31 May

ON IP TI SC R SU B

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Obama picks warrior-scholar for top US military job

Germany to abandon nuke power by 2022

40 PAGES

NO: 15105

150 FILS

10

www.kuwaittimes.net

JAMADI ALTHANI 28, 1432 AH

Nadal into last eight, Djokovic gets pass

Cambodia king seen as a ‘prisoner’ in his palace

15

9

20

Yemeni forces kill 21 as Taiz sit-in smashed Warplanes bomb Islamists who seized town

Kuwait firms told to spin off lending KUWAIT: Kuwaiti investment firms will need separate licences to operate their lending and investment businesses as the central bank eliminates regulatory overlap with the newly formed Capital Markets Authority. The decision was in a central bank circular sent to investment firms last week and seen by Reuters. The move is part of the Gulf Arab state’s efforts to better regulate its financial markets and boost transparency and governance among investment firms.

“The Central Bank of Kuwait requests from investment firms to review their positions, assets and activities, and look into the possibility of fixing their positions, so that it is supervised by only one of the two parties (central bank or Capital Markets Authority),” the central bank governor said in the circular. Firms that choose to operate in financing will be regulated by the central bank, while those in investments and asset management will be regulated by the CMA, Sheikh Salem Abdul Aziz alSabah said in the document.

Firms that want to work in both fields will need to choose a primary activity for the existing company and obtain a new licence for the other one. In such cases, firms will be regulated by both the central bank and the markets authority. The CMA, which was set up through a bill last year and came into effect in March, is Kuwait’s first ever market Continued on Page 13

LONDON: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah playfully aims a rifle at the Sabahiya Palace yesterday after undergoing routine medical tests which were successful, an official statement said. The Amir would stay in Britain for a few days on a private visit, KUNA reported. Sheikh Sabah left for Britain last week to undergo the tests. — KUNA

14 dead in Germany as cucumber crisis grows Spain hotly denies blame BRUSSELS: Europeans traded blame yesterday over the source of a mysterious bacterial outbreak that has killed 14 people and sickened hundreds across the continent and forced Russia to ban imports of some fresh vegetables from Spain and Germany out of fear they could be contaminated.

Austrian authorities sent inspectors to supermarkets yesterday to make sure Spanish vegetables suspected of contamination have been taken off shelves, while in Italy the country’s paramilitary Carabinieri has been on the lookout since Saturday for suspected contaminated imports from Spain, the Netherlands and other European countries.

Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, a European Union spokeswoman, said German authorities had identified cucumbers from the Spanish cities of Almeira and Malaga as possible sources of contamination and that a third suspect batch, originating either in the Netherlands or in Denmark and traded in Germany, is also under investigation. In Germany, which has recorded the most infections and all known deaths, officials said they know that at least some Spanish cucumbers tainted with enterohaemorrhagic E.coli, also known as EHEC, have carried the bacteria, although they still have not been able to deter- MALAGA, Spain: A market seller speaks on his cell phone behind mine the exact source. a display of cucumbers and other vegetables in southern Spain Continued on Page 13 yesterday. — AP

Blatter insists no FIFA crisis ZURICH: In the face of FIFA’s worst scandal when they queried his 13-year rule. “You in its 107-year history, a seething Sepp are not in a bazaar here, you are in the FIFA Blatter denied it is in crisis house,” Blatter scolded one yesterday as he moved closheckling reporter. Blatter ender to a fourth presidential ed another turbulent day for term as head of the world’s world football’s governing most popular sport. With his body by vowing to restore only challenger, Mohamed order to FIFA, and dismissed bin Hammam of Qatar, proevidence that FIFA’s second in visionally suspended along command had suggested with FIFA vice president Jack Qatar “bought” the right to Warner due to bribery allehost the 2022 World Cup. gations, Blatter said the two It came a day after bin had done “great damage” to Hammam and Warner were football as the scandal sidelined by an ethics comspread to the awarding of mittee over allegations that the 2022 World Cup to Caribbean football leaders Sepp Blatter Qatar. were paid $40,000 each to During an impromptu news conference back bin Hammam’s now-abandoned at an overcrowded FIFA headquarters presidential bid. “Crisis? What is a crisis? ahead of tomorrow’s election, an intense Football is not in a crisis,” Blatter said durBlatter gave staccato answers to difficult ing a spirited and sometimes raucous questions and lectured journalists to news conference. behave with “respect” and “elegance” Continued on Page 13

in the

news

Diplomat leaves Cairo CAIRO: An Iranian diplomat whom Egypt briefly detained and questioned on suspicion of spying left Cairo yesterday, Egypt’s official news agency MENA reported. Qassem Hosseini was accused of spying for Iran with the intention of harming Egypt’s interests but was released when his diplomatic status was confirmed. “This issue was a misunderstanding that has been resolved now,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi was quoted as saying by state television.

Woman driver released DUBAI: A Saudi woman detained for defying the ultraconservative kingdom’s ban on female drivers was released yesterday after growing international pressure for her freedom, a rights activist said. The 32-year-old woman, Manal Al-Sharif, became the center of a growing Internet campaign that also served to draw attention to plans for a June 17 rally calling for a mass driving protest to challenge the restriction. The Saudi activist, Waleed Aboul Khair, credited Al-Sherif’s release on “pressure from inside and outside”. Aboul Khair said Sharif signed an agreement not to attempt to drive again or speak to reporters.

Max 46 Min 27 Low Tide 05:12 & 18:29 High Tide 00:22 & 22:40

SANAA: Forces loyal to Yemen’s embattled president killed 21 protesters as they crushed a sit-in demonstration in Taiz, an organiser said yesterday, as suspected AlQaeda gunmen killed six soldiers in the south. Security service agents backed by army and Republican Guards stormed the protest against President Ali Abdullah Saleh in the city’s Freedom Square, shooting at demonstrators and setting fire to their tents, protesters said. “At least 20 protesters have been killed,” one protest organiser said. Another protester was killed when police and Republican Guards opened fire later yesterday to prevent dozens of demonstrators from returning to the square, a protester said. The four-month-old sit-in in Taiz, south of Sanaa, was the longest-running protest against Saleh’s rule.

Troops backed by tanks also stormed a field hospital and detained 37 of the wounded receiving treatment there, among hundreds rounded up as security forces pursued the protesters into nearby streets, medics and organisers said. “This was a massacre. The situation is miserable. They have dragged the wounded off to detention centres from the streets,” activist Bushra AlMaqtari told AFP. Protesters said the square had been entirely cleared in Sunday’s raid, while security forces stormed a nearby hotel and arrested several journalists.

“Most of the wounded were hit by live bullets, but some were run over by bulldozers,” a medical source said from a field hospital.

The Common Forum opposition coalition condemned the “crimes against humanity” committed by Saleh’s “remaining military and security forces and armed militias”. It warned the veteran president he would be “held personally responsible for his continued crimes against the people.” The clashes erupted late on Sunday outside a police station near the Freedom Square protest site as around 3,000 people gathered to demand the release of a detained protester.

Continued on Page 13

Grilling of PM, Sheikh Ahmad expected today

By B Izzak KUWAIT: The National Assembly is due to debate the grillings of the prime minister and his deputy Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah today, but it remains unclear if the two senior ruling family members are prepared to face the questioning or ask for a delay. The constitutional court meanwhile yesterday held its first hearing in the case to interpret a previous grilling against the prime minister which was referred by the government over suspicion it breaches the constitution. After hearing arguments from lawyers representing the Assembly and the government, the court decided to hold the next hearing on June 19 to enable lawyers to prepare their final defense arguments.

Regarding the grillings today, the Cabinet decided on Sunday to leave it to the concerned ministers to decide what they should do regarding the

grillings, whether to face the debate or ask for a delay. But until late yesterday, there was no clue on what Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah or deputy premier and state minister for housing and development Sheikh Ahmad will do.

The two officials can ask for a twoweek delay but this has to be approved by the Assembly in a vote. They can also demand the grillings be referred to the constitutional court or the Assembly’s legal and legislative committee to decide on their legality and request a delay of the debate for up to one year.

The grilling of Sheikh Ahmad, which was filed by MPs Adel Al-Saraawi and Marzouk Al-Ghanem of the National Action Bloc, will be debated first because it was filed before that of the prime minister. Sheikh Ahmad has not revealed whether he will go ahead with the debate or ask for a delay, but Continued on Page 13

Zuma in Libya as officers defect NATO eyes endgame TRIPOLI: South African President Jacob Zuma arrived yesterday in Libya for talks on ending the conflict as NATO said Muammar Gaddafi’s “reign of terror” was nearing its end and top military officers deserted him. In Rome, five generals, two colonels and a major announced they had defected from Gaddafi’s forces - and also said the regime’s army was now at 20-percent capacity. Abdel Rahman Shalgham, a former foreign minister who was Tripoli’s UN representative before switching sides, said: “These officers are among 120 who left Gaddafi and Libya over the last few days.” “We hope more will join us and the Libyan people, and leave the side of this despot and criminal,” he said.

An AFP correspondent reported that Zuma arrived at Gaddafi’s Bab Al-Aziziya

compound in Tripoli, a regular target of NATO air strikes, at 1400 GMT, but it was unclear whether the Libyan strongman was inside, although his guards were present. Zuma emerged two hours later, did not make any statement, and it was not immediately known if he had met Gaddafi or where he was going next. He was greeted earlier at the airport by Gaddafi’s prime minister, Baghdadi AlMahmudi, shortly after state media said NATO-led air strikes on the town of Zliten, west of the rebel-held city of Misrata, had killed 11 people.

The South African presidency said Zuma is seeking an immediate ceasefire, to boost humanitarian aid and bring about the reforms needed to eliminate the cause of the conflict which erupted Continued on Page 13

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

LOCAL

Local Spotlight

Visa transfer Mystery

By Muna Al-Fuzai

muna@kuwaittimes.net

I

hope this article will not be perceived as an insult to domestic workers. I believe every job is dignified, regardless of its prestige. It helps you support yourself and your dependants. No job is lowly, and should never be undermined. When the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) issued a regulation permitting domestic workers to transfer their visas with the private sector, many were surprised.

The Ministry believes that the decision will allow the transfer of residence permits provided certain conditions and terms are met. Not every other person can benefit from the regulation.

The issue here is that even if domestic workers want to change their sponsor, they still need the previous sponsor’s approval and will be able to survive only then. Any transfer can be made only among sponsor’s first-degree relatives! What kind of a condition is that? If a domestic worker who holds a university degree is not content with her sponsor because of delayed salary payments, and decides to seek job with the private sector, they still need to serve the sponsor or first degree relatives! Is this a joke?

I think this ‘decision’ will be made use of by those who come to the country under the domestic worker visa and then transfer them to obtain work permits with the private sector. However, only the same sponsor or first degree relatives can sponsor him or her!

I fail to understand such regulations. Was this solution devised to let expats obtain work permits?

Then, let it remain that way. Why should people be recruited from distant countries for meager wages so that the sponsor can impose restriction on this individual?

Finally , even if this regulation helps organize the local labor market, it still leaves the worker at the mercy of the same sponsor, even if he or she wants to step out of the house to the office!

Changing a work location is not in any way linked to the nature of the job performed. I think it is time to stop labeling the ‘sponsorship’ system using different names, even if the content is the same. The work permit system should be abolished. This is so that skilled workers seeking employment in Kuwait be allowed to come here, choose and decide their careers.

I want to end this article today by asking a question: How many sponsors have actually allowed domestic workers to transfer their visas from Article 20 to 18?

Ten MRSA cases in Adan hospital: health report KUWAIT: A confidential health ministry report seen by a local paper indicates that ten patients at Adan Hospital have been infected with the potentially fatal bacterial infection MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in recent months. The outbreak is the worst seen to date in any of Kuwait’s hospitals.

Five of the cases were diagnosed last December and the remaining five the following month, with all those diagnosed currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Emergency meetings have reportedly been taking place among senior hospital personnel to resolve the situation and limit the spread of the bacteria.

Once diagnosed, MRSA, labeled the flesh-eating bug, is notoriously difficult to treat, with the bacterial infection capable of surviving antibiotics and proving particularly dangerous to patients with weak immune systems. The bacteria are believed to have first become established in the ICU due to a serious shortage of cleaning and nursing staff there.

The report called for increasing the numbers of nursing and cleaning staff, increasing hygiene levels and providing more regular and thorough cleaning to a high standard for all areas of the hospital.

LONDON: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah left hospital yesterday after completing regular health tests and checkups and upon receiving good reports.

Aspiring to Arab authenticity - branding

By Lisa Conrad KUWAIT: Branding consultancy Zaman has launched a campaign to find the Middle East’s ‘100 Most Authentic Arab Brands.’ Paying homage to homegrown brands, the campaign is interactive and allows consumers to decide who they think deserves to be chosen as an ‘authentic’ Arab company.

Zaman’s founder and CEO, Grace Yacoub, told the Kuwait Times that the campaign “is a celebration of Arab brands that are fulfilling their brand promise as voted by their consumers. Hence a real ‘people’s choice award’”. Voters worldwide have the chance to give their input, but how were nominees chosen?

The popularity of brands is often based on reputation and word of mouth, so it seems fair enough that Zaman sourced its nominees based on their standing.

Grace explained: “Our aim was to cover as many disciplines as we can and at the same time appeal to a large number of voters. We looked at brands we knew by experience or had heard of and then researched them more by looking at how they communicate, what people say about them, and by talking to them.”

What makes a brand ‘Authentically Arab,’ however?

Defining authenticity is quite a task, but defining what makes something ‘Arab’ - or any ethnicity for that matter - takes ambiguity to another level. Islam Inshassi, founder of leading digital media solutions company, Knockbook, says: “An issue with success is that you can forget where you came from, who you are. In the Middle East, we have plenty of issues and causes that we should be keeping in mind, especially when we’re in a better situation to help.”

So does a company’s ‘Arab-ness’ depend on how it helps others with less? “Arabs are known for their generosity and hospitality,” said Islam. “Does helping out others make your brand more authentic in this case? Maybe that’s one way to look at it. It’s all relative. But nowadays there are so many ways to give back. We’re about to launch a blog concentrated on giving a voice to Palestinians who would otherwise go unheard, who would just be seen as statistics. We’re professionals in social media, so why not?”

But does aspiring to an “Authentically Arab” brand run the risk of the company portraying a cliched, stereotypical image of ‘Arabness’? According to Grace, it doesn’t: “Brands should not be in pursuit of ‘tr ying’ to portray authenticity,” she insisted. “Brands

that are looking to stay in business should be: 1) devising ways to create differentiators; 2) in constant pursuit of offering their target customers the best service or product; 3) growing their business base organically. That’s what being authentic is about. It’s not an abstract concept. It just translates to return on investment. Simple.”

And in terms of cultural alignment? Islam suggests: “Aligning your company with a specific culture can be beneficial. For example IKEA promoting its Swedish origin or Sony being a symbol of the technological flair that is so often associated with Japan. Alignment is ok as long as your products or services actually follow suit. If you meet your claims, you have brand trust, which is priceless.”

The current leader of Zaman’s campaign is Animals Lebanon, an NGO promoting the protection of animals through legislation and education, which has garnered nearly 1,300 votes. Lebanese-based and Lebanese-run, the animal rights group, as the name suggests, promotes the protection of animals living in Lebanon. Readers wanting to take part in the campaign can submit their own votes at: www.100authenticarabrands.com.

The competition ends on June 9th, when the winners will be announced.

Ministry to hire Egyptian, Tunisian teachers KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education (MoE) will send teams to both Egypt and Tunisia to hire teachers in Kuwait starting next academic year (2011/2012).

The announcement was made by Undersecretary Tamadher Al-Sadairawi, after holding a meeting with the Egyptian delegation headed by Mohammad Abdulhakam, Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs. They also discussed the subject to raise salaries of non-Kuwaiti teachers in public schools, reported Al-Rai. The Education Ministry has been hiring teachers from Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Jordan every summer as part of the preparation made for the new year. The public revolu-

tions that led to the ouster of the regimes in both North African nations had stalled the MoE’s plans. The ministry had earlier announced that it will not recruit teachers from Egypt and Tunisia this year, reported Al-Rai. It has been speculated that the ministry will hire more teachers from Jordan and Syria, as well as from Kuwait.

Separately, Fahd Al-Ghais, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education announced that KD 2.8 million has been paid to owners of kindergartens and nursery schools, reported Al-Qabas. This was held as compensation for financial losses suffered when the ministry suspended the school for two years.

GCC cell call prices to be unified KUWAIT: GCC telecommunications ministries are reportedly set to introduce an integrated fixed price roaming mobile service tariff across the Gulf states within the next few days.

A GCC insider explained that the supranational body has already begun contacting telecom providers across the region to ensure that the system is put into opera-

tion as quickly as possible.

Another plan, intended to reduce the prices of long distance calls for phone users in GCC member states, has been submitted to specialists for further study. The GCC insider said that any such decision would not be binding unless it were endorsed by all the GCC member states’ telecommunications ministers. — Al-Jarida

News

in brief

Companies penalized for non-cooperation KUWAIT: At least 15 companies now face heavy penalties, including a prison term of six months and a KD 100 fine for failing to cooperate with the state’s Central Statistical Office. According to an official, the companies in question provided inaccurate information on the number of staff members. This is mostly owing to the fact that some of the employees did not transfer their residence permits with the said companies, a violation of the state’s labor regulations, reported Al-Qabas. In a recent meeting, the Supreme Statistical Commission (SSC) requested that the Central Statistical Office (CSO) to provide complete data of the blacklisted.

Three arrested on protest charges KUWAIT: Police have detained three Kuwaiti citizens who allegedly ripped up pictures of Kuwait’s Prime Minister and its National Assembly Speaker during a protest last Friday. The three citizens accused of tearing up the pictures of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed AlSabah and Jassem Al-Khorafi are currently undergoing questioning. According to legal experts, the three accused may face charges of public delinquency, with the maximum penalty being two years’ imprisonment.

New court to resolve labor disputes KUWAIT: A special court will be established to resolve employee-sponsor disputes, in collaboration with the Justice Ministry. Mohammed Al-Kandari, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) made the relevant announcement. He was speaking to reporters after receiving the Egyptian ambassador to Kuwait, Taher Ahmed Farahat. Al-Kandari stressed that the ministry was doing its best to secure laborers’ rights, reported Aljarida. He explained that they will be paid backdated salaries from the deposit money put in by respective sponsors, provided the amount does not exceed KD 1,000.

PAYS budget suspended?

KUWAIT: During their meeting to be convened next Sunday, the Parliament’s budget committee will take a decision and suspend the Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS) budget. According to officials, the decision was taken after Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, Acting Director of PAYS failed to attend previous meetings, reported Al-Rai.

y

A

3

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

local

Filipina murder suspect claims ‘self-defense’ Embassy ‘on top of the case’

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Filipina housemaid Mona Ali Mohammad, 34, has confessed to ‘accidentally’ killing an Indian co-worker on May 24, claiming that she was acting in self-defense. The news was relayed to the Kuwait Times yesterday by the head of the Philippine Embassy’s Assistance to National Unit (ANU), Dalidig Ibrahim Tanandato.

Tanandato was allowed to talk to the murder suspect at Sulaibiya Police Station on Saturday. Earlier reports had incorrectly suggested that a Filipina had murdered a compatriot over a previous dispute between them.

“Sad to say the suspect is a Filipina who murdered her Indian co-worker in self-defense,” Tanandato said. “I was able to talk to her on Saturday and she told me that the murder was not premeditated. She was planning to tie up her co-worker with a rope which she had prepared before the murder. She said she never intended to kill her Indian colleague,” Tanandato said.

The senior diplomatic employee explained that the feud

between the two housemaids began when the Indian housemaid refused to allow the Filipina to play a DVD of Quranic verses, although she had often played it previously. The Indian housemaid was apparently annoyed by the daily Quranic recital, with the disagreement over the matter leading to bitter arguments.

On May 24, the victim allegedly berated her colleague once again for replaying the DVD. At 8:00 AM, while her colleague was still asleep, Mona fetched the rope and finally realized her plan to tie her colleague up. Realizing that her victim was far bigger and stronger than her, however, Mona said that she felt that she might need to subdue the other

woman further. At this point, she fetched her knife and repeatedly stabbed the victim, leading to the woman’s death.

“Based on her story, the knife she used was there in her bed because she had kept it purposely to peel and slice fruits which she usually ate before going to bed,” said the diplomat, quoting the suspect. Mona repeatedly asserted that she did not intend to kill anybody and that she acted in self-defense and in defense of her Islamic faith and her honor. “The co-worker would repeatedly call her a prostitute, which added to her rage,” Tanandato said.

The Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Shulan Primavera noted that the moment he heard about

the tragic incident he immediately tasked his officers at the ANU to look into the Filipina’s case.

“Our officers, led by Tanandato and Halim Langco, were able to contact and talk to the Filipina murder suspect,” he told the Kuwait Times. “At this time, the embassy is on top of the case and we will do our best to assist, including retaining the services of a lawyer.”

Mona arrived in Kuwait in 2003 and was transferred a few times to several sponsors until finding her current position in 2008. Her Indian co-worker [the victim] who was an adherent of another religion, arrived in the same sponsor ’s household in 2010. Mona is a native of Cotabato City in the Philippines.

Ministers facing grilling free to choose legal means KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Dr. Mohammad AlAfasi, said yesterday that a cabinet member who might face grilling by MPs was free to choose the necessary legal or constitutional means, or take the floor to answer questions.

“A minister can seek help from his consultants or the concerned parliamentary committees to verify the legality of the items of a grilling,” Al-Afasi said.

He made the comments after attending a meeting by the National Assembly (parlia-

KUWAIT: The Ambassador of Nepal Madhuban Paudel hosted a reception at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sunday on the occasion of his country’s Republic Day. High-ranking officials, diplomats and a cross section of Nepal’s community attended the reception. —Photos by Joseph Shagra

‘More environmental monitoring needed’ KUWAIT: The State Audit Bureau has served notices to the Environment Public Authority(EPA) along with other environmental organizations, asking them to create programs to monitor all subjects pertinent with the country’s environmental situation.

Officials said that the Bureau has been preparing detailed reports on the assessment of environmental impact projects.

These will be carried out during the second year of the state’s development plan.

“The SAB took notes on environmental problems that need radical solutions,

including the disposal of liquid waste into the sea and the unsuitable location of solid waste landfills,” they added.

Separately, Mohammad Al-Enizi, Head of the Industrial Environment Department and inspection teams leader at the EPA announced that the ban imposed on swimming and fishing along the coast - from Al-Messila to Al-Bida, is still in effect. The ban was imposed following the Mishref sewage plant malfunction that took place two years ago. It resulted in sewage being dumped into the Arabian Gulf instead. —Al-Rai

Arab League delegates meet on Palestinian cause CAIRO: Permanent Arab League delegates are set to hold a meeting today (Tuesday) headed by Oman’s delegate Sheikh Khalifa Bin Ali Al-Harthi, to discuss the Palestinian cause.

Speaking to the media yesterday, Ambassador Ahmed Bin Helli, the Arab League’s Deputy Secretary-General, said that the meeting aims to discuss the creation of an Arab higher committee, to be headed by Egypt, which will work towards the implementation of the provisions of the Palestinian reconciliation

agreement, in which the formation of the committee was agreed upon.

The meeting will also discuss Arab financial aid to the Palestinian Authority and to the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem.

The last meeting of Arab foreign ministers saw the permanent delegates charged with following up the implementation of the Arab Summit resolution on extending aid worth $660 million a year to the Palestinian Authority in monthly installments of $55 million. —KUNA

ABUJA: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s envoy, advisor at Amiri Diwan Mohammad Abul-Hasan met Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan yesterday. During the meeting, the Kuwaiti envoy delivered a letter from HH the Amir to the Nigerian leader.

ment) committee on negative phenomena.

“If there is any ambiguity, the minister can seek a legal advice from the Constitutional Cour t or the National Assembly’s committee on legislative and legal affairs.

“The cabinet made it clear that any minister is fully responsible for the way of handling any grilling and has to bear the consequences of their own decisions,” Al-Afasi asserted.

Asked about the draft cooperatives act, the minister said the government intro-

duced no changes to the draft and still backs the blueprint unanimously agreed up by the government and the parliamentary committee on social and health affairs. “ The draf t is on the agenda of the National Assembly and could be brought to parliamentary vote in the second reading next week,” he revealed.

Al-Afasi added that a draft bill on the national authority for manpower is about to be finalized af ter the Civil Ser vice Commission nodded its approval to most of the articles of the bill. —KUNA

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

LOCAL

KUWAIT: The Lebanese ambassador Dr Bassam No’mani held on Sunday a lunch banquet at his residence in Daiya to honor the United States Ambassador to Kuwait Deborah Jones on the occasion of the end of her diplomatic mission in the country. It was attended by a number of diplomats and other dignitaries. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Hospitals warn of ‘unprecedented’ chicken pox outbreak KUWAIT: Local hospitals are on high alert after a sharp rise in the number of chicken pox cases, with a large number of individuals suffering from the disease currently being hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, as well as other medical facilities.

A number of these patients have suffered further complications, leading to greater than usual concern amongst hospital staff about the current outbreak, with precautionary measures being taken to ensure that the disease doesn’t spread to medical staff or other patients.

Precautions are being taken in particular with patients with weak immune systems, such as the elderly and children receiving chemotherapy at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KNNC), who would be at greater than usual risk from the disease.

One medical insider said that Dr. Ghanim AlHujailan had warned earlier of the unprecedented numbers suffering from the disease, adding, “The hospital wards are overcrowded to an unprecedented degree with dozens of cases.” — Al-Jarida

MoI discusses ‘Day of Rage’ reports

KU unit hosts forum on violence against women First of its kind in the GCC

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The Women’s Studies Unit of Kuwait University’s College of Social Studies yesterday launched a two-day forum entitled ‘Strategies for Confronting Violence Against Women’ at its faculty in Shuwaikh.

This forum will see analysis of various issues related to women’s rights.

“The participants will discuss the civil rights of women and improving their situation in order to tackle violence,” said Dr. Humoud Al-Qash’an, the dean of the Social Studies college, speaking at yesterday’s opening ceremony. “The participants will discuss the experiences in their countries, such as facing violence against women in Lebanon and Jordan, in addition to cases of victims of violence from Kuwait and the GCC countries.”

KU’s Women’s Studies Unit is the first of its kind in the GCC. “This fact reflects the community’s respect for the role of women, which affects the

social, economic, and political building of states,” Dr. Qash’an continued.

“Women’s issues and family issues are very important to women’s role in society here and we hope to receive recommendations and suggestions to support women’s issues.

I’d also like to thank all the participants in this conference for their efforts in making this event a success.”

As well as attracting a number of local participants, the forum also features contributions from guests from other GCC and Arab nations.

“The elite of specialists from different countries are participating in this forum to help reach awareness of the work to oppose violence against women and the ways of preventing this in society,” explained Lubna Al-Qadi, the head of the Women’s Studies unit. “ These experts will also provide the benefits of other’s experiences in the same field and put forward a proper plan to use these experiences in Kuwait.”

The two-day forum features three sessions each day. “On the first day we’ll be reviewing the experiences of some Arab countries in the issue of violence against women and their way of facing it, along with analyzing cases of violence against women in Kuwait,” Al-Qadi explained, adding, “On the second day the official institutions and NGOs will present their achievements in this subject.”

Representatives from the relevant public institutions and societies in Kuwait will be participating during the second day, the unit head continued. “The participating bodies are: the Awqaf Secretariat General, Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, the Kuwait Women’s Cultural and Social Society, the Kuwait Human Rights Society, the Social Development Bureau, and the United Nations Development Program. We will also review the important role of media in this issue,” she concluded.

KUWAIT: The Undersecretary at the Interior Ministry, Lieut General Ghazi Al-Omar presided over a top level security meeting held on Sunday to discuss reports about security measures taken to deal with the demonstrators at Al-Safat square.

Officials added that Al-Omar was briefed on the incident and advised that the demonstration was dangerous and sensitive because it was staged in Kuwait City.

They added that all security officials agreed that such public rallies overburdening the ministry and created security lapses in very sensitive parts of the country.

Al-Omar also told that the organizers of such rallies aimed at pressuring the government into changing the ruling system into a constitutional monarchy with a PM elected from the people.

The reports also gave examples of rally organizers’ practices inciting people to protest in large numbers to give an impression of being in a majority that is capable of mobilizing and controlling public opinion, reported Aljarida. Furthermore, the reports warned that such practices jeopardize national unity.

KPC head calls for talks on new refinery, eco-fuel, wages KUWAIT: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) head Farouq Al-Zanki has reportedly called for a meeting of the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) to discuss a number of oil-related issues.

In a letter to the oil minister and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Dr. Mohammed AlBusairi, Al-Zanki, the CEO of the state oil company, reportedly said that the main topic to be discussed at the meeting would be the execution of a number of crucial projects, such as the new refinery and the production of environmentally-friendly fuels, in addition to reviewing demands for salary increases for oil sector workers.

A KPC insider said that the meeting is likely to be held this week, although it may be postponed in light of recent reports that the premier could be travelling overseas for medical treatment.— Al-Jarida

5,000 housing units near 7th Ring Road KUWAIT: Nearly 5,000 housing units that will be constructed along a sparsely inhabited area near the Seventh Ring Road is expected to help resolve the housing shortage crisis in the country.

A senior official from the Public Authority for Housing Welfare(PAHW) revealed that a meeting will take place between officials from the PAHW, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Oil and the Kuwait Municipality, reported Al-Qabas.

This is in order to outline the plots that the PAHW will receive from both departments. “Previous meetings resulted in agreements being reached on plots located along the Seventh Ring Road to be used to build new residential areas,” the official added.

He noted that one of the plots obtained from the Municipality has enough space to accommodate nearly 5,000 housing units.

Abdul Samad Haji

Adnan Al-Eidan

‘Alluxmid’ project to bring German healthcare to Kuwait

Minister awards technical committee members

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The Minister of Public Works(MPW ) and State Minister for Municipality Affairs Dr Fadhel Safar, Ahmad Al-Subaih Director General of Kuwait Municipality honored members of the technical committee in charge of disposing of unused materials. It was held in the presence of Abdelaziz Al-Habeen, Deputy Director General for Financial and Administrative Affairs and Rashid AlHashan, Public Relations Director. A revenue of KD 93,4500 was collected through their efforts. Safar thanked committee members for many years of hard work, and for generating the highest amount of revenue since the committee’s formation.

KUWAIT: Al-Joan International Holdings held a press conference yesterday to mark the launch of its ‘Alluxmid’ project, which will see world-renowned German medical care and training coming to Kuwait. The project, the first to be conducted through one of the firm’s subsidiaries, promises to offer effective first class medical treatment and help to improve the performance of Kuwait’s public health sector.

Speaking at the event, Abdul Samad Hajji, the chairman of Al-Joan’s board of directors, stressed that the company has been paying close attention to its expansion in the domestic sector, with 2010 being extremely busy and filled with numerous projects, including a feasibility study into the construction of specialist medical centers through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.

Hajji said that ever since its establishment, Al-Joan Holdings has succeeded in achieving the objectives set by its board of directors, providing the highest quality products and services to meet customers’ needs and to achieve the greatest benefit for clients and company alike.

“Al-Joan is an international firm,” he stressed, adding that the company has adopted a strategy of direct investment in high-value projects whilst seeking to develop and expand its activities and investments, diversifying its sources of income. In the last year, he continued, the company had established the ‘Al-Joan International Medical Company’ subsidiary specifically “to be the company’s investment arm in the medical field.”

Killing of pedophile cop under investigation KUWAIT: The Juvenile Prosecution Department has launched an investigation into the recent case in which a 15-year-old boy killed a police officer who he claimed had abducted and attempted to rape him.

A security official told local daily AlJarida that the officer had been suspended from duty three months previously following a similar offence, namely impersonating a detective in order to carry out an abduction and attempted rape. “This means that the deceased was a man with a criminal

record, who wore a military uniform in order to deceive his victims,” said the official. The dead officer had been transferred from Um Al-Hayman police station to a cell in Salhiya police station after being accused of abducting and attempting to rape his first victim, posing as a detective to deceive the child into trusting him.

The victim managed to escape and ran away to a nearby campsite where he reported the incident, said the officer. After being convicted, the officer was released on bail before being sus-

pended from duty.

The 15-year-old boy who killed the predatory police officer said that the officer had stopped him as he left a local mosque after Friday prayers, claiming that he (the boy) was wanted in connection with an offence. When the child got into the car, the officer drove him to an abandoned area in the desert and was about to sexually assault him when the boy picked up a rock and hit him around the head to escape him. The investigation in the case is continuing. — Al-Jarida

‘Mishref manager’ released on bail KUWAIT: The Court of Misdemeanor has set the general manager of a local company free. He was detained pending the ongoing trial procedures concerning the M ishref sewage plant. A fine of KD 300 was slapped on him.

Following the sewage plant’s malfunction that took place two years

ago, legal procedures were taken which called for the manager of the contracting company that built the facility to be apprehended. In the most recent trial, Attorney Najeeb Al-Wuqayan argued that there is no justification for his client’s detention, nor are there problems to the investigate the process, reported Al-

Qabas. Al-Wuqayan explained that a travel ban against the company mana g er will prevent him from escaping from the country. The conflict between him and the Ministry of Public Works pertain with terms of the contrac t signed bet ween them. The malfu nc tion ha s not claimed any lives.

‘KAC will not withdraw demand’ KUWAIT: The Kuwait Airways Corporation(KAC) does not plan to withdraw demands to obtain debts that total to $1.2 billion from the Iraqi Air ways Company(IAC). It views the procrastination of the issue as a futile attempt that will not eventually help the Iraqi part avoid the dues.

KAC officials commented on Iraq’s condemnation of KAC’s decision to seize property belonging to its Iraqi counterpart at Jordan. “The KAC is doing its duty to preserve its rights as per court orders that ruled in its favor,” the officials added. It accused the IAC of failing to commit to international regulations or admit responsibility over the damages that the KAC incurred during the 1990/91 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, reported Al-Qabas.

Furthermore, officials said that reports about the IAC filing for bankruptcy will not stop the KAC from demanding their rights. “The KAC has assigned an attorney to follow up with the case,” they added.

y

A

5

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

local

Iraqi party demands compensation for Kuwaiti suicide bomber’s actions International lawsuit against govt

By A Saleh KUWAIT: Members of an Iraqi parliamentary bloc have begun collecting signatures from their fellow lawmakers to file an international lawsuit against the Kuwait government, demanding compensation for the relatives of those killed in a terrorist attack carried out in Neenawa province in 2008 by Kuwaiti citizen and former Guantanamo Bay inmate Abdullah AlAjmi, according to a bloc member.

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Manpower and Government Restructuring Program signed yesterday a deal to provide graduates with free training courses that would enable them to find jobs. Assistant Undersecretary for MGRP Fawuzi Al-Majdali told the press that the training courses would provide an incentive for Kuwaitis to work within the private sector, affirming that the training would prepare graduates to fully operate in the private sector sphere.

The training courses would accept those with a high-school degree or diploma graduates and enlist the requests in accordance with the nature of the job sought by applicants, said the official.

Iraqi MP Othman Al-Juhaishi, a member of the Al-Iraqia bloc leading the push for legal action said that Kuwait has particular responsibility to offer compensation for the devastation wrought by Al-Ajmi’s act, especially after the Kuwaiti government agreed to place him under strict supervision on his return from the notorious prison as a condition of his release.

Kuwait had not met this condition, Al-Juhaishi went on, adding that it had instead allowed Al-Ajmi to obtain a passport and to leave Kuwait, first travelling to Syria then to Iraq, where he committed a number of other terrorist acts, killing tens of innocent people, before his final one.

On a separate issue, meanwhile, Kuwaiti MP Hussein Mizyed asserted yesterday that it was “logical” to discuss all

important issues in the parliament, rather than protesting on the streets, which he warned could “have negative effects and shake society.” Only those who are denied democracy have taken to the streets of the Arab world, M iz yed said, fur ther adding that he expected a “government surprise” during today’s parliamentary session through the government’s use of legal tactics.

Fellow MP Salwa Al-Jassar was also critical of last Friday’s demonstration in Safat Square, condemning the tearing up of copies of the premier’s picture, as well as the photographs of some MPs, by some of the protesters. Al-Jassar called on those of her parliamentary peers who participated in the protest to apologize to their colleagues.

She also criticized a statement by fellow MP Jamaan Al-Harbish.

“MP Jamaan Al-Harbish said in parliament that we won’t allow any violation of dignity,” she said, asking rhetorically, “What dignity? Is it only your voters?”

M eanwhile, on a separate issue MP Marzouq Al-Ghanim said that the grilling of minister Sheik h Ahmad Al-Fahad AlSabah would be civilized and direct. Al-Ghanim claimed that he would reveal several new facts during the interpellation, adding that the government’s referring the grilling motion to the legislative committee or attempting to break it down into its constituent parts beforehand shows that the minister does not have the answers. AlGhanim added that he hoped the minister would take to the platform and discuss the grilling contents.

On another subject, the parliamentary committee investi-

ga t i ng t he 2007 e m e rge nc y power project has taken a number of crucial decisions following extensive discussions of the matter at the National Assembly, with a number of senior officials and members of the Central Tenders Committee (CTC) of the time being referred for prosecution as a result of its findings. The committee has asked that former ministers of electricity and water Sheikh Ali A l -J a r ra h A l -S a b a h a nd Mohammad Al-Aleem, as well as former oil minister Bader AlHumaidi, should be referred to the Ministers’ Court The committee’s final report also stated that State Audit Bure au Undersecretary Essam Al-Khalid should also be held accountable for his part in events, asking that he be referred to a disc i p l i na r y com m i t te e to f a ce penalties.

KISR plays host to OWSDW board meeting NA panel on persons with special needs discusses two proposals KUWAIT: A parliamentary committee on persons with special needs discussed here yesterday two proposals concerning the establishment of a complex for persons with special needs and Sabah Al-Ahmad city for Olympic activity.

Director-General of the public authority for people with disability, Dr. Jassim AlTammar told reporters after the meeting that the committee discussed these “excellent” projects which serve the interest of those persons with disabilities.

He said that he asked the parliamentary committee for more time to study these two projects, especially that such large-scale projects are related to the Ministry of Education for which the (Al-

Amal Complex) belongs, while the Sabah Al-Ahmad city for Olympic Activity belongs to the Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS).

Al-Tammar pointed out that the authority is in contact with all relevant authorities in order to unite the visions which would support the disabled community.

In response to a question regarding the process of re-evaluation of some cases of disability registered with the Authority, he responded by stressing the need to re - evaluate the cases because there are a lot of old files that go back to the eighties, besides having a number of disabled persons who have passed away. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) hosted here yesterday a meeting of the executive board of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSDW).

Th e m e e t i n g w a s h e l d u n d e r t h e sponsorship of Minister of Education, and Minister of Higher Education, and the KISR General Secretary Ahmad AlMulaifi, and it is due to last till nex t Wednesday.

Al-Mulaifi expresed, in his opening address, Kuwait’s welcome of hosting the first meeting of this executive council, asserting that this promising organization has a noble message and key goals.

Sabre Opens New Office in Kuwait KUWAIT: Sabre Travel Network Middle East yesterday announced the opening of a new office in Kuwait City, Kuwait. In line with Sabre s regional expansion plans, this latest office opening emphasises th e impor tan ce of th e Kuwaiti travel and tourism market to Sabre s strategic plans for the GCC. The centrally located office in Kuwait’s prestigious Al-Qibla district is fully equipped with moder n tec h n ology facilities to accommodate th e company s growin g wor kforce. Providin g ample space for Sabre’s worksh ops an d agen t train in g, th e office is equipped with a training room that can accommodate up to 20 agents.

The Sabre Kuwait office was officially opened by Nabil AlZamel, Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation for Aviation Safety and Air Transport Affairs, Kuwait, an d atten ded by Dan iel Naoumovitch, CEO, STNME, Rarnzi Al-Qassab, Regional Commercial Director, STNME, Robert Musleh, Country Manager, Kuwait, STNME and other top executives from the Kuwaiti travel industry.

Dan iel N aoumovitc h , CE O, Sabre Travel Network Middle East said: “Sabre has built a reputation for delivering innovative and reliable products that help our travel management company customers establish a long term vision for growth and profitability. We have a strong understanding of our loc al c ustomer n eeds an d we pride ourselves on being able to deliver on these. Our new office in Kuwait reinforces our commitment to this country and to meetin g th e spec ific n eeds of our Kuwait partners.”

With th is expan sion in th e Kuwaiti market, Sabre is set to roll out a ser ies of n ew produc ts in c ludin g th e S abre Red Wor k space, a n ewly laun ch ed platform for travel management companies to search, book and ticket and manage all types of tr avel. Th e company will also leverage Sabre’s global expertise with its local k n owledge an d round-the-clock support to provide the most up-to-date travel technology to agencies in Kuwait.

Further, he said that Kuwait supports the activities of OWSDW, noting that it is an active partner in it, and that it holds the post of OWSDW Vice President represented by Dr. Samira Omar, also Director of Food Resources and Marine Sciences Department at OWSDW. He added that OWSDW aims at empowering women of par ticipating in the domains of science, technology, and engineering in the developing countries, along with consolidating the spirit of scientific research and creativity among a wide segment of the societies of these countries.

Al-Mulaifi said that women’s low participation in these fields is not restricted to the societies of developing countries,

but it also includes developed countries a s t h e s t u d i e s co n d u c te d by U n i te d N a t i o n s E d u c a t i o n a l, S c i e n t i f i c, a n d Cultural Organization (UNESCO) point out that women account for a low percentage of those working in the field of scientific research compared to men.

He concluded by saying that the rate of women taking part in scientific research in the African countries is less than fifteen percent, while in Europe they account for forty percent, and in Arab countries the participation does not exceed 35 percent in the specialities of pure sciences in universities, though their par ticipation exceed those of men in the public hygiene field.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

LOCAL

Kuwaiti youth in custody for threatening father Mother drops charges against son

Kuwait Digest

Education and labor market imbalance

By Dr Maasoumah Ibrahim

T

rying to forge a connection between education and the labor market’s needs is one of the main elements of improvement in advanced countries. It does not only function as an economyboosting formula, but also acts as a comprehensive approach to reinforce sovereignty of the state, protect the rights of citizens and enhance social elements.

To turn into a global commercial hub, Kuwait should adopt this kind of connection to ensure productive output. This helps the development process instead of obstructing it. What also needs to be done is the adoption of the ‘continuous education concept’ that supports professional expertise and enables labor forces to cope with the technological advancements.

A study published last month has exposed the fact that graduates from technical and craftsmanship courses from the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training(PAAET), struggle to find jobs within their fields of specialty. That happens because of the fact that their fields of specialty are not recognized by the Civil Service Commission(CSC), which proves the lack of coordination between the CSC and the PAAET. Dr Hmood Al-Mudhaf, Vice Chairman of the Kuwait Occupational Standards, Assessment and Certification (KOSAC) Project, had stated that large numbers of employees work in fields that are not even remotely related to their field of specialty.

Dr Al-Mudhaf went on to note that the KOSAC plans to set up a database that contains job description standards to be used to create a formula to organize professional qualifications in Kuwait. He further called for cooperation from the PAAET and other educational facilities.

The question that came to mind is this - since he had spent a few years as general director of the PAAET, why did he fail to achieve a sort of connection between the PAAET’s outputs and the labor market’s needs?

We need a system that effectively checks the marginal workers’ problem in the country. They will work toward roping in skilled and experienced candidates in employment (by mandating that a visa applicant pass professional competence tests as a pre-requisite before issuing a work permit). They should also find programs to utilize Kuwaiti graduates’ talents in specialties that do not support the labor market. —Al-Qabas

Communication ministers to meet in Beirut BEIRUT: The Council of Arab Communications Ministers is set to convene its 15th session in Beirut on June 2 to discuss its agenda.

The convening of the session coincides with the 10th Arab telecommunications and Internet Forum which will be inaugurated by the Lebanese Minister of Communications Dr Sharbal Nahhas.

The 15th session’s agenda includes a speech by the Yemeni Minister of Communications as Chairman of the 14th session to be then handed over to Nahhas.

Executive Director of Economy and Business Group in Lebanon Raouf Abu Zaki said that a number of companies and prominent figures will be attending the 15th session.

He added that a large number of executive directors of Arab and foreign companies as well as bankers would take part in the gathering.

The conferees will tackle during their meeting available opportunities and challenges facing the Arab telecommunications sector and the future role of governments in this respect. — KUNA

JEDDAH: With the large participation from Gulf, Arab and world environment experts and officials, the second Gulf Environment Forum (GEF) kicked off in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah.

The three-day gathering, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz and initiated by the President of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdulaziz, is organized by Saudi Environmental Society (SENS).

In his opening speech, Prince Turki said the forum showed the growing interest of environment protection in the Kingdom. He also highlighted the importance of raising people and institutions’ awareness about protecting the environment and supporting all individual initiatives to achieve this goal. Prince Turki hailed the recent decision by King Abdullah to create a city for renewable energy as clear evidence that the oil-rich Kingdom shoulders its responsibility towards the environment. As the most prestigious environment event in the GCC region, the forum is the only platform in the GCC aimed at focusing on investments required to preserve the Gulf environment.

Highly influential speakers from a wide range of industries will be presenting and leading interactive sessions throughout the event.

Alongside the forum, a comprehensive exhibition will take place offering a firsthand look at the latest green initiatives as well as sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. — KUNA

TEC appreciates cooperation with Ahmadi security

Brig Gen Al-Aslawi is awarded a certificate of gratitude.

Tragic suicide A 54-year-old Kuwaiti man hung himself from the bathroom ceiling in his family’s home in Adan, using a computer electrical cord as a noose.

The tragic suicide was discovered by one of the man’s sons, who immediately called emergency services to report the incident. The body was removed for autopsy.

Fatal overdose Police have launched an investigation after a 32-year-old Kuwaiti man was found dead in his bedroom in his family’s home in the Doha area, with police believing that the death was the result of a drug overdose. Paramedics accompanied by police rushed to the house after the man’s brother

phoned them to report that he had found him unconscious, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The body was removed for autopsy.

Preliminary tests, as well as the discovery of drug paraphernalia at the scene, suggest that the man died of a drug overdose.

Youth stabbed A young man was rushed to hospital after sustaining a serious stab wound when he was attacked by thugs who had been harassing his family members in a local park. The man was attacked by the group of three troublemakers after he confronted them to demand that they stop harassing his family members, with one of the trio stabbing him.

Although police rushed to the scene, along with paramedics, the thugs had fled the scene before their arrival. A hunt is underway for the trio, who are facing charges of attempted murder.

Reckless driver A reckless driver is facing trial after he was spotted committing several traffic violations by a senior Ministry of Interior official. MoI Undersecretary Lieutenant General Ghazi Al-Omar was driving along the Fifth Ring Road when he spotted the reckless motorist breaking the speed limit and driving through a red light. The senior ministry official, who was in uniform at the time, forced the driver to stop and personally issued him with a citation. A ministry insider revealed that the driver’s license is to be suspended, whilst his car will be confiscated pending legal procedures.

Insensitive employee A staff member at Jabriya polyclinic has been detained by police

for questioning after he physically assaulted an Egyptian man over an argument about the bureaucratic procedures concerning the medical treatment of the man’s young son.

The man had rushed his seriously ill four-year-old son to the hospital where the employee at the registration counter refused to help him since his place of residence was not officially within the polyclinic’s area of coverage. When the desperately worried father remonstrated over this callous attitude towards his son, the official assaulted him. The incident was reported to police who quickly arrived at the scene, taking the insensitive employee into custody.

Servant mugging A Kuwaiti man filed a case at Taima police station on behalf of a male servant in his employment who was attacked and mugged at knifepoint by a driver working for the neighboring family. Police are searching for the culprit after discovering that he disappeared following the attack.

Drugs busts Ahmadi police have arrested a Kuwaiti man who was wanted in connection with a number of drugrelated charges. The man was arrested after patrol officers pulled his car over after spotting him driving erratically in the Jaber Al-Ali area.

The officers recovered a quantity of hashish from his possession and he was taken into custody. Meanwhile, two other Kuwaiti men were arrested by police in Ahmadi after being found in possession of hashish and narcotic tablets, as well as a firearm and 45 bullets.

Gulf Environment Forum kicks off in Jeddah

Zinedine and senior interior ministry officials pose with attendees.

Maj Gen Al-Ali receives his certificate of gratitude.

KUWAIT: A young Kuwaiti man was arrested at his family’s home in Taima when he threatened to hurt his elderly father after going on the rampage. When police arrived at the scene after the distraught father called them following the threat, the young man resisted arrest, but was quickly subdued and taken into custody. Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti woman dropped charges against her son who had attacked her after her husband threatened to divorce her if she proceeded with the case.

A few hours after the young man was taken into custody, his mother went to the local police station, again in Taima, telling officers there that she wished to drop all charges.

When the officers asked her why, she explained that her husband had threatened to divorce her if she went ahead with the case against their son. The lucky young man was released after signing an undertaking pledging not to attack his mother again.

KUWAIT: The Khairan Resort’s Managing Director Adnan Zinedine and the Touristic Enterprises Company ’s ( TEC ) Public Relations and Media Manager Saqr Al-Badr paid a visit to the office of Director of Ahmadi governorate’s Security Department Major General Abdulfatah Al-Ali. They also visited the office of assistant director of the same department Brigadier General Matouq AlAslawi. This is in order to express appreciation for the efforts made by Ahmadi security officers to secure the Khairan Resort during national holidays.

During the visit, which was held under the instructions of TEC CEO and Managing Director Khalid Al-Ghanim, certificates of appreciation were awarded to Maj Gen Al-Ali and Brig Gen Al-Aslawi, as well as head of Al-Zoor police station Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Al-Sehali. Their efforts to provide security to the TEC facility throughout the year were lauded.

Maj Gen Al-Ali applauded the cooperation between the governorate’s security department and the TEC, which he says is essential in maintaining the safety and security of the Khairan resort.

CAIRO: Members of the Kuwaiti media delegation in Cairo yesterday.

Visiting Kuwaiti official affirms keenness on aiding Egypt CAIRO: A visiting Kuwaiti delegation has affirmed Kuwait’s keenness on supporting various Egyptian sectors particularly the media.

The assertion was made by the delegation, headed by the Chairman of the Kuwait House of National Works Yousef Al-Omairi, during a visit to headquarters of the Egyptian Radio and Television Union, where they met the union chairman, Sami El-Sherif. Al-Omairi, during the meeting, affirmed keenness of the State of Kuwait on backing diverse Egyptian sectors, particularly the media, for aiding the staff in the efforts to restore normal life in the country.

He said the delegation’s mission was partly aimed at supporting the domestic tourism, and thanked the Kuwaiti ambassador to Egypt Rashid Al-Hamad for aiding the delegation and putting all the embassy available resources at the disposal of the visiting team.

An Egyptian delegation of media personnel would visit Kuwait soon, in reciprocation for the visit of the Kuwaiti delegation here, he said.

For his part, Al-Sherif praised the Kuwaiti initiative of backing the national tourism affirming that the Kuwaiti aid came at a high time for help after extensive damage in this vital sector, “due to buzzing rumors about instability in Egypt that affected inflow of the tourists.”

Moreover, he underlined the

media role for boosting tourism and encouraging tourists to come to the country. He also expressed hope to enhance media cooperation between the two countries.

The Kuwaiti delegation started the visit to Egypt last Thursday, with the aim of backing up the tourism sector. — KUNA

Schlumberger launches mobile training center for KOC employees KUWAIT: Schlumberger, the world’s first well logging company, announced the launch of a mobile training center in cooperation with the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).

Schlumberger said in a statement yesterday that the Mobile Training Center provides integrated training programs spread over short periods

of time which will take place during oil operations for the training of KOC engineers who are specialists in the management of systems and technology provided by Schlumberger.

It added that the aim of the center is to develop the skills and competence of workers in order to enhance their per formance

through the maintenance of wells, indicating that it has developed the mobile training center to be a training facility for KOC engineers, in addition to holding training workshops periodically to the working group in charge of maintenance of wells at the beginning of use of the center. — KUNA

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Berlusconi suffers crushing defeat

Turkey saves anger for Israel, concern for Syria

Page 9

Page 8

Syria offers nuke cooperation Some countries skeptical about Security Council referral DAMASCUS: Syrians walk past a T-shirt with a portrait of Syrian President Bashar Assad with an Arabic word read:”We love you,” at a popular market yesterday.—AP

VIENNA: Syria has promised to cooperate with a UN nuclear inquiry into a suspected reactor site bombed by Israel in 2007, an apparent last-minute bid by Damascus to derail a Western push to report it to the UN Security Council. Western diplomats made clear they saw it as a tactical move ahead of a board meeting next week of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was expected to condemn Syrian stonewalling of the IAEA probe into the desert site known as Dair Alzour. They stressed that Syria’s offer, in a letter to IAEA chief Yukiya Amano, failed to specify whether it would now grant access to Dair Alzour and linked locations after repeatedly refusing such requests for nearly three years.

The United States has circulated a draft board resolution that would report the “non-compliance” of Syriawhich is also facing Western sanctions over a crackdown on pro-democracy unrest in the country-to the UN Security Council. But some said the Syrian initiative could make countries like Russia and China less willing to back the US-led effort to pile pressure on the Arab state for failing to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog.

One European envoy said, “those countries which maybe were not so convinced about the idea to send it to the Security Council will now of course be even more hesitant.” “It will make it more difficult, there is no question about that,” one senior diplomat from a developing country said about the Syrian initiative. “It is a very smart move.” US intelligence reports had said Dair Alzour was a nascent, North Korean-designed reactor intended to produce plutonium for atomic bombs before it was wrecked

by Israel.

Damascus insisted Dair Alzour was a military, nonnuclear complex and had until now rebuffed IAEA demands for follow-up access to the site after a one-off inspection in 2008. However, a May 24 report by the IAEA said the site was “very likely” to have been a reactor. The United States and its European allies were set to seize on the report’s finding to lobby for a resolution by the agency’s 35-nation board, meeting on June 6-10 in Vienna, to send the Syrian file to the Security Council in New York.

The IAEA board has the power to refer countries to the Security Council if they are judged to have violated global non-proliferation rules by engaging in covert nuclear work. It reported Iran to the Security Council in 2006 over its failure to dispel suspicions that it was trying to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran has since been hit with four rounds of UN sanctions over its refusal to curb sensitive nuclear work.

Syria, an ally of Iran, denies harboring a nuclear weapons program and says the IAEA should focus on Israel instead because of its undeclared nuclear arsenal.

The United States signaled its determination to press ahead with its proposed resolution, despite the new Syrian offer.

“We are aware that the Syrian government has sent a letter to the IAEA regarding the agency’s long-standing requests for full Syrian cooperation,” Robert Wood, deputy head of the US mission, wrote in a letter to other board members. “Such cooperation indeed would be welcome, but would not have any bearing on the finding of noncompliance or the board’s responsibilities with regard to that finding.”

In February, Syria’s foreign minister wrote to Amano saying his country “would continue to work with the agency to resolve all outstanding technical issues”. But this was not followed by concrete action on Dair Alzour and failed to end the stalemate. Syria’s latest letter, one Western diplomat said, only “pledges cooperation in an attempt to stave off a resolution and Security Council referral. Syria has stonewalled the IAEA for three years, and this is more of the same”. — Reuters

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Turkey saves anger for Israel, concern for Syria Turkey refuses to accept repeat of Mavi Marmara

ABUJA: Local Chiefs from the Niger Delta, attend the inauguration ceremony of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan at the main parade ground in Nigeria’s capital, Sunday, May 29, 2011. — AP

Nigeria probes deadly blasts KANO: Nigerian police yesterday probed a set of bomb blasts that ripped through a crowded beer garden at a military barracks, killing at least 10 people after President Goodluck Jonathan’s inauguration. It remained unclear who was behind the three bomb blasts that went off near simultaneously on Sunday night in the northern city of Bauchi, located in one of the states hardest hit by deadly post-poll riots last month. An emergency source speaking on condition of anonymity said the death toll was at least 10 and called the incident “devastating.”

There were fears the toll could rise significantly, with one army officer who participated in the rescue telling AFP he estimated at least 20 people were dead and scores wounded, though there was no official confirmation. “By my estimation because I was involved in the rescue operation, the number of people killed could not be less than 20. Scores of others were injured in the blasts which occured at five-seconds interval,” said the officer who declined to be identified.

There were at least 2,000 people in the “mammy market” when the blasts went off, he said. Such markets, which include beer gardens and eateries, are commonly found at Nigerian barracks and are open to civilians. The Bauchi market was particularly popular since the state is one of 12 in northern Nigeria with Islamic sharia law, nominally outlawing alcohol, though it is selectively enforced and drinking spots can still be found across the region.

Security was tightened around the scene of the blasts, with the area cordoned off and movement restricted, security officers said. Bauchi state police commissioner Abdulkadir Indabawa said the attacks were caused by “locally made devices.” Authorities and newspapers gave varying death tolls as is often the case in Nigeria, with officials frequently seeking to downplay the number of victims. Indabawa said five were dead and some 20 people wounded and that no

arrests have been made yet. There was no indication of who was behind the blasts. “There were lots of people since it’s a Sunday evening,” Indabawa said.

“People were relaxing, eating and drinking.” The barracks commander told reporters that the three bombs went off at “exactly 8:00 pm when people were relaxing.” He said two people were killed and seven wounded. “All victims were civilians,” said Brigadier General Agbo Robinson.

Bauchi is located several hundred kilometres away from the capital Abuja, where Jonathan was sworn in. An Islamist sect known as Boko Haram, which launched an uprising in 2009 and has been blamed for dozens of killings in the northeast, has also been active in Bauchi.

In September, the sect was blamed for a prison raid in Bauchi that freed some 700 inmates, including 100 alleged Boko Haram members.

Also on Sunday in a separate incident in Zuba on the outskirts of Abuja, an explosion hit a beer parlour, causing three minor injuries, according to Yushau Shuaib, a spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency.

Jonathan was sworn in on Sunday following an election seen as the fairest in nearly two decades in Africa’s most populous nation, pledging in his inaugural address to transform a divided country hit by deadly post-poll riots.

The 53-year-old southern Christian comfortably beat his main opponent, exmilitary ruler Muhammadu Buhari from the mainly Muslim north, in the April 16 vote, but three days of rioting followed which killed more than 800 people. He took the oath amid extremely tight security, with some 10,000 security personnel deployed, mobile phone services cut and helicopters flying overhead. Some two dozen African heads of state attended the inauguration at Abuja’s Eagle Square. Twin car bombs occurred near the same venue during October’s independence day celebrations, killing at least 12 people. — AFP

Iraqi vice prez resigns in sign of infighting BAGHDAD: One of Iraq’s deputy presidents has stepped down, a top Shiite leader said yesterday, a sign of divisions in the coalition government formed by Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish factions. Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s resignation came as Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki fends off critics who say he has not delivered on powersharing promises since forming a fragile multi-sectarian government in December after nine months of political deadlock.

Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of the Iranian-backed Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (ISCI), said Abdul-Mahdi, a senior Shiite politician in ISCI, has presented his resignation which is yet to be approved

by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd.

“We were supposed to present this resignation before, but the president was abroad, so once he came back the resignation was submitted to him,” Hakim said.

Abdul-Madhi, a Shiite, was one of three deputies appointed by parliament this month to the government led by Maliki, another Shi’ite. Hakim did not explain why he had resigned, but there have been divisions among the Shi’ite allies. Abdul-Madhi’s departure is unlikely to pressure the coalition, which still

has the backing of most other Shi’ite blocs in the government, including the powerful Sadrist bloc with 39 seats in parliament.

But it highlights increasing political wrangling in Iraq as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw by year end. Opposition leaders are already seeking to pressure Maliki, who faces a self-imposed early June deadline to show progress to Iraqis demanding much-needed basic services after years of war and violence.

More than eight years after the US-led invasion that toppled Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraqis complain their governments have not done enough to resolve day-to-day problems such as supplying electricity and creating jobs.

The Sunni-backed Iraqiya alliance, led by former premier Iyad Allawi, also criticizes Maliki for failing to form a national advisory body Allawi was meant to head and delaying the naming of key posts such as the defence and interior ministries. Iraq was ravaged by sectarian violence unleashed by the invasion.

Overall violence has dropped sharply from the dark days of sectarian slaughter in 206-07, but attacks by Sunni Islamist insurgents and Shi’ite militia continue daily. — Reuters

NABLUS: Palestinians carry an injured Palestinian who was wounded by Israeli soldiers, during clashes in Iraq yesterday. — AP

KONYA: Democratic governments cannot stop their citizens launching another aid flotilla to Gaza, Turkey’s foreign minister said yesterday, a year after the storming of an aid ship

by Israeli marines. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged governments on Friday to discourage the activists from launching a second Gaza flotilla, but Ahmet Davutoglu said democratic governments had no right to stop their people from challenging an illegal blockade.

“No democratic country can think that they have full control over these NGOs (non-government organizations),” he said. The Israeli action against last year’s aid flotilla created a diplomatic storm and damaged Israel’s relations with Turkey. Davutoglu said in an interview that warnings about a second international Gaza flotilla should be directed at Israel, which needed to recognize the changing realities in the Middle East.

“Nobody should expect from Turkey and from other (UN) member states to forget that nine civilians were killed last year,” Davutoglu told Reuters at his residence in the southern central city of Konya, where he is campaigning for election in a parliamentary poll due on June 12. “Therefore we are sending a clear message to all those concerned. The same tragedy should not be repeated again.” ProPalestinian charities and activists are organizing a second aid flotilla to try to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza next month, to mark the anniversary of the first attempt.

Davutoglu repeated Turkey’s demands that Israel should end its blockade of the 1.5 million people living in the Hamas-controlled enclave and apologize and pay compensation for the killing of the nine Turks, one of whom was a US citizen. Israeli marines shot them dead on the Mavi Marmara, the lead vessel in a six-strong flotilla, on May 31 last year, after an initial Israeli boarding party was overpowered by activists wielding metal bars and knives.

Davutoglu said the international community had failed to bring Israel to account despite a UN Human Rights Council report that

ISTANBUL: Palestinian activists speak at a news conference yesterday. — AP declared Israel’s actions unlawful after an investigation boycotted by Israel.

“What is the result? Do we think that one member state is beyond international law?”

Davutoglu said. Turkey’s friendship with Israel withered after Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan condemned an Israeli offensive launched in Gaza in December 2008, and relations went into deep freeze after the Mavi Marmara incident. “Israel must accept the (need for an) apology and compensation if they want to be a partner in this region,” Davutoglu said. He said Israel should recognise the changing landscape of the Middle East by ending the blockade, which it justifies by the need to prevent arms from reaching Hamas. He said Egypt’s decision on Sunday to relax travel for Palestinians through the Rafah Crossing, Gaza’s only door to the outside world not controlled by Israel, further obviated the reason for the blockade.

While Davutoglu’s wrath was saved for Israel, Turkey is increasingly concerned by the

civil unrest in friend and neighbour Syria, where Ankara vies for influence with Iran.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in a crackdown by President Bashar al-Assad’s security forces since pro-democracy protests broke out in Syria in March.

NATO-member Turkey has called repeatedly for an end to the violence, but uses tempered language in dealing with Syria. “We will continue to work very hard in order to make possible the political transformation in Syria,” Davutoglu said. He said his government was not involved with a gathering of Syrian opposition groups in the southern Turkish city of Antalya this week, and he had only learnt of it in the media. Erdogan, who has urged Assad to make reforms since the “Arab Spring” began, received another assurance when the two leaders spoke by telephone on Friday, Davutoglu said. “It is clear that the political will has been reconfirmed,” Davutoglu said.

“But we will see what will be the action. This is more important.” — Reuters

Beneath Jerusalem, an underground city exists JERUSALEM: Underneath the crowded alleys and holy sites of old Jerusalem, hundreds of people are snaking at any given moment through tunnels, vaulted medieval chambers and Roman sewers in a rapidly expanding subterranean city invisible from the streets above.

At street level, the walled Old City is an energetic and fractious enclave with a physical landscape that is predominantly Islamic and a population that is mainly Arab. Underground Jerusalem is different: Here the noise recedes, the fierce Middle Eastern sun disappears, and light comes from fluorescent bulbs. There is a smell of earth and mildew, and the geography recalls a Jewish city that existed 2,000 years ago.

Archaeological digs under the disputed Old City are a matter of immense sensitivity. For Israel, the tunnels are proof of the depth of Jewish roots here, and this has made the tunnels one of Jerusalem’s main tourist draws: The number of visitors, mostly Jews and Christians, has risen dramatically in recent years to more than a million visitors in 2010. But many Palestinians, who reject Israel’s sovereignty in the city, see them as a threat to their own claims to Jerusalem. And some critics say they put an exaggerated focus on Jewish history.

A new underground link is opening within two months, and when it does, there will be more than a mile (two kilometers) of pathways beneath the city. Officials say at least one other major project is in the works. Soon, anyone so inclined will be able to spend much of

their time in Jerusalem without seeing the sky. On a recent morning, a man carrying surveying equipment walked across a two-millennia-old stone road, paused at the edge of a hole and disappeared underground. In a multilevel

and walk through knee-deep water under the Arab neighborhood of Silwan. Beginning this summer, a new passage will be open nearby: a sewer Jewish rebels are thought to have used to flee the Roman legions who destroyed the Jerusalem tem-

JERUSALEM: In this picture, visitors walk through Zedekiah’s Cave in Jerusalem’s Old City. — AP maze of rooms and corridors beneath the Muslim Quarter, workers cleared rubble and installed steel safety braces to shore up crumbling 700-yearold Mamluk-era arches.

Above ground, a group of French tourists emerged from a dark passage they had entered an hour earlier in the Jewish Quarter and found themselves among Arab shops on the Via Dolorosa, the traditional route Jesus took to his crucifixion.

South of the Old City, visitors to Jerusalem can enter a tunnel chipped from the bedrock by a Judean king 2,500 years ago

ple in 70 AD. The sewer leads uphill, passing beneath the Old City walls before expelling visitors into sunlight next to the rectangular enclosure where the temple once stood, now home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the gold-capped Dome of the Rock. From there, it ’s a short walk to a third passage, the Western Wall tunnel, which continues nor th from the Jewish holy site past stones cut by masons working for King Herod and an ancient water system. Visitors emerge near the entrance to an ancient quarry called Zedekiah’s Cave that

descends under the Muslim Quarter. The next major project, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority, will follow the course of one of the city’s main Roman-era streets underneath the prayer plaza at the Western Wall. This route, scheduled for completion in three years, will link up with the Western Wall tunnel. The excavations and flood of visitors exist against a backdrop of acute distrust between Israeli Jews and Palestinian Muslims, who are suspicious of any government moves in the Old City and particularly around the AlAqsa compound, Islam’s thirdholiest shrine.

Jews know the compound as the Temple Mount, site of two destroyed temples and the center of the Jewish faith for three millennia. Muslim fears have led to violence in the past: The 1996 opening of a new exit to the Western Wall tunnel sparked rumors among Palestinians that Israel meant to damage the mosques, and dozens were killed in the ensuing riots. In recent years, however, work has gone ahead without incident.

Mindful that the compound has the potential to trigger devastating conflict, Israel’s policy is to allow no excavations there.

Digging under Temple Mount, the Israeli historian Gershom Gorenberg has written, “would be like trying to figure out how a hand grenade works by pulling the pin and peering inside.” Despite the Israeli assurances, however, rumors persist that the excavations are undermining the physical stability of the Islamic holy sites. —AP

Iraqi Kurds have issue with HRW criticism BAGHDAD: Authorities in Iraq’s Kurdistan region yesterday took issue with a Human Rights Watch report published last week that criticized the autonomous region for a “growing assault” on media freedoms. The Kurdish response came a day after a governmentlinked human rights organization said HRW had defamed the region by being selective and subjective in its report on protests against corruption and nepotism. “We will not deny that a few individuals from KRG (Kurdistan regional government) security forces may have committed violations and might have subjected some protesters to ill treatment,” Falah Mustafa Bakir, head of the Kurdish department of foreign relations, said in a letter addressed to HRW. “We can assure you, however, that these incidents have occurred despite KRG’s clear directives for strict adherence to the law and the rights of the protesters.” Bakir said Kurdish

authorities “take issue with some of the assertions in your statement”. He continued: “It is... important to recognize that the protests in the governorate of Sulaimaniyah were not entirely peaceful. Many of the protest leaders incited violence, some even called for jihad.”

“Many of the demonstrators took part in violent actions that caused extensive damage to public and private property as well as hundreds of injuries and even the deaths of two security personnel.”

He noted, however, that the government “acknowledges significant shortcoming and deficiencies in its performance”. Kurdistan, made up of three provinces in Iraq’s north, has this year been the site of regular protests against corruption and nepotism within the government, which has been dominated by two parties for decades. HRW on May 24 called on Kurdish authorities to cease what the New York-based rights group said was

intimidation of journalists, warning of a “growing assault on the freedom of journalists to work in Iraqi Kurdistan.”

“Regional officials should stop repressing journalists through libel suits, beatings, detentions, and death threats,” HRW said after similar remarks from Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders. The Kurdish Human Rights Foundation, formerly the region’s human rights ministry, responded by saying the HRW report was “not lacking in defamation”.

“We hope that Human Rights Watch will be more neutral and objective in dealing with this issue in Kurdistan,” the group said.

“HRW must check the statements of others who have records of participation with terrorist organizations. “We say that they were unfair in their report, and adopted a selective method in the preparation of the report,” it added. — AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Years

i n t e r n at i o n a l

Germany to abandon nuke power by 2022 BERLIN: Germany’s coalition government agreed early yesterday to shut down all the country’s nuclear power plants by 2022, the environment minister said, making it the first major industrialized nation in the last quarter century to announce plans to go nuclear-free. The country’s seven oldest reactors already taken off the grid pending safety inspections following the catastrophe at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant in March will remain offline permanently, Norbert Roettgen added. The country has 17 reactors total.

Roettgen praised the coalition agreement after negotiations through the night between the governing parties.

“This is coherent. It is clear,” he told reporters in Berlin. “That’s why it is a good result.” Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed through measures in 2010 to extend the

lifespan of the country’s 17 reactors, with the last one scheduled to go offline in 2036, but she reversed her policy in the wake of the Japanese disaster. “We want the electricity of the future to be safe, reliable and economically viable,” Merkel told reporters yesterday. Germany’s energy supply chain “needs a new architecture,” necessitating huge efforts in boosting renewable energies, efficiency gains and overhauling the electricity grid, she added.

“We have to follow a new path,” Merkel said. Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, stands alone among the world’s major industrialized nations still using nuclear power in its determination to gradually replace it with renewable energy sources.

Italy decided to stop producing nuclear power after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

Through March - before the seven reactors were taken offline - just under a quarter of Germany’s electricity was produced by nuclear power, about the same share as in the US. Energy from wind, solar and hydroelectric power currently produces about 17 percent of the country’s electricity, but the government aims to boost its share to around 50 percent in the coming decades.

Many Germans have been vehemently opposed to nuclear power since Chernobyl sent radioactive fallout over the country. Tens of thousands repeatedly took to the street in the wake of Fukushima to urge the government to shut all reactors. A center-left government a decade ago first penned a plan to abandon the technology for good because of its inherent risks by 2021. But

Merkel’s government last year amended it to extend the plants’ lifetime by an average of 12 years. But the conservative chancellor reversed her pro-nuclear stance after the earthquake and tsunami that crippled the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant on March 11, triggering nuclear meltdowns.

Merkel’s government ordered the country’s seven oldest reactors, all built before 1980, shut down four days after the Fukushima incident.

The plants accounted for about 40 percent of the country’s nuclear power capacity. Germany used to be a net energy exporter, and the agency overseeing its electricity grid said Friday that the country remains self-sufficient even without the seven reactors and another plant that has already been offline for more than a year for maintenance work. The coalition gov-

ernment’s decision broadly follows the conclusions of a government-mandated commission on the ethics of nuclear power, which delivered its recommendation to abolish the technology by 2022 on Saturday. Details of the final report are to be presented later yesterday. Shutting down even more reactors, however, will require billions of euros of investment in renewable energies, more natural gas power plants and an overhaul of the country’s electricity grid. The government of neighboring Switzerland, where nuclear power produces 40 percent of the country’s electricity, also announced last week that it plans to shut down its reactors gradually once they reach their average lifespan of 50 years - which would mean taking the last plant off the grid in 2034. — AP

Berlusconi suffers crushing defeat Left-wing lawyer Giuliano Pisapia triumphs in Milan

BELGRADE: Biljana Mladic, Ratko Mladic’s daughter in-law (center back) Anastasija Mladic, Mladic’s granddaughter (left) Stefan Mladic, his grandson (second right) Darko Mladic, his son (center) and Bosiljka Mladic, Mladic’s wife (right) leave the Special Court building where Mladic is being held yesterday. — AP

Mladic appeals transfer to Hague war crimes court BELGRADE: Bosnian Serb ex-army chief Ratko Mladic appealed yesterday against his transfer to a UN court where he faces genocide and war crimes charges, after thousands rallied in Belgrade against his arrest. His lawyer Milos Saljic told AFP he had filed the appeal at a Belgrade post office shortly before the end of a three-day deadline. “I filed the appeal,” he said, after earlier predicting that it was unlikely it would be upheld.

“Everything is in the court’s hands, whether it will accept it or not. But I fear that this does not depend on the court, but on those who promised a miracle, who wanted him to be transferred to The Hague as quickly as possible.”

His lawyer and family argue that Mladicthe alleged mastermind of the Srebrenica massacre and other atrocities during the 1992-95 Bosnian war-is too ill to be transferred to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) based in The Hague. The appeal is widely expected to be rejected and his transfer to take place in the coming days. The ICTY indictment holds Mladic responsible for offences during the war including the Srebrenica massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys-the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II-and the 44-

month siege of the city of Sarajevo, during which 10,000 were killed.

A Serbian judge ruled Friday that Mladic, 69, is fit to be transferred to the UN court despite pleas from his lawyer and family that he is too ill after a series of strokes and other health problems. Saljic said that Mladic may not even live to see the trial. “I don’t think the trial will take place. He will not live to the start of the trial,” he said, adding that he was making the appeal “to prolong things a little bit, so the extradition does not take place right away.” Slobodan Homen, a state secretary for justice, said that if the appeal was sent by post and not received until late Tuesday, Mladic could be transferred between the end of the day today and the end of the day Thursday. “The whole process can last a maximum of four days from today or a minimum of two days,” he told B92 radio. A spokesman for Serbian war crimes prosecutors, Bruno Vekaric, insisted Mladic was healthy enough and that defence arguments were only a delaying tactic. “We have the doctors’ report and we also have our own observations. The problems he has... are normal for people of his age who do not pay attention to their health,” he told AFP. “This is a defence strategy to delay the procedure. — AFP

Russia’s lawmakers want to limit abortion MOSCOW: Russia’s Orthodox Church teamed with Conservative parliamentarians yesterday to push legislation that would radically restrict abortions in a nation struggling to cope with one of the world’s lowest birthrates. The legislation would ban free abortions at government-run clinics and prohibit the sale of the morningafter pill without a prescription, said Yelena Mizulina, who heads a parliamentary committee on families, women and children. She added that abortion for a married woman would also require the permission of her spouse, while teenage girls would need their parents’ consent. If the legislation is passed, a week’s waiting period would also be introduced so women could consider their decision to terminate their pregnancy, Mizulina said.

During the time of the Soviet Union, abortion laws were liberal, and unrestricted termination of pregnancy became virtually the only method of family planning. Sex education was frowned upon. Russia’s abortion rates are still among the world’s highest, contributing to a fertility rate of only 1.4 children per woman - far below the 2.1 needed to maintain the existing population. The rate has become a serious concern for Russia as it fights to stem a steep population decline Mizulina said she wants to see public debate on abortions before the bill is submitted to parliament, an apparent attempt to build support after similar legislation stalled last year.

A bill proposed in late 2010 called for the criminal prosecution of doctors who end late-term pregnancies, but it faced government opposition and was never put up for a vote. The effort to restrict abortions has strong backing from the Russian Orthodox Church, which has sought a more muscular role in society in recent years. It counts more than 100 million Russians in a population of 143 million as its congregation, although polls show that only about 5 percent of Russians are observant.

“I hope that very soon we will live in a Russia without abortions,” church spokesman Vsevolod Chaplin said at yesterday’s presentation. According to a United Nations survey in 2004, Russia had the world’s highest abortion rate: 53.7 per 100 women. Figures from the Russian Health Ministry suggest the rate may have declined in recent years, though it remains high: In 2009, there were 74 abortions for every 100 births in Russia, a significant drop in comparison with 169 abortions per 100 births in 2000. — AP

MILAN: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s coalition suffered a humiliating defeat in mayoral elections in Milan and Naples yesterday, casting doubt over the legally-embattled Italian leader’s future. Left-wing lawyer Giuliano Pisapia triumphed in Milan against Letizia Moratti of Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party, ending the right’s 18-year control of the city and dealing a heavy blow to the Italian leader in his home town. Pisapia garnered 55.10 percent of the vote, while Moratti won 44.89 percent in the second round of a mayoral vote held yesterday and today. In Naples, which was already controlled by the left, Luigi De Magistris, a former prosecutor, was also far ahead of his rival with 65.34 percent.

The centre-right lost other votes in Cagliari, Novara and Trieste but the defeat in MilanItaly’s economic capital-was seen as the most symbolically significant and a bellwether for antiBerlusconi sentiment. “I am delighted! This is an awakening of consciences that have been asleep during years of incivility, of an absence of culture,” said Giovanna Cardarelli, 55, one of hundreds rallying in front of Milan cathedral.

Emanuele Crespi, a 28-year-old student, said: “Citizens understood that we needed real change. Pisapia is the right man to relaunch Milan, which needs radical reforms to become a city that can be a European player.”

Free Milan!” Pisapia supporters chanted as he gave his victory speech. Berlusconi had actively campaigned on Moratti’s behalf and declared the vote should be seen as a test of his popularity, which has been falling after a series of legal and sex scandals

MILAN: Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi casts his ballot at a polling station. — AP

and continued weakness in the economy.

“Berlusconi and Berlusconism are on the way out. There is a political will for decorousness and for dealing with the problems of the country,” Nicola Latorre, a senator from the opposition Democratic Party, said on a chat show. Gaetano Quagliarello, deputy head of Berlusconi’s party in parliament, said: “The second round of local elections shows that the right lost and we have to analyse this and try to provide responses through our policies.”

Analysts say the defeat will put pressure on the coalition between Berlusconi and the Northern League party, which has shown signs of growing disenchantment with the prime minister’s leadership in recent weeks.

“The first equilibrium to go would be the precarious one that holds Berlusconi and the

Northern League party on the same side,” commented La Stampa daily, also predicting a “a very tough reckoning” within Berlusconi’s party. Some experts have said that the problem now will be infighting and the absence of a clear succession in the centre-right after Berlusconi, who is a defendant in three trials and is ruling with a slim parliamentary majority.

The result in Milan is also likely to lead to a major rethink within the main opposition Democratic Party since Pisapia won against the party’s candidate in a primary and is seen as further to the left than the party.

The elections involved 1,310 out of Italy’s 8,100 local administrations. Shortly before the vote, Berlusconi tried to play down the effect on the national government of a double loss in Milan and Naples and said he was sure

of the support of his key ally, Northern League leader Umberto Bossi.

“The results will not affect the government,” he told Il Giornale.

He was in Romania yesterday for a summit and gave no immediate reaction. His trial on charges of having sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of power is set to resume in Milan today, although he will not attend.

Pisapia’s surprise first round win prompted a heated fightback by the centre -right, with Berlusconi leading the charge by warning that Milan would become “an Islamic city” and “a gypsyville” under his leadership.

Pisapia has put forward plans for a new multicultural centre in the increasingly migrant-heavy city and has called for Romas to be treated more humanely, but says his words were completely distorted by his opponents.—AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Years

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Sarah Palin goes from ‘Mama Grizzly’ to motorcycle mama ‘No better way to see DC than on the back of a Harley!’

JOPLIN: Joplin residents Paula Barnett (left) and Susan Dodson console each other during a memorial service Sunday, May 29, 2011, marking the one week anniversary of an EF-5 tornado which ripped a six mile long path of destruction through Joplin. — AP

Obama tours destroyed neighborhood in Joplin JOPLIN: President Barack Obama on Sunday toured the apocalyptic landscape left by Missouri’s killer tornado, consoled the bereaved and homeless, and committed the government to helping rebuild shattered lives. After days of focusing on the US relationship with the rest of the world, Obama pivoted to the intimate domestic task of acting as healer-in-chief. He was visiting survivors from the worst tornado in decades, which tore through Joplin a week ago leaving more than 130 dead and hundreds more injured. At least 39 remain unaccounted for, and the damage is massive.

“We’re not going to stop ‘til Joplin’s back on its feet,” Obama vowed. A memorial service where Obama spoke punctuated a day of remembrance one week after the disaster, as authorities pressed on with the task of identifying the victims and volunteers combed through wreckage of neighborhoods where nothing was left whole. The service erupted in cheers when Obama said, “I promise you your country will be there with you every single step of the way,” a pledge he extended to all parts of the nation raked by violent storms this season. Air Force One flew over a massive swath of brown - a land of flattened houses and stripped trees - on its approach to Joplin. On the ground, the destruction was even more stark and complete. Obama confronted painful sights at every turn and said nothing in his life measured up to what he saw this day.

Yet he spoke, too, of redemptive moments, the stoicism of the community and tales of plain luck. He told a story of a man he talked to who apparently put a pot pie in the oven, heard the storm was coming, hid in a closet and “came out without a scratch.” Obama celebrated the spirit of volunteers who have flocked to Joplin to help, the pickup truck owners who ferried people to the hospital and the citizens who lined up for hours to donate blood to people they didn’t

know. “You’ve demonstrated a simple truth,” he told the service, “that amid heartbreak and tragedy no one is a stranger. Ever ybody is a brother.

Everybody is a sister. We can all love one another.” The crowd of hundreds at the service reflected a community in the midst of rebuilding: people in shorts and baseball caps, and plenty of babies who occasionally burst out crying. The president talked over the screeching until a baby was hurried out by the mother.

Obama got a notably warm reception in this conservative part of Missouri. His remarks were tailored for a religious service, with quotes from scripture, references to the love that binds people to each other, and comments on the essential goodness of humanity. The stories of the storm lead us to “put aside our petty grievances,” the president said. “There are heroes all around us, all the time. So, in the wake of this tragedy, let us live up to their example: to make each day count.”

Known for his cool, even-tempered demeanor, Obama offered his own brand of comforting: eloquent words, plentiful handshakes, some hugs, pats on the heads of children, offers of “God bless you.” Not for him the raw emotion Americans saw in his predecessors George W. Bush or Bill Clinton.

Before the service, Obama’s motorcade pulled into a neighborhood where downed trees cleaved open houses, roofs were stripped or blown off, cars were cratered and splintered wood was everywhere. He saw nothing intact, but rather small domestic sights - a view into a room with a TV still in place, a recliner sitting amid rubble, a washer-dryer standing next to a decimated house.

American flags were planted here and there in the mess. “Sorry for your loss,” Obama told an anguished woman, hugging her twice as they talked. Another woman told him that her uncle lives up the road - he survived but his house did not. “Tell your uncle we’re praying for him,” the president said. — AP

WASHINGTON: A Harley-Davidson-riding Sarah Palin, outfitted in black leather and heels, joined a massive annual motorcycle rally Sunday in a high-profile appearance amid speculation she will make a bid for the Republican presidential nomination. Palin was at the “Rolling Thunder” Memorial Day holiday weekend rally, in which tens of thousands of motorcyclists ride through the nation’s capital to honor US war veterans, at the launch of her “One Nation” tour up the east coast. “There’s no better way to see DC than on the back of a Harley!” Palin said after the ride, in a statement posted on her website.

Her presence, however, was not met with universal approval. Rolling Thunder’s national legislative director Ted Shpak told the Washington Post he was unhappy with the commotion surrounding her appearance at what has been a traditionally non-political event.”I’m very not appreciative of the way she came in here,” he said. But some veterans said Palin was welcome, provided she was not attending the rally for political reasons.

“That’s fine if she wants to come here and join in the festivities as a citizen of this country, not running for office or any political gain,” Sheldon Wagner, a 65-year-old Vietnam veteran, told AFP. The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate drew a crowd of photographers and wellwishers as she rode on the back of the Harley, amid a crush of motorbikes filling the streets of the US capital city. “Riding with these patriots today reinforced that we must do all we can to remind all Americans that we owe our freedom to our vets and to those missing and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make this the greatest country on earth,” Palin said.

Her statement, which included a quote from 1960s civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, also noted that she met with families of soldiers killed in action. “My family may be used to snowmachines more so than motorcycles... but whether you’re riding the open road or the frozen tundra, you’re celebrating a free spirit. What could be more American than that?” she said. According to Palin’s website, the “One Nation” tour “is part of our new campaign to educate and energize Americans about our nation’s founding principles, in order to promote the Fundamental Restoration of America.” Asked during her

WASHINGTON: Sarah Palin, former GOP vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor, rides on the back of a motorcycle at the Rolling Thunder annual motorcycle rally, past the US Capitol during the Memorial Day weekend, May 29, 2011. — AP Palin has not announced whether she will appearance if her upcoming events would be as loud as the eardrum splitting Rolling seek the Republican nomination to challenge Thunder rally, Palin responded: “It would be a President Barack Obama in next year’s elecblast if they were this loud-if they smelled this tion, but her website includes campaign hallgood. I love that smell of the emissions!” marks such as links to make donations, videos, Vietnam War veterans began Rolling Thunder and patriotic slogans and images. Palin also in 1987 to bring awareness to prisoners of war plans to debut a film documentary about her and soldiers who went missing in action. It has political career next month in Iowa, another since evolved, its website said, into an event to key early presidential contest state. McCain show “respect for soldiers and veterans from told Fox News Sunday that his former running all wars.” Middle-aged bikers, many carrying mate can win the nomination and unseat POW and US flags, gathered in the parking lot Obama. “Of course she can,” he said. “Whether of the Pentagon and their route brings them she’ll even run or not, I don’t know. A lot of things happen in campaigns. I was written off to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

“These politicians need to find out what the a few times and we were able to come back so American families and the veterans are all it’s going to be a roller coaster ride for all of about. It’s a good thing for her to do,” said 62- them before we arrive at our nominee.” Recent year-old Ray King, a retired law enforcement polls suggest no great enthusiasm for any of officer from New Jersey who has joined the the announced or potential Republican candirally for the past 23 years. Palin, who was dates, with even leading figures like Mitt Republican presidential nominee John Romney garnering less than 20 percent supMcCain’s surprise running mate in 2008, joined port. Others like Minnesota’s Tim Pawlenty, libthe rally as she launched her bus tour, which is ertarian congressman Ron Paul and former being funded through contributions to her House speaker Newt Gingrich have so far inspired even less excitement. — AFP political action committee (PAC).

Dempsey chosen for US military position

Honduras coup was int’l conspiracy, says Zelaya TEGUCIGALPA: Former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said Sunday the coup that toppled him two years ago was an international conspiracy and that some of those plotting his ouster wanted to kill him. Zelaya ended his long exile and returned to Honduras on Saturday under a deal brokered by Colombia and Venezuela, paving the way for the poor Central American countr y ’s return to the Organization of American States and reintegration into the world community. The former president said in a news conference at his home that the June 2009 military-backed coup that saw him whisked out of Honduras by soldiers should be investigated. “The coup d’etat is an international conspiracy, a conspiracy that has actors in different sectors of society and should be investigated,” Zelaya said without naming countries.

Zelaya has previously accused Washington of supporting the interim government of Roberto Micheletti, which replaced him after his ouster.

President Barack Obama and other US officials publicly criticized the coup.

During the news conference, Zelaya said Gen. Romeo Vasquez, who Zelaya tried to dismiss as head of the joint chiefs of staff, told him that the backers of the coup wanted him killed. “He told me, ‘some day you are going to understand what happened, I can’t tell you, but the people who planned it contemplated your liquidation during the assault on your house and the armed forces totally opposed your assassination’,” said Zelaya, adding that he has conversed with Vasquez several times since the coup. He said he was told that the coup-plotters were angered by the negative from the armed forces and threatened to hire paramilitaries to kill him. “ The question is who are they?

General Romeo Vasquez should be

asked this ... who wanted to stain our country with blood that day?” Zelaya said. A truth commission formed in May 2010 and led by former Guatemalan Vice President Eduardo Stein is scheduled to give a report on June 16 on what happened before, during after the coup. But Zelaya said he doubted that the commission would clarify everything because its members include coup sympathizers.

Zelaya was thrown out of office and the country - 23 months ago by soldiers for ignoring a Supreme Court order to cancel a referendum asking Hondurans if they wanted an assembly to retool the constitution. The opposition had called it a bid by Zelaya stay in power by allowing presidential re-election, while his supporters said the assembly was to reform Honduras’ economic and political structures.

The coup drew condemnation from around the world as a reminder of Latin America’s antidemocratic past of dictatorships and military coups.

Honduras’ post-coup interim government resisted international pressure to restore Zelaya - who took up exile in the Dominican Republic - and in late 2009 current President Porfirio Lobo was elected in a previously scheduled vote. While some governments began recognizing Honduras after Lobo took office, Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua and Ecuador demanded that Zelaya be allowed to return home without facing criminal charges before ending Honduras’ pariah status. Honduran courts dropped the corruption charges and arrest warrants pending against Zelaya, and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez brokered a deal Zelaya’s safe return home. — AP

LIMA: Peru’s presidential candidates Ollanta Humala (right) and Keiko Fujimori wave to reporters after their presidential debate. — AP

Peru candidates tussle in debate as race tightens LIMA: The two candidates in Peru’s tight presidential contest traded barbs in a heated televised debate a week before the election, each trying to paint the other as bad for democracy. Right-wing lawmaker Keiko Fujimori said she thought leftist Ollanta Humala would seek radical changes that could hurt the fast-growing economy, or revise the constitution to allow him to run for consecutive terms.

“Why change the constitution? Why revise free trade pacts? Which of the campaign plans will Commander Humala use? These moves back and forth generate a lot of instability,” Fujimori said in their first and only debate on Sunday night.

For his part, former army officer Humala linked Fujimori to her father’s government, which collapsed amid corruption and human rights scandals in 2000 after a tough crackdown on guerrillas. Former President Alberto Fujimori was later sentenced to 25 years in prison.

“Human rights violations, the persecution of the opposition, illicit arms trafficking-this is the regime that wants to reinstall itself in power,” Humala said.

Sunday’s debate reflected a race that has become increasingly heated and based on personal attacks.

Three polls released the the same day showed the younger Fujimori narrowly leading Humala by between 1 point and 4.6 points before the June 5 vote.

Fujimori, 36, served as Peru’s first lady in the 1990s after her parents separated.

Her father was credited for opening the economy to trade and taming hyperinflation, but his powerful intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, was imprisoned

after being convicted of arms trading, among a raft of other charges he faced.

To woo centrists, Humala, 48, has tried with limited success to distance himself from his former political mentor, Venezuela’s socialist president, Hugo Chavez, and recast himself as a moderate like Brazil’s popular former president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Humala, who once led a bloodless insurrection to demand the elder Fujimori step down, has promised to manage the surging economy prudently, though critics fear he would roll back years of free-market reforms.

Peru’s currency, the sol, and stocks plunged after Humala won the firstround vote on April 10 as investors worried he would intervene in the economy and hurt private investment. Financial asset prices later recovered as Fujimori rose in polls. Humala has revised his government plan to make it more attractive to investors, dropping a controversial tax increase and a proposal to take over private pension funds. Humala has also said he would respect international accords and serve only one term. In an Ipsos poll Sunday, Fujimori had 50.5 percent of the vote while Humala had 49.5 percent when null and spoiled ballots were excluded from a mock nationwide vote.

In another mock vote, by CPI, Fujimori had 51.8 percent and Humala had 48.2 percent. Fujimori had a larger lead in a poll by Datum, getting 52.3 percent of the vote to Humala’s 47.7 percent. Ipsos and CPI cautioned that the two were technically tied given each poll’s margin of error, though Datum said Fujimori was clearly ahead. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on Monday announced that he has chosen US Army General Martin Dempsey, who commanded an armored division in key battles in Iraq, for the United States’ top uniformed military post. “With nearly 40 years in uniform, Martin Dempsey is one of our nation’s most respected and combat-tested generals,” Obama told reporters at the White House. “In Iraq, he led our soldiers (through) a brutal insurgency. Having trained Iraqi forces he knows that nations must ultimately take responsibility for their own security,” the US president said, as he called on the Senate to confirm Dempsey’s nomination “as swiftly as possible.”

The announcement was made on the Memorial Day US holiday, a solemn occasion when America remembers the sacrifices of its fallen war heroes. It also comes at a critical time of reorganization for America’s defense and security apparatus. Last month, the White House announced nominations for the next defense secretary and Afghan commander-but not for the critically important chairman’s job, one of the most influential posts in Washington. “As commander-in-chief I’ll be looking to you and the rest of the joint chiefs for what I value most in my advisers, your honest, unvarnished advice and the full range of options, especially when it comes to our most solemn obligation, protecting the lives of our brave men and women in uniform,” the president told Dempsey.

Dempsey, who will succeed Admiral Mike Mullen, served in the Iraq war, commanding the 1st Armored Division in Iraq in 2003-04, and later led training efforts for Iraqi forces. Nominating the four-star army general is seen as an unusual move and suggested that earlier plans were scrapped, given that Dempsey took over as chief of the US Army only in April. The next chairman of the Joint Chiefs will form part of a new national security team that will have to contend with the nine-year-old war in Afghanistan, turmoil in the Middle East and mounting pressure on the defense budget.

“I am announcing my choice today because it’s essential that this transition be seamless and that we stay focused on the national security challenges before us,” Obama told reporters yesterday. — AFP

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama announces his nominee for the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen Martin Dempsey (right) during an announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House yesterday. — AP

y

A

11

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

i n t e r n at i o n a l

Icy battlefield focus of India and Pakistan talks NEW DELHI: A military standoff at the world’s highest battlefield is the focus of a fresh round of talks between India and Pakistan, and any progress on one of the least thorny issues may give a boost to the tortuous peace process between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Defense secretaries from both countries were meeting in New Delhi yesterday for two-day talks on withdrawing their forces from the mountainous no-man’s land above the Siachen glacier, where they have faced off since 1984.

Both countries have long accepted the need to demilitarize Siachen, located 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) above sea level, and military experts say the inhospitable climate and avalancheprone terrain have claimed more lives than gunfire. This consensus makes Siachen one of the least difficult issues being discussed in a long-running, stumbling peace process India suspended after the 2008 Mumbai attacks

by Pakistani-based militants. Peace talks resumed again this year after heavy lobbying by the United States, and this is the first meeting of the defense secretaries, the top civil servants in the respective defence ministries, in three years.

“Political will is needed to solve this issue. It is not a difficult issue,” Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who was part of efforts to revive talks after the Mumbai attacks, told Reuters. “If this is resolved then it will improve the environment and climate for resolving other issues.”

India and Pakistan have fought three wars so far, and their rivalry complicates Western efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and the South Asia region.

While the divided, mostly Muslim Himalayan region of Kashmir is at the heart of their six-decade-old hostility, India and Pakistan came close to agreement on a solution to the disputes over their maritime boundary at the Sir Creek estuary and Siachen before talks were called off in 2008.

The two sides have been trying to find a solution that would allow them to withdraw troops, but India says it is unwilling to bring its forces down until Pakistan officially authenticates the positions they hold. Pakistan has said it is willing to do so, but on the condition

that it is not a final endorsement of India’s claim over the glacier, one source of meltwater for Pakistan’s rivers. “Success could be measured in various terms but I would say the real barometer would be any progress over Siachen,” a senior Indian government official said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions.

The strategic importance of the glacier, in the Karakoram range, is debatable, military experts say. Until 1984, neither side had troops there but now there are between 10,000 and 20,000 Pakistani and Indian troops. India now controls the heights and is loath to back off for fear Pakistan might walk in.

Goodwill?

India and Pakistan have long struggled to normalize ties, both deeply suspicious of each other, and experts have warned against a breakthrough on Siachen during these talks. But Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also staked his foreign policy legacy on improving ties with Pakistan and despite setbacks, including the breakdown of peace talks, he is keen to keep working on ties despite opposition among some leaders in the ruling Congress party.

Pakistan, struggling with its own security concerns, sees India as its biggest security risk. India has in recent years begun to focus more on the risks posted by an assertive China. Goodwill was generated by a cricket match between their teams in March, raising hopes of progress in their political relations. The killing of Osama bin Laden inside Pakistan by US special forces led only to a modest exchange of diplomatic barbs between India and Pakistan. But skepticism runs deep.

“I don’t think there will be any progress. If you think the cricket diplomacy is going to help then let me tell you real issues can’t be solved in the context of public relations gestures,” Kanwal Sibal, a former Indian foreign secretary, told Reuters. Instead, experts says, if the two sides could agree on more contact between their militaries the talks could be deemed as partly successful. “Even if the two militaries agree to play football or cricket matches in each other’s country that would be a step forward,” Sibal said. —Reuters

Suicide bomber attacks Afghanistan Italian base Taleban attacks kill 4 Afghans, dozens wounded HERAT: Taleban attacks killed four Afghans and wounded 33 other people including Italian soldiers at a reconstruction headquarters and a crowded roundabout yesterday, officials said. Five Italian troops were among those wounded in the usually peaceful, historic city of Herat, which within weeks will become one of the first places in the war-torn country to transition from NATO to Afghan security control. There was a large explosion at the gate of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) which gouged out a crater and scattered fragments of twisted metal, and another blast at a crowded roundabout in the city centre, officials said.

An AFP reporter said there was thick black smoke rising from the headquarters of the Italian-led PRT in the western Afghan city, and gunfire was also initially reported shortly after the blast. “In a suicide bomb at the gates of the PRT and a planted motorcycle bomb explosion, 33 are injured and four others killed,” provincial police chief Sayed Agha Saqeb told AFP in reference to both attacks. Four children and a woman were among the wounded, said Herat’s provincial health director, Ghulam Sayed Rashid.

“The rest are men. There are two among them who are in military uniform-they are guards of the PRT. Three of the injured are in critical condition,” he said. Italian Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa told a press conference in Rome: “Five Italians were wounded in the attack... a captain who was wounded in his abdomen is in a serious condition.” Local television pictures showed extensive damage at the scene. The area around the PRT, which is in a residential part of the city, had been cordoned off and both Afghan and international security forces were in the area, the AFP reporter said.

The attack was claimed by the Taleban. Its spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi told AFP: “Our mujahedeen are working on the operation in Herat. “There have been explosions inside the compound as well as outside the PRT.” In the south, where the nearly 10year insurgency has been concentrated since the 2001 US-led invasion brought down the Taleban regime in Kabul, the military said a man in Afghan army uniform shot and killed a NATO soldier.

US medics brave fire to save lives in Afghan war FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH: US Army medic Sgt Jaime Adame hauled open the door and lunged from the helicopter into a cloud of dirt and confusion. He could hear bursts of incoming fire above the thumping rotor blades.

Somewhere in the billowing red smoke that marked the landing zone and the choking dust whipped up by the medevac chopper was a cluster of Marines pinned down by heavy fire, and one of them was bleeding badly. The problem for

alties. Coalition troops are seeing stepped-up attacks, the use of complex weapons systems like multiplegrenade launchers and the continuing plague of improvised explosive devices on the battlefield. By the war’s blunt calculation, the worsening hostilities on the ground mean more medevac flights to ferry the wounded. For an emboldened insurgency, that equals opportunity.

Increasingly they are targeting the medevac choppers as they swoop in for a rescue. “It is kinda the wild,

SANGIN, Afghanistan: In this picture taken, May 15, 2011, seriously wounded Marine CPL Andrew Smith is helped by a medic following an insurgent attack after arriving to hospital by medevac helicopter from the US Army's Task Force Lift "Dust Off", Charlie Company 1-214 Aviation Regiment in the volatile Helmand Province of southern Afghanistan. —AP Adame was that he did not know where. Adame had dropped into “hot L-Zs” before but this one was especially thick with commotion.

Every second of indecision mattered, so he just ran, knowing any direction was dangerous. Only then did the cloud clear enough to bring into view the blurred outline of several Marines’ boots peeking out of the vehicle they were taking cover under.

“The fear I have never lost,” said Adame, who’s from Los Angeles. “It’s absolutely risky ... and it will definitely get a lot more dangerous.” With the spring fighting season under way in Helmand province in Afghanistan’s volatile south, the medics, crew chiefs and pilots with the US Army’s “Dustoff ” medevac unit expect a rising number of casu-

wild West,” said pilot Lt Terry Hill of Kellyville, Oklahoma, the senior officer at Forward Operating Base Edi. “In the back of your mind as a pilot you know that you will most likely be shot at or hit.” The Black Hawk helicopters Hill and other medevac pilots fly are unarmed, though they are always accompanied by at least one other aircraft that is. The “Dustoff ” helicopters are distinguished with the emblem of the Red Cross and under international tlaw are supposed to be off-limits to enemy fire. Afghanistan’s insurgents make no distinction. On one recent medevac run, as the helicopter navigated a firefight to set down in a small courtyard, a rocket-propelled grenade fired from a compound exploded in the air just behind the helicopter. The pilot quickly aborted

the approach. Ground units called in air support, and attack helicopters riddled insurgent positions with heavy caliber machine gun fire.

Within minutes, the medevac chopper made a second attempt at landing to rescue a critically wounded Marine who had sustained a gunshot wound near his spine. On another mission, insurgents fired several rounds from an assault rifle into the belly of the helicopter and its rotor blades.

“They seem to want us to get killed, which is surprising because we rescue everybody, including them.,” said Chief Warrant Officer Michael Otto of Irvine, California.

The medevac doesn’t discriminate between the war ’s wounded.

Beyond coalition and Afghan soldiers, helicopters and medics also pick up injured Afghans, especially children. They often act as an ambulance service ferrying ill and injured Afghans from remote villages to coalition medical facilities. Enemy fighters are evacuated from the battlefield and treated as well.

With the sound of explosions shaking the air, Adame raced to find the wounded Marine. His comrades carried him on a stretcher from the dusty chaos to the chopper and Adame and his crew chief swiftly set to work. Cpl Andrew Smith was suffering a life-threatening arterial bleed from a shrapnel wound. His boots were sliced from his feet with a seat belt cutter. He was losing blood at an alarming rate. The medics focused only on stabilizing the young corporal; there was no time to think about the danger they had just faced.

“If one of those grenades hit us as we’re taking off or coming in to land that’s close to 17,000 pounds of steel, and hydraulic fluid, and flammables,” Adame said. “Falling out of the sky in one of those things isn’t going to be pretty no matter how you look at it.”

Smith remarkably survived and is recovering at a military hospital in Maryland. It’s those successes that give the “Dustoff” crews motivation to plunge back onto the battlefield.

“It’s all about saving a human life,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joe Rogers of Russellville, Kentucky, the pilot of the helicopter that was hit by assault rifle fire. “And it’s definitely worth the risk.” —AP

HERAT: Afghans move the unidentified body of a suicide bomb victim out of hospital, after a suicide attack on an Italian military base yesterday. —AP A spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was unable to say whether the gunman was shot or managed to flee. Nor could it be verified whether he was an army soldier or merely wearing military uniform. There have been repeated cases of members of the fastgrowing Afghan security forces turning their weapons on international colleagues. The Taleban announced the start of a spring offensive at the end of last month and have launched a string of high-profile attacks since then, including killing the influential police commander for northern Afghanistan on Saturday. Herat, close to the Afghan border with Iran, is seen as one of the safest

parts of Afghanistan and is among the first wave of seven places due to pass from foreign to Afghan security control from around July.

PRTs are typically joint military and civilian operations that work to try to build up Afghan government capacity in a province. The team in Herat has worked on projects including improving the local availability of water and building schools, its website said. There are 28 PRTs in total working in provinces across Afghanistan.

Nearly 4,000 Italian troops are serving in the country as part of the 130,000-strong international force fighting a Taleban-led insurgency. Earlier yesterday, ISAF apologized for the deaths of nine Afghan civilians after President

Hamid Karzai criticized an air strike which he and officials said killed 14, including children.

The statement said that the strike in the southern province of Helmand was carried out Saturday after insurgents who had earlier killed a patrolling marine hid in a compound and carried on firing.

The compound hit by the air strike was home to civilians. Local officials said that five girls, seven boys and two women were among those killed by international forces. Major General John Toolan, ISAF commander for the southwest region of Afghanistan said it was the coalition’s “top priority” to avoid civilian casualties and that a full investigation was under way. —AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Years

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

China detains 74 in lead poisoning cases SHANGHAI: China has detained 74 people and suspended production at hundreds of battery factories in a widening crackdown on heavy metals pollution after dozens of people were sickened by lead and cadmium poisoning. The government in eastern China’s Zhejiang province said yesterday that some of the people were detained in connection with pollution that sickened 172 people, including 53 children, near a battery factory in the city of Taizhou. Water and power to 652 factories was cut, it said in a statement on its website. Local authorities are belatedly moving to curb pollution after Beijing announced plans for tighter oversight of the industry in response to reports of widespread contamination from heavy metals.

The manager of Taizhou Suqi Storage

Battery Co. was arrested in late March and three government officials were suspended for neglecting to properly supervise the factory after tests found many living near the facility had high levels of lead in their blood.

The statement yesterday said that investigation resulted in 74 people being detained in 56 cases that were handed to police for possible prosecution. Lead poisoning can damage the nervous, muscular and reproductive systems. Children are particularly at risk. The poisonings in Taizhou were among many in Zhejiang, a major battery production center, and elsewhere in eastern and southern China that appear to have prompted the latest push for better local enforcement of laxly observed environmental standards.

“All remediation will be conducted according to strict discipline. Dismantling of

illegal smelters and small, unauthorized electroplating workshops will be conducted strictly according to law,” the statement cited Cai Xumin, a local official in charge of the Taizhou cleanup, as saying. In Zhejiang’s Deqing county, where 53 people were hospitalized after tests in late April found high lead levels in the blood of 332 residents near a factory making lead-acid motorcycle batteries, all three local factories were ordered to stop production, said county public outreach official Ji Huibin.

The crackdown is aimed at preventing and reducing contamination of the environment with toxins such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium and other heavy metals that have left much of China dangerously polluted. Thousands of children were affected by lead poisoning in several provinces in

2009 and 2010 because they lived near metal smelters or battery factories. Combined with scandals over contaminated foods and milk, the issue has taken on urgency for government leaders who have promised to deliver more sustainable, people-oriented economic growth. Manufacturers of leadacid batteries are a key target. An explosion in the use of electric scooters and surging auto manufacturing have driven up demand for batteries, but mining, smelting, making and disposal of the lead and the batteries have been poorly regulated. “It doesn’t matter what the reason is, companies and local officials must take responsibility for failing to meet environmental standards,” said a statement on the website of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. “These situations are completely avoidable.” Several major bat-

tery manufacturers with shares traded in China have issued notices saying their production was suspended amid a sweeping drive to clean up the industry. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the number of manufacturers to about 300 from the current 1,700, the financial newspaper China Business News said yesterday. The suspensions have driven up prices for batteries already on the market as scooter makers rush to secure supplies, while reducing demand for lead, it said. Usually, people working in the industry greet each other with the question, “How’s production these days?” said Huang He, sales manager for major battery maker Chongqing Wanli Holding (Group) Co. “These days, I’m usually asked instead, ‘Is your factory closed?”‘ Huang said. — AP

Japan voters want PM to go Analysts doubt no-confidence motion will succeed

TOKYO: A protester shouts with a portrait of Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in front of Myanmar Embassy yesterday. — AP

Suu Kyi plans landmark Myanmar political tour HONG KONG: Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi said yesterday she is planning a political tour of Myanmar, a move likely to test her popularity and the limits of her freedom after being freed six months ago. Suu Kyi, who spent seven years in detention until last November, was asked at a videoconference in Hong Kong to confirm reports she will launch political rallies across the nation.

“I hope to travel... in the month of June,” the Nobel Peace Prize winner told over 1,000 academics, students and public gathered at the University of Hong Kong.

“Where I will be going I can’t tell you yet. We are trying to work out the itinerary,” she said. Suu Kyi’s travels around the country have landed her in trouble with the Myanmar authorities several times in the past, but the 65-year-old said she had not been given any safety assurance on her latest planned tour. “I have not been given any safety assurance,” she said, but added that it was the “duty of the government” to protect every Myanmar citizen.

Suu Kyi’s most recent stint in detention came after her convoy was attacked in 2003 in an ambush apparently organized by a regime frightened by her popularity. She was arrested along with many party activists and later moved back to her Yangon home-where she had spent most of the past two decades in detention-and placed under house arrest for a third time. The junta said four people were killed in that attack but her National League for Democracy party put the toll at nearly 100.

The tour will be a test of both Suu Kyi’s popularity following an election that has left her sidelined from politics, and of her freedom to travel around the country unhindered by the authorities. The move is likely to go down well with her supporters, some of whom have been frustrated over slow political change in the reclusive nation since her release six months ago. Suu Kyi’s party was disbanded for opting to boycott the November vote because the rules seemed designed to bar her from participating, and it has no voice in the new parliament. Thousands of exuberant supporters greeted her in Yangon after she was freed in November, when officials said there were no conditions attached to her release. — AFP

N Korea will no longer deal with S Korea govt SEOUL: North Korea said yesterday it would no longer deal with South Korea and threatened to retaliate against any moves by Seoul to wage “psychological warfare”. The North’s powerful National Defense Commission (NDC) said in a statement it would also cut a military communications line on the east coast and shut a liaison office at the jointly-run Mount Kumgang resort.

The statement came just days after leader Kim Jong-Il, who chairs the NDC, returned from a visit to his country’s key ally China. Kim was quoted by Beijing’s media as saying he wants to improve cross-border relations.

“The army and people of the DPRK (North Korea) will never deal with traitor Lee Myung-Bak and his clan,” said the statement on the official KCNA news agency, referring to the conservative South Korean president. It castigated recent statements by Lee’s government, accusing it of “driving the inter-Korean relations to uncontrollable catastrophe”. The NDC also reiterated threats of “physical action without any notice” to halt psychological warfare. — AFP

TOKYO: Japanese voters overwhelmingly want to replace Prime Minister Naoto Kan but about half want him to stay until the worst of the nation’s nuclear crisis is over, a survey showed yesterday, as opposition parties prepare to submit a no-confidence motion. Few pundits expect the no-confidence vote to pass, although a significant number of ruling Democratic Party (DPJ) lawmakers could back it. Equally few, however, expect an end to the political bickering that is preventing Japan from enacting tax system and other reforms needed to cope with its fast-ageing population, rein in ballooning debt and spur economic growth.

“This has nothing to do with policies,” said Nihon University professor Tomoaki Iwai of the no-confidence motion. “It has become a game. There’s big gap with voters, who think Kan is no good but that now is not the time for such moves.” Kan, his ratings hovering below 30 percent, is struggling to get a nuclear crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co’s (Tepco) Fukushima Daiichi plant under control, find ways to finance the rebuilding of northeast Japan after a devastating March 11

earthquake and tsunami, and draft tax and social security reforms to rein in a public debt already twice the size of GDP. Japan’s biggest opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) said last week it would submit a no-confidence motion to parliament to force Kan to resign or call a snap election. The motion could be submitted this week or next, a senior LDP lawmaker said on Sunday, and all opposition parties, except for the tiny Social Democratic Party, have said they will back it. But Kan stands a good chance of sur viving the vote as it is doubtful whether the LDP could win over enough disaffected DPJ members for the motion to pass. More than 70 of 305 DPJ lower house members would have to defect to secure passage. Indeed, the LDP may not be expecting immediate success. “It is not meant to be a final blow against Kan, but an attempt to drive a wedge in the DPJ deeper and hope that will lead to something,” said Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano.

A survey by the Nikkei business daily showed that while 70 percent of voters want Kan replaced, 49 percent prefer

that he stay until the nuclear crisis is contained and steps to rebuild northeast Japan, where the natural disasters left almost 24,000 dead or presumed dead and devastated the area, have progressed. Accomplishing that will take time. Experts doubt whether Tepco can meet its goal of stabilizing damaged reactors at the nuclear plant by January, and Kyodo news agency quoted a senior Tepco official as saying there could be a “major delay”.

Even if Kan survives the vote, he will have trouble implementing vital tax and social security reforms given a divided parliament and a rift within his own party, which swept to power for the first time in 2009 promising change.

Government officials have said they will continue working on a plan to bring public finances back under control even as Tokyo is forced to juggle the biggest reconstruction effort since World War Two with managing the nuclear crisis.

The Yomiuri newspaper reported yesterday that a centerpiece of the fiscal plan would likely be a proposal to double Japan’s 5 percent sales tax, among

the lowest in major economies, in gradual stages by 2015. Fitch ratings agency, which on Friday cut Japan’s debt outlook to negative, said Tokyo could regain its stable view by presenting an ambitious and coherent plan to tackle the ballooning public debt, already twice the size of the $5 trillion economy.

But the plan, opposed by several lawmakers concerned about voter backlash, may not amount to much, given the government’s uncertain future. “With the Kan cabinet rather unlikely to survive till the end of this year, let alone till 2015, his cabinet’s intention on what the Japanese government should do in 2015 does not matter much,” Takuji Okubo, chief Japan economist at Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking, said in a note. Among the obstacles that could trip up Kan are the need to win opposition backing for a law enabling the issuance of fresh debt to fund a $1 trillion budget for the year from April 1, and the search for a deal on how to pay for rebuilding the northeast through a mix of higher taxes and new bond issuance. — Reuters

China orders death penalty in food scandals BEIJING: China’s supreme court has ordered judges across the country to issue harsher sentences, including the death penalty, to people convicted of food safety violations as the government struggles to clean up the nation’s food supply after repeated scandals.

The Supreme People’s Court said courts should impose longer jail terms and larger fines on people found guilty of violating food safety regulations and that death sentences should be given in cases where people died. The directive was announced Friday in a report by the official Xinhua News Agency that the

high court posted on its website.

The directive runs counter to efforts by China’s top court and legislature to reduce the use of the death penalty. China executes more people than all other countries combined, but its leadership is in the midst of a new campaign to stamp out persisting contamination of food products - from tainted baby milk to dirty cooking oil - that have stirred public anger. As part of the push, the government has recently encouraged more openness in reporting food problems in the tightly controlled media. The Supreme People’s

Court notice said information relating to food safety cases should be made public in a timely manner and urged open trials when dealing with major cases.

The notice also urged severe punishments for government officials who take bribes and shield people who commit food safety crimes, as well as harsher financial penalties for manufacturers who produce tainted food items. In cases where food scandals have caused deaths, Chinese law says those convicted should be sentenced to more than 10 years in jail, life in prison or death. — AP

Video proves Sri Lanka war crimes: UN expert GENEVA: A UN human rights expert says gruesome new footage from the final days of Sri Lanka’s civil war is authentic and proves war crimes took place there, challenging the government’s claim that videos showing the army executing captured rebels in May 2009 are faked. The UN’s independent investigator on extrajudicial killings says the five-minute video obtained by Britain’s Channel 4 corroborates an earlier, shorter video showing blindfolded, naked men being shot dead at close range. “ What is reflected in the extended video are crimes of the highest order - definitive war crimes,” the UN investigator, South African law professor Christof Heyns, said in a report released yesterday to the global body’s Human Rights Council.

Heyns said he reviewed the new footage showing the apparent execution of unarmed men and women with technical and forensic experts. “The overall conclusion reached by the experts is that the video is authentic and the events reflected in the video footage occurred as depicted,” he told the council Sri Lanka’s government has maintained that the video is not real. “We don’t accept it.

We have proven beyond any doubt that this is not authentic,” said Lakshman Hulugalla, director general of the government’s Media Center for National Security.

He added, “If they say this is authentic, then they should get an authentication certificate from a reputed institution to prove that it’s not fake. So far, no has submitted such a certificate on this.”

Channel 4 said in a statement to The Associated Press that the footage will be aired as part of a one-hour program on June 14. “As with all the material in this new long-form film, the extended video has been subjected to rigorous journalistic scrutiny and checks. Following this meticulous process, we are satisfied that all the material presented is genuine,” the station said.

Channel 4 declined to say how it obtained the video, citing the need to protect its source. The new footage is expected to re -ignite debate in the Geneva-based body about a September 2009 resolution that effectively endorsed the Sri Lankan military’s crushing of the

Tamil Tiger rebels after decades of civil war, despite claims of war crimes by human rights groups. The UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, told the council yesterday at the opening of its three-week meeting that it should “reflect on the new information” and reconsider the resolution. Her comments were echoed by diplomats from Western countries, including the United States.

“This Council must consider the serious abuses that have been documented and brought to our attention by the panel,” said US Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe. “Sri Lanka must quickly and credibly address allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law during the conflict, no matter which side committed them,” she added.

But African and Islamic members of the 47-nation Human Rights Council moved to quell any attempt to reopen the debate on Sri Lanka’s conduct at the end of the war. “The international community must support national efforts to win the peace in Sri Lanka,” said Pakistan’s ambassador, Zamir Akram, speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which has a powerful presence in the council.

Akram said a recent report by the office of UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon was “primarily based on secondhand information that was never verified.” The UN report claimed Sri Lankan government forces deliberately targeted civilians and hospitals, and blocked food and medicine for hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped in the war zone. It also accuses the Tamil Tiger rebels of recruiting child soldiers, using civilians as human shields and killing those trying to flee from their grip.

Ban has said he would need a mandate from either the Sri Lankan government or the UN’s Human Rights Council, Security Council or General Assembly in order to initiate an international inquiry into allegations of war crimes by both sides. The UN estimates that between 80,000 and 100,000 people may have been killed in the war, including at least 7,000 ethnic Tamil civilians killed in the last five months of the conflict. — AP

HOHHOT: Chinese paramilitary police officers run in a formation as they guard a street near a university yesterday. — AP

China clamps down on Inner Mongolia to quash protests XILINHOT: China’s Inner Mongolia was under tight security yesterday as authorities guard against possible new protests by ethnic Mongols seething over Chinese rule, AFP journalists and a rights group said. The northern region bordering Mongolia has seen a wave of demonstrations triggered by the May 10 killing of an ethnic Mongol herder which have laid bare simmering resentment over what some perceive as Chinese oppression. Universities and public squares were sealed off in a handful of cities-a possible sign of mounting unease by authorities already jittery about anonymous online calls for nationwide protests emulating those in the Arab world.

Authorities are also likely fearful of another major outburst of ethnic turmoil following deadly unrest in Tibet in 2008 and the remote northwestern Xinjiang region in 2009.

A top Communist party official in the Xilingol area, the epicentre of the unrest, admitted authorities were facing a “very large challenge” to stability but also warned the government would not be “tossed about”. “It’s kind of sensitive around here right now,” a uniformed police officer told AFP outside a vocational school in the old town of Xilinhot, the government seat of the Xilingol area.

Two local residents told AFP that students from the school had been involved in the protests, but declined to offer further details. “The school is sealed off to prevent students from being affected by society. It’s an extraordinary period,” a duty officer told AFP. City authorities, who said an AFP journalist must seek permission to visit the school and interview students, rejected the request, saying the students were “taking exams” for the next three days and could not be disturbed.

Local residents told AFP that all students boarding at middle and high schools, vocational colleges and universities in Xilinhot had been confined to campus. City streets were nevertheless open to traffic, and AFP journalists did not see any signs of people gathering. A male resident in the Left Ujumchin Banner, or Xiwuqi in Chinese-another area hit by unrest-said police were carrying out identity checks and stopping cars but roads were open. A banner is equivalent to a Chinese county.

The unrest-which has involved thousands of protesters in different areas over the past week-erupted after the herder, Mergen, was run over on May 10 by a truck driven by a member of China’s dominant Han ethnic group. — AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31 , 2011

ne ws

SANAA: An anti-government protestor lifted by another demonstrator shouts slogans during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh yesterday. — AP

Zuma in Libya as officers defect Continued from Page 1 amid anti-regime protests in mid-February. But it rejected as “misleading” reports the talks would focus on an exit strategy for Gaddafi, calling the visit part of African Union efforts to end the conflict. Libyan state television said Zuma would discuss implementing the AU “roadmap” for peace, as it reported NATO-led raids on the Nafusa mountains in the far west and the town of Bani Walid, near Misrata. State news agency JANA said warplanes had hit “civilian and military sites in the Wadi Kaam area of Zliten”. “There were 11 people martyred and a number of wounded,” it said.

At a meeting of NATO’s parliamentary assembly in Bulgaria, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen insisted: “Gaddafi’s reign of terror is coming to an end. “He is increasingly isolated at home and abroad. Even those closest to him are departing, defecting or deserting. ... It is time for Gaddafi to go as well,” Rasmussen said. In Rome, Libyan General Salah Giuma Yahmed said the ongoing defections meant Gaddafi’s forces could no longer prop up the regime. “NATO forces are paralysing Gaddafi’s troops, they are now running at about 20 percent of their military capacity,” he told reporters.

In a statement ahead of Zuma’s visit, his ruling African National Congress slammed the NATO raids. “We also join the continent and all peace loving people of the world in condemning the continuing aerial bombardments of Libya by Western forces,” it said after a two-day meeting of its executive council. The Libyan

regime also got support from two French lawyers who planned to initiate legal proceedings against French President Nicolas Sarkozy for crimes against humanity over the Libya campaign.

Libyan justice ministry official Ibrahim Boukhzam told reporters in Tripoli that Jacques Verges and Roland Dumas had offered to represent families he said were victims of the NATO bombs. The regime’s response to the rebellion, however, was condemned in Geneva by UN rights chief Navi Pillay. “The brutality and magnitude of measures taken by the governments in Libya and now Syria have been particularly shocking in their outright disregard for basic human rights,” Pillay told the UN Human Rights Council.

Mustafa Abdul Jalil, who heads the rebels’ provisional government, welcomed a Friday call by G8 world powers for Gaddafi to stand down, saying it was the position reflective of the “will of the international community as well as the demands and aspirations of the Libyan people”. The Libyan regime responded by saying that only an African Union initiative to resolve the crisis matters to them. The rebels reiterated they would accept no settlement that did not entail Gaddafi’s departure.

On the humanitarian front, announcing Ä10 million ($14 million) in aid for refugees, the European Commission said yesterday about 40,000 Chadian workers trying to flee Libya were stranded in “dire conditions” at the border with Chad. Qatar, meanwhile, has opened a government-financed refugee camp in southern Tunisia to host 1,600 Libyan refugees, a camp official said yesterday. — AFP

Grilling of PM, Sheikh Ahmad expected...

Continued from Page 1 based on available reports, Sheikh Ahmad is expected to demand that two of the four issues in the grilling be referred to the legal committee to rule if they are in line with the constitution. The minister is accused of committing or facilitating corruption worth hundreds of millions of dinars and of financial and administrative irregularities regarding the development plan, housing, sports and the premises of the Olympic Council of Asia which he heads.

The reports said that Sheikh Ahmad is expected to insist that he is not responsible for the latter two issues since they are not under his jurisdiction. Sheikh Ahmad may also request that his grilling is referred to the constitutional court and then ask for a long delay in its debate until the court rules on the issue.

The prime minister is being grilled by MPs Mohammad Hayef, Mubarak Al-Waalan and Waleed AlTabtabaei on allegations that he has undermined and harmed national security for favouring good ties with Iran at the expense of Gulf Arab states. The premier also has not said if he is prepared for the debate but he is widely expected to request referring the grilling to the

constitutional court and demand a one-year delay of the debate exactly in the same way he did to the previous grilling filed by MPs Ahmad Al-Saadoun and Abdulrahman Al-Anjari.

If the prime minister makes this demand, the opposition is expected to file two more grillings against him, the first by the Popular Action Bloc on alleged financial irregularities and the second by MP Hayef for releasing a Shiite mastermind bomber. MP Waalan yesterday warned of a major political crisis if the prime minister refuses to debate the grilling, “because there is no constitutional or legal justification for such a request”.

In the constitutional court meanwhile, MPs Abdullah Al-Roumi and Hussein Al-Huraiti, both lawyers, represented the Assembly in the case of the premier’s grilling which was referred by the government, claiming the grilling breaches the constitution. Roumi and Huraiti insisted that the government’s action represents an attempt by the government to weaken and marginalize the Assembly and obstruct its monitoring powers. Huraiti also said the two articles in the constitution that the government requested the court to interpret had already been interpreted by the court in 2006.

Yemeni forces kill 21 as Taiz sit-in smashed Continued from Page 1 Police fired warning shots then fired into the crowd when the demonstrators refused to leave, a local committee of the “Youth of the Revolution” group said.

On March 18, 52 people died when regime loyalists attempted to break up a similar protest against Saleh’s rule in University Square in the capital Sanaa. The president declared a state of emergency after the bloodshed. More than 200 demonstrators have been killed since the protests first erupted in late January in Yemen.

Scores more have died in armed clashes between loyalist troops and dissident tribesmen.

In the south, suspected Al-Qaeda militants killed six Yemeni soldiers: two in Zinjibar yesterday, an army officer said, and four more in an overnight ambush of a military convoy near the city, according to a security official. At least seven soldiers were wounded in the ambush, a medic said. As the army fought to regain the city, one militant was reported killed by a shell which crashed near Zinjibar’s museum and another wounded.

A security official said on Sunday that suspected AlQaeda gunmen had taken control of most of Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province, in three days of fighting.

Witnesses said aircraft were carrying out strikes on suspected Al-Qaeda positions east of the city yesterday, amid unconfirmed reports of naval shelling in the Zinjibar area, close to the coast. Four suspected AlQaeda fighters were killed in overnight fighting in Zinjibar, another security source said, but a source close

to the gunmen who control much of the city said only two were killed. “The city is devastated. All of its residents have left. Even the dogs, animals and donkeys have abandoned it,” said an opposition member in the city who asked to be named as Ali. “The sound of explosions and bullets are rattling the city,” resident Waleed Mokbal said. “The exchange of gunfire is nonstop.” The death toll since Saturday rose to 34, a medic at Al-Razi hospital said. He said the dead included militants, civilians and soldiers.

A leading tribal dignitary in Zinjibar, Tareq Al-Fadhli, told AFP by telephone the situation there was “catastrophic”, with “corpses littering the streets, water and electricity cut off, and hospitals no longer functioning”.

Many residents have fled, he said. “The gunmen claim to be part of the “Partisans of Sharia” (Islamic law), which may be a coalition of armed groups,” said Fadhli, a former jihadist, adding they carried white banners bearing the same name. He estimated their number at about 1,000.

The defence ministry’s 26sep.net, meanwhile, said the gunmen were believed to belong to Al-Qaeda, and that 10 had been captured. Ninety-six boxes of rockets were intercepted near Zinjibar, it added. But dissident army commanders have accused Saleh of surrendering the province to “terrorists”. And the Common Forum charged he had “delivered Zinjibar to groups that he has formed and armed, to continue to utilise the spectre of Al-Qaeda to frighten regional and international parties.” — Agencies

Blatter insists no FIFA crisis Continued from Page 1 “We are not in a crisis, we are only in some difficulties and these difficulties will be solved - and they will be solved inside this family.”

Highlighting the unease within a sport that has long learned to live with scandal, leading sponsor Coca-Cola joined sporting goods giant Adidas in criticizing the state of football. CocaCola said in a statement to AP that “the current allegations being raised are distressing and bad for the sport”, adding “we have every expectation that FIFA will resolve this situation in an expedient and thorough manner”.

To make matters worse, Blatter failed to come out in defense of FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, who admitted he had written an email to Warner saying bin Hammam might have been thinking that “you can buy FIFA as they bought the WC”. When asked for a reaction, Blatter said “I don’t answer this question,” before adding, “we will come back inside the FIFA on that”.

Qatar’s World Cup organizers swiftly and “categorically” denied Valcke’s claim.

Qatar 2022 said it was “urgently seeking clarification from FIFA about the statement from their general secretary. In the

meantime, we are taking legal advice to consider our options.” Valcke attempted to clarify his remarks yesterday, saying that by using the word “bought” he meant that Qatar was using the “financial strength” of an energy-rich nation to lobby for backing, but did not mean to claim any unethical behavior on its part.

“I have at no time made, or was intending to make, any reference to any purchase of votes,” Valcke said in a statement about his email to Warner.

Bin Hammam said he would appeal his provisional suspension, saying “the way these proceedings have been conducted is absolutely not compliant with any principles of justice” and that they “had been defined from the very beginning”. The 62-year-old Qatari, who is suspended from his role as president of the Asian Football Confederation, published his submission to the ethics committee on his personal website. In it, he acknowledges that he provided $360,000 for “travel and accommodations” of the 25 Caribbean Football Union members attending a May 10-11 extraordinary meeting in Warner’s native Trinidad.

FIFA’s gravest corruption crisis was sparked by a file of evidence submitted

by Chuck Blazer, the American general

secretary of CONCACAF and a longtime FIFA executive panel member. Blazer said there was “much more evidence” to come detailing what happened when bin Hammam and Warner arranged the May 10-11 meeting.

FIFA’s suspension of bin Hammam has met with widespread anger in the Middle East. Yousuf Al-Serkal, an Asian Football Confederation vice president and an ally of bin Hammam from neighboring United Arab Emirates, said he didn’t believe the charges and saw them as a bid to remove him from the presidential race. “Bin Hammam has been mistreated,” Al-Serkal said.

“Bin Hammam is the right person who should have been elected”. “All the allegations were just from a report,” he added. “I feel sorry for the person I have known for long time as a decent person.”

Newspapers in Egypt were especially critical of the 75-year-old Blatter.

The Al-Dustour daily said bin Hammam had “surrendered to the tyranny of Blatter”. Al-Gomhuria called the Swiss president a “sly fox who cannot be easily hunted” and compared him to that country’s longtime president, Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted from office earlier this year. — AP

14 dead in Germany as cucumber crisis grows Continued from Page 1 An EU official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to standing regulations, said the transport chain was long, and the cucumbers from Spain could have been contaminated at any point along the route. Spain, meanwhile, went on the defensive, saying there was no proof that the E. coli outbreak has been caused by Spanish vegetables. “You can’t attribute the origin of this sickness to Spain,” Spain’s Secretary of State for European Affairs, Diego Lopez Garrido told reporters in Brussels. “There is no proof and that’s why we are going to demand accountability from those who have blamed Spain for this matter.”

The World Health Organization described the outbreak as “very large and very severe”, and urged countries to work together to get to the root of the problem. “Almost all cases being reported in other countries have a link to travel or residence in Germany,” WHO food safety expert Hilde Kruse said, noting that cases of bloody diarrhoea caused by EHEC have also been reported in Denmark, Sweden, France, the UK, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Andreas Hensel, president of Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, told ZDF television that “we have found the so-called EHEC pathogens on cucumbers, but that does not mean that they are responsible for the whole outbreak”.

Spanish Health Minister Leire Pajin stressed there were no Spanish cases reported and urged Germany to speed up its probe and establish proof of what has caused the outbreak. Germany’s allegations “create alarm and affect the producers of a country without any evidence,” she said. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said there was “great uncertainty” about the suspicion that Danish cucumbers may be involved but carried out a lab test to reassure consumers. Results are expected today.

Spain’s fruit and vegetable producer-exporter federation, FEPEX, said the crisis could provoke losses of millions of euros, with a possible cascade effect on other Spanish agricultural products. “We export nearly 200 million euros a week and we have just had a week with a crisis that affected us very negatively,” said FEPEX director Jose

Maria Pozancos after a meeting with Aguilar. FEPEX said in a statement that the German accusations had created alarm among European buyers, paralyzed orders for some products and led to cancellations of other orders. Spain exported 9.4 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables in 2010, of which the biggest share, 24 percent, went to Germany, the federation said. “The economic consequences are already very serious for the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector,” it said.

In the Netherlands, which exports more than half of the 1.6 billion cucumbers it produces each year to Germany, panicked growers went into damage control mode after all shipments were stopped. While the National Agricultural Association met with the deputy agriculture secretary to discuss the situation, a group of cucumber growers invited an independent German institute to carry out tests in hopes it would prove their produce is safe.

With the cause of the outbreak still unclear, some countries have taken precautionary measures. Russia’s chief sanitary agency yesterday banned the imports of cucumbers, tomatoes and fresh salad from Spain and Germany pending further notice. It said in a statement that it may even ban the imports of fresh vegetables from all European Union member states due to the lack of information about the source of infection. Austrian authorities sent inspectors to 33 organic supermarkets yesterday to make sure Spanish vegetables suspected of contamination have been removed. The move came after a recall and ban on sales of cucumbers, tomatoes and eggplants that originated in Spain and were delivered to stores in Austria by German companies.

Italy’s agriculture lobby, Coldiretti, used the outbreak to urge Italians to support their local growers and avoid imports. Currently, Italian supermarkets are full of peaches, apricots, cherries and plums from Spain. As for pickles and cucumbers, Italy imported some 8 million kg from Spain last year. Czech officials said tests on 120 potentially tainted Spanish cucumbers pulled off shelves on Sunday are expected to be concluded in two days. No illnesses have been reported. — Agencies

Kuwait firms told to spin off lending Continued from Page 1 regulator, addressing a gap that analysts had long said damped appetite to invest in the OPEC member. The governor gave the firms one month to decide.

Kuwait’s Union of Investment Companies (UIC), which incorporates 44 of the country’s 105 investment firms, is still reviewing the central bank announcement, said a

board member. “This is an important decision that will have an effect on the future of the companies ... and one month is little time to decide on the fate of a firm,” Saleh al-Selmi, vice president of UIC told Reuters.

Kuwaiti investment houses were hard hit during the financial crisis, which prompted the government of the world’s fourth-largest oil exporter to approve a rescue pack-

age worth 1.5 billion dinars ($5.45 billion) in 2009. “It could be healthy ... and it could give investment firms the opportunity to specialise in certain operations,” said Naser Al-Nafisi, general manager for Al Joman Centre for Economic Consultancy.

Kuwait is home to some of the largest investment houses in the Gulf region such as Kuwait Projects Co (KIPCO) and Global Investment House.— Reuters

y

A

14

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

OPINION

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher

YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief

ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait.

E MAIL :info@kuwaittimes.net Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

issues

Exotic pets: A deadly business

By Jenniffer O’Connor

uthorities at Bangkok’s international airport recently arrested a passenger whose suitcases were reportedly jam-packed with leopard and panther cubs, a bear and monkeys.

The dazed animals had been drugged and were headed for Dubai, apparently part of an international trafficking network. While this seizure made headlines, smuggling of exotic and endangered animals takes place every day, and those animals who somehow survive often end up in pet stores, classified ads and flea markets right here at home.

Animals who were flying through rainforest canopies or roaming vast savannahs find themselves stuffed into pillowcases, duffle bags and spare tires. Since concealment is paramount, they are denied food, water and any semblance of comfort during transport. Many, like the 18 dead and dying monkeys found jammed into a man’s girdle last year, suffocate or succumb to starvation and dehydration. Others suffer injuries from rough handling or from fights with other crazed victims.

From kinkajous to tigers, sugar gliders to pythons, as long as a dealer can make a buck, any animal imaginable is available for the “right price.”

While the illegal market in exotics contributes to declining wild populations, animals who are legally bred, sold and purchased suffer no less.

The exotic pet industry is big business in the United States, but this merciless trade could be shut down and the deadly cycle could be curbed.

There is no federal law prohibiting the private ownership of wild or dangerous animals, and very few states impose restrictions. Anyone who has wandered into a mall pet store knows that tarantulas, iguanas, turtles and hamsters are for sale alongside the puppies and kittens.

But just about anyone can surf the Internet or classified ads and have a lion, tiger, camel, bear, boa constrictor or monkey delivered right to their door.

There are no requirements for expertise, education or credentials of any kind to be a dealer.

Federal permits to breed or sell regulated animals are issued to nearly everyone who fills out an application and sends in a fee. Backyard breeders all over the US are churning out tiger cubs, bears and primates and advertising them for sale in swapsheets and on websites. But it’s not just backyard dealers selling these sick and traumatized animals.

International dealers who supply animal “inventory” to pet store chains often house animals in huge, dark, reeking warehouses. US Global Exotics in Texas, for example, was a massive exotic-animal wholesale facility where tens of thousands of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and arachnids were dumped into severely crowded and filthy boxes, bins, troughs and even soda bottles. Treated no differently than car parts, the animals were denied food, water and veterinary care. Authorities shut this outfit down after a PETA undercover investigation exposed the appalling conditions.

Another cog in the supply chain is Dutch breeding mill Reintjes, where authorities recently seized nearly 6,000 mice, rats, hamsters and birds. Live animals were found shoved into soda bottles and tiny food-storage containers. Others had severe, untreated injuries, and most lacked food, water and adequate housing. Sick animals were simply left to suffer and die.

The time is long overdue for the government to impose laws prohibiting individuals from breeding, selling or owning big cats, bears, primates and dangerous reptiles. People who are ready to pour their time, energy, money, attention and love into an animal companion can make a difference by adopting a dog or cat from a local animal shelter instead of succumbing to the temptation to buy a novelty pet.

NOTE: Jennifer O’Connor is a staff writer for the

A

All articles appearing on these pages are the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibility for views expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice their opinions. Please send submissions via email to: opinion@kuwaittimes.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait.

The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

Merkel maps nuke exit with eye on Green vote

By Stephen Brown ngela Merkel’s bid to outflank the opposition by closing all nuclear plants by 2022 smacks of opportunism to many Germans but could ease an alliance with the antinuclear Greens that may be her best bet to stay in power.

The German chancellor has, in nine months, gone from touting nuclear plants as a safe “bridge” to renewable energy and extending their lifespan to pushing a nuclear exit strategy that rivals the ambitions of the Social Democrats and Greens.

Merkel had her atomic epiphany after the Fukushima disaster in Japan in March, announcing a moratorium on nuclear power and launching an urgent overhaul of German energy policy, result-

A

ing in the exit strategy announced yesterday. Her change of heart, however genuine it may be, coincides with a string of disastrous election results for her Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Free Democrat (FDP) allies that have been partly blamed on her unpopular pro-nuclear policy so far.

With the FDP losing popularity almost as fast as the Greens gain it, and the Greens unseating the CDU in their heartland of Baden-Wuerttemberg in March as well as outpolling them for the first time in Germany in Bremen this month, Merkel has upgraded the nuclear moratorium to a rush for the exit. With opinion polls showing categorically that most Germans dislike nuclear energy, and election results demonstrating that March’s nuclear moratorium alone was not enough to stem the vote losses for the CDU, Merkel probably had no choice.

“I don’t think she will take many votes from the Greens, who have promoted this issue for decades,” said Carsten Koschmieder, a political scientist at Berlin’s Free University. “But with the FDP so weak and Merkel looking for other allies, who might be the Greens, the atomic issue was the main obstacle that needed to be removed,” he said.

The 56-year-old chancellor herself has played down talk of a future tie-up with the environmentalist party, telling members of her coalition last week to stop “daydreaming” of a such an alliance and put their own house in order. This comes against a backdrop of criticism in the CDU and the media of a lack of firm leadership, with CDU leaders like Peter Hauk from Baden-Wuerttemberg saying: “People don’t know what we stand for... We are los-

ing voters everywhere.”

Die Zeit weekly lamented the CDU’s “lack of direction” and said Merkel’s leadership looked “confused” and “opportunistic” while the Financial Times Deutschland cited regional leaders saying the CDU should follow its ideas, not opinion polls.

But with the FDP notching up four bad election results this year and looking challenged in opinion polls to keep their seats in the Bundestag (lower house), after winning 14.6 percent in the federal 2009 vote, Merkel may be daydreaming herself.

Now boasting their first state premiership in the former CDU stronghold of Baden-Wuerttemberg and predicting gains in a Berlin city-state election in September, the Greens look a better bet than the FDP. But while some in Merkel’s cabinet are believed to want such an alliance privately, the scramble for antinuclear votes worries some right-wingers who think the CDU should present ideas of its own instead of imitating the Greens and Social Democrats. “By adopting green issues we have only made the Greens stronger,” said Josef Schlarmann, a conservative CDU leader who represents small business. “Imitation won’t help us succeed.”

The head of Germany’s main industry lobby, Hans-Peter Keitel of the BDI, wrote to business leaders on Monday warning that the speedy nuclear exit would push up power prices, make emissions goals more difficult and force more reliance on coal and gas. “If (power supply) can no longer be guaranteed, it will weaken Germany as an industrial nation,” he said.

“Politicians must guarantee the stability of the grid and the system during this transformation in energy policy.” —Reuters

Vettel looks a safe bet for second title

By Alan Baldwin enson Button looked at the results sheet after Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix and put his finger on the space where the points from the remaining 13 races had yet to be entered. “Look at this gap we haven’t done yet. There have only been six, there’s so much that can happen still,” the McLaren driver said, trying to remain optimistic even as Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel celebrated his fifth victory in six races this season.

From his own experience, Button knew only too well the extent of the task facing anyone hoping to take the Formula One title off the 23-year-old German.

In 2009, the Briton also won five out of the first six with Brawn GP and went on to take the title despite not standing on the top step of the podium again that season. The chances of Vettel failing to win again are remote in the extreme. Brawn lacked resources to develop their car in 2009, which allowed rivals to catch up, but Red Bull will not have that problem. Designer Adrian Newey will be bringing updates to the car for as long as he has to.

“They’ve had a very quick car for two years now, so it’s difficult,” recognised Button, who has been on the podium three times this season yet is now 67 points off the lead.

“He’s won five races, which is what he won last year when he won the championship, so he’s in a great position. You can’t lie about that. But still you never know what’s going to hap-

J

pen,” added Button, who might have won on Sunday had the safety car not twice been deployed, once when he was leading. “We could all just give up now and not bother with it, or we could fight until the end, which is what we’re going to do.”

The end could come sooner rather than later, a far cry from last year where four drivers went into the last race with a mathematical chance. Vettel has actually won eight of his last 10 races dating back to last year and started five of this year’s six on pole position. He is 58 points clear of his closest rival and the only man to beat him so far this season, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton. Drivers have won five races or more in a season and not taken the title - it happened with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso (five) last year - but not after such a one-

sided start to the campaign.

Vettel’s Australian team mate M ark Webber has failed to prevent the German winning, after setting the pace in 2010, while Red Bull have been in a class of their own in qualifying - a second a lap faster than the rest in Spain nine days ago.

Hamilton won in China with a slower car but better strategy, while Alonso came close in Monaco and might have forced his way past had Vettel not been able to change t yres when the race was halted with six laps to go. Yet Alonso was lapped

by Vettel in Spain a week earlier with a car that was basically the same.

M ona co, a throwback to a bygone era with its tight and t wist y street circuit, is essentially a one - off. The

trouble for Vettel’s rivals is that, while he has had some luck, he has got better and better and is also calling the shots in a mature and intelligent manner. “Over the last seven days he has produced the two best drives of his c a re e r,” s a i d te a m b os s C hr i s t i a n Horner as his team let their hair down at their harbourside headquar ters.

Vettel did just one stop in Monaco, w hi l e A l ons o d i d t wo a nd B ut ton three, and that was his decision rather than the team’s.

“We asked him to box (pit) because we were concerned about the tyres, but he said “No, no, no, the tyres are fine”,” Horner told reporters. “So we left him (out), which then committed us. It was like going up to the casino and putting everything on red...but it was a risk worth taking and he made it pay off.” “He’s made another step this year, and as a driver and a person he’s just developed tremendously well, and that’s coming through in his performances in the car,” declared Horner.

Alonso, a double world champion with Renault, had no illusions about his prospects with a 74-point gap to make up in that block of empty spaces highlighted by Button. “We need to win three races and he mustn’t score,” the Spaniard said of the immediate task.

“Well, I think at the moment it’s not possible. “If you are one second behind in every qualifying and you have to do some strange strategies, some starts or something always out of the normal race. It’s difficult.” —Reuters

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

15

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

ANALYSIS

Cambodia king ‘prisoner’ in his palace

By Denis D Gray s the sun sets and the last tourist departs his vast, fairytale palace, the gentle, dignified man is left almost alone with memories of happier times, before he became the reluctant king of Cambodia - and perhaps its last. King Norodom Sihamoni may be heir to a royal line trailing back some 2,000 years, but he always seemed more suited to the arts scene in Europe, where he was a ballet dancer, than the rough and tumble politics of his homeland.

Now, close aides and experts say, he has become figuratively, and more, a prisoner in his own palace.

The chief warden: Prime Minister Hun Sen, who rose from a poor rural background to become a brilliant and crafty, some say ruthless, politician. Hun Sen consolidated power in a 1997 coup as Cambodia slowly emerged from being dragged into the Vietnam War and its own civil war. While the country is nominally democratic, he uses all the machinery of government to lock up critics and ensure his re-election.

Human rights groups allege that he and his business friends are enriching themselves, while most of the population remains mired in poverty.

His control extends over the palace. The king is surrounded by the government’s watchdogs, overseen by Minister of Royal Affairs Kong Som Ol, an official close to Hun Sen. Sihamoni is closely chaperoned on his few trips outside palace walls, with the media kept away.

Although the constitution endows him with considerable powers, these have never been granted. “I think we can use the words ‘puppet king.’ His power has been reduced to nothing,” says Son Chhay, an opposition member of parliament and one of the government’s few outspoken critics. “The king must please the prime minister as much as possible in order to survive.

It is sad to see.”

It wasn’t always so. Sihamoni’s flamboyant and charismatic father, Norodom Sihanouk, bestrode the country like a colossus for decades.

Many regarded him as a god-king, and thousands flocked to the plaza fronting the Royal Palace for fireworks and other lavish celebrations on his birthday. Sihanouk abruptly abdicated in 2004 following confrontations with Hun Sen. Son Chhay and others say Sihamoni accepted the crown under pressure from parents hoping to ensure the survival of the monarchy.

Seven years later, “sad, lonely, abandoned” are words sympathetic Cambodians often use when describing Sihamoni. The 58-year-old monarch spends much of each day signing documents, receiving guests and handling other routine business, then retires mostly to dine alone and read, says Prince Sisowath Thomico, Sihanouk’s private secretary and an adviser to

A

In this Nov 9, 2010 photo, Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni (center) applauds with Prime Minister Hun Sen (right) and Heng Samrin, National Assembly president, during an Independence Day celebration at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. — AP his son.

Unlike his father, who had six wives and numerous lovers, Sihamoni is a lifelong bachelor and unlikely to leave an heir. His birthday passed recently with little notice. Within the palace’s crenellated walls, among the graceful pavilions and gilt spires, there was no sign of activity.

Outside, knots of people went about their normal evening pastimes at the grassy, riverfront square, feeding pigeons, lounging on reed mats and snacking on lotus seeds and noodles.

“The king is a good, gentle man, a symbol of Cambodia. But he has one problem: no power.

He only stays inside the palace. On television the leaders bow down before him but behind his back there is no respect,” said Sin Chhay, a young civil servant at the plaza. “You could say that Hun Sen is the real king of Cambodia.”

Information Minister Khieu Kanharith insists the king is involved in social and religious affairs and judicial reviews, receives a monthly report from Hun Sen on government activities and makes recommendations on them. “The current King Sihamoni has played an important role in restoring the ... monarchy. As a king and symbol of national unity he maintains strict neutrality and doesn’t become involved in any political activities,” he said. “To say that he’s a prisoner in the palace would be inappropriate.”

Sihamoni, a former ballet dancer and cultural ambassador, spent 25 years in Czechoslovakia and France. That European past, Western diplomats say, is his great escape. He returns regularly to what is now the Czech Republic, calling it “my

second homeland,” and has said his time in Prague “belongs to the happiest in my life”.

Fluent in the language - which reportedly vexes his keepers trying to eavesdrop on conversations with Czech visitors - he avidly reads Czech theater reviews and savors DVDs of ballets and operas.

He keeps in close touch with the family that cared for him after he arrived in the Czech capital at age 9. Thirteen years later, he graduated from Prague’s Academy of Musical Art. Shortly after, he joined his parents, who were being kept under virtual house arrest within the palace by the brutal Khmer Rouge government, which came to power after defeating a US-backed government in 1975. Sihamoni worked in the palace gardens and cleaned out the throne hall.

An estimated 1.7 million people died during the Khmer Rouge reign of terror, including more than a dozen of Sihanouk’s children and relatives. Three decades later, the country is still coming to terms with that period. A UN-assisted tribunal is trying a handful of the surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge, but the trials have been plagued by long delays and corruption allegations.

Sihamoni has had only ceremonial involvement with the tribunal. Any deeper association would irritate both Hun Sen and Sihanouk, who for a time allied himself with the Khmer Rouge but has also supported the trials. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Sihanouk went to Paris, from where he backed resistance against a Vietnamese-installed government that replaced

it. Sihamoni also went to the French capital and stayed on even after his father was restored as king in 1993. He taught, performed and choreographed classical Cambodian dance as well as Western ballet and served as ambassador to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. He gave up this much-cherished life to become king in 2004.

The king’s high privy councilor, Son Soubert, who is aligned with one of the two small opposition parties with parliamentary seats, says the government has blocked passage of two constitutional provisions: the formation of a potentially powerful Supreme Council of National Defense headed by the king, and an annual National Congress that would continue the tradition of citizens appealing directly to the monarch.

Commenting on the congress, the information minister said that in today’s Cambodia such a meeting would be a mess and powerless to override any decisions made by an elected National Assembly. Some question just how much power Sihamoni wants to wield or is capable of exercising. “If he were to try to take a political role I have no doubt Hun Sen would act to diminish him and the monarchy generally almost immediately. Which is why he is effectively a prisoner in the palace,” says Milton Osborne, an Australian historian and author of a Sihanouk biography. “He could very well be the last king of Cambodia.”

Prince Sisowath Thomico, the adviser, insists there is no animosity between king and prime minister and says Cambodia’s monarchy has merely entered a new stage, shedding its political role. “The king now serves as a guardian of the past, of tradition, the moral character of Cambodia and points the way ahead for future generations,” he says. “We leave the present to the government.”

By most accounts, Sihamoni is still largely respected, especially in the countryside. He is probably considered less relevant in urban areas, especially among an extremely young population - the median age is about 23 - that was not around during Sihanouk’s heyday, before violence engulfed the country. Prince Norodom Ranarridh, who heads a pro-monarchy party, believes Cambodians are “still royalists at heart” and holds a nuanced view of his half brother.

The king doesn’t exercise his prerogatives under the constitution to avoid jeopardizing an institution he regards as more important than himself, Ranarridh said. At the same time, Sihamoni’s personality is unassertive, so he falls comfortably into the role of doing the minimum. “So both the king and prime minister are very happy with the situation. It is some kind of a gentlemen’s agreement,” the prince says, laughing. But he adds: “I don’t think my brother is very happy. He would like to be somewhere else.” — AP

As Thais vote, a struggle with education

By Ambika Ahuja he 14-year-old pupil is known simply as “Number 26” because, with 52 children in the class at his suburban Bangkok school, the teacher can’t remember his name. Overcrowding in classrooms is just one of the problems dogging Thailand’s education system, where an inward-looking curriculum emphasises rote-learning and basic literacy. Critics say that without an overhaul to bring the system into the 21st century, Thailand will lose out in the race with Asian rivals for foreign investment.

While Taiwan, Singapore, China and India have poured billions of dollars into developing world-class university education, English-language instruction and high-value skills, Thailand has moved little beyond a decades-old system that aims mostly to preserve national identity. Britishborn, Oxford-educated Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva wants to change that with a 371.5 billion baht ($12 billion) six-year education reform plan that was approved by his cabinet this month, part of a trove of policies intended to pull in votes in a tight July 3 election.

But experts say money is not the problem. “The mindset is from the nation-building and Cold War period to produce obedient and nationalistic citizens, which does not fit the 21st-century needs,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. “It is hierarchical, top-down, with a systematic lack of critical thinking.” The issue resonates well beyond the classroom, as Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second-biggest economy, vies for foreign direct investment in areas beyond basic manufacturing, and as Asian rivals such as Tawain and Singapore develop a generation of innovative global companies.

“It’s easier to find young, versatile, highly skilled and English-speaking workers in Singapore, Taiwan and China,” said a US chief executive at a major Bangkok-based company who declined to identified.

“Thailand’s labour isn’t as cheap as it used to be so basic manufacturing jobs are going to start moving away, too.” Thailand is a manufacturing base for automakers such as General Motors Co and a major petrochemical hub, but costs are rising. The average monthly factory wage in 2010 was $263, below China’s $303 but above the Philippines at $212, Indonesia at $182, Vietnam at $107 and Cambodia at $101, according to a survey by the Japan External Trade Organization.

It is unclear if Abhisit’s education plan will boost him at the polls, but the issue cuts to the heart of Thailand’s polarising and sometimes-violent five-year political crisis. A shoddy education reinforces complaints voiced by poor, rural Thais of political, social and economic injustice - frustrations that erupted last year into deadly street protests. Schools in Bangkok are generally more modern than in the rural north and northeast, bastions of the opposition

T

Picture taken on May 9, 2011 shows young Muslim refugees attending school at the Mae La refugee camp, located near the ThaiMyanmar border, some 550 km northwest of Bangkok. – AFP Puea Thai Party led by Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Rural leaders also complain that a Bangkok-designed curriculum glosses over Thailand’s unique rural heritage, adding to simmering feelings of disenfranchisement.

Decha Premruedeelert, an adviser to the mayor of Khon Kaen, a city about 500 km northeast of Bangkok, is experimenting with an alternative: keep the curriculum, but supplement it with workshops attuned to local needs. But the opposition’s record is also patchy. Governments led by Thaksin in 2001-2006 promised public schools more autonomy, but that ran into resistance from the Ministry of Education. Puea Thai leaders say they will increase spending on school resources, technology and scholarships, but critics say this misses the fundamental issue of how teachers are trained and what is taught.

Thailand is already among the world’s top education spenders relative to its size, allocating roughly 20 percent of its annual budget to education, according to the central bank. The country spent the equivalent of 4 percent of GDP on education in 2009, above Singapore’s 3.1 percent, according to the Swiss-based Institute of Management Development (IMD), but Singapore ranks 13th in education per formance and Thailand 47th. Literacy has been consistently high since the 1970s and was 94 percent in 2010.

But while about 71 percent of students go on to secondary school in the country of 67 million people, just 18 percent finish college, according to Direk Patmasiriwat, a researcher at Thailand Development

Research Institute, a think tank. And a Thai college degree is no easy ticket to success. In 2010 rankings of world universities by Quacquarelli Symonds, a provider of guides to higher education, Thailand’s top school, Chulalongkorn University, was ranked 180.

Compare that to the University of Hong Kong’s ranking of 23 or National University of Singapore’s 31. One result: Thailand produces a workforce with some of the world’s weakest English-language skills. The IMD ranks Thailand 54th of 56 countries globally for English proficiency, the second-lowest in Asia. Singapore was third and Malaysia 28th.

Analysts attribute the inability to overhaul education to bureaucratic inertia, a deficit of ideas on how to improve the curriculum and poor teacher recruitment and training. When an education reform committee proposed English as Thailand’s second official language last July to boost its economy and foster a more global outlook, the Education Ministry rejected the idea, saying it could create “misunderstandings” that Thailand had been colonised. “If you look at history textbooks, it’s littered with myths about ancient warriors and old-time enmities with neighbouring countries. It’s still driven by nationalism without a global perspective on how Thailand fits into the world,” said Charnvit Kasetsiri, a historian who has campaigned to improve the social science curriculum.

Back at the Bangkok school, when the bell rang for recess, the 14-year-old boy was told to stay back and read from a text on Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, a historian who died in 1943 and is revered as the father of Thailand’s education system. The teacher asked the boy to re-read a passage

in which the prince explains how Thai people originated from southern China between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

Looking up from the text, he asked: “How did he find out where our ancestors came from? Did he go there and talk to people in Yunnan and Sichuan?” The teacher brushed it aside, instead telling him to continue reading to improve his speed. The school declined to allow Reuters to name the pupil.

An incentive system for teachers is also regarded as a problem, placing a greater premium on administrative duties than student performance, and giving little reason or training - to move beyond basic rotelearning teaching methods. Nearly half of Abhisit’s six-year education plan would be spent on developing “a new breed of teachers”. But the ministry hasn’t explained what they would do differently. “Those who want to stretch their students’ imagination have limited skills, so they stick to how their predecessors taught for generations,” Education Minister Chinnavorn Boonyakiat told Reuters. “Teaching innovation requires a different mindset.”

Inoirb Regel, a World Bank education specialist, said Thai universities offer narrow fields of study, making it difficult for students to adapt to the global economy.

“The country’s GDP has risen disproportionately to wage growth. It is one major cause of discontent,” said Somkiat Tangkitvanich, an economist at Thailand Development Research Institute. “That’s partly because educational training available does not match skill sets needed to succeed in the more dynamic labour market today.” — Reuters

focus

Post-Biya succession void looms

By Bate Felix

ith Cameroonian leader Paul Biya widely tipped for re-election in polls scheduled for October, the burning question now for many observers of the central African state is: Who will succeed him? Biya, 78, has ruled the oil-exporting nation for 29 years, making him among Africa’s longest rulers. After a constitutional tweak in 2008 which removed term limits, he is set to run again in what, given his age, is potentially his last seven-year term.

Some are even drawing parallels with Ivory Coast, where the 1993 death of leader Felix Houphouet-Boigny created a power vacuum that led to a 2002-2003 civil war and political impasse only resolved last month with the ousting of Laurent Gbagbo.

“There are a lot of questions being raised about the issue of succession and what would happen in the post-Biya era,” said Roddy Barclay, London-based analyst at Control Risks. “This is the one major threat to stability in Cameroon at the moment.” Stability in Cameroon matters to the wider region. Its $22 billion-a-year economy is by far the largest in central Africa. Aside from its oil sector, it hosts miners such as Canada-listed Geovic and Australia’s Sundance Resources.

Its port Douala is vital to traffic in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea.

Over the years, Biya has achieved stability while astutely outmanoeuvring opposition both within his ruling CPDM party and outside it. With Biya all-powerful, there is no clear successor or plan to manage a post-Biya era. That, commentators say, could ignite a fight for control of the CPDM similar to the power struggle that took place in 1982 after the resignation of Cameroon’s first president Ahmadou Ahidjo and which led to a bloody attempted coup in 1984. “It is therefore expected that similarly, there would be recurring attempted palace revolutions at the heart of the CPDM in the coming months and years,” Franklin Nyamsi, a Cameroonian academic at Lille University in France, says in his blog.

Frailties in existing political structures do not help. According to Cameroon’s constitution as it stands now, the president of the senate upper house is the successor in the case of any midterm vacancy in office, with the task of organising elections within 120 days. But Cameroon has no senate. Provisions of the constitution that created a senate are yet to be applied, leaving open the prospect of a future dispute over the legality of a succession. Ruling by co-option and patronage, Biya has silenced dissent within the ruling party and the largely ineffective opposition.

Standard Bank emerging markets strategist Samir Gadio said the fragmented state of the opposition and the historic division of the country into French- and English-speaking regions meant that even the main opposition SDF was unlikely to trouble Biya. “The SDF is also perceived as a regional party which enjoys most of its support from the anglophone region, so you don’t really have a nationwide opposition party,” Gadio noted. A few in Biya’s party that were seen as possible rivals saw their hopes dashed as corruption charges were brought against them - including Jean-Marie Atangana Mebara and Titus Edzoa, both former ministers who also held the powerful position of secretary-general at the presidency. Both men are still in jail.

Senior party members such as economist Esther Dang, a former head of the country’s national investment cooperation agency; Mila Assoute, or member of parliament Paul Abine Ayah, have all quit the party to stand as independent challengers. With no obvious heavyweight identified as favourite to succeed Biya, a string of names from the CPDM and opposition are doing the rounds in local political and media circles.

Independent weekly Emergence published names of potential successors including Rene Sadi, a long-time Biya confidant who is currently CPDM secretary-general; Minister of Territorial Administration Marafa Hamidou Yaya; Justice Minister Amadou Ali; and Laurent Esso, secretary-general at the presidency. “There are going to be various personal rivalries and demands for ethnic regional representation within the CPDM following the death or departure of Biya,” Barclay said. “Any attempt to impose a successor on the party will likely meet resistance in some parts,” he added.

Biya allies have brushed aside the succession debate as irrelevant and said they are focusing on the October election, insisting Biya is the “natural candidate” of the CPDM. But opposition parties warn that Cameroon risks the fate of many countries in the region that have been plunged into crisis and even civil wars during critical succession moments. “We are trying to avoid the situation of Ivory Coast,” said Elizabeth Tamajong, secretary-general of the opposition SDF (Social Democratic Front). Tamajong said the party had called for a transitional government that would reorganise Cameroon’s institutions and remove ambiguities which could lead to succession disputes. “As long as the institutions are not functioning properly, anything can happen.

Cameroon is at risk,” she said. — Reuters

W

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

Klose and Reus injured BERLIN: Forward Miroslav Klose and midfielder Marco Reus are out of Germany’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Austria and Azerbaijan next month due to injury, the team said yesterday.

Klose hurt his ribs in the 2-1 friendly win over Uruguay on Sunday while Reus was injured in Borussia Moenchengladbach’s relegation playoff first leg against VfL Bochum and further aggravated the problem when he scored the deciding goal in the return match. It is the third time the talented Reus, 21, who has yet to win his first cap, has been picked in the squad and dropped out through injury.

Klose’s knock opens the door for Bayern Munich team mate Mario Gomez to lead the attack after the Bundesliga top scorer made the most of a rare start by netting Germany’s opening goal against Uruguay. The 32-year-old Klose came on as a substitute in the second half but failed to make an impact. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

sp orts Contador unsure about Tour MILAN: Spain’s Alber to Contador of the Saxo Bank team secured his second Tour of Italy title on Sunday, after Scot David Millar of Garmin won the final stage time trial in Milan, but promptly voiced doubts on his plans for the Tour de France.

The 28-year-old, who came into the Giro in the shadow of a doping controversy regarding last year’s Tour de France, dominated the event, spending the bulk of the 94th edition in the leader’s pink jersey.

Although M illar took the plaudits with his swashbuckling showing in the 26km final stage, the headlines will belong to Contador, should he now normally seek to use the win as a springboard to a fourth Tour de

France triumph.

But barely had he stepped off the podium than the Iberian was suggesting things weren’t as simple as that as he refused to confirm whether or not he would even show up.

“The Tour? We shall have to see... how I am going to recuperate, evaluate the extent to which I have recuperated. I have to speak about it with my sporting director and my team,” he said. “Right now I am tired and I would like to profit from my victory.”

Victory in Paris the most prestigious of the three Grand Tours would make Contador the first man to achieve a Giro-Tour double since late Italian racer Marco Pantani in 1998.—Reuters

Alonso: I was deprived MONACO: Fernando Alonso said he believed he and Ferrari were deprived of victory in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix by a multiple accident late in the race which allowed Sebastian Vettel to fit fresh tyres and win. The two-times drivers’ world champion finished 1.1 seconds behind the defending drivers champion, but was pressing to pass him before the late crash and a red flag that suspended the action.

The Spaniard was running on much fresher tyres and had the speed and performance advantage over the young German, but was unable to make use of his advantages.

Alonso said: “In this race, I think we gained one position with the first Safety Car intervention (by overtaking Jenson Button for second place) and maybe we lost a victory with the last red flag. “I really think in the last eight or nine laps, the tyres on the Red Bull were struggling a lot - certainly in the last part of the circuit.

There was nothing to lose for me. I am not leading the championship. I will try and win the race and if we crash, we crash.” In the end, he said, he was satisfied to finish second, his best result for the team this year.— Reuters

Canucks to battle Bruins for Stanley Cup crown VANCOUVER: The Vancouver Canucks will try to bring the Stanley Cup home to a Canadian team for the first time since 1993 when they face Boston in the National Hockey League Finals starting tomorrow.

Not since the 1993 Montreal Canadiens has a Canadian-based club captured the trophy, with four different clubs having reached the best-of-seven championship series since then only to fall at the finish to United States rivals.

The Canucks missed out in 1994, losing the finals in seven games to the New York Rangers, who had not won the crown since 1940.

Vancouver’s only other NHL final appearance was in 1982 when they were swept by the New York Islanders.

“To go to the Stanley Cup Final is a dream come true,” Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa said. “Our core has been here for seven or eight years working toward something special and we have a huge opportunity.”

Calgary lost the 2004 finals to Tampa Bay in seven games and after the 2005 was lost in a contract dispute between players and club owners, Edmonton lost the 2006 final to Carolina and Ottawa dropped the 2007 final to Anaheim.

As well as having a home-ice

edge after leading the league in points this season, history is on the side of the Canucks claiming their first NHL title in their 40th season after Vancouver hosted last year’s Winter Olympics.

After Montreal hosted the 1976 Summer Olympics, Montreal won the 1997 Stanley Cup Final and after Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Calgary Flames won the Cup the next year.

The Bruins have not claimed the Cup since 1972, having lost in the finals to Philadelphia in 1974, Montreal in 1977 and 1978 and Edmonton in 1988 and 1990.

“We haven’t (been in the final) for a long time as an organization, but this year is all that matters,” Boston’s Nathan Horton said.

The Bruins defeated the Canucks 3-1 last February in Vancouver just after the Olympics in their only regular-season meeting, with Vancouver-native Milan Lucic scoring a goal and assisting on two others for the Bruins.

Boston’s line of Lucic, David Krejci and Nathan Horton has scored 20 of Boston’s 57 goals in this year’s playoffs. Manny Malhorta, a third-line centre who could return from a March eye injury and provide an emotional boost for the Canucks, scored Vancouver ’s only goal

against the Bruins in that defeat.

Boston goaltender Tim Thomas, 12-6 in the playoffs, made 27 saves while Vancouver netminder Roberto Luongo stopped 22 shots in that meeting.

Boston comes off a seven-game escape against Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference final while Vancouver needed only five games to oust San Jose in the Western Conference final.

Swedish playmaker Henrik Sedin leads all playoff scorers while twin brother Daniel and Ryan Kesler add to the Canucks’ quick-adapting attack. Kesler and Daniel Sedin each scored 41 goals in the regular season.

The Canucks have won the opening game of their past seven playoff matchups. Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs harkened back to a pre-season game in the Czech Republic in a talk to players Sunday about how far they have come and how the journey could have a historic finish by ending their title drought.

“Our ambition is to go and win the Stanley Cup,” Jacobs said. “We were in Prague 100 games ago.

There is a common bond now that exists between everybody. The athletes are all committed to a central point and that’s a wonderful thing to see.” —AFP

Miami’s star power face Nowitzki-led Mavericks LOS ANGELES: The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks was due to square off in the NBA Finals starting late yesterday in a 2006 finals rematch that features two teams with reason to believe they can win the title.

The Heat have LeBron James and his gang while the Mavericks depend on star German forward Dirk Nowitzki and his band of merry men in the best-of-seven championship series.

Less than a year after Dwyane Wade persuaded James and Chris Bosh to come to South Beach, the Heat are living up to expectations by making it all the way to the NBA’s showcase.

After a rocky start, the superstar trio have come a long ways and they are backed up by as good a supporting cast as Miami could afford under the salary cap.

“We have to go through a lot of adversity,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. “That struggle that we went through in March, where we lost five straight, that helped us. As painful as it was, we had to go through that fire together to be able to gain the confidence where we could be successful now in the postseason.”

Miami will host games one and two on Tuesday and Thursday before the series shifts to Dallas for up to three games.

The Mavericks were the first team to reach the finals by beating Oklahoma City 100-96 on Wednesday in game five of their Western semi-final series.

The Heat followed them a day later by defeating the Chicago Bulls 83-80 in game five of the Eastern final.

This is just the second post-season meeting between Miami and Dallas, the Heat having taken the first for the crown five years ago.

Dallas won both games against Miami during the regular season.

Both contests took place in the first two months of the season.

Miami’s early season struggles hit a low when they lost 106-95 to Dallas on November 22. The soul searching after that loss resulted in a closed-door meeting after the Dallas loss where the Heat players ironed out their differences.

Four weeks later, the Mavericks edged Miami 98-96, snapping the Heat’s 12-game win streak. The Heat went on a 22-2 run with their only defeats coming at the hands of the Mavericks.

The Mavericks are built around depth. They rely on Nowitzki for most of their scoring. Their bench is deeper than Miami’s so their number two scorer usually depends on who has the hot hand on any particular night.

DALLAS: Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki practices in Dallas. The Mavericks will play the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA basketball finals today. —AP

“I like the team,” Nowitzki said. “I think we’re deep and we can play all sorts of styles. So, we’ll see what happens.” Nowitzki can’t stop thinking about the 2006 finals loss but says he’s not motivated by revenge.

“It doesn’t really matter that much to me,” Nowitzki said. “We had a huge chance in ‘06 and let it slip away, so we’ve got another crack at it. You never know in this league if you ever get another chance, and we’re able to get to this stage again and it feels good.”

Dallas fell apart five years ago after jumping out to a 2-0 series lead. The Mavericks even led game three by 13 points halfway through the fourth but then the wheels fell off the bus.

“Obviously, it was one of the toughest losses we’ve ever gone through as a franchise,” Nowitzki said. “To be up 2-0 and not a find a way to win another game, that was tough. It took us a long time to get back to this stage.”

History shows teams with two superstars have been able to capture NBA titkes, notably Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen with the 1990s Chicago Bulls and Kobe Bryant with Shaquille O’Neal or Pau Gasol on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Miami certainly has that sort of tandem but Dallas lost their No. 2 man when Caron Butler went down with a torn tendon in his right knee on January 1.

One of the key matchups is at power forward where Bosh will go up against Nowitzki, who along with James are the hottest players in the playoffs. Bosh will have his hands full with Nowitzki, who has missed just two free throws in 61 tries.

Nowitzki posted a couple of 40point performances over Oklahoma City. He averaged 32.2 points per game in the Western Conference final for Dallas.

Another intriguing battle will see the league’s dominant player, James, go against Dallas’ Shawn Marion. James is in the midst of the best playoff of his career and has proved his value with post-season games on the line, making key three pointers and stepping up defensively. He outplayed NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose of Chicago in the semi-finals. —AFP

HENGELO: Kim Collins from Saint Kitts and Nevis and Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles (right) compete in the men’s 100 meter race during the FBK Games. —AP

Collins wins 100m FBK Games HENGELO: Kim Collins clocked 10.05 seconds to win the 100 meters Sunday at the FBK Games, edging out home favorite Churandy Martina. Martina was racing for the first time as a Dutchman after switching from his native Netherlands Antilles but had to settle for silver in 10.10. Olympic silver medalist Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago crossed in 10.13 to take bronze.

Olympic champion Dayron Robles of Cuba made up for his loss last year by winning the 110 hurdles in 13:07 ahead of Dwight Thomas and Terrence Trammell. Robles fell after the last hurdle at the 2010

event. The men’s long jump was won by another reigning Olympic champion as Irving Saladino of Panama leapt 8.38 meters to beat Ignisious Gaisah of Ghana by 0.12cm. Danielle Carruthers edged United States compatriots Kellie Wells and Dawn Harper to clinch the 100 hurdles in 12:64 and there was more success for American women in the 200, won by Debbie Dunn in 23.24.

Two-time reigning world champion Maryam Jamal of Bahrain got things going early and never gave up her lead en route to clinching the 1,500 in 4:00.33. Silver went to Ethiopia’s Kalkidan Gezaghegne

while Morocco’s Siham Hilali captured bronze.

Britain’s Jenny Meadows and Emma Jackson maintained their surge after going clear of the field with 200 to go to claim the 800.

Meadows’ winning time was 1:59.76.

Jackson’s was 2:00.24. Uganda’s Annet Negesa finished third in 2:00.40.

Also Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Shaween rolled to victory in the men’s 1500 with a 3:31.82 winning time. Haron Keitany of Kenya and Ethiopia’s Mekonnen Gebremedhin had to be content with a second and third place finish. —AP

OSTRAVA: Jamaica’s sprinter Usain Bolt gestures at a golf course near the city of Brno, Czech Republic.

Usain Bolt is to run a 100 meters race during the Golden Spike Athletic meeting in Ostrava today. —AP

Bolt eyes improvement OSTRAVA: Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, hopes to have remembered how to run when he takes on fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell over 100 metres in Ostrava today.

The Jamaican Olympic champion and world record holder looked rusty when sneaking past Powell to win the Diamond League meeting in Rome last week, his first race since losing to American Tyson Gay nine months earlier.

“I didn’t do my drive phase so that kind of took away from my transition and then I had to work to get back into the race,” Bolt, who won in Rome in 9.91 seconds which came after a sluggish start, told a news conference.

“My shoulder came up, my stride pattern was off so it was just

really a bad race. My coach asked me if I forgot how to run.”

The 24-year-old, who won three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2009 world championships in Berlin, said his “bulked-up” look was due to working hard in the gym to prevent the back problems that nagged him last year.

“I think I have been doing a lot more exercises,” he said. “I have been really working core because I don’t want any back problems this season, so I have been really doing a lot of back exercises and abs.

“I have been in the gym a lot, my coach doesn’t like it when I bulk up too much so I was trying not to do too much but this is the first season I have actually been really consistent in the gym. I

think that is the reason I am so much bigger this season.”

With this year’s world championships on the horizon, Bolt said he was not even looking at what his main rivals were doing. “Last season was my season off,” he said.

“But this season I am really focused and I am ready and I am going to work hard to get back to where I was.

“For me, the focus is never on one athlete. For me to sit and focus on Tyson-he hasn’t really run 100 metres this season yet, so I can’t sit and say oh, I wonder what he is going to do. I need to focus on what I need to get done.

“I am going to focus on this one now and I am trying to get back into shape and I guess I will meet him at the world championships.” —Reuters

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

sp orts

England rout Sri Lanka

BELFAST: Pakistan’s Younis Khan (ight) in action batting as Irelandís wicketkeeper Gary Wilson (left) looks onduring the One Day International Cricket Series match.—AP

Pakistan finish with Ireland flourish BELFAST: Pakistan completed a 2-0 one-day international series win over Ireland in Belfast with victory by five wickets at Stormont here yesterday that rounded off eight months on the road.

Pakistan, set a target of 239, won with eight balls to spare thanks mainly to half-centuries from Younis Khan (64) and Umar Akmal (60 not out).

The World Cup semi-finalists have been unable to play any major matches at home since an armed attack on Sri Lanka’s tour bus in Lahore in March 2009 made the countr y a ‘no-go zone’ for the world’s leading teams.

But there were few signs of travel-weariness against Ireland. Only Mohammad Hafeez, dismissed in the second over without scoring, failed but Taufiq Umar and Azhar Ali, in his first one-day international, shared 65 for the second wicket to put Pakistan back on course.

Younis Khan played the decisive innings with 64 from 74 balls, including four fours and a six. He shared stands of 68 for the fourth wicket with captain Misbah-ul-Haq and 69 for the fifth with Akmal, who faced just 48 balls and hit six fours and a six.

The Ireland bowlers stuck to their task well with Boyd Rankin the most economical, conceding just 29 runs in his nine overs and also ending the innings of Azhar Ali, caught at slip by Paul Stirling.

It was Stirling who was named man-of-the-match after setting up the contest with a wonder fully entertaining 109, his first century against a Full Member nation, to follow ODI hundreds against Canada and, at the recent World Cup, the Netherlands.

At the interval, Pakistan would have been delighted to be chasing only 239. Ireland, skittled out for 96 during Pakistan’s seven-wicket win in Saturday’s series opener, were on course for a substantial total while the 20-year-old Stirling was at the crease.

The batsman, who plays for English county Middlesex, made 109 off just 107 balls with four sixes and seven fours. But when he was fourth out for 182 at the start of the 44th over, Ireland failed to kick-on.

The hosts lost momentum during the one rain interruption in the innings, after 37 overs, with Ireland on 159 for two. Ireland took their batting powerplay two overs after the resumption but Saeed Ajmal and Junaid Khan bowled five excellent overs which brought two wickets and yielded only 23 runs.

Junaid, Saturday’s man-of-the-

match with four wickets, finished with two for 53 but the majority of those runs came in his first spell when Stirling was on the rampage.

The 21-year-old left-arm paceman got his revenge in the powerplay when he bowled Stirling and he followed up with wicket of Gary Wilson, in the last over, for 33. Offspinner Ajmal was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with four for 35.

His haul included Kevin O’Brien, scorer of the fastest-ever World Cup century during Ireland’s shock win over England in Bangalore in March. —AFP

SCOREBOARD BELFAST, United Kingdom: Full scoreboard in the second one-day international between Ireland and Pakistan at Stormont here on yesterday: Irereland E. Joyce c Salman b Ajmal 17 P. Stirling b Junaid 109 W. Porterfield b Hafeez 15 A. Cusack st Salman b Ajmal 26 K. O’Brien c Azam b Ajmal 7 G. Wilson c Azam b Junaid 33 J. Mooney c Salman b Ajmal 6 T. Johnston run out (Azam) 3 N. Jones not out 0 A. White not out 4 Extras (lb10, w7, nb1) 18 Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) 238 Did not bat: B Rankin Fall of wickets: 1-65 (Joyce), 2-108 (Porterfield), 3-174 (Cusack), 4-182 (Stirling), 5-198 (O’Brien), 6-218 (Mooney), 7-233 (Johnston), 8-233 (Wilson) Bowling: Umar Gul 10-1-58-0 (5w); Junaid Khan 10-0-53-2 (1nb); Saeed Ajmal 10-0-354 (1w); Hafeez 10-1-42-1; Hameed Azam 10-0-40-0.

Pakistan Mohammad Hafeez c White b Johnston 0 Taufiq Umar c Stirling b O’Brien 32 Azhar Ali c Stirling b Rankin 39 Younis Khan c O’Brien b Cusack 64 Misbah-ul-Haq c Wilson b Mooney 32 Umar Akmal not out 60 Hammad Azam not out 1 Extras (lb10, w4) 14 Total (5 wkts, 48.4 overs) 242 Did not bat Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Salman Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Mohammad Hafeez), 2-65 (Taufeeq Umar), 3-80 (Azhar Ali), 4-148 (Misbah-ul-Haq), 5-237 (Younis Khan) Bowling: Rankin 9-1-29-1 (1w); Johnston 10-0-60-1 (3w); Mooney 9-0-45-1; Cusack 9.4-1-43-1; O’Brien 6-1-33-1; Jones 3-0-14-0; Stirling 2-0-8-0.

Result: Pakistan won by five wickets Man-of-the-match: Paul Stirling (IRL) Series: Pakistan won the two-match series 2-0

Afghanistan series gives Pakistan glimmer of hope KARACHI: Pakistani hopes of reviving international cricket rose after successfully hosting a oneday series against Afghanistan, but experts yesterday warned against any imminent breakthrough.

Pakistan’s second string whitewashed Afghanistan-the first international team to tour since the Sri Lankan team was attacked in Lahore in 2009 — in the threematch series which finished on Sunday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the untroubled series, albeit against lowly-ranked Afghanistan, sent positive signals after international matches were suspended following the March 2009 attacks that killed eight people, and wounded seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach.

But former players and officials remained guarded. “Apparently hosting the series gives a glimmer of hope, but it wouldn’t mean anything to top cricketing nations like England, Australia and India,” said former player Iqbal Qasim.

“Revival of international cricket in Pakistan is linked to the security situation in our country, so it is advisable for the PCB to invite

smaller nations, second strings and Under-19 outfits in the next few years,” he added.

Even before the Lahore attacks, Pakistan was a virtual “no go” zone for international teams, who frequently refused to visit over security fears following the September 11, 2001 attacks and the ensuing war on Al-Qaeda.

“While trying to convince the teams to tour Pakistan, our stance used to be that cricket was never attacked in our country, but the Lahore incidents changed the scenario and it will now take time to resume tours,” said Qasim.

Former PCB chief Tauqir Zia agreed that hosting the Afghans was a small step, particularly after Sri Lanka recently refused to visit later this year.

“It’s a fact that the security situation is not conducive for cricket tours in our country,” said Zia. “Sri Lanka has recently refused a tour due to take place in October this year, so we must take small steps like this one.”

The PCB, however, has trumpeted loud public optimism. “Under the circumstances we have managed to host an international series and I am sure this successful hosting of Afghanistan will send

positive signals to the cricket world,” said PCB general manager for domestic affairs Shafiq Ahmed.

“It was wonder ful to see a packed Iqbal stadium (in the city of Faisalabad) on Sunday and the atmosphere was electrifying which gives us big hope that people want to watch international cricket,” said Ahmed, a former Test opener.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik vowed to do everything possible to ensure Test-playing nations return.

“I want to convey a message to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that ‘please convince teams to play cricket in Pakistan’,” Malik said on Friday.

“We are capable of protecting teams and would do everything to revive cricket,” said Malik. The ICC stripped Pakistan of its share of hosting World Cup 2011 matches and formed a task force to find ways to revive international cricket in Pakistan, where bomb attacks have killed more than 4,410 people in the last four years.

The task force suggested World XI (teams comprising players from all countries) and junior teams’ tours as initial small steps in the process.—AFP

CARDIFF: Chris Tremlett inspired England to a sensational victory as they defied the elements to beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 14 runs in the first Test at Sophia Gardens here yesterday. Sri Lanka were skittled out for just 82 in their second innings, with fast bowler Tremlett taking the first three wickets to fall on his way to a return of four for 40 in 10 overs on the final day.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann followed up with four wickets for 16 runs in seven overs as Sri Lanka’s dramatic collapse continued.

Stuart Broad finished off the match with two wickets in three balls, the tourists’ second innings ending in the 25th over in under two dramatic hours. “I don’t think any of us thought it was hugely possible to get this result, but we knew we could have 50 overs to apply some pressure,” England captain Andrew Strauss told Sky Sports. “ There was some outstanding bowling from Chris Tremlett with the new ball, Stuart Broad as well, with Graeme Swann backing them up,” he added after England went 1-0 up in this three-Test series.

“We were on the receiving end of a similar result in Adelaide four years ago, and you can never relax in this game.” England’s victory in their first Test since a 3-1 Ashes triumph on Australia was achieved despite rain, which fell throughout this match, washing out nearly a whole day’s play in total. And the win came despite England being without James Anderson, who was ruled out from bowling in the remainder of this match on Saturday with a side strain.

Tremlett struck sixth ball to have Tharanga Paranavitana well caught low down at first slip by Strauss.

But it was all the 6ft 7in Surrey paceman’s own work when he caught and bowled Sri Lanka skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan after a review confirmed the batsman had gloved a lifting delivery back to the bowler.

The experienced duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene hung around until tea. But both former captains fell shortly afterwards.

The hostile Tremlett removed Mahela Jayawardene with the aid of a Strauss slip catch before Thilan Samaraweera played on to Swann for nought. Sangakkara was then held by Strauss off Swann and 43 for five soon became 43 for seven.

Prasanna Jayawardene, who had defied England with a century in Sri Lanka’s first innings 400, fell for just three when he was given out on review, after gloving an attempted hook off Tremlett through to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

England then reduced Sri Lanka to 52 for eight when Rangana Herath, swinging wildly, was lbw to Swann.

Test debutant Thisara Perera, primarily a seamer, top-scored in the innings with 20 before he was brilliantly caught by a diving Ian Bell at short leg off Broad.

And two balls later Broad, whose Ashes tour was cut short by a side injury, had Suranga Lakmal looping a catch to Alistair Cook in the slips to complete an improbable victory in equally unexpected bright sunshine.

There seemed little chance of England forcing a win after rain

CARDIFF: England’s Ian Bell (left) collides with substitute fielder Stewart Walters during the final day of the first Test cricket match against Sri Lanka.—AP washed out the whole of Monday’s morning session and prevented play from resuming until 3.00pm local time. England then added just five runs to their overnight total. Strauss declared on 496 for five as soon as Ian Bell, who resumed on 98, completed a 159-ball hundred featuring a six and 11 fours.

Bell’s was the third century of an England innings that saw his Warwickshire team-mate Jonathan Trott score 203 and opener Alastair

Cook 133. Trott, now second only to Australia great Sir Donald Bradman in the all-time Test batting averages, was named man-of-the-match.

“I don’t pay attention to my average, I just want to contribute to the team,” Trott said ahead of the second Test, whicn starts at Lord’s on Friday.

Meanwhile a dejected Dilshan added: “I’m really disappointed. “We have to forget about it now and regroup and play some good cricket at Lord’s.”—AFP

SCOREBOARD CARDIFF, United Kingdom: Scoreboard at stumps on the fifth day of the first Test between England and Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens here on yesterday: Sri Lanka 1st Innings 400 (P Jayawardene 112, T Paranavitana 66, T Samaraweera 58, T Dilshan 50; J Anderson 3-66, G Swann 3-78) England 1st Innings (overnight: 491-5) A. Strauss c M Jayawardene b Lakmal 20 A. Cook c P Jayawardene b Maharoof 133 J. Anderson c M Jayawardene b Mendis 1 J. Trott b Dilshan 203 K. Pietersen lbw b Herath 3 I. Bell not out 103 E. Morgan not out 14 Extras (b10, lb4, nb5) 19 Total (5 wkts dec, 155 overs, 635 mins) 496 Did not bat: M Prior, S Broad, G Swann, C Tremlett Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Strauss), 2-47 (Anderson), 3-298 (Cook), 4-305 (Pietersen), 5-465 (Trott) Bowling: Lakmal 22-4-68-1 (1nb); Perera 24-5-81-0; Dilshan 16-1-60-1; Maharoof 28-392-1 (3nb); Mendis 21-4-66-1 (1nb); Herath 44-7-115-1.

Sri Lanka 2nd Innings T. Paranavitana c Strauss b Tremlett 0 T. Dilshan c and b Tremlett 10 K. Sangakkara c Strauss b Swann14 M. Jayawardene c Strauss b Tremlett 15 T. Samaraweera b Swann 0 P. Jayawardene c Prior b Tremlett 3 F. Maharoof c Prior b Swann 0 T. Perera c Bell b Broad 20 R. Herath lbw b Swann 3 A. Mendis not out 12 S. Lakmal c Cook b Broad 0 Extras (b5) 5 Total (all out, 24.4 overs, 117 mins) 82 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Paranavitana), 2-10 (Dilshan), 3-33 (M Jayawardene), 4-36 (Samaraweera), 5-43 (Sangakkara), 6-43 (Maharoof ), 7-43 (P Jayawardene), 8-52 (Herath), 9-82 (Perera), 10-82 (Lakmal) Bowling: Broad 7.4-1-21-2; Tremlett 10-2-40-4; Swann 7-1-16-4.

Result: England won by an innings and 14 runs Man-of-the-match: Jonathan Trott (ENG) Series: England lead three-match series 1-0

Pakistani Gilgit-Baltistaan Spring Festival Cricket Tournament KUWAIT: Pakistani Gilgit-Baltistaan community celebrated the Spring Festival in Kuwait. In this regards beside other events — a cricket tournament was also organized which took place at the Green Park, Kuwait City. 10 Baltistaani teams participated for GilgitBaltistan Championship Trophy. The final match played on May 20, 2011 was witnessed by hundreds of Pakistani spectators. They applaud the players and encouraged the game with great enthusiasm.

Honorable Chief Guest of the event was Asif Khan, a seasoned investment banker, a renowned businessman and a well-known social figure of Pakistan. “Both teams played with full passion, I congratulate them and encourage them to arrange more such tournaments to take cricket to the next level in Kuwait” said Asif Khan.

Khan also congratulated and appreciated the main organizers Ghulam Nabi Konees and co-organizers namely, Ehsan Ali Sakardu, Mohd. Habeeb Konees, Munawar Ali Konees, Kachoo Alamdaar Khailo and Asghar Ali. The final match was played between Sermik Star XI and Konees Eleven. After winning the toss Konees Eleven elected to bat first. In their allotted 14 overs they managed to score 150 runs.

In reply Sermik Star XI reached the target in 13 over for the loss of only 3 wickets. Shuja Al Hussain scored an unbeaten 92 and was named man of the match while Zakir Hussain was named man of the tournament.

Ahmed Ali Yaar, captain of the winning team received the trophy from Asif Khan whereas Ghulam Ahmed Munees and other distinguished guests Zakir Rizvi and Sayed Yawar Lateef distributed other prizes.

After the final ceremony and prize distribution, a gathering was arranged to celebrate the victory where the distinguished sponsor praised and thanked Asif Khan for his presence and all the teams for their efforts for making the tournament successful.

Honorable Chief Guest Asif Khan congratulated the sponsors and all the teams for their dedication to teams as well as the community.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

sports

INDIANAPOLIS: IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, of England, poses in his car during the traditional winner’s photo of the Indianapolis 500 auto race champion on the start/finish line at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.—AP

Wheldon wins Indy 500 INDIANAPOLIS: England’s Dan Wheldon captured a dramatic centennial edition of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday after American rookie leader J.R. Hildebrand crashed on the final turn of the last lap.

Wheldon, a 2005 Indy 500 winner now unable to find a full-season ride, was runner-up the past two years and appeared destined for another second-place showing until 23-yearold Hildebrand slammed into the outer wall.

“I t ’s just an incredible day,” Wheldon said in Victory Lane. “I’m struggling being a part-timer right now. It’s a fantastic achievement being here.”

Wheldon sped across the finish line first after 200 laps around the famed2.5-mile (4km) Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval while

Hildebrand, trying to manage a victory on a low-fuel tank, skidded across second in his wrecked car.

“We were way at the end of the fuel stint,” said Hildebrand, who escaped injur y. “I knew the guys behind me were coming hard. I went on the high side and as soon as I did I got into the marbles and went into the wall.”

American Graham Rahal, a 22year-old American trying to become Indy’s youngest champion, was third followed by Brazil’s Tony Kanaan in fourth with Spain’s Oriol Servia fifth.

Defending champion Dario Franchitti went from the lead to the pits for fuel with 36 laps remaining, hoping to reach the finish without another stop.

That left front-row starter Servia in front when racing resumed but

Rahal, whose father Bobby won the race 25 years before, beat him to the first turn to grab the lead until New Zealand’s Scott Dixon passed him prior to the final pit stops for leaders.

The leaders’ fuel stops put Danica Patrick, trying to become the first woman to win the Indy 500, ahead with 20 laps remaining. But the American was in need of a caution period to complete the final 41 laps without refueling in order to win.

Belgian Bertrand Baguette, also low on fuel, passed Patrick for the lead with 12 laps remaining but went into the pits with three laps left for fuel as Hildebrand passed Franchitti and appeared set for victory.

Then came a crash that created one the most dramatic finishes in the 100-year history of the US oval classic, leaving a stunned Wheldon

screaming with joy as he took the checkered flag.

“I was just trying to go as hard as I could. They said a lot of those guys were struggling on fuel,” Wheldon said. “I just felt a lot of relief. After being second for the past two years, it felt great.”

Two of those runner-up efforts came with John Barnes, Hildebrand’s car owner who settled for second for a fourth year in a row. With his car bearing sponsorship from the US National Guard, he was particularly sorry to miss out on the Memorial Day holiday weekend honoring fallen soldiers.

“I didn’t want to be the next bridesmaid,” Hildebrand said. “When you have a chance to win, this weekend with all the soldiers, you have to take it. Instead it’s second again.”

Barnes was proud of Hildebrand’s effort despite the disappointing end.

“He did a hell of a job,” Barnes said.

“He’ll rethink turn four for a long time but he put us where we’re at. It’s just one of those things. You have to hold your head high. He drove the wheels off it. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Franchitti, forced into the pits late, settled for 12th and pondered what might have been his third Indy 500 title in four years had he stayed with the lead.

“I’m not goiing to second guess my guys,” said Franchitti, who led for 51 laps. “I am desvastaed. I don’t think that’s too strong a word. That’s as good as I can do it. We did a great job. It’s too bad we didn’t get the result.”

“We had the car to win and we didn’t get it done.” Patrick settled for

10th. “You have to try to win at Indy,” Patrick said. “You have to go for it.”

Dixon started in the middle of row one and took the lead at the start but pole-sitter Alex Tagliani passed him in the front straightaway at the start of lap eight to take his first Indy lead.

Australian Will Power, the season points leader, lost his left rear wheel in the pits and did a lap on three tires before returning to the pits and falling back for good.

Tagliani brushed the outer wall on lap 148 to end his day, setting up a restart that kept Franchitti on top.

Australian Ryan Briscoe and American Townsend Bell crashed into each other and the outer wall of the first turn on lap 159, sparking strategy moves for the final drama as the race restarted with 36 laps remaining.—AFP

Hamilton says sorry to stewards after angry rant

WENTWORTH: Luke Donald of England, celebrates with the European PGA trophy after his final round of the golf tournament at Wentworth golf club. —AP

Donald wins at Wentworth VIRGINIA WATER: Luke Donald secured the world No. 1 ranking by winning the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday, beating Lee Westwood in a playoff in what was a duel for top spot between the two players.

On the first playoff hole, Donald landed his approach onto the No. 18 green to within a few feet, while Westwood sent his shot into the adjacent water hazard to decide the tournament at Wentworth.

It is only the second stroke-play title in the past five years for Donald, who joins Westwood and Nick Faldo as the only Englishmen to hold the top spot since the rankings were introduced in 1986.

Donald will replace Westwood when the new rankings are released late yesterday. His second tour victory this year, and fifth overall, also extends his lead in The Race to Dubai standings.

“Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it,” said Donald, last year’s runner-up. “It’s an amazing accomplishment. It’s something I will be very proud of when I look back. I will savor this moment, it’s very special. I think I will stay the same person, I hope I do. I’m looking forward to the challenge of staying No. 1.

I know Lee and Martin (Kaymer) will be chasing me very hard.” Having trailed co-leaders Matteo Manassero and Donald by two strokes entering the round, Westwood shot a 3-under 68 and Donald hit a 70 for both to total 6-under 278. Simon Dyson of England (69) finished third at 280 after hitting a 69.

Marcus Fraser of Australia (67), France’s

Raphael Jacquelin (71), Shane Lowry of Ireland (67) were two strokes further back. In a group of seven on 283 was three-time champion Colin Montgomerie (68), who claimed his first top-10 finish in almost three years, and Manassero (75). It was third time lucky for Donald, who had missed out on becoming No. 1 after losing to Ian Poulter in the World Match Play final last week in Spain and going down to Brandt Snedeker in a playoff at The Heritage in April.

But his consistency in finishing in the top 10 for the past nine tournaments — including winning the Accenture Match Play event in Arizona in February — ensured his first playoff victory on either the European or US Tour will give him the No. 1 ranking.

Donald said Westwood’s waterbound approach in the playoff was more down to poor fortune than execution. “It wasn’t a bad shot, just had a litte bit too much spin on it. It was just unfortunate, you don’t like to see that,” Donald said. “Lee is a champion and has been a great No. 1 for European golf.”

Westwood couldn’t believe his ball didn’t stay on the green.

“Where did the ball pitch? It’s amazing it went in the water,” Westwood said.

“When Luke’s (shot) was in the air, I thought it might have gone in the back bunker.” A tournament of mostly unimpressive scoring _ due to a redesign from Ernie Els that has made the West Course almost unplayable, or to fiendishly difficult pin placements, depending upon whom you believe -

continued at the start of the final round.

Donald began the day by going bogey-bogey, visibly blanching after duffing his chip at the par-3 No. 2 from just off the green.

Manassaero double-bogeyed No. 3 after needing two shots to reach the green from an adjacent bunker. Donald birdied the next hole to draw level with the Italian in front again. Westwood, however, made four birdies in nine holes after a bogey on No. 3 to sit on top of the leaderboard.

Another birdie on the difficult No. 15 green was made possible by one of the shots of the tournament. Having missed the fairway with his driver and receiving a free drop, Westwood carved a 7-iron with draw that rolled within 4 feet of the hole, the putt taking him two strokes ahead of Donald. That lead evaporated at No. 16.

Westwood three-putted after having dropped his club in his follow-through from the tee. Donald, in the next group, landed his approach within a foot of the hole - and the top two players in the world were level again. Down the home straight, Donald and Westwood mixed the sub-standard with the sublime.

Donald’s birdie putt lipped out on No. 17 after a brilliant rescue shot following an approach that hit a tree. He landed his tee shot into the bunker at No. 18, not long after Westwood had sent his 5-wood into the gallery at the last. “If you’re going to miss your chances, you’ll go into a playoff — and they are volatile, aren’t they?” Westwood said later. —AP

MONACO: Lewis Hamilton apologized to stewards at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday after jokingly suggesting that he was being penalized because he is black.

The McLaren driver was given two drive-through penalties following incidents with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and Williams’ Pastor Maldonado during Sunday’s race, won by Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel.

“It’s an absolute ... joke,” Hamilton told the BBC. “I’ve been to see the stewards five times out of six this season. “Maybe it’s because I’m black.

That’s what Ali G says,” Hamilton added, in reference to the fictional television character made famous by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. But Hamilton later said he had been to see the stewards to “make peace” following his remark.

“What I said was a bit of a joke, which wasn’t funny at the time,” Hamilton told Britain’s Press Association. “I made them aware that when emotions are high, and it’s very intense at the end of those kind of races, you don’t always say the right thing, and the joke didn’t come at the most appropriate time.”

Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, did not immediately react to Hamilton’s comment, but the 26-yearold Englishman said the stewards had assured him they would “clarify it with

MONACO: McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car in this file photo. —AP (the FIA) and it won’t go any further than the meeting room.” Hamilton was given his first drive -through penalty for the collision with Massa.

The second was handed out retrospectively after he came into contact with Maldonado late in the race.

He was given a 20-second penalty, but it did not affect his race position of sixth, as Force India’s Adrian Sutil was a lap behind him in seventh.

Hamilton, who was also demoted from seventh to ninth on the start grid for cutting a chicane in qualifying on

Saturday, felt Massa was the driver to blame in the first incident.

“Massa held me up in qualifying, I got the penalty,” he said. “He turned into me (during the race), I got the penalty. These drivers are ridiculous.

It’s stupid.” Hamilton is the only driver to have beaten Vettel in six races this season, outwitting the German in China, but he is 58 points behind Vettel in the championship standings.

“I’ll just try and keep my mouth shut and try to enjoy the rest of the season,” Hamilton said.—AP

Colombia’s Uribe wins Brazil Cup RIO DE JANEIRO: Colombian Mariajo Uribe shot a 6-under 66 to defeat Australian Lindsey Wright by a stroke in the final round of the LPGA Tour ’s Brazil Cup on Sunday. Uribe, last year’s runnerup in the 36-hole event, made seven birdies and a bogey to finish at 9-under at the Itanhanga Golf Club.

Uribe was 5-under after the first seven holes on Sunday, then picked up two more birdies and a bogey on the back nine before finishing with four straight pars to secure the victory in the 30-player exhibition tournament. Wright shot a 4-under 68 to finish second.

She birdied No. 17 but was not able to make a charge in the final hole. Firstround leader Heather Bowie Young of the United States followed her 66 on Saturday with an even par round that left her tied BRAZIL: Mariajo Uribe of Colombia kisses her trophy after winning the HSBC LPGA Brazil Cup in Rio de Janeiro. —AP for fourth.—AP

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

19

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

S P ORT S

Sinclair fires Swansea into Premier League

LONDON: Manchester United’s manager Alex Ferguson (centre wearing black hat) talks to the fans as they celebrate with the English Premier League trophy in front of fans on the route of an open top bus parade, at Old Trafford. —AP

Berbatov joins United’s title parade despite Euro snub LONDON: Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov was part of the club’s Premier League trophy parade yesterday just 48 hours after being left out of his side’s Champions League final squad.

Berbatov didn’t even make the substitutes’ bench for Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against Barcelona at Wembley and was reported to have stormed away from the stadium before kick-off.

United denied those suggestions but the selection snub still raised huge question marks about the Bulgarian’s relationship with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Berbatov, 30, was among the squad that assembled at Manchester Arena on Monday for an open-topped bus journey from the city centre to Old Trafford, although speculation over his future is sure to continue.

In keeping with the mood of gloom that followed Saturday’s defeat, rain poured as United made their way through the city.

Along with Berbatov, Paul Scholes and Michael Owen were also present despite huge uncertainty over their futures. Scholes, who is believed to be considering retirement, was giving little away about his future as he looked forward to a summer break.

“Reaching 19 titles is not something you ever think about. All you want to do is win something,” Scholes said. “To go on like we have done is a great achievement. Now we want to stretch our lead even more.

“The challenge will always be to get the next one. This one is out of the way now. We will celebrate it today, have a nice summer, then think about winning the next one.”

Meanwhile, Patrice Evra wants to chance to tackle Barcelona again in next year’s Champions League final. After suffering their second final defeat against Barca in three seasons, United could be forgiven for wanting to avoid the Catalans for a little while.

But, rather than be fearful, French left-back Evra is already steeling himself for the challenge of a rematch in

Munich 12 months from now.

“Manchester United never die,” he told MUTV. “We are not afraid. I want to come back to the final and play against Barcelona again. “Manchester United had a good season - not a great season because we didn’t win on Saturday night.

“But we have still won the league and we are going to win the league again next year, and make sure we win the Champions League as well.”

Owen once again confirmed his desire to remain at Old Trafford and claimed Saturday’s defeat should not be allowed to put a dampener on the season as a whole. “When you start every season the first objective is to win the league,” he said. “ What happened at the weekend should not be allowed to detract from that,” United’s England striker Wayne Rooney refused to be downbeat in the aftermath of Saturday’s defeat.

He has already set his sights on winning a 20th league title after securing their record 19th championship this season. “Winning the league is a massive achievement,” he said. “We have to forget about what happened on Saturday and move on.

“The idea now is to win the 20th. We will be fighting hard to make sure we are there again next season.”

Meanwhile, United chief executive David Gill expects a busy few weeks as Ferguson tries to refresh his squad with several new signigs.

“It will be a busier than usual summer this year,” Gill told MUTV. “I will be going away at some point in June and be back for the start of our tour but I will be on with player stuff for the next few weeks I am sure.”

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder and Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric have been linked with moves to Old Trafford.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea seems certain to arrive as a replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar, while Lens defender Raphael Varane is also on United’s wanted list. —AFP

LONDON: Swansea clinched promotion to the Premier League as Scott Sinclair’s hat-trick inspired a 4-2 win over Reading in the Championship play-off final at Wembley yesterday.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will play in the top-flight for the first time in 28 years and can look forward to a £90 million pounds ($148 million) jackpot from increased revenue thanks to a sensational firsthalf display.

Sinclair scored twice in the space of 60 seconds midway through the half with a penalty and then a cool close-range finish.

The former Chelsea winger’s 25th and 26th goals of the season were followed by a Stephen Dobbie strike just before the break.

Reading almost staged a dramatic second half revival as they reduced the deficit through Joe Allen’s own goal and a Matt Mills header.

Brian McDermott’s team were unlucky not to equalise when Jem Karacan’s shot hit a post, but Swansea sealed the victory when England Under-21 international Sinclair stroked home another penalty in the closing minutes.

“It was a fantastic game,” Rodgers said. “I don’t think we played as well as we did for most of the season but on the moments when we did show our quality we were very, very good.

“Conceding two goals helped us refocus and get a bit of control.

These players deserve to be in the Premier League, they showed great courage.”

Now south Wales can look forward to a rare chance to see the country’s elite as Swansea take on famous names like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

It is a remarkable rise. Just eight years ago Swansea needed to beat Hull on the last day of the season to avoid dropping out of the Football League.

LONDON: Swansea City’s Scott Sinclair (bottom) celebrates after he scored his side’s second goal during the Football League Championship Play Off Final at Wembley Stadium. —AP Promotion at the expense of Reading was also sweet for Rodgers, who was sacked by the Royals in December 2009, just six months after the former Chelsea youth coach had taken charge.

In a touching tribute, Swansea’s went on their lap of honour wearing T-shirts with Besian Idrizaj on to remember their former team-mate, who died a year ago of a heart attack at the age of 22.

Sinclair added: “I’m buzzing.

Credit to the boys, it’s fantastic.

“Brendan deserves massive credit.

He’s been exceptional and puts all the hard work in every day in training.”

Swansea took the lead in the 21st minute when defender Zurab Khizanishvili brought down Nathan Dyer with a clumsy tackle.

Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot and Sinclair stepped up to send Australian goalkeeper Adam Federici the wrong way

with the penalty. Just 60 seconds later, Sinclair put Swansea into dreamland.

Reading’s veteran Irish leftback Ian Harte was easily beaten for pace by Dobbie and when the for ward crossed low into the area, Federici could only palm the ball towards Sinclair, who calmly slotted home from closerange.

Swansea were cutting Reading to pieces with some fine passing and they had one foot in the Premier League when Dyer ’s cross was only half-cleared by Khizanishvili to Dobbie, who steered a fine finish past Federici from just inside the area in the 40th minute.

To compound Reading’s miser y, assistant manager Nigel Gibbs and substitute Jay Tabb was sent off for foul and abusive language towards the officials at the interval.

Yet in their darkest hour,

China’s Zhang is acting Asian chief — Velappan

Lyon secures CL spot PARIS: Seven-time French champion Lyon booked a place in Champions League qualifying Sunday by beating Monaco 2-0 on the last day of the French league season with goals from Pape Diak hate and Lisandro Lopez.

Lyon’s win also sent 18th-place Monaco into the second division for the first time since 1976. Lens and last-place Arles were already demoted.

Third-place Lyon ended the

championship with 64 points from 38 rounds, four more than fourthplace Paris Saint-Germain, and will play the Champions League for the 13th straight year.

Lille, which secured its first title since 1954 last weekend, celebrated in front of its home fans with a 3-2 win over Rennes courtesy of a hattrick from the league’s top scorer M oussa S ow.

S econd-place Marseille was held to a 2-2 draw at Caen. —AP

ROME: Inter Milan’s Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon controls the ball during the Italian Cup soccer match final against Palermo. —AP

Inter win Italian Cup ROME: Samuel Eto’o again showed he is the man for the big occasion when he hit two goals to help Inter Milan to a 3-1 win over Palermo in the Italian Cup final on Sunday.

His goals either side of halftime set Inter on its way to the defense of the last of its remaining trophies from the treblewinning season of 2010 and gave

Leonardo his first success as a coach.

Palermo had a number of chances in both halves, but was unable to find a way past Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar, until Ezequiel Munoz pulled a goal back with two minutes to go. Munoz was then sent off and in injury time Diego Milito put the seal on the win when he sidefooted in from close range. —AP

Germany see off Uruguay in friendly SINSHEIM: Germany warmed up for their up-coming Euro 2012 qualifiers with a 2-1 friendly win over Uruguay on Sunday in a rematch of last year’s World Cup third-place play-off.

First-half goals by Bayern Munich hotshot Mario Gomez and Mainz’s Andre Schuerrle put the hosts 2-0 up at the break before Napoli’s Walter Gargano pulled a consolation goal back for the guests in a low-key friendly.

Gomez is coming off his best season and the 25-year-old scored his 16th goal in his 44th international, having scored 28 times for Bayern in the Bundesliga to finish as the German league’s top scorer.

Germany now face qualifiers for Euro 2012 against Austria, in Vienna on Friday, and Azerbaijan in Baku on June 7 and Gomez said his side must do more.

“We started well and played with a high tempo in front of goal,” said Gomez, with his side unbeaten with five wins at the top of Group A. “We created two nice goals, but we will have to do more (to

win in Vienna).”

Uruguay are preparing for the Copa America which will be held in Argentina from July 1-24 and face Peru in the first game of the south American cup.

“We competed tonight with a great team. Germany took advantage of our mistakes, but for us it was ideal preparation for our forthcoming matches,” said Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez.

But striker Diego Forlan said his team got what they deserved. “We made mistakes and against Germany you can’t do that or they will punish you,” he said.

Just as they had done in Por t Elizabeth, Germany ran out winners, but this time the hosts were without both injured midfielders Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Germany coach Joachim Loew fielded an experimental midfield with veteran Simon Rolfes of Leverkusen alongside youngsters Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos and Schuerrle.

“I saw many things I really liked, espe-

Reading somehow managed to summon up the spirit for a brave fightback in the second half.

McDermott’s men needed a goal soon after the break to give them a lifeline and it arrived in the 49th minute when Swansea midfielder Allen glanced Noel Hunt’s header into his own net.

Reading struck another from another corner eight minutes later. Jobi McAnuff was the provider with a deep delivery to Mills, who thumped his header past Dorus De Vries.

Rodgers’ side were wobbling and Karacan saw his long-range effort deflected against a post before Garr y Monk blocked Hunt’s follow-up.

Sinclair finally settled Swansea’s ner ves in the 80th minute when he completed only the second treble in Wembley play-off final histor y with a penalty after Andy Griffin fouled Fabio Borini. —AFP

cially in the first half,” said Loew. “In the second half, we made some small mistakes and it was difficult to control the match because we made a few replacements.

“Uruguay managed to stay in the encounter through their extraordinary players such as Forlan and (Liverpool’s Luis) Suarez.”

After a dull start to the game, the match burst into life in the 20th minute when Gomez robbed Fenerbahce defender Diego Lugano of possession just inside the Uruguay half.

He beat two defenders and drew the goalkeeper before rifling his shot home for a superb individual goal. The hosts extended their lead when Schuerrle, winning only his third cap, slotted home his first goal for his country on 35 minutes when Real Madrid winger Mesut Ozil found a hole in the guests’ defence.

Schuerrle smashed home an unstoppable shot from the edge of the penalty area. But Uruguay were denied a goal

when Germany Manuel Neuer made a hash of a shot by Atletico Madrid’s Forlan and spilled the ball into his own net, but luckily for the hosts the linesman ruled off-side to make it 2-0 at the break. The south Americans pulled one back when Napoli midfielder Gargano made no mistake directly in front of goal and punished the German defence on 48 minutes to breath life back into the game.

With Ozil off, Germany’s attackers struggled to impose themselves while Uruguay had a few chances to equalise as the game wore on.

Tabarez made just two changes to his side, Loew took the oppor tunity to experiment, bringing on six replacements, including wunderkind Mario Goetze, who only turns 19 next week.

G oe t ze ha d a c ha nce to ne t Germany’s third in the dying stages, b ut f a i l e d to c hi p hi s s hot ove r Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera of Lazio. —AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: China’s Zhang Jilong has temporarily taken charge of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after president Mohamed bin Hammam was suspended over graft claims, a former top official said yesterday.

Zhang’s appointment was automatic under AFC rules following bin Hammam’s suspension, Peter Velappan, who was the Asian body’s general secretary for 30 years, told AFP. “The deputy president of the AFC, Zhang Jilong of China, takes over with immediate effect,” Velappan said from Zurich, where he is a guest of FIFA ahead of this week’s congress.

“In the absence of a president, the deputy president will become the acting president. Bin Hammam cannot oppose this development.”

Velappan left the AFC in 2007 after a public fallingout with bin Hammam, and the two are known rivals.

Bin Hammam was running for the FIFA presidency until dramatically pulling out on Sunday, hours before his suspension.

Yesterday, Qatar’s bin Hammam said he was appealing against his ban, which is in force while FIFA investigates claims he tried to rig Wednesday’s vote.

“Now he is suspended, he’s barred from holding any position in any (football) sports organisation. Hence Zhang, in accordance with AFC statutes, becomes acting president,” Velappan said.

“This is the best thing for Asian football,” he added.

Zhang’s appointment, if confirmed, would add a new twist to the rollercoaster of intrigue which has characterised football’s global leadership in recent days.

Zhang was a candidate for FIFA’s executive committee in January but the two slots up for grabs went to Sri Lanka’s Manilal Fernando and Worawi Makudi of Thailand, who are both bin Hammam allies.

Yesterday, Fernando voiced strong support for the Qatari as he battles to clear his name. “Sri Lanka still supports bin Hammam and he is still the best,” Fernando told AFP in an email from Zurich.

Asian heavyweights China, Japan and Australia refused to comment on bin Hammam when contacted

by AFP on Monday, although South Korea also said it was maintaining support for the Qatari.

“There has been no change yet in our official position,” said a spokesman for the Korea Football Association.

Myanmar Football Federation spokesman Soe Moe said bin Hammam should “clear his name as his dignity has suffered” but added that the body still backed longtime incumbent Sepp Blatter as FIFA president.

“We have no one to support now except Mr Blatter.

He’s the only one left for election. We also like Mr Blatter more than bin Hammam. He has better experience,” Soe Moe said.

Bin Hammam, who saw off an attempt to oust him from FIFA’s executive committee in 2009, unexpectedly withdrew his presidential bid on Sunday, and was later barred from football activities pending the graft probe.

The Qatari voiced dissatisfaction at his “completely disproportionate” suspension and confirmed he will appeal the ban.

Meanwhile Blatter, who has been FIFA president for 13 years, looked set to be re-elected unopposed tomorrow despite widespread corruption allegations which have badly damaged the powerful body. —AFP

Donald wins at Wentworth

Pakistan finish with Ireland flourish

18

17

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Sinclair fires Swansea into Premier League Page 19

MINSK: Azerbaijan’s Aliya Garayeva performs with the hoop during the seniors individual final competition at the 27th Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships. —AFP

Nadal sends Ljubicic packing Sharapova advances into last eight PARIS: Rafael Nadal improved his record at Roland Garros to 42-1, beating Ivan Ljubicic 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 yesterday to reach the quarterfinals of the French Open. The five-time champion was not troubled on Cour t Philippe Chatrier, and the win kept him on course to equal Bjorn Borg’s record of six titles on the Parisian clay.

“I have improved since the tournament started,” said Nadal, who was pushed to five sets in the first round.

“I’m able to play better and I’m going to continue on this path.” Novak Djokovic also had a successful day, even though he wasn’t scheduled to play. The second-seeded Serb reached the semifinals of the tournament — where he could meet Roger Federer — when quarterfinal opponent Fabio Fognini withdrew because of injury. “Walkover from Fognini. Bad luck for him, hope he recovers fast.

Today i get to enjoy Paris in a different way :-)” Djokovic wrote on Twitter.

Maria Sharapova also advanced Monday, as did Australian Open runner-up Li Na. Fourth-seeded Andy Murray and Viktor Troicki of Serbia

were even at two sets each when their match was suspended because of darkness at 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Nadal won four straight titles at the French Open before losing to Robin Soderling in the fourth round in 2009. He will face Soderling in the quarterfinals this year after the fifthseeded Swede defeated Gilles Simon of France 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (5).

“For me it will be a tough match,” Nadal said minutes before Soderling completed his victory. “He’s played two finals here at Roland Garros, so he knows what this means. He’s got to play his best tennis.”

Federer won the 2009 French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, but Nadal returned to win his fifth title in 2010.

Djokovic, who will not be credited with a victory because Fognini withdrew, is after his own records. If he wins his semifinal match, he would equal John McEnroe’s Open era record of 42-0 for the best start to a tennis season and clinch the No. 1 ranking.

With three more wins, the second-

seeded Serb will match the record of 46 straight wins set by Guillermo Vilas in 1977. The two-time Australian Open champion has never won the title at Roland Garros, but he beat Nadal in two clay-court finals leading up to the French Open.

Fognini, who injured a muscle in his left leg while beating Alber t Montanes on Sunday, announced Monday that he would not be able to play Djokovic, who is 41-0 in 2011 and has won 43 straight matches overall. “It’s better for him,” Nadal said of Djokovic’s advancement. “He is going to really rest ahead of his semifinal.” Federer will have to beat Gael Monfils to advance to the semifinals.

The ninth-seeded Frenchman defeated David Ferrer 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, 1-6, 8-6 in a match that stretched over two days.

“Now I need to recover and at some point I’ll stop losing against this Swiss,” said Monfils, who has lost five of his six matches against Federer.

Juan Ignacio Chela also reached the quar ter finals. The unseeded Argentine, the only non-European left

in the men’s draw, beat Alejandro Falla of Colombia 4-6, 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2. Sharapova won the last four games to beat 12th-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 7-6 (4), 7-5 and reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal in two years. The seventh-seeded Sharapova has won the other three major tournaments once apiece, but is still looking for her first title at Roland Garros.

Sharapova will next face 15thseeded Andrea Petkovic of Germany, who defeated No. 25 Maria Kirilenko of Russia 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.

The sixth-seeded Li became the first Chinese player to reach the quarterfinals at Roland Garros by beating No. 9 Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic 2-6, 6-1, 6-3. She will next face No. 4 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who beat Ekaterina Makarova of Russia 6-2, 6-3. “I was really in trouble,” Li said about trailing 3-0 in the third set. “I didn’t believe I could come back, because she has a huge big serve. But I was OK. She had just broken once.”—AP

Pakistan’s Afridi retires KARACHI: Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi told AFP yesterday he was retiring from all international cricket, saying he was dejected after being replaced as one-day captain following a fiery clash with coach Waqar Younis.

The 31-year-old developed differences with Waqar during the team’s 3-2 win against the West Indies earlier this month and his public criticism of the coach ultimately led to him losing the captaincy.

“Yes, I am now retired from all international cricket,” Afridi said by telephone from London. “I am dejected and hurt and whatever I said about the coach it was in the best interests of the team.” Afridi, who took over as Test and one-day captain last year, abruptly retired from the longer version of the game after a heavy defeat against Australia at Lord’s in July 2010.

He then led Pakistan to two one-day series defeats against England and South Africa before winning a 50-over series in New Zealand and guiding the team to the semi-finals of World Cup 2011 where they lost to eventual champions India. Afridi lashed out at Waqar on his return from the West Indies.

“Everyone should do his job and should be accountable for his work,” said Afridi, reportedly irked at Waqar’s interference in team selection.

When asked about his reported differences with the coach, Afridi replied: “The differences are not at a stage where they cannot be resolved.”

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took heed of the public criticism and served a show cause notice to Afridi before announcing that Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq would lead the team in two oneday matches against Ireland. Pakistan won the series 2-0 under Misbah yesterday.

PARIS: Defending champion Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Crotia’s Ivan Ljubicic during their fourth round match of the French Open.—AP

Wigan romp makes it three-way tie at top

Shahid Afridi seen in this file photo That controversy, related to last year’s Lord’s Afridi said he was roughly treated by the PCB. “I play for my country and for my people,” he Test against England, ended in lengthy bans on said. “I led the team to the semi-final of the former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen World Cup but the reward was such that I was Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.

Afridi, who still holds the record for the not sure about my captaincy.”

Afridi said his decision to retire was final, as fastest one-day hundred, scored off 37-balls he would not play under the current PCB, head- against Sri Lanka at Nairobi in 1997, was the ed by chairman Ijaz Butt, but hinted at a come- joint leading wicket-taker with 21 in the 2011 World Cup with India’s Zaheer Khan. back if there was a change in leadership.

The burly all-rounder scored 6,695 in 325 “This current board treats players roughly and I will not play under this set-up. But if this set-up one-dayers and took 315 wickets as a leg-spinis changed only then will I consider coming back ner. He also has a tally of 1,716 runs and 48 wickbecause I have always played for my people and ets in 27 Tests.

Afridi finished as player of the tournament in will play for them.”

Afridi said he had battled against the game’s the first two editions of the World Twenty20, in match-fixing menace and had united a disjoint- 2007 and 2009, helping Pakistan to the title in ed Pakistan team. “When I retired from Test crick- the latter tournament in England.

“I served the country to the best of my ability et and sensed spot-fixing in the team, I fought against it and after the fixing episode united the but did not deserve this treatment. I wanted to team which was broken and divided,” said Afridi, leave cricket on a happy note, but that did not come about,” he said.—AFP referring to last year’s fixing scandal in England.

LEEDS: Former Wests Tigers wing Pat Richards was at his mercurial best as Wigan made it a three-way tie at the top of the Super League - bagging a hat-trick in the Warriors 40-6 win over Hull KR yesterday.

The 29-year-old, who made nearly 40 NRL appearances for the Tigers between 2004 and 2005, crossed twice in the firsthalf and late in the second while also kicking six goals to end with 24 points.

Richards was called upon as early as the second minute converting Sam Tomkins score before grabbing two of his own - one eight minutes later and the other just on the stroke of half-time.

Tomkins added a second and third of his own before the last ten minutes with Richards completing his hat-trick in the 72nd and centre George Carmont rounded off the rout late on.

Wigan’s win follows on from triumphs for both Warrington, who beat Leeds 42-6 and Huddersfield, who downed Hull 34-20 and leaves all three tied at the top on 22 points - however the Warriors have a game in hand. Monaghan brothers Joel and Michael were both on the scoresheet for the Wolves as they ran in seven tries against the Rhinos - two of which came from stand-off Lee Briers.

Former New Zealand international David Solomona, Matt King and Chris Bridge completed the scoring with Australian Brett Hodgson capping a fine display with all seven goals.

And there was no doubting the star of the show in Huddersfield’s victory over Hull after David Hodgson helped himself to a hat-trick - one score in the first half and two

in the second.

Michael Lawrence opened the scoring for the Giants and while prop Ewan Dales replied for Hull that only led to Hodgson touching down the first of his three for the afternoon.

The 29-year-old scored two more after the break before prop Mark O’Meley, who played over 100 times in the NRL for the Bulldogs, and compatriot Willie Manu ensured Hull went down fighting.

However it was Huddersfield who had the final say with Danny Brough, who kicked five goals on the day, joining Lee Gilmour in crossing in the last ten minutes.

St Helen’s kept themselves within touching distance of Wigan, Warrington and Hull at the top after seeing off Crusaders 28-12 thanks to two tries and four goals from centre Jamie Foster.

The 20-year-old was the sole scorer in the first half with two tries and a goal, however Jon Wilkin and Jonny Lomax soon followed suit after the restart.

That gave Saints a comfortable lead one they would add to through Lee Gaskell and hold on to despite scores for the Crusaders from Jarrod Sammut and Lloyd White. Elsewhere stand-off Rangi Chase bagged an impressive four tries as the Castleford Tigers ran in ten in a 56-24 demolition of Harlequins.

Catalan Dragons were also in scoring form with Australian-born Irish international Damien Blanch helping himself to two as they beat Wakefield 42-22.

And finally Kyle Briggs, like Blanch, was also at the double in Bradford Bulls’ 28-14 win over Salford City Reds.—AFP

y

A

Markets cautious amid Greek woes, holidays

e niv rsar n

Years

Page 23

Volkswagen Behbehani launches all-new Jetta Page 25 TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Cadillac Escalade bags top vehicle satisfaction award

KSE stocks bounce back Page 24

Page 22

BERLIN: (Left to right) German Economy Minister Philipp Roesler, spokesman Steffen Seibert, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen and German Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer arrive to address a press conference at the chancellery in Berlin yesterday. Chancellor Angela Merkel, in a major policy U-turn, said that all 17 of the country’s nuclear reactors would be closed at the latest in 2022, a measure taken for safety reasons in the wake of the disaster at Japan’s Fukushima plant. — AFP

EU racing to draft second Greek bailout Hostility erupts in Germany, Netherlands, Finland BRUSSELS/ATHENS: The European Union is urgently working on a second bailout package for Greece in a race to release vital loans next month and avert the risk of the euro zone country defaulting, EU officials said yesterday.

Greece’s conservative opposition meanwhile demanded lower taxes as a condition for reaching a political consensus with the Socialist government on further austerity measures, which Brussels says is needed to secure any further assistance.

“You want to raise taxes and raise consensus with us, who have set reducing taxes as a priority? Don’t even think about it,” opposition New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras said. Moves to plug a looming funding gap for 2012 and 2013 were accelerated after the International Monetary Fund said last week it would withhold the next tranche of aid due on June 29 unless the EU guarantees to meet Athens’ funding needs for next year.

Senior EU officials held unannounced emergency talks with the Greek government over the weekend, an EU source said. Greece took a 110 billion euros ($158 billion) rescue package from the EU and IMF last May but has since fallen short of its deficit reduction commitments, raising the risk of a default on its 327 billion euro debt-equivalent to 150 percent of its economic output.

The tax cuts sought by the opposition could aggravate a revenue shortfall which a “troika” of EU/IMF inspectors found on a review mission in Athens, due to be concluded this week.

Samaras says the cuts are essential to revive economic growth but a government spokesman told Greek radio it could not put its fiscal targets at risk and said there were no grounds for fresh talks with the opposition in the near term.

“We would like to tell people that we will reduce taxes and tax rates,” he said. “But if we do this, we might not

have the needed results. And we can not put our targets in risk.”

EU officials said a new 65 billion euro package could involve a mixture of collateralised loans from the EU and IMF, and additional revenue measures, with unprecedented intrusive external supervision of Greece’s privatisation program. “It would require collateral for new loans and EU technical assistance-EU involvement in the privatization process,” one senior EU official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Extra funding for Greece faces fierce political resistance from fiscal conservatives and nationalists in key north European creditor countriesGermany, the Netherlands and Finland- complicating EU governments’ task.

Greek daily Kathimerini said finance ministers of the 17-nation single currency area may hold a special meeting next Monday on a new package.

European Commission spokesman Amadeu Altafaj dismissed

Emirates eyeing 5-yr dollar bond DUBAI: Emirates, Dubai’s flagship carrier, is eyeing a benchmark five-year dollar bond with early talk indicating pricing of 350 basis points over midswaps, the lead arrangers said yesterday.

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, wrapped up its bond road show, which began in Hong Kong on May 23, in Switzerland yesterday. HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Emirates NBD and Morgan Stanley have been mandated as joint lead managers (JLMs) and joint bookrunners for the bond sale.

“They (Emirates) are looking at a five-year, at about 350 basis points over midswaps,” a banking source at one of the lead banks said.

Two other bankers with lead arrangers confirmed the details. Asked about the expected size of the offering, the first banking source said:

“I do not think they are being too greedy with this one.”

Benchmark bond issues are typically at least $500 million.

Final pricing and launch was expected to take place midweek with US and British markets closed yesterday for holidays.

While political instability in the wider region has hampered bond issuance this year, there is a large pipeline of potential Gulf issues. The UAE has been largely shielded from the unrest and is seen as a safe haven among regional peers. Emirates itself postponed a planned offering in March after the uprisings in North Africa made rates more expensive. “One of the reasons Emirates has not been a frequent issuer in the bond markets is because the company is very particular about the pricing at which it obtains its funding,” said Chavan Bhogaita, head of

markets strategy department at National Bank of Abu Dhabi. “Furthermore, it is not strapped for cash and, hence, it has had the flexibility to wait until the spread environment in the bond markets improved substantially.”

Dubai’s sovereign credit default swaps, or the cost to insure its debt, are in the region of 340 basis points.

CDS prices can help assess the credit risk associated with an entity. It has been mooted in the past that proceeds of any bond offering would be used for expansion plans, as the airline does not face financing issues. The Arab world’s largest carrier posted a record profit of $1.5 billion for 2010, up 52 percent.

Middle East bond issuance saw good demand last year as investors bought into attractive yields amid a low interest rate environment globally. —Reuters

the report as “unfounded rumors, once again”. The next scheduled meeting of euro zone finance ministers is on June 20 in Luxembourg, having been pushed back a week from its original date. It will be followed three days later by a summit of EU leaders to assess the 18-month-old debt crisis.

Mass unemployment and wage and benefit cuts due to the EU/IMF austerity plan have triggered spontaneous youth protests in Greece as well as a series of one-day strikes by powerful trade unions. Weekend comments by an Irish minister that Dublin too may need a second rescue package may also fuel alarm about further bailouts among lawmakers in Berlin, the Hague and Helsinki.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar told The Sunday Times newspaper that Ireland was unlikely to be able to return to capital markets next year as foreseen in its EU/IMF program. “It would mean a second program (of emergency loans),” he was quoted as saying. But Finance Minister Michael

Noonan yesterday categorically ruled out any need for a top-up next year to the 85 billion euro bailout Ireland received last November, and said Dublin still aimed to tap the markets in late 2012. “There is no question of a bailout package having to be brought in next year,” he told state broadcaster RTE. “We have sufficient money from the IMF and European institutions to carry the country forward in all eventualities and the programme runs until the end of 2013.”

Uncertainty over whether Greece will receive the next 12 billion euro aid tranche required to meet 13.4 billion euros in funding needs in July continued to rattle financial markets.

The Greek 10-year bond spread over safe haven German Bunds rose by 20 basis points to 1,387. Two-year yields were up 58 bps to 26.23 percent. The European Central Bank for its part continues to oppose any attempt by EU politicians to restructure Greece’s debt mountain, even by asking investors to accept a voluntary

extension of bond maturities.

ECB board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi said in an interview published yesterday the idea that debt restructuring could be carried out in an orderly way was a “fairytale”, saying it was the equivalent of the death penalty.

Euro zone governments are actively studying options for a “reprofiling” by changing the maturities on Greek debt, officials say, although German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble acknowledged last week that it was very high risk.

“The Eurogroup is doing research for reprofiling-what can you do on reprofiling? Is it possible without a credit event?” Dutch Finance Minister Jan Kees De Jager told reporters on Saturday in Cyprus. “It’s an investigation, and we have to wait for the outcome of it.”

EU officials contend that Greece could do much more to help itself by selling off a treasure trove of state assets. — Reuters

Lagarde kicks off IMF campaign in Brazil BRASILIA: French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde arrived in Brazil yesterday seeking to win support from one of the most influential emerging economies for her bid to the lead the International Monetary Fund.

The backing of Latin America’s largest economy, which appears likely, could help turn the tide in favor of Lagarde’s candidacy among developing countries and ease discontent over the practice of choosing a European to head the global lender. Lagarde’s visit to Brasilia is the first in a hastily arranged global tour that will take her to India, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia as she competes with Mexican central bank chief Agustin Carstens, the only other declared candidate.

“I’m coming here, obviously, to explain my candidacy ... and I’m also here to listen to what the

Brazilian authorities expect from the fund and from the managing director,” Lagarde said on her arrival.

The resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who stepped down as the IMF managing director to defend himself against sexual assault charges including attempted rape, has led to calls from developing countries to end the traditional European lock on the job.

EU nations are strongly backing Lagarde, arguing that a European leader is crucial at a time when the IMF is working with the euro-zone to avert the risk of Greece defaulting on its loans and sparking wider financial fallout.

South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan criticized the rich nation support for Lagarde, saying it breached a decision by the

G20 group of leading economies for a more open selection process.

Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said this month that the next IMF leader should be chosen on merit rather than nationality and that the rise in influence of emerging economies needed to be recognized in the process.

Brazil has not officially sided with either candidate but government officials say in private that the administration of President Dilma Rousseff is inclined to back Lagarde as long as she pledges to support reforms that would give emerging economies more say in IMF decision-making.

They say she is seen as having more clout to achieve changes at the IMF than Carstens, who arrives in Brazil tomorrow to push his candidacy. The IMF’s board has a June 30 deadline for picking a

successor. Mexico and Brazil have maintained relatively cool ties in recent years and have occasionally vied for economic and political leadership in Latin America.

Lagarde, who has the support of the G8 group of leading economic powers, is regarded as the strong favorite to win the top IMF job. Her main obstacle is the possibility of an inquiry into her role in a 2008 legal settlement involving paying 285 million euros ($408 million) to businessman Bernard Tapie, an ally of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

She will have lunch with Mantega and meet central bank chief Alexandre Tombini before giving a news conference. Neither IMF candidate is expected to meet with Rousseff, who has maintained a lower profile than her outspoken predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. —Reuters

y

A

22

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

BUSINESS

Cadillac Escalade bags top vehicle satisfaction award

Use your NBK cards to win one of three stunning Mercedes SLS-AMG Coupes

SUV gets most points in AutoPacific’s 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards DUBAI: The Cadillac Escalade ranked first among all models in AutoPacific ’s 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards and topped the Luxury SUV segment for the fourth consecutive year.

veys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States in the first quarter this year.

“It’s especially gratifying to be honored by AutoPacific ’s

ies annually on the industr y, AutoPacific’s research measures owner satisfaction across specific areas such as comfort, safety and the overall purchase/lease experience.

2011 Cadillac Escalade Platinum As an automotive market research and consulting firm that publishes a variety of stud-

Vehicle Satisfac tion Awards because they’re chosen by owners,” said Don Butler, vice presi-

The rank ing for the 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards is based on more than 68,000 sur-

dent for Cadillac marketing.

“Escalade’s consistent strong showing in these awards is a testament to its ability to deliver what customers want in a luxury vehicle.”

The awards also reflect on the strong per formance for Cadillac in this region as the fastest growing luxury automotive brand in the Middle East with a 26% sales growth for 2010. April sales were also up 21% this year compared to April 2009. The Escalade is the best selling model in the Cadillac por tfolio and is in especially high demand for customers looking for large luxury SUVs in the region.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered an historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. The Cadillac brand has maintained an iconic presence in the Middle East region for over 84 years.

For more media material about Cadillac in the M iddle East, please visit http://media.cadillacarabia.com

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is kicking off yet another incredible promotion by offering its customers three stunning Mercedes SLS-AMG Coupes to be won throughout the summer. This promotion starts tomorrow and will run until the end of September, 2011.

NBK cardholders can participate in the promotion and earn unlimited chances in the draws to win a SLS-AMG Coupe by using their NBK cards both in Kuwait and while traveling overseas.

“Use your NBK credit and debit cards all summer in Kuwait or abroad, for as little as KD 20, and enter the draws to win one of three M ercedes SLS AMG Coupes,” Abdullah Al-Najran AlTuwaijri, NBK Deput y General M anager, Consumer Bank ing Group.

Al-Tuwaijri added: “Last year NBK was the first bank in Kuwait to give away a Mercedes SLS. This year we are giving away three!

This is our biggest promotion of the year, and we want our card-

holders to enjoy the summer even more with unlimited chances to be one of the three luck y winners. Use your NBK cards all summer, and you could drive home in a Mercedes SLSAMG Coupe.”

For fur ther information call Hala Watani on 1801801, log on to w w w.nbk .com or visit your nearest branch.

Samsung launches Series 9 Notebooks in Kuwait

IPIC assets grew 15% in 2010

New dimension of mobile computing KUWAIT: Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, yesterday launched the Samsung Series 9 in Kuwait. With a weight of only 1.31kg (2.88lbs.), measuring only 16.3mm (0.64inches) in depth and a screen size of 13 inches, the Samsung Series 9 is the premium notebook for consumers who look for design, performance and usability. Samsung’s Series 9 has also been equipped with a vivid ‘SuperBright Plus’ display (400nit) with 16 million color reproduction, all encased in the most advanced duralumin metal alloy. The Samsung Series 9 ultra-premium notebook offers a bright, vivid viewing experience, premium outfit, and optimized power and performance.

“The Samsung Series 9 Notebook combines so many great elements of the mobile computing experience and is driving the market forward in terms of design, display and overall capabilities,” said Raj Varma General Manager Notebook Sales Group at Samsung Gulf Electronics. “The display alone is exceptional but to see it in an extremely mobile design is really impressive. When designing an ultra premium notebook, Samsung wanted to give users a notebook experience without limitations and the Series 9 Notebook excels on all fronts.”

Innovation on the Inside The 9 Series Notebook’s sleek design and display does not overshadow its performance. Equipped with Microsoft

Windows 7 and the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 Processor with up to 8GB memory, the Series 9 Notebook accelerates performance by dynamically allocating processing power where it’s needed most, using Intel’s intelligent Turbo Boost technology 2.0, so users can do things smarter and faster while conserving energy.

Samsung’s Fast Start instant-on feature allows users to start working within 12 seconds and become immersed in a truly mobile lifestyle. A 128/256GB solid state drive (SSD) provides more than enough space for personal and professional life; with no moving parts, the Series 9 Notebook delivers 60 percent

faster booting than a hard disk drive (HDD) notebook. The Series 9 Notebook also has increased durability and minimized noise and heat. Additionally, Samsung’s Fast Start technology powers on the device in just three seconds from sleep mode. Users will never have to wait to experience the latest in design and performance perfection. In this advanced sleep mode, data is also saved on the SSD as well as the internal memory, so content is ready even if power is suddenly lost or the battery is removed.

The Series 9 battery life lasts up to three times longer than a typical notebook battery. PowerPlus is Samsung’s optimized battery charging technology

that extends battery life in concert with the notebook’s power-efficient lithiumpolymer battery.

A 1.3M HD webcam enables users to record clear video and images and play video clips in widescreen high definition.

The Samsung Series 9 also features a larger, fully touch sensitive advanced gesture pad, providing a new, stylish and convenient way to use the notebook.

“With so many different devices offering mobile computing options, Samsung has focused its efforts on ensuring that its laptops offer truly comprehensive mobile experiences”, added Raj Varma. .

“This is why we are creating not just the best in design but the best in display and offering our customers a complete and comprehensive notebook that meets all of their needs with one premium device.”

Compact & Light Samsung’s Series 9 Notebook is designed for those who take pride in their professionalism and never settle for less than the very best.

The Series 9 Notebook is crafted from duralumin, a lightweight material that is twice as strong as aluminum and normally used in advanced aircraft design.

The sophisticated beauty of the flowing line on the side of the Series 9 Notebook is a key design concept. The flowing line gives the Series 9 Notebook an aerodynamic and sleek style much like a premium sports car. The aerodynamic style and refined line express controlled power, while the Notebook 9 Series’ naturally flowing arch fits comfortably in the hand.

Ultra Vivid Display The true to life quality of the Series 9 Notebook display shows that picture quality does not have to be sacrificed for mobility. The notebook’s SuperBright Plus display with 400nit brightness, which is two times brighter than conventional displays, as well as its vibrant Color reproduction (16 million colors) and Super Contrast ratio (1,300:1), makes it one of the most beautiful notebook displays on the market. Its fresh and vivid look brings multimedia to life and gives users an unforgettable gaming experience. Each of its 16 million colors illustrates and defines a crystal clear picture quality that is the hallmark of Samsung’s display industry leadership. The 9 Series premium notebook display also includes advanced usability and performanceenhancing features. Utilizing ambient light sensors, the Auto Display Brightness controls measure light levels in the vicinity of the notebook and automatically adjusts the brightness of the display to ensure an optimized user experience, all the while conserving battery life. This innovative feature is complemented by an automatically adjusting backlit keyboard that adapts to darker light conditions with greater illumination. *All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC), which owns stakes in energy majors OMV and Cepsa, saw its assets rise 15 percent in 2010, the government fund said in a statement.

IPIC saw “continued asset growth to $47.9 billion, an increase of 15 percent (excluding assets of disposal group),” the company said in a statement.

IPIC, which also owns stakes in German automaker Daimler and Virgin Galactic through its majority-owned Aabar Investments, has embarked on an aggressive acquisition drive in recent years.

It raised its stake in Cepsa earlier this year with the 3.7 billion euro ($5 billion) acquisition of the remaining half of the Spanish oil company from France’s Total.

The investment firm also said it earned a net profit excluding one-off gains of $1.3 billion in 2010, up 30 percent over year-ago. IPIC’s net equity grew 12 percent to $14.3 billion last year, the statement said. Earlier this year, IPIC’s Managing Director Khadim al Qubaisi told Reuters the firm may raise its stake in Austria’s OMV. It now owns a 20 percent stake in the Viennabased group. IPIC is fully owned by the government of Abu Dhabi. —Reuters

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 .4490000 .3890000 .3190000 .2780000 .2900000 .0040000 .0020000 .0744420 .7252680 .3810000 .0700000 .7109930 .0040000 .0430000

.2765000 .4590000 .3980000 .3300000 .2880000 .2990000 .0072500 .0035000 .0751900 .7325570 .4010000 .0770000 .7181390 .0072000 .0530000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2742000 .2763000 .4515660 .4550250 .3912290 .3942250 .3217180 .3241820 .2806840 .2828330 .0524700 .0528720 .0439510 .0442870 .2930100 .2952540 .0352500 .0355200 .2221140 .2238150 .0033930 .0034190 .0000000 .0061540 .0000000 .0025230 .0000000 .0032320 .0000000 .0037980 .0746830 .0752550 .7275140 .7330860 .0000000 .3908060 .0731400 .0737000 .7123930 .7178490 .0000000 .0064260

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 3.451 6.111 3.227 2.511 3.833 224.120 35.538 3.739

Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

6.376 9.096 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 73.750 75.990 718.330 734.360 75.291

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 49.500 46.419 1.265 201.790 390.550 183.400 5.970 35.442

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 276.450 Euro 400.020 Sterling Pound 460.570 Canadian dollar 287.370 Turkish lire 172.510 Swiss Franc 329.500 Australian dollar 292.620 US Dollar Buying 275.250

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

GOLD 285.000 145.000 75.000

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees

SELL CASH SELL DRAFT 298.200 296.700 732.580 732.580 3.980 3.725 285.400 283.900 541.100 14.100 53.900 167.800 224.500 48.720 46.376 397.500 396.000 36.130 35.980 6.310 6.105

0.033

389.330 0.185 93.940 3.830 227.100

Sterling Pound US Dollar

325.800 5.800 9.290 75.000 275.400

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 456.000 275.400

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees

Selling Rate 276.700 286.245 446.875 391.755 312.706 732.342 75.312 75.980 73.756 390.866 46.518 2.514 6.124

Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

3.236 3.758 6.368 678.726 3.479 9.216 6.036 3.920 91.000

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. 715.300 3.230 6.370 75.770 73.550 224.450 42.340 2.505 456.000

GOLD 1,585.310

10 Tola 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

0.033 0.239 0.241 3.510 390.660 0.186 93.940 47.500 4.320 228.600 1.868 51.400 715.480 3.310 6.600 76.200 73.550 224.450 42.340 2.649 458.000 45.100 327.300 5.800 9.470 198.263 75.100 275.800 1.240

Currency US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars

Rate per 1000 (Tran) 275.400 3.220 6.120 2.515 3.740 6.400 75.085 73.645 732.200 46.295 459.000 0.00003280 3.910 1.550 391.300 5.750 398.700 287.800

Al Mulla Exchange Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) US Dollar 275.600 Euro 395.700 Pound Sterling 455.700 Canadian Dollar 283.800 Japanese Yen 3.435 Indian Rupee 6.110 Egyptian Pound 46.325 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.511 Bangladesh Taka 3.726 Philippines Peso 6.380 Pakistan Rupee 3.218 Bahraini Dinar 732.480 UAE Dirham 74.950 Saudi Riyal 73.550 *Rates are subject to change

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Years

BUSINESS

Royal Pavilion sunset view

ABU DHABI GROWING IN POPULARITY AMONG KUWAITI TRAVELLERS ABU DHABI, UAE: Kuwait’s outbound travel industry is witnessing increasing demand for packages to the UAE capital with leisure and business trips expected to maintain steady growth throughout the year.

“Abu Dhabi is a growing tourism destination and attractions such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi have definitely boosted the emirate’s appeal to Kuwaitis”, explained Tanweer Anwar of Kuwait’s Lama Tours.

“The flow of requests for packages to the emirate combining Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with shopping and family attractions has increased since the opening of the theme park last year and we expect further demand now that the park is introducing ‘Kids

Go Free’ promotion during the ‘Summer in Abu Dhabi’ festival,” added Anwar.

The fourth ‘Summer in Abu Dhabi’ festival, which includes a month-long, fun-filled extravaganza of family-centric activities, award-winning international acts and shows as well as air ticket, hotel and attraction deals begins on June 15.

The multi-award-winning Etihad Airways, which operates three daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait and is offering one and two free nights stay for its Pearl Business and Diamond First class travellers, has seen ticket sales rise around 30% from January to April this year compared to the same

period in 2010, according to Nabil M atar weh, Etihad’s Kuwait Country Manager.

“Yas Island’s attractions and concerts are gaining in popularity with travellers from Kuwait, our forecasts are looking good and we expect to keep up the strong performance this year,” added Matarweh.

With the GCC remaining a primary source market for Abu Dhabi, second only to the UK, the first quarter of this year saw some 29,253 GCC nationals staying in hotels throughout the emirate - a 10 per cent rise on the same period last year. The region’s continued growth is underpinned by a 19 per cent rise in Kuwaiti guests during Q1, up from 3,392 to 4,039.

“The GCC is an important source market for our corporate groups’ bookings at Qasr Al Sarab,” said Ahmed Bahaa, Area Senior Sales Manager, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

“Along with the leisure travellers from Europe, we receive business groups from Kuwait and the region coming to meet in a luxurious and breathtaking natural environment.

“We are now targeting more guests from the GCC including Kuwait with our special summer offer of US $150 for a room including breakfast for two, the promotion runs until the end of August,” added Bahaa.

Markets cautious amid Greek woes, holidays Economies struggle to expand growth LONDON: World stock markets mostly dipped yesterday amid concerns about Greece’s financial future and low trading volumes due to holidays in the United States and Britain.

While most major economies are expected to keep growing, evidence is mounting that many around the world are struggling to expand as fast as they did last year. European governments are struggling with debts and squeezed budgets. High unemployment, depressed real estate and still-high oil prices are slowing the US economy. In China, interest-rate hikes designed to reduce inflation are slowing growth.

In Europe, tensions are high over Greece’s debt load and the lack of political agreement over how to reduce it. The EU has said that a cross-party consensus on new austerity measures is vital for the country to get more help. Traders remained wary yesterday, despite reports that European officials are preparing new support measures. Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, a member of the European Central Bank’s executive board, was quoted by the Financial Times as saying Greece could get as much as €70 billion ($100 billion) more to help its finances through 2013. The help would include larger privatizations

but €20 billion ($29 billion) could also come from fellow euro-zone nations. The report failed to help the euro much, which hovered at $1.4280, about the same as Friday.

“The trials and tribulations of the euro-zone periphery remain the center of attention,” wrote Mitul Kotecha, analyst at Credit Agricole CIB, in a note to investors. “Markets will likely remain nervous in this environment, and it is difficult to see risk appetite improving to any major degree.” In stock markets, Germany’s DAX closed down less than 0.1 percent at 7,160.30, while France’s CAC 40 ended 0.2 percent lower at 3,942.53. British markets were closed for a bank holiday. Wall Street was likewise to remain shut for the Memorial Day holiday.

In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock average slipped 0.2 percent to close at 9,504.97 as a stronger yen hurt the country’s exporters. Many of them are already struggling with power outages and parts shortages in the aftermath of March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. The dollar weakened to 80.85 yen from 80.91 yen. South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.3 percent to 2,093.79, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.4 percent to 4,667.50. Hong Kong’s Hang Sang was up 0.3 percent to 23,184.32. Benchmarks

in Singapore, Taiwan, New Zealand, Thailand and the Philippines also rose.

Mainland Chinese shares edged lower on speculation authorities may be preparing to raise interest rates again soon to counter inflation.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.1 percent to 2,706.36, after gaining 0.7 percent earlier in the day. The Shenzhen Composite Index of China’s smaller, second exchange lost 1 percent to 1,090.50. In the US, a key measure of consumer confidence rose unexpectedly this month, helping to boost Wall Street on Friday.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index rose to 74.3 in May, above analysts’ estimates of 70. Concerns about higher gas prices and inflation knocked the gauge down in March and April. Gas prices have come down in May after reaching nearly $4 last month, giving a lift to the closely watched measure of how people feel about the economy. That raised hopes that people might be willing to spend more.

Benchmark oil for July delivery was down 29 cents to $100.30 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The benchmark contract added 36 cents to settle at $100.59 on Friday. — AP

Saudi cement sector could cash in on govt spending KAMCO ECONOMIC REPORT KUWAIT: The Saudi cement sector has remained somewhat stable during 2010 with profitability improving by a marginal 1.9 per cent to reach SAR 3.64 bn ($971 mn), despite the drop in profitability of major players in the Saudi cement industry. Southern Province Cement Company, the largest cement company in terms of market capitalization, has remained one of the most profitable cement companies in the Kingdom despite the drop of 10.2 per cent in its bottom to SAR 658.5 mn ($175.6 mn). On the other hand, Saudi Cement Company and Yamamah Saudi Cement Company were able to growth their net profits by 13.2 per cent and 16.9 per cent to SAR 659.5 mn ($175.9 mn) and SAR 657 mn ($175.2 mn), respectively on the back of increase in production, surge in sales along with improvement in profit margins. Cement consumption in 2010 is estimated to have exceeded 36 mn tones driven by the high public spending on infrastructure projects which is boosting demand for Saudi cement. Massive expenditures by the government on the economic and social infrastructure continue to fuel sales of local cement companies and boost the financial standing of the sector components.

The Saudi Telecom Sector Increasing Coverage across the Kingdom: The Saudi Telecom sector, including three actively reporting companies, has shown a 4.8 per cent improvement in profitability to reach SAR 11.3 bn ($3 bn) on the back of the improved performance of Al-Etihad Telecom Company (Mobily) which reported an increase of 39.7 per cent in its bottom line figures to record SAR 4.2 bn ($1.12 bn).

According to the company, the increase of total revenues to reach SAR 16.01 bn ($4.27 bn) this year, as compared to SAR 13.06 bn ($3.48 bn) for last year is attributable to high-

er usage rates, in terms of minute’s traffic and data transmission; in addition to the successful performance during Hajj & Eid seasons.

On the other hand, Saudi Telecom net profits decreased by 13.1 per cent to reach SAR 9.44 bn ($2.52 bn) mainly due to a rise in depreciation expense as a result of capital investments at the group level, While Zain KSA has managed to decrease its losses to SAR 2.36 bn ($629 mn) from SAR 3.1 bn ($827 mn) reported a year earlier due to widening its customer base by more than 8 mn users representing a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous quarter. The company also increased the network coverage of new areas in the Kingdom contributing significantly to the higher volume of calls.

The Retail Sector Increasing Consumer Demand Driving Growth: The Retail sector performed well during 2010 with 8 out of 9 companies reported increases in profits pushing the sector to record a 22.9 per cent increase to reach SAR 1.11 bn ($296 mn) up from SAR 904.3 mn ($241.1 mn) a year earlier. Jarir Marketing Co. remained on the top list of earners in the sector with a 7.2 per cent increase in its net profit to reach SAR 401 mn ($107 mn) on the back of increased sales in its electronics divisions. On the other hand, Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co and Mouwasat Medical Services Co. registered increases in net profits of 108.9 per cent and 10.8 per cent to reach SAR 161.9 mn ($43.2mn) and SAR 118.6 mn ($31.6 mn), respectively. The positive performance in the Retail sector is mainly due to a restoration in consumer demand in the Kingdom.

Agriculture & Food Industries Key Players, Al Marai & Savola, dominate 86 per cent of Sector Profits: The sector man-

aged to increase its 2010 profits by 12.8 per cent to reach SAR 2.53 bn ($675 mn) due to the increases in profits of Al Marai Co, Halwani Brothers Co and National Agricultural development Co which increased their profits by 17.2 per cent, 88.5 per cent and 124.5 per cent, respectively and accounted for 97.7 per cent of the increase in the sector profitability. Al Marai Co, the largest company in the sector in terms of market capitalization, has managed to increase its bottom line profit by SAR 188 mn ($50.1 mn) to reach SAR 1.29bn ($344 mn) by the end of 2010 representing an increase of 17.2 per cent over the period. This increase is attributed to increased sales in its Dairy and Juice products, product diversification and continuous improvements in quality and services.

On the other hand, Savola Group, the second most profitable company in the sector, announced a drop in net profits of 6.8 per cent to reach SAR 886.7mn ($236.4mn) during 2010 due to increased provision that reached SAR 115mn ($30.7mn) against losses from overseas operations along with an SAR 168 mn ($44.8mn) impairment charge against investments and intangible assets in respect of its investment in Emaar, Turkey goodwill, and other projects expenses.

Real Estate Development Sector Drop in Real Estate Sales Pressurizing Sector’s Profitability: The sector has performed poorly over 2010 mainly due to a significant decrease in Dar Al-Arkan profits of 31.4 per cent, or SAR 667 mn ($78 mn), to SAR 1.46 bn ($389 mn) driving down the sector profitability by 35.1 per cent or SAR 770.7 mn ($05.5). The Real Estate Development sector net profits deteriorated to SAR 1.43 bn ($381 mn) during 2010 as compared to SAR 2.2 bn ($587 mn) in 2009.

KFH honors 24 employees for sterling efforts in marketing banking cards Al-Saraawi: KFH targets retail market KUWAIT: Branches Department Manager at Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Emad Al-Saraawi said that KFH’s efforts in turning branches to marketing and sales centers for various products and services are successful, where employees shifted from regular work to the field of sales; thus reinforcing KFH’s market share.

Moreover, he stated during the honoring of 24 branch managers and employees, that those employees have made the highest achievements in the banking cards sales during the campaign that was organized by the Banking Cards Department. This campaign included promoting prepaid, credit, and Tayseer cards. He revealed that KFH is keen to target the retail market to increase its share in it through offer-

ing its clients high quality services and products. He went on to say that the results of the campaign reflect the upgrade in the performance of branches, which proves that success is not limited to a certain area or segment.

Meanwhile, Banking Cards Department Deputy Manager Salem Al-Doweisan mentioned that this campaign comes as part of KFH’s efforts to increase sales and promote KFH’s cards. KFH’s banking cards are highly demanded because of their variety and privileges, not to mention the microchip that was added to the cards, in addition to the new transparent cards. Furthermore, KFH’s banking cards offer discounts in major shopping malls and stores.

TEC boosts capital to fund future projects KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) recorded a 13.1 percentage rise in profits last year, reflecting the company’s success in overcoming the global economic crisis.

In a press release, the TEC’s profit in 2010 soared to more than KD 5.642.835, improving from KD 4.987.547 last year.

Furthermore, the statement shows that last year’s net profit has slumped by 25.8 percent from the previous year. This is mostly owing to increases made to staff members’ payroll.

The TEC further agreed during the latest general assembly’s extraordinary meeting that the company’s capital has increased from KD 35 million to KD 50 million. This is in order to fund the company’s strategy between 2011 and 2015. The company

expects to finalize on a number of projects that were included in this year’s strategy.

Other projects will be executed in the near future.

y

A

24

e niv rsar n

Years

BUSINESS

KSE stocks bounce back GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Stock Exchange (KSE) bounced back yesterday as Zain and KFH helped major indices to nudge from negative territory that was stuck to market in the past five sessions. Zain closed up by 4 percent after a senior executive in Zain Group reportedly held a meeting in Dubai with senior officials in Bharti Airtel which bought Zain Africa $10.7bn in March 2010 as arrangements for Zain Group to get the $700mn of their residual value of the deal.

Global General Index (GGI), market weighted, ended the day up by 0.54 percent, at 195.52 point. Market capitalization was up for the day at KD32.06bn. On the other hand, KSE Price Index closed at 6,374.5 point, adding 18.30 points (0.29 percent) to its previous close.

Market breadth During the session, 101 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards advancers as 35 equities advanced versus 26 that retreated. Trading activity was up this session. The trades conducted in the services sector. Total volume traded was up by 19.61 percent with 115.02mn shares changing hands at a total value of KD25.76mn (29.70 percent higher compared to the day before).

The services sector was the volume leader yesterday, accounting for 33.87 percent of total shares. The banking sector was the value leader, with 49.30 percent of total traded value. Kuwait Finance House (KFH) was the most active in terms of values of shares traded during the session, with 9.59mn shares exchanged at an aggregate value of KD9.81mn.

In terms of top gainers, Oula Fuel Marketing Company took the top spot for the day, adding 8.06 percent and closed at KD0.335. On the other hand, Kuwait Cable Vision Company shed 7.04 percent and closed at KD0.066, making it the biggest decliner in the market.

Sector-wise Large cap stocks and small cap stocks rose 0.80 percent and 0.49 percent, respectively.

Kuwait Finance House (KFH) and

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

International Resorts Company were up by 1.96 percent and 1.22 percent, respectively.

Blue chips stocks in services sector except Zain closed flat. The heavy-weight scrip closed up by 4 percent at KD1.040. That was enough to give strength to the services sector and market as well. Global Service Index headed the gains, with a 2.20 percent improvement.

Global Industrial Index followed, increasing by 0.67 percent. Gulf Cables & Electrical Industries Company’s share witnessed a daily gain of 2.67 percent to close at KD1.540.

However, Global Industrial Index realized a 15.69 percent decrease since the beginning of the year 2011, reflecting the market’s critical situation. Analysts expect that industrial sector will boom due to Government ’s Development Plan.

Global Food Index led the decliners with a daily loss of 1.06 percent. Heavy weight Kuwait Foodstuff Company (Americana) registered a decline of 1.30 percent to close at KD1.520.

Corporate news Kuwait Resorts Company will divest a Qatar-based investment, Lusail Water Front, this week at a total value of $7.75mn (KD2.18mn). The company expects to generate $1.55mn (KD0.43mn) profit margin that will be reflected on 2Q2011 financial statements and used in repaying some debts owed to banks and financial institutions.

Nishan Holding Company which is mainly engaged in real estate trade and development projects, expects to list on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in the 1Q2012. The country ’s Capital Markets Authority will study the company’s listing request in its next meeting, Shareef Essa, Nishan’s chairman and managing director, said. He added that his company meets the regulator’s new conditions.

Oil News The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $110.27 a barrel on Friday, compared with $109.83 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

Brent oil slips below $115 as driving season starts LONDON: Brent crude oil fell below $115 a barrel yesterday as investors weighed a slightly firmer US dollar and the prospect of increased demand from the start of the US summer driving season.

Public holidays in the United States and the UK yesterday were expected to limit trading volume. The US driving season, when gasoline demand usually rises, traditionally starts after Monday’s Memorial Day holiday.

Brent crude slipped 39 cents to $114.64 a barrel by 1100 GMT, having held above the first technical support level of $114. US crude dropped 45 cents to $100.14.

“Trading volume is very thin with the UK and US markets not in. The only factor that I can see is a slightly firmer US dollar, which may put pressure on prices today,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank.

The euro slipped yesterday, running into key char t resistance as uncertainty over how Greece’s debt crisis will be tackled kept investors on edge, while the dollar stabilized following a slide late last week. A stronger dollar can reduce investor

demand for dollar-denominated commodities such as oil.

Oil traders remained focused on gasoline. Gasoline futures soared on Friday in anticipation of higher demand this summer, but gains were limited as a plunge in US home sales added to economic worries. “There are expectations of prices picking up purely because of the drive time in the US,” said Jonathan Barratt of Commodity Broking Services managing director in Sydney. “We feel that might actually support crude prices.”

Even so, a US government report last week showed gasoline demand over the previous four weeks down two percent on the year. Brent crude has risen about 20 percent so far this year, boosted by fighting in Libya that has halted its oil exports and unrest in the Middle East. High energy costs have sparked global concern as they are a drag on economic growth.

While the conflict in Libya has almost shut down oil output in what used to be Africa’s third-largest producer, supply from all 12 members of OPEC is expected to rise in May, according to a Reuters survey on Friday. —Reuters

CNPC starts to get paid for developing Iraq field BEIJING: China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) has received its first cargo of crude oil as payment for helping to develop Iraq’s Rumaila oilfield, the top Chinese oil firm said yesterday, two weeks after partner BP Plc loaded its first shipment.

CNPC, parent of PetroChina, sent off a very large crude oil carrier carrying 2 million barrels of oil from the Basra Oil Terminal in southern Iraq on Saturday, its company newspaper, the China Petroleum Daily, reported. The VLCC was sailing back to China and the cargo will be used by domestic refineries, the

newspaper report said.

A consortium consisting of CNPC, BP and an Iraq firm was awarded the service contract in 2009 to develop the Rumaila field, which pumps almost half of Iraq’s output, as part of the OPEC member’s ambitious plans to expand its oil industry.

BP and CNPC were owed more than $1 billion for work at Rumaila over the past year or so, where production increased by 10 percent last year as required in the contract, making the foreign oil firms eligible to be paid to recover costs. —Reuters

y

A

25

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

business

Volkswagen Behbehani launches all-new Jetta Redesigned car, at a redesigned price

KUWAIT: Volkswagen Behbehani launched the all-new, redesigned and restyled Jetta, following the car’s great success around the world with already over 9.6 million units sold.

The all-new Jetta is an ideal choice for everyone who desires a German designed, impressively styled saloon that is comfortable, safe and yet affordable. Volkswagen not only redesigned the specifications and appearance of the new Jetta, but also redesigned the price starting from KD5,450, making Volkswagen automotive excellence more accessible to people in Kuwait.

The all-new Jetta is 4.64 meters long and delivers a superior class of compact sedan that combines a modern dynamic design, encompassing clear precise lines and athletically muscular surfaces, which gives the saloon an image of timeless elegance and styling, and extends the offering of Volkswagen models available in the Kuwait.

“The new Jetta is an exciting addition to our line-up in Kuwait with prices starting from KD 5,450” commented Stefan Mecha, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East. “It’s in a class of its own and combines German engineering and performance, safety and comfort in a whole new look. We have taken best in class technology and innovation to a different level in order to

produce our best Jetta ever. With the allnew Jetta, we are offering a car in the Middle East that will add a new dimension of quality to the saloons of the compact class. Volkswagen has a clear growth strategy in the Middle East for the sedan category, and the new Jetta is the first of the new models to be launched in the region.”

Ireland spurns second bailout; to test market DUBLIN: Ireland’s government moved yesterday to quash speculation it would be forced to seek a second EUIMF bailout and said it would make a tentative return to international debt markets in the final quarter of next year. Dublin is trying to distance itself from the woes of euro-zone struggler Greece, which is trying to avoid a potentially devastating default and seems certain to require a second bailout to plug a looming funding gap.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan categorically ruled out Dublin requiring a top-up to its 85 billion-euro rescue package, seeking to limit the fallout from a cabinet colleague’s warning over the weekend that another bailout may be needed. “There is no question of a bailout package having to be brought in next year,” Noonan told state broadcaster RTE. “We have sufficient money from the IMF and European institutions to carry the country forward in all eventualities and the program runs until the end of 2013.” “A second bailout doesn’t arise because of that.” Noonan said Dublin would test market sentiment for Irish debt in the final quarter of 2012 after a two-year hiatus.

“We won’t be fully back in the markets but we hope that the NTMA (debt management agency) will be able to raise some private funds in the market in the last quarter of next year.”

Many economists have come round to the view that some sort of further aid and restructuring of its debt is likely to be inevitable to allow Greece to deal with a debt burden of more than 150 percent of its annual national output.

Ireland’s debt is expected to peak lower than that but still top 120 percent of GDP in 2013 and Irish bond yields have sky-rocketed as Greece’s debt crisis deepened, reflecting market concerns it may face a similar fate.

The Irish central bank said investors needed further reassurance that its EU-IMF program was on track. “Market spreads on Irish government paper have moved in the wrong direction since the program started... markets probably need more time to see persistent adherence of the program,” Governor Patrick Honohan told national broadcaster RTE. “Continued adherence to the path

is the way to get back to the markets,” he said. Analysts said even with a clean EU-IMF report card, Dublin faced an uphill challenge. “We currently have 5 year paper trading at 12 percent, 10 year paper trading at 11.

Clearly if this is where we are next year Ireland is not going to capital markets.

I think yields have to get into single digits and heading south,” said Padhraic Garvey, rate strategist at ING. “It’s a big ask. It’s not impossible, but it’s a big ask.” The average interest rate Ireland is paying on its EU and IMF loans is estimated at 5.8 percent.

Of the 85 billion euros bailout, some 17.5 billion euros is from existing state borrowing and cash balances and 35 billion euros is earmarked to shore up the banks.

Ireland and its creditors are hoping that only 19 billion euros of that 35 billion will have to be channelled into the banks and the IMF has said that whatever is left over could be used by the state if there is a delay in returning to markets.

Dublin is currently forecasting a deficit in 2013 of 12 billion euros.

Brian Devine, economist with NCB Stockbrokers, said he still believed Ireland would have to tap the ESM, the EU’s permanent rescue fund, in 2013. “I don’t see how things are going to clear sufficiently for it to be otherwise,” he said. “The government will dip their toes first by issuing treasury bills but that will be to provide some short-term liquidity and gradually work our way back into the market.” Tapping the ESM might require some restructuring of privately held sovereign debt. Reflecting that medium-term risk, Ireland’s two-year and five-year paper are yielding around 12 percent, more than its 10-year bonds on the secondary market.

Irish officials have insisted that their economy is on a growth trajectory, unlike Greece, but Honohan said there was no guarantee that Ireland would recover this year. “Nobody can be absolutely sure that there will be growth this year-our forecast is that there will be some growth in GDP this year but the margin of error is sufficiently small that nobody can be sure that it will actually be positive,” he told RTE.“It’s only in 2012 that we can forecast the return to what we would like to see as solid growth.” — Reuters

The all-new Jetta sports a 2.0 litre petrol engine, producing 85kW/115 bhp, in addition to a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox. Larger and more comfortable, sustainable and dynamic, the designers and engineers have also crafted the interiors of the five seater down to the last detail.

“The extended wheel base of the all-new

Jetta has enabled a rear seating layout that is significantly more comfortable, especially for families. Compared to the previous model, leg room has now increased by 6.7cm to 96.7cm,” explained Mecha.

The all-new Jetta is available in three configurations; Trendline, Comfortline and Comfortline Plus+.

The Trendline model is the entry level into the world of the Jetta. When it comes to safety it offers six airbags, safety-optimized front headrests, separate daytime running lights, front 3-point belts with height adjustment and seat-belt tensioners, automatic hazard lights on hard braking, ABS with braking assistant and remote control central locking. Exterior features of the Jetta Trendline include such details as 16-inch steel wheels and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. Inside, the Jetta has been transformed with more rear passenger leg room, a multi-function display, RCD 310 sound system with CD player and eight speakers. Passengers will travel in comfort with the climatic air conditioning and a glove compartment complete with a cooling system for those hot summer months.

The next level up, the Comfortline has distinguishing features such as chrome accents on the radiator grille and 16-inch, 5spoke “Navarra” alloy wheels. The model has

a variety of details including automatic air condition “Climatronic” with dual zone climate control, which can be separately controlled, a multi-function leather steering wheel (3 spoke) with aluminium decorative inserts with an integrated MFD, radio and telephone. For added safety Comfortline also has parking distance control with acoustic warning signals at the front and rear of the vehicle, and an anti-theft alarm system.

The Jetta’s most elegant upgrades are featured in the Comfortline Plus+ model.

Beyond the features encapsulated in the Trendline and Comfortline, the Comfortline Plus+ sits on 17-inch alloy wheels (“Porto” type with ten spokes), has a keyless locking and starting system “Keyless Access” and front sports seats with partial leather seat covering, and electronically adjustable lumber support. The audio system is also highly sophisticated with an RCD 510 radio with a touch screen colour display, and a mobile device interface MEDIA-IN with ipod/iphone adapter cable.

“With the all-new Jetta, Volkswagen has developed affordable innovation in a saloon car, which is high-end, spacious, economical and efficient, and therefore will appeal to a wide audience in Kuwait,” concluded Mecha.

Egypt payments balance plunges into deficit in Q1 Tourism falls 59% year-on-year in Feb-March CAIRO: Egypt’s balance of payments swung into a deficit of $6.1 billion in the first quarter as revenue from tourism and foreign investment were hit by political turmoil in Egypt and the region, the central bank said yesterday.

The popular uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak from power in February scared off tourists and investors, two of Egypt’s main sources of foreign exchange.

The balance was “affected by the repercussions of the events Egypt and the Arabic region are passing through, which have negatively affected revenue from tourism and foreign investments,” the central bank said in an emailed statement.

Egypt’s balance of payments in the first quarter fell into a deficit of $6.1 billion, the

bank said.

According to Reuters’ calculations, the balance of payments in the first quarter of 2010 showed a surplus of $455 million. Egypt’s financial year begins on July 1. Reuters made its calculation by subtracting the central bank’s first-half figures from its nine-month figures.

Finance Minister Samir Radwan said on Monday that Egypt anticipated a balance of payments deficit of $2 billion in the April-June quarter and $10 billion in fiscal 2011/12, which begins on July 1. Tourism revenue plunged to $1.79 billion in the first quarter from $2.72 billion a year earlier. Tourism revenue was mainly affected in February and March, when it plunged 60 percent year on year, the central bank statement said.

Private transfers into Egypt, made up largely of remittances by Egyptians working abroad, dipped to $2.77 billion from $2.82 billion in the first quarter of 2010, according to Reuters’ calculations.

Foreign direct investment was a negative $164 million in the first quarter, compared to a surplus of $4.33 billion a year earlier. Net portfolio investment into Egypt swung into a $5.54 billion deficit from a $5.45 billion surplus as foreign investors liquidated treasury bill holdings after the protests against Mubarak erupted on Jan. 25.

The current account surplus narrowed to $999 billion from $2.61 billion in the January-to-March quarter of 2010, according to a Reuters calculation using central bank figures. — Reuters

Greek oppn sets demands as EU/IMF verdict nears ATHENS: Greece’s conservative opposition demanded tax cuts yesterday as the price for a consensus deal with the Socialist government on imposing yet more austerity, a major condition for getting further aid from the EU and IMF. Conservative leader Antonis Samaras called for a flat 15 percent corporate tax and rejected government plans for hiking taxes to tackle Greece’s budget deficit and please fiscal inspectors mulling the next, key tranche of a 110 billion euro bailout.

“You want to raise taxes and reach consensus with us, who have set reducing taxes as a priority? Don’t even think about it,” Samaras said in remarks addressed to the government.

“Lower tax rates are the key to starting the engine of the Greek economy,” he told members of parliament from his New Democracy party. “If you raise taxes, there will be no room for consensus or for renegotiation.”

Prime Minister George Papandreou is seeking broad political agreement on measures to tackle Greece’s crisis and prevent Athens from defaulting on

its debt, an event the European Central Bank said would create mayhem in the banking system.

Papandreou’s PASOK par ty holds a comfortable parliamentary majority, but international lenders want all leading parties to support the austerity which they have set as a condition for loans-something which politicians in Portugal have accepted.

Officials from the European Union, ECB and International Monetary Fund-known as “the Troika”-are expected to deliver their verdict soon on Greece’s faltering drive to bring its budget deficit under control. Their progress report will probably be presented by the end of this week, “possibly a bit later ”, a spokesman for the German finance ministry said in Berlin.

The biggest EU contributor to the bailouts, which Ireland and Por tugal have also taken, is Germany, and public opinion there is hostile to extending yet more loans to any country which fails to get a grip on its finances.

Financial markets are anxious for the Troika report which will determine whether Greece receives the next 12 billion euro bailout tranche, key to meeting

ATHENS: Protesting employees of the state-run Hellenic Postbank carry a model piggy bank with sign reading ‘Not for Sale’, during a protest in central Athens yesterday. The government in crisis-hit Greece has promised to privatize the bank in a massive sale of state assets aimed at raising 50 billion euros by the end of 2015, to help pay the country’s massive national debt. —AP 13.7 billion of imminent funding needs. Athens has struggled to meet its deficit reduction targets, heightening the risk of a default on its 327 billion euro debtequivalent to 150 percent of economic output.ECB board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi issued a dire warning against default and told the Financial Times it was a “fairytale” to think that Greece’s debts could be restructured in an orderly way. “If you look at financial markets, every time there is mention of a word like ‘restructuring’ or ‘soft restructuring’ they go crazy-which proves that this could not happen in an orderly way, in this environment at least,” he said. “If Greece defaulted, the Greek banking system would col-

lapse. It would then need a huge recapitalisation-but where would the money come from?”

Greece could instead reduce its debt by privatizing assets and changing its tax and expenditure systems. “If you look at the balance sheet of Greece, it is not insolvent,” he said. Greek public patience is wearing thin. About 400 workers at Hellenic Postbank ( T T ), which the government wants to privatise, marched to parliament on Monday, chanting “Hands off TT” and “Never, Never, Never!”. The night before, tens of thousands packed a central Athens square to denounce politicians and vent their anger at the IMF and its demands for yet more belt-tightening. — Reuters

y

A

26

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

business

Russia’s Domodedovo airport operator drops IPO MOSCOW: Moscow’s Domodedovo airport operator dropped its planned stock market listing yesterday, thwarting its owner’s attempt to cash in shares for up to $1 billion as the company attracts government scrutiny.

DME Ltd had planned to sell about 20 percent of its existing shares in a London initial public offering (IPO) that could have raised between $700 million and $1 billion for the airline tycoon, sources had told Reuters. Analysts said yesterday that potential investors may have been put off by political risks the company faces following a suicide bombing at the airport in January that killed 37 people.

That sparked a state probe into the ownership of the airport, which was already on the radar screens of the authorities after power cuts in December caused transport chaos.

President Dmitry Medvedev has publicly criticized the airport’s opaque ownership structure, after the Prosecutor General’s office found the airport-deemed a strategically important asset-was owned by a number of offshore firms. DME said in its intention to float document that Kamenshchik is beneficial owner of 100 percent of the shares in the firm.

“Market conditions certainly played a

role, but the company may have also realised that investors are seeing certain risks related to a number of unresolved disputes with the state,” said Anna Kupriyanova, analyst at Uralsib bank.

“Investors are not ready to pay a high price for an asset with such risks,” she said.

DME Chief Executive Denis Nuzhdin said in a statement the company was postponing the IPO-which had been expected to price this week-because it was “not satisfied that a fair valuation could be achieved in the current market conditions.”

Banks’ valuations of the company vary widely, sources had said, with Goldman Sachs valuing DME at $3.5-$7.5 billion and Citigroup at $4.2-$5.3 billion.

Industry sources and analysts say the government has long had its eyes on privately-held Domodedovo-Russia’s busiest airport with passenger traffic of 22 million last year-and the recent scrutiny may be part of a plan to transfer the asset into direct or indirect state control.

“The fact that they decided to do an IPO now, in current market conditions, indicated they were probably trying to defend themselves from a hostile takeover,” said a portfolio manager at a large investment fund, referring to possible interest from state or state-connected firms.

“The postponement may be part of the negotiation process... They may have disliked the market (conditions), but what is more likely is that there will be some decision,” added the portfolio manager.

A source at a Russian investment bank also said the postponement could indicate

Kamenshchik had reached an agreement with the state over “how they will divide the asset”.

Business daily Vedomosti wrote last week that Igor Yusufov, a former special envoy of the Russian president, was in talks to buy a blocking stake in Domodedovo for

Moscow’s Domodedovo airport.

around $1 billion. The company denied the report.

London has been a popular destination for Russian companies planning to float shares this year, but the results have been mixed, with total raised by four candidates at $2 billion, and five cancellations.

Investors have been reluctant to back company owners seeking to use an IPO to cash in some of their investments, such as Domodedovo’s Kamenshchik, favouring those seeking to invest the proceeds back into the business.

Russia’s biggest mobile phone retailer Euroset postponed a London IPO in April, depriving major owner Alexander Mamut of a payout of up to $1.35 billion out of expected overall proceeds of $1.52 billion.

Kamenshchik is the 86th-richest man in Russia with a net worth of $1.1 billion, according to Forbes magazine. DME generated revenue of 29.7 billion roubles ($1.06 billion) in 2010 and adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of 12.7 billion roubles, compared with 24.4 billion and 7.9 billion in 2009.

Goldman Sachs, J.P.Morgan and Morgan Stanley had been chosen as joint bookrunners and Citigroup as co-bookrunner for the offering. — Reuters

S&P cuts Tepco rating to junk Agency says bank write-offs more likely TOKYO: Ratings agency Standard and Poor’s cut its credit rating on Tokyo Electric Power to junk status yesterday, saying the utility’s bank lenders were more likely to be forced to write off debt as part of a restructuring scheme to compensate victims of an ongoing nuclear crisis.

S&P said it had lowered the long-term credit rating of Tokyo Electric, one of the most active bond issuers in Japan, to B+ from BBB, while cutting the rating on the utility’s secured bonds to BB+ from BBB. The ratings agency said it viewed a

default on the utility’s 5 trillion yen ($62 billion) in corporate bonds as less likely than a restructuring of its bank debt.

Japan’s government earlier this month agreed to set up a fund with taxpayers’ money to help Tokyo Electric, known as Tepco, avoid insolvency and compensate victims of the radiation crisis at its Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where reactor cooling systems were knocked out by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

But Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano has said the government scheme, which still needs parliamentary approval, would

be unlikely to gain public support unless Tepco’s banks agreed to waive some of the debt they are owed by the utility, a step they have resisted.

S&P said a restructuring of Tepco’s bank debt would be a “selective default”, and it now regarded the probability of “extraordinary” Japanese government support for Tepco as “high” rather than “very high”, the phrase it had previously used. “Standard & Poor’s now believes that some politicians think banks should share the burden in some form, which may fall into our definition of default,” S&P

said in a statement. “We now think such a scenario is more likely than previously thought.” Tepco is Japan’s largest corporate bond issuer and its shares are widely held by financial institutions. Moody’s Investors Service said on May 19 it may review the credit ratings of Tepco if Japan fails to pass laws to help the utility handle compensation payments related to its disabled nuclear plant.

Such a move would also see Moody’s view on debt of Tepco, one of the most active bond issuers in Japan, shifting to junk status. — Reuters

Daewoo Electronics sale collapses, Electrolux eyed

BUDAPEST: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives for his speech announcing measures to aid home owners with mortgages in foreign currencies in Budapest yesterday. Overdue payments, on mostly Swiss franc-based loans, affected some 100,000 homes as repayments of the retail borrowers with Swiss franc-based mortgages rose because of the Hungarian currency significantly weakened during the crisis. —AP

Russia’s CB keeps main interest rate unchanged MOSCOW: The Russian central bank said yesterday it had decided to leave its main interest rate unchanged, after raising it at the end of April to combat strong inflationary pressures.

The board of directors “took the decision to keep the refinancing rate at the same level,” the central bank said in a statement. “The decision was made taking into account the continuing high level of inflation expectations and risks for the stability of economic growth,” the bank said.

Last month saw “continuing significant risks for the stability of economic growth” the central bank said, with growing unemployment and industrial production down year-on-year and “extremely low” investment dynamics.

On April 29, the central bank raised its main interest rate by 0.25 basis points to 8.25 percent. The move came after the bank had raised its rates in February for the first time in more than two years.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin last month said the government expects inflation over 2011 not to exceed 6.5-7.5 percent, but most analysts expect the figure to be higher.

Inflation worries have returned in recent months after a summer heatwave and fires destroyed over a quarter of the harvest, creating price pressures and leading the government to introduce a ban on grain exports. Last year the country saw inflation of 8.8 percent. — AFP

SEOUL: A $513 million takeover of South Korea’s Daewoo Electronics Co Ltd has collapsed, leaving its creditorsturned-shareholders to tap reserve bidder Swedish electronics firm Electrolux AB. Officials from major shareholders Korea Asset Management Corp and Woori Bank told Reuters they had decided to drop the deal to sell the unlisted electronics maker to Iran’s Entekhab Industrial Group.

A source who declined to be named said Entekhab made a request to cut the price by about 60 billion won ($55.4 million), but the request was not accepted. The move is the latest setback to the sale process, which creditors had hoped to wrap up after a series of failures.

The unlisted Iranian appliance mak-

er was named preferred bidder for Daewoo last year, beating rival Electrolux, but it has repeatedly failed to satisfy creditor demands for a detailed funding plan, resulting in several months of delays to the final agreement.

Electrolux spokesman Erik Zsiga said the group would not comment on the issue until there was official confirmation that the deal with Entekhab had fallen through, but repeated that the Swedish company remained open to talks if approached.

He said he was not aware if the company had already been approached regarding Daewoo. It was the fourth attempt by creditors to sell Daewoo, which primarily makes washing machines and refrigerators. —Reuters

Alstom Baghdad metro plan to cost $1.5bn BAGHDAD: A five-year project for French engineering group Alstom to build an above-ground urban metro line in Baghdad will cost $1.5 billion and be funded by the French government and banks, Iraqi officials said yesterday.

The planned line, with a capacity to carry 30,000 passengers an hour, will have 22 km (13 miles) of track and 14 stations linking northern Baghdad districts with the city centre, the Baghdad provincial governor’s office said in a statement.

It would help to ease congestion in the war-battered Iraqi capital, whose many military checkpoints cause traffic jams. France’s Alstom signed a memorandum of understanding for the deal in January. A follow-up agreement signed in Baghdad on Monday paved the way for French financing for the project. “ The company has obtained agreement from several French banks and the French government

to implement this project,” Shaker al-Zamili, head of the Baghdad Investment Commission, told Reuters. A final accord on the Baghdad metro project would have to be approved by the Iraqi cabinet, he added. The loan would be repaid

by Iraq after the railway started operating, through a mechanism yet to be determined, Zamili added.

Railways are among a number of large-scale infrastructure projects proposed by OPEC producer Iraq since a 2003 US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein and triggered several years of chaos and sectarian violence. In June, Iraq’s southern city of Najaf awarded TransGlobim International (Globim), a privatelyowned Canadian consor tium, a $600 million contract to build the country’s first monorail. Iraq’s roads, railways, ports and power plants have been badly decayed by years of war, economic sanctions and underinvestment. — Reuters

Fiat eager to buy, Canada to sell stake in Chrysler OTTAWA: Fiat is interested in buying Canada’s 1.7 percent stake in Chrysler, chief executive Sergio Marchionne said yesterday while Canada’s finance minister said he would welcome an offer.

“I did have a brief chat with the minister (to say) that we would be quite willing to purchase Canada’s interest in Chrysler,” Marchionne told reporters at a Chrysler plant in Toronto.

But, he noted, ‘it is totally up to the discretion of the minister and the provincial

government.’ At the same event, Flaherty said: ‘We’re certainly open to it. We would have to look at what the proposal is before making a decision, of course.”

Fiat said Friday it planned to boost its stake in Chrysler to 57 percent by the end of 2011 as the Italian auto giant moves to consolidate its control of the historic Detroit-based brand.

Fiat announced in a statement its decision to exercise an option to buy an additional six-percent stake in Chrysler from

the US Treasury. It said the price of the purchase would be agreed with the Treasury shortly. Fiat currently holds a 30percent stake in Chrysler but the reimbursement of Chrysler loans to the US and Canadian governments last Tuesday has opened the way for the Italian company to increase its holding.

Flaherty said he was closely watching ”what comes out of the process that is underway now with the United States Treasury.” — AFP

MANILA: Workers are seen at a construction site in Manila yesterday. The Philippines said economic growth slowed to 4.9 percent in the three months to March as it was hit by a drop in global trade and less spending on infrastructure. —AFP

Philippine growth slows to 4.9% in Q1 MANILA: Slow government spending and weakening global trade constricted Philippine economic growth to 4.9 percent in the first quarter of the year, officials said yesterday.

Economic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga said the growth rate was within the government’s forecast of an expansion of 4.8 percent to 5.8 percent in the first quarter and supported by growth in agriculture and industry.

But he said public investment in infrastructure contracted as government agencies became more careful with their budgets.

The economy grew a blistering 8.4 percent in the first quarter last year.

To boost growth in the coming quarters, government will spend the rest of its budget in the remaining months of the year, address corruption, lower the cost of doing business, and put in place a development plan that tackles the high

rates of unemployment and poverty incidence, Paderanga said.

The Philippines posted its highest annual economic growth of 7.6 percent in 2010. The figure was revised from the earlier announced 7.3 percent after a recalculation using 2000 instead of 1985 as base year. The agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing sector grew 4.2 percent in the first quarter after a contraction last year, boosted by a good harvest of rice, sugarcane and corn and strong demand for chicken.

Industry grew 7.2 percent on expansion of food and electronics manufacturing, private sector construction and gains by the mining and quarrying industries from higher global prices for metals and other minerals.

The services sector, the largest contributor to gross domestic product with a 55 percent share, grew by 3.7 percent. — AP

Doha round will not be completed in 2011 CAPE TOWN: There will be no conclusion of the Doha round trade talks in 2011, South African trade minister Rob Davies said yesterday, dealing a blow to hopes of wrapping up the decadelong negotiations before US elections in 2012.

“There is now a recognition that the 2011 window of opportunity to conclude the round is closed-that there will be no conclusion to the Doha round in 2011,” Davies told reporters.

Big differences between developing and developed countries have bedevilled the talks aimed at liberalizing global trade. Launched in late 2001 in the Qatari capital, the current round of

WTO negotiations has seen deadlines for progress come and go.

The talks have stalled over attempts to cut rich-country farm subsidies and reduce tariffs on manufactured and agricultural goods.

Former World Trade Organization Director-General Peter Sutherland told Reuters last week that the end of 2011 was the final deadline for the round, launched a decade ago in Qatar with the goal of helping poor countries prosper through trade. Prolonging it beyond 2011 was not a credible option as it would run into the 2012 US presidential election campaign, a no-go zone for trade talks. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

TECHNOLOGY

Hackers post phony Tupac story on PBS website WASHINGTON: PBS officials say hackers have cracked the public TV broadcaster’s website, posting a phony story claiming dead rapper Tupac Shakur was alive in New Zealand, and a group that claimed credit for the hacking complained about the network’s recent investigative news program on WikiLeaks.

PBS confirmed early yesterday morning on its official Twitter account that the website had been hacked. The phony story had been taken down as of Monday morning. It had been posted on the site of the “PBS NewsHour” program, which is produced by WETA-T V in Arlington, Virginia. The Wikileaks report

appeared on a different PBS show, “Frontline.” David Fanning, executive producer of “Frontline,” said he was learning of the hacking early Monday, nearly a week after the program aired its “WikiSecrets” documentary about the leak of US diplomatic cables to the WikiLeaks website. The documentary, produced by WGBH-TV in Boston, generated criticism and debate on the program’s website in recent days from those sympathetic to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and from those who thought the program was fair, Fanning said.

“Frontline” producers hear impassioned responses all the time, Fanning

Computer and internet briefs Digital images WASHINGTON: Are the digital images you print at home falling short of expectations? Remember that inkjet printers designed to print photographs must be used with the photographic paper that’s recommended by the manufacturer.

Otherwise, your photographs may not look as you intended. The exception is when you purchase or create special printer “profiles” - software that tells your inkjet printer about the special properties of each paper you use. If you don’t have these, buy the paper that your printer maker recommends.

Wheel mouse Your wheel mouse in conjunction with the control (Ctrl) key can perform some nifty tricks. In Internet Explorer, holding down the Ctrl key and scrolling the wheel on a wheel mouse will increase or decrease the font size of webpages. In Office applications, the same action will zoom in and or zoom out of a document.

Move the wheel one increment at a time to see the effect that the movement has.

Testing application A new website Memtest86+ (w w w.memtest.org/#downiso) is a free m e m o r y testing application that you use to put your computer’s RAM through a thorough test. Download one

of the pre-compiled bootable packages and copy or burn it to whichever media you can boot your PC from other than the hard drive. Packages for CD-ROM and USB key are available. Once started, Memtest86+ will run exhaustive tests on your RAM to determine whether any errors exist.

Thanks for staying with us.”

A group calling itself LulzSec and “ The Lulz Boat ” on Twitter claimed responsibility and posted links to other hacks, including a video apparently taunting the network. Taunting messages were also posted on the group’s Twitter page targeting the PBS program “Frontline.” One message said the group recently saw the “WikiSecrets” show and was “less than impressed.” The group also claimed to have found and posted passwords and login information for “Frontline” and PBS e-mail addresses and stations’ websites.

PBS ombudsman Michael Getler

wrote about the “WikiSecrets” documentary in his weekly column Thursday, saying it had generated only a handful of complaints, though he had expected more mail from viewers. “This may be a good thing for Frontline if it suggests that most viewers found the program to be in keeping with Frontline’s reputation for fair yet tough reporting,” Getler wrote. Getler raised some questions about the reporting in the program but said he found the questioning by interviewer Martin Smith to be “tough but proper.” — AP

Firms unveil new tablets at IT fair iPad is still popular

Hotkeys Spend a lot of your day in Microsoft Word? You can work faster in by using hotkeys for some of the most commonlyaccessed features. For example, press the F7 key to launch the Spelling and Grammar dialog box. Press F12 to open the Save As dialog box. Press Ctrl+F to open the Find dialog box, or Ctrl+H to open the Find and Replace dialog box. Ctrl+S saves a document and Ctrl+O gives you the open dialog box. Get to the Print dialog box quickly with Ctrl+P. Movie reviews Tired of watching bad movies? Don’t waste another minute on them. Check in with Metacritic (www.metacritic.com), which culls movie reviews from the most respected sources on the internet and presents them to you in an easy-to-read format.

A handy Search field will let you drill down quickly to a film you’re looking for. The site also offers reviews of books, DVDs, games and television shows.

Rivals likely to reach for Google’s ‘Wallet’ NEW YORK: With the announcement of “Google Wallet” the Internet giant became the first player to dash into a future where people use smartphones as credit cards, but rivals are expected to cut its lead short.

EBay quickly threw up a hurdle in the form of a lawsuit accusing Google of building the mobile payments platform with trade secrets swiped from the online auction titan’s PayPal financial transactions unit.

Apple, Amazon.com, eBay and Facebook are each believed to be working on ways to let people use smartphones to pay for items or services but Google was the first to introduce such a system, in the form of “Google Wallet.”

At this point, the move is largely symbolic. A test version of the system will go to live in coming months in just two US cities, New York and San Francisco.

Google Wallet will work with Androidpowered phones like Google’s Nexus S equipped with near-fieldcommunication (NFC) chips, serviced by US telecom Sprint and only at merchants that have partnered with Google for the launch. Google partners on the mobile payment platform include major chains such as Macy’s, Subway sandwiches, and American Eagle Outfitters clothing shops. For Justin Post, financial analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, being first into the market with Wallet positions the California Internet firm as an early leader in mobile payments.

“Google Wallet has big ambitions but also faces great obstacles, but (its operating system for mobile) Android and location-based search are key assets that could help launch the ecosystem,” he said. Within hours of the unveiling of Wallet on Thursday, eBay and PayPal filed a lawsuit charging that Google tapped into the online financial transaction service’s know-how for the mobile payments project. PayPal spent three years trying to work out a deal in which it would handle payments for Android smartphones, only to see Google scuttle the talks and hire PayPal lead negotiator Osama Bedier, according to court documents. “Silicon Valley was built on the ability of individuals to use their knowledge and expertise to seek better employment opportunities, an idea recognized by both California law and public policy,” a Google spokesman told AFP. “We respect trade secrets, and will defend ourselves against these claims.”

Bedier worked at the eBay-owned online financial services unit as a vice president of platform, mobile, and new ventures until being hired in January by Google. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster saw the lawsuit as “a sign that (PayPal and eBay) are nervous that they have big players coming after them.”

said. Having a group attack the PBS website over a news program was unusual but “probably not unexpected,” he said.

“From our point of view, we just see it as a disappointing and irresponsible act, especially since we have been very open to publishing criticism of the film ... and the film included other points of view,” Fanning said. “This kind of action is irresponsible and chilling.” PBS officials did not immediately respond to phone and e-mail messages.

A tweet from the “NewsHour” Twitter account said: “If you missed it: our site has been accessed by hackers.

Boston University professor of law Michael Meurer shared two possible theories based on the apparent merits of the freshly-filed lawsuit.

Bedier is either a bad guy who stole trade secrets or PayPal “is a bit desperate, sees that Google is going to enter their market in a big way and will try to do whatever it can to delay Google,” Meurer theorized. Even if the lawsuit fails, the litigation can disrupt Google’s momentum as executives and engineers spend time testifying and PayPal perhaps tries to get the court to stall the service until matters are resolved. No matter how the case plays out, Google can expect to see other Internet titans enter the mobile payments arena. “It’s nice to be first to market...but it’s going to be a ramp-up and there are going to be different approaches to this,” said PeekYou website founder Michael Hussey, who keeps watch on the Internet economy. “Amazon is going to want something I’m sure...Apple definitely has got to do something,” he continued. Apple’s beloved iPhones are already compatible with Square software for accepting credit card payments and rumors building ahead of an Apple developers conference in June include talk that the smartphones may get NFC chips. Apple gadget fans already trust the California company with financial information and are in the habit of shopping at iTunes and the App Store.

Internet retail powerhouse Amazon is also, understandably, in a strong position to add a smartphone payments platform to its service. Globally popular online social network Facebook has been improving smartphone features and weaving deals at local shops into its platform, making the ability to consummate transactions a natural next step. — AFP

TAIPEI: An employee explains the details of ViewSonic’s new ViewPad 4 tablet at the press viewing of new products before the opening of Computex computer expo in Taipei, Taiwan, yesterday. — AP

TAIPEI: Two electronic firms unveiled new tablet computers in Taipei yesterday, on the eve of Asia’s biggest IT trade fair, as they try to get a slice of a lucrative market dominated by Apple’s iPad. As thousands of industry delegates prepared for the Computex Taipei fair US firm ViewSonic and Taiwan’s Shuttle Inc showed off their latest innovations. ViewSonic, a visual technology firm based in California, introduced what it said is the world’s first tablet that is equipped with both Windows 7 and Google’s Android platforms.

“While iPad users are aimed

for enter tainment, our new machine has functions more than that,” Kai Wang, a ViewSonic product manager, told AFP during a news conference on the eve of the five-day event. Kai said the ViewPad 10 Pro will be a simple transition for people who are already used to Microsoft’s operation system, adding that he expects much of its customer base to come from those who already use netbooks. The new tablet, weighing slightly more than 830 grams, will hit the Taiwan market in June and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific in July, with a price tag of up to $799. IT

TAIPEI: Jonney Shih, chairman of AsusTek Computer Inc., displays the latest AsusTek innovations at a press conference. — AP

firm Shuttle Inc from Taipei, meanwhile, showed off its lowpriced gadget aimed at the student market. On unveiling the Shuttle V08, company manager Donald Chen told journalists: “It’s true iPad is popular, but it is impossible for Apple to take the world’s entire tablet market.

There is still room for some tailormade tablet developers.”

With anti-dust and waterproof characteristics, its tablet weighs only 650 grams and is slated to cost just $200.

“Can you see how big the market will be as long as competitors can grab up to a 30 percent share

of the global tablet market?”

Chen said.

Worldwide sales of tablet computers are forecast to hit 50 million units this year and double to 100 million in 2012, said Chang Li from the Taipei Computer Association, which cohosts the annual trade fair.

Computex Taipei, which runs from Tuesday until Saturday, is the biggest information technology and communications trade show in Asia and attracts thousands of exhibitors from around the world. — AFP

Getting the best sound from headphones STUTTGART: Should they be discreet or stylish? Do you want more bass or a balanced sound? Do you want to be isolated from the outside world or be able to walk safely in the streets? In-ear buds or headphones? Basically, the final choice about what kind of headset for listening to music underway is a personal choice. But you’ll need the right one, whether for the train, jogging or going shopping.

The choice has become ever more pressing as people can now take their favourite tunes with them almost anywhere thanks to MP3 players and mobile phones.

But the sound can only come through properly with good headphones that fit right.

There is no one -size -fits-all headphone, but most people should get what they need from either in-ear buds or full-size headphones.

In-ear buds transport well and are always right at hand. The buds go right into the listener’s ears, so

that the membrane is up close to the eardrum. “No disturbing noises come in or out, that’s great for settings like the subway,” says Juergen Ripperger of VDE, a German certification institute.

Because the music is so close to the ears, it doesn’t use a lot of energy, meaning the batter y is not taxed heavily. Athletes particularly like the way the bud sits securely in the ear: they’ll even stay put during headstands, unlike full-sized headphones that hang over the ear.

Despite their small size, the buds deliver decent bass quality, says Holger Biermann, a senior editor at the German magazine Stereoplay.

Since everyone’s inner ear is different, the buds are usually delivered with three different kinds of padding. Some manufacturers even allow the option of getting buds custom-made for a customer’s ear.

But it’s not always a plus to be able to drown out external sounds, especially if you’re drowning out cars and other traffic. The risk of

accidents climbs and it’s almost impossible to engage someone using buds in a conversation.

It’s different with full-size headphones, although these also have their disadvantages. Neighbours on the bus can often hear your music as well and might not appreciate it.

But they do have sound quality advantages, says Ripperger. “They usually sound more balanced, since there is no sealed off volume of air.”

There’s also almost no bothersome noise of rustling cables or footsteps, as can be the case with ear buds, says Biermann.

There are plenty of choices too.

Headphones can be big or small, padded with foam or leather.

Personal taste rules here, as does lifestyle, and full-sized headphones can draw stares. Prices start at just 10 euros (14 dollars).

Michael Deeg of the German Professional Association of Ears, Nose and Throat Doctors says he sees no general health risk, either with ear buds or full-size head-

phones. The problem is not the headphone, he says: “The higher the level of sound and the longer the exposure, the higher the risk of damage.”Ear buds are slightly better for joggers: “ When full-size headphones are used in sports, listeners are inclined to turn up the music due to the ambient sound.”

Anyone who has a sense of buzzing or a numb sensation in the ears after listening to music with headphones should have a hearing check immediately. Usually it’s a case of not taking enough breaks or listening to music too loudly. “At a level of 90 decibels, you have to assume some kind of noise damage,” explains Deeg.

Ninety decibels is equivalent to the noise from a circular saw or a drill. Most manufacturers have refused to set top volume levels, though there are children’s models where parents can set volume levels. — dpa

EU probes US, Japan hard disk takeover plans BRUSSELS: European antitrust regulators yesterday launched in-depth probes into proposed US takeovers of South Korean and Japanese businesses manufacturing computer hard disk drives (HDD).

The planned acquisitions of the hard disk drive operations of South Korean electronics giant Samsung by Seagate Technology, and the storage business of Japan’s

Hitachi by Western Digital Corporation in a sector with just five manufacturers worldwide have raised concerns in Brussels, the European Commission said. “Hard drives are the backbone of the digital economy,” said EU competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia in announcing the investigation.

“The sector has already experienced significant

consolidation and the proposed acquisitions will further reduce competition.”

Used in everything from computers to digital video recorders, Toshiba is the fifth major player.

Brussels officials have until October 10 to decide what action if any they will take. — AFP

SENECA: In this March 30, 2011 photo, nuclear reactor operators Chris Heinz, left, and Roger Patterson check steps that need to be taken as they practice an emergency scenario on a simulator of a digital control panel at Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, SC. — AP

y

A

28

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

health & science

NZ attacks Denmark over ban on favourite breakfast spread WELLINGTON: A New Zealand food industry executive appealed to the government to challenge Denmark over an import ban on Kiwis’ favourite breakfast spread, Marmite.

The industr y was “incredulous at Denmark’s bizarre decision” to make Marmite illegal under food safety laws, Katherine Rich, chief executive of the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council, said in a statement. Marmite, a sticky yeast extract first made in England in 1902, has been

made in New Zealand since 1919. A food writer noted recently, “Marmite is undoubtedly part of Kiwi culture - generations have been raised to eat it on toast, with cheese and crackers or between bread with a slice of lettuce or a handful of chips.”

Reportedly first devised by a German chemist named Justus von Liebig, Marmite is said to be one of the world’s richest sources of B vitamins, containing five of them - Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate and B12. The Guardian newspaper in Britain

reported this week that imports of Marmite, along with its Australian equivalent Vegemite and the beverages Ovaltine and Horlicks had been banned under laws prohibiting products fortified with added vitamins. “This weird law is not based on science, common sense or any issue remotely linked to food safety, factors which underpin New Zealand’s approach to food safety regulation,” Rich said.

“It’s hard to think of anything else Denmark has done in the last 50 years

trade or terrorism, surely Danish regulators had more pressing priorities than expending resources on cross-border Marmite smuggling by expatriate New Zealanders and young people on their overseas experience travels. Lyndsay Jensen, a Yorkshireborn graphic designer in Copenhagen, told The Guardian she would defy the ban and import supplies from Britain “If they want to take my Marmite off me, they’ll have to wrench it from my cold dead hands,” she said. — dpa

which has simultaneously annoyed citizens of New Zealand, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa - countries where people are hugely loyal to breakfast brands like Marmite and Vegemite. “What obviously started as the bright idea of a misguided Danish official has now made Denmark an international laughing stock, no doubt creating a headache for their foreign affairs diplomats.” Rich said that with all the other serious challenges for customs officials and border security presented by illicit drugs

Older AIDS survivors face new challenges ‘Experts troubled by a new kind of AIDS crisis’

COLOMBIA: Local residents of La Uribe, Meta department, southeast Colombia, recover after being operated by members of the medical volunteers of the Colombian Civil Air Patrol, on May 28. About 30 volunteers of the Colombian Civil Air Patrol (PAC) conducted a medical brigade in which they assisted some 1,120 people in two days. — AFP

Scientists invent factory where products think for themselves BREMEN: Imagine a factory so autonomous that the products assemble themselves smoothly and rapidly and the machines never get thrown off track.

Components travel on platforms throughout the production process and in the case of a typical automotive rear light cluster, the circuit board, light bulb, rubber seal and plastic cover all come together in perfect choreography to create the end product.

If problems arise the production line diagnoses and corrects any faults without the need for human intervention.

There is no reason to summon a technician and interruptions in the workflow are negligible.

This bold vision of remote control automation is not yet a reality, but it could be soon, thanks to a team of scientists at the production and logistics department of Bremen University.

According to the team leader, Professor Bernd Scholz-Reiter, such a plant could be made to function properly. “It all depends on whether the individual components can be fitted with a transponder, which would be universally identified like a bar code and make decentralized decisions.”

In the case above, the rear light clusters always “know” where they are located within the production flow. At key junctures they pass by an antennae that exchanges data with a centralized system. Specialist software ensures that the individual rear light clusters decide where to go and communicate with each other. This means they can react flexibly if a customer cancels or changes an order at short notice.

Such an automated environment is of particular interest to the car industry.

Today’s car buyers are spoiled for choice.

Countless variations within a given model range vie for attention alongside numerous colour and trim variations.

Choosing a particular one calls for some

head-scratching and changes at the last minute are usually not permitted.

“Today it is possible to change your mind about a week before production starts, but once it has started no further alterations can be made,” said ScholzReiter. Doing so involves halting the production line and also a degree of manual intervention, which usually costs a lot of money.

If the products have the expertise to take action themselves, efficiency can be boosted by between 10 and 15 per cent, say the experts, who have been able to demonstrate the savings on the test bed in Bremen.

Scholz-Reiter believes industry is still between 15 and 20 years away from being able to implement such a high degree of automation, but he is convinced that the “intelligent” factories are on their way. “The dynamics and complexity of factor y production has increased considerably and will continue to do so,” he said.

It is for this reason that Professor Michael ten Hompel of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics in Dortmund believes that centralized computers will sooner or later be longer able to cope with overseeing all aspects of the production process. “What we need in future are plenty of highly decentralized control structures.”

Bremen’s logical automated processing research team therefore includes production technicians along with electrotechnical experts, mathematicians, scientists and computerization specialists. Their focus is on finding ways to produce and transport products both remotely and in a decentralized manner.

The test bed was first set up in 2009 to enable them to try out their ideas and visions. Over the past eight years their work has received German research funding worth 16 million euros (around 22.6 million dollars). — dpa

TOKYO: A couple watches the news on a protective wear for the radioactivity in Tokyo, yesterday. — AP

SAN FRANCISCO: AIDS nearly killed Lou Grosso three decades ago, but that didn’t prepare him for the latest news from his doctor: he has heart disease.

Like many older HIV carriers facing problems-including financial-they never expected to live long enough to confront, Grosso, 57, also suffers from aching joints, memory loss and nerve pain.

Of the 14 pills he takes each day, only three are designed to treat HIV. Dr. Brad Hare, his specialist at San Francisco General Hospital, keeps track of it all, but Grosso is still worried.

“I’ve often said to my doctors, ‘You’re so worried about the AIDS but I’m gonna drop over from a heart attack’,” Grosso said. “It bothers me; I’m having a good life and don’t want it to be cut short because my body thinks I’m 80.”

While many have turned their attentionand money-to fighting the epidemic in Africa, experts here are increasingly troubled by a new kind of AIDS crisis.

Some 15 years into the era of protease inhibitors and drug cocktails, the first large group of AIDS patients to go through the aging process is facing a host of unexpected medical conditions, not to mention psychological and financial challenges they never thought they would live to see.

Grosso, who programmed some of the first personal software in the 80s, is amazed that he has survived long enough to learn how to build websites.

But he also worries that his mind isn’t as sharp as it once was. He finds himself arguing with colleagues about whether topics were covered in meetings, for example.

“I’ll just have no memory of it,” he said.

A recent study found that 52 percent of HIV positive Americans suffer from some type of cognitive impairment. Only 10 percent of people in the general population, by contrast, experience such problems, according to the

CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research study.

HIV patients aged 55 and older are also three times as likely as non-infected 70 yearolds to suffer from a chronic health problem, according to the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Common illnesses include hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer.

In the early days of the epidemic, patients in their 20s were dying in overwhelming numbers in Dr. Hare’s HIV/AIDS ward.

Today, more than a quarter of HIV patients are 50 years or older, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, and the average age in Hare’s 3,000 patient clinic is 47.

“The problems people with HIV face are really changing,” Hare said.

“I’ve heard patients say that it just wears them down. You’ve been dealing with HIV for 30 years and you finally have that under control, and now you’re facing a new raft of medical problems. It seems unfair.”

Experts are just starting to tease out which of these illnesses are caused by the virus, which are drug side-effects and which are just natural signs of aging.

Until recently, there were too few people aging with HIV to study.

The challenges posed by the greying of AIDS are not only clinical. Experts also worry about patients like Vicki Davidson, who was planning to abandon her HIV treatment during a particularly lonely period this winter.

Davidson, 64, contracted HIV in 1986 from a blood transfusion after she was caught in a fire.

She underwent two hip replacements at the age of 50 and suffers from severe fatigue.

But what really gets her down is the social isolation-the days spent at home, the difficulty of connecting with new people.

Like many long-term survivors, Davidson worries that it might seem indecent to complain about the consequences of aging with

HIV when for so many years, survival itself was at stake.

“I don’t want people to think, ‘there’s a whiner’,” she said, “so I act like it’s no big thing.

But in my quiet moments, I think it would be nice to have a partner.”

Long-term HIV patients are almost 13 times more likely to suffer from depression than other Americans, according to a 2006 study from the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America.

Davidson said she is feeling more hopeful of late, though a question about what brings her happiness draws only a long pause and then laughter.

Older AIDS patients are also more likely to be unemployed or short on savings than their healthy counterparts, according to a study from the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Homer Hobi, 65, recently went back to work as a realtor at an age when many of his friends are retiring.

In the 90s, he gave his home, business and a chunk of money to his ex-wife, despite the protestations of his divorce lawyer.

“There was no doctor that I talked to in ‘96, ‘97 that thought I’d be alive in 10 years,” he explained. Though stomach issues sometimes keep him homebound, Hobi said he is glad to be back at work, if only for the social outlet it affords him. Lou Grosso has also had his share of financial difficulties-he even spent some time on the street.

Now he lives in subsidized housing for people with AIDS and spends his time coding, participating in clinical studies and volunteering with younger patients.

Grosso, who loves science fiction books because they depict worlds where anything is possible, sees himself as a guinea pig in the service of generations to come.

“Why am I still here?” he said. “There’s a reason why I’m still alive, and I want someone to find out why that is.” — AFP

How pro skiers get knee injuries NEW YORK: A turning, off-balance skier leaning backwards is a recipe for knee disaster, according to a report from a panel of sports medicine and skiing experts.

The group picked apart videos of 20 World Cup skiers who had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, an injury that wipes the skier out for a year and can have health consequences down the road.

“Prior to this study we really had no idea how these potentially devastating injuries, like ACL injuries, actually happen in World Cup skiers,” said Roald Bahr, from the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences and one of the report’s authors, of the report published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

“Most people probably think that they happen as the skier is crashing, tumbling down the course.

As the study really shows, the ligament is torn while the skier is still skiing, and then they crash.”

Coming to that conclusion wasn’t necessarily enjoyable- the experts each had to review videos of the run that led to the injury, on their own, to determine the exact moment of the ACL tear.

Then they came to a consensus.

After that, they recorded all the details of the moment of injury, the skier’s behavior and situation, as well as the angles of joints and position of limbs. “Once you’ve spotted what actually happens, it becomes very, very clear that there’s a consistent pattern here,” Bahr told Reuters Health.

Bahr and his colleagues observed the injuries to skiers in the downhill, slalom, giant slalom, and super-G events.

The toughest situation is when a skier is trying to make a turn on the course, but leaning too far backwards and inwards into the turn while off-balance.

That causes the outer ski to lift off the snowand when the skier tries to reach out with their leg to get the ski back on the ground, the very back of the ski hits the snow, pulling the leg with it and rotating the lower leg.

The force on the knee caused by that rotation is too much for the ACL, one of four ligaments connecting the thighbone to the shinbone, to take.

ACL tears also happened when skiers were forced into a split, when their inner ski hooked on to a gate during a turn, and when they landed on the back of their skis after a jump.

Bahr said that wet and slushy snow, more common late in the ski season, makes it more likely for the back of the ski to catch on the snow, upping a skier’s chance of ACL injury.

And although those injuries often heal up within a year, he explained that people who have suffered ACL tears have a much higher risk of getting arthritis in the future, regardless of the treatment they get. — Reuters

SYDNEY: In this computer-generated image provided by the Minister for Health and Ageing of Australia, proposed cigarette packaging stripped of all logos and replaced with graphic images that tobacco companies in Australia will be forced to use is shown. — AP

Trademark warnings over Australia tobacco plan SYDNEY: Australia was warned yesterday that its plan to force tobacco companies to sell cigarettes in plain packaging would set a dangerous precedent on the use of trademarks and other intellectual property.

Under proposed legislation, due to take effect next year, all logos would be removed from cigarette packets, which would have to be a drab olive-green colour and be plastered with graphic health warnings.

The big tobacco companies have vowed to fight the move and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) secretary general Jean-Guy Carrier has sent a letter to Australian Trade Minister Craig Emerson outlining his concerns. “The ability of brand owners to market their product in unique and easily identifiable ways is a core element of a developed society’s protection of intellectual property rights,” ICC spokesman Jeffrey Hardy said in a statement.

“Removing one industry’s ability to use its intellectual property rights opens the door to extend this violation of IP rights to other industries and other brand owners in Australia and around the world.” Several governments have

previously considered and rejected plain packaging as a solution to controlling tobacco use. The Paris-based ICC said there had been no research and no data to support plain packaging as a deterrent to smoking. “The proposed regulations undermine the Australian government’s goals of fostering and encouraging the growth of markets for Australian products,” Hardy said.

“Australia has been a leading voice in support of IP and rules-based commerce, but the proposed regulations mandating the elimination of trademarks... is in direct and dangerous conflict with this view. “We urge the Australian government to reject ‘plain packaging’ and look for alternative policy options.”

Around 15,000 Australians die of smoking-related diseases every year, with tobacco use costing the country Aus$31.5 billion ($32.9 billion) annually in healthcare and lost productivity.

A survey released Sunday showed most Australians support plain packaging. Commissioned by the Cancer Council, a poll of 1,200 people found 59 percent approved of the plan while 24 percent disapproved, with the rest noncommittal. — AFP

y

A

29

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

health & science

How to protect yourself from sunlight’s dark side Warm rays of sunshine can also make you ill HAMBURG: What is nicer than getting some sun after a long winter? But be it on your balcony, at an outdoor pool or southern seaside, beware: Those warm rays of sunshine can not only tan and gladden you, they can also make you ill. So sunscreen and good sun sense are essential.

“We love and need the light and warmth of the sun, of course. It stimulates the synthesis of vitamin D and the release of ‘happiness hormones’ like serotonin,” noted Eckard Breitbart of a German task force on skin protection. But just 10 minutes outdoors daily is all it takes to achieve these “biopositive effects,” he said. Long periods of sun-bathing are not necessary.

“People who expose themselves to direct sunlight too often and too long risk serious health consequences,” Breitbart warned, and sunburns and sun allergies are only the beginning. In the long term, he said, overexposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can irreparably damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer enormously.

“Ultraviolet radiation is a prime carcinogen, ranking right up there with tobacco

smoke and X-rays,” remarked Thomas Dirschka, head of plastic and aesthetic dermatosurgery at the German Dermatologists Association.

Not only intensive “acute irradiation” is hazardous, but also excessive irradiation over the space of years. Skin cancer is now the most frequent cause of malignant tumours in people with fair skin. In Germany alone, there were about 195,000 new cases of skin cancer last year.

The increased risk of skin cancer is not the only reason to avoid a UV “overdose,” though.

“Too much sun also leads to premature skin aging, which manifests itself mainly in diminished tone and elasticity, wrinkles and pigment disorders,” said Elena Helfenbein, a beauty expert with the German Cosmetics Distributors and Marketing Association.

Given all of the potentially harmful effects of the sun, some people might be inclined to avoid it altogether. But this is not necessary if you behave responsibly, Drischka said, “which means keeping outdoor activities away from midday heat and gearing sun exposure to your skin type.” The duration of safe exposure depends on skin pigmenta-

Say bye to obesity

tion. “People who are fair-skinned, freckled and strawberry blonde like (former German tennis star) Boris Becker should get out of the sun after 10 minutes,” Drischka explained. “(Spanish singer) Julio Iglesias types can tolerate much more.”

Someone exposed to the sun for lengthy

body. The right sun protection factor (SPF) depends on skin type. “For children and very fair-skinned and sun-sensitive people, an SPF of at least 30 for the body and 50 for the face is advisable,” Helfenbein said, adding that the sunscreen must also have a UVA and UVB filter, meet European standards and not have

“People who expose themselves to direct sunlight too often and too long risk serious health consequences,” Breitbart warned, and sunburns and sun allergies are only the beginning. In the long term, he said, overexposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can irreparably damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer enormously. periods should by all means take precautions. Clothing should be made of a tightly woven, “sunproof” fabric. A head covering of some kind as well as sunglasses are also important. Sunscreen should be applied to the face and all other exposed parts of the

exceeded its shelf life.

A sunscreen’s effectiveness depends on other factors, too. It should be applied half an hour before sunbathing and reapplied when its protective film has worn off due to swimming, sweating or contact with sand.

Reapplication does not, however, prolong the duration of safe exposure to the sun in accordance with the SPF and the natural selfdefence of the person’s skin.

“This notwithstanding, the entire time ought not be taken because the sun protection factor is a figure calculated under laboratory conditions,” remarked Breitbart, who said that to be certain not to suffer skin damage, one should not exceed 60 per cent of the recommended exposure time. Even more caution is required when solar radiation is particularly intense, such as in the mountains, in the tropics and at the seaside.

Should a sunburn occur, the affected person should seek shade immediately or cover the sunburned area, Drischka advised. In mild cases of sunburn, simply cooling the skin is sufficient. “If the sunburn is extensive or blisters appear, the person should see a doctor,” Drischka said.

Children’s skin is especially sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and can be damaged by sunlight quickly. Children under 3 years of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Special precautions are also advisable for older children. — dpa

5`!GYYZ <cgd]hU` 5` !GYYZ <cgd]hU` DYX]Uhf]W KY][\h 7cbhfc` GiaaYf Dfc[fUa D DYX XX]Uhf]W K X]Uh ] KY][\h 7cb ] \h 7 bhfc` GiaaYf Dfc[ h `G D fUa 8f" AU\U :UfU\Uh 7cbgi`hUbh cZ DYX]Uhf]Wg 8f " A AU\U :UfU\Uh 7cbgi`hUbh cZ DYX]Uhf]Wg 5 7cadYh]h]jY GiaaYf dfc[fUa ]b Ub Ybj]fcbaYbh Zi`` cZ ^cm UbX YbhYfhU]baYbh 5 5 7cadYh]h]jY GiaaYf dfc[fUa a ]b Ub Ybj]fcbaYbh Zi`` cZ ^cm UbX YbhYfhU]baYbh AYX]WU` UbX bihf]h]cbU` UggYgga aYbh VYZcfY UbX UZhYf h\Y dfc[fUa AYX]WU` UbX bihf]h]cbU` UggYggaYbh VYZcfY UbX UZhYf h\Y dfc[fUa <YU`h\m bihf]h]cbU` dfc[fUa Zcff YjYfm W\]`X UWWcfX]b[ hc \]g U[Y <YU`h\m bihf]h]cbU` dfc[fUa Zcf YjYfm W\]`X UWWcfX]b[ hc \]g U[Y 8U]`m d\mg]WU` hfU]b]b[ dfc[fUa ibXYf gidYfj]g]cb cZ dfcZYgg]cbbU` d\mg]WU` hfU]bYf 8U]`m d\mg]WU` hfU]b]b[ dfc[fUa ibXYf gidYfj]g]cb cZ dfcZYgg]cbU` d\mg]WU` hfU]bYf 9XiWUh]cbU` `YWhifYg Zcf dUfYbhg g UbX W\]`XfYb 9XiWUh]cbU` `YWhifYg Zcf dUfYbhg UbX W\]`XfYb

5ZhYf

6YZcfY

@Ugh h]aY Zcf fYgYfjUh]cb & # + #&$%%% @Ugh h]aY Zcf fYgYfjUh]cb & # + #&$%% :cf FYgYfjUh]cb UbX ::ifh\Yf ]bei]fYg. :cf FYgYfjUh]cb UbX :ifh\Yf ]bei]fYg.

&)+*(&'& ! *$$%$&%( &)+*(&'& ! *$ $$%$&%(

To advertise advertise on this this page l t t us: please contact

248 33 199 ads@kuwaittimes.net

y

A

30

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

W H AT ’ S O N

SBT executives visit Kuwait

P

Pradeep Kumar, Managing Director of State Bank of Travancore (SBT) and Santanu Mukherjee, General Manager, SBT and other executives of the bank visited Kuwait as part of their tour of Gulf countries to meet with exchange companies with who the bank has correspondent arrangements.

On the occasion of his visit, R.Kuppanna, General Manager of Kuwait India International Exchange Company, hosted an exclusive breakfast meet on Saturday, the 21st May at Swiss-Belhotel Plaza Kuwait. Some of the company’s esteemed customers were present at the meet. Vidhu P. Nair, ChargÈ d’Affaires, Embassy of India, Kuwait, graced the occasion with his presence.

Introducing the Managing Director of State Bank of Travancore, Kuppanna said that Pradeep Kumar started his banking career in 1976 as a probationary officer in the State Bank of India. He has, over 35 years’ rich and variegated experience in all aspects of banking - Credit, Operations, Technology among others. He has held several senior positions like Deputy General Manager (IT Network Project), General Manager (Chennai) and the C.E.O. and Country Head of the State Bank of India’s US Operations in New York.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradeep

Kumar said that the share of NRIs from the Gulf Countries was the highest amongst NRI remittances of the Bank. He added that the recently introduced Speed Remittance system is being further improvised to provide higher level of satisfaction both to the remitter and the beneficiary. Highlighting the features of the banks’ NRI Platinum Account, he mentioned it was a fairly highyielding deposit product vis-‡-vis other NRE accounts, along with the aspects of repatibility. He dwelt on the long enduring business relationship of the State Bank Group with Kuwait India International Exchange Company. He stated that Kuwait India was a pre-eminent, India-focused exchange company. He mentioned that the company has an uninterrupted record of being managed by SBI executives, initially under a formal management contract and since the mid-90’s by ex-SBI executives.

The ChargÈ d’Affaires, Vidhu P.Nair, spoke about the excellent services rendered by State Bank of Travancore as well as Kuwait India International Exchange Company. Observing that the company has the benefit of managerial expertise of SBI executives, he mentioned that Kuwait India has, over the years, imbibed the culture that is rooted in the State Bank tradition: strong corporate governance, trust and managerial depth.

Ribs are Back at Ruby Tuesday!

R

uby Tuesday restaurants launched its all new “Ribs are Back” campaign serving the best ribs in town in a unique and refreshing ambience and service. Ruby Tuesday is famous for always presenting and pampering their guests with original delicious American menus which make it distinctively different from other American restaurants.

Ruby Tuesday’s ribs are slow cooked in low temperature ovens for hours until they are fall-off-thebone tender. Enjoy any of the ribs combos paired with your choice of chicken, shrimp or steak. All ribs entrees are served with your choice of fresh chef’s vegetables, steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes.

Ruby’s Ribs Combos include the following sensational dishes, Ribs & Steak, Ribs & Louisiana Fried Shrimp, Ribs, Wings and Shrimp, Classic Barbecue Ribs, & Asian Sesame Glazed Ribs. The list is mouth watering!

Discover all what’s new and relish your dish now!

Enjoy great tastes with family and friends and your culinary desires will be fulfilled. You can find Ruby Tuesday branches in Sharq, Salmiya, Multaqa Al Shaab, Avenues, Abo Halifa and 360 mall. Ruby Tuesday offers you the best always!

S African envoy hosts reception

A

mbassador of the Republic of South Africa Delarey Van Tonder hosted a reception at his house on the occasion of the African Day, which was attended by ambassadors of African countries to Kuwait.

Al-Naqqi lectures at social service center

S

Thelma - 90.8%

Kavitha T - 86.2%

Chirag N - 83.6%

Jawahara - 83%

Sunanda - 81%

Shamshad - 79.2%

Yasmeen - 75.8%

Thushar - 74.8%

Thalal - 73.8%

Mehedi - 73.2%

Shadma - 95.8%

Nanda - 94.4%

Amanda - 93.2%

Anvin - 93%

Josna - 92.2%

Padma - 92%

Faiz - 90.4%

Preet - 90.4%

Sohel - 90.4%

Ria Susan - 89.8%

M Fahim - 89%

tate attorney and member of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Najla Al-Naqqi gave out a lecture that discussed the concepts of moderation, and that at the social service center of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in Sabah AlSalem. Al-Naqqi was presented with a memorial plaque following the seminar by the center’s director Sulaiman Al-Khaldi.

Manar Khamis joins the Palms Beach Hotel & Spa Anu T - 88.8%

Sifat - 88.4%

Ekanki - 87.6%

Lincy - 87.4%

Jojo S - 87.2%

Nikhil - 87.2%

Meril - 86.6%

Samanta - 86.4%

Adeep - 86%

Vineet - 86%

Kricy K - 85.8%

Rishi R - 85.2%

Danish - 83.2%

Christeena - 82%

GIS secures 100% pass

G

ulf Indian School takes pride in announcing the fabulous results of the l4th batch of Class XII. Out of the 50 students who appeared for the exam 49 students scored above 60% aggregate and one above 50%. Besides having a 100% pass, GIS recorded an average of over 80% aggregate score in the Board exam 2011.

In the Science Stream, Shadma Arshad, an unassuming, consistent and conscientious student notched the first position with an aggregate of 95.8%.

She is the Kuwait topper in Biology with a perfect 100 and also in Physics with 99.

She is the school topper in Chemistry with 95. Her other scores are: English 89, Maths - 96.

In the second position is Nanda Krishnanm the versatile and talented all rounder with 94.4% aggregate. He is also a school topper in Chemistry with 95.

His other scores are: English - 95, Physics - 93, Maths - 95, Computer Science - 94.

Systematic and diligent Amanda Philip Lopez bagged the third position with a score of 93.2%. She is the school topper in Maths with 98. Her other scores are: English - 86, Physics - 94, Chemistry - 92, Computer Science - 96.

In the Commerce stream, Thelma D Souza, a smart, vivacious student bagged the first position with an aggregate of 90.8%. She scored the highest in school in two subjects: in Accountancy 94 and also in Business Studies - 94. Her other scores are: English - 94, Maths - 84, Economics - 88.

Kavita T.Chandran, a combination of consistent hard work and sheer will is in the second position with an aggregate of 88.2%. She is the school topper in Economics with 95. Her other scores are: English - 95, Maths - 91, Accountancy -

89, Business Studies 71.

Chirag Moorthy, a focused and silent worker secured Saumya - 81.6% Snehal - 81.2% Meenu - 79.8% the third position with Meril Daizel: English - 96 an aggregate of 83.6%. He also shared The result reflects the academic the top position in school in enhancement of the school. It was the Accountancy with a score of 94. His othcombination of teamwork, dedication er scores are: English - 84, Economics and determination which made GIS 72, Maths - 85, Business Studies - 83. come out with flying colours. The GIS The other subject wise toppers are: family congratulates the young achievAnu Thankam Abraham: Informatics ers who have added another chapter of Practices - 96 accomplishments to the annals of their Ria Susan Thomas: Computer almamater.

Science - 99

I

n a step reflecting the hotel’s keen endeavors towards highlighting the enhancement of its local franchise, the Palms Beach Hotel & Spa - Kuwait has recently appointed Manar Khamis as its PR & Marketing Manager. Born in Kuwait, Manar graduated at the English School for Girls, and completed her Bachelors Degree in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of 6 October - Cairo, Egypt. Possessing a proven record in the area of Public Relations and Communications in Kuwait, she joins the hotel with an extensive academic and practical expertise, adding to the professional structure of the hotel.

Manar’s working experience in the area of PR and Communications extends to cover a variety of disciplines and prestigious entities in Kuwait, including the American University of Kuwait (AUK), Ahli United Bank (AUB), in addition to her previous role with the Palms Beach Hotel & Spa at the outset of her career.

Enriched with her professional ability to set up and implement business strategies, Manar’s role at the hotel will tackle research, planning, communicating and evaluating the various integrated PR activities and campaigns, as well as handling programs and events in all aspects. Her efforts will be directed to highlighting and promoting the whole host of state-of-the art services provided by the hotel.

In her new appointment, Manar capitalizes on her interpersonal communication and bi-lingual skills, gained through her extensive training exposure, to add more value to the hotel and to contribute to making great progress towards the hotel’s short and long term goals.

International Women’s Group

A

s is customary, our final meeting for the season will be our International brunch and national costume competition on Sunday, 5 June 2011 at the Radisson Blu- Boubyan Room, Al Hashemi.

Doors open at 9:30 and costume judging will commence at 10:30 prompt. We look forward to seeing you in national dress, if you wish - and remind all current members that membership renewals are also due at this time. This is also the last opportunity to submit applications for those wishing to be considered for IWG membership for the year 2011-2012.

y

A

31

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy JIS nets 100 percent results

J

Fawaz

Kevin

Ali Abid

Khadija

Christopher

Nishita

Cindy

Elston

Rachael Fdes

abriya Indian School netted a cent percent haul in the class XII All India Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi in March 2011 with distinction galore in both the Science and Commerce streams.

Mustafa The Class XII students have, indeed, done their Alma Mater proud with their commendable performance. Adding a feather to the cap of glory is the Kuwait High of 98% garnered in Infomatics Practices by two of our students, Petrina Pinto and Abraham Mathew.

Mustafa Abedin who emerged, recently, as the Kuwait topper in Mathematics in the Australian International Assessment Examination, secured the top position in the science stream with an overall aggregate of 91 percent. He was followed dosely by the industrious and consistent academic performer, Petrina Pinto with an aggregate of 90.8 percent. The hugely popular Head-girl, Deema Kamal who bagged the gold Medal for the Best Outgoing student, shared the third spot in the science stream with the well-mannered and affable Pooja Reddy, both having secured an aggregate of 90.6 percent.

In the Commerce stream, the indubitably intelligent Abraham Mathew emerged the topper with an overall aggregate of 88.6 percent followed dosely by the ViceHead Girl Joke Khalil who secured 88.2 percent aggregate marks. Jolie is a very studious and pleasant student.

In third position Tejas K. Jose, the Vice-Head Boy and captain of the School Basketball team dunked an aggregate shot of 87.2 percent. Tejas, the supremo of athletics excellently combined studies with his sporting talents.

The subject toppers of the school English: 95%- Abraham Mathew, Tejas K Jose, Petrina Pinto, Shaikh Alfia, Mona Islam. Physics: 91 % Yugal Kumar. Mathematics: 96 %- Mustafa Abedin.

Chemistry: 95 %- Deema Kamal, Mustafa Abedin.

Biology: 92% Petrina Pinto. Infomatics Practices 98 %Petrina Pinto, Abraham Mathew. Economics: 94 %Abraham Mathew. Business studies: 86 % Tejas K. Jose.

Computer science: 88 % Mustafa Abedin. Accountancy 83 %- Jolie Khalil.

The hard work put in by the students along with the guidance of the team of dedicated teachers has indeed proved fruitful. Congratulations to the achievers who have done themselves and their school proud.

Shannon

Indian English Academy School continues its winning streak

I

ndian English Academy School (IEAS) sent its 4th batch of students for the Class XII Board Examinations conducted by CBSE this year and has once again achieved cent percent results. The marks scored by students is also an all time high. Four students have bagged the creditable distinction of being Kuwait toppers.

Of the 40 students who appeared for the Board Examination, 25 scored above 90% in English, bringing the class average to an astounding 90.4%.

Neelima Joseph of the Science stream scored a whopping 99% in English, the highest among schools in Kuwait. Neelima also achieved a double by getting the

highest mark for Biology too, with 95%. Joanne Mathew topped in Chemistry with a scintillating 99%, which is also the second highest in Kuwait. Joanne also clinched the first place in Physics with 88%. Elavarasi M. Rajasekar secured the top score for Computer Science with 95%.

Rachael Joan Dias topped the Science stream with an aggregate of 92%.

The Commerce stream achieved the unique distinction of scoring above 90% in all subjects.

Some of the highest marks in Kuwait were bagged by the IEASians. Avinash Mohan topped his section with an aggregate of 94.6%. He scored 97% in Business

Studies and 95% in Accountancy, becoming the Kuwait topper in these subjects and also secured 97% in Mathematics becoming the school topper in that subject.

Avinash and Althea DíSouza scored 96 % in Economics which is the second highest in Kuwait.

Arlene Henry of the Commerce stream bagged the first place in Informatics Practices with 98%, which is once again the highest among all schools in Kuwait.

All this has been made possible by the blessings of the Almighty and the tireless work of the students and staff alike. The school is also grateful for the continued support of parents and well wishers.

Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA In order to inform that 23rd of October 2011, will be Argentine national election where all Argentinean citizen residents permanently in Kuwait can vote only if they are registered at the Electoral Register of the Argentine Embassy. The procedure of inscription is for free and will be end on 25 of April 2011. To register it is necessary that Argentinean citizens should come personally at the Argentinean Embassy (Block 6, street 42, villa 57, Mishref) and present the DNI and four personal photos (size 4x4, face should be front on white background).

For further information, contact us on 25379211.

■■■■■■■

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.

■■■■■■■

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.vfs-ukkw.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 CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, AlMutawakel 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.

Petrina

Deema

Pooja

Abraham

Tejas

Yugal

■■■■■■■

Jolie

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

Alfia

Mona

■■■■■■■

Nirmal Sajeev

Vivek

Abhaya Joseph

Lubna Moidu

Jijo Jose

Jyothitha

Riya Ann

EMBASSY OF ITALY The Embassy of I taly will be closed Thursday, 2nd June 2011, on the occasion of the National Day of the Italian Republic.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF INDIA Embassy of India, Kuwait, would like to inform that application forms for passport/visa services and labour contracts that are on its website, www.indembkwt.org, have been upgraded to include the facility for online data entry. Affidavit forms on the Embassy website have had this facility since May 6, 2009.

Anu Ann

Sherin

Neethu

Sruthi

Alex Mathew

Sharon Anne

Arun George

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to request all Kenyans resident in or training through Kuwait to register with the Embassy. We are updating our database. This information is necessary in order to facilitate quick assistance and advise in times of emergency. Kindly visit in person or register through our website www.kenyaembkuwait.com. The Embassy is located in: Surra Area - Block 6 - Street 9 Villa 3 Tel: 25353362 - 25353314; Fax: 25353316.

Mariyam

Sharon

Lubaina

Tanya Thomas

Lloyd Paul

Danish

Zohra Shabir

UIS reclaims Kuwait topper honours

U

nited Indian School (UIS) credentials remains unquestionable as she continues her winning streak by upholding the reputation of being the Kuwait Topper numerous times. The 2011 AISSCE batch of students paid a rich tribute to their alma - mater with a befitting gift (80% distinction) in commemoration of her Silver Jubilee Celebrations.

The distinctive feature of the 2011 AISSCE results is that Nirmal Sajeev Kombara (Kuwait topper-95.8%

Commerce stream) is also the Kuwait topper in Business Studies (96%) and Accountancy (95%). Nirmal lives up to his name, simplicity and humility the two great qualities is seen in his thoughts, words and deeds.

The UIS Commerce stream with 95.8% outshines all the other 13 Indian Schools in Kuwait to win the much coveted position of being the Kuwait topper.

The UIS Science stream is the proud recipients of being Kuwait toppers in 2nd position Abhaya

Joseph and Vivek M Gopinathen share the unique distinction as Kuwait Toppers (2nd rank) with 97.85%. UIS has also clinched the 2nd position in English, Biology, Computer Science, Economics and Informatics. Abaya Joseph, sober, diligent in whatever she does is the CBSE topper in Mathematics 100% and is also the Kuwait and UIS topper in Mathematics. She is the 1st rank holder (97.8%) of UIS in the science stream.

Vivek M Gopinathen a diligent

child with his dogged determination and faith carved a niche in the honour list. He is the Kuwait topper in Physics (99%) as well as the UIS Tiju Abey Topper. He is also the UIS Topper in Chemistry (98%) Biology (99%) and the UIS 1st rank holder in the Science stream.

■■■■■■■

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 PERU With the growing interest shown by Kuwaiti citizens and/or foreign residents in Kuwait for going for vacation and tourism to Peru and/or with the purpose of doing business over there, The Embassy of Peru in Kuwait did the effort and obtained as a temporary and immediate solution - till the opening of the consular section of Diplomatic Mission of Peru in Kuwait City - that the consular section of the Embassy of Peru in Qatar will attend those requests of granting such visas. Working hours: 9 am till 2 pm or call +974-4491-5944, Fax: +974-4491-5940 E-mail: info@peruembassy.com.qa

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

00:45 Untamed And Uncut 01:40 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 02:35 Into The Pride 03:30 Mutant Planet 04:25 Your Worst Animal Nightmares 05:20 Animal Cops South Africa 06:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 07:00 Meerkat Manor 07:25 The Really Wild Show 07:50 Natural Born Hunters 08:15 All New Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:40 Breed All About It 09:10 Animal Crackers 10:05 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 11:00 Animal ER 11:55 Wildlife SOS International 12:50 Animal Cops South Africa 13:45 RSPCA: On The Frontline 14:10 Vet On The Loose 14:40 China’s Last Elephants 15:30 Animal Battlegrounds 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Natural Born Hunters 17:00 All New Planet’s Funniest Animals 17:25 Must Love Cats 18:20 Into The Pride 19:15 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 20:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 21:05 Life Of Mammals 22:00 Last Chance Highway 22:55 Tigers Attack 23:50 Earthquake: Panda Rescue

00:15 01:05 01:55 02:45 03:15 03:45 04:20 04:40 05:00 05:25 05:40 06:00 06:20 06:45 07:00 07:20 07:40 08:05 08:20 08:40 09:00 09:25 09:40 10:40 11:25 12:15 12:45 13:15 14:10 15:40 16:30 17:15 17:45 18:15 19:10 20:00 20:45 21:15 21:45 22:40 23:30

The Weakest Link Holby City New Tricks Eastenders Doctors Last Of The Summer Wine Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Bobinogs Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Bobinogs Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Bobinogs Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Bobinogs Last Of The Summer Wine The Weakest Link New Tricks Doctors Eastenders Holby City Last Of The Summer Wine New Tricks The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City New Tricks The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Holby City Unforgiven Green Green Grass

00:10 01:50 02:40 04:45 05:05 05:30 07:10 07:40 09:10 09:35 10:25 12:30 12:55 13:45

Come Dine With Me The Home Show Come Dine With Me James Martin’s Brittany James Martin’s Brittany Daily Cooks Challenge Cooked Colin And Justin’s Home Show James Martin’s Brittany Antiques Roadshow Come Dine With Me James Martin’s Brittany Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic

14:30 15:15 18:10 18:35 19:00 19:50 20:35 21:20 22:10 23:00

Bargain Hunt Come Dine With Me James Martin’s Brittany James Martin’s Brittany Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic Bargain Hunt Come Dine With Me The Home Show Cash In The Attic USA

00:00 BBC World News 00:30 World Business Report 00:45 Sport Today 01:00 BBC World News America 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Asia Today 02:00 BBC World News 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Asia Today 03:00 BBC World News 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Asia Today 04:00 BBC World News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Asia Today 05:00 BBC World News 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Asia Today 06:00 BBC World News 06:30 Hardtalk 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 Hardtalk 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:30 World Business Report 22:45 Sport Today 23:00 BBC World News America 23:30 Hardtalk

00:05 Cow And Chicken 00:30 Cramp Twins 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 Adrenalini Brothers 01:45 Eliot Kid 02:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 02:35 Ben 10: Alien Force 03:00 The Powerpuff Girls 03:15 Chowder 03:40 The Secret Saturdays 04:05 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 04:30 Ben 10: Alien Force 04:55 Best Ed 05:20 Skunk Fu! 05:45 Cramp Twins 06:10 Eliot Kid 06:35 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 07:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 07:25 Cow And Chicken 07:50 Angelo Rules 08:05 Cartoon Network Dance Club 08:15 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 08:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 09:05 The Secret Saturdays 09:30 Batman: The Brave And The

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

TV PROGRAMS Bold 09:55 The Powerpuff Girls 10:20 Robotboy 10:30 Hero 108 10:55 Ben 10 11:20 Chowder 12:10 Camp Lazlo 12:35 George Of The Jungle 13:00 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 13:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:50 Ben 10 14:15 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 14:40 Squirrel Boy 15:05 Eliot Kid 15:35 Ed, Edd N Eddy 16:00 Cow And Chicken 16:25 Chop Socky Chooks 16:50 Skunk Fu! 17:15 Chowder 17:40 Best Ed 18:05 Hero 108 18:30 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 18:55 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 19:20 Ben 10: Alien Force 19:45 The Secret Saturdays 20:10 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 20:35 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 21:00 The Powerpuff Girls 21:25 Ed, Edd N Eddy 21:50 Cartoon Network Dance Club 22:00 Camp Lazlo 22:25 Hero 108 22:50 Ben 10 23:15 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:40 Chowder

00:40 Dirty Jobs 01:35 Gold Rush: Alaska 02:30 Ultimate Survival 03:25 Mega Builders 04:20 Mythbusters 05:15 How Do They Do It? 05:40 How Stuff’s Made 06:05 Dirty Jobs 07:00 Mega Builders 07:50 American Chopper 08:45 How Stuff’s Made 09:10 How Do They Do It? 09:40 Mythbusters 10:30 Cake Boss 10:55 Border Security 11:25 Motor City Motors 12:20 Ultimate Survival 13:15 Mythbusters 14:10 LA Ink 15:05 Dirty Jobs 16:00 Motor City Motors 16:55 Mythbusters 17:50 Man vs Fish With Matt Watson 18:45 Cake Boss 19:10 Border Security 19:40 Time Warp 20:05 How Stuff’s Made 20:35 How Do They Do It? 21:00 The Next Great Baker 21:55 LA Ink 22:50 Police Women Of Maricopa County 23:45 Man vs Fish With Matt Watson

00:30 The Gadget Show 00:55 Kings Of Construction 01:45 Mighty Ships 02:35 Futurecar 03:25 How Does That Work?

03:50 Thunder Races 04:45 What’s That About?

05:40 One Step Beyond 06:10 Nextworld 07:00 Scrapheap Challenge 07:55 Head Rush 07:58 Sci-Fi Science 08:25 Weird Connections 08:55 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 09:45 The Gadget Show 10:35 The Future Of...

11:25 Green Wheels 11:50 Scrapheap Challenge 12:40 One Step Beyond 13:05 Mighty Ships 13:55 Bang Goes The Theory

14:20 Bang Goes The Theory 14:45 Kings Of Construction 15:35 The Gadget Show 16:00 Head Rush 16:03 Sci-Fi Science 16:30 Weird Connections 17:00 Brainiac 17:50 Mars: The Quest For Life 18:40 Space Pioneer 19:30 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 20:20 Weird Connections 20:45 How Stuff’s Made 21:10 The Gadget Show 22:00 Space Pioneer 22:50 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 23:40 Colony

00:00 00:25 01:15 02:00 02:50 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:00 06:20 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:35 09:00 09:25 09:50 10:10 10:35 10:50 11:15 11:35 12:00 12:25 12:45 13:10 13:30 13:55 14:20 14:40 14:55 15:20 15:40 16:00 16:25 16:45 17:10 17:35 18:45 20:15 20:25 20:50 21:12 21:15 21:35 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:35

Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperors New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Emperors New School Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Shake It Up Good Luck Charlie Fairly Odd Parents Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Imagination Movers Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Fairly Odd Parents Phineas And Ferb Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Have A Laugh Good Luck Charlie Jonas LA Kim Possible Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Forever Cadet Kelly Phineas And Ferb Jake And Blake Hannah Montana Have A Laugh Phineas And Ferb Fairly Odd Parents Replacements Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance Jonas LA

06:00 Kid Vs Kat 06:20 Kick Buttowski 06:40 Pokemon 07:05 Phineas & Ferb 08:05 American Dragon 08:30 Kick Buttowski 08:50 Phineas And Ferb 09:00 Zeke & Luther 09:50 I’m In The Band 10:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 10:40 Suite Life On Deck 11:30 Pair Of Kings 11:55 Phineas & Ferb 12:20 Phineas & Ferb 12:45 Kid Vs Kat 13:50 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 14:40 Zeke & Luther 15:05 Suite Life On Deck 15:35 Kick Buttowski 16:00 I’m In The Band 16:25 Suite Life On Deck 16:50 Zeke & Luther 17:40 Phineas & Ferb 18:30 Escape From Scorpion Island (Cema) 18:55 Pokemon 19:20 American Dragon 19:45 Aaron Stone 20:15 Kid Vs Kat 20:40 Phineas & Ferb 21:05 I’m In The Band 21:30 Zeke & Luther 21:50 Phineas And Ferb 22:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 22:20 The Super Hero Squad Show

00:25 Kendra 00:55 The Soup 01:25 20 Best And Worst Celebrity Plastic...

03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Married To Rock 10:15 THS 12:05 E! News 13:05 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 14:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:35 25 Hottest Hollywood Cougar Tales 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Kourtney And Kim Take New York 17:25 Kourtney And Kim Take New York 17:55 E! News 18:55 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 19:55 THS 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Holly’s World 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Kourtney And Khloe Take Miami

G-FORCE ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY

00:15 00:40 01:30 02:20 03:10 04:00 04:50 05:40 06:30 2008

Fantasy Factory Mantracker World Combat League Fantasy Factory Man’s Work Cape Epic Mantracker World Combat League Ride Guide Mountainbike

07:00 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2008 07:30 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2008 08:00 Quattro Events 2009 08:25 Pumptrack 2010 09:15 IFMXF 2010 10:05 UCI Nissan Mountainbike World Cup 2008 10:30 UCI Nissan Mountainbike World Cup 2008 10:55 X Games Heroes 11:45 Glutton For Punishment 12:10 Glutton For Punishment 12:35 Untracked 13:25 Mantracker 14:15 World Combat League 15:05 X Games Heroes 15:55 Glutton For Punishment 16:45 Quattro Events 2009 17:10 Pumptrack 2010 18:00 IFMXF 2010 18:50 UCI Nissan Mountainbike World Cup 2008 19:40 Mantracker 20:30 Untracked 21:20 Cape Epic 22:10 World Combat League 23:00 Man’s Work 23:50 Untracked

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:50 04:45 05:15 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Ghost Lab Mysterious Journeys Ripped From The Headlines Disappeared Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghosthunters Ghost Lab Diagnosis: Unknown Forensic Detectives Guilty Or Innocent?

Diagnosis: Unknown Real Emergency Calls Disappeared FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn Fugitive Strike Force Diagnosis: Unknown Real Emergency Calls Disappeared Forensic Detectives Guilty Or Innocent?

FBI Files Diagnosis: Unknown Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn Fugitive Strike Force Deadly Women The Prosecutors Dr G: Medical Examiner

00:00 Market Values 00:30 Market Values 01:00 Departures 02:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 03:00 By Any Means 04:00 Pressure Cook 04:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 05:00 Food Lovers Guide To Planet 05:30 Exploring The Vine 06:00 Market Values 07:00 Departures 08:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 09:00 By Any Means 10:00 Pressure Cook 10:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 11:00 Food Lovers Guide To Planet 11:30 Exploring The Vine 12:00 Market Values 13:00 Departures 14:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 15:00 By Any Means 16:00 Pressure Cook 16:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 17:00 Food Lovers Guide To Planet 17:30 Exploring The Vine 18:00 Market Values 19:00 Departures 20:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 21:00 By Any Means 22:00 Pressure Cook 22:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 23:00 Food Lovers Guide To Planet 23:30 Exploring The Vine

00:15 02:00 03:45 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

KILLSHOT ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 15:00 Seinfeld 15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Just Shoot Me 19:00 Seinfeld 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The Cleveland Show 22:30 Weeds 23:00 South Park 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

01:00 Witness To Jonestown-PG15 03:00 Make It Funky!-PG15 05:00 PVC-1-PG15 07:00 Skellig-PG15 09:00 Creation-PG15 11:00 The Secret Lives Of Second Wives-PG15 12:45 Carnera: The Walking Mountain-PG 14:45 2012: Startling New Secret-PG 16:15 The Soloist-PG15 18:15 Almost Famous-PG15 21:00 Moulin Rouge!-PG15 23:00 Female Agents-18

The

The

The

The

The Ruins-R Signs-PG15 Notorious-18 The Taking Of Pelham 123-18 Ghost Town (TV Movie)-18 Darkness Falls-PG15 Changing Lanes-PG15 Ghost Town (TV Movie)-18 Mortal Kombat-PG Changing Lanes-PG15 Camp Hope-PG15 Neowolf-18

01:00 Surfer Dude-PG15 03:00 Adventures Of Power-PG15 05:00 Stuart Little 2-FAM 07:00 Batman: Under The Red Hood-PG 09:00 Home Run-PG15 11:00 The Last Song-PG15 13:00 It’s A Wonderful AfterlifePG15 15:00 MacHEADS-PG15 17:00 A Christmas Carol-PG 19:00 The Answer Man-PG15 21:00 Camp Hope-PG15 23:00 Notorious-18

00:00 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 01:30 Bill Maher... But Im Not Wrong 03:00 Just Shoot Me 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Will And Grace 06:00 Yes Dear 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 08:30 Dharma And Greg 09:00 Just Shoot Me 09:30 Will And Grace 10:00 Yes Dear 10:30 Seinfeld 11:00 The Drew Carey Show 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Dharma And Greg 13:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 13:30 Will And Grace 14:00 Yes Dear

00:20 01:10 01:40 02:10 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

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 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 PG15 19:00 21:00 23:00

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 PG15 20:00 22:00

Desperate Housewives In Treatment In Treatment The Ellen DeGeneres Show Cold Case The View Good Morning America The Bachelor Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Martha Stewart Show The View Desperate Housewives Cold Case Live Good Morning America The Bachelor The Ellen DeGeneres Show Emmerdale Coronation Street Hawthorne Body Of Proof The Glades Scoundrels The Bachelor

Criminal Minds C.S.I. In Treatment Desperate Housewives Cold Case Psych Criminal Minds The Simpsons Coronation Street Look-A-Like Psych Desperate Housewives Cold Case The Simpsons Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show C.S.I. Criminal Minds The Simpsons Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Huge Hawthorne Body Of Proof The Glades C.S.I. Psych

Zombieland-18 The Cottage-18 Killshot-18 The Three Musketeers-PG15 Inkheart-PG The Order-PG15 The Snow Walker-PG15 Inkheart-PG G.I. Joe: The Rise Of CobraThe Ruins-R Neowolf-18 Outpost-18

Head Of State-PG15 The Break-Up Artist-PG15 Who’s Your Caddy?-PG15 Shorts-PG 17 Again-PG15 School Of Rock-PG15 G-Force-PG The Ramen Girl-PG15 Head Of State-PG15 Beauty And The BriefcaseJust Married-PG15 The Broken Hearts Club-18

01:00 Malibu’s Most Wanted-PG15 03:00 The Fighting TemptationsPG15 05:00 Hachiko: A Dog’s Story-PG15 07:00 Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief-PG15 09:00 Tooth Fairy-PG 11:00 From Justin To Kelly-PG 13:00 Rugrats Go Wild-FAM 15:00 500 Days Of Summer-PG15 17:00 Tooth Fairy-PG 19:00 My Dog Tulip-PG15 21:00 Just Married-PG15 23:00 Moulin Rouge!-PG15

02:00 Little Match Girl-PG 03:45 Christmas In New York-PG 06:00 Monsters Inc-FAM 08:15 Pocahontas III: The Journey In Time-PG 10:00 Little Match Girl-PG 11:45 Yogi And The Invasion Of The Space Bears-FAM 14:00 The Archies In Jugman-FAM 16:00 Babe: Pig In The City-FAM 18:00 Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel-FAM 20:00 Treasure Island-PG 22:00 Yogi And The Invasion Of The Space Bears-FAM

00:00 Wrong Turn 3: Left For DeadPG15 02:00 Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time-PG15 04:00 My Son, My Son, What Have You Done?-PG15 06:00 Morning Light-PG 08:00 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG 10:00 How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days-PG 12:00 Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time-PG15 14:00 You Again-PG15 16:00 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG 18:00 Paper Man-PG15 20:00 My Dog Tulip-PG15 22:00 You Again-PG15

00:00 Golfing World 01:00 Super League 03:00 NRL Premiership 05:00 European PGA Highlights 06:00 Weber Cup Bowling 07:00 Trans World Sport 08:00 World Hockey 08:30 Super League 10:30 FEI Equestrian World 11:00 AFL Highlights 12:00 Trans World Sport 13:00 World Hockey 13:30 Super League 15:30 Golfing World 16:30 NRL Premiership 18:30 IRB Sevens 21:30 World Hockey 22:00 AFL Highlights 23:00 European PGA Highlights

Tour

Tour

00:30 Trans World Sport 01:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 02:30 ICC Cricket World 03:00 AFL Highlights 04:00 IRB Sevens World Series 07:00 Golfing World

08:00 European PGA Highlights 09:00 FEI Equestrian World 09:30 Spirit of Yachting 10:00 NRL Premiership 12:00 ICC Cricket World 12:30 European PGA Highlights 13:30 Golfing World 14:30 Weber Cup Bowling 15:30 Aviva Premiership 17:30 NRL Full Time 18:00 Spirit of Yachting 18:30 AFL Highlights 19:30 European PGA Highlights 20:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 21:00 Futbol Mundial 21:30 AFL Premiership

00:00 01:00 02:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Tour

Tour

Tour

UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 130 Prelims UFC 130 UFC Unleashed WWE NXT WWE SmackDown Full Throttle City Centre Races Adventure Sport WWE Bottom Line Superstock Powerboat Series V8 Supercars Championship UAE National Race Day Series Superstock Powerboat Series Full Throttle Iron Man V8 Supercars Championship UFC Unleashed UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC Unleashed

00:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 01:00 Great Scenic Railways-US & Canada 01:30 Travel Oz 02:00 Travel Notebook 03:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 04:00 Globe Trekker 05:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 06:00 Cruise Today 06:30 Destination Cuba 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Travel 360 09:00 Feast India 10:00 Four Men and a Lady 10:30 Tall Ship Explorers 11:30 Riding Eastern Europe 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Distant Shores 13:30 Sophie Grigson In The Home Counties 14:00 Destination Art 14:30 Travel 360 15:30 Distant Shores 16:00 Globe Trekker Special 17:00 Riding Eastern Europe 17:30 Four Men and a Lady 18:00 Distant Shores 18:30 Sophie Grigson In The Home Counties 19:00 Globe Trekker 20:00 Think Green 21:00 Journey Into Wine-Spain & Portugal 21:30 Journey Into Wine-Spain & Portugal 22:00 Working Holiday 23:00 Globe Trekker

01:25 02:55 04:50 07:00 08:40 11:00 12:55 14:30 16:00 17:45 FAM 20:20 22:00 FAM 23:30

Reckless-FAM Get Carter-FAM Northwest Passage-FAM Dream Wife-FAM All This, And Heaven Too-FAM Silk Stockings-FAM Girl Happy-FAM Gun Glory-FAM Interrupted Melody-FAM The Shoes Of The FishermanThe Cincinnati Kid-FAM Support Your Local Sheriff!The Package-FAM

Classifieds TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

I Newborn pandas weigh only 3 to 4 ounces while an adult weighs up to 300 pounds.

I 99 percent of a Panda’s diet is nothing but bamboo shoots and leaves. They spend 12 hours a day eating.

I Only about 1,000 of these black-and-white relatives of bears survive in the wild and about 127 in captivity.

“I’d rather be the king of kids, than the prince of fools.”

— Jack Black, on brainyquote.com

— kids.nationalgeographic.com

This toy is fully loaded In “Cars 2,” Lightning McQueen and Mater meet an international group of race cars with tons of aftermarket options. Kids can try their own hands at customizing with RideMakerz kits ($30). Each car comes with 13 changeable pieces, such as rims, spoilers and decals. You can find RideMakerz only at Toys“R”Us, but FamilyFun has 17 kits to give away. For a chance to win one, send an e-mail with “RideMakerz” in the subject line to contest.familyfun@disney.com and include your name, address, phone number and birth date (entrants must be age 13 or older). Deadline is July 31, 2011.

— Disney FamilyFun magazine

By Vickie An ds TimeForKi

WER! PANDA PO back into action

g ack is leapin ung Fu Actor Jack Bl the warrior panda, in “K ina ve Ch of Po sa t us m Po , as the voice el this 3-D sequ has invented Panda 2.” In il Lord Shen itself. The ev ipe out the ancient and kung fu w to en in time? at threatens pals stop Sh a weapon th n Po and his ack says. martial art. Ca again “feels good,” Bl G-13) (P bear ir of boots.”

Voicing the on a warm pa “Like putting

O N E E N T RY P E R H O U S E H O L D. N O P U R C H A S E N E C E S S A RY. VO I D W H E R E P R O H I B I T E D F O R L E G A L R E S I D E N T S O F 5 0 S TAT E S A N D D. C. F I N D T H E F U L L RU L E S AT FA M I LY F U N . C O M / M AG A Z I N E .

Hundred-acre foods

TALE A FROSTY six penguins, his

pper inherits ’s PenWhen Tom Po to the birds! “Mr. Popper clasy goes of the g lin tel re a home literall is ters June 17, nguins,” guins,” in thea t was fun to work with pe er, . “I pper’s daught Po s ay pl sic storybook o Carroll, wh yet rated) says Madeline s freezing on set!” (Not wa Janie. “But it G RIDE A THRILLINtning McQueen and gh Li r ca race to rememTION! On June 24, on a road trip travel AND ... AC 10, follows six ir ater head out pa M e ck th tru el, w qu ne se r- to theaters Ju 2.” In the 3-D in the World Grand on a monste “Super 8,” in ber in “Cars ces ho stumble up Fanning ra w s en en ue te g cQ in M e of his le movie-mak the globe as ater who goes for the rid spy. hich stars El director . The film, w ix. But it’s M agents mistake him for a size mystery ey, was partly inspired by ing Pr lley tn mak itish e agents, Ho and Joel Cour n childhood. “As a kid, life, when Br ices one of th as cted ow Mortimer vo le coupe. “I wish I were s says. (predi ily am J.J. Abrams’ Em br A g,” rp ek pu my thin kes. (G) movies was Shiftwell, a sle in real life!” Mortimer jo y rating PG-13) glam as Holle . erved. of Time Inc Rights Res arks e Inc. All red tradem © 2011 Tim m are registe eforkids.co KIDS and Tim TIME FOR

On July 15, Christopher Robin and friends return to theaters in “Winnie the Pooh.” In the film, Pooh’s quest for honey gets derailed by a search for Eeyore’s new tail. Satisfy the rumbly in your tumbly with a vanilla-honey shake accompanied by stinger-free bee cookies.

Vanilla Hunny Shake: In a blender, combine 1 cup vanilla ice cream, ½ cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately. Makes two 6-ounce servings.

Hunny Bee Cookies: Frost 12 round cookies with 1½ cups light-blue frosting and place a Twix Mini in the center of each. For the wings, use scissors to cut the ends from 12 marshmallows, then press them onto the cookies, sticky side down.

Spoon ½ cup yellow frosting into a ziplock sandwich bag, snip off a corner and pipe stripes onto the bees.

— Disney FamilyFun magazine

OUT NOW

I “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (PG-13) in movie theaters and IMAX 3-D.

OUT IN JUNE

I “X-Men First Class” (PG-13) in movie theaters June 3.

I “Green Lantern” (Predicted rating PG-13) in movie theaters and 3-D June 17.

I “Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer” (PG-13) in movie theaters June 17.

OUT IN JULY I “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” (predicted rating PG-13) in movie theaters and IMAX 3-D July 1.

I “Monte Carlo” (PG) in movie theaters July 1.

I “The Zookeeper” (PG) in movie theaters July 8.

I “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” (predicted rating PG-13) in movie theaters and IMAX 3-D July 15.

I “Winnie the Pooh” (G) in movie theaters July 15.

I “Captain America: the First Avenger” (predicted rating PG-13) in movie theaters July 22.

I “The Smurfs” (predicted rating PG) in movie theaters and 3-D July 29.

ACCOMMODATION Accommodation available in Abbassiya, for family or bachelors with A/C, water, gas etc., KD 70. Please contact: 24336581/ 66790798/ 99307591. (C 3401) 31-5-2011 To-let, one semi furnished spacious room with attached mini room consisting of toilet, for decent couple or executive bachelors in a flat in Bneid AlGhar. Please call: 60046720 for detail and viewing.

(C 3398) Sharing accommodation available for decent Indian bachelors or small family with Mangalorean family two bedroom window A/C, Bldg opposite Rashid Hospital, Shara Amman, Salmiya.

Contact: 55995437. (C 3399) 30-5-2011

A fully furnished two bedroom two bathroom central A/C flat available for two months (July-Aug) for families on visit, rent KD 205.

Contact: 67797042 or 66674242. (C 3389) One big master bedroom with attached bathroom available from 1st June immediately for one or two executive bachelor in new building C-AC. Sat and kitchen facility W&E free, near Shara Amman street, opp Appolo hospital Salmiya. Call 99761807.

(C 3393) 28-5-2011 Fully furnished sharing accommodation with separate bathroom available for bachelor in Sara Complex, Salmiya. Please call after 4 pm. Contact: 25613581/ 99553240. (C 3384)

SITUATION VACANT

OUT IN AUGUST I “Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World” (predicted rating PG) in movie theaters and 3-D Aug. 19.

I M I G A E S F R O M TO P : D R E A M W O R K S A N I M AT I O N , 2 0 T H C E N T U RY F OX , PA R A M O U N T, D I S N E Y P I X A R

29-5-2011

P H OTO B Y T I M M AC K AY / D I S N E Y FA M I LY F U N M AG A Z I N E

Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya near United Indian School in a central A/C new building with double bedroom double bathroom, hall, kitchen flat with Keralite Christian family, preference for couples or working ladies.

Contact: 66273165.

(C 3397)

Requirements: Must be Christian and fluent in English.

Call 99199020. (C 3395) 29-5-2011

FOR SALE Volkswagon Passat, 2004 model 2L, 70,000 km running, olive green color, well maintained. Price KD 1,300/-. Contact: 66049186.

(C 3402) 31-5-2011 Expat family leaving: Household items for sale.

For items pics and price: http://www.tiny.cc/lpa36 or call: 66042205. (C 3400) 30-5-2011 Nissan Pathfinder 2003 model, black color, km 153,000, 4WD, CD, alloy wheels, very good condition, interested please call 60435876, price KD 2,550.

(C 3391)

Live -in housemaid required for an Indian family in Salwa, sponsorship can be arranged, call after 5pm 97205370/ 99786848.

(C 3396)

Nissan Pathfiner 2004 model, 3.5 cc, white color, 6 cylinder, 4WD, excellent condition, km 125,000, price KD 2650, registration up to June 2012. Contact: 55602671.

(C 3390)

A small Kuwaiti family is looking to hire a cook.

Mazda Zoom 3, golden color, 2007 model, full automatic + CD, original paint,

price KD 1,600. Mob: 55323839.

(C 3394) 28-5-2011

MATRIMONIAL Marriage proposal invited for R.C boy working as heavy truck driver in Kuwait, age 32, height 5.3” planning to vacation on November, from qualified girls. Contact email: tobobinogeorge@gmail.com (C 3403) 31-5-2011 CHANGE OF NAME I Muthukumar, holder of Indian Passport No. F1371132 here by change my name to MUTHU MOHAMED. (C 3386) 26-5-2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines aRJA JZR THY ETH UAE DHX ETD FDB GFA QTR AFR JZR JZR JZR KAC BAW KAC FCX KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE IRA QTR QTR ABY ETD GFA IRA MEA MHK JZR JZR KAC MSR UAL RJA KAC FDB KAC

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 31/5/2011 Flt Route 642 AMMAN 267 BEIRUT 772 ISTANBUL 620 ADDIS ABABA 853 DUBAI 370 BAHRAIN 305 ABU DHABI 67 DUBAI 211 BAHRAIN 138 DOHA 6700 PARIS 529 ASSIUT 505 LUXOR 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA / BANGKOK 157 LONDON 416 JAKARTA / KUALA LUMPUR 201 BAHRAIN 206 ISLAMABAD 302 MUMBAI 53 DUBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 855 DUBAI 605 ISFAHAN 132 DOHA 6130 DOHA 125 SHARJAH 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 619 LAR 404 BEIRUT 711 BAGHDAD / NAJAF 165 DUBAI 121 BAHRAIN 672 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 640 AMMAN 512 TEHRAN 57 DUBAI 562 AMMAN

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:10 3:15 3:20 3:25 3:35 5:50 6:10 6:15 6:30 6:35 7:00 7:15 7:50 7:55 7:55 8:05 8:10 8:25 8:55 9:00 9:10 9:10 9:30 9:35 9:40 10:55 11:00 11:10 11:15 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:20

SVA KAC JZR QTR KAC ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY JZR JZR ALK KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC SIA JAI VOS FDB OMA MEA MLR DHX KLM UAE JZR GFA QTR UAL AIC JZR JZR MSR DLH AXB JZR PIA

500 746 257 134 546 303 857 215 510 777 239 127 213 177 227 104 166 502 542 618 786 674 774 458 572 93 61 647 402 1405 372 443 859 183 217 136 981 981 135 787 612 636 389 539 205

JEDDAH ABU DHABI / DAMMAM BEIRUT DOHA ALEXANDRIA ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH AMMAN SHARJAH DEIREZZOR DUBAI COLOMBO / DUBAI LONDON PARIS / ROME BEIRUT CAIRO DOHA JEDDAH DUBAI RIYADH SINGAPORE / ABU DHABI MUMBAI KANDAHAR / DUBAI DUBAI MUSCAT BEIRUT COLOMBO / DUBAI BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN CHENNAI / AHMEDABAD BAHRAIN RIYADH CAIRO FRANKFURT KOZHIKODE / MANGALORE CAIRO LAHORE / PESHAWER

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

Departur DLH AIC PIA THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD QTR AFR JZR JZR RJA GFA JZR BAW KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY IRA QTR ETD GFA IRA QTR KAC MEA KAC JZR JZR JZR MHK KAC KAC JZR

Depurture Flights on Tuesday 31/5/2011 Flt Route 637 FRANKFURT 576 GOA / CHENNAI 240 SIALKOT 773 ISTANBUL 620 BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 6700 DUBAI / HONG KONG 164 DUBAI 164 DUBAI 643 AMMAN 212 BAHRAIN 120 BAHRAIN 156 LONDON 545 ALEXANDRIA 54 DUBAI 671 DUBAI 745 DAMMAM / ABU DHABI 745 DAMMAM / ABU DHABI 256 BEIRUT 511 TEHRAN 561 AMMAN 101 LONDON / NEW YORK 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 604 ISFAHAN 133 DOHA 302 ABU DHABI 214 BAHRAIN 618 LAR 6131 DOHA 165 ROME / PARIS 405 BEIRUT 541 CAIRO 776 JEDDAH 212 DEIREZZOR 238 AMMAN 712 NAJAF / BAGHDAD 501 BEIRUT 785 JEDDAH 176 DUBAI

Time 0:40 0:50 1:10 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 5:00 5:10 6:55 6:55 7:00 7:10 8:20 8:25 8:35 8:40 9:00 9:05 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:15 9:30 9:40 9:50 9:55 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:40 10:40 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:20 13:00 13:30 13:40

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

MSR RJA FDB UAL KAC KAC SVA KAC QTR JZR VOS JZR ETD UAE GFA ABY JZR SVA JZR JZR ALK KAC KAC JAI FDB JZR KAC KAC KAC OMA MEA SIA MLR DHX KLM UAE GFA KAC FCX QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR UAL KAC MSR

611 641 58 982 673 617 501 773 135 538 82 182 304 858 216 128 266 511 786 134 228 283 361 571 62 528 343 351 351 648 403 457 1405 373 443 860 218 381 102 137 301 205 502 554 981 411 613

CAIRO AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI DOHA JEDDAH RIYADH DOHA CAIRO BAGHDAD DUBAI ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH BEIRUT RIYADH RIYADH BAHRAIN DUBAI / COLOMBO DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI ASSIUT CHENNAI COCHIN COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT ABU DHABI / SINGAPORE COLOMBO BAHRAIN BAHRAIN / AMSTERDAM DUBAI BAHRAIN DELHI BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA WASHINGTON DC DULLES BANGKOK / MANILA CAIRO

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

34

s ta rs CROSSWORD 334

CALVIN & HOBBES

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) Someone could challenge your ideas and perhaps find them unconventional. It may not be easy to find new and suitable solutions to problems now. It will not be the first time you have been challenged and you may even do it to someone else tomorrow. Now is a good time to think through some of your own methods in dealing with the young or inexperienced. Give yourself time to think about this and adjust some of the ways in which you criticize or correct others. Some choices, the obvious path that is opening up for you, may grate against your own sense of freedom and independence. Success and security at the expense of originality may be too great a price to pay. Look for a middle road. Relax and enjoy communication with loved ones tonight.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Give a nickname to.

4. The place where something begins, where it springs into being.

10. A nucleotide derived from adenosine that occurs in muscle tissue.

13. A self-funded retirement plan that allows you to contribute a limited yearly sum toward your retirement.

14. Type and sole genus of the family Menuridae.

15. The federal agency that insures residential mortgages.

16. 100 agorot equal 1 shekel.

18. Group of people related by blood or marriage.

19. Towards the side away from the wind.

20. A region of Malaysia in northeastern Borneo.

21. A dialect of Chinese spoken in southeastern China.

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

24. (electronics) Of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input.

26. A lake in northwestern Russia.

28. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

30. Half the width of an em.

31. Sexually transmitted urethritis (usually caused by chlamydia).

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

35. A cushion on a throne for a prince in India.

38. A city in northwestern Switzerland.

41. An acute febrile highly contagious viral disease.

43. (Greek mythology) Goddess of discord.

44. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

45. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

47. A unit of pressure.

48. An anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally.

50. The time of life between the ages of 12 and 20.

52. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

54. Atlantic coast round clams with hard shells.

58. The compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north.

59. Used as a Hindi courtesy title.

62. Plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery.

63. The compass point that is one point north of due east.

65. On or toward the lee.

66. Small cubes with 1 to 6 spots on the faces.

67. Of or relating to or involving an area.

68. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill.

DOWN 1. Portuguese explorer who in 1488 was the first European to get round the Cape of Good Hope (thus establishing a sea route from the Atlantic to Asia) (1450-1500).

2. The capital and largest city of Mongolia.

3. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread.

4. A member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska.

5. A rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that resembles manganese chemically and is used in some alloys.

6. A port city in western South Korea on the Yellow Sea. 7. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners.

8. A republic in the Middle East in western Asia.

9. A city in eastern China on the Yangtze River.

10. A federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955.

11. 100 thebe equal 1 pula.

12. A formal expression of praise.

17. Type genus of the Ranidae.

22. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves.

25. A unit of length of thread or yarn.

27. Ritual hand movement in Hindu religious dancing.

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

33. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

34. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue.

36. The shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code.

37. A belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school.

39. (mathematics) Of a triangle having three sides of different lengths.

40. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos.

42. Not equal in amount.

46. (Babylonian) The sky god.

49. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation.

51. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

53. Little known Kamarupan languages.

55. An interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open.

56. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

57. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ancient mythology.

60. (informal) Of the highest quality.

61. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur.

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

Yesterday’s Solution

You work with real imagination and understanding in areas of the mind that are the most personal or private: in-depth psychology.

You are like a midwife of the spirit, assisting at the birth of each individual going through a spiritual or rebirth process. You accept the natural process of spiritual and physical birth, and have dedicated yourself to helping it along. Whether you are in a job this day, on-call, or just around people that know you are a caring person, you will find many opportunities opening up to be of help to others. You may be put in a position to help a new resident to your neighborhood or a family with a new baby.

Think about what you might need this evening and allow others to be of service to you; it is a good thing.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This could be a difficult time to relax. You should experience a successful day with opportunities to give your input and bring attention to your skills. There could be surprises when it comes to money. Keep an eagle eye on spur-of-the-moment spending. You may be so busy or have your mind so cluttered you make quick decisions when other situations come to your attention.

This is definitely a positive time for new beginnings in connection to budgeting situations and managing your financial affairs. You may even want a financial counselor in this case. There could be some difficulties surrounding a loved one this evening. If you cannot remain objective, keep notes and detach your emotions for now.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

You are able to use good common sense in order to feel the trends and make the right moves. Use this time to help you and your company to expand and grow successfully. This is a time to get ahead by taking action.

You may be surprised at the support and recognition you receive from the public as well as from the family. Be sure to take the time to show your loved ones your gratitude. You feel at home in the world and it takes care of you. Any dealings with older people or parental figures will go well today. Encourage these wise family members to talk about their experiences and keep notes for future generations to learn. You could have deep insights into your own feelings at this time. Some sudden inspiration may resolve a long-standing worry.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

ZITS

Your intense analytical approach to life may cut through to the heart of things and afford you some intelligent and useful information. You have real vision with moments of insight and clear-seeing that allows you to work to the best of your abilities. You work effectively in a group situation this day.

Others accept your guidance as you evaluate and help to implement specific plans that eventually solve many problems. You dream of a world where unity and harmony are a reality. It would not be unusual for you to join in some political or community work. Your imagination will drive you to make your dreams a reality. Get outside this evening and be a witness to the wonders of nature. Enjoy a bit of stargazing this evening.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) There is much contemplative thinking about the way you fill your days. Questions of attitude, approaches to problem solving and the methods for handling problems are in high focus. Perhaps you will have many jobs or be forever going through changes and adjustments. These highs and lows you have been experiencing lately will finally become balanced. You have a particular expertise that will come in handy when you are ready to settle down: the ability to prosper. You are warm and friendly to everyone. As you settle down in your life choices, you will begin to notice that you will become a good mentor to other young adults. You enjoy the process of elimination when it comes to life experiences these days—easy does it. Ask before jumping.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

You feel a love of order and an appreciation for responsibilities and duty. Problems are valued for the lessons they represent, rather than perceived as obstacles. A drive to probe and penetrate may find you examining and working through some strong internal changes. Push too hard and you could be too dominating and even oppressive to yourself and others. Now may be the time you are thinking of changing jobs, asking for a raise or wanting to make a move. There is no better time than the present to get things rolling—start first by discussing it with your loved one. Work together and create a plan. Although change is something of a natural occurrence, planning for some changes in your life helps lesson the unknown. Enjoy your loved ones tonight.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You may feel like talking with your co-workers and neighbors a bit more than usual today. Perhaps there is some outdoor activity in which a plan is evolving and taking shape: one of competition. You will often become happily lost in fun conversations. You can also demonstrate a great understanding to the needs of others. If you fancy taking a small gamble, then today is the day to act. Don’t get too crazy and bet your hat—a small bet could be fun and fruitful. You always seem to maintain a good, positive mental attitude. This is a time to help find or teach positive ways to help others in learning to rise above the stresses and becoming more creative about problem solving. Enjoy a quiet dinner this evening.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You seem less critical of others and more accepting of interruptions and delays at this time. Part of your day may normally consist of hurry-up-and-wait sort of situations. Today seems more packed than usual. You continue to amaze others with the productive things you pull out of your pocket or purse to keep you occupied while you do the waiting game. You appear perhaps more charming and refined than usual this afternoon as a party begins. Now is the best time to enjoy someone new. Perhaps you are attending a family barbecue, a neighborhood block party or some kind of circus type show. There is a fair chance you could win something by entering a competition or some sort of sideshow game.

Someone wants to pamper you tonight.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) This is a good day to get things done. Good eye-hand coordination and a sustained effort make almost any task run well. You may feel like exercising or getting out and around town this afternoon. There may be items to purchase and a group meeting to attend before you head back home. You look for fresh challenges to light your fires now. You have lots of energy, a powerful urge to be first or come out on top. A very active day is forecasted for you. You move around doing many things for others, as well as for yourself. Working with the handicapped or with children can be expected. Those of you who are involved in creative activities— teaching or otherwise—will be particularly inspired. Relax this evening! Your luck is good.

Yesterday’s Solution Aquarius (January 20- February 18) This is a time in which you will find a personal relationship is on solid ground. Expressing affections or appreciation should be simple.

These good vibrations can do much for your disposition. Activity in projects or groups can have positive results. Unexpected expenses turn up again and again. Do not pay for everything yourself today. It may be time for someone else to help take on that responsibility. You are able to tap into a wellspring of inspiration today. Your dreams seem set to become reality and success with your goals is near. You have a great deal of energy that can make you attractive to the opposite sex. Sexual needs are just one of the life issues emphasized at this time. Music can help to put you to sleep tonight.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

Some may find you especially witty and eccentric. Others value you for your independence. You may have insights or breakthroughs with regard to your life circumstances. Your objectivity comes in handy when you are called on to be mediator or helper when someone else has failed to show. This afternoon may bring ideas of inventions. If you have been waiting for the right artistic inspiration, this might be the right time to look for ways to express your ideas.

Perhaps being in a quiet setting in an outside environment this afternoon will help influence you. Most significantly, this is your time to appreciate yourself and discover your unlimited talents. Plan some inspiring activities for the next time you will be with family or friends—perhaps the zoo.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

i n f o r m at i o n

FIRE BRIGADE STATE ST TAT TE OF KUW K KUWAIT WA AIT

112

Tel.: T e el.: 161

DIRECTORA DIRECTORATE AT TE GEN GENERAL NERAL OF CIVIL A AVIATION V VIA AT TION METEOROLOGICAL L DEP DEPARTMENT PA ARTMENT DA AY: Y Monday DAY:

WWW .MET.GOV V..KW W WWW.MET.GOV.KW

30/05/2011 30/05/201 1

Ministry of Interior

Ext.: 26 2627 627 - 2630

Fax: 24348714

19:00

Time Issue Time

Expected Weather Weeather for the Next 24 2 Hours

website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

Al-Madena

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

BY Y NIGHT NIGHT::

Relattively hot with light variablee wind changing to light to moderate Relatively m north westerly laterr on wind, with speed d of 06 - 26 km/h

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

BY Y DA AY: DAY:

Hot with w light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of o 06 - 28 km/h

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

WARNING W A ARNING

No Current W Warnings aarnin ngs

STATION ST TAT TION

MAX. REC.

MIN MIN. N. EXP EXP. P.

Al-Mangaf

23711183

KUWAIT KUW WA AIT CITY

41 °C

3 °C 31

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

24812000

KUWAIT KUW WA AIT AIRPORT AIRPOR RT

45 °C

2 °C 27

Al-Jahra

25610011

Amiri Hospital

22450005

NUWAISEEB NUW WAISEEB A

43 °C

2 °C 26

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Maternity Hospital

24843100

W A AFRA WAFRA

47 °C

2 °C 26

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

SALMI

46 °C

2 °C 27

Chest Hospital

24849400

ABDALY ABDAL LY

48 °C

2 °C 27

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

JAL ALIYAH ALIY YAH A

47 °C

2 °C 27

Adan Hospital

23940620

F A AILAKA FAILAKA

41 °C

2 °C 28

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

PORT AHMADI POR RT

34 °C

3 °C 32

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

UMM AL-MARADEM AL-MARAD DEM

34 °C

2 °C 29

W A ARBA A - BUBYAN BUBY YAN A WARBA

39 °C

27 2 °C

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

Clinics Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

SFC. CHAR CHART RT

30/05/201 30/05/2011 1 120 1200 00 UTC

POLICE STATION

4 DA DAYS AY YS FORECAST Temperatures Temperatures DAY DA AY

DATE DA AT TE

Tuesday Tuesday

31/05

Weednesday Wednesday

01/06

Thursday

02/06

Friday

03/06

WEA WEATHER AT THER R

Wind Wind Speed

Wind Wind Direction Direction

MAX.

MIN.

hot

46 °C

27 °C

NW-N NW-N

06 - 28 km/h

open areas hot + dust over open

46 °C

29 °C

NW

15 - 40 km/h

hot + raising dust d

45 °C

31 °C

NW

20 - 40 km/h

hot + raising dust d

44 °C

31 °C

NW

22 - 42 km/h

PRAYER P PRA AY YER TIMES

RECORDED RECORDE ED YESTERDAY YESTERDA AY AT AT KUW KUWAIT WA AIT AIRPORT AIRPOR RT

Fajr

03:16

MAX. Temp.

M Temp.

46 °C

Sunrise

04:49

Temp.

MIN. T M emp.

28 °C

Zuhr

11:45 11:45

MAX. RH M

25 %

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Asr

15:20

MIN. RH

05 %

Dasmah

22532265

Sunset

18:42

Wind MAX. W M ind

N 32 km/h

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Isha

20:12

TOTAL RAINFALL T OT TA AL L RA AINF FA ALL L IN 24 HR.

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

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

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

00 mm

30/05/11 14:15 UTC 30/05/11

V1.00

T1.06

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

0093 00355 00213 00376 00244 001264 001268 0054 00374 0061 0043 001242 00973 00880 001246 00375 0032 00501 00229 001441 00975 00591 00387 00267 0055 00673 00359 00226 00257 00855 00237 001 00238 001345

Central African Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Cyprus (Northern) Czech Republic Denmark Diego Garcia Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador England (UK) Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia

00236 00235 0056 0086 0057 00269 00242 00682 00506 00385 0053 00357 0090392 00420 0045 00246 00253 001767 001809 00593 0020 00503 0044 00240 00291 00372 00251 00500 00298 00679 00358 0033 00594 00689

y

A

36

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

lifest yle G o s s i p

he Olsen twins would love to open their own shop. Mary-Kate and Ashley - who co-run fashion ranges The Row and Elizabeth and James are keen to open their first store, but believe it is a big undertaking and are unsure when it might happen. Ashley said: “I think every designer would say they’d love to open their own store, just because when you produce a collection, this whole room will be filled with God only knows how many racks and 150 pieces. What hits the stores is maybe ten pieces, in different colourway. So it would be nice to be able to represent it in your own way. “But it’s all a matter

T

of timing and when it makes sense, and it’s a really big undertaking, so it depends.” The 24-year-old identical twins are well known for their unusual style decisions, and Ashley admits a lot of their clothes are chosen because they don’t want people to take their pictures while they are out in public. She added: “That moment for us was us waking up, going to school, and not wanting anyone to take our picture. Kind of a piece of protection.”

Lady Gaga ‘obsessed’ with cooking shows he eccentric singer loves experimenting with new recipes and confessed she takes inspiration from watching programmes about food.

She told heat magazine: “When I get time off, I like to watch cooking shows, I’m really obsessed with them. I’m a really good cook now, just from watching those shows. My speciality is Italian.”

Despite her hectic lifestyle, the ‘Judas’ singer revealed she loves to catch up with her childhood friends over good food and wine. She explained: “I went to an all-girls’ school, so the few of my friends that I’ve kept since high school, we’ll all just get together and cook and drink six or seven bottles of red wine and just talk about life and chill out.” Despite her passion for cooking, Gaga recently claimed she is on a “drunk diet” as consuming alcohol helps her creativity. She said: “I am on the drunk diet. I live my life as I want to, creatively. I like to drink whiskey and stuff while I am working. But the deal is I’ve got to work out every day, and I work out hung over if I am hung over.

And it’s about the cross-training and keeping yourself inspired. I have to say, I do a ton of yoga.”

T

mma Watson was “genuinely terrified” by the war scenes in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’. The film series climaxes with a huge battle between titular wizard Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his Hogwarts cohorts against evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and his followers the Death Eaters, and the actress says the special effects were so realistic, most of the cast were in shock. Emma – who plays Harry’s friend Hermione Granger said: “They put plugs in our ears to protect our eardrums, but you can still hear because you’re so close to the bangs. There’s this one scene where they detonated all of these bombs, like, right next to us. I was absolutely, genuinely terrified.” Rupert Grint – who plays another of Harry’s sidekicks, Ron Weasley – agreed, comparing the set to a battle epic. He told Empire magazine: “It turned into a bit of a war film. We all formed this army, the castle is on fire with rubble and bodies littered everywhere. It’s shocking really, and they’re all kids as well!”

E

Will.i.am saved by Black Eyed Peas ill.i.am thinks he would have been a “notorious gang member” if he wasn’t in Black Eyed Peas. The Black Eyed Peas star believes he was “saved” from a life of crime by his teenage friendship with bandmate Apl.de.ap and thinks their passion for music has helped preserve their bond over the years. Asked what would have happened if he hadn’t formed the band, he said: “I would have been a notorious gang member. First I’d have to rebel against my mum and then rebel against the law. “Rebelling against the law is much easier than rebelling against my mum! “It was the friendship that saved me and then the fact that we both enjoyed music that kept the friendship alive.” The ‘I Gotta Feeling’ hitmaker also revealed he stays grounded thanks to his family and making regular visits to his childhood home – even though his relatives no longer live there. He added: “My mum and going home makes me grounded. When I go home, I’m just Willy or Weeiam. “Every time I go home I go to see the little girl who lives there [in my old house]. Her name’s Jennifer, she wrote me a text only two days ago.”

W

erry Seinfeld doesn’t mind suffering for his art. The 57-year-old comedian – who is best known for his TV show ‘Seinfeld’, which ran from 1989 to 1998 – says everyone is constantly dealing with hardship but he thinks life is worth enduring for it. He said: “I don’t mind suffering.

You suffer in all things – work, relationships, whatever else you do.

“Unless you’re eating ice cream, you’re suffering.” However, he has no regrets in his life as he believes if he did it would be an “arrogant” thing to feel. He said: “Regret is very philosophical and very arrogant. It’s like, ‘Things should go the way I want and when they go wrong something terrible has happened.’ “ However, Jerry has not always had things go his way, and admitted there was a time when he per-

J

formed to a room of people who did not even know he was there. He added: “I once did a show when nobody even knew I was on. It was in a discotheque in Queens, New York. It was 1977. I went on and nobody stopped dancing. I stood there and did the show to myself.”

Parton wants White duet olly Parton would duet with Jack White. The country music star is a big fan of the musician – whose former band the White Stripes covered her hit ‘Jolene’ – but insists she never collaborates with anyone for purely commercial or financial reasons. She said: “There’s been a lot of talk about Jack White wanting to work with me and I’ve always admired him and of course he lives in Nashville too. “But I’m so picky about my music. I would never say never because he’s so talented and I loved the way The White Stripes did ‘Jolene’, it’s just that my music is so personal to me and I’m not going to work with someone just to have a hit.” As well as the White Stripes, several artists have covered Dolly’s hits – most famously Whitney Houston, whose version of ‘I Will Always Love You’ topped the charts worldwide – and the singer says she finds it hard to pick a favourite, though she is always welcoming to new renditions of her songs. She told Q magazine: “A lot of people have recorded my songs and I’ve loved everything that everyone has ever done with them.

“I can’t really pick a favourite as they’re like my children and I’m so proud of them all. “Of course, Whitney made me the most money.

I was blown away by her version, the way she took that simple song of mine and it became her song.

“Some writers say, ‘Oh I hate the way they’ve done that’ but I just think it’s wonderful that people can take a song and do it in so many different ways.”

D

Kingston is in critical condition ean Kingston is in a critical condition after a jetski accident. The ‘Beautiful Girls’ hitmaker struck a bridge connecting Palm Island with the MacArthur Causeway in Miami, Florida, on Sunday evening and has been taken to the Jackson Memorial Hospital nearby to be treated for his injuries. A representative for the 21-year-old singer said: “Sean Kingston was in an accident today. No further details are available at the moment. He and his family thank everyone for the well-wishes.” A female passenger who was also on the jet-ski has also been taken to hospital. Officials investigating the accident are said to have ruled out alcohol playing a part in the accident, TMZ reports. Fellow musician Nicki Minaj has tweeted her support for the singer, saying: “My love & prayers are with Sean Kingston & his family.(sic)” Justin Bieber – who collaborated with Sean on the song ‘Eenie Meenie’ - asked his twitter followers to pray for him.

He wrote: “got my friend @seankingston in my prayers tonight. a true friend and big bro. please keep him in your prayers tonight as well.(sic)”

S

Harry wants to adopt ebbie Harry has thought about adopting children. The iconic singer – who was adopted at a young age by shop owners Richard and Catherine Harry – has never had children but did occasionally think about the idea of expanding her family. She said: “I’ve thought of adoption, which I think I’d be really good at. Now that this terrible earthquake has happened in Japan, there will be lots of children needing homes.” The 65-year-old pop star likes to support various charities, and the eco-conscious celebrity would like to set up a foundation to promote the use of solar panels. She said: “I spread myself around a lot of causes.

D

“I’m concerned about the environment and clean water and being carbon-free. I also support diabetes research. “If I were to do a foundation it would be to promote solar energy. And I’m worried about drilling for oil. I think it is harming the earth, because it drains the layer of oil under the surface, and that could be causing earthquakes. “It’s like we’re giving the earth arthritis. I don’t know if that sounds crazy.”—Bang Showbiz

y

A

37

e niv rsar n

Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

lifestyle Music & Movies

arcelona’s Europe-conquering players danced on stage with Shakira in a night of wild homecoming celebrations after they won the Champions League. Defender Gerard Pique, who is Shakira’s boyfriend, dragged his team mates to her concert Sunday night after promising to do so in a message on Twitter just after Barca’s 3-1 demolition of Manchester United in Wembley.

Along with fellow players including striker David Villa, Pedro Rodriguez, Bojan Krkic and midfielders Sergio Busquets and Xavi Hernandez, they linked arms and danced with Shakira before a huge crowd in the Olympic stadium. The 24-year-old Pique met the Colombian pop star last year while shooting the video to her song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”-the official track of the 2010

B

World Cup in South Africa, which was won by Spain. In January Shakira, 34, announced the end of her 11-year relationship with Argentine lawyer Antonio de la Rua and shortly after gossip magazines began speculating that she was dating Pique.

The singer confirmed her romantic relationship with the Spanish international footballer in March through a message posted on her Twitter account that was accompanied by a photo of the smiling pair. Shakira, a Barca fan and a four-time Grammy award winner, is on a “Sale el sol (The sun is coming out)” tour, which takes her to a string of Spanish venues including Madrid on June 3. — AFP

Colombia’s star singer Shakira performs with FC Barcelona Gerard Pique during “The Sun Comes Out World Tour” concert in Barcelona, Spain. — AP

Barcelona’s players take part in a concert of Colombian Shakira at the Olympic stadium in Barcelona a day after the team won the UEFA Champions League final football match against Manchester United. — AFP

‘X-Men’ prequel reenergizes

The nightmare is over, says Indian actress’s ex-husband

a flagging franchise uch as “Casino Royale” rebooted the James Bond franchise in a fresh and dynamic way, “X-Men: First Class” injects new blood into a franchise that, for all its profitability, had become anemic. In fact, roughly the first half of this massive and very well cast origins extravaganza is arguably the best hour of Marvel Comics-derived filmmaking that’s cascaded across screens in recent years.

Audacious, confident and fueled by youthful energy, the June 3 release is a surefire summer winner for a wide global audience.

The spectre of Bond actually hovers over this British-flavored production in a number of ways, all of them beneficial: The 1962 setting shot through with Cold War tensions conjures up the political moment at which 007 was born cinematically, the hardware and style harken back to an earlier hightech era that looks quaintly beguiling today and Michael Fassbender as Erik, the future Magneto, cuts a dashingly ruthless figure that can only have been patterned on Sean Connery.

Departing from the back story of the comics, the new yarn devised by Sheldon Turner and original “X-Men” director Bryan Singer and written by “Thor” co-scenarists Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz along with Jane Goldman and director Matthew Vaughn-pivots on an alluringly fanciful proposition, that the real events of the Cuban missile crisis had a shadow history involving manipulations by figures whose super powers put those of the US and the USSR to shame; it’s as if JFK, Khrushchev, Castro, the CIA and the combined armed forces of the East and West were mere puppets doing the bidding of unsuspected Olympian gods, the most spiteful of whom desire nothing less than human extermination.

Not inaptly, then, it all begins (as did Singer’s original 2000 “X-Men”) at Auschwitz, where young Erik, challenged to display his “magnetic” powers, sees his mother gunned down by the heinous camp doctor (Kevin Bacon), an event that dictates all his actions from then on. In the more benign setting of Westchester, New York, two kids, Charles and Raven, exhibit odd characteristics of their own that, nearly two decades later, will put them in the forefront of the mutant movement.

M

Like the most peripatetic of 1960s globe-hopping thrillers, the early stretch of “First Class” hardly stays put for more than a moment, jumping all over the world-Geneva, Oxford, Las Vegas, Argentina, Miami, Washington, DC-in the service of introducing an enormous number of characters and delineating their unique powers. Under the circumstances, Vaughn impressively maintains a strong focus dedicated to clarity and dramatic power; while Erik scours the world for stray Nazis (his confrontation with two of them in a tavern on the pampas is an early highlight), Charles (James McAvoy) achieves academic prominence and, with Raven (Jennifer Lawrence), is recruited by the CIA with the eventual aim of assembling a “Division of Mutant Powers.”

Even though a lot of the early material is set-up, it nevertheless develops surprising momentum and tension. The doctor Erik remembers from the concentration camp now resurfaces as Sebastian Shaw, who has developed an extraordinary capacity to absorb, harness and deploy energy, while his fabulously sexy partner in crime, Emma Frost (January Jones), not only has extreme telepathic ability but possesses an optional indestructible diamond veneer. When Erik tracks them down on board their yacht and seems on the verge of fulfilling his vengeful 18-year quest, his quarry escape in a manner befitting the best of the Bonds.

Once the loner Erik decides to join forces with Charles under the auspices of an offbeat CIA honcho (Oliver Platt) and an adventurous agent (Rose Byrne), the film takes on more the air of a standardissue Marvel effort as mutant youngsters are trained in hiding to master their unusual powers; they are Hank/Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Alex/Havoc (Lucas Till), Sean/Banshee (Caleb Landry Jones), Armondo/Darwin (Edi Gathegi) and, for a while, Angel (Zoe Kravitz). The problem here is not only familiarity but that, unlike the other characters, these kids seem resolutely 21st century, not early 1960s; one of them even says “whatever.” Another drawback, a likely victim of an overcrowded roster of characters, is that two swarthy henchmen of Shaw’s are not even given the benefit of an introduction, much less anything to play.

Oscar-nominated actress Jane Alexander who plays Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in the movie “William & Kate: A Royal Love Story”.

arely a month after their fairy-tale wedding, a new film depicting the budding romance of Prince William and Kate Middleton is being rushed out for television viewers. A mixture of fact and fiction, “William & Kate: A Royal Love Story” is expected to be released in August on the Hallmark Channel. Director Linda Yellen took some time out from filming at MediaPro Studios in Romania to speak with The Associated Press. The American was also producer of CBS’s “The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana” in 1982, a film that had a huge audience at the time.

“William & Kate” is more than a romance — it’s also “a psychological story of the memory of the mother, in this case Princess Diana, and her legacy,” Yellen said. The film shows how William “has to choose to live his life with her memory and with the decisions he has to make,” including the decision of whom to marry.

The couple was married April 29 in a lavish ceremony at

B

Still, once Emma Frost penetrates the inner sanctum of the Soviet military and the enormity of Shaw’s scheme becomes clear, the film takes off again with a fantastical rendition of an American/Soviet naval confrontation off Cuba trumped by the manipulative antics of battling telepathic mutants on board an ultra-futuristic plane and a stealth submarine.

Vaughn orchestrates the mayhem with a laudable coherence, a task made easier by a charging, churning score by Henry Jackman that, much as that of his mentor Hans Zimmer did in “Inception,” helps smooth the connections among rapidly changing locations and events. A few of the effects in the climactic section don’t quite measure up, but the visual effects by veteran wizard John Dykstra are mostly terrific. Top-drawer contributions are also delivered by production designer Chris Seagers, costume designer Sammy Sheldon and cinematographer John Mathieson.

The cast is almost absurdly easy on the eyes and is most powerful at the top, thanks to the intense Fassbender, who will now need no audition if Daniel Craig decides to give up Bond after another picture or two. McAvoy is forced to spend a bit too much time with his hand to head summoning telepathic signals but nonetheless conveys the intelligence and sobriety required for the future Professor X. Bacon is formidable as the former Nazi who aspires to far greater power than Hitler could ever dream of, while Jones dazzlingly projects the arrogance of maximum beauty and invulnerability.

As the naturally blue-skinned, red-haired and yellow-eyed Raven/Mystique, Lawrence is at her most appealing when conveying an ashamed insecurity about her natural looks, which she can conceal with a human facade. A vulgar cameo by a certain hirsute character provides a hearty laugh.— Reuters

Nischal Chandra of NBK and Kavya Madhavan, popular Indian actress, during their wedding reception held in Kuwait, in February, 2010. A court in Kerala, India declared yesterday their legal separation much to the shock of well-wishers of both in Kuwait and India.

By Sunil Cherian KUWAIT: Nischal Chandra, an employee with the National Bank of Kuwait and former husband of Indian film star Kavya Madhavan is ‘happy that it’s all over.’ He was commenting on the legal settlement of his divorce with the actress he married in December 2009. Their legal separation, announced yesterday in a court in Kerala, India had raised many eyebrows in the home state as well as in Kuwait. The couple had lived together for three months here. The divorce news shocked many Indian expats who had attended the wedding reception hosted by the groom’s family. The allegations, leveled against the ex-husband’s family included maltreatment, abuse and discrimination. The allegations that were filed against the groom’s family were later withdrawn.

Several rumors did the rounds on the strained union. Nischal who has a double Masters degree in Telecommunications and Management from Stanford University came to Kuwait after living in the US for 10 years. He then joined the NBK team here. “The

Jane Alexander who plays Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, in the movie “William & Kate: A Royal Love Story”.

Westminster Abbey watched by millions. Filming began in early May and AP Television cameras were given exclusive access to the set. Yellen, who met Princess Diana three times, called the movie “a very personal story. In a way, it’s my tribute to her as well as a tribute to the young couple.” Yellen, whose father died on the first day of shooting the film, said her loss made her better understand some of the scenes where William communicates with his mother in a spiritual way. She wrote the script in two weeks, after she saw William had given Diana’s ring to Middleton.

“The whole story came to me in that moment,” she said.

While using real events and words that were told in real life, there are also dialogues she’s written and situations she imagined. One such scene depicts William’s 21st birthday party, with Kate and William dancing together as Queen Elizabeth II looks on. Guests are dressed in vividly colored African costumes with tables laid for a feast in a large hall with ornate

rumor was”, he added, “that I had lost my job and that my brother Dr Deepak who lives in Qatar with his family is a divorcee.” An Indian newspaper had erroneously reported that a dowry of INR 95 lakh (about KD60,000) and 550 sovereigns of gold that Nischal had received was returned. The newspaper later issued a retraction on the report. “I had not received any money as dowry and my brother has never been a divorcee,” Nischal asserted.

“Under Indian law 498 A (where a woman file a domestic abuse case),” Nischal went on to say, “it is tragic when people misuse the freedom given. What’s the point of accusing someone of maltreatment and withdrawing the allegations later on? We are separating for personal reasons and I’m happy that it’s all over,” he said over the phone.

Nischal is expected back to work next week.

Kavya who just won the state government’s best actress award was not available for comment.

British actress Alice St Clair

arcades. There are statues of elephants and potted palm trees in the background as Kate and William are having fun — and falling in love. British actress Alice St Clair, who plays Middleton, said the film — her first — is a series of snapshots of the relationship between the couple and tracks their developing friendship. She said it shows how William is attracted to Kate, with whom he shares a sense of humor, because she challenges him and is very competitive.

St Clair, who has short hair but wears extensions for the movie, acknowledges she was not “a carbon-copy of Kate.” “We were not trying to mimic her but ... to show the essence of her and bring my own self into it,” the actress, wearing a blue gown and fascinator, said during a break from filming.

American actor Dan Amboyer, who plays William, called the film “a modern fairy tale.” Amboyer, who made his debut in the “Law & Order” series, said the “script is smart, is fun, there is real wit between them. It’s not at all schmaltzy.” In the film, the

two meet by chance when William bumps into Kate who was carrying laundry. Amboyer said his character learns from her about ordinary things such as cooking a meal or doing the laundry. There are friends, parties, the breakup, the makeup and of course the British royal family.

Oscar-nominated Jane Alexander is Queen Elizabeth II, a grandmother pondering whether Kate is right for Will and for the throne.

“We don’t show a lot of disapproval or doubt,” she said, “but you see her (the queen) questioning Kate about her public speaking, about what she calls training.” “I think she is trying to make sure that what happened with Diana and Charles does not happen with Kate and Will,” Alexander said.—AP

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Years

lifestyle

Travel

Point your boots to the sands and swamps of

Eastern North Carolina J

oe Miller, a freelance writer based in Cary, NC, does more than think on his feet: He’s written about hiking and camping for years _ at least 10 as outdoor adventure columnist for the (Raleigh) News & Observer. Miller, 54, is author of the just-released “Backpacking North Carolina” ($20; University of North Carolina Press). Its subtitle is “ The Definitive Guide to 43 Can’t-Miss Trips from Mountains to Sea”-and it’s that “Sea” part that’s intriguing. Mountain hiking gets more attention and more participants, but hoofing over sandy soil has its own appeal: The seasonal inconveniences are different-think heat and bugs, not cold and snow-and shore wilderness has an altogether different natural beauty. In a recent interview, Miller talked about: Coastal similarities and differences: “Coastal terrain is obviously flatter, but there are some surprising similarities with hiking in the mountains. Consider the Neusiok Trail - which is 22 miles in the Croatan National Forest, near Havelock. There are a couple stretches that have galax and holly and a fair amount of terrain change. At times you’d almost think you were in the Appalachians.

“There’s good hiking, but you need to be intrepid. Coastal hiking has a limited window for hiking: mid-fall to mid-spring.

That’s the hiking season. Between bugs and snakes, you probably don’t want to be there at other times. “That said, there are shorter coastal hikes I like to do in summer. On a one-week

beach vacation, hiking is a great diversion when you tire of being in the water.

“There are a couple trails in the Croatan’s Crystal Coast area to consider. Cedar Point-in southwest Carteret County, near Bogue Inlet-has a wonderful trail that’s no longer than 1.5 miles, much of it on boardwalk, in a wetland just off the White Oak River. It’s a great little hike anyone can do. It’s handicapped accessible, very close to Swansboro, and is so close to the water that it picks up the coastal wind. And that keeps the bugs at bay.”

Unexpected ‘wow’ places: “Nags Head Wood Ecological Preserve is a little difficult to locate; it was not marked from the road when I was there two years ago. It’s a small area on the Outer Banks but the woods themselves are good size — 1,100 acres-and the land butts up to Jockeys Ridge State Park.

On one trail, you go over a hill and go from a dense forest to sandhills.

“In the Croatan National Forest, the Neusiok Trail has a seven-mile stretch along the Neuse River, which is about four miles wide at that point. There’s been a lot of human history on that section of the trail, and not far off of it I counted three rusted stills from the 1940s.

“The trail also has some Indian folklore. At one place you can see an oak and a pine with entangled trunks. The story is that the trees represent a man and a woman from different

The Bear Island facility in North Carolina is a series of wooden structures and gazebos connected by more than 600 feet of boardwalk and beach access ramps set behind the dune line near the center of the three-mile-long barrier island.

Y

ou know that Vidalia onions were once a murder investigation clue on the television show “C.S.I. Miami”? That it was also a clue of another kind on “Jeopardy!” and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”? Or that Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf once wrote a letter about his love for Vidalias? Since 1931, Vidalia sweet onions have been grown in only 13 counties and portions of seven others in Southeast Georgia, and it’s such a sweet success story that it was only a matter of time-well, some 80 years-before a museum honoring them would eventually come along.

Vidalias are sweet, mild and flavorful because of their water content.

The Vidalia Onion Museum opened in April to much fanfare, and as Wendy Brannen, director of the Vidalia Onion Committee, notes, “It’s not every day that an onion gets its own museum.” She says tourists come from around the United States to see where the sweet onions are grown, and the museum, a living history of the Vidalia, tells its story through educational, colorful, eye-catching exhibits like antique farm equipment, videos, photographs, newspaper stories and an interactive children’s exhibit. “Vidalia onions are the No 1 value vegetable crop for this state,” says Brannen.

Just learn to say Vidalia properly before you come. It’s not Vah-DAY-lia, as it’s often misspoken. Instead, says Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, “It’s pronounced VIE-day-yah in our wonderful Southern dialect.” What makes this $200 million-dollar a year gourmet onion so sweet and beloved enough to earn its own museum? Just start peeling away the layers of its history to find out.

Back during the Great Depression, farmers were look-

Cupcakes baked in the shape of an onion? Only at the Vidalia Onion Museum. — MCT photos

Cypress trees at sunset over Lake Phelps at Pettigrew State Park in North Carolina. — MCT photos

tribes that wanted to get married, were forbidden from doing that, and who died at that spot. The trees represent their eternal love.”

Most arduous coastal hike: “It could be the one I was just on-the Weetock Trail in Croatan National Forest. It’s in an area with so much natural growth and the trail is maintained by a club. They get in as often as they can to restore and clean the

trail, but that’s quite a task. So the trail tends to grow over and you can’t easily find your way through. I hiked it for five hours and had to give up after nine miles because the trail disintegrated. It just disappeared.”

If you go inland just a little: “Pettigrew State Park, off US 64, is near Columbia and about 25 or 30 minutes from Manteo.

The trail there is short but the trees are amazing - some of the oldest in the nation. They’re massive, and the scene is largely unchanged since Columbus arrived here. This is because they circle the park’s Lake Phelps in a 50-yard swath. The lake is one of the Carolina bay type, in an area so impenetrable it wasn’t found until much later.

“Goose Creek State Park, near Washington, probably has no more than three miles of trail, but the boardwalk goes over swamp areas. This means you can do it year-round. There’s a good interpretive center so you can learn more about what what’s on the trail.”

Best place for coastal camping: “Hammocks Beach State Park, on Bear Island. The great thing is how you get there-by state ferry from Swansboro. During the summer, the ferry runs every half-hour. You’ll need to find out what days it operates.

“There are about 20 designated camping places there, and I’ve been there when I was the only person on the islandwhich was great. Almost all the camping sites are right off the beach, so you’re one of the first people in the United States to see the sunrise. And that’s spectacular.” — MCT

A group of kayakers paddle along a beach that is part of the North Carolina Mountainsto-Sea Trail along the Neuse River near the Pinecliffs Picnic Area of the Croatan National Forest.

ing for new crops in addition to corn and cotton that grew easily in South Georgia’s sandy, low sulfur, easily drainable soil. Onions seemed the easy choice, as they could be planted in late winter for spring harvesting.

Just about everyone knows that most onions are pungent and hot, but the first ones grown in Vidalia weren’t. They were sweet, mild and flavorful with the taste created from a perfect storm of soil, water and climate. With plenty of rain or regular irrigation, the Vidalias have more water content than their more pucker-worthy counterparts, so it’s more about the water than sugar.

When Moses Coleman, one of the first farmers to pioneer the Vidalia, met with a local grocer to sell his product, he reported, “I pulled out my onion and I ate it there in front of him. He’d never seen anything like it. There wasn’t any tears coming out of my eyes, and I wasn’t making no face.”

The state built a farmers market near Vidalia, which is at the crossroads of several major highways and about equally distant from Savannah, Macon and Augusta.

Word traveled about those “sweet onions from Vidalia,” that could be had at the farmers market, the name stuck, and the customers came for them. And then one day a pig and an onion crossed paths.

Piggly Wiggly, that great Southern institution of grocery stores affectionately known then and now as “The Pig,” was also headquartered in Vidalia. Piggly Wiggly put the Vidalia onion on it shelves, the public gobbled them up, and the rest is time-lined history.

The first Vidalia Onion Festival was held in nearby Glennville in 1977, with Vidalia following with its own in 1978. The Vidalia Onion Festival, named one of MSNBC’s “Five Don’t Miss Festivals,” is held each spring and includes air shows, onion eating contests, beauty queens, and even the Vidalia mascot named Yumion.

During the mid-1980s, farmers battled to have their growing region protected by both federal and state law, and then in 1990 the Vidalia Sweet Onion became the official state vegetable of Georgia. Don’t mess around with the onions, either, as there is such as a thing as Vidalia onion fraud. It’s a felony to label other sweet onions grown outside the area as Vidalias. Fines begin at hefty $10,000 for slapping a Vidalia label on, say, a Peruvian or Texas onion.

In Georgia, burgers and Vidalia Onion rings are on the menu more often than burgers and fries. This photo, part of the Vidalia Onion Museum exhibits, shows the golden goodness of Vidalia Onion rings and why they are so deliciously enjoyed at restaurants across the region.

Vidalias are widely available in the spring and early summer across the United States and Canada before they sell out. And they always do. They make it to the menus as far away as Vidalia, the similarly-named renowned restaurant in Washington, DC; the Tribeca Grill in New York, and Woodfire Grill in Atlanta. Besides visiting the museum and sampling onion dishes, there are other things to do in Vidalia, too.

Drop by Buckhorn Creek Ranch, a petting zoo with exotic and domestic animals including Watusi cattle, elk, and peacocks. Try canoeing the Altamaha River, named to the Nature Conservancy’s “75 Last Great Places,” or peck your way through your genealogy at the Ladson Genealogical Library, one of the Southeast’s best repositories for family history. Or you can simply drive the back roads, taking in the scenery and scent of the tall pines and sweet onions.

Vidalia may be in the country, but the chain hotels are well represented, including Days Inn and Hampton Inn. But try something different like a stay at the Cotton Patch Inn just outside of town with endless views of cotton fields, or Mara D Farms, a creek-side country cabin

T

on a wooded lot, as locals say, down a dirt road.

Find Vidalias at area restaurants like Benton Lee’s Steakhouse, on the banks of the Altamaha, which brags it has the “biggest steaks this side of Texas.” Elements Bistro & Grill in Lyons is like finding an Atlanta fine dining restaurant way down in the middle of nowhere.

Steeplechase Tavern and Entertaining Angels are local favorites, too, but this is the small- town South, so you’ll also find institutions like Dairy Queen and Shoney’s, both just a few blocks from the museum-and both of which serve Vidalia onion rings.

he Vidalia Onion Museum is at 100 Vidalia Sweet Onion Drive in Vidalia, about a three-hour drive from Atlanta, Ga, or Jacksonville, Fla. The closest international airport is Savannah-Hilton Head, which is served by most major carriers, and is about a 90-minute drive. For additional information, including a recipe for Vidalia onion rings, visit www.VidaliaOnion.org or call (912) 537-1918. Contact the Vidalia Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.VidaliaArea.com or call (912) 538-8687. Also visit www.VidaliaOnionFestival.com. Contact the Cotton Patch Inn at www.bbonline.com/ga/cottonpatch or the Mara D Farms at www.MaraDFarmsCabin.com.—MCT

A

y

e niv rsar n

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

Years

lifestyle

Travel

Frank Vincent, gangster, asks a bunch of giggly women if he should make somebody disappear, make an example of them or let him go, at the Mob Experience in Las Vegas, Nevada. — MCT photos

T

wo new museums are about to have a metaphorical shootout over which best tells the once-taboo subject of Las Vegas’ long and sometimes bloody love affair with organized crime. Outgoing Mayor Oscar Goodman, an ex-mob lawyer, is betting on the Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement he championed while in office. While drinking a martini at his last state of the city press conference earlier this year, Goodman said he would like to open a speakeasy-style bar or nightclub near the attraction.

The problem is the museum won’t open until later this year. In the meantime, a flashy competitor has muscled in on its territory.

The Las Vegas Mob Experience at the Tropicana Hotel is an entertaining and sometimes hokey combination of kitschy skits that visitors take part in, and serious mob history. It’s endorsed by the daughter of infamous Chicago mafia kingpin Sam Giancana.

Life-size videos of actor James Caan (who played one of the original Corleones and met a bloody death in “The Godfather”) lead the way. Visitors are given a mob nickname, asked to do favors for a mob boss and told to lie to a policeman-all in hopes of

becoming a “made man,” a member of a mob family. Either that or get whacked. It’s advertised as “interactive entertainment” instead of a museum and carries a steep price tag of $39.95 per person.

Organized crime and its involvement in building Las Vegas is chronicled at the Mob Experience in Las Vegas, Nevada.

S

tabbing my walking stick into the muck and sliding my feet forward, I waded into the swamp, one eye on the lookout for alligators, the other trying to spot the elusive orchids that draw so many people to South Florida’s Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, a 100-square-mile state park that is home to one of the largest concentrations of native orchids in North America.

Towering trees formed a dense tropical canopy.

Sunlight filtered through the branches. The vegetation was so thick and uniform — a crosshatch of vines and palms — that it seemed to barely part before closing in behind us. My first thought when wading into the cool, clear water: Was this a mistake? I had persuaded my husband to spend a weekend in the Everglades, arguing that we could have a nice vacation in what is, effectively, a swamp.

From the comfort of home, it had seemed like a good idea. We would take a canoe trip in Big Cypress National Preserve, with its expansive cypress forest; explore Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, a chain of mangrove islands on the southwest coast, and — the highlight of the trip — take a swamp walk in the Fakahatchee, dubbed the “Amazon of North America” and made famous by the best-selling book “The Orchid Thief” by Susan Orlean.

But now, as I sloshed into the water, I had second thoughts. Would I be able to do this? A guidebook listed alligators and venomous snakes as “special concerns,” something I hadn’t thought about when I booked the trip. “Be aware that cottonmouth moccasins are abundant in the Fakahatchee Swamp.

It is wise to step with caution,” the book warned.

“Cottonmouth moccasins are belligerent, meaning they often hold their ground when approached (they don’t ‘attack’ people), and they are well camouflaged.

Stepping on one and being bitten is a serious medical emergency.” “Great vacation,” my husband

Celebrity gangster played by actor James Caan welcomes visitors to the Mob Experience.

cracked sarcastically, as I read aloud from the guidebook. Before we waded into the swamp, we’d been having a decent time. We’d driven out the day before from Miami. All along the Tamiami Trail, a two-lane highway that runs east-west from Miami to Naples along the northern edge of the Everglades National Park, we marveled at the scores of alligators sunning themselves by the side of the road. We took a canoe trip and paddled through mangrove tunnels. On a motor boat tour along the coast, two dolphins jumped and played in our boat’s wake.

That picture-perfect Florida wildlife experience (Alligators, check. Dolphins, check.) would have been enough for most people. But I wanted to see the real Everglades and to achieve that, I was convinced I needed to wade into the swamp. Through Friends of the Fakahatchee, a nonprofit group that leads canoe trips and weekly walking tours, I connected with Bill Mesce, 63, a Vietnam veteran in Army fatigues and a safari hat who drove us in his 1968 Belgian military jeep on an old logging road into the interior of the preserve.

About five miles down the road, flanked on both sides by junglelike growth, he pulled over, helped us out of the jeep and walked us down a planked path that, leading into the dense thicket of vines and fallen trees, turned into dirt path, which turned into a flooded path, which eventually disappeared completely, so that we found ourselves plunging into thigh-deep water.

That was just about the time I started to get nervous. Mesce explained how to stake our walking sticks into the ground for balance and then slowly slide one foot forward at a time, so as not to step into a hole or, worse, on an alligator. “They’re more afraid of you, than you are of them,” he called over his shoulder, as he slogged forward. As we tromped along behind him, I was surprised to feel my fear give way. Except

Epidendrum amphistomum, also called the dingy flowered star orchid, is an endangered orchid that grows at South Florida’s Fakahatchee Strand Preserve. — MCT photos

We’ll see whether the Northside or the Southside mobs of investors come out ahead in this battle. — MCT

The 26,000 square-foot, 33 room attraction features live actors, holograms, gangster’s family heirlooms and more.

Poachers have been known to steal rare orchids from the Fakahatchee Strand. Here, a security camera keeps watch over the swamp. for the occasional call of the birds and the sounds of the water around us, the swamp was quiet. The water was clean and clear. Mesce claimed that you could drink it, though I wouldn’t have tried it myself.

If you looked closely, you could see that the water was moving slowly south; Mesce explained that the flow was what’s known as the “River of Grass,” a slowmoving river that flows southward, and forms the basis for the Everglades ecosystem. True, it was a swamp. But it was hard not be charmed by its strange, wild beauty. Two hours into our hike, Mesce excitedly pointed to a tiny green root structure clinging to the bark of a tree. “This is the orchid that makes us famous,” he said. “This is the ghost orchid.” Mesce spoke with an awed reverence, as he described the plant that is so rare that its location is a secret.

Ghost orchids get their name because they have no leaves, only roots, and when they bloom, their flower seems to float in midair. To me, the ghost — which was not blooming — looked like a shriveled shoelace or a green piece of yarn. Unimpressive, to say the least. But nearby, two gray security cameras attached to trees pointed toward the federally pro-

tected plant, capturing images of anyone who came too near. We felt a certain thrill with just being able to get close to such a rare, revered plant, and we took pictures of each other, smiling and pointing to its little green root.

We saw other orchids that day: ribbon orchids, jingle bell orchids and butterfly orchids. Those that were in bloom produced flowers so tiny and delicate that half the fun was just spotting them. As we neared the end of our walk, I began thinking about returning to the Fakahatchee, maybe during the peak of orchid blooming season, between November and December. Mesce nodded and said plenty of visitors have the same reaction. “It’s a wonderful place,” he said. “The more you learn about it, the more you want to explore. People call it the Faka-habit. If you catch it, you have to come back.”

Getting there: The closest airports are in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Staying there: Beyond camping, there are few lodging options in the Everglades. Naples and Miami are close enough to serve as launching pads to your adventure.

To do: Friends of the Fakahatchee offers guided swamp walks from November until April, for $50 to $60 per

person, depending on the length of the tour. For more information, visit friendsoffakahatchee.org. The National Park Service also offers various tours and events for nominal fees and, sometimes, for free. Check nps.gov for more information.—MCT

e niv rsar n

y

A

Barcalona players dance on stage at Shakira concert Years

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2011

KUWAIT: Over the last two years, interest in the Harley-Davidson brand remains strong among riders and non-riders of all generations throughout the MENA region. The MENA motorcyclists’ positive reaction to new motorcycles such as the Ultra Limited, Sportster Forty-Eight, Sportster 883 Iron and Dyna Wideglide is evidence of the growing relevance of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in this region. The Harley-Davidson experience is such a special and unique one, and the method is to use this to frame the superb product offering with the likes of Sportster Forty-Eight.

Known for producing bold, tenacious bikes, Harley-Davidson have showcased its 2011 Jumpstart - the future of highly interactive, customer engagement - at the Harley-Davidson Kuwait showroom on the 26th of May 2011 in the presence of Harley enthusiasts.

Additionally, Harley Davidson Kuwait maintained its tradition with its 2011 line-up consisting of the VRSCF V-Rod Muscle, XL883N Iron 883(tm), Forty-Eight Sportster and FLHXXX Street Glide?

Trike.

“We want to encourage people to visit our dealerships and talk to the staff. It sounds simple but it is easy to jump in and get overwhelmed, but with our experts to guide you, we can show you how the price of entry may pleasantly surprise you, how you can turn a factory Harley-Davidson into your own custom machine and how exciting it is to become part of the ever growing brotherhood of the HOG community. We are also experiencing more interest in online social circles from younger non-licensed riders and female prospective riders.

To give those without licenses a taste of the brand experience we are bringing a new technology to the bike week where anyone (irrespective of the status of their license) can enjoy the riding experience,” - said Elsa Abi Nader, Marketing Manager Middle East and North Africa.

The Jumpstart was an innovative demo tool that have put customers in the saddle of a running Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and let them experience the ‘thrill of the throttle,’ that comes with riding a genuine Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Jumpstart is portable, so you can get outside the walls of your dealership and bring the premium Harley-Davidson experience to places it’s never been. No matter where you are, the roar of a wide-

37

open Harley draws crowds and creates excitement.

It generates sales leads, increases Rider’s Edge/ rider training enrollment, and most importantly - sells more motorcycles for the dealership.

We were happy to welcome everyone onsite; enjoying the Jumpstart, having nice tour around the dealer’s showroom, checking out the different models of bikes and motor clothing ... getting closer to starting a dream.

Taiwanese ‘one girl band’ gains fame as video goes viral

T

hough Asian girl bands such as Japan’s AKB48 and South Korea’s Wonder Girls are gaining fame around the world, Taiwanese performer Shara Lin goes them one better-she is her own band, playing violin, zither and piano. Now her musical multi-tasking is on global display in a training video of her performing Taiwanese artist Jolin Tsai’s song “Dancing Diva” that has racked up more than 4 million views on YouTube within three weeks.\

Lin, a 25-year-old actress who has a music degree, put the performance together within five days for a blend of classical and Taiwanese pop music that has her tucking the violin under her chin and stretching out as needed to both piano and zither. “I think the toughest part is to play the piano and the zither simultaneously. We tried many times to figure out this position for my left hand to play the piano, and right hand to play the zither,” Lin said.

“When I have to look at both the piano and the zither, I really wished my eyes could grow wider apart. If I have to play (them) together, I must play by feel.” Lin started to play the piano at age three.

Her interest in music soon expanded into other instruments including the violin, zither, guitar, jazz drums and harmonica.

Lin said she is willing to try other creative performances in the wake of her YouTube success.

“After people saw this video, they suggested that I

can play the drum with my foot and also add the harmonica,” she said. “I said okay, I will consider that.”—Reuters