivals Gremio, also eliminated from the Libertadores on Wednesday, pulled level with a header from striker Junior Viscosa over poorly-positioned goalkeeper Renan shortly before halftime. Gremio went ahead seconds after the interval with a goal by midfielder Leandro following a one-two with Viscosa. Inter equalised through young Brazil striker Leandro Damiao in the 82nd but Vicosa headed the winner over Renan five minutes from time. Gremio, who need only a draw in the second leg at the Olimpico next Sunday to be crowned state champions, had their Argentine midfielder Damian Escudero sent off in the final minute.

“We’re aware of what’s happened but we haven’t had time to work,” said Inter coach and idol Falcao, who took charge last month. “We’ve had seven deciders from the 17th until this Sunday with game after game. We can’t train, we feel the lack of practice,” he told reporters looking back over a run of key matches in two competitions. The Mineiro final first leg at the Arena do Jacare (alligator’s arena) in Sete Lagoas was decided in the first half with right-back Patrick scoring Atletico’s winner eight minutes before halftime. It ended with some arguing and pushing among players after Cruzeiro’s Argentine playmaker Walter Montillo was sent off for elbowing Giovanni.—Reuters

Marlins thrash Nats 8-0

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (second from right) stands between the President of the Kuwait Football Association and acting Chairman of the Public Authority for Youth and Sport Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Justice Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi as a number of athletes are seen in the background.

Crown Prince honors Kuwaiti athletes

Runner Yousuf Al-Qanaei (second left) takes a photo with HH the Crown Prince and Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad, as his father and Kuwait Journalists’ Association secretary Faisal Al-Qanaei is also scene.

KUWAIT: Under the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, an honorar y ceremony for all exceptional athletes of the various sporting bodies in Kuwait was held on Sunday at the Regency Hotel.

HH the Crown Prince was received, at the event, by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi, Head of Public Authority for Youth and Sports Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad AlAhmad Al-Sabah and heads of sports unions and clubs.

HH the Crown Prince lauded the efforts exerted by Kuwaiti athletes in all sporting venues, locally and internationally, affirming the importance of cooperation and collaboration of all sporting clubs in order to

HH the Crown Prince and minister Dr. Al-Afasi are seen with a number of disabled athletes, and joined by other athletes attending the ceremony.

remove all obstacles that might encounter the athletes in sporting events.

“Athletic Excellency is considered one of the cornerstones with which civilizations are measured. It also leads to fairness in competition and closeness among the young compotators,” HH the Crown Prince said in a speech he addressed in the honoring ceremony.

HH the Crown Prince lauded the efforts made by Minister Al-Afasi and all heads of sporting bodies for elevating the sport in Kuwait and paying the utmost care for the athletes. At the end of his speech, HH the Crown Prince conveyed His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s best wishes to the athletes and his encouragement for further success-

es and achievements.

Meanwhile, Minster Al-Afasi praised, in his speech, the efforts and accomplishments of the Kuwait athletes in the various sporting events.

He appreciated the patronage of HH the Crown Prince for this honoring event and thanked him for his direct sponsorship for sports and athletes alike by including an infrastructure for youth and sports within the country’s development plan of 2010/2014. “ This plan to establish many sporting venues to hold the different sporting events would be a driving force that would encourage the athletes to do their best, locally and internationally,” Al-Afasi pointed out at the end of his address.—KUNA

President of the Kuwait Football Association and acting Chairman of the Public Authority for Youth and Sport Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad Al-Sabah is awarded by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah.

HH the Crown Prince is honored during the event by Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

HH the Crown Prince is greeted by the boy scouts team upon his arrival, as Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad and Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi are seen in the background.

Weylandt dies after Giro d’Italia crash RAPALLO: Belgian rider Wouter Weylandt was pronounced dead yesterday following a horrific crash on the third stage of the Giro d’I talia, his Leopard-Trek team confirmed. “ Today, our teammate and friend Wouter Weylandt passed away after a crash on the third stage of the Giro d’Italia,” said Leopard-Trek Manager Brian Nygaard. “The team is left in a state of shock and sadness and we send all our thoughts and deepest condolences to the fami-

ly and friends of Wouter. “This is a difficult day for cycling and for our team, and we should all seek support and strength in the people close to us.”

Weylandt, 26, was left bloodied and unconscious and requiring a cardiac massage after a crash which occurred on the descent of the Bocco mountain pass around 25km from the finish line.

Race officials later claimed his left pedal got stuck in a wall at the side of the road, forcing Weylandt to tumble around 20

metres to the ground below.

He received emergency medical treatment by race doctors and was scheduled to be airlifted to hospital but had to wait as an emergency helicopter looked for a suitable landing spot.

“His heart has stopped beating,” announced Auro Bulbarelli, the head of sport for RAI television who first broke the tragic news.

Weylandt, who spent the bulk of his career with the Belgian team Quick Step after turning

professional in 2006, won the third stage of the race last year, in Middelburg (Netherlands).

He joined new Luxembourg outfit Leopard-Trek, the home of Australian Stuart O’Grady and the Schleck brothers Andy and Frank, at the start of the season.

Weylandt is the first rider to die in a crash while racing since Kazakhstan’s Andrei Kivilev succumbed to head injuries the morning after a crash on the second stage of Paris-Nice.

Kivilev’s death, while the rider

was travelling at a seemingly innocuous speed, signalled the introduction of the mandatory wearing of helmets in the professional peloton.

Weylandt, who hailed from Ghent, is the first fatality on the Giro since 1986 when Emilio Ravasio crashed on the first stage and fell into a coma to die several days later. Although life and career-threatening crashes are a regular occurrence in cycling, the last fatality on the world’s biggest race, the Tour de France, was over

a decade ago.

On the race’s 15th stage in 1995 I taly ’s Fabio Casar telli-a member of Lance Armstrong’s Motorola team-died a few hours after sustaining injuries in a crash on the descent of the Por tet d’Aspet in the Pyrenees.

Following the tragedy race organisers cancelled the post-race ceremony in R apallo, where Spaniard Angel Vicioso, of the Androni team, won the stage ahead of new race leader David Millar of Britain (Garmin).—AFP

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DHAKA: Angry Bangladeshi investors stage a demonstration and shout slogans in the commercial area of Dhaka yesterday. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) lost about 200 points in less than an hour of trading. The investors also demanded the removal of the chairman of the market regulator Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). — AFP

Saudi to keep oil supply steady Asia demand jumps amid volatility SINGAPORE: Saudi Arabia will keep crude oil supplies in June unchanged from this month, trade sources said yesterday, amid volatile prices and ahead of an OPEC meeting in June to review the producer group’s supply policy. “They gave us what we asked for, and they always give us the same,” one European term customer said.

The oil market often uses supply allocations of Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter with significant spare capacity, to gauge a move by OPEC when the producer group’s meeting is imminent. Early in May, an OPEC delegate said the group might raise supply limit at the June meeting to convince the oil market it wants to bring

crude prices down to reverse the impact of fuel inflation on economic growth. The chief executive of state oil firm Saudi Aramco said late last month it was uneasy with high oil prices and was concerned about their impact on the global economy.

However, a sharp selloff in global commodities markets knocked off Brent crude futures prices by more than $16 per barrel last week. OPEC delegates said they welcomed the slide in prices because high prices may hurt the world economy and in the longer term accelerate the use of alternative fuels. OPEC, which produces about a third of global crude oil, has left its formal output target unchanged since the pledged ceiling

OECD says Italy must continue reforms MILAN: Italy must reform to boost its slow growth rate, the OECD said yesterday, warning that with bond markets jittery and a high debt level that it was “crucial” that Rome brings its budget back into balance.

In its latest economic survey of Italy, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said the strength of Italy’s economic recovery is uncertain. “Italy must take additional steps to make growth more robust and boost its resilience to future shocks,” said OECD secretary general Angel Gurria.

The organisation said “it would be wise to plan for no more than the rather sluggish growth seen in the decade prior to the crisis.” It trimmed its 2011 growth forecast for Italy to 1.2 percent from 1.3 percent. The Italian government last month revised down its growth forecast to 1.1 percent from 1.3 percent. Italy managed 1.3 percent growth last year. The OECD kept its 2012 growth forecast for Italy at 1.6 percent.

The slow growth rate has hindered the recovery from the crisis, which according to the OECD Italy will manage in 2014, seven years after it began. Given Italy’s sluggish growth “the priority remains structural reforms to increase growth potential,” said the OECD, which provides economic analysis and advice to its 34 members.

But “with bond markets having become more sensitive to sovereign risk, action to bring the budget toward balance remains crucial,” it added. Italy has one of the highest debt levels in the OECD, which the organization expects to peak this year at 119.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) according to the EU’s calculation methods.—AFP

effective January 2009. Brent was trading around $112 a barrel yesterday. US crude was below $100. It had been above $120 for most of the time since early April, briefly topping $127, the highest price since July 2008.

At least six Asian refiners had been told

by Aramco they would receive full contracted volumes, trade sources said. Demand from Asia, where the bulk of Saudi crude is sold, is rising as a peak maintenance season ends in the region while Japanese refineries ramp up output after a massive earthquake and tsunami in March. JX Nippon Oil and Energy Corp, Japan’s top refiner, expects to resume refining operations at its quake-hit 252,500-barrel-per-day Kashima refinery by

the end of June. Others have boosted output to fill in supply shortages caused by the natural disaster.

Saudi’s crude oil production was 8.5 million barrels per day in April. A seventh refiner in Asia said it would receive more Arab Light and less Arab Heavy in June, similar to the previous month. Last week, Saudi Arabia raised the price for Arab Light crude for June to Asian customers more sharply than to European and US buyers. The Arab Light price, which is expressed in differential to the average of Oman and Dubai crude prices, has been set at the highest premium to be benchmark since 2007, not far from record levels. — Reuters

Egypt rebounds on debt relief; Gulf markets mixed MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS CAIRO/DUBAI: Egyptian stocks rebounded yesterday on a report of $1 billion US debt relief for Egypt while Gulf markets were mixed after being hit by an oil-price drop.

Egypt’s main rose after three days of decline following a Washington Post report that the aid would be part of a major package that would also include trade and investment incentives.

“This is very good. It would eliminate the possibility that Egypt won’t be able to meet it debt repayments,” said Nader Khedr, an investment and capital market analyst. Private equity firm Citadel Capital jumped 4.2 percent, partly on optimism that a recent Egyptian delegation to Nile basin countries might help smoothe out Egypt’s sometimes rocky relations with its southern neighbors.

“The Egyptian government has been trying to improve its relations with Africa, where Citadel is a big investor,” said Hisham Metwally of Arab Finance Brokerage.

Qatar’s index climbed 1 percent after five straight sessions of declines, hitting a 12-day high, as

stocks aligned with upbeat economic forecasts.

“Most stocks in the market will feel the positive impact from the growth of the country,” said Robert Pramberger, from Doha-based the First Investor.

“I would expect a gradual improvement of the stock prices going forward. The sectors that will benefit are banks and infrastructure,” he added.

Heavyweights Industries Qatar and Qatar Telecom climbed 1.2 and 1.3 percent respectively. Barwa Real Estate jumped 2.9 percent.

Saudi Arabia’s index rebounded from its oil-driven decline and recovered almost all of Saturday’s losses. “ The market will continue to be volatile in the coming week, given that oil could be volatile as well as the dollar,” said John Sfakianakis, chief economist at Banque Saudi Fransi.

Oil rebounded by more than $4 yesterday, helped by a weaker dollar as the euro strengthened after Brent crude lost almost $17 last week.

Heavyweights Saudi Basic Industries

Corp (SABIC) and Al-Rajhi Bank gained 0.9 and 0.7 percent respectively.

“Petrochemicals still have room for upside because they are cyclical,” Sfakianakis said. “We might also see a bit of upside to cement stocks because of their relation to the construction growth story.”

The Saudi index added 0.8 percent but is down 0.6 percent in May. Dubai Financial Market led the index to a four-week low after reporting a 96-percent drop in earnings.

Developer Emaar Properties fell 0.3 percent.

“Even though in some sectors things are improving, like hospitality, some others, like real estate, are still suffering a lot,” said Sebastien Henin from TNI National Investment. Dubai fell 0.2 percent to its lowest close since April 11. Abu Dhabi’s index also closed at a four-week low, down 0.4 percent as blue-chips tumbled. Aldar Properties was the most actively traded stock, dropped 3.2 percent, while competitor Sorouh Real Estate shed 1.4 percent. Dana Gas closed 1.5 percent lower. — Reuters

Rich countries must fix finances, says Trichet BASEL, Switzerland: Rich countries like the US, Japan and Britain need to move quickly to get their deficits under control, the head of the European Central Bank said yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the world’s major central banks, Jean-Claude Trichet said governments’ financial situation in the developed world “has to be aggressively improved.” Rich countries have seen debts and deficits rise due to the financial crisis, recession and bank bailouts. In Europe, Greece, Ireland and Portugal have needed international rescue loans to deal with their debt crises. “The fiscal situation, particularly in the advanced economies, is an issue which is important as far as the global economy is concerned,” Trichet said.

“That is true for all of us, including of course in Europe,” he added.

The top central bankers meeting at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland, agreed that the global recovery is solidly under way despite “ups and downs,” said Trichet, who chairs the group. Besides deficits, the chief risks are volatile oil prices and potential economic overheating in the developing world. High energy prices threaten to worsen inflation, he said, and governments and central banks need to be on guard. The European Central Bank has already started raising interest rates, moving its key rate to 1.25 percent from 1 percent in April to avoid a wage-price spiral in Europe. Eurozone inflation has reached an annual 2.8 percent, above the bank’s goal of just under two percent. The Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have not yet started moving rates up from record lows, a step that would be aimed at preventing worsening inflation. —AP

BASEL: European Central Bank chief JeanClaude Trichet gestures during a press conference following a meeting of leading central bankers at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) yesterday in Basel. — AFP

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BUSINESS

APICORP net profit up 62% to $95m in 2010 Highest annual net profit in its history KUWAIT/DAMMAM: Building further on its strong performance amidst a challenging global economic environment, The Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP) yesterday reported its highest ever annual net profit, total assets and total shareholders’ equity. The government of Kuwait has a 17% stake in APICORP. The 2010 net profit of the multilateral bank, owned by the ten member states of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), surged to $95 million, a 62 % increase over 2009 profit of $58.5 million. Total assets for the period rose to $4.3 billion, a 5% increase over their 2009 levels of $4.1 billion, while total shareholders’ equity also rose by 13% to reach $1.1 billion.

APICORP’s Board of Directors approved the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010.

Ahmad Bin Hamad Al-Naimi, Chief Executive and General Manager of APICORP said: “The historic results for 2010 reflect our continued commitment to maintaining strong banking fundamentals by strategically and prudently managing our equity and debt portfolios. Since its founding, APICORP has consistently played a counter-cyclical role by being exceptionally resilient to unfavorable economic conditions. Despite the tight credit conditions prevalent today, we have maintained an exceptional level of stability and a steady growth momentum.” “The 2010 results provide an impetus to our five year plan of expanding our equity portfolio with midstream sector projects. Currently, we are investigating opportunities in shipping, petroleum tank farms, refining and related infrastructure investments. We are confident that APICORP will meet its target of doubling its direct investment portfolio by the end of its 2010-2014 five year plan.” Al Naimi pointed out that APICORP has also continued to maintain a strong presence in the project finance market with a robust debt portfolio. Despite the slowdown in financial markets, APICORP was able to identify unique project, trade and corporate finance opportunities in the oil and gas industry throughout the Middle East and the North African region in 2010, where it negotiated transactions valued at $3.3 billion with APICORP’s total commitment aggregating $320 million.

Encouraged by its solid financials and Moody’s Investors Service’s first-time issuer rating of A1 for long-term debt and Prime-1 for short-term debt, APICORP is now seeking to expand as well as develop new finance products.

Al-Naimi cited that the MENA oil and gas project finance market is on its way to recovery.

Ahmad Bin Hamad Al-Naimi, Chief Executive and General Manager of APICORP According to APICORP’s research, 70% of the energy investment potential continues to be spread out across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Algeria and Egypt. This closely reflects the distribution pattern of crude oil and natural gas reserves in the region. Of the $530 billion of actual capital requirements in the Arab world, the oil supply chain accounts for 42%, the gas supply chain accounts for 36%, while the capital requirements in the oil, gas and nuclear-fuelled power generation sector represent the remaining 22%. “APICORP is keen to contribute to the region’s economic recovery by

investing in, financing, as well as advising and structuring vital energy projects. Our extremely successful debut of the Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) 2 billion ($533 million) bond issuance in October last year was aimed at expanding our ability to support energy projects in the region. We also recently entered into a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Master Cooperation Agreement (MCA) to co-finance oil and gas projects internationally that feature Arab investments. APICORP is the first Arab multilateral development bank to sign such an agreement,” said Al Naimi.

As part of supporting MENA energy industry growth, APICORP also initiated a divestment strategy in 2010 with the aim of redeploying the funds generated towards widening its investments into oil refining, storage, transport and shipping.

Besides, APICORP continues to provide financial advisory services to the region’s oil and gas industry, drawing from its vast knowledge of project finance, gained from being an active investor in the Arab energy sector. Meanwhile, APICORP’s sound financial strength was also evident in the first quarter of 2011, where it registered a net income of $39.3 million, while both total assets and total shareholders’ equity reached $4.42 billion and $1.16 billion respectively at the end of the first quarter of 2011. Since its founding in 1975 APICORP has played a vital role in fostering the development of the Arab energy industry. Over the last 35 years, APICORP has invested as an equity owner in a total of 22 oil and gas joint venture projects worth in excess of $13 billion. At the same time, APICORP has participated in direct and syndicated energy finance transactions worth in excess of US$126 billion. APICORP’s aggregate commitments in these transactions, both in equity and debt, are valued in excess of $11 billion.

Agility to transport 17-ton component for steel plant Transportation from Germany to Brazil

Photos of the seminar.

ABM, Brother International hold seminar KUWAIT: Arabian Business Machines Co, the authorized distributor of Brother Faxes and MFCs in Kuwait and Brother International (Gulf ) FZE held a seminar at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to introduce the latest models of Brother Faxes & MFCs. K amal Aboul Hosn, General Manager and Partner of Arabian

Brother 100 year rich history of innovation and performance.

Brother has over 27000 employees and 17 manufacturing facilities. Brother is a pioneer in Multi Function Centre and introduced in 2008 the first A3 Inkjet MFC. Brother comprehensive line up of Faxes, MFC’s and printers caters to all seg-

Business Machines Co welcomed the participants in the seminar and gave a brief introduction of Arabian Business Machines Co and its 28 years of partnering with Brother. R anjit Gurk ar, General Manager of Brother International (Gulf ) FZE and Sohail Kidwai, Deputy General Manager gave an insight to

Airport in Germany using specialized transportation equipment that adhered to strict EU security regulations. Agility also managed the loading and unloading of the Kalitta Air 747 Nose-Loader charter plane and the transfer of the equipment from Cabo Frio Airport to the ThyssenKrupp location near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Benefiting from Agility’s expertise in handling custom clearances on the ground, ThyssenKrupp CSA was able to clear its goods in a record breaking three hours.

“Agility offers in-depth expertise in handling heavy lift transports and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to deliver a customized and highquality solution to ThyssenKrupp CSA,” said Thomas Peikert, Agility’s Managing Director of Area Central Europe. “With strong teams in Germany and Brazil, we were ideally positioned to successfully transport and deliver the equipment quickly, while adhering to strict transport and customs regulations in both countries.”

BASEL: Agility, a leading global logistics provider, has been awarded a contract to transport an over-dimensional, 17.8ton gas holder diaphragm from Germany to Brazil. The contract was awarded by ThyssenKrupp Companhia Siderrgica do Atlantico (CSA, Brasilien), the operator of a newly established integrated steel mill in Brazil.

Agility, with its long track-record of managing large-scale projects, developed a customized solution for ThyssenKrupp CSA that allowed for a successful air transpor t of the diaphragm (24 meters long x 2.35 meters wide x 1.02 meters high) within five days. The diaphragm is used in gas holders in steel plants for the temporary storage of converter and blast furnace gas.

Working closely with client teams in Germany and Brazil and suppliers such as Continental ContiTech, producers of the membrane, and Chapman Freeborn, aircraft charter specialists, Agility managed a special night transport from the production site in Northeim to Hanover

ments of the market including home use.

Brother Laser Faxes, Printers & MFC’s feature 3 years warranty backed by Arabian Business Machines Co. reputable after sales ser vice which give customers confidence, low operating cost and ultimately added satisfaction.

Shell sells Murban at lower premium crude for July loading via a monthly tender at a lower premium than the previous month, a trader said. The cargo was sold to South Korean refiner GS Caltex at a premium of $6.20 a barrel to Dubai quotes, he said, although this could not be confirmed.

Top Russian oil producer Rosneft sold 700,000 barrels of light sweet Sokol crude for July loading at a similar premium as the previous month reflecting firm demand for Dubai-linked grades, traders said. The company sold the cargo for July 11-20 loading to an oil major at a premium of around $10.20 a barrel to Dubai quotes, traders said, although this could not be confirmed.

BP’s joint venture in Russia, TNK-BP, sold via tender an ESPO Blend crude cargo for loading in June at a similar premium from last week, traders said. The 730,000-barrel lot loading June 16-19 was sold at a premium close to $6 a barrel to Dubai quotes, they said, although this could not be confirmed. —Reuters

SINGAPORE: The Middle East crude market fell yesterday after Shell sold a Julyloading Murban cargo at a lower premium than the previous month as strong official selling prices weighed.

Shell sold a July Murban cargo at around 40 cents a barrel above ADNOC down from premiums of 35-85 cents a barrel in the previous month, traders said.

ADNOC had raised the differential to Dubai for its flagship Murban’s OSP in April by 86 cents a barrel from the previous month. Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia will supply full term volumes to most of its customers in Asia in June, stable from the previous month, as it meets rising demand from the region, trade sources said. Saudi Aramco notified at least six Asian refiners that they would receive full term supply, the sources said. A seventh refiner said it would receive more Arab Light and less Arab Heavy in June, similar to the previous month.

Russia’s Sakhalin Energy has sold 730,000 barrels of light sweet Vityaz

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

.2700000 .4470000 .3900000 .3100000 .2820000 .2910000 .0040000 .0020000 .0745780 .7265880 .3810000 .0700000 .7122870 .0040000 .0430000

.2810000 .4580000 .40200000 .3210000 .2920000 .3000000 .0072500 .0035000 .0753270 .7338900 .4010000 .0770000 .7194450 .0072000 .0540000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2747000 .2768000 .4496980 .4531350 .3931090 .3961150 .3125850 .3149750 .2844720 .2866460 .0527090 .0531120 .0435220 .0438540 .2937230 .2959680 .0353470 .0356170 .2215680 .2232620 .0034070 .0034330 .0000000 .0062200 .0000000 .0025320 .0000000 .0032560 .0000000 .0038180 .0748200 .0753920 .7288410 .7344120 .0000000 .3915130 .0732730 .0738330 .7136920 .7191480 .0000000 .0064750

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

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.489 6.166 3.248 2.510 3.863 223.330 35.543 3.765

Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

6.428 9.151 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 73.656 75.893 717.420 733.430 75.196

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham

ARAB COUNTRIES 47.500 46.450 1.264 201.680 390.050 183.200 5.963 35.443

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 276.100 Euro 399.320 Sterling Pound 456.200 Canadian dollar 290.570 Turkish lire 178.690 Swiss Franc 319.820 Australian dollar 292.670 US Dollar Buying 274.900 GOLD 278.000 139.000 73.000

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

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

SELL CASH SELL DRAFT 300.400 298.900 733.240 733.240 3.990 3.769 290.600 289.100 541.500 14.100 54.700 167.800 225.400 47.390 46.420 401.000 399.500 36.160 36.010 6.430 6.175

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

0.033 0.244 0.243 3.520 391.150 0.187 94.960 48.200 4.330 222.200 1.869 51.700 716.130 3.340 6.600 76.270 73.610 225.380 43.630 2.676 456.000 45.500 318.500 5.800 9.550 198.263 75.230 276.100 1.260

0.033

389.680 0.186 94.960 3.870 220.700

Sterling Pound US Dollar

317.000 5.800 9.340 75.130 275.700

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 454.000 275.700

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees

Selling Rate 275.850 290.585 454.452 397.440 314.004 730.088 75.080 75.747 73.530 389.664 46.395 2.509 6.172

3.261 3.787 6.397 676.638 3.519 9.113 6.017 3.935 90.720

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. 715.950 3.260 6.425 75.840 73.610 225.380 43.630 2.509 454.000

GOLD 1,555.820

10 Tola

Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

Currency 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 Canadian Dollars

Rate per 1000 (Tran) 275.900 3.260 6.165 2.530 3.780 6.445 75.220 73.780 733.500 46.460 458.500 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 392.000 5.750 400.700 290.400

Al Mulla Exchange Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) US Dollar 274.450 Euro 410.000 Pound Sterling 456.000 Canadian Dollar 288.200 Japanese Yen 3.435 Indian Rupee 6.145 Egyptian Pound 46.255 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.499 Bangladesh Taka 3.730 Philippines Peso 6.375 Pakistan Rupee 3.255 Bahraini Dinar 730.900 UAE Dirham 74.880 Saudi Riyal 73.300 *Rates are subject to change

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BUSINESS

KD 4.5bn surplus seen in FY10/11 Kuwait surplus revised downward

Citroen celebrates the DS3’s first birthday A hundred Citroen DS3s, owned by members of the DS3 Spirit forum from all over Europe, took the track at La Ferte Gaucher on 2 April 2011 for a very special day when Citroen met the new generation of enthusiasts.

With sales of more than 80,000 units since it was launched in March 2010, the Citroen DS3 has generated genuine passion, demonstrated by the DS3 Spirit forum, which has attracted thousands of fans of the first model in the new DS line. In the tradition of the collectors of the flagship models in the history of Citroen, this web community represents the new generation of Citroen enthusiasts.

In the matte black of the Serie Noire limited edition, or in the DS3 Racing version developed by the Citroen Racing teams, the Citroen DS3 is multi-faceted and appeals to those seeking a strong individual style, feel and refinement. This gathering of passionate owners - exceptional for a recent model - confirms the success of the Citroen DS3, which boasts almost one-third of sales in the most exclusive trim level.

Almost 200 members of the DS3 Spirit forum from all over Europe met the teams behind the DS3 project. The dynamic workshops run by instructors gave participants an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Citroen DS3 Racing to understand and appreciate its inimitable feel on the road.

This exciting day closed with a colourful parade of all the Citroen DS3s in attendance to wish the first member of the DS line family a very happy birthday!

The Citroen Brand A creative, dynamic brand, Citroen launched the DS3, the first model in its distinctive DS line, in 2010. This year the line will be enhanced with the DS4 and DS5. With more than 90 years of “Creative Technology” to its credit, Citroen offers two full electric cars, cars with e-HDi micro-hybrid technology, and soon the HYbrid4 full hybrid. The brand is also innovating in services, with Citroen Multicity, its mobility service. Citroen is 10,000 retail outlets, 11,500 employees, operations in 80 countries, and sales of 1.46 million vehicles in 2010.

KUWAIT: The 12-month follow-up statements reveal a massive surplus for Kuwait in fiscal year 2010/2011. However, the reported KD 8.7 billion surplus will likely be revised down to a still impressive KD 4.5 billion when the closing accounts are out.

The surplus is revised downward in the closing accounts as expenditures are typically understated in the monthly statements due to repor ting and bureaucratic delays.

Certainly high oil prices were behind this huge surplus despite the increased spending in FY10/11.

The recently published statements show total expenditures were KD 12.4 bn. At 77% of budget they were up 27% on the year. If history is any guide, after the usual closing revisions and accounting for the KD 1.1 billion Amiri grant, total spending should come in around KD 16.4 bn realizing a remarkable growth of 46%.

Although growth in FY10/11 spending was partly due to some special intra-government transfers, it was also driven by increases in genuine economic-impacting spending. In fact, excluding transfers and other special one-time spending deemed not so crucial to economic growth, the 12-months figures show that demand-impacting spending was up 14% on the year. With the usual revisions in the closing accounts we project a yet stronger y/y growth of 29%. (Chart 3) The 12-month statements reveal a 6% (y/y) decline in spending on chapter 1, “wages and salaries”. According to the budget, those were projected to grow 3%.

This is one spending category that typically goes through large adjustments in the closing statements due to accounting delays at ministries. Spending on wages and salaries is at merely 70% of budget though it usually closes the year very near the budget projection. Spending on chapter 2, “goods and services’’ also appears understated and revealed a y/y drop of 10%. Again spending here should

be revised upward and should close near or at budget.

Spending on projects, or chapter 4, saw one of the biggest y/y jumps. The government’s commitment to its development plan drove on-budget capital spending up 36% according to the 12-month statements.

Spending came at 64% of budget well above the historic average (table).

Again here we expect to see upward adjustment in the closing statements. Capital spending was projected to grow 66% according to the budget; we are likely to see actual growth near that number.

Transfers and miscellaneous expenditures saw the biggest y/y increase in part due to a onetime special transfer to social security.

Another large contributor was the Independence Day Amiri grant which drove growth in this category to +71%, well above

the budgeted 57%.

Total revenues were up 17% in FY10/11 mostly due to higher oil prices and oil production. Oil prices averaged $ 80pb, up 17% from their FY09/10 levels. Oil receipts reached KD 19 billion more than double the budgeted amount (which assumed an oil price of $43 pb).

Non-oil revenues also rose in FY10/11.

They rose 36% on the year. Most categories exceeded their budgeted figures or came very close. While “custom fees” were up notably reflecting stronger trade activity, the bulk of the increase represented large payments from the United Nations Compensation Committee invasion (UNCC) for losses arising from the 1990 Iraqi invasion.

With the above mentioned adjustments in the closing accounts we expect the surplus for FY10/11 to come around KD 4.5 billion.

Dubai Group COO Aljassim resigns, acting CEO named

McDonald’s launches new premium grand chicken range KUWAIT: McDonald’s Kuwait invited members of the Kuwaiti press to taste their new premium range of chicken sandwiches called Grand Chicken. The range offers customers three choices of sandwiches: the Classic, the Deluxe and the Special, all featuring 100% pure and Halal tasty breaded chicken breast patties, fresh and crispy vegetables served in a soft bun with corn meal topping.

George Khawam, Marketing Director of McDonald’s Kuwait said; “We always like the opportunity to sit with journalists when they try our new products. We are able to give them details on the high quality ingredients that are used, while taking their feedback and learning which sandwich is their favorite.

The new sandwiches each have a different sauce from garlic-mayo, mayomustard, to Dijon mustard - guaranteed

to appeal to a wide range of taste buds.

The Grand Chicken Classic features a tasty breaded patty made of chicken breasts embraced in a soft bun with corn meal topping, crispy fresh lettuce and garlic mayo sauce.

The Grand Chicken Deluxe offers the same great ingredients, with the addition of fresh cut tomato, two slices of Emmental cheese topped with a twist of mayo-mustard sauce. Finally, for those with more mature taste buds, the Grand Chicken Special brings with it a more gourmet flavour that includes the same tasty chicken breast patty, lettuce, rocca, a thin slice of smoked deli meat chicken roll, tomatoes, two slices of Emmental cheese, dressed in a grainy Dijon mustard sauce. The Grand Chicken range will be available at all 62 McDonald’s stores beginning May 8.

DUBAI: The chief operating officer of Dubai Group, part of a conglomerate owned by Dubai’s ruler which is restructuring $10 billion of debt, has left the company, a source familiar with the matter said yesterday.

Abdulrazaq Aljassim had been involved in talks with bank lenders who are owed $6 billion by the company, the financial services arm of Dubai Holding. The remaining $4 billion relates to other debt, such as direct shareholder loans to the firm. Interest payments have been suspended pending an agreement.

“Abdulrazaq Aljassim has been asked to leave,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A spokeswoman for Dubai Group confirmed that Aljassim had left the company when contacted by Reuters.

“We can confirm that Abdulrazaq Aljassim has left Dubai Group to pursue other interests. Fadel al Ali will be acting CEO for the company,” the spokeswoman said.

“He is a natural interim choice given that he has previously served as acting CEO and serves on a number of their portfolio companies.”

Ali is also executive chairman of Dubai Holding Commercial Operations Group. Last month, sources told Reuters the debt talks were making slow progress and an agreement could be several months away.

“The banks are coming down hard,” the source said yesterday. Dubai Group, which focuses on banking, insurance and investments, has stakes in Dubai-based investment bank Shuaa Capital, Greek group Marfin Investment Group and Australian company Citigold Corp. — Reuters

Boeing sees short term oil price, Mideast impact DUBAI: Plane maker Boeing said yesterday that high fuel prices and the social unrest in the Middle East may have an impact on the orders it receives from the region in the short term.

The aircraft manufacturer, which has a backlog of 3,445 airplanes, said 345 of the these have been ordered by airline customers in the Middle East. Randy Tinseth, the commercial airplanes vice president of marketing for Boeing said the recent events in the region could possibly affect orders placed by airlines.

“It’s possible ... but I think fundamental demand is there and I think airlines will order for the long-term view of the market.” He said Boeing had 48 cancellations this year, which are a little higher than average. He said that 2011 has not been as good for business as 2010.

“Profitability will be down as well (in 2011) because of high fuel pricing and growth is not as dynamic as we saw last year,” he said of the industry. Boeing has a total of 47 customers in the region including the three big carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.

Tinseth said Boeing’s annual forecast shows the Middle East market would require 2,340 airplanes worth $390 billion by 2029, expanding their fleet by over 150 percent. He said that the rising fuel prices will be the biggest challenge for the industry. “Fuel price is the largest expense that airlines have and with the 25 to 30 percent rise we have seen, it is a great challenge and great pressure for airlines.” — Reuters

Cinema 3D monitors

LG opens new era of 3D monitors Brightest, most comfortable 3D viewing KUWAIT: LG Electronics (LG) yesterday announced the release of two CINEMA 3D Monitors -D41P and D42P - equipped with LG’s new Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) 3D technology. With FPR 3D technology, the monitors offer a brighter display, clearer images, and a “Flicker-Free” certified 3D picture that makes 3D viewing more comfortable.

“Although 3D is one of the hottest items in technology today, some consumers are holding back from purchasing 3D products because of concerns over performance and price,” said Mr. H.S. Paik, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE. “ With CINEMA 3D Monitors, we’ve addressed all these concerns. The advanced picture quality, more comfortable glasses and competitive pricing makes it very hard to keep putting off 3D.” The monitors’ “Flicker-Free” certification, shared with LG’s CINEMA 3D TVs, was awarded by TUV and Intertek, two of Europe’s top safety certification agencies.

The certification recognizes that LG’s CINEMA 3D Monitors have largely eradicated onscreen flicker, which had occasionally caused dizziness and nausea among viewers watching conventional 3D displays. With CINEMA 3D Monitors, viewers are now able to watch 3D content for longer periods in greater comfort.

Thanks to LG’s FPR technology, LG CINEMA 3D Monitors also provide clear-

er, brighter 3D images and lower crosstalk, meaning less eyestrain. In contrast with conventional 3D glasses, LG CINEMA 3D glasses are lightweight and entirely free of electrical parts, so and the glasses are lighter - thus more comfortable - and they never need to be recharged. LG CINEMA 3D Monitors also boast great compatibility. The monitors work with all graphic cards and are compatible with popular home PC operating systems. They support HDMI 1.4 for easy hook-up with other 3D devices, making it possible to play 3D content without a PC. Also, a 2D to 3D conversion function converts regular content into top-quality 3D on the fly, so viewers will never be short of 3D content to enjoy.

In addition, a recent detailed survey conducted in five markets by Research Company TNS found that 77 percent of respondents expressed a preference for FPR type 3D monitor based on image quality, comfort and convenience of glasses.

The survey involved blind testing after the product demonstration of almost 230 consumers across both Shutter Glass (SG) type and FPR type 3D monitor with respondents viewing a series of 3D video clips on each screen.

The LG Cinema 3D Monitor have been launched in Korea, and are set for release in the Middle East in month of May 2011.

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

business

KSE stocks close mixed GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended yesterday session on mixed note. Not even the new cabinet formation announced could cheer investor sentiment.

However, global markets and oil prices fluctuations effect negatively on local market.

Global General Index (GGI), market weighted, ended the day down by 0.38 percent, at 204.13 point. Market Capitalization was down for the day at KD33.47bn.

On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed at 6,508.6 point, adding 2.60 points (0.04 percent) to its previous close.

Market breadth During the session, 106 companies were traded. Market breadth was even as 41 equities retreated versus 34 that advanced.

Yesterday’s performance was accompanied by growing trading activity. The trades conducted in the Services and Real Estate sector. Total volume traded was up by 31.88 percent with 228.41mn shares changing hands at a total value of KD28.99mn (20.05 percent higher compared to the day before). The services sector was the volume leader yesterday, accounting for 32.56 percent of total shares. The banking sector was the value leader, with 41.28 percent of total traded value.

Kuwait International Bank was the most active in terms of values of shares traded during Monday session, with 24.37mn shares exchanged at an aggregate value of KD9.25mn.

Sector -wise Sector-wise, Non Kuwaiti stocks headed the retreat, shedding 1.24 percent from their index value. Two of Bahrainibased banks witnessed drop in

their prices during the session.

Ithmaar Bank and Ahli United Bank closed down by 2.08 percent and 0.95 percent, respectively. UAE cement companies had the same scenario. Three out of four UAE cement companies closed down for the day. Sharja Cement & Industrial Development Company was the top loser in the sector, shedding 3.95 percent and closed at KD0.073. It is worth mentioning that, the Non Kuwaiti sector is the biggest loser among the sector so far in May down by 3.12 percent.

Global Services Index was the second biggest loser during the session. The index is down by 0.97 percent backed by Zain and

Agility. Zain ended the day down by 1.69 percent to close at KD1.160 while Agility shed 1.23 percent from its share price to close at KD0.400.

On the other side, two sectors only managed to end the day at higher levels. Global Banking Index added a marginal 0.03 percent to its value, backed by Kuwait International Bank and Ahli United Bank which were both up by 1.49 percent and 1.25 percent, respectively. Global Food Index on the other hand was the top gainer, adding 0.10 percent to its value.

Corporate news A new company, named Fast

Co for services, has been established at a capital of KD1mn, Kuwait Al-Youm said in its latest edition. The firm was founded as a shareholding closed company at a KD1mn capital, distributed over 10mn stocks, at a value of KD0.100 per stock. It is specialized in managing local and foreign companies in the sector of affairs related to embassies and consulates.

Oil news The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $104.40 a barrel on Friday, compared with $112.80 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

Oil price rises over $4, weaker dollar helps LONDON: Oil rebounded by more than $4 yesterday, helped by a weaker dollar as the euro strengthened and bargain hunting by traders and investors after Brent crude lost almost $17 last week.

At 1135 GMT Brent crude for June was up by $3.62 to $112.75 a barrel after hitting an intraday high of $113.19. US crude rose by $3.28 to $100.46, after climbing as high as $100.69 a barrel.

Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank, said the bounce was a combination of the weaker dollar and bargain hunting: “Some market participants consider the lower price levels after the sharp drop on Thursday a good buying opportunity.”

The Reuters-Jefferies CRB index, a global benchmark for commodities prices, last week staged its biggest week ly drop since late 2008, down 9 percent.

“We went through a pretty hefty sell-off for all markets,” said Tony Machacek, an oil trader at Bache Commodities. “It smacked of funds getting sell-stops triggered. Now that long liquidation has been done, everything seems to be stabilizing.”

Traders and analysts also attributed the rebound to the dollar selling off again while the euro strengthened, reversing last week’s trend. “You can’t split these things out at the moment,” said David Morrison, a strategist at GFT. The euro had sold off due to an apparent delay in European Central Bank tightening when President JeanClaude Trichet failed to use the code words “strong vigilance”.

Yesterday the position reversed, with the dollar down 0.28 percent against a basket of currencies at 1137 GMT, while the euro bounced back as some investors viewed its sell-off as overdone. A weaker dol-

lar helps commodities which are priced in dollars. “The dollar index is looking absolutely dreadful at the moment and despite that bounce it’s still in a downtrend and it looks like we could go a lot lower,” said Morrison.

But analysts and traders were cautious about the rebound in the oil price. Fritsch said he saw some consolidation in the coming days before the price starts to rise again.

“And in the interim we may test the lows from Friday. Technical levels have been broken and it will take some time for the markets to recover.” According to technical charts, Brent futures were expected to revisit Friday’s low of $105.15 per barrel, while US crude could head back down to $94.63, said Reuters market analyst Wang Tao. “We had a lot of the long-side speculation k nocked out on all these markets. This week it will be interesting to see if we get another leg down,” added Morrison.

“We might put in a double-bottom and that could set the stage for further gains. Can this bounce turn into a more sustainable rally or will we set ourselves up for another bout of selling?”

This week the market will be looking to see if high price levels have had an impact on oil demand, with Chinese import data for April due today and the monthly outlooks from OPEC and the IEA on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

“Possibly we will see a slight downward revision to oil demand growth forecasts for this year and that could also cap price rallies this week,” said Fritsch.

A higher-than-expected reading might revive expectations of more polic y tightening from Beijing, dealing a further blow to commodities. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

business

Debt crisis resurfacing in EU, FX market mixed KUWAIT: FX markets were extremely jittery last week, with volatility resurfacing on the major currencies. After a relatively calm start of the week, markets witnessed major moves, with the US Dollar being the best performer across the board. The euro opened the week at 1.4816, building on a positive momentum from the previous week. The currency reached a high of 1.4939 as market expected the ECB President, Jean-Claude Trichet, would indicate an increase in interest rates in the coming months.

Disappointment followed the ECB’s press conference, and the euro plunged to a low of 1.4508.The drop continued on Friday, after a German newspaper published a report stating that Greece was considering a possible exit from the EU, which drove the Euro to close at the low of the week at 1.4308. The Sterling Pound started the week at 1.6721, but lost ground after the release of poor economic data from the UK, and closed the week at 1.6368. The Dollar Index started to erase its losses after the US government announced the death of the AlQaeda leader, raising the index by 2.5% by the end of the week to close at 74.91. The Japanese yen started the week at 81.09, but gained strength to reach a high of 79.55 after a fall in equities and commodities drove investors to seek the safety of the currency. The Yen closed the week at 80.62. Similarly, the Swiss Franc opened the week at 0.8650, reaching a high of 0.8550, and closing the week

at 0.8783. Silver surprised the markets last week with an unexpected trend reversal after reaching a high around $50 last week.

The precious metal erased major gains and fell a staggering 33% to a low of $33. This move triggered panic in commodity markets, and extended into commodity currencies such as the Australian Dollar. The Aussie fell from a high of 1.1011, to a low of 1.0532, and closed the week at 1.0690.

The US have experienced in April the slowest economic expansion in eight months as companies have cut back some of their costs, due to higher energy prices. The ISM index of the services companies have declined to 52.8, lower than the forecasted 57.9, and a decline from March’s 57.3. US stocks fell as fear of a slow economic growth in the first three months of the year might persist into the second and third quarters.

Demand for machinery and computers have increased in March, leading to a greater than forecasted rise in Factory Orders in the US and indicating gains in business spending.

Orders climbed to 3.0%, against a forecasted 1.9%. This places it as the fifth consecutive rise in Factory Orders after February’s 0.7% gain. The expansion was “proceeding at a moderate pace,” in accordance with stronger spending as exports to emerging economies have increased.

US Job Report Fewer Americans found jobs dur-

NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT

ing the month of April in the private sector, as ADP figures fell last month to 179,000, the lowest since the beginning of the year. The number was 21,000 short of expectation. Job gains have managed to stand around the 200,000 mark for the past four months; but last month’s numbers were significantly lower.

Correspondingly, more Americans have unexpectedly filed for unemployment claims last week as the applications rose to the highest since August 2010, signifying that the economic recover y is slowing down.

Jobless Claims have reached 474,000, an increase of 43,000 from last weeks’ 431,000 as the market expected a drop to 415,000. Finally, the unem-

ployment rate rose unexpectedly to 9%, the first increase since December 2010, surpassing the expected 8.8%.

On the other hand, US companies have employed more Americans than expected, enduring the continuing rise of fuel prices as Non-Farm payrolls increased by 244,000 in April, the largest gain since May 2010. The number of people employed has exceeded expectations by 59,000, as the forecast was at 186,000 complying with the Federal Reser ve Chairman’s statement that the labor market is “improving gradually.”

Europe The European Central Bank has kept its key lending rate unchanged

at 1.25%, surprising a market that expected another increase to contain inflationary pressures. The highly anticipated decision drove the single currency from a high of 1.4939 to 1.4508, losing 2.6% of its value against the US Dollar. The ECB’s President, Jean-Claude Trichet, stated that the Bank is monitoring inflation risks “very closely.” Trichet also avoided the “strong vigilance” phrase, indicating that the next increase would not be earlier than two months.

Portugal The International Monetary Fund and the European Union agreed on a plan to bailout Portugal, making it the third country to join the “beneficiaries list,” after Greece and Ireland.

In an effort to sustain the Euro-Zone economy, the European governments have provided two-thirds of the loan, and the IMF provided the remaining one-third, accumulating a total of a €78 billion ($116 billion) aid-plan to Portugal, under the circumstances that the Portuguese government cuts its budget by 10% of GDP over the next three years. Portugal’s economy is estimated to shrink 2% in 2011, doubling the forecast from March, with another 2% predicted contraction in 2012.

ECB president, Jean-Claude Trichet said, “We expect all countries to be up to their responsibility in the present circumstances”, adding political pressure on wealthier nations such as Finland and Germany.

The Bank of England held the benchmark interest rate at a record low of 0.5%, even though inflation is at 4%, double the Banks’ target rate of 2%. The nine-member committee also kept the £200 billion ($330 billion) bond purchase program unchanged. The decision comes as the bank weighs the effects of raising rates against the risks of higher inflation on the current economic recovery.

The British manufacturing PMI grew at the slowest pace since September 2010, at a low of 54.6, falling short of the expected 57.0. The level was a product of higher fuel and energy costs to the private sector companies, and continuing spending cuts by the nation’s government as it struggles to control inflation and maintaining growth.

Oil Suffering Oil prices fell drastically during the week, plummeting 13% to reach a low of $99.80 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the biggest one-day drop in more than a year. Political unrest in North Africa pushed the price of oil to a high of $113.97, an increase of 34%, although the burst occurred after the United States announced the killing of bin Laden.

Kuwait Dinar at 0.27525 The USDKWD opened at 0.27525 yesterday morning.

Barclays, HSBC take $2bn mis-selling hit British banks drop challenge to PPI ruling: BBA

BUCHAREST: Jeffrey Franks, center, head of the International Monetary Fund official speaks during a press conference at the end of the IMF evaluation mission in Bucharest yesterday. Franks said Romania will shut down, restructure or privatize some state-owned energy and transport companies to keep their losses from weighing on public finances. — AP

Saudi villa prices rise 20% in H1 2011 DUBAI: Prices for villas in Saudi Arabia rose 20.5 percent on average in the first half of the year from the second half of 2010, with values seen rising further in the short-tomedium term, Banque Saudi Fransi said in a report.

Villa rents gained nearly 11 percent in parts of Riyadh and Jeddah while apartments rose “modestly” and land prices were up 4.8 percent on average throughout the kingdom, the report said.

Saudi Arabia, the biggest Arab economy, is facing a massive housing problem due to rapid population growth and an inflow of expatriate workers coming to the kingdom which is rolling out a $400 billion infrastructure spending plan. “The mismatch between supply and demand, particularly for smaller villas, will be a key challenge for state and private sector investors to address in the coming years,” the report said. “The prospect of an onslaught of new units being added to the market is likely to

lead many Saudis to put off plans to buy properties for a year or two in anticipation that prices would stabilize or fall.”

The bank said the average 1.28 million riyal price ($341,300) for a small villa in the kingdom would be too high for most young Saudis who are expected to opt instead for cheaper large apartments.

Economists and experts say that between 30 and 50 percent of Saudis own homes, but the majority of young Saudis do not.

Saudi Arabia needs 1.65 million new homes by 2015 to meet growing demand in the world’s largest oil exporter, the bank said earlier this year. Property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle said in March it expects rents and land prices to rise by 10 percent each year until 2014.

Faced with a housing shortage, Saudi King Abdullah in March pledged 250 billion Saudi riyals to be spent on 500,000 new homes. —Reuters

Oil’s slide may be a mixed blessing SINGAPORE: After all the angst over pricey oil and the threat it posed to the global economy, it is hard to see the recent slide as anything but a welcome reprieve. If it holds, the oil price decline would boost consumers’ discretionary spending power, calm inflation concerns and perhaps bolster confidence. But it may also cool shortterm demand.

Fearful of further price increases, some US businesses have rushed through orders and built up inventories. While that probably helped lift April’s exports from China and elsewhere, it may have come at the expense of orders and future shipments.

China is scheduled to release its April trade data tomorrow.

Economists polled by Reuters are looking for a 29.4 percent increase in exports, a strong reading but a bit softer than March’s 35.8 percent jump.

Reports last week showed inventories growing at US manufacturing and services companies. One respondent in the Institute for Supply Management’s survey of purchasing managers reported “buying ahead of cost increases.” Another said “customers are rebuilding safety stock levels of inventory, and also trying to buy ahead of material price increases.”

US government data this week may support that anecdotal evidence. On Tuesday, a report on wholesale inventories is expected to show a 1.0 percent increase for March, although sales are expected to rise even more quickly, which would ease concerns of an unmanageable buildup of stocks.

Thursday brings data on business inventories, which economists expect to rise by 0.9 percent.

As long as consumers keep buying, a little extra inventory isn’t disastrous. Several US retail chains reported solid April sales last week. Economists expect the Commerce Department’s retail sales report on Thursday to show a 0.6 percent increase for April, which would be up a bit from March.

US trade data for March comes on tomorrow and is likely to show the deficit widened slightly, to $47 billion, in part because of rising costs of oil imports. China last month reported a rare trade deficit for the first quarter, a point that Beijing will likely tout during this week’s Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington as evidence it takes seriously its pledge to refocus its economy toward domestic demand rather than exports.—Reuters

LONDON: British banks gave up their fight to avoid compensating customers wrongly sold loan insurance, forcing Barclays Plc and HSBC to take a combined hit of more than $2 billion in the latest blow to the industry. Barclays yesterday booked a 1 billion pound ($1.6 billion) provision for the second quarter of 2011 to cover costs related to the mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI), while HSBC Holdings Plc said it had set aside $440 million.

British banks, already under pressure from regulators to clean up their act following the financial crisis, said they would not appeal against a ruling requiring them to pay compensation. The bill could total around 8 billion pounds and several millions of Britons could be in line for a payout. Britain’s financial ombudsman said yesterday it had so far received more than 200,000 complaints over PPI insurance and that the average compensation payout was 2,750 pounds.

Lloyds Banking Group Plc was first to capitulate over the issue last week as it unveiled a shock 3.2 billion pound charge to cover compensation after years of legal wrangling.

Barclays and HSBC shares fell 1.3 and 1.6 percent respectively in early-afternoon trade, underperforming a 0.6 percent decline in Britain’s benchmark FTSE 100 index. “This is another negative for the banking sector. It means even more costs for the banks, which were already facing mounting costs on their capital structures,” said John Smith, fund manager at UK investment firm Brown Shipley.

Banks face higher costs from plans by a government-appointed commission to make them hold more capital and form separate subsidiaries for their retail and investment banking operations, an effort to better protect retail customers and shield the banks in the

NEW YORK: Mathias Roberts (right), of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and William Bott of Barclays Capital work on the floor of the New York Stock in New York. Swooning bank shares contributed to a drop in European stock markets yesterday as investors fretted over whether Greece will need a second financial bailout in just over a year.—AP event of another financial crisis.

Bank overdraft fees also remain in the spotlight after being criticized for being opaque by Business Secretary Vince Cable and parliament’s Treasury Select Committee.

And the PPI payouts have parallels with a previous British mis-selling scandal involving endowment mortgages, which became popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s as homebuyers took interest-only home loans backed by investment plans intended to pay off the principal. But returns often fell short and providers were subsequently forced to pay compensation to many lenders.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) said in 2006 banks had paid out 2.2 billion pounds in compensation for endowment mis-selling.

PPI policies were typically taken out

alongside a personal loan or mortgage to cover repayments if customers fell ill or lost their jobs.

But the policies were sold to self-employed or unemployed people who would not have been able to claim and to consumers who did not realize they were taking out a policy. Last month a court ruled the banks were at fault.

“I hope the banks learn the lessons of this debacle, adopt a more constructive attitude towards serving their customers and make sure this never happens again,” said opposition Labor MP Chuka Umunna, who sits on the Treasury Select Committee. Barclays said it had agreed with the FSA to contact customers and assess the situation.

“We don’t always get things right for our customers; when we get them wrong, we apologize and put

them right,” Chief Executive Bob Diamond said in a statement.

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) said last week it was too early for it to estimate the possible impact but said settling claims could be “material.” Deutsche Bank analysts have said RBS could face a 1 billion pound provision on the PPI misselling. Bank of America has also raised its provision for mis-selling to $650 million from an original $592 million.

Spain’s Santander had not challenged the findings of regulators and has already been paying compensation. “It should not really affect banks’ long-term earnings forecasts, but the PPI issue is yet another negative for the sector,” said Royal London Asset Management fund manager Jane Coffey.— Reuters

China favors stronger yuan to fight inflation BEIJING: Confronted with fresh US pressure over its currency policy, China appears more willing to let the yuan strengthen at a faster pace to control inflation, its new primary concern, analysts say.

China has let the currency appreciate five percent against the dollar since vowing greater flexibility last June and Beijing has signalled the exchange rate will be used to curb rising prices and growing foreign exchange reserves. As the world’s two biggest economies meet in Washington from Monday for annual high-level talks, Washington will demand faster appreciation but experts say Beijing will go at its own speed and is prepared to change course if exports stall.

“There has been a real shift in the last couple of months,” Alistair Thornton, an economist for IHS Global Insight in Beijing, told AFP. “There’s more public acceptance of what is driving inflation-the exchange rate peg, which generates a lot of domestic liquidity in the econo-

my.” Patrick Chovanec, an economics professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing, agreed. China’s leaders are “trying to put out fires and the fire of the day is inflation, and they are willing to allow currency appreciation if that fights inflation-but only moderately,” Chovanec told AFP. “They are still concerned about the impact it will have on the export sector (and) if they felt they got inflation under control, then their willingness to allow currency appreciation could taper off quite a bit.” The United States has been a strident critic of China’s exchange rate policy, which it claims keeps the yuan grossly undervalued against the greenback and artificially cheapens Chinese exports at the cost of US jobs. Yesterday, the central bank set the yuan central parity ratethe midpoint of an allowed trading band-at 6.4988 to the dollar, the strongest rate since last June’s promise for greater flexibility. But David Loevinger, a senior Treasury Department official, said Thursday we “absolutely see a change in tone”

from China as it confronts inflation.

“Eighteen months ago, the Chinese exchange rate was frozen.

Today it’s moving,” Loevinger told reporters ahead of the two-day Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

Beijing, anxious about inflation’s potential to spark social unrest in the country of more than 1.3 billion people, has made tackling soaring food and housing costs its number one priority this year. But multiple interest rate hikes, tighter lending restrictions and price controls have had little impact. Inflation remained stubbornly high at 5.4 percent in March-the highest annual rate since July 2008.

Premier Wen Jiabao last month made a rare pledge to increase the flexibility of the yuan’s exchange rate to ease price pressures, suggesting top leaders were willing to accept a stronger currency to bring down domestic prices. In a further sign that Beijing had shifted its stance, People’s Bank of China governor Zhou Xiaochuan said last month that the size of China’s foreign exchange

reserves “exceeds our reasonable requirements”.

Central vice governor Yi Gang was quoted by the state-run China Daily on Thursday as saying foreign exchange accumulation was the main source of excess liquidity in China. For Thornton, those comments were “a real signal that the only way they can cap it (foreign exchange reserves) is by using the yuan appreciation a bit more aggressively”. Foreign currencies used to pay for Chinese exports are snapped up by the central bank in return for yuan, enabling authorities to control the value of the local unit.

The practice adds to China’s world-beating foreign exchange stockpile, which soared past $3 trillion at the end of March, and increases the amount of yuan in the domestic economy, fuelling inflation.

Despite the recent gains in the Chinese currency, Loevinger said the United States would press China “to let its exchange rate adjust at a faster pace to correct its still substantial undervaluation”. —AFP

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e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

business

EU considers more help for bailed-out Greece LONDON: European authorities have conceded they may need to do more to help Greece with its massive debts more than a year after it was first bailed out, but robustly denied the country wanted to leave the common currency. Experts from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund are in Greece to check up on economic reforms promised in return for 110 billion euros ($160 billion) in rescue loans last year. They will also examine whether the current program will be enough to allow Athens to stand on its own feet again when the loans run out in 2013 — a scenario most investors think unlikely.

After a top European official said over the weekend that Greece needs another program, the experts’ conclusions may give the green light to another rescue loan or an easing in its current terms.

That view was endorsed by credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, which yesterday cut Greece’s bond grade further into junk status. It said it was increasingly likely that Greece would be given more time to repay its bailout loans and that it would negotiate a similar deal on bonds held by commercial investors.

S&P, which downgraded the long-term bonds to B from BB-, said Greece might eventually have to resort to a partial default, reneging on as much as 50 percent of its debt. As a result, the agency said it could downgrade Greece again in coming months.

Though the country has enacted stringent austerity measures, started reforming the economy and announced a 50 billion euros ($73 billion) privatization program, improvements to public finances are slowing down. In particular, the government is

having trouble raising revenue through tax receipts as the country remains in recession.

The upshot is a financial shortfall estimated at some 30 billion euros ($44 billion) over the coming years. In recent weeks it has become apparent that it will be difficult for Greece to raise money again on financial markets next year as its borrowing rates remain prohibitively high.

As a result, investors and policymakers say more needs to be done — the trigger to further action will likely be June, when the EU/IMF appraisal is recounted. “Then we will evaluate those results,” Martin Kotthaus, spokesman for German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, said when asked about additional help for Greece. The latest bout of market jitters were stoked Friday when Schaeuble discussed the situation with his Greek, French and Italian counterparts, as well as European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet and the EU’s Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn at a meeting convened by Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker Friday. “We think that Greece does need a further adjustment program,” said Juncker, who also chairs the regular meetings of eurozone finance ministers. Trichet yesterday expressed muted agreement with that position. Still, an EU official said yesterday that more help or easier bailout terms for Greece were far from a done deal. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

At the meeting, Greece’s Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou was told his government needed to “step up” efforts to deliver on the reforms promised in the bailout, the EU official said.

If Greece wanted to borrow money over

the European Financial Stability Facility — to buy up some of its bonds at auctions.

“It had already become apparent that Greece probably cannot meet its debt obligations over the next couple of years without further assistance,” said Jane Foley, senior currency strategist at Rabobank International. “Rather than return to the market next year as the original bailout has assumed, it now seems fairly likely that Greece will instead ask for more funds from the EU,” she said.

Most analysts believe that another bailout would just be another short-term solution. A debt restructuring could be more efficient. It would involve bondholders giving Greece more time to repay or accepting that their bonds don’t have the same value when buying them. It could be voluntary or involuntary.

So far, European officials have vehemently denied that a restructuring is on the cards before 2013, when a new crisis fund kicks in, let alone being discussed. However, investors are skeptical of such denials after EU officials made stunning U-turns during the past year’s crisis.

The markets are clearly of the view that Greece will have to restructure its debts in some form or another — the yield on the 10year bond was up another 0.11 percentage points at a staggering 15.62 percent yesterday. “The chain of events is increasingly proving the limits of the EU’s muddlethrough strategy,” said Christian Carrillo, an analyst at Societe Generale. By early afternoon London time, the euro was flat at $1.44. On Friday, the single currency slid to a low of $1.4306 from around $1.45 before the euro exit speculation mushroomed. — AP

BERLIN: A bus with the words ‘Europe is here’ is parked in front of the landmark Brandenburg Gate yesterday. A Greek euro exit is not on the cards, Berlin said, adding its own denial to that by other countries, including Greece, over such fears. — AFP ten years right now, it would have to pay a staggeringly high interest rate of more than 15 percent to get investors to part with their cash. For two-year bonds, interest rates are even higher — above 25 percent.

That’s unsustainable and compares with the 2 percent to 3 percent rates that Germany would have to pay — an incredible difference between countries that use

the same currency and operate under the same monetary policy. Papaconstantinou has already urged his country’s international creditors to ease the terms of its bailout by lowering the loans’ interest rates and extending the repayment period.

On Saturday, he said one way to allow Greece to return to financial markets would be to get the euro-zone’s bailout fund —

S&P cuts Greek rating on restructuring fears 50 percent haircut could eventually be needed

TOKYO: Softbank president Masayoshi Son announces that its net profit for the year to March doubled from a year earlier at a press conference in Tokyo yesterday. Son said he would donate 10 billion yen ($118 million) to support victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. —AFP

Softbank reports robust earnings on smartphones TOKYO: Softbank Corp, the only Japanese mobile carrier offering the hit iPhone, said annual profit nearly doubled despite suffering damage from the March 11 quake and tsunami that battered northeastern Japan. Softbank, which did not break down quarterly numbers, reported Monday that profit for the fiscal year ended March 31 swelled to 189.71 billion yen ($2.37 billion) from 96.72 billion yen the previous year.

It said the increase was driven by a booming smart phone business that offset a special loss of 14 billion yen ($175 million) caused by the disasters.

Those losses were from fixing telecommunications networks and equipment destroyed by the magnitude9.0 quake and ensuing tsunami, as well as offering free services to those in the disaster zone whose mobile phones were out of operation for any period, according to Softbank. The Tokyo-based Internet and communications conglomerate said sales for the fiscal year climbed nearly 9 percent to a company record 3 trillion yen ($37.5 billion) from 2.76 trillion yen.

Separately, Softbank said it had invested $62.5 million in Gilt Groupe Inc., which operates an online shopping service, offering fashion clothing. Softbank has also agreed to acquire 50 percent of the Japan subsidiary of Gilt Groupe, to accelerate its expansion in Japan, it said.

Softbank, long the underdog in Japan’s telecom industry, has seen its fortunes improve in recent years with the popularity of the iPhone and iPad from Apple Inc. Its founder and president Masayoshi Son, often praised as the Bill Gates of Japan for having pushed Internet businesses, has been outspoken in criticizing the government’s recent handling of the nuclear reactor crisis that was spawned by the tsunami.

Son, who owns 21 percent of Softbank Corp, has donated 10 billion yen ($125 million) toward the disaster effort, in addition to the 1 billion yen

($12.5 million) donated by Softbank Group.

“We want to be the kind of company that is liked by society,” he told a news conference. Son said sales results show Softbank is growing in the mobile business at a time when its two major rivals in Japan, NTT DoCoMo and KDDI Corp were struggling to grow. Softbank mobile users had grown from 15 million in 2005 to 25.4 million today, said Son. “Our numbers were all good,” he said of the earnings results. Son said Softbank has gotten over the damage to its bottom line from massive broadband investments it made six or seven years ago.

But he promised to make key investments in response to complaints that Softbank cell phones had poor connections, instead of chasing immediate profit growth. He said the company will invest 500 billion yen ($6.25 billion) this year in equipment, and another 500 billion yen ($6.25 billion) in 2012. Softbank invested 420 billion yen ($5.25) last year, he said.

Softbank did not disclose sales numbers for the iPhone or iPad in Japan. But long lines have formed outside stores whenever new models have arrived. Son said the new white iPhone 4, as well as the iPad 2, which both went on sale in Japan on April 28, were proving popular.

The company did not give a forecast for this year.

About 19 percent of Softbank’s telecommunications equipment nationwide was damaged by the March 11 quake and tsunami, but nearly all of it has been fixed, including using substitute satellite connections, Son said. In the long term, Son said he was banking on growth in Asia, and positioning Softbank group companies to become No. 1 in the region in the Internet business, with strategic investments, such as Renren Inc., which runs an online social network in China. Softbank shares edged down 0.8 percent to 3,230 yen ($40) in Tokyo, shortly before the earnings were announced. — AP

ATHENS: Standard and Poor’s cut Greece’s rating to B from BB- yesterday, dragging it further into junk territory over concerns that a debt restructuring is increasingly likely. One year into its EU/IMF bailout, Greece is struggling with weak revenues and a deep recession, fuelling speculation that it will have to restructure its debt to pull itself out of the fiscal mess that triggered the euro-zone’s crisis.

“In our view, there is increased risk that Greece will take steps to restructure the terms of its commercial debt, including its previously-issued government bonds,” the agency said in a statement, warning that more downgrades could come.

S&P said euro-zone countries would likely want private holders of Greek government debt to extend bond maturities as governments consider easing terms on the bailout that saved Greece from bankruptcy last year. It said its projections suggest that

principal reductions of 50 percent or more, known as a haircut, could be needed to restore Greece’s debt burden to a sustainable level. European shares extended falls in afternoon trade on Monday after ratings agency S&P’s move, which downgraded Greece’s credit rating to lower than Belarus and Senegal.

By 1233 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares fell 0.8 percent to 1,135.28 points, with Greek benchmark down 2.3 percent, underperforming peers in the Thomson Reuters Peripheral eurozone Index which shed 1.8 percent.

Greece, whose fiscal slippages triggered Europe’s debt crisis, is rated junk by all three major rating agencies. All other euro zone countries have investment grades only.

Yesterday’s rating puts S&P’s rating of Greece one notch below M oody ’s B1 grade and four notches below Fitch’s BB+ rating. — Reuters

Centrica shares drop after slower growth warning LONDON: British utility Centrica Plc warned that rising taxes on North Sea oil and gas production would erode profit growth this year and prompt it to scale back investments, sending its shares to a nine-month low. In March, Britain unexpectedly raised a supplementary tax charge on North Sea oil and gas producers to 32 percent from 20 percent to help lower fuel duty for motorists.

“We continue to expect growth in our 2011 group earnings but at a more modest rate than anticipated at the time of our last results announcement as upstream profits have become more highly taxed,” the company said in a statement yesterday.

“We no longer expect to maintain the previously projected high levels of investment in the UK,” it said. Centrica shares were down about 3.1 percent at 305.5 pence at 0710 GMT, the top percentage losers on Britain’s blue-chip FTSE 100 index and hitting their lowest since August.

Last week, Britain’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury Justine Greening acknowledged the impact of higher taxes on investments in the UK and said the government would work with the oil and gas industry to limit the impact of the unexpected tax hike on marginal North Sea fields.

Centrica said the higher tax rates would lead to reduced cash flow and higher fiscal uncertainty.

The group expects an effective tax rate of about 45 percent for 2011 — an increase of nearly 300 million pounds ($491.8 million) in the tax charge over last year-and sees “significant” one-off deferred tax charges due to the increase in upstream tax rates.

The company had said a week ago it may shut one of its gas fields as the tax rise made it unprofitable to run, echoing a decision by Norway’s Statoil in March to put some developments on hold as a result of the tax rise. Centrica, which owns Britain’s biggest household energy supplier British Gas, added market conditions for its residential energy supply business were significantly more challenging than last year, due in part to warmer weather.

The company said average residential gas consumption in the first four months of the year was 19 percent lower, while electricity consumption was down 4 percent. Centrica, however, said the number of residential energy accounts on supply has grown to about 16 million, slightly above the level reached at the end of 2010. — Reuters

ATHENS: Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou speaks during a Transparency International conference in Athens yesterday. Athens is faltering in the application of tough economic reforms imposed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund last year in return for a bailout loan because a deeperthan-expected recession is limiting the impact of sweeping spending cuts and tax rises. —AFP

LinkedIn to sell shares for $32 to $35 each in IPO NEW YORK: Professional networking website LinkedIn Corp. plans to sell shares to investors for $32 to $35 each in an initial public offering, one of the first for a major US social networking site.

The company said the offering could raise up to $274.4 million. LinkedIn estimates that its net proceeds, based on an IPO price of $33.50 per share, would be about $146.6 million after expenses.

LinkedIn’s debut could pave the way for other popular online services that connect people with common interests — Facebook, Groupon and Zynga, for example — to go public. LinkedIn, which focuses on job-related connections, has more than 100 million members. Facebook is much larger, with more than 600 million. Facebook has signaled that it’s likely to file its IPO plans by the end of April 2012.

Most of LinkedIn’s revenue comes from fees that it charges for recruiters

and businesses that want expanded access to the website to help fill job openings. The company also sells online ads.

Last year, LinkedIn posted net income of $3.4 million on revenue of $243.1 million. In the first three months of this year, its revenue has more than doubled from the same period a year ago.

LinkedIn will offer 4.8 million shares.

The company’s stockholders, including founder Reid Hoffman, Bain Capital, Goldman Sachs and publishing company McGraw-Hill, plan to sell 3 million shares.

IPO analyst Scott Sweet said the company was expected to price its shares on May 18. LinkedIn expects to trade under the symbol “LNKD” on the New York Stock Exchange. The company was started in 2003 and is based in Mountain View, California. Morgan Stanley, BofA Merrill Lynch and J P Morgan are managing the offering. — AP

HAMBURG: Containers being shipped in the harbor of Hamburg, Germany.

Official data show that German exports surged 7.3 during the month of March to hit their highest level since records started being kept in 1950, The Federal Statistical Office said yesterday. —AP

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TECHNOLOGY

GMC ‘ control freak’ tech avoids crashes DUBAI: StabiliTrak with traction control, standard on the 2011 GMC Terrain, is a control freak - but in a good way. It doesn’t nag or tell you how to drive, but when a vehicle is about to lose control, StabiliTrak springs into action - and takes charge.

StabiliTrak with traction control is an advanced, computer-controlled system that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a difference between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling.

StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure to the vehicle’s brakes, and in some cases, reduces engine power to help steer the vehicle in the intended direction.

It all takes place in a fraction of a second, without driver input. This “control freak” is there when you need it and invisible when you don’t. Performance integration engineer Bret Dick is part of the team that developed StabiliTrak. He describes the life-saving technology as a milestone in taking crash avoidance to a new level.

“The best crash is the crash you avoid,”

Bret said. “Active safety systems like StabiliTrak with traction control are designed to keep the GMC Terrain on the road while avoiding spinouts. Future developments will build on this technology to make the roads safer for all drivers.”

StabiliTrak is the most significant safety feature since the development of the safety belt. It is already making a big difference in improving safety. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States, electronic stability control systems such as StabiliTrak have reduced

nologies on the GMC Terrain, such as head curtain side air bags, help protect occupants during a crash.

“The 2011 GMC Terrain addresses the need of today’s customers for high safety standards in their vehicles,” said Luay Al Shurafa, Regional Brand Manager for GMC. “As a result, orders for the Terrain in the Middle East and North America have exceeded forecasts.

In fact, demand in the US is so strong that we are unable to source enough vehicles to bring to our region.”

the risk of being involved in a fatal crash by 33 percent during the past 10 years.

General Motors was the first domestic manufacturer to offer an electronic stability enhancement system. GMC first introduced StabiliTrak in its models in 2003. The technology is among many GMC safety technologies designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash.

StabiliTrak with traction control and new features including Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control and Panic Brake Assist can help drivers avoid crashes. Other tech-

Facebook driving more traffic to news sites Only six sites had ‘power user’ figures in double digits

PALO ALTO: In this May 6, 2011 photo, a customer plays the popular Activision game Spider-man at GameStop store in Palo Alto, California. — AP

Twitter outings undermine ‘super injunctions’ LONDON: Twitter revelations of alleged attempts by British celebrities to cover up sexual indiscretions show that “super injunctions” to gag the press are unsustainable, lawyers said yesterday.

A Twitter user posted details on Sunday of six instances of what the blogger said were injunctions obtained by television and sports stars to cover up affairs or prevent the publication of revealing photographs.

One of the celebrities named, socialite Jemima Khan, used her own Twitter feed to deny an allegation that she had obtained a super injunction to prevent intimate pictures of her and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson from being published.

“OMG - Rumour that I have a super injunction preventing publication of “intimate” photos of me and Jeremy Clarkson. NOT TRUE!” she tweeted.

Super injunctions prevent the media from reporting not only details of a story but even the existence of the injunction.

They have their legal basis in the UK’s 1998 Human Rights Act but have given rise to concerns of a creeping privacy law made by the courts and favouring the famous and wealthy.

“It’s rich man’s justice,” said media lawyer Mark Stephens, a partner at London-based law firm Finers Stephens Innocent, noting that not a single woman was known to have obtained such an injunction.

Stephens estimated that about 200 super injunctions had been issued in the past three to four years. Their cost of more than 100,000 pounds ($164,000) each puts them out of most people’s reach.

Public debate over super injunctions was rekindled last month when prominent BBC journalist Andrew Marr confessed that he had obtained one in 2008 to prevent reporting of an extra-marital affair he had had.

Stephens, an outspoken pro-media lawyer who has represented celebrities including WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, said incidents like the weekend Twitter leak showed the super injunction was outdated.

“The superinjunction is becoming unsustainable because people are just breaking it,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by intellectual property and media lawyer Keith Arrowsmith, a partner at Manchesterbased law firm Ralli Solicitors.

“The fact that anyone can set up these

feeds without anyone checking the identity of the author undermines the credibility of super injunctions. People on Twitter feel as though they can publish anything and it doesn’t matter,” he said.

Twitter had no immediate comment on the matter. The tweets were still on the site yesterday afternoon, almost 24 hours after they were first published.

Both lawyers compared the current situation with the notorious 1980s Spycatcher case, in which the British government tried to ban ex-intelligence officer Peter Wright from publishing his autobiography.

The book was published in Australia and in many other foreign countries and was smuggled into Britain. The UK government eventually gave up its attempt to ban it.

One of the best-publicised uses of a super injunction was the case of shipping company Trafigura in 2009, which forbade discussion of allegations the company had dumped toxic waste in Ivory Coast.

“The underlying problem with the current law is that the courts are being used to conceal the truth,” Liberal Democrat member of parliament John Hemming wrote in an email to Reuters.

Hemming is compiling a report on super injunctions.

“I know of a number of cases where the truth that is being concealed involves serious misbehaviour by the authorities rather than the peccadilloes of celebrities. That is where there is a real danger in the current position,” he added.

Stephens said the author of the weekend tweets could expect “a knock on the door from the lawyers” in the next 48 hours for contempt of court.

But Arrowsmith stressed that this would not help the people who had been outed.

“In the past, for example, if someone had got wind that the News of the World was planning to break a story on Sunday, we could try to agree a way forward, and, if that failed, approach the court for a ruling.” “With international instant messaging it’s too late, the cat is out of the bag,” he said.

Arrowsmith said Twitter itself, as a USbased organisation, would be hard for UK courts to pursue. “If you’re going to have a super injunction, you’ve got to have a international super court to enforce it,” he said.— Reuters

WASHINGTON: Facebook is driving an increasing amount of traffic to news sites but Google remains the top referring service, according to a study published yesterday.

The study by the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism looked at the behaviour of news consumers online during the first nine months of 2010 using audience statistics from the Nielsen Co. The study examined the 25 most popular news websites in the United States, looking at how users get to the sites, how long they stay there, how deep they explore a site and where they go when they leave.

An average of 40 percent of the traffic to the top 25 news sites comes from outside referrals, the study found, with Google Search and, to a lesser extent, Google News the single biggest traffic driver.

The Nielsen figures did not break down where the remaining 60 percent of a news site’s traffic comes from but the study said much of it stems from direct visits to the home page of a news site.

“Far from obsolete, home pages are usually the most popular page for most of the top news sites,” the study said, and were the most viewed part of the site for 21 of the 25 studied.

Google Search was responsible for driving an average of 30 percent of traffic to top news sites with the Drudge Report and Yahoo! also ranking as major traffic drivers.

But social media-and Facebook in particular-is “rapidly becoming a competing driver of traffic,” the study said.

At five of the top 25 sites, Facebook was the second or third most important driver of traffic.

“If searching for news was the most important development of the last decade, sharing news may be among the most important of the next,” the study’s authors said.

The website drawing the most traffic from Facebook links was The Huffington Post with eight percent of its visitors landing on the site that way.

Twitter, somewhat surprisingly, “barely registers as a referring source,” the study found.

Only one website in the top 25 — the Los Angeles Times with 3.53 percent derived more than one percent of its total traffic from Twitter.

Many visitors to top news sites are what the study described as “casual users” people who visit just a few times a month and spend a total of just a few minutes there at a time.

On average, 77 percent of the traffic to the

Once users log in through Facebook Connect, they can leave comments and votes to influence heir decisions, and see a stream of their friends’ comments. top 25 news sites came from users who visited just one or two times, the study said, with the percentage varying among sites. Yahoo!

News, had lowest number of people visiting only once or twice, but it was still more than half at 55 percent.

More loyal and frequent visitors-what the study called “power users”-return more than 10 times per month to a particular site and spend over an hour there over that time.

But “power users” make up an average of just seven percent of total users among the top 25 sites, the study said. CNN had the most “power users” — 18 percent-while 16 percent of Fox New’s audience fell into that category.

Only six sites had “power user” figures in double digits.

“Overall, the findings suggest that there is not one group of news consumers online but several, each of which behaves differently,” the study said. “These differences call for news organizations to develop separate strategies to serve and make money from each audience.

“Advertising may help monetize some groups, while subscriptions will work for others.”

Kaspersky Lab warns DUBAI: Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, aler ts Facebook and Google search engine users from Bin Ladin’s death video and news spam they may be infected with.

Spammers were quite fast to reach both Windows and Mac users, and started to poison searches results in Google Images. Some of the search results are now leading users to malicious pages, so when clicking an image in the results page, the user will be redirected to one of the malicious domains such as antivirus.cz.cc/fast-scan/ or pe antivirus.cz.cc/fast-scan/. Both domains are offering a copy of the rogueware known as “Best Antivirus 2011”. This rogueware is already detected by K aspersky as Trojan.Win32.FakeAV.cvoo.

Facebook is now highly automatically spreading very attractive videos of the death of Osama Bin Ladin, while spammers are using this in addition to Clickjacking, Commentjacking and Likejacking as a hook to multiply the number of victims.

The moment the user clicks on the link, it is automatically posted on different profiles with the following message:”Sweet! FREE Subway To Celebrate Osamas Death - 56 Left HURRY!” or “2 Southwest Plane Tickets for Free - 56 Left Hurry” and then a link to a shor t URL ser vice (http://tiny.cc/). This kind of malware is not only spread on Facebook, but many other social medias like Twitter.

Kaspersky Lab’s advises all web surfers to keep their computers up to date with all the security patches, their antivirus is updated and if they do click on the links from Facebook and other social media pages, make sure that you don’t give out any important information (username, passwords).

As for where readers go when they leave a site, Google is a leading destination accounting for up to seven percent of departure links.

The study also noted the divide between Google and Facebook in that Google does not send users to Facebook and vice versa.

“Google and Facebook are increasingly set up as competitors sorting through the material on the Web,” it said. “They are two fundamentally different ways to navigate the Web.” The top 25 sites included 11 newspapers: The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, the New York Daily News, the New York Post, the Boston Globe, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Chicago Tribune and Britain’s Daily Mail.

Six were the websites of broadcast or cable television networks-MSNBC, CNN, ABC, Fox, CBS and the BBC-and four were pure news aggregators-Google News, the Examiner, Topix and Bing News.

Three were “hybrid” sites which mix aggregation of other news sources with original reporting-Yahoo! News, AOL and The Huffington Post-and one was a wire service. — Reuters

Apple pips Google as world’s most valuable brand LONDON: Apple has overtaken Google as the world’s most valuable brand, ending a four-year reign by the Internet search leader, according to a new study by global brands agency Millward Brown.

The iPhone and iPad maker’s brand is now worth $153 billion, almost half Apple’s market capitalisation, says the annual BrandZ study of the world’s top 100 brands.

Apple’s portfolio of coveted consumer goods propelled it past Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable technology company last year.

Peter Walshe, global brands director of Millward Brown, says Apple’s meticulous attention to detail, along with an increasing presence of its gadgets in corporate environments, have allowed it to behave differently from other consumer-electronics makers.

“Apple is breaking the rules in terms of its pricing model,” he told Reuters by telephone. “I t ’s doing what luxur y brands do, where the higher price the brand is, the more it seems to underpin and reinforce the desire.”

“Obviously, it has to be allied to great products and a great experience, and Apple has nurtured that.”

Of the top 10 brands in yesterday’s report, six were technology and telecoms companies: Google at number two, IBM at number three, Microsoft at number five, AT&T at number seven and China Mobile at number nine.

McDonald’s rose two places to number four, as fast food became the fastest-growing category, Coca-Cola slipped one place to number six, Marlboro was also down one to number eight, and General Electric was

number 10.

Walshe said demand from China was a major factor in the rise of fast-food brands. “The Chinese have been discovering fast food and it’s such a vast market-Starbucks, McDonald’s... and pizza has hit China,” he said.

“The way McDonald’s has reinvented itself, adapted its menus, added healthy options, expanding the times of day it can be visited, for example oatmeal for breakfast... that allied with growth in developing markets has really helped that brand.”

N ineteen of the top 100 brands came from emerging markets, up from 13 last year.

Facebook entered the top 100 at number 35 with a brand valued at $19.1 billion, while Chinese search engine Baidu rose to number 29 from 46.

Toyota reclaimed its position as the world’s most valuable car brand, as it recovered from a bungled 2010 product recall. The survey was carried out before the M arch ear thquake that caused massive disruption to Japanese supply chains.

The total value of the top 100 brands rose by 17 percent to $2.4 trillion, as the global economy shifted to growth.Millward Brown takes as a starting point the value that companies put on their own main brands as intangibles in their earnings reports.

It combines that with the perceptions of more than 2 million consumers in relevant markets around the world whom it surveys over the course of the year, and then applies a multiple derived from the company’s short-term future growth prospects. — Reuters

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health & science

The positive side of having a child later in life COLOGNE: In Germany, when 50year-olds are seen making mud pies in a sandbox with children, they are rarely addressed as “grandfather” or “grandmother.”

Becoming a parent later in life is a noticeable trend in Germany, according to statistics, with the average age of a married woman giving birth being 31.42 years in 2009. At the beginning of the century, the average age was a year younger.

The number of women over the age of 35 becoming mothers is also increasing. In 2000, 15.85 per cent of mothers were 35 plus at the birth of their first child, while by 2009 the share had almost doubled to 30.4 per cent. The trend is noticeable across Europe.

Older parents are presented with very different challenges than their younger counterparts, especially when it comes to the physical side of parenting. On the other hand, greater knowledge and life experience are of tremendous benefit and can be helpful for an older person raising a child.

There is no firm definition to describe what an “older parent” is. In Germany, some health insurers have set the age of 35 as the point when a parent is bestowed with the adjective “older.”

“Certain congenital abnormalities occur more frequently in embryos in older women than in younger,” says Eckhard Schroll of Germany’s Federal Centre for Health Education.

With this in mind Germany’s health insurers needed to set the age after which they are liable for the cost of prenatal checkups. “That’s why they decided to choose 35,” says Schroll. At the moment a quarter of all new mothers in Germany exceed that age.

The average age of the fathers is not collected in Germany.

“According to what we know we think fathers are an average of 2.5 years older than the mother at the time of the first birth. That figure corresponds to the average difference in age at the time of marriage,” explains Harald Rost from the State Institute for Family Research at the University of

Bamberg in southern Germany. Men such as the late actor Anthony Quinn, who fathered a child when over the age of 80, are the absolute exception.

There are many explanations as to why Germans are becoming parents ever later in life.

“Our research shows that many mothers do not plan to have a child at an older age but believe the ideal time to become a mother is at 30,” says Mandy Boehnke from the International Graduate School of Social Sciences in Bremen. “In most cases, however, parenthood gets delayed because of longer periods of education, career developments or the lack of the right partner.”

The longer it takes to have a child, the less likely the pregnancy will be quick and unproblematic. Quite a long time can pass between making the decision and actually giving birth. It can also be a stressful time with the thought that time is running out and the knowledge that a late pregnancy can lead to an abnormal foetus putting pressure on parents.

However, there are differing views as to whether pregnancy is a bigger physical burden for an older woman than for a younger mother-to-be.

Interviews have shown that older women have a more intense experience of pregnancy and birth. But they also have more physical problems during pregnancy or are more affected by sleeplessness after the birth,” says Boehnke.

But Schroll is of a different opinion: “Older pregnant women do not have more complaints than younger women.”

Schroll thinks the explanation for the higher degree of satisfaction in older pregnant women is due to greater life experience and the sense of security and calm that comes from that.

“Older women feel more secure in their sense of womanhood and in their partnership. They usually have a qualification and a career, are in a more uniform phase in their life and are not experiencing any great change. Most of them have conscious-

ly chosen to have a child at that particular time,” says Schroll.

When the child arrives older parents can also fall back on another advantage that they enjoy over their younger counterparts. It’s much easier for them to curtail aspects of their careers or their free-time.

“Older parents are not afraid of missing something and are under less pressure at work,” says Monika Haeussermann, a psychologist from Berlin.

But in many instances their peers often have older children or no children at all. Social circles will change whatever happens but older parentsto-be can avoid one negative aspect.

“It is a big advantage if you can get to know other parents in a similar situation to yourself at prenatal courses,” advises Schroll.

He also has a word of encouragement for older mothers-to-be: “Older fathers are usually much more committed to parenting than younger men and therefore make better partners.” —dpa

Astra’s blood thinner tipped as potential blockbuster AstraZeneca says study backs Brilinta on costs LONDON: AstraZeneca released data yesterday suggesting its new heart drug Brilinta was more cost-effective than a generic form of its main rival Plavix. The Astra blood-thinning drug was approved in Europe in December and has so far been launched under the brand name Brilique in Britain, Denmark, Germany and Norway, with more European launches expected in the second half of 2011.

While Brilinta has yet to be licensed in the United States, it had been tipped as a potential $1 billion-plus seller for the AngloSwedish drugmaker after a pivotal clinical trial called PLATO showed it to be superior to Plavix.

Yesterday’s data, from a study by researchers in Sweden, found Brilinta, known generically as ticagrelor, offered a cost-effective gain in so-called quality-adjusted life years (QALY) compared to a generic version of Plavix, known as clopidogrel.

Plavix, sold by Sanofi-Aventis

and Bristol-Myers Squibb and currently the world’s second-biggest selling prescription drug with annual sales of more than $9 billion, was expected to face competition from cheaper generics next year.

Cost per QALY is an important measure used by governments and health reimbursement agencies to assess the cost effectiveness of drugs and treatments. While there is no universal threshold, a cost per QALY of 20,000-34,000 euros ($29,000$49,000) is generally considered

cost effective.

The Swedish study, to be presented at an International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes meeting on May 23, found patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with ticagrelor and aspirin, compared with generic Plavix plus aspirin for one year, were projected to gain on average an extra 0.13 QALY at a cost of 2,350-5,700 euros per QALY. For this study, the price of generic Plavix at 17 euro cents per day was compared with a

price range of Brilique at 2.253.50 euros per day, Astra said.

“What is particularly impressive about this substudy is that even at a higher price, ticagrelor was a cost effective treatment for ACS patients compared to generic clopidogrel,” said Lars Wallentin of the Uppsala Clinical Research Centre and University Hospital in Sweden, who led the study.

Brilinta is a pivotal product for AstraZeneca, which needs to make up for sales of older drugs being lost to generic competition. —Reuters

KABUL: Family and relatives of patients wait in a compound outside The Jamhuriat Hospital in Kabul yesterday. Many hospitals and clinics have been built in Afghanistan over the last decade, since the fall of The Taleban in November 2001, with the most advanced treatments being available in Kabul. Tuberculosis, polio and leprosy are among many of the diseases which still affect large areas of the country. —AFP

Coping with schizophrenia

News

in brief

Party drug losing market SYDNEY: Party drug “ecstasy” is falling out of favour in Australia and around the world because people are increasingly disappointed in the quality of the illicit pills they buy, research released yesterday showed. The primary ingredient, methylenediox ymethamphetamine (MDMA), is increasingly being bulked up with methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. Pure MDMA is getting harder to procure, Michael Farrell, director of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre said. The centre questioned around 700 regular users and found that over half complained of a decline in quality against 9 per cent making a similar complaint in 2009. “Like with a nice wine, if you don’t like the taste of it ... you might try something else where you feel you get more of the effect you wanted,” Farrell said.

Ecstasy was losing out to mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant closely related to amphetamines commonly known as miaow or bubbles. The clinical name for mephedrone is 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC). “They usually get trendy sort of names ... and are sold as plant food on the internet and labelled as not fit for human consumption, but it’s clear that the people buying them know exactly what they are,” Farrell said. He called for more monitoring of the internet to makes sure that potentially dangerous substance could not be sold openly.

Information before surgery COLOGNE: Children should be given information suitable for their age about pending medical procedures, including possible pain, according to a German paediatrician with many years of hospital experience. “Having an active role helps little patients to deal with their anxiety,” said HansJuergen Nentwich, executive board member of Germany’s Professional Association of Children’s and Young People’s Physicians. Citing recent studies, he said that children wanted honest answers to questions about pain from their parents, doctors and nurses. Doctors in the US state of California recently asked children facing surgery what they would like to know. They reported that small children in particular were curious about the appearance of the operating or hospital room. Most children, they said, wanted to be informed about what exactly would be done to them and how long the procedure would take.

Questions important to children included: What does anaesthesia feel like? How is it carried out?

Will I have pain? “The more anxious a child is, the better it wants to be prepared for possible pain,” Nentwich remarked. He said that parents should try to explain things to the child in a matter-offact way. Together they can practice simple preoperative relaxation techniques, such as breathing techniques, take imaginary trips or perform basic autogenic training. A paediatrician can help out with facts and tips.

WASHINGTON: In this photo taken Oct. 26, 2009, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, right, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki wait to speak at a Mental Health Summit to discuss a public health model for enhanced health care for returning service members in Washington. —AP

Hot flashes may last a decade or more: Study NEW YORK: The hot flashes that are common during and after menopause may last an average of more than 10 years, more than twice as long as previously assumed, according to a US Study.

The research, published in “Obstetrics and Gynecology,” also found that women who start getting hot flashes before menopause or in the early stages of menopause will have them for longer, on average, than women who don’t have their first hot flashes until later.

“Hot flashes are pretty common, they’re distressing and bothersome to a fair number of women, and they’re starting earlier” than previously thought, said Ellen Freeman, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the study’s lead author. Freeman and her colleagues followed a group of about 400 women in their 30s and 40s, starting in 1995. Over the next 13 years, researchers interviewed the women every year or so, asking them questions about their health, including menopause symptoms.

Only 55 of the women were entirely free of hot flashes during the study. Another 90 said they had only mild flashes, while the rest — 259 women-reported moderate to severe hot flashes in at least one interview.

For women who reported hot flashes, those symptoms lasted an average of 11 and a half years. Moderate to severe hot flashes specifically went on for about 10

years on average.

And they stuck around longer in women who had their first hot flashes when they were younger and before menopause started. Black women and normal weight women also reported having moderate to severe hot flashes at more of the annual interviews than white women and obese women.

The researchers said they didn’t know why there was so much variation in the timing of women’s first hot flashes in relation to menopause in this study. But one thing does seem clear: they can go on a long time.

“The assumption has been that (hot flashes) last about 4 to 5 years,” said Rebecca Thurston, who has studied menopause symptoms at the University of Pittsburgh and was not involved in the latest study. “Part of the issue has been that we haven’t really followed women for long enough or gotten them soon enough” to estimate the duration of the symptoms, she told Reuters Health.

The findings raise the question of what are the best treatments for hot flashes, given that these treatments might be needed for years on end, exports.

Noting that some women do find their own ways of coping, Thurston added: “We need more safe and effective treatments for women that they can use for the long haul.” —Reuters

BERLIN: Let’s call her Ines. She’s 17 years old. Racked with fear, she is sitting in her living room and trembling all over. She is convinced that someone is pursuing her. She imagines hidden cameras to be everywhere, watching her: in the television set, behind the pictures on the wall, under the sofa.

“Did you give the order to kill me?”

Ines asks her mother, who finally drives her to a psychiatric hospital. The diagnosis: schizophrenia.

Her mother recalled feeling as though the ground had opened up underneath her feet when she heard the diagnosis. “A lot of people don’t know how to deal with the illness. And how could they?” the woman said.

People suffering from schizophrenia have periodic episodes of psychosis in which they lose their grip on reality.

They may see things that are not there, feel as though they are being controlled by an external source and have delusions, noted Joachim Klosterkoetter, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist for the Schizophrenia Competence Network, a research group subsidized by Germany’s Federal Ministr y of Education and Research.

Many schizophrenics hear voices.

“They project their thoughts outward and perceive them as strange voices making disparaging comments about their behaviour or giving them orders,” Klosterkoetter said.

The causes of schizophrenia remain largely unknown. “All we know is that the outbreak of the illness is triggered by the interplay of various risk factors: genetic predisposition, stress in one’s living environment and the ability to cope with stress,” remarked Frank Schneider, an executive committee member of the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy.

Schizophrenia symptoms typically appear between the ages of 15 and 35,

when school-leaving examinations, choosing an occupation or moving out of the parental home can often be overtaxing. Tense family relations can also contribute to an outbreak of schizophrenia.

The illness develops gradually and is present before the first psychotic episode. Many early-stage schizophrenics are unusually nervous, sad or distressed. But their symptoms are rather vague and often misinterpreted as depression. There are early warning signs, however.

“Trivial thoughts that constantly keep you from concentrating, taking even unimportant situations personally and suddenly seeing the colours of objects differently are typical signs,” Klosterkoetter said.

Physicians and psychologists at earlydetection centres use specially devised interviews along with attention and concentration tests to try to determine whether a suspected schizophrenic has diagnostically conclusive symptoms.

“Our aim is to conduct a risk evaluation as personalized as possible so as to start the necessary steps of treatment in a timely fashion,” Klosterkoetter said.

Although schizophrenia is curable, “we achieve complete restoration of mental health in the medium term in only about 25 per cent of the cases,” Schneider said.

Medication plays an important role in therapy but can have strong sideeffects. With behavioural and conversational therapy, schizophrenics and their family members can learn to accept the diagnosis, better cope with stress and integrate residual symptoms into daily life. Ines can now manage her episodes of psychosis. She lives alone and has completed a training programme. Now she wants to go back and take her secondary school-leaving examinations. —dpa

Lengthy listening to MP3 damages hearing DUBAI: Not only can listening to loud music through your MP3 player damage your hearing but even lengthy listening at a moderate sound volume can be harmful. That warning came from experts at the Medcare Hospital in Dubai as part of International Noise Awareness Day. An individual’s hearing can be permanently impaired when they listen to music at a moderate level over a period of hours. Listening to music at 90 decibels for eight hours will cause definite hearing loss, said audiologists in Dubai. Ninety decibels is the equivalent of a lawnmower or traffic on a busy highway. The ear can withstand about eight hours of this sound pressure before cells

in the inner ear begin to be damaged. For every five decibels above this, the listening time is halved, meaning you can only tolerate four hours exposure at 95 decibels and two hours at 100 decibels. The experts warned that instant and irreversible damage can be caused at 120 decibels and above. The experts said MP3 players or similar appliances are safe to use with their volume set at 50 per cent.

Music can be listened to for five hours at 60 per cent of the player’s volume before one’s hearing can be damaged. At 90 per cent of the volume, the time should be limited to just 1015 minutes with regular rest periods so the ears can recover. —dpa

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health & science

The positive side of having a child later in life COLOGNE: In Germany, when 50year-olds are seen making mud pies in a sandbox with children, they are rarely addressed as “grandfather” or “grandmother.”

Becoming a parent later in life is a noticeable trend in Germany, according to statistics, with the average age of a married woman giving birth being 31.42 years in 2009. At the beginning of the century, the average age was a year younger.

The number of women over the age of 35 becoming mothers is also increasing. In 2000, 15.85 per cent of mothers were 35 plus at the birth of their first child, while by 2009 the share had almost doubled to 30.4 per cent. The trend is noticeable across Europe.

Older parents are presented with very different challenges than their younger counterparts, especially when it comes to the physical side of parenting. On the other hand, greater knowledge and life experience are of tremendous benefit and can be helpful for an older person raising a child.

There is no firm definition to describe what an “older parent” is. In Germany, some health insurers have set the age of 35 as the point when a parent is bestowed with the adjective “older.”

“Certain congenital abnormalities occur more frequently in embryos in older women than in younger,” says Eckhard Schroll of Germany’s Federal Centre for Health Education.

With this in mind Germany’s health insurers needed to set the age after which they are liable for the cost of prenatal checkups. “That’s why they decided to choose 35,” says Schroll. At the moment a quarter of all new mothers in Germany exceed that age.

The average age of the fathers is not collected in Germany.

“According to what we know we think fathers are an average of 2.5 years older than the mother at the time of the first birth. That figure corresponds to the average difference in age at the time of marriage,” explains Harald Rost from the State Institute for Family Research at the University of

Bamberg in southern Germany. Men such as the late actor Anthony Quinn, who fathered a child when over the age of 80, are the absolute exception.

There are many explanations as to why Germans are becoming parents ever later in life.

“Our research shows that many mothers do not plan to have a child at an older age but believe the ideal time to become a mother is at 30,” says Mandy Boehnke from the International Graduate School of Social Sciences in Bremen. “In most cases, however, parenthood gets delayed because of longer periods of education, career developments or the lack of the right partner.”

The longer it takes to have a child, the less likely the pregnancy will be quick and unproblematic. Quite a long time can pass between making the decision and actually giving birth. It can also be a stressful time with the thought that time is running out and the knowledge that a late pregnancy can lead to an abnormal foetus putting pressure on parents.

However, there are differing views as to whether pregnancy is a bigger physical burden for an older woman than for a younger mother-to-be.

Interviews have shown that older women have a more intense experience of pregnancy and birth. But they also have more physical problems during pregnancy or are more affected by sleeplessness after the birth,” says Boehnke.

But Schroll is of a different opinion: “Older pregnant women do not have more complaints than younger women.”

Schroll thinks the explanation for the higher degree of satisfaction in older pregnant women is due to greater life experience and the sense of security and calm that comes from that.

“Older women feel more secure in their sense of womanhood and in their partnership. They usually have a qualification and a career, are in a more uniform phase in their life and are not experiencing any great change. Most of them have conscious-

ly chosen to have a child at that particular time,” says Schroll.

When the child arrives older parents can also fall back on another advantage that they enjoy over their younger counterparts. It’s much easier for them to curtail aspects of their careers or their free-time.

“Older parents are not afraid of missing something and are under less pressure at work,” says Monika Haeussermann, a psychologist from Berlin.

But in many instances their peers often have older children or no children at all. Social circles will change whatever happens but older parentsto-be can avoid one negative aspect.

“It is a big advantage if you can get to know other parents in a similar situation to yourself at prenatal courses,” advises Schroll.

He also has a word of encouragement for older mothers-to-be: “Older fathers are usually much more committed to parenting than younger men and therefore make better partners.” —dpa

Astra’s blood thinner tipped as potential blockbuster AstraZeneca says study backs Brilinta on costs LONDON: AstraZeneca released data yesterday suggesting its new heart drug Brilinta was more cost-effective than a generic form of its main rival Plavix. The Astra blood-thinning drug was approved in Europe in December and has so far been launched under the brand name Brilique in Britain, Denmark, Germany and Norway, with more European launches expected in the second half of 2011.

While Brilinta has yet to be licensed in the United States, it had been tipped as a potential $1 billion-plus seller for the AngloSwedish drugmaker after a pivotal clinical trial called PLATO showed it to be superior to Plavix.

Yesterday’s data, from a study by researchers in Sweden, found Brilinta, known generically as ticagrelor, offered a cost-effective gain in so-called quality-adjusted life years (QALY) compared to a generic version of Plavix, known as clopidogrel.

Plavix, sold by Sanofi-Aventis

and Bristol-Myers Squibb and currently the world’s second-biggest selling prescription drug with annual sales of more than $9 billion, was expected to face competition from cheaper generics next year.

Cost per QALY is an important measure used by governments and health reimbursement agencies to assess the cost effectiveness of drugs and treatments. While there is no universal threshold, a cost per QALY of 20,000-34,000 euros ($29,000$49,000) is generally considered

cost effective.

The Swedish study, to be presented at an International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes meeting on May 23, found patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with ticagrelor and aspirin, compared with generic Plavix plus aspirin for one year, were projected to gain on average an extra 0.13 QALY at a cost of 2,350-5,700 euros per QALY. For this study, the price of generic Plavix at 17 euro cents per day was compared with a

price range of Brilique at 2.253.50 euros per day, Astra said.

“What is particularly impressive about this substudy is that even at a higher price, ticagrelor was a cost effective treatment for ACS patients compared to generic clopidogrel,” said Lars Wallentin of the Uppsala Clinical Research Centre and University Hospital in Sweden, who led the study.

Brilinta is a pivotal product for AstraZeneca, which needs to make up for sales of older drugs being lost to generic competition. —Reuters

KABUL: Family and relatives of patients wait in a compound outside The Jamhuriat Hospital in Kabul yesterday. Many hospitals and clinics have been built in Afghanistan over the last decade, since the fall of The Taleban in November 2001, with the most advanced treatments being available in Kabul. Tuberculosis, polio and leprosy are among many of the diseases which still affect large areas of the country. —AFP

Coping with schizophrenia

News

in brief

Party drug losing market SYDNEY: Party drug “ecstasy” is falling out of favour in Australia and around the world because people are increasingly disappointed in the quality of the illicit pills they buy, research released yesterday showed. The primary ingredient, methylenediox ymethamphetamine (MDMA), is increasingly being bulked up with methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. Pure MDMA is getting harder to procure, Michael Farrell, director of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre said. The centre questioned around 700 regular users and found that over half complained of a decline in quality against 9 per cent making a similar complaint in 2009. “Like with a nice wine, if you don’t like the taste of it ... you might try something else where you feel you get more of the effect you wanted,” Farrell said.

Ecstasy was losing out to mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant closely related to amphetamines commonly known as miaow or bubbles. The clinical name for mephedrone is 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC). “They usually get trendy sort of names ... and are sold as plant food on the internet and labelled as not fit for human consumption, but it’s clear that the people buying them know exactly what they are,” Farrell said. He called for more monitoring of the internet to makes sure that potentially dangerous substance could not be sold openly.

Information before surgery COLOGNE: Children should be given information suitable for their age about pending medical procedures, including possible pain, according to a German paediatrician with many years of hospital experience. “Having an active role helps little patients to deal with their anxiety,” said HansJuergen Nentwich, executive board member of Germany’s Professional Association of Children’s and Young People’s Physicians. Citing recent studies, he said that children wanted honest answers to questions about pain from their parents, doctors and nurses. Doctors in the US state of California recently asked children facing surgery what they would like to know. They reported that small children in particular were curious about the appearance of the operating or hospital room. Most children, they said, wanted to be informed about what exactly would be done to them and how long the procedure would take.

Questions important to children included: What does anaesthesia feel like? How is it carried out?

Will I have pain? “The more anxious a child is, the better it wants to be prepared for possible pain,” Nentwich remarked. He said that parents should try to explain things to the child in a matter-offact way. Together they can practice simple preoperative relaxation techniques, such as breathing techniques, take imaginary trips or perform basic autogenic training. A paediatrician can help out with facts and tips.

WASHINGTON: In this photo taken Oct. 26, 2009, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, right, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki wait to speak at a Mental Health Summit to discuss a public health model for enhanced health care for returning service members in Washington. —AP

Hot flashes may last a decade or more: Study NEW YORK: The hot flashes that are common during and after menopause may last an average of more than 10 years, more than twice as long as previously assumed, according to a US Study.

The research, published in “Obstetrics and Gynecology,” also found that women who start getting hot flashes before menopause or in the early stages of menopause will have them for longer, on average, than women who don’t have their first hot flashes until later.

“Hot flashes are pretty common, they’re distressing and bothersome to a fair number of women, and they’re starting earlier” than previously thought, said Ellen Freeman, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the study’s lead author. Freeman and her colleagues followed a group of about 400 women in their 30s and 40s, starting in 1995. Over the next 13 years, researchers interviewed the women every year or so, asking them questions about their health, including menopause symptoms.

Only 55 of the women were entirely free of hot flashes during the study. Another 90 said they had only mild flashes, while the rest — 259 women-reported moderate to severe hot flashes in at least one interview.

For women who reported hot flashes, those symptoms lasted an average of 11 and a half years. Moderate to severe hot flashes specifically went on for about 10

years on average.

And they stuck around longer in women who had their first hot flashes when they were younger and before menopause started. Black women and normal weight women also reported having moderate to severe hot flashes at more of the annual interviews than white women and obese women.

The researchers said they didn’t know why there was so much variation in the timing of women’s first hot flashes in relation to menopause in this study. But one thing does seem clear: they can go on a long time.

“The assumption has been that (hot flashes) last about 4 to 5 years,” said Rebecca Thurston, who has studied menopause symptoms at the University of Pittsburgh and was not involved in the latest study. “Part of the issue has been that we haven’t really followed women for long enough or gotten them soon enough” to estimate the duration of the symptoms, she told Reuters Health.

The findings raise the question of what are the best treatments for hot flashes, given that these treatments might be needed for years on end, exports.

Noting that some women do find their own ways of coping, Thurston added: “We need more safe and effective treatments for women that they can use for the long haul.” —Reuters

BERLIN: Let’s call her Ines. She’s 17 years old. Racked with fear, she is sitting in her living room and trembling all over. She is convinced that someone is pursuing her. She imagines hidden cameras to be everywhere, watching her: in the television set, behind the pictures on the wall, under the sofa.

“Did you give the order to kill me?”

Ines asks her mother, who finally drives her to a psychiatric hospital. The diagnosis: schizophrenia.

Her mother recalled feeling as though the ground had opened up underneath her feet when she heard the diagnosis. “A lot of people don’t know how to deal with the illness. And how could they?” the woman said.

People suffering from schizophrenia have periodic episodes of psychosis in which they lose their grip on reality.

They may see things that are not there, feel as though they are being controlled by an external source and have delusions, noted Joachim Klosterkoetter, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist for the Schizophrenia Competence Network, a research group subsidized by Germany’s Federal Ministr y of Education and Research.

Many schizophrenics hear voices.

“They project their thoughts outward and perceive them as strange voices making disparaging comments about their behaviour or giving them orders,” Klosterkoetter said.

The causes of schizophrenia remain largely unknown. “All we know is that the outbreak of the illness is triggered by the interplay of various risk factors: genetic predisposition, stress in one’s living environment and the ability to cope with stress,” remarked Frank Schneider, an executive committee member of the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy.

Schizophrenia symptoms typically appear between the ages of 15 and 35,

when school-leaving examinations, choosing an occupation or moving out of the parental home can often be overtaxing. Tense family relations can also contribute to an outbreak of schizophrenia.

The illness develops gradually and is present before the first psychotic episode. Many early-stage schizophrenics are unusually nervous, sad or distressed. But their symptoms are rather vague and often misinterpreted as depression. There are early warning signs, however.

“Trivial thoughts that constantly keep you from concentrating, taking even unimportant situations personally and suddenly seeing the colours of objects differently are typical signs,” Klosterkoetter said.

Physicians and psychologists at earlydetection centres use specially devised interviews along with attention and concentration tests to try to determine whether a suspected schizophrenic has diagnostically conclusive symptoms.

“Our aim is to conduct a risk evaluation as personalized as possible so as to start the necessary steps of treatment in a timely fashion,” Klosterkoetter said.

Although schizophrenia is curable, “we achieve complete restoration of mental health in the medium term in only about 25 per cent of the cases,” Schneider said.

Medication plays an important role in therapy but can have strong sideeffects. With behavioural and conversational therapy, schizophrenics and their family members can learn to accept the diagnosis, better cope with stress and integrate residual symptoms into daily life. Ines can now manage her episodes of psychosis. She lives alone and has completed a training programme. Now she wants to go back and take her secondary school-leaving examinations. —dpa

Lengthy listening to MP3 damages hearing DUBAI: Not only can listening to loud music through your MP3 player damage your hearing but even lengthy listening at a moderate sound volume can be harmful. That warning came from experts at the Medcare Hospital in Dubai as part of International Noise Awareness Day. An individual’s hearing can be permanently impaired when they listen to music at a moderate level over a period of hours. Listening to music at 90 decibels for eight hours will cause definite hearing loss, said audiologists in Dubai. Ninety decibels is the equivalent of a lawnmower or traffic on a busy highway. The ear can withstand about eight hours of this sound pressure before cells

in the inner ear begin to be damaged. For every five decibels above this, the listening time is halved, meaning you can only tolerate four hours exposure at 95 decibels and two hours at 100 decibels. The experts warned that instant and irreversible damage can be caused at 120 decibels and above. The experts said MP3 players or similar appliances are safe to use with their volume set at 50 per cent.

Music can be listened to for five hours at 60 per cent of the player’s volume before one’s hearing can be damaged. At 90 per cent of the volume, the time should be limited to just 1015 minutes with regular rest periods so the ears can recover. —dpa

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H E A LT H

Laughing helps your mood: Body and soul as a team BERLIN: Body and soul go together and have great influence on one another. If one isn’t feeling right, then the other reacts. Thus, slumping shoulders indicate a bad mood and something troubling can be hard to stomach.

Things that upset us can manifest themselves as stomach problems or the sniffles. If we’re scared, we can have trouble breathing.

“Whenever we process something, it has an effect on our body and our mood,” says psychologist Doris Wolf. The body sends out hormones that can stimulate the circulation and gets glands to work more or less. But pain can have the same influence on posture while one’s facial expression can affect one’s well-being. It’s easy to test: for example, by smiling. “Just look in the mirror and grin,” recommends Dieter Puetz, a doctor in psychotherapy and director of the Deister Weser Clinic in Germany. In no time at all, one’s mood improves, he promises.

Another thing to try is to take on a self-confident posture. Anyone who stands up straight, holds his shoulders back and sticks out his chest will find it impossible to feel uncertain. One simply finds it impossible to say “I can’t do that.”

Of course, this works both ways. Anyone who walks around with slumped shoulders and a lowered head will feel listless and wiped out.

“Body and soul are always trying to reach equilibrium,” is the way Wolf describes it in her book, the translated title

of which is “Understand Feelings, Conquer Problems.”

You can always count on this interplay. Every form of posture leads to certain thoughts and feelings, and vice versa. Using that information, one can take advantage of the fact by changing one’s posture to affect one’s mood, especially if one is feeling uncertain or beaten down.

Soon you’ll feel fresh and happy. Your mood will quickly follow your posture.

Over the long run, activity is a good way to achieve mental happiness. “It causes serotonin creation, which is just the best,” says Michael Schellberg, a German psychologist. He says doctors should prescribe more exercise and less medicine. He always advises his patients to try more physical activity on a daily basis, even if it’s just climbing stairs, walking to the store or getting on a bike more often.

Swimming and bicycling are the best sports for one’s soul, after walking. “With these physical activities, you can really push your body to its limits and come to the edge of your endurance,” he says.

It’s not easy to push your body further than it wants to go but doing so releases opiates, making the athlete feel better. Getting enough sleep and proper meals are also important to both physical and mental health. “It’s pretty basic,” says Schellberg. But anyone who gets at least seven hours of sleep a night and eats well will feel better than someone who is always short of sleep and has a refrigerator full of ready-to-eat meals. — dpa

Say bye to obesity

Depression causes brain damage: Study TAIPEI: Taiwan doctors have found that depression can cause brain damage, so it is necessary for patients to take medication to repair the damage and cure their depression.

Doctors at the Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital carried out the study to find out if depression, which is on the rise in many countries, is a psychological problem or a physical disease.

Tzu Chi doctors studied 20 thesis from various countries on depression patients’ brain structure as analyzed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and concluded that depressed people not only feel sad, but also suffer from a brain disease.

The MRI analysis showed that the grey matter of the anterior cingulate cortex, which controls emotion and social cognition, is damaged, according to the study led by Dr Lai Chien-han.

The Tzu Chi hospital invited 15 people who suffered from clinical depression, but had never

taken anti-depressants, to take anti-depressants for six weeks. As a result, their anterior cingulate cortex grey matter grew.

“This shows that anti-depressants can reduce or heal the damage to anterior cingulate grey matter, giving hope for relieving or curing depression,” Dr Lai said.

“We urge depression patients to seek treatment. If they let their depression worsen, it will affect brain function and in the long term will cause their brain structure to shrink,” he said.

However, Yang Tzung-tsai, a psychiatrist from the Cardinal Tien Hospital, said one should not see depression purely as a physical disease.

“Depression is caused by many factors, including hereditary factors, personal character and traumatic events. Medication is one part of the treatment, while psychological counselling is the other part and should not be neglected,” he added. — dpa

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W H AT ’ S O N

US ambassador lectures on ‘The History and Influence of US Higher Education in the ME’

O

n May 8, 2011, US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones delivered a speech on “The History and Influence of US Higher Education in the Middle East” to students, board members, faculty and staff at the American University in Kuwait (AUK). The presentation was organized by the US Embassy Kuwait Public Affairs Section in coordination with AUK’s American Corner. AUK’s President Dr. Winfred Thompson introduced the Ambassador.

Ambassador Jones said, “The American liberal arts educational tradition, emphasizing the development of knowledge through critical thinking and analysis, encouraging the formation and articulation of opinions, and teaching the values of

mutual respect and tolerance, responsible free speech, resolving conflict through peaceful means and academic freedom,

is unparalleled. The goal of US education is to develop a citizenry that is well-informed, analytical, tolerant, engaged and

willing to pursue life-long learning to develop fully its skills and talents.” In referring to the number of Arab students in the US,

Ambassador Jones stated, “We are delighted that currently there are around 3,000 Kuwaitis students pursuing higher education in the US, and that there are tens of thousands of Kuwaiti alumni of US institutions.

According to the Institute of International Education, 38,738 students from the Middle East and North Africa studied in the US in 2009/10, a 15 percent increase over the previous year.”

The American Corner at AUK represents a long-standing partnership between the US Embassy and the host institution; it is a valuable platform for Embassy speakers as well as for visiting US speakers including academics, and provides information on US educational opportunities, US history, government and culture.

Announcements IWG dinner dance For those of you who still require tickets to the IWG Spring Dinner-Dance (Thursday, 19 May), we will have tickets available for purchase at Costa Coffee in Al Bida’a on Tuesday, 10 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

Moving Up Day ceremony Smart Nursery will celebrate its Moving Up Day Ceremony on May 14, 2011. The event will highlight the giving of awards for this year’s cream of the crop in the academe.

Ahmadi Music Group The Ahmadi Music Group, directed by Richard Bushman, is delighted to announce the forthcoming production of The Desert Song by Siegmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein. Fully-staged, with costumes, dancing, professional soloists, a cast of around fifty people and a full symphony orchestra, this will be a wonderful opportunity to experience an evening of musical theatre in the stunning new Performing Arts Centre at The English School Salmiya.

Tuesday 31 May, Preview Performance for students.

Wednesday 1 June, Black-tie Gala Opening Performance followed by Buffet Supper. Thursday 2 June, Performance. Friday 3 June, Performance. All performances start at 7pm at The English School, Salmiya. Emailing invitations@ahmadimusicgroup.com Thanima to present legend play Thanima (The Human and Nostalgic Interaction of Malayalees Abroad) is presenting of yet another unique cultural event to the Kuwait cultural spectrum by enacting ballads of the epic Vadakkan Pattukal (Ballads of North Malabar) of medieval Kerala on stage. ‘Oru Vadakkan Veerakatha’, drama scope mega budget full length visual entertainer becomes a reality in the collective effort of Malayalee expatriate community in Kuwait spearheaded by Thanima. The play will be staged at 4.30 pm and 8.30 pm on 20 May at Al-Jeel Al-Jadeed School Auditorium Hawally. The drama combines both the legendary spirit of Vadakkan Pattu and the bravery of Kalaripayattu (martial art form of Kerala) and harmonizes with the technical excellence of silver screen. In 18 sets it will be on stage designed by acclaimed Artist Sujathan. Entry will be restricted through passes.

Thiruvengadam group members bid a grand farewell to I V K Chary and Smt. Padmachary during the celebrations of Acharya Ramanuja Jayanthi, in Kuwait on 7th May.

Birthday Greetings

ABCK golf tournament The American Business Council of Kuwait is hosting its 10th annual Golf Tournament at the Sahara Golf Club on Friday, May 13th, 2011. It will be a Texas 4-man scramble and your participation is encouraged.

Registration begins at 7.00am and shotgun at 8.00am.

Event includes breakfast, lunch and raffle prizes. For details contact americanbusinesscouncil@gmail.com before May 10th.

Happy birthday to Vaibhav Vibheesh on his 4th birthday. Best wishes from dad, mum, friends & relatives.

Children yoga camp

N

ithyananda Yoga Foundation (NYF) Kuwait organized ‘a children yoga camp’ from May 6-7 at Nithyananda Yoga Centre. Yoga postures, breathing exercises, were taught by Jayashree A Shetty for memory, concentration and good health. The various techniques of self confidence, positive thinking tools, memory tips, leadership qualifies puzzles etc were taught by Yashoodha U. Shetty. Children also learned “candle meditation’ for concentration, awareness and better eye sight. Children enjoyed the camp by taking active part in drawing, memory games, puzzles, yoga exercises and many other things.

NAFO’s ‘Sangamam’ on May 13 The stage is set for ‘Sangamam,’ a spectacular cultural mega show to be presented by National Forum Kuwait (NAFO Kuwait) at 6 pm on Friday, May 13, 2011 at the AIS auditorium, Maidan-Hawally.

Conceived and directed by the versatile celebrity and the founder of Soorya India Society Padmashree Dr Soorya Krishnamurthy, ‘Sangamam’ will present the cultural diversity of India. Dubbed as a mega show with a difference, ‘Sangamam’ will depict the great dream of Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Unity in Diversity’ featuring more than 33 highly acclaimed performers from India. For more details of the show, contact, M.S. Nair 99591156, A.R. Subbaraman 66872372, Gopa Kumar 99960428), Anil Kumar 66408395. The entry for the show will be restricted with invitations.

Notice to Filipino citizens

Najla Al-Naqqi Forum hosts HPV vaccination seminar

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tate attorney at the Fat wa and Legislation Department Najla Al-Naqqi is set to host at her forum Dr Reem Safi, who will hold a seminar to talk about the uses of stem cell technologies by storing the cells for up to 25 years for them to be used whenever necessary such as treatment of diabetes, Multiple Scleroses (MS), heart disease and optical problems.

Dr Safi, who holds an M.A. in obstetrics and gynecology from a University in Russia, will further address during the seminar ways of precaution from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer, and the importance of adopting an early HPV vaccination process for ages as early as nine (in accordance with international procedures). On that regard, Al-Naqqi also urges the Ministry of Health Dr Al-Sayer to adopt an HPV vaccination program at schools to target early age groups.

The seminar will be held at 8pm on Saturday, May 14, at the Najla Al-Naqqi Forum in Salwa, block 2, Al-Aqsa Mosque street, house 388.

Al Taalib Scholarship 2011 Al Taalib Scholarship is a financial aid scheme for the under privileged school students in Kuwait, sponsored by the Ministry of Awqaf in association with Islam Presentation Committee (IPC), Friday Forum and Pakistan Kuwait Welfare Association. These scholarships were given to the needy students irrespective of their religion or nationality. The process of Al Taalib Scholarship for the current academic year, 2011-12, has begun for all Indian and Pakistani Schools in Kuwait. In order to avail this scholarship, applicants are requested to collect the Application Form from Al Taalib 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 Taalib office on or before 10th May 2011 along with all supporting documents specified in the Application Form.

Gulf Express awards employees

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ulf Express Co (a subsidiary of Al Babtain Group), the distributor of Dunlop tyres in Kuwait, awarded its employees.

Gulf Express Co is known to provide excellent services to their customer with prompt care, timely, fast & quality services to the customers. They have special customer service for ladies in terms of care, fast & quality service. In order

to increase the customer service level & improve customer satisfaction Gulf express co. has started a competition amongst their technicians. The evaluations were done on the basis of accuracy in the job, faster service time, team work, equipment maintenance, personal hygiene, attendance, customer delight etc.

Sheikh Fayaz Ahamd Bashu -

tyre technician /wheel alignment has won the “technician of the month” award & has been honoured by the company by giving appreciation & a branded wrist watch. This activity has resulted in improving our service quality, improved productivity, create competition amongst our branches & ultimately to achieve customer satisfaction targets.

otice is hereby given that under Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”, all citizens of the Philippines abroad, not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the election, and who are registered overseas absentee voters with approved applications to vote in absentia, may vote for Senators and Party-list Representatives. For this purpose, all qualified Filipino citizens not registered as voters under Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as “The Voters Registration Act of 1996”, (the system of continuing registration) shall file an application for registration while those who are already registered under the said Act shall file an application for certification. For purposes of the May 13, 2013 elections, the filing of applications for registration/certification and transfer of registration records shall be filed at the Post or other designated registration areas from October 31, 2011 to October 31, 2012.

The 30-day voting period is from April 13, 2013 until 3:00’o clock in the afternoon (Philippine time) of May 13, 2013 at any Philippine Embassies or Consulates. (The time for voting to be announced later). For details, please contact telephone number: 65184433 (Kuwait)

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Embassy Information EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Embassy encourages all Australians to register their presence in Kuwait through Smartraveller Online (see link below).

Australians who are registered are asked to update their details. The information provided will assist us in contacting you in an emergency. www.smartraveller.gov.au Kuwait citizens can apply for and receive visit visas to Australia online at www.immi.gov.au. This usually takes two working days.

All others visa applications are handled by the Australian Visa Application Centre Tel. 22971110.

Witnessing and certifying documents are by appointment only, please contact the Embassy on 2232 2422. The Australian Embassy is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Sunday to Thursday.

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EDA organises family picnic

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rnakulam District Association (EDA) had organized a family picnic on the 29th April 2011 at Badar Al Mulla garden. Madhu Warrier, general secretary delivered the welcome speech and the president Roy Yoyaki inaugurated the picnic followed by the presiden-

tial speech and felicitation speech by Abdul Rahim. Various committee heads Baburaj, Jinoy Kunju, Babu Chully, Thajudeen P.M, Stanly, Balakrishnan, Sunil Kumar, Varghese Paul, and Mrs Luxy Raju controlled the picnic activities.

Picnic convener Maxi Joseph proposed a

vote of thanks. A signature campaign was organized to “ban Endosulphan” with over 500 signatures and this signed banner was sent to the chief minister of Kerala. Various competitions were conducted starting with the march past by all the members. Children and adults

with colorful dresses displayed the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship. Prizes were distributed by different members and guests who attended the picnic.

Prizes for Bingo were distributed by the sponsors. The mega prize winner was Joseph Raphel.

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN The Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be closed on the same dates above. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are 0930 - 1630 Application forms remain available online from the UKBAs’ website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or from the Visa Application Centre’s website: www.vfsuk-kw.com. And also, from the UK Visa Application Centre located at: 4B, First Floor, Al Banwan Building (Burgan Bank Branch Office Building), Al Qibla area, opposite Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City. For any further inquiries, please contact the Visa Application Centre: Website: www.vfs-uk-kw.com E-mail:info@vfs-uk-kw.com Telephone:22971170. The Consular Section will also be closed on the same dates.

For information on the British Embassy services, visit the British Embassy website: www.ukinkuwait.fco.gov.uk ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF GERMANY The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kuwait wishes to announce that as of 1 May 2011, the external service provider Al Qabas Assurex is operating a Visa Application Centre in support of the German Embassy. Short-term visa applications for travels to Germany (e.g. for tourism, visits, business) are to be submitted to the service provider Al Qabas who for your convenience will ensure that all relevant documents are included in your application. Your personal appearance at the Application Centre is not required. Address of the Visa Application Centre: Al Qabas Assurex Sanabel Tower (Al-Babtain) Mezzanine (M3) opposite Sharq Mall Kuwait 22924444 Fax: 22924442 Further information are available on the following websites: www.kuwait.diplo.de www.qavisa.com ■■■■■■■

French Lycee of Kuwait hosts school festival

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t was once again the time of the year for the French Lycee of Kuwait as it recently held its annual festival on May 5th. A jubilant crowd, upbeat music, fun games, a live karaoke contest, a display of firework and what not! Many families and school staff attended the annual festival and got the opportunity to be part of the fun-filled activities and to share the diversity and culture in the festive atmosphere.

Commenting on the success of the

carnival, Faten Zebib, the festival organizer said, “The annual festival is a highly awaited event of the year. It is very important to us as it is the time of the year when all students and families come together to experience our culture first hand. We are glad that everyone had a great time; my heartiest congratulations to the grand prize winners and we hope to revive the same joyous atmosphere next year.”

Various food stalls were displayed and game centers arranged for students and their families. Some of the notable brands that participated at the annual festival were Kia Motors, Peugeot, Americana and Crown Plaza Hotel.

Highlight of the event was the karaoke set to stage students’ talents as they sang on latest song and entertained the crowd. The game stalls kept the lower class students busy as they tested their

skills or simply had fun with friends and family while high school students actively participated in the carnival. Students and family excitedly waited for the raffle draw prizes.

All in all, it was a grand and joyous event celebrated with great hype and joy.

The French Lycee of Kuwait thanks all the guests, students and their families who made the event a successful and memorable one.

World kids colouring day at IIS

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olouring plays a large role in the development of children. Here they express that which they cannot put into words. All the same time, colouring fosters creativity and stimulates the imagination. Colouring is also a language of its own that

reveals much of what is going on in children’s minds. May 6th every year is world kids colouring day. Integrated Indian School (IIS) on this occasion conducted a colouring competition. Spontaneously and without hesitation, children reached for colour

pencils and crayons and coloured the picture with different colours and they proved that “As a child, everyone is an artist. The difficulty is staying one as an adult”.

Amoco’s GBM, family get-together

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he Annual General Body Meeting and Family Picnic of Airways Malayalee Cultural Organization (AMCO) was held on Thursday and Friday April 28 & 29 at Doha Beach Resort. The function was inaugurated by the AMCO President Shaju Simon.

General Secretary, Ommen Alex presented the annual report and Treasurer, Nassim presented the audited statement of Account for the year 2010 which were approved by the General Body. John Thomas M.J. was appointed as the presiding officer and under his control office bearers and executive committee members for the

year 2011 were elected. The General Body unanimously elected Shaju Simon as the President; Rajan George as General Secretary; Sabu Nair as Treasurer; Mohan Varghese as Vice president; Philip Kalavara as Joint Treasure; Mathew Simon as

Cultural Secretary and Jeswin as Sports Secretary.

The executive committee members are Ommen Alex, Dileep Krishinan, Nassim, Murali, Mrs. Vimala George and Thomas Mathew.

During the auspicious occasion AMCO bid farewell

to one of our senior member, John Thomas M.J., who is leaving for good to India, by presenting him with a memento as a token of love and appreciation for his valuable contribution to AMCO. The AMCO members also congratulated and

gave best wishes with mementos to AMCO member’s children, Gibin Samuel, Namini Jenison Reddy; Sherwin Ann Shaju and Merrin Mariam Mathew who are aspiring for higher studies in India.

Cultural activities and entertainment program were conducted under the supervision of Mathew Simon and Thomas Mathew. The second day was topped up with prize distribution to the winners of various activities. Rajan George concluded the picnic by extending the vote of thanks to all those who made the two days program memorable one.

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah.

Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca.

Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait. Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form. All previous Temporary Resident Visa application forms will no longer be accepted by CIC and instead will be returned to applicants.

Should old applications be submitted prior to January 15, 2011 they will continue to be processed. To ensure that the most recent version of the Temporary Resident Visa application form is being utilized, applicants should refer to the CIC website. As of January 15, 2011, forms are to be filled in electronically. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday.

The forms are available on the internet at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM 5257E.PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/525 6E.PDF. ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF GUYANA The Embassy of Guyana, recently established in Kuwait, announces that it is located at Block 3, Street 321, Villa 3, Mubarak Abdullah al Jabar, West Misrhef. The Embassy’s telephone numbers are 2539-7939 and 2539-4336; the fax number is 2539-3448. The Embassy can also be contacted by e-mail at Guyanaembassy.kuwait@gmail.com; its website address is www.guyana.org.

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EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to request all Kenyans resident in or training through Kuwait to register with the Embassy.

We are updating our database. This information is necessary in order to facilitate quick assistance and advise in times of emergency. Kindly visit in person or register through our website www.kenyaembkuwait.com. The Embassy is located in: Surra Area - Block 6 - Street 9 - Villa 3 Tel: 25353362 25353314; Fax: 25353316.

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EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has moved its office to Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk

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TV PROGRAMS

00:45 Untamed And Uncut 01:40 Dogs 101 02:35 The Animals’ Guide To Survival 03:30 Planet Earth 04:25 Your Worst Animal Nightmares 05:20 Animal Cops Houston 06:10 Cats 101 07:00 Meerkat Manor 07:25 The Really Wild Show 07:50 Natural Born Hunters 08:15 All New Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:40 Breed All About It 09:10 Animal Crackers 10:05 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 11:00 Animal ER 11:55 Wildlife SOS 12:50 Animal Cops Houston 13:45 RSPCA: Have You Got What It Takes?

14:10 E-Vets: The Interns 14:40 Almost Human With Jane Goodall 15:30 Planet Wild 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Natural Born Hunters 17:00 All New Planet’s Funniest Animals 17:25 Must Love Cats 18:20 The Animals’ Guide To Survival 19:15 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 20:10 Cats 101 21:05 Great Savannah Race 22:00 Last Chance Highway 22:55 Face To Face With The Polar Bear 23:50 Lion Battlefield

00:15 01:00 01:50 02:45 03:15 03:45 04:15 04:25 04:45 05:05 05:30 05:45 06:05 06:25 06:50 07:05 07:25 07:45 08:10 08:20 08:40 09:00 09:25 09:40 10:40 11:25 12:15 12:45 13:15 14:10 15:40 16:30 17:15 17:45 18:15 19:10 20:00 20:45 21:15 21:45 22:40 23:30

The Weakest Link Holby City New Tricks Eastenders Doctors My Family Charlie And Lola Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Charlie And Lola Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Charlie And Lola Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Charlie And Lola Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Charlie And Lola My Family The Weakest Link New Tricks Doctors Eastenders Holby City My Family New Tricks The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City New Tricks The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Conviction Green Green Grass

00:15 01:55 02:45 04:50 05:45 07:15 07:55

Come Dine With Me Home For Life Come Dine With Me Indian Food Made Easy Daily Cooks Challenge Cash In The Attic Daily Cooks Challenge

08:25 08:50 09:40 11:45 12:10 13:00 13:45 14:30 17:20 18:10 19:00 19:50 20:35 21:20 22:10

Indian Food Made Easy Antiques Roadshow Come Dine With Me Indian Food Made Easy Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic Bargain Hunt Come Dine With Me Indian Food Made Easy How Not To Decorate Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic Bargain Hunt Come Dine With Me The Home Show

00:00 BBC World News 00:30 World Business Report 00:45 Sport Today 01:00 BBC World News America 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Asia Today 02:00 BBC World News 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Asia Today 03:00 BBC World News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Asia Today 04:00 BBC World News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Asia Today 05:00 BBC World News 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Asia Today 06:00 BBC World News 06:30 Hardtalk 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:00 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 Hardtalk 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:30 World Business Report 22:45 Sport Today 23:00 BBC World News America 23:30 Hardtalk

00:05 Cow And Chicken 00:30 Cramp Twins 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 Adrenalini Brothers 01:45 Eliot Kid 02:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 02:35 Ben 10: Alien Force 03:00 The Powerpuff Girls 03:15 Chowder 03:40 The Secret Saturdays 04:05 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 04:30 Ben 10: Alien Force 04:55 Best Ed 05:20 Skunk Fu! 05:45 Cramp Twins 06:10 Eliot Kid 06:35 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 07:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 07:25 Cow And Chicken

07:50 Angelo Rules 08:05 Cartoon Network Dance Club 08:15 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 08:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 09:05 The Secret Saturdays 09:30 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 09:55 The Powerpuff Girls 10:20 Robotboy 10:30 Hero 108 10:55 Ben 10 11:20 Chowder 11:45 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 12:10 Camp Lazlo 12:35 George Of The Jungle 13:00 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 13:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:50 Ben 10 14:15 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 14:40 Squirrel Boy 15:05 Eliot Kid 15:35 Ed, Edd N Eddy 16:00 Cow And Chicken 16:25 Chop Socky Chooks 16:50 Skunk Fu! 17:15 Chowder 17:40 Best Ed 18:05 Hero 108 18:30 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 18:55 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 19:20 Ben 10: Alien Force 19:45 The Secret Saturdays 20:10 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 20:35 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 21:00 The Powerpuff Girls 21:25 Ed, Edd N Eddy 21:50 Cartoon Network Dance Club 22:00 Camp Lazlo 22:25 Hero 108 22:50 Ben 10 23:15 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:40 Chowder

00:40 01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:45 09:10 09:40 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 15:05 16:00 16:55 17:50 18:45 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 22:50 23:20 23:45

00:30 00:55 01:45 02:35 03:25 03:50 04:45 05:40 06:10 07:00 07:55 07:58 08:25

Dirty Jobs Gold Rush: Alaska Ultimate Survival Mega Builders Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How Stuff’s Made Dirty Jobs Mega Builders American Chopper How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Street Customs 2008 Ultimate Survival Mythbusters LA Ink Dirty Jobs Street Customs 2008 Mythbusters Extreme Fishing Cake Boss Border Security I Could Do That How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? Real Superhumans Stunt Junkies One Way Out Extreme Fishing

The Gadget Show Kings Of Construction Mighty Ships Futurecar How Does That Work?

Junkyard Wars What’s That About?

Patent Bending Nextworld Da Vinci’s Machines Head Rush Sci-Fi Science Weird Connections

ARMORED ON OSN MOVIES ACTION

00:00 00:25 01:15 02:00 02:50 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:00 06:20 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:35 09:00 09:25 09:50 10:10 10:35 10:50 11:15 11:35 12:00 12:25 12:45 13:10 13:30 13:55 14:20 14:40 14:47 14:55 15:20 15:40 16:25 16:45 17:10 17:35 18:45 20:25 20:50 21:12 21:15 21:35 22:00 22:25 22:50

Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperors New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Emperors New School Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Shake It Up Good Luck Charlie Fairly Odd Parents Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Imagination Movers Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Fairly Odd Parents Phineas And Ferb Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Have A Laugh Have A Laugh Suite Life On Deck Jonas LA Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Forever Cadet Kelly Jake And Blake Good Luck Charlie Have A Laugh Phineas And Ferb Fairly Odd Parents Replacements Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance

06:00 Kid Vs Kat 06:20 Kick Buttowski 06:40 Pokemon 07:05 Phineas & Ferb 08:05 American Dragon 08:30 Kick Buttowski 08:50 Cars Toons 09:00 Zeke & Luther 09:50 I’m In The Band 10:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 10:40 Suite Life On Deck 11:30 Pair Of Kings 11:55 Phineas & Ferb 12:45 Kid Vs Kat 13:10 Cars Toons 13:20 Kid Vs Kat 13:50 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 14:40 Zeke & Luther 15:05 Suite Life On Deck 15:25 Cars Toons 15:35 Kick Buttowski 16:00 I’m In The Band 16:25 Suite Life On Deck 16:50 Zeke & Luther 17:40 Phineas & Ferb 18:30 Escape From Scorpion Island (Cema) 18:55 Pokemon 19:20 American Dragon 19:45 Aaron Stone 20:05 Cars Toons 20:15 Kid Vs Kat 20:40 Phineas & Ferb 21:05 I’m In The Band 21:30 Zeke & Luther 21:50 Phineas And Ferb 22:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 22:20 The Super Hero Squad Show

00:55 Chelsea Lately 01:25 E!es 02:20 THS 03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 15 Remarkable Celebrity Body Bouncebacks 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Married To Rock 10:15 THS 12:05 E! News 13:05 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 14:05 Kourtney And Khloe Take Miami 14:35 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Kourtney And Kim Take New York 17:25 Kourtney And Kim Take New York 17:55 E! News 18:55 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 19:55 THS 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Holly’s World 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:15 Fantasy Factory 00:40 Mantracker 01:30 World Combat League 02:20 Fantasy Factory 02:45 Fantasy Factory 03:10 Aiya TV 03:35 Aiya TV 04:00 Gumball 3000: 2008 04:25 Gumball 3000: 2008 04:50 Mantracker 05:40 World Combat League 06:30 iEX 2009 07:00 iEX 2009 07:30 iEX 2009 08:00 Quattro Events 2009 08:25 FIM World Motocross MX3 Championships...

08:50 FIM World Motocross MX3 Championships...

09:15 IFMXF 2010 09:40 IFMXF 2010 10:05 UCI Nissan Mountainbike World Cup 2008 10:30 UCI Nissan Mountainbike World Cup 2008 10:55 Final Fu 11:20 Final Fu

11:45 X Games Heroes 12:35 Fantasy Factory 13:25 Mantracker 14:15 World Combat League 15:05 Final Fu 15:55 X Games Heroes 16:45 Quattro Events 2009 17:10 FIM World Motocross MX3 Championships...

17:35 FIM World Motocross MX3 Championships...

18:00 IFMXF 2010 18:50 UCI Nissan Mountainbike World Cup 2008 19:15 UCI Nissan Mountainbike World Cup 2008 19:40 X Games Heroes 20:30 Fantasy Factory 21:20 Gumball 3000: 2008 22:10 World Combat League 23:00 Aiya TV 23:50 Fantasy Factory

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:50 04:45 05:15 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 10:20 10:45 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 15:20 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

The Haunted A Haunting I Was Murdered Couples Who Kill Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghosthunters The Haunted Mystery Diagnosis Forensic Detectives Undercover Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

I Was Murdered FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn Fugitive Strike Force Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

I Was Murdered Forensic Detectives Undercover FBI Files Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn Fugitive Strike Force Deadly Women The Prosecutors Dr G: Medical Examiner

00:00 Market Values 01:00 Departures 02:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 03:00 By Any Means 04:00 Pressure Cook 04:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 05:00 Food Lovers Guide To Planet 05:30 Exploring The Vine 06:00 Market Values 07:00 Departures 08:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 09:00 By Any Means 10:00 Pressure Cook 10:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 11:00 Food Lovers Guide To Planet 11:30 Exploring The Vine 12:00 Market Values 13:00 Departures 14:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 15:00 By Any Means 16:00 Pressure Cook 16:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 17:00 Food Lovers Guide To Planet 17:30 Exploring The Vine 18:00 Market Values 19:00 Departures 20:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 21:00 By Any Means 22:00 Pressure Cook 22:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 23:00 Food Lovers Guide To Planet 23:30 Exploring The Vine

The

14:30 30 Rock 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Just Shoot Me 18:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 19:00 Seinfeld 19:30 30 Rock 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The Cleveland Show 22:30 Entourage 23:00 South Park 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

PG15 15:30 As Good As It Gets-PG15 18:00 Down And Out In Beverly Hills-PG15 20:00 12 Men Of Christmas-PG15 22:00 Observe And Report-18

01:00 The Firm-PG15 03:00 Headless Woman-PG15 05:00 Cairo Time-PG15 07:00 Stevie-PG15 09:00 Far North-PG15 11:00 A Dance For Bethany-PG15 13:00 Sugar-PG15 15:00 Witness: The Kidnapping Of Patty Hearst-PG15 17:00 Beneath The Blue-PG15 19:00 Man In The Chair-PG15 21:00 The Last Station-PG15 23:00 I Dreamed Of Africa-18

The

The

The

00:00 28 Days Later-18 02:00 Collateral-18 04:00 First Strike-PG15 06:00 Enemy Of The State-PG15 08:15 The Fan-PG15 10:15 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider-PG15 12:00 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon-PG15 14:00 The Fan-PG15 16:00 Against The Ropes-PG15 18:00 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon-PG15 20:00 Tears Of The Sun-18 22:00 Armored-18

01:00 03:00 PG15 05:00 07:00 09:00 PG15 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

THE GOOD GIRL ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY

A Way With Murder-18 It’s A Wonderful AfterlifePrimo-PG15 Moon-PG15 It’s A Wonderful AfterlifeJump Tomorrow-PG15 Rugrats Go Wild-FAM Car Babes-PG15 A Christmas Carol-PG An Education-PG15 On Broadway-PG15 Paranormal Activity-PG15

00:00 State Of The Union 00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 01:30 South Park 02:00 Comedy Central Presents 03:00 Just Shoot Me 03:30 30 Rock 04:00 South Park 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Malcolm In The Middle 06:00 Yes Dear 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 08:30 Dharma And Greg 09:00 Just Shoot Me 09:30 Malcolm In The Middle 10:00 Yes Dear 10:30 Seinfeld 11:00 The Drew Carey Show 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Dharma And Greg 13:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 13:30 Malcolm In The Middle 14:00 Yes Dear

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:10

The Event Sons Of Anarchy The Ellen DeGeneres Show Persons Unknown The View Karen Sisco Good Morning America C.S.I. New York Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Karen Sisco The View The Event Persons Unknown Karen Sisco Live Good Morning America C.S.I. New York The Ellen DeGeneres Show Emmerdale Coronation Street Detroit 1-8-7 Law And Order Criminal Minds Boardwalk Empire C.S.I. New York

00:00 Cold Case 01:00 C.S.I. 02:00 Law And Order: Criminal Intent 03:00 Desperate Housewives 04:00 Covert Affairs 05:00 The Closer 06:00 Cold Case 07:00 The Office 07:30 Coronation Street 08:00 Eureka 09:00 The Closer 10:00 Desperate Housewives 11:00 Covert Affairs 12:00 The Office 12:30 Coronation Street 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:00 Eureka 15:00 Cold Case 16:00 The Office 16:30 Coronation Street 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 Smallville 19:00 Grey’s Anatomy 20:00 Private Practice 21:00 The Glades 22:00 C.S.I. 23:00 The Closer

01:00 03:00 05:00 06:45 09:00 11:00 14:00 15:45 17:45 19:30 21:30 23:00

From Hell-18 Blindness-18 Amusement-18 National Treasure-PG15 Con Air-PG15 Pearl Harbor-PG15 Obsessed-PG15 Con Air-PG15 Mortal Kombat-PG Orphan-18 Armored-18 Bad Guys-18

02:00 Rock Slyde-PG15 04:00 Dr. Dolittle-PG 06:00 Dr. Dolittle 2-PG 08:00 The Good Girl-PG15 10:00 Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian-PG15 12:00 Jack-PG15 14:00 Beauty And The Briefcase-

01:00 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star-PG15 03:00 Paper Man-PG15 05:00 School Of Rock-PG15 07:00 Flying By-PG15 09:00 My Sister’s Keeper-PG15 11:00 Aliens In The Attic-FAM 13:00 That Thing You Do!-PG 15:00 Coco Before Chanel-PG15 17:00 My Sister’s Keeper-PG15 18:45 You Don’t Know Jack-PG15 21:00 12 Men Of Christmas-PG15 23:00 Invictus-PG15

00:00 Last Of The Mohicans-PG 02:00 The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle-FAM 04:00 Legend Of Sleeping Beauty-PG 06:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The SeaFAM 08:00 Globehunters-FAM 10:00 Last Of The Mohicans-PG 12:00 Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation-FAM 14:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The SeaFAM 16:00 Groove Squad-FAM 18:00 Monsters Inc-FAM 20:00 Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths-PG 22:00 Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation-FAM

00:00 Man On Wire-PG15 02:00 Alice In Wonderland-PG 04:00 How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days-PG 06:00 Planet 51-PG 08:00 One Hot Summer-PG15 10:00 Morning Light-PG 12:00 Alice In Wonderland-PG 14:00 Hey Hey Its Esther Blueburger-PG15 16:00 One Hot Summer-PG15 18:00 The Box-PG15 20:00 Public Enemies-18 22:15 Nanny Mcphee And The Big Bang-PG

00:00 Emirates Twenty20 Cricket 01:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 01:30 AFL Highlights 02:30 Futbol Mundial 03:00 Scottish Premier League 05:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 06:00 Weber Cup Bowling 07:00 Trans World Sport 08:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 08:30 Scottish Premier League 10:30 FEI Equestrian World 11:00 AFL Highlights 12:00 Trans World Sport 13:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 13:30 Scottish Premier League 15:30 Golfing World 16:30 NRL Premiership 18:30 Trans World Sport 19:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights 20:00 International Rugby League 22:00 AFL Highlights 23:00 European PGA Tour Highlights

00:00 AFL Highlights 01:00 Super League 03:00 ICC Cricket World 03:30 Premier League Darts 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 09:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 09:30 NRL Premiership 11:30 ICC Cricket World 12:00 Spirit of Yachting 12:30 Weber Cup Bowling 13:30 Golfing World 14:30 AFL Premiership 17:00 FEI Equestrain World 17:30 NRL Full Time 18:00 Spirit of Yachting 18:30 AFL Highlights 19:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 20:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 21:00 Futbol Mundial 21:30 Scottish Premier League 23:30 ICC Cricket World

00:00 01:00 03:00 03:30 04:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 10:30 11:30 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 21:00

UFC The Ultimate Fighter V8 Supercars Championship Sports Adventure City Centre Races UFC Unleashed WWE NXT WWE SmackDown Full Throttle City Centre Races Iron Man WWE Bottom Line Superstock Powerboat Series Sports Adventure Le Mans Series V8 Supercars Championship UAE National Race Day Series Superstock Powerboat Series Full Throttle V8 Supercars Championship UFC 129

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:55 04:50 06:30 07:20 08:10 09:00 09:55 10:50 12:30 13:20 14:10 15:00 15:55 16:50 18:30 19:20 20:10 21:00 21:55 22:50 23:15 23:40

Life After People Conspiracy?

Modern Marvels Ice Road Truckers Ancient Discoveries Blood Diamonds Life After People Conspiracy?

Modern Marvels Ice Road Truckers Ancient Discoveries Blood Diamonds Life After People Conspiracy?

Modern Marvels Ice Road Truckers Ancient Discoveries Blood Diamonds Life After People Conspiracy?

Modern Marvels Surviving History Modern Marvels Sliced Sliced Tales Of The Gun

01:40 Mutiny On The Bounty-FAM 04:30 Where Eagles Dare-FAM 07:00 The Stratton Story-FAM 08:45 Across The Wide MissouriFAM 10:05 The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse-FAM 12:35 Young Bess-FAM 14:25 Gone With The Wind-FAM 18:00 TCM Presents Under The Influence-FAM 18:30 Now, Voyager-FAM 20:25 Forbidden Planet-FAM 22:00 Slither-FAM 23:35 Brotherly Love-FAM

Classifieds TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

Science Matters

Long reach over the forest The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest forest observation crane has reached the end of its operating life, closing a productive era in environmental study.

Southern Washington State forest of 500-year-old evergreen trees

Research uses Â&#x2021; 2EVHUYLQJ KRZ WDOO WUHHV XVH ZDWHU GXULQJ ORQJ GURXJKWV Â&#x2021; :DWFKLQJ KRZ WDOO WUHHV JURZ after reaching full height Â&#x2021; 0HDVXULQJ WUHHVÒ&#x2039; UHPRYDO RI FDUERQ GLR[LGH IURP DLU Â&#x2021; 2EVHUYLQJ ELUGV EDWV DQG insects of forest canopy

Scientists and instruments ride gondola 220 ft. (67 m) in the air

ACCOMMODATION A big furnished room available in Salmiya Al Thugaira street for decent couple or a lady. Contact: 66373409, 75618576.

25-story tall tower

Arm sweeps a 560 ft.

(171 m) circle Control booth

Counter weight

Sharing accommodation available eï¬&#x20AC;ective today for a non-smoking bachelor in a double bedroom ï¬&#x201A;at in Amman street, Salmiya. Call 97199146. (C 3322)

Gondola Ladder to control booth

Wind River Canopy Crane

Room with kitchen bathroom for a family or working ladies, opposite Lulu Hyper Market, Shuwaikh, Central A/C, Indian or Sri Lankan only. Tel: 65152017.

(C 3321) 9-5-2011

Â&#x2021; 6FLHQWLILF SODWIRUP VLQFH IRUPHUO\ D FRQVWUXFWLRQ FUDQH Â&#x2021; $JH IXQGLQJ FXWV HQGLQJ LWV FDUHHU Â&#x2021; (LJKW VPDOOHU FUDQHV VWLOO LQ XVH ZRUOGZLGH © 2011 MCT Graphic: Helen Lee McComas

Source: Jerry Franklin of University of Washington

Available room for rent with sharing accommodation for Manglorean or Goan family. Opp Jabriya Bridge, near Al Bahar Comp.

Hawally.

Contact: 99247271. (C 3325) 10-5-2011

Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya near United Indian school and Apsara bazaar with Keralite

Christian family in a C-A/C new building with two bedroom, two bathroom.

Working ladies or couples preferred.

Contact: 67731613. (C 3320) 8-5-2011 Sharing accommodation available for decent Keralite bachelor in Abbassiya near German clinic.

Call 66941892.

(C 3319) Sharing accommodation available for families or working women from June 1st onwards, in a new building with two room and two toilet, behind United Indian school, Abbassiya. Contact: 66772421, 66552412.

(C 3318) 7-4-2011

MATRIMONIAL Proposals invited for postgraduate (MBA) Kuwait employed, Orthodox girl 28/160, planning vacation May-June.

Contact: gegekutty@hotmail.com / palliyilus@yahoo.com (C 3314) 4-5-2011

FOR SALE Toyota Prado 2005, white color, 6 Clr, full option, without sunroof, km 101,000, KD 4750. Mob: 65085629.

(C 3234) 9-5-2011

CHANGE OF NAME The new name changed for Abdul Khaleel, holder of Indian Passport No. E9556818 issued in Kuwait on 28-09-2004. Name change from Haneef Abdul Khaleel to Abdul Khaleel.

I, Ruppinamma D/o Changi Narayana, Passport No. F3802429 hereby change my name to Rudrappagari Munamma W/o Rudrappagari Srinivasulu. (C 3326) 10-5-2011 I, Mujeeb Rahiman Nambimadathil, holder of Indian Passport No: H 8472801 issued in Kuwait,

change my name to Mujeeb Rahiman Mukkil Nambimadathil. (C 3323) 9-5-2011

SITUATION WANTED An Indian male, bachelors degree in Petroleum Engineering, subject of specializations: well drilling and completion, production technology, logging, geophysics, reservoir engineering, is looking for a suitable job. Please contact: 66204579, email: sonyjohnk@gmail.com (C 3327) 10-5-2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines RJA JZR THY ETH UAE DHX ETD FDB GFA QTR AFR JZR JZR JZR JZR KAC BAW KAC FCX KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC UAE IRA QTR ABY QTR ETD GFA IRA MEA MHK JZR JZR JZR KAC MSR UAL RJA KAC

Flt 642 267 772 620 853 370 305 67 211 138 6700 529 207 505 555 412 157 416 201 206 302 332 53 352 284 855 605 132 125 6130 301 213 619 404 711 165 121 549 672 610 982 640 512

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 10/5/2011 Route AMMAN BEIRUT ISTANBUL ADDIS ABABA DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA PARIS ASSIUT DAMASCUS LUXOR ALEXANDRIA MANILA / BANGKOK LONDON JAKARTA / KUALA LUMPUR BAHRAIN ISLAMABAD MUMBAI TRIVANDRUM DUBAI COCHIN DHAKA DUBAI ISFAHAN DOHA SHARJAH DOHA ABU DHABI BAHRAIN LAR BEIRUT BAGHDAD / NAJAF DUBAI BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA DUBAI CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN TEHRAN

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:10 3:15 3:20 3:25 3:35 3:55 5:50 6:10 6:15 6:30 6:35 7:00 7:15 7:50 7:55 7:55 8:05 8:10 8:25 8:55 9:00 9:10 9:10 9:30 9:35 9:40 10:55 11:00 11:10 11:15 11:20 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40

FDB KAC SVA KAC JZR QTR KAC ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY JZR JZR ALK KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC SIA JAI VOS FDB OMA MEA SYR MLR DHX KLM UAE JZR GFA QTR UAL AIC JZR JZR DLH AXB

57 562 500 746 257 134 546 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 213 177 227 104 166 502 542 618 786 774 674 458 572 93 61 647 402 341 1405 372 443 859 183 217 136 981 981 135 787 636 389

DUBAI AMMAN JEDDAH ABU DHABI / DAMMAM BEIRUT DOHA ALEXANDRIA ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH DEIREZZOR DUBAI COLOMBO / DUBAI LONDON PARIS / ROME BEIRUT CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH RIYADH DUBAI SINGAPORE / ABU DHABI MUMBAI KANDAHAR / DUBAI DUBAI MUSCAT BEIRUT DAMASCUS COLOMBO / DUBAI BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN CHENNAI / AHMEDABAD BAHRAIN RIYADH FRANKFURT KOZHIKODE / MANGALORE

13:50 14:20 14:30 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:30 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:50 18:00 18:00 18:35 18:40 18:45 18:50 18:55 19:00 19:25 19:25 19:35 19:35 20:00 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:15 21:25 21:35 22:00 22:05 22:10 22:20 23:00 23:10

BBC PIA

45 205

Departur DLH AIC PIA THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD JZR QTR AFR JZR RJA GFA JZR BAW KAC FDB KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY IRA QTR ETD GFA IRA QTR KAC MEA KAC JZR JZR JZR MHK

Flt 637 976 240 773 620 854 68 371 306 548 139 6700 164 643 212 120 156 545 54 671 745 256 561 511 101 856 126 604 133 302 214 618 6131 165 405 541 776 212 238 712

DHAKA / BAHRAIN LAHORE / PESHAWER Depurture Flights on Tuesday 10/5/2011 Route FRANKFURT GOA / CHENNAI SIALKOT ISTANBUL BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI ALEXANDRIA DOHA DUBAI / HONG KONG DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN BAHRAIN LONDON ALEXANDRIA DUBAI DUBAI DAMMAM / ABU DHABI BEIRUT AMMAN TEHRAN LONDON / NEW YORK DUBAI SHARJAH ISFAHAN DOHA ABU DHABI BAHRAIN LAR DOHA ROME / PARIS BEIRUT CAIRO JEDDAH DEIREZZOR AMMAN NAJAF / BAGHDAD

23:45 23:55

Time 0:40 0:50 1:10 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 4:20 5:00 5:10 6:55 7:00 7:10 8:20 8:25 8:35 8:40 9:00 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:15 9:30 9:40 9:50 9:55 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:40 10:40 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:20

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

VOS JZR MSR RJA FDB UAL KAC SVA QTR VOS ETD UAE GFA ABY JZR SVA JZR JZR ALK KAC KAC JAI FDB JZR KAC KAC OMA MEA SIA SYR MLR DHX KLM JZR UAE GFA KAC FCX QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR UAL KAC

102 176 611 641 58 982 617 501 135 82 304 858 216 128 266 511 786 134 228 283 361 571 62 528 343 351 648 403 457 342 1405 373 443 206 860 218 381 102 137 301 205 502 554 981 411

HERAKLION / MADRID DUBAI CAIRO AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA JEDDAH DOHA BAGHDAD ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH BEIRUT RIYADH RIYADH BAHRAIN DUBAI / COLOMBO DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI ASSIUT CHENNAI COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT ABU DHABI / SINGAPORE DAMASCUS COLOMBO BAHRAIN BAHRAIN / AMSTERDAM DAMASCUS DUBAI BAHRAIN DELHI BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA WASHINGTON DC DULLES BANGKOK / MANILA

13:30 13:40 14:20 14:30 14:35 14:45 15:35 15:45 16:15 17:00 17:35 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:40 19:10 19:10 20:00 20:20 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:50 22:00 22:05 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:40 23:40

34

star CROSSWORD 313

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

s

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) You are a hard worker and it is important to remain behind the scenes and quietly continue your pace as long as possible. Do not let others distract you from your work—you make good progress all day long. There may be a serious decision made regarding the future of a project or investment. You find that you are appreciated or valued for your ability to simplify matters. Physical activities like sports among friends and family can be enjoyed this afternoon. Mingling with friends in social surroundings is a boost to your ego this evening. You may be encouraged to broaden your knowledge—more education perhaps. You join a friend in a story writing class, or some other creative venture and you may find yourself with a new interest.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Your determination may be interpreted as a sign of stubbornness at times. Others may not realize this is just a desire to accomplish things quickly. Be aware of the sound your words make and maintain low tones, if possible. If maintaining low tones is not possible, take some time to think before you express your thoughts. Considering the general feelings of today—it may be best to take mental notes of the things you want to change and meditate on them, one at a time—for another day. You will be pleased at the outcome. Do not allow the need to look good interfere with your progress today. You have a strong psychic ability and may find this ability working overtime now. You will know just what to say, in order to help a friend this evening.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used for gliding over snow.

4. Agile long-legged rabbit-sized rodent of Central and South America and West Indies.

10. Being one hundred more than two hundred.

13. A branch of the Tai languages.

14. French novelist.

15. The syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization.

16. Squash bugs.

18. Made of packed earth or gravel.

19. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

20. (obstetrics) The number of live-born children a woman has delivered.

21. Military action involving the use of electromagnetic energy to determine or exploit or reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum.

22. (music) The speed at which a composition is to be played.

23. A gray tetravalent metallic element that resembles zirconium chemically and is found in zirconium minerals.

24. A soft gray ductile metallic element used in alloys.

26. A material effigy that is worshipped as a god.

28. Type genus of the family Myacidae.

29. The cry made by sheep.

30. A device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces.

32. Date used in reckoning dates before the supposed year Christ was born.

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

35. The square of a body of any size of type.

40. Having undesirable or negative qualities.

42. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

44. (zoology) Lacking a tail or taillike appendage.

46. Suggestive of the supernatural.

48. Wild sheep of semidesert regions in central Asia.

49. Tree of low-lying coastal areas of southeastern United States having glossy leaves and racemes of fragrant white flowers.

51. A member of the military police who polices soldiers and guards prisoners.

53. An aromatic ointment used in antiquity.

54. Being or passing over or across the sea.

58. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

59. A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work.

63. A graphical record of electrical activity of the brain.

64. Small space in a tissue or part such as the area between veins on a leaf or an insect's wing.

66. A master's degree in business.

67. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice.

68. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread.

69. A light touch or stroke.

DOWN 1. Spherical gram-positive parasitic bacteria that tend to form irregular colonies.

2. Valuable fiber plant of East Indies now widespread in cultivation.

3. The eighth month of the civil year.

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

5. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element.

6. Tropical Atlantic fish.

7. A type of submachine gun that is designed and manufactured in Israel.

8. Large silvery game fish of warm Atlantic coastal waters especially off Florida.

9. Of or relating to a seizure or convulsion.

10. An assertion of a right (as to money or property).

11. Showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others.

12. A Bantu language spoken by the Chaga people in northern Tanzania.

17. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

25. An imaginary elephant that appears in a series of French books for children.

27. Fallow deer.

31. Tropical American feather palm having a swollen spiny trunk and edible nuts.

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

36. A village in eastern Ireland (northwest of Dublin).

37. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

38. A close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities.

39. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942).

41. Wipe away.

43. More or less flat-topped cluster of flowers in which the central or terminal flower opens first.

45. The basic unit of luminous intensity adopted under the System International d'Unites.

46. Of or relating to a seizure or convulsion.

47. A genus of Mustelidae.

50. Overgrown with ivy.

51. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

52. A path set aside for walking.

55. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

56. A small cake leavened with yeast.

57. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC).

60. A numbered compartment in a post office where mail is put to be called for.

61. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

62. A doctor's degree in dental medicine.

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

66. A heavy ductile magnetic metallic element.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You could be in danger of acting spontaneously today. Take time before making any major or minor decisions and know that you will do well in your decision making when you think about your choices. New outlets for growth and success should appear soon. There are excellent opportunities for monetary success at this time. You are positive and upbeat and spread a bit of sunshine to many people. Make sure the changes you make for yourself at this time will include keeping old friends around. Good will and compromise are the expressions of this day. An after work gathering at a coffee shop or book store is fun and you and your friends may meet several times each month in this way to catch up with all the happenings. New music is fun this evening.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Your practical concerns now may be with getting ahead and fulfilling your ambitions. Nobody minds hard work when there is something to be gained from it. Today the message seems to be that you will soon be rewarded for all the effort you are putting into a work project. You may, for the moment, ignore your more deep-rooted dreams. Set aside some time to really dig down and bring this work to completion. Stop on the way home to exercise or run errands to help you transition from your workday. The pleasure of a massage is tempting and you may end your errand running with a stop by the chair massage section of one of the stores you frequent. This gives you time to clear your mind and relax or contemplate some future plans.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Seek a balance between your personal and professional work today. Allow others to help you and push for breaks or time-out in order to catch your breath and to stretch. Regardless of how stressful it can become today, you have good luck in the subject of money. You can take a deep breath and relax; your money decisions are good. Recognition in the workplace comes unexpectedly. This recognition is for past deeds as well as your current efforts. Your ideas and your style of working make it easy for you to work with and teach others. You understand and perform well with young people— you create a supportive environment. This would all work well in a volunteer organization if you so wished to try your talents.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You should be attentive to all the work you do for today as there could be a tendency to gloss over details that need to be done just now. Your interest in professional success is great and you may inspire others. A lull in the afternoon allows for some time to dispense with some unfinished projects.

During the next few weeks, additional responsibilities may be placed on you in the context of the home setting. This may encompass the care of young children. You have tremendous drive to do just about anything possible. However, now would be a good time to slow your pace a bit and just enjoy the communication with loved ones.

Doing just about anything with friends or family will create some good memories.

Don’t forget your camera.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

Truth is essential to your life. You are painstaking and deliberate when it comes to sorting through ideas and values for what is lasting and solid. You may appear to others as a little too sober. You can bring people around to your way of thinking through your actions and behavior better than through any conversations or lectures you may want to conduct. You will find you have lots of energy and drive, perfect for starting something out or taking care of business. Very physical too—exercise may be in order. You could be involved in some interesting conversations with a foreign person today. Things of a global or universal nature interest you and talk of travel may be in the air. You may find yourself in a position to teach. You are talented.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) This workday moves along at a good pace most of the day. If you are wondering how you impress others and you want to look as though you are in control—check yourself out at noon by looking at your reflection in a store window. You can tell if your posture is confident appearing or your person is well kept. You will be able to make any changes necessary to feel more powerful. You are learning that looks and attitude are the first impressions that go through the door.

If your attitude is good and your clothes neat, you will have an edge on any competition. This afternoon is a good time to visit with the young people in your family, perhaps a glass of tea and a joke or two. Your ability to communicate on a one-on-one level helps others as well.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) This day marks a time where you should enjoy great success and attention through your profession. This is another great time to be with others and to work together. Your management and directional abilities are in high focus. Others may solicit your help regarding a particular job. This afternoon you may be asking yourself what you have outgrown and how you can let go of some of your excessive collections. There is time to think about how to clear the emotional things that block your sense of wellbeing. These are the questions you may ask yourself as spring fever kicks in and encourages you to clean up and get rid of old stuff. In your personal life, this can be a time of getting rid of old habits and creating new habits or patterns.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

You may find yourself having emotional differences with someone in the workplace today. Take time to see where changes can be made and begin your plans to create a more positive atmosphere. You are sympathetic to an older member of the work team and may also look for ways to lessen the stress for this person. You may have several interactions with a parent or parent figure today as well. With your own children, you include them in any real estate upgrades that you want to make—today is a good day to make or plan for those upgrades. This may mean a better apartment or an additional room or furniture. Young people will have input on the schools.

Real estate may be the subject of discussion throughout the late afternoon.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) There is an abundance of creative energy in which work projects will be successful. There could be mistakes in mathematical problems this day—check your work carefully. Inventiveness and creative ventures could be lucrative. Nobody minds hard work when there is something to be gained from it and today the message seems very clear—rewards are just around the corner. You will be attentive to your loved ones but you may seem to have other things on your mind as well. If at all possible, avoid problems about money today. Be easy on your nervous system and involve yourself in some fun activity that includes only your best friend or loved one this evening.

Perhaps a movie or dinner at a restaurant would be enjoyable.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

You could lose money as quickly as it accumulates today.

You should take caution in engaging in enterprises or activities that could create any debts. Avoid the desire to attain material status at this time.

There is a tendency for you to be extremely hard working and ambitious on the professional level. It is important to develop a team spirit in order make friends and influence people and that is what you set out to do today. When making a decision, consider all sides to a situation before jumping in with both feet. You will make decisions that are right for the situation of the day—move forward.

Communicating feelings becomes important with neighbors this evening— someone is too loud. You handle the problem with the right words.

A

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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

Years

i n f o r m at i o n FIRE BRIGADE STATE ST TAT TE OF K KUWAIT KUW WAIT A

112 Ministry of Interior

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

WWW.MET.GOV.KW WWW .MET.GOV V..KW W

BY Y DAY: DA AY:

Cloudss will decrease gradually with witth light to moderate north westerly weesterly to northerly wind, with with speed of 12 - 3 km/h with w a chance for dust

BY Y NIGHT: NIGHT:

w light to moderate northerly northeerly to north easterly wind, with w speed of 12 - 32 km/h Hazy with

No Current W Warnings aarnings

WARNING W A ARNING STATION ST TAT TION

Hospitals 24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Ext.: 262 2627 27 - 2630

Fax: 24348714

Expected Weather Weather for the Next 24 4 Hours

website: www.moi.gov.kw

Sabah Hospital

Tel.: T el.: e 161

DIRECTORA DIRECTORATE ATE T GENERAL GENE ERAL OF CIVIL A AVIATION V VIA ATION T METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT D PARTMENT DEP A

24 °C

SALMI

41 °C

24 °C

ABDAL LY ABDALY

43 °C

28 °C

41 °C

25 °C

SFC. CHART CHART

09/05/2011 09/05/2011 0000 UTC

POLICE STATION Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha’a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

DAY DA AY

DA DATE ATE T

WEA WEATHER ATHER T

Khaldiya

24848075

Tuesday T uesday

10/05

Keifan

24849807

W eednesday Wednesday

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Fajr

03:31

MAX. Temp.

MA AX. T emp.

37 °C

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Sunrise S i

04:59 04 59

MIIN. IN T emp.

MIN. Temp.

25 °C

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Zuhr

1 1:44 11:44

MAX. RH M

50 %

Dasmah

22532265

Asr

15:20

M MIN. RH

11 1 1%

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Sunset

18:29

MAX. Wind MA AX. W ind i

E 36 km/h

19:54

T OT TAL AL RAINFALL RAIINF FALL A L IN 24 HR. TOTAL

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

23980088

41 °C

26 °C

24884079

Ahmadi

WAFRA W A AFRA

34 °C

Al-Ardhiya

24316983

25616368

WARBA W A ARBA A - BUBYAN BUBY YAN A

24311795

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

Al-Salmiya

25 °C

North Jleeb

23927002

26 °C C

31 °C

24775992

Al-Fahaheel

38 °C C

UMM AL-MARADEM M

24775066

24316983

NUWAISEEB NUW WAISEEB A

24874330/9

North Jahra

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

25610011

Physiotherapy Hospital

South Jahra

Al-Farwaniya

Al-Jahra

27 °C

24772608

22545051

27 °C

34 °C

West Jahra

Al-Fayhaa

39 °C

PORT AHMADI POR RT

24575755

22434853

KUWAIT KUW WAIT A AIRPORT AIRPOR RT

24846000

New Jahra

Al-Helaly

23262845

Al-Razi Hospital

24770319

24742838

23711183

26 °C

Jahra

Sabhan

Al-Shuaiba

37 °C

24810221

22545171

Al-Mangaf

FAILAKA F A AILAKA

Sabah

24810598

Al-Nuzha

28 °C

24840300

25381200

Al-Shuwaikh

37 °C

Ibn Sina Hospital

22630786

22545171

KUWAIT KUW WAIT A CITY

23940620

W.Hawally

Al-Shohada’a

MIN.. REC.

Adan Hospital

Mishref

22418714

MAX. EXP. EXP P.

ALIYAH JAL ALIY YAH A

Clinics

Al-Madena

4 DAYS DA AYS Y FORECAST T emperratures Temperatures MAX.

MIN.

Wind Direction Direction Wind

W Wind ind Speed

visibility will improve imprrove

39 °C

27 °C

NE-SE

15 - 40 km/h

11/05 11/05

cloud ds hot +hight clouds

40 °C

27 °C

S-SE

12 - 35 km/h

Thursday

12/05

du ust hot + blowing dust

41 °C

28 °C

SE-NW

15 - 40 km/h

Friday

13/05

hot+ high clouds cloud ds

41 °C

28 °C

NE-SE

10 - 30 km/h

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION

PRAYER PR RA AYER Y TIMES

RECORDED D YESTERDAY YESTERDA AY AT AT KUWAIT KUW WAIT A T AIRPORT AIRPORT

Isha All i

l

l i

l

h

i

Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

00 mm

d

PHARMACIES

AIRLINES

ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Hawally

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Kuwait Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways FlyDubai Qatar Airways KLM Air Slovakia Olympic Airways Royal Jordanian Reservation British Airways Air France Emirates Air India Sri Lanka Airlines Egypt Air Swiss Air Saudia Middle East Airlines Lufthansa PIA Alitalia Balkan Airlines Bangladesh Airlines Czech Airlines Indian Airlines Oman Air Turkish Airlines Aeroflot

22433377 177 22924455 22414400 22423888 22425747 22434940 22420002/9 22418064/5/6 22433388 22425635 22430224 22425566 22438184 22424444 22421578 22421516 22426306 22423073 22422493 22421044 22414427 22416474 22452977/8 22417901/ 2433141 22456700 22412284/5 22453820/1 22404838/9

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist 25340300

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581 22641071/2

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Salem soso

22618787

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Neurologists

Dr. Adnan Ebil

22639939

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Mousa Khadada

22666300

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists

25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291 22666288

Rheumatologists:

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

Dentists

Internists, Chest & Heart

25339330

25655535

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

General Surgeons

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677

Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antiga Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands

0093 00355 00213 00376 00244 001264 001268 0054 00374 0061 0043 001242 00973 00880 001246 00375 0032 00501 00229 001441 00975 00591 00387 00267 0055 00673 00359 00226 00257 00855 00237 001 00238 001345

Central African Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Cyprus (Northern) Czech Republic Denmark Diego Garcia Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador England (UK) Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia

00236 00235 0056 0086 0057 00269 00242 00682 00506 00385 0053 00357 0090392 00420 0045 00246 00253 001767 001809 00593 0020 00503 0044 00240 00291 00372 00251 00500 00298 00679 00358 0033 00594 00689

36

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

lifestyle G o s s i p

Law

Klum and Seal renew wedding vows for a

has historic plan s for house

6th time

ude Law is spending £50 0,0 look more historic. The act 00 to make his home changes to his Georgian or is proposing the mansion, valued at £8 lion, in north London as he wants to “return it to milits original splendor”. The hom Highgate area of the UK e is situated in the capital and was built in 183 It has Grade II listed status 2. cal relevance and Jude has, which means it is of historilocal authorities if he wa to get permission from the nts to make any change s to appearance or layout in any way. Plans submitted its Camden Council include to excavating the basement the four-storey building of and walls to turn its eight bed knocking down partition rooms into five. Architects Richard Keep, who are wo at rking for the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ star, are adamant justified as the current desthe proposed changes are not reflect the original lay ign of the property “does out” of the building.

According to the Mail on Sunday newspaper, the plans submitted to the counci l inc installed in 2001, replacing lude removing a staircase “m ode rn” doors and renovating fireplaces. The pro pos fittings and finishes are mo al states: “All fixtures and upgrade.” The plans also dern and in need of an inc tions to the interior of the lude certain moderniza38-year-old star wanting property, however, with the to gym in the basement, ins set up a state-of-the-art tall solar panels to the roo create a steam room nex f, t build a meeting room. Judto the master bedroom and November 2010 when he e bought the property in wa Sienna Miller, although the s in a relationship with y subsequently split in February this year.

J

eidi Klum and Seal have renewed their wedding vows for a sixth time. The couple marked their wedding anniversary with a ceremony attended by their children - Leni, seven, Henry, five, Johan, four, and 19-month-old Lou - and 100 of their closest friends at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday night. The couple had originally planned to celebrate the occasion in Mexico at Seal’s beachfront home where they originally tied the knot on May 10, 2005, but recent unrest in the country due to drug violence led them to change the location with business mogul Donald coming to the rescue at the last minute. A source told RadarOnline.com: “A week ago, Heidi contacted Donald Trump and asked if they could have the party at his Mar-a-Lago Club. “He was happy to put out the welcome mat for them, even though he had another commitment that kept him from attending.” Speaking about their annual vows renewal, supermodel Heidi has said previously: “It’s our time - a lovely family time. It’s about remembering this moment of love we gave to each other and reinforcing it. “It’s so special to us, something we love and something our children have gotten accustomed to. It’s like, ‘Hey, mom and dad love each other and they get married every year!’ “

H

Bundchen named top earning model isele Bundchen has been named the world’s top earning model for the seventh year. The Brazilian beauty has topped the list, compiled by Forbes.com, since 2004, but this year saw her income increase by a huge $20 million to earn $45million over one year. Proof of Gisele’s star status enhancing brands is easy to find, as after becoming the face of hair care brand Pantene in March 2010, the company’s sales went up by 40% per cent in Latin America. Despite earning so much the simple things in life please the supermodel, and she likes nothing more than to clean the house she shares with husband Tom Brady, their 16-month-old son Benjamin and her three-year-old stepson Jack. Gisele said: “I love it. Cleaning the house is actually very therapeutic for me. Becoming a parent has given me a whole new perspective on life. I can’t put into words how much I love it.” In second place in the poll is German model Heidi Klum, who earned $20 million through her recent partnership with website Amazon.com and launching her own clothing line with sportswear brand New Balance. Third place went to British model Kate Moss, who made $13.5 million from deals including her own bag collection with brand Longchamp and a campaign for Christian Dior.

Forbes The World’s Top-Earning Models list 2011

G

Alexa

Harding

Gisele Bundchen - $45 million Heidi Klum - $20 million Kate Moss - $13.5 million Adriana Lima - $8 million Alessandra Ambrosio - $5 million Daria Werbowy - $4.5 million Lara Stone - $4.5 million Carolyn Murphy - $4.3 million Natalia Vodianova - $4 million Candice Swanepol - $2 million

admits havi ng lip filler s big mistake”. ving lip fillers was “a s year with arah Harding says ha thi r rlie ea ed was pictur tted to getThe Girls Aloud star mi ad s and she has now decision to r unusually plump lip he s ret reg d an lly enhanced do”. She to ng ting them cosmetica thi y ing it was a “very sill to be ing go I’m alter her features, say ng thi me zine: “It’s not so else. ne yo an to nd told Fabulous maga would recomme I ing yth an ed or cid , de ain d trying ag ental an got a little bit experim s a mistake. I was “Around Christmas I wa my lips. Clearly that old to have some filler in However, the 29-year” . do to ng thi y sill inwr nt ve pre to silly, it was a very s denied having Botox look was the d singer-and-actress ha pe -lip mp claims her plu kles on her face and She added: on to the procedure. ” Sarah also cti rea d ba a result of w. no wn do ve gone back cause she has “Thankfully they ha be re du ce pro the t en as she gets older. admitted she underw s lip r he t insecure abou my 30s and not g started to feel more case of approachin a s wa “It d: sse nfe She co thing that was on out that. It was some her trim figure, feeling confident ab for ugh Sarah is known iner ahead of her my mind a lot.” Altho rd with a personal tra ha ng tting there. I’m she is also worki 31. She said: “I’m ge e, an Cr m To DJ to wedding feel so strong and amazing trainer and working out with an nt.” healthy at the mome

S

g’ n i r o b ‘ e ar s e i b a b s ink h t g n u Ch relationship with he British beauty - who is in a er - is unsure Turn x Ale er sing Arctic Monkeys n because dre chil whether she wants to have resting. inte very ple peo ng she doesn’t find you m, I dunno about “Hm : said she n, dre chil ut abo Asked ’t they?” Alexa also that. They’re a little boring, aren r she wants to get admitted she is unsure whethe y red carpet events man so to g married because goin ltiple wedding mu have felt like she has already had I’ve had my like feel I w. kno ’t days. She said: “I don dressed up all ting wedding day so many times, get for the up ssed dre I e tim t Tha for all these events. ly one ous seri was Lim Met Ball in New York in Phillip she like ing feel pite Des ” life. my of the best nights of ter sen pre MTV old dresses up often, the 27-yeartuxedo in place of an admitted she loves wearing a ue magazine: evening gown. She added to Vog so I often wear a g, agin e quit be “Evening gowns can to think there’ll like I nt eve an to go I en “Wh tuxedo. as if I’m look to try I so rty, r-pa be a less glitzy afte go to I w. sho on hanging out rather than going ” t. ren Lau t Sain s Yve and Carven, Phillip Lim

T

Queen

Pussycat Dolls Scherzinger

icole Scherzinger felt like the “queen” of the Pussycat Dolls. The ‘Don’t Hold Your Breath’ hitmaker - who has now launched a successful solo career following the disbandment of the girl group - explained while she enjoyed having her “entourage” alongside her, she thinks going it alone is “a lot more relaxed”. She said: “Before it was like I had my entourage with me, my girl gang and now it’s just me. On stage I was definitely more like a character, like we were all little superhero dolls and I was like Queen Doll. “With five girls in a group there’s always a lot of things involved. When it’s just you, you’ve only got a couple of people around you and it’s a lot more relaxed. “I’m in touch with a few of them.

We grew up so much together, that’s always going to be a sisterhood. I couldn’t be in a group with anyone else.” Despite the band’s raunchy lyrics and dance routines, Nicole - who is dating Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton - thinks the Pussycat Dolls were “excellent role models” to young girls. She told Britain’s Glamour magazine: “I watch videos today and every artist is wearing fewer clothes than we were! I think we were excellent role models. We kept it sassy and clean.

“We were well-behaved girls with no crazy stuff going on, really down to earth with good morals.”—Bang Showbiz

N

Winehouse

heading to c ountryside my Winehouse wants to move to the countryside and start a family. The ‘Rehab’ hitmaker is reportedly keen to settle down with boyfriend Reg Traviss and doesn’t want to bring up her children in London, because she thinks a “big country home” would be best for her kids. A source told The Sun newspaper: “Amy is really desperate to be a mum. She and Reg have talked about moving out of London and they want a big country home for their family including a large kitchen, rooms for friends to come and stay and a recording studio. “She’ll always have a pad in the capital because that’s where her heart is but she wants the best start possible for her children.” The 27-year-old singer has previously battled substance abuse problems, but now spends a lot of her free time cooking. The source added: “She spends her free time cooking hearty meals for her friends and family including chicken soups and pastas, feeding everyone up.” Singer Dionne Bromfield, Amy’s goddaughter, recently revealed Amy was very “motherly” and often cooked up spaghetti for her when she visits. Dionne said: “She’s always saying, ‘Are you hungry?’ She loves to feed you, that’s all she wants to do - feed you. She makes spaghetti and meatballs. I’m not even joking, you’d end up fat coming out of her house! “She’s very homely, motherly-like. She also cooks salmon stuff - that’s probably the Jewish side of her coming out - and she does amazing chicken soup.”

A

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

Years

lifestyle T R A V E L

Turkey: Tu ur urk rke rke key ey: A piec piece ce of f pa p paradise ara rad rad diise

By Adnan Saad

W

hen I received the t invitation to visit T Turkey urkey last mon month nth I made a trip down d memory lane since I have be een been a frequent visi itor to this beautiful and serene pla ace. visitor place.

I adore the country,s am mazing nature, weather a amazing weather,, markets and history ting T urkey regularly since the sixti ies. history.. I have been visit visiting Turkey sixties.

So, I was happy with this t timely invitation which took me away from the hectic daily routine I have in Kuwait and helped me enjoy a place that is known as the cradle of civilizations.

The invitation was exten nded by T urkish Airlines who aim m to extended Turkish introduce the T urkish Hea alth T ourism. o Turkish Health Tourism.

Health centers and hospitals hosppitals play a great role in boosting boostiing medical tourism in T urkeey. It has also become one of the main m Turkey. contributors t ib t to t the th coun ntry t ,s revenues. Moreover M urkey u k y is i country Moreover,, T Turkey NQRZQ WR KDYH H[SHUWLVH LQ YDULRXV PHGLFDO Ă&#x20AC;HOGV DQG WRXULVVWLF NQRZQ WR KDYH H[SHUWLVH LQ YDULRXV PHGLFDO Ă&#x20AC;HOGV DQG WRXULVWLF sites where the most ad dvanced services and experience are advanced provided. The reason fo or this are the myriad health cent ters for centers equipped with the most state-of-the-art equipment and high hly highly trained staf fff. staff.

T aaking off Taking

ng.

Our trip aboard T urkish u Airlines started early in the morni Turkish morning. ,, ZDV HW Ă LJKW ZDV H[SHFWLQJ H[SHFWLQJ DD TXLH TXLHW Ă LJKW 0XFK 0XFK WR P\ P\ VXUSULVH WKH WKH combination of students and both Arab and foreign passeng gers passengers KDV PDGH WKH Ă LJKW D SOHDVVDQW EXW D OHVV TXLHW VRMRXUQ ,Q ,VWDQEEXO KDV PDGH WKH Ă LJKW D SOHDVDQW EXW D OHVV TXLHW VRMRXUQ ,Q ,VWDQEXO we boarded another planee to Bodrum city on the Mediterrane ean Mediterranean coast boasting with its be eautiful nature and white buildings s. A beautiful buildings. bus took us from the airpo ort to the hotel. It was a one-hour dr rive airport drive to the hotel during which we enjoyed the green scenery lue scenery,, the bblue sea, the mountains and th he serenity the serenity..

Founder of THTDC Em min Cakmak spoke about the hea alth Emin health cent ers in T ng that they, are considered among the urkey assertin centers Turkey asserting best and most advanced in i the world VV KHDOWK WRXULVP Ă&#x20AC;HOG 7KH KHDOWK WRXULVP Ă&#x20AC;HOG 7KH 7

establishment was launched 10 years ago. It is known for the experience and ef fffective tre atments due to the highly trained effective treatments professional staf ff providing physiotherapy p and other specialized staff therapy of various types. Hee said that T urkeyâ&#x20AC;şs health centers Turkeyâ&#x20AC;şs and resorts present both treat tment and hotel services as patrons treatment wish due to its outstanding re eputation. He added that a guest or reputation. a patient can continue the trea atment while at the same time enjoy treatment WKH PDJQLĂ&#x20AC;FHQW QDWXUH FRXSOHG ZLWK WKH H[FHSWLRQDO VHUYLFHV DW WKH PDJQLĂ&#x20AC;FHQW QDWXUH FRXSOHG ZLWK WKH H[FHSWLRQDO VHUYLFHV DW competitive prices comparedd to neighboring countries.

Emin Cakmak said that the ere are many health centers and there KRVSLWDOV WKDW RIIIHU I WKHLU VHUYYLFHV LQ PDQ\ Ă&#x20AC;HOGV LQ PDQ\ DUHDV KRVSLWDOV WKDW RIIHU WKHLU VHUYLFHV LQ PDQ\ Ă&#x20AC;HOGV LQ PDQ\ DUHDV of T urkey. At the event there was w a special presentation about all Turkey. types of medical services thatt are provided. All these services do not require sur geries but rely on physiotherapy surgeries physiotherapy,, sports and yoga.

Turkey Establishes Turkey Est tab a lishes Co Consulate nsulat te to to Promote Pr romote H Health eal lt th T Tourism o rism ou

T , , Gardens Gard ens o of fB Babylon a ab by ylon s showcases howca o ses th the he Ar Art rt o of f Livin Living g

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ardens of Babylo Babylon on is a place where all opportunities of offer ffer f luxurious holiday opportunitie opportunities es , brought together r. The Gardens of Babylon of fffer an understanding of Art A of Living as a together. offer service to the gue est. Gardens of Babylon is a door to endless e blueness that a guest can enjo guest. enjoyy from its boutique room decorated d with various king and quee en concepts, king suites and villas. queen After the welcome drinkk I went to my room and lived as ki ing. Garden of Babylon is not only a king. luxury hotel; itĂ­s a healthh care center center.. Managed by Dr Dr.. Ender Sarac who waits for you 12 months a year in Bodrum Gardens of Babylon increases your natural li iving quality with customized health hy living healthy living programs and gro oups health practices for healthy li iving. The health care center of ffer f rs groups living. offers nutrition and diet consul ltancy, skin programs, anti-aging pr rogram, ozone treatment, weight los ss consultancy, program, loss SURJUDP FHOOXOLWH WUHDWP PHQW ERWR[ DQG Ă&#x20AC;OOHU VSRW WUHDWPHQW Z ZULQNOHV DQG DFQH WUHDWPHQW SURJUDP FHOOXOLWH WUHDWPHQW ERWR[ DQG Ă&#x20AC;OOHU VSRW WUHDWPHQW ZULQNOHV DQG DFQH WUHDWPHQW Through history m and its people have been involvedd with the sea, made their living from m history,, Bodrum the sea by building boats s. The traditional Bodrum boats are T eerhandi and the Gulet. Bodrum Oku ul boats.

Terhandi Okul Gemisi (training vessel) is moored in front of Bodrum castl le and is available to those wanting a castle nautical education.

The peninsula is surroun nded by many bays and can of ffer f som mething for everybody he surrounded offer something everybody.. However However,, th the most important feature of o this beautiful corner of the Aegean Aegeaan Sea is that it carries the Blue Flag, Flagg, , a sign of declaring that it i is one of Europe s cleanest coastl lines. The most important place for a coastlines. visitor to see is the castle e, known as Bodrum castle. It coverss an area of 30,000 square meters an castle, andd LQFRUSRUDWHV Ă&#x20AC;YH WRZHUV NQRZQ DV WKH (QJOLVK )UHQFK ,WDOLLDQ *HUPDQ DQG 6SDQLVK WRZHUV 7KKH LQFRUSRUDWHV Ă&#x20AC;YH WRZHUV NQRZQ DV WKH (QJOLVK )UHQFK ,WDOLDQ *HUPDQ DQG 6SDQLVK WRZHUV 7KH chapel inside the fortresss was converted to a mosque after thee Cothmans took over. over. Then a Haman Hamaan

(Turkish bath) was added. The castle was used as a prison from 18 895 onwards during World Woorld War War a (Turkish 1895 , headdquarters. Until 1960 s the structuree fell into disrepair but in 1963 I. Then it served as Italian headquarters. restorations began and this has continued up to the present day.. nary delights. delights Discovering the regio onal cuisine is an adventure in Bodrum is famous for its culin culinary regional LWVHOI %HIRUH \RXU KROLGD\ GUDDZV WR D FORVH EH VXUH WR WUHDW \RXUUVHOI WR D PHDO RI IUHVK Ă&#x20AC;VK RI LWVHOI %HIRUH \RXU KROLGD\ GUDZV WR D FORVH EH VXUH WR WUHDW \RXUVHOI WR D PHDO RI IUHVK Ă&#x20AC;VK RI sighttseeing tour we enjoyed the blue crui se on a big yacht which took us Mediterranean sea. After a sightseeing cruise A he hotel facilities such as indoor from Bodrum to many places. After dinner we went back to enjoy th the zzi and using the traditional Turkish Tuurkishh bath therapy, therapy, exfoliating with salt swimming pool with Jacuz Jacuzzi Babyloon can use all the facilities such bath gloves and foam massage. The guests of the Gardens of Babylon cycling and the most important mass age and therapy treatments. as horse riding, golf course, bic bicycling massage mories. We We headed to Istanbul After two days in paradise we left the place with many lovely mem memories.

ZKHUH ZH KDG D PHHWLQJ ZLWK )DUXN ) &L]PHFLRJOX &KLHI 0DUNHWLQJ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU 2 0RUH WKDQ UHSRUWHUV ZKHUH ZH KDG D PHHWLQJ ZLWK )DUXN &L]PHFLRJOX &KLHI 0DUNHWLQJ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU 0RUH WKDQ UHSRUWHUV eeting. Faruk explained about the Turkish Tuurkish Airlines and the quality and journalists attended this me meeting. of services they offer offfer f in all sectors. seectors. Regarding the market situati on in the aviation industry he situation get and goals that need to be achie eved year after year explained that they are putting a tar target achieved year.. Regarding explaiined that Turkish Tuurkish Airlines are launching launchhing new routes to Los Angeles the demand for travel he explained DQG ,WDO\ 7KH\ SODQ WR LQFUHDVHH WKHLU Ă HHW +H DGGHG WKDW 7KH 0LGGGOH (DVW DQG WKH *XOI PDUNHW LQ DQG ,WDO\ 7KH\ SODQ WR LQFUHDVH WKHLU Ă HHW +H DGGHG WKDW 7KH 0LGGOH (DVW DQG WKH *XOI PDUNHW LQ m for T uurkish Airlines. That is why w there is a special emphasis particular are very important markets Turkish LQ WKLV PDUNHW KH VDLG :H ZLOOO WU\ WR EH PRUH LQYROYHG LQ WKLV PDUNHW P E\ LQFUHDVLQJ RXU Ă LJKWV LQ WKLV PDUNHW KH VDLG :H ZLOO WU\ WR EH PRUH LQYROYHG LQ WKLV PDUNHW E\ LQFUHDVLQJ RXU Ă LJKWV ,, KH VDLG 5HĂ HFWLQJ RQ WKH FULVLV VLWXDWLRQ LQ WKH 0LGGOH (DVW KH season, KH VDLG 5HĂ HFWLQJ RQ WKH FULVLV VLWXDWLRQ LQ WKH 0LGGOH (DVW KH especially in the summer season, affffeccted now. now. said that every industry is affected

he Turkish Tuurkish Health Tourism Toourism Development Consulate established has been establis hed to ooffer fffer advanced treatment PHWKRGV LQ LQ YDULRXV Ă&#x20AC;HOGV Ă&#x20AC;HOGV LQFOXGLQJ LQFOXGLQJ QXFOHDU QXFOHDU ussing cutting edge medical medicine and cancer cancer treatment, using technologies supervised by top medical staf staffs fffs from the best hospitals and medicals spas. spas. This was stated by the Gulf THTDC representative in the Gu ulf Cooperation Council countries Hesham Al-Sunaidi, whoo acknowledged TurkeyĂ­s TurkeyĂ­s capabilities in hosting successful health h tourism projects.

T Turkey urkey has all elements to offer offffer top toop quality health tourism services to GCC citizens, including includinng the close distance, as well as similaritie similaritiess in social and religious traditions and ,, cultures, Al-Sunaidi said. He added addded that medical services are handled by internationally renowned r physicians in neurology neurology,, orthopedics, cancer treatment and plastic surgeries. sur geries. The therapy is offered offffereed at reasonable prices compared to other European coun countries. ntries.

Turkey quality T urkey is also home of top quali ty spas, especially those located in Bodrum town, and namely n the Gardens of Babylon Spa Hotel.

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Pakistani rocker: Bin Laden death great for Muslims

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op Pakistani musician Salman Ahmad has hailed Osama bin Laden’s death as a victory for the Islamic world and demanded accountability over how the Al-Qaeda chief lived in his country for years. The rock star, whose band Junoon is one of the most popular acts in South Asia with more than 30 million albums sold, said Pakistanis felt “humiliated” that the world’s most-wanted man resided in the garrison town of Abbottabad. “In the last 1,400 years of Islamic history, there has rarely been a man or woman-Muslim or non-Muslim-who has caused more damage to Muslims around the world than Osama bin Laden,” Ahmad, who recently performed in Washington, told AFP. “On 9/11, those terrorists who flew the planes into the buildings overnight hijacked Islam so that anything that has to do with Islam, anything that has to do with Muslim culture, would be equated now with the face of Osama bin Laden. “So he being taken out in a military operation I think is a great thing for the Muslim world as well as the planet,” he said. A team of elite US Navy SEALs swooped secretly into Abbottabad on May 2, shooting dead bin Laden nearly 10 years after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Ahmad said he had “massive questions”-including how bin Laden lived a stone’s throw from Pakistan’s top military academy and why he apparently felt safe enough to maintain minimum protection.

He also asked how the military and InterServices Intelligence (ISI) did not detect a US operation deep into Pakistani territory. “Are you saying that everybody is so incompetent, everybody was asleep?” he said. “This was Osama bin Laden, man.”

“If there was any other country where this happened-the intelligence failure on Osama and the

intelligence failure on the US operation-the first thing the president would do is ask for the resignation of the intelligence chief and ask many questions of the army chief,” he said. “Pakistan, for its own in-house accountability, needs to ask these questions of its leaders,” he said. “You have a military chief, an ISI chief- all of these people are at the end of the day supposed to be answerable to the people.”

Ahmad is not a newcomer to the issue. In the 1990s, Pakistani television banned Junoon’s song “Ehtesaab” (“Accountability”), whose accompanying video mercilessly mocked corruption by the country’s leaders. Ahmad, 47, left a medical career to lead “Junoon,” which means “passion” in Urdu. He now teaches music at the City University of New York’s Queens College but returns regularly to Pakistan to perform and lead humanitarian efforts.

He teamed up with Peter Gabriel for the song “Open Your Eyes,” with each download contributing funds for survivors of the floods that devastated Pakistan last year.

In a recent autobiography entitled “Rock ‘n’ Roll Jihad,” Ahmad counted Led Zeppelin among his influences but saw himself in the tradition of Sufism-the mystical movement in Islam. The book’s title, he said, was part of his effort to take back the word “jihad,” or struggle, from extremists. Sufi shrines have faced a wave of attacks in recent years in Pakistan, part of the violence that has left thousands dead. Ahmad dismissed the significance of the violence and recalled Baba Bulleh Shah, the Punjabi Sufi poet who was branded a heretic and denied an Islamic burial when he died in 1757.

“But hundreds of years later there are hundreds of thousands of people who go to Baba Bulleh

Shah’s shrine” in the Pakistani city of Kasur, he said.

“They can blow up a shrine and get on the media radar,” he said. “But despite their disruption, society has a resilience that is shown throughout the centuries.” Ahmad traveled to Washington for a recent concert by Sufis from the Indian city of Ajmer who performed qawwali, the voice-bending devotional music popularized overseas by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Ahmad joined in with his guitar, jamming with the Ajmer Sufis for his rendition of

Baba Bulleh Shah’s celebrated poem, “I Know Not Who I Am,” which criticized doctrinarism. “Sufism is not some sort of trend. It’s been there for centuries and it’s the glue of this region,” he said. “You have these snapshots of political turmoil and extremism, but at the end of the day what keeps society together is this sort of deep cultural unity.”—AFP

Pakistani performer Salman Ahmad sings together with Balinese children on the sidelines of the ninth International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) in Nusa Dua on the resort island of Bali on August 10, 2009. — AFP

1 year house arrest for

Serb folk music star

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erbia’s flamboyant folk music queen Svetlana Raznatovic, better known as Ceca, will spend eight months under a house arrest and pay a $2.2 million fine as part of a contentious plea bargain approved by a Belgrade court yesterday. One of the Balkans’ most popular singers, known for her plunging necklines and marriage to one of the country’s most notorious warlords, has struck a plea bargain with state prosecutors by pleading guilty in a sale of soccer players from her late husband’s club.

In return, she will be sentenced to one year house arrest and pay a 1.5 million fine, the largest ever imposed in Serbia, Belgrade’s High Court said Monday. The ruling becomes official once the judges issue it in writing. In fact, Raznatovic will spend eight months in isolation because she was jailed for four months in 2003 in connection with the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. Then, police found a huge cache of weapons in her home in the upscale Belgrade Dedinje district. “Of course,” Raznatovic exclaimed in the court yesterday when a judge asked her if she feels guilty to the charges that she embezzled about €4 million during player sales to foreign clubs when she managed her husband’s FK Obilic Belgrade in the early 2000s.

She could have faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the original charges. Liberal groups have criticized the deal as scandalous, saying the ruling raised questions about the judiciary’s credibility and suggested the star was above the law. Ceca has for years evaded legal prosecution thanks to the support of current and former Serbian political leaders who consider her untouchable because of her huge popularity. The case has been closely watched in the former Yugoslavia and the Balkans because it involves one of the region’s biggest music stars, whose “turbo folk” is a mixture of traditional Balkan folk music and contemporary electronic beats.

Judge Sladjana Markovic said yesterday the court was lenient because Raznatovic is a single mother and has not committed any crime since 2002. “When there is a deal, each side wins something and loses something,” her lawyer Dragan Krgovic said. The state will come out of this richer by €1.5 million, he added. The star was married to Zeljko Raznatovic, known as Arkan, whose troops allegedly killed nonSerbs and pillaged their homes during the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Arkan was gunned down in a Belgrade hotel in 2000, but Ceca continued to manage his football club while allegedly also maintaining connections with Serbian crime bosses and former paramilitary leaders.—AP

Svetlana Raznatovic, known as Ceca, the Balkansí most popular folk singer, waits in front of the court room, in Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday.

— AP

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ohn Walker, the American-born musician who was the frontman for the Walker Brothers, one of the most successful bands of Britain’s Golden Age of rock ‘n’ roll, has died at age 67. Walker died Saturday of liver cancer, his personal assistant, Polly Klemmer, told The Associated Press. He had continued to work until just a few weeks ago, making his last concert appearance in Los Angeles in March, Klemmer said Sunday.

He had his greatest success as the guitarist and vocalist for the Walker Brothers, which produced such 1960s hits as “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore,” “Love Her,” “Make it Easy On Yourself” and “My Ship Is Comin’ In.” While the Beatles and other British groups were remaking the face of rock ‘n’ roll during the so-called British invasion of America in the mid-1960s, Walker moved from the United States to England instead.

There, he and two other Americans, bassist Scott Engel and drummer Gary Leeds, called themselves the Walker Brothers and each adopted Walker as his surname, although they were not related. They had instant success with their first British recording, 1964’s “Love Her,” and a string of hits quickly followed. Walker, who was born John Maus, had begun using the name Walker professionally when he was 17, adopting it, according to some accounts, so he could obtain a fake ID that allowed him to play at nightclubs he was too young to legally enter.

He, Engel and drummer Al “Tiny” Schneider, first used the name Walker Brothers when they worked as the house band at the Hollywood nightclub Gazzari’s, shortly before he and Engel moved to Britain and joined Leeds. As part of the Walker Brothers, he toured the

world and sold more than 23 million records, according to his website. The group also appeared on numerous British television shows in the 1960s, including the popular music programs “Ready, Steady, Go,” “Top of the Pops” and the “Billy Cotton Band Show.” He also appeared in the film “Beach Ball,” the German music series “Beat Club” and other shows.

Walker, who took up the guitar at age 14, began performing professionally in the late 1950s. By the early 1960s he was a regular at such popular Hollywood clubs as Pandora’s Box on the Sunset Strip and on the college circuit. During those years, he worked with such musicians as Ritchie Valens and Glen Campbell, with producer Phil Spector and songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, who wrote for the Monkees and other groups.

Although he returned to the United States in the 1980s, Klemmer said Sunday that Walker continued to tour Britain every year as part of a “Silver 60s” show until his health declined last year. He was diagnosed with cancer in December. “He had put together an LA-based band and had planned to do more performing here,” she said. Walker is survived by his wife, Cynthia; a sister, Judy Hoyt; children Jamie Maus Anderson, Nickoletta Drew Maus, Adam Sarrazin and Heather Stewart, as well as several grandchildren. — AP

This undated photo from files made available by Tony Clayman Promotions shows John Walker of The Walker Brothers. — AP

Remote Indian state hooked on Korean pop culture

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hen separatist rebels in the remote Indian state of Manipur banned Hindi movies a decade ago, they had little idea it would trigger a cultural invasion from a country more than 2,000 miles away. But when Bollywood was forced out, the Koreans moved in. In the markets of the state capital Imphal, shops are packed with DVDs of South Korean films and television soap operas, as well as CDs of Korean pop stars, with a particular focus on preening boy bands.

Hairdressing salons are covered with head shots of Korean celebrities and offer a wide range of spiky, “Koreanstyle” cuts which are hugely popular with young Manipuris of both sexes.

Teenagers also trawl through Gambhir Market, a three-story warren of tiny boutiques, for skinny jeans and other clothing trends inspired by Korean television shows.

Even the language has made inroads, with Korean phrases like annyeonghaseyo (hello), kamsahamnida (thank you) and sarang-haeyo (I love you) peppering conversations in schoolyards and market-places. “When we’re back at boarding school, my friends and I practice our few phrases of Korean and often talk about what it would be like growing up in Korea,” said female student Akshaya Longjam, 14.

“It just seems so much fun and everybody is good-looking; the girls are pretty and the boys are so cute,” said Longjam, a dedicated fan of the Korean boy band

Big Bang and its star singer G-Dragon. At first glance, Manipur would seem the unlikeliest of takers for the so-called “Korean Wave” of pop culture that swept over China, Japan and much of Southeast Asia at the beginning of the last decade.

Tiny, landlocked and with a population of less than three million, Manipur borders Myanmar and is one of India’s “Seven Sisters”-seven northeastern states connected to the rest of India by a sliver of land that arches over Bangladesh. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, entertainment for Manipuris was largely

supplied by India’s dominant cultural force, Bollywood. But then in 2000, a number of the multiple armed secessionist groups that have been active in Manipur since the 1960s ordered a ban on Hindi movies and Hindi satellite TV channels, in a professed bid to “protect” Manipuri culture.

Backed by threats to bomb recalcitrant cinemas and cable operators, the ban was extremely effective and remains in force today. Desperate to fill the vacuum, cable operators experimented with whatever came to hand, including Arirang TV, a 24-hour, English-language

Indian schoolgirl Akshaya Longjam watches a South Korean film on her laptop in Imphal on December 29, 2010. — AFP

network based in Seoul that began beaming in a diet of dramas and cultural features. Korea’s KBS World followed with its own stable of subtitled soap operas and, within a few months, Manipur was hooked.

“Watching Korean soaps and films takes me away from the realities of daily life in Manipur,” said 19-year-old college student Soma Lhishram. “We have a problem with water, electricity, roads... you name it. But everything looks so perfect in Korea. It’s like a fantasy world.”

The attraction is partly a cultural one.

The Mongol roots of ethnic Manipuris mean their physical features are far closer to those of Koreans than other Indians.

The family-oriented soap operas resonate strongly in what is a socially conservative state, while teen romance dramas have a mass following among the young. Lhishram, a part-time actress, is a particular fan of the high school drama “Boys Over Flowers” and one of its heartthrob stars, Lee Min-Hoo. “It’s a big dream of mine to travel to Korea and to work on a film there,” she said during a break in shooting for a Manipuri language music video in the grounds of a local college. —AP

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Years

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Kuwaiti film to be screened in Cannes Film Festival 2011 K

uwaiti director Waleed AlAwadhi said his film Tora Bora will be screened in Cannes Film Festival 2011 scheduled for May 11-22. Al-Awadhi told KUNA yesterday that his film is a heart breaking story of a father who is in search for his son in the mountains of Afghanistan. He then discovers that his only son has been trained by one of the extreme organizations.

Kuwaiti movie stars Saad Al-Faraj, Khaled Amin and the rest of the cast will walk the Red Carpet at the festival, Al-Awadhi added.

The movie was filmed in Morocco and Germany and is 90 minutes long and has been converted into a television series of 15 episodes which will be aired on Arab and International televisions in Ramadan, Al-Awadhi noted. The Kuwaiti director also received invitations to screen his movie in international film festi-

vals during the fall and summer seasons. Al-Awadhi’s movie brings Kuwait back into the scene after its long absence from international festivals since 1973 where Kuwait had presented its first movie “Bes Ya Bahr” by director Khaled Al-Siddeeq.

Tora Bora is written, produced and directed by Al-Awadhi and stars Saad Al-Faraj, Khaled Amin, Ismahan Toufiq, Abdullah Al-Zaid, Abdullah Al-Tourah and a number of actors from Morocco and Europe. — KUNA

An undated handout picture made available by the Cannes Film Festival organization on 04 April 2011 shows the official poster for the 64th Cannes Film Festival.—AFP

Depp reveals cruz made him broody

Penelope Cruz and Johnny Depp arrive at the World Premiere of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean. — AP

(From left) Jerry Bruckheimer, Rob Marshall, Geoffrey Rush, PenÈlope Cruz, Johnny Depp, Ian McShane, Keith Richards, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, and Sam Claflin arrive at the World Premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.—AP

Moviegoers not eager to see

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el Gibson’s long-delayed first movie since he was embroiled in a messy domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend flopped at the weekend box office in North America. “The Beaver,” an offbeat comedy-drama directed by and costarring his close friend, Jodie Foster, earned just $104,000 during its first three days of limited release in 22 theaters, its distributor said. Its per-theater average of $4,745 ranks at No 62 among the 139 limited-release movies tracked this year by Box Office Mojo. Among recent prestige debuts in a similar number of theaters, “Black Swan” opened to an $80,000 per-theater average last December and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” to $9,900 in March 2010.

The $21 million film will expand across North America on May 20, coinciding with a screening at the Cannes Film Festival, said closely held distributor Summit Entertainment. Gibson, 55, stars as a suicidal businessman who finds salvation in a

with $66m opening

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ohnny Depp became “incredibly broody” working with Penelope Cruz. The 47-year-old actor stars with the Spanish beauty - who gave birth to son Leo in January - in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ and he admits the sight of her being pregnant on set and then seeing Penelope with her husband Javier Bardem and their new baby has made him consider having more children of his own.

The Hollywood heartthrob - who has two kids, daughter Lily-Rose, 11, and eight-year-old Jack, with his long-term partner Vanessa Paradis -said: “It’s great to watch the three of them in action. It’s just adorable and it makes you incredibly broody and clucky.” Johnny visited Penelope and Javier after the birth and spent time with them at his own home and he has confessed seeing a couple experience parenthood for the first time reminded him of how great it was to be a new father. He added in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: “They came to the house and I’d go to their place - to see new parents with their little angel definitely brings back memories. You start thinking, ‘Oh wow, I’d like to have another one of those.’ But I don’t know ... two’s pretty good.” — Bang Showbiz

‘Thor’ hammers competition

Gibson’s ‘Beaver’

furry hand puppet he has salvaged from the trash. Critics were enthusiastic about his performance, pointing to eerie parallels between his character’s alcoholic haze and the actor’s own real-life problems.

“If you can get past your feelings for the troubled Gibson, you get to watch a highwire performance of the highest caliber,” said Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers.

Filming was completed more than a year ago, but the release was put on hold after audio tapes were leaked last summer of an angry Gibson threatening the mother of his baby daughter as their brief relationship hit the rocks. It eventually premiered in March at the South By Southwest Film Festival in Texas.

Real-life problems The “Braveheart” and “Passion of the Christ” director has struggled to recapture his box office magic in recent years as his personal life has taken center stage. He made anti-Semitic slurs in 2006 while being

arrested for drunk driving, duly apologized and went into rehab. His wife of almost 30 years filed for divorce in 2009, and Gibson fathered a daughter later that year with his girlfriend, a Russian pianist. That relationship blew up in spectacular fashion last year with a vicious custody battle highlighted by the leaked telephone voicemails.

Gibson told Deadline Hollywood last month that the rant should be seen “in the context of being in an irrationally, heated discussion at the height of a breakdown, trying to get out of a really unhealthy relationship.” But the damage to his tarnished reputation was done. His Hollywood agents dumped him, and he was dropped from a cameo role in the upcoming “Hangover” sequel after a revolt by the comedy’s stars.—Reuters

hor” kicked off the summer movie season by smashing the competition at the box office with a $66 million opening weekend. The 3-D action picture from Paramount, based on the Marvel comic, was by far the No 1 movie, according to Sunday studio estimates. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth stars as the arrogant god of thunder who’s sent down to Earth as punishment. It was directed by Kenneth Branagh, best known for making films based on Shakespeare plays such an epic “Hamlet,” and featured a supporting cast that included Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and Stellan Skarsgard.

In second place was a holdover from last week, the car-racing sequel “Fast Five” from Universal Pictures. It made $32.5 million for a total of nearly $140 million in just 10 days. Although the opening for “Thor” wasn’t as enormous as those of other superhero movies, it still exceeded studio expectations, which were around $55 million. It was the third-highest opening for a Marvel franchise launch, behind “Spider-Man,” which made $115 million in 2002, and “Iron Man,” which made $98.6 million in 2008.

Don Harris, Paramount’s executive vice president for distribution, thought the film held appeal for both men and women; 37 percent of the audience was female. “Chris Hemsworth looks like he’s going to be a movie star,” Harris said. “Kenneth Branagh made a very smart movie, and the idea that the man who’s most closely identified with Shakespeare is making a Marvel superhero movie, I always thought was pretty interesting. Audiences connected with the Natalie Portman relationship, between her character and Thor. The movie looks spectacular on the screen.

It was fun, and it’s a big, epic movie.”

Hollywood.com box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian thought “Thor” had a pretty respectable opening given that it’s a lesser-known comic book title.

“Expectations always get wildly overblown with superhero movies-a superhero movie has the biggest opening weekend of all time: ‘The Dark Knight,”‘ Dergarabedian said of the hit in the Batman franchise. “Expectations are always extremely high, especially on the first weekend in May, which is traditionally a huge weekend.” “It may have a solid hold,” he added.

“Sometimes it’s not just about opening weekend. Sometimes it’s about playability.” The next big competition for “Thor” comes in two weeks, on May 20, with the opening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” the fourth film in the blockbuster Disney franchise. On Memorial Day weekend come the sequels “The Hangover Part II” from Warner Bros and “Kung Fu Panda 2” from Paramount. Opening in a close third and fourth place were two wedding-themed movies, both of which served as counter-programming to the effects-laden spectacles in theaters.

“Jumping the Broom” from TriStar Pictures came in third with $13.7 million, higher than studio expectations, which were around $10 million. Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine star as the mothers of two families that clash as they’re about to be united in their children’s marriage. In fourth place was the Warner Bros. romantic drama “Something Borrowed,” based on the Emily Giffin best-seller, which made

about $13.2 million. Ginnifer Goodwin stars as a lawyer who realizes she’s in love with the fiance of her best friend, played by Kate Hudson. In limited release, Summit Entertainment’s “The Beaver,” starring Mel Gibson as a depressed man who communicates through a beaver hand puppet, made $104,000 at 22 theaters. Directed by and co-starring Jodie Foster, the dramedy marks Gibson’s first major role since a series of off-screen rants and scandals tarnished his reputation. It expands nationwide May 20. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com.

1. “Thor,” $66 million.

2. “Fast Five,” $32.5 million.

3. “Jumping the Broom,” $13.7 million.

4. “Something Borrowed,” $13.2 million.

5. “Rio,” $8.2 million.

6. “Water for Elephants,” $5.6 million.

7. “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family,” $3.9 million.

8. “Prom,” $2.4 million.

9. “Soul Surfer,” $2.1 million.

10. “Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil,” $1.9 million. — AP

In this file film publicity image released by Paramount Pictures, Chris Hemsworth portrays the title character in a scene from the film, ‘Thor.’

— AP

Kuwaiti film to be screened in Cannes Film Festival 2011 TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011

39 A model prepares to show off his body painting by New Zealand artist Men Bourk and Chinese painter Ren Zhongni during a body-painting festival in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality yesterday. The artists combined various icon images of Auckland and Chongqing into their paintings.—AFP

Tunis museum flourishes

Two Diana dresses sold for $276,000

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wo dresses worn by the late princess Diana were sold at an auction house in Beverly Hills Sunday for a total of $276,000, the seller announced. According to Julien’s auction house, the first dress-a black crepe evening gown with diamante paste embroidery on the short-sleeved top inspired by Indian motifs-went for $144,000.

It was purchased for Diana’s 1992 visit to India, when she accompanied her then-husband, Prince Charles on the trip. The second dress-a light blue silk chiffon, strapless, floor-length gown and accompanying stole-was sold for $132,000. It was worn by Diana three times, including at the Cannes film festival in 1987. The identities of the buyers have been kept confidential.— AFP

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itting in his vast office, crammed full of relics and curiosities, museum curator Taher Ghalia has good reason to welcome the downfall of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Just as a fresh breeze now blows through the country’s politics and press, Tunisia’s cultural institutions too have the chance to flourish. Instead of protecting the nation’s treasures from the hands of former ruler Ben Ali and his wife, Ghalia is heading up a major renovation project to bring them to the people.

“They weren’t interested in culture. There was a trade in antiquities, but fortunately the Bardo wasn’t touched,” said Ghalia who clashed with the couple earlier in his career. “They wouldn’t have dared to come here to the Bardo and ask for exhibits to display in the presidential palace or in the private villas. I would have refused anyway, and resigned on the spot,” he said. From the outside, the modern buildings of the Bardo are just large, white rectangular blocks. Once inside, however, thousands of years of history unravel before you, from the ancient civilization of the Phoenicians to the Romans. Home to the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics, there are also statues, busts of emperors, an important collection of fabrics hailing from the Fatimid dynasty and a hoard of 1,600 gold pieces dating back to 430 AD. Currently in a bit of a jumble, they await display in the new exhibition rooms, still empty but smelling of freshly-laid plaster and cement.

Ghalia’s office is vaguely reminiscent of an Indiana Jones set: bundles of papers, books, plastic-wrapped treasures, not to mention a priceless third century Roman mosaic, “the Virgil”, propped casually against a wall. The curator took up his post in 2003. At the time it was considered a punishment for the Roman and Byzantine-era specialist who dared to oppose “the family”-Ben Ali and his wife Leila. “I was responsible for a particular archaeological area and I had to fight to save certain sites where they wanted to build villas by the sea in Nabeul. “I resisted and as a result I was appointed to Bardo,” he said.

Yet he has never regretted it. Even less so after unprecedented protests by the Tunisian people saw the end of their leader’s 23-year rule. The curator hopes the renovation proj-

A Tunisian expert restores a sculpture dating from the Punic era at the Bardo Museum on April 25, 2011 in Tunis.—AFP ect, which will see the museum’s display space and staff double, will help restore people’s thirst for culture. “After January 14 (the fall of Ben Ali) it is absolutely vital that culture finds its place. “We also need to create a museum of the revolution, with testimonies, films, objects,” he added. The restoration is being funded with the help of a World Bank loan of 25 million dinars (12.5 million euros, 18.6 million dollars) which will go towards research and construction, among other things.

“Displays, lighting, exhibit descriptions in Arabic, French and English, we are getting the best in the world,” said Ghalia. The Bardo, along with the Cairo Museum, are the two biggest south of the Mediterranean, according to the curator. “The museum was already very impressive before, if a bit mixed up,” said Ghalia, who for eight years has had the mammoth task of putting things in a coherent order and retracing the history of Tunisia, of the Arab-Islamic era neglected under Ben Ali’s reign. “It wasn’t even about politics,” says Ghalia.—AFP

China to build Hello Kitty theme park

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China’s Premier Wen Jiabao holds a Hello Kitty doll wearing a long black kimono dress that was presented to him during a meeting with people who contributed to bilateral cultural exchanges, at a Tokyo hotel on May 31, 2010.—AFP

he creators of Hello Kitty, Japan’s world-famous cartoon icon of cuteness, will build a theme park in China-the first on foreign soil, state media reported yesterday. The Hello Kitty-themed amusement park will be in the city of Anji in east China’s Zhejiang province, the Xinhua news agency said, citing an agreement between Sanrio Co and its Chinese partner. The project, jointly designed by Sanrio and US-based amusement park designer Hettema, will cost $215 million, with construction expected to start in the second half of this year and completed in 2014, it said.

The complex will cover an area of 60 hectares that includes a theme park, hotel and catering services. Liao Chunrong, president of Shanghai Insight Holdings, said a subsidiary of the company will take care of investment and management of the project, according to Xinhua. There are currently two Hello Kitty theme parks in Japan. Since her 1974 debut, Kitty has spawned a massive global industry with sales of 50,000 Kitty products in 70 nations, including dolls, clothes, accessories and homeware.— AFP This undated photo provided by Julien’s Auctions shows a black crepe evening gown Princess Diana wore during a state visit in 1992. At an auction in Beverly Hills, Calif, Saturday this gown fetched $144,000.—AP

This undated photo provided by Julien’s Auctions shows a light blue strapless gown with accompanying stole, and was worn on three occasions, including at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, which brought $132,000 at an auction in Beverly Hills, Saturday. —AP