15 May

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SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

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Libya buries 11 imams killed in NATO strike ‘Wounded’ Gaddafi taunts NATO in audio remarks

Mubarak wife ‘stable after heart attack’ CAIRO: Egypt’s former first lady Suzanne Mubarak was in a stable condition and under the control of police yesterday, a day after reportedly suffering a heart attack, the health minister said. The 70-yearold wife of ousted president Hosni Mubarak had been placed in intensive care on Friday after state television reported she suffered a heart attack when she was remanded in custody in a corruption probe. “Her health is stable and she is currently under the police’s control,” Health Minister Ashram Hatem said, quoted by the official MENA news agency.

Suzanne Mubarak State television had reported she was moved to the intensive care unit of a Sharm El-Sheikh hospital, where her husband Hosni Mubarak is after he also reportedly suffered a heart attack when he was detained on April 13. The public prosecutor had ordered the former president Continued on Page 14

TRIPOLI: Mourners carry coffins during funerals yesterday for 11 clerics allegedly killed in a NATO airstrike. — AP

Max 37 Min 27 Low Tide 03:29 & 16:27 High Tide 09:40 & 22:40

TRIPOLI: Libyans buried yesterday 11 Muslim clerics killed in what Muammar Gaddafi’s regime said was a NATO air strike on the oil city of Brega that the alliance said targeted a military site. In Paris, meanwhile, senior Libyan rebel leader Mahmud Jibril met President Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss the three-month-old conflict and the prospects for a transition. At least 50 other people were wounded in the NATO attack on the eastern city of Brega that killed 11 imams, or prayer leaders, early Friday, with five of them in critical condition, government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim said.

Hundreds of people gathered at the cemetery in Shatia Al-Henshir, east of the capital, shouting “jihad, jihad”, “martyrs of Libya” and “God, Libya and Muammar”.

Major Khuildi Al-Hamidi, a long-time confidante of Gaddafi, attended the burial, which was punctuated by commemorative gunfire. Mourners hoisted the plain wooden coffins above their heads to carry them into the cemetery and they were open to show what looked like bodies wrapped in green shrouds and garlanded with flowers, a Reuters witness said. “It (NATO’s campaign) is one insult after another to the living and the dead,” said Abdulrahman as he watched the funerals.

In contrast to government accounts, NATO said a “command and control bunker was struck in Brega early (Friday) morning, as the structure was being used by the Gaddafi regime to coordinate strikes against the Libyan civilian population”. “We are aware of allegations of civilian casualties in connection to this strike and although we cannot independently confirm the validity of the claim we regret any loss of life by innocent civilians when they occur.”

Continued on Page 14

US Middle East envoy resigns WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama is losing his special envoy to the Mideast just as the administration is showing a renewed focus on the long-troubled region.

George Mitchell, who helped broker peace in Northern Ireland, announced Friday he is stepping down after fruitless attempts at rekindling Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Obama, accepting the resignation, called Mitchell “a tireless advocate for peace”. “His deep commitment to resolving conflict and advancing democracy has contributed immeasurably to the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security,” Obama said in a statement. He will be replaced by a former ambassador to Jordan, David Hale, who is deputy assistant secretary of state and will serve as acting envoy to the Middle East, the president said.

Mitchell’s departure comes as Obama

George Mitchell

prepares for a flurry of activity on the Middle East, which has seen popular uprisings sprout in several countries but little movement in the effort to find a peaceful settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.

That peace process has been moribund since last fall and further complicated by an agreement between Palestinian factions to share power. Obama plans to deliver a speech next Thursday at the State Department about his administration’s views on developments in the region. The next day - Mitchell’s last on the job - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington.

Obama also will play host to Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Tuesday. And the White House was looking to schedule a speech by Obama to the American Israel Public Affairs Continued on Page 14

US visa lottery to be redrawn

FUJAIRAH: A man runs out of the way as bulls push each other during a traditional bullfight in this Gulf emirate yesterday. — AFP

US hunts alien life WASHINGTON: A massive radio telescope in rural West Virginia has begun listening for signs of alien life on 86 possible Earth-like planets, US astronomers said Friday. The giant dish began this week pointing toward each of the 86 planets - culled from a list of 1,235 possible planets identified by NASA’s Kepler space telescope - and will gather 24 hours of data on each one. “It’s not absolutely certain that all of these stars

have habitable planetary systems, but they’re very good places to look for ET,” said University of California at Berkeley graduate student Andrew Siemion.

The mission is part of the SETI project, which stands for Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence, launched in the mid 1980s. Last month the SETI Institute announced it was shuttering a major part of its efforts - a 50 million dollar Continued on Page 14

WASHINGTON: For a few joyful days, more than 22,000 people around the world thought they had beat the odds and won a lottery that gave them a chance to come and live legally in the United States.

On Friday, the State Department sent its regrets.

Computer problems had negated the lottery’s results, it said. The exercise will have to be repeated, and those announced as winners would have to wait it out with the previous losers. The decision reopens competition for 50,000 wild-card visas for people who otherwise would have little hope of qualifying. About 15 million had applied, so the bad news for 22,000 was very good news for many others who had thought they had lost.

The glitch, which the State Department blamed on an in-house programming error, dashes the hopes of people like Max, a 28-year-old German man. He recently had checked a department website and found what he had hoped for: Out of a random drawing with overwhelmingly long odds, he was one of the lucky few who might get one of the visas. “It’s like you won $100,000, and then they just take it away from you, and it’s gone,” said Max, who would give only his first name for fear that full identification might jeopardize his chances in future applications.

The State Department apologized. “Any results previously posted and available through the website are considered invalid,” the department said in a statement. “We sincerely regret any inconvenience or disappointment this problem might have caused.”

The drawing, which the State Department calls the Diversity Visa Lottery, is an annual free-for-all Continued on Page 14

MANILA: This photo taken on May 5, 2011 shows a member of the Manila international airport immigration team processing a woman, one of hundreds of Philippine citizens seeking to travel abroad. — AFP

Desperate efforts to leave Philippines MANILA: Six women dressed as nuns stood anxiously in a queue at Manila’s chaotic international airport, unaware their shoes were about to end their dreams of an illegal job abroad. At the immigration counter, an official looked up after stamping a genuine traveller’s passport and surveyed the women.

“People were wondering, if they were nuns then why was one nun in rubber shoes and another in red shoes,” said airport immigration chief Lina Andaman Pelia. “And all six just had one bag. You could tell they weren’t real.” Under questioning, the “nuns” admitted they were not heading to a religious seminar in Hong Kong as claimed, rather to Lebanon to work illegally as maids.

And so - just like thousands of desperate Filipinos before them who have tried to use a dizzying array of tricks in an effort to head overseas for a higher paying job - their journey was over before it had begun. Deep poverty in the Philippines has for decades driven Filipinos abroad and about nine million or 10 percent of the population - currently work legally and illegally in a wide range of jobs overseas, according to government data.

While the Philippine government allows its citizens to work overseas, it requires them to have guaranteed labour contracts and to register with state-

approved recruiters. The government says these measures are needed because Filipinos who go abroad can easily be exploited in many ways and, at worst, be forced into crime or prostitution.

Sometimes the country they want to work in has been blacklisted completely, such as was the case with the fake nuns, with the Philippines banning people from working in Lebanon in 2007 due to security and labour concerns there.

But many Filipinos seek to circumvent these rules, with illegal recruiters often setting up the scams. “We have economic problems in this country and sad to say, they become willing victims,” Pelia said, referring to the Filipinos who sneak overseas to work illegally. Pelia said many prospective illegal workers simply presented themselves at airports as tourists, and it was up to the immigration officials to determine their real motive for travelling overseas.

At the immigration desk, staff look for signs to distinguish the illegal workers from legitimate tourists. Pelia said the giveaway could be a bare passport indicating the person had not travelled abroad before, or a plan to “holiday” in areas of the Middle East not normally known to attract Filipino tourists. She said illegal workers were sometimes caught out by being unable to answer Continued on Page 14

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Shooters conferred Amiri awards

KUWAIT: KSSC Chairman Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah (center) with board members (left to right) Dr Nidal Sayyed Omar, Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah during his speech.

Engr Duaij Al-Otaibi, Obeid Al-Osaimi, Essa Bu Taiban and Adnan Al-Ibrahim.

By Abdellatif Sharaa KUWAIT: Kuwait’s medal winning shooters were honored on Thursday during a celebration held at the Kuwait Shooting Sports Club. Its board of directors distributed the Amiri award as per the orders of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. It was received by Chairman of the Board Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem AlHumoud Al-Sabah from HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber.

The sportsmen were honored in appreciation of their efforts to win gold,

silver and bronze medals during their participation in Gulf, Arab, continental and international competitions. His Highness the Amir also instructed that the prize money be doubled to encourage shooters to achieve more, and reinforce Kuwait’s presence and prominence in various sporting arenas.

Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait and Asian Shooting Federations and ISSF Vice President spoke to shooters, asking the board of directors to appreciate their efforts and urge them to work harder for Kuwait’s sake. Sheikh Salman added, “we were pleased as

Kuwait’s shooters received the largest share of Amiri award and the number of shooters awarded were 68. Sheikh Salman said that the board of directors has requested the Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS) to increase the number of professional shooters from 25 to 68. He asked shooters to be committed to training and following the instructions of coaches and officials in order to be able to maintain standards and improve on them. He said that the sport of shooting requires such a high degree of concentration that shooters are compelled to stay away from distractions.

He explained that the achievements made were the result of efforts put in by the board of directors. This is in addition to shooters’ dedication. He said that it is important to follow the rules and regulations so that improvements can be made. He added that the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex features among the best in the world and attracts international shooters to hold training camps. This is because technical and organizational preparations are at their best and asked state officials “to pay more attention to this facility and perform periodical mainte-

nance work.”

He went on to say that the shooting community seeks support that is at par with the achievements garnered. This is in order to ensure that the upcoming events, including the London Olympics to be a success, he remarked.

Sheikh Salman concluded his talk by thanking HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad and HH the Premier for their continued support and encouragement. He also thanked PAYS for its support and the assistance to advance the sport of their forefathers.

Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah awarding shooters Nasser Al-Miqlid, Shahad Al-Hawal, Mai Irzouki and Fuhaid Al-Daihani. —Photos by Walid Hindawi

Awqaf minister under fire after mosque incident KUWAIT: Two lawmakers led a gathering of citizens at a South Surra mosque which was eventually dispersed. The incident took place at Jaber Al-Ali mosque as a group of 150 citizens gathered to hold a pro-Palestinian solidarity movement.

However, the mosque’s administration did not allow the gathering to be held, citing its illegal nature. They reasoned out by saying that a request should be submitted with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs before carrying out public activities at worship places. The gatherers insisted on going ahead with their plans, while MPs Dr Waleed AlTabtabaei and Dr Jamaan Al-Harbash led the angry crowd.

Eventually, security forces arrived at the scene after the mosque’s staff placed an emergency call. The situation was placed under control in less than an hour with people being forced to disperse.

It was also noted that power supply to the mosque was cut off. The Hawally Mosques Department Manager Waleed Al-Satlan explained that this decision was issued by MAIA Undersecretary Dr Adel Al-Falah.

“Whatever has happened is unfortunate. The gatherers stormed the mosque and higher authorities demanded the mob be dispersed without waiting for a response,” Al-Satlan said, reported Al-

Qabas. The new Awqaf minister Mohammad Al-Numas has already been the subject of much ire following the incident. MP Al-Tabtabaei has been quoted in another article demanding that he resign promptly, reported Al-Rai. “[Al-Numas’] started successfully, with his ministry stopping a pro-Aqsa gathering, and went as far as disconnecting power supply and air-conditioning in the mosque,” he said.

He also condemned the Interior Ministry for “stopping a peaceful demonstration outside the mosque.”

Meanwhile, Ahmad Al-Mulaifi, the Minister of Education and Higher Education was recently hospitalized after he attended a public function and fell ill.

According to medical staff at the Military Hospital where he was admitted, the minister complained of inflammation in the chest area and severe coughing, but his condition was found to be stable after he underwent necessary tests.

Mushin Burguba, the Director of Public Relations and Information Department confirmed that the minister has recovered. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and a number of ministers and parliament members visited Al-Mulaifi at the hospital and wished him a speedy recovery.

Iraq-Kuwait relations complicated: Al-Saadi

By A Saleh KUWAIT: Member of the White Iraqi bloc in Iraq’s parliament Alia Nasif said a parliamentary bloc was formed under the name: “Iraq borders protection bloc” in response to Kuwait’s intention to build Mubarak AlKabeer Port in Boubyan Island.

Meanwhile, a leading member of the Iraqi State of Law alliance MP Kamal AlSaadi said Kuwait’s construction of a port near Iraqi shores is a political issue and added “It is still having bitter memories from Iraqi side”.

Al-Saadi said that relations between Iraq and Kuwait are complicated despite the exchange of visits between officials of both countries. He said that Kuwait does not have a unified opinion because the government has one and the national assembly has another towards debts and border security. Al-Saadi also said that Kuwait should deal with Iraq according to its new political system and forget the bitter experiences during Saddam’s regime. He said the port issue will be resolved only through dialogue since Kuwait has many ports that overlook Iraq.

KUWAIT: Naide Ismayilzade, head of the theater sector at the arts department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Ali Al-Rayes, Kuwait’s Ministry of Information’s Assistant Undersecretary for the Kuwaiti Television Affairs to discuss artistic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Kuwaitis safe in wake of Mississippi River flood WASHINGTON: Kuwait ’s Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah said that all the Kuwaiti nationals and students are safe in the wake of the flooding of the Mississippi River. Sheikh Salem told KUNA late on Friday that the embassy and the Kuwaiti Cultural Office contacted the Kuwaiti students and were reassured of their wellbeing.

“We want to reassure the families of the students that the students are doing well and they are all safe,” the Ambassador affirmed. Director of the Cultural Office Dr Abdulaziz Al-Omar

said that they have contacted 13 undergraduate students in Arkansas, nine in Louisiana, 12 in Tennessee and 63 in Missouri, in addition to the graduate students in those states to make sure of their safety.

The Mississippi River flows down the middle of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. The floods were the worst in about 80 years in states along the Mississippi, where over 200 people have been killed in six states. The floods which hit the central US have affected thousands of homes, farms and roads in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. — KUNA

News

in brief

Campaign against teen smoking KUWAIT: The National Antismoking Committee is set to launch a new campaign to counter smoking among teenagers, announced Hamdiya Al-Fadhli in a recent press statement. “The campaign includes displaying flashes at shopping malls and co-op societies around the country with the purpose of spreading the antismoking culture at locations where young people usually meet” Al-Fadhli said. The campaign will be titled ‘My decision now: No more smoking’.

Al-Fadhli also wanted regulations which would legally authorize certain employees at ministries and other state departments to issue citations against people who light up in no-smoking areas.

Criminal cases against expats KUWAIT: The most number of criminal cases against expatriates have been recorded in Ahmadi, a statistical report revealed. At least 219 expatriates were detained with possession of pornographic films. Most of the detainees were Asians and 20,000 films were confiscated. Also, at least 150 ‘vice dens’ were located in the governorate and 1,122 men and women were arrested. Also, 940 prostitutes were taken into custody, reported Al-Anba. Ahmadi Security Director Lt General Abdul Fattah Al-Ali has compiled a list of 6,100 expatriates and requested their deportation to home countries.

Mishref treatment station opens KUWAIT: Mishref sewer treatment station is scheduled to reopen today, two years after its units malfunctioned. Public works ministry tested the station equipment a month ago using clean water and based on the successful results, the ministry decided to resume operations at a cost of KD20 million. Sources said the ministry will open all main networks as the tests on Taawon street were successful. This allowed the ministry to operate the rest of networks such as Mishref, and Sabah Al-Salem areas. Sub-networkers linked to the station will be gradually connected. Sources also said that the ministry will continue monitoring all equipment for extra safety.

Locations allocated for schools KUWAIT: The Kuwait Municipality has approved a request made by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to allocate locations in Al-Ahmadi and Al-Jahra governorates for six private schools. A recent statement quoting Municipality Director Ahmad Al-Subaih indicates that as per the approval, two locations were allocated in Al-Mahboula, Al-Ahmadi, while four others were allocated in northwest of Al-Jahra. The MoE made the request to go ahead with procedures pertaining to relocating 17 private schools currently situated inside residential areas like Jabriya, Bayan, Salwa, Rumathiya.

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NA grilling motions may be referred to legislative panel MPs waiting for the ‘right time’

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior concluded a training session held at the Ports Security Department. A special course was held on dealing with diplomats which also featured participation from Ministry of Defense officers, and those from Jordan. Maj Gen Abdullah AlMuhanna was patronized by Assistant Undersecretary for Ports Security Affairs.

Chest Hospital to participate in catheter conference KUWAIT: The Chest Hospital in Kuwait will par ticipate in the largest conference of the catheter in France, which will be held from May 17 to 20.

Head of the cardiac catheterization unit in the Chest Hospital and faculty member at the University of Kuwait Dr Ibrahim Al-Rashdan said that Kuwait will participate in the conference as a live broadcast center for being the only Arab and eastern country selected by the organizers of the conference.

Al-Rashdan added that this con-

ference is the largest gathering to be held in France specializing in the catheter and has been held annually for almost 20 years and attended by approximately 20,000 participants.

He pointed out that participants would present scientific research or deliver lectures or participate in the live broadcast. He explained that participating as a live broadcast is one of the most difficult experience, noting that Kuwait had previously participated in other areas, such as throwing lectures, debate and scientific research. — KUNA

72% vote for municipal division KUWAIT: A recent online poll showed that 72 percent of respondents said “yes” to the partitioning of the municipality into several independent municipalities, while 20 percent said “no” with eight percent saying “I don’t know”.

Assistant Director General of the Kuwait Municipality for Planning and Administrative Development Ahmad AlManfouhi said yesterday that the survey attracted as many as 464 samples, which had to reply to the question: “Are you for the division of the municipality into inde-

pendent municipalities?”

The poll, which lasted for one month, was posted on the website of the Kuwait Municipality early April, he said. Those who said “yes” to the over ture are opposed to municipal centralization, calling for easing the burden on the central administration and putting an end to bureaucracy, he said. Those who said “no” argued that they are satisfied with the level of services provided by the municipality to citizens and residents at present, he pointed out.— KUNA

KUWAIT: While the Popular Action Bloc (PAB) has decided to hold a seminar to discuss intended grilling motion filed against His Highness the Prime Minister last week, it appears that the Cabinet is likely to refer the motion to the Parliament’s legislative affairs. Oppositionist lawmaker Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei said that this option is most likely ‘after [the Cabinet] cemented majority support by recently joining hands with MP Mekhled AlAzmi.” Furthermore, Al-Tabtabaei said that the panel ‘is almost definitely’ going to render the grilling unconstitutional.

Al-Tabtabaei also announced that MP Abdurrahman Al-Anjari,

who presented the grilling motion jointly with PAB Chairman MP Ahmad Al-Saadoun. He has joined the ‘Nahj’ coalition of oppositionists. The lawmaker urged Al-Anjari’s fellow National Action Bloc(NAB) members to follow suit and join the coalition that currently includes members from his Development and Reform Bloc, and the Popular Action Bloc, reported Al-Qabas.

Meanwhile, Al-Tabtabaei also told a different newspaper that a grilling motion he plans to file along with MP Mohammad Hayef against premier HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad “still stands,” noting that MP Mubarak Al-Waalan might also join forces with them.

He further indicated that they will study the Cabinet’s reaction from the premier’s first grilling motion before going ahead with the second. Meanwhile, an official from the Parliament states that MP Saifi Al-Saifi plans to file an interpellation motion against Health Minister Dr Hilal Al-Sayer. They are also waiting for the ‘right time’ to do so to avoid conflicts with other motions. In addition, MP Saleh Ashour announced that he will not drop plans to revive the grilling motion against Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh, Dr Mohammad Al-Sabah. He is also waiting for a suitable time to present it, reported Al-Rai.

It remains uncertain on what approach the new Cabinet might take to face new grilling motions.

Observers believe that if a decision is arrived at on referring the premier’s grilling motion to the Constitutional Court or the Parliament’s legislative committee, other ministers will demand that the Cabinet make similar requests, reported aljarida.

However, if the Cabinet confronts the lawmakers who intend to grill Health Minister Al-Sayer and Deputy Premier Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad the same way, this may result in the opposition blocs being reinforced in strength and number by providing them with a reason to be aligned.

Experts slam expenditure policies KUWAIT: The government has failed to stop parliament members who seek people’s suppor t at the expense of public funds. This was agreed upon by several sources while commenting on the Cabinet’s inability to stop the parliament from passin g a KD5 0 in crease for pub l i c s e c tor employees with less than KD1,000 monthly pay. “ The Cabinet stood and watched MPs voting in favor of the KD50 increase and the teachers’ allowances which have a collective annual cost if KD600 million”, the sources said, further indicating that the Cabinet is similarly not expected to be able to fight demands to increase salaries of people with salaries that exceed KD1,000 a month “which is likely to happen”.

Moreover, the sources explained that the total amount of increases enforced since July 2005 which include those enforced by the Civil Service Council this past April, have reached nearly KD1.980 billion. If we add the estimated KD2.2 billion spent in the Amiri amnesty this February, the total amount of increase in the state’s annual expenditure on salaries would reach a whopping KD4 billion.

Meanwhile, Al-Shall Repor t indicates that the cost (direct and indirect) for public sector salaries in the current budget was

estimated at KD7.2 billion, but jumped to KD7.5 billion following a single Cabinet session.

The total amount is double the amount of the entire expenditures in general budgets recorded during the end of the nineties of the last century.

“If the influx of workers to the labor mar-

ket keeps increasing by a double and a half, the salary increases that would be required to be enforced to cover inflation rates, will increase the total salaries’ budget to KD20 billion within a decade”, the report reads, noting that it would be impossible for the government to be able to allocate such a huge amount for salaries. — Al-Qabas

Lawmaker inquires about National Offset Company KUWAIT: A lawmaker questioned the Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shamali, regarding rumors surrounding the National Offset Company about staff members being pressured to carry out certain executive procedures in the offset program.“Do NOC regulations allow the CEO to intervene directly in the company’s executive work?” MP Ali Al-Omair asked and inquired about news which indicate that the CEO has instructed directors to deal with local and international clients and project owners verbally, and avoid certain sensitive decisions from reaching the media.

Al-Omair also asked whether the NOC has a strategy that goes in line with decisions made by the Foreign Ministry and the Cabinet, as well as the state’s regulations. Moreover, he inquired about whether foreign contractors have the ability to choose the offset projects they desire to carry out, or if the NOC compels them with certain projects.The National Offset Company is a government owned closed shareholding corporation that was founded in April 2006.

It is responsible for the management of the Kuwait Offset Program on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. — Al-Qabas

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Controversy over Quran center shut down decision ‘Setback in correctional process’

KUWAIT: Several criticisms have been leveled against a decision made by Maj Gen Anwar AlYassine, Ministry of Interior’s Assistant Undersecretary for Correctional Facilities Affairs, to shut down Quran recitation night classes for inmates. Some lawmakers called the decision a “setback in the correctional process.”

American officers inspect National Guards band KUWAIT: A visiting delegation from the US Army praised the performance of the military band of the Kuwait National Guard saying that the guards’ performance matches those of international ones.

The American officers, during a visit to the musical unit of the National Guard, where they were welcomed by the commander, Lieutenant Colonel A h m a d Yo u s e f A l - M a t a r, h a i l e d t h e g ro u p fo r exhibiting high professional standards.

Lieut Col Al-Matar briefed the eminent guests about the history of the band since its establishment in 1977. The visitors toured the squad sections and examined various musical instruments.

Visitors awarded slogans of the American Army to the commander of the Kuwaiti band and the Kuwaiti side reciprocated by awarding them with a shield. —KUNA

International Day of Nursing observed ‘it is time society changed views about profession’ KUWAIT: The Kuwait Nursing College along with Dar Al-Shifa hospital celebrated the International Day of Nursing yesterday at Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmad Hall.

The college’s Dean Khawla AlYacoub, delivered a speech on the occasion, stating that the nursing college’s mission is to conduct edu-

cational nursing programs as per the specifications laid down by accredited universities and also to prepare graduates to practice the profession, in addition to developing students’ ability to face challenges in the field of medical care.

She spoke about the partnership venture with Dar Al-Shifa hospital

that was made possible through the participation of Narjes Al-Yousifi as member of the board of the nursing college, and the participation of the hospital in training graduate nurses.

“Today’s celebration is a result of this cooperation.”

In his speech, Ministry of Health representative Assistant Undersecretar y, Dr Rashed AlRoshood said that the International Nursing Council celebrates international day annually. “This year, the celebration is being held jointly with nursing college and Dar AlShifa hospital. it shows the world’s concern about the nursing profession, which is not less important than the role of the doctors in the field of medical care.” He emphasized that the ministry plans to improve the level of services rendered in all its hospitals by implementing strategic plans for growth , especially in the nursing field.

The medical consultant for Dar Al-Shifa hospital Dr Adnan Abul reviewed the achievements garnered by nursing staff at the hospital, saying that it is time that the society changes views about the most honorable profession known to humanity. The medical profession depends on group work and not individual work. At the end of the ceremony, an awards ceremony was held. Awatef Al-Qattan, Director of Nursing Administration at the Ministry of Health was honored for supporting the nursing college.

“[ The decision] is catastrophic, and was clearly made by someone who is not fully aware of the role played by the center since its establishment 27 years ago,” said MP Mohammad Hayef. He commented on the closure of Al-Rashad (guidance) Quran Center.

Meanwhile, MP Falah Al-Sawagh indicates that he had already discussed the subject with Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh

Ahmad Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah. He has reportedly promised to solve the problem within a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, the decision has shed light on the lack of coordination between the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

The management of the Central Jail where the center is located, had explained that the decision was made after the center was held accountable for the incident in which

Financial policies to be reviewed

By A Saleh KUWAIT: MP Ali Al-Diqbasi said financial policies that the government is adopting towards citizens must be reviewed. He said what was published about the issuance of 150,000 arrest warrants and travel bans are because of debts and explained that this is a dangerous indicator of the financial situation of citizens owing to government’s inept policies. Al-Diqbasi said the government must review its policies on many issues related to the financial status of the citizens according to this situation and that the numbers point to more dangers in the presence of the insolvents fund and the beneficiaries of the fund.

Debenhams offers discount for NBK credit card holders KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the best bank in the Middle East offers its credit cardholders an exclusive discount up to 30 percent on their purchases from Debenhams in a joint promotion with M H Alshaya Co from May 15-28, 2011. The promotion is valid at all Debenhams store locations in Kuwait which includes the Avenues Mall, Souk Sharq and Kuwait International Airport.

The promotion is exclusive for NBK credit cardholders of Visa, M asterCard and Diners Club credit cards, whereby they get a 20 percent instant discount on a minimum purchase of KD50 from any Debenhams store. In addition, NBK credit card holders get 10 percent off on the same purchase amount back in the form of NBK Rewards points.

NBK Deputy General Manager Consumer Banking Group, Abdulla Al-Najran Al-Tuwajri said: “This joint promotion is an example of NBK’s commitment towards its customers. We have had similar and very successful collaborations with Debenhams in the past and these promotions are aimed to meet our card holders’ needs and expectations”.

“Debenhams is the leading department store in the Middle East and offers a unique combination of designer ranges created exclusively for Debenhams.

Visit Debenhams today and take advantage of this offer across the whole store including our womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, beauty and home departments. We are very excited to be joining forces with NBK as a part of this exciting promotion.” said Kevin Pender, Marketing and Visual Manager for Debenhams in the Middle East.

Prime minister’s grilling a risk: Jowhar KUWAIT: MP Hassan Jowhar said that MPs Ahmad Al-Saadoun and Abdurrahman AlAnjari took a risk when they presented a grilling motion against His Highness the Prime Minister after the new Cabinet was sworn in, because the motion will likely be referred to the constitutional motion or the parliament’s legislative committee. MP Hassan Jowhar indicated that the Cabinet will be sustained for longer than expected if the grillings continue to be delayed in the same manner.

Jowhar said in a recently televised interview

that lawmakers should ensure that grilling motions they intend to file garner public support, before going ahead with filing them “in order to restore people’s confidence in the parliament”. He also questioned the new formation of the Cabinet which saw the return of “controversial ministers and the exclusion of those who did nothing wrong”.

Meanwhile, Jowhar advised Health Minister Dr Helal Al-Sayer and urged him to achieve reforms at his ministry “which is a grilling magnet since every health minister has eventually

an inmate broke out from jail, reported Al-Rai. “The escapee was not enrolled into the center in the first place,” the official said, further cementing his argument that the incident took place on a Friday; which was a day off for the center.

“The jail’s management explained when contacted that they were not able to deploy enough number of security forces during night shift.”

been subjected to an interpellation”. He also advised Education and Higher Education Minister Ahmad Al-Hulaifi by calling him to “gain the trust of teachers” by enforcing their proposed allowances, while acknowledging the challenge that new Information Minister Sami Al-Nisf faces with regard to the national unity subject and fighting sectarianism.

And while he addressed the development plan by indicating that it hasn’t started probably since its financing process is yet to be finalized, Ashour insisted that MPs must find a for-

mula to compensate for lost parliament sessions during the 40-day period between the Cabinet’s resignation and the formation of the new Cabinet.

Jowhar also mentioned the subject of Jordan and Morocco’s membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council, by describing this step as a “leap into the unknown”, and said that he will coordinate with other lawmakers to request a parliament session to be allocated in order to discuss this subject “at least to determine Kuwait’s point of view on the subject”. —Al-Rai

Dubai to host Arab Media Forum DUBAI: Egypt’s caretaker Premier Essam Sharaf will deliver the opening speech at the 10th Arab Media Forum that will be held here on 17- 18 May, Dubai Press Club, forum organizer, announced Saturday.

In a press statement, the DPC said that the participation of the Egyptian Prime Minister comes on the background of the major political, social, and media shifts witnessed in Egypt and other parts of the Middle East.

In addition to highlighting the developments in his country and the wider Arab region, Sharaf will share his vision on the role of media in the current circumstances, the statement said.

He will also underline the importance of education and scientific research to aid the development of Egypt and the Arab world. Sharaf took over as Prime Minister of Egypt on 3 March 2011. He is Egypt’s first post-revolutionary premier. Earlier, he has served as a transportation consultant for governments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. For a brief period from 2004 to 2005, he was the transport minister in the former Egyptian cabinet. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Faisal Al-Qanae, Secretary General of the Kuwait Journalists’ Association met Yassin AlRawashda, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to Kuwait to discuss the recent updates regarding journalistic cooperation following a visit carried out by the KJA to the Balkan nation earlier this year.

KUWAIT: The car accident on the Second Ring Road yesterday.

Two Kuwaitis injured in car accident

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A car collided and overturned at the Second Ring Road at dawn yesterday which resulted in two Kuwaiti young men being injured seriously. Al-Shuhada fire center exerted effort to help the men out of the car which had become a wreck. Car races take place on weekends at the end of the Second Ring Road and despite the traffic department’s best efforts to curb them, the drags happen regularly and most of them end in tragic accidents.

Drug bust An Asian expat was arrested with 80 grams of heroin. He was arrested at Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, and referred to public prosecutors on charges of possessing and trading in drugs.

News

in brief

Workers’ shelter set up in Jleeb KUWAIT: The Cabinet has set aside KD 700,000 to build permanent shelters for male and female laborers who have been subjected to abuse by employers. Hadi Al-Enizy, Deputy Director of Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor(MSAL) indicated that the shelter will be built in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh with a capacity to accommodate 900 people. Al-Enizy further indicated that a public school has been selected as the location for the shelter after it was rebuilt as per the guidelines laid down, reported Al-Watan. He noted that representatives from the Interior, Health, and Justice ministries will be present at the shelter, in addition to MSAL’s representatives.

Egypt bourse expects investments KUWAIT: Head of Egypt ’s Bourse Mohammad Abdelsalam expected an increase in investments from Gulf companies and establishments in Egypt’s bourse in the near future. He said during a news conference at the end of his visit to Kuwait that he felt Kuwaiti and Gulf determination to invest in the Egyptian bourse and elaborated that there are financial establishments that entered the Egyptian market for the first time after the January 25th revolution. He revealed it was agreed with Kuwait bourse officials to carry out effective measures to link the two bourses after gaining approval from Kuwait stock markets authorities. Abdelsalam said the suspended shares that belonged to individuals from Mubarak’s regime are being tried now and will remain status quo until the court rules on them.

Kuwait traffic campaign KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry said here yesterday it, together with Zain, would carry out and integrated traffic awareness campaign targeting all categories of the society in general and motorists in particular. The ministry said in a release the move is part of cooperation and coordination between the security establishment and the private sector, and efforts to establish a societal partnership in order to employ the concept of social responsibility. The campaign is chiefly intended to promote traffic awareness with a view to ensuring the safety of people, the ministry added. A relevant preparatory meeting was held between some officials of the Interior Ministry and Zain with the goal of sharing views and visions on the planned campaign.

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Three-year-old run over by his family-owned car Parent accused of carelessness

KUWAIT: Some participants of the five-day forum pose for a group photograph.

Blind Forum agrees on standardizing Braille symbols KUWAIT: Standardizing Braille symbols in computers and phones was the most important outcome of the Arab Blind Forum, Head of Kuwait Blind Association Fayez Al-Azmi said on Saturday.

Speaking to the press at the end of a five-day forum which was held in Kuwait, Al-Azmi said that a number of recommendations were agreed upon to standardize math symbols and some Arabic alphabetic symbols

according to the Braille system.

“These recommendations will be circulated among all Arab countries who handed out computers and phones manufacturing companies to make the necessary adjustments,” AlAzmi pointed out.

He further clarified that the approval of Asian Blind Union will help speed up the implementation process.

In conclusion, he noted that the

Kuwait Digest

New questions regarding GCC expansion

By Dr Khalid Boodai

M

ember states of the Gulf Cooperation Council announced their willingness to expand the union by including both Jordan and Morocco. While we appreciate both countries as being two Arab states with whom the GCC is required to coordinate with, there are some questions that a lot of people have in mind pertaining to the decision to invite them to become the newest members of the union.

First, has there been comprehensive studies carried out before taking a crucial decision of expanding the GCC, which would cover the repercussions of such a step? Second, what were the reasons based on which Jordan and Morocco were handpicked out of all Arab countries, and how can the GCC justify their rejection to a bid made by another country to join the union?

The third question that people are asking is whether there has been a study to look into the effects of such decision with regard to an influx of labor forces from both countries to the original six GCC states - at a time when the Gulf states are already suffering from unemployment and increasing rates of unproductive laborers? The fourth question is, if the GCC is expanded to include countries that do not overlook the Arabian Gulf, does that mean that the council should be renamed something like the Arab Cooperation Council which would allow membership of other Arab countries?

And if the reason behind the GCC expansion is in fact to reinforce security of the region’s countries, wouldn’t the original six states have done so through treaties and militar y cooperation agreements instead? Also, are there plans to hold public referendums or consultations with local parliamentarian and consultative councils to take their approval regarding this crucial decision?

The GCC has its own particularity. They can in fact sign agreements with other countries to reinforce the region’s security from outside threats. I hope that my article isn’t misunderstood as being pro-regionalist, but the subject needs to be looked at from a logical and subjective standpoint. Can Kuwait make a request to join the EU? Of course such a bid would be unrealistic because membership to the EU is only restricted to European countries - similar to the way the GCC only includes Arab states overlooking the Arabian Gulf. — Al-Rai

Kuwait Blind Association always strives to provide the best and full welfare for the blind, lauding the support provided by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to the blind as well as his patronage to this forum.

Arab delegations from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Morocco participated in the forum. — KUNA

National Guards honor organizing committee KUWAIT: Director of Moral Guidance Dept of Kuwait National Guards Colonel Mohammed Al-Farhan hosted a ceremony on Friday to honor members of the committee in charge of organizing the country’s national celebrations in late February.

Al-Farhan, who also serves as the president of the committee said, in a statement on the occasion, that such honor comes in appreciation and recognition of National Guard’s senior leadership represented by its president, Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Deputy President of National Guard Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Guard Undersecretary, Major General Nasser AlDaiee, and Assistant Undersecretary of National Guard Brigadier Zayid Nasser.

The efforts exerted by prominent members of the committee through their collaboration with brothers in various units and through the participation of guards in programs and activities of the country’s national celebrations this year were recognized, Al-Farhan said. Al-Farhan added that ideas proposed by members of the committee and their initiatives highlighted the distinct and bright image of the National Guards, including their cooperation with various civil society institutions which created a type of cohesion and unity among the employees of the Guard and citizens during the celebrations.

He also noted on the fine performance of all participants of the National Guards during the joint military presentation, which was held with the participation of Kuwait Ministry of Defense and the Interior Ministry in AlSubiya. — KUNA

‘Ahmadi free from gas leak issue’ KUWAIT: The Ahmadi area is free from the gas leak issue that had plagued it for a while, the committee in charge of monitoring the situation confirmed. It comprises members from the Environment Public Authority (EPA), Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD), Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). They also asked residents to return to their homes.

A leading EPA official said the committee is sure that gas rates are back to normal, and confirmed that the citizen can return to their homes soon, reported Aljarida.

The committee told home owners that the rehabilitation costs of homes will be borne by the government, and that it will organize an exhibition to allow them to choose the furniture they want, free of charge.

This is in addition to renovating the interiors that were destroyed by digging while trying to detect methane gas. Meanwhile, many residents are refusing to return because they are afraid that the problem will recur.

Wataniya Telecom sponsors first sports festival KUWAIT: Based on its passionate corporate social responsibility, Wataniya Telecom sponsored the first sports festival for the integration of individuals with special needs. This aims to encourage students with special needs (Down’s Syndrome) through sports competitions and entertainment.

Having participated in the festival which was held recently at Qadisiya Sports Club, 100 students participated in this event and represented the following schools: Khalid Bin Al-Waleed School, Essa Hussain Al-Yousifi, Muhammad Ismael Al-Ghanim Anjefa School and Mulla Sulaiman AlKhonaini.

Commenting on this sponsorship, Abdolaziz Al-Balool Director of Public Relations at Wataniya Telecom said that “Wataniya Telecom has always been keen to take part in these kinds of activities which enhances its social responsibility towards the community and helps in achieving stability and balance between members of the society”.

“Our participation in this festival came from our belief in the importance of integrating people with special abilities and creating equal oppor-

tunities to all of them” Al-Balool added. Physical Education first supervisor for Mubarak Al-Kabeer educational governorate Ali Najaf expressed his thanks and appreciation to Wataniya Telecom for its support and contribution in providing number of gifts and prizes for best scores during the festival. Wataniya Telecom’s partic-

ipation was approached to emphasize the ongoing social responsibilities initiatives. Moreover, this showcases the company’s concern and ambition to support people with special needs in sports activities. Wataniya promises to continue its efforts to deliver its message to integrate people with special needs in our society.

KUWAIT: A three-year-old child died after being run over by his familyowned car. The vehicle moved accidently after his 5-year-old brother maneuvered the vehicle. Paramedical staff who were informed of the incident rushed to Fahad Al-Ahmad where the accident took place. They later pronounced the child dead.

Investigations confirmed that the victim had been playing behind the car while his brother was left unattended in the vehicle and accidently freed the hand breaks, reported Al-Rai. Their father told police that he had only left his child in the car for a few minutes when the accident happened.

Jet ski accident A nine-year-old child was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) of Mubarak Hospital after being hit by a jet ski while swimming along the Salmiya beach. The victim was reportedly trying to reach for safety when a group of jet skis accosted him, and was fatally wounded by the machine, reported Al-Rai. Coastguards arrested the jet skier who caused the accident eventhough he fled the scene of the accident immediately.

Good Samaritan A citizen was hospitalized after being hit by a steel pipe on the head while trying to assist a woman who was being harassed. The incident took place at a Sabah Al-Salem street, where the 19-year-old jumped to the rescue of the woman who struggled to ward off a harasser that was following her, reported Al-Rai. A fight broke out between the good Samaritan and the harasser. It ended after the latter used a steel pipe to hit his foe before trying to escape. Investigations are currently ongoing.

Kidnap attempt Police are seeking to nab a fourmember Asian gang that stabbed a compatriot while trying to stop them from kidnapping his wife. The victim was taking a stroll along with his wife in Mirqab when the assailants attacked the couple. He was able to push them off momentarily while attempting to abduct his wife, who was stabbed in the waist.

Nevertheless, he was able to thwart

the kidnap attempt, reported Al-Rai. A case was filed with Al-Salhiya police station and investigations are underway.

Harassments A teenager was stabbed during a fight that broke out between him and an assailant. The incident took place outside a park located in the Capital governorate. The 16-year-old confronted the assailant who had followed his sister. The confrontation turned violent as the two engaged in a brawl, during which the man stabbed the young man in his shoulder and escaped. An attempt to murder case was filed at the Sulaibikhat police station, reported Al-Rai. He was admitted to Sabah Hospital.

Meanwhile, two women were detained at a park in Mubarak AlKabeer governorate after engaging in a fight, reported Al-Rai. During interrogation, it was learnt that the fight broke out after one of the women tried to molest the other.

Sibling rivalry A citizen stormed into his brother’s house with a weapon in hand, and left the premises after physically assaulting him. Police, who were informed of the incident, headed to the Sulaibikhat home, reported Al-Rai. The victim said that the suspect fired bullets into the air before fleeing the scene. Investigations were conducted.

Fake theft An Asian man who is believed to have reported a fake theft case in an attempt to escape with money entrusted by his employer, has been arrested. Police had reached a location in Al-Sharq. The man told them that thieves had broken into his car and made away with KD 11,000 that was to be deposited at a local bank, reported Al-Rai. However, police grew suspicious after the man furnished conflicting statements in his story, especially regarding the timing during which he claimed to have headed to a public restroom when the so-called theft took place.

Suicide attempt An Indonesian woman was admitted to Adan hospital after fracturing

her foot. She fell from a height in AlMangaf, reported Al-Watan. It was revealed that the woman had jumped off the second floor of an apartment where she works as a housemaid, in an apparent suicide attempt.

Suspect held A young man was apprehended at the Nuwaiseeb border checkpoint in connection with driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspect, a GCC national was trying to make his way to Kuwait from his home country.

He was interrogated after traces of stab wounds were also found on his neck, reported Al-Anba. Police suspected that he must have escaped from his country where he could be involved in riots.

Student molested A case was filed with the Juvenile Delinquent Department concerning an incident where a 12-year-old boy was accused of molesting a classmate in an Ahmadi school. A citizen and his son filed a complaint with the nearest police station about the attacker, reported Al-Anba. The child explained that he was locked inside the bathroom and forced to explicit sexual acts with the molester.

Students dismissed Two male students were rusticated from a high school in Jaber Al-Ali after they were caught with possession of feminine clothes and makeup, reported Al-Anba. The school’s administrator had received several complaints about the ‘erratic behavior’ exhibited by the students.

MEW coordination Sources said Electricity and Water Minister Salem Al-Athaina ordered all assistant undersecretaries to prepare a detailed report about their sectors and explain all plans, programs and projects to be implemented with suggestions on how to improve performance. Sources said the minister focused on issues that contained violations according to the Audit Bureau, and others that could obstruct the ministry’s works. They said that AlAthaina warned against violations and urged the quick implementation of Audit Bureau reports.

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Kuwait Digest

Earning trust takes effort

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

I

previously wrote about why I feel that the Gulf Cooperation Council is more of a union between ruling systems or governments than a people’s union. It doesn’t take a genius to notice that the majority of GCC member states lack democratic institutes which would enable the people to achieve the country’s goals.

With news about inviting Jordan and Morocco to join the GCC, one can’t help but notice that this invitation has ignored Iraq, who is generally considered more worthy of the honor since it actually overlooks the Arabian Gulf and shares several common cultural factors with the original member states. In the meantime, it is also noticed that this invitation has overlooked countries like Syria, Egypt and Sudan, while going all the way to Morocco at the other side of the Arab World.

In my opinion, the notion that Jordan and Morocco would be handpicked to join the council out of other Arab countries supports the idea I mentioned earlier about the council being a unity of regimes. The reason why I believe is because both Jordan and Morocco follow the monarchy rule, whereas Iraq and Syria are republics.

Meanwhile, among the most talked about speculations regarding the recent GCC expansion bid is that it aims to reinforce mutual security coordination in face of an alleged Iranian threat. If we speculate that this threat is real, would it be better for our interests to agitate it, or contain it? From a financial standpoint, wouldn’t be better to contain a conflict today than having to deal with it tomorrow after it escalates?

If I were a ruler of a GCC state and believe that my country and other countries in the region are subjected to an Iranian threat, I would have acted to contain the situation before it escalated to a point where addressing the threat would cost us more. It’s not of just our interest, nor is it of Iranians’ interest, but in the interest of all the people who live in the region.

But since I’m only a GCC citizen who has (or at least is supposed to have) the right of self-determination, I urge our leaders to consider the following: it is better, safer and less costly to solidify trust with the Iranian people instead of antagonizing them. The beliefs that some people in both parts of the region have shouldn’t warrant as a reason to start conflicts which have unpleasant outcomes.

Not ever yone in Iran is a mullah or the Revolutionary Guard. A peaceful approach can be adopted if we grow confidence in the Iranian people, who like all people around the world, aspire to live in peace and avoid wars.

Meanwhile, trust can be earned by building democratic systems and boosting the Gulf people’s commitment to protecting the interests of fellow human beings in Iran the same way they are committed to protecting their own interests.

Public systems would provide a basis for overcoming disputes between nations based on mutual interests. The lack of such a system makes it easier for conflicts to be created as a way to draw people’s attention from internal issues. — Al-Qabas

KCCI chief hails Kuwaiti-German economic relations BERLIN: Chairman of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Ali Al-Ghanim hailed yesterday the strong economic relations between Arab world and Germany.

In an interview following the closing session of 14th Arab-German Business Forum, KCCI chief highlighted the significant role played by the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ghorfa) in developing the economic relation between Germany and the whole Arab world, in general and the State of Kuwait in particular.

“This is the most active chamber of commerce and industry linking the Arab world with world countries and blocs and taking the Arab-German ties to a new horizon,” he said.

Ghanim attributed part of the Ghofra success to its President Thomas Bach’s love to the Arab world and the strenuous efforts he exerts for developing his country’s relations with Arab countries.

He noted that Germany has very special relations with Arab Gulf countries, particularly Kuwait.

Kuwait has investments in Germany date back to 1960s particularly in the auto industry, Ghanim said, adding that these investments do not face any problems, due to the distinguished legal system there that does not discriminate against foreign investors.

On the other hand, KCCI chief expressed his admiration of the educational system applied in Germany, hoping that Kuwait educational institutions may draw upon its advantages.

This Arab-German Business Forum was held is under the patronage of Rainer Bruderle, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, with the main focus being Arab-German cooperation in the fields of infrastructure and construction, financial services, logistics, privatization and investment, transport, energy efficiency, as well as environmental technologies.

The forum provided a promising and unique platform for successful business perspectives and the strengthening of existing economic ties between Germany and the Arab world. About 800 participants from the Arab world, Germany and Europe are taking part in the gathering.

For sixty years the Ghofra has promoted bilateral business relations between the Arab world and Germany.

Representing 2100 member companies Ghofra is the largest organization in the framework of business cooperation between Germany and the Arab world. The Chamber has become one of the most innovative providers of services for German Arab trade. — KUNA

TOKYO: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi and other dignitaries at the charity bazaar.

Kuwaiti embassy holds charity bazaar in Tokyo Financial support for quake victims TOKYO: The Kuwaiti Embassy in Tokyo achieved yesterday a great success in a charity bazaar aimed at raising funds for the March 11 disaster victims in Japan, with a large number of visitors attending the one-day event.

The proceeds from the humanitarian charity will be donated to the disaster-affected areas through the Japanese Red Cross Society, according to Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi.

The stands set up in the embassy were thronged with people buying a variety of high quality Kuwaiti products such as traditional costumes, artifacts, food, sweets and coffee.

A line-up of activities also included Arabic calligraphy, a photo shoot in Kuwaiti costumes and henna art for visitors, as well as Arab music concert and a raffle.

Kuwait is the only Arab country whose embassy hosts a charity bazaar in Japan for the victims from the disaster on March 11. In her speech at the opening ceremony, former Defense Minister Yuriko Koike, who is serving for the Japanese Red Cross Society, praised the Kuwaiti embassy for organizing the event.

“On behalf of the people and the government of Japan, I would like to thank HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah and Ambassador Al-Otaibi for expressing deep sympathy to our country, especially for victims in the devastating areas. Kuwait has responded promptly and sincerely to our crisis soon after the disaster.”

She also commended Kuwait’s

decision to donate 5 million barrels of crude oil to Japan, which is equivalent to some $550 million. “We will remember deep friendship and kindness shown

by Kuwait for centuries.” Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoshikatsu Nakayama said he was touched by the solidarity extended by the government and the people of Kuwait through generous donations and the charity bazaar.

He also praised Al-Otaibi’s visit last month to the disasterhit northeastern region to offer survivors specially-designed soccer balls, school supplies, food and living necessities. “It gave the people great relief, encouragement and hope, especially for children,” Nakayama said.

The magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami killed nearly 26,000 people in northeastern and eastern Japan.

For his part, the ambassador reiterated Kuwait’s keenness to help Japan’s reconstruction efforts, saying, “We are trying to maximally eliminate pain from

all the people affected by the disaster.

I am confident that Japan will recover from this catastrophe and rebuild the nation even stronger than ever. I also thank Kuwaiti diplomats and all embassy staff for their efforts to ensure the safety of Kuwaiti citizens here after the disaster and working hard for this event.” AlOtaibi also expressed his gratitude to the Kuwaiti government for allowing his embassy to continue its work in Japan and supporting the charity event.

A Japanese woman in her 30s who lives nearby the embassy said, “I’ve just dropped in after seeing a banner outside. Having a charity bazaar is a wonderful way to lend assistance to victims. I was impressed with the active role of Kuwaiti embassy in supporting our country at a time many other embassies in Tokyo have shut down and evacuated diplomats after an accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.”

Another Japanese resident, who came with his wife and two

children, said, “It is our first time to enter the embassy. This bazaar does not only contribute to relief efforts in the disasterhit areas, but also helps bring Kuwaiti and Japanese cultures closer.”

Meanwhile, Egyptian Ambassador to Japan Dr Walid Abdelnasser praised the Kuwaiti ambassador and his wife, Jamila Al-Otaibi for taking an initiative to raise donations for victims.

“This shows how Kuwait and Arab countries are appreciating

and respecting Japan, and it will be reflected positively.” Pakistani Ambassador to Japan Noor Muhammad Jadmani said the event is not only for raising money toward relief efforts, but also becomes a good opportunity to express solidarity of Kuwait and international community with Japan.

“Japan has helped Pakistan and other countries during disasters, and now it is our turn to support Japan in its difficult times,” Jadmani said. — KUNA

GCC health ministers to meet in Riyadh RIYADH: GCC health ministers are scheduled to hold their 71st meeting in Geneva on Tuesday to adopt topics tentatively examined at the 74th meeting of the Executive Committee of GCC Ministers of Health that was hosted by Riyadh last week.

Dr Tawic Khojah, the head of the committee, said in a statement yesterday that the commission had deliberated several subjects that would be submitted to the ministerial meeting-related to combating communicable diseases, vocational health, polio and nursing.

The ministers, he added, would look, during their gathering due to convene on sidelines of meetings of the General Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO), into other issues, namely pricing of drugs, a Saudi plan for fighting aids in the GCC countries, and

VIVA sponsors Hala Ramadan expo KUWAIT: Assuring the commitment towards the local community, the Kuwait telecommunications company VIVA, sponsored the first Hala Ramadan expo at the 360 Mall as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The event was launched on May 10, at the 360 Mall and continued for three days ending on May 12.

VIVA expressed that the company is keen to sponsor such events, as it is within their CSR strategy to contribute to serving various segments of the society, pointing out that the event opening had attracted a greater audience with the contribution of numerous entertaining activities.

On this occasion, the exhibition was

held under the patronage of Sheikha Feryal Duaij Salman Al-Sabah and is considered as one of the most important exhibitions for Ramadan, VIVA mentioned.

VIVA fur ther explained that the company is always keen to supporting such activities for the Kuwaiti society and its citizens. VIVA aims to encourage and support young people in various fields, especially within small projects and business which lay the foundations for a better promising future of Kuwait. VIVA announced alongside with this unique event sponsored for the month of Ramadan, that there will be more projects and sponsorships to be announced later which will surprise everyone pleasantly.

the executive bureau’s winning of the 2011 prestigious International Platinum Star For Quality Award.

Elaborating, Khojah said the ministers would examine these topics in addition to the compatibility of the GCC states policies with those of the international approaches regarding issues such as combating epidemics, in preparation for the high-level conference, due to be held at the UN General Assembly, scheduled New York in September 2011.

Khojah added that the ministers would also adopt the Kuwaiti initiative or promoting the vocational health, made following the fourth GCC meeting for vocational health, held in Kuwait last April. Other topics on the table will be unifying the pricing of the medicines and Al-Riyadh’s documents for combating aids. — KUNA

Kuwaiti film ‘Tora Bora’ Distributed in Mideast CANNES: Director General of Operations in Kuwait National Cinema Co. (Cinescape) Hisham Al-Ghanem said here yesterday that an agreement has been reached with Kuwaiti Director and Producer Waleed AlAwadhi to obtain the rights for distribution to his film Tora Bora in the Middle East countries. The movie is being screened at the Cannes Film Festival 2011 between May 11-22.

Al-Ghanem said that the screening of Tora Bora was well received in a very vital cinema market like Cannes Film, noting that there was positive reviews and admiration to Kuwait’s creativity in cinema industry.

The official also stressed importance on having Cinescape present in

such an important event like Cannes festival, due to its importance to the film industry and attendance of worldwide international audience and businesses in such field.

Al-Ghanem added that Cinescape was also able, despite the fact the festival only been started in four days, to obtain exclusive rights to films like Woman in Black starring Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, along with the film So Undercover, starring Miley Cyrus. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti film Tora Bora is a heart breaking story of a father who is in search of his son in the mountains of Afghanistan.

He then discovers that his only son has been trained by one of the extremist organizations. — KUNA

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Martelly takes oath as Haiti’s president

Pakistan’s MPs slam Bin Laden raid Page 12

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Bin Laden watching blue movies?

Porn stash found at Osama’s compound

ABBOTTABAD: Pakistan army soldier secures a street close to the house (background) of former Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. (Inset) A man identified by the US government as Osama bin Laden watches television. — AP

WASHINGTON: A sizeable stash of pornography was among the items seized when US Navy SEALs raided the Pakistani hideout of Osama bin Laden, almost two weeks ago, US officials say. The officials said it was unclear who the material belonged to, and there was no way to know whether bin Laden had viewed it. Bin Laden’s son and two other adult male couriers lived at the compound, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss matters of intelligence. The pornography was among the computer materials confiscated in the raid after the SEALs killed bin Laden, ending an almost ten-year manhunt for the terrorist behind the Sept 11, 2001 terror attacks.

The disclosure that US investigators found pornography, which provoked ridicule among bloggers Friday - fuels the US narrative that bin Laden was not the respectable or noble figure that his supporters embraced. The

US government previously asserted that bin Laden hid behind a woman in the compound as a “human shield” on the night of the raid but later revised its account of the deadly shooting inside the compound and said she rushed at one of the Navy SEALs and was shot in the calf. The SEALs fatally shot bin Laden in a post-midnight raid May 2 at his hidden compound in the Pakistani army town of Abbottabad, shooting him in the head and chest when he ducked away from the raiders into his bedroom - they thought, reaching for a weapon.

After they killed him, they confiscated what US officials call a “treasure trove” of information from bin Laden’s second-floor office. The items included a handwritten journal, five computers, ten hard drives and 110 thumb drives seized at the site. All the media taken from the site is now being analyzed by a CIA-led team. The material includes a record of emails that were

sent by flash or thumb drives, carried out by couriers on foot, and transmitted at internet cafes, giving bin Laden access to Al-Qaeda’s offshoots inside Pakistan, and as far away as Yemen and Europe.

The emails show he helped chose target cities and guide overall the overall militant strategy, encouraging followers to attack soft US targets like smaller, less protected cities in the American heartland, aiming to take as many casualties as possible. Bin Laden’s handwritten journal includes his own philosophical debates over how to force the US government to withdraw from the Arab world, and included musings over how to kill President Barack Obama, US officials say. Bin Laden concluded he was too well protected. So far, none of the information has tipped them off to new plots under way, or to suspects against whom they could take quick action, one of the officials said.— AP

Protesters clash with Oman security forces Protesters demand more jobs, better wages MUSCAT: Omani security forces arrested dozens of protesters demanding jobs and higher salaries in Salalah yesterday, witnesses said, after a wave of arrests in the southern port city in recent days. Security forces had on Thursday fired shots in the air to push out protesters camped outside the provincial governor ’s office, destroying their tents and arresting dozens and possibly hundreds. Fresh clashes in Salalah erupted again on Friday. “Security forces used their batons and took away protesters in three army buses,” one witness, who did not want to be identified said by telephone.

The violent clashes between security forces and protesters continued until the early hours of yesterday. “The security forces are still there this morning to make sure no protester comes back. But we hear that most of the people arrested on Thursday have been released,” another witness said.

Protesters have focused on demands for more jobs, better wages and an

end to graft. They have also urged more democratic reforms in the conservative sultanate.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said, a US ally who has ruled Oman for 40 years, promised a $2.6 billion spending package in April after nearly two months of demonstrations inspired by popular Arab uprisings across the

Arab world. Many protesters have been unsatisfied with Sultan Qaboos’ response to their demands, saying the changes have been partial or too slow. Earlier this week, Omani police arrested six people involved in a demonstration demanding jobs and higher wages in the eastern town of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. — Reuters

3 US Imams arrested MIAMI: Three Pakistani-born US nationals, including the Imams of two Florida mosques, were arrested yesterday on charges of financing and supporting the Pakistani Taleban, US officials said. The three were among six charged in a US indictment that accused them of “supporting acts of murder, kidnapping and maiming in Pakistan and elsewhere” carried out by the Pakistani Taleban, which Washington calls a terrorist organization. The indictment was announced by the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and local FBI agents at a time when US relations with Pakistan are strained over the US raid that killed AlQaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Pakistan’s parliament yesterday condemned the raid that killed bin Laden and called for a review of relations with the United States. Two of the accused, Hafiz Muhammed Sher Ali Khan, 76, and his son, Izhar Khan, 24, were arrested in South Florida. Another son, Irfan Khan, 37, was detained in Los Angeles. —Reuters

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Turmoil in Tunisia threatens to derail path to nationhood TUNIS: Persistent violence across Tunisia four months after the country’s new-found freedom is wearing out the public’s patience, and some Tunisians worry crucial July elections won’t even take place at all. “We cannot build a democracy in an atmosphere poisoned by violence,” said Slim, a waiter working in Tunis’s main Habib Bourguiba Avenue, which was the locus of anti-regime protests that are today aimed at the interim government.

Many Tunisians share his view, including Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi who hinted at a possible delay of the vote after a man was killed in fresh clashes with troops last week.

Tunisians are expected to vote on July 24 for an assembly to draw up a new constitution after former strongman president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali was ousted in January. “Our country is heading towards uncertainty. We urgently need to elect a president to save it because I feel like I’m living in occupied territory and this situation should stop,” fumed Mohamed Salah, a restaurant owner.

Abdelhamid, a customer, said: “Our economy is on the edge of a cliff and free elections can’t take place without security. It’s better to extend the election to a later date.” Ben Ali’s 23-year rule was ended by weeks of demon-

strations that sparked similar uprisings against other long-standing regimes across the Arab world. Tunisia has since struggled to stabilize.

The leadership is fragile. Unemployment remains rampant. The economy is expected to grow very little this year, if at all, adding fire to simmering public anger and exasperation.

Just last week at least 600 people were arrested, the interior ministry said Friday. Most recently protests erupted after former interior minister Farhat Rajhi claimed that Ben Ali loyalists were planning a military coup should the newly legalized Islamist Ennahda (Renaissance) party win the election. He later

back-pedaled on the remarks but was fired as head of the human rights commission and branded a liar by Essebsi. Unrest in suburbs of the capital also flared up despite a night-time curfew put in place last week. Young men went on rampages in Ettadhamen, burning banks, shops, and police stations as well as looting. A 25-year-old man died after he was shot in the stomach when troops opened fire to disperse stone-throwing protesters in Slimane last week.

At any sign of unrest shop-keepers immediately board up their properties and hole up until the violence subsides. Trade unionist

Abdeljalil Bedoui accused “anti-revolutionary groups” and Ben Ali loyalists of intentionally instigating violence in order to sap public confidence in the government. But whether the protests are legitimate or not, most Tunisians just wish for peace of mind. “I just want to go out freely when I want, where I want, especially as summer arrives. I just want peace!” exclaimed Karima, a young doctor, voicing doubt over the elections due to unrest. “I want to get out of this stressful situation and never see demonstrations and violent scenes among Tunisians on Avenue Bourguiba. It has transformed into a battle scene.”— AFP

An eye-for-an-eye?

Iran postpones blinding man in retribution punishment

TRIPOLI: Libyan soldiers fire salvo during funeral for nine of 11 clerics allegedly killed in a NATO airstrike in Tripoli yesterday. — AP

US disappoints Libyan rebels on recognition WASHINGTON: The United States yesterday stopped short of granting Libyan rebels full diplomatic recognition, as Mahmud Jibril became the opposition’s first senior official to have talks at the White House. There was no immediate sign of new US financial help for the cash-strapped rebels but officials did praise the National Transitional Council (NTC) as a “legitimate” voice for Libyans, as they battle Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

The White House also said it was working with Congress on changes to the law to allow a portion of around $30 billion in Gaddafi regime assets blocked in the United States to be funneled towards the opposition. Jibril, the secondranked political leader of the forces trying to topple Kadhafi’s more than 40-year rule, met National Security Advisor Tom Donilon. But there was no mention of any meeting with President Barack Obama, despite some speculation that the US leader might informally drop by the talks.

“During the meeting, Donilon stated that the United States views the (NTC) as a legitimate and credible interlocutor of the Libyan people,” the White House said in a statement. “In contrast, Mr Donilon stressed that Gaddafi has lost his legitimacy to rule and reiterated President Obama’s call for Gaddafi to leave immediately. “Mr Donilon and Dr Jibril discussed how the United States and the coalition can provide additional support to the (NTC). Donilon applauded the (NTC’s) commitment to an inclusive political transition and a democratic future for Libya.” Jibril had set the stage for his White House appearance by warning that the opposition NTC was running badly short of money and needed diplomatic recognition as Libya’s rightful rulers.

“We ask the United States to join France, Gambia, Italy and Qatar in recognizing the council as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people until free elections can be held,” he wrote in the New York Times. “This signal would further isolate the Gaddafi regime in Tripoli, heighten opposition morale and improve access to diplomatic and humanitarian assistance.” But the White House, which has said it is up to Libyans and not the outside world to choose their leaders, made clear that full diplomatic recognition would not be forthcoming from the Obama administration, at least for now. “I don’t anticipate action like that,” spokesman Jay Carney said.

The talks came on a day when NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen was at the White House for closed-door discussions with Obama, as the alliance keeps up the assault on Gaddafi’s forces in Libya. The White House said the talks centered on the Libyan operation and also the alliance’s role in Afghanistan, and the eventual transition of security responsibility to Afghan control.

“They agreed the (Libya) operation had saved countless lives and that as long as the Gaddafi regime continues to attack its own population, NATO will maintain its operations to protect civilians,” the White House said.

Reporters were not allowed into the Oval Office talks, but Rasmussen later made several short statements on Twitter. “Time is up for the Gaddafi regime. Time for the Libyan people to shape a new future, a future free from fear,” he said. He also said that NATO was fulfilling its UNmandated mission in Libya, had had saved “numerous lives” and had stopped the Gaddafi regime’s bid to retake the country by force after widespread uprisings. Jibril’s visit took place amid an international back-and-forth over the fate of Gaddafi, after the Libyan strongman declared he was in a place where NATO bombs could not reach him. — AFP

Shebab threaten to punish Uganda MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Shebab Islamists yesterday threatened to punish Ugandans for re-electing President Yoweri Museveni, a key supporter of an African Union peacekeeping mission in Mogadishu. Ugandan troops form the backbone of the AU’s deployment in Somalia, which supports the weak Mogadishu government against the constant threat of takeover by the Shebab, who control most of the country. “It is you, the people of Uganda, who will pay the heftiest price for your army’s invasion of our country,” a Shebab statement said. “And now that you have made your choice very clear by re-electing Museveni, it is time for you to bear the burden of your choices.” Uganda provides more than half of the 9,000 AU troops in Mogadishu.

Museveni, sworn in to a fourth term this week, has been in power since 1986. He easily secured re-election in February, but the process was criticized by several international and domestic observer groups. The Shebab claimed credit for the July 2010 twin suicide bombings in the Ugandan capital that killed at least 76 people. In the weeks following the attack, Museveni said he was ready to send up to 20,000 troops to Somalia to permanently eliminate the Islamist group, but has so far failed to get international backing for the expanded deployment. Museveni had repeatedly asked for a more robust mandate in Mogadishu that would allow his forces to launch offensives against the Shebab, even when they are not provoked. The UN Security Council has consistently resisted the requests. — AFP

TEHRAN: The court-ordered blinding of an Iranian man convicted of throwing acid in the face of a fellow student who spurned him was postponed at the 11th hour yesterday, the ISNA news agency reported. The news agency gave no source for its report and there was no official word on any stay.

The sentence against Majid Movahedi had been scheduled to be carried out at noon (0730 GMT ) at the judiciary hospital in Tehran in the presence of a physician and representatives of the coroners’ office and the prosecution. “The execution of qesas (retribution in kind) of Majid ... has been postponed to an unknown date,” ISNA reported on its website just hours before the appointed time.

Movahedi was sentenced to be blinded in both eyes in February 2009 after being convicted of hurling acid in the face of uni-

versity classmate Ameneh Bahrami when she repeatedly spurned his offer of marriage. His victim, who has been the driving force behind the sentence, had travelled to the Iranian capital from Spain in the expectation of it being carried out and had even said she was ready to do the blinding herself. “I’ve suffered so much in these years but now I am really happy,” Bahrami said in an interview published yesterday by the 7sobh daily. “The verdict is completely legal and I would like to carry it out. But if it is not possible, then the physician designated by the judiciary will do it,” she said.

According to the paper, it would be first time such a penalty was carried out in Iran.

Amnesty International had called on Friday for a stay of the sentence, which it described as “a cruel and inhuman punishment amounting to torture.” “Regardless of

how horrific the crime suffered by Ameneh Bahrami, being blinded with acid is a cruel and inhuman punishment amounting to torture,” the London-based human rights watchdog said. “The Iranian authorities have a responsibility under international law to ensure it does not go ahead.”

The Islamic sharia code in force in Iran provides for eye-for-an-eye-style retributive justice, most commonly for murder or those convicted of causing intentional physical injury. Bahrami, who was 24 when she met Movahedi in 2002, now lives in Spain where she has been undergoing medical treatment for her disfigurement for years. She is blind in both eyes and still has serious injuries to her face and body. She told ISNA that the implementation of qesas would serve as a lesson for other acid throwers in the country. “I still strongly stand with the

Syrians flee to Lebanon BEIRUT: Hundreds of Syrians, including four wounded people, crossed into Lebanon yesterday fleeing violence in their country as an uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime entered its eighth week, Lebanese security officials said. The officials said cracks of gunfire coming from the western Syrian town of Talkalakh could be heard on the Lebanese side of the border since morning hours. More than 5,000 Syrians have fled the area in the past weeks, with more than 500 people crossing the border yesterday, the officials said.

The shooting in Talkalakh comes a day after Syrian security forces opened fire on thousands of protesters at different rallies across the country, killing at least six people. Human rights groups say more than 775 people have been killed since the start of the protest movement in Syria in midMarch. The Lebanese officials said the wounded who crossed the border yesterday included a 26-year-old man who suffered a gunshot in his back and two women, also with bullet wounds. The fourth, a 30-year-old man, died of his wounds later at a north Lebanon hospital, the official said. The other three were being treated at two hospitals in the area, they said.

The Lebanese officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said authorities in Damascus detained on Friday lawyer and human rights activist Catherine al-Talli. The group also said that poet Ali Dirbak, 76, was detained in the coastal city of Banias

carrying out of the qesas. I want qesas. I will become more serene,” she told the news agency on May 11.

“This serenity will not stem from the culprit suffering hardship and pain but that (with the carrying out of the sentence) there is the probability of more deterrence regarding those who want to commit this crime.” A number of acid attacks have been reported in Iran in recent years and the press has been generally supportive of Bahrami, publishing sympathetic interviews with her, and photographs of her face before and after the attack. In December 2010, Iran’s supreme court upheld another sentence to blinding handed down against a man convicted of an acid attack against his wife’s lover that deprived him of his sight. There has been no reported confirmation of it ever being carried out. — AFP

News

in brief

Iraqi Christian kidnapped KIRKUK: Police say a Christian man in a northern Iraqi city has been kidnapped and is being held for a $100,000 ransom. Kirkuk deputy police chief Maj Gen Torhan Abdul-Rahman said the victim is a construction worker who did not come home from work Friday night. When officials called his mobile phone yesterday, the kidnappers answered and demanded the money.

Parliament lawmaker Imad Yohanna, a Christian from Kirkuk, said the man was kidnapped because he is Christian. Yohanna said Christians are seen as easy targets because they usually pay ransom without a fight, as opposed to Arabs whose tribes generally attack to free the victim.

Abdul-Rahman said 43 people from different ethnic groups have been kidnapped in Kirkuk this year.

LEBANON-SYRIA BORDER: Syrians carrying their belongings cross the border as they flee violence in Syria. — AP for reading a poem during one of the recent anti-regime protests there.

On Friday, rallies had spread to new areas of the Syrian capital Damascus, suggesting opposition to the 40-year Assad dynasty remains unbowed despite one of the most violent crackdowns in the uprisings that have gripped the Arab world. Assad’s regime has blamed the unrest on terrorist, extremist groups and foreign agitators. Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud told reporters Friday that a “comprehensive national dialogue in all provinces” will start within days, but he gave no further details. Assad has come under scathing criticism for his crackdown, with the United States and Europe imposing sanctions.

On Friday, Britain summoned Syria’s ambassador Friday to warn that new sanctions will target the regime’s hierarchy if Assad doesn’t halt the crackdown on protesters. The crackdown has increased in intensity in recent days and weeks.

The army shelled residential areas in central and southern Syria on Wednesday, killing 19 people, a human rights group said. The government also laid siege to several towns, including Daraa - where the Syrian revolt erupted after youths sprayed pro-democracy graffiti on a wall sparking fears of a humanitarian crisis.

A U.N. international aid assessment team has not been allowed to enter Daraa to check on the situation. — AP

Iran hangs 11 TEHRAN: Iran has hanged seven convicted drug traffickers and four convicted rapists, three of them publicly, Iranian media reported yesterday.

One man found guilty of drug smuggling was sent to the gallows in a prison in the northern town of Tonekabon, the Kayhan newspaper reported. Another four convicted traffickers were hanged in the southern city of Kerman, the Khorasan newspaper reported. And a further two were hanged yesterday in a prison in the city of Qazvin near the capital Tehran, the Fars news agency reported. Four men convicted of rape were executed in the central city of Yazd, one in prison and three in public, Fars added.

Possession of more than 30 grams (just over an ounce) of narcotics is punishable by death in Iran, as are murder, rape, armed robbery and adultery. The latest hangings bring to 124 the number of executions reported in Iran so far in 2011, according to an AFP count based on media and official reports.

Palestinian buried amid Nakba unrest JERUSALEM: Around 2,000 mourners laid the body of a Palestinian teen killed in Jerusalem clashes to rest yesterday while police, fearing more unrest, kept a discreet watch but did not intervene.

Milad Said Ayyash was fatally wounded on Friday as Palestinians across annexed east Jerusalem staged protests in the runup to today’s anniversary of the 1948 creation of Israel, an event known to Arabs as the “nakba” or “catastrophe.

Witnesses and police said that the crowd marched from Ayyash’s home in the Ras El-Amud neighborhood past a nearby Jewish settlement where Israeli security forces fired tear gas at stonethrowing youngsters in the crowd.

There were no reports of injuries or arrests. Carrying Palestinian flags and the banner of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas’s Fatah movement, the mourners, some of them masked, chanted “Allah Akbar” (God is great) and “With our blood and our soul, we shall sacrifice for the martyr,” as they marched to the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City. On arrival at the mosque, some hoisted the Palestinian flag from its roof.

After prayers Ayyash was interred at a Muslim cemetery just outside the city walls. Police stayed out of sight, witnesses said. “He was buried and it all ended relatively quietly,” a police spokeswoman said. “Our intention was to preserve general public order, not to be dragged into something or create a provocation.”

In conflicting repor ts of Ayyash’s death his family say he was 16 years old, but police say 17. A relative said that he was shot in the stomach by a Jewish settler in the flashpoint neighborhood of Silwan, where youngsters hurled stones and petrol bombs at police, and news

reports said petrol bombs were also thrown at a Jewish settlement enclave.

Police said that he suffered a light wound to the shoulder, from as yet unknown causes, and they were investigating the circumstances. They said that no live ammunition was used either by security forces or settlers. A police statement yesterday morning said that the family had been asked to allow a post mortem on the youth’s body but they refused and took the corpse from the east Jerusalem hospital where he died overnight. A United Nations official said

that a planned visit to Silwan by visiting Under Secretar y General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos was cancelled “because of the situation.”

On Fr iday, police arrested 34 Palestinian youngsters on suspicion of public order offences, in addition to another 13 rounded up preemptively as potential troublemakers. Police said that three officers were lightly injured in clashes with protesters who threw stones and petrol bombs and that three people causing disturbances were “ver y slightly hur t ” by sponge

BILIN: Palestinian protester runs amidst tear gas smoke during a demonstration to mark the 63rd anniversary of “Nakba”, Arabic for “Catastrophe”, the term used to mark the events leading to Israel’s founding in 1948. — AP

rounds fired by anti-riot police.

The foam rubber ammunition is designed to deliver a heavy, stunning blow without penetrating the body. An AFP correspondent saw at least four Palestinians hurt as police fired rubber bullets at stone -throwing youths in Silwan, with clashes also reported in Issawiya, Al-Tur and Ras al-Amud-all flanking Jerusalem’s Old City.

A youth from Silwan was hit in the genitals by rubber bullets fired by security forces on Friday, a spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent said. He did not give details on other casualties.

Protests in Jerusalem and elsewhere are to culminate on Sunday, when Palestinian organizations have called for mass rallies, including in neighboring Arab countries.

The Egyptian army has blocked access to the Sinai peninsula to prevent a pro-Palestinian march from Cairo to the Gaza Strip that had been planned. In the Gaza Strip, the ruling Islamist Hamas movement organized a children’s protest in the centre of Gaza City, while the Palestine Liberation Organization planned a rally in the territory’s Bureij refugee camp.

In Israel, a march was scheduled in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish neighborhood of Tel Aviv. More than 760,000 Palestinians-estimated today to number 4.7 million with their descendants-fled or were driven out of their homes in the Arab-Israeli war which accompanied the establishment of the Jewish state. Israel celebrated the 63rd anniversar y on Tuesday, in accordance with the Hebrew calendar. Around 160,000 Palestinians stayed behind and are now known as Arab Israelis. They number about 1.3 million people, or some 20 percent of Israel’s population. — AFP

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Europe and bin Laden: No intel is good intel?

LONDON: European security officials have lots of questions about the intelligence being analyzed from Osama bin Laden’s compound but so far they’ve seen very little of it. British officials say the United States has shared some information with them but a huge cache still needs to be evaluated.

Other European intelligence agencies say they’ve asked US officials for data but haven’t seen anything yet. Some have assumed that no news is good news, that the AlQaeda leader’s luxury compound in Pakistan had little new information about possible terror plots in Europe.

“I’m sure they would share information that they would understand that we would need quite fast,” one European intelligence official said Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of his work. “But as

far as I know, they haven’t sent out anything yet.” Bin Laden died in a May 2 US raid in Abbottabad, a garrison town in Pakistan. On Friday, a pair of Taleban suicide bombers attacked paramilitary police recruits about three hours away, killing 80 people in the first act of retaliation for bin Laden’s slaying.

Bin Laden, the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, wasn’t the same sort of boogeyman in Europe as he was in the United States.

But if details emerge that show bin Laden had more of a role in planning attacks in Europe, it could raise questions over whether intelligence agencies should have been casting a wider net outside of AlQaeda’s affiliate groups and whether bin Laden’s role in radicalizing locals should have been investigated. “We don’t have a clear picture yet what the journal or the flash drives mean for

Europe,” said a British government official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the intelligence-sharing relationship. “The key questions are whether he had a central role in planning, whether he was making strategic decisions, whether he was sending out instructions and importantly - whether anyone was listening.”

In Brussels, officials and diplomats at NATO said they expected to be briefed on any new intelligence gleaned from the Abbottabad raid. One diplomat said the allies expect the first insight into that intelligence in about 10 days. “In the past the US has shared information regarding Al-Qaeda with its allies, and there’s not reason to believe they won’t do the same with the intelligence extracted from this operation, especially when you consider that

Al-Qaeda has attacked not just the US but also several European cities,” said another official, who could not be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The first envoy said the most immediate repercussion was a fresh warning by NATO leaders and the US delegation that bin Laden’s death did not mean the war in Afghanistan was over and that the allies could start heading for the exits. NATO allies were again asked to remain committed to the 2014 deadline when NATO is scheduled to end its combat role and hand over security responsibility to the Afghan army and police, said the diplomat, who spoke under the same constraints. As of last week, Germany had not yet been given any access to the information acquired by the US WikiLeaks’ release of hundreds of confidential US diplomatic

exchanges last year has made some European officials reluctant to talk about anything they’ve gotten, however incremental.

And American officials have grown a bit wary after British judges recently forced the release of secret US intelligence exchanges over a terror case.

Americans officials have painted an initial picture of how bin Laden continued to spread his message while in hiding. His methods, described to The Associated Press by a counterterrorism official and a second person briefed on the US investigation, frustrated Western efforts to trace him through cyberspace. Holed up in his walled compound in northeast Pakistan with no phone or Internet capabilities, bin Laden would type a message on his computer without an Internet connection, then save it using a thumb-sized flash drive. He

then passed the flash drive to a trusted courier, who would head for a distant Internet cafe.

At that location, the courier would plug the memory drive into a computer, copy bin Laden’s message into an email and send it.

Reversing the process, the courier would copy any incoming email to the flash drive and return to the compound, where bin Laden would read his messages offline.

The experts spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive intelligence analysis.

Navy SEALs hauled away roughly 100 flash memory drives after they killed bin Laden, and officials said they appear to archive the backand-forth communication between bin Laden and his associates around the world. Military leaders say it could take months before the material is fully analyzed. —AP

Bin Laden death may spur terror Repression, poverty breeding violence

ALMATY: The killing of Osama bin Laden by US special forces can trigger a backlash from his supporters and a “new wave of terror” across a giant area surrounding Afghanistan, a regional security body said yesterday. Dominated by China and Russia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) also unites the mostly Muslim ex-Soviet Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and occupies three-fifths of Eurasia, populated by over 1.5 billion, or a quarter of the world’s population.

SILVAN: Kurdish activist Leyla Zana, who spent 10 years in prison, addresses supporters as she campaigns ahead of June 12 parliamentary elections, in the southeastern Turkish town of Silvan. —AFP

Iconic Kurdish activist poised for comeback SILVAN: She has been through torture, imprisonment and political banishment but iconic Kurdish activist Leyla Zana is fighting on, poised to return to Turkey’s parliament after two decades. As Turkey heads to elections on June 12, the 50-year-old is busy campaigning in the mainly Kurdish southeast-and the atmosphere there is a far cry from the days when she found herself in jail after uttering a single sentence in Kurdish in parliament. Zana’s bus is now inscribed with slogans in her mother tongue, Kurdish music blares from loudspeakers and she addresses the cheering crowd in Kurdish.

“After 20 years, your votes will mean not only a parliamentary seat for me but also support for the Kurdish freedom struggle,” Zana told a rally in her hometown of Silvan this week. Turkey’s Kurds saw their rights notably expanded in recent years as Ankara moved to align with European Union norms and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised to work for reconciliation. The effort however has faltered amid continuing violence and the government’s failure to draw up a clear strategy to cajole separatist Kurdish rebels into laying down arms.

Unrest has surged ahead of the elections with violent Kurdish demonstrations and police clampdowns, deadly attacks on the security forces and military operations against militants holed up in the mountains.

But Zana remains optimistic. “Both sidesTurks and Kurds-have reached a certain level of maturity,” she said in brief remarks ahead of the Silvan rally. “We have come to a point where we will see whether we can have a partnership and what the status of the Kurds will be,” she said, referring to Kurdish demands for autonomy.

Zana became the face of the Kurdish political struggle when she won a parliamentary seat in 1991 as a bloody insurgency led by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) raged in the southeast. She caused nationalist uproar in her first appearance in parliament when, after taking her oath in

Turkish, she added a sentence in Kurdish calling for peace. At the ceremony, Zana also wore a headband in yellow, green and redthe colors of the PKK, which had taken up arms against Ankara in 1984, earning itself the label of a terrorist group.

The Kurdish language was banned at the time and the courts punished even peaceful expression of Kurdish identity and freedom demands. The party to which Zana belonged was subsequently outlawed for collaborating with the PKK and, along with several colleagues, she was banned from politics and jailed in 1994.

International rights groups soon launched campaigns to secure her release and in 1995 the European Parliament awarded her the Sakharov freedom of thought award. Zana spent 10 years behind bars before she was released in 2004 under EUinspired reforms. “I never gave up trust in democratic struggle,” she said this week. “My spirits are very high. I am full of hope-it is my only capital.” Married off to a cousin at the age of 14 after only a year in school, Zana was an unlikely candidate to become a political icon. It was through her marriage to Mehdi Zana, a Kurdish activist who was jailed in 1980, that she became aware of politics and gained a high-school diploma through home study.

Along with other Kurdish women, the young mother of two went from jail to jail to see her husband, often facing abuse by security forces and hearing the screams of tortured inmates. The women would shout and throw stones at prison walls, with Zana herself eventually detained and tortured.

Turkey’s first Kurdish woman lawmaker, Zana inspired others in the heavily patriarchal community: women are today at the forefront of Kurdish political life, struggling also for gender equality. “I know she will do better than the men... I’m so excited to see her back on the way to parliament,” shopkeeper Mehmet Nedimdag said as he watched Zana walking through the crowd in Silvan.—AFP

History clashes lay bare Ukraine deep tensions KIEV: Unprecedented clashes during World War II commemorations in Ukraine have exposed its deep divisions and raised fears over the risks of disunity in a country completely unaccustomed to street violence. Over a dozen people were wounded when nationalists and left-wing factions came to blows in the usually sleepy western city of Lviv during May 9’s ceremonies to mark the 66th anniversary of the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany.

In scenes that have shaken Ukraine, hundreds of armored riot police failed to keep the opposing forces apart, a nationalist was shot in the leg and smoke bombs created chaos. The riot police were plainly unable to control the competing groups, a

huge embarrassment for the central authorities led by President Viktor Yanukovych in a city that is to host matches for Euro 2012 jointly hosted with Poland.

“We suffered the most shameful Victory Day of our history,” opposition MP Andriy Shevchenko told parliament.

Such violence was not seen even during the 2004 Orange Revolution, a peaceful uprising that forced a re-run of rigged presidential elections and succeeded, as Ukrainians proudly recall, without breaking a single window. History always touches a raw nerve in Ukraine, with pro-Russian forces in the east nostalgic for Soviet rule which nationalists in the Ukrainian-speaking West regard as an occupation. —AFP

“The recent elimination of terrorist No. 1 Osama bin Laden is beyond all doubt a success of the United States, but it is in no way a victor y over international terrorism,” K azak h Foreign M inister Yer zgan Kazykhanov told a meeting with his counterpar ts from the SCO states. Oil-rich Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s most successful economy which lies between Russia and China, currently holds the rotating chair of the SCO, which some analysts have likened to a NATO-style grouping that could one day challenge the West.

“Craving for revenge, the supporters of Al-Qaeda, the Taleban movement and other terrorist and extremist organizations may cause a new wave of terror as they attempt to avenge for the death of their leader,” Kazykhanov said. “In our view, the situation in Afghanistan will keep tension high in the region, remaining a source of terror, extremism and illegal trafficking of drugs and weapons.” The SCO was founded in 2001 to boost regional security and promote economic cooperation among its members.

But while fast-growing China has benefited from tapping Central Asia’s huge reserves of oil, gas and metals, Russia has seen its clout waning in its former imperial backyard.

As access to Central Asia’s natural resources helps fuel China’s rapid economic growth, some other SCO members still live in penury which gives rise to social tension and radical Islam. Impoverished Kyrgyzstan saw its president deposed by a violent revolt in April last year. In June, 470 people were killed in

ALMATY: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) shakes hands with his Kazakh counterpart Yerzhan Kazykhanov during their meeting at the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states summit in yesterday. —AFP ethnic riots in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Next-door Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have clamped down on dissenters and pious believers, saying they want to prevent an advent of radical, Taleban-st yle Islam.

Afghan heroin streams to Russia across Central Asia’s porous borders, and Russian Foreign M inister S ergei Lavrov told reporters the 10th jubilee SCO summit to be

Demjanjuk released from German prison MUNICH: John Demjanjuk left prison in an unmarked vehicle on Friday for a nursing home after a judge ordered him released pending an appeal of his conviction for serving as a guard at a Nazi death camp. Michael Stumf, director of the Stadelheim prison, said authorities had difficulty finding a home that would take in the 91-yearold on such short notice. Stumf refused to give any details about where Demjanjuk was headed, other than to say it was in the greater Munich area. “He asked us to respect his privacy,” Stumf said.

Demjanjuk has been held in Stadelheim since he was deported to Germany two years ago to stand trial on charges of 28,060 counts of accessory to murder for serving as a guard at the Nazi’s Sobibor death camp. He was found guilty on Thursday and sentenced to five years in prison.

Defense attorney Ulrich Busch filed an appeal immediately after his client was convicted. He said Friday that he expects his client’s appeal to last around two years. Demjanjuk, who was born in Ukraine, is allowed to live freely during that time on grounds that he doesn’t pose a flight risk in view of his age, his frail health and the fact he is stateless.

Busch said the Ukrainian community in Munich was involved in helping find a place for Demjanjuk to live, but he declined to say where that would be, citing concerns for his client’s safety. Demjanjuk was a Soviet Red Army soldier captured by the Germans in 1942. He is accused of then agreeing to serve as a guard, but Demjanjuk has always maintained he was a victim of the Nazis. He emigrated to the US after the war, claiming to have spent much of it in a German POW camp. He

John Demjanjuk became a US citizen, but his citizenship was revoked in 1981 because the Justice Department alleged he was the notoriously brutal Nazi death camp guard “Ivan the Terrible.”

He was extradited to Israel to stand trial, convicted and sentenced to death but freed when a court there overturned the ruling, saying the evidence showed he was the victim of mistaken identity. He returned to the US and regained his citizenship briefly, then was deported again after German prosecutors issued a warrant for his arrest in 2009. One avenue for Demjanjuk to pursue may be a 1985 FBI report uncovered by the AP that challenged the authenticity of a Nazi ID card used as evidence in the German trial.

Still, court experts and the US Department of Justice’s Office of Special Investigations have since said that the card, which the defense maintains is a fake produced by the Soviet KGB - is genuine, and the Munich court ruled that it was. —AP

held in K azak hstan in June was set to approve an anti-drugs strategy for 2011-16.

He also said Pakistan and India were seeking to become full SCO members, and the summit was expected to adopt criteria for granting permanent membership in the regional body. He declined to say when, or which of the two countries, could join the SCO. —Reuters

Students battle slum conditions in Sydney SYDNEY: Slum conditions, overcrowding and dodgy landlords-welcome to foreign student accommodation in Australia’s most glamorous city. More than 350,000 foreign students are enrolled in colleges and universities around the country, and many are attracted to the charms of cosmopolitan Sydney. But the tough reality of living in one of the world’s great cities, with its spectacular harbor and famed beaches, can be very different to expectations. Cheap accommodation is hard to find and rogue landlords entice students into their net with advertisements promising centrally located quality apartments at reasonable prices.

When they turn up, the lodgings bear little resemblance to the promises. “I visited this two-room apartment in Haymarket which looked fine in the pictures,” said Alice Lala, a French student who studies at Sydney University. “The problem was it was packed with 18 people, most of them students or on working-holiday visas. Those guys literally slept in boxes piled up on top of each other.

For 120 dollars a week, I thought it was a joke.” Many students, though, have little choice but to rough it in overcrowded, shoddily converted family homes, unable to afford anything else.

Finding somewhere to stay in Sydney is tough, with the traditional influx of new student arrivals in February and July triggering an often astronomical rise in rents around universities as demand spikes.

Macquarie University, for example, has more than 12,000 students but fewer than 2,000 university-support-

ed rooms. It is a similar scenario at the University of Sydney where 10,800 students compete for the 2,500 beds on campus. “The main difficulty faced by all students in Sydney is the lack of affordable accommodation,” said David Burrows, an accommodation officer at Sydney University. “Most students have a budget of about $180-200 a week, yet the average price for a room near the university’s main campus in the city is $220.”

To make ends meet, foreign students often have to work at several jobs to pay their rent, doing night shifts in convenience stores and even lending their bodies for medical research. “Overseas students are more vulnerable to predatory landlords,” explained a spokeswoman for the Redfern Legal Centre, which provides assistance to students who fall victim to exploitative landlords.

“Most of the time, they arrange accommodation prior to arrival and because they might struggle with English they are not aware of their rights and just take what is offered.”

Overcrowding-In the heart of central Sydney, 33 floors above fashionable Pitt Street, Matt is looking for people to share a tiny apartment he leases for Aus$700 (US$757) a week.

When AFP visited, he had just moved in and had already found two flatmates, one for the living room in a small space separated by a partition, and one for a bed on an enclosed balcony. Four bunk beds were still available. He wants Aus$135 a week for each bunk bed, Aus$115 for the living room spot, and Aus$150 for the enclosed balcony. —AFP

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Qaeda operative faced ‘harsh CIA techniques’ Bin Laden informant’s treatment key to torture debate

ARIZONA: Walter Orozco Veliz enters a plane in Mesa as he is extradited from Arizona to his native country of Guatemala on a murder charge. US authorities say the 30-year-old, who tried to enter the US in San Diego in April, has been charged with murder in the Guatemalan city of Zacapa. — AP

Georgia’s governor inks immigration crackdown Police get new powers

ATLANTA: Georgia’s governor has signed a tough new state law cracking down on illegal immigrants that is similar to one enacted in Arizona last year, handing new powers to police in the southern US state. The law authorizes police in Georgia to investigate the immigration status of criminal suspects they think may be in the country illegally. It also makes transporting and harboring illegal immigrants a crime and requires many private employers to check the immigration status of newly hired workers on a federal database called E-Verify.

Republican Governor Nathan Deal said the measure, passed by Georgia’s Republican-controlled legislature, will take a burden off schools, hospitals and prisons by reducing the number of illegal immigrants in the state.

“This legislation is a responsible step forward in the absence of federal action,” Deal said during a signing ceremony. Enforcement of US immigration laws traditionally is handled by federal, not state, authorities. The Georgia measure is the third crackdown to be enacted by Republicans at the state level, following Arizona in April last year and Utah in March.

Critics have argued that the Georgia law could discourage tourism and overseas investment in the state and create a shortage of farm workers to pick crops. President Barack Obama last month criticized the Georgia measure, saying, “It is a

mistake for states to try to do this piecemeal. We can’t have 50 different immigration laws around the country.

Arizona tried this and a federal court already struck them down.”

A few dozen protesters gathered outside the Georgia Capitol before the signing and more were planning to rally against the new law at a nearby church Friday night. J P Hernandez, a 20-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico, said the measure will encourage profiling of Hispanics by law enforcement officers. “You’ll be innocent until you look guilty,” said Hernandez, a restaurant worker who was 2 years old when his parents brought him to the United States.

‘DARK DAY FOR GEORGIA’ In addition to concerns about civil and human rights abuses, critics of the law said it could have serious economic repercussions for the state.

“Today is a dark day for Georgia,” said Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, or Galeo.

Opponents warned of a possible economic boycott to Georgia, similar to one estimated to have cost Arizona more than $140 million in lost tourism and convention revenue last year, according to one study by a liberal group. They also predicted costly and drawn-out litigation similar to what has unfolded in Arizona and Utah. — Reuters

FBI ‘no-show’ in terror probe raises questions NEW YORK: The latest terrorism arrests in New York were announced with the fanfare of a City Hall news conference, a dramatic photo of a broad daylight takedown by police and reassurance from local law enforcement officials that a serious threat had been neutralized. Only one thing was missing: the FBI. The FBI’s glaring absence at the announcement and silence since then about the arrests of two men described by police as raving antiSemites and would-be jihadists bent on attacking a synagogue raised questions Friday about the severity of the threat and the strength of the case. The FBI and the Department of Justice have declined to explain the New York Police Department’s assertion that the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force, always a central player in past terror cases, was made aware of the investigation but decided not to get involved.

And the US Attorney’s office in Manhattan, known for its successful prosecution of several high-profile terror cases for nearly two decades, also declined to comment. But a law enforcement official briefed on the case said Friday that the FBI backed away because it had “reservations” about how it was conducted by the NYPD’s Intelligence Division. The FBI also concluded it “wasn’t a legitimate terrorism case,” said the person, who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. In the past, federal authorities have expressed concern about the Intelligence Division’s tactics and its use of a cadre of undercover investigators like one used in the synagogue case.

The NYPD’s top spokesman, Paul Browne, said Friday that any doubts about the investigation are unwarranted. “When someone acquires weapons and plans to bomb the

largest synagogue in Manhattan he can find, what do you call it?

Mischief?” he said. Rather than seek the usual federal conspiracy charges, the NYPD worked with the Manhattan district attorney’s office to bring a case under an obscure state terrorism law that the office had never used before and that was viewed as symbolic when it was signed only six days after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks. The case has been turned over to the office’s Investigation Division, which has a history of prosecuting racketeering, cybercrime and money laundering cases - not terrorism.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Thursday that there was no evidence that the suspects, Ahmed Ferhani and Mohamed Mamdouh, were linked to Al-Qaeda or any other terrorist organization.

But officials insisted the men posed a dire danger that had to be dealt with however possible. “In today’s fight against local, unaffiliated radicalized threat as we see here, intelligence and pre-emption are our keys,” District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said at the news conference. “And we must use all our tools at our disposal to neutralize these threats before local terrorists have the opportunity to act.” Ferhani and Mamdouh were arrested Wednesday on charges they wanted to strike a synagogue to avenge mistreatment of Muslims around the world.

An undercover officer who investigated them reported that Ferhani wanted to become a martyr, and wiretap recordings caught the men calling Jews “rats” and other names. Authorities say Ferhani, a 26-year-old Algerian immigrant, was nabbed in the sting buying guns, ammunition and an inert hand grenade. —AP

WASHINGTON: A central figure in the hunt for Osama bin Laden and the debate over harsh interrogation methods was held in secret CIA detention, then sent back to Pakistan and now believed to have returned to the battlefield. US counter-terrorism officials said Hassan Ghul is an Al-Qaeda operative who at one point carried messages between Iraqi insurgents who established an Al-Qaeda affiliate after US troops overthrew the government of Saddam Hussein.

Precise details of the mysterious Ghul’s role in AlQaeda and the circumstances of his arrest are murky.

But five US officials familiar with Ghul’s role in the epic hunt for bin Laden said he gave up what turned out to be vital information about an al Qaeda courier who eventually led US intelligence to bin Laden’s fortified hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan. While detained in secret CIA prisons, the officials and declassified government documents said, Ghul was subjected to controversial “enhanced interrogation” techniques approved by the George W. Bush administration but abandoned amid accusations they constituted torture.

But did harsh interrogation practices really make Ghul give up the critical information which helped lead US commandos to bin Laden? Some officials familiar with still-classified records of Ghul’s sojourn as a CIA prisoner said the case is far from proven. For months, investigators for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Democrat who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, have been poring through millions of pages of reports generated by the CIA’s secret detention and interrogation program. Earlier this week, Feinstein told Reuters about a CIA detainee who “did provide useful and accurate intelligence.” But she added: “This was acquired before the CIA used their enhanced interrogation techniques against the detainee.” Three US officials said Feinstein was referring to Ghul.

RECORDS STILL CLASSIFIED While there is a paper trail documenting what Ghul said, when he said it, what techniques agency interrogators used on him and when they used them, this record remains classified. Feinstein spoke after Sen John McCain made a Senate floor speech insisting that “it was not torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees that got us the major leads” that led to bin Laden. In a letter to McCain obtained by Reuters, CIA director Leon Panetta was equivocal about the role enhanced interrogation played in producing intelligence on bin Laden.

“Some of the detainees who provided useful information about the facilitator/courier’s role had been subjected to enhanced interrogation techniques,” Panetta wrote. But he added: “Whether those techniques were the ‘only timely and effective way’ to obtain such information is a matter of debate and cannot be established definitively.” But other US officials familiar with the secret records say that even if Ghul did give up critical information about bin Laden’s courier before being subjected to coercive interrogations, that is not proof they had no impact.

One official said it is possible Ghul gave up vital information out of fear he was about to be subjected to such harsh tactics.

RETURNED TO THE BATTLEFIELD One key witness who might be able to resolve the debate is Hassan Ghul himself. But US counterterrorism officials acknowledged that after the CIA released him into the custody of Pakistan, and Pakistani authorities set him free around 2007, he is thought to have rejoined militants and returned to the battlefield. His current whereabouts are unknown. The publicly available paper trail on Ghul, and the CIA’s dealings with him, is much thinner than that on other detainees also subjected to enhanced interrogations, such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, mastermind of the Sept 11, 2001 attacks.

Reuters pieced together an outline of Ghul’s story from CIA and Justice Department documents, as well as Guantanamo Bay detainee reports released by WikiLeaks. According to US officials, Ghul, a Pakistani national, was reported captured in Iraq in January 2004. The 9/11 Commission Report describes him as an Al-Qaeda facilitator. The CIA subjected Ghul to

enhanced interrogation techniques at an undisclosed location, according to a May 2005 memo from the Justice Department to senior CIA lawyer John A. Rizzo.

The memo was a response to a CIA request for legal guidance on use of enhanced interrogation practices. The Justice Department cited his interrogation as one example of the acceptable use of those techniques. “The Interrogation team ‘carefully analyzed Ghul’s responsiveness to different areas of inquiry’ during this time and noted that his resistance increased as questioning moved to his ‘knowledge of operational terrorist activities,’” it said.

Ghul was subjected to “attention grasp, walling, facial grasp, facial slap, wall standing, stress positions and sleep deprivation” by his interrogation team, the document says. (“Walling” was a tactic in which detainees are slammed against a flexible wall). But the document indicates those techniques did not appear to weaken Ghul enough to induce him to provide meaningful information. Interrogators then sought permission to use “dietary manipulation, nudity, water dousing and abdominal slap” to weaken him further. It is unclear from the memo if those additional interrogation methods were used. Detainee files from Guantanamo Bay, made public by WikiLeaks, show Ghul crossed paths with, and later provided

details about, several alleged Al-Qaeda militants.

An October 2008 report on detainee Maad AlQahtani, a suspected “20th” hijacker candidate in the Sept 11 attacks, says Al-Qahtani received “computer training” and instructions on how to send email from Abu Ahmed Al-Kuwaiti, the courier who eventually led US authorities to bin Laden’s hideout, at a safe house in Karachi, Pakistan in July 2001. The report adds, “Al-Qaeda facilitator Hassan Ghul stated alKuwaiti ... traveled with (Osama bin Laden).” After his capture, Ghul became a mysterious and peripatetic detainee. In December 2005, ABC News reported he had been held in a secret US detention facility in Poland. He appears to have then been moved to a detention facility in Pakistan, according to testimony in a British criminal trial.

For years, the whereabouts and activities of Ghul were shrouded in such mystery that in 2006, Rep. John Carter and other members of Congress read a list of alleged terrorists considered out of commission into the Congressional Record. Among them, he said, was Ghul, who was “no longer a threat to the United States.” Today, however, US officials admit this statement is probably no longer accurate, and that the witness who provided some of the most important clues to bin Laden’s whereabouts is back on the front lines, fighting for his dead leader’s cause. — Reuters

MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III (second from left standing) observes the operations on the deck of the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson during his unannounced visit yesterday. — AP

Philippine leader tours Bin Laden’s burial site MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III led senior members of his Cabinet on a visit yesterday to the USS Carl Vinson, from where Osama bin Laden’s body was buried at sea. A statement from the US Embassy said the Carl Vinson and three other ships in the carrier group are embarking on a four-day routine port call and goodwill visit to Manila starting today.

Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Thompson said Aquino, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr and other Philippine officials were flown early yesterday on a US military aircraft to the carrier.

It is still in international waters approaching the Philippines. It is coming from the North Arabian Sea, where it had received US SEAL teams who carried bin Laden’s body after killing the Al-Qaeda leader in a raid on his home in Pakistan. Pentagon officials have said that on the carrier, bin Laden’s body was placed in a “weighted bag,” an officer made religious remarks and the remains were put on a flat board and tipped into the sea. Among those who accompanied Aquino were Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Ricky Carandang, one of the president’s spokesmen.

In impromptu remarks on the ship, Aquino reaffirmed the “historic, defense and cultural ties” between the United States and the Philippines, one of Washington’s oldest and closest Asian allies, Carandang said. US special forces have been training and arming Filipino soldiers battling Al-Qaedalinked militants in the southern Philippines for about a decade now. Carandang said that while on board, no discussions took place about the carrier’s participation in the US attack in Abbotabad, Pakistan, and bin Laden’s subsequent sea burial.

“We didn’t even talk about that,” Carandang said. “We were all impressed by the aircraft carrier.

You see it in the movies, but it’s different when you see it in real life - the planes taking off, the planes landing.” Aquino also met with many FilipinoAmerican crew members of the nuclear-powered carrier, he said. The embassy statement said the US service members in the carrier group will take part in sports events, seminars and community assistance projects with their Philippine counterparts. It said the visit will contribute about $4.65 million to the local economy from port fees and crew expenditures. — AP

Martelly takes oath as Haiti president PORT-AU-PRINCE: Michel Martelly took the oath of office yesterday as Haiti’s new president, assuming the leadership of an impoverished country still in ruins from one of the most destructive earthquakes of modern times. A power outage plunged the inaugural ceremony into darkness moments before the onetime carnival singer was sworn in inside a building specially constructed as the temporary home of the country’s parliament. “I swear before God and the nation to faithfully obey the constitution and the laws of the republic,” said Martelly.

Outgoing president Rene Preval then removed the blue and red presidential sash, which was passed to Martelly by the president of the National Assembly in the first democratic transfer of power from one president to a political opponent in the country’s turbulent history. About 500 foreign dignitaries and Haitian members of parliament witnessed the handover in sweltering heat. After the swearing in, Martelly was to address Haitians at the ruins in the center of Port-au-Prince of the presidential palace where some 2,500 people were gathered under tents.

Martelly, 50, a political novice who gained fame as a raucous performer known as “Sweet Micky”, faces a mammoth task of rebuilding Haiti, which was devastated by a powerful earthquake in January 2010 that killed more than 225,000 people and leveled much of the capital. Sixteen months on, the pace of reconstruction is painfully slow for hundreds of thousands

of traumatized survivors who lost everything and are now forced to subsist in squalid tent cities around the still-ruined capital. Endemic poverty and chronic political instability also will pose huge challenges for the new president, who was elected March 20 on the strength of his enormous popular appeal and promises of generational change. Haiti was already the poorest country in the Americas when the 7.0 earthquake left one in seven homeless and its economy prostrate. Half of its 10 million people live off less than two dollars a day. But Martelly’s inauguration fills a leadership vacuum at the top and was

expected to encourage foreign governments to release aid that has been sidelined by a fractious election process marred by fraud and outbreaks of violence.

One important guest was former US president Bill Clinton, the UN envoy who co-chairs the Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission-set up after the earthquake to hold the purse strings of some $10 billion in pledged aid. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe and a dozen heads of state attended the ceremony, including President Leonel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, which shares the

Michel Martelly

island of Hispaniola with Haiti.

Conspicuously absent were ex-dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier and Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the shantytown priest who usurped him and became the country’s first democratically elected president.

Officials said they were not invited to the ceremony. Their return from exile earlier this year reopened old wounds, and brought a new level of uncertainty to the political situation. Martelly’s stunning rise to power-a year ago he was better known as an outrageous showman who got his clothes off during lewd stage performances-has driven up expectations that he will have to fight hard to manage as president.

He has just three members of his own fledgling Repons Peyizan party to work with in parliament as he looks to forge deals with Unity, Preval’s ruling party which firmed its grip on power in the legislative elections. The unpopular Preval was barred by the Haitian constitution from serving more than two presidential terms.

First round election results led to deadly riots in December after Martelly was said to have finished third and out of the race.

An outcry led by the United States ushered in a team of international monitors who found massive fraud in favor of the ruling party candidate. Preval’s handpicked protege Jude Celestin was eliminated from the race in February and Martelly was reinstated to compete in a longdelayed run-off against former first lady Mirlande Manigat. — AFP

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Australia to send newest asylum seekers offshore SYDNEY: The latest boatload of suspected asylum seekers to arrive in Australia will be sent to another country for processing, the government said yesterday as it implements its controversial new policy. Immigration Minister Chris Bowen would not say where the 32 newest arrivals who landed in Australian waters late Friday would be sent, but acknowledged Australia had struck a deal with Malaysia on taking boatpeople.

“They will be removed to a third country in line with the regional arrangements we are entering into across our region,” Bowen told

reporters. A week ago Australia announced changes to its immigration policy designed to break people-smuggling and stem the wave of boats carrying asylum seekers to its shores.

Under the changes, Australia will send 800 asylum seekers to Malaysia for processing and in return Canberra will accept 4,000 people already assessed to be refugees from Malaysia for resettlement over four years.

Australia is also in negotiations with its impoverished northern neighbor Papua

New Guinea on opening an immigration processing centre, but no deal has yet been finalized. Bowen warned that anyone arriving by boat in Australia could no longer assume they would be processed in Australia.

“We will not be accepting and processing people for asylum claims who arrive in Australia by boat,” he said. “We will assess asylum claims offshore and we will do our bit to resettle refugees who have been processed in other countries.” The latest arrivals will be taken to the remote Indian

Ocean territory of Christmas Island, where boatpeople are normally detained until their claims can be assessed, and given basic biometric assessments before being taken to another country.

Bowen said Australia, which has had more than 7,800 boatpeople arriving in its waters since the beginning of 2010, was seeking to build a regional solution to the problem of people smuggling. “My message to people smugglers and asylum seekers is very clear-do not come by boat,” he said.

“There is no way around these arrange-

Pakistan mps slam Bin Laden raid Spy chief offers to resign if deemed responsible ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s parliament condemned yesterday the US raid to find and kill Osama bin Laden, calling for a review of US ties and warning that Pakistan could cut supply lines to American forces in Afghanistan if there were more such attacks. Pakistan’s intelligence chief was cited as saying he was ready to resign over the bin Laden affair, which has embarrassed the country and led to suspicion that Pakistani security agents knew where the Al-Qaeda chief was hiding.

On Friday, two suicide bombers attacked a military academy in a northwestern town killing 80 people in what Pakistani Taleban militants said was their first act of revenge for bin Laden’s death on May 2. The secret US raid on bin Laden’s lair in the garrison town of Abbottabad, 50 km north of Islamabad, has strained already prickly ties with the United States. It has also led to domestic criticism of the government and military, partly because bin Laden had apparently remained undetected in Pakistan for years, but also because of the failure to detect or stop the US operation to get him.

“Parliament ... condemned the unilateral action in Abbottabad which constitutes a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty,” it said in a resolution issued after security chiefs briefed legislators.

Pakistan has dismissed as absurd any suggestion that authorities knew bin Laden was holed up in a high-walled compound near the country’s top military academy. The US administration has not accused Pakistan of complicity in hiding bin Laden but has said he must have had some sort of support network, which it wants to uncover.

Pakistan has a long record of using

ISLAMABAD: Supporters of Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf headed by former Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan rally outside the Parliament where Pakistan’s military establishment gives an in-camera briefing to the parliamentarians regarding the Abbottabad episode which killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. — AP Islamist militants as proxies, especially to counter the influence of nuclear-armed rival, India. Members of the two houses of parliament said the government should review ties with the United States to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests and they also called for an end to US attacks on militants with its pilotless drone aircraft. They also called for an independent commission to investigate the bin Laden case.

BODY PARTS Pakistan officially objects to the drone attacks, saying they violate its sovereignty and feed public anger, although US officials have long said they are carried out under an agreement between the countries. The legislators said US “unilat-

eral actions” such as the Abbottabad raid and drone strikes were unacceptable, and the government should consider cutting vital US lines of supply for its forces in Afghanistan unless they stopped.

Hours earlier, a US drone fired missiles at a vehicle in North Waziristan on the Afghan border killing five militants. It was the fourth drone attack since bin Laden was killed. Police in Charsadda said they had recovered for analysis body parts of the two bombers who struck at the gates of a paramilitary force academy in the town of Charsadda as recruits were pouring out to go on leave. A Taleban spokesman said on Friday the attack was in revenge for bin Laden’s death and

vowed there would be more. “Obviously, they are involved as it’s only them who can carry out such suicide bombings.

No-one else can do it,” said senior police officer Jehanzeb Khan.

Lieutenant-General Ahmad Shuja Pasha, head of the military’s main InterServices Intelligence (ISI) spy agency, told parliament in a closed-door briefing he was “ready to resign” over the bin Laden affair, a legislator said. Pasha, who was asked tough questions by some members of parliament, told the assembly he did not want to “hang around” if parliament deemed him responsible, legislator Riaz Fatyana told reporters. “I am ready to resign,” Fatyana quoted the ISI chief as saying. The embarrassment over bin Laden has given the civilian government an opportunity to exert greater control over the powerful military establishment, which largely determines security and foreign policy.

Opposition leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said civilian leaders, not the security agencies, should be deciding policy towards India, the United States and Afghanistan. “The elected government should formulate foreign policy. A parallel policy or parallel government should not be allowed to work,” Sharif told a news conference. Despite such calls, analysts say the weak and unpopular government, beset by chronic economic problems, looks unlikely to challenge the military for greater control.

On relations with the United States, Pakistan says there has been a breakdown in trust and in a sign of the chill in ties, the chairman of Pakistan’s joint chiefs of staff committee, General Khalid Shameem Wynne, canceled a five-day visit to the United States that had been set to begin on May 22. — Reuters

Taiwanese fraud rings move into Southeast

SHANGHAI: A girl plays with a dog in Shanghai, China. The China’s largest city is slashing its steep fees for dog registration and setting a limit of one-dog per family in an effort to gain control over the soaring pet population and curb rabies. — AP

Shanghai’s one-dog limit causes anguish SHANGHAI: China’s largest city is setting a limit of one-dog per family in an effort to gain control over the soaring pet population and curb rabies. Cao Yi already was walking her dogs at 11 pm, hoping to avoid trouble both with neighbors and with the authorities over her brown poodle and golden retriever. “I’m afraid one of the dogs might be taken away,” she said.

The new rule, which takes effect today, means either finding a new home for one of her pets, or registering one with her parents.

Shanghai’s new pet ownership rules also slash steep fees for dog registration - in hopes of bringing more undocumented dogs onto the books and require those walking dogs to keep them on leashes. Only about 140,000 of Shanghai’s estimated 800,000 dogs have been registered under current rules, which require payment of a 2,000 yuan ($300) fee every year for those living downtown and half that for those in the suburbs.

Under the new rules, annual fees drop to 500 yuan (about $75) for downtown residents, 300 yuan (about $45) for those in suburbs, and 100 yuan ($13) for rural residents. Rabies shots cost another 40 yuan ($6) for domestic vaccines or 60 yuan ($9) for imported ones.

Beijing and the southern city of Guangzhou have imposed similar regulations seeking to bring rabies under better control. For some middle-class Chinese, the canine controls are an unwelcome intrusion into their private lives, and a reminder of extremist political campaigns in decades past, when pet keeping was deemed an anti-communist, bourgeoisie luxury. Whether the lower costs will induce

more Shanghainese to legalize unregistered pets or really get rid of those above the quota remains to be seen. These days, the city still conducts occasional roundups of unregistered dogs. Indoor pets, like birds or cats, don’t require registration but cities want to keep track of dogs because they are more likely to go outside, where they can form wild packs and even spread disease. Occasional mass outbreaks of rabies - mainly in the provinces - have prompted culls of tens of thousands of dogs, and sometimes protests from angry pet owners. But in most cases opposition takes the form of passive resistance; some Shanghai residents just send their dogs to stay with friends or relatives until it seems safe to bring them home.

“Some of my friends from the dog lovers club say they don’t want to register their pets because they don’t take them outside, to keep them clean,” said Cao. While pedigreed animals can cost thousands of dollars, inexpensive breeds can be easily bought without any enforcement of requirements for annual rabies’ vaccines. Many first-time pet owners don’t bother to spay or neuter their animals and eventually abandon them when they grow tired of the burdens of keeping an animal: bands of strays can be seen in the city’s suburbs.

A recent pet population explosion has brought on a spike in rabies infections. About 2,500 people die of the disease each year in China. In big, crowded cities like Shanghai, home to 23 million people, police say they handle thousands of complaints over dog bites each year. — AP

TAIPEI: Tears well up in Chen Ahsiu’s eyes as she recalls her son’s first trip abroad-to Thailand-which will also be his last until he finishes a 12-year jail term there for fraud.

Chen said her son, a 25-year-old high-school dropout, was conned by a “friend” into going to Bangkok to unknowingly work for a fraud ring before he was arrested and imprisoned last year. “They gave him forged ATM cards to withdraw money, and when he felt something was wrong, they threatened him to keep doing it until he was caught,” said Chen, who is 50 and ekes out a living as a janitor in Taipei.

The case is seen as part of a trend of Taiwan fraud rings expanding into Southeast Asia as they seek new business opportunities after being driven from China. China was, until a couple of years ago, a favorite destination for Taiwanese criminals hoping to evade arrest and sometimes start new lucrative careers. But that changed when Taipei and Beijing signed a crimefighting agreement in 2009 amid improving ties, and in less than a year more than 1,600 suspected swindlers were rounded up on both sides, according to Taiwanese police. “Fraud rings now relocate to Southeast Asia,” said Tsai Tyan-muh, a criminologist at Taiwan’s Central Police University. “ The area is close by and the criminals can spread across several countries, making it less likely they ’ll get caught.” Arrests of Taiwanese and Chinese nationals have since been reported in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. In February, a decision by the Philippine government to deport a group of 24 suspects, including 14 Taiwanese, to China triggered a diplomatic row with Taipei. “Fraud rings are getting common because they’re operating with virtually no cost but can bag huge profits if they succeed,” said Tsai.

“They’re good at copying (each other’s) business models so they come back quickly after each crackdown.”

Technological advances have also made it more convenient for fraudsters to operate across borders, as shown in a growing number of scams involving instant messaging, social networking and online

bidding sites, police said. “Fraud rings are going international and have more tools at their disposal.

It’s getting more difficult to track down the masterminds,” said Liang Chuang-ting, an anti-fraud expert at Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.

In Thailand, where more than 100 Taiwanese and Chinese suspects were detained last year, the police said they are gearing up for “major arrests soon” after collaborating with their Taiwanese and Chinese counterparts. Kitti Sapaothong, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police’s economic crime unit, said Taiwanese and Chinese gangs arrange their business across borders so they are harder to crack.

“Gangs based in Thailand normally target the people in Taiwan or China or abroad while those targeting Thais are based in Taiwan or China. That’s why it’s harder for us to arrest them,” he said.

Chang Xue-hai has made several visits to Thailand’s crowded jails in his capacity as head of the Taiwan Association for Legal Aid, an NGO with a mission to help people in legal trouble. He estimated that dozens of young Taiwanese are now held in Thai prisons on fraud charges. “I believe that some were lured to Thailand by false job deals only to become pawns of the fraud rings and were slapped with heavy prison terms up to 20 years,” Chang said.

Fraud rings usually pick young people who have never gone abroad, speak no English and are from humble backgrounds like Chen’s son so they are more easily manipulated, he said. Taiwan’s foreign ministry, on the other hand, has said many young people arrested in Thailand were aware of the nature of their “job” but fell for the fat salaries and luxury houses promised by fraud rings. Chen A-hsiu, however, insisted that her son fell victim to a scam. “He is a simple young man looking for a job but now he will forever have a criminal record. I dare not think how he is going to spend 12 years in a jail abroad,” said Chen, who is appealing her son’s case. — AFP

ments. It doesn’t matter whether you come from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Iraq or anywhere else. “Australia will not be processing boat arrivals in Australia.

There is no guarantee of resettlement in Australia.” Australia has been criticized for its new policy, with Amnesty International Friday saying it failed legal, humane and economic tests.

“People have a legal right to seek asylum and the numbers coming into Australia are incredibly low,” spokeswoman Claire Mallinson said. — AFP

News

in brief

Fukushima worker dies TOKYO: A man died on his second day working at Japan’s tsunami-wrecked nuclear power plant yesterday, and the plant operator said harmful levels of radiation were not detected in his body.

The contract worker in his 60s was the first person to die at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in northeastern Japan since the March 11 quake and tsunami damaged the facility, causing a string of fires, explosions and radiation leaks in the world’s second-worst nuclear accident. The worker was carrying equipment when he collapsed and died later in hospital, said Naoyuki Matsumoto, spokesman for Tokyo Electric Power Co. The company does not know the cause of his death, Matsumoto said. The man had been wearing a radiation protection suit, mask and gloves while working at the plant’s waste disposal building, which stores radioactive-contaminated water that has leaked from the tsunamicrippled reactors.

2 suspects, vendor killed in terror raid JAKARTA: Indonesia’s anti-terrorism forces killed two suspected militants in a predawn raid in Central Java yesterday, a police spokesman said.

A nearby rice vendor was killed in crossfire during the raid early in the day in Sukoharjo district, said national police spokesman Col Boy Rafli Amar. He identified the suspects as Sigit Qurdowi, a leader of a little-known Islamist militant group called Hisbah, and his bodyguard, Hendro Yulianto. Amar says the two suspects are among fugitives wanted for a church attack in Central Java last year. He says they are also believed to have links to a terrorist network in the West Java district of Cirebon. “They have planned attacks against police,” Amar said, adding that the two resisted arrest. A number of terrorist suspects have been arrested following a suicide bombing last month at a mosque in Cirebon that wounded 30 people, mostly policemen.

Singapore founding father Lee quits post SINGAPORE: Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew resigned from the Cabinet yesterday, ceding leadership to a younger generation after his party’s worst election result since independence in 1965. Lee and fellow former prime minister Goh Chok Tong said in their joint resignation statement they wanted to leave a clean path for younger leaders. “A younger generation wants to be more engaged in the decisions which affect them,” they said. “After a watershed general election, we have decided to leave the cabinet and have a completely younger team of ministers to connect to and engage with this young generation.” The 87-year old Lee was prime minister from 1959 to 1990 after which Goh took over until 2004. Lee had been known as Minister Mentor while Goh was Senior Minister since 2004, and both won parliament seats in the May 7 election. The ruling People’s Action Party won 60 percent of the vote, down from 67 percent in 2006 and 75 percent in 2001. The Workers Party won six seats, the most the opposition has held since independence.

US city hosts Dalai Lama NEWARK: The topic of working for peace brought a crowd of more than 1,000 people to New Jersey’s largest city Friday to hear a diverse group of speakers ranging from the Dalai Lama to a former member of the Bloods street gang.

The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader opened the three-day Newark Peace Education Summit by urging participants to work on inner peace as a key prerequisite to making positive change in the world. “The change in human society, the initiative, must start with the individual,” the Dalai Lama said. Speaking to a crowd of interfaith leaders, peace activists, educators and community leaders at The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in downtown Newark, the Dalai Lama said it was time to set a new world paradigm for peace. “The 20th century was the century of bloodshed,” he said.

“The 21st century should be the century of dialogue.” The Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, was joined by two other Nobel laureates, American Jody Williams, a peace activist who shared the 1997 prize for her work on banning land mines, and Iranian-born Shirin Ebadi, a human rights activist who won the prize in 2003. The panel featured several other speakers, including Deepak Chopra, the wellness author, and Wilbert Rideau, who served more than 12 years on death row for a murder conviction. Rideau was granted three retrials and was convicted of manslaughter, then was freed after 44 years in prison and became an awardwinning journalist and author. In a discussion that touched on the many incarnations of violence and the meaning of democracy, Williams said the United States isn’t necessarily a healthy example for the rest of the world.

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SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

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Issues

Pakistan and questions over US foreign aid

By Bernd Debusmann n the flurry of statements on the killing of Osama bin Laden, a remark from Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington, Husain Haqqani, spoke volumes about how US foreign aid tends to be perceived by its recipients. It’s not enough. “The United States spent much more money in Iraq than it did in Afghanistan,” Haqqani said in a television interview. “And then it spent much more in Afghanistan than it did in Pakistan. So were there cracks through which things fell through?

Absolutely.”

That twisted logic suggests that if only Washington had given Pakistan a few billion more than the $20.7 billion it provided over the past decade, bin Laden, a man with a $27 million bounty on his head, would not have “fallen through the cracks.” Those cracks were wide enough to swallow bin Laden’s one-acre walled compound with a three-storey building in a garrison town near the Pakistani capital.

The mass murderer’s six-year stay in Abbottabad has prompted some members of Congress to demand the immediate suspension of aid to Pakistan, others to look for reductions. Deep cuts, however, are unlikely. The 140,000 US and NATO troops in Afghanistan rely on supplies landed at the Pakistani port of Karachi and trucked through the Khyber Pass to bases in Afghanistan. As Michael Scheuer, the former head of the Central Intelligence Agency’s bin Laden unit, puts it: “They (the Pakistanis) know we need them more than they need us.

They also know that the Saudis and the Chinese would step in with money and aid if we backed out.”

Consequently, military and civilian aid is likely to continue flowing and the strained marriage of convenience between the US and Pakistan will survive this latest spat.

But giving billions of dollars to a country where, according to President Barack Obama, “we think that there had to be some sort of support network for bin Laden” will probably rekindle a long-running debate over the how and why of foreign aid as a whole. The United States is the world’s biggest donor of foreign aid, giving more than the runners-up, France and Germany, put together.

Last year, Washington provided assistance in one form or another to 149 countries, according to the Congressional Research Service, the research arm of Congress. That’s almost four-fifths of all the countries on earth but the aid has not made the United States the world’s most popular country.

On the contrary. Why? There are a variety of reasons, including one that is not often mentioned in policy debates on aid. It has to do with human nature, according to Ken Adelman, a former US ambassador to the United Nations. In a recent essay in Foreign Policy magazine, he wrote: “Giving someone a gift generates initial gratitude (often along with gripes about why it wasn’t bigger). The second time the gift generates less gratitude (and more such griping). By the third iteration, it has become an entitlement. The slightest decline engenders resentment.”

Perversely, in Pakistan and Egypt, two of the four countries that topped the list of US aid recipients in 2010, the publics hold overwhelmingly unfavorable views of the United States, according to the annual global attitudes survey by the Pew Research Center, a Washington-based think tank. For decades, Washington has seen foreign assistance as an essential instrument of foreign policy, meant in part to positively influence attitudes abroad. This works in some of the large variety of activities that come under the label foreign assistance for example reducing poverty, widening access to health care and education, or promoting human rights. But even US disaster relief, often prompt and efficient, does not always change attitudes, viz American emergency aid in the wake of last year’s devastating floods in Pakistan. If foreign assistance does not buy gratitude, loyalty and cooperation, does it help to influence the decision-making of friendly governments? Not necessarily. Take the example of Israel, the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign assistance since its creation in 1948. Despite the aid, the government has continued building Jewish settlements on the West Bank contrary to US wishes and contrary to international law. So, is foreign assistance to 149 countries reflected in votes in support of US positions at the United Nations (which has 192 members)? It is not. According to a study by the conservative Heritage Foundation, about 95 percent of UN member states that receive US assistance voted against the United States in General Assembly votes between 2000 and 2008. —Reuters

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Queen’s Irish trip a century in the making

By Carmel Crimmins t will take Britain’s Queen Elizabeth less than an hour to fly to Ireland for a state visit this week but it has taken close to a century to deal with the historical and political baggage surrounding such a trip. The British monarch’s fourday visit will be the most important state sojourn the Irish Republic has hosted, capping warm diplomatic ties with its former colonial master and underscoring the success of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

A 1998 deal ending Irish nationalists’ guerrilla war against British rule of Northern Ireland set the clock ticking on a royal visit but it was not until police and justice powers were transferred from London to Belfast last year, the last piece of devolution, that the diplomatic wheels could be set in motion. It will be the first visit by a British monarch since King George V in 1911 before a bloody uprising and two-year war led to Irish independence in 1921. “The word historic is being used justifiably for this visit,” said Diarmaid Ferriter, professor of modern Irish history at University College Dublin.

“It is the last piece of a jigsaw that has been slowly put together over the last 10 or 15 years.”

In the second half of the 20th century, Northern Ireland’s position as part of the United Kingdom and its treatment of proIrish Catholics tarred relations between London and Dublin but problems bet ween the t wo countries have an ancient heritage. Henry VIII declared himself King of Ireland in the 16th century and hundreds of years of Irish resistance followed. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the British crown was the symbol of oppression and Irish nationalism was synonymous with republicanism.

During the 30-year Northern Ireland conflic t, in which 3,600 were k illed, British and Irish relations hit several low points. A crowd burnt the British embassy in Dublin in 1972 in fur y over British troops killing 13 unarmed civilians in Nor thern I reland ’s “Bloody Sunday ”.

Guerrilla group the Irish Republican Army (IRA) started bombing England and in 1979 killed the Queen’s cousin Lord Louis Mountbatten while on holiday in northwest Ireland. English people tended to avoid holidaying in Ireland and Irish people seeking work in London, a favourite IRA target, of ten tried to mask their accents for fear of being labelled a “terrorist”.

Despite the IRA’s campaign, which was not supported by the majority of people in the Republic, a flow of Irish emigrants to Britain and British broadcast media’s availability in Ireland meant there was, and is, an underlying bond between the countries. The UK is Ireland’s largest trading partner and for some sectors - fashion, food and drink - Ireland is Britain’s largest export market.

One percent of the British population classifies themselves as Irish according to the last census but millions have an Irish grandparent entitling them to claim citizenship in the Republic. Some of Britain’s best-know names are Irish; from broadcaster Terr y Wogan to milliner Philip Treac y, a par ticular favourite of the Queen. Television soap operas in Manchester and London are avidly followed in Ireland. For British people of Irish descent, the relationship with the “old country” can be complicated.

John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten of punk group the Sex Pistols,

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remarked in an interview last year that he still gets abuse for having an English accent while travelling on an Irish passport. Terry Hobdell, who came to Ireland in 1973 from London and set up a fencing business, said having an English accent was never a problem. “You get the odd ‘Plastic Paddy’ thing but that’s amongst people you know and it’s an in-joke,” said the 65-year-old, whose mother was from Kerry and whose father was a fourth-generation London cockney. “I don’t consider racism the odd guy on a motorbike calling me an “English XXX” because I’ve told him not to drive up against my car.”

During British colonial rule, sport was divisive. Rugby, football and cricket were dismissed as “garrison games” and until 1971 the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which represents Irish sports, banned its members from playing them. In recent times, sport has brought the countries closer. Proud Irish republicans happily suppor t English football clubs and the GAA has embraced the new environment in Nor thern Ireland. In 2001, the association lifted its ban on members of the British security forces becoming members and last month, GAA members helped carry the coffin of a Catholic policeman killed by dissident nationalists in Northern Ireland.

For Irish people, the most amazing aspect of the Queen’s itinerary is the plan to visit Dublin’s Croke Park, the GAA’s national stadium and the venue for the

original “Bloody Sunday”, when British troops killed 14 people in 1920. As head of the British armed forces, the Queen’s presence in such hallowed nationalist ground is controversial in some strong republican quarters. But British Prime Minister David Cameron’s apology last year for Nor thern I reland ’s Bloody Sunday in 1972, and the English rugby team’s match against Ireland there in 2007, paved the way.

Dissident nationalist groups in Northern Ireland have warned the Queen that she is not welcome in Ireland but outside of small protests, neither government is expecting trouble. Irish people take an interest in the royal family, as evidenced by the deser ted streets during the televised April 29 wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton.

“There is no hostility towards it as far as I can see except in traditional republican circles,” said Tim Pat Coogan, who has written books on the IRA and Irish nationalist leaders. “People will give her the usual Irish welcome once she gets here.” — Reuters

Can Hamas leopard change its spots?

By Crispian Balmer he Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has felt the political winds shift across the Middle East and is bending with them, making peace with its secular rival Fatah and trying to cool its conflict with Israel. Israel has ridiculed the idea that the Hamas leopard can ever change its spots, but analysts poring over a recent slew of interviews from the movement’s senior leaders believe change is under way, wrought by upheaval across the Arab world. Despite the fact it looks secure in its coastal stronghold, the Gaza Strip, Hamas last month reached out to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who governs in the West Bank, and agreed to a surprise unity deal to end years of fierce feuding.

By doing so, Hamas effectively renewed its commitment to a ceasefire with Israel. No mortars or missiles have been fired out of Gaza since the accord was announced on April 27 - a rare period of calm on one of the region’s most dangerous borders. Hamas has also conspicuously failed to provide wholehearted support to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, who faces the worst civil unrest of his 11-year rule, despite the fact that he has harboured the Islamist group leadership for a decade.

The chilly relations have raised speculation that Hamas might move its main regional office out of Damascus, which would take the group further out of Shiite Iran’s orbit. It would strengthen ties with administrations that have good relations with the West, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. Growing signs that the Islamist group is considering moving out first originated in the Saudi-owned pan-Arab Al-Hayat daily, which cited unnamed Palestinian sources for its report. “I think Hamas is serious this time. It is taking a chance and wants to be given a chance,” said political analyst Hani Habib, who lives in Hamas-controlled Gaza. “I don’t think players in the region and the rest of the world should worry about Hamas moving in a more moderate direction,” he said. Any suggestion that Hamas might be mellowing is firmly rejected by Israel, which points out that the group’s founding charter clearly calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. Israel, like many of its Western allies, says Hamas is a terrorist organisation and suffered a PR failure when Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh hailed the slain Osama bin Laden as a “holy warrior” just before the unity deal with Fatah was signed. “Hamas has not changed its ideology or its policy, and it surely does not intend on agreeing to any kind of peace deal with the State of Israel,” the outgoing head of Israeli spy agency Shin Bet, Yuval Diskin, said in a speech this month.

At most, he told an audience in Tel Aviv, Hamas “may agree to a ceasefire which it will use to build up its power”. Interestingly, other Hamas leaders swiftly distanced themselves from Haniyeh’s warm praise of bin Laden, who was killed by US soldiers in Pakistan. “Concerning bin Laden, everyone knows Hamas has dif-

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ferences with Al-Qaeda ... especially (its) operations targeting civilians,” Hamas leader in exile Khaled Meshaal told France 24 TV. Meshaal has given more interviews in the past several weeks than he has done in the past several years, apparently eager to show the world exactly where Hamas stands on Middle East peace.

Although he stopped short of recognising Israel, he repeatedly stated that he wanted to establish a Palestinian state along prewar, 1967 borders, implicitly suggesting that Hamas was ready to accommodate the reality of Israel. He also said that he would henceforth consult with more moderate Palestinian factions over how to confront Israel, suggesting that he would no longer attack without consensus. Another Hamas official, Sami Abou Zuhri, told Le Monde daily that observers should not focus on Hamas’s uncompromising 1988 charter, but rather judge the group on the words of its leaders.

All this falls well short of the criteria laid down by the peacemaking Quartet - the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia - which says Hamas must recognise Israel and renounce violence if it wants to be accepted as a peace partner.

However, unlike Israel, which immediately withheld tax funds from the Palestinian Authority in response to the unity deal, the European Union and the United States are biding their time, no doubt hoping that Hamas is indeed undergoing a transformation.

Palestinian analysts believe the group has been forced into a re-think because of the Arab uprisings which have rattled its sanctuar y in Syria and strengthened its “parent ”, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, long suppressed under Hosni Mubarak.

“One key element that forced Hamas to ... look more moderate is the unfolding events in Syria and the Arab world,” said Samir Awad, a political analyst at the West Bank Birzeit university.

“Hamas cannot support a Syrian regime which is slaughtering its people. It is in such an embarrassing position.”

Hamas has denied it is considering leaving Damascus, but sources have said it might open new offices elsewhere. Any move from Syria would take Hamas further out of Iran’s camp and back into the broader Arab fold, aligning more closely with influential Sunni states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which used to help fund the group before Washington objected. It is undoubtedly too early to say where the Arab Spring will lead Hamas and no one expects it to be sitting around the negotiating table with Israel anytime soon. But its every move is being scrutinised and supporters are promoting its cause. “Let me give you a very clear message. I don’t see Hamas as a terror organisation,” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the US PBS this week - a strong and significant endorsement from the only Muslim member of NATO. “It is a resistance movement trying to protect its country under occupation,” he added, in comments that will have delighted Hamas but further eroded Turkey’s strained ties with Israel.— Reuters

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Years

ne ws US hunts alien life Continued from Page 1 project with 42 telescope dishes known as the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) - due to a five million dollar budget shortfall. ATA began in 2007 and was operated in partnership by the UC Berkeley Radio Astronomy Lab, which has hosted several generations of such experiments. It was funded by the SETI Institute and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

With ATA’s dishes in hibernation for now, astronomers hope the powerful Green Bank Telescope, a previous incarnation of which was felled in a windstorm in 1988, will provide targeted information about potential life-supporting planets. “Our search employs the largest fully steerable radio telescope on the planet, and the most sensitive radio telescope in the world capable of undertaking a SETI search of this kind,” Siemion told AFP. “We will be looking at a much wider range of frequencies and signal types than has ever been possible before,” he added, describing the instrumentation as “at the very cutting edge of radio astronomy technology.”

The surface of the telescope is 100 by 110 m and it can

record nearly one gigabyte of data per second, Siemion said. The 7.7 million kg telescope became operational in 2000 and is a project of the NSF’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory. “We’ve picked out the planets with nice temperatures - between zero and 100 degrees Celsius - because they are a lot more likely to harbor life,” said physicist Dan Werthimer. Werthimer heads a threedecade long SETI project in Puerto Rico, home of the world’s largest radio telescope, Arecibo. However that project could not observe the same area of the northern sky as the Green Bank telescope, he said. “With Arecibo, we focus on stars like our Sun, hoping that they have planets around them that emit intelligent signals,” Werthimer said in a statement. “But we’ve never had a list of planets like this before.”

The Green Bank Telescope can scan 300 times the range of frequencies that Arecibo could, meaning that it can collect the same amount of data in one day that Arecibo could in one year. The project will likely take about a year to complete, and will be helped by a team of one million at-home astronomers, known as SETI@home users, who will help process the data on personal computers. — AFP

US visa lottery to be redrawn Continued from Page 1

NALKIYA, Bahrain: Ahmed Juma’a, 20, emerges from clouds of celebratory smoke from the car engines of friends welcoming him home from jail yesterday in this western Shiite village. Juma’a was detained last week as part of the crackdown on anti-government protesters, which has netted several hundreds in the past few months mostly from Shiite areas. — AP

US Middle East envoy resigns Continued from Page 1 Committee, the country’s largest pro-Israel lobbying group, before he leaves for Europe on May 22, officials said. White House spokesman Jay Carney said the administration remains focused on reviving Middle East peace negotiations. “The president’s commitment remains as firm as it was when he took office,” Carney said. “This is a hard issue, an extraordinarily hard issue.”

David Hale, Mitchell’s deputy, will serve as acting envoy, Obama said in a statement.

Mitchell wrote a two-paragraph letter to Obama saying he took the diplomatic job intending to only serve two years. “I strongly support your vision of comprehensive peace in the Middle East and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your administration,” Mitchell wrote. On his second full day in office in Jan 2009, Obama appointed Mitchell to the special envoy’s post. The former Democratic senator from Maine, who rose to Senate majority leader, had established his credentials as an international mediator by helping broker peace in Northern Ireland.

Since his appointment, Mitchell, 77, has shuttled among the Israelis, Palestinians and friendly Arab states in a bid to restart long-stalled talks that would create an independent Palestinian state. But in recent months, particularly after the upheaval in Arab countries that ousted longtime US ally and key peace partner Hosni Mubarak from power in Egypt, his activity had slowed markedly. Mitchell never established a firm presence, preferring to jet in for short visits lasting several days or even several hours. More critically, Mitchell never established a rapport with either side.

With Israelis suspicious of Obama even before he assumed office, Mitchell further unnerved them by taking a tough line against West Bank settlements, saying

that any construction was unacceptable. The Palestinians, initially encouraged, became disillusioned when the US was unable to persuade Israel to freeze settlement construction.

Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Mitchell’s task held greater hope at the time of his appointment. “But the way the politics worked out, you have an Israeli government that is very skeptical about the ability of negotiating with the Palestinian Authority,” Alterman said. “And you have a Palestinian Authority where the internal politics are increasingly fraught. “So it’s hard to find a political consensus either among the Israelis or the Palestinians to move forward on the kinds of negotiations that George Mitchell was appointed to facilitate.”

Mitchell believed his patience would serve him well in the Arab-Israeli conflict and its constant forward and backward steps. Israeli analyst Yossi Alpher, former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, said Mitchell’s departure could signal a different approach by the Obama administration. “His methods just didn’t work here,” Alpher said. “The Northern Ireland method of listen, listen and listen doesn’t work here.”

Nabil Shaath, a leading Palestinian negotiator, suggested the resignation was not so much a blow to the peace effort as a reflection of its failure - and that should conditions change, the identity of the mediator was not key. “Mitchell hadn’t received enough support from the US administration to make a breakthrough in the peace process. He is a positive man, he is a great man and he is my friend,” Shaath said. “But Mitchell can be replaced when the US administration is ready. There is no possibility for a mediator to work without the needed support and pressure from the administration on Israel.” — AP

Libya buries 11 imams killed in NATO strike Continued from Page 1 An imam at a news conference with Ibrahim, identified as Nureddin Al-Mijrah, called for revenge. He urged Muslims across the world “to take revenge for our brothers who died today. For every man we should take down one thousand men... from France, Italy, Denmark, Britain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates”.

Gaddafi, whom Italy claimed on Friday might be wounded and on the run, said he was beyond the reach of NATO bombs. “I want to say to the Crusader cowards that I live in a place where I cannot be reached or killed; I live in the hearts of millions,” he said in an audio message aired late Friday on state television.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini had said Gaddafi was “probably outside of Tripoli and probably also injured,” and that the reports came from the Roman Catholic bishop of Tripoli. But the bishop, Giovanni Martinelli, denied making such comment. “What the foreign minister said is not right because I never said that the Libyan leader was wounded,” he told Radio France Internationale. “I only said that he was under psychological shock from the death of his son. I did not say he was wounded or that he left Tripoli.”

An April 30 air strike missed Gaddafi but killed his son, Seif al-Arab, and three of his grandchildren.

Ibrahim told reporters that Gaddafi was “in very good health, high morale,

high spirits,” and “he is in Tripoli”. Late Friday and early yesterday, a series of six loud explosions rocked Tripoli as jets flew overhead. Smoke could be seen rising from one of the sites in eastern Tripoli, witnesses said.

On the battlefield, rebels reportedly made new progress in their advance towards the boundaries of the western port city of Misrata. An AFP correspondent said they had moved 20 km in the east to reach the gates of Tavarga and in the west they reached the gates of the city of Zliten - their next main military target on the road to Tripoli. NATO said it hit two tanks in the Brega area on Friday and listed other “key hits” that day to include a “command and control node” in Tripoli as well as two surfaceto-air missile launchers near the capital. The alliance also reported striking 20 armoured vehicle storage buildings around Tripoli on Friday, as well as an armoured personnel carrier and four military trucks in the Misrata area.

On the diplomatic front, Jibril was received at the Elysee Palace by Sarkozy and French Prime Minister Francois Fillon. Yesterday’s meeting, after which no statement was released, was also intended to discuss where to enlarge the international contact group on Libya, which France wants to include Russia and others. “We must see what we can do at the national level - something that is being analysed - and see how Gaddafi funds that have been frozen

can be used,” a French official said earlier. France, Gambia, Italy and Qatar are the only countries to have formally recognised the rebels’ National Transitional Council (TNC) as the Libyan people’s legitimate representative.

During a meeting in Rome last week the contact group decided to set up a special fund to help the rebels. On Friday, Jibril was received at the White House by President Barack Obama’s national security adviser Tom Donilon, but failed to garner the prize of US recognition.

The White House, however, said it was working with Congress on changes to the law to allow a portion of around $30 billion in Gaddafi regime assets blocked in the United States to be funneled towards the opposition.

Meanwhile, rebel chief Mustafa Abdul Jalil yesterday was holding what the insurgents billed as a “town hall” meeting in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi with leaders from western cities that remain under Gaddafi’s control. And the UN special envoy for Libya, Abdul Ilah Al-Khatib, said in Athens that he would travel to Tripoli today for talks with Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmudi. UN chief Ban Ki-moon this week called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and “immediate verifiable ceasefire negotiations towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict and unimpeded access to humanitarian workers.” — Agencies

established by Congress in 1994 to increase the number of immigrants from the developing world and from countries with traditionally low rates of emigration to the United States. Applicants do not have to have the usual family or employer sponsor.

The lottery selects 90,000 names from a pool of online entrants. That number is winnowed to 50,000 winners through attrition, interviews and educational and occupational rules. For visas to be awarded in 2012, applicants had to submit entries between Oct 5 and Nov 3, 2010. The glitch meant that among 14.7 million entries, about 90 percent of the people picked to move on to the next step came from applications submitted the first two days.

“These results are not valid because they did not represent a fair, random selection of the entrants as required

by US law,” said David Donahue, the deputy assistant secretary of state whose office oversees the lottery.

Donahue recorded an online video to apologize and explain the situation.

The now-invalidated results became available online on May 1, and about 1.9 million people, including the German, Max, had checked before the problem was uncovered on May 5. Of those who looked up

their status, about 22,000 were informed erroneously that they had been selected to move to the next step in the process, the department said. A new lottery will be held from the existing pool of entries with winners announced in mid-July.

Applicants do not need to re-enter.

No new entries will be accepted.

Max said he checked his status on the website on May 1 and was thrilled to find the results. He immediately set to work filling out the necessary paperwork, getting photographs taken and mailing in his next-step application. In the past few days, he said he had been checking the site regularly for updates, “but they always had an error saying they were having technical difficulties. They only just changed today”. “It’s very frustrating.

It has been two weeks since we were informed. You made some plans. It affects not just yourself but your family and people you had told,” he said. “You couldn’t believe yourself that you had won it and now this it’s very frustrating.”

Max said he is already living in the US, working legally in Florida on a visa that will expire next year, and he and his fiancee have been planning on making a life in the US together. Max said he fears that good luck may not strike twice. “I don’t believe I’m going to win a second time in July, but I will wait to see

what happens.” The AP contacted Max through a German company that helps applicants navigate the thicket of paperwork for what is known around the world as the “green card lottery”.

Most legal aliens in the United States are issued green cards as proof of their status. The lottery has taken on an almost mythical quality in some parts of the world. For all the criticism of the US overseas, it remains the single most desirable place to immigrate, either legally or illegally. Though the likelihood of winning the lottery is small, millions try every year because it remains the most realistic chance.

Citizens of 19 countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the previous five years are not allowed to participate: Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, South Korea and Vietnam. Persons born in Northern Ireland, the Chinese special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau as well as Taiwan are eligible.

The lottery has been conducted entirely electronically for the past 15 years, and the department said this year is the first time it has encountered a problem. It blamed a data coding error in a new computer program for the mistake. — AP

Desperate efforts to leave Philippines Continued from Page 1 the simplest of questions, such as: “Where are you going?” or: “Who is providing for your tour?”.

But on other occasions, they put more thought into their ruse. Pelia said the government now coordinated with sports bodies to verify which athletes were heading overseas, after some workers made it to Japan by claiming to be volleyballers bound for an Asian Games there in the 1990s. Immigration officials are also constantly on the lookout for Filipinas seeking to head abroad for work as prostitutes who travel with fake boyfriends, Pelia said.

“Carlos”, a 35-year-old labourer, said he beat the system three years ago when he entered Japan to escort his mother on a vacation there. When his mother returned home two months later, Carlos did not come back. Instead, under a plan hatched by his family, he was sheltered by his sister, who already had permanent residency in Japan. “We were always terrified that Japanese immigration would track me down to her house and burst in at any time. But they never came,” said Carlos, who spoke to AFP by telephone on condition his real name was not used. Carlos said his sister

helped him find a job as a construction worker in Japan, and he now earns the equivalent of about 26,000 Philippine pesos ($600) a month, three times what he could earn at home.

The problem of Filipinos being exploited saw the US State Department place the Philippines on its “tier 2 watchlist” for human trafficking in 2009. This meant the US government believed the Philippines was failing to comply with “minimum standards” on stopping human traffickers. The government says it has since sought to tackle the problem more seriously. About 25,000 wouldbe illegal workers have been stopped from leaving the Philippines since a crackdown began in August last year, according to Chrissy Avila, a lawyer with the government’s anti-trafficking task force. And 28 traffickers have been convicted since the start of last year, with some of them being sentenced to life in jail, according to the task force. But Avila said the prospective workers, who are not punished if caught, often remain determined to try again because of the deep social problems and poverty at home. “What they have in mind is that they are going abroad to have a better future, to earn dollars.

They don’t mind the fact that they might be victims of illegal trafficking,” she said. — AFP

Mubarak wife ‘stable after heart attack’ Continued from Page 1 to be transferred to a military hospital and then to a Cairo prison, but the decision has been put off.

Justice Minister Aziz Al-Gindi yesterday pledged the ousted strongman would see the inside of a prison cell once his health improves, saying “the law is applied to everyone, and no one is exempt”, according to MENA. Mohammed Fathallah, who heads the hospital, had said in a statement handed to reporters that Mrs Mubarak had suffered a “suspected heart attack and a sharp increase in blood pressure... She will be kept under observation.”

The news came hours after the Illicit Gains Authority ordered Suzanne Mubarak’s detention for 15 days on charges of illegal acquisition of wealth. Preparations had been underway to move her from the hospital to Qanater women’s prison outside Cairo, a senior security official told state media. She was due to be transferred to Qanater by plane, he said. The state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper reported yesterday that the former first lady has been placed under medical observation for 24 hours before any decision is made to move her.

She was interrogated in a hospital waiting room, close to where her husband has been in custody since when he also reportedly suffered a heart attack during questioning. It was the first detention order for Mrs

Mubarak, who had been questioned with her husband on Thursday night by the illicit gains department. The former first couple are accused of having abused their position to enrich themselves illegally.

The half-Welsh Suzanne was seen as the driving force behind plans to have her son Gamal take over the presidency from his father, a highly unpopular prospect in Egypt. The authority also remanded Mubarak in custody for a further 15 days on Friday, after the three-hour interrogation. He has also been questioned by the state prosecutor on several other charges, including ordering the shooting of anti-regime protesters.

His detention has been repeatedly extended.

During the questioning, Mubarak and his wife agreed to reveal details of their bank accounts both inside and outside Egypt, MENA said. The former president was quizzed about a villa he owns in Sharm El-Sheikh worth 36 million Egyptian pounds (about $6 million) “without counting the cost of the swimming pool”, MENA said. He was also asked about having personal control of the $145million bank account of the Alexandria Library. The former first lady was interrogated about a luxury villa she owns in Cairo, as well as 20 million pounds (about $3.3 million) held in a bank account, MENA said.

Mubarak, his wife, his two sons Alaa and Gamal and their wives were banned from travel and their assets

ordered frozen by general prosecutor Abdel Magid Mahmud shortly after the former strongman was overthrown in February. The two sons, along with dozens of officials and businessmen associated with the former regime, are being held in Cairo’s notorious Tora prison which housed political dissidents during the Mubarak era. Their wives, Heidi Rasekh and Khadiga Al-Gammal, have also been questioned over Mubarak’s wealth.

Earlier this month, Switzerland said it had frozen 410 million francs ($463 million) in funds linked to Mubarak and his associates.

Mubarak’s 30-year grip on power was brought to an end on Feb 11 following 18 straight days of mass protests.

The military council which then took power has vowed to bring to justice all those accused of abuses and launched a sweeping probe into corruption.

An April 2006 US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks said that “conventional wisdom holds that Suzanne Mubarak is her younger son’s most ardent booster”, pointing out that she often was photographed at public events with Gamal and that she was said to have kept the senior Mubarak from naming a vice president. “Her power and influence, many argue, are keys to Gamal’s viability,” said the cable.

Protesters during the 18-day uprising blamed her for setting the country’s political course. — Agencies

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

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Guardiola backs Busquets over racial abuse charge BARCELONA: Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola gave his backing to Sergio Busquets yesterday, saying he believed the midfielder’s denial that he had racially abused Real Madrid fullback Marcelo. Guardiola is concerned Busquets may miss the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley on May 28 after UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against him. The Spain international could face a five-match ban if found guilty of abusing Marcelo in last month’s ill-tempered Champions League semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu. “All I would say is that I have known Sergio for a long time and if he tells me something I believe him because I know him,” Guardiola said at a news conference ahead of today’s La Liga match at home to Deportivo Coruna. “Only Marcelo and ‘Busi’ know what happened,” he added. “Of course we are worried and waiting for the decision. Hopefully he will be able to play in the final.” —Reuters

Killebrew ends cancer fight NEW YORK: Baseball Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, the brawny slugger who remains near the top of the career home runs list, said on Friday he is ending his battle with esophageal cancer and will live out the final days of his life in hospice care. The 11-times All-Star, whose 573 career home runs are the 11th most in Major League Baseball, said he looks forward to spending his finals days in comfort alongside his wife.

“It is with profound sadness that I share with you that my continued battle with esophageal cancer is coming to an end,” Killebrew, 74, said in a statement released by the Baseball Hall of Fame.

“With the continued love and support of my wife, Nita, I have exhausted

all options with respect to controlling this awful disease. My illness has progressed beyond my doctors’ expectation of cure.” Killebrew started his career with the Washington Senators in 1954 and relocated with the franchise to Minnesota in 1961 where they became the Twins. He played one year with the Kansas City Royals in 1975 before retiring. Killebrew was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player in 1969 after a season where he recorded a careerbest 140 RBIs, 49 home runs and a .276 batting average while playing in all 162 of Minnesota’s games that year. The Twins retired his uniform number in 1975 and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 after a 22-year career in which he recorded 1,584 RBIs and a .256 batting average in 2,435 games.—Reuters

Venus out of French Open WASHNGTON: Venus Williams pulled out of the French Open on Friday, 24 hours after her younger sister Serena withdrew, making it the first Grand Slam tournament since 2003 without either Williams sister.

Venus’ agent, Carlos Fleming, wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press that the seven-time Grand Slam champion notified tournament organizers she wouldn’t compete at Roland Garros, where play starts May 22.

The 30-year-old American has been off the tour since January, when she stopped playing only minutes into a match in the third round of the Australian Open because of a hip injury.

A left knee injury limited her to just one tournament over the final six months of 2010. Serena pulled out of the French Open on Thursday; she hasn’t entered a tournament since winning her fourth Wimbledon singles championship in early July.

A few days later, she cut her foot on glass at a restaurant in Germany, an injury that led to two operations. —Reuters

Tigers halt Royals march

BRATISLAVA: Sweden’s team celebrates after defeating the Czech Republic with 5-2 during the semifinal match of the World Hockey Championships. —AP

Sweden oust holders to set up Finland final BRATISLAVA: Two goals from St Louis Blues forward Patrik Berglund helped Sweden oust holders Czech Republic 5-2 in the world ice hockey championship semifinals on Friday.

The Swedes will now play Finland in an all-Nordic final after they powered to a 3-0 win over Russia inspired by a wondergoal from nineteen-year-old Mikael Granlund, the youngest player in the team.

Russia’s NHL heavyweights Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk never got going as Finland breezed through. After a scoreless first period, Granlund scooped the puck up on to his stick behind the opposition net before flipping it past netminder Konstantin Barulin.

The goal was allowed to stand after a video review to determine whether his stick had been swung too high. “It was one of the best things I have ever seen in my career,” Washington Capitals left winger Ovechkin told reporters of Granlund’s trickshot goal.

The teenager’s Finnish team mate Jyrki Valivaara echoed Ovechkin’s sentiment. “It was amazing. I haven’t seen him do that before,” said defenceman Valivaara. “We were all just laughing on the bench. He has a great future.”

The Finns also grabbed two goals inside

two minutes in the final period through Jani Lajunen and Jarkko Immonen. In the other semi-final, the Czechs opened the scoring at the start of the second period when Marek Zidlicky skated down the wing to set up a goal for Patrik Elias.

Sweden equalised a minute later when Berglund hammered in a slap shot from the point. Mikael Backlund made it 2-1 to Sweden later in the same period with a wrist shot that gave netminder Ondrej Pavelec little chance.

The Czechs peppered the goal in the third period but netminder Viktor Fasth held them at bay and Jimmie Ericsson extended Sweden’s lead after latching on to a pass from Backlund.

Jakob Silfverberg added a fourth goal.

Elias pulled one back for the Czechs before Berglund scored into an empty net.

“We had to respect the Czechs because they are a good team,” said Sweden captain Berglund. “ We have had some tough games in the tournament and did a good job in this one to keep pressing.” The Czechs were unhappy after suffering their first defeat of the championship.

“We had a good first period and then stopped playing,” Pavelec said. “It’s a disappointment, one single defeat at the tournament, but that’s how it goes.”—Reuters

Canucks and Sharks out to exorcise playoff demons TORONT: The Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks may have advanced to the Western Conference finals but their Stanley Cup demons have not vanished as memories of past NHL playoff failures continue to haunt both cities.

Vancouver entered the NHL in 1970 and the hockey-obsessed city’s Cup dreams have yet to become reality, having lost in the championship round in 1982 and 1994.

San Jose won the Pacific Division the last four seasons and made the playoffs in seven straight years but have not advanced to the title round, stumbling twice in the Conference final, including last year to eventual Cup champion Chicago.

That weighty history of playoff failure will hang over the best-of-seven series when it begins today in Vancouver with the winner advancing to the Cup finals to face either the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Canucks and Sharks could even consider themselves lucky to still be in the playoffs having both been forced to record nailbiting victories in decisive seventh games. In the opening round, the top-seeded Canucks jumped out to a commanding 3-0 series lead over their playoff nemesis Chicago but were then forced to a seventh game that was not decided until Alex Burrows scored in overtime.

The Sharks also narrowly avoided a stunning collapse when Patrick Marleau scored a game-winning goal in the third period to beat the Detroit Red Wings in a decisive seventh game after also squandering a 3-0 series lead in the semi-final.

“It felt good to be on the score sheet and be able to get the game-winner,” said Marleau, who has come under intense criticism for his lack of production during the playoffs. “But we still have a long ways to go here and another month to play. We’re just going to get better.”

With both teams displaying the steely

resolve needed to shed the label of underachievers, the West final is shaping up as a potential classic between the conference’s top two seeds packed with some of the NHL’s finest talent.

The spotlight in Vancouver is not likely to stray far from All-Star netminder Roberto Luongo, who has looked both fabulous and flustered in the post-season.

A Vezina Trophy finalist for top goaltending honours, Luongo has admitted that the pressure to win a Stanley Cup has at times been greater than the pressure to win Olympic gold for Canada at last year’s Vancouver Games.

San Jose netminder Antti Niemi may not possess Luongo’s resume but the Finn did backstop the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup in 49 years last season.

The Sharks can also send out an entire line of Canadian Olympic gold medal winners in Marleau, Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley.

While the trio have not hit their stride in the playoffs, combining for just eight goals, rookie Logan Couture and Devin Setoguchi have provided the offensive spark potting six each.

“Last year after we beat these guys (Red Wings), I think we got a little too happy and didn’t focus on our next goal and that was the Blackhawks,” said Couture. “They took it to us and swept us.

“We haven’t won anything yet. We’ve made it past the second round. Now we have to get ready for the Canucks.”

The Canucks are led by Swedish twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin, whose trophy cases each contain Art Ross trophies as NHL regular season scoring champions and Olympic gold from the 2006 Turin Games.

Daniel, who captured the scoring crown this season, leads the Canucks with six goals but brother Henrik, winner of the NHL’s most valuable player award last season, has scored just once in 13 playoff games.—Reuters

DETROIT: Justin Verlander nearly became only the second pitcher to throw consecutive no-hitters before allowing Melky Cabrera’s RBI triple in the sixth inning of the Detroit Tigers’ 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the American League last week night. In his first start since throwing a no-hitter at Toronto on Saturday, Verlander pitched 5 2-3 hitless innings before Cabrera sent a line drive to the gap in the right-center field. Verlander was trying to equal Cincinnati’s Johnny Vander Meer, who threw two straight no-hitters in 1938.

Verlander (4-3) allowed a run on two hits and three walks in eight innings, while striking out seven.

Austin Jackson and Jhonny Peralta hit solo homers for the Tigers.

Indians 5, Mariners 4 In Cleveland, Travis Hafner hit a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning as Cleveland rallied for another dramatic victory and handed Seattle its sixth straight loss.

Tony Sipp (2-0) pitched a perfect 1 1-3 innings for the victory. ShinSoo Choo and Michael Brantley also hit home runs for Cleveland, which won for the ninth time this season in its last at-bat. Carlos Peguero hit his first major league homer, and Justin Smoak also connected for Seattle.

Red Sox 5, Yankees 4 At New York, Clay Buchholz won his third straight start and Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis homered as Boston beat the Yankees.

Buchholz (4-3) allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings, struck out seven and walked one.

Jonathan Papelbon finished for his sixth save in seven chances.

Gonzalez hit his fourth homer in three games leading off the fourth inning, and then put the Red Sox ahead 3-2 with a seventh-inning sacrifice fly. The Yankees lost their third straight home game for the first time since last September.

Rays 3, Orioles 0 In St. Petersburg, Florida, Jeremy

DETROIT: Tigers runner Austin Jackson is tagged out at home by Kansas City Royals catcher Matt Treanor (right) during the third inning of a baseball game. —AP Hellickson threw a four-hitter in his first career complete game and Matt Joyce and Johnny Damon homered as Tampa Bay beat Baltimore. Hellickson (4-2) struck out three and walked one. Joyce put the Rays up with a two-run homer off Jeremy Guthrie (1-6) in the second inning. He is 23 for 48 with five homers and 13 RBIs in his last 14 games. Damon made it 3-0 with a solo homer in the eighth inning.

Blue Jays 2, Twins 0 In Minneapolis, Ricky Romero pitched 8 2-3 innings to lead Toronto to victory over somber Minnesota. The Twins learned earlier in the day that former star Harmon Killebrew no longer planned to fight his esophageal cancer. Killebrew’s No. 3 jersey

hung in the dugout, where it will stay for the remainder of the season. Romero (3-4) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Denard Span hit a single with two outs. He allowed four hits, struck out eight and walked three. Jose Bautista hit his 12th home run of the season in the eighth. He has reached base in 29 of 30 games this year.

Rangers 4, Angels 1 In Arlington, Texas, Alexi Ogando pitched into the seventh inning and Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre homered in Texas’ victory over Los Angeles.

Ogando (4-0) allowed one run and five hits in 6 1-3 innings in his eighth career start. Neftali Feliz worked the ninth for his seventh save in seven chances. Jered

Weaver (6-3) has lost his last three starts after winning his first six.

Erick Aybar homered for the Angels.

White Sox 4, Athletics 3 In Oakland, California, Omar Vizquel had an RBI double during a four-run second inning and Phil Humber pitched well into the seventh as Chicago held off Oakland.

Coco Crisp was caught trying to score the tying run with on a straight steal of home in the eighth inning, sealing the victory for the White Sox. Humber (3-3) gave up three runs and six hits in six-plus innings. He didn’t walk a batter for the first time in seven starts this season. David DeJesus had two hits for the A’s and needs one more to reach 1,000 for his career. —AP

Cubs roll past Giants CHICAGO: Ryan Dempster struck out a season-high 11 batters to help lead the Chicago Cubs to an 11-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants in the National League on Friday.

Dempster (2-4) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings as the Cubs ended San Francisco’s sixgame winning streak.

Reed Johnson drove in four runs, three on a bases-loaded triple in the seventh. Darwin Barney had three RBIs, and Starlin Castro also had three hits and drove in two runs. Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner (0-6) gave up two earned runs on five hits through six innings. He hasn’t won since last September. Cody Ross hit a two-run homer for the Giants.

Reds 6, Cardinals 5 At Cincinnati, Joey Votto’s twoout, run-scoring single in the 10th inning completed Cincinnati’s rally for a victory over St. Louis.

The Reds overcame a 5-2 deficit in the late innings. Brandon Phillips’ single off Eduardo Sanchez evened the score in the ninth, and Votto kept the Reds perfect in four extra-inning games this season.

Francisco Cordero (3-1) pitched out of a two-on threat in the ninth to get the win.

Phillies 5, Braves 4 In Atlanta, Ryan Howard hit a three-run homer and Raul Ibanez drove home the winning run in the eighth inning as Philadelphia topped the Braves.

Braves reliever Cristhian Martinez retired all 12 batters he faced and had a two-run double.

He took over for Brandon Beachy, who left with an injury after two innings. Antonio Bastardo (2-0) struck out Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded to end the seventh.

Rockies 12, Padres 7 At Denver, Troy Tulowitzki broke out of a slump with a solo homer and two singles to help Colorado hold off San Diego. The Rockies had

a season-high 16 hits and scored their most runs of the year.

Cameron Maybin finished 4 for 4 with two homers and three RBIs for the Padres. It was the first multihomer game of his career and second straight four-hit game.

Jorge De La Rosa (5-1) gave up five runs and a season-high nine hits in 5 2-3 innings, but still got the win. Dustin Moseley (1-5) allowed six runs and nine hits in four innings, his shortest outing of the season.

Marlins 6, Nationals 5 In Washington, Omar Infante used a clever slide to score on Greg Dobbs’ double in the 11th inning, lifting Florida past Washington.

With one out, Infante singled off Brian Broderick (0-1), then came all the way around on Dobbs’ drive to right. The ball beat Infante to the plate and Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos was in position to make a tag, but Infante slid headfirst and reached over Ramos to touch the back tip of the plate. Edward Mujica

CHICAGO: San Francisco Giants right fielder Nate Schierholtz dives in vain attempting to make the catch on a single hit by Chicago Cubs’ Reed Johnson during the second inning. —AP

MLB results/standings Major League Baseball results and standings on Friday.

Chicago Cubs 11, San Francisco 4; Florida 6, Washington 5 (11 innings); Boston 5, NY Yankees 4; Cleveland 5, Seattle 4; Detroit 3, Kansas City 1; Tampa Bay 3, Baltimore 0; Cincinnati 6, St Louis 5 (10 innings); Philadelphia 5, Atlanta 4; Texas 4, LA Angels 1; NY Mets 6, Houston 4; Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 2; Toronto 2, Minnesota 0; Colorado 12, San Diego 7; Chicago White Sox 4, Oakland 3; LA Dodgers 4, Arizona 3.

American League National League Eastern Division Eastern Division W L PCT GB Philadelphia 25 12 .676 Tampa Bay 23 15 .605 Florida 22 15 .595 3 Atlanta 21 19 .525 5.5 NY Yankees 20 16 .556 2 Washington 18 20 .474 7.5 Toronto 18 20 .474 5 NY Mets 18 20 .474 7.5 Boston 18 20 .474 5 Central Division Baltimore 17 20 .459 5.5 St. Louis 22 17 .564 Central Division Cincinnati 21 17 .553 .5 Cleveland 24 13 .649 Pittsburgh 18 20 .474 3.5 Detroit 21 18 .538 4 Chicago Cubs17 20 .459 4 Kansas City 20 18 .526 4.5 Milwaukee 17 21 .447 4.5 Chicago 16 23 .410 9 Houston 14 24 .368 7.5 Minnesota 12 24 .333 11.5 Western Division Western Division Colorado 20 16 .556 LA Angels 21 18 .538 San Francisco21 17 .553 Texas 20 18 .526 .5 LA Dodgers 19 20 .487 2.5 Oakland 19 19 .500 1.5 Arizona 15 22 .405 5.5 Seattle 16 23 .410 5 San Diego 15 23 .395 6

(4-1) threw a scoreless 10th for the win.

Leo Nunez pitched the 11th for his 13th save. The Marlins also hit four home runs. Gaby Sanchez and John Buck hit back-to-back homers in the first, Mike Stanton connected in the sixth, and Logan Morrison in the eighth.

Mets 6, Astros 4 In Houston, David Wright hit the go-ahead homer to cap New York’s four-run eighth inning. Wright’s two-run shot was the last of three late homers that helped the Mets overcome a 4-0 deficit for their sixth victory in eight games.

Jason Bay started the run with a solo shot in the seventh and pinchhitter Fernando Martinez cut it to 43 with a long, two-run drive in the eighth. Wright’s homer was his sixth of the season. Pat Misch (1-0) pitched 1 2-3 hitless innings for the victory.

Brewers 5, Pirates 2 In Milwaukee, Jonathan Lucroy homered and Ryan Braun drove in three runs to help Milwaukee beat Pittsburgh after an incident cleared both benches briefly in the third.

Tempers flared after Rickie Weeks and Ronny Cedeno became entangled in a rundown, but the situation was quickly brought under control without any ejections. Yovani Gallardo (4-2) pitched six solid innings before giving way to the bullpen. Cedeno hit a tworun homer for Pittsburgh.

Dodgers 4, D’backs 3 In Los Angeles, Clayton Kershaw allowed three hits over seven innings and Rod Barajas hit a solo homer as Los Angeles defeated Arizona. The Dodgers won their third in a row while Arizona dropped its fifth straight, with each loss by a run. Kershaw (5-3) struck out a season-high 11 batters to win his fourth straight start against Arizona. Joe Saunders (0-5) gave up four runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings as he lost his career-high sixth straight game. —AP

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Challengers lining up to take on Animal Kingdom NEW YORK: Graham Motion is one confident trainer, a cautious one, too. After long-shot Animal Kingdom’s surprising win in the Kentucky Derby, the Englishman knows his colt will be running in the Preakness with a bull’s-eye on his back as perhaps racing’s next superstar.

“I don’t want to get into that,” he said. “I’ve tried to make up in my mind I won’t get too caught up in the Preakness because you’ve got two weeks to enjoy winning the Derby.”

Animal Kingdom did it by 2 3/4 lengths and Motion’s fervent hope is for the horse to replicate the trip straight into the winner’s circle at Pimlico Race Course next weekend with a chance to capture the Triple Crown three weeks later in the Belmont Stakes.

He is set to arrive in Baltimore on Friday, the day before the 1 3/16-mile race, which is limited to 14 starters. It last drew a full field in 2005.

“It’s going to be about staying out of trouble, very much like it was in the Derby,” Motion said. “Fourteen horses is a lot of horses to navigate, especially when you’re the one they’re gunning for. The track is possibly a little tighter, the surface is probably a little different than at Churchill Downs. My horse has shown he can handle the dirt.”

Animal Kingdom became the first horse in the Derby’s 137-year history to win his debut on dirt, having run three times on synthetic surfaces and once on

the turf in four previous races.

“He seemed to get over it easily. He accelerated really well,” Motion said. “I guess, ultimately, you still don’t know until they win a race, when they have to accelerate on a dime, and he handled that really well.” Animal Kingdom had a light schedule before the Derby, with just two races in which he finished first and second. His freshness could work in his favor during the grueling five-week Triple Crown campaign.

“He’s just run the biggest race of his life in the Kentucky Derby,” Motion said. “I’m impressed with how he’s handled everything.” The 46-year-old Motion is known primarily for developing turf runners, and he didn’t earn his first Grade 1 stakes victory on the dirt until 2009 _ 16 years into his training career.

He began his career in Maryland and saddled his first winner at Laurel in 1993. Until the Derby, his biggest career victories were Breeders’ Cup wins last year and in 2004.

Asked how he’s handling his newfound fame, Motion replied, “Probably not as good as him. It’s been an extraordinary week.” Animal Kingdom is training for the Preakness at bucolic Fair Hill in Elkton, Md., about an hour’s drive out in the countryside from hardscrabble Pimlico. It was home to 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, whose breakdown in the Preakness and subsequent death from his injuries rocked the sports world.

“It’s just a relaxing atmosphere for him and kind of keeps him out of the craziness a bit,” said Motion, whose dogs Bentley and Ginger sometimes accompany him on the walk to the track.

The complex includes a mile dirt track and a seveneighths mile track with an artificial surface, along with 3,000 acres of grasslands and woods for use by trainers who want to take their horses out on trails.

“It’s where we’re comfortable,” said Motion, who has no plans to change Animal Kingdom’s training leading up to the Preakness. “If he’s good enough, he’s going to handle it. He just seems to be so push-button. He’s such a cool horse.” John Velazquez, who got the ride on the colt the day before the Derby, will stay aboard for the Preakness. That’s a switch since the colt had five different riders in each of his first five races.

“He now knows him and he told me he’s never been this relaxed in a race of this magnitude,” Motion said, referring to Velazquez.

Dale Romans, who trains fourth-place Derby finisher Shackleford, doesn’t think Animal Kingdom’s surprise win was a fluke. “He may be the one at the end of the year we’re talking about as the super horse,” he said.

There are plenty of challengers trying to play spoiler, including Nehro and Mucho Macho Man, the second- and third-place finishers in the Derby, along with Shackleford, Santiva (sixth), and beaten Derby favorite Dialed In (eighth).

“Mucho Macho Man and Shackleford are going to be very tough,” Motion said. “A couple of the new shooters look very imposing, but I don’t think I’d want to trade with any of them right now.” Trainer Bob Baffert was expected to decide this weekend whether to enter Midnight Interlude, 16th in the Derby. He won last year’s Preakness with Lookin At Lucky, the beaten Derby favorite.

Robby Albarado, set to ride Animal Kingdom in the Derby before breaking his nose in a spill days before the race, will be aboard new shooter King Congie.

Others in that group include Astrology, Dance City (third in Arkansas Derby), Flashpoint (fourth in Florida Derby), and Gotham runner-up Norman Asbjornson.

Also possible are Mr. Commons (third in Santa Anita Derby) and gelding Ruler On Ice, the beaten favorite in last weekend’s Federico Tesio at Pimlico.

Horses that didn’t run in the Kentucky Derby have had a history of hitting the board in the Preakness, including winning filly Rachel Alexandra in 2009 and winner Bernardini in 2006. Macho Again and Icabad Crane (trained by Motion) finished second and third, respectively, in 2008. The Preakness field will be set at Wednesday’s draw. Only 11 horses have swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont, with Affirmed the last to do so in 1978. There have been 11 Triple tries since, most recently by Big Brown in 2008. He won the first two legs, then finished last in the Belmont. — AP

Toms leads charge at Players but British lurk

HAMILTON: Stormers Tiaan Liebenberg tackles Chiefs Liam Messam in the Super Rugby match at Waikato Stadium. — AP

Chiefs stun Stormers HAMILTON: The Waikato Chiefs overcame a 17-point halftime deficit and capitalised on a controversial penalty try and yellow card to upset the highly-touted Stormers 30-23 in their Super rugby clash at Waikato Stadium yesterday.

The Chiefs, who were 20-3 down at the break, scored 17 unanswered points at the beginning of the second half, which was sparked by a penalty try awarded by referee Stuart Dickinson when Richard Kahui was pushed in the back by Gio Aplon while diving for the bouncing ball in the in-goal area.

Aplon was also sinbinned for his push and the Chiefs added a second try by Sitiveni Sivivatu and Stephen Donald slotted a penalty to tie the score at 20-20, all while the Stormers winger was off the field.

“We had a patch in the first half, about 10 minutes when they piled on points but to our credit we came out and really wanted to finish well and I’m absolutely stoked,” said Chiefs captain Mils Muliaina, who was playing his 100th Super rugby match. “For the boys to cap it like this, 100 (caps), is absolutely outstanding.”

After a tentative opening 10 minutes in which Donald had slotted a penalty for the Chiefs, the Stormers clicked into gear and marched down field to give flyhalf

Peter Grant the opportunity to slot two penalties and take the lead.

The South Africans then scored two well worked tries-the first by the busy Aplon, whose angle back off his wing opened up the defence and he then chopped past three defenders off his left foot to score.

Stormers captain Schalk Burger then dived over after a well-controlled rolling maul from an attacking lineout. Grant converted both to give the visitors their handy 20-3 lead.

The Chiefs however, reversed the momentum immediately after the break with Donald converting Kahui and Sivivatu’s tries before adding his second penalty to make it 20-20 just as Aplon returned to the field.

Grant slotted his third penalty before Chiefs flanker Liam Messam smashed over following a sustained buildup from deep to give the home side the lead for the first time, which Donald extended with his third penalty.

“The second half was pretty disgusting, we couldn’t keep our hands on the ball and keep it through phases and (they scored) two breakaway tries,” Stormers captain Schalk Burger said. “So it put us under pressure and we couldn’t recover from that.” — Reuters

FLORIDA: The Players Championship is set for a showdown between home favorites and British challengers with American David Toms the unlikely leader after Friday’s second round.

The 44-year-old Toms, without a win in five years, fired a four-underpar 68 for a 10 under total of 134, one shot ahead of compatriot Nick Watney (71) in stifling heat at the TPC Sawgrass.

Lurking in the chasing group were Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell (69), looking back in form after a nightmare couple of months, and world number three Luke Donald (67) from England, sitting two shots off the lead.

Adding to the contrast between young faces from the British Isles and experienced Americans, 44year-old Steve Stricker from Wisconsin also ended the day eight under par along with Lucas Glover, who won last week at Quail Hollow.

Toms appeared slightly surprised to be on top of the leaderboard after a round of six birdies and two bogeys to follow his opening round 66. It has been, after all, some time since the Louisiana native has been considered a contender.

“I haven’t done anything great, haven’t made a lot of putts, or chipins or anything like that. I’ve just played very, very solid golf,” Toms told reporters.

Toms has the pedigree — 12 career PGA Tour victories including his one major at the 2001 PGA Championship-but he also has the air of a player who has long since stopped worrying about when the next prize is going to come.

“It’s all about enjoying the game, enjoying the competition and if you get the results, that is a bonus as well,” he said.

McDowell and Donald, two of the new guard of European golfers that has set up camp at the top end of the world rankings, certainly consider winning more than an added bonus.

Donald can take over as world number one with victory today and he showed all the composure and elegance that has accompanied his consistency this year with a bogeyfree round.

FLORIDA: JB Holmes hits from the sand onto the 11th green during the second round of The Players Championship golf tournament. — AP

McDowell spent last week fixing swing problems with his coach in Orlando after missing the cut at the Masters and then New Orleans, and it has clearly worked.

“My striking is back, my pressure’s back on the ball again and I’m really, really happy the way I have struck the ball in the last two days. I’m happy to be back in contention, it is where you want to be at the weekends,” he said.

One player definitely not where he wanted to be at the weekend is the much-talked about emerging American talent Rickie Fowler, who missed the cut after rounds of 77 and 68.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington also missed out after a dreadful round of 78 where he shot three bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine.

South African Ernie Els will be kicking himself after making a hash of his final hole where he took two chips to get on the green and then missed a four-foot putt as he bogeyed, the extra stroke costing him a place in weekend action.

Italian brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari, Japan’s Ryuji

Japan crush UAE 111-0 TOKYO: Japan pulverised the United Arab Emirates 1110 to capture the Asian Five Nations for the fourth time in a row and with a game to spare, Japanese rugby officials said yesterday.

The ‘Brave Blossoms’ exploded for 17 tries in Friday’s game in Dubai to make it a perfect three wins from three and move to an unassailable 18 points. “ We dedicated the game to the people of Fukushima,” Japan coach John Kirwan told Reuters, referring to the current nuclear crisis 150 miles (240 km) north of Tokyo.

“Our call was to be patient and show courage like the two guys (workers) who went into the (nuclear) plant last week- that is courage.”

Japan, warming up for this year’s World Cup in New Zealand which kicks off on Sept. 9, play Sri Lanka in their last match next weekend.

Lock Hitoshi Ono, whose family’s dairy farm has been threatened by collapse because of radiation from the nuclear plant knocked out by the giant March tsunami, was given the captain’s armband for the game. “We played better than we did in the first two games,” former New Zealand All Black Kirwan said. “Our ball control was better so overall I’m pretty satisfied.”— Reuters

Imada, Fijian Vijay Singh and German Alex Cejka also missed the cut.

Defending champion Tim Clark and Australian Geoff Ogilvy both

pulled out during their second rounds due to injury- joining Thursday’s high-profile withdrawal, Tiger Woods on the absent list for the weekend. — Reuters

Chris goes clear in Mallorca MALLORCA: Briton Chris Wood, chasing his first European Tour win, carded a five-under-par 65 to open a three-stroke lead at the halfway stage of the Iberdrola Open on Friday.

In bluster y conditions the towering Englishman, who finished in the top five at the British Open in 2008 and 2009, compiled an eight-under total of 132, three clear of 12-times tour winner Darren Clarke and British rookie Matthew Nixon.

“It (a victory) will happen-I just need to keep putting myself in these positions,” Wood told reporters. “The more I can do

that then the more chances I will have to win,” added the 23-yearold who was tied for second at the Africa Open in January.

Briton Clarke, without a win on the tour since 2008, started poorly but four birdies in six holes after the turn put him back on track.

Overnight leader Gregor y Bourdy, who broke the course record with a seven-under 63 on Thursday, had a day to forget as a 77 sent the Frenchman back to level-par on 140. Home favorite Jose Maria Olazabal (69) was level with Bourdy on 140. — Reuters

Lions maul Brumbies

CANBERRA: Christian Leafiifano of the Brumbies is tackled by Dylan Des Fountain and Lionel Mapoe from South Africa’s Lions during their Super Rugby match. — AP

CANBERRA: South Africa’s Lions won for only the second time in 12 matches this season and for the first time in nine attempts in Canberra, beating the ACT Brumbies 29-20 in Super 15 rugby yesterday. Alwyn Hollenbach, Michael Rhodes, Jaco Taute and Deon van Rensburg scored tries for the Lions, who are in last place in the South African conference.

Elton Jantjies kicked three conversions and a penalty for the winners, while Stephen Moore and Andrew Smith had tries for the Brumbies.

The loss was the ninth in 11 matches this season for the Brumbies and spoiled AC T captain Matt Giteau’s 100th Super rugby match.

For a second consecutive week, the intensity of the Brumbies fell sharply in the second half. The home side started the match strongly, with hooker Moore’s try to the right of the posts in the 10th minute, following

several phases, after flanker Colby Faingaa made a 30-meter break.

Giteau converted and put the side a further three points ahead to 10-0 when Lions prop Patric Cilliers was sinbinned for dumping Brumbies scrumhalf Josh Valentine in the 18th minute.

Despite being a man down, the Lions began to keep the ball over several phases at the Brumbies line and it yielded a try for flanker Michael Rhodes.

Lions five-eighth Elton Jantjies converted to reduce the score to 107, and the visitors continued to keep possession and territory as the half progressed. Six minutes before halftime, the Lions went 12-10 ahead, after several phases bashing at the Brumbies line, before three passes left created an overlap for winger Deon van Rensburg to score untouched. — AP

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

S P ORT S

Powell hoping for comeback at Shanghai SHANGHAI: Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell is looking to bounce back quickly from a minor hamstring injury he suffered in a race last week with a strong performance in the 100 meters at today’s Shanghai Diamond League meet.

American David Oliver will also attempt to extend his 18-race win streak in the 110-meter hurdles against a field that includes Chinese Olympic champion Liu Xiang. Powell injured his hamstring during a 200-meter race last weekend at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston, finishing in last place.

The former 100-meter world record holder said he didn’t expec t the injur y to affec t him in Shanghai, where he’ll face a stiff challenge from American Michael Rodgers, who was third in the 100 in Kingston with a time of 9.96 seconds.

“I got a small injury and I didn’t want to hurt

myself anymore, so I pretty much stopped early,” Powell told a news conference on Friday. “I’m good now, and I’m in good shape.” Usain Bolt, who won the 200 meters at the Shanghai Diamond League meet last year, is not competing at the event this year.

American Tyson Gay is also skipping Shanghai, running a 150-meter race in Manchester, England, today instead. Bolt, Gay and Powell have not raced against each other in the 100 meters since the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, where Bolt set a new world record of 9.58 seconds.

Powell plans to race both Bolt and Gay in separate races this summer as part of his preparations for the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in late August. “It’s good for me that I can meet them before the championships,” he said. “It gives me a confidence boost to know where I’m at

in training and what I need to work on.” Oliver, who hasn’t lost in a 110-meter hurdles final since August 2009, is coming off a win Thursday at a meet in Daegu, where he set a time of 13.13. He beat Liu, the 2004 Olympic champion, last year in Shanghai.

“I always think when I see Liu at a race that he’s ready to run probably sub-13s, so I have to be extra ready to perform whenever he’s in the field,” Oliver said Saturday. “So I guess I have to run much better than I did in Daegu the other day.”

Liu has been trying to regain his form after struggling with injuries for much of the past two years. He won the 110-meter hurdles at the Asian Games in November in 13:09. “In terms of injury, it’s better now than it was in 2010,” Liu said. “And talking about form, you can only judge an athlete’s form in an outdoor competition, and so far this

season I haven’t competed in any outdoor events.”

Liu will be experimenting with a new start technique, tak ing seven steps to the first hurdle instead of eight to try to shave extra time off his race. “This is only a tryout of the new technique,” he said. “If I encounter difficulties or failure, I will probably change back to eight steps.”

Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown, the twotime Olympic 200-meter gold medalist, will also be looking to build on her confidence in the women’s 100 meters before the World Championships, where she plans to compete in both the 100 and 200. She’ll get a tough test in Shanghai against American Carmelita Jeter, who clocked the fastest time in the world in the 100 meters this year — 10.86 seconds — in Kingston last weekend. Jeter also won the 100 meters in Daegu on Thursday. —AP

Nadal and Sharapova in Italian Open final

BANGALORE: Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Chris Gayle bats during an Indian Premier League cricket match against Kolkata Knight Riders. —AP

Gayle powers Bangalore to victory BANGALORE: Chris Gayle smashed a 12ball 38 as Royal Challengers Bangalore posted a four-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League match yesterday.

The West Indies opener hit two sixes and six fours as Bangalore achieved a rainrevised target of 102 with three balls to spare in a 13-overs-a-side game to make sure of a place in the semi-finals.

Gayle started aggressively, hitting Australian paceman Brett Lee for four boundaries in the opening over and then cracking two successive sixes in the next over bowled by seamer Jaidev Unadkat.

He fell in the third over attempting a big shot, caught by Jacques Kallis off Lee. Kallis

took two wickets for 16 runs in three overs.

Yusuf Pathan earlier top-scored for Kolkata with 36, adding 53 for the fourth wicket with Manoj Tiwary (19 not out). He hit three sixes and two fours in his 24-ball knock.

Bangalore lead the 10-team league table with 17 points, followed by Chennai (16), Mumbai (16), Kolkata (14), Rajasthan (11), Punjab (10), Kochi (10), Pune (eight), Delhi (eight) and Deccan (six).

Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 89-4 in 13 overs (Y. Pathan 36; C. Langeveldt 2-10) lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore 105-6 in 12.3 overs (C. Gayle 38; J. Kallis 2-16) by four wickets (D/L method). —AFP

Shaikh Hamad crowned BIC 2000cc champion BAHRAIN: Bahrain International Circuit, ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, hosted an exhilarating final round of the BIC 2000cc Challenge on Friday, as Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa captured the drivers’ championship.

The concluding meeting of the 2010/2011 season was held as part of the first-ever ‘National Racing Finals’, which also saw the last round of this year’s Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship take place late in the night. A massive crowd witnessed Shaikh Hamad win the coveted 2000cc title for the first time in his career. He secured the crown after claiming the second of the day’s two races, held under sweltering conditions in the Sakhir desert race track.

Tim Birkin was the winner of the opening event. That helped him finish as the runner-up to Shaikh Hamad in the championship.

While the pair were the top two drivers in Class A, Hisham Al Othman improved his chances of claiming the Class B title after winning both his category ’s events. Both Birkin and Al Othman were in first place in their classes after Friday’s first 15-lap race.

Shaikh Hamad started from pole but it was Birkin and an inspired Hussain Karimi who led the field to the checkered flag. Birkin, driving a Honda Integra, managed to overtake Shaikh Hamad during the race, and he was closely followed by Karimi, who was behind the wheel of a Honda CRX. They did well to keep their lead all the way up until the end, when Birkin recorded a winning time of 20mins 59.076secs, narrowly outpacing Karimi to the top of the time sheet by a mere 0.296secs.

Shaikh Hamad, driving a Honda Civic, came third 58.401 seconds behind.

Ahmed Kuzbar, driving a Ford Focus 2.0, was fourth but trailed by an entire lap.

The Class B race win was claimed by Al Othman, driving a Honda CRX, in

21mins 23.434secs. Rashid Al Jowder was second Driving his Honda Civic, he completed the race 0.812secs behind Al Othman. Third went to Raed Himmo, driving a Honda CRX. He finished a lap behind the leading pair.

In race two, Shaikh Hamad made up for his earlier disappointment to take the checkered flag and cap the long season in style with celebrations atop the podium. Starting from the middle of the field, Shaikh Hamad displayed why he is the new champion by storming to the front at the lights, and leaving everyone else in his tracks.

He won the second 15-lap race in 20mins 55.084secs. It was his ninth win out of 12 races in this year’s championship. His unbelievable streak of eight success victories was snapped with Birkin’s victory earlier in the round, but it was the perfect finish to the season.

Karimi was this time in second place, finishing 14.523secs behind, while Birkin was a distant third, 55.041secs from Shaikh Hamad’s winning mark. Kuzbar was fourth, 1min 27.631secs back.

In Class B, Al Othman emerged victorious in 22mins 15.160secs. Himmo was second 36.511secs behind, while Al Jowder did not make the final classification. With the tight battles in their division, the new champion will be announced soon by organisers, following their official calculation of points. All three drivers headed into the final round with a chance to win their crown.

Also as part of yesterday’s ‘National Racing Finals’, plenty of entertainment for the whole family was on hand at Bahrain International Circuit.

Apart from this, those in attendance were able to sign a book pledging their loyalty, love and belonging to the Kingdom of Bahrain and to the country’s leadership. The book was similar to the ones launched recently in many areas across the island by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports.

ROME: Rafael Nadal overcame a stiff first-set challenge from Richard Gasquet before rolling to a 7-5, 6-1 win yesterday in the Italian Open semifinals.

The top-ranked Spaniard faced break points in three different games during the opening set but won all of them to improve his career record against Gasquet to 9-0. “It was a complicated situation on my serve in the (first set) but I managed to pull through,” Nadal said. “I’m happy to make the final after a difficult week.”

In today’s final, Nadal will face either second-ranked Novak Djokovic or No. 4 Andy Murray, who were meeting later on another cloudless day at the Foro Italico. Djokovic is aiming to extend his 37-match winning streak.

In the women’s final, Maria Sharapova will meet last year’s French Open runner-up Sam Stosur. Sharapova outslugged top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3 and Stosur beat fourth-seeded Li Na of China 7-6 (6), 6-0. Nadal is attempting to win this clay-court tournament for the sixth time in seven years.

Djokovic has beaten Nadal in all three finals they ’ve played this year, including at the Madrid Open last weekend, when Djokovic registered his first victory over Nadal on clay.

“I don’t want to be stupid. I prefer Murray.

I’ve lost three times to Djokovic,” Nadal said. “If it’s Djokovic I’ll probably play with less pressure than before because I (am no longer) the favorite.

“I’m happy with my clay-court season. How I’m playing in the last couple of matches is the way for ward, more aggressively.” Nadal improved his career record in Rome to 31-1, with his only loss coming to countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero in his opening round three years ago. He didn’t appear to show any effects of the virus that slowed him during his opening two matches this week. Nadal said he no longer has a fever or any pain from the virus.

“Every day I’m playing better after that disastrous first day,” Nadal said, referring to his three-set win over Italian qualifier Paolo Lorenzi in his opener. Despite the loss, the 16th-seeded Gasquet should take some confidence into the French Open, which starts next weekend.

The Frenchman eliminated Roger Federer in the third round and beat seventh-seeded Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals.

“It was a fantastic tournament for him,” Nadal said. “I’m happy to see him back at his best. He’s a good friend.” Before he appeared to run out of energy, Gasquet gave Nadal some trouble with a varied game plan — flattening out his elegant one-handed backhand for winners but also coming forward to conclude points at the net.

However, at 5-5 in the first set, a couple of short balls from Gasquet allowed Nadal to take control. On Nadal’s first break point of the set, Gasquet followed a serve out wide to the net and Nadal hit a backhand cross-court return winner to take a 6-5 lead, then served it out.

ROME: Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki returns the ball to Russia’s Maria Sharapova, during their semifinal match at the Italian Open tennis tournament. — AP The seventh-seeded Sharapova will be playing her second final of the year, having fallen to Victoria Azarenka in Miami in March. In addition to her father, Yuri, Sharapova began working with a new coach — former Swedish pro Thomas Hogstedt — at the start of the year.

Early in the second set, Sharapova fell stomach-first to the clay chasing down a shot. That point gave Wozniacki a 2-0 lead, but Sharapova eventually won the final five games and raised both arms to the sky and let out a big smile after landing a forehand return winner on her

first match point.

Stosur hadn’t reached a final since losing to Francesca Schiavone at Roland Garros last year, which she said affected her psyche.

“I was very disappointed and I had to look at the positive side because I had a very good tournament as well but, at that time, it is not always easy to see those things,” Stosur said. “I have played some good matches and tournaments in the past 12 months but I just was not able to get the last bit again so, now that I am better, I am excited to be there.”—AP

Ward in Super 6 semis

OAKLAND: In this Nov. 27, 2010 file photo, Andre Ward celebrates after beating Sakio Bika in a WBA super middleweight boxing bout in Oakland. Ward is the breakout star of the Super Six boxing tournament, but the Olympic gold medalist’s real competition is just beginning. — AP

CARSON: When the boxers in the Super Six tournament headed to Berlin two years ago to promote their unique endeavor, Andre Ward remembers feeling like a kid shoved into the background, straining to peer over the shoulders of European stars Arthur Abraham and Mikkel Kessler.

Guess who’s standing at center stage now. Ward dominated Kessler in his first Super Six fight, and the Olympic gold medalist from Oakland is determined to do something worse to Abraham in their semifinal bout late yesterday.

After a promotion filled with sniping between the fighters’ camps, Ward (23-0, 13 KOs) believes he can silence Abraham with another display of the technical brilliance that was discounted by his opponents back at the genesis of the Super Six. “I know what I felt like when I flew to Berlin, and the way I was treated,” Ward said. “I know the way Abraham walked around, and the way Kessler walked around. I know me and (Andre) Dirrell were just supposed to be young guys who could add some spice to the event, but we weren’t going to win anything. I don’t forget that.” Ward will fight outside his hometown for the first time in 20 months when he meets Abraham (32-2, 26 KOs), the slugging Armenian-born German, just south of Los Angeles on Saturday night. The card at the Home Depot Center’s outdoor arena also includes slimmed-down heavyweight contender Chris Arreola’s meeting with Nagy Aguilera.

Ward felt disrespected when he was treated as a tournament underdog despite his perfect record. Now that he’s widely considered the best bet to win the

Showtime -backed event, he’s equally uncomfortable — or maybe this supremely self-confident fighter just draws motivation from whatever he perceives to be stacked against him. “It’s not about being the favorite, and I don’t believe I am,” Ward said.

“It’s about reaching your potential and doing everything you can do against the best in the world. I’m grateful for this tournament, because this is the only way I would have got to fight these guys and beat them.” Ward and Abraham have reversed roles in the tournament over the past two years.

While Ward has become an elite poundfor-pound fighter after an agonizingly slow start to his pro career out of the Athens Olympics, Abraham’s career took severe blows with losses to Dirrell and Carl Froch.

Abraham was unbeaten until those fights exposed his lack of refined skill, yet he managed to avoid the injuries that forced the withdrawal of half of the original Super Six field. Consecutive embarrassments haven’t drained his confidence, either: He’s counting on a strong turnout from Los Angeles’ extensive Armenian population to back him in Carson.

“The people want to see the best fighters in boxing together,” Abraham said.

“Now we see who are the four best super middleweights in the world. I’m here to win. I’m not the favorite, but I will fight until the end, and we will celebrate our win after the fight.” The winner will face Froch or Glen Johnson for the Super Six title this fall, likely in a Las Vegas main event. Ward has never headlined in boxing’s capital city, and he’s eager to expand his reputation worldwide. —AP

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SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

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Dortmund celebrate Bundesliga title

GERMANY: Dortmund’s players celebrate with the trophy for winning the German Soccer Championship after the season’s last match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt. —AP BERLIN: Eintracht Frankfurt was relegated from the Bundesliga with a 3-1 defeat at champion Borussia Dortmund on the last day of the season yesterday, while Wolfsburg ensured survival with a 3-1 win at Hoffenheim.

Dortmund clinched the title as far back as April 30 but waited until yesterday for its official title celebrations, while Frankfurt players were left to consider the club’s relegation to the second division for the fourth time.

“Now we’ll have to handle the disappointment. I myself need a little distance.

This is all ver y heavy and ver y deep,” Frankfurt coach Christoph Daum said after the first relegation of his career.

Borussia Moenchengladbach drew 1-1 at Hamburger SV to finish 16th and goes into a two-game playoff with the third-place team from division two, either Bochum or Greuther Fuerth. “ We’re only thinking positively,” Moenchengladbach coach Lucien Favre said. “There are no favorites in the relegation (battle). The chances are 50-50.” An

own goal from Freiburg’s Cedrick Makiadi was enough for Bayer Leverkusen to win 10 at Freiburg and secure second place in the Bundesliga and, with it, the automatic Champions League place. Leverkusen finished ahead of third-place Bayern Munich, which beat Stuttgart 2-1 at home.

Hannover beat Nuremberg 3-1 to secure fourth place over Mainz, which defeated relegated St. Pauli 2-1 at home. Elsewhere, Kaiserslautern beat Werder Bremen 3-2, and Schalke lost 2-1 at Cologne.

Lucas Barrios missed a penalty for Dor tmund in the first half but made amends with two goals after Sebastian Rode scored in the 46th minute by heading in Fanis Gekas’ acrobatic pass.

Barrios scored in the 68th, sweeping the ball past Ralf Faehrmann after Felipe Santana’s clever back heel. An own goal in the 72nd from Marco Russ — under pressure from Robert Lewandowski — ended Frankfurt’s hopes after Ralf Faehrmann had saved from Barrios.

Frankfurt’s Marcel Titsch-Rivero was sent off in the 80th, just a minute after coming

on as substitute, for bringing Marcel Schmelzer down in the penalty area.

Faehrmann saved the penalty from Dede — playing in his last game for Dortmund after 13 years at the club — before Barrios scored his 16th goal of the season with a header from Lewandowski’s cross in the final minute.

Dor tmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller got the party going when he was presented with the trophy by league president Reinhard Rauball, who is also Borussia’s president. Players led celebrations by dousing management and coaching staff in beer.

“It’s a huge day for Borussia Dortmund,” said coach Juergen Klopp. “This May 14 will go down in history.” Wolfsburg got off to a bad start at Hoffenheim when Brazilian midfielder Diego was dropped from the squad by coach Felix Magath for reacting badly to the news he was a substitute.

The visiting side lacked urgency in the first half and was punished shortly after the break when Roberto Firmino scored after an impressive through ball from Sebastian

Lazio beat Genoa to secure Champions League boost ROME: Lazio gave their hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League a boost by thumping Genoa 4-2 in Rome yesterday.

Brazilian Hernanes scored twice while Giuseppe Biava and Tommaso Rocchi also got their names on the scoresheet as Rodrigo Palacio and Antonio Floro Flores replied for the visitors at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio moved temporarily at least above Udinese into fourth place but the northerners could reclaim their two-point advantage if they win at Chievo today.

It means Lazio have also piled the pressure on neighbors Roma who will have to win at Catania on Sunday to keep pace with their city rivals. Hernanes said his team had done there bit and now it was up to the others.

“We fulfilled our commitment and now we’ll wait and see how tomorrow (Sunday) goes and after that we’ll think about the Champions League,” he said. “After three defeats in a row we had that hanging over us when we started the game. We were down and weren’t managing to give 100 percent but then we spoke at half-time

ITALY: (From left) Lazio’s Matuzalem, Tommaso Rocchi and Genoa’s Domenico Criscito go for the ball during a Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Genoa. —AP to change the spirit of the team and that’s what happened.”

Coach Edy Reja said his team had needed a kick start following their losses to Inter Milan, Juventus and Udinese. “There was some disap-

pointment during the week because there was the fear that we wouldn’t achieve our objective of qualifying for the Champions League, but we have to believe,” he said. — AFP

Rudy in the 49th.

Frankfurt was leading in Dortmund at the time, and Moenchengladbach in Hamburg, meaning Wolfsburg had to score to have any chance of survival.

Mario Mandzukic led the revival, lifting the ball over Tom Starke to equalize in the 60th, and meeting Ashkan Dejagah’s corner with a power ful header in the 73rd.

Brazilian striker Grafite made it 3-1 five minutes later when the ball rebounded off his chest.In Hamburg, Juan Arango scored with a free kick from 23 meters in the 41st, after Elijero Elia had a goal ruled out for the home side for an off-the-ball foul by Aenis Ben-Hatira on Tony Jantschke.

Ben-Hatira equalized in the 71st after a great run by Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, playing in his last game for Hamburg.

Japan striker Shinji Okazaki gave Stuttgart a deserved lead in Munich in the 24th, after Bayern striker Miroslav Klose had missed an empty goal from only one meter.

Mario Gomez equalized when he scored against his former club in the 37th, Arjen

Robben picking him out to easily slot past Sven Ulreich. Gomez finished as the Bundesliga’s topscorer with 28 goals.

“If you pay more than §30 million ($43 million) for a player, you expect more than 20 goals,” Bayern president Uli Hoeness said.

Bastian Schweinsteiger headed his fourth goal of the season from Toni Kroos’ free kick in the 71st. Bayern had been hoping for Leverkusen to slip at Freiburg but will settle for a Champions League qualifying spot. In Hannover, Nuremberg striker Julian Wiessmeier scored on his Bundesliga debut in the 25th, five minutes before Karim Haggui equalized from close range.

Konstantin Rausch’s curling shot made i t 2 - 1 to t h e h o m e s i d e i n t h e 6 0 t h , before Didier Ya Konan added a penalty in the 78th. A penalty from Mainz striker Andre Schuerrle _ playing in his last game before moving to Bayer Leverkusen _ canceled Matthias Lehmann’s first half goal for St. Pauli, before Sami Allagui completed the comeback with eight minutes remaining. —AP

Preview

Ancelotti ignores sack threat LONDON: Carlo Ancelotti is anxious his Chelsea team finishes the season in style but the focus at Stamford Bridge is now trained on the manager’s future rather than the team’s bid to finish second.

The Blues’ title charge came to an abrupt halt at Old Trafford last weekend when they lost 2-1 to Manchester United, all but securing Sir Alex Ferguson’s side’s grip on the championship trophy.

A difficult campaign has been lifted by a late resurgence but Chelsea’s mid-season dip ultimately cost them any hope of silverware and there is a growing belief the Italian will pay for failure with his job.

Club captain John Terry voiced his suppor t for the under-fire manager but with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich apparently poised to make changes, the visit of Newcastle could mark the final home game of the manager ’s two-season tenure.

“I don’t know what is going to happen about my future, but I’m not nervous,” Ancelotti said. “I’m

quiet. I’m calm. I hope to stay, I’ve said a lot of times, but if something’s changed I will find another solution without problem.”

“It’s not been an easy season.

You have to manage the good and bad moments. In football, sometimes you have to manage things. Our bad moment was too long. We were, in that moment, thinking it would be shorter. But this is football. No news.”

With the title gone, the manager has targeted runners-up spot and will face Newcastle with virtually a fully fit squad, with only full backs Jose Bosingwa and Ryan Bertrand missing. “We don’t have to think we can win the title again. Our aim is to reach second place.”

“We have a possibility, winning the game against Newcastle. This is the motivation for the playersto play a good game, have a reaction after the bad game we had against United.

“It’s not been an easy week because we lost something.

Before the game against United,

everything was ok. Now our aims have changed. But second place is important. We have to do our best to reach this position in the table.”

Newcastle have selection concerns in central midfield as they look for a first league victory at Stamford Bridge in 24 years, although they secured a 4-3 League Cup win at the home of the Blues earlier this season.

Skipper Kevin Nolan is unavailable until next season after undergoing ankle surgery, and his midfield partner Cheik Tiote is likely to be rested as the Ivorian international is only one booking away from racking-up 15 for the campaign, which would trigger a three-match ban at the outset of next season.

Experienced midfield duo Ryan Taylor and Alan Smith could return to the starting line-up to help fill the void, although with Premier League safety assured and Chelsea’s title hopes all but academic, manager Alan Pardew may opt to blood one or two or his younger players. — AFP

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S P ORT S Soccer results/standings Blackburn 1 (Emerton 20) Manchester United 1 (Rooney 73-pen); Blackpool 4 (Campbell 9, 45, Puncheon 19, Adam 63) Bolton 3 (Davies 6, Taylor 24, Sturridge 53); Sunderland 1 (Sessegnon 34) Wolverhampton 3 (Craddock 22, Fletcher 54, Elokobi 78); West Brom 1 (Mulumbu 10) Everton 0.

Playing today Arsenal v Aston Villa; Birmingham v Fulham; Chelsea v Newcastle; Liverpool v Tottenham; Wigan v West Ham. English Football League result Division One Playoff semi-final, 1st leg: Bournemouth 1 Huddersfield 1

Scottish Premier League results Hamilton 1 (Mensing 50) Inverness CT 2 (Foran 44, Rooney 57); Hibernian 1 (Riordan 21) Aberdeen 3 (Magennis 48, Maguire 75, 77); St Mirren 0 St Johnstone 0.

Playing today Celtic v Motherwell; Dundee United v Hearts; Kilmarnock v Rangers.

Scottish Football League results Playoff semi-finals, 2nd leg First Division Ayr 3 Forfar 3; Ayr win 7-4 on aggregate; Cowdenbeath 0 Brechin 2; Brechin win 4-2 on aggregate English Premier League table English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Man Utd 37 22 11 4 74 35 77 — champions Chelsea 36 21 7 8 67 30 70 Arsenal 36 19 10 7 69 39 67 Man City 36 19 8 9 55 33 65 Liverpool 36 17 7 12 59 41 58 Tottenham 36 14 14 8 51 45 56 Everton 37 12 15 10 50 45 51 Stoke 36 13 7 16 46 44 46 Bolton 37 12 10 15 52 54 46 West Brom 37 12 10 15 53 68 46 Fulham 36 10 15 11 45 41 45 Newcastle 36 11 11 14 51 52 44 Sunderland 37 11 11 15 42 56 44 Aston Villa 36 10 12 14 45 58 42 Blackburn 37 10 10 17 43 57 40 W’hampton 37 11 7 19 44 63 40 Birmingham 36 8 15 13 36 54 39 Blackpool 37 10 9 18 53 74 39 Wigan 36 7 15 14 36 59 36 West Ham 36 7 12 17 41 64 33

5

67

22 75

6

64

44 68

7

81

40 65

12 49

45 60

12 52

39 58

13 14 13 16 16 13 16 13 16 14 18

45 51 52 50 62 50 59 61 44 48 65

47 48 46 41 47 50 60 47 38 43 48

47 46 45 44 44 43 42 41 40 38 36

Adam lifts Blackpool to 4-3 victory over Bolton

Italian Serie A results Lazio 4 (Biava 7, Rocchi 52, Hernanes 56, 66) Genoa 2 (Palacio 12, Floro Flores 89)

Blackpool 4 Playing later AC Milan v Cagliari Playing today Fiorentina v Bologna (1030), Bari v Lecce, Catania v Roma, Cesena v Brescia, Chievo v Udinese, Parma v Juventus, Sampdoria v Palermo, Napoli v Inter Milan.

Division Two Torquay v Shrewsbury

German League table Borussia Dortmund 34 23 6 — champions/Champions League Leverkusen 34 20 8 — Champions League Bayern Munich 34 19 8 — Champions League Hanover 34 19 3 — Europa League Mainz 34 18 4 — Europa League Nuremberg 34 13 8 Kaiserslautern 34 13 7 Hamburg 34 12 9 Freiburg 34 13 5 Cologne 34 13 5 Hoffenheim 34 11 10 Stuttgart 34 12 6 Werder Bremen 34 10 11 Schalke 34 11 7 Wolfsburg 34 9 11 M’gladbach 34 10 6 — play-off

Second Division Albion 2 Queens Park 0; Albion win 3-1 on aggregate Alloa 0 Annan Athletic 0; Annan win 2-1 on aggregate

German League results Bayern Munich 2 (Gomez 37, Schweinsteiger 71) VfB Stuttgart 1 (Okazaki 24); Hoffenheim 1 (Roberto Firmino 49) VfL Wolfsburg 3 (Mandzukic 60, 73, Grafite 78); Hanover 96 3 (Haggui 30, Rausch 60, Ya Konan 78-og) Nuremberg 1 (Wiessmeier 25); Borussia Dortmund 3 (Barrios 68, 90, Russ 72-og) Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Rode 46); Hamburg 1 (Ben-Hatira 71) Borussia M’gladbach 1 (Arango 41); Mainz 05 2 (Schuerrle 58-pen, Allagui 82) St. Pauli 1 (Lehmann 42); Cologne 2 (Novakovic 25, Jajalo 60) Schalke 04 1 (Raul 87); Freiburg 0 Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Makiadi 45-og); Kaiserslautern 3 (Nemec 7, Rodnei 9, Lakic 30) Werder Bremen 2 (Frings 43, Arnautovic 55).

Eintracht — relegated St. Pauli — relegated

34

9

7

18 31

49 34

34

8

5

21 35

68 29

Scottish Premier League table Rangers 37 29 3 5 83 28 Celtic 37 28 5 4 81 22 Hearts 37 18 9 10 52 43 Dundee Utd 37 16 10 11 53 49 Kilmarnock 37 13 10 14 52 50 Motherwell 37 13 7 17 40 56 Inverness CT 38 14 11 13 52 44 St Johnstone 38 11 11 16 23 43 Aberdeen 38 11 5 22 39 59 Hibernian 38 10 7 21 39 61 St Mirren 38 8 9 21 33 57 Hamilton 38 5 11 22 24 59 — relegated Note: League split into top six and bottom six with five games left

90 89 63 58 49 46 53 44 38 37 33 26

Italian Serie A table AC Milan 36 23 9 4 61 23 78 — champions Inter Milan 36 22 6 8 65 40 72 Napoli 36 21 5 10 56 36 68 Lazio 37 19 6 12 51 37 63 Udinese 36 19 5 12 63 43 62 Roma 36 17 9 10 55 49 60 Juventus 36 15 12 9 55 44 57 Palermo 36 16 5 15 55 59 53 Fiorentina 36 12 13 11 46 41 49 Genoa 37 13 9 15 42 45 48 Cagliari 36 12 8 16 42 46 44 Chievo 36 10 13 13 35 37 43 Catania 36 11 10 15 37 48 43 Parma 36 10 12 14 37 46 42 Bologna 36 11 11 14 34 47 41 Cesena 36 10 10 16 35 47 40 Lecce 36 10 8 18 42 62 38 Sampdoria 36 8 12 16 31 44 36 Brescia 36 7 10 19 32 49 31 — relegated Bari 36 4 9 23 23 54 21 — relegated Note: Bologna deducted three points for unpaid taxes and player salaries

Preview

Dalglish deal has Liverpool buzzing — Suarez LIVERPOOL: Luis Suarez admits Liverpool’s players are delighted at Kenny Dalglish signing a new three-year contract ahead of the Reds’ chance to secure fifth place against Tottenham.

Dalglish, who had a previous successful spell at Anfield between 1985 and 1991, took charge as caretaker in January after Roy Hodgson was sacked.

And he has helped transform Liverpool from a team with relegation concerns to a side on the brink of a Europa League place, with victor y Liverpool players celebrate in this file photo. against Harr y Redk napp’s team guaranteeing fifth spot. returned to training following two matchSuarez’s arrival from Ajax in January es out with a knee problem. has certainly helped transform Liverpool Martin Kelly is training again after a and the Uruguayan striker has contributed hamstring problem but is not ready to feamuch more than his four goals in 11 ture, while Steven Gerrard and Daniel appearances.

Agger will not return until pre-season.

But the forward claims that the signing Spurs manager Redknapp has come in of Dalglish means that good times lie for criticism from a minority of the club’s ahead for the Anfield club. “It is great news supporters for the club’s failure to repeat because everyone is very happy with him. last season’s top four finish.

He has worked very hard with us and our But the manager rejects any suggesrelationship with him is great,” he said. tion Spurs have failed to build on that suc“It has been great over the last couple cess and claims his side have outdone last of months. Kenny has given me all my year’s achievements. confidence. He trusts me. “I think all the “We’ve done better than we did last team feels like this, they all have this confi- year,” said Redknapp. “We were in the dence because Kenny is the kind of man- Champions League this year and beating ager that does that.

Inter and Milan was fantastic - we had a “We like him very much and hopefully great run. we can keep doing what we’re doing.”

“This is probably one of the best seaLiverpool have collected 33 points from 16 sons Tottenham have had since I don’t games since Dalglish took charge at the know when. “We got to the last eight of turn of the year and only Chelsea have the Champions League and we were pushwon more points over that period. ing for the top four all year.

Dalglish admits that Liverpool have “If we finish fifth and we’ve still got a surpassed his expectations in pushing for chance, that will be a better season than a European place but maintains that the last year, even though we crept into hard work lies ahead. fourth. It’s getting tougher and tougher.”

“I don’t think anybody would have Spurs hopes at Anfield have been hit anticipated that in January when we start- by a calf injury to William Gallas who ed, but I think we’ve also got to be realistic joinss Heurelho Gomes, Benoit Assouand not get carried away,” he said.

Ekotto, Jermaine Jenas, Alan Hutton and “We’ve got a really difficult game today Gareth Bale in the treatment room. and Tottenham have been unlucky “We’ve a few out but it gives other because it’s being so successful this year players a chance like Danny Rose, he’s that’s maybe cost them.” done great for us at left-back and I’ve Dalglish is hoping to have Andy Carroll been delighted with him as well,” he back in contention after the striker said. —AFP

Bolton 3 BLACKPOOL: Blackpool kept its hope of English Premier League survival alive with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Bloomfield Road yesterday.

Charlie Adam powered home the winner midway through the second half after the northern English rivals had traded five goals in a pulsating opening 45 minutes.

Kevin Davies put Bolton ahead after six minutes before DJ Campbell equalized and Jason Puncheon gave Blackpool the lead. Matthew Taylor made it 2-2 and then Campbell netted his second goal on the strike of halftime to send the home side into the break with a 3-2 advantage. Daniel Sturridge leveled again for Bolton, but Adam had the final say.

The result left Blackpool third from bottom of the table on 39 points with one game to play, against champion Manchester United at Old Trafford. Blackpool’s nearest rivals, Birmingham City in 17th place, plays its penultimate game of the campaign today against Fulham.

The Seasiders started well but it took only six minutes for Bolton to grab the opening goal, when Paul Robinson’s free-kick was not cleared by Alex Baptiste and Davies poked a precise 12-yard shot into the top corner.

LONDON: Blackpool’s Stephen Crainey fights for the ball against Bolton’s Lee Chung-Yong during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP It was the Bolton captain’s first goal in nine games and took him into double figures for the season, but the visitor’s lead lasted less than three minutes. Gary Taylor-Fletcher guided a header into Campbell’s path and he showed great strength to hold off Gretar Steinsson before lobbing Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Blackpool thought they had taken the lead in the 17th minute when Adam’s corner was directed onto his own bar by Robinson.

The ball bounced down on the right side of the line as far as the defender was concerned.

The home fans only had to

wait another two minutes to cheer a second goal, though, as Taylor-Fletcher teed up Puncheon for a curling shot from 18 meters (yards). The excitement continued in the 24th minute as things were squared up once more, this time Taylor striking a shot from the left of the area in-off the far post.

There was still time for another goal in the first half. Adam picked out Campbell in the 45th minute and he guided the ball just inside the post. It would have been four moments later had Jaaskelainen not saved well from David Vaughan.

In the 53rd minute Bolton made it 3-3. Davies played a clever ball to Chung-Yong Lee, who drew Gilks out of his goal before setting up Sturridge for the simple task of heading the ball into the net. The momentum was now with Bolton, and Gilks touched Taylor’s free-kick over the bar, but in the 63rd minute — from virtually their first attack of the half — Blackpool scored what proved to be the winner. Keith Southern did brilliantly to win the ball in midfield and Adam played in Taylor-Fletcher before collecting the return ball and firing high into Jaaskelainen’s net. —AP

Wolves beat Sunderland Sunderland 1

Wolves 3

SUNDERLAND: Mick McCarthy finally won a Premier League game at the Stadium of Light yesterday when he led his Wolverhampton Wanderers side to a 3-1 victory at Sunderland.

The Wolves manager led Sunderland in 19 topflight home games during his spell in charge there without a win. Jody Craddock opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and, although Stephane Sessegnon equalized, Steven Fletcher and George Elokobi scored second-half goals in front of watching Led Zeppelin star Robert Plant — who is a vice-president at Wolves. Wolves are now a point above the relegation zone with one game remaining. —AP

Matches on TV (Local Timings) English Premier League Chelsea v Newcastle 15:30 Abu Dhabi Sports 3 Birmingham v Fulham 18:00 Abu Dhabi Sports 4 Wigan v West Ham 18:00 Abu Dhabi Sports 7 Liverpool v Tottenham 18:00 Abu Dhabi Sports 6 Arsenal v Aston Villa 18:00 Abu Dhabi Sports 3 Italian League Fiorentina v Bologna 13:30 Al Jazeera Sport +5 Al Jazeera Sport 1 HD Catania v AS Roma 16:00 Al Jazeera Sport 1 HD Al Jazeera Sport +1 Sampdoria v Palermo 16:00 Al Jazeera Sport +4 As Bari v US Lecce 16:00 Al Jazeera Sport +5 Napoli v Inter 21:45 Al Jazeera Sport +1 Spanish League Valencia v Levante 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport +3 Zaragoza v Espanyol 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport 1 HD Getafe v Osasuna 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport 2 HD Villarreal v Real Madrid 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport +4 Barcelona v Deportivo 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport +2

LONDON: West Bromwich Albion’s Gabriel Tamas (left) competes for the ball with Everton’s Victor Anichebe during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP

West Brom down Everton West Brom 1

Everton 0

LONDON: West Bromwich Albion could finish as the midlands’ highest-placed club in the Premier League after Youssouf Mulumbu scored yesterday for a 1-0 win over 10-man Everton.

The midfielder scored his seventh goal of the campaign after just 10 minutes of the Baggies’ final home game. Roy Hodgson’s side is now four points clear of local rival Aston Villa, which visits Arsenal today. West Brom has collected 19

points from 11 games since Hodgson replaced Roberto Di Matteo in early February and has lost only twice.

Everton had substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov sent off in the 77th after just five minutes on the pitch for a challenge on James Morrison.

It was an open game with both sides free from the threat of relegation and opposing strikers Peter Odemwingie and Victor Anichebe were constant threats. More goals could have been scored given the chances created by both sides.

But Mulumbu got the only goal.

Chris Brunt chipped the ball forward and Odemwingie held off a challenge by Sylvain Distin before squaring the ball across the area to Mulumbu, who had a simple tap in from close range. Bilyaletdinov was sent off after for a high challenge on James Morrison. —AP

Preview

Avoiding low would be career high for Grant LONDON: West Ham manager Avram Grant has admitted staying in the Premier League will make him the happiest he has been in his career as he prepares for a do-or-die encounter with Wigan.

Grant’s men are relying on Sunderland to beat Wolves yesterday for them to retain any hope of avoiding relegation by beating the Latics today.

But he claims if they do go on to beat the drop, it will surpass anything he has achieved as manager, including getting to the Champions League final with Chelsea, the FA Cup final with Portsmouth or the seven trophies he won while in Israel.

“For me the most important thing now, what will make me happy more than any time in my professional life is if we stay in the league,” Grant said.

“That’s how it looks to me now. I have had a lot of happy days in football, including in England.

“At my last two clubs, in the last games at

Portsmouth and Chelsea, the supporters came to these games so happy and for me it was so good.

“I want the supporters of West Ham to feel this way at the end of the season. I would like that very much.” Grant admits he has been hampered by injuries in the run-in, most notably to the English Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year Scott Parker.

Parker is a doubt for the Wigan game as he struggles to get over his Achilles injury, but Grant is remaining positive, despite winning just one point from the last nine on offer. “When you respond from something like last week it is some kind of energy.

I didn’t want them to to be happy at the beginning of this week. “But at the end I wanted them to take some positive things-we need to do our job. I can’t imagine not doing our job and hoping results go for us.” —AFP

Dortmund celebrate title, Frankfurt relegated Page 18 SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

LONDON: Manchester City ended their 35-year trophy drought here yesterday, beating Stoke 1-0 to clinch the FA Cup final at Wembley. Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure was the hero once again for City, rifling in a shot on 74 minutes to settle a largely one-sided encounter.

The win gave City their first piece of silverware since their victory in the 1976 League Cup final at Wembley and completed a rare double on the same day that their rivals Manchester United sealed the Premier League.

It also sealed a fine week for City, who had clinched qualification for next season’s Champions League on Tuesday by beating Tottenham.

“I can only say that I’m very happy for all the supporters,” a delighted City manager Roberto Mancini told ITV afterwards. “After many years, they deserved to win this trophy,” Mancini added, gesturing towards City’s delirious army of fans. “We need to improve but we are very happy. We did a small piece of history of Manchester City. We start now.” Goal hero Toure-who had also scored the winner in last month’s semi-final victory over Manchester Unitedwas jubilant to have

Blackburn 1

Man United 1

BLACKBURN: Manchester United were crowned Premier League champions after a Wayne Rooney penalty earned them the point they needed in a 1-1 draw away to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park here yesterday.

The result meant Sir Alex Ferguson’s side clinched a record 19th English title, going one in front of arch-rivals Liverpool, but it wasn’t achieved without controversy along the way.

It looked as though the Red Devils’ party would have to be put on hold for a while longer as they struggled to break down a Blackburn side who took a first-half lead through Brett Emerton.

But despite being below-par, and riding their luck, United sealed the draw they required in the 73rd minute.

Javier Hernandez was tripped by Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson and, after much deliberation, referee Phil Dowd pointed to the penalty spot following consultation with linesman Andy Halliday.

Rooney sent Robinson the wrong way as United reclaimed the title back off Chelsea in the penultimate game of the season to give Ferguson his 12th title as manager since arriving at Old Trafford 25 years ago.

United, given the freedom of Ewood Park at times, saw Nani nearly give them the lead inside four minutes. Rooney, in a role-reversal, almost turned creator as he made room to deliver a cross that saw the Portuguese winger head against the crossbar from barely six yards out.

United though were given a warning when Chris Samba blazed over the top after good work from Junior Hoilett.

It was a reminder that Blackburn, who had plenty to play for themselves as they look to stave off relegation, weren’t ready to just roll over.

And after United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak was fortunate to escape conceding following a mix-up with Michael Carrick, the visitors did fall behind in the 20th minute against the run of play.

Further indecision from Kuszczak, standing in for the rested Edwin van der Sar, saw Martin Olsson cross for Emerton to sweep home unmarked at the far post.

It was the Australian’s first goal of 2011 and he couldn’t have scored a more dramatic one if he had tried. The 7,000 United fans behind the goal were stunned into silence and the visitors did appear rattled.

helped City end their long wait for a piece of silverware.

“The dream is now... It’s fantastic to win. It’s fantastic for the history of the club,” said Toure. “We wanted to win something and get through to the Champions League. It’s amazing.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis admitted the Potters had been beaten by a better team. “I have nothing but full congratulations for Manchester City-they were the better team and they deserved to win the game,” Pulis said. “It’s difficult for me to stand here and say that, but that’s the way it was.” City, who dominated throughout, might have won by more had it not been for a couple of fine saves by Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen early on when Mancini’s men were threatening to run riot. City, who had been lifted by captain Carlos Tevez passing a late fitness test, settled swiftly and took control of the the opening exchanges.

Tevez might have put City ahead after only five minutes, his curling shot headed for goal after taking a slight deflection off Ryan Shawcross, only for Sorensen to save superbly at full stretch. There was little respite for Stoke thereafter, and Shawcross was deeply relieved when he stuck a leg out to intercept a low Aleksandar Kolarov cross in the 10th minute which came dangerously close to being an own goal.

Moments later it was Toure’s turn, the Ivorian letting fly from 30 yards with a ferocious drive that beat Sorensen only to go inches wide. With City rampant, Stoke’s defence showed signs of cracking under the pressure, and German centre-half Robert Huth was lucky to escape punishment for a blatant off the ball elbow that flattened Mario Balotelli.

Stoke’s only chance on goal in a lop-sided opening period came when Trinidad striker Kenwyne Jones found some space in the City box, only for his shot to be blocked by Vincent Kompany. At the other end Stoke again had Sorensen to thank after another brilliant save on 24 minutes, this time from Balotelli, whose curling shot was hurtling towards the top corner before it was palmed away to safety. “That was the save of

It took them a while to recover from the setback of falling behind. So much so that the next time they threatened was not until in the 35th minute as Robinson had to be alert to keep out Hernandez’s low shot.

But Blackburn, happy to put men behind the ball, remained a threat on the counter-attack with Olsson firing wide after meeting Michel Salgado’s deep cross moments later.

The mood of Ferguson, hit with a Football Association improper conduct charge on the eve of this game, wouldn’t have been helped by what he’d witnessed in the first half.

The tempo was raised from his side after the break but chances were still few and far between.

A last-ditch block, which summed up the home side, denied veteran Ryan Giggs, also winning his 12th title, a certain leveller on the hour mark.

But Blackburn missed a golden chance in the 65th minute to wrap this game up-and keep Champions League finalists United waiting another week to claim the Premier League title.

Emerton broke free and his cross saw Olsson rise above Antonio Valencia only for the header to bounce back off the post.

It proved crucial as United went up the other end to score haul themselves level and secure the title moments before local rivals Manchester City kicked-off in the FA Cup final against Stoke.—AFP

the season,” Pulis said later. City should have gone 1-0 up on 35 minutes, when a wonderful ball from Tevez found Balotelli in the box and in the ensuing melee David Silva’s shot into the turf bounced up and over the bar with Sorensen nowhere.

Five minutes before half-time Huth earned the booking he should have received earlier, cautioned by Martin Atkinson for an ugly challenge on Micah Richards. A scrappy start to the second half saw Stoke enjoy their best spell but City’s defence were more than equal to the challenge.

City again spurned a good chance on 56 minutes when a swift breakout of defence saw Tevez surge down the right before crossing to the unmarked Silva who took too long to get his shot away. With the clock ticking down, Mancini took the bold move to replace Gareth Barry with the more attacking option of Adam Johnson on 74 minutes.

A minute later, Toure struck the decisive blow for City. A shot from Balotelli deflected off Marc Wilson and fell kindly to the former Barcelona midfielder who blasted an unstoppable firsttime shot past Sorensen.

City defender Micah Richards insists his side’s 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Stoke yesterday will herald the start of a glorious era at Eastlands. While Manchester United’s Premier League title triumph at Blackburn a few hours earlier stole some of the spotlight from City’s first major trophy in 35 years, Richards is convinced Roberto Mancini’s side are on the verge of emulating the dominance of their bitter local rivals.

With the financial backing of their Abu Dhabi-based owners, Richards believes City will sign more star players before next season to build on a Cup final success secured by Yaya Toure’s 74th minute winner at Wembley. “It’s unbelievable. Words can’t describe it. We’ve worked hard all season and we’ve won it. I can’t believe it,” Richards said.

“This is just the start. This is the first trophy and this is the most important one. We will build from this. We will buy in the summer. These are exciting times.”—AFP

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KFH receives Global Finance award

Years

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Iraq’s oil deals going faster than planned Page 25

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

Speculations, profit-booking hit stocks

The new generation C-Class available in Kuwait Page 24

Page 22

KAMPALA: A vendor sells fruits and vegetables at Nakasero market yesterday in central Kampala. Newly sworn in President Yoweri Museveni derided Uganda’s opposition while also trying to soothe public anger over rising food and fuel prices that have triggered violent protests recently. — AFP

EU chiefs to tackle Greek bailout No 2 Draghi to succeed Trichet as ECB chief BRUSSELS: European finance ministers will huddle tomorrow for discussions certain to centre on a second Greek bailout, while anointing an Italian to head the pivotal European Central Bank.

The 17-nation euro-zone and the other 10 European Union states will hold a series of meetings alongside International Monetary Fund managing director Dominique StraussKahn during which a 78-billion-euro ($110 billion) rescue package for Portugal-like Greece mired in debt-is also expected to be voted through.

The European ministers are also set to recommend Italian central bank governor Mario Draghi as the successor to France’s JeanClaude Trichet as president of the European Central Bank. “Done deals” on both counts, according to EU diplomats, although the ascension of an Italian poses two political problems, sources say, given the presence of

another Italian, Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, on the central bank’s executive board.

Wealthy northern euro-zone states such as The Netherlands fear too much influence being wielded by debt-laden Mediterranean states, while France could seek to retain a seat on the ECB’s inner decision-making panel for itself.

What is clear is that one year after a 110billion-euro bailout of Greece, the black hole facing the government in Athens will again top the unofficial agenda.

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde told the BBC on Thursday night that “the consideration at the moment is to extend those (bilateral loans) if it was necessary,” after being pressed repeatedly to rule out a second bailout with new cash loans.

She suggested a system of bilateral loans from euro-zone states used first time around was again an option. Lagarde was sharing a

platform with British counterpart George Osborne, who insisted “Britain should not be involved in future discussions because we were not involved in the original package.”

The Conser vative -led government in London says its hands were tied by Labor predecessors on participation in an EU-wide fund-the European Financial Stability Mechanism already used to part-finance loans to Ireland under its 67.5-billion-euro international bailout and which will also figure in the Portuguese aid package.

Various sources have suggested that an additional 50-60 billion euros will be required to keep Greece afloat over the next two years, although an EU source said these numbers were “false”.

German daily Die Welt meanwhile claims in its edition to appear on Saturday that Berlin, the European Commission and the IMF are now ready to consider rescheduling

Greece’s debts. After the commission Friday warned that next year’s Greek public deficit would hit 9.5 percent of GDP, well up from a previously anticipated 7.4 percent, the newspaper cited a source close to the commission as saying: “When you look at the new data, we know the situation has changed.”

The ECB and France are against restructuring. Commission spokesman Amadeu Altafaj denied the report’s claim of EU executive backing as “absurd” when contacted by AFP. Fundamentally, Monday’s Eurogroup will not be about how fresh Greek aid should be paid out, but should focus on “what Greece has to do” just to ensure it receives the remaining tranches of the existing IMF loan agreement, one diplomat said.

No concrete action is expected prior to a final EU-IMF report, due in June, on Greece’s progress on its obligations under the exist-

Saudi inflation higher as food costs grow JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation inched up to 4.8 percent in April due to a rise in food and transport costs, and analysts expect price pressures will grow in the next few months.

Inflation in the world’s top oil exporter had been falling since touching an 18-month high of 6.1 percent in August. It had slowed to 4.7 percent in March. On a monthly basis, living costs in the biggest Arab economy rose by 0.4 percent in April, up from 0.3 percent in March, the data from the Central Department of Statistics showed.

“Inflation seems to be on a gradual yet increasing path. The downward base effects are now winding up and headline inflation will be more accentuated,” said John Sfakianakis, chief economist at Banque Saudi Fransi in Riyadh. Food prices, which have the largest 26 percent weight in the consumer basket, rose 0.9 percent on a monthly basis, after a 0.1 percent decrease in the previous month.

“Price pressures are now building up and should be reflected in the coming months, especially as we gear up to Ramadan. Rents and food should give upward impetus,” Sfakianakis said.

Food inflation traditionally climbs during the holy month of Ramadan, which this year starts in early August, when families enjoy larger and more elaborate meals after daylight fasting.

Housing and energy costs, which represent 18 percent of the basket, rose by 0.5 percent after a 0.8 percent increase in the previous month. Analysts polled by Reuters in March expected average inflation of 5.6 percent in 2011.

Saudi’s Central Bank Governor Muhammad al-Jasser said in March handouts by the king to boost wages, create jobs and build houses were not likely to exacerbate inflation. Worried by spreading unrest across the Gulf region, the government plans to spend nearly 30 percent of the annual economic output to ease social tensions in the kingdom, where over 10 percent of nationals are out of work.

Saudi Arabia, a major US ally and the world’s top oil exporter, is an absolute monarchy that does not tolerate dissent.

Other than scattered Shiite protests, the kingdom has not seen the kind of mass uprisings that rocked other parts of the Arab world. —Reuters

ing bailout deal. The IMF has called on Greece to sell off more of the family silver.

After a deeper-than-anticipated national recession, Finance M inister George Papaconstantinou says Athens needs to plan its next steps for 2012 and 2013.

Greece was due to return to commercial money markets next year, but wants to postpone the maturity of 65 billion euros worth of Greek bonds this year and next, and push back deficit reduction deadlines with the EU. Athens already owes more than a year-anda-half of its entire economic output, at least 330 billion euros.

Greece’s cost of borrowing is now above 15 percent for benchmark 10-year bondsmore than double the rate at the time of bailout No1. Meanwhile, no formal breakthrough is expected on Dublin’s calls for eased terms on the interest demanded for its own EU-IMF bailout. — AFP

UAE growth at 1.4% in 2010 after contraction

BENGHAZI: Libyans wait in a line to refuel their vehicles outside a gas station in Benghazi yesterday. Cars queued in long lines at gas stations in rebel-held Benghazi where some stations had run out and others limited sales to one or two gallons a vehicle. —AP

Protests hit UK gas activities in Tunisia TUNIS: Protesters have blockaded employees inside the offices of Tunisia’s largest natural gas producer, Britain’s BG Group, and blocked factory operations, the company said yesterday. A weekslong standoff over jobs at BG has highlighted the uncertainty about Tunisia’s long-stable and prosperous economy four months after protests brought down the country’s longtime president and prompted anti-government protests around the Arab world.

BG Group’s Tunisia branch threatened in a statement to shut down its plants. It appealed to Tunisian authorities to find a solution to end sitins and other actions by local residents at the company’s offices in the southern town of Nakta.

The residents have been pressing the company to hire from the local population instead of bringing in staff from elsewhere. The company says it has agreed to hire 60 people from nearby towns.

Frustration over unemployment and corruption were at the heart of the protests that drove out Tunisia’s President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Januar y. BG says the protesters who have blockaded the workers in the Nakta plant for the past 48 hours are threatening their security and production. BG Group is among Tunisia’s biggest foreign investors, and it says on its website that it produces more than 60 percent of Tunisia’s gas. — AP

The United Arab Emirates’ economy grew 1.4 percent in real terms in 2010 after shrinking 1.6 percent in 2009, its statistics office said yesterday, although a struggling construction sector may continue to hamper growth.

Global financial turmoil in 2008 saw projects worth billions shelved in Dubai, a trade hub known for artificial palm-shaped islands and the world’s tallest tower, while oil output also fell as crude prices plunged, impacting overall growth.

The 1.6 percent decline in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009 was the OPEC member’s first contraction since 1988. In nominal terms, GDP reached 1,093 billion dirhams ($297.6 billion) in 2010 compared to 992.8 billion dirhams in the previous year, the data also showed. The statistics office said in the statement that higher oil prices were a key factor driving the OPEC member’s economy out of the global financial crisis, but analysts also pointed to a broader recovery.

“The service sector, including tourism, the hospitality business, and also exports and re-exports and industrial growth were the key drivers out of the contraction,” said John Sfakianakis, chief economist at Banque Saudi Fransi in Riyadh.

The National Bureau of Statistics also said it changed its base year for economic indicators to 2007 from the previous benchmark of 2000.

Analysts still see risks, mainly from the property sector. “We will see continued downward pressure stemming from the real estate and construction sector as they continue to be moribund,” Sfakianakis said.

“However the service sector, high oil production and industry will provide impetus as the UAE is going back to basics, and its economy is on a recovery path this year.” —Reuters

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The new generation C-Class Available now from Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co KUWAIT: The new Generation C-Class has undergone a comprehensive makeover. The front and rear sections of this bestselling model have a more striking design. Together with the optional high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior.

Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 31 percent. Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control are now available for this model series.

The current C-Class was the first Mercedes saloon to have design and equipment lines with their own individual looks. The more classic ELEGANCE models and the standard version bear the Mercedes star on the bonnet. On the AVANTGARDE vehicles the trademark is positioned in the centre of the radiator grille - as the hallmark expression of sporty Mercedes models.

“The drive system and safety systems in the new-generation C-Class offer the comfort, efficiency and safety of our luxury vehicles. The new telematics generation connects the C-Class with the internet. Plus, with many significant details in the interior, the vehicle calls to mind the new CLS and sets totally new standards in its segment where value and quality impression are concerned”, remarks Michael Ruehle, General Manager Albisher & Alkazemi Co. A total of more than 2000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the MercedesBenz C-Class from its predecessor. In addition to the standard appointments - which now include a leather steering wheel - the two design and equipment lines ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are the basis for the individualisation range for the CClass. The two lines are now more readily distinguishable from each other.

The C-Class is the highest-selling model series, and therefore of particular importance for Mercedes-Benz. The current series has found well over one million buyers worldwide since its launch in March 2007. Since the market launch of the first C-Class in 1982 (then known as the 190 model), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles in total in this segment. In 2010, too, the C-Class was repeatedly topping the registration statistics. Since 2008 the saloon has been the unbeaten world market leader in its segment.

It has also positioned itself right at the head of the field in quality inspections in Europe (ADAC

(German automobile association) breakdown statistics) and in the USA (J. D. Power study).

Dynamic, resolute, self-assured: the exterior The front bumper has a more expressive and dynamic contour, the front section being brought closer to the brand’s new design idiom. As a central element at the front, the shape of the radiator grille is more prominently supported by the bumper. The central air intake opens out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille. Pronounced side sections on the bumper extend from the sporty V-shape at the centre. These sections (beneath the headlamps) blend into the feature lines along the vehicle flanks, creating a link with the sides. The side air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more road-hugging appearance.

The saloon now have a new aluminium bon-

net, which contributes to weight reduction and therefore fuel efficiency. Other aluminium features include the front wings and the door modules. The contour of the bonnet in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille emphasises the Vshape of the front section more heavily than before. In conjunction with the newly designed headlamps, this renders the front section significantly more striking.

The shape of the clear-lens headlamps has been modified to create a more dynamic and resolute impression, and to act together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper to emphasise the V-shape of the front section. This impression is reinforced by both the exterior form of the headlamps and the interior of the housings. The headlamps show their modernity by precision and an interplay between matt and high-sheen areas. The halogen headlamps are arranged in the classic

way, with low beam on the outside, main beam on the inside and the indicators neatly arranged in the outer corner formed with the front wing.

If the optional bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are ordered, the impression of depth is reinforced by a row of lighting modules. A position light with a distinctive Cshape emphasises the night design. Behind it is a cornering light extending to the main headlamp module on the outside. A visual base in the lower section of the headlamp is formed by a horizontal broadband LED indicator unit. The horizontal LED daytime running lamps in the bumper also make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.

In the case of the rear bumper, the light-catching contours and dividing lines have been modified to emphasise the width of the saloon and estate even more strongly. This change is particularly obvious in the more steeply rising course of the side light-catching contours towards the tail lights. A continuous light-catching contour at the upper end of the rear bumper extends into the flanks to connect the tail end with the sides to emphasise the sporty character of the rear aspect.

In the facelifted model, the tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the tail end by a continuous covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series. The particular impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands with their more deeply set LEDs. The tail lights have a particularly high recognition factor in the dark.

Sporty, high-quality interior A main focus of the design work in the interior was the restyling of the dashboard, with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and high-quality

look. This redesigning also involved enhancing the trim concept. The surfaces of the control elements are more finely detailed and galvanised.

The large section of trim is an important part of the newly designed dashboard. This extends from the centre air vents across the front-passenger side to the outer air vent, making the interior appear significantly wider. The upper dashboard section with a new surface grain continues into the beltlines of the door panels.

Together with the new telematics generation, the facelifted C-Class also comes complete with a new instrument cluster featuring an integral display - which is also available as a colour display in conjunction with the optional 12-button steering wheel. Directed towards the driver are three tube-style surrounds with a galvanised surface, openly demonstrating the C-Class’s sporting ambitions.

The premium character of the interior is underlined by the new three-spoke steering wheel generation, which was introduced with the new CLS and is now available in the sporty AVANTGARDE line for the C-Class. The steering wheel with its chromed central spoke stylishly accentuates the sporty atmosphere in the CClass. In the base version and with ELEGANCE a newly designed four-spoke steering wheel is fitted, and in ELEGANCE guise it comes with chromed trim panels.

More power, lower consumption: the engines A reduction in fuel consumption of up to 31 percent has been achieved. All the C-Class models will be equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard. All the engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, showing that they are particularly efficient and environmentally compatible in their use of fuel.

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 .4480000 .3910000 .3110000 .2820000 .2930000 .0040000 .0020000 .0745370 .7261920 .3810000 .0700000 .7118990 .0040000 .0430000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2745500 .4500560 .3933070 .3139510 .2849060 .0527490 .0437880 .2956350 .0353230 .2226140 .0034150 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0747790 .7284430 .0000000 .0732330 .7133020 .0000000

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 3.440 6.169 3.250 2.509 3.872 224.260 35.515 3.763

.2790000 .4570000 .3990000 .3210000 .2920000 .3000000 .0072500 .0035000 .0752860 .7334900 .4010000 .0770000 .7190530 .0072000 .0540000 .2766500 .4534990 .3963150 .3163520 .2870860 .0531530 .0441230 .2978970 .0355930 .2243170 .0034410 .0062170 .0025260 .0032700 .0038030 .0753510 .7340140 .3913030 .0737930 .7187580 .0064790

Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

6.408 9.146 0.271 0.273

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

GCC COUNTRIES 73.616 75.852 717.030 733.030 75.155

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 46.445 1.263 202.010 389.840 183.100 5.960 35.606

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 275.950 Euro 397.640 Sterling Pound 453.390 Canadian dollar 287.900 Turkish lire 177.570 Swiss Franc 316.280 Australian dollar 297.340 US Dollar Buying 274.750 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Sterling Pound US Dollar

SELL CASH 302.600 733.240 3.990 291.900 541.500 14.100 54.700 167.800 47.390 401.000 36.160 6.430

389.680 0.186 94.640 3.880 221.600

715.950 3.260 6.440 75.840 73.610 225.470 43.380 2.508 453.500 315.700 5.800 9.340 75.130 275.700

SELL DRAFT 301.100 733.240 3.766 290.400

225.500 46.498 399.500 36.010 6.170

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

Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit Malaysian Ringgit

3.261 3.787 6.397 676.638 3.519 9.113 6.017 3.935 90.720 91.033

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars

275.600 3.260 6.170 2.525 3.775 6.465 75.195 73.695 732.700 46.450 457.300 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 391.600 5.750 402.200 295.100

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 453.500 275.700

Al Mulla Exchange

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees

0.033

GOLD 1,576.440

10 Tola

GOLD 280.000 140.000 72.000

0.033 0.244 0.243 3.510 391.150 0.187 94.640 48.200 4.330 223.100 1.869 51.700 716.130 3.340 6.600 76.270 73.610 225.470 43.380 2.676 455.500 45.500 317.200 5.800 9.550 198.263 75.230 276.100 1.260

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

Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 275.650 395.800 453.200 289.700 3.445 6.155 46.460 2.511 3.745 6.385 3.250 734.100 75.100 73.600

*Rates are subject to change

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World’s ‘best Islamic real estate finance provider’ Ali Taqi wins KD 125,000 NBK’s Al-Jawhara prize KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the leading bank in Kuwait and the highest rated bank in the Middle East, recently announced the names of the Al-Jawhara Draw prize winners for the month of May 2011 which was conducted at NBK’s head office.

The first prize of KD 125,000 went to Ali Hussain Ismail Taqi, while the second place winner Nahla Khaled Naser received KD 7,500. The third winner Heba Mohd Sarhan Alenizi was awarded KD 3,000 and the remaining 97 winners were awarded KD 400 each.

Al Jawhara Winners May 2011 Sr.# Cert. No.

Name of Customer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

Ali Hussain Ismail Taqi Nahla Khaled Naser Heba Mohd Sarhan Alenizi Yaqoub Yousif Abdulrasoul Boabas Mohannad Yousef Tawfiq Albarqawi Belal Ibraheem Shami Khaled Suliman Naser Alorifan Amer Menwar Helal Minor Saleh Mohamed Saleh Hasan Fadhel Mohammed Redha Bomaryom Elham Abbas Sulaiman Aldousari Murtaza Shabbir Hussain Mohammed Saad Al Odah Alsallal Sohaila Masoud Haji Ghrbankhani Adel Ebraheem Yousef Alraqum Mohammad Ibrahim Mohammad Almajil Zaid Ateya Salman Alqalaf Farah Mansour Hasan Hasan Qabelah Faisal Abood Khalaf Humoud Jasem Mohd Alfalah Rabia Alsaid Alsaid Badran Suja Jayaprakash Panicher Nader Naim Shehada Khalaf Hani Turki Radi Hassan Mashary Afefah Abdullah Ahmed Alnajdi Musaad Yousef Abdullah Alali Fatma Khaled Essa Alessa Yusuf Abdulla Bankawala Hassan Salah Yousef Kareem Andre Joseph Karam Lulwa Ezz Eldin Hamdy Moustafa Abdulla Fahad Abdulla Alosaimi Min Mhadi Khaled Ali Alkudri Reema Saadi A Aziz Abu Dhuhair Husain Haider Yousef Alqalaf Min Ali Jaafar Gholom Mohd Abdulmuttaleb Mohammed Reda Bahbahani Khaled Khalaf Alhashar Zahraa Fadel Ahmad Alhaddad Ibtesam Jabbar Sadkhan Amjad Rahman Malik Mohd Bashir Leqaa Balasem Mohameed Alyaa Nayef Dreab Alanezy Abdulla Hussain Mkhelf Alanzi Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Ismail Alfahad Ann Saleem Ahmed Mostafa Yousef Ali Rteil Mahmoud Said Mohammed Fakhra Min Adel Khaled Thyab Al Alaty Adel Abbas Hasan Atta Allah Nada Sabeeh Yaqoub Mansour Mahmoud Omer Mustafa Alesa Fawaz Mohamad Najem Alshemeri Hassan Mohd Hassan Farahat Qais Saleh Yousef Alduwairi Ali Abdulla Ali Mohamed Abdulla Mohd Alothman Mohammed Essa Mousa Al Naqi Sattar Shokrollah Oveysi Rastabi Ali Mohammed Hasan Ashkanani Ismaiel Khalil Malik Dashti Min Remas Mohammad Abdulkareem Boland Nezar Abdlqader Mousa Al Ebrahim Hassan Al Zubaidi Abd Hussain Alalayan Sanad Saad Sanad Alsaihan Saleh Jeza Saleh Alharbi Hamida Haji Ismaeil Khaledi Nawaf Ahmad Majed Al Shahin Fatma Essam Abdulsaheb Almezidi Hadi Omar Saed Ba Abad Ismail Abu Al Qasem Othman Ali Nour Mohammed Mahmoud Abdulghani Mahmoud Bahlol Raed Khaled Ibraheem Alfarsi Khaled Abdualazeez Abdulteef Alsharikh Mohammed Ali Hasan Ali Merchant Zakiah Abualhassan Al Sayed Hashim Al Hashimi Mohammed Fawzi Mohammed Alsayegh Salah Ayed Al Sharhan Al Shammary Fatema Qasem Kareim Abdulhadi Ali Khalil Alshimali Redha Hasan Al Hasan Huda Almuaad Huda Mohamed Ali Zaghlol Adnan Khalel Abdulnbi Alsafar Hussain Abdulla Ali Hadi Sahar Hassan Abo Ezza Zinab Abdalkhther Mohd Awathi Ramdan Ahmad Abdulghafar Bechara Halim Nassar Charbel Min Abdulrahman Bader Abdulla Alotibi Hussain Khudair Shaban Bushaboun Hussain Bader Hussain Abdulla Muhammad Esmail Jassem Muhammad Fawzi Khalid Fahad Al Yaquot Bader Nasser Abdulla Buresliy Alshaimaa Abbas Sayed Musallam Sayed Mustafa Min Othman Talal Othman Ben Eidan Abdullatif Abdulkhoder Abdulla Alkhabaz

4977742 2381672 27350630 102589712 431400 16233980 8962243 15367509 59005505 28019075 16329740 102314446 19003501 18122779 102306648 11276371 18315321 12249211 36140015 13238876 2182769 73043370 39556867 37299190 36055581 28168623 100325734 4268989 60097337 47348739 4299795 59010967 47465174 992720 60007702 59117133 39610888 212237 62025309 16462491 156507 60039299 9338748 35112298 21057397 65112415 102049610 11250429 61055492 58011757 80018076 19072600 48051276 15326896 18097707 47110937 18276091 431478 39374971 51251039 40241718 102553459 23040106 12338001 102370508 12008028 35297913 18137482 43044646 71042768 48290882 5236878 5285410 15238652 59010487 53075056 15366162 12216747 102237131 26104245 60014873 39284506 60006870 2367270 47060077 62031147 23259736 2146916 39119319 1253751 1469622 15386422 757292 51057719 36140082 41036433 55049435 55006604 37312081 23165944

Prize 125000 7500 3000 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400

Toyota production recovery expected sooner, increase from next month onwards MANAMA: In the aftermath of the “Great East Japan Earthquake” on March 11 which affected various industry segments and businesses in Japan including the automobile industry, Toyota Motor Corporation’s (TMC) Bahrain Representative Office has announced that Toyota’s progress towards production normalization is expected to start in June 2011, quicker than what was estimated previously. Initial expectations were July for Japan and August for other countries; however the recovery process has witnessed several improvements thanks to the enormous efforts put in by TMC employees and the suppliers.

“Vehicle manufacturing will gradually

pick up from next month onwards in Japan and abroad, and we will continue examining our outlook to production and do everything possible to return production to normal as quickly as possible. We have also been focusing on the full backup of supply of after-servicing parts as well. We are extremely happy to have learnt from our distributors and dealers that most of our customers have offered to wait till Toyota vehicles are available. We really appreciate our customers’ loyalty and patience. We strongly believe that the vehicle supply situation will drastically improve within a couple of months”, the office said.

KFH receives Global Finance award KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) received the best Islamic real estate finance provider in the world from Global Finance, the world prestigious magazine. This comes as part of the awards the magazine granted to world best financing institutions in 2011. The awards are granted based on an assessment conducted by experts from around the world who participated and studied the role of “KFH” in real estate activities since its inception, as well as its various contributions to the field of finance and real estate development. Despite the economic dimension involved, these efforts stem from a social perspective and set of values focusing specifically on the importance of residential units in the life of a typical Kuwaiti family. It also touches upon the stability of the society in general and the achievement of Islamic banks part in the reconstruction of earth, serving the development efforts and progress of civilization.

Commenting on the prize, Mohammed Suleiman Al-Omar, KFH CEO, said that it confirms the historic role KFH has played in the field of finance and real estate development for 33 years as KFH provided real estate funding of more than a billion dinar. More than 30,000 Kuwaiti families benefited from these funds. In addition, KFH contributed in the establishment of five real estate companies specializing in construction, real estate development, real estate maintenance and management, and construction projects both inside and outside Kuwait.

Al-Omar added that KFH provides an excellent range of real estate services, which brought about a shift since its launch in the market. These services provide the Islamic compliant option which suits KFH customers in meeting their real estate needs such as Murabaha, Ijara, and Istisna and other financing structures. Moreover, KFH provides other support services, most notably the real estate evaluation accredited by official and regulatory bodies and agencies, in addition to the extensive expertise which provide consulting services on market movements and various legal and regulatory developments for KFH clients seeking to purchase real estate properties.

Al-Omar observed KFH role in supporting the government efforts in providing residential care to citizens. This role continued since the inception of KFH stemming from basic conviction that providing housing appropriate for citizens and families is an essential factor for societal stability.

It supports families to achieve a feeling of belonging to homeland and capacitating individuals towards giving and devotion. As such, KFH assumes responsibility for long term credit risks, and offers stable rates over contractual periods.

This comes with many advantages aimed at mitigating burdens associated with the process of purchasing a real estate property on citizens. KFH allows a grace period of two months for repayment with insurance of indebtedness and follow up administrative and legal procedures on behalf of the client to save time and effort and implement the expertise that may not be available to

Mohammed Suleiman Al-Omar, KFH CEO many individuals. He added that KFH branches currently receive hundreds of clients seeking financing for residential property following a decision by the Court of Cassation allowing KFH and Islamic banks to conduct basic real estate mortgage services to complete purchases and sale of real estate in accordance with the applicable Murabaha system.

The real estate portfolio recently established

by Kuwait Investment Authority for a capital of one billion dinars which KFH will initially manage partly KD 250 million, Al-Omar said that the Authority’s decision reflects the confidence and prestige. KFH brings weight to real estate market given its outstanding experience gained from the management of a number of real estate portfolios during the previous years as a professional and impartial assessment authority accredited by relevant stakeholders in the Kuwaiti market. AlOmar pointed out that the portfolio targets investments in real estate and trade sectors and aims to achieve good returns compared to other sectors during the next phase. The portfolio seeks to achieve good revenues in the medium and long terms, by trading in selected properties.

Al-Omar said that KFH participates in or leads a group of globally important real estate development projects estimated at billions of dollars in the Gulf area and around the world. Most notably among these projects in the Gulf area is Diyar Al Muharraq; one of the largest integrated construction projects to be carried out by KFH in Bahrain. The area of the future city is estimated at 12 square km, with a total value of $ 3.2 billion.

The project is planned to be built as a modern city with integrated services and provide affordable housing options for middle-income employees. The planned dwellings are estimated at 30 thousand units, enough to house more than 100

thousand inhabitants, or about 10% of the population of Bahrain. The project contains 1200 housing units for low-income employees. Durrat Al Bahrain Project with a cost of more than $3 billion is considered an important step to develop the methods of living and particularly the family tourism sector in the Kingdom. The project accommodates around 30 thousand residents permanently along with four thousand visitors a day. The project is be built on an area of 20 square kilometers reclaimed from desert land and sea waters forming the basis of a residential, tourist and recreational area at world standard.

The area comprises 13 islands, including 2000 villas, 3 thousands apartments, one hotel, recreational and tourist facilities, golf course, sea club and shops. KFH Bahrain also adopt the Industrial Oasis Project on an area of 152 thousand square meters in the Bahrain International Investment Park, an area of recent focus on technology, manufacturing, and services sector. The area is designed to attract added value investment activities. KFH latest projects in the United States, Canada and Europe, Chicago Project is a residential property to be built in Chicago city with a total cost of $242 million. The project building has 40 floors and more than 80 apartments.

Another project is establishing a real estate partnership for a value of $ 450 million with UDR Company in an income-generating real estate residential project in a number of major cities in the United States. In Canada, KFH has recently signed a real estate partnership agreement with Killam Properties; a Canadian company specialized in real estate activity to acquire residential real estates for a value estimated at CAD 450 million.

In South East Asia and China, KFH Malaysia participates in “A Pacific Ltd” to establish new medical centers expected to provide health care services to take advantage of the high returns, growth and expansion in the scope of this activity in Asia. Moreover, KFH participates in Medini Project, the largest real estate development project in Malaysia, known as Iskandar City. This area is planned to be a link between Malaysia and Singapore in preparation for the integration of services between the two countries. The project is expected to achieve a total value of developmental exceeding USD 6 billion in the next 10-15 years. To add, KFH has also invested $275 million in “Peninsula Real Estate Project”, the largest real estate development project in Asia, located between China and Hong Kong in Shenzhen area. The total value of the project is estimated at $3 billion, and is ranked as first class, on an area of 300 thousand square meters. Prior to that, KFH participated with $135 million in the process of the management, development, and commercialization of the giant “Pavilion” Tower, worth a total value of 1.3 billion dollars. The project is located in the heart of the capital Kuala Lumpur, in the business district, called the Golden Triangle. The project occupies an area of 130 thousand square meters.

MARKAZ KSE REPORT

KSE index ends in red

KUWAIT: The KSE market weighted index ended on a red with 1.4% lower at 457 level, post that the weight index touched an intraweek low at 454 level. While the KSE price index moved in narrow range and closed 0.2% lower at 6,503 level.

Among sectoral indices, the Insurance index was top loser by 4.3% followed by the Non-Kuwaiti and the Industrial indices that decreased by 2.9% and 2.6% respectively. The Banking and the Real-Estate indices closed lower by 0.7% and 0.2%. While the Service, the Investment, the Food indices increased by 1.8%, 0.3% and 0.3% respectively on weekly basis. The market sentiment was negative as

63 stocks declined against 50 stocks gained and 27 stocks closed at same level as the previous week.

Among the large caps stocks the top losers were AGLTY -10.7%, ZAIN -6.8%, NIC -5.4%, PIPE -3.7%, KINV 1.9%, NIND -1.8% and the top gainers were MABANEE +10.4%, GBK +5.5%, KIBK +2.9%, BURGAN +1.9%, NMTC +1%, while the stocks of NBK, KFH, KPROJ, BPCC and FOOD remained unchanged compared to last week. The KSE weighted index has downside support at 455 levels and upside it faces resistance at 462 and 465 levels. While the KSE price index has upside resistance at 6,600 level and downside support remains at 6,450 level.

Jazeera Airways launches ‘Jazeera Holidays’ Single payment for hotel + Jazeera Airways flight

KUWAIT: Award winning Jazeera Airways launched http://holidays.jazeeraairways.com, a new feature that gives customers total control over their holiday plans by empowering them to book their hotel stay from a selection of thousands of hotels in the Middle East while booking their flight in a single itinerary and in a single payment, all from the comfort of their home or office, 24-hours a day.

Launched in cooperation with Boodai Aviation, http://holidays.jazeeraairways.com, Jazeera Airways is a one-stop online shop for all-round holiday service for customers that delivers the most convenient flights and hotel options for business and leisure travelers at the best prices.

Customers can adjust their search results based on price, type of hotel and location. They can also choose their hotel directly from Google maps, to ensure they are totally in control of planning their perfect holiday.

Jazeera Airways CEO, Stefan Pitcher, said: “Holiday travel should be exciting and easy, and we’ve launched Jazeera Holidays to make planning and booking all-rounded vacations for customers hassle-free. We are confident that our customers will love this new feature.” Jazeera Airways is first airline in Kuwait to introduce this state-of-the-art feature for holiday travelers.

Boodai Aviation Group Vice President and General Manager, Monzer Najia said: “Jazeera Holidays adds a great value to the customer as it allows them to have full control of their inventory 24-hours daily. We believe Jazeera Holidays’ dynamic packaging is a great service for customers looking for the best deals and exclusive packages.”

For passengers who value personal one-on-one communication, Jazeera Holidays has dedicated sales agents at their Kuwait City, Fahaheel, Farwaniya, Hawally, Jahra and Shuwaikh branches to provide passengers with needed information and assistance on booking hotels, destinations and tickets.

Winner of Arabian Business Magazine’s ‘Best in Aviation 2010’ award and Gold Winner of Magnum Opus 2010 awards, Jazeera Airways operates to 18 destinations across the Middle East and North Africa. Boodai Aviation Group was established in 1984 and is now one of the fastest growing travel companies in the Middle East.

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BUSINESS

Speculations, profit-booking hit stocks KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week in the red zone, as both its main indices recorded losses. The price index ended last week with a decrease amounted to 0.21%, while the weighted index raised 1.40% compared to the closings of the week before. Furthermore, last week ’s average daily turnover increased by 17.79%, compared to the preceding week, reaching KD 32.61 million, whereas trading volume average was 238.63 million shares, recording decrease of 4.33%.

In addition, KSE recorded losses amid hesitant per formance as a result of several factors, of which speculations deals and profit taking were on top of it, with special focus on low price stocks.

The speculations dominated the trading trend most of the week, in the shadow that the sale trend on leading stocks was relatively stronger than the buying one; as a result, the weighted index recorded a greater loss than the price index.

The market witnessed cautious atmosphere among the traders, due to the delay in announcing the first quarter financial results of most listed companies; whereas of Thursday, only 45% from the companies announced their results. The

BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT traders have fears that some of the companies might be suspended from trading.

By the end of the week, the price index closed at 6,502.5 points, down by 0.21% from the week before closing, whereas the weighted index registered a 1.40% weekly loss after closing at 457.83 points.

Sectors’ Indices Four of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the red zone, while the other four recorded increases. The Insurance sector headed the losers list as its index declined by 4.26% to end the week’s activity at 2,553.1 points. The Non Kuwaiti Companies sector was second on the losers’ list, which index declined by 2.92%, closing at 6,373.0 points, followed by the Industry sector, as its index closed at 4,602.8 points at a loss of 2.57%. On the other hand, last week’s highest gainer was the Services sector, achieving 1.83% growth rate as its index closed at 14,753.4 points. Whereas, in the second place, the Food sector’s index closed at 4,391.0 points recording 0.29%

increase. The Investment sector came in third as its index achieved 0.27% growth, ending the week at 4,349.1 points.

Sectors’ Activity The Services sector dominated total trade volume during last week with 474.02 million shares changing hands, representing 39.73% of the total market trading volume. The Investment sector was second in terms trading volume as the sector’s traded shares were 25.44% of last week’s total trading volume, with a total of 303.57 million shares. On the other hand, the Services sector’s stocks where the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of KD. 50.53 million or 30.99% of last week’s total market trading value. The Banks sector took the second place as the sector’s last week turnover of KD 48.22 million represented 29.58% of the total market trading value.

Market capitalization KSE total market capitalization declined by 1.26% during last week to reach KD 32.40 billion, as five of

KSE’s sectors recorded a decrease in their respective market capitalization, whereas the other three recorded increases. The Insurance sector headed the decliners list as its total market capitalization reached KD 293.46 million, decreasing by 4.61%. The Services sector was the second in terms of recorded decline with 3.94% decrease after the total value of its listed companies reached KD 8.07 billion. The third place was for the Industry sector, which total market capitalization reached KD 2.49 billion by the end of the week, recording a decline of 2.13%. The Banks sector was the least declining with 0.06% recorded decrease after its market capitalization amounted to KD 14.27 billion.

On the other hand, the Real Estate sector headed the growing sectors as its total market capitalization reached KD 1.83 billion, increasing by 0.91%. The Investment sector was the second in terms of recorded growth with 0.65% increase after the total value of its listed companies reached KD 2.72 billion.

The third place was for the Food sector, which total market capitalization reached KD 738.80 million by the end of the week, recording an increase of 0.22%.

For further details, please visit our web site: www.bayaninvest.com

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Iraq’s oil deals going faster than planned New export facilities will be ready soon

The winner Waseem Saleh receives the prize from NBK Public Relations Manager Abdulmohsen Alrushaid.

BAGHDAD: Work in Iraqi oilfields being developed by foreign oil companies is going ahead “normally” and faster than contracted, the country’s deputy prime minister for energy Hussain alShahristani said yesterday.

Shahristani, who has responsibility for Iraq’s growing energy sector, said that there were no major delays in Iraq’s new export facilities being built to handle the extra crude from a series of deals signed with international oil companies. “We are comfortable that new (oil) export outlets will be ready to received extra crude

according to the plans to boost oil production with the contracted oil companies,” he said.

Current oil exports are 2.1 million bpd, the majority of which come from the southern oil hub of Basra. The OPEC member needs to rapidly boost export facilities if it is to benefit from an expected large increase in production capacity. It plans to build new oil export pipelines that would carry crude from the southern oilfields to neighboring Syria and Turney, and at least four new floating ports in the south.

Iraq has signed a series of

deals with foreign oil companies that aim to boost its production capacity to 12 million bpd by 2017, which would make it a close rival to global oil giant Saudi Arabia. However, most analysts say 6-7 million bpd is a more realistic target.

“I am glad to inform you that development plans for the oilfields are going ahead normally, and faster than contracted,” Shahristani told a gathering of senior Iraqi and United Nations officials in Baghdad. Shahristani, a former oil minister who was promoted to deputy prime minister

for energy in December, said he expected Iraq’s crude oil production to reach 3 million bpd before the end of this year, from 2.7 million bpd now.

Iraq also expects crude oil output to reach 3.3 million bpd in 2012, and 6.5 million bpd in 2014, he said. Foreign oil companies are expected to invest more than $150 billion in the fields they are developing to reach their targets, he said. Associated gas production from oil deals Iraq awarded in two auctions in 2009 is expected to reach about 8 billion cubic feet per day. —Reuters

NBK’s ‘Win an iPad 2 every day’ campaign Oil rises in short covering, Seven winners weekly

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the best bank in the Middle East, rewards seven winners with a brand new iPad 2 in the second raffle of this promotional campaign that is exclusive to NBK MasterCard credit cardholders.

NBK Public Relations Manager Abdulmohsen Alrushaid said: “NBK maintains its leadership in the credit cards market by consistently delivering superior value to its customers. We always strive to develop promotions to reward our clients”.

This promotion is valid until May 31st, 2011 and is exclusively for NBK MasterCard credit cardholders (Classic, Gold, Titanium,

Platinum, and World MasterCard). Retail purchases and cash advances on NBK MasterCard credit cards are included in the draws.

This offer gives NBK MasterCard credit cardholders the chance to enter weekly draws to win 45 iPads within a 45-day period. NBK MasterCard credit cardholders get a chance to enter a draw for every KD 20 spent using their card in Kuwait or abroad.

NBK cardholders get double chances to enter a draw when they spend KD 20 using their card at NBK Rewards partner outlets.

The next draw will be held on May 16th, 2011.

Winners 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

prize

Ali Husain Ali Aljina Wassem Saleh Saleh Esmaiel Mahomoud Khalil Essa Ghazi Faisal Alkazemi Shaikhah Naser Hamad Alweqayyan Ghanimah Ali Abdulla Alkhamis Edmond Emile Barakat

iPad 2 iPad 2 iPad 2 iPad 2 iPad 2 iPad 2 iPad 2

ends week higher NEW YORK: Oil rose on Friday in late shortcovering, ending the week higher after a volatile session whipsawed by European economic concerns and news Libyan leader Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi may have been wounded.

Trade volumes slowed after a week of heavy activity that saw big swings of more than $11 a barrel between the highs and lows.

Brent crude ended up nearly $5 on the week, after dropping $16 last week as the market digested a wide range of factors fogging the supply and demand outlook, including the death of Osama bin Laden, the impact of high fuel prices, euro zone debt worries and consumer nation monetary policy.

Buyers came in late Friday ahead of the weekend after gains in the dollar sent prices down just before midday in New York.

“Crude prices rose near the close on shortcovering ahead of the weekend,” said Tom Knight,senior trader of Truman Arnold in Texarkana, Texas.

Brent crude rose 85 cents to settle at $113.83 a barrel after hitting as high as $114.92 earlier. US crude traded up 68 cents to $99.65 a barrel. Volumes eased compared with the strong trade seen over the last week, but were close to the 30-day moving average near the close.

Oil came under pressure after comments from Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini that Gaddafi had likely been wounded and left the capital Tripoli. Libyan state television later carried brief audio remarks in which he taunted NATO and said he was in a place they could not reach.

Conflict in the OPEC nation has slashed exports, helping send prices this year to peaks not seen since 2008. Many experts expect the country’s output could be reduced for most of this year. Oil prices got an early boost as strong economic data from Germany and France pushed first-quarter growth in the euro zone well above forecasts, boosting the euro against the dollar.

The dollar rebounded later, as investors refocused on euro zone debt issues ahead of meetings by finance officials in Brussels, helping to lift crude prices.

A meeting of Eurogroup finance ministers, followed by an Ecofin meeting of EU finance ministers on Monday, could provide further direction to the single currency and the euro is likely to remain pressured until at least after investors digest any outcome. For more on the meetings see.

Early support also came from news China will stop exporting diesel to conserve supplies ahead of a looming summer power crunch, signaling the world’s top energy user may need net imports to cover surging demand.

Markets were watching rising waters on the Mississippi, where the US Army Corps of Engineers plans to open a spillway to divert floodwaters ways from Louisiana refineries.

Operations at Alon’s small Krotz Spring, Louisiana refinery will be impacted by the diversion.—Reuters

US: India fighter jet deal a missed opportunity

DUISBERG: A steel worker measures steel coils of ThyssenKrupp steel company in Duisburg, western Germany. The German economy, Europe’s biggest, grew by 1.5 percent in the first quarter as investment and spending at home combined with already-buoyant exports, official figures showed.—AP

German parliament backs euro fund: Coalition member ROSTOCK, Germany: German Chancellor Angela Merkel will secure a parliamentary majority in favor of the planned permanent bailout fund for the euro zone, a senior coalition politician said yesterday.

Some German media have reported increasing numbers of parliamentarians oppose the new, permanent European Stability Mechanism (ESM) taking effect in 2013 and there is disquiet over Greece’s requirement for additional aid after last year’s 110 billion euro package.

“At the end, we will always have a clear majority,” Rainer Bruederle, parliamentary floor leader of junior coalition partner the Free Democrats (FDP), told a party congress in the city of Rostock.

FDP dissenter Frank Schaeffler said 40 to 50 members of the coalition-Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU), its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union

(CSU) and the FDP- were considering voting against the ESM. That would wipe out the coalition’s majority in a parliamentary vote planned for the autumn, but Merkel can count on votes from euro enthusiasts among the opposition Social Democrats and Greens.

Coalition leaders also say Schaeffler is exaggerating, that euroskeptics are isolated and the government would have majority support, as Merkel predicted this week.

The FDP congress is due to vote on two euro-zone motions, one for and one against the ESM, later yesterday. The proEurope motion called for “strict parliamentary endorsement of every activation of the ESM” and backed Merkel’s insistence on private investors sharing the burden of sovereign default risks in the euro-zone in future. —Reuters

WASHINGTON: India’s rejection of American bids for a multibillion dollar contract to supply fighter jets was a missed opportunity to deepen defense ties and share advanced technology, a senior US official said on Friday. Robert Blake, assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, said the United States was puzzled and “deeply disappointed” by the decision announced last month by India’s Defense Ministry.

Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin were both bidding for a slice of the $11 billion Indian deal to supply 126 fighter jets. They were among four companies passed over for what Blake described as a “once-in-a generation” acquisition. German consortium Eurofighter Typhoon and the French company Dassault Aviation have been shortlisted for the contract.

“We did see this as a strategic opportunity to really take our defense partnership to the next level and not only share advanced technology but to think in a concrete way about co-production and co-development,” Blake told a seminar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington.

“It appears to have been a straightforward decision made by the Indian government. We have seen no evidence of any corruption. I think our companies are prepared to move on now and pursue what opportunities are out there.” The United States has looked to expand its ties with India as part of a broader push to benefit from growing economic opportunities in Asia and to build security alliances to counteract the rise of China.

President Barack Obama visited India in November and heralded the relationship between the US and India, the world’s two largest democracies, as a “defining partnership” of the 21st century.

He threw US support behind India’s ambition to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Blake said the US and India have made “undeniable strides” in building their relationship in the past decade. Trade has jumped, and cooperation is growing in areas such as clean energy, science and education. The US last year lifted export controls on the Defense Research and Development Organization which develops weapons and technology for India’s military.

Blake said US firms have won almost $4 billion in defense sales in the past four years, and would hope to benefit from the $35 billion in defense acquisitions that India is planning in the next five years. But he said it remains hard for American exporters to gain access to Indian markets, especially in agricultural goods, and US firms also face restrictions in retail, insurance and defense.

A strict Indian nuclear liability law has stymied US companies’ hopes of capitalizing on the Asian nation’s ambitious expansion of nuclear power generation, despite 2008 a civilian nuclear deal pushed by the Bush administration that ended three decades of atomic isolation for India, allowing it access to technology it had been denied since it conducted its first nuclear explosion in 1974.

Blake said he expected the liability law to be among the wide range of issues to be discussed when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits India in July for a strategic dialogue. —AP

Helen Beck, Lakshmi Durai and Dr Abdulaziz Al-Oshban accept the award on behalf of Royal Caribbean for Best Cruise Line in the Middle East.

Royal Caribbean Intl scoops ME’s top cruise line award World Travel Awards

DUBAI: Royal Caribbean International triumphed at the World Travels Awards yet again, scooping the award for the Middle East’s Leading Cruise Line for the second consecutive year. The awards ceremony was held on Monday 2nd May at the Armani Hotel in Dubai.

The highly respected World Travel Awards have been running for 18 years and focuses on the quality of customer experience. The awards aim to encourage world class service from the travel industry and recognize brands that consistently excel beyond expectation and deliver a superior customer experience.

“We are delighted to take home the award for the Middle East’s Leading Cruise Line for the second year running; this award is a real testament to our dedicated employees who go above and beyond to provide outstanding customer service every day. We are committed to providing our customers with a friendly and personal service and have worked hard to perfect our Gold Anchor Service to inspire our guests to come back again and again,” said Helen Beck, Regional Director, International Representatives, EMEA, for Royal Caribbean International.

Gold Anchor Service aims to provide guests

with a uniquely personal style of service, enhancing every aspect of the cruise. From the dining room to the pool, guests receive top class service to ensure they enjoy a memorable trip. Royal Caribbean International has had a regional office in the Middle East since 1993 working successfully on outbound cruise sales, and customer service has been a key priority from the outset. They started inbound bookings last year when the company deployed its first ship in the region with the home-porting of Brilliance of the Seas in Dubai.

Lakshmi Durai, Executive Director Middle East echoed Beck’s comments saying “We are very proud to have received this award again and would like to thank our travel partners from around the region for their continued and valued support throughout the past 17 years in spreading the word about the incredible value and satisfaction that a Royal Caribbean International cruise offers.” Due to high demand, Royal Caribbean International is extending Brilliance of the Seas’s third consecutive season in the Gulf region which will comprise 18 roundtrip 7-night sailings and two Dubai and India 12-nights sailings from November 2011 through April 2012.

Greek PM: Privatization is top priority for govt ROME: Greek Prime Minister Georges Papandreou has said privatization is now a top government priority aimed at convincing investors that debt-wracked Greece can respect the EU-IMF bailout terms.

“In the beginning privatizations were not a priority,” the premier told Italian daily Corriere della Sera in an interview published yesterday. “Now privatizations occupy first place on our list (of priorities). We will be able to prove that we are capable of respecting our obligations concerning the debt through a series of development projects,” he said. “There is a large consensus in both public opinion and in

the opposition.

That is why we will approve the privatization plan very shortly.”

Last year Athens received a 110-billioneuro ($156-billion) bailout from the European Union and International Monetary Fund, but a severe recession, corruption and a weak tax system have complicated efforts to bring its finances in order. Speculation has mounted in recent days that Greece will need an additional 60 billion euros over the next two years as it will not be able to return to financial markets next year as expected to refinance its massive debt. —AFP

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Bruised market faces grim housing data

NEW YORK: US equity markets wrapped up a tough week of commodity and currency volatility fairly intact, but investors face data on the depressed housing sector next week almost certain to be grim.

Swings in oil prices and the dollar sparked risk aversion as investors grappled with conflicting signals about the strength of the us and global economic recovery.

Stocks pulled back from a sharp bull run that many observers said had left them overvalued.

The blue -chip Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.34 percent from a week ago, closing Friday at 12,595.75. The S&P 500 index, a broader measure of the markets, lost 0.18 percent over the week at 1,337.77. And the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite managed to eke out a 0.03 percent gain at 2,828.47.

“The good news is that the averages held up,” said Marc Pado at Cantor Fitzgerald. “It’s not the end of the bull market but a rotation to get prepared for a pullback or a correction in the summer.”

With commodity markets nervous and the dollar strengthening, the best-performing sectors in recent months found themselves in trouble: energy, basic materials, metals and mining.

“Money rotated into very defensive groups, the kind where you’d put your money if you were worried the economy was going to falter, so food, beverages,

tobacco, pharmaceuticals, health care, nondurable products like soap” all attracted buyers,” Pado said. “When those groups do very well, it’s not typically a positive,” he added. The week’s two sharp falls on Wall Street, Wednesday and Friday, came in tandem with a significant strengthening of the dollar against the euro, as investors worried about the Greek sovereign debt crisis.

Speculation mounted that Greece will need a bigger bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to avoid default on its debt. Athens received a 110-billion-euro ($155 billion) bailout from the EU and IMF a year ago, but a severe recession has complicated the government ’s effor ts to clean up its finances.

Markets were expected to focus on meetings of the euro-zone and EU finance ministers on Monday and Tuesday, where the Greek situation was seen as high on the agenda. “ We’re entering a period of extreme volatility because the data are sending mixed signals,” said Lindsey Piegza, an economist at FTN Financial.

Economic indicators published this week sparked little interest. Consumer prices rose as expected and the markets shrugged off a better-than-expected reading on consumer confidence from the University of Michigan.

Rising gasoline prices, up more than 30 percent from a year ago, factored heavily

Brazil taking new steps to slow import wave SAO PAULO: Brazil will take new steps to protect local industries from a strong exchange rate, including an investigation of Chinese imports that come in improperly through other countries, its trade minister told Reuters on Friday.

Fernando Pimentel said the probe into the socalled “triangulation” of goods would be the first of its kind in Brazil. The first case will involve blankets from China that were routed to Brazil through Paraguay and Uruguay, with further investigations expected in coming months, he said.

The measures come as Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff faces enormous pressure from manufacturers, a key constituency, to slow an avalanche of imports from abroad, especially China.

Brazil’s currency is trading near decade-long highs, thanks to its booming economy and a flood of capital from the developed world. “We can’t sit here watching our industry being devastated by the exchange rate, which isn’t going to change (substantially) in the short term,” Pimentel said in an interview.

Pimentel will lead a group of officials from Brazil’s revenue service and trade ministry to monitor imports, a step he said will substantially improve Brazil’s ability to identify dumping and other unfair trade practices. Some Brazilian business leaders have clamored for such a move for months.

The measures, plus other recent steps including new barriers to slow down auto imports, have raised concerns of a new wave of protectionism in South America, although Pimentel firmly ruled that out. “This isn’t protectionism. These are the instruments we have available to us,” Pimentel said, adding that the measures are permitted by the World Trade Organization.

Pimentel said the auto measures in particular were not targeted at any specific country-including Argentina, which has strongly protested the move.

“People think this is about Argentina. That’s not the case. It’s part of a big strategy to protect our industry, not a trade war with anybody,” he said. He called the auto industry “strategic” for Brazil and said a recent spike in auto imports to Brazil was emblematic of local industry’s struggles.

Brazil’s currency has appreciated about 50 percent since 2009 and has been called the world’s most overvalued major currency by Goldman Sachs.

Its economy is also struggling with other signs of possible overheating, including inflation just beyond its target range at 6.51 percent on an annual basis. Earlier on Friday, Argentine Industry Minister Debora Giorgi sent a letter to Pimentel asking that he reconsider the decision to delay granting import licenses for imported vehicles-a move that will, in effect, slow down trade.

The move fanned tensions between the two biggest economies in South America, which have a long rivalry that stretches from the soccer field to international trade.

Pimentel said only about half of Brazil’s auto imports come from Argentina, and that the move will also hit imports from other countries, including the United States and Japan. Pimentel invited Giorgi, his Argentine counterpart, to talks in Brasilia on auto imports and other trade issues. “We’re willing to talk,” he said, without offering specifics.

But a source at Argentina’s Industry Ministry said Giorgi would only agree to meet with Pimentel near the Iguazu waterfalls-which span the ArgentinaBrazil border-if the Brazilian government rolled back the auto industry measure.

The same Argentine government source said Pimentel informed Giorgi he would need 48 hours to weigh her proposal.

The trade dispute poses an unwelcome headache for Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, who may seek re-election in October. A prolonged fight involving Argentina’s critical auto industry-which exported about $7 billion in autos and autoparts to Brazil last year-could be enough to damage the economy, which is already plagued by double-digit inflation.

Overall, Argentina and Brazil had about $32 billion in trade in 2010, with a $4 billion surplus in favor of Brazil. About 2,000 vehicles produced in Argentina by Toyota, General Motors and Mercedes Benz are stuck at the Brazilian border waiting to get in, local media reported. The Argentine units of Fiat, Renault and Ford also send shipments to Brazil. — Reuters

into the inflation number and took a bigger chunk out of Americans’ pocketbooks as retail sales growth slowed in April.

“Consumers are spending the same amount of dollars but a majority of it is going at the pump,” said Piegza. She said the rise in energy prices is “one of the biggest threats to the consumer sector right now,” and also was igniting inflation fears.

New York’s benchmark oil futures contract rose slightly over the week, but remained below $100 a barrel. “Short term it’s a negative because it drags down oil and gas, basic materials” in the stock market, Pado said. But if crude oil stays lower, especially below $100, it will lead gasoline prices lower, he added.

This week’s indicators focus mainly on the housing market and industrial activity.

Industrial production numbers for April are due Tuesday. Data on April housing construction starts and building permits will be published Tuesday. The number of sales of previously owned homes, the lion’s share of the housing market, is set for Thursday.

“Nobody expects to get some good news” on the housing market, Pado said.

Investors also are awaiting the minutes from the last Federal Reserve policy-setting meeting on Wednesday. The central bank left ultra-low interest rates unchanged for some time in a bid to shore up the economy’s fragile recovery from recession. — AFP

WALL STREET WEEKLY OUTLOOK

Obama announces new oil drilling on gasoline prices High oil biggest burden or consumers

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama, under pressure over high gasoline prices, yesterday committed to annual oil and gas lease sales in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve and to speeding up production in other areas.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, the US leader admitted that one of the biggest burdens for US consumers in recent months had been the high price of gasoline-which is more than four dollars a gallon in some areas.

“These spikes in gas prices are often temporary, and while there are no quick fixes to the problem, there are a few steps we should take that make good sense,” Obama said.

The president vowed to increase safe and responsible oil production from US resources, at the same time as enhancing safety and environmental standards. “To do this, I am directing the Department of Interior to conduct annual lease sales in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, while respecting sensitive areas,” Obama said.

Previously, oil and gas leases had taken placed periodically in the Alaskan National Petroleum Reserve, but not on an annual basis. Obama also offered to speed up the evaluation of oil and gas resources in the mid- and south Atlantic and to lease new areas of the Gulf of Mexico. He also pledged to unveil new incentives for the oil industry to develop

WETHERSFIELD: John Magel pumps gas at a station in Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Consumers paid more for gas and food in April, lifting inflation to its highest level in two and a half years. But inflationary pressures have begun to ease this month, and analysts say some prices could taper off by summer. —AP unused leases which have already been acquired. In many cases, oil and gas giants say the costs incurred in areas leased out by the government would result in prohibitively expensive costs to be fully explored and exploited.

The inland Alaska National Petroleum Reserve lies to the west of the more

famous Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR), which Republicans and oil firms have been calling on Obama to open for drilling.

A senior administration official however told reporters “drilling in the Arctic refuge is off the table and we do not support development there.”

Treasury prices rise as inflation fears wane NEW YORK: Treasury prices rose Friday after a government report showed that inflation remains tame. The price of the 10-year Treasury note rose 43 cents per $100 invested late Friday. Its yield, which moves in the opposite direction, fell to 3.17 percent from 3.23 percent late Thursday.

The Labor Department said consumer prices rose 0.4 percent last month largely due to higher food and energy prices. That fell in line with economists’ expectations. Excluding food and energy, prices rose a mere 0.2 percent and stayed below the rate of inflation that the Federal Reserve considers normal.

As the economy recovers, bond traders

have been worrying about higher inflation.

The central bank typically raises interest rates if it expects prices to rise too quickly. Bonds also got a boost when investors sold stocks after European officials said the bailouts of Greece, Ireland and Portugal will be larger than expected. The news renewed fears that the financial crisis there is getting worse. In other trading, the price of the 30-year Treasury bond rose 90 cents per $100 invested, while its yield fell to 4.31 percent from 4.35 percent late Thursday. The yield on the two-year note was unchanged at 0.55 percent. The yield on the three-month T-bill was unchanged at 0.01 percent. Its discount was 0.02 percent. — AP

SEOUL: A South Korean cleaner wipes a window of a luxury shop in Seoul, South Korea on Friday. South Korea’s central bank has left its key interest rate unchanged for a second straight month as inflation slows. —AP

In March 2010, Obama announced a plan to expand drilling along areas of the Atlantic coastline, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the north coast of Alaska.

But he reversed the decision later in the year, amid the environmental fallout of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in the Gulf, and banned drilling in some areas until beyond 2017. Yesterday’s move would extend drilling leases in some areas of the Gulf impacted by last year’s temporary moratorium and it will establish a new interagency working group to ensure Arctic leases meet environmental standards.

Obama has previously vowed to cut US oil imports, which often come from volatile areas of the world by a third in just over a decade, and has also invested heavily in developing alternative energy sources.

But Republicans have charged that his reluctance to open US energy fields to full exploitation undermines his policy.

The president has also railed against oil industry giants for making huge profits while Americans suffer from rising pump prices and has called for $4 billion in government subsidies to the industry to be revoked. “Four billion dollars at a time when Americans can barely fill up their tanks. $4 billion at a time when we’re trying to reduce our deficit. This isn’t fair, it makes no sense,” said Obama in the address. — AFP

Orange juice futures rise on hurricane speculation Commodity market report NEW YORK: Orange juice futures rose 3.3 percent Friday as investors weighed the possibility that hurricanes could disrupt the supply of oranges.

The price of frozen orange juice futures typically begins to increase as the hurricane season gets under way. Orange juice futures rose 5.8 cents to settle at $1.8285 a pound, the highest since late February.

The US Agriculture Department earlier this week estimated this year’s crop at 8.82 million tons. That was about 1 percent less than the April forecast but 7 percent more than the 2009-2010 season.

Transworld Futures LLC analyst Jimmy Tintle said a price increase of nearly 3 percent since the first of May was “a little bit unusual.” “I think what everybody’s looking at is one hurricane, two hurricanes and we’re really having supply issues,” he said.

O ther commodities were mixed largely because of movements in the dollar.

Commodities are priced in dollars so a stronger dollar makes them more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

Gold fell and silver rose as some investors sold their holdings for a profit. The metals were also pressured by global financial issues such as

Europe’s lingering debt problems, CPM Group analyst Carlos Sanchez said. Gold for June delivery fell $13.20 to settle at $1,493.60 an ounce, which was 5.1 percent higher than it was at the start of the year.

July silver rose 21.6 cents to settle at $35.013. Although that is off its high for the year after days of volatile trading, the price still was 13.2 percent higher for the year.

In other metals trading, July copper rose 1.3 cents to $3.9835 a pound, July platinum fell $1.70 to $1,769.30 an ounce and June palladium fell $10.40 to at $706.45 an ounce.

Energy prices settled higher.

Benchmark crude for June delivery rose 68 cents to settle at $99.65 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, ending a volatile week in which the price ranged from $95 to $104.

In other Nymex contracts for June, heating oil rose 2.85 cents to settle at $2.9422 per gallon, gasoline rose 1.05 cents to $3.0744 a gallon and natural gas rose 5.5 cents to $4.311 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Grains and beans were mixed. In contracts for July delivery, wheat fell 7.75 cents to settle at $7.2775 a bushel, corn rose 1.5 cents to $6.82 a bushel and soybeans fell 13.25 cents to $13.295 a bushel. — AP

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

TECHNOLOGY

Sony yet to fully secure its networks Sony fixes 3 of 5 flaws

Google sends local news to smartphones SAN FRANCISCO: Google on Friday began letting US smartphone users stay abreast of local news whereever they happen to be.

“News near you” lets iPhones or Androidpowered smartphones display stories relevant to people’s locations at any given moment, according to product manager Navneet Singh. Google News first made location-based service available about three years ago. The new featue enables people to tap into location-sensing capa-

bilities of smartphones to customize what headlines are displayed on homepages of devices.

“Google News for mobile lets you keep up with the latest news, wherever you are,” Singh said. He said the new feature “surfaces news relevant to the city you’re in and surrounding areas” once smartphone users have given permission for the software to access location information on devices.—AFP

White House to unveil cybersecurity strategy WASHINGTON: White House plans to unveil its policy proposals next week for international cooperation in cyberspace. The White House said Friday that it plans to release a policy document — “US International Strategy for Cyberspace”-at an event tomorrow.

“This first-of-its-kind policy document offers our comprehensive vision for the future of international cooperation in cyberspace,” the White House said in a statement.

It said the document outlines the US agenda “for partnering with other nations and peoples to ensure the prosperity, security, and openness that we seek in our increasingly networked world.” The State Department said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who has made Internet freedom one of her priorities, will deliver keynote remarks at the event. “The strategy lays out a comprehensive, principled vision for the future of cyberspace,” the State Department said.

It said Clinton’s remarks “will address the role of cyberspace in advancing the full range of US interests and the impor-

tance of international cooperation in advancing cyberspace as a foreign policy priority.”

The White House said other top officials attending the event will include John Brennan, President Barack Obama’s counter-terror chief, Attorney General Eric Holder, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The announcement came a day after the White House proposed draft legislation aimed at toughening the defenses of government and private industry against the growing danger from cyberattack. Obama has identified cybersecurity as a top priority of his administration and the White House legislation joins some 50 cyber-related bills introduced during the last session of Congress. The White House bill would require critical infrastructure such as the power, financial and transportation sectors to come up with plans to better protect their increasingly Internet-connected computer networks. The White House is hoping for action by Congress on the bill this year.—AFP

Yahoo shares sink on worries about Alibaba stake SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo Inc.’s prized investment in Chinese Internet company Alibaba Group has abruptly turned into a stock market millstone. The weight drove down Yahoo’s stock by 62 cents, or 3.6 percent, to close Friday at $16.55. It marked the third straight session that the stock has fallen because of Alibaba worries. The sell-off has reduced Yahoo’s market value by about $2.5 billion, or nearly 11 percent. The reason: a surprise disclosure by Yahoo on Tuesday that Alibaba had spun off its online payment service, Alipay.

The split caused investors to re-evaluate the value of Yahoo’s 43 percent stake in Alibaba, one of China’s most powerful Internet companies. To make matters worse, public bickering over the timing and handling of the Alipay spinoff has brought the rocky relationship between Yahoo and Alibaba into sharper focus. The dispute adds to the uncertainty about whether Yahoo will be able to make as much money from its Alibaba investment as analysts once thought.

The dustup also provides another reminder of the difficulties that face U.S. companies as they try to profit from China’s Internet market, which promises to be lucrative because it’s located in the world’s most populous country. Not even Google Inc., the Internet’s most powerful company, has been able to overcome the political and regulatory obstacles in China. Frustrated in its attempts to build its own business in China, Yahoo decided instead to keep a toehold in the country through a $1 billion investment made in Alibaba six years ago.

It looked like a smart move as Alibaba thrived through its various divisions, which include e-commerce sites Alibaba.com, Taobao and Yahoo China. Alibaba’s success has helped bolster Yahoo’s stock as Yahoo’s

own operations have struggled in recent years. Some analysts believe Yahoo’s Alibaba investment and a 35 percent stake in Yahoo Japan are worth $8 to $10 per share, accounting for about half of Yahoo’s current market value. In a Friday research note, Gleacher & Co. analyst Yun Kim estimated that Yahoo’s indirect stake in Alipay was worth about 65 cents per share, or about $850 million. Yahoo said it hopes to be compensated for the loss of Alipay. Alibaba CEO Jack Ma has become more antagonistic since Carol Bartz, a brash Silicon Valley veteran, became Yahoo’s CEO in January 2009.

Alibaba turned over Alipay to another company controlled by Ma. Alibaba said it wanted to ensure that the payment service complied with laws requiring it to be owned

by Chinese. With Alipay under his control, analysts believe Ma could have more negotiating power if Yahoo tries to sell its stake in privately held Alibaba. “This seems to us to be a very disturbing power-play by Jack Ma regarding the ownership structure of Alipay,” Macquarie Securities analyst Ben Schachter wrote in a Friday note.

Yahoo said that the Alipay transfer occurred last August, but that it wasn’t notified about it until March 31. Alibaba disputed the timing in a Friday statement. Alibaba said Yahoo’s board, which includes Yahoo cofounder Jerry Yang, had been informed of the ownership change 13 months earlier during a July 2009 meeting. Even if Yahoo’s account of being notified March 31 is accurate, Schachter said it’s still troubling that the company didn’t let its shareholders know about it for another six weeks. At the very least, Schachter believes Bartz should have mentioned it April 19 when the company announced its first-quarter earnings. —AP

BOSTON: Sony Corp’s computer networks remain vulnerable to attack three weeks after the company learned that it had been victim of one of the biggest data breaches in history, according to an Internet security expert. The expert found a handful of security flaws in Sony’s networks while remotely studying its systems via the Internet to see how difficult it would be to penetrate the electronics giant’s systems in the wake of the attacks.

Security researcher John Bumgarner discovered a potential bonanza for hackers by using little more than a web browser, Google’s search engine and a basic understanding of Internet security systems. “Sony still has several external security issues that need to be addressed,” said Bumgarner, chief technology officer for the US Cyber Consequences Unit, a research group funded by government and private sector grants that monitors Internet threats.

Bumgarner, a well-regarded Internet security researcher and US military special operations veteran, identified a handful of flaws that would be easy for a hacker to identify and potentially exploit. Sony did not respond directly to Reuters on the security lapses that Bumgarner said he had uncovered, but three of five flaws that Reuters pointed out to the company on Thursday were fixed later in the day.

“The first and most important thing to note is that protecting our customers data is a company-wide commitment that we take very seriously,” a Sony spokesman said in an email on Thursday. Sony officials did not return calls seeking further comment on Friday. It was not immediately clear if the identified security gaps allowed for access to active or defunct systems.

Several flaws remain, according to Bumgarner, who said he had viewed only parts of Sony’s network that were visible over the Internet and did not attempt to break in to password-protected sites or exploit any vulnerabilities.

He found no evidence of breaches beyond the two Sony has disclosed.

But he said he was able to find gateways to internal systems and locate data that would be useful to hackers by using simple techniques that he shared with Reuters.

The techniques uncovered a number of security gaps. Through a series of Google searches, Bumgarner was able to find a software program that Sony developed in 2001 to run a SonyStyle.com Christmas gift registry and sweep-

stakes program called Sony Santa.

That program gathered users’ names, addresses and ages. The names and partial addresses of some 2,500 of those sweepstakes contestants were posted on a website.

Sony said on Thursday that it learned of the error on May 5. The site has been taken down and Sony is working to remove any residual links to the list, a spokesman said.

Bumgarner also found an access point to a server running an identity management system that he said controls access to logins and passwords for employees throughout Sony Pictures Entertainment. He located that system by conducting a Google search using the terms “site:.Sony.com identity.” Most companies attempt to hide these servers from the prying eyes of potential hackers because these systems are linked to sensitive employee account data, he said.

In a file on Sony’s website that alerts search-engine crawlers to which sections of the site that Sony wants a search engine to avoid cataloging, the company provided a link to an internal password-protected software application.

Bumgarner said the domain on Sony Corporation of America’s network where the application was located was carefully hidden from view, so a web crawler or casual surfer would not have located it.

But putting the URL in the file effectively served as a red flag to potential hackers who might see it as a potential weak spot in Sony ’s armor, Bumgarner said.

On May 4, Bumgarner located a server in the Sony network that disclosed the names, Facebook IDs and IP addresses of Sony customers who were playing online games through Facebook. IP addresses allow somebody to track the general location of a player. He Tweeted his discovery on May 4 and Sony plugged the leak two days later.

The company installed a security management system from Riverbed Technology on the server that leaked the Facebook data.

Bumgarner was able to view an access screen to the Riverbed system that had the login field filled with a user ID through May 10.

“No one should be able to point a web browser at Sony and see a security management console or find their identity management system that has been indexed by Google,” he said. Sony has fixed some of the flaws after Reuters detailed them in an email. They include removing the file from its website that tells search-engine crawlers which sections of the site

to avoid cataloging. Sony disabled access to the password-protected application that the file originally pointed to and eliminated access to the Riverbed security system.

Bumgarner’s research showed that the problems with Sony’s systems are more widespread than the company has acknowledged. Sony has said that only its PlayStation Network and Sony Online Entertainment systems were hacked. Most of the flaws that Bumgarner discovered were in other Sony networks-that of the Sony Corporation of America, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Electronics Corp.

Security experts say companies need to be discerning when deciding which servers to expose to the Internet. Many of the flaws that Bumgarner discovered were identified with a tactic known among hackers and security experts as “Google hacking”-using the search engine’s advanced features to find information that would be of use to hackers. He found the Sony Santa program by searching for items on Sony’s network written in Microsoft Excel format (site:.sony.com filetype:xls).

Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at computer security firm FSecure, said Sony should have been

more careful. “They’ve been running in circles for the past three weeks,” Hypponen said. “The first thing a consultant group or an Internet response group would do is run a basic vulnerability scan and that’s what they would find,” he said, referring to the lapses foundby Bumgarner.

Security experts have said they believe the hackers initially gained access to Sony’s network through a “spear-phishing” attack that targeted a systems administrator who had broad privileges to access data on Sony ’s networks. In “spearphishing” campaigns, hackers craft e-mails with personalized messages so that the recipients let their guard down and click on links or download attachments that launch malicious software programs that take over their computers.

Once one PC is corrupted, hackers can use that machine as a base from which to launch sophisticated operations, such as the attacks on Sony’s networks. Bumgarner found a page on Sony’s website that lists the names, e -mail addresses and phone numbers of IT managers that he said the hackers could have used to launch a spear phishing attack. He found that information through Google searches. — Reuters

Medicare funds issue fuels US budget fight WASHINGTON: Two of the government’s most popular programs for the elderly will run out of money sooner than previously thought, according to a report on Friday that heightens pressure for a long-term US budget fix. Trustees for the programs estimated the Medicare trust fund would be exhausted in 2024, not 2029 as estimated last year. The Social Security retirement program will run out of money a year earlier in 2036 and after that would have to reduce benefits.

The latest projections struck in the middle of an intense debate between the Obama administration and opposition Republicans about how to rein in the nation’s runaway debt, set to hit the legal limit of $14.3 trillion on Monday.

Republicans have been pushing for much deeper spending cuts than the administration prefers as a price for agreeing to raise the debt limit. The administration has warned of financial catastrophe if the ceiling on the debt is not raised. It has said the nation would begin defaulting on obligations on Aug 2 absent action.

Republicans said the worsening finances of the two popular programs underscored the need for bold action on the budget. “Today’s report yet again highlights the urgent need to save and strengthen our critical health and retirement security programs,” said House of Representatives Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, the top Republican in Congress, vowed retirees would be taken care of. “But we all know that if nothing is changed, senior benefits are gonna get cut. Why? Because they’re unaffordable,” Boehner said in an excerpt of an interview to air on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “That’s why we have to deal with it. And we need to deal with it now.”

PASS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY? So far, Social Security appears to be off the table in the budget talks. But Republicans in the House of Representatives want to overhaul the Medicare healthcare program for future retirees. Their proposal would give the elderly a federal subsidy to purchase medical coverage from private insurers.

Republicans argue the change is needed because a recent analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office shows the trust fund will be depleted in nine years-even earlier than the plan’s trustees forecast.

The budget debate is deeply entwined with the struggle by the Obama administration to persuade lawmakers to hike the legal limit on the nation’s debt. The current limit is expected to be hit on Monday but the Treasury Department is taking extraordinary actions to ensure it can keep meeting the nation’s obligations, such as interest on the debt and other bill payments. But it has warned it will run out of maneuvering room by Aug 2. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner urged Congress again on Friday to lift the limit, suggesting that a failure to do so could put Social Security and Medicare payments at risk. — Reuters

SHANGHAI: An exhibitor demonstrates a robot’s visual recognition capabilities at the 2011 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Shanghai.

The conference, during which academic and industrial communities meet to address new challenges and share views on the industry, runs from May 9 to 13 with “Better Robots, Better Life” as the main theme. —AFP

US judge sides with Kodak in Apple patent dispute NEW YORK: Eastman Kodak shares traded sharply higher on Wall Street on Friday after a judge with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) rejected claims Kodak was infringing on two Apple patents. Kodak shares were up 5.44 percent at $3.00 in afternoon trading on Wall Street.

ITC judge Robert Rogers ruled on Thursday that Kodak’s digital imaging products were not infringing on Apple patents. The judge did not provide an explanation for his ruling and the full six-

member commission now has to review his determination. The ruling is the latest skirmish in a patent war between Apple and one-time photo giant Kodak. Kodak filed complains against Apple and Research In Motion with the ITC in January of last year alleging that the camera-enabled iPhone and the Blackberry infringed Kodak digital imaging technology. The ITC, which has the authority to bar imports into the United States of products found to be infringing on patents, is still reviewing that case.—AFP

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SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

health & science

US clears hepatitis C drug First new treatment in 20 years

WASHINGTON: The Food and Drug Administration has approved a highly anticipated hepatitis C drug from Merck that is the first new treatment for the virus in 20 years. The first-of-its-kind pill, Victrelis, has been shown to cure more patients in less time than the older drugs now used. About 3.2 million people in the United States have Hepatitis C, a blood-borne disease linked to 12,000 US deaths a year. The current two-drug treatment for the virus cures only about 40 percent of people and causes side effects like nausea, fatigue and vomiting. The FDA said it approved the new drug based on two trials in which more than 65 percent of patients were cured when combining Victrelis with the two older drugs. Like HIV drugs, Victrelis will be prescribed as part of a drug cocktail to fight the virus.

Some patients also were able to eliminate the virus in seven months on the drug, nearly half the time needed with the current treatments alone. The drug, known

generically as boceprevir, works by blocking the enzyme protease that helps hepatitis reproduce. It differs from the older medications that boost the immune system. “This new medication provides an effective treatment for a serious disease, and offers a

greater chance of cure for some patients’ hepatitis C infection compared to currently available therapy,” said Dr Edward Cox, director of the FDA’s office of antimicrobial

products. Boceprevir is designed to be taken three times a day with meals. Side effects include fatigue, nausea, headache and low blood cell count.

Analysts expec t boceprevir to reach annual sales between $800 million and $1

billion. The drug is one of two new hepatitis treatments expected to gain approval this month. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is scheduled to receive a decision on its drug, telaprevir, by May 23.

That drug could provide even higher sales of up to $3 billion due to higher efficacy data, according to analyst estimates.

Hepatitis C is the primary cause of liver transplants in the United States and is expected to become a much larger public health problem as aging baby boomers succumb to the disease. People can get the disease by sharing needles or having sex with an infected person. The disease also could be picked up from blood transfusions before 1992, when testing of the blood supply for the virus began.

Most people with hepatitis C do not even know they have the virus until after liver damage has occurred. That can cause abdominal pain, fatigue, itching and dark urine. Current treatment for hepatitis C runs about $30,000. A spokeswoman for Merck, a US company, could not immediately discuss the drug’s price. The company will begin shipping the drug immediately. “We look forward to building on our legacy in the fight against infectious diseases, and to being a part of this exciting new era in the treatment of hepatitis C,” M erck CEO Kenneth Frazier said in a statement. Merck & Co Inc was the first company to market a drug for hepatitis C in 1991 when it launched interferon-alpha. —AP

Philippine student blogged about killing cat

MANILA: A Philippine student tortured and killed a cat and then bragged about it in an online diary posting that horrified animal lovers, press reports said yesterday. Joseph Carlo Candare, 21, pleaded guilty on Thursday and a Manila court ordered him to take care of maltreated or abandoned pets as punishment, they said. “I pulled it on its tail and threw it.

Then like some pro wrestler I jumped on it and my feet landed on it’s (sic) torso.

Slam! Felt good! But the cat didn’t die, well not yet,” the physics major wrote on his blog in April 2009. The attack on the stray cat occurred at the University of the Philippines campus in Manila where Candare was a sophomore student, the metropolitan trial court in suburban Manila was reportedly told.

“I didn’t see it die but Myles (his friend) said it coughed up blood or at least something like that.... This isn’t the first time I’ve killed a cat but this time it’s different,” the student blogged. “Now everyone knows I hate cats. It’s an unex-

US warns of fake antibiotics

US panel proposes network of nuclear waste sites Waste could be held at sites for 100 years WASHINGTON: The United States should develop temporary storage facilities to hold the waste produced by the country’s nuclear reactors until a permanent burial site can be developed, a federal panel proposed. The United States has debated what to do with radioactive waste for decades. The problem came into focus again after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, where fuel stored in spent pools contributed to radiation leaks that officials are still struggling to contain. Congress passed a law to build a dump deep inside Yucca Mountain, Nevada, but the Obama administration suspended that plan because of vociferous opposition in the state, and set up the “blue ribbon” panel to come up with a new strategy.

Finding other communities willing to accept sites to hold waste for up to 100 years will require negotiation, incentives, and major investments in research into recycling and reducing waste, the commission said. It wants Congress to establish a new, independent agency to oversee the waste storage sites and work closely with communities willing to accept them nearby. “It will only work if it’s combined with ... a process for getting an ultimate disposal site,” said John Rowe, a commissioner and chief executive of Exelon Corp, which operates 17 nuclear plants.

“One of the things that makes finding an interim site so hard ... is that people are afraid there will never be the other shoe dropping,” he said, citing “50 years of broken promises” on nuclear waste disposal. Republicans intent on reviving Yucca Mountain indicated the panel’s report didn’t put that political battle to rest.

“The Obama administration’s blue ribbon panel is nothing short of a smokescreen. We already have a long-term, visionary plan for permanent storage in Yucca Mountain,” said Fred Upton and John Shimkus of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

MILLIONS OF RODS US nuclear waste is currently stored on-site at the nation’s 104 reactors but safety concerns have been raised about keeping it strewn throughout the country. The facilities could start on a relatively small scale by holding only fuel from nine decommissioned reactor sites, said panel member Richard Meserve, a former chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Eventually the capacity of the storage would have to grow to hold more waste as aging plants shut down, he said. The

US nuclear industry, still the world’s largest, has struggled with the storage problem ever since the first nuclear power plant was built in the 1950s. New nuclear development in the United States ground to a halt after the Three Mile Island accident in 1979 but that hasn’t stopped the existing plants from burning through many thousands of fuel rods since.

The United States has almost 65,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel stored at 75 sites in 33 states, “enough to fill a football field nearly 15 feet deep,” the Government Accountability Office said in a report this week. The panel didn’t touch the issue of how quickly to require plants to move waste out of pools and into “dry casks” that are seen by many as safer-nor did it rule on security features of the design of waste storage, said Thomas Cochran, a physicist who works with the National Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group. Cochran told the panel it should call for a review of the technical issues that is independent of the NRC’s ongoing review of US nuclear safety in the wake of Fukushima. The NRC on Friday said some US nuclear plants could do a better job preparing for a catastrophic event.

PUBLIC GETS A SAY As part of its work, the commission traveled to Sweden, Finland, and other countries successfully storing waste. That experience helped Per Peterson, chair of the nuclear engineering department at the University of California Berkeley, overcome skepticism that any community would voluntarily accept nuclear waste.

“We could actually be successful,” said Peterson, explaining how the integrated system envisioned by the commission has the potential to win over critics.

The commission will deliver a written set of draft recommendations by July, and will consider public comments for its final report, due in January. Opponents of nuclear power expressed disappointment with the commissioners’ ideas at a meeting on Friday. But an alliance of communities potentially interested in “hosting” interim storage sites said it was pleased with the approach-and the recognition that a permanent disposal site is ultimately required. “I think you’d be very hard-pressed to find someone- given everything that’s happened up to this point-consider interim storage before there’s a plan for permanent storage,” said Kara Colton, senior program director with the Energy Communities Alliance. —Reuters

Blog posts sensitive NYPD documents found in trash NEW YORK: A blogger who said he found a set of sensitive police documents in a trash can outside a police station near Times Square posted them online. The documents, titled “Cobra Task Force Deployments” and stamped “law enforcement sensitive,” detail the deployment of 20 police officers. COBRA, which stands for chemical ordinance, biological and radiological awareness, is a federally funded program that uses classroom instruction and drills to teach patrol officers how to recognize and respond to terrorist threats.

There was a session at the Manhattan South Task Force station house on Wednesday.

New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne said Friday that publication of the documents didn’t cause a security breach.

“The assignment sheet was tossed out the day after the assignments were completed,” he said. “Granted, we would have preferred if

it was disposed of more discreetly, but its discovery by a Dumpster diver posed no threat to the public or anyone else.” The eight pages included a map of Times Square and instructions on vehicle sweeps, and they detailed what officers should look for when stopping vehicles, including missing identification numbers, strange odors and fresh body work.

Blogger Bucky Turco says he found the forms folded neatly in half at the bottom of an otherwise empty green garbage can directly outside the station on Thursday. “And so I reached in and grabbed it,” he said. “I put it in my backpack and didn’t really look at it until I got home.” He said he posted the documents to his site animalnewyork.com because they didn’t seem sensitive enough to cause any harm, but he said he hoped his actions would prevent similar documents from getting out in the future. —AP

plainable feeling towards them. Like some internal hatred. I just don’t know why but I just cannot overcome my hatred for cats.” The defendant later deleted the post after it was deluged with outraged and shocked comments, but the Philippine Animal Welfare Society got hold of a screenshot and filed charges, the reports said.

Candare became the first person in the country to be convicted of cruelty against a single animal, joining 40 other people who had been convicted of mass animal abuses, including the transport and sale of dog meat, they said. The court ordered him to report to the group’s suburban Manila animal shelter where he would be taking care of pets that were rescued from cruelty or neglect, they quoted the verdict as saying.

Court officials and spokesmen for the shelter could not be reached for comment yesterday. The shelter said on its website that it is currently caring for 227 cats and 49 dogs.—AFP

LAKE PROVIDENCE: Crops and homes seen as the water starts topping over the broken levee in Lake Providence. —AP

American farmers see crops washed away as river rises LAKE PROVIDENCE: Farmers along the flooding lower Mississippi River fear that they will lose valuable crops if engineers open a spillway to reduce the risk of bigger disasters downstream. Unlocking the spillway would inundate Louisiana Cajun country with as much as 25 feet of water but would ease the pressure on levees in the cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The floods have been moving south along the wide river since late last month, destroying farmland and threatening cities as it passes by.

Damage to urban areas has been minimal, but the impact on American farm production has been costly. Already more than 1,500 square miles of farmland in Arkansas, which produces about half of the nation’s rice, have been swamped over the past few weeks.

In Missouri, where a levee was intentionally blown open to ease the flood threat in the town of Cairo, Illinois, more than 200 square miles of croplands were submerged, damage that will probably exceed $100 million. More than 2,100 square miles could flood in Mississippi.

When the water level goes down and that could take many weeks in some places - farmers can expect to find the soil washed away or their fields covered with sand. Some will probably replant on the soggy soil, but they will be behind their normal growing schedule, which could hurt yields. Parts of Louisiana and Mississippi had been battling unusually dry weather for six months.

“We’re getting all that water now. Just not the way we want it or where we need it,” said Ted Schneider, who lost $400,000 worth of soybeans when the river spilled across his fields in northeastern Louisiana. The Army Corps of Engineers was expected to decide as early as Friday whether to open the Morganza spillway.

In addition to the 2,500 people living inside the spillway, there are 22,500 people and 11,000 structures in the backwater areas that could be flooded. Shelters are ready to accept up to 4,800 evacuees, the governor said. If a portion of the river is closed due to floods, the US economy could lose hundreds of millions of dollars a day.—AP

WASHINGTON: Fake drugs with names that resemble kids’ antibiotics are being sold in Texas pharmacies, mainly to Spanish speakers, and have caused several hospitalizations, US officials said. The US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers urging them not to use the “illegal products,” after the Texas state health department said they had been linked to several hospitalizations. “The FDA is warning consumers not to use products marketed as dietary supplements that also claim to be antimicrobial (antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral) drugs,” the federal regulatory agency said.

“These illegal products are falsely promoted with claims to treat illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis and the common cold,” it added. “These products may or may not contain antimicrobials, and their use could delay treatment for serious illnesses.” The products carry labels that are similar to drugs sold in Mexico and “are marketed specifically to the Hispanic community.” The over-the-counter products have made their way into pharmacies statewide, said the Texas Department of State Health Services. “DSHS officials are concerned that people taking the products believe they will provide the beneficial health effects of an antibiotic drug,” said a statement from the Texas health department.

“The products do not appear to have any active drug ingredients and are not approved to treat medical conditions.” They come in syrup, ointment, capsule and drinkable forms, and have names like Amoxilina, Pentrexcilina, Ampitrexyl, Citricillin, Amoximiel and Pentreximil. Officials learned of the situation after a hospital in Austin, Texas reported treating “several patients whose parents mistakenly believed they had been treating their children with an antibiotic,” it said.

Health authorities say illness and infections can get worse if antibiotics are needed but delayed, and urge consumers to seek a doctor’s help if they are sick and think they need drug treatment.

“The maker of these products has no scruples and is preying upon parents of children to make a quick buck,” said Marv Shepard, head of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, a consumer group that is seeking to publicize the problem. “They use deception and jeopardize the health of children; this type of fraudulent marketing is unacceptable and despicable.” Texas’s health department, which first issued its statement in late April, said it is “working with other agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration, to investigate product origin, distribution, labeling and advertising.” Stores are being urged to remove the products from their shelves.—AFP

India court orders ban on pesticide NEW DELHI: India’s top court temporarily banned production and sale of a pesticide widely used in the country so its effects on humans and wildlife can be studied. Endosulfan causes nerve damage and is banned in 80 countries, while others have announced phase-outs over the next few years. India produces about 70 percent of the world’s supply to control pests on fruit, vegetable, tea, coffee, cotton and other crops.

The Supreme Court ordered a twomonth ban countr y wide Friday and ordered an expert report within eight weeks on how the pesticide affects people and the environment. The court acted on a petition filed by a political group from the southern state of Kerala, citing an increase in deaths and birth deformities in the state’s Kasargode district where

endosulfan was aerially sprayed on the cashew crop.

The Kerala state government, which supported the petitioners, says scores of people have died and hundreds have been born with deformities in Kasargode, where aerial spraying has been done for more than 20 years. Chief Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia ordered the government to convene an expert panel to study endosulfan and recommend whether it should be banned entirely or phased-out.

Representatives of 127 countries who met in Geneva last month agreed to add endosulfan to the UN’s list of pollutants and set a 2012 deadline to end use of the pesticide. But India, one of the world’s biggest users of endosulfan, wrested an 11-year phase -out period saying this would give its scientists time to develop

safer alternatives. Indian farmers are opposed to a ban on endosulfan which they say is a cheap, readily available pesticide.

Their argument has been buttressed by big pesticide manufacturers who contend the anti-endosulfan campaign is being pushed by multinational chemical companies. However, the court said it did not want further damage to people or the environment from continued use of the pesticide. “We don’t want a single child to suffer” the hazards posed by endosulfan, Press Trust of I ndia quoted Justice Kapadia as saying. The court said if the expert committee concluded endosulfan was not hazardous the ban would be lifted. Endosulfan already is banned in the United States, European Union and Australia.—AP

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Bug factory to help Everglades fight plant invaders MIAMI: US scientists are planning to scale up deployment of laboratory-bred insects to battle invading plant species that threaten to throttle parts of Florida’s ecologically fragile Everglades wetlands. The plant and seed-eating bugs, which include moths, mites and weevils, act as biological control agents-basically environmental gamekeepers-against the invaders. They are to be produced in their hundreds of thousands at a new research laboratory planned jointly by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the US Army Corp of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District. The new “bug factory” facility is scheduled to open on September 2012 and aims to saturate areas infested with invasive plant species in a $16 million program over 20 years. This is considered a modest investment compared to the untold billions in environmental damage that can be inflicted by the nonnative invaders. While herbicides and physical eradication have been used for decades, scientists consider massproduced biocontrol bugs a more effective weapon.

“The goal (for each insect type) is to control 90 percent of the proliferation,” said USDA’s lead scientist for the project, Ted Center. “It won’t eradicate the invasive species, but it will do a lot of the work for us.”

The Everglades wetlands at the southern end of the Florida peninsula are one of the United States’ most famous natural attractions. Covering 2 million acres and designated as an endangered World Heritage site

by UNESCO, they are a mosaic of marshland and tree

islands, famous for crocodiles, manatees, panthers, and exotic birds, including plants and animals found nowhere else. In recent decades, the Everglades ecosystem has been weakened by growing urbanization and polluted run-off from nearby farming and cattle operations. “When you are flying over the Everglades, you will see houses and malls just on the other side of the levees,” said LeRoy Rodgers of the South Florida Water Management District.

HAVOC TO THE HABITAT While public attention has focused on the more visible invasive animal species, such as the Burmese Python that has tangled with local alligators, experts say the plant invaders can cause just as much, if not more, havoc to the habitat. One leafy invader is the fast-growing Old World Climbing Fern which creeps up trees, blankets land with vegetation and accelerates the spread of wildfires. “Some tree islands have collapsed from the weight of the ferns,” said Center, adding that one biocontrol agent, an Australian moth, has achieved some limited success in pushing back the plant. Another creeping interloper is the Brazilian pepper, which has infested over 700,000 acres of public and private lands.

Some 1,400 of more than 25,000 nonnative plants imported into Florida have established populations in the wild, with nearly 70 identified as ecosystem-damaging plants, according to research studies. The USDA

Say bye to obesity

has targeted 11 invasive plants as serious threats to the Everglades. Scientists believe the trespassing species come from the hundreds of exotic plants imported into nurseries in Florida every year. The nurseries are virtually unregulated, catering to an extensive gardening market that must meet demand for new varieties of ornamental plants. Some of the exotic plants propagate into the wild tropical wetlands, where they have no natural predators, said Center.

Pushing back against the invaders can take much longer. Searching for an insect predator for the

Brazilian pepper, the USDA is three years into the hunt for a winning biocontrol bug with scientists making several trips to Brazil, collecting 12 species to be used to build lab colonies for testing. Due to a “glacially slow” regulatory process, it can take several more years for a biocontrol insect to be released into the Everglades. The period from identifying an invasive species through to its eventual reduction can run to about 20 years. US scientists are also traveling to China, Australia and Argentina to look for potential biobug gamekeepers. —Reuters

Canada bears end long hibernation OTTAWA: Bears in westernmost Canada have begun leaving their dens in search of food after hibernating for the winter, officials said, reminding residents to put away tempting treats to avoid deadly encounters.

Between April 1 of last year and March 31, 2011, conservation officers responded to 2,827 incidents in the province in which bears were “acting aggressively or public safety was an issue,” said a statement from the British Columbia environment ministry. A total of 23,240 bear sightings were reported.

The brushes near cities and towns most often ended badly for the bears, with 675 killed and 125 relocated into the wilds. No data on human injuries was provided. “Though there has been a downward trend over the last 15 years in the number of problem bears killed, last year’s number was higher because of poor availability of natural foods, which meant bears were searching out other, non-natural food sources,” the ministry said. To avoid fresh conflicts with bears in urban areas residents were urged to put away garbage, bird seed and compost. As well, they were asked to pick ripe and fallen fruit daily and to clean barbecue grills after each use. “People should never approach a bear and should not run from it, as bears can move very quickly,” the advisory concluded.—AFP

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W H AT ’ S O N 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 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

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

GUST students ranked 1st and 2nd in National Robotics Competition

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he Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) participated in the recent the 1st National Robotics Competition, organized by the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University where local college and university undergraduate students took part in. Among the 22 teams from eight different institutions, including: Kuwait University (KU), Arab Open University (AOU), American University of the Middle East (AUM), Australian College of Kuwait (ACK), American University of Kuwait (AUK), The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), American College of the Middle East (ACM), GUST CS teams were the stars of the event and nabbed 1st and 2nd place prizes! Their robots performance was the best and excelled over all other robots GUST participated with three teams supervised by Fadi Deeb: Team 1, who won 1st place in the competition, was: Mariam Khalil, Amna Al-Marshed, Anwar AlFarhan and Dalal Al-Bader.

Team 2, who won 2nd place in the competition, was: Ahmad Ismaeel and Raed Kraiz.

Team 3 was Abdullah Abdulsalam, Meshari AlQuraini and Abdullah Al-Shammari.

The competition aim was mainly to raise awareness of robot technology and invest young students’ free time in science and modern technology. The

objective of the competition was to completely travel a robot on a curved pathway (white background and two black lines) containing obstacles in the shortest time.

The robot must not exceed the net dimensions of (25cm◊20cm◊30cm) and it must operate autonomously, meaning with no external power or control was allowed.

The competition consisted of 3 qualification rounds as follows: First Round: Robot must travel on a path with no obstacles. All the teams participated in this round, and only 12 qualified for round 2.

Second Round: the top 12 ranked teams qualified from round one participated. The robot was supposed to move along a path with fixed obstacles.

Only 6 teams qualified for the final round.

Third (Final) Round: the top 6 ranked teams from round two participated in this round. During this round, the robot must travel along a curved path with fixed and moving obstacles. GUST robots were the only ones that accomplished to travel along this path successfully. Thus, our students had a very clear victory, and the audience was impressed by their astonishing performance.

At the end of the contest, the students received the medals, trophies and awards for the 1st and 2nd places and were interviewed by Kuwait TV and AlWatan TV.

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.

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, 201112, 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.

Male graduates are seen at the stage.

A view for female graduates.

New English School celebrates 2010/2011 graduates

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he New English School held its annual graduation ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, featuring 220 graduates and their families as well as wide participation of guests led by Sheikh Khalid Fahad Al-Ahmad AlSabah and MP Abdullah Al-Roumi. The event was opened with the National Anthem followed by recitation from the Holy Quran, after which director Dr Ziad Rajab gave his speech before Sheikh Khalid supervised the certificates’ distribution ceremony, which was followed by the graduates’ speeches.

Dr Ziad Rajab delivering his speech

Founder Tareq Rajab presents a memorial gift to Sheikh Khalid Al-Sabah.

Dhuha Al-Enizy delivers the female graduates’ speech.

Talal Al-Saied delivers the male graduates’ speech.

Graduates pose for a group photo.

MP Al-Roumi with Dr Ziad.

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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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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 ■■■■■■■

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l Bayan Bilingual School - Arabic department held its annual “Arabic Night” activity on May 4, 2011 under the auspices of Dr Suad Al Sabah. The theme of this year’s event was centered on Literature in the Arabian Gulf which included many activities; Cultural and historical display of the GCC countries next to a play entitled “Zuwarah Khamis” prepared and represented by the students of Bayan in addition to poetry recitation by famous poets from the Gulf region. The event was concluded with a folkloric dance from the GCC heritage. The audience was impressed with the program and praised the efforts of the participating students and teachers who supervised and organized this cultural and artistic evening.

Greetings

KES teachers attend phonics workshop

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uwait English School Preparatory Department teachers attended a Kuwait English Language Teaching Professional network evening workshop by Sue LLoyd, held in the Emerald Ballroom at the Fourpoints Sheraton Hotel. The workshop, organised by the British Council, focused on how to teach children to learn to read through phonics, the reasons why some children struggle and how to prevent problems. Helen Searle, Prep Department Head Teacher, Kismet Al Zuhair, KG Year Leader, Liz Barry, Reception Literacy and Maths Coordinator, Iwona Konieczka, IT Coordinator, Jane Al Huneidi and Hazel Camper, KES Press Officer, attended the session. “Synthetic phonics is a very, very interesting way of teaching the children” said Sue Lloyd, a retired Infant teacher and Co-author Jolly Phonics. Lloyd described how to teach reading, writing and spelling to Primary students through phonics and how to make the most of “Jolly Phonics” material.

Synthetic phonics teaching uses a multi-sensory approach (body- movement, ears, eyes and speech) to help children remember the letters, groups of letters and their sounds. Synthetic

phonics is an exciting child friendly approach for children aged approximately 3 to 7 in both first and second language teaching. In the Middle East it is often used in the upper primary grades with children who haven’t mastered the sounds yet. “It is a very strong method of teaching”, Lloyd said. English is an opaque language with over 40 sounds, but these sounds are represented in an alphabet containing only 26 letters. To be able to read and write proficiently, children need to know the sounds that go with the letters in each word. “Avoid teaching letter names” Lloyd stressed “It does not help with reading and writing”.

Happy Birthday Nano Khaled, Best wishes from Uncle Sherif and Aunt Salwa!

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/IMM52 57E.PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5256E .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

India International School holds orientation program for parents Happy birthday to Krishna Chaitanya Chowdary, Viswa Teja Chowdary, and Polarapu Babu Naidu who celebrate their birthday today. May they be blessed with abundant grace all through their life.

From friends and relatives

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BSE has been introducing many changes in syllabus and curriculum to suit the needs of the hour and the parents need to know more about these changes, educational aims, the nature of knowledge and the nature of the school as a social organization for the healthy growth of their own children. Hence, IIS conducted an orientation program on 5th May, 201 I at the Audio Visual Hall for the parents of secondary classes to enlighten them about the changes in the present school scenario.

Hundreds of parents with their wards assembled at the hall to get a clear picture about the changes in the educational systems. At the outset, F M Basheer Ahmed, Principal of the school, welcomed the gathering and briefly narrated the purpose of this wonderful gathering. Then he dealt with the various aspects of Continuous and Comprehensive

Evaluation (CCE) at length for almost an hour. He also spoke in Hindi for the benefit of all the parents. He said: Assessment is a form of communication and should be seen as an integral part of teaching and learning process. He also detailed about the formative and summative assessment to the parents.

Finally he appealed to the parents not to force their wards against their wishes to the courses they like.

Then the parents interacted with the principal to get their doubts clarified.

Then Narinder Kaur, Vice-Principal, introduced the secondary teachers to the parents and thanked them for their interest on school activities and their spontaneous cooperation with all the welfare measures of the school. The parents left with the satisfaction of having placed their wards in a better place under the guidance of a dynamic principal.

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 ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF SRI LANKA The Embassy of Sri Lanka will be closed for the public on Tuesday 17th May 2001, in lieu of “Vesak festival of Sri Lanka.

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TV PROGRAMS

00:45 01:40 02:35 03:30 04:25 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:25 08:15 08:40 09:10 10:05 11:00 11:55 12:20 12:50 14:40 15:05 15:35 16:30 17:25 18:20 19:15 20:10 21:05 22:00 22:55 23:50

Untamed And Uncut Dogs 101 Ultimate Air Jaws Shark Family Crime Scene Wild Animal Cops South Africa Cats 101 Meerkat Manor Growing Up...

The Really Wild Show Natural Born Hunters Michaela’s Animal Road Trip Must Love Cats Animal Precinct Wildlife SOS E-Vets: The Interns Life In The Undergrowth Extraordinary Dogs Project Puppy Natural Born Hunters Karina: Wild On Safari Cheetah Kingdom Africa’s Super Seven Wildest Africa Dogs 101 Into The Lion’s Den Great Savannah Race Into The Pride The Most Extreme

00:15 01:00 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 04:50 05:10 05:35 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 10:10 10:40 11:25 11:35 12:20 13:10 14:05 15:35 18:05 18:50 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:50 21:40 22:35 23:25

Robin Hood Strictly Come Dancing One Foot In The Grave Beautiful People Green Green Grass 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 One Foot In The Grave Green Green Grass Robin Hood Doctor Who Confidential The Weakest Link Casualty Casualty The Weakest Link Doctors Robin Hood Doctor Who Confidential One Foot In The Grave Green Green Grass Around The World In 20 Years Monarch Of The Glen New Tricks Conviction Desperate Romantics

00:00 00:10 2011 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:10 02:30 03:00 03:10 03:30 04:00 04:30 05:00 05:10 2011 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:10 10:30 11:00 11:10 11:30 12:00 12:10 12:30 13:00 13:10 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:10 15:30 16:00 16:15 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:10 2011 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:15 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:10 23:30

00:10 Holmes On Homes 01:45 Come Dine With Me 06:35 Daily Cooks Challenge 07:20 Cash In The Attic 08:10 Come Dine With Me 12:15 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 12:40 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 15:40 New Scandinavian Cooking 18:50 Come Dine With Me 19:40 Come Dine With Me 20:30 Perfect Day 20:55 Perfect Day 21:20 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 21:50 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 22:15 Come Dine With Me 23:05 Come Dine With Me 23:55 Come Dine With Me

BBC World News The One World Media Awards BBC World News Middle East Business Report BBC World News World Features Newsnight BBC World News World Features Spirit Of Yachting BBC World News Dateline London BBC World News The One World Media Awards BBC World News Click BBC World News Newsnight BBC World News India Business Report BBC World News Fast Track BBC World News World Features Spirit Of Yachting BBC World News World Features Dateline London BBC World News World Features Horizons BBC World News World Features Third Eye BBC World News Newsnight BBC World News World Features Women On War BBC World News Sport Today Click BBC World News Earth Reporters BBC World News The One World Media Awards BBC World News India Business Report BBC World News Third Eye BBC World News Sport Today Click BBC World News Spirit Of Yachting BBC World News World Features Earth Reporters

00:05 Cow And Chicken 00:30 Cramp Twins 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 Adventure Time 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 Ed, Edd N Eddy 07:25 Chop Socky Chooks 07:50 Chowder 08:15 Ben 10: Alien Force 08:40 Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders 09:05 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 09:30 The Secret Saturdays 09:55 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 10:20 George Of The Jungle 10:30 Angelo Rules 10:55 Best Ed 11:20 Eliot Kid

11:45 Skunk Fu! 12:10 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 12:35 Bakugan: New Vestroia 13:00 Ben 10 13:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:50 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 14:15 The Life And Times Of Juniper Lee 14:40 George Of The Jungle 15:05 Cartoon Network Dance Club 15:15 Ed, Edd N Eddy 15:35 Chop Socky Chooks 16:00 Robotboy 16:25 Squirrel Boy 16:50 Chowder 17:15 The Secret Saturdays 17:40 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 18:05 Bakugan: New Vestroia 18:30 Angelo Rules 18:55 Best Ed 19:20 Adventure Time 19:45 Cow And Chicken 20:10 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 20:35 Courage The Cowardly Dog 21:00 The Powerpuff Girls 21:25 Ed, Edd N Eddy 21:50 Robotboy 22:00 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 22:25 Skunk Fu! 22:50 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 23:15 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:40 Chowder

00:40 01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 04:50 05:15 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:30 11:25 12:20 17:50 18:15 19:10 20:05 21:00 21:55 22:50 23:45

Manhunt: Search For A Killer Mythbusters Surviving Disaster Worst-Case Scenario How Do They Do It? How Stuff’s Made Brew Masters Mythbusters Mega Builders Mighty Ships Huge Moves Mythbusters Gold Rush: Alaska Sarah Palin’s Alaska License To Drill How Do They Do It? Gold Rush: Alaska Is It Possible?

James May’s Man Lab Mythbusters Get Out Alive Surviving Disaster Stunt Junkies

00:30 Nextworld 01:20 The Gadget Show 02:10 What’s That About?

03:00 Sci-Fi Science 03:50 How Stuff Works 04:45 Engineered 05:40 How Stuff’s Made 06:10 Superships 07:00 How The Universe Works 07:55 Brainiac 08:45 Head Rush 08:48 Sci-Fi Science 09:15 Weird Connections 09:45 Catch It Keep It 10:35 The Sun 11:25 Mission Critical: Hubble 12:15 Alien Storms 13:05 Stephen Hawking’s Universe 14:45 The Gadget Show 15:35 Patent Bending 16:00 Head Rush 16:03 How Stuff’s Made 16:30 How Does That Work?

17:00 Bang Goes The Theory 17:50 Sci-Trek 18:40 The Future Of...

19:30 Mighty Ships 20:20 The Gadget Show 20:45 The Gadget Show 21:10 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 22:00 The Future Of...

22:50 Bang Goes The Theory 23:40 Mega World

00:20 00:45 01:10 02:00 02:45 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:00 06:25 06:45 07:10 07:35 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:40 10:00 10:55 11:15 11:40 12:25 12:50 13:11 13:15 13:40 14:00 14:25 14:50 15:15 16:00 16:25 16:45 17:10 17:30 17:57 18:00 18:20 18:45 19:10 20:40 20:57 21:00 21:25 21:50 22:15 22:40 23:05 23:30 23:55

06:00 06:20 06:40 07:30 08:15 08:30 09:55 11:05 11:50 12:00 13:25 14:55 15:15 15:30 16:15 17:05 17:55 18:45 19:35 20:25 21:40

00:25 00:55 01:25 03:15 04:10 05:05 05:30 06:00 07:50 08:20 09:15 15:55 16:55 17:25 17:55 18:55 19:25 19:55 20:55 21:25 York 21:55 York 22:25 23:25 23:55

Replacements Replacements Fairly Odd Parents A Kind Of Magic Stitch Kim Possible Emperors New School Stitch Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Fish Hooks Shake It Up Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Hannah Montana Forever Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Shake It Up Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Sonny With A Chance Have A Laugh Hannah Montana Forever Stitch Shake It Up Fish Hooks Phineas And Ferb Good Luck Charlie Suite Life On Deck Hannah Montana Forever Wizards Of Waverly Place Shake It Up Fish Hooks Have A Laugh Hannah Montana Forever Good Luck Charlie Sonny With A Chance Cadet Kelly Hannah Montana Forever Have A Laugh Wizards Of Waverly Place Jonas LA Good Luck Charlie Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Jonas Hannah Montana Kim Possible

Zeke & Luther Zeke & Luther Kid Vs Kat Kick Buttowski Phineas And Ferb Monsters Inc. (Cema) Pair Of Kings I’m In The Band Cars Toons Wendy Wu Kid Vs Kat Kick Buttowski Phineas And Ferb Kick Buttowski Phineas & Ferb Zeke & Luther I’m In The Band Pair Of Kings Suite Life On Deck Zeke & Luther The Super Hero Squad Show

Fashion Police Chelsea Lately 40 Smokin’ On Set Hookups E! Investigates Sexiest Reality Hell Wildest TV Show Moments 20 Acts Of Love Gone Wrong Behind The Scenes E! News Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane Behind The Scenes Behind The Scenes E! News Holly’s World Holly’s World Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane Kendra Kourtney And Kim Take New Kourtney And Kim Take New E! News The Soup Chelsea Lately

00:15 Aiya TV 01:30 M1 Selection 2010 02:20 Breitling Airsports 2009 04:00 Carpocalypse 04:50 Lucas Oil Motocross Championships 2009 06:30 iEX 2009 08:00 Ticket To Ride 2009/2010 08:25 Cape Epic 09:40 LG Action Sports World...

11:20 Lucas Oil Motocross Championships 2009 13:00 Winter X Games Europe 2010 13:50 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 14:15 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 14:40 Eds Up 17:10 Fight Girls 18:00 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 18:50 Lucas Oil Motocross Championships 2009 20:30 Winter X Games Europe 2010 21:20 Fantasy Factory 22:10 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 23:00 Fight Girls 23:50 Fantasy Factory

SIGNS ON OSN ACTION HD

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:50 04:45 05:15 Jones 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30

A Haunting The Haunted Ghost Lab Mysterious Journeys A Haunting Ghosthunters True Crime With Aphrodite Mystery ER Forensic Detectives Hackers: Outlaws And Angels Mystery ER Real Emergency Calls

09:55 10:20 11:10 12:00 Jones 12:50 13:40 14:30 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 Jones 21:10 21:35 22:50 23:40

Real Emergency Calls Fugitive Strike Force FBI Files True Crime With Aphrodite Solved Mystery ER Real Emergency Calls Fugitive Strike Force Forensic Detectives Hackers: Outlaws And Angels FBI Files Mystery ER Real Emergency Calls True Crime With Aphrodite Who On Earth Did I Marry?

I Was Murdered On The Case With Paula Zahn I Almost Got Away With It

00:00 Banged Up Abroad 04:00 Exploring The Vine 04:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 05:00 Banged Up Abroad 10:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 10:30 Amazing Adventure of A Nobody 11:00 Meet The Amish 12:00 By Any Means 13:00 Cruise Ship Diaries 14:00 Banged Up Abroad 15:00 Departures 16:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 16:30 Amazing Adventure of A Nobody 17:00 Meet The Amish 18:00 By Any Means 19:00 Cruise Ship Diaries 20:00 Banged Up Abroad 21:00 Departures 22:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 22:30 Amazing Adventure of A Nobody 23:00 Meet The Amish

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

The Cottage-18 Brotherhood-PG15 Speed-PG15 The Sum Of All Fears-PG15 The Betrayed-PG15 Signs-PG15 The Taking Of Pelham 123-18 The Betrayed-PG15 Heaven’s Fall-PG15 The Taking Of Pelham 123-18 Nine Dead-PG15 No Time To Fear-PG15

01:00 Assassination Of A High School President-18 03:00 Crazy Heart-PG15 05:00 Me And Orson Welles-PG 07:00 Home Run-PG15 09:00 Batman: Under The Red Hood-PG 11:00 Me And Orson Welles-PG 13:00 The Break-Up Artist-PG15 15:00 Home Run-PG15 17:00 Batman: Under The Red Hood-PG 19:00 The Break-Up Artist-PG15 21:00 Nine Dead-PG15 23:00 Two Lovers-PG15

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 South Park 02:00 Saturday Night Live 03:00 Friends 03:30 How I Met Your Mother 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 8 Simple Rules ...

08:30 Dharma And Greg 09:00 Friends 09:30 Malcolm In The Middle 10:00 Yes Dear 10:30 My Boys 11:00 The Drew Carey Show 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Dharma And Greg 13:00 8 Simple Rules ...

13:30 Malcolm In The Middle 14:00 Yes Dear 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 My Boys 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 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 Two And A Half Men 20:30 Cougar Town 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Saturday Night Live 23:00 South Park 23:30 Two And A Half Men

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 19:30 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

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 What’s Good For You What’s Good For You Law And Order Criminal Minds Boardwalk Empire C.S.I. New York

TWO LOVERS ON OSN CINEMA

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Cold Case C.S.I. Sons Of Anarchy The Event Persons Unknown The Closer Cold Case The Office Coronation Street The Unit The Closer The Event Persons Unknown The Office Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Unit Cold Case The Office Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show American Idol Law And Order Criminal Minds C.S.I. The Closer

01:00 Ballistica-PG15 03:00 Speed-PG15 05:00 Clive Barker’s Book Of Blood18 07:00 House Under Siege-PG15 09:00 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life-PG15 11:00 Blue Crush-PG15 12:45 Harry Potter And The HalfBlood Prince-PG15 15:15 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life-PG15 17:15 The Rock-PG15 19:30 John Carpenter’s Ghosts Of Mars-PG15 21:15 No Time To Fear-PG15 23:00 Bitch Slap-18

00:00 Can’t Buy Me Love-PG15 02:00 Management-PG15 04:00 Under The Tuscan Sun-PG15 06:00 Ace Ventura : Pet Detective Jr.PG15 08:00 Old Dogs-PG 09:30 Suburban Girl-PG15 11:30 A Low Down Dirty ShamePG15 13:30 He’s Just Not That Into YouPG15 16:00 Can’t Buy Me Love-PG15 18:00 Reality Bites-PG15 20:00 Unmade Beds-PG15 22:00 Without A Paddle: Nature’s Calling-PG15

01:30 The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three (1974)-PG15 03:15 Amelia-PG15 05:15 Ghost-PG 07:30 A Far Off Place-PG15 09:15 April Showers-PG15 11:00 Che Part Two: Guerilla-PG15 13:15 Not One Less-PG 15:00 2012: Startling New Secret-PG 17:00 45 R.P.M.-PG15 19:00 Awakenings-PG 21:00 The Two Escobars—PG15 23:00 The Reckoning-18

01:15 Edward Scissorhands-PG 03:00 Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel-PG15 05:00 The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle-FAM 07:00 I Love You Beth Cooper-PG15 09:00 Swing Vote-PG15 11:00 Moon-PG15 13:00 America’s Sweethearts-PG15 15:00 Gifted Hands-PG15 17:00 Swing Vote-PG15 19:00 Whiteout-18 21:00 Gasland-PG15 23:00 Inglourious Basterds-18

00:00 Fly Me To The Moon-PG 02:00 Dinosaur Island-PG 04:00 Yogi Bear And The Magical Flight Of The Spruce Goose-PG 06:00 Fly Me To The Moon-PG

08:00 Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs Wakko’s Wakko-PG 10:00 Dinosaur Island-PG 12:00 Dennis The Menace: Cruise Control-FAM 14:00 Scooby-Doo! Summer Camp Scare-FAM 16:00 Leave It To Beaver-PG 18:00 Stuart Little 2-FAM 20:00 Inspector Gadget’s Biggest Caper Ever-FAM 22:00 Dennis The Menace: Cruise Control-FAM

00:00 Deadly Impact-18 02:00 Easy Virtue-PG15 04:00 Freestyle-PG15 06:00 Fantastic Mr. Fox-FAM 08:00 The Building-PG15 10:00 I Spy-PG 12:00 Tooth Fairy-PG 14:00 My Son, My Son, What Have You Done?-PG15 16:00 The Building-PG15 17:45 The Blind Side-PG15 20:00 Gasland-PG15 22:00 Taking Woodstock-18

00:30 02:30 04:30 06:30 07:00 09:00 10:00 12:30 13:00 15:00 15:30 17:30 18:00 20:00 20:30 22:30 23:00

Super 15 Super 15 Super League NRL Full Time Live NRL Premiership Trans World Sport AFL Premiership ICC Cricket World Super 15 Total Rugby Live Aviva Premiership Total Rugby Live Aviva Premiership Futbol Mundial Scottish Premier League ICC Cricket World Aviva Premiership

01:30 02:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 14:30 18:30 19:00 21:00

Trans World Sport European PGA Tour ICC Cricket World Total Rugby Live NRL Premiership NRL Premiership Super League European Tour Weekly Live European PGA Tour Futbol Mundial Live RFL Championship European PGA Tour

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

WWE Vintage Collection WWE Bottom Line WWE NXT WWE SmackDown UFC Unleashed WWE Vintage Collection WWE Bottom Line WWE NXT WWE SmackDown V8 Supercars Championship V8 Supercars Extra SPL Highlights Live Scottish Premier League WWE SmackDown V8 Supercars Championship WWE Vintage Collection WWE Bottom Line WWE NXT WWE SmackDown

01:20 02:10 03:00 03:55 04:50 05:40 07:20 08:10 09:00 09:55 10:50 11:40 13:20 14:10 15:00 15:55

America: The Story Of The Us Clash Of The Gods Deep Sea Detectives Deep Wreck Mysteries Deep Sea Salvage Nostradamus: 2012 America: The Story Of The Us Clash Of The Gods Deep Sea Detectives Deep Wreck Mysteries Deep Sea Salvage Nostradamus: 2012 America: The Story Of The Us Clash Of The Gods Deep Sea Detectives Deep Wreck Mysteries

16:50 17:40 19:20 20:10 21:00 21:55 22:50 23:40

Deep Sea Salvage Nostradamus: 2012 America: The Story Of The Us Clash Of The Gods Ancient Wonders Battle Against Rome Egypt: Land Of The Gods Modern Marvels

00:10 Savage Messiah-FAM 01:45 The Asphalt Jungle-FAM 03:35 Lili-FAM 04:55 The Charge Of The Light Brigade-FAM 07:00 Night At The Opera, A-FAM 08:30 The Main Attraction-FAM 09:55 Bonnie Scotland-FAM 11:15 Meet Me In Las Vegas-FAM 13:05 Clash By Night-FAM 14:55 Tea And Sympathy-FAM 17:00 The Prize-FAM 19:15 TCM Presents Under The Influence-FAM 19:50 TCM Presents Under The Influence-FAM 20:25 Soylent Green-FAM 22:00 The Fixer-FAM

00:00 Homes With Style 01:00 Fashion Avenue 01:55 Big Boutique 02:25 How Do I Look?

03:20 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

04:15 Married Away 05:10 Homes With Style 05:35 Area 06:05 Clean House 07:00 Big Boutique 08:00 Clean House 09:00 Top 10 09:55 Homes With Style 10:50 Bridalplasty 12:50 Stylemaker: Andre Leon Talley 13:15 Divine Wedding Dresses With The Knot 13:45 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

14:45 Married Away: Italian Wedding 15:40 My Celebrity Wedding With The Knot 16:35 Most Outrageous Weddings 17:30 My Destination Wedding With The Knot 18:25 Momster Of The Bride 19:25 Clean House 20:20 Fashion Police 20:45 Clean House Comes Clean 21:15 Giuliana And Bill 22:10 Ruby 23:05 Bridalplasty

00:00 Travel Notebook 01:00 Working Holiday 02:00 Think Green 03:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 04:00 Globe Trekker 05:00 Travel Notebook 06:00 Australia’s Great Wildlife Islands 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Working Holiday 09:00 Glutton For Punishment 09:30 Angry Planet 10:00 Australia’s Great Wildlife Islands 11:00 Great Scenic Railways - 175 Years 11:30 The Big Fish 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Indian Times 14:00 Working Holiday 15:00 Travel Notebook 16:00 Globe Trekker 17:00 Megalopolis 18:00 Culinary Asia 19:00 Globe Trekker 20:00 Travel Today 20:30 Essential 21:00 Distant Shores 21:30 Glutton For Punishment 22:00 Australia’s Great Wildlife Islands 23:00 Globe Trekker

Classifieds SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

Personal T Trainer rrainerr

ACCOMMODATION

AAthlete’s thlete’s ’s foot foot A micros m mi micr micro microscopic mic icrosc crosc crosco roscop oscop oscopi oscopic scopic copic opic fungus funngus ffu gus uss that grows gro rows w rapidly raapidly in warm, warm, damp places laces aces ces ess iss the th the he ggerm ge erm that tha cause tth causes auses uses ses ess athlete athle athlet aathlete’s at ath athl thlete hlete lete etee’s foot, foot, fo oot,t,, a very oo oot very common skin infection. infeection.

Who W ho ggets ets iit? t? teenagerrs Most often male teenagers few people and adults adults;; a few develop repeated in fectionns develop infections

CContagious? ontagious?

Yes; Y Ye eess; not kn known own w why hy some catch chh itit, it,, others conditions otheers don’t under same cond ot ditititio dit di tio ion onnss

AAppearance ppearance vvaries aries Skkin bet Skin S between ween toes or on side side ooff foot foot may may peel, eel,, ccrack, rack, redden, become becco come me sc sscaly caly a

Treatment Treatment TTry ry oover-the-counter ver-the-co cou co oun ou unt un nte teerr te aantifungal an nntifungal cream m fir ffifirst; irs rst; rst st; st s no skin normally rmally respo responds onds nds d ds promptly

PPrevention reventioonn

Fungus ggrows FFungus rows poo poorly rly in ddry, ry, cle clea clean lean lea ean ann places pplaces; e; kkeeping e ng your eepin your feet feet that way way ay prevents ppre pr reven ents ents ent nts iinfection nfectioon from sta starting r ting Wash Wash a feet feet daily and ddry rryy thoro oughly, especially thoroughly, bet ween the toes between Avoid Avoid o tight shoes in summe meer, summer, whenn sandals and “flip-flops” flip-flops” b are best Wear Wear e absorbent cotton onn or or synth hetic so cks; chan ang nge ng gee dail dai da daily daily ily lyy synthetic socks; change or w henever they they get geet et damp dam da dam amp amp mp whenever

Source: Ame Source: American ricann Co C College olle oll lleeg ege ge of De Dermatology rmatology

Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya in a two bedroom apartment for a couple or an executive bachelor with all facilities.

Please call 66699841.

(C 3339) Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya near Highway center with Keralite Christian family, two bedroom 2 separate bathroom available, family or working ladies preferred. Contact: 99509436.

(C3338) Sharing accommodation available for Indian Hindu or Catholic 2 bachelors or small family with Mangalorean Catholic family in a window A/C bldg opp Appolo hospital, Shara Amman, Salmiya.

Contact: 55995437. (C 3334) Sharing accommodation for one executive bachelor with one Indian bachelor in Omariya area, near bus stop, beside zoo, kitchen, bathroom separate, preferable Indians. Call: 99566462. (C 3322) Big furnished room with attached bathroom C-A/C, available in Fintas, near to London hospital, close to Fahaheel Highway, for executive bachelor or decent couple, rent KD 90. Contact: 60020168. (C 3335) 12-5-2011 Sharing accommodation available for a single executive Indian bachelor, near Al Rashid hospital, Salmiya.

Central A/C, new building, separate room. Rent KD 70.

Contact: 66251716, 99550578. (C 3238) 11-5-2011 A big furnished room available in Salmiya Al Thugaira street for decent couple or a lady. Contact: 66373409, 75618576.

3XW W DQWLIXQJDO 3XW DQWLIXQJDO ppowder owdder on ffeet eet and in shoe es shoes

Available room for rent with sharing accommodation for Manglorean or Goan family.

Opp Jabriya Bridge, near Al Bahar Comp. Hawally.

Contact: 99247271. (C 3325)

© 201 20111 MCT Graphic: G raphic: Paul Paul Trap Trap

FOR SALE Toyota-Bus-HiAce model 2010, white color, excellent condition, price KD 5,750, negotiable.

Contact: 66507741. (C 3336)

PC Compaq Pentium 4, intel original HD 20 GB, Ram 128 MB (expandable), Windows XP pro with 15” LCD Neovo, price KD 400 & Laptop Acer Aspire 4315 price KD 75, all in excellent condition. Call 99322585.

(C 3337) 12-5-2011 Nissan Pathfinder, model 2003, well maintained, good condition, serious buyers please call 66457115. (C 3329)

SITUATION VACANT A part time or a full time female house maid is needed to work for a small family of two. Contact: 97247999, 99367793.

(C 3330) 12-5-2011

LOST MISCELLANEOUS Sri Lankan Engineer in Maidan Hawally needs home cooked Sri Lankan food. Please call 97263962 for details.

12-5-2011

Policy No. 633000388 issued by the State Life Insurance Gulf Zone on the Life of Mr Tahir Mahmood is reported to have been lost.

Anyone finding the same or claiming any interest in it

should communicate with the State Life Kuwait Office Phone No. 22452208 within one month of this date.

12-5-2011

SITUATION WANTED Indian male B.Com, 25 years Gulf experience (Kuwait & UAE) in management, procurement, sales, seeks senior position, experience in oil field materials, hard wares, power and hand tools, timber, steel, building materials etc.

Contact: 66889375.

(C 3345) 15-5-2011 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 CHANGE OF NAME The new name changed for Haneef Abdul Khaleel, holder of Indian Passport No. E9556818 issued in Kuwait on 28-09-2004. Name change from Haneef Abdul Khaleel to Abdul Khaleel.

12-5-2011

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 FCX JZR KAC BAW KAC KAC IRA KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD GFA IRC FCX MEA JZR JZR JZR JZR RBG KAC MSR UAL RJA KAC FDB KAC

Flt 642 267 772 620 853 370 305 67 211 138 201 555 412 157 206 382 615 302 332 53 678 352 284 855 132 125 603 301 213 6801 203 404 165 121 549 561 3553 672 610 982 640 774 57 562

Arrival Flights on Sunday 15/5/2011 Route AMMAN BEIRUT ISTANBUL ADDIS ABABA DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA DUBAI ALEXANDRIA MANILA / BANGKOK LONDON ISLAMABAD DELHI SHAHRE KORD MUMBAI TRIVANDRUM DUBAI MUSCAT / DUBAI COCHIN DHAKA DUBAI DOHA SHARJAH SHIRAZ ABU DHABI BAHRAIN AHWAZ DUBAI BEIRUT DUBAI BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA SOHAG ALEXANDRIA / SOHAG DUBAI CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN RIYADH DUBAI AMMAN

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:10 3:15 3:20 5:25 6:10 6:15 6:30 7:15 7:20 7:35 7:50 7:55 7:55 8:00 8:05 8:10 8:25 9:00 9:10 9:25 9:30 9:35 10:15 10:30 10:55 11:10 11:15 11:20 12:30 12:55 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:20

SVA KAC KAC JZR QTR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY JZR JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC ALK KAC KAC KAC JAI FDB OMA VOS MEA KAC KAC DHX UAE KAC GFA QTR AFG UAL AIC JZR JZR JZR DLH AXB KLM JZR PIA

500 788 746 257 134 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 213 177 166 542 618 786 227 614 102 674 572 61 647 81 402 552 512 372 859 172 217 136 405 981 981 135 787 185 636 389 447 481 205

JEDDAH JEDDAH ABU DHABI / DAMMAM BEIRUT DOHA ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH DEIREZZOR DUBAI PARIS / ROME CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH COLOMBO BAHRAIN NEW YORK / LONDON DUBAI MUMBAI DUBAI MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT DAMASCUS TEHRAN BAHRAIN DUBAI FRANKFURT BAHRAIN DOHA KABUL / DUBAI BAHRAIN CHENNAI / AHMEDABAD BAHRAIN RIYADH DUBAI FRANKFURT KOZHIKODE / MANGALORE AMSTERDAM / BAHRAIN SABIHA LAHORE

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

Departur AXB DLH AIC BBC THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD JZR QTR JZR JZR RJA GFA VOS JZR BAW IRA FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC UAE KAC ABY QTR ETD GFA KAC IRA IRC FCX MEA KAC JZR JZR JZR KAC KAC

Flt 394 637 976 46 773 620 854 68 371 306 548 139 560 164 643 212 94 120 156 614 54 171 671 745 117 256 561 787 856 1411 126 133 302 214 773 602 6802 204 405 541 776 212 238 103 785

Depurture Flights on Sunday 15/5/2011 Route COCHIN / KOZHIKODE FRANKFURT GOA / CHENNAI DHAKA ISTANBUL BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI ALEXANDRIA DOHA SOHAG DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI / KANDAHAR BAHRAIN LONDON SHAHRE KORD DUBAI FRANKFURT DUBAI DAMMAM / ABU DHABI NEW YORK BEIRUT AMMAN JEDDAH DUBAI MANILA SHARJAH DOHA ABU DHABI BAHRAIN RIYADH SHIRAZ AHWAZ DUBAI BEIRUT CAIRO JEDDAH DEIREZZOR AMMAN LONDON JEDDAH

Time 0:15 0:40 0:50 1:00 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 4:20 5:00 5:55 6:55 7:00 7:10 8:00 8:20 8:25 8:35 8:40 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:25 9:40 9:50 9:50 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:20 10:25 11:15 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:30 13:30

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

KAC RBG JZR MSR RJA FDB UAL KAC KAC KAC SVA JZR QTR KAC KAC ETD UAE GFA ABY JZR SVA JZR JZR JZR KAC ALK KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC OMA MEA DHX UAE GFA FCX QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR JZR KAC UAL KAC

785 3554 176 611 641 58 982 551 673 617 503 480 135 613 511 304 858 216 128 184 511 786 204 134 283 228 361 571 62 343 351 648 403 373 860 218 102 137 301 205 502 554 530 411 981 415

JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA DUBAI CAIRO AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN DAMASCUS DUBAI DOHA MEDINAH / JEDDAH SABIHA DOHA BAHRAIN TEHRAN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH RIYADH DAMASCUS BAHRAIN DHAKA DUBAI / COLOMBO COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI CHENNAI COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA ASSIUT BANGKOK / MANILA WASHINGTON DC DULLES KUALA LUMPUR / JAKARTA

13:30 13:35 13:40 14:20 14:30 14:35 14:45 14:55 15:10 15:35 15:45 16:00 16:15 16:20 16:30 17:35 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:35 18:40 18:55 19:10 20:00 20:10 20:20 20:35 20:40 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 22:00 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:05 23:10 23:35 23:40 23:40 23:50

34

star CROSSWORD 318

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

s

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today focuses more on relationships and possessions. Others may find you frugal when it comes to possessions, always limiting your purchases to what is essential and has value—or worth. This same theme carries through in your response to people. You do not tend to lavish affection or sentiment; you tend to keep your comments short and simple. An important relationship, perhaps an older person or someone in authority, may come into focus today. There could be some tension or sense of opposition requiring compromise or negotiation on your part. Although this could be an opportunity for understanding and even growth, it could be important to show your appreciation of another person’s time and efforts toward your progress.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) A promise is a promise and the earlier you get started the more fun you can pack into the day. This may mean a young person or mate wants to go to some event or that an exercise group meets this morning.

Whatever the case, you gain from the events that unfold as the day moves along.

Social contact later today will call for a little rest and a change of clothes. Plans ahead of time have been fun and helpful and finally a special time is either now or very close.

You still have a little time to gather whatever you need for this event, which may mean a gift or some special favor for the host or hostess. This may mean food or music or flowers, etc. You are at your most elegant. Music, laughter and good times with friends complete this busy day.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. A rapid bustling commotion.

4. Capital and largest city of the Czech Republic.

9. Occurring widely (as to many people).

13. A diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it).

14. Long-winged web-footed aquatic bird of the gull family.

15. A town and port in northwestern Israel in the eastern Mediterranean.

16. Used of a single unit or thing.

17. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trademarks Aleve and Anaprox and Aflaxen).

18. Free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception.

19. A member of the Mayan people of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico.

21. A telegram sent abroad.

22. Mentally or physically infirm with age.

25. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer.

26. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone else.

29. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin.

31. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

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

37. (folklore) A small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings.

40. Inspired by a feeling of fearful wonderment or reverence.

42. An ugly evil-looking old woman.

43. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders.

44. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC).

46. A light touch or stroke.

48. An inhabitant of ancient Thebes.

54. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

55. Medium-sized penguins occurring in large colonies on the Adelie coast of Antarctica.

57. A particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography).

58. A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms.

59. Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies.

61. An association of nations dedicated to economic and political cooperation in southeastern Asia.

62. Joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces.

63. The basic unit of electric current adopted under the System International d'Unites.

64. A subsidiary proposition that is assumed to be true in order to prove another proposition.

65. An ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure equal to about a bushel.

DOWN 1. Any of the forms of Chinese spoken in Fukien province.

2. (Irish) Mother of the Tuatha De Danann.

3. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

4. Make a plat of.

5. English courtier (a favorite of Elizabeth I) who tried to colonize Virginia.

6. Any of several tall tropical palms native to southeastern Asia having egg-shaped nuts.

7. The virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

8. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice.

9. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

10. Jordan's port.

11. An ability that has been acquired by training.

12. A dress worn primarily by Hindu women.

20. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

23. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners.

24. How long something has existed.

27. The sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this).

28. A French abbot.

30. An artificial language that is a revision and simplification of Esperanto.

32. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

34. Divulge information or secrets.

35. Used in combination to denote the middle.

36. An honorary degree in science.

38. Of or relating to or characteristic of Ghana or its people or language.

39. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

41. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

45. Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean (below 6000 meters).

47. Lower in esteem.

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

49. A complex red organic pigment containing iron and other atoms to which oxygen binds.

50. Country of southeastern Asia that extends southward along the isthmus of Kra to the Malay peninsula.

51. A Russian river.

52. Not only so, but.

53. Avatar of Vishnu.

56. A spacecraft that carries astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back.

58. Informal abbreviation of `representative'.

60. A person forced to flee from home or country.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Friends and neighbors fill up most of your hours this day. You appreciate your friends and enjoy the interactions that occur now.

Happy when in control, you will enjoy managing anything practical. You are fearless in action and not afraid to use power. You will have your way today through your magnetic and perhaps controversial personality. You can be very charming and enchant others to come under your spell. This is also a period of intense creativity for you. This creative intensity is good for music, poetry, art and politics. There is a great passion of emotions and purpose. You enjoy home and family and rely on them for support and encouragement. Security is very important and you may feel a need to have roots in order to be productive.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

You are brilliant when it comes to insights into the mind, psychology and motivation—whether it is yours or others?. Your intensity is obvious and some may prefer to keep their distance rather than subject themselves to your laser eye. Nothing is passed over without being turned inside out. Your analytical powers are superb—you enjoy finding new avenues of inner growth. You have a great mental drive and lavish great energy on mental pursuits of all kinds.

Ideas, words, books, etc., can be pursued with great gusto. Since you are such a social animal, opportunities will be available to communicate in groups today. This is a very lucky day for making plans or decisions and finding your way through just about any challenge you discover.

Leo (July 23-August 22) You may find yourself more than a little greedy today. Your current appreciation for just about everything may lead you to overspend or indulge too much. You will make better choices today if you maintain your ability to sense quality and choose accordingly. Today you may talk with a friend that has found depression hard to overcome. Many times this sort of situation calls for the request of a medical review because a body can change medically. Psychologically, you will learn and be encouraged that it is the individual that determines his or her self-worth and how he or she feels; you are positive and upbeat. Teach truth and watch for the culprit of overgeneralization. You are very loving and understanding of others. Change is inevitable.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) This could be one of your more romantic days. Correct choices and the best path for you may be available without realizing it; take time to ponder your plans. You may think that by saying very little, you leave people thinking you are mysterious and important to get to know, but that only lasts a short while. A few important words however, can leave a much more positive impression for a very long time. Think about a situation in your past and how important it was for you to hear just a few positive words from someone you wished would show you were cared for: a friend, Dad, Mom or an older brother or sister. Practice makes perfect and a social function this evening would be the perfect time to show others you appreciate them in your life.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You are able to enjoy and value your own life situation today.

You could find that you are appreciated or valued for your feelings.

You may be surprised at the support you receive from others. A friend may want to get your feedback today on some very personal and emotional issues. You will be able to be understanding and helpful. You are able to cut through the red tape and help your friend to see the truth. Now through the twentieth of this month are good times to set aside for a vacation or short trip. Start to plan now where and what you might want to do. If you have family members, be sure to include them in the decision making. If those dates are not acceptable for others, you may want to make that time for yourself.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may find yourself being put to good use by your friends early this morning but it should go smoothly. You could be helping with young people today as your fruitful imagination can create many distractions that are helpful when caring for children. This can be an expansive, creative and even romantic phase for you today. This is certainly a good time to relax and be with loved ones and friends. Family, home, relatives and real estate play a bigger part in your life.

You may be moved to appreciate and discover the beauty in your life and in those around you. Be careful that you do not overspend or indulge too much just now— you could be tempted. Your power of concentration continues to be strong and you may decide to complete some studies this evening.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

Yesterday’s Solution

Religion, philosophy and higher knowledge will be the base of most conversations today. You are mentally and physically willing to meet the demands of this day. You are helpful to all who need your assistance but by the afternoon you may be looking forward to home. The youth in your family need attention as much as the adults so be sure to ask these young people questions that involve a little thinking. This will result in a conversation between adult and young person(s). This may mean you may need to ask who they saw this day and what they are doing over the weekend or if their friends’ summer plans are different from their parents’ summer plans. Smile, you have just composed a beautiful family composition.

You are in a position to show just how much you trust and respect a loved one today. You will employ any manner of means to change a negative to a positive. Giving your complete attention to a personal situation, you are able to promote a healing where emotional concerns are involved. You may find yourself analyzing your life situation. Conversations of an inspiring kind may be in order with a young person or others around you. This is a time when you can put your practical insights into words and convey them to others. Your intuition is strong and you may enjoy the company of young people through some intellectual games or trivia pursuit games. Music, art and all forms of sports can be enjoyed this evening.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) This is a good time to make renovations or do a bit of springcleaning. Your enthusiasm is catching and others will want to help when they see you hard at work. There is a need to gain appreciation for your good deeds when this project is completed. This can be a productive time emotionally— penetrating conversations will bring insights. There is time this evening for romance. You may be able to look back on today as a time of deepening relationships and positive feelings. Your emotions and the feelings of those around you are clear. You are creative and there is much pride in what you involve yourself with today. You may be able to enjoy and value your own life situation or feel especially kind toward a friend or loved one.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

This can be a very superficial day. It may not be possible for you to penetrate anything remotely meaningful or moving just now.

Errands seem to go nowhere and projects are in need of tools or parts in order to see their completion. Stores may not have what you need and a general lack of cooperation from others can be exasperating. You may even find that your ideas do not get the support you feel you need. Abandoning your own plans, you may decide to help someone else this afternoon and you find that much can be accomplished. If you want, a trade-out could be arranged. You must be cautious during this time when there are concerns or an interest in charities. Before giving to a charity, make sure it is an authentic charity with good references.

A

y

e niv rsar n

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 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:

Visibility V isibil i lity will improve gradually with w light to moderate freshening freshen ning gradually north easterly y becoming south easterly y wind, with speed of 15 - 40 4 km/h and some scattered clouds c will appear

BY Y NIGHT: NIGHT:

moderatte freshening gradually north h westerly wind, with speed of 15 - 40 km/h Partly cloudy with light to moderate oveer open areas with a chance for blowing dust over 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

SALMI

43 °C

26 °C

ABDAL LY ABDALY

44 °C

26 °C

43 °C

26 °C

14/05/2011 14/05/2011 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

4 DAYS DA AYS Y FORECAST T emperratures Temperatures WEA WEATHER ATHER T

Sunday

15/05

Monday

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Fajr

03:27

MAX. Temp.

MA AX. T emp.

42 °C

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Sunrise S i

04 56 04:56

MIIN. IN T emp.

MIN. Temp.

29 °C

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Zuhr

11:44 11:44

MAX. RH M

19 %

Dasmah

22532265

Asr

15:20

M MIN. RH

05 %

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Sunset

18:33

MAX. Wind MA AX. W ind i

N 36 km/h

20:00

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

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

23980088

25 °C

SFC. CHART CHART

DA DATE ATE T

24575755

Ahmadi

42 °C

26 °C

New Jahra

24316983

WAFRA W A AFRA

38 °C

24770319

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

25616368

WARBA W A ARBA A - BUBYAN BUBY YAN A

Jahra

23927002

Al-Salmiya

27 °C

24810221

Al-Fahaheel

26 °C C

34 °C

Sabah

24316983

38 °C C

UMM AL-MARADEM M

25381200

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

NUWAISEEB NUW WAISEEB A

24874330/9

22630786

Al-Farwaniya

25610011

Physiotherapy Hospital

W.Hawally

22545051

Al-Jahra

29 °C

Mishref

Al-Fayhaa

29 °C

36 °C

Shamiya

22434853

42 °C

PORT AHMADI POR RT

24849807

Al-Helaly

KUWAIT KUW WAIT A AIRPORT AIRPOR RT

24846000

24848075

24742838

23262845

Al-Razi Hospital

Keifan

Sabhan

23711183

28 °C

Khaldiya

22545171

Al-Shuaiba

41 °C

22517144

24810598

Al-Nuzha

Al-Mangaf

FAILAKA F A AILAKA

Adhaliya

Al-Shuwaikh

29 °C

24840300

22517733

22545171

40 °C

Ibn Sina Hospital

Roudha

Al-Shohada’a

KUWAIT KUW WAIT A CITY

23940620

4732263

22418714

MIN.. REC.

Adan Hospital

Clinics

Al-Madena

MAX. EXP. EXP P.

ALIYAH JAL ALIY YAH A

Rabiya

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

DAY DA AY

MAX.

MIN.

Wind Direction Direction Wind

W Wind ind Speed

clouds dusty + scattered cl louds

40 °C

30 °C

NW-N NW-N

22 - 42 km/h

16/05

dusty + scattered clouds cllouds

41 °C

30 °C

NW-NE NW-NE

25 - 45 km/h

Tuesday Tuesday

17/05

unstable + raising dust

41 °C

31 °C

NE-SE

20 - 45 km/h

Weednesday Wednesday

18/05

unstable + raising dust

42 °C

32 °C

SE

20 - 45 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

.03 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 22958787 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

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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

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SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

lifestyle G O S S I P

Perry and Brand

Kelly Osbourne would hate to look perfect

put LA home up for sale

he ‘Fashion Police’ presenter - who lost over 50lbs in 18 months - wouldn’t want to only be known for being beautiful, because it leads to people pre-judging you as a person. She explained: “There’s such a desire for being perfect in Hollywood and I’ll never understand it. You don’t need to be perfect. I would never, ever want to be the prettiest girl in the room. It’s so much pressure and people never, ever stop to think, ‘Is there more to her than that?’ You’re just a pretty girl and that’s it.” Even though Kelly has attracted a lot of praise for her new slimmer look, the 26-year-old star - who is the daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne - insists people still tell her what they think her physical flaws are. In an interview with Now magazine, she said: “Coming to terms with the fact that you’re not perfect and it’s OK is comforting. I can’t change who I am. People are always like, ‘No matter how much weight you lose, you’re always going to have a fat face and a big jaw.’ And you‘re like, ‘Well, I can’t actually change that, so thanks.’ “The stuff you can’t change about yourself, be OK with it because you have that for a reason.”

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he married couple have decided to put the luxury property on the market after living there sporadically for just two years. The 1922 Mediterraneanstyle house comes complete with four bedrooms, a three-car garage, swimming pool, huge living area, modern kitchen and incredible views of the city.

However, some features are not included in the sale such as a 25ft ‘love tepee’ which Russell had installed for him and his pop star wife, and a vintage pink refrigerator which Katy bought for the kitchen. It is believed the couple have decided to sell the property because they want to make their New York apartment - which they purchased for $2.7 million last year - their main

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home. The lovebirds are currently apart as Russell is shooting his next movie, the big screen version of acclaimed musical ‘Rock of Ages’, in Miami, while Katy is in New Zealand on the latest leg of her ‘California Dreams’ world tour. Despite her hectic work schedule the ‘Firework’ singer recently revealed her husband is her “number one priority”. The 26-year-old pop star who married the 35-year-old British comedian in India last October said: “My husband is my number one priority. We have an amazing relationship. “It’s important that I’m not always rushing around everywhere too much. I have to take the time to live life and have experiences.”

Kesha’s fashion icon is wrestling legend the Ultimate Warrior

r e forme s from th brightly e u c le fa r sty takes he ttire consisted o d string ’ singer re a he ‘Blow - whose in-ring ing multicolou to imitate y r t d ta s d re n a E a WW mask ha appe usic Awards s e e c K fa o d h M -w painte nd legs uropean is Zach is arms a d at the MT V E orite celebrity h d n u v ro r; he’s a re m: “My fa te Warrio e appea when sh She told Spin.co wrestler Ultima re v e a le d s h e t o last year. is. And also tha e p o p s t a r a ls ts from charity k h n a T e n .” a n rm fi ga ic o r Guns Gali fa s h io n ge clothes and g is a particula aring w e n y in ta e m th uying vin m of clo ho was w prefers b her favorite ite off someone w tore is Out of s t nd shops, a -shirt she bough ed: “My favorite California and T in s in e la s p in o x a chest. ch ee N’ R treasure time. Sh rift store it at the t, which is a th cheap; it’s like a cents of every e 6 the Clos ’s used stuff ; it’s sting and give 9 AIDS. But my d It Florida. ey do free HIV te ing with HIV an tage Guns N’ v in th li v o l le ls a p a o in t pe Bu it off a orig care for bought g is an dollar to iece of clothin ction’ T-shir t. “I a d ive b a r in t p u favorite petite for Destr a s we a ri n g it a w p ‘A o Roses Ed wh e d Ev il g u y c a ll one night.”

Nashville

Mel C to reform with Spice Girls

for 2012 London Olympics

he singer would jump at the chance to reunite with her bandmates Victoria Beckham, Mel B, Emma Bunton and Geri Haliwell for the games as it would also get her inside.

She told BANG Showbiz: “We’ve never actually been approached about the Olympics and it’s just rumours at the moment unfortunately but I’d jump at it if we were asked. I’m very excited about the Olympics being here in London. And it’d get me in wouldn’t it because I’ve got no tickets.” The next project for the group is ‘Viva Forever’, the musical based on their songs, and although Mel can’t wait to see it, she admitted she is happy to leave the hard work to producer Judy Kramer and writer Jennifer Saunders. She said: “We’ve left it in the hands of our wonderful producer Judy Kramer and of course Jennifer Saunders. They’re working on the story, we have a new director and it’s just moving along and we’re really excited to get to the casting stages but it’s not going to be ready until sometime next year. “Judy wants us to be involved in casting because she wants us to be happy but we have a lot of faith in her and she’s very experienced in this field.”

imagine not being an actor

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Travolta can’t

t was revealed the ‘Punk’d’ star was joining the comedy TV series as a new character following the departure of Charlie Sheen - who was fired from the show because of his drug taking and turbulent private life - and Cryer, who plays Alan Harper, is delighted with the news. In a statement released by his representative, he said: “I’m jazzed about the news this morning that ‘Two and a Half Men’ is coming back! For all the rest of the cast and crew I’m sure they are equally excited ...

Ashton is an extraordinarily talented guy, and his presence will be an asset to our show. He jokingly added: “We are old friends from our male modeling days, and we’re both looking forward to being judged for our comedic artistr y, as opposed to our exceptional physical beauty.” Despite Cryer’s excitement about his new co-star he also praised Charlie for the work he had done on the series and admitted he would miss him. He said: “I want to express my enormous gratitude to Charlie Sheen for eight great seasons.

I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done together, and I will miss him. But I’m also looking forward to this new beginning.” Despite initially criticizing Ashton’s casting and claiming the show wouldn’t be as successful without him, Charlie has now congratulated the 33-year-old actor for landing his role. Writing to Ashton on twitter, he tweeted: “Winning Congrats to the cast and crew ... CBS & WB! My best to @aplusk !! The show must go on ... You got the right guy! c. (sic)” To which Ashton replied: “2.5 @charliesheen Thank man.

Always been a fan, always will be! BTW you were ‘born big’. (sic)”

I ‘Two and a Half Men’ makes Jon Cryer happy

Kutcher joining

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he 57-year-old star shot to fame in 1977 with his Oscar nominated performance in ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and despite the hard work involved with making movies, he still gets excited about new roles over thirty years later. He told OK magazine: “I can’t imagine ever getting tired of it, I grew up with it. After a while it’s hard work more than it’s a creative thing. I know I’d probably be shot for saying that sometimes, but you have to be there to know it.” One of the reasons John loves to act is to it helps him work off excess energy, and he admitted he gets restless when he’s not working.

He explained: “There’s a bit of a mischievous child in me and it does get me in trouble on sets. But age seems gives people respect for their elders, so you get away with it a little more. “I was a classic child of the ‘60’s, filled with sugar highs and crashes. I was rumbustious and creative and I would channel that energy into performing a lot. “If I am not able to perform, watch out, because I am filled with the spirit of the play.”

—Bang Showbiz

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SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

lifestyle

South Korea pop singer and movie star Jung Ji-Hoon, also known as ‘Rain’ performs during his concert in Macau yesterday.—AP

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Rain

n nine years, Rain has gone from an unknown backup dancer to one of Asia’s hottest stars. The South Korean actor-singer also has two Hollywood movies to his credit. But his thriving entertainment career must be put on hold later this year when he reports for two years of mandatory military duty. It’s a topic the 28-year-old performer doesn’t want to discuss.

In the southern Chinese gambling enclave Macau for the latest stop of what is likely his final Asian tour before military service, Rain made sure the media couldn’t ask him about his imminent break from the entertainment industry. At a

talks music and movies, but not military duty news conference , delayed 2 1/2 hours , before his concert at the Venetian Macao casino-hotel late yesterday, organizers banned questions that were not preapproved by Rain’s managers. Instead of discussing how the break would affect his entertainment career, Rain spoke about Macau and fan reaction around Asia.

He talked about his new movie “Living in the Sky,” in which he plays a pilot, and said he wanted to make more action films and take on romantic roles in TV dramas. Few details of his military duty have been disclosed, but he told South Korean media last month that it would

start at the end of this year.

Managers for the the South Korean star, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, refused an interview request in Macau from The Associated Press.

In his short career, Rain has released five Korean albums and a Japanese record and launched a film and TV career.

He has also crossed over to America, appearing in a “dance-off” against comedian Stephen Colbert and starring in the Hollywood action thrillers “Speed Racer” and “Ninja Assassin.” But Rain thinks his entertainment future lies in Asia. “Now America is no longer dominant. Now many Asian movies and songs are very

popular. The two regions have the same status now,” he said.

Rain’s fans are confident their idol will emerge from the two-year break unscathed.

Several dozen die-hard fans were camped out outside the concert venue six hours before show time. “He is a very hardworking person. Serving in the military will improve his determination. It will make him more manly and more mature.

His career might take a different direction after his military service, but I think he will keep getting better and better,” said 21-year-old university student Zhao Wenwei.

Nick Cannon, Mariah Carey working on new albums N ick Cannon is still recovering from the adrenaline rush of welcoming twins with wife Mariah Carey, but the actor/comedian/rapper is staying busy with a new stand-up special and forthcoming musical album, while Carey is working on a new full-length of her own. “She’s planning on having a record out this year,” said Cannon of Carey, who gave birth to Moroccan Scott Cannon and Monroe Cannon on April 30.

According to Cannon, Carey completed a good amount of recording a few months ago during her pregnancy. “She’s been working away, and we have a studio in the crib, and [the pregnancy] has totally inspired her on so many different levels. You’re definitely gonna see some new phenomenal music from Mariah.”

Before that, Cannon’s latest comedy special, “Mr Showbiz,” will premiere on U.S. cable network Showtime on May 14, while an accompanying album for the special is set for release two days later. Cannon said that the stand-up routine makes mention of

his rumored feud with Eminem, who took a verbal jab at Carey on his “Relapse” album, but the comedian claimed that it’s all in good fun.

“At the end of the day, I don’t think anybody was really mad at anybody,” he said. “I’m in such a beautiful place in my life that I have no need or reason to be upset or mad at anyone I’m not stirring up the beef. If anything, I’m making fun of the beef.”

Cannon plans to follow the standup release with “Mr. Showbiz Sings the Hits,” an album that blends hiphop and comedy and showcases a slew of guest stars. “I got a record with Flo Rida, Snoop, Ice Cube, Wyclef, Cee Lo,” said Cannon. “We got some hilarious songs. It’s kind of bringing the fun back to hip-hop.” Cannon is also finding time to run his NCredible Entertainment management company and assist the career of client Corey Gunz, the New York rapper best known for his appearance on Lil Wayne’s single “6 Foot 7 Foot.”

Cannon has started putting together “Son of a Gun,” a docu-series

that follows the rapper’s ascent to the hip-hop mainstream and focuses on Gunz’s relationship with his father, rapper Peter Gunz. “I really believe Corey Gunz is a genius, and I wanna see his career thrive, so I just kinda rolled up my sleeves and got involved in a way where I wanna see him win,” said Cannon. Of course, Cannon is taking time to embrace the feeling of becoming a new father at the age of 30, although he’s not sure what he’ll do on his first Father’s Day next month.

“I hadn’t really thought about that,” he admitted. “I’m used to catering to my father and my grandfather on that day, so to be a father is going to be weird... I’ll just sleep, [or] have breakfast in bed or something.”—Reuters

Skatalites’ drummer Knibb dies in Jamaica at 80

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loyd Knibb, an influential Jamaican drummer who played with The Skatalites and helped develop the ska beat, has died, his wife said Friday. He was 80. Enid Knibb said her husband died from liver cancer late Thursday. He had been receiving treatment in the US but returned to Jamaica this week, she said.

Knibb’s manager, Ken Stewart, wrote on Facebook on Wednesday that he was accompanying Knibb on the trip back to the Caribbean island.

“I can only hope we make it back so he can enjoy his family and friends and see his homeland one more time,” he wrote.

Knibb was an original member of The Skatalites, a Jamaican ska and reggae band created in 1964. His frenetic style was one of the band’s hallmarks and is best heard on songs including “Guns of Navarone” and “Freedom Sounds.” The Skatalites broke up in the 1960s, but

reunited two decades later in New York.

Two of their albums, “Hip Bop Ska” and “Greetings from Skamania,” were nominated for Grammy awards in the 1990s.

Their music has influenced bands including 311, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and No Doubt. Knibb last performed with The Skatalites in April. “Knibb was simply the most important and influential modern drummer this country produced,” said Herbie Miller, director of the Jamaica Music Museum. “A master percussionist, he contributed to every style of popular and not so popular musical form...As a drummer he established a rhythmic syntax through bold innovative advances.” Knibb is survived by his wife, five children, seven grandchildren and a great grandchild. — AP

“All his fans think that if he is gone for two years, we will not forget him. We will remember him by watching his movies and other past works,” said the Shanghai resident, who shelled out 1,980 Macau patacas ($255) for her ticket. “The two years of military service will help build his endurance,” said Ivy Tang, an 18-year-old university student from the southern Chinese city Guangzhou who traveled to Macau with about 60 fellow members of a Rain discussion group on the Chinese search engine Baidu. — AP

Bob Dylan denies censorship of China shows

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ock legend Bob Dylan took to his website on Friday to dispute accusations he bowed to censorship for his first ever concerts in China last month. Dylan was criticized by Western media and by Human Rights Watch for not performing some of his best-known protest songs on his China tour in April. In a rare online posting, Dylan said Chinese authorities asked for the names of the songs he would play in their country.

Dylan said he sent Chinese officials his set lists from the previous three months of shows. He performed in Beijing on April 6 and Shanghai two days later. “If there were any songs, verses or lines censored, nobody ever told me about it and we played all the songs that we intended to play,” Dylan wrote in the post. Media commentators cited the absence of songs “The Times They Are A-Changin’” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” from Dylan’s China set list as evidence that the counter-culture hero had caved to pressure.

Dylan, who turns 70 this month, said in his Web post that the audience in China, rather than clamoring for his 1960s material, “responded enthusiastically” to music from his last four or five albums. In March, China’s Culture Ministry said in a brief statement that an agreement to have Dylan sing in the country came with the proviso that he perform “the approved content.” China’s censors have been sensitive in the past to subversive political content as well as references to sex, drugs and religion in songs by Western performers.

Dylan did open his China shows with his overtly Christian 1979 song “Gonna Change My Way of Thinking,” from the period soon after Dylan, who was born Jewish, embraced Christianity for a number of years. His China tour also included his hit songs “Like A Rolling Stone,” “All Along the Watchtower” and “Forever Young.” Dylan, who is known as “Baobo Dilun” in China, said on his website that he sold 12,000 tickets for the Beijing show, out of a total of 13,000 seats available. He said that the rest of the tickets were given away to orphanages.

Dylan faced accusations of selling out after appearing in a 2004 Victoria’s Secret commercial and for allowing a Canadian bank to use “The Times They Are A-Changin’” in a 1996 advertisement.—Reuters

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

lifestyle

Nina Ricci opens flagship in Dubai mall fashion

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ina Ricci, the legendary French couture and fashion house opened the doors to its Middle East flagship in Dubai Mall.

Located in Fashion Avenue, this 120 square meter boutique is the first one in the world to unveil the new global retail concept for the brand.

Inspired by Parisian ‘bourgeois’ apartments of the 1940s, the boutique exudes an air of romance and quiet warmth. “We wanted to bring a very obvious Parisian style to the interiors and create the look of an apartment with a comfortable, intimate feel. The essential brand codes: elegance, sophistication, femininity and timeless spirit have been creatively interpreted to craft the store environment” said Peter Copping, Artistic Director of Nina Ricci.

An enfilade design connects the entrance hall with the inner ‘living room’ via an archway with sliding doors that allows cordoning off and pri-

vatizing the space should a guest so desire. The spaces within the boutique are carefully cocooned through the use of heavy beige silk curtains and a homely touch of comfort is created by sofas, silk rugs and low chairs. The Middle East customer’s need for discretion has been taken into special consideration, particularly in the design of the changing rooms which are spacious and private, allowing the clients to immerse in a chic Parisian world.

Concealed cornice lighting creates a gentle wash of warm light while the wall lamps on the pilasters, the spectacular centerpiece chandelier and vintage floor lamps heighten the drama with accent lighting. The brand’s signature colour palette of powdery grey mattes add gentle texture and reinforce the feminine feel of the boutique.

The 18th century style decorative wall frames in rechampi finish, grey parquet flooring in her-

ringbone pattern, full-length old mercury mirrors and vintage furniture enhance the overall retro feel. The “torsade” motif, a hallmark of the brand, is used as a discreet theme to tie all the elements together.

The Spring-Summer collection elegantly hangs on a line of metal rails with distressed gold finish while the small leather goods and jewellery are showcased in 1940s style display cabinets with slender metal frames in gold hammered finish, suspended glass covers and galuchat leather-lined trays. The accessories are presented against wall panels in verre ÈglomisÈ (glass with a matte gold leaf backing) which magically changes tint from champagne to deeper amber depending on the accessory displayed. A perfect tribute to the timeless beauty of Nina Ricci, the brand’s new home in Dubai is all set to woo the fashion elite of the Middle East in more ways than one.

Bourjois intense eye shadow T

he iconic Bourjois eye shadow has been beautifying women for almost 150 years now! The formula is baked using a unique production process developed in 1863, with the eye shadows well protected in their round pots, all offering radiant color, silky textures and unbelievable blending quality. Today, for an even more surprising color result, Bourjois extends its Round Pot range with Intense Eye shadow. Color in its purest state: Bourjois knowhow combined with modern technology Pure pigments With up to 90% mineral pigments, Intense is a genuine concentration of color and light. Precisely selected and measured, these pigments reveal all their wealth and depth at the heart of an exceptional eye shadow.

Dream texture T h e silky texture of Intense Eye s h a d o w allows precise

application with immediate color and intense, even coverage.

Very long-lasting The days of rapidly fading eye makeup is over!

Thanks to its unique formula and baked technology, Bourjois, with Intense, has created an eye shadow that lasts up to 16 hours*!

Good for my eyes The premium formula of Intense has been designed using mineral pigments.

It is hypoallergenic, paraben- and fragrance-free.

Scientifically tested on 100 panellists.

A unique make-up result With Intense the eyes take on pure, intense and deep colour.

In one single application, colour has twice the density of a conventional Bourjois eyeshadow!

Bourjois expertise working for colour The Intense colour range?

A perfect balance between essential everyday make-up shades and fashion forward colours.

High concentration of precisely selected and measured pure pigments and shimmer combine to create incredibly rich colours.

10 exclusive shades have been created!

Light colours boosted by the shimmer effect Saturated, intensely coloured shades Dark, intense and velvety shades

Essential shades To light up or sculpt the eyes: * 01 a golden beige, * 02 a honey, * 03 a fresh pink, * 09 a mocha brown, * 10 a charcoal black “Fashion” shades For intensely fashionable make-up: * 04 a purple, * 05 a dark green, * 06 a petrol blue, * 07 a verdigris, * 08 a sienna brown.

Sleek pot design The design of Intense offers the same unique touches of the original Round Pot: its feminine curves, its builtin mirror and colour coded packaging.

Because eyeshadow extract is rare, the volume of this new round pot is ultra-slim, with a sleek designer look.

Its new magnet opening/closing system and understated graphics make it a modern classic.

A little surprise inside: a make-up tip is given on the instructions sheet!

New style applicator A professional double tipped applicator specially designed for baked make-up On one side is a foam applicator to glide under the roots of the lashes like an eyeliner. It can be used with wet or dry eyeshadow and/or used to apply the eyeshadow over the upper eyelid.

On the other side, a brush applicator to work and blend eyeshadow perfectly, up to the brow if necessary.

A simple yet professional result!

The Double Tipped Professional Applicator is sold separately, with its own instruction leaflet.

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

lifestyle

A woman enjoys her spa treatment “Boulbaba”, one of the most famous beauty centres in Tunis, on May 13, 2011.

A woman gets a facial massage at “Boulbaba”, one of the most famous beauty centres in Tunis, on May 13, 2011. —AFP

under curfew in Tunis

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flash blow wave but no time for a wash, a quick eyebrow shaping, rushed facials or a hurried massage: anxious women dart in and out of Tunis’ beauty salons before the nightly curfew descends. Used to staying open until 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm to doll up clients for parties or late-night weddings, the salons now empty out early as everyone rushes to get home before an overnight curfew covers the capital in silence.

Salon owners say business is down, supplies are short and people are holding off weddingsa steady source of income in calmer times.

The week-old curfew was imposed after several days of fresh unrest between pro-democracy protesters and government forces in and around the capital, triggering a new round of stress for many. “As soon as I hear noises on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, I close the curtains of the salon,” moaned Imed, owner of a down-

town beauty salon whose tension showed in the dark shadows under his eyes.

Habib Bourguiba Avenue was the epicentre of both the unrest in December and January that toppled long-time president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and kicked off pro-democracy revolts around the Arab world, and last week’s troubles. Typical of many working women rushing in after their jobs, a Tunisian journalist asked for “just a quick styling” because she’s “really busy”, before dashing back into the street lined with rotting garbage thanks to a new strike by municipal workers.

Elegantly dressed 50-something Souha said she comes to Imed’s to “clear my head” of the country’s troubles. “Despite the stress and the curfew, I steal a few happy moments to make myself pretty-and because I do not want my husband to look elsewhere,” she said. A young, veiled employee sitting under photographs of

short-haired women on the walls of the sparse salon obsessively consulted Facebook, explaining she was “following the situation” in the country.

‘Many weddings postponed’- Another worker repeatedly phoned her husband to remind him to fetch her before the curfew-declared May 7 from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am for an indeterminate period-”for fear of being detained”.

Owner Imed groaned that the new unrest has left him short on beauty supplies. “Once again I do not have all the products that I need.” In another salon, aesthetician Zeyneba Aich said her clients are still coming in for facials, manicures and pedicures but want it “faster ”.

“They’re all telling me “quick, quick, I want to get home before the curfew’,” she said. In a salon on the outskirts of Tunis, hairdresser Latifa said her clients had also upped the pressure, all demanding “only quick blow waves”.

“The women are afraid of being detained, of being robbed,” if they are caught out after the curfew, she said, adding she too was scared.

Other beauticians complain they’ve lost clients, like salon owner Maryam who said her business has halved since the cur few was imposed. “The staff live far away and I cannot keep them late,” she said. “The young women do not come for make-up anymore because they no longer have evening parties.

“Many weddings have been postponed,” she added. “We could be busy on two or three weddings a day because we could stay open late, but now every bride wants to be ready by 2:00 pm at the latest.” In Tunisia, weddings are often held between 9:00 pm and midnight. The upshot has seen some women returning to traditional, less costly beauty rituals at home, like using olive oil as a hair treatment or fig sap mixed with rose water as a face mask. — AFP

James Durbin stunned by ‘American Idol’ exit

“A

merican Idol” rocker James Durbin admitted on Friday that he was blindsided by his ouster from the TV singing contest because he had always previously won the support of the audience. The 22 year-old metal singer told journalists he had been expecting to reach the final three of the competition and was proud of his performances on this week’s show. “I’m not going to lie. I definitely was (blindsided),” Durbin said. “It was rough. It was a rough night. I wasn’t expecting it. Because of that it caught me off guard.”

“Wednesday, I had two of my best performances of my entire life....I was really proud of myself and really excited to see what was next and go home for that Top Three. But not every thing works out the way you expect it,” he said. Durbin, who has Tourette and Asperger’s syndrome, was in tears on Thursday’s live show when told he was out of the contest. He had made a name for himself on America’s most-watched TV show with a series of hard rock performances, often against the advice of in-house mentor, record executive Jimmy Iovine.

His shock departure left 17-year-old country singer Scotty McCreery, pop/country singer Lauren Alaina, 16, and Haley Reinhart, 20, to compete for a place in the May 24 finale. “Winning would have been just great...The first instinct when you are up there and (host) Ryan Seacrest says you are going home is...I wanted to win so badly and it feels like I’ve failed,” Durbin said.

But Durbin, who auditioned for the show to give his girlfriend and two year-old son a better financial footing, said he no longer felt so despondent.

“Thinking about it, I haven’t failed at all. This is just the beginning....We couldn’t afford diapers. I don’t think I’m going to have to worry about affording diapers now,” he said. —Reuters

Actor Johnny Depp poses during a press conference for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides at the 64th international film festival, in Cannes, southern France yesterday. —AP

Depp ready to keep sailing as ‘Pirates’ Captain Jack J

ohnny Depp said yesterday there was still plenty of life in Captain Jack Sparrow and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise for future sequels after its fourth instalment premiered at Cannes. Depp said as long as the screenplays keep coming and his kids keep laughing at his rock-and-roll swashbuckler, he has no plans to lay down his sword.

“With Captain Jack I feel like there’s much more to be had, much more fun to be had,” the 47-year-old US actor said. “As long as the stories, the scripts are great and you have directors like Rob Marshall we’ll be in good shape,” referring to the man at the helm of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”.

“If you’re surrounded by such a creative force, I think

the possibilities are endless,” he said. “As long as the people want to see it, I’m there.” Depp said Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who has a cameo role as Sparrow’s father in the film, and the amorous French skunk of Loony Tunes cartoons Pepe Le Pew continued to provide the inspiration for Jack. “I started out secretly testing characters on (my kids) to see how their reactions would be,” he said.

“With my daughter we’d be playing Barbies and I’d try out these voices on her and she just say ‘stop’,” he joked.

“They came to see the movie and I can tell by their reaction if I did alright. I haven’t been fired by my kids.” He said that although the four “Pirates” movies had been a global box office juggernaut with $2.6 billion (1.8 billion

euros) in ticket sales, studio executives had found Depp’s take on the swashbuckler strange at the start. “In terms of what I was bringing to the table character-wise, let’s say there wasn’t a group of Disney upper echelon people who had any enthusiasm for it-they almost subtitled me,” he said. Asked whether he was nervous about critical reaction, Depp gave a rakish smile. “I’ve always feared the critics,” he deadpanned. “They really scare me.” He said the cast, which includes for the first time Spanish Oscar winner Penelope Cruz, had worked hard not to lose the spark of the early films.

“We went out of our way to deliver something fresh.

We sculpted it for the people with them in mind,” he said.

“So if they don’t like it its their own fault,” he joked. —AFP

James Durbin stunned by ‘American Idol’ exit SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

39

A frog specimen is displayed at the booth of Iori Tomita’s “New World Transparent Specimen”, as part of biannual Design Festa international art event in Tokyo, Japan yesterday. Tomita’s colorful ornaments, such as flounder, frog, and mouse, are made by the methods of dyeing bones magenta and cartilages blue. —AP

Mary Tyler Moore recovering nicely after surgery

US

A Great Britain fan poses with a Germany fan outside the Fortuna Arena one day before the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Duesseldorf, western Germany, on May 13, 2011. The final of the 56th Eurovision Song Contest took place yesterday.— AFP

Fans get ready for Eurovision F

ans from all around Europe invaded the German city of Duesseldorf yesterday ahead of the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest, Europe’s annual pop extravaganza. “It’s great-the atmosphere, the kitsch, the whole thing. It’s a big party,” said Els Mahieu, 34, who has travelled from Belgium for the evening contest, watched by tens of millions on TV in Europe and beyond.

“I’ve been watching (Eurovision) since I was small,” said Jean-Pierre Perez, one of a group of 130 diehard French fans to have made the trip to Duesseldorf hoping to see their candidate win. “I think this year is the one.”Europeans have few reasons for cheer at the moment, but this evening from 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) they will put their feet up, turn on the television and let their hair down for Eurovision, as they have done for decades.

Often cringe worthy but always watchable, the contest is a cherished institution, with 43 nations-including some from outside Europecompeting, then whittled down to 25 for the grand final. “It’s amazing. This competition brings Europe together and brings countries together. This is what I went into music for,” said Lee Ryan, 27, a member of this year’s British

entry, newly reformed boy band Blue. “It’s a big holiday, a big holiday for everyone in Europe, with such great singers and beautiful songs. The Eurovision is unique,” Ukraine’s Mika Newton, 25, hoping to secure her country’s second victory, told AFP. Europe’s favorite TV show, and one of the longest-running, is now broadcast not only in Europe, but also in Australia, Canada, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Jordan, Korea, New Zealand and the United States, even though they do not participate. Viewers at home and juries from each of the countries vote for their favorite song. The country of the winner, announced at around midnight (2200 GMT), gets to host the competition the following year, which is why the 2011 contest is in Germany.

This can lead to problems, however, as when in 1998 Israeli transsexual Dana International won, riling the country’s ultra-Orthodox community, who then had to contend with the 1999 contest taking place in the holy city of Jerusalem. Despite Europe’s linguistic diversity, most perform in English, and songs in the language of Shakespeare have won 22 times.

French songs have won 14 times, Dutch and Hebrew songs three times each. Norway’s 2011 entry is partly in Swahili. This year, the song

tipped as the favourite is in Corsican-for only the second time in Eurovision history-with Amaury Vassili, 21, hoping to win France’s first victory in more than 30 years.

“The language is very close to Italian,” the tenor told AFP. “There is the same fluidity for singing. And it has a romantic side that is very like Italian.” But he faces some tough competition, not least from spiky-haired Irish twins Jedward and their song “Lipstick”, Azerbaijan’s duo of Ell and Nikki, Britain’s Blue and Estonia’s Getter Jaani, a winner of the “Estonia’s Got Talent” TV show. A number from Zdob si Zbub, a group of lively Moldovans in pointy hats- they say they are “cosmic antennae”-is also a strong contender, as are songs by Iceland’s Sjonni’s Friends and from Italian crooner Raphael Gualazzi. But Germany’s homegrown Lena could write history as the 19-year-old tries to become the first ever person to win two Eurovisions in a row, although “Taken by a Stranger” lacks the quirky catchiness of 2010’s winning “Satellite.”

Eurovision “is not serious. It’s happy, you know. I think we have to enjoy it,” Lena said. “Maybe the rest of the world can watch it and do something like we do, can do a Worldvision. All countries just having fun.” — AFP

actress Mary Tyler Moore had a four-hour brain operation to remove a benign tumor and is “recovering nicely”, her spokeswoman said on Friday. The beloved actress, 74, had elective surgery to remove what is known as a meningioma, or benign tumor of the lining tissue of her brain. She had previously lived with the condition for years.

“Mary Tyler Moore underwent a four hour procedure...The tumor was resected in its entirety and she will require no additional treatment,” Moore’s spokeswoman said in a statement.

“According to her surgeon, she tolerated the procedure without difficulty and is recovering nicely with her husband at her bedside,” the statement said.

It did not say when or where the surgery took place. Moore is best known for her role as the perky 1960s housewife of comedian Dick Van Dyke in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and as the liberated single working woman in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in the 1970s.

She was also Oscar-nominated for her performance as an icy mother struggling to connect with her son in the 1980 movie “Ordinary People”. Moore was seen on the daytime TV talk show “Rachel Ray” on Thursday in a pre-taped appearance, chatting and laughing with Van Dyke who is promoting his recent autobiography. Meningioma is a tumor that arises in the membranes surrounding the brain and are usually non-cancerous, according to the Mayo Clinic. They occur mostly in older women and can exist for years without showing significant symptoms.—Reuters

In this July 11, 2009 file photo, actress Mary Tyler Moore attends Broadway Barks 11 in New York. A representative for Mary Tyler Moore says the veteran sitcom star is “recovering nicely” after surgery to remove a benign tumor on the lining of her brain.—AP